By Steve Conley
Scripture: John 4
Props: Microphone, bucket
Cast: Reporter, Samaritan woman
Reporter: Good evening ladies and gentleman. This Skipper Jones reporter for channel 7 news. I’m here in Samaria searching for a woman who supposedly came in contact with Jesus. Just to bring you up to date I’ll give you some background on the case. Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard, “Jesus is baptizing and making more disciples than John”. So he left Judea to return to Galilee. He had to go through Samaria on the way. Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and....
Hold on here comes a woman now...
Reporter: Excuse me ma’am, Skipper Jones from Channel 7 news could I ask you a few questions?
Woman: Yes.
Reporter: Ma’am I’m looking for the woman who supposedly came in contact with Jesus at this well.
Woman: I am that woman.
Reporter: This is exciting. I’m standing here with the woman who came in contact with Jesus. Could you tell me a little bit about that day?
Woman: Yes. Jesus was sitting on the ground where you are standing and He asked if I would please give Him a drink.
Reporter: Where were his disciples?
Woman: Gone into the village to buy some food.
Reporter: It says here that you were surprised. Why?
Woman: Because Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans.
Reporter: Then why did Jesus ask you for a drink?
Woman: That is what I asked him. I said, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”
Reporter: It says here in my notes that He said, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
Woman: Yes. That is what He said.
Reporter: Ma’am. Have you ever heard of dead water?
Woman: Yes.
Reporter: Could you define the two?
Woman: Yes. Living water is active. Dead water is stagnate.
Reporter: Can you recall what happened next?
Woman: Yes. I told Him, “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket and this is a very deep well. Where would you get this living water?
Reporter: It says here that you said, and I quote, “And besides, are you greater than our ancestor Jacob who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his cattle enjoyed?”
Woman: Yes. That is what I said.
Reporter: Do you think that was an appropriate question to ask... Jesus?
Woman: I did not know it was Him at the time.
Reporter: Oh. (pause) It is also reported that Jesus said, “People soon become thirsty again after drinking this water. But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
Woman: Yes. I asked Him, “Please, sir, give me some of that water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to haul water.”
Reporter: But Jesus told you to go and get your husband. Did He not?
Woman: Yes.
Reporter: And is it true that you did not have a husband?
Woman: Yes. That is what I told Him.
Reporter: And in fact Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband—for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now.”
Woman: I told him, “you must be a prophet. So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?”
Reporter: Ah ha! It all comes down to worship doesn’t it?
Woman: What?
Reporter: Anyway. I have here that Jesus said, “Believe me, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father here or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know so little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” Is that true?
Woman: Yes. I told Him, “I know the Messiah will come—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, He will explain everything to us.”
Reporter: And what did He say?
Woman: He told me, “I who speak to you am He.”
Reporter: Well, there you have it. Did Jesus ever get His drink of water? I guess we’ll never know. One thing is for sure. This woman will never go thirsty again. I’m Skipper Jones for Channel 7 news.
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Triumph over temptation
By Steve Conley
(a reading)
Scripture: James 1:12-18
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
A1/A2: Actor 1 and 2 together
A1: I am blessed when I survive temptation
A2: When I am recognized I will receive my crown
A1: The Lord has promised
A2: A vow and covenant
A1/A2: Because we love Him.
A1: When temptation seeks to find me
A2: When temptation raps upon my door
A1: Is God within the midst of seduction?
A2: No, God cannot be tempted
A1: Nor will He bait a trap to seduce me
A2: My very own flesh is my seduction
A1: It draws me toward my desires
A2: Like a moth to a flame
A1: I am enticed by its grand parade of light
A2: If I reach for the flame I bring on the pains of labor
A1: I will give birth and name him sin
A2: And when he has grown he will bring forth death
A1: I must not answer
A2: The harder he knocks
A1: The more I must turn
A2: Listen, I must listen
A1: I hear a voice calling
A2: My beloved brethren
A1: Every good gift
A2: Every perfect gift
A1: Is from above
A2: It comes down
A1: It rains
A2: From the Father
A1: My father
A1/A2: Our Heavenly Father
A2: There is no variation
A1: Or shadow of turning
A2: He brought us forth
A1: His own will to do so
A2: By the word of truth
A1: That we might be firstfruits
A2: An offering
A1: To the Father
A2: My Father
A1/A2: Our Heavenly Father
A2: I am blessed when I survive temptation
A1: Victorious
A2: When I am recognized
A1: Standing on the center podium
A2: I will receive my crown
A1: My medal
A2: The Lord has promised
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
(a reading)
Scripture: James 1:12-18
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
A1/A2: Actor 1 and 2 together
A1: I am blessed when I survive temptation
A2: When I am recognized I will receive my crown
A1: The Lord has promised
A2: A vow and covenant
A1/A2: Because we love Him.
A1: When temptation seeks to find me
A2: When temptation raps upon my door
A1: Is God within the midst of seduction?
A2: No, God cannot be tempted
A1: Nor will He bait a trap to seduce me
A2: My very own flesh is my seduction
A1: It draws me toward my desires
A2: Like a moth to a flame
A1: I am enticed by its grand parade of light
A2: If I reach for the flame I bring on the pains of labor
A1: I will give birth and name him sin
A2: And when he has grown he will bring forth death
A1: I must not answer
A2: The harder he knocks
A1: The more I must turn
A2: Listen, I must listen
A1: I hear a voice calling
A2: My beloved brethren
A1: Every good gift
A2: Every perfect gift
A1: Is from above
A2: It comes down
A1: It rains
A2: From the Father
A1: My father
A1/A2: Our Heavenly Father
A2: There is no variation
A1: Or shadow of turning
A2: He brought us forth
A1: His own will to do so
A2: By the word of truth
A1: That we might be firstfruits
A2: An offering
A1: To the Father
A2: My Father
A1/A2: Our Heavenly Father
A2: I am blessed when I survive temptation
A1: Victorious
A2: When I am recognized
A1: Standing on the center podium
A2: I will receive my crown
A1: My medal
A2: The Lord has promised
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
It’s Just Money Honey
By Steve Conley
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
(A1 enters with some shopping bags. She’s exhausted and sits down in the chair. A2 is already seated.)
A1: Wow, I am exhausted! My dogs sure are barking!
A2: Why are you so tired? You were just going to the drug store to get some aspirin.
A1: I know and it’s a good thing I picked up some Dr. Scholl’s® inserts. If I hadn’t have done that, wow, my feet would be too tired to even work like feet!
A2: What do you mean picked up some inserts? What does that have to do with buying aspirin?
A1: Well honey, when you know you’re going to be on your feet for awhile you need a little more than aspirin. You need the cushiness of the doctor and boy are my feet gellin’!
A2: But you were just going to get aspirin, and look, it’s been 3 hours! Where did you go to get the aspirin? Did they stop selling it in Tennessee? Did you have to go across the border?
A1: No but I did go into Borders®. I bought some really great books.
A2: Books? What books? Why?
A1: Well, Borders was next door to World Bazaar® where I bought a great looking vase.
A2: Vase? Why?
A1: Well, I needed new vase so I could put the new plant in that I bought.
A2: What’s wrong with the other vases we have laying around the house? The vases that have nothing in them.
A1: Well, they didn’t match the new pillows that I bought.
A2: New pillows? Plants? A vase? Books?
A1; Yes and that’s not all…
A2: Hold on! Where did you get the money to pay for all of this?
A1: Money?
A2: Yes, money! You had to have money to buy all these things, right?
A1: Oh, we had the money. I checked our account before I left.
A2: No, no, no. We didn’t have the money.
A1: Yes we did. I looked at our balance. It said we had $534.00 in checking.
A2: No, we don’t. I had that money budgeted. It’s not really there.
A1: Oh it’s there. The little print out said it was there.
A2: Okay, wait. You need to pretend that it’s not there.
A1: Why do I need to do that when it said it was there?
A2: Because I’ve budgeted that money. It’s there, but it’s not really there.
A1: A2, here let me give you some aspirin. I don’t think you are feeling well.
A2: No I feel fine.
A1: Honey, it’s there. No need for pretending or acting.
A2: A1, I budget so much money every week for the different bills we have. Our checking account is kind of like a holding tank until those bills come due each month.
A1: Well, we still have time. It’s still there. Or was still there. You can just replace it.
A2: Replace it with what?
A1: When the rebate check comes in the mail we can take that money and put it back.
A2: Rebate? For what?
A1: Well, you know Gadget City is going out of business so I got in on the sale and bought a new underwater radio.
A2: Underwater radio? What are you planning on doing with an underwater radio?
A1: A2, you never know when you’re going to need these things!
A2: How are we ever going to get out of debt if we keep buying underwater radios?
A1: Did you buy one too?
A2: No! I’m just saying. We can’t keep spending what we don’t have!
A1: But we did have…
A2: I know, I know what you’re going to say and I don’t want to hear it! A1, we’ve got to learn to take some practical steps to spend smarter and make some personal goals to move us toward getting out of debt.
A1: I am totally with you on getting out of debt!
A2: Really?
A1: Yes. That’s why I bought you this book for $34.99 on how to set up a budget.
A2: What? Ah!
(A2 starts to exit)
A1: …And it comes with a DVD set that’s mailed to us every month for $54.95. A2? They bill monthly! A2? We can take the pretend money and pay for it! A2!
(A1 exits)
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
(A1 enters with some shopping bags. She’s exhausted and sits down in the chair. A2 is already seated.)
A1: Wow, I am exhausted! My dogs sure are barking!
A2: Why are you so tired? You were just going to the drug store to get some aspirin.
A1: I know and it’s a good thing I picked up some Dr. Scholl’s® inserts. If I hadn’t have done that, wow, my feet would be too tired to even work like feet!
A2: What do you mean picked up some inserts? What does that have to do with buying aspirin?
A1: Well honey, when you know you’re going to be on your feet for awhile you need a little more than aspirin. You need the cushiness of the doctor and boy are my feet gellin’!
A2: But you were just going to get aspirin, and look, it’s been 3 hours! Where did you go to get the aspirin? Did they stop selling it in Tennessee? Did you have to go across the border?
A1: No but I did go into Borders®. I bought some really great books.
A2: Books? What books? Why?
A1: Well, Borders was next door to World Bazaar® where I bought a great looking vase.
A2: Vase? Why?
A1: Well, I needed new vase so I could put the new plant in that I bought.
A2: What’s wrong with the other vases we have laying around the house? The vases that have nothing in them.
A1: Well, they didn’t match the new pillows that I bought.
A2: New pillows? Plants? A vase? Books?
A1; Yes and that’s not all…
A2: Hold on! Where did you get the money to pay for all of this?
A1: Money?
A2: Yes, money! You had to have money to buy all these things, right?
A1: Oh, we had the money. I checked our account before I left.
A2: No, no, no. We didn’t have the money.
A1: Yes we did. I looked at our balance. It said we had $534.00 in checking.
A2: No, we don’t. I had that money budgeted. It’s not really there.
A1: Oh it’s there. The little print out said it was there.
A2: Okay, wait. You need to pretend that it’s not there.
A1: Why do I need to do that when it said it was there?
A2: Because I’ve budgeted that money. It’s there, but it’s not really there.
A1: A2, here let me give you some aspirin. I don’t think you are feeling well.
A2: No I feel fine.
A1: Honey, it’s there. No need for pretending or acting.
A2: A1, I budget so much money every week for the different bills we have. Our checking account is kind of like a holding tank until those bills come due each month.
A1: Well, we still have time. It’s still there. Or was still there. You can just replace it.
A2: Replace it with what?
A1: When the rebate check comes in the mail we can take that money and put it back.
A2: Rebate? For what?
A1: Well, you know Gadget City is going out of business so I got in on the sale and bought a new underwater radio.
A2: Underwater radio? What are you planning on doing with an underwater radio?
A1: A2, you never know when you’re going to need these things!
A2: How are we ever going to get out of debt if we keep buying underwater radios?
A1: Did you buy one too?
A2: No! I’m just saying. We can’t keep spending what we don’t have!
A1: But we did have…
A2: I know, I know what you’re going to say and I don’t want to hear it! A1, we’ve got to learn to take some practical steps to spend smarter and make some personal goals to move us toward getting out of debt.
A1: I am totally with you on getting out of debt!
A2: Really?
A1: Yes. That’s why I bought you this book for $34.99 on how to set up a budget.
A2: What? Ah!
(A2 starts to exit)
A1: …And it comes with a DVD set that’s mailed to us every month for $54.95. A2? They bill monthly! A2? We can take the pretend money and pay for it! A2!
(A1 exits)
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
How to be blessed by the Bible
By Steve Conley
Scripture: James 1:19-27
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
A1 enters with an 8 ball in one hand and a Bible in the other hand.
A1: (Shaking the 8 ball) God, will I have a blessed day? (looks down at the answer the 8 ball gives) Reply hazy, try again. (shaking the 8 ball asks again) God, will this be a blessed day? (looks at 8 ball) Concentrate and ask again) I’m beginning to think this thing is broken! God, how can I be blessed? (looks at 8 ball again) Are you kidding? Am I kidding? No I’m not kidding! I really need to know.
A2 enters.
A2: What are you doing with that thing?
A1: It’s an 8 ball. I’m asking it questions.
A2: Really?
A1: Yes, watch this. (speaking to 8 ball) 8 ball, am I a good person? (shaking and looking) Outlook so so.
A2: I can’t believe you are asking an 8 ball questions. Don’t you know that thing is just a toy? It’s not real!
A1: Yes, but I can get some quick answers.
A2: I’m finding it hard to believe you have an 8 ball in one hand and a Bible in the other and you’re looking for answers from a toy instead of the Bible.
A1: Oh, I look through the Bible also, but like I said, this is just the fast way.
A2: You can ask all day with that but you will not find God’s true answers or be able to receive His blessings from an 8 ball.
A1: Hey that was one of my questions. Will I be blessed?
A2: Well, you can be blessed by the Bible. Did you know that?
A1: How so?
A2: Did you know in America, Bibles are everywhere. Yet millions of people still miss the blessing of the Bible?
A1: Why?
A2: Because it's not automatic like that 8 ball. The Bible is a Book of blessing. It promises comfort, strength, hope, wisdom, joy, power, and purpose. But just because you have a Bible doesn't mean you're going to get the benefit from it.
A1: But I need the benefit!
A2: Listen; there are steps on how to be blessed by the Bible. Let me show you. First you need to receive God’s word. See, it says here in James 1:21, “Accept the Word planted in you.” If we're going to be blessed by the Word of God, first we must welcome the Word into our lives. We must be receptive. James says we must receive the word of God with the right attitude. He gives us four attitudes, be Careful. “Be quick to listen...” , (vs. 19) be Calm. “…and slow to become angry…” (vs. 19b) Be Clean. “…get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent…” (vs. 21) and be Compliant. “…humbly accept the Word of God planted in you” (vs. 21b)
A1: Hey you know me. I can do all of those things. I’m careful, I’m calm, I’m slow to anger, I’m rid of all moral filth and I’m humble!
A2: Hummm… yes, well we also need to reflect on God’s word like it says in verse 23. Here look in this mirror.
A2 hands A1 a mirror.
A1: Oh would you look at me!
A2: Humble huh?
A1: Ah, yes, I think so.
A2: James says (reading), “22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” You see, God's Word is like a mirror. The purpose of a mirror is to evaluate us. God says a mirror reflects what we're like on the outside. God's Word reflects what we're like on the inside. Here (handing A1 the Bible), I want you to read this part.
A1: Ok, “25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.”
A2: There are three ways to reflect on the Word of God. Read it, review it and remember it!
A1: So, I need to focus my attention on the Word of God. Meditate on the Word of God, and memorize the Word of God.
A2: Yes, and like the good Book says, “he will be blessed in what he does.”
A1: In what “we” do.
A2: You’ve got it!
A1 (shakes 8 ball and asks) Will A2 buy me lunch? (looking at 8 ball) Yes, definitely!
A2: My sources say no!
A1 and A2 exit.
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Scripture: James 1:19-27
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
A1 enters with an 8 ball in one hand and a Bible in the other hand.
A1: (Shaking the 8 ball) God, will I have a blessed day? (looks down at the answer the 8 ball gives) Reply hazy, try again. (shaking the 8 ball asks again) God, will this be a blessed day? (looks at 8 ball) Concentrate and ask again) I’m beginning to think this thing is broken! God, how can I be blessed? (looks at 8 ball again) Are you kidding? Am I kidding? No I’m not kidding! I really need to know.
A2 enters.
A2: What are you doing with that thing?
A1: It’s an 8 ball. I’m asking it questions.
A2: Really?
A1: Yes, watch this. (speaking to 8 ball) 8 ball, am I a good person? (shaking and looking) Outlook so so.
A2: I can’t believe you are asking an 8 ball questions. Don’t you know that thing is just a toy? It’s not real!
A1: Yes, but I can get some quick answers.
A2: I’m finding it hard to believe you have an 8 ball in one hand and a Bible in the other and you’re looking for answers from a toy instead of the Bible.
A1: Oh, I look through the Bible also, but like I said, this is just the fast way.
A2: You can ask all day with that but you will not find God’s true answers or be able to receive His blessings from an 8 ball.
A1: Hey that was one of my questions. Will I be blessed?
A2: Well, you can be blessed by the Bible. Did you know that?
A1: How so?
A2: Did you know in America, Bibles are everywhere. Yet millions of people still miss the blessing of the Bible?
A1: Why?
A2: Because it's not automatic like that 8 ball. The Bible is a Book of blessing. It promises comfort, strength, hope, wisdom, joy, power, and purpose. But just because you have a Bible doesn't mean you're going to get the benefit from it.
A1: But I need the benefit!
A2: Listen; there are steps on how to be blessed by the Bible. Let me show you. First you need to receive God’s word. See, it says here in James 1:21, “Accept the Word planted in you.” If we're going to be blessed by the Word of God, first we must welcome the Word into our lives. We must be receptive. James says we must receive the word of God with the right attitude. He gives us four attitudes, be Careful. “Be quick to listen...” , (vs. 19) be Calm. “…and slow to become angry…” (vs. 19b) Be Clean. “…get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent…” (vs. 21) and be Compliant. “…humbly accept the Word of God planted in you” (vs. 21b)
A1: Hey you know me. I can do all of those things. I’m careful, I’m calm, I’m slow to anger, I’m rid of all moral filth and I’m humble!
A2: Hummm… yes, well we also need to reflect on God’s word like it says in verse 23. Here look in this mirror.
A2 hands A1 a mirror.
A1: Oh would you look at me!
A2: Humble huh?
A1: Ah, yes, I think so.
A2: James says (reading), “22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” You see, God's Word is like a mirror. The purpose of a mirror is to evaluate us. God says a mirror reflects what we're like on the outside. God's Word reflects what we're like on the inside. Here (handing A1 the Bible), I want you to read this part.
A1: Ok, “25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.”
A2: There are three ways to reflect on the Word of God. Read it, review it and remember it!
A1: So, I need to focus my attention on the Word of God. Meditate on the Word of God, and memorize the Word of God.
A2: Yes, and like the good Book says, “he will be blessed in what he does.”
A1: In what “we” do.
A2: You’ve got it!
A1 (shakes 8 ball and asks) Will A2 buy me lunch? (looking at 8 ball) Yes, definitely!
A2: My sources say no!
A1 and A2 exit.
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
God’s perspective on wealth and poverty
By Steve Conley
Scripture: James 1:9-11
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
A1 and A2 enter. A1 is looking at a piece of paper.
A1: Will you look at this! How can we afford this? It never fails, just when you think you’re at the top of the hill you get kicked back down again!
A1 looks at A2. A2 seems to be not paying attention.
A1: Are you listening to me? This is serious! I feel like I’m Jack rolling down the hill and I’ve broken my crown. A crown that I will never have!
A2: Trust me, I’m listening. I can’t help from it. You need to calm down a little bit.
A1: Calm down? Are we even on the same page? We do share the same fortune you know. Which appears to be going fast!
A2: You need to have a little more faith.
A1: Ok, here we go. What I need to have is a little more money! I bet Harvey and Jane never worry about any of this stuff.
A2: Now why do you mention Harvey and Jane?
A1: Have you seen the new car they have?
A2: Yes. Is that not the prettiest car you have ever seen?
A1: Yes, and I bet it came with a pretty price tag also. While we’re over here drowning in poverty they are on the cruise ship of wealth!
A2: Now you can’t say that. I’m sure they worked hard for that new car.
A1: Worked hard? Why Harvey has never lifted a finger to do anything. It just falls into his lap. That’s right, the lap of luxury!
A2: You know the Bible says we should glory in our exaltation.
A1: Oh, so I should boast about everything I don’t have? (yelling) Hey everyone, look at me! Look at how much I don’t have! Don’t you wish you could be like me?
A2: No, we should boast in being perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
A1: I don’t know about perfect and complete but I sure got the lacking in nothing covered.
A2: Some day the one who lacks so much now will be brought up, exalted, to a place of completion and fullness. We should look forward to the future, not boasting in the present, but in what God is going to do.
A1: I know you’re right. But what ever happened to fairness? Why couldn’t we be more like Harvey and Jane?
A2: Well, I’m sure they have hard times just like we do. You know just as well as I do that Harvey and Jane have seen their share of troubles.
A1: True, but they always come out smelling like a rose. And have you seen the price of roses lately?
A2: Roses? What’s that?
A1: Ah, never mind that last statement.
A2: The Bible also says the rich should boast in their humiliation, because like the flower of the grass he will pass away. The rich appear to have no difficulties in life. What the Bible is saying is that they certainly do have trials as well.
A1: Oh the trials of being rich!
A2: These are the trials of being tempted to trust in one's wealth and believe that they are some kind of sign of one's eternal place or status. Riches will fade away, they will be temporary. Riches do not help one to receive what God has to offer, in fact, they may very well be a barrier to it.
A1: So, it is actually the rich man himself that fades away. He himself is changed from pride in his possessions to humility in recognizing his own spiritual poverty before God.
A2: Now I think you’re getting it!
A1: So, for the rich believer, his boasting is in the triumph of God over his delusion about his own true condition. He my be fooled into believing that his riches gave him a reason to think that he was spiritually rich. However, in the end, through his trials, it will become clear that God is the real and only life-giver, not riches.
A2: You are right again. So do you still feel like you would want to live in Harvey and Jane’s shoes?
A1: Well…..
A2: Really?
A1: No, not really. Harvey and Jane are good people. I just got caught up in the moment. I’d like to stay right here rolling down my own little hill.
A2: You know everything’s going to be ok. With God’s help we’ll get through this and come out better on the other side.
A1: How right you are.
A1 and A2 exit.
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Scripture: James 1:9-11
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
A1 and A2 enter. A1 is looking at a piece of paper.
A1: Will you look at this! How can we afford this? It never fails, just when you think you’re at the top of the hill you get kicked back down again!
A1 looks at A2. A2 seems to be not paying attention.
A1: Are you listening to me? This is serious! I feel like I’m Jack rolling down the hill and I’ve broken my crown. A crown that I will never have!
A2: Trust me, I’m listening. I can’t help from it. You need to calm down a little bit.
A1: Calm down? Are we even on the same page? We do share the same fortune you know. Which appears to be going fast!
A2: You need to have a little more faith.
A1: Ok, here we go. What I need to have is a little more money! I bet Harvey and Jane never worry about any of this stuff.
A2: Now why do you mention Harvey and Jane?
A1: Have you seen the new car they have?
A2: Yes. Is that not the prettiest car you have ever seen?
A1: Yes, and I bet it came with a pretty price tag also. While we’re over here drowning in poverty they are on the cruise ship of wealth!
A2: Now you can’t say that. I’m sure they worked hard for that new car.
A1: Worked hard? Why Harvey has never lifted a finger to do anything. It just falls into his lap. That’s right, the lap of luxury!
A2: You know the Bible says we should glory in our exaltation.
A1: Oh, so I should boast about everything I don’t have? (yelling) Hey everyone, look at me! Look at how much I don’t have! Don’t you wish you could be like me?
A2: No, we should boast in being perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
A1: I don’t know about perfect and complete but I sure got the lacking in nothing covered.
A2: Some day the one who lacks so much now will be brought up, exalted, to a place of completion and fullness. We should look forward to the future, not boasting in the present, but in what God is going to do.
A1: I know you’re right. But what ever happened to fairness? Why couldn’t we be more like Harvey and Jane?
A2: Well, I’m sure they have hard times just like we do. You know just as well as I do that Harvey and Jane have seen their share of troubles.
A1: True, but they always come out smelling like a rose. And have you seen the price of roses lately?
A2: Roses? What’s that?
A1: Ah, never mind that last statement.
A2: The Bible also says the rich should boast in their humiliation, because like the flower of the grass he will pass away. The rich appear to have no difficulties in life. What the Bible is saying is that they certainly do have trials as well.
A1: Oh the trials of being rich!
A2: These are the trials of being tempted to trust in one's wealth and believe that they are some kind of sign of one's eternal place or status. Riches will fade away, they will be temporary. Riches do not help one to receive what God has to offer, in fact, they may very well be a barrier to it.
A1: So, it is actually the rich man himself that fades away. He himself is changed from pride in his possessions to humility in recognizing his own spiritual poverty before God.
A2: Now I think you’re getting it!
A1: So, for the rich believer, his boasting is in the triumph of God over his delusion about his own true condition. He my be fooled into believing that his riches gave him a reason to think that he was spiritually rich. However, in the end, through his trials, it will become clear that God is the real and only life-giver, not riches.
A2: You are right again. So do you still feel like you would want to live in Harvey and Jane’s shoes?
A1: Well…..
A2: Really?
A1: No, not really. Harvey and Jane are good people. I just got caught up in the moment. I’d like to stay right here rolling down my own little hill.
A2: You know everything’s going to be ok. With God’s help we’ll get through this and come out better on the other side.
A1: How right you are.
A1 and A2 exit.
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
How to be a wise person
By Steve Conley
Scripture: James 1:5-18
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
A1 enters wearing a cap and gown (graduation), wearing glasses and carrying an encyclopedia.
A1: (pacing slowly across the stage as in great thought) Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life. - Immanuel Kant, A man is wise with the wisdom of his time only, and ignorant with its ignorance. - Henry David Thoreau
A2: Enters carrying a plumbing fixture and a book.
A2: Honey, the sink has messed up again don’t you thin you should… (looks strangely at A1) What is this garb you have on?
A1: To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly. - Henri Bergson
A2: What?
A1: How do I look?
A2: Do you really want to know?
A1: No need. Vision is the art of seeing the invisible. - Jonathan Swift
A2: I think someone gave you a swift knock on the head! Maybe we should take you to see the men in white coats and padded walls. Cause that’s exactly what I’m about to do if you do snap out of this vision!
A1: Ok, don’t get so excited! I can tell you’re not impressed.
A2: Impressed about what?
A1: Look at me.
A2: (stepping back) Ok.
A1: What do you see?
A2: A flash back from High School. You still look as goofy now as you did back then.
A1: Forget that! Does this not make me look smarter?
A2: Quite the opposite. Oh, and don’t let the kids see you in this. We’re trying to get them to graduation, not to run from it.
A1: That’s really funny. I can see already that my plan is working.
A2: What plan?
A1: In order for us to undergo trials we need special wisdom from God to face them. Thus, you get what you see, a man filled with wisdom.
A2: I see a man that should be wise enough to know better!
A1: Don’t shoot me down for trying.
A2: I applaud your effort but the way you are going about it is all wrong.
A1: And you have a better idea?
A2: I don’t, but God does. God wants to bring His children to maturity as spiritual adults. Wisdom is sometimes defined as "the right use of knowledge." It involves applying the truth that we know to the situations that we confront. And trust me; you should never confront anything looking like that!
A1: You know me. When I do something I do it right!
A2: (laughing) That statement shows your lack of wisdom! Understand that all wisdom centers in God. Without a knowledge of God, we can’t understand life’s circumstances. The right thing to do is to continually seek wisdom from God. There is no room here for self-sufficiency or spiritual pride.
A1: I understand what you’re saying but I thought I would just seek this one on my own. Besides, can you imagine how busy God is?
A2: You need to understand the character of God. He is a giving God. We need have no fear of rejection when we come to God for wisdom. He does not ridicule us. Our past failures are not brought up to shame us. Even if we come to Him looking like this. (point to outfit)
A1: So a proper view of the character of God as a giving God will encourage us in coming to Him for wisdom?
A2: Yes, but if we expect to receive the wisdom we need, we must come in faith. We must trust that God is able and willing to do as He has promised.
A1: But sometimes I feel like I’m under great deal of pressure!
A2: Sometimes we feel like the world is crashing down and we begin wondering if God really loves us, doing what’s best for us, and will He see us through as promised. We must fully rely in Him and come as His children asking Him to do as He promised. (pause) Do this for me; wave your arms back and forth.
(A1 holds his arms out and waves them like imitating a tree blowing in the wind.)
A1: Like this?
A2: Yes, the Bible says, one who doubts is like a wave of the sea. Waves are at the mercy of the wind. If our faith is not firmly placed in God we lack stability in life. For a time there is confidence and joy in God. Then, as trials come and persist, there is doubt and wavering. It is a life of instability. (pause) You can stop waving now.
A1: So this is how break dancing feels.
A2: Listen, we can be sure beyond a doubt that God will give wisdom for trials to those who ask of Him. We must ask in faith, believing that He is able and willing. That is the “plan” for us as believers.
A1: Ok, I understand what you’re saying. Sounds like a great plan to me and much better than mine!
A2: Good, but I’ve got another way you can gain wisdom and to be a wise person.
A1: Really, what’s that?
A2: (hands A1 a book) Read this book on plumbing and apply that wisdom to fixing the sink!
A1: Real funny… real funny!
A1 & A2 exit.
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Scripture: James 1:5-18
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
A1 enters wearing a cap and gown (graduation), wearing glasses and carrying an encyclopedia.
A1: (pacing slowly across the stage as in great thought) Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life. - Immanuel Kant, A man is wise with the wisdom of his time only, and ignorant with its ignorance. - Henry David Thoreau
A2: Enters carrying a plumbing fixture and a book.
A2: Honey, the sink has messed up again don’t you thin you should… (looks strangely at A1) What is this garb you have on?
A1: To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly. - Henri Bergson
A2: What?
A1: How do I look?
A2: Do you really want to know?
A1: No need. Vision is the art of seeing the invisible. - Jonathan Swift
A2: I think someone gave you a swift knock on the head! Maybe we should take you to see the men in white coats and padded walls. Cause that’s exactly what I’m about to do if you do snap out of this vision!
A1: Ok, don’t get so excited! I can tell you’re not impressed.
A2: Impressed about what?
A1: Look at me.
A2: (stepping back) Ok.
A1: What do you see?
A2: A flash back from High School. You still look as goofy now as you did back then.
A1: Forget that! Does this not make me look smarter?
A2: Quite the opposite. Oh, and don’t let the kids see you in this. We’re trying to get them to graduation, not to run from it.
A1: That’s really funny. I can see already that my plan is working.
A2: What plan?
A1: In order for us to undergo trials we need special wisdom from God to face them. Thus, you get what you see, a man filled with wisdom.
A2: I see a man that should be wise enough to know better!
A1: Don’t shoot me down for trying.
A2: I applaud your effort but the way you are going about it is all wrong.
A1: And you have a better idea?
A2: I don’t, but God does. God wants to bring His children to maturity as spiritual adults. Wisdom is sometimes defined as "the right use of knowledge." It involves applying the truth that we know to the situations that we confront. And trust me; you should never confront anything looking like that!
A1: You know me. When I do something I do it right!
A2: (laughing) That statement shows your lack of wisdom! Understand that all wisdom centers in God. Without a knowledge of God, we can’t understand life’s circumstances. The right thing to do is to continually seek wisdom from God. There is no room here for self-sufficiency or spiritual pride.
A1: I understand what you’re saying but I thought I would just seek this one on my own. Besides, can you imagine how busy God is?
A2: You need to understand the character of God. He is a giving God. We need have no fear of rejection when we come to God for wisdom. He does not ridicule us. Our past failures are not brought up to shame us. Even if we come to Him looking like this. (point to outfit)
A1: So a proper view of the character of God as a giving God will encourage us in coming to Him for wisdom?
A2: Yes, but if we expect to receive the wisdom we need, we must come in faith. We must trust that God is able and willing to do as He has promised.
A1: But sometimes I feel like I’m under great deal of pressure!
A2: Sometimes we feel like the world is crashing down and we begin wondering if God really loves us, doing what’s best for us, and will He see us through as promised. We must fully rely in Him and come as His children asking Him to do as He promised. (pause) Do this for me; wave your arms back and forth.
(A1 holds his arms out and waves them like imitating a tree blowing in the wind.)
A1: Like this?
A2: Yes, the Bible says, one who doubts is like a wave of the sea. Waves are at the mercy of the wind. If our faith is not firmly placed in God we lack stability in life. For a time there is confidence and joy in God. Then, as trials come and persist, there is doubt and wavering. It is a life of instability. (pause) You can stop waving now.
A1: So this is how break dancing feels.
A2: Listen, we can be sure beyond a doubt that God will give wisdom for trials to those who ask of Him. We must ask in faith, believing that He is able and willing. That is the “plan” for us as believers.
A1: Ok, I understand what you’re saying. Sounds like a great plan to me and much better than mine!
A2: Good, but I’ve got another way you can gain wisdom and to be a wise person.
A1: Really, what’s that?
A2: (hands A1 a book) Read this book on plumbing and apply that wisdom to fixing the sink!
A1: Real funny… real funny!
A1 & A2 exit.
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Lord, I struggle
Lord, I struggle with time
Time and I we fight
It’s robbed me of my past
And stealing away my future
Lord, I struggle with faith
Faith and I we fight
It’s always been so weak
And has never let me down
Lord, I struggle with sin
Sin and I we fight
It’s forever on my mind
And forever friends with time
Lord, I struggle with hope
Hope and I we fight
It’s always at a distance
And constant companion to faith
Lord, I struggle
Struggle and I we fight
It’s there without my knowledge
And seeps in a little at a time
Lord, It’s good that you’re here
Cause I’d never win my fights
Faith and hope rule time and sin
My weakness, your strength
My distance, you’re closeness
Time and I we fight
It’s robbed me of my past
And stealing away my future
Lord, I struggle with faith
Faith and I we fight
It’s always been so weak
And has never let me down
Lord, I struggle with sin
Sin and I we fight
It’s forever on my mind
And forever friends with time
Lord, I struggle with hope
Hope and I we fight
It’s always at a distance
And constant companion to faith
Lord, I struggle
Struggle and I we fight
It’s there without my knowledge
And seeps in a little at a time
Lord, It’s good that you’re here
Cause I’d never win my fights
Faith and hope rule time and sin
My weakness, your strength
My distance, you’re closeness
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