Finding Sacredness in Daily Routines and Worship
Summary
In our gathering today, we explored the profound connection between the mundane routines of our daily lives and our spiritual journey. We began by reflecting on the simple act of brushing our teeth, a routine that, while seemingly trivial, holds deeper significance. This act serves as a metaphor for the spiritual practices that sustain us. Just as neglecting dental hygiene can lead to physical ailments, neglecting our spiritual health can lead to spiritual decay. Our scripture from Matthew 22:34-40 reminds us of the greatest commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. These commandments are not just about grand gestures but are lived out in the ordinary moments of our lives.
We delved into the idea that our bodies and souls are inseparable, and what we do with our bodies impacts our spiritual well-being. Tish Warren, in her book "Liturgy of the Ordinary," emphasizes that our daily routines, like brushing our teeth, are opportunities to worship God with our whole selves. This perspective challenges us to see every action as an act of worship, a chance to express our love for God and to receive His love in return.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of self-love as a prerequisite for loving others. If we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, we must first understand and embrace our own belovedness in God's eyes. Henri Nouwen's insights remind us that despite the world's lies, we are God's chosen and beloved children. This truth empowers us to live out our faith authentically and to extend God's love to those around us.
In conclusion, our daily routines, no matter how mundane, are sacred opportunities to connect with God. As we brush our teeth, let us take those moments to reflect on God's grace, to give thanks, and to remember our identity as His beloved. May we carry this awareness into all aspects of our lives, living out our faith with intentionality and love.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Sacred in the Mundane: Our daily routines, like brushing our teeth, are not just physical acts but opportunities for spiritual reflection and worship. By recognizing the sacredness in the ordinary, we can cultivate a deeper connection with God in every aspect of our lives. [29:20]
2. Loving God with Our Whole Being: The greatest commandment calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. This holistic love involves engaging our entire selves in worship, whether through physical acts or spiritual practices, and recognizing that our bodies and souls are intertwined. [31:23]
3. Embracing Our Belovedness: To love our neighbors as ourselves, we must first understand and embrace our own belovedness in God's eyes. Despite the world's lies, we are chosen and precious to God, and this truth empowers us to live out our faith authentically. [38:45]
4. The Interconnection of Body and Spirit: Our physical health impacts our spiritual well-being. Taking care of our bodies is an act of worship, as it enables us to fully engage in loving God and others. Our bodies are a gift from God, and caring for them is a way to honor Him. [36:23]
5. Living Out Our Faith Daily: Our faith is not just a checklist of religious activities but a daily expression of love for God and others. By integrating worship into our everyday actions, we can live out our faith with intentionality and authenticity, reflecting God's love in all we do. [41:34]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:30] - Call to Worship
[05:15] - Community Announcements
[07:41] - Understanding God's Love
[20:48] - The Liturgy of the Ordinary
[26:46] - The Importance of Routine
[29:20] - Spiritual Health and Daily Habits
[30:06] - Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:34-40
[31:23] - The Greatest Commandment
[32:56] - Old Testament Connection
[33:54] - Worship with Our Whole Being
[35:36] - Body and Soul Connection
[37:13] - Loving Our Neighbor
[38:45] - Embracing Self-Love
[40:33] - Henri Nouwen's Insights
[41:34] - Daily Worship Practices
[44:49] - Psalm 146 Reflection
[45:34] - The Spiritual Act of Brushing Teeth
[48:46] - Closing Reflections and Prayer
[49:53] - Invitation for Prayer and Discussion
[01:02:55] - Final Blessing and Doxology
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 22:34-40
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the two greatest commandments mentioned in Matthew 22:34-40, and how do they relate to each other?
2. How does the sermon use the act of brushing teeth as a metaphor for spiritual practices? [26:46]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between our physical routines and spiritual well-being? [29:20]
4. How does the sermon describe the connection between loving God and loving our neighbor? [31:23]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our daily routines can be acts of worship? [29:20]
2. How does the concept of "belovedness" influence our ability to love others, according to the sermon? [38:45]
3. What does the sermon imply about the importance of self-care in our spiritual journey? [36:23]
4. How does the sermon interpret the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself in the context of self-love? [37:57]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily routines. How can you transform a mundane task into a moment of spiritual reflection or worship? [29:20]
2. Consider the commandment to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. What practical steps can you take to engage your whole being in worship this week? [31:23]
3. How do you currently perceive your own belovedness in God's eyes? What steps can you take to embrace this truth more fully? [38:45]
4. Identify a routine task you do daily. How can you use this time to remind yourself of God's grace and your identity as His beloved? [45:34]
5. Think of a relationship in your life where you struggle to love the other person. How can understanding your own belovedness help you love them better? [37:57]
6. What are some ways you can care for your physical health as an act of worship and gratitude to God? [36:23]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of self-love into your spiritual journey, ensuring it aligns with loving your neighbor as yourself? [37:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Discovering the Sacred in the Ordinary
Our daily routines, such as brushing our teeth, are often overlooked as mundane tasks. However, these routines can be transformed into moments of spiritual reflection and worship. By recognizing the sacredness in the ordinary, we can cultivate a deeper connection with God in every aspect of our lives. This perspective invites us to see each action as an opportunity to express our love for God and to receive His love in return. As we engage in these daily habits, we are reminded of our identity as God's beloved children and the grace that sustains us. [29:20]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: What is one ordinary task you do daily that you can transform into a moment of worship and gratitude today?
Day 2: Holistic Love for God
The greatest commandment calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. This holistic love involves engaging our entire selves in worship, whether through physical acts or spiritual practices. Our bodies and souls are intertwined, and what we do with our bodies impacts our spiritual well-being. By loving God with our whole being, we acknowledge that every part of our lives is an opportunity to honor Him. This understanding challenges us to integrate our faith into every aspect of our lives, recognizing that our physical health and spiritual health are deeply connected. [31:23]
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:5, ESV)
Reflection: How can you engage your whole being—heart, soul, and mind—in loving God today through your actions and thoughts?
Day 3: Embracing Our Belovedness
To love our neighbors as ourselves, we must first understand and embrace our own belovedness in God's eyes. Despite the world's lies, we are chosen and precious to God, and this truth empowers us to live out our faith authentically. Recognizing our identity as God's beloved children allows us to extend His love to those around us. This self-love is not about selfishness but about acknowledging the worth and value God has placed on us. By embracing this truth, we can love others more fully and genuinely, reflecting God's love in our interactions. [38:45]
"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'" (Isaiah 43:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can remind yourself of your belovedness in God's eyes today, and how can this understanding impact your interactions with others?
Day 4: The Interconnection of Body and Spirit
Our physical health impacts our spiritual well-being. Taking care of our bodies is an act of worship, as it enables us to fully engage in loving God and others. Our bodies are a gift from God, and caring for them is a way to honor Him. This understanding challenges us to view our physical health as an integral part of our spiritual journey. By nurturing our bodies, we create a foundation for spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God. This perspective encourages us to be mindful of how our daily habits affect our overall well-being. [36:23]
"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to care for your body as an act of worship and honor to God?
Day 5: Living Out Our Faith Daily
Our faith is not just a checklist of religious activities but a daily expression of love for God and others. By integrating worship into our everyday actions, we can live out our faith with intentionality and authenticity. This approach challenges us to reflect God's love in all we do, recognizing that every moment is an opportunity to serve Him. As we carry this awareness into all aspects of our lives, we are empowered to live out our faith in a way that is genuine and transformative. This daily practice of faith invites us to be intentional in our actions and interactions, embodying the love of Christ. [41:34]
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate your faith into a specific daily routine or interaction today, reflecting God's love in a tangible way?
Quotes
This call to worship comes from where our scripture will be from tonight in the Gospel of Matthew and what it means to love God and to love neighbor. We are called to bring a new understanding of God. We are called to bring a new hope in God. We are called to follow the commandments and the law. [00:07:41] (19 seconds)
And I was looking around on scientific things of what, why is it important to brush your teeth, right? Why is that important? And after looking at some several sources and, you know, dentists too, I think you may have heard this before, but neglecting your dental health actually increases the risk of tooth decay. It increases risk in other areas of your body. [00:27:57] (26 seconds)
So if you neglect your teeth and brushing your teeth very well, you have an increased heart attack risk, risk of heart disease, a higher risk of heart disease, a higher risk of lung infections, and pneumonia. Pneumonia took me. I didn't think about that one, but it has to do with your breathing in the bacteria. That is left on your teeth. And it can cause other things to go on in your mouth. Dental health affects more than just your mouth. [00:28:23] (38 seconds)
And he said to them, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. The second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. And that's God's word for us tonight. [00:31:15] (29 seconds)
If we want to be able to love God and to worship God with all that we are, we have to take care of these bodies. We have to take care of these things that allow us to worship the God who gave it to us. And she plainly and clearly states that we are not in this thing alone. [00:36:40] (22 seconds)
In fact, if that's where you are, I hope that you were able to express that to folks to help you understand your belovedness, to see that you are loved, and that God loves you as you are in this current state, and you can move through it, and God will help you move through it. But I think to fully live this verse, we have to understand what it means to truly love who we are. [00:38:45] (29 seconds)
Every time you feel hurt, or offended, or rejected, you have to dare to say to yourself, these feelings, strong as they may be, are not telling me the truth about myself. The truth, even though I cannot feel it right now, is that I am the chosen child of God. Precious. In God's eyes. [00:40:53] (29 seconds)
Brushing our teeth isn't just an act to remove the plaque, the fungus and bacteria from our mouths it has benefits beyond the mouth our hearts our lungs and and mental advantages but it also goes beyond the physical and mental and it goes to the spiritual recognizing for us my friends in the mundane yet important movement of the toothbrush along the ridges of our teeth that there is our god who deserves praise for the creation we have been made to be and in this simple act we can take the moment like what do i go where i go with this where i go home with this take the moment when you brush your teeth to give a moment of thanksgiving with all that you are as jesus tells us with all our heart soul and mind what is it dennis say 60 seconds is that washing your hands [00:45:34] (85 seconds)
Because that's what God wants to do for you, what God can do for you. In those two minutes, share who you are, what you are, where you are with your Lord God Almighty. [00:47:54] (18 seconds)
She says, when I stand before the sink brushing my teeth and see my reflection in the mirror, I want it to be an act of blessing. Where I remember. That these teeth I'm brushing are made by God for a good purpose. That my body is inseparable from my soul. And that both deserve care. [00:48:29] (26 seconds)
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