Pathways Church Blog

Last week’s text was so packed with ideas that Dean was only able to explore half of it in the weekend gathering, so we will pick up the rest this week. Even in our discussion on the blog, it looks like most of us were able to only wrestle with the first half, so I’m going to leave Dean’s questions about this section from last week in place, along with one or two others…

Take some time to read overMatthew 7:7-12, which deals with our interaction with God and His response to us. It is commonly used to support the fact that God will give us whatever we ask for in prayer. Do you feel that this is what is being said? At what point is God “compelled” to give you what you ask? Is there a way to earn this place in God’s Kingdom? If this is not what is being taught by Jesus, what is? Why does it seem that so many prayers go unanswered? Is it me? Is it God?

With all that in mind how does Matthew 7:12, the Golden Rule, fit in with all of this?

As we have been reading through the Sermon on the Mount, the recurring theme that Jesus addresses with His followers is His priority being placed on our interaction with God and with our “neighbor”. He has called us to a life of admitting our own spiritual brokenness and reliance upon our Creator for solution to that problem. The text in Matthew 7:1-6 follows that same thread. At the same time, is there a place for judgment in the way of Jesus? What is the difference between passive indifference and passionately calling people to follow Jesus? Our society uses “tolerance” as a buzz-word that creates a stir. This teaching seems to speak to tolerance, while at the same time allowing for calling people to something beyond ourselves.

This text is immediately followed with Matthew 7:7-12, which deals with our interaction with God and His response to us. It is commonly used to support the fact that God will give us whatever we ask for in prayer. Do you feel that this is what is being said? At what point is God “compelled” to give you what you ask? Is there a way to earn this place in God’s Kingdom? If this is not what is being taught by Jesus, what is? Why does it seem that so many prayers go unanswered? Is it me? Is it God?

My prayer is that this week God will teach each of us about our interaction with Him and with those around us.

Saw this and since we talked about it last week, thought it would be relevant.

Matthew 6:33 (CACV) – “Seek ye first what you are going to eat, what you are going to wear, which house you are going to buy, which car you are going to drive, which job you are going to take, who you are going to marry – and then, if any time is left, and if it’s not too uncomfortable, please do something for the kingdom of God.”

* CACV – “Comfortable American Christian Version”

You are invited … to our first (annual?) home group progressive dinner. It’s being planned jointly by the Hartquist home group and the Aplin home group for Saturday July 22. It will begin at 5 PM at Karl & Lisa’s home at 9603 NE 203rd St in Bothell for appetizers. From there, we will “progress” to Al and Barb Kelly’s for salad, then travel north to Chuck and Jan’s for the main course, finishing up at Jeremy and Bre Andrist’s for dessert.

Here’s how you can help:
1. Please RSVP by July 19 to Jan Aplin at chujan123@verizon.net so that we will have some idea of how many to expect.
2. Please bring an appetizer or salad or side dish or dessert. (The main course will be bar-b-q brisket and chicken). If you agree to do this, how about bringing some copies of that favorite recipe to share with the rest of us?
3. Consider carpooling with someone else from the group to make parking easier (and have more fun)
4. Think of a friend you could invite to join us – a great way to introduce others to Pathways!

This week we are diving into Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:25-34. I want to encourage you to read it and begin asking God what He wants to teach you through this Scripture as we approach our time together.

Here are some questions/thoughts that fly through my cereberal cortex as I read through this teaching:

- Does anyone else have a tough time relating to being compared to birds, flowers and grass and their lack of worry? (Dean raises hand – “Guilty”)

- If my priorities were truly God’s priorities this would not be a problem. I guess that tell you about my priorities. They revolve around “self” much more than I like to admit.

- Is there balance to what Jesus is saying here? Where do I find it?

- It seems that provision is related in direct proportion to seeking the Kingdom. If that is true, why are so many ungodly people so well provided for and so many great people who have pursued God’s heart died in destitution?

Welcome to the world inside my head as I talk out loud on this blog. Join in the fun and let your inner-brain speak as well.

Jennifer Varney – As I still look for a new job that God provides and that my heart is open to seek his will.

Gary McDaniel – My sister is in very bad shape, other than her boyfriend beating on her all the time she is also addicted to Crack, but as of yesterday, she admitted herself into a drug rehab facility in Prescott,Az to try and get well. Sivi and I have been working very hard on trying to get her into a facility and “Praise God” she is on her way to recovery. This has been very difficult on Sivi and I not only mentally and physically but financially as well but we have faith that God is working and that he will come through for my sister. My sisters name is Brenda McDaniel, please pray for her with heart and soul. I have on many occasion tried to show her who Christ is, but the drugs have always been in the way. So, prayer for her to turn the other direction is critical right now, whatever you can do in that area would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to everyone who bid in the silent auction at the Mill Creek Town Festival. We are contacting the winning bidders today.

A total of $2942 was bid! We will be evenly splitting these funds between WaterAid and HopeLink once all bids are paid. We are grateful to all who partnered with us as we contribute to these worthy causes. If you weren’t a high bidder, you too can contribute to either of these causes through their websites.

We have a set of pictures available here, and we will be adding to it as we receive more. Enjoy!

Marc and Tonya Olds are hosting a potluck dinner on Wednesday July 12th, 2006 at 6:30pm. Bring a dish to share and come enjoy each others company. There will be games to play for adults and kids (ie: sport court and rings toss). Hopefully our summer weather will be back by next week. Please R.S.V.P. by replying to this email or calling 360-568-7636.
Everyone is invited. I hope to see you all there.

Go North on Highway 9
Take a right on Bickford Ave.
Take an immediate left onto Lake Ave.
Follow to 22nd Ave and take a right.
Follow 22nd Ave to Northlake and take a right
Take a right on 21st Pl. and we are at the end of the cul-de-sac; Blue house with white trim

Hope to see you all there!

The address is: 909 21st Pl. Snohomish, WA 98290