Watch this video by Francis Chan on living out our lives fully abandoned to Christ. I love how he presents this!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Philippians 4
Philippians 4
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.Read this a couple of times and write in your journal ideas of what it would look like to think about the noble, right, pure, lovely things of this world.
What do you think is a noble thing?
It also talks about putting into practice the things he is been teaching us...look back over your notes for fusion and your quiet times; is there anything in there that you have put into practice?
Write out three ways you will put those things into practice daily this week! If you do anything for 21 days it becomes habit.
Why do we do all of this? The last words of the passage goes as follows,"and the God of peace will be with you." By pursuing these things and putting them into practice it brings peace into our hearts. Not peace of this world because God never promises that until he comes back but peace inside of your heart so we can weather all things with Joy!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Metaphors
The Bible uses a number of metaphors to describe our relationship to God at various stages. If you’ll notice, they ascend in a stunning way:
Potter and clay. At this level we are merely aware that our lives are shaped—even broken—by a powerful hand. There isn’t much communication, just the sovereignty of God at work.
Shepherd and sheep. At this stage we feel provided for, watched over, cared about. But beyond that, a sheep has little by way of true intimacy with the Shepherd. They are altogether different creatures.
Master and servant. Many, many believers are stuck in this stage, where they are committed to obey, but the relationship is mostly about receiving orders and instructions and carrying them out.
Father and child. This is certainly more intimate than being a servant; children get the run of the house, they get to climb on Daddy’s lap. These fortunate souls understand God’s fatherly love and care for them. They feel “at home” with God.
Friends. This stage actually opens up a deeper level of intimacy as we walk together with God, companions in a shared mission. We know what’s on his heart; he knows what’s on ours. There is a maturity and intimacy to the relationship.
Bridegroom and bride (lovers). Here, the words of the Song of Songs could also describe our spiritual intimacy, our union and oneness with God. Madame Guyon wrote, “I love God far more than the most affectionate lover among men loves his earthly attachment.”
Where would you put your relationship with God? Why did you choose that “level”? Has it always been that way?
(The Journey of Desire Journal & Guidebook , 150)
Potter and clay. At this level we are merely aware that our lives are shaped—even broken—by a powerful hand. There isn’t much communication, just the sovereignty of God at work.
Shepherd and sheep. At this stage we feel provided for, watched over, cared about. But beyond that, a sheep has little by way of true intimacy with the Shepherd. They are altogether different creatures.
Master and servant. Many, many believers are stuck in this stage, where they are committed to obey, but the relationship is mostly about receiving orders and instructions and carrying them out.
Father and child. This is certainly more intimate than being a servant; children get the run of the house, they get to climb on Daddy’s lap. These fortunate souls understand God’s fatherly love and care for them. They feel “at home” with God.
Friends. This stage actually opens up a deeper level of intimacy as we walk together with God, companions in a shared mission. We know what’s on his heart; he knows what’s on ours. There is a maturity and intimacy to the relationship.
Bridegroom and bride (lovers). Here, the words of the Song of Songs could also describe our spiritual intimacy, our union and oneness with God. Madame Guyon wrote, “I love God far more than the most affectionate lover among men loves his earthly attachment.”
Where would you put your relationship with God? Why did you choose that “level”? Has it always been that way?
(The Journey of Desire Journal & Guidebook , 150)
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