The aardvark napped; an orangutan frolicked. Peacocks strutted, hippos floated. The gawky giraffe appears to have been designed by a dysfunctional committee! Yes, the family and I were at the Philly Zoo. Payton, my 18 month old grandson, pressed up to the fences, his little mouth forming an "o" of silent amazement as he looked at birds and beasts. Gavin was captivated by the monkey antics. The wonder of it all was sensory overload, even for me.
I kept thinking of God's charge to us, "fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over (it.)" (Genesis 1:28, NIV) "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." (Genesis 2:15, NIV) A central part of God's purpose for us is the stewardship of the earth, and what a treasure He's entrusted to our care! The Scripture never hints that we should worship the natural world as many do, but we are told to take care of it as a sacred trust.
Once, I foolishly failed to listen to those who expressed concern for the earth, dismissing the whole ecology movement as the work of 'tree huggers.' In my view it was an either/or proposition- development or conservation. That's a false dichotomy, as many are discovering. We don't have to worship the earth to care for it with reverence for it as the work of God. Certainly, like all reactionary movements, environmentalism has been characterized by excesses to which many Christians, including yours truly, responded as the stuff of New Age nuts.
Carl Weiland, wrote in Creation - "environmentalism seems like a substitute religion, with an established dogma; ‘plastic is bad, recycling is virtuous, forests are sacred sites, developers are satanical’. And much environmentalism is fanned by evolutionary pantheism. ‘Mother Earth’ is the creative goddess, who must be protected and pacified. But in any issue, we should be prepared to think carefully, and not let our reaction to extremists goad us into overlooking any Biblical principles that apply." As those who will give account to God for how we managed His garden we need to apply our minds to find solutions that allow for us to enjoy the world and her bounty, while taking steps to keep it whole and beautiful as the Creator made it. Weiland also observes - "Determining the boundary between use and abuse, between responsible resource management and rapacious plunder, is obviously a complex ‘wisdom’ issue, not one with a single Biblical answer that fits all cases."
To care for the earth is an act of worship - for Him, the Creator. I am convinced that when we give account to the Lord, it won't just be our tithe and a positive balance in our checkbook that matters when He discusses our stewardship. He will ask about how well we took care of His Treasure, how we engaged in exercising dominion (rule) over His earth.
Here's a word from the Word. Note the wonder about Creation! Need a wonder-infusion? Take a trip to the Zoo!
_________________________________
" Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. ....
He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart. ...
How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. ...
May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works—...I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. ...Praise the LORD, O my soul. Praise the LORD." (Psalm 104, NIV)
Friday, July 01, 2005
Thursday, June 30, 2005
The Discipline of Joy
Discipline and joy - that is an incongruous linkage of words. In our Weds. Bible Study, we are studying John Ortberg's Life You've Always Wanted. The first discipline he writes about is celebration, practicing the habit of joy! I must be honest and admit (confess is probably a better word) that I am the "Chief Drudge" and that I do not celebrate well. That is not a good thing. Christianity is to be characterized by incredible joy, among other things. Ortberg challenged me by pointing out some key truths.
First is this-- God is joyful! That was a new idea for me. God is love, yes. God is holy, of course. God is good, always. But, God is joyful? Think about it. When He created, how did He summarize His work? "And God saw all that He had made, and it was very good!" He was delighted by His creativity. Isaiah uses a great metaphor about God's joy -- "as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." (Isaiah 62:5, NIV) God is as giddy about loving us as a young man is about his new wife!
Second -- Jesus' goal was to give us 'abundant life' that we might 'share the full measure of His joy.' Jesus laughed! I know it's much more common for us to think of Him as a suffering Savior, but between the lines, we see a joyful Man. Children liked him, sought Him out. Kids don't climb onto the laps of cranky guys! Buried in His teaching are remarks designed to spark laughter. We don't always 'get it' because of the gap in culture and time, but they are there. He poked fun at the Pharisees who were so scrupulous about external holiness. His audience probably roared when He said, "you strain the gnats out of your drinks but swallow camels."
Third -- Paul commands us to rejoice! "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, NIV) If joy were simply the result of uncontrollable circumstances as many of us think, then this command would be unfair or impossible. Joy is a choice for the Believer, regardless of the 'happiness content' of the day.
So, how do we practice joyfulness? Ortberg suggests 7 things...
1. Begin NOW! Stop waiting for joy to make it's way to you, or waiting for something you hope for to happen. Believe what the Word declares, that "This is the day the LORD has made" ... and when you believe that... then go on to the next step..."let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24, NIV)
2. Find a 'joy' mentor. Experiencing joy is a learned response. Griping and complaining comes naturally to the sinful nature. So let somebody who's grasped the joy of the Lord coach you.
3. Set aside a day a week to celebrate. It's not BAD to have pleasurable experiences. Eat ice cream! In moderation, it won't hurt you a bit. Revel in beauty. It is a gift to appreciate a sunset, a work of art, a musical composition. So, make sure you celebrate regularly to break out of the monotony of life.
4. Unplug from the steady stream of 'bad news' from the world for a week. Depression is an epidemic among us. Might it be because we are trying to deal with the ugliness, the sin, the suffering of the whole world everyday? Those 24/7 news channels might keep you informed, but they may also be a great hindrance to joy as you find yourself confronted with terror, tragedy, and woe from the four corners of the earth.
5. Discipline your mind to see life from the Biblical perspective. Today is not IT! You and I are not all that we will ever be. Change is happening, that is the assurance of the Word. "...we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. " (2 Corinthians 3:18, The Message) Not happy with who you are, what you're like today? Work with God and He'll change you. And live 'eschatologically' with an eye to the coming Kingdom! That will keep the disappointment and sorrows of this day from overwhelming you.
6. Pray for the fruit of the Holy Spirit (the evidence of His life) to be created in you. What is that fruit? "Love, JOY...." Yes, second on the list is JOY! "Oh, God, teach me to celebrate, to live joyfully, because You live in me."
7. Practice joyfulness. Yes, when you hear yourself joining in with complaining, when you're chafing against situations, when you are ungrateful- make a choice, by the power of the Spirit, to go in a different direction. Look up, not down. Speak with faith, not from fear. Thank God for what He's given you, instead of complaining about what you perceive that you lack.
"Lord, thank you for being You and for being Joyful over us.
Wherever we are, in whatever state we find ourselves today,
may our response to you be gratefulness for your faithfulness.
When our hearts are broken by real suffering, by hurt visited on us by cruel people,
heal us and hold us close.
When we are selfish, touchy, and full of irritability -
convict us and help us to listen when you say, "Get your heart right!"
Do the work of transformation in us, so that the
joy of the Lord will be evident in us.
In this you will be honored and the world will know
that we are people of faith.
Jesus, we pray this in your holy name.
Amen."
First is this-- God is joyful! That was a new idea for me. God is love, yes. God is holy, of course. God is good, always. But, God is joyful? Think about it. When He created, how did He summarize His work? "And God saw all that He had made, and it was very good!" He was delighted by His creativity. Isaiah uses a great metaphor about God's joy -- "as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." (Isaiah 62:5, NIV) God is as giddy about loving us as a young man is about his new wife!
Second -- Jesus' goal was to give us 'abundant life' that we might 'share the full measure of His joy.' Jesus laughed! I know it's much more common for us to think of Him as a suffering Savior, but between the lines, we see a joyful Man. Children liked him, sought Him out. Kids don't climb onto the laps of cranky guys! Buried in His teaching are remarks designed to spark laughter. We don't always 'get it' because of the gap in culture and time, but they are there. He poked fun at the Pharisees who were so scrupulous about external holiness. His audience probably roared when He said, "you strain the gnats out of your drinks but swallow camels."
Third -- Paul commands us to rejoice! "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, NIV) If joy were simply the result of uncontrollable circumstances as many of us think, then this command would be unfair or impossible. Joy is a choice for the Believer, regardless of the 'happiness content' of the day.
So, how do we practice joyfulness? Ortberg suggests 7 things...
1. Begin NOW! Stop waiting for joy to make it's way to you, or waiting for something you hope for to happen. Believe what the Word declares, that "This is the day the LORD has made" ... and when you believe that... then go on to the next step..."let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24, NIV)
2. Find a 'joy' mentor. Experiencing joy is a learned response. Griping and complaining comes naturally to the sinful nature. So let somebody who's grasped the joy of the Lord coach you.
3. Set aside a day a week to celebrate. It's not BAD to have pleasurable experiences. Eat ice cream! In moderation, it won't hurt you a bit. Revel in beauty. It is a gift to appreciate a sunset, a work of art, a musical composition. So, make sure you celebrate regularly to break out of the monotony of life.
4. Unplug from the steady stream of 'bad news' from the world for a week. Depression is an epidemic among us. Might it be because we are trying to deal with the ugliness, the sin, the suffering of the whole world everyday? Those 24/7 news channels might keep you informed, but they may also be a great hindrance to joy as you find yourself confronted with terror, tragedy, and woe from the four corners of the earth.
5. Discipline your mind to see life from the Biblical perspective. Today is not IT! You and I are not all that we will ever be. Change is happening, that is the assurance of the Word. "...we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. " (2 Corinthians 3:18, The Message) Not happy with who you are, what you're like today? Work with God and He'll change you. And live 'eschatologically' with an eye to the coming Kingdom! That will keep the disappointment and sorrows of this day from overwhelming you.
6. Pray for the fruit of the Holy Spirit (the evidence of His life) to be created in you. What is that fruit? "Love, JOY...." Yes, second on the list is JOY! "Oh, God, teach me to celebrate, to live joyfully, because You live in me."
7. Practice joyfulness. Yes, when you hear yourself joining in with complaining, when you're chafing against situations, when you are ungrateful- make a choice, by the power of the Spirit, to go in a different direction. Look up, not down. Speak with faith, not from fear. Thank God for what He's given you, instead of complaining about what you perceive that you lack.
"Lord, thank you for being You and for being Joyful over us.
Wherever we are, in whatever state we find ourselves today,
may our response to you be gratefulness for your faithfulness.
When our hearts are broken by real suffering, by hurt visited on us by cruel people,
heal us and hold us close.
When we are selfish, touchy, and full of irritability -
convict us and help us to listen when you say, "Get your heart right!"
Do the work of transformation in us, so that the
joy of the Lord will be evident in us.
In this you will be honored and the world will know
that we are people of faith.
Jesus, we pray this in your holy name.
Amen."
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Hand in hand
Gavin, my grandson who is 3, and I walked, holding hands. It was a wonderful moment that left me full of emotion. When a large vehicle approached, his little hand tightened on mine as if to say, "Keep me safe, Grandpa." At one point as we walked past some mud on the side of the road, I felt his grip loosen and knew his intent in a second, so I gently held on and pulled him back, sparing him some very muddy sneakers and a scolding from his Dad. We got to a dead-end side street and I said, "you can run ahead if you wish." He dropped my hand and danced a funny little wiggle around me, laughing in his 'independence' but even then stayed fairly close. When I asked him why he didn't run ahead, he replied, "because I don't know where your house is."
And God whispered to me, "I delight even more in you than you do in this little boy!"
In the grip of His grace there is both comfort and safety. When we hold tightly to Him, (that, at least, is the illusion. Truth is, He holds us more than we hold Him.) we sense the comfort He offers even when the questions pile up without immediate answers. Gavin had no idea where I was going and just a few minutes into our walk, if I had disappeared, he would have been lost, unable to find his way home. Once we left our house, he had to trust me. Similarly in our walk with God, we do not know where He's leading and, while He's given us our final destination, the way between here and there is often unknown.
But, we need not fear because He is a good God! I am amazed that He would want to walk with me, but He does. He promises, "I will not leave you as orphans." (John 14.18) Cynthia Clausen wrote a song that includes these lyrics,
He sees the Master plan.
He holds our future in His hands.
So don't live as those who have no hope.
All our hope is found in Him.
We walk in present knowledge,
but He sees the first and the last.
And like a tapestry, He's weaving you and me
to someday be just like Him.
God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don't understand,
when you don't see His plan,
When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart.
More wonderful even is that He knows our intents and that we are prone to wander into the mud, too. If we are walking with Him, His Spirit will pull us back to spare us - if we'll listen!
I'm sure my quick tug on Gavin's hand was mysterious to him. "How could Grandpa know I wanted to get into that mud? Why won't he let me?" He didn't know that I know his little boy heart quite well. He asked, "why can't I walk over there?"
"Because it is sticky mud and it will make a mess of your shoes," I explained. All he saw was a spot of dirt that glistened with moisture inviting him to play. I saw the consequences and saved him from an unpleasant scene! Our Lord, the Bible says, "is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." That is not a threat to our joy. It is safety! He can see the consequences and, by His Spirit, warns us.
Are you walking with God?
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:5-7, NKJV)
And God whispered to me, "I delight even more in you than you do in this little boy!"
In the grip of His grace there is both comfort and safety. When we hold tightly to Him, (that, at least, is the illusion. Truth is, He holds us more than we hold Him.) we sense the comfort He offers even when the questions pile up without immediate answers. Gavin had no idea where I was going and just a few minutes into our walk, if I had disappeared, he would have been lost, unable to find his way home. Once we left our house, he had to trust me. Similarly in our walk with God, we do not know where He's leading and, while He's given us our final destination, the way between here and there is often unknown.
But, we need not fear because He is a good God! I am amazed that He would want to walk with me, but He does. He promises, "I will not leave you as orphans." (John 14.18) Cynthia Clausen wrote a song that includes these lyrics,
He sees the Master plan.
He holds our future in His hands.
So don't live as those who have no hope.
All our hope is found in Him.
We walk in present knowledge,
but He sees the first and the last.
And like a tapestry, He's weaving you and me
to someday be just like Him.
God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don't understand,
when you don't see His plan,
When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart.
More wonderful even is that He knows our intents and that we are prone to wander into the mud, too. If we are walking with Him, His Spirit will pull us back to spare us - if we'll listen!
I'm sure my quick tug on Gavin's hand was mysterious to him. "How could Grandpa know I wanted to get into that mud? Why won't he let me?" He didn't know that I know his little boy heart quite well. He asked, "why can't I walk over there?"
"Because it is sticky mud and it will make a mess of your shoes," I explained. All he saw was a spot of dirt that glistened with moisture inviting him to play. I saw the consequences and saved him from an unpleasant scene! Our Lord, the Bible says, "is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." That is not a threat to our joy. It is safety! He can see the consequences and, by His Spirit, warns us.
Are you walking with God?
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:5-7, NKJV)
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
The "Supreme" Court
Yesterday the US Supreme Court handed down more of those verdicts that reveal how foolish even the 'wisest' of people can be. Two cases about the public display of the Ten Commandments were decided with 140 pages of legal jargon, most of it nothing more than the preferences of one person dressed up to look like law. In one ruling, the Texas State House display was allowed as part of a 'historical' monument, while in the other the Kentucky court house was told to remove the display because it was an illegal entangling of the state and religion. There will all kinds of hand-wringing on both sides of the issues today.
Some Christians will see this as further evidence that we are living in the "End Times," and the Court will once again prove to be a handy tool for the fund-raising campaigns for various media ministries who will rally Believers to 'hold the line' against the encroachment of godless atheists in government. The People for the American Way will see this as convincing evidence that America is on the brink of a becoming a fundamentalist theocracy ruled by Baptist preachers and they, too, will raise $millions with campaigns centered around that fear!
The Court is responding to a syndrome described today by columnist George Will as "distress delight." He wrote, "Nowadays many people delight in being distressed. They cultivate exquisitely tender sensibilities and practice moral exhibitionism, waxing indignant about minor encounters with thoughts and symbols they dislike."
We followers of Jesus need to get over our sensitivity to being disrespected by those in power!
I have it on good authority that Christians being hated by the world is a normal thing, the way life works in this present world. Our Master said, “When the world hates you, remember it hated me before it hated you. The world would love you if you belonged to it, but you don’t. I chose you to come out of the world, and so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A servant is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you!" (John 15:18-20, NLT)
If the Church gets about the business of being the Church- feeding the hungry, proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom, loving the poor - our witness will be so powerful it won't make a bit of difference whether stones etched with the Ten Commandments stand in court house squares or not!
When we insist that the 10 Commandments hang in court houses and classrooms, I believe we are looking for a witness that is more comforting to us in its symbolism than effective in shaping our society. Yes, I am saddened by America's refusal to recognize that there is a God who makes holy demands on people, demands that are sketched out in the Decalogue. It is sad to see our country losing touch with the foundational ideas that shaped our social contracts and laws, but those values won't be preserved by keeping some displays intact! The 10 Commandments are prominently displayed in the Supreme Court in Washington, DC and don't seem to have a bit of influence over the 9 people who sit on that bench!
God's holy law must first be written on our hearts and then we can celebrate it by writing it on the walls. So, instead of being distressed and mailing off a $100 to some right wing political action committee, I'd like to suggest that you consider another response to this evidence of America's drift into secularism.... re-commit yourself to radical discipleship! Pray something like this, "Jesus Christ, you may not be recognized as the Lord of these United States, but I bow at your throne and surrender myself to You. Let my words and my life be a powerful witness to my world, directing their attention to your Kingdom and calling my world to desire your wisdom, to submit themselves to the real "Supreme" court."
Here's a word from the Word to ponder today -
Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. " (Matthew 5:14-16, The Message)
Some Christians will see this as further evidence that we are living in the "End Times," and the Court will once again prove to be a handy tool for the fund-raising campaigns for various media ministries who will rally Believers to 'hold the line' against the encroachment of godless atheists in government. The People for the American Way will see this as convincing evidence that America is on the brink of a becoming a fundamentalist theocracy ruled by Baptist preachers and they, too, will raise $millions with campaigns centered around that fear!
The Court is responding to a syndrome described today by columnist George Will as "distress delight." He wrote, "Nowadays many people delight in being distressed. They cultivate exquisitely tender sensibilities and practice moral exhibitionism, waxing indignant about minor encounters with thoughts and symbols they dislike."
We followers of Jesus need to get over our sensitivity to being disrespected by those in power!
I have it on good authority that Christians being hated by the world is a normal thing, the way life works in this present world. Our Master said, “When the world hates you, remember it hated me before it hated you. The world would love you if you belonged to it, but you don’t. I chose you to come out of the world, and so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A servant is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you!" (John 15:18-20, NLT)
If the Church gets about the business of being the Church- feeding the hungry, proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom, loving the poor - our witness will be so powerful it won't make a bit of difference whether stones etched with the Ten Commandments stand in court house squares or not!
When we insist that the 10 Commandments hang in court houses and classrooms, I believe we are looking for a witness that is more comforting to us in its symbolism than effective in shaping our society. Yes, I am saddened by America's refusal to recognize that there is a God who makes holy demands on people, demands that are sketched out in the Decalogue. It is sad to see our country losing touch with the foundational ideas that shaped our social contracts and laws, but those values won't be preserved by keeping some displays intact! The 10 Commandments are prominently displayed in the Supreme Court in Washington, DC and don't seem to have a bit of influence over the 9 people who sit on that bench!
God's holy law must first be written on our hearts and then we can celebrate it by writing it on the walls. So, instead of being distressed and mailing off a $100 to some right wing political action committee, I'd like to suggest that you consider another response to this evidence of America's drift into secularism.... re-commit yourself to radical discipleship! Pray something like this, "Jesus Christ, you may not be recognized as the Lord of these United States, but I bow at your throne and surrender myself to You. Let my words and my life be a powerful witness to my world, directing their attention to your Kingdom and calling my world to desire your wisdom, to submit themselves to the real "Supreme" court."
Here's a word from the Word to ponder today -
Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. " (Matthew 5:14-16, The Message)
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Letting Up?
I love to use "Summer time" as my excuse for not doing very well with my weight management! You know, too many snacks and too little exercise. It's a story told a million times over, right? When it's 90 degrees plus, it's hard to get motivated to put on the walking shoes and do that 20 minute exercise thing. A bowl of ice cream sounds so inviting on a Summer evening. At age 50, my body doesn't forgive me the way it used to. But, I still want to 'let up' on the discipline... it just feels so natural. The results are not so nice!
Some of us 'fall apart' spiritually in the Summer time for the same reason; we just 'let up.' Churches, historically, observe a 'summer slump' in attendance as people choose the beach, backyard BBQ's, and extra time to sleep in over getting to worship services. Bibles collect dust as daily routines are set aside, and with them, the regular intake of the Word. Time in prayer suffers as we spend more time pursuing leisure activities. As spiritual disciplines are neglected, our spirits starve and grow weak, giving the sinful nature occasion to show up and influence our thoughts, words, and actions.
Let me be positive and suggest that there are ways to 'change the pace' without abandoning our disciplines!
Here are a few suggestions--
1. Make Sunday morning special by getting up a earlier and going out for breakfast on the way to church, or even better, make plans to have a picnic lunch with another family from your church following the service.
2. Buy a new translation of the Bible and use the Summer months to read through several of those books you don't get to very often - Jeremiah, Deuteronomy, the Kings... perhaps you will read a little less in your Bible, but do some research along the way. God can use more obscure texts to feed your spirit, too!
3. Take a 'prayer walk' through your neighbor once a week, actively praying for those who live around you.
4. While on vacation, instead of just skipping out on church worship, go to a church of a very different tradition. Don't go to criticize, but rather to see how God touches people using different forms of worship. This is a really wonderful way to teach your children about the breadth of God's church!
5. Write your daily prayers for a week! You might be inspired to broaden or deepen your conversation with the Lord.
6. Meet with the Lord in a different place occasionally. Drive to the park, walk by a river, hike into the woods, sit out in your backyard late in the evening - and let Him speak to your heart in those places.
What's worked for you, helping you to stay motivated with your practice of spiritual disciplines? I'd love to know and might even write another TFTD about this!
Faithfulness to the practices the keep our hearts in touch with the Spirit is important. Be careful about being bound by the 'religious rules.' It is all too easy to confuse doing things like reading the Bible, saying prayers, and going to church with being spiritual! I do not mean to suggest, for one moment, that you should take some spiritual pride in your regular practice of these things. But, they remain vital to us as means of God's voice being heard over the noise of day to day living! Just doing these disciplines doesn't mean a thing unless we engage our heart and listen. That said, there is a place to make a choice of the will to get up and get going... just like I must do if I want to keep my body healthy. It isn't about what feels good in the moment; it is about what becomes possible because we make the right choice today- again tomorrow, and again, the day after that.
"Do you see what this means—...It means we’d better get on with it.
Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.
Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.
When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!" (Hebrews 12:1-3, The Message)
Some of us 'fall apart' spiritually in the Summer time for the same reason; we just 'let up.' Churches, historically, observe a 'summer slump' in attendance as people choose the beach, backyard BBQ's, and extra time to sleep in over getting to worship services. Bibles collect dust as daily routines are set aside, and with them, the regular intake of the Word. Time in prayer suffers as we spend more time pursuing leisure activities. As spiritual disciplines are neglected, our spirits starve and grow weak, giving the sinful nature occasion to show up and influence our thoughts, words, and actions.
Let me be positive and suggest that there are ways to 'change the pace' without abandoning our disciplines!
Here are a few suggestions--
1. Make Sunday morning special by getting up a earlier and going out for breakfast on the way to church, or even better, make plans to have a picnic lunch with another family from your church following the service.
2. Buy a new translation of the Bible and use the Summer months to read through several of those books you don't get to very often - Jeremiah, Deuteronomy, the Kings... perhaps you will read a little less in your Bible, but do some research along the way. God can use more obscure texts to feed your spirit, too!
3. Take a 'prayer walk' through your neighbor once a week, actively praying for those who live around you.
4. While on vacation, instead of just skipping out on church worship, go to a church of a very different tradition. Don't go to criticize, but rather to see how God touches people using different forms of worship. This is a really wonderful way to teach your children about the breadth of God's church!
5. Write your daily prayers for a week! You might be inspired to broaden or deepen your conversation with the Lord.
6. Meet with the Lord in a different place occasionally. Drive to the park, walk by a river, hike into the woods, sit out in your backyard late in the evening - and let Him speak to your heart in those places.
What's worked for you, helping you to stay motivated with your practice of spiritual disciplines? I'd love to know and might even write another TFTD about this!
Faithfulness to the practices the keep our hearts in touch with the Spirit is important. Be careful about being bound by the 'religious rules.' It is all too easy to confuse doing things like reading the Bible, saying prayers, and going to church with being spiritual! I do not mean to suggest, for one moment, that you should take some spiritual pride in your regular practice of these things. But, they remain vital to us as means of God's voice being heard over the noise of day to day living! Just doing these disciplines doesn't mean a thing unless we engage our heart and listen. That said, there is a place to make a choice of the will to get up and get going... just like I must do if I want to keep my body healthy. It isn't about what feels good in the moment; it is about what becomes possible because we make the right choice today- again tomorrow, and again, the day after that.
"Do you see what this means—...It means we’d better get on with it.
Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.
Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.
When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!" (Hebrews 12:1-3, The Message)
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