I don't know about you but I can ask a lot of questions! I have been known to ask "too many" questions and/or been careful who I asked questions of. I try to stay with people who are "used" to my crazy questions but that isn't always possible! I was even asking questions, for the last two weeks, as I was on vacation. Some of the questions were to the various people on the cruise -- the ones who could explain what was happening on the cruise or the excursion, some were to the friends (and family) with me, some were to people 'back home' - checking on things and getting blogs posted on the website, and some were to God as I was trying to listen to/for what God was telling me. Then I was blessed, as soon as the plane touched down, to attend a seminar combining science and faith - which also asked questions! Are you asking questions?
This morning's Gospel reading is in John 3. Nicodemus is asking Jesus questions. He comes to Jesus after dark, by himself, to talk and ask questions. Jesus is helping him, Nicodemus (and us!!), to understand about being 'born again' in the Spirit. My first question, for you, is are we (you) listening? Are we paying attention to Jesus saying we "must be born again"? Do we remember our baptism when we agreed, like I commented on a few weeks ago, to support the church with our 'prayers, presence, and gifts'? The baptism in 'water' AND the Spirit is what happened with baptism -- just like Jesus was/is speaking of.
Jesus points out "you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit" (John 3:8 NLT) but he also tells Nicodemus they are speaking of what they have seen and experienced. We should also be sharing what, when and how we have seen God - like in the awesome view of whales! (We saw at least 12 on the whale watching excursion!!) We need to be sharing how we have been listening for, and heard, God speaking to us -- through God's Word, in prayer and doing what God is asking us to do. All of which can lead to more questions as we listen and try to follow!
So..... My question(s), for you, this week are: ARE you listening for God? Have you taken the "time" to be with God? Are YOU asking questions? Can you share where you have seen, felt and followed God? Can you come together, with others, in praise and worship?
This morning's Gospel reading is in John 3. Nicodemus is asking Jesus questions. He comes to Jesus after dark, by himself, to talk and ask questions. Jesus is helping him, Nicodemus (and us!!), to understand about being 'born again' in the Spirit. My first question, for you, is are we (you) listening? Are we paying attention to Jesus saying we "must be born again"? Do we remember our baptism when we agreed, like I commented on a few weeks ago, to support the church with our 'prayers, presence, and gifts'? The baptism in 'water' AND the Spirit is what happened with baptism -- just like Jesus was/is speaking of.
Jesus points out "you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit" (John 3:8 NLT) but he also tells Nicodemus they are speaking of what they have seen and experienced. We should also be sharing what, when and how we have seen God - like in the awesome view of whales! (We saw at least 12 on the whale watching excursion!!) We need to be sharing how we have been listening for, and heard, God speaking to us -- through God's Word, in prayer and doing what God is asking us to do. All of which can lead to more questions as we listen and try to follow!
So..... My question(s), for you, this week are: ARE you listening for God? Have you taken the "time" to be with God? Are YOU asking questions? Can you share where you have seen, felt and followed God? Can you come together, with others, in praise and worship?