Embracing God's Love: The Power of Adaptability
Summary
On this beautiful Mother's Day, we gather to celebrate the nurturing love of God, who is like a mother to us all, nurturing and strengthening us. We are reminded of God's immeasurable love and the importance of community. Today, we delve into a story from the book of Acts, exploring how God calls us to be adaptable in the face of life's unexpected turns. We begin by acknowledging the importance of community and the role it plays in our faith journey. Whether you are joining us online or in person, your presence matters, and we are grateful for each one of you.
We start our service with a song, "Holy Water," inviting everyone to rise in body or spirit. We take a moment to appreciate our Sunday school teachers and youth group leaders, recognizing their dedication and the impact they have on our children's faith journey. As the children head off to Sunday school, we reflect on the times when things in life don't go as planned. Whether it's a simple task like baking a cake or more significant challenges like relationships or life goals, we all face moments of disappointment and struggle.
I share a personal story about my own struggles as a mother, comparing my experiences to those of my parents, who had to adapt to raising a special needs child. My parents' journey was filled with constant adaptation, from changing their daily routines to dealing with my brother's later diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This story highlights the essence of parenthood and life itself—adaptability. We must learn to go with the flow and trust that God is guiding us through every twist and turn.
We then turn to the book of Acts, which tells the story of how the good news of Jesus spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the known world. The apostles faced numerous challenges and had to adapt constantly. Paul, for instance, had plans to go to Asia, but the Holy Spirit redirected him. Initially, this might have felt like a failure, but looking back, it was clear that God's hand was guiding him. This teaches us that sometimes what seems like a setback is actually God's way of leading us to where we need to be.
Paul's journey eventually leads him to Philippi, where he encounters Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman and worshiper of God. Despite expecting to meet a man from Macedonia, Paul adapts and engages with Lydia, who becomes a pivotal figure in the early church. Lydia's openness to Paul's message and her subsequent baptism, along with her household, mark the beginning of the church in Philippi. This story underscores the importance of being open to God's plans, even when they differ from our own expectations.
We also reflect on the story of Dorothy Day, a woman who had to adapt significantly throughout her life. From experiencing poverty and radicalism to finding faith in the Catholic Church, Dorothy's journey was marked by a deep sense of adaptability and community. Her work with the Catholic Worker movement, feeding the poor and establishing hospitality houses, exemplifies how God can use our willingness to adapt for greater purposes.
As we conclude, we are reminded that adaptability requires deep trust in God, ourselves, and our community. We are never alone, and with the support of our community, we can navigate the changes and challenges of life. We are called to be hospitable and open to others, which often requires us to adapt. In doing so, we experience the Holy Spirit's presence and the joy, peace, and wisdom that come with it. Let us go forth, knowing that the Holy Spirit guides us, and be willing to adapt to whatever God places in our path, trusting that God wants what is best for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Nurturing Love and Community: On this Mother's Day, we are reminded of God's nurturing love, akin to a mother's care. God's love is immeasurable, and being part of a faith community helps us experience and share this love. Community is essential in our faith journey, providing support and a sense of belonging. [06:53]
2. Adaptability in Parenthood and Life: Parenthood and life, in general, require constant adaptation. My parents' experience raising a special needs child taught me that adaptability is crucial. We must trust that God is guiding us through every twist and turn, even when things don't go as planned. [45:16]
3. Lessons from the Book of Acts: The apostles' journey in the book of Acts teaches us about adaptability and trust in God's guidance. Paul's redirection by the Holy Spirit, despite initial feelings of failure, shows that setbacks can be God's way of leading us to where we need to be. [48:35]
4. Lydia's Role in the Early Church: Lydia's story in Philippi highlights the importance of being open to God's plans. Despite Paul's expectations, Lydia's openness to the message of Jesus and her subsequent leadership in the early church demonstrate how God can use unexpected people and situations for His purposes. [51:47]
5. Dorothy Day's Adaptability and Community: Dorothy Day's life exemplifies the power of adaptability and community. From her radical beginnings to her deep faith and work with the Catholic Worker movement, Dorothy's journey shows how God can use our willingness to adapt for greater purposes. Her story reminds us that we are never alone and that community support is vital in navigating life's changes. [01:03:47]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:53] - Holy Water and Community Appreciation
[43:16] - Struggles and Adaptability in Parenthood
[45:16] - Personal Story of Adaptation
[48:35] - Lessons from the Book of Acts
[51:47] - Lydia's Role in the Early Church
[55:02] - The Power of Community and Adaptability
[56:47] - Meet Me at Jesus Ministry
[58:25] - Hospitality and Adaptability
[01:00:18] - Dorothy Day's Story
[01:03:47] - Conclusion and Sending Forth
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 16:6-15 (Paul's journey to Philippi and encounter with Lydia)
2. Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the Lord with all your heart)
3. Romans 8:28 (All things work together for good)
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Paul's initial plan for his missionary journey, and how did it change? ([48:35])
2. Who was Lydia, and what role did she play in the early church in Philippi? ([51:47])
3. How did Paul's vision differ from the reality he encountered in Philippi? ([50:02])
4. What was the significance of Lydia's conversion and her household's baptism? ([53:19])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul's redirection by the Holy Spirit illustrate the concept of adaptability in our faith journey? ([48:35])
2. In what ways did Lydia's openness to Paul's message demonstrate the importance of being receptive to God's plans? ([51:47])
3. How does the story of Dorothy Day reflect the theme of adaptability and community support in the face of life's challenges? ([01:00:18])
4. What does the shift from "they" language to "we" language in the Acts passage suggest about the importance of community in adapting to change? ([55:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your plans were unexpectedly changed. How did you see God's hand guiding you through that situation? ([48:35])
2. Lydia was open to God's message and became a pivotal figure in the early church. How can you be more open to God's plans, even when they differ from your expectations? ([51:47])
3. Dorothy Day's life was marked by significant adaptability and community support. How can you cultivate a supportive community around you to help navigate life's changes? ([01:00:18])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of trust in God, ourselves, and our community. What steps can you take to deepen your trust in these areas? ([55:02])
5. How can you practice hospitality and openness to others in your daily life, even when it requires you to adapt? ([58:25])
6. Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you apply the lessons of adaptability and trust from Paul's journey and Lydia's story to this situation? ([50:02])
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of community in helping us adapt. How can you contribute to building a stronger, more adaptable community within your church or local area? ([55:02])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Nurturing Love and Community
God's love is often compared to the nurturing care of a mother, providing us with strength and comfort. This love is immeasurable and is best experienced within a faith community. Being part of a community allows us to share in this divine love, offering support and a sense of belonging. On this Mother's Day, we are reminded of the importance of community in our faith journey. Whether you are joining in person or online, your presence is valued, and together, we can experience the fullness of God's nurturing love. [06:53]
Isaiah 66:13 (ESV): "As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to your faith community this week to help others experience God's nurturing love?
Day 2: Adaptability in Parenthood and Life
Life is full of unexpected turns, and parenthood is no exception. The journey of raising a child, especially one with special needs, requires constant adaptation. This adaptability is a testament to our trust in God's guidance through every twist and turn. When things don't go as planned, whether in simple tasks or significant life goals, we must remember that God is with us, guiding us through the challenges. Trusting in God's plan, even when it differs from our own, is crucial for navigating life's uncertainties. [45:16]
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where things didn't go as planned. How can you see God's hand guiding you through that experience?
Day 3: Lessons from the Book of Acts
The apostles' journey in the book of Acts is a powerful lesson in adaptability and trust in God's guidance. Paul had plans to go to Asia, but the Holy Spirit redirected him, which initially felt like a setback. However, this redirection was part of God's greater plan. This teaches us that what may seem like a failure or setback can actually be God's way of leading us to where we need to be. Trusting in God's guidance, even when it leads us in unexpected directions, is essential for our faith journey. [48:35]
Acts 16:6-7 (ESV): "And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt redirected by God. How did that experience shape your faith and understanding of His guidance?
Day 4: Lydia's Role in the Early Church
Lydia's story in Philippi is a powerful example of being open to God's plans. Paul expected to meet a man from Macedonia, but instead, he encountered Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman and worshiper of God. Her openness to Paul's message and her subsequent baptism, along with her household, marked the beginning of the church in Philippi. This story underscores the importance of being open to God's plans, even when they differ from our own expectations. God can use unexpected people and situations for His purposes. [51:47]
Acts 16:14-15 (ESV): "One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, 'If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.' And she prevailed upon us."
Reflection: How can you be more open to God's plans in your life, especially when they differ from your own expectations?
Day 5: Dorothy Day's Adaptability and Community
Dorothy Day's life exemplifies the power of adaptability and community. From her radical beginnings to her deep faith and work with the Catholic Worker movement, Dorothy's journey was marked by a deep sense of adaptability and community. Her work in feeding the poor and establishing hospitality houses shows how God can use our willingness to adapt for greater purposes. Her story reminds us that we are never alone and that community support is vital in navigating life's changes. [01:03:47]
Hebrews 13:2 (ESV): "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Reflection: In what ways can you show hospitality and adaptability in your community this week? How can you support others in their faith journey?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Have you ever had something that didn't quite turn out well? It didn't quite turn out the way you had planned. Maybe it was something simple like a cake. You know, it didn't quite turn out the way you had planned. Or maybe it was something more difficult like a relationship or a life goal. And it didn't quite turn out the way you had planned." [43:16]
2. "I would think that if I were going to define parenthood, I would say it's all about adaptability. You just got to go with the flow. You have to figure out how things are going and be willing to adapt to whatever presents itself. Because there's so much that's beyond our control." [45:16]
3. "We are not changed by facts. We are changed by stories. Because stories have relationships embedded in them. Sometimes people say to me, why do you share personal stories in your sermons? And I tell them, it's because my life has been changed. And I feel like if I share the story of how God has impacted me through that scripture, then that'll encourage you to discover how God changes your story through that particular scripture." [46:56]
4. "It is much harder to adapt as an individual. It is so much easier when you're surrounded by people who are encouraging you on, who say, yes, we can do this. We can adapt. We can figure this out. Because to adapt requires a deep trust, a deep trust that God still is in control, a deep trust that God has given you everything you need to make this change, a deep trust in yourself, a deep trust in the community, and then a deep trust in life." [55:02]
5. "When you are hospitable, when you are open to other people, you have to be adaptable. Because you want to care about them, and that requires you to change. But it is oftentimes in those moments that we experience the Holy Spirit showing up. It's in those moments when we experience great joy, great peace, sometimes new insight, a new sense of vision, and wisdom." [58:25]
### Quotes for Members
1. "I thought about how much my parents had to adapt to have a special needs son. They had to adapt how they raised my sister and me. They had to adapt how they went about life. They had to adapt simple things. We didn't go out to movies like normal families because we were afraid. And so, there were so many things that my parents consistently had to adapt to." [45:16]
2. "Paul had left Jerusalem. They'd had this Jerusalem council where they had decided that, oh, yeah, it was going to be okay to include Gentiles in the circle. And no, they didn't have to have Gentiles go through all the laws of the Jewish faith and eat the particular foods and be circumcised and all those things. They didn't have to do that. They could accept them as long as they accepted Jesus." [48:35]
3. "Paul had a vision of a man. And now it's women who show up. He's got to adapt again. And so, he goes and he begins having conversation with them. And there is one named Lydia. And Lydia, we are told, is a worshiper of God. What in the world does that mean? Well, this was a way that the Jewish people identified that she was someone who may have taken part in the Jewish community, believed in God, but was not a Jew. She was not a part of the synagogue." [51:47]
4. "Dorothy Day was drawn to join a community, because she didn't want to raise this baby alone. And she was drawn to the Catholic Church. And her partner said, are you crazy? Have you lost your mind? Who in the world could convince you to join an archaic and ridiculous institution like the Catholic Church? And he slammed his hands on the table, and she just sat back. And then she said, it was Jesus. It was Jesus Christ who convinced me that our baby is created in God's image, and that we can't raise our baby alone." [01:00:18]
5. "Jesus longs to help all of us adapt to this changing world, but we have to be open to it. We have to be willing to trust that God wants what's best for you. And that may not always turn out the way we expect it to. But the hand of love is always at work in your life. Always. That hand of love will never leave you alone." [01:03:47]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 13, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?