Our spiritual well-being often takes a backseat in a world marked by constant change and relentless distractions. However, embracing Christian spirituality invites us beyond religious rituals and delves into a rich and vibrant relationship with God.
As reminded through the prophet Jeremiah, God calls us into a relationship, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).
At its core, Christian spirituality is about cultivating a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Christian spirituality acknowledges that God's Spirit is alive and active in our lives, guiding and transforming us.
Our spirituality goes hand in hand with serving others. Our faith comes alive when we extend love, compassion, and practical assistance to those in need. By serving others, we reflect the character of Christ and participate in God's redemptive work in the world.
If practicing spirituality doesn't lead us to be more loving towards one another, then we are doing it wrong.
The Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are evidence of our growing spiritual maturity and alignment with God's purposes.
How are you doing spiritually?
Jamey
Let's Talk About Spirituality - Part Two
Jeremiah 29:13. Romans 12:2. Galatians 5: 22 - 23
(Together, What If is a conversation between Michelle Alexander, Ginnie Highsmith, and Jamey Prickett from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia)
Click Here to subscribe to our Youtube channel.
Weekly Prayer
Gracious God,
Our ultimate desire is to become more like Your Son, Jesus Christ. And yet, we acknowledge that we fall short of His perfect example and need Your transforming power to work within us. We ask for Your guidance and strength to mold us into the image of Christ. Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
Lance isn’t a common name these days. But in medieval times, people were named Lance a lot.
What do you call a shark that likes to build things? A hammerhead shark!
Wisdom Nugget: When you find something you enjoy, do it slowly.
A Question to Consider (conversation starters): What's the phone app you use most?
Photo Taken By Me
Articles worth reading, videos worth watching, and/or podcasts worth listening to
Youtube Video: Seven Keys to Good Storytelling | Josh Campbell | TEDxMemphis
Podcast: Presidential (The Washington Post's Presidential podcast explores how each former American president reached office, made decisions, handled crises, and redefined the role of commander-in-chief.)
Megachurches are getting even bigger as churches close across the country
Robot ‘Church Fathers’ Might Curate New Canons
This New Georgia Glampsite Delivers the Glam
Book I Have Recently Read
Leadership Thoughts
If you spend time chasing butterflies, they will fly away. But if you spend your time cultivating a garden, they will come to you.
By exercising patience, building a strong foundation, fostering continuous improvement, and embracing a long-term vision, you can lead a life that naturally attracts success.
What’s Cookin’?
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
A lot can come of a few extra meals. For our foster families, having a prepared meal delivered means less stress and more focus on a child in need.
On Thursday, July 27, the Foster Care Ministry at Gainesville First is hosting a Back-to-School Bash for Hall County foster families. Along with providing back-to-school supplies, we would like to offer frozen casseroles for families in the area.
What if you got your children and grandchildren, borrowed neighbor children, and put together casseroles while explaining who they are for and offering a prayer for foster children in our community?
Get family and friends together and host a casserole-making party!
Here is what we are asking:
1. Bring a ready-made casserole to be put in the church freezer
2. Pray for foster children and families in our community.
Email Misty Leach at mleach@gfumc.com to let her know you are doing a casserole and if you have any questions.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Friday, July 28 / 7-9:30pm / Church Courtyard
Journey through the wardrobe to the magical land of Narnia at the church-wide Chronicles of Narnia Movie Night on Friday, July 28th. Doors open at 6:30pm. Movie starts at 7pm. Bring something to sit on and something to munch on. Dessert from Midland Ice Cream Social will be provided. Please park in the MAC parking lot. RSVP encouraged but not required!
Things to Do in North Georgia
Kids Movies for $2 - Regal Summer Movie Express
Join all summer, every Tuesday and Wednesday, Regal Summer Movie Express. During the first show of the day, enjoy $2 tickets for family movies.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is painful. - Flannery O’Connor
Beginning on July 16th, I am doing a message series at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, where we will be exploring how the writings of Wendell Berry, C.S. Lewis, and Flannery O’Connor intersect with scripture. The stories they write introduce us to worlds influenced by the gospel. In the sharing of their stories, we discover how our own imagination is shaped by the gospel.
Thanks for linking the interesting article about AI: Robot ‘Church Fathers’ Might Curate New Canons.
I suggest you also check this groundbreaking new AI tool for Bible study https://www.findscripture.com. It is the new frontier in usage of technology for the purpose of helping people comprehend the scriptures.
Key features are:
Ask about biblical topics, ethical dilemmas, or historical contexts, and receive AI-powered answers with direct Bible verse references. See an example here: https://www.findscripture.com/question/what-does-the-bible-say-about-abortion
Enables users to discover similar verses across the Bible, functioning as an Artificial Intelligence Concordance. For instance: https://www.findscripture.com/find-verses-like-john-3:16
AI-driven search understands the intent behind queries, allowing users to find relevant verses without needing the exact words. For example: https://www.findscripture.com/find-verses-about-jesus-miracles-in-capernaum