Podcasts about magrey devega

Prior to Jesus' ascension, he told the disciples that they would be his witnesses throughout the ends of the earth. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit descended to empower them – and us – to be just that. In Peter's stirring sermon, he declared that “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.” What would it mean for us to be witnesses of the resurrection for others who are seeking new life? What evidence of resurrection within us can we invite people to experience for themselves?   Reflection Questions:1. What experience of God's goodness feels most natural for you to share?2. Which voices or influences are drawing your heart away from God's peace?3. How has God guided and sustained you through uncertain or difficult seasons?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Just as last week's text provided proof of the presence of God the Father, this week's text shows us evidence of the Holy Spirit. It is through our love of one another and our commitment to Jesus' commandments that we see the work of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit, who advocates on our behalf, that we are empowered to do what God asks of us. When we fulfill God's call, we demonstrate the reality of the Holy Spirit, alive and well in the world.  Reflection Questions:1. When have loneliness or fear opened you to deeper trust in God?2. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit comforting or guiding your life?3. What helps you remember that you are never spiritually orphaned or alone?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Phillip speaks for all of us in wanting to see tangible proof of God's presence. Clearly, if God were as plainly visible and audible as God appeared to be throughout the Bible, there would be very little cause for atheism and agnosticism today. Nonetheless, Jesus gives Phillip an intriguing response: If you're looking for evidence of God, look at the life and teachings of Jesus himself. He and the father were one. Likewise, if we are looking for the presence of God today, we can embody that presence through our own faithful living and adherence to God's commands.   Reflection Questions:1. Where are you longing to see evidence of God in difficult times?2. How might your actions become visible signs of God's presence to others?3. What need around you is inviting you to do the work of Jesus?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In this iconic passage, Jesus equates himself to the gate through which the sheep will not just find security within the fold; they will hear the shepherd's voice clearly amid the threats around them. Living on the edge of resurrection means constant attentiveness to the shepherd's calling, so that when we find ourselves lost and confused, we can follow God's way home.   Reflection Questions:1. What competing voices in your life make it difficult to hear Jesus?2. How can you create space to listen and respond to God daily?3. Where might God be inviting obedience through a voice you recognize?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The travelers on the road to Emmaus uttered the words that capture the deepest longing in the human heart: “We had hoped.” They had held out hope that the reports of Jesus' death were not true, and that he was the long-awaited Messiah. Then, because they created space for Jesus to remain with them in their home, he opened their eyes to his presence, and he gave them the hope they were longing for.  Reflection Questions:1. Where in your life do you need to create space for Jesus?2. What practices help you name your disappointments and invite Christ inward?3. How is resurrection unfolding in your life, even if slowly?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The resurrection of Jesus is the pivotal moment in human history, declaring God's redemptive power and the end of sin and evil as the controlling force over our lives. The practice of visio divina invites us to not just hear the story, but to gaze upon it, just as famous artists have invited us throughout the centuries, to discover how we can experience the power of resurrection in our lives and in the world.   Reflection Questions:1. Where has life shaken you recently, leaving you uncertain or afraid?2. What faithful action can you take before certainty or belief fully arrives?3. How might living as free change your perspective on present struggles?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The stories of Holy Week are conducive to vivid artistic representation. Beginning with the pageantry of Palm Sunday, through the beauty of Maundy Thursday, and into the stirring scenes of the crucifixion, these stories have been the subject of some of the greatest works of art in history. The massive altar piece of the cathedral in Siena, Italy, depicts these scenes with stunning detail, telling the stories of the week that changed the world.  Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Like many of the parables of Jesus, the story of the Prodigal Son is a study in contrast, between the waywardness of the younger son and the extravagant love of God. Embodying that contrast is the light and shadow that comes from beautiful stained glass, like the stunning windows of Cathedrale Saint-Etienne in Bourges, France. Its depiction of the parable of the prodigal is not only rich in imagery; it also renders imaginative aspects of the story as a way of inviting the viewer to see themselves in the narrative. For all the soulful repentance that Lent prompts, it is good to remember that ultimately, God is there to welcome us, hold us, and forgive us.   Reflection Questions: 1. What rooms of your past remain closed, waiting for God's healing light?2. Where are you chasing fulfillment outward instead of returning inward to God?3. How might God expand the living space of your heart today?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In this full-cut Visio Divina conversation, Magrey deVega and Dr. Rose Trentinella explore Tintoretto's depiction of the Wedding at Cana. Originally created for a monastery dining hall, the artwork was meant to surround viewers as they shared their own meals. Even more compelling, art historians believe Tintoretto may have painted himself into the scene—not looking out at us, but participating in the feast. What does it mean for an artist to place himself inside the miracle? And what might it mean for us, as we practice a slower, more attentive way of seeing? This conversation invites us to consider what we notice and where we find ourselves within the story.Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This first miracle by Jesus, recorded in John's gospel, may seem like an odd insertion into the Lenten journey. But it is the moment when Jesus made his public debut as not just a stirring teacher, but as a miraculous healer who was concerned about the wellbeing of others. His response to his mother that his “hour has not yet come” is a foretelling of his crucifixion and resurrection, when he would be poured out as blood and water for the salvation of others. In that way, the turning of water into wine is a kind of foreshadowing of his ultimate miracle. The Renaissance painter Veronese renders this story in vivid detail, both immersing the viewer in the story and expanding the hospitality of God to others.  Reflection Questions:1. When have you been to a family gathering where things didn't turn out as hoped? 2. How is God calling you to “widen the table” and make room for people to experience God's love? 3. How are you a character in the story of the wedding at Cana?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In this full-cut interview from our Visio Divina Lenten series, Magrey deVega sits down with Dr. Rose Trentinella from the University of Tampa to explore two extraordinary works of Renaissance art: Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and Ghiberti's “Gates of Paradise.” From Michelangelo's reluctant frustration at being forced to paint instead of sculpt, to the astonishing technical precision of fresco on a curved vault seventy feet overhead, this conversation uncovers the human struggle behind legendary genius. Then, turning to Florence's gilded bronze baptistry doors, they examine the innovation, symbolism, and hidden details—down to tiny lizards no one on the ground would ever see—that reveal the mind of an artist working at the height of his craft. It's a deeper look at calling, creativity, and the tension between assignment and passion.Special thanks to Dr. Trentinella, the Ferman family, and the University of Tampa. Find out more and watch the full sermon at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The most famous fresco in the history of western art is in the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo. It depicts the stirring moment when God created humans, with God and Adam, arms outstretched, making contact. Just as moving is the stunning entryway doors to the Baptistery of St. John in Florence, Italy by Giberti, which depics the story of creation in incredible, gilded detail. The creation story is a fitting starting point in our Lenten journey, reminding us of our inherent nature as made in the image of God, and calling us to return to a full reflection of God's character, as we reach out and touch the divine.   Reflection Questions:1. How might you begin to read the Bible with multiple physical senses? 2. When has a work of art opened your eyes to wonder? 3. How do these two works of art give you deeper appreciation for the creation story? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Empathy seems to be a lost art these days. It has even been villainized by certain segments of our political discourse. Empathy is not a weakness; it is a demonstration of strength, of security in oneself, and a reflection of the character of God, who empathized with humanity to such a degree that God became human just like us. It is a central idea in this passage of Paul's letter to the Romans, and it is central to us as Christians.   Reflection Questions:1. In what ways are you tempted to stop at believing the right things about Jesus rather than doing the hard things he asks of you? 2. What people are you struggling to empathize with? What “single story” might you need to change with deeper listening? 3. How can you practice empathy by honoring another person's humanity while still maintaining healthy emotional boundaries? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In this episode of Beyond the Sermon, Magrey deVega sits down with guest preacher Gary Mason to continue the conversation on listening in a divided world. Drawing from Gary's experience in Northern Ireland and his work with Rethinking Conflict, they reflect on how polarization, labeling, and dehumanization take root—and why listening is essential to preserving life and peace. Together, they explore the connection between listening to God and listening to one another, the power of storytelling, and why “engagement is not endorsement” when navigating deep disagreement.Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org

 The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously diagnosed the problem with pride as having a “drum major instinct,” adapting a phrase from the Methodist preacher J. Wallace Hamilton. Indeed, much of the hostility and tension in the world can be addressed if we dig our societal roots deeper into service and humility, just as Jesus taught his disciples in this text from Matthew. Reflection Questions:1. To what degree do you exhibit a “Drum Major Instinct?” 2. How can ambition be a healthy thing to have? When does it become unhealthy? 3. How can serving help you see the divine image in others? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In this Beyond the Sermon conversation, Magrey deVega and Matt Hoto dig into the ideas behind the “drum major instinct” and why the pull toward attention, affirmation, and influence shows up so naturally in our lives. They walk through how Jesus reframes greatness in the Gospels, why the same story appears differently in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and how context and perspective shape the way faith communities grow up and mature. Along the way, they reflect on preaching legacies like J. Wallace Hamilton and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., especially how MLK's call to humility, justice, and nonviolence still challenges how we lead, speak, and engage the world today.Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Baptism reminds us of who we are in Christ, and the calling Christ gives us to live a holy life. It is a notion underscored by 1 Peter, which tells us that the waters of baptism do not as much cleanse us physically, but spiritually, empowering us to live with a good conscience.   Reflection Questions: 1. What is your favorite memory of a baptism? 2. How will remembering your baptism strengthen you during hard days? 3. How will you “behave until you believe, so that you can behave because you believe”? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Just as a tree digs its roots deeper to find water and nourishment during times of drought, times of unsettledness are an invitation for us to hone our commitment to Jesus. The year kicks off with a time of obedience to the will and way of Christ, in alignment with the year-long “Wesleyan Rooted” emphasis by the Annual Conference. This three-part series encompasses the two sacraments, communion and baptism, and the way we live our lives sacramentally for others, through service.   Reflection Questions: 1. What would it mean for you to make “Deeper” a goal for your spiritual journey this year? 2. How will you grow deeper in your service to others?3. How will you grow deeper in your relationships with others? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Mary and Elizabeth were the original collaborators, co-laboring to provide the world with the hope and promise that it needed. In drawing near to each other, they discovered mutual support and joy, and the strength to encourage each other throughout their journeys. In a season where our relationships with those closest to us might be most tested and strained, we are called to practice vulnerability, mutuality, and shared love.  Reflection Questions:1. What would it mean for you to be a “Tabernacle” for God? 2. What would it mean for you to be a “Doula” for God?3. How will you prepare for the fresh arrival of Jesus in and through your life?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho reflect on Mary's role in the Christmas story by placing it within the much longer arc of Israel's history—from tabernacle and temple to incarnation and church. They explore how Luke connects past, present, and future to show a God who is both mobile and faithful, present in the wilderness and rooted in real history. As Christmas Eve approaches, the conversation invites us to notice where God is already near, and how we might carry that presence into the lives of others.Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

No journey to Christmas would be complete without John the Baptist, the iconic figurehead of Advent preparation. His message is one that people then and now are reluctant to hear: Repent, seek justice, and live righteously. His is a timeless truth that is as relevant as ever.  Reflection Questions:1. How often do you watch the sunrise? What feelings does it elicit for you? 2. What are you most longing for right now? 3. What difference does it make to see time less linearly, and more cyclically?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The draw near theme encompasses 1) an affirmation that God has drawn near to us by taking on flesh and experiencing what it is to be human, 2) a plea for God to draw closer to us and to the spaces in the world that are broken, and 3) a charge for us to draw near to God by leaning into wonder, justice, truth, and one another. Reflection Questions:1. What does it mean for you to call Jesus Lord and King?2. How will you savor each present moment in the coming days? 3. How will you prepare yourself spiritually for the coming Advent season? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This iconic text from Paul on giving reminds us that our truest and most faithful generosity does not happen through rote obligation, but through a spirit of joy and gratitude.Reflection Questions:1. When have you been misunderstood, the way the Corinthians misunderstood Paul? 2. How can you shift your thinking to see every person in the church as equally important? 3. How might you see your estimate of giving as planting a seed for impact in 2026 and beyond? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Our simple acts of generosity are part of a continuum of God's reciprocal work of grace. God blesses us, then blesses others through us, and then we are blessed in return, which enables us to give thanks to God. It is a true full circle of grace.Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In the final week of Christ at the Center, Pastor Magrey deVega revisits a wild Sunday when Hyde Park was protested by Westboro Baptist Church—for being “too open-minded.” But instead of responding with hate, the church chose love, gentleness, and respect—the way 1 Peter calls us to. Discover how real faith holds conviction without closing hearts, and how open-mindedness—rooted in Jesus—can become one of the most powerful witnesses we have today.Reflection Questions:1. What positions in the Social Principles are instructive and persuasive for you?2. How will you work toward bridging polarizing differences with others?3. How will you work toward peace and justice in the world?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if faith and politics can coexist without partisanship? When the Pharisees asked Jesus about religion and empire, He responded, "Render unto Caesar the things that belong to Caesar, and to God the things that belong to God." His answer offers key principles on how followers of Jesus can engage in politics while staying true to their faith.Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if the balance between extremes leads to growth? The via media, or “way through the center,” is a key part of Wesleyan belief, guiding us to take the best of both extremes and create a dynamic, living center.Reflection Questions:1. In what ways are you concerned about polarization today?2. What value do you find in the via media, the way of the center?3. How might you practice listening and empathy with those who disagree with you?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

There is a hidden treasure within each of us, which is the image of God with which we have been created. Our work is to participate in God's transformation, in which we reveal the fullness of Jesus to others. Reflection Questions:1. In what ways do you experience creation “groaning” right now?2. How is God transforming you to be more like Jesus? How will you participate in that transformation?3. How will you maintain courage and strength to keep pushing through the labor pains of the world?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if creation itself could remind us of God's presence? In the midst of personal suffering, Job discovered that God's power and presence are revealed in creation. Even in our own struggles, we can find God in the wonder of the world around us, drawing closer to Him by caring for it.Reflection Questions:1. In what way do creation and nature teach you about God?2. How does creation help you remember that you are not helpless or alone?3. What steps will you take to care for creation?

Pastor Magrey deVega continues our Call to Care series with a message on one of the most overlooked forms of care: caring for yourself. Drawing from 3 John, he shows how true self-care is more than self-soothing—it's building inner resilience by tending to your body, your soul, and your mind. What daily practices help you walk in truth, strengthen your spirit, and live with greater peace? We'd love to hear how you're practicing self-care—and to walk that journey alongside you.Reflection Questions:1. What are your favorite practices for “self-soothing”?2. What practices help you build up inner resilience in your body, spirit, and mind?3. What new practice will you develop to care more holistically for yourself?Find out more and connect with us at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if courage comes from knowing we're never alone? St. Patrick, a key figure in early Celtic Christianity, gave us a prayer that brings comfort and strength to those who feel lost, alone, or afraid.Reflection Questions:1. When have you prayed that God would protect you? What has been the result?2. What will you do to participate in God's protection through integrity and courage?3. What difference will it make for you to see Christ in everyone you meet?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if true renewal begins with surrender? John Wesley's prayer for covenant renewal is a powerful reminder to shift our focus away from ourselves and toward obedience and surrender to God.  Reflection Questions:1. What would praying “Suscipe” to God each day mean for you?2. What new insights does the Wesley Covenant Prayer give you?3. How will you apply the Wesley Covenant Prayer to the way you live?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if God's intent is to deliver us from evil, not use it? The Lord's Prayer reminds us that God stands against evil, desiring our deliverance. The final line is a benedictory alleluia, declaring that all of who we are belongs to God, for all creation is part of His kingdom.Reflection Questions:1. What would it mean to give God all of what you have and do?2. How can you make your life a living Temple in which God resides?3. What new insights do you have about the Lord's Prayer, and what difference will it make?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if everything we need is already provided? God guides us away from anything that hinders our relationship with Him. These words remind us of God's providence and His call for us to co-create with Him.Reflection Questions:1. Which of the four petitions do you resonate with the most right now?2. What do you think it means to pray, “Lead us not into temptation”?3. How will reciting the Lord's Prayer deepen your desire and ability to love God and others?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The Lord's Prayer reminds us of this critical but often forgotten truth: It's not about us. We are not the center of the universe, and all we are and do should be centered in the worship and praise of God. Reflection Questions:1. What word or phrase do you find most meaningful from the Lord's Prayer? Why?2. What aspects of the Lord's Prayer prompt questions or curiosity for you?  3. How will the pronouns “Our” and “Your” make a difference in how you live each day?  Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if we all embraced the power to be witnesses? On Ascension Sunday, we hear Jesus' promise to the disciples: they would receive the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses, near and far. This service invites us to reclaim that evangelical spirit, which has been central to the Wesleyan movement from the start. Reflection Questions:1. What significant life stage transitions were rewarding? What were challenging?2. What did you learn about stability and moving forward as you went through those transitions?3. How will you strengthen both contemplation and action in your spiritual life?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The character Nostalgia does not get much screen time in the film Inside Out 2, but it is a significant and regular aspect of our personality and emotional makeup. The capacity to remember the past with fondness can be a gift. Indeed, the Bible is filled with numerous commands to remember what God has done, and to celebrate the faithfulness of our ancestors. At the same time, like all emotions, nostalgia can also be a detriment, if taken to an extreme. When we fail to live fully into the present or fail to have creative and hopeful imagination about the future, then we are unduly anchored in what was, rather than what can be.  Reflection Questions:1. What makes you feel nostalgic, and what past moments does it make you remember?2. How will you learn from both the good and bad memories of your past?3. What is your inner child telling you? What do you want to tell them?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if grief is not something to escape but something to navigate? Grief is the shadow side of love—we only grieve what we have loved. Avoiding grief means avoiding attachment, which is not an option in the human experience. The question isn't how to minimize grief but how to move through it in a healthy way.Reflection Questions:1. When are you most prone to experiencing sadness? Fear?2. In what ways can sadness and fear be beneficial? Detrimental?3. How will you learn to name sadness and fear, and express them in a healthy way?  Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if joy isn't about circumstances but about strength? True joy is anchored in the unwavering truth that God is our strength, no matter what we face. Reflection Questions:1. What does it mean for you to have healthy emotions?  2. How can you experience joy amid hardship?3. What do you think it means to believe that “the joy of the Lord is your strength”?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In the most personal and poignant resurrection encounter in the gospels, Jesus appeared to Mary in the garden and revealed himself once he spoke aloud her name. The work of resurrection in us begins with recognizing our identity in Christ as a child of God, and then seeking to affirm the personhood of others who feel lost in their own grief and despair.  Reflection Questions:1. Why do you think Mary didn't recognize the resurrected Jesus?  2. In what ways do you live out of your false self?3. How can you allow God to help you rediscover and reveal your true self?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The ransom atonement theory is built on the notion that we are being held captive by forces that are beyond our control, and in the cross, God has released us from being held hostage. We are therefore called and empowered to be agents of liberation against the injustices people face in our society and in the world.Reflection Questions:1. In what ways has Jesus set you free from personal sins?2. How does the two-fold understanding of biblical justice change your view of justice?3. How is God calling you to be a part of setting people free from social injustice?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The moral example atonement theory points to the entirety of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection as the source of our salvation. In his teachings and example, we receive the model for how to love God and each other. We are therefore called and equipped to be agents of love that will overcome hatred and revenge, thereby fully revealing God's intended image within each of us.  Reflection Questions:1. What difference does it make for you in understanding the cross not just as a way to heaven, but as a way of experiencing eternal life on earth?2. Whom do you have trouble loving?3. How will you take steps this week to love the people who are hard to love?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In Christ, we have been reconciled with God. We are therefore called and equipped to be agents of reconciliation among groups who have been divided by discrimination and prejudice.Reflection Questions:1. When have you experienced significant struggle in matters of your own personhood and identity?2. How have you harbored racism in your own heart?3. How do you intend to be more anti-racist in your life, your relationships, and your actions in the world?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

How can we ensure the Bible is a source of liberation rather than harm? Throughout history, Scripture has been misused to justify misogyny, racism, homophobia, and other systemic sins. In this episode, we explore how to read the Bible faithfully, uncovering its message of good news and freedom for all. Reflection Questions:1. What childhood story has brought you deeper meaning as you have gotten older?2. What passages in the Bible have been most troublesome for you to interpret?3. How will you approach the Bible through the lens of love, for God and others?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What do we do with troubling images of God in the Bible that seem inconsistent with his love and faithfulness? Stories of God's unpredictable actions can feel more like ancient mythology than the God we know. Explore how to read Scripture faithfully, uncovering its timeless truths beyond antiquated imagery. Reflection Questions1. What images for God in the Bible are among your favorites? What are most troubling to you?2. How has your relationship with God changed over time? What role did external circumstances play in those changes?3. What new way might you explore envisioning and relating to God in your life?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

How can we reconcile a loving God with the violence depicted in the Bible? Many struggle with this challenge, especially when reading the Old Testament. Join us as we delve into how to navigate scripture faithfully while grappling with the tough questions about God, violence, and our understanding of his character. Reflection Questions:1. What biblical passages of violence are most troubling to you?2. How will you guard against the tendency to see the Old Testament as irrelevant or inferior?3. How will you live out the call of Jesus to non-violence?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

How does the way we interpret the Bible shape our faith? A Wesleyan approach focuses on inspiration rather than rigid concepts of inerrancy or infallibility. This perspective invites us to read Scripture dynamically and contextually, unlocking deeper truth and broader applicability. Join us to explore why this distinction matters so much. Reflection Questions:1. How will you see spiritual practices as a way of being, rather than an expectation of doing?2. What does it mean to you for the Bible to be inspired?3. How can different perspectives bring you new insights when reading of the Bible?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What does it mean to give back to God through worship? Worship is our response to God's incredible gift of grace. Having received the breath of God, we use it to proclaim His power and might. Discover how worship reflects a beautiful cycle of grace and praise. Reflection Questions:1. How has Sunday worship prepared you to be worshipful throughout the week?2. What do you need to do to be more worshipful every day?3. How will worship enable you to be an inspiration for others?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What does it mean to serve with love as your foundation? God has uniquely designed each of us to serve in specific ways for his purpose. Join us as we explore how to embrace your calling and live it out with love at the center.Reflection Questions:1. When have you experienced disenchantment in your life, or in the world?2. What Fruit of the Spirit are easiest to demonstrate? What are hardest?3. What parts of Dr. King's sermon or Psalm 37 resonate most with you? Why?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

There is inspiration every day, with evidence of God's power and presence, if we will only be open to seeing it.Reflection Questions:1. How would you define inspiration, in terms of your own personal experience?2. When have you felt inspired by something that is not necessarily “religious” in nature?3. How might conflict and struggle be a source of inspiration for you?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps