Good Morning - Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Good Morning! 

 

The new unit for this week is  Unit 20, The Way to Heaven   

 

Focus Scriptures for the Week:  

 

Hebrews 11:16   

 

They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

 

John 12:26

 

Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also.  Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

 

Today's Scriptures:  John 14:1-7   

 

Today's Discussion:   

 

-- in today's scripture, Jesus is talking to his disciples about heaven, and gives them the assurance that (1) he is the only way to heaven and (2) that if they believe in him, he will prepare a place in heaven for them, will come back for them, and be with them in heaven.

 

--  Jesus also lets them know that there is plenty of room in heaven for all, (my Father's house has many rooms) which indirectly speaks to the idea that God has prepared a plan of salvation for all.

 

-- Wesley's writings for this week so far have a wide range, but generally all touch on the idea of ways that we should respond to our salvation and grow in our faith.  He talks of the Lord's Supper, of spending time alone with scripture, with talking with other believers about questions of faith, and about giving to the poor.

 

-- there are two very poetic and meaningful passages in what I have read so far this week of Wesley --

 

(1) I am a creature of the air, passing through life as an arrow through the air.

 

A very poetic way of expressing the shortness and temporal nature of our lives here on earth.

 

(2)  You will have no reward in heaven for what you lay up; you will, for what you lay out.

 

A nice, memorable turn of phrase in support of giving to others, particularly the poor.

 

Question for Sunday:   

 

-- when reading the line from Wesley about being a "creature of the air", what is your take/feeling about that thought?

 

Today's prayer request:    Our bosses

 

We need to remember our supervisors and manager and others in authority at our places of work.  We need to pray for them to have wisdom, understanding and ethics as they coordinate the work of those they are responsible for.

 

Today's class member prayer: 

 

Christie Peebles

 

Have a great day.

 

Jay