Words of Wisdom: Embracing Faith and Purpose

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound impact of words and literature on our spiritual journey. We began by reflecting on the power of poetry and literature to leave lasting impressions on our hearts and minds. Wayne Christensen's recollection of a poem amidst his memory challenges reminded us of the enduring nature of meaningful words. We also delved into the wisdom found in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," where Gandalf's counsel to Frodo about making the most of the time given to us resonated deeply. This notion that our current time is not an interruption but our calling is a powerful reminder to live purposefully.

We also touched on the comforting words from "Winnie the Pooh," which echo the Great Commission, reminding us of God's constant presence. The idea that all of life is spiritual, and that words from various sources can guide us back to our true center, was a recurring theme. We discussed the importance of creating good in the world as a response to criticism, inspired by Michelangelo's quote, "Criticize by creating."

Nancy shared her personal connection to literature, particularly "Les Misérables," and how it has shaped her understanding of God's presence in others. We also explored the journey of doubt and faith through George MacDonald's "Thomas Wingfold, Curate," where the protagonist's struggle with belief leads to a deeper commitment to living out Jesus' teachings. This journey of faith is not just an intellectual exercise but a call to action, to live out the teachings of Jesus and discover their truth through experience.

Ultimately, we are reminded that despair is not just unpleasant but wrong, and that a life of meaning and hope is found in following Jesus. In times of uncertainty, we are called to decide what we will do with the time given to us, to love and support one another, and to find God in the stories and words that shape our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- The power of words and literature can leave lasting impressions on our hearts, reminding us of the enduring nature of meaningful words and the importance of living purposefully in the time given to us. [03:40]

- Our current time is not an interruption but our calling, and we are reminded to make the most of it, as Gandalf advised Frodo in "The Lord of the Rings." This perspective encourages us to live with intention and purpose. [04:46]

- The comforting words from "Winnie the Pooh" echo the Great Commission, reminding us of God's constant presence and the spiritual nature of all life. Words from various sources can guide us back to our true center. [06:27]

- Doubt and faith are part of the spiritual journey, as illustrated in George MacDonald's "Thomas Wingfold, Curate." Acknowledging doubt can lead to a deeper commitment to living out Jesus' teachings and discovering their truth through experience. [16:07]

- Despair is not just unpleasant but wrong, and a life of meaning and hope is found in following Jesus. In times of uncertainty, we are called to decide what we will do with the time given to us, to love and support one another, and to find God in the stories and words that shape our lives. [22:46]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction and Greetings
- [01:23] - Reflections on Poetry and Memory
- [02:45] - The Power of Poetry in Memory
- [04:04] - Wisdom from "The Lord of the Rings"
- [06:01] - Comfort in "Winnie the Pooh"
- [07:23] - The Spiritual Nature of All Life
- [08:13] - Embracing Each Day as a Gift
- [10:02] - The Impact of Literature on Faith
- [12:38] - The Journey of Doubt and Faith
- [16:07] - Acknowledging Doubt as a Path to Faith
- [17:37] - Discovering Truth Through Action
- [20:02] - The Call to Live a Life of Meaning
- [22:46] - Rejecting Despair and Embracing Hope
- [24:33] - Conclusion and Community Encouragement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 7:17 - "If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own."
2. Matthew 28:20 - "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
3. Genesis 33:10 - "For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Gandalf's advice to Frodo in "The Lord of the Rings" suggest about how we should view our current circumstances? [04:46]

2. How does the quote from "Winnie the Pooh" reflect the promise found in Matthew 28:20? [06:27]

3. In the sermon, how did Nancy describe her connection to the phrase "to love another person is to see the face of God"? [11:50]

4. What was the significance of the poem "A Psalm of Life" for Wayne Christensen, as mentioned in the sermon? [03:40]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might John 7:17 relate to the journey of doubt and faith described in George MacDonald's "Thomas Wingfold, Curate"? [17:09]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that literature and poetry can guide us back to our spiritual center? [06:55]

3. How does the idea that "our current time is not an interruption but our calling" challenge or affirm your understanding of your life's purpose? [04:46]

4. What does the sermon imply about the role of doubt in strengthening one's faith journey? [16:07]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt your current circumstances were an interruption. How can Gandalf's advice to Frodo help you see these moments as part of your calling? [04:46]

2. Consider the comforting words from "Winnie the Pooh" and Matthew 28:20. How can you remind yourself of God's constant presence in your daily life? [06:27]

3. Nancy found a deep connection to God through literature. Is there a book or piece of literature that has shaped your understanding of God? How can you revisit it to deepen your faith? [11:50]

4. The sermon suggests that despair is not just unpleasant but wrong. How can you actively choose hope and meaning in your life, especially during challenging times? [22:46]

5. The quote "Criticize by creating" was highlighted in the sermon. How can you apply this principle in your community or workplace to foster positive change? [07:36]

6. How can you incorporate the practice of doing God's will, as mentioned in John 7:17, into your daily routine to strengthen your faith? [17:09]

7. Reflect on the idea that "to love another person is to see the face of God." How can you practice this in your relationships this week? [11:50]

Devotional

Day 1: The Enduring Power of Words
Words have the power to shape our hearts and minds, leaving lasting impressions that guide us on our spiritual journey. Literature and poetry, in particular, can resonate deeply within us, offering wisdom and insight that endure through time. Wayne Christensen's experience of recalling a poem despite memory challenges highlights the profound impact that meaningful words can have on our lives. These words remind us of the importance of living purposefully and making the most of the time we have been given. [03:40]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one piece of literature or poetry that has left a lasting impression on you? How can you let its message guide your actions today?


Day 2: Embracing Our Calling
Our current time is not an interruption but our calling, as Gandalf advised Frodo in "The Lord of the Rings." This perspective encourages us to live with intention and purpose, recognizing that each moment is an opportunity to fulfill our unique role in the world. By embracing the time we have been given, we can make meaningful contributions and live out our calling with passion and dedication. [04:46]

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make the most of your current situation and embrace it as your calling? What specific steps can you take today to live with intention and purpose?


Day 3: Finding Comfort in God's Presence
The comforting words from "Winnie the Pooh" echo the Great Commission, reminding us of God's constant presence and the spiritual nature of all life. Words from various sources can guide us back to our true center, helping us to recognize the divine in everyday moments. By acknowledging God's presence in our lives, we can find comfort and strength to navigate the challenges we face. [06:27]

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life? How can this awareness bring you comfort and guide your actions today?


Day 4: The Journey of Doubt and Faith
Doubt and faith are integral parts of the spiritual journey, as illustrated in George MacDonald's "Thomas Wingfold, Curate." Acknowledging doubt can lead to a deeper commitment to living out Jesus' teachings and discovering their truth through experience. This journey is not just an intellectual exercise but a call to action, inviting us to live out our faith and find meaning through our actions. [16:07]

"Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:24, ESV)

Reflection: What doubts do you currently face in your spiritual journey? How can you use these doubts as a catalyst for deeper faith and action today?


Day 5: Rejecting Despair and Embracing Hope
Despair is not just unpleasant but wrong, and a life of meaning and hope is found in following Jesus. In times of uncertainty, we are called to decide what we will do with the time given to us, to love and support one another, and to find God in the stories and words that shape our lives. By rejecting despair and embracing hope, we can live a life of purpose and fulfillment. [22:46]

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively reject despair and choose hope in your current circumstances? What practical steps can you take today to support and love those around you?

Quotes


Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime, and departing leave behind us footprints on the sands of time. I love that Wayne in this time when someone his ability to remember most everything is gone those words were still there. [00:03:29]

Frodo says I wish it need not have happened in my time. So do I said Gandalf and so do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time given us. [00:04:23]

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, but the most important thing is even if we're apart I will always be with you. I thought in reading that that feels pretty close to the Great Commission in the Holy Spirit. [00:06:04]

All of life is spiritual and part of the way I got raised in the church, which is fine but it was very much the Bible is spiritual, and that's the main thing and yet to find on the words words on a page are so profound. [00:06:51]

Each day to me should be more than an obstacle to be gotten over a span of time to be endured a sequence of hours to be survived for me each day comes forth from the hand of God newly created and alive with opportunities to do his will. [00:08:16]

Doubt and somebody who's in the pastorate, and um so I resonate with that I think everybody has different kind of doubts. Nancy and I will talk sometimes about her doubts around God will be what if God is not good she has no doubt that God exists but what if he is not a good God. [00:14:09]

Learning and acknowledging that he has doubts was actually the beginning of his spiritual journey. I remember when Jane Willer Dallas's wife was leading a small group one time and one of the women came in one day and said I just realized I don't know if I believe there is a God. [00:15:39]

The journey to try to decide is God there and should I be committed to him is not just this abstract philosophy assignment and that um if he's not actually seeking to do what Jesus said he's in no position to decide if Jesus is real. [00:17:16]

I call not myself a Christian but I call everyone here who obeys the word of Jesus who restrains anger, who declines judgment, who practices generosity who loves his enemies, who prays for his slanderers to witness my vow that I too will henceforth try to obey him. [00:18:19]

I know that despair is wrong and we'll talk about this sometimes I mean despair uh not in the sense that we can avoid anguish of soul we will all experience anguish of soul and questions and darkmoonites and suffering and confusion so uh despair in that is the lot I think of pretty much everybody. [00:22:43]

Despair as the settled decision to live as though the universe is meaningless, and there is no justice and no difference between good and evil and I will not be morally accountable to anyone and uh will communicate no hope to anybody that despair I know is wrong not just unpleasant not just a difficult way to live it's wrong. [00:23:00]

There is no one worth committing a life to other than Jesus. Dallas used to say occasionally when people found out that he was a Christian and a philosopher they would ask you mean that you follow Jesus and his question back would always be whom else did you have in mind. [00:23:38]

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Transcript
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