During the retreat, I talked to several people about their work and lives. We closed the retreat with a worship and discussion time. One of the people shared part of her journey. She told us how she came into youth ministry. I don't think anyone comes to youth ministry without having a story of what led them there. And, hers was a beautiful one. During her story, she shared of a scripture and sermon that seemed to be the way God was calling her. John 21: 15- 19 is the story of Jesus asking Peter 3 times if he loved Jesus. Jesus then responded with "Feed my sheep". This scripture and subsequent sermon led her to use her amazing gifts to shepherd so many youth and now youth workers! I loved thinking about how our job is to shepherd others.
Random thoughts enter my head sometimes and I usually don't share them. But, I have to today. As I was listening to her talk about the service, I thought "wouldn't it be cool if that was what our sermon was based on tomorrow?" Yes, I said random, weird thoughts enter my head.
So, this morning, I went to church and realized I had forgotten to wear blue. It's Blue Sunday and we were talking about child abuse prevention and awareness. The scripture for this morning was not John. It was the 23rd Psalm. "The Lord is my Shepherd..." I thought to myself, "that was close- we're talking about shepherding". And, then the pastor started his sermon. We talked about how we need to care for the abused and hurting, that we are responsible for their spiritual growth. If the church doesn't help people grow spiritually, who will? We all got blue sticky notes to write down the name or names of those who need our prayers. And, during his sermon, he brought up the conversation with Jesus and Peter! We are all to be shepherds to those who need shepherding! This has to mean something. I don't just have weird random thoughts that happen the next day. As I sat there listening, the whole sermon seemed to be what I would have imagined the sermon to be like for the youthworker who shared at the retreat. And, it got me thinking about what God is telling me.
A few weeks ago, we had a glow walk for child abuse. Several people spoke during that event. One mentioned how many victims needed volunteers to help them have a voice. That hasn't left my mind, although I haven't talked about it at all. But, I feel God is leading me to volunteer for CASA. I've done some research and am going to look into it. Maybe this is something I can do to help feed God's hurting. We all have the opportunity to do something. Prayer, action, whatever your gift, there are abused children who need our help.
John 21:15-19
Jennifer
Random thoughts enter my head sometimes and I usually don't share them. But, I have to today. As I was listening to her talk about the service, I thought "wouldn't it be cool if that was what our sermon was based on tomorrow?" Yes, I said random, weird thoughts enter my head.
So, this morning, I went to church and realized I had forgotten to wear blue. It's Blue Sunday and we were talking about child abuse prevention and awareness. The scripture for this morning was not John. It was the 23rd Psalm. "The Lord is my Shepherd..." I thought to myself, "that was close- we're talking about shepherding". And, then the pastor started his sermon. We talked about how we need to care for the abused and hurting, that we are responsible for their spiritual growth. If the church doesn't help people grow spiritually, who will? We all got blue sticky notes to write down the name or names of those who need our prayers. And, during his sermon, he brought up the conversation with Jesus and Peter! We are all to be shepherds to those who need shepherding! This has to mean something. I don't just have weird random thoughts that happen the next day. As I sat there listening, the whole sermon seemed to be what I would have imagined the sermon to be like for the youthworker who shared at the retreat. And, it got me thinking about what God is telling me.
A few weeks ago, we had a glow walk for child abuse. Several people spoke during that event. One mentioned how many victims needed volunteers to help them have a voice. That hasn't left my mind, although I haven't talked about it at all. But, I feel God is leading me to volunteer for CASA. I've done some research and am going to look into it. Maybe this is something I can do to help feed God's hurting. We all have the opportunity to do something. Prayer, action, whatever your gift, there are abused children who need our help.
John 21:15-19
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Blessings,“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Jennifer
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