“No matter how good life is, most Christians thirst for something more. Although we are people of faith, many of us aren’t satisfied. We long for lives that are more fulfilling, more rich, more meaningful, and more joyful.”
The above quote comes from the jacket of the book, Treasures of the Transformed Life. Would you say it accurately describe you? Would you agree that, indeed, you’re not quite fully satisfied, that you wish/hope/want more…whatever that more is?
If so, it’d be easy to dismiss that desire as something rooted in our culture. After all, being bombarded with advertisements on TV, radio, magazines, newspaper, and internet seems to make us want things that we surely do not need. We live in “give-me” culture that is always grabbing for more. We stroll through shopping malls to see what catches our eye not to pick up that item we need. We flip through catalogues dreaming of new appliances, electronics, and sitting back with the latest and greatest. So what does it mean to “thirst for something more”?
Or, perhaps you’re thinking, “Thirsty?! Me?! I’m not thirsty. I feel fine just the way I am.”
Whatever the case may be “Treasures of the Transformed Life helps us identify our individual thirsts and show us how to experience more than we could ask for or imagine.”
That’s a pretty big promise, isn’t it? Figuring out what we are thirsting for – especially when we aren’t even aware of our own thirst - would certainly go a long way in quenching the thirst.
“A great adventure unfolds when we discover the freedom, promise and rewards that come with committing ourselves to a closer relationship with God through the treasures of prayer, presence, gifts, and service. Refreshing, deep, and powerful, Treasures of the Transformed Life encourages us to dive into all God has for us to live lives that are truly satisfying.”
Are you up for the adventure? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to discover and experience that freedom, promise and reward?
Today, we begin a new congregational study. We will be using the book, Treasures of the Transformed Life in several ways:
1. Daily devotions – The book is divided into 6 sections with 7 chapters in each section. You are invited to read a chapter a day during your devotional time. Each chapter is no more than 4 pages and can be easily read in 15-20 minutes. You are also encouraged to meditate and reflect on the questions dotted throughout. Doing so will ensure that you get more out of this time.
2. Study – A new Sunday School class begins today that will dive into this book more deeply. We give thanks to Charlie’s leadership and Al’s support in facilitating the class. Participating in the weekly class will enable you to get a preview for the week, start chewing on questions and engaging with others.
3. Worship – Alongside our weekly focus scripture text, we’ll be lifting up the themes from the book in worship. We pray that this will enable us to open our hearts and ears to experience God’s invitation, care and direction for each of us.
4. Reflection & Practice – Small groups will open a space for participants to share insights, convictions and commitments that arise as we engage with the book. Small groups will also be a place to encourage and support one another while moving towards practice and accountability.
I encourage you to get on board, participate, try it on, and see what blessings God has in store for you. May the one who promised living water bless you and bless us as we begin this new season.
Peace & Grace, Emily