Wandering Heart: "Teach Me"

Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above

-Come Thou Font of Every Blessing

Would you say you have a teachable spirit?  Are you open to learning new things…maybe old things in new ways?

Years ago, I was taught that we are lifelong learners.  We continue to learn every day that we draw breath.  I recently read an article that states, “a lifelong learner is a person who continues to learn new skills and competencies long after they have completed their formal education. It involves nurturing a curious mind about the world and a willingness to pursue knowledge about whatever areas or subjects that interest you.”  Would this describe you?

I would describe myself as a curious person.  I love to learn new things, explore new places, take things apart and study how they work.  I love the discovery process!  I am curious about peoples’ thoughts on subjects I am familiar with as well as new ideas… perhaps that is why I have so many books that I have yet to read! 

As a lifelong learner we have to maintain an open mind or a teachable spirit…there is always some nugget to be gleaned. I see that in Peter’s life.  He was a great question asker!  Asking Jesus to explain further a parable he just shared or a lesson he taught to the crowd.  He wasn’t afraid or even hesitant to ask any question…even when he thought he knew the answer!

Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above.

Friends, may we strive to have a teachable spirit, to be open to learning new things or seeing old things in new ways.  May we continue to be curious, to ask questions even if we think we know the answer.  Peter did that as he sat at the feet of the Master.  May we never stop saying, “Teach Me!” and may we never stop learning. 

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.

-Come Thou Font of Every Blessing

Wandering Heart: "I’m Fixed Upon It"

Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love

-Come Thou Font of Every Blessing

This week on our journey with Peter we get a glimpse at another pivotal moment.  Peter has just declared that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God—a mountaintop experience of unwavering faith. Yet, he immediately faces a reality that challenges his understanding of Jesus and faith itself. (Matthew 16:21-28) 

Have you ever been so focused on something that when plans change you are left lost and confused, uncertain how to proceed?  That was Peter…his proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, his belief in who Jesus was and what he would accomplish did not include Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection. Peter was so focused on the idea of a Messiah he lost sight of Jesus’ plan.  And like a good friend he pulls Jesus aside to “talk some sense into him!”  This leads to a rebuke from Jesus: “Get behind me, Satan!” It’s a sharp reminder that sometimes our well-intentioned desires to protect and preserve can become stumbling blocks to fulfilling our calling.

What are the things you are “Fixed Upon?”  How do your plans align with those God has for you?  Are you and your plans flexible? 

 Praise the Mount, I’m fixed upon it.  Mount of thy redeeming love.

Friends may we seek the things God has in store for us, to not be so fixed on our own ideas or agendas that we lose sight of God’s plans.  Peter thought he was doing the right thing, taking Jesus aside and encouraging him to go in a different direction.  The problem was Peter couldn’t see the bigger picture, he didn’t know all that Jesus knew.  May we open our eyes and hearts to see God in our midst and follow His lead.

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.

-Come Thou Font of Every Blessing

Wandering Heart: "Praise the Mount"

Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love

-Come Thou Font of Every Blessing

This week on our journey with Peter we are at a turning point in Peter’s faith.  When Jesus asks his disciples, “who do you say that I am?”  Peter boldly declares without hesitation, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-20) 

Some scholars have said this is a mountain top moment for Peter.  He has witnessed miracles, heard Jesus’ teaching, he has even taken a literal leap of faith as he stepped out of the boat and walked on water.  This encounter is Peter’s moment to shine as he proclaims, “Jesus is the Messiah!”

It makes me think about those “mountain-top” moments in my own life.  Memories of church summer camp in High School where Jesus was presented in such a way that sparked my faith anew, where my faith was on fire, and I wanted everyone to know!  A women’s retreat as a young adult where the speaker spoke directly to my heart.  A pastor’s conference where friends met me in my hurt and became the healing hands of Jesus in that moment.  Have you ever had one of those moments?  A time when you were so sure that “Jesus is Lord of your life” that you weren’t too ashamed or shy to share it.

Here is the hard truth…we don’t always stay in that moment.  Peter didn’t…he continued to do and say things that contradict his declaration.  Our mountain-top experiences, the joy and elation we feel in those moments fade or life comes along and knocks us down a peg and we question.

Praise the Mount, I’m fixed upon it.  Mount of thy redeeming love.

Friends may those mountain-top moments, those exclamations of “Jesus is Lord!” continue to ring true.  May we feel God’s love all around us and boldly sing his praise.

How much are you like Peter?  How often do you sing his praises? How has Jesus changed your life?  I hope you join us these next few weeks of Lent as we figure out faith like Peter. 

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.

-Come Thou Font of Every Blessing

Wandering Heart: "Rescue me from danger"

He to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood

-Come Thou Font of Every Blessing

This week on our journey with Peter we are once again at the Sea of Galilee, this time out on the water (Matthew 14:22-33).  This is one of those familiar stories that as I read I like to put myself somewhere in the story, whether as Peter or one of the other disciples in the boat.  I often think how I would respond.  Would I have been impulsive like Peter and jumped in the water only to become filled with doubt and sink?  Or would I be like one of the other disciples and look on in fear and trembling? The truth is it really depends on the day!  Sometimes I am bold and brave, ready to jump, while at other times I am timid and fearful of even getting my feet wet.

Peter is both!  One moment he is brave and the next he lets his fear and doubt overwhelm him.  It is when he loses focus that he begins to sink, panic sets in, and doubt overwhelms. I think we have all been there at one time or another, right?  One minute confident and the next insecure, fearless then fainthearted, walking on water then sinking like a rock.

Sometimes, the danger is of our own making. Sometimes we sink simply because we had the courage to show up. Other times, we sink because we lose sight of what’s crashing around us. Often we grapple with what has made us sink without realizing that Jesus focuses on how much he loves us. Jesus extends a rescuing hand—and his love is greater than whatever causes us to sink.

He to rescue me from danger…no matter the situation we find ourselves in we are not alone in it.  Here is the thing we need to remember…Jesus extends a rescuing hand – and his love is greater than whatever causes us to sink.  Jesus speaks words of comfort…”do not be afraid!” 

How much are you like Peter?  How has Jesus rescued you?  I hope you join us these next few weeks of Lent as we figure out faith like Peter.  Jesus rescued him, and Jesus always saves us.

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.

-Come Thou Font of Every Blessing