Lectionary Reading Reference

[madill]

http://spiritreflections.injesus.com/

Gary Sims of FUMC Albuquerque, New Mexico authored a daily reading of the lectionary for 6 years. He recently retired from doing this but you can find an archive of all 6 years at the above link.

I would sometimes paraphrase his readings, "Reflections of the Spirit", to be played during the prelude. What he wrote to gave depth to my understanding of each week's readings. Gary was known to "push the envelope" much to the chagrin of many but always with the heart to go and make disciples. He authored, "An Open Letter to the Methodist Church." It was copied and sent around the nation to fellow Methodist. His criticism was stinging to many and the reaction was swift. A fellow church member emailed it to me and we emailed it around the congregation...let's say...a few traditionalist in the congregation were highly offended. Others said, "has this man been coming to OUR church?" The letter is somewhere in the archives...not sure where...but it was written about 3 years ago.

From the site...

Have you ever felt that you needed to find a way to learn more about God and how His Word applies to your life? We all do because God has instilled that desire within us. The spirit of knowing God is a gift that He has provided because He wants us to know Him. Establishing a daily time of reflection and study is God’s way of reaching and talking to us. He provides amazing words of wisdom and insight that are intimately appropriate and useful, once we take the time, each day, to look for them.

Reflections of the Spirit is a site dedicated to that purpose. Utilizing the Common Lectionary as a source for biblical study, each day we will look at scripture and reflect on how these verses apply to our lives and the world around us.

When he retired from the series this is what he wrote:

After six years of studying, writing, and posting these Reflections, it has come time to set down the pen and move on to other ministry opportunities God has planned for my life. The miracles God has revealed to me through this ministry of the people throughout the world working daily in the building of His kingdom has been amazing. I have heard from pastors throughout the U.S. and Canada sharing the details of their churches. I have heard from Army Chaplains in Afghanistan and itinerant pastors in Africa. I have heard stories that simply bring tears to my eyes because of the amazing power of God. He is everywhere and He works through each of you for His purpose.

Yes, ending this ministry comes with a heavy heart but it also brings with it the promise of new horizons for growth with Christ. I am excitedly looking forward to the new things God has in store.

If you have come to this page in search of Lectionary-based sermon support or a glimpse of inspiration, then there is good news. Every one of the Reflections of the Spirit devotionals I've written and posted for the last six years is available to read and use at www.InJesus.com. Once you access the main InJesus page, search under groups for Reflections of the Spirit. The articles are organized by date with the Bible Verse and title of the Reflection in the description. Hopefully this resource will help to support your on-going classes and sermon writings.

Thank you all for your undying devotion to Christ. May He continue to bless you in everything you do.

Forever in His Love, Gary Sims

[madill]

You can find the above mentioned, "Open Letter to the Methodist Church" in the May 27 2006 archive. Not certain it is germane to this website and not wanting to use up band space...but, it is worth the search.

I emailed Gary Sims about the letter and altho he did not leave his church after writing it...he did have people in his church's choir to point blank ask him to leave.