Today, we take most of our pictures on our phones. And we see the image instantly. Very few of us, if any, develop the pictures ourselves. However, if you did, you would discover the time-consuming and delicate process required to achieve the desired outcome - a perfectly developed picture.

The photographer takes his time when developing a picture. In the same way, it takes time for God to continue His work in developing one into the image of His Son.

Who are you during this time. Do you have the same patience.

“Listen To Me”

Have you ever said, “listen to me” to someone? Have you ever had someone say to you, “Listen to me!” I’m sure as children we all heard this from our parents. And now as parents and grandparents we say to our children, “You better listen to what I am telling you.”

Jimbo Fisher is the head coach for the Florida State Seminoles. Deondre Francois is their new freshman quarterback. The Seminoles played against Ole Miss on Monday night. The announcers shared that Coach Fisher said he had to constantly remind his young quarterback to, “listen to what I am saying.” The Seminoles quarterback passed for 419 yards in Florida State's 45-34 comeback victory over Ole Miss. Apparently Deondre listened to what Coach Fisher was saying.

God wants us to listen to what he is saying:

Deuteronomy 4:1(NKJV) “Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers is giving you.

Psalm 81:12-14 (NKJV) 12 So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, To walk in their own counsels. 13 “Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways!

Proverbs 13:1

A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

John 8:43

Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.

“We have become a nation of emotional listeners. We have little patience with clear announcements of fact or historical observations.” (Article by Dr. Mark Rutland)

“If You Plant Okra Seeds – You will Get Okra”

As you read the Scripture below --- read it slowly. Read it a second time and when you come across the word, “WORD” and as you come across the personal pronouns “He”, and “His” substitute the name “Jesus” in their place. (Example – “In the beginning was “Jesus”.

John 1:1-5; 10-14 (NKJV) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

The Holy Spirit tells us here in the Gospel of John, that Jesus is the creative Word of God, that he is actually responsible for all that we see around us. The Word who becomes flesh --- and lives amongst us --- comes from before the beginning.

I’m looking forward to seeing you at church this week. Reminder – We will be sharing together in Holy Communion. “The Word became flesh” – The Body and Blood of Christ given for you.

"It's Time to Plant Turnip-Greens"

FYI - The parables of Jesus were stories drawn from nature or from familiar everyday happenings. Jesus used them to teach spiritual truth about Himself, about you and me, and about the Kingdom of God. The parable above in Luke 8 is often called, "The Parable of the Sower". God chose to put this parable in three books of the Bible. (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15). In all three Gospel books, Jesus tells us the parable and then He explains the understanding of the parable.

Jesus clearly tells us, "The seed is the word of God." - What does that tell you about the Bible? Can you and I take the "SEED" and plant it? Jesus also describes four types of soil or dirt and makes a comparison with the human heart. You and I know enough about agriculture to understand that "dirt matters" when it comes to planting seeds.

In the sermon this week we will look together at the planting of the seed of Holy Scripture in the human heart. The Holy Spirit gave us the Scriptures by revelation and both history and personal experience attest to Their life-giving power.

Do you know how, when and where to plant turnip-greens? It is time to plant them!

“LET GO AND LET GOD”

My Grandmother Powell (“Granny is what we called her”) was usually very quiet until she needed to get on to Granddaddy. (LOL) Granny collected all kinds of magnets that she put on their refrigerator. All of her grandkids (7 altogether) would play with the magnets and move them around and line them up in various positions and styles. She had some magnets that were flat. They may include a picture and/or had a short message on them. One in particular that I still remember to this day, had the message; “LET GO AND LET GOD”.

The Scriptures above are only a few that remind us to “Let go and Let God.” Story after story within the Bible are about real people just like you and I who may be wounded, broken, stubborn, sinful, and stand in need of help, forgiveness, mercy, surrender and deliverance. We will share in Holy Communion this week. Communion is a good time to “Let Go and Let God”. We will share a very powerful video during the sermon time. We will also offer a unique way for any and all of us to bring something to the altar and “Let Go”.

“Lesson from a Cave”

This week our VBS theme is – (“CAVE QUEST – Following Jesus the Light of the World”.) As we follow and walk in the light of Jesus, He gives us; HOPE, COURGAE, DIRECTION, LOVE and POWER. These are the lessons that the children have been learning. (Our VBS leaders, teachers and helpers have been spot on!) I have played the part of “Clark Cavern” in the VBS skit (Yes! My last name is CAVERN.) As I read the script and looked over the lessons, I have been reminded and convicted that these lessons are for all of us “big kids” as well. We find ourselves spiritual wondering around in a cave and must continually follow the LIGHT.

This story about the great prophet Elijah is about his need for - HOPE, COURGAE, DIRECTION, LOVE and POWER. The wind, and earthquake, and fire, did not make him cover his face, but the still voice did. (Mathew Henry said “Gracious souls are more affected by the tender mercies of the Lord than by his terrors.) Are you in a cave?

Go to the entrance where the LIGHT is and listen.

First United Methodist Church of Gadsden welcomes you. Join us on Sunday morning live with Pastor Sam Hayes at 11:20 am for Sundays sermon. Sermons will also be available on our website or through your sermon.net app

First United Methodist Church of Gadsden welcomes you. Join us on Sunday morning live with Pastor Sam Hayes at 11:20 am for Sundays sermon. Sermons will also be available on our website or through your sermon.net app

First United Methodist Church of Gadsden welcomes you. Join us on Sunday morning live with Pastor Sam Hayes at 11:20 am for Sundays sermon. Sermons will also be available on our website or through your sermon.net app

First United Methodist Church of Gadsden welcomes you. Join us on Sunday morning live with Pastor Sam Hayes at 11:20 am for Sundays sermon. Sermons will also be available on our website or through your sermon.net app