Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? Mark 8:34-37
The other night, Rachel and I were watching TV and flipping through channels as we decompressed after a long day. While we were channel surfing, we came across a certain popular dating show. And in the two or three minutes that we watched this show, one of the individuals on the show said a phrase that has become a mantra of sorts in our broader culture:
“I just need to follow my heart.”
Recently, we’ve been exploring popular religious phrases and expressions that people often think are in the bible but that are nowhere to be found in scripture. And this upcoming Sunday, we’re finishing our series but looking at the expression, “follow your heart.”
Now honestly, most of you probably already knew that this idea of following your heart isn’t an idea that is explicitly taught in the bible. But that said, this idea or phrase is often treated as an assumed creed in Western civilization.
I mean, just consider how many movies, TV shows, and songs revolve around the idea of being true to our deepest desires and feelings?
And yet, notice with me that Jesus doesn’t call or command us to follow our hearts. Rather, Jesus says that we are to surrender our lives by following Him.
You see, a life well lived in the eyes of God isn’t about us being true to ourselves or our hearts. Instead, it’s about us being true to the one who has called us to “Follow me.”
Just some food for thought.
Peace,
Pastor Chris
Leadership Council Meetings
The next leadership council meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 8th, at 6:30 pm. Whether this meeting will be in person or on ZOOM has yet to be determined. Also, at that meeting, we will be commencing a study on the book “Mission Possible” to better learn about the One Board Model. More details on that will be forthcoming. Also, the minutes from December’s meeting have been formally approved. You may email Gretchen for a copy at flemingtonumc@yahoo.com.
Sharing Prayer Requests
If you have a prayer request, you can fill out a prayer card in the back of the sanctuary or email our Office Manager, Gretchen, at flemingtonumc@yahoo.com. We will be sure to add it to the list on the back of our bulletin. You can also email Gretchen to take off any prayer requests that are no longer relevant or needed.
New Worship Leaders for 2022
Our church is looking for new worship leaders who can be part of our 2022 rotation. If you are interested in helping lead worship (by sharing announcements, greeting the congregation, and reading scripture), please email our office at flemingtonumc@yahoo.com or personally connect with our Lay Leader Bruce LaPenta or Pastor Chris.
God Helps Us Handle What We’ve Been Given