Lake Deaton at Home

I know that you will find this hard to believe, but sometimes pastors get attacked by their parishioners! Here’s the even harder thing to believe, sometimes we deserve it!! As a human I have to be real with myself and realize that I sometimes do things wrong, hopefully not with intention, but whatever it is that I am doing still ends up being the wrong decision. 

I have learned over close to 30 years of ministry to examine myself whenever I am getting accused or attacked for something I’ve done. If it is because of my own wrong decisions I try to make amends, but if it is because I am being faithful to the will of God, in love, I try to stay on course!

Today’s passage is Jesus’ response to being attacked by the religious insiders of his day. Jesus has just healed a man on the Sabbath day and the church people go after him. The difference between Jesus and me, is that Jesus doesn’t do it wrong. He is living into a new system and His system often brings about conflict with the established church. As you read Jesus’ response to the attacks being leveled at him, think through the power of his words, then watch the video and take time to think through the questions to consider. 

Read: John 5:19-47

Questions to Consider:

1. What does Jesus say about his relationship with the Father? 
2. How do we bring honor to the Father as Christians today? 
3. How do we find life in Christ today?

So What Activity: As you go through your day, look out for opportunities to bless someone else that crosses your path. As God to give you a way to bless someone, if you are unable to think of a way yourself, and then send me an email to share what you have done at jdivine@lakedeatonumc.com.  

Blessings,