Preparing Hearts: A Journey of Faith and Service
Summary
Summary:
It's a joy to be back at John Wesley, reflecting on the journey of faith and service that has spanned over 25 years. Our shared mission in Costa Rica has seen the establishment of libraries, computer labs, and children's homes, all thanks to your unwavering support. Today, I draw a parallel between our mission work and a traditional Costa Rican dish, arroz con pollo, symbolizing the diverse and rich experiences we share in our faith journey.
Reflecting on a recent hike to Mount Chiripo, I was reminded of the importance of preparation and the ultimate goal of returning safely home. This mirrors the biblical story of Joseph, who, despite his own plans, was prepared by God to embrace a greater purpose. Joseph's journey teaches us about mercy, recognizing God's voice, and the courage to follow His call, even when it disrupts our plans.
Our mission work in Costa Rica is about more than just building structures; it's about preparing hearts and minds for God's kingdom. From training pastors and laity at the Methodist seminary to providing education at the Methodist school, our goal is to guide others safely home to Christ. The Methodist Children's Home, where we care for abused and abandoned children, embodies this mission, offering love and hope to those in need.
As we continue this journey together, I encourage you to reflect on your own preparations and the role you play in guiding others. Discipleship is a communal effort, and we must support one another in this journey of faith. May we all strive to recognize God's voice, practice mercy, and have the courage to follow His call, ensuring that we and those we guide arrive safely at our ultimate home in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Importance of Preparation: Just as we prepared for our hike up Mount Chiripo, we must prepare for our spiritual journeys. Preparation involves not just physical readiness but also spiritual awareness, ensuring we are equipped to face challenges and recognize God's guidance. [46:08]
2. Mercy Over Judgment: Joseph's decision to show mercy to Mary, even before the angel's message, highlights the power of compassion over judgment. In our lives, choosing mercy can transform situations and align us with God's greater purpose. [53:47]
3. Recognizing God's Voice: Joseph's ability to recognize and respond to God's voice was crucial in fulfilling his role in the divine plan. We must cultivate a relationship with God that allows us to discern His voice amidst life's noise. [55:39]
4. Courage to Follow God's Call: Despite potential fears and societal pressures, Joseph obeyed God's command to take Mary as his wife. Our faith journey requires courage to follow God's call, even when it leads us into the unknown. [57:21]
5. The Role of Discipleship: Our mission work emphasizes the importance of discipleship, guiding others in their faith journey. We are called to mentor and support one another, ensuring that we all reach our ultimate destination in Christ. [59:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Gratitude and Reflections
- [01:30] - Costa Rica Mission Overview
- [03:00] - Arroz con Pollo Analogy
- [04:30] - Mount Chiripo Experience
- [06:00] - Lessons from the Hike
- [07:30] - Joseph's Story and Preparations
- [09:00] - Mercy and Compassion
- [10:30] - Recognizing God's Voice
- [12:00] - Courage to Obey
- [13:30] - Discipleship and Mentorship
- [15:00] - Methodist Seminary and School
- [16:30] - Methodist Children's Home
- [18:00] - Final Reflections and Thanks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 1:18-25
Observation Questions:
1. What preparations did Joseph make before he learned about Mary's pregnancy, and how did his plans change after receiving the angel's message? [48:49]
2. How did Joseph initially plan to handle the situation with Mary, and what does this reveal about his character? [52:15]
3. What was the significance of Joseph recognizing and responding to God's voice in the story? [55:39]
4. How does the analogy of the hike to Mount Chiripo relate to the concept of preparation in our spiritual journeys? [46:08]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What might have prepared Joseph to show mercy instead of judgment, and how can this be applied to our own lives? [53:47]
2. How does Joseph's story illustrate the importance of recognizing God's voice, and what practices can help us discern His guidance? [55:39]
3. In what ways does the courage to follow God's call, as demonstrated by Joseph, challenge societal norms and personal fears? [57:21]
4. How does the mission work in Costa Rica reflect the broader goal of discipleship and guiding others safely home to Christ? [59:45]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when your plans were disrupted. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Joseph's example of mercy and obedience? [52:15]
2. What steps can you take to better prepare yourself spiritually for the challenges you face in your faith journey? [46:08]
3. Identify a situation where you can choose mercy over judgment this week. How might this decision impact those involved? [53:47]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God to better recognize His voice in your life? What specific practices can you implement? [55:39]
5. Consider an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith. What fears are holding you back, and how can you overcome them? [57:21]
6. In what ways can you contribute to the discipleship and mentorship of others in your community? How can you support someone in their faith journey this week? [59:45]
7. Reflect on the mission work in Costa Rica. How can you be involved in similar efforts, either locally or globally, to prepare hearts and minds for God's kingdom? [01:04:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Preparation for Life's Journey
In our spiritual journey, preparation is key. Just as one would prepare for a challenging hike, such as the ascent to Mount Chiripo, spiritual preparation involves more than just physical readiness. It requires a deep awareness and understanding of our faith, equipping us to face life's challenges and recognize God's guidance. This preparation is not a solitary endeavor but a communal one, where we support each other in our faith journeys. By preparing our hearts and minds, we ensure that we are ready to embrace the path God has laid out for us, leading us safely home to Him. [46:08]
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to prepare your heart and mind for the spiritual journey ahead?
Day 2: Choosing Mercy Over Judgment
The story of Joseph and Mary teaches us the profound impact of choosing mercy over judgment. Joseph's decision to show compassion to Mary, even before understanding the full divine plan, exemplifies the transformative power of mercy. In our lives, we are often faced with situations where judgment seems justified, yet choosing mercy can align us with God's greater purpose. By practicing mercy, we open ourselves to God's work in our lives and the lives of others, fostering a spirit of compassion and understanding. [53:47]
"For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you can choose mercy over judgment today? How might this change the outcome?
Day 3: Cultivating the Ability to Hear God's Voice
Recognizing and responding to God's voice is crucial in fulfilling our roles in His divine plan. Joseph's ability to discern God's guidance amidst life's noise allowed him to embrace his purpose. Cultivating a relationship with God that enables us to hear His voice requires intentionality and practice. It involves setting aside time for prayer, reflection, and listening, allowing us to discern His guidance in our daily lives. By prioritizing this relationship, we become more attuned to His voice, ready to follow His call. [55:39]
"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21, ESV)
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to listen for God's voice? What distractions might you need to eliminate to hear Him more clearly?
Day 4: Embracing Courage to Follow God's Call
Joseph's obedience to God's command, despite societal pressures and personal fears, exemplifies the courage required in our faith journey. Following God's call often leads us into the unknown, challenging us to step out in faith. This courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to trust God amidst uncertainty. By embracing this courage, we align ourselves with God's purpose, allowing Him to work through us in ways we may not fully understand. [57:21]
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a courageous step today?
Day 5: The Communal Role of Discipleship
Discipleship is a communal effort, emphasizing the importance of guiding and supporting one another in our faith journeys. Our mission work, whether in Costa Rica or within our local communities, highlights the role of mentorship and support in leading others to Christ. By investing in the spiritual growth of others, we fulfill our calling to be disciples, ensuring that we all reach our ultimate destination in Christ. This communal journey requires us to be intentional in our relationships, offering guidance, encouragement, and love. [59:45]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you mentor or support in their faith journey? How can you intentionally invest in their spiritual growth this week?
Quotes
"Thank you, first of all, Marty and Trish, for the opportunity to be here today. But to you as a congregation, thank you so much for your faithful, faithful prayers and your very generous gifts now over these 25 -plus years. We remember back when the first group from John Wesley came down to Costa Rica. They were working kind of in the eastern side of the country in the community known as Turrialba." [00:42:09] (27 seconds)
"And excellent use to this day. And then more recently, we've had the blessing of having groups come and work with us at the Methodist Children's Homes. So thank you, thank you, thank you. As I was talking with Trish and with Marty about this morning, we recognize that it's a unique Sunday. Christmas was a few days ago. New Year's is up there. The missionaries in town. There's so many different avenues of where we could go. And our time is sharing this morning. And so I picked a very traditional Costa Rica analogy to share with you. It's called arroz con pollo. And those who aren't familiar with that particular dish in Costa Rica, it is more than rice and chicken. It has beans and peas and this special orange paste and a lot of different seasonings. So my prayer is that if you enjoy the whole... Arroz con pollo together, well, praise God. But maybe you're a picky eater and there'll just be a piece of chicken or a piece of rice or a seasoning that appeals more to you from our time of sharing this morning. Whatever it is, I pray that it would be a blessing for you. Would you pray with me?" [00:42:55] (77 seconds)
"Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day and for the opportunity to be in your presence. Lord, I pray now that you would take my words and speak through them. Lord, that you would take our minds and think through them. And Lord, that you would take all of our hearts and join them together with yours. For we ask it in Jesus' name. Amen." [00:44:12] (23 seconds)
"And we actually made it about eight, ten days ago to the very top part of Costa Rica to the very summit of Chiripo. It was there. We had beautiful weather going up and coming down. The day we summited, though. Not so good. We went through rain, sleet, lots of mud. We were cold. And our guide, Armin, who is Austrian, actually, told us we're going to be there for five minutes. So take all the pictures you can in five minutes. And then we need to get back down." [00:46:08] (36 seconds)
"And then he told me something. He actually shared it with all of us. He said, you know, we're not finished. So my goal is to get you somewhere. To get you safely back to the car and to your home. I was like, hmm. All right. We thought all this effort and energy and everything had been to be right there. And yet, you know what? He's right. There is a broader goal. And that's to arrive safely back at home. You know? I could say that I had made lots of preparations." [00:46:49] (43 seconds)
"Despite all the other preparations that we had made, he had a higher goal. A broader goal. A longer lasting goal. Than merely spending five minutes on the top of an albeit cold mountain. As I was preparing for this morning, I couldn't help but read and think, as we've been reading during the Advent season, of preparations of one of the more well -known biblical characters. That being Joseph. So I'd like to read a portion of Scripture as found in Matthew's Gospel." [00:47:57] (45 seconds)
"Joseph, in a different way and yet in quite a similar way to our preparations for our journey up the mountain, I'm sure had been making lots of detailed plans. Entering into matrimony, preparing for a wedding. As a carpenter, who knows, perhaps, maybe he had added a room onto his house. But he didn't. Maybe he had done some remodeling. At least, surely, he had made a piece or two of new furniture. And then there was the wedding to plan for itself." [00:50:13] (36 seconds)
"How did he get to that point? Where did he learn not to strike back, not to post a hundred sad faces? Where did he learn not to seek revenge? And not to cause a spectacle? We don't know. We don't know the name of that person or persons, but we might imagine that he too had experienced mercy and grace who knows how many different times. We've been preparing for Christmas. The question is, how has Christmas prepared us?" [00:54:18] (46 seconds)
"He recognizes not only to have compassion, but when God speaks, he recognizes it as the voice of God. Once again, how did he learn that? Who taught him to recognize the voice of God? Who was it that went through the Old Testament passages with him and taught him the stories of Noah, of Abraham, of Abraham, of Abraham? Who taught him to recognize the voice of God? Of Samuel and countless others. Yet, in his case, it was to be different." [00:55:39] (42 seconds)
"And finally, I would suggest to you this morning that even though those are two good elements, to have mercy and to recognize God's voice, there's a final step. The very last line that we read. Not only did he recognize it as God's voice, but he put it into practice. He obeyed God's instructions. Because he could have just said, yeah, I get that, but I'm just going to stick with plan number one. It was possible." [00:57:21] (35 seconds)
"Now let me take you another step further. we go where can we take them for surely that preparation has a church name it's called discipleship discipling mentoring leading others in their own faith it's not something we can do alone so what we were spending the night at the refuge there up on the mountain we got word that one member of a another group had gotten lost and he was out wandering in the dark for five hours the Rangers had to go out and rescue never good to hike in the mountains of Costa Rica alone it's never good to walk this journey that the Lord has given us alone either may he give us the hearts the compassion and the mercy may he also give us the ears and the eyes to recognize you where and to whom he is calling us and ultimately the courage and the task to complete the calling that he has given us that indeed all would come to know and to love him and be citizens of his kingdom you John Wesley are part of preparing men and women children and youth for that greater journey yes there are practical steps along the way but ultimately each and every one of the ministries that we participate in you are participating them and then to you are preparing people for that ultimate calling like to close this morning just sharing a couple of slides a couple of different areas to encourage you where it is indeed that you are faithfully serving and what you are truly intending to do for the Church and for which we give great things the first there yeah I think we're gonna get these slides up here involves as Marti mentioned our work of training men and women and both for full -time ministry at the Methodist seminary as well as laity who are feel called to simply improve their tasks and talents through work and ministry in the local church. We can just kind of see these next two slides, and we'll go to the third one. I think that has Pastor Onodio up there on it. We can go ahead and move those next ones. We'll go one more. This pastor is from the indigenous area of Costa Rica, way down in the southern part. He came to faith through some Wycliffe missionaries who were in the area translating the Bible into their indigenous language." [00:59:45] (176 seconds)
"And I had the privilege of going up several different occasions, a different hike, a little different weather. But Pastor Onodio now has four different congregations that he pastors. He would hike eight hours down, catch a bus, come into the city, study with us for a week, and then make a trip. And then make the eight -hour hike back up to his mountainous village. The next slide, I believe, shows his congregation, one of the congregations there at his church. I think we missed one, but that's okay. We'll keep on going with our Methodist school. There it is. That's Pastor Onodio's church. Simple, very simple, dirt floor, little pieces of wood sitting up on top of tree trunks. But, y 'all, they worship. The Lord, they love the Lord. Their services usually begin about six in the evening and finish at six in the morning because batteries and flashlights are the most valuable commodity that they have. And so if you're going to come to church, you know you might as well take advantage of being at church. So we'll worship, sing for a while, eat a meal, come back, have another worship service, sing for a while, maybe go take a little nap. It's okay if people sleep during the sermon." [01:02:52] (80 seconds)
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