In the Keller sermon this week he urges us to not just bask in the nostalgia of Christmas but to
PONDER THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS.
This week we will help one another ponder & revive our “wonder,” a theme in the music, art, and scriptures of Christmas.
Consider this folk song inspired by a girl from Appalachia, the daughter of poor traveling evangelists.
A songwriter heard her singing a few lines over and over in the city square. It inspired these lines from his beloved carol:
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Savior did come here to die
for poor ornery sinners like you and like I.
I wonder as I wander, out under the sky.
I always thought “ornery” meant “ornery,” but it actually meant “ordinary.”
It reminds me of Psalm 8, when David too wandered out
under the night sky and exclaimed:
What is man that you are mindful of Him?
This 2nd Advent week we will see how wonder is the opposite of apathy, the kind described in Romans 1. God seems to harden the hearts of wonderless souls, “giving them over to themselves,” whereas those who wonder and ponder God’s mercies, tend to develop what own Lizzy calls “play-dough” hearts.
Mary had a heart that pondered the wonders of God
and God chose her.
Was there a connection?
Now there’s a question to ponder,
especially for we who are Reformed in our theology!
Let us wonder, and let us begin with this:
Sunday: (2nd in Advent)
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- How are you doing at starting with Jesus and experiencing His peace this Advent. Any stories to encourage us?
Listen to today’s podcast from Sarah Dahl.
3. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Monday: A Lack of Wonder and Worship is Deadly
I absolutely know that we were dead in our sins and the Spirit brought us to the Lord. Once, I remember, my friend Sylvia was reading a manuscript where I planned to tell the story of my nephew Peter’s rescue of a woman floating with her face down in the water, unconscious. I likened it to salvation. Sylvia said, “No! No! No, Dee! Christ didn’t resuscitate us — we were dead!”
But here is what I am wondering, and I want you to wonder and ponder with me. I know He chose those who would be His from the foundation of the world. Yet, somehow, it also seems that our choices matter. Consider:
4. Before God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, describe his heart attitude in Exodus 5:1-2.
5. Before God “gave unbelievers over to themselves” describe their heart attitude in Romans 1:18-20.
6. How does John show in these verses that our choices affect our hearts?
A. 1 John 2:10
B. 1 John 2:11
It does seem what begins as choice becomes a permanent disability. Dante’s picture of hell was not fire but ice: an individual becomes colder and cooler until he cannot move. Even Disney’s “Frozen” uses ice as a metaphor for sin.


We should fear hardening our hearts, fear making that first step away from God. For it does seem our choices matter.
6. Thoughts on the above?
Listen to today’s podcast from Sarah Dahl.
3. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Tuesday: Mary Wondered and Pondered
Here is where Mary comes in. I love how the movie Jesus of Nazareth portrays the Annunciation.
4. What thoughts do you have on the above clip? What do you like or not like? What rings
true? How did the writer contrast Mary’s faith with that of her mother’s?
5. How do you see wonder in Luke 1:29? What thoughts do you think she might have had?
6. How do you see wonder in Luke 2:19?
Listen to today’s podcast from Sarah Dahl.
7. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Wednesday: What Part Us, What Part God?
I’m listening to an interesting book by Randy Alcorn called Hand in Hand (free on the library ap Hoopla) in which he talks about the mysterious connection between election and free will. I am also using for my personal study a commentary on the Old Testament by Ellen Davis, called “Opening Israel’s Scripture.” Davis is the scholar who so opened The Song of Songs for me. I like her because she often gives me such a fresh slant on Scripture. She believes that God often chooses those who are moldable for service — people like Jacob, Judah, and Joseph. I don’t know — but I do know, as Brennan Manning has put it, that God seems to use “ragamuffins,” those whom the world does not value. Or, perhaps that very lack of value by the world causes people to press into God, for I do see that in prison.
8. What is the promise of Ezekiel 36:25-27?
9. The truth of Romans 9:18?
10. How do you see both God’s part and our part in John 15:4?
11. What part do you think we have, as believers, in making our hearts tender, and what
part does God have? Why do you think this? Can you back up with Scripture? (If you
participated in our study on the Beatitudes (Momentum) what do you remember?
Listen to today’s podcast from Sarah Dahl.
12. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Thursday-Friday: Free Keller Sermon
Listen to Thursday’s podcast from wonderpod.
13. What stands out to you from the above?
14. Listen to “The Meaning of Christmas” and share your “wondering” thoughts.
Listen to Friday’s podcast from wonderpod.
15. What stood out to you from the above?
Saturday:
Listen to Saturday’s podcast from wonderpod.
16. What stood out to you from the above?
17. What caused you to wonder or ponder this week?
76 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Boy, I haven’t heard that song in a very long time! It’s a pretty melancholy one I guess? Not many would find it to be the peppy, hopeful type that we are used to hearing at this joyous time of the year. This version is presented with a kind of spookiness behind her voice in the music and wind (?). It’s interesting.
This fits right in with our sermon today. God loves us even though we were/are ungodly, sinners, and enemies; He gave Himself for us.
“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”
Romans 5:6-8, 10 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/rom.5.6-8,10.esv
2. How are you doing at starting with Jesus and experiencing His peace this Advent. Any stories to encourage us?
Cooper and I are still listening to the “Wewonder” podcast. I like her voice…it’s calming. I am trying my best to wake up and have the first thing I say is, “God please visit me today.” I had a strange occurrence at our grand-daughters Christmas program the other night. I shared at the end of the blog last week. I believe He wanted me to see a former student (not sure why). Am keeping my eyes and ears open though!
Laura–love picturing you and cute Cooper listening together–oh how blessed he is to have you pouring these truths into his life!
Love your morning prayer — and seems He is answering!
Laura, I love to hear how God is coming to you and He is!!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“wonder is the opposite of apathy” It is so good to be reminded of the importance of wonder, pondering, awe. And I am reminded of the danger of not pondering, of not giving thanks, not glorifying Him–Romans 1:21-“for although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Thankfulness flows from a heart that ponders.
I am also intrigued by Mary, her chosen-ness. I know that her heart pondered Him, she was soft, obedient, and loved Him. And she was chosen. I know God could have chosen one who did not love Him already, and then transformed the heart–but either way, the heart is only transformed by the Spirit.
2. How are you doing at starting with Jesus and experiencing His peace this Advent. Any stories to encourage us?
I had a little anxiety about what lies ahead in coming weeks, but this study is really helping me to consciously stop, and not focus on my earthly losses but remember my Heavenly gain, my imperishable inheritance that awaits, and the peace that the Comforter brings now, here, today. Just reflecting on His names…Counselor, Comforter, Prince of Peace…He stills my heart.
“Thankfulness pours from a heart that ponders.” Yes.
What stands out to you from the above and why? The question about the connection between God choosing Mary and her having a soft heart. I assume the question is regarding God’s sovereignty and free will. I believe these exist mysteriously together. Our human minds cannot understand, but both are required. For example, Hebrews 4: 14Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.***** Jesus had to be made human to provide salvation and we must respond to receive it.
How are you doing at starting with Jesus and experiencing His peace this Advent. Any stories to encourage us?**** I am trying to start my day with my lesson—it is a challenge especially, lately. I have seen God put a young mom repeatedly in my path. I first met her when she brought her daughter to my church for a girls after school program 2 years ago. She was brought up in church but has gotten away from her faith. She is so sweet and we have shared half a dozen short spiritual conversations at the checkout lane where she works. Praying God will direct her to a church family as my church is not where she has chosen to go.
I’ll join you in that good prayer, Chris. So good to be alert to people He brings across our path.
As I read the introduction here and listened to Audrey Assad singing, “I wonder as I wander”, the scenery reminded to of much of wooded New Brunswick, my home province right now, cloaked in the first few inches of snow. “Come, Lord Jesus. In these days of cold and darkness, come.”
I scrolled ahead and found Dee’s words deeply unsettling, I’m afraid, as I ponder my son who is now wandering in the spiritual cold, away from Jesus. (Dee says, “It does seem what begins as choice becomes a permanent disability. Dante’s picture of hell was not fire but ice: an individual becomes colder and cooler until he cannot move. Even Disney’s “Frozen” uses ice as a metaphor for sin.” (I am in a bit of a melancholy tonight, after a busy but lovely week of settling in to our new home and our friends giving us a lovely retirement party yesterday. However, I found out this morning that a dear friend is now in hospital palliative care.)
In any case, I will try to follow along here. I need this lesson from Scripture.
Diane, praying peace for you about your son and friend.
Praying for your son, Diane. I can imagine that kind of pain.
Diane, I am praying for you now. That you would feel Him near and have peace. I am so sorry about your son. Praying for His mighty rescue~
I am praying for your son, Diane. I’m sorry. It is so difficult when our kids go against us in their “wanderings.” Not only do they take a path different from their family (hard to not take it personal for me, since I helped to raise the child), but they take a path that is certain to make their life harder without God. We know this, but they don’t. We live in such a wicked world; it became clear to me, though later in my life, that the ways of this world get me nowhere. I think it’s something many of us struggle with until we realize that there is more to life than this earth. It takes a while to sink in, and we fight it too. I will continue to pray.
Diane — I think of the encouragement given to Augustine’s mother: “The child of so many tears will never perish.” God has set your son apart for special attention because of you — and I pray with you!
Thank you all for your prayers concerning my son. Dee, your words from Augustine’s mother are a wonder! It is a comfort and yet a mystery that “God has set your son apart for special attention” because of our prayers.
What stands out to me? I always loved this music, I Wonder as I Wander. Heard George Beverly Shea sing it years ago. It is important to wonder… Such a tone in minor key makes it outstanding. The WeWonder pod story of Joseph is a favorite of mine, but such a hard story. Yes, I wonder and agree it is hard to see that God is with me at times. Especially lately- my cousin had made good progress in recovering from a rough illness after a fall last October. Then the morning after Thanksgiving he went peacefully from this world. It is sad for us who loved him, but he is at peace now. We weren’t ready to say good by, yet his life is over.
Then personal issues are weighing me down and it is hard to feel the joyfulness of the season. I cling to that scripture of Romans 8:28. Yes, all things do work together for good. I trust though I sigh at the challenges. We will travel to Vt. for the services this week. I will try to do better this week with keeping up, but will see how it goes.
My cousin was always optimistic and trusting God’s hand. That will help for me to remember.
Praying for safe travels and peace in your heart, Shirley.
4. Before God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, describe his heart attitude in Exodus 5:1-2. His heart was hard and rebellious.
5. Before God “gave unbelievers over to themselves” describe their heart attitude in Romans 1:18-20. Godlessness, wickedness, without excuse.
6. How does John show in these verses that our choices affect our hearts?
A. 1 John 2:10 When we love others, we keep away from temptation.
B. 1 John 2:11- When we hate others we are living in darkness and are blinded.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I wonder as I wander..just to wonder His Grace and Mercy all fired by the depth of His love for us-that He would die for us. That He made everything on earth for us to enjoy with Him.
2. How are you doing at starting with Jesus and experiencing His peace this Advent. Any stories to encourage us?
I have had several events happen with someone very close to me-that has put me in a daily-weekly battle with fear and “what if’s”, but God has come to me, over and over. Just when I thought things were on an upswing with this person another discovery occurred Saturday night that sent me in a tailspin again-but not like the first time. While this was going on, I had the first round of my shingles vaccine as well as getting over a cold, so I wasn’t feeling good Saturday when this occurred.
Even though I am hurt to the depths, Jesus is my peace and helps me to be calm and to wait and trust Him. God has helped me to become more confident in Him through this-His faithfulness to me and how He walks with me through every trial. I don’t like that this trial seems to not be ending and don’t want to think of the future because I know God can do amazing things in hearts and so I have given this person to Him, and am thinking about the fact that I need to take care of myself too. This Christmas I have been meditating on anticipation..His coming again in the future, as well as the wonder and gladness that floods me in moments when I reflect on the time up until His birth-what our life-my life would have been like (totally separate from Him) had he not come to die and rise again. What pain and suffering He went through to have and ordinary sinner like me.
I have seen that growing confidence in you that He will walk through every trial with you.
Love that you are meditating on anticipation- looking to his return.
Shirleymeadow, oh yes, a balm. It puts everything going on into perspective in light of His return- this won’t even be a memory. To dive into the Glory of Jesus-endless layer after layer after layer revealed-face to face -that i only see dimly now. 🙂
Dee, I remember as a new believer an older woman who taught me to memorize..I said, “I want to grow up now! Give me trials!” She smiled large, “Oh Rebecca, Trials will come but growth is a process over a lifetime.” His spirit brought one of those verses I memorized to mind the other day and I thought, (after knowing it for 30 years!) whoa…yes God this is what it is like when I wait on you and you give me your strength- it is truly you for though I feel weak and vulnerable and my flesh wants to bend away to my own ways of comfort-you have bent toward me, I am running and not growing weary and though I have days that are bad I am not being overcome. -Isaiah 40:31.
Yesterday He filled me with His joy and strength-unbelievable strength as I focused on the future with Him and on the reality of His comfort now.
We all have valleys each one of us is going through here on the blog but really can I testify that this trial is where He is empowering me with His strength even though I am weak. I can’t explain it-I get to experience more of Him now than I would have had this trial not happened. Not that I want them-BUT you know what I mean. 🙂
This morning is kind of rough for thoughts from conversations last night can cause me to worry and I woke up with a knot in my stomach..but again, I am getting my thoughts in order first thing in the morning because I am also learning how my thoughts are naturally bent to worry and taking control. He is here-God is with me. Hallelujah. What can overtake me? Not even death because NOTHING can snatch me out of His arms.
Rebecca–so much of your words describe where He has me now, maybe even the last several years especially. Trials of still not having heard from my sisters in 3 years, their refusal to be in my life. And other more personal trials in my own family–and yet, He is so near, His strength is real, powerful. I have felt the blessing He gives to the brokenhearted, His blessing over those who mourn. It truly is a different but powerful gift from Him to go through the fire knowing He will not let the flames set me ablaze, the waters will not overcome me… but will carry me, holding me closer, through it.
Lizzy, just now seeing this. ❤
You always encourage me with your life and godliness.
How similar our struggles are is a gift in a strange way for we can come along side one another and lift each other up. It’s Him. His love is amazing.
I am grateful for you my friend. 💕
4. Before God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, describe his heart attitude in Exodus 5:1-2.
Pharaoh did not know who God was so he wasn’t going to let the people go on the account that God was asking him. He didn’t care.
5. Before God “gave unbelievers over to themselves” describe their heart attitude in Romans 1:18-20.
They are wicked even though they should know better. They have seen His glory and continue on their own paths.
6. How does John show in these verses that our choices affect our hearts?
A. 1 John 2:10
If you live in the true light you love your brother. You won’t cause him to stumble.
B. 1 John 2:11
If you hate a fellow believer then you are not walking with Christ. They are living in darkness.
6. Thoughts on the above?
I never thought of ice as sin, but it does make sense. When you get to “absolute zero” there are no more molecules moving. There is no “life” in the matter anymore. No life equals no light.
I love your scientific insights, Laura. Thank you. That makes sense.
3. This stood out from We Wonder: (I can’t believe how God has once again led me here to speak tenderly to me!)The questions she asks I’ve felt so deeply recently. Has there ever been a time I felt more loved than someone else? yes! I wonder how scared Joseph felt in that dark well in the ground or led away as a slave. Has there been a time when I have been afraid or felt that nothing good would happen again. yes. He knew God had been with him every step of the way., evil and sin aren’t the end of God’s story. God will always save His people. God is always at work in and around me. Nothing can separate me from God’s love.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Recapturing the wonder instead of the nostalgia of Christmas. I think that’s what the Hallmark movies focus on, the nostalgia. One of the movies we’ve watched this year showed how an innkeeper was helped by others who put up her Christmas tree and decorated it for her. Then, taking in the sight of the beautiful tree, she said, “Now it really feels like Christmas”. And the nostalgic/sentimental parts of Christmas are so interwoven in our lives: the trees, lights, carols, traditional foods, cookies, gifts…we can sigh and feel aaahhh….now this is Christmas. I do it too. I am looking forward to this Saturday because I saw a flier for an Advent event at an Episcopal church near where I grew up, and they are having an event called “Walk the Labyrinth to the Heart of Christ”, and I’m going to go. I have never walked a labyrinth before, but it is an ancient spiritual practice.
Also, I loved this song, sung by Audrey Assad. I’ve never heard it before. As I watched the video, I felt like I did yesterday as I went to one of our parks to hike a trail, knowing that there is a stand of pine trees along it that was planted by a Girl Scout troop in 1968 (a sign tells you so). I wanted to gather some branches for my mantle. There are no branches you can reach from the ground, but I collected some fallen ones. To be out there alone, hearing the wind in the trees, looking all the way up to their tops, it just fills me with so much joy and pondering. I never really feel alone when I’m out in nature; surely His Spirit is there.
2. How are you doing with starting with Jesus and experiencing His peace this Advent? Any stories to encourage us?
I have been listening every day to the podcast and really loving it. I find that I’m not feeling so harried this year, and have let some things go as far as decorating and things like that. I don’t want to be stressed, and that pressure to have the “perfect” Christmas comes from the world, not from God.
I can so picture you gathering those fallen boughs — and we want to hear all about your labyrinth walk to the heart of Christ!
Susan, I haven’t had a chance to watch one Christmas movie yet this year. I don’t have any decorations up yet either 🙁 I just can’t do it all; hopefully this weekend…my husband was “all over” the Halloween decorations but hasn’t really been too quick with the Christmas ones.
I have danced on a labyrinth! It’s pretty cool. I’m so glad you are going to that event. I bet you will be blessed.
Laura, I guess you’re not missing too much if you’re referring to the Hallmark movies….they are all the same! How cool, that you have danced on a labyrinth!
4. Before God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, describe his heart attitude in Exodus 5:1-2.
He questioned the Lord’s authority and chose to disobey His direct command, and follow his own desires of his heart.
5. Before God “gave unbelievers over to themselves” describe their heart attitude in Romans 1:18-20.
They were godless, and suppressed the truth with their wickedness. They were without excuse, for God had demonstrated His eternal power and divine nature to them.
6. How does John show in these verses that our choices affect our hearts?
A. 1 John 2:10-Loving one another is living in the light and keeps us from stumbling.
B. 1 John 2:11-When we hate one another, we are in darkness and blinded by our sin.
Reminds me too of John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
3. What stands out to you from the above and why?
This was about the story of Joseph. Joseph really exemplified the truth that Paul wrote about, that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Joseph was separated from his father, his family, his home. Yet God was with him all the time. I did like her reflections, such as thinking about a time when you felt that nothing would ever be right again. Can you let God come close to you as you remember what that felt like?
4. Before God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, describe his heart attitude in Exodus 5:1-2.
His heart attitude was a careless disregard of God, saying “And who is the Lord? Why should I listen to Him? I don’t know the Lord.”
5. Before God “gave unbelievers over to themselves” describe their heart attitude in Romans 1:18-20.
Their heart attitude was one of wickedness, and by their wickedness, they prevented the truth from being known. Inside, they knew the truth about God because having seen everything God made, His creation, which shows His invisible qualities, they were without excuse. But they chose to ignore the clear evidence for the existence of God. So I see a deliberate choice to ignore God.
6. How does John show in these verses that our choices affect our hearts?
A. 1 John 2:10 When we are loving our brothers and sisters, our hearts are right because we are living in the light, and we don’t cause others to sin.
B. 1 John 2:11 When you have hatred in your heart for a fellow believer, you are living and walking in darkness, and you are blinded to the truth.
6. Thoughts on the above?
I didn’t know that Dante pictured hell as a place of ice and cold. It does seem to make sense that a heart that is becoming hardened by indifference or even outright rebellion is growing colder and colder towards God. I have seen it in myself, beginning with a little seed of resentment towards someone. If I allow it to grow, my heart grows cooler towards them, and it even spreads to others. I also think we must be careful of who we have in our inner circle of friends. Are they people who are warming us in the areas of our faith, and love, or are they leading us down a cooler, darker path?
#6 is so true!
So good from Susan:
I didn’t know that Dante pictured hell as a place of ice and cold. It does seem to make sense that a heart that is becoming hardened by indifference or even outright rebellion is growing colder and colder towards God. I have seen it in myself, beginning with a little seed of resentment towards someone. If I allow it to grow, my heart grows cooler towards them, and it even spreads to others. I also think we must be careful of who we have in our inner circle of friends. Are they people who are warming us in the areas of our faith, and love, or are they leading us down a cooler, darker path?
Sunday: (2nd in Advent)
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – I found the music to the song kind of depressing for what the lyrics say. They give us hope that, though we are ordinary (not ornery, I laughed at this, but it sure sounded like ornery) that Jesus sacrificed his life for mine. Hope in the fact that we can be ordinary yet loved unconditionally and nothing we do mattered, he came forth for me, a sinner. Thank you Lord for this.
2. How are you doing at starting with Jesus and experiencing His peace this Advent. Any stories to encourage us? – My husband and I have been reading from and advent reading schedule each night. Other than in our Life Group, we have not done that before. It is refreshing and nice, like a new start to our life. Peace came to us on Friday, when the doctor told us his cancer did not spread. We were so relieved and thanking the Lord right in the office.
Praise God for that good news.
So glad for this good news. Praise God!
Sunday: (2nd in Advent)
What stands out to you from the above and why?
Audrey Assad’s haunting voice lends such pathos to the heart of a wandering soul. I have been there before many years ago wandering and wondering if God loves me. And now especially lately, it has been more of wonderings.
At the beginning of the year, besides my Mom’s health crisis, we have had several deaths in Richard’s extended family as well as in our faith community where we pastor. Each death seemed to have taken a piece of me and the emotional toll has put me in a place of contemplation about life. There are good news still-Mom’s recovery, His watch care over Richard when he hit a deer, and lately, 3 baptisms for three of our young people at our church. His birth and death were just not that I would be saved from the penalty of sin but to be freed from the power of sin that can so easily entangle. Life goes on and Advent this year has come to mean so much more to me than in the past.
Sorry for the rabbit trail.
How are you doing at starting with Jesus and experiencing His peace this Advent. Any stories to encourage us?
It seems like Jesus’ company is more very near and dear. Tears are more close and frequent in coming. I went to a church-sponsored event called Journey to Judea with some friends. We walked for a little over an hour and stopped by different stations from the prophets to Moses to Abraham to King David, and Micah and Isaiah to the angels’ visit to Mary and Joseph to the birth of Christ. We stopped by a house where the woman with blood issue and Nicodemus spoke (where tears overcame me when the woman who portrayed the woman with the blood issue said Jesus healed her and I thought of my Mom’s healing). And then to His dedication at the temple with Simeon and Anna present, to the Cross and to the empty tomb.
Listen to today’s podcast from Sarah Dahl.
https://www.wewonderpod.com
3. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The story of Joseph always fascinates me. I love how Sarah uses questions to get into the heart of the matter. Yes, I have been there before-feeling somebody is more loved than me, or feeling afraid or needing to forgive somebody. But God is always there, Always ready to be my companion and strength.
The journey to Judea sounds amazing. So much to ponder .
4. Before God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, describe his heart attitude in Exodus 5:1-2.
He had no fear of God.
5. Before God “gave unbelievers over to themselves” describe their heart attitude in Romans 1:18-20.
They were suppressing the truth via their wickedness, for God has made it known to unbelievers who He is.
6. How does John show in these verses that our choices affect our hearts?
A. 1 John 2:10
If we love our brother or sister we will live in the light -nothing will make us stumble. So this is inferring that if we choose not to it is like a rolling ball or slippery slope and the sin inside grows and eventually, unless we repent and turn, will eat us alive.
B. 1 John 2:11
If we hate our brother or sister we are walking in darkness and don’t know where they are going because the darkness blinds them.
Listen to today’s podcast from Sarah Dahl.
3. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Fire warms, comforts, gives us light and heat. But fire also can destroy. Why did God choose to appear to Moses in a burning bush? Maybe because He wanted Moses to see that this God was wild and strong, like fire, but also with the saving strength of love. God can “burn away” things in our lives, yet we ourselves are not consumed; we are held safe and protected. We can come close to a Holy God, but not be consumed or destroyed. Perhaps that was the message of the burning bush.
4. What thoughts do you have on the above clip? What do you like or not like? What rings true? How did the writer contrast Mary’s faith with that of her mother’s?
I do like the portrayal of Mary, but the scene seems a bit spooky. I always believed that when it says God sent Gabriel to Mary and that he appeared to her, that she saw someone; maybe the likeness of a man? In this scene, the window blows open and the moonlight streams in, and an invisible and inaudible voice talks to Mary. Mary appears very frightened initially. The mother watches on as Mary talks out loud to the air, so she asks her who she’s talking to, and when Mary tells her about Elizabeth, her mother questions the truth of this news that her cousin is pregnant.
5. How do you see wonder in Luke 1:29? What thoughts do you think she might have had?
My NLT says that Mary was confused and disturbed and tried to think what the angel could mean. This contrasts the movie clip because the Scripture does not say that Mary was afraid and sort of cowering like portrayed in the movie. I believe that Gabriel “toned it down” with Mary so as not to frighten her badly, in contrast to how he may have appeared to Zechariah in the temple who was afraid at the angel’s appearance. At this point, all the angel had done was to greet Mary, calling her “favored one”. Perhaps she wondered why he called her favored of the Lord, and why her ordinary, routine day was interrupted by this strange visit?
6. How do you see wonder in Luke 2:19?
Here, the shepherds have come to see what the angels told them about. Everyone is astonished by their story, but Mary takes it all in, “kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” Perhaps she was going back to that first visit by Gabriel and what he had told her about the child she would bear. Now, she goes over it all carefully in her mind and heart. I think maybe we women tend to do this? Recently my daughter face-timed me and we had this long conversation, and she wondered why I didn’t react much. But what I told her later is that after we got off the phone, I go over and over it all and process. If I’m going to be upset or whatever, those feelings often come later as I process through.
I’m reading a book, Susan, about introverts, and how they need to process whereas extroverts want them to answer right away.
I process the same 🙂
4. What thoughts do you have on the above clip? What do you like or not like? What rings true? How did the writer contrast Mary’s faith with that of her mother’s?
It makes me cry. She is so faithful. i thought it would be scary that it seemed so bright in the middle of the night. I liked the dog barking in the background to make it seem like it could have been you or me in the same situation.
5. How do you see wonder in Luke 1:29? What thoughts do you think she might have had?
Definitely I would have thought, “me? What could the Lord want with me??” I bet she felt that way too. Her faith is commendable. I wonder if I would have been so joyful?
Laura, I have these same thoughts about Mary in the video.Her response and faith touched me.
4. Before God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, describe his heart attitude in Exodus 5:1-2. – He comes across as nonchalant, kind of like yeah so what if he said that, he’s nobody to me.
5. Before God “gave unbelievers over to themselves” describe their heart attitude in Romans 1:18-20. – they didn’t care one way or the other who he was, their hearts were darkened and their thoughts were frivolous.
6. How does John show in these verses that our choices affect our hearts?
A. 1 John 2:10 – he is saying if we love others, then we are living with Christ in us and we will not stumble in doing His will.
B. 1 John 2:11 – If you do not love others, you will be walking in darkness and will be blinded by the enemy and won’t see the truth.
We should fear hardening our hearts, fear making that first step away from God. For it does seem our choices matter.
7. Thoughts on the above? – Could it be that ice was used to represent our sin because it is a hard substance and fire in some parts of the Bible is used to refine, melt, or mold? It is so easy to get in to a bad habit of doing or even not doing something but yet so hard to break these habits. It is better that we don’t even waiver and just stay strong in our faith. The battle will be the Lord’s than and not ours in a sense.
Good thoughts on ice and fire.
5. How do you see wonder in Luke 1:29? What thoughts do you think she might have had?
She was greatly troubled and “tried to discern” what the angel meant by his greeting.
6. How do you see wonder in Luke 2:19?
I’ve always loved this verse, she “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart”. There are “holy moments” I think we have at times, especially as a mom. Sometimes something is said or done that is so special, yet so personal that I know others may not see its weightiness, and so I treasure it in my heart, holding it, to ponder..
8. What is the promise of Ezekiel 36:25-27?
Oh how I love this passage. The promise of complete cleansing, of renewal, a heart transplant, and His Spirit indwelling. He will remove the old, sinful stony heart and make me new, soft, mold-able, able to be shaped by Him, led by His Spirit.
9. The truth of Romans 9:18?
God chooses who He will give mercy, and who He will harden. He is Sovereign over all.
10. How do you see both God’s part and our part in John 15:4?
He will grow the fruit in us, our part is to abide in Him, stay connected to Him. As Keller said in this week’s sermon, He has done everything to be near us, we must also make changes to be near Him.
7. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I wonder how the people felt when they were told of the laws? What did they think? Were they nervous? Upset? Annoyed? Pleased? Thankful?
I never wondered that before! It must have have been such a burden!
I am thinking and pondering the stories of the Bible, the giving of the laws and how it must have affected the people.
God’s chosen people were given so much and did so much complaining and making poor choices, just like people today in the world.Choices are so important and I see some of my grandchildren choosing ways that do not honor God.
The comparison of ice to sin is a sobering thought.
The guide to breathe in God’s truth and exhale for the Holy Spirit helps me as I listen to the podcast.
8. What is the promise of Ezekiel 36:25-27?
You will be washed clean and given a new heart. You will be given a spirit that will follow the laws of God.
9. The truth of Romans 9:18?
God shows mercy to some and hardens the hearts of others. I don’t get the second part of this… why would God be the one to harden a heart of someone?
10. How do you see both God’s part and our part in John 15:4?
He is the branch and we are the vine. We are entangled in each other; He gives us life.
11. What part do you think we have, as believers, in making our hearts tender, and what part does God have? Why do you think this? Can you back up with Scripture? (If you participated in our study on the Beatitudes (Momentum) what do you remember?
Our job is to open our hearts and be willing to receive Him. His part is showing us mercy. Hmmmm… that was a while ago and unfortunately my brain doesn’t retain information like it used to! I remember that blessed are those who are meek, meant that they were humble. This was the training the horse analogy, right?! The hard hand or something like that? Blessed were those who were mournful were those who repented of their sin. These two would fit here because this is the kind of contrite heart God wants us to have; the moldable one that is willing to change. Another was, blessed are the poor in spirit. These people know they need help. I guess that all I remember for now without going and looking back which I don’t have time to do right now 🙁
You did well without looking back, Laura!
4. What thoughts do you have on the above clip? What do you like or not like? What rings true? How did the writer contrast Mary’s faith with that of her mother’s?
-That God came to her in the night-His light overtaking the night and shining on her.
-That His plan wasn’t contingent on her agreeing or not. He chose her to be Jesus’ mother and to carry Him in her womb. The process had begun before He revealed it to her.
-Right after He told her she was pregnant He immediately told her about Elizabeth-God wanted her to be comforted and encouraged. He wanted someone to lift her up, to teach and encourage her. To build her up for the start of a difficult journey. God provided everything Mary needed for this, and to protect her down the road.
-Mary’s faith was strengthened by God for she seemed like a ponderer-and wonderer from the start-play dough heart. Her mom’s heart seemed maybe stuck in what is seen. like she had to see it before she would believe it.
8. What is the promise of Ezekiel 36:25-27? God will put His Spirit in us and direct our path.
9. The truth of Romans 9:18? God chooses whom He will have mercy upon.
10. How do you see both God’s part and our part in John 15:4? We need to uphold our part of responding to Him, and staying in His Word.
11. What part do you think we have, as believers, in making our hearts tender, and what
part does God have? Why do you think this? Can you back up with Scripture? (If you
participated in our study on the Beatitudes (Momentum) what do you remember? Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit- meaning those who seek forgiveness for their sin and are humble before God. This keeps our hearts tender.
I am loving listening to Wonderpod. My favorite so far was The Burning Bush. It never occurred to me that the reason the bush was not consumed is because God will never be consumed, never disappear. The bush could say “I AM” just as He is the great “I AM!”
We had an amazing Christmas Tea yesterday — I was wishing everyone could have heard my friend Ron Harmer share how Christ has changed his life from an abusive Viet Nam Vet to a teddy bear. Not a dry eye.
oh Dee! I prayed for you & Debbie with the tea but didn’t even realize Ron was speaking! So wish we could have been there somehow! Did you record any of it?!
We didn’t have that capacity to record — though I thought about putting it on my iPhone — but it wouldn’t have been good quality. I interviewed him and we practiced a few times. He is so vulnerable. He acted out pounding on my c0unter and shouting at me about what I’d been teaching his wife — he told about kneeling down in the snow and crying out to God for help. He explained how abusive he was to Debbie verbally, and how Ephesians 4:29 became his verse, and how the Lord had changed his heart — and how one of their sons has come to Christ because he sees how changed he and Debbie are. He wept and so did a lot of others. I’d love to take him on the road! 🙂
Dee, which day is the podcast of the Burning Bush? I listened to the first two but haven’t had time since then. I have been working at the verses and pondering how we need both God and our humility. Also, I would have loved to hear your friend Ron Harmer share his story! Lovely!
Diane–the Burning Bush is on December 9. If you go to the we wonder page and scroll down, all the day’s are listed.
Thanks, Lizzy. I’ll listen right now or I’ll probably not do it.
Ezekiel 36 has the wonderful promise (given for the sake of his Holy name) that I will remove the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit within you. How we need this change, and He will do it if we humble ourselves and are obedient to follow Him.
Romans 9:18 He will have mercy on whomever He wills.
John 15:4 Our part is to abide in the vine; we need the daily fellowship, cleansing and letting go of our selfishness, His part is to keep His promise, to bear fruit in our lives.
I was not doing the studies on the Beatitudes, though I was partially present… To be poor in spirit is to recognize our need and humble ourselves before God. Blessed are those who mourn, and as we come before Him, He is with us and comforts us.
Today I mourned my cousin’s death, but am so comforted, knowing he is transformed and with the Lord whom he loved. His faith was obvious to many, in his servant spirit, so kind and compassionate.
I’m sorry for the loss of your cousin, Shirley.
Shirleymeadow, So sorry to hear of your loss. So sweet that He knows Jesus and left a legacy.
13. What stands out to you from the above?
The story of Ruth makes me thankful that God takes care of me even in difficult and scary times.
14. Listen to “The Meaning of Christmas” and share your “wondering” thoughts.
This sermon has made me consider whether I am doing everything I can to be close to God. Where is my joy? Is my prayer life what it should be? What would my prayer life look like if it filled me with joy like the story in the sermon?
Thursday’s Wonderpod reflection
Ruth moved from being an outsider to the very center of God’s story. Boaz was kind and welcomed her in. What stood out was how Boaz protected Ruth when she started working in the field. At first she went and worked hard all day only taking one rest..I am sure she presumed since she was a stranger that they wouldn’t allow her any comforts..Instead Boaz came and protected her with rest and water and welcomed her into his field and lifter her higher via marrying her. So Boaz gave her abundantly more. Just like God and me.
One lighter personal application among many of the deeper ones I’ve thought of: To trust He will provide and seek Him for those ways before moving forward. It may be He has a small part time desk position that won’t require many hours or He may not want me to at all.
Plan on listening to Keller on my way to work this morning! Looking forward to it!
Listen to today’s podcast from Sarah Dahl.
7. What stands out to you from the above and why?
This was the podcast about Moses giving God’s people the Law that was given to him. What stood out to me was when Sarah explained that the Israelites weren’t just going to a new place, they were going to have to learn a new way to live. In Egypt, they had been slaves; now, God was going to live with them. I thought about how when God takes out of our slavery to sin, we too must learn a new way to live.
8. What is the promise of Ezekiel 36:25-27?
This is about God’s promise to remove our stony, stubborn hearts and to give us new hearts that are tender and responsive to Him. Then, He will put His Spirit in us so that we can follow His ways and choose to obey Him. I also like how it says we will no longer worship idols.
9. The truth of Romans 9:18?
God chooses to show mercy to some, and He chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen. This is a very hard thing to understand.
10. How do you see both God’s part and our part in John 15:4?
We must remain in Jesus, and He will remain in us. We must stay connected to Him like a branch to the vine; a severed branch is incapable of doing anything on its own.
I thought Keller’s sermon was the best I have ever heard from him! Wow. He made so many good points. From the burning bush, to not believing in a doctrine is a doctrine (lol), to C.S. Lewis’ essay on how God relates to man, and then the clincher for me…..I LOVE mysteries and I LOVE Dorothy L. Sayers, who wrote the Lord Peter Wimsy detective series!! I used to watch it on PBS years and years ago. She’s writes herself into the story because she believes her main character is lonely. Keller nailed it for me and I posted it on Facebook. A colleague pulled it up in the middle of the day today because I told him he might learn something from my Facebook post! Hahaha. He was blasting the scripture reading in his classroom with students! Too funny. Of course I told him he wasn’t supposed to be on FB at school and “admonished” him for playing around like that. The kids thought we were crazy. I guess teachers can have the soon to be vacation jitters as well as students!
I am definitely going to listen again and I will post better notes also.
You are an encourager — I think your post will make others want to listen!
11. What part do you think we have, as believers, in making our hearts tender, and what part does God have? Why do you think this? Can you back up with Scripture? (If you participated in our study on the Beatitudes, Momentum, what do you remember?)
From our study on the Beatitudes, I remember that the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount was likened to a ladder, or one rung after the other, beginning with “Blessed are the poor in spirit”, which meant those who recognize their need for God. The next “rung” was “Blessed are those who mourn”, meaning those who have godly sorrow over their sin. I believe then that our part in keeping our hearts soft and tender towards God is remembering that we are bankrupt. I remember an excellent sermon I got to hear in person when Joe Stowell, then president of Moody Bible Institute, came to my former church and talked about how we all come to the Cross stripped bare of everything, seeing that we are really poor, naked, and helpless. However, he said, at some point after conversion, it is our tendency to start to put our “blue ribbons” of achievement back on ourselves…our good works, our success, status, reputation, etc… We must go back to the beginning. I believe David exemplified that in Psalm 51. David was likely riding high on his achievements as the greatest king of Israel. Now, he had gotten away with murder, literally, and had his new, desirable woman who was pregnant with his child. And, as I’ve heard Leslie Vernick on this, David and Bathsheba did not have an “affair”….he raped her. He saw her, wanted her, and sent for her. She was powerless to say no to him. David’s heart was as far away from God as it had ever been in his life. God’s part initially was to convict him through Nathan the prophet. David’s part was he came clean and confessed his sin, without any excuses. God’s part then was to forgive and to restore to David the joy of his salvation and the fellowship he used to have with God.
12. What stands out to you from the above and why?
This was the podcast about the shofar and the walls of Jericho coming down. I wonder what the people of Jericho thought as they looked down from their walls at these strange soldiers of Israel, marching around their city but “doing nothing”. Maybe they laughed at them and taunted them. Maybe they threw things down at them from the wall. Was it hard for the Israelites to not take matters into their own hands and start fighting before God gave the word?
13. What stands out to you from the above?
I think this was one of my favorites on the podcast, the story of Ruth. What is it like to be a stranger? How did Ruth feel when she went into Boaz’ fields to glean and knew no one? This saddens me…recently an old neighbor and friend who I haven’t seen in many years showed up in my Sunday school class a few weeks ago. I was late that day and so surprised to see her there. Later, she told me that she came in and sat down at one of the round tables in our room. It was several minutes before one woman came over to say hello, and it was Lynn, who was our assigned greeter. No one else said anything to her. This has been my “sticking point” about this class; I have been going there for about 8 years now, and the kind of fellowship that I imagine should be there just hasn’t materialized. In my heart, I know that these fellow believes are only acquaintances in my life, and it saddens me. What must Ruth have felt when Boaz spoke so kindly to her? And God…He welcomed Ruth into His family, and that’s certainly no small thing. How are we to treat the stranger?
16. What stood out to you from the above?
This spoke to me this time in that Goliath seems more like satan and David is us -small, helpless not able to win these battles against his lies and his destruction on our own. That God desires and wants to fight them for us but we need to trust him with a child like faith like Davids.
Off topic but I am learning slowly that growing in trusting God is a process that is for sure. Two crucial aspects of that process are spending time in God’s Word listening to Him and coming to Him in prayer. Keller said in the Christmas sermon above, about Daniel Steele’s prayer. “The inner spot has been touched and its stoniness has been melted in the presence of Jesus the one altogether lovely.” I think it is an active faith God wants us to have. Again as Keller said that we must put aside things and change our life-whatever it takes to put God in the center-to spend this time with Him. I find whenever I have dry weeks or even longer time not spent with Him it is harder to trust and I tend to want to take control since that is my natural bend.
So good, Rebecca — especially in this season for you.
I am enjoying the Advent challenges