Weekly Roundup: Sunday, March 8, 2025
In the wilderness, while using scripture, the devil presents wants as needs, falsehoods as truths, and distrust as faith. He tried to turn Jesus' mission into a storyline of self-serving religious identity.
But Jesus shows us a different way. He rejects the devil’s shortcuts. He refuses to let fear dictate his mission. He does not use his power for self-preservation but for service. He does not seek to dominate but to love.
Our challenge today is clear: Can we remain faithful even when the world tries to pull us into fear? Can we refuse to let external pressures define our faith?
As we enter this season of Lent, we are invited to follow Jesus into the wilderness—to examine our hearts, recognize the temptations that pull us away from God, and reaffirm our identity as God’s beloved children.
Pastor Jamey
(Click Here to Watch the Worship Service from Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekend Prayer
Heavenly Father, As we follow Jesus into the wilderness, strengthen our hearts to resist the temptations that seek to distort our faith. Please help us to see through the lies that disguise wants as needs and fear as wisdom. May we, like Christ, reject the shortcuts that compromise our calling and instead walk the path of love, service, and trust in You. Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: External pressures don’t define our faith—God does. As we journey through Lent, let’s examine our hearts, reject fear, and walk boldly in Christ’s love
A Question to Consider: How can I recognize and reject falsehoods that disguise themselves as truth in my faith journey?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes (In honor of time change)
I tried to make a belt out of old clocks...But it was a waist of time!
Why did the clock get promoted? Because it always worked overtime during daylight saving time!
Leadership Reflection:
Leadership can feel like a wilderness sometimes—full of uncertainty, pressure, and tough choices. Just like the devil twisted Scripture to tempt Jesus, we face voices that try to distort our purpose. The world tells us to chase influence, protect our image, or take shortcuts to success. But Jesus shows us a different way.
He didn’t let fear drive His decisions. He didn’t use His power for self-preservation. He refused to take the easy way out. Instead, He stayed faithful to God’s mission, choosing love over control, trust over shortcuts, and service over status.
As leaders, we have to ask ourselves: Are we letting fear shape our leadership? Are we more focused on protecting our position than serving others? Are we staying true to what God has called us to do, even when it’s hard?
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am reading this week
A Full-Hearted Life by Jake Owensby
Summary: A Full-Hearted Life by Jake Owensby is about living with deep meaning, purpose, and faith in today’s fast-paced, often chaotic world. A bishop and author, Owensby explores how to follow Jesus wholeheartedly—especially when life gets messy. He encourages readers to embrace faith in a way that connects deeply with everyday life, helping us find God even in ordinary moments. It’s a book about navigating challenges with grace, living authentically, and seeing the world through the lens of love and purpose.
Podcast Worth Listening to:
Summary: Behavioral scientist Alison Wood Brooks explains why conversations are much more complex than most of us realize — and how to engage in a more meaningful back-and-forth with another person.
Articles that caught my eye
New study reveals unifying theme behind homelessness — and it's not drug use
The Moral Cost of Murdering Ukraine
Watching Trump Repeat Putin’s Lie Fills Ukrainian Pastor with Fear
African theologians look to Nicene Creed's anniversary year to reshape spiritual future
Southern Baptist Convention leaders address lack of funds for legal bills
The real Gen Z religion story is about women
Inside the Fight to Save the World’s Most Endangered Wolf
Mom uses Disney trip to explain why it's harder to parent now than in the '90s (If you watch the video, it has some harsh language)
Found Interesting on Social Media
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia
March 20 / 10am - 2:30pm / S-49
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, this workshop will provide resources from the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving to help understand the disease, manage behaviors and handle stress. This event is free and includes lunch, but spaces are limited. Contact Mildred Smith at msmith@gfumc.com or click below to register for this event.
*Please note that registration for this workshop is now full. By submitting this form, you are signing up for the waitlist. We will notify you if a spot becomes available. If there is enough interest, we will explore possibly scheduling an additional workshop.
March 20 / 12pm / Front Parking Lot
You're invited to join us on Thursday, March 20, as we serve lunch to our first responders!
We need volunteers to help pack meals, manage traffic, and distribute food. Additionally, we’re asking our church family to donate desserts to include in the to-go lunches.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
“The temptation of the age is to look good without being good.” – Brennan Manning
When the world tries to shake you, may you rise—steadfast in love, unwavering in truth, and secure in the identity of Christ alone.
