Genesis

1 - I probably wouldn't bring my umbrella. I'm hoping that it isn't for lack of faith. I have faith that God will answer all my prayers (persistent or otherwise), but in His own time, in His own way, and according to His purposes. While my desire may be for rain, right now, so that my crops will prosper, I have faith that God will satisfy all my needs and give me the desires of my heart, because He has promised that He will, even if He doesn't choose to provide the requested rain (now or ever). (Comment this)

2 - I can understand why the preacher might have wanted to shock his congregation and use it as the example of "faith" but for all practical purposes it even more illustrates man's assumption that every time we pray that God will provide an immediate response and while that can be a great hope - it's not always His timing.

I really needed an umbrella this a.m. running from the parking garage to my building at work and on the way up to the 12th floor in the elevator I thought about this story. Interesting how things stick with you. (Comment this)

3 - I think this was mentioned at the 5:00 p.m. service in a more expanded way but when you mentioned the leadership lid you mentioned family leadership- and it got me to thinking about children who grow up and learn or grow their faith from others who aren't their parents because for some reason or another their parent had reached their lid. When I think about what has nurtured my faith in God it's been more about individual relationship and community example.

God planted the seed, my parents nurtured it and then I can thankfully name several people whose example of extraordinary faith in God made me wonder what that greater feeling would be in my own life. I'm not 100% there, I know this and I have to wonder if it's just me making things difficult for not just taking the leap of faith and going 100% all-in and I guess maybe I wonder too what being 100% all-in looks like?

Practice what you preach, preach what you practice - how does that translate into action? Is it just confidence - "on Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand"? (Comment this)

4 - Thanks, Pastor Ben, for once again having us examine our lives and try to figure out where we are. The examination of my life with hard questions - and sometimes not so pretty answers - is what leads me to really look deeply at my life and how I am living it. And in the end, only spriritual growth happens.

But would I bring my umbrella? No, I wouldn't. And it wouldn't be for lack of faith. It would probably be for lack of planning.

But couldn't we also take the faith step a little further? Do we have to bring an ubmrella or could we just have faith that the Lord will provide one for us?

Okay, forget that last one. That is turning into the type of faith that actually leads nowhere. That's like a person walking across a highway and not planning for traffic because they are going to trust the Lord to protect them. And if it is the Lord's will, he will deliver them safely to the other side.

I find it really hard when the child passes their parents' "lid." The child almost becomes like a teacher or mentor - and that is NOT something some parents can easily adjust to. (Comment this)

5 - Kim, Kim - I agree it is a sort of double edged sword when kids pass their parents lid. However what I was thinking about was how great it is that the children continue to find mentors that encourage this growth in other people besides their parent if they do reach their "lid". I imagine it is difficult for parents to understand why the child continues to pursue growing outside of the bounds the parent sets for them?

Mostly I was contemplating this because a person never can tell when they might be the "example" that reflects God's love towards others. (Comment this)

6 - Too bad you can't edit your post after your post - for some reason when I type on the blog half of the box disappears which is why I had typed the double kim :) (Comment this)

7 - Kim, I have to say this is evident in my own life. My parents' faith is one I grew up in. But, my father (who does not practice as much as he (ought - my opinion) does actually believe) and my mother who is seeking a new congregational life - often ask me many questions and want to dialogue with me on this exchange of faith and theology talk. I am headed to seminary soon. And be that as it may - the lid for me has not been reached (I don't think) and as a result now, I think the lid is being re-assessed per my parents'.

Growth outside of the parents' realm is nothing I sought after, but more discovered and then craved further along. God and theology are something I can't get enough of. And I will never be able to fully understand/figure out. That is what keeps me so interested and intrigued about it. What I believe, I do so of my own accord. Because I have delved into the matter and come out with my own view and my own decision of where I stand (according to each aspect of my faith). It's the age old faith/reason argument.

I struggle with many things in life. Faith is extremely high on that list. It would be much better were I to be able to give up all this knowledge from my life and upbringing and be a continual child with faith of the same. As for an umbrella - after such a long drought, why bring an umbrella when we should go out and dance and celebrate in the rain that showers down.

Rain down Lord, reign now. (Comment this)

8 - The idea of dancing in the rain made me smile :) That is so true! (Comment this)