Jesus, Our Beautiful Obsession

Encounter | Romans 12:1–2

Last week at the hardware store, we had a man come in and try to charge some expensive tools to an account that was not his. He did his best to try and convince the cashier he was a person on our list, even having a friend call in acting like the account manager who could approve the charge. Something didn't seem right, so we called the real account owner and asked if he knew the man and of course he said no. We had him update his approved list so this would not happen again. Things are not always what they look like and at many times throughout our days and weeks God is working to hone our discernment so we are not deceived by imposters. Discernment is at the heart of our life with God.

How did you make the decisions you made this week? What shaped your responses, your priorities, your conversations, and your choices?

We live surrounded by competing voices, all seeking our attention. Some encourage us toward truth and love. Others draw us toward fear, comparison, control, and self-protection.

This week, Lectio 365 has been inviting us to cultivate the practice of spiritual discernment.

Ruth Haley Barton describes discernment as the capacity to recognize and respond to God’s good will for our lives.

What a beautiful description of learning to live life with God. We Become What We Behold.

I’ve been thinking about a simple truth: We are shaped by what we repeatedly give our attention to. Paul tells us in Romans 12 that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. And as our minds are renewed, we become increasingly able to discern God’s will.

The more deeply we become acquainted with Jesus, the more readily we recognize what reflects His heart.

His compassion. His humility. His wisdom. His truth. His love.

Perhaps the goal of discernment isn’t to become obsessed with figuring everything out.

Perhaps it’s to become beautifully captivated by Jesus Himself knowing we are always on the approved list!

Practice | The Sacred Pause

This week, practice spiritual discernment by pausing three times each day.

In the morning, ask: Jesus, whose voice am I listening to?

At midday, ask: What has been shaping my thoughts and responses today?

In the evening, ask: Where did I recognize Your presence, and where might You be inviting me to respond?

Then open your hands before God and pray:

Your will be done in my life. Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.

Gather | Learning to Discern Together

Next Sunday, November 8, we’ll gather for our Fall Congregational Meeting.

We’ll consider our budget, elect officers, and look toward the coming year.

And this week, we received wonderful news that Eden has been awarded funding for our two-year Mental Health Initiative Project, Grow Well—Where Healing Takes Root.

As we prepare for this next season, I hope we recognize that spiritual discernment isn’t something we practice alone. God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and one another.

May we be a community that listens deeply, loves generously, and responds faithfully to His leading. Because the goal of discernment isn’t certainty about everything.

It’s growing faithfulness to Someone.

Love Jesus. Live Like Jesus.

Pastor Tammy

Remember tomorrow we welcome Kim House and her husband Jay to the Eden family as we thank God for his faithfulness in bringing her to us!