Finding God Amidst Life's Distractions and Noise
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gathered to worship and share in the presence of God. We began with some important announcements, including the upcoming Vacation Bible School (VBS) and a heartfelt farewell to Pastor Kelly. We then moved into a time of prayer, lifting up various needs and joys from our community, and asking for God's presence and healing in each situation.
Our sermon today focused on a piece of art by Peter Artson, "Market Scene with Christ and the Adulteress." This painting, with its bustling marketplace in the foreground and the biblical story in the background, serves as a powerful metaphor for how the distractions of life can overshadow the grace and presence of Jesus. Artson's technique of placing the marketplace prominently while relegating the scriptural scene to the background highlights how easily we can be consumed by the sensory overload of our daily lives, missing the deeper, quieter presence of God.
We also discussed the importance of creating spaces for those with sensory processing issues, particularly in our VBS program. Nicole has been instrumental in training our leaders to accommodate children with various sensory needs, ensuring that they too can experience the love and grace of God without being overwhelmed.
Drawing from the stories of Elijah and the Transfiguration of Jesus, we explored how God often speaks to us in the silence, beyond the sensory overload. Elijah found God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the still, small voice. Similarly, the disciples experienced the overwhelming sensory data of the Transfiguration but were reminded that the true work of God happens in the quieter, less sensational moments of life.
As we go about our week, let us make time for silence in our prayer lives, allowing ourselves to hear God's voice amidst the noise. Let us also be mindful of creating spaces where others can experience God's grace, free from the distractions that so often consume us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Overwhelming Marketplace: The painting "Market Scene with Christ and the Adulteress" illustrates how the distractions of life can overshadow the presence of Jesus. The marketplace, with its sensory overload, represents the many things that vie for our attention, pulling us away from the grace and forgiveness that Jesus offers. We must be vigilant in recognizing these distractions and refocusing on the divine presence in our lives. [33:59]
2. God in the Silence: Elijah's encounter with God teaches us that divine communication often occurs in the silence, not in the overwhelming sensory experiences. In a world filled with constant noise and activity, we must carve out moments of quiet to truly hear God's voice. This practice can deepen our spiritual connection and help us discern God's will more clearly. [43:39]
3. Sensory Sensitivity in Ministry: Our efforts to accommodate children with sensory processing issues in VBS highlight the importance of inclusivity in ministry. By creating environments that cater to different sensory needs, we allow everyone to experience God's love and grace. This approach not only benefits those with sensory issues but enriches the entire community by fostering empathy and understanding. [38:31]
4. The Transfiguration and Sensory Overload: The story of the Transfiguration shows how even profound spiritual experiences can be overwhelming. Jesus' glowing appearance and the presence of Elijah and Moses were awe-inspiring, yet the disciples were reminded that the true work of God happens in the everyday moments. We must balance our desire for extraordinary experiences with the recognition that God's grace is often found in the ordinary. [45:33]
5. Creating Space for God: In our busy lives, it's crucial to intentionally create space for God. This means setting aside time for silence and reflection, away from the sensory overload that can dominate our days. By doing so, we open ourselves to experiencing God's grace and hearing His voice more clearly, allowing us to live out our faith more fully and share it with others. [47:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:41] - Opening Prayer
[18:18] - Community Prayers
[20:07] - Prayers for VBS and Ministries
[21:38] - The Lord's Prayer
[27:35] - Offering and Blessing
[31:29] - Introduction to the Art of Faith Series
[32:23] - Market Scene with Christ and the Adulteress
[33:09] - The Story of the Adulteress
[33:59] - The Overwhelming Marketplace
[35:28] - Sensory Overload in Modern Life
[37:15] - Sensory Sensitivity in VBS
[38:31] - Training for Sensory Issues
[39:49] - Understanding Sensory Processing Disorders
[41:19] - Elijah and the Sensory Overload
[43:39] - God in the Silence
[45:33] - The Transfiguration and Sensory Overload
[47:38] - Creating Space for God
[49:33] - Closing Hymn and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Kings 19:11-13 (NIV)
> The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Luke 9:28-36 (NIV)
> About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
#### Observation Questions
1. In the story of Elijah, where did he finally hear God's voice? (1 Kings 19:11-13)
2. What were the sensory experiences described during the Transfiguration of Jesus? (Luke 9:28-36)
3. How does the painting "Market Scene with Christ and the Adulteress" illustrate the distractions of life? [33:59]
4. What steps has the church taken to accommodate children with sensory processing issues in VBS? [38:31]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to speak to Elijah in a gentle whisper rather than through the wind, earthquake, or fire? (1 Kings 19:11-13)
2. How might the overwhelming sensory experiences of the Transfiguration have affected the disciples' understanding of Jesus' mission? (Luke 9:28-36)
3. What does the placement of the marketplace in the foreground and the biblical scene in the background of Artson's painting suggest about our daily lives? [33:59]
4. How can creating sensory-sensitive environments in ministry reflect the inclusivity of God's love? [38:31]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. What are some "marketplace" distractions that might be overshadowing your awareness of Jesus' presence? How can you refocus on the divine presence? [33:59]
2. Elijah found God in the silence. How can you intentionally create moments of silence in your prayer life this week to hear God's voice more clearly? [43:39]
3. Think about the sensory overload in your life. What practical steps can you take to reduce this overload and create space for God? [47:38]
4. How can you support the church's efforts to accommodate children with sensory processing issues? Are there specific ways you can volunteer or contribute? [38:31]
5. The disciples wanted to stay on the mountaintop during the Transfiguration, but Jesus led them back to the valley where the work was. How can you balance seeking profound spiritual experiences with recognizing God's work in everyday moments? [45:33]
6. Identify one person in your life who might be overwhelmed by life's "marketplace." How can you help them find a quieter space to experience God's grace? [33:59]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of listening for God's voice in silence into your family's routine? What specific time or activity can you set aside for this purpose? [43:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Life's Distractions
The painting "Market Scene with Christ and the Adulteress" by Peter Artson serves as a vivid reminder of how the distractions of life can overshadow the presence of Jesus. The marketplace, filled with sensory overload, represents the many things that vie for our attention, pulling us away from the grace and forgiveness that Jesus offers. In our daily lives, we often find ourselves consumed by the hustle and bustle, missing the deeper, quieter presence of God. It is crucial to be vigilant in recognizing these distractions and refocusing on the divine presence in our lives. [33:59]
Isaiah 55:2-3 (ESV): "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David."
Reflection: What are the distractions in your life that pull you away from experiencing the presence of Jesus? How can you intentionally refocus on Him today?
Day 2: Finding God in the Silence
Elijah's encounter with God teaches us that divine communication often occurs in the silence, not in the overwhelming sensory experiences. In a world filled with constant noise and activity, we must carve out moments of quiet to truly hear God's voice. This practice can deepen our spiritual connection and help us discern God's will more clearly. By setting aside time for silence and reflection, we open ourselves to experiencing God's grace and hearing His voice amidst the noise. [43:39]
1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
Reflection: How can you create moments of silence in your daily routine to listen for God's voice? What steps will you take to ensure these moments are protected from distractions?
Day 3: Inclusivity in Ministry
Our efforts to accommodate children with sensory processing issues in VBS highlight the importance of inclusivity in ministry. By creating environments that cater to different sensory needs, we allow everyone to experience God's love and grace. This approach not only benefits those with sensory issues but enriches the entire community by fostering empathy and understanding. Nicole's training for our leaders ensures that all children can participate fully and feel the love of God without being overwhelmed. [38:31]
Romans 15:7 (ESV): "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."
Reflection: How can you contribute to creating an inclusive environment in your community or church? What specific actions can you take to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and valued?
Day 4: Balancing Extraordinary and Ordinary Experiences
The story of the Transfiguration shows how even profound spiritual experiences can be overwhelming. Jesus' glowing appearance and the presence of Elijah and Moses were awe-inspiring, yet the disciples were reminded that the true work of God happens in the everyday moments. We must balance our desire for extraordinary experiences with the recognition that God's grace is often found in the ordinary. By appreciating the small, daily moments, we can see God's hand at work in our lives. [45:33]
Matthew 17:5-6 (ESV): "He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.' When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified."
Reflection: How can you find and appreciate God's presence in the ordinary moments of your day? What ordinary experiences have you overlooked that might be opportunities to see God's grace?
Day 5: Creating Space for God
In our busy lives, it's crucial to intentionally create space for God. This means setting aside time for silence and reflection, away from the sensory overload that can dominate our days. By doing so, we open ourselves to experiencing God's grace and hearing His voice more clearly, allowing us to live out our faith more fully and share it with others. Making time for God amidst the noise of life is essential for spiritual growth and connection. [47:38]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: What specific time each day can you set aside to be still and focus on God? How will you ensure that this time remains a priority in your daily schedule?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Help us to show your love and to shine your grace into each of those situations and into each of those lives. And oh Lord, we lift up today our Vacation Bible School. We pray for each of the children that will be part of it, each of the families who will be sending their kids. Oh Lord, help us to be your ambassadors of Christ during this week of time and of fun and of fellowship. Lord, please let the songs and the crafts and all of the activities help these children to learn more about you and become closer and connected to you and your grace." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Help us in all ways to continue to be the light on a hill, to be the beacon that shines your light into a world that desperately yearns for it. Oh Lord, we ask that you continue to work among us and within us. Help us to continue to be your church and we will be, you will be our God and we will be your people." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Remind us that you are the giver of every good gift. Oh Lord, please bless these gifts, bless each of those who gives and bless each of those who will receive from this offering. Remind us all of our place within your kingdom. Remind us all of what you have called us to do in sharing your grace to each and every one that you have created." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It occurs to me that these sensory kind of things that are all around us, I never knew the extent to which those kids, those families were really separated until I talked with those families at our Easter fest and how much they yearned to be connected. But just there weren't enough churches, there aren't enough churches to be able to give the accommodations to think about it and thank God that Nicole is here and can help us kind of process that and deal with it and plan for it and implement it in all of our children's kind of activities." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "My assignment for you this week, in your heart prayer time, whatever that looks like to you, put a time of silence. Listen to God in that time of silence just like Elijah did on the mountaintop. Use silence as part of your time to connect with God so that you don't miss any of the grace, any of the blessings, any of the wonder or glory that is Jesus, that is grace, that is God's intention for us." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Artson realized that things are easy, that the things of faith are easy to be overlooked, that our attention can be pulled away from those things of faith, that grace that lives out in the world by all the sights and sounds of the world, sights and sounds of the marketplace. When I chose this piece of art, and I chose the scriptures for it, it was way before Easter, way before we had our, what we have called our Sensitive Easter Festival." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Elijah was waiting on God, waiting on God to show up and a wind came and the description of the wind is amazing in scripture. It talks about the wind blowing and the sound it makes and the rumble of the earthquake comes and it describes it in great detail and then the fire and just reading it, I mean it's designed to overwhelm your senses and Elijah was looking for God and all of that overwhelming sensory kind of data and God was not there. God for Elijah in that story existed where the sensory data ended in the quiet." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The passage from Luke, the passage of the transfiguration is filled with kind of sensory data as well. First of all, Jesus takes Peter, John, and James up to the mountaintop where the view is magnificent, where you can see for miles, where you can feel the wind blowing on your face and maybe sometimes that's awesome and rapturous but sometimes it's overload in that it takes us away from the presence of God. I mean the sensory stuff kind of kept going in the transfiguration. Jesus began to glow as he's talking with Elijah and Moses." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It helped us in this training to know that we've got, first of all, we've got other kind of trained professionals who will be here who will be part of our VBS. We've got quiet places where we can send kids who are starting to get to that overload point. We've got, you know, earplugs and headphones and those kind of things. We've got the little fidget toys. All of those things help the kids to kind of deal with the sensory issues that they normally deal with in ways that allow them to continue to progress." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Let's build in those times of connection whether we be feeding, whether we be helping kids play, whether we be any of the other things. Let's build in that time of connection with God so that we can pause, look into the background, see what's happening there, to listen to what God might be speaking to us in those moments and then let's share that with all the folks who yearn for it but who don't know of yearning because they're overwhelmed by the same sensory things that we're talking about here in the market." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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