• I would continue to love everyone as much I can.
• I would put family first by tending to their needs
• I would do whatever is truly in my power to do for the ministry
• I would just take care of my family and my health.
• I would spend more time with department leaders.
• I would express more emotions when I communicate.
• I would show people that I care about them and that I am concerned for their well being.
• I would follow my passion and go with what God placed in my heart!
• I would balance meekness with some assertiveness when it comes to implementing strategies to better the ministry.
• I would exercise authority in the midst of opposition.
• I would trust God to keep me as I press forward, sometimes stepping on toes to do His will.
• I would be mindful to smile and speak if need be at not only people in the church but on the street.
• I would not break confidences in trying to help people out with information.
• I would in accordance with the prophecies previously made about me, wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience.
• I would fan into flame the gift of God within me.
• I would always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill my ministry.
• I would not let anyone despise me for my youth.
• I would set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
A few differences between storms and the desert
A desert is a geographical location, it's something we go into, yet a storm is a phenomena that happens to us.
Storms are mobile and are relatively short in duration; however, a desert is a significant area that takes time to be traveled through.
Biblically, a desert place is a place where the believer is reorientated for the journey; Jesus, the Jews; a storm is an event where the believer's heart is being prepared for greater trust in God; the disciples.
Monday, May 31, 2010
What is Christian meditation?
What is Christian meditation?
With the influence of eastern culture now permeating our lives, it is imperative for us to examine one of the most important spiritual disciplines for the believer today—meditation. A common question is, “How does Christian meditation differ from eastern meditation?” Christian meditation is about “filling the mind”, whereas eastern meditation is about “emptying the mind”. Most eastern forms of meditation take the stance that life is an illusion. As a result, to free ourselves from the deception, we must empty ourselves of our identity and become one with the inevitable nothingness of reality. In contrast to this form of meditation stands the Christian practice. In it, the worshiper is to focus on ultimate reality, which is God. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this; through nature, through art, through studying people etc. however, the one meditation method that is practiced the most is contemplation on the “Word of God.”
How does meditation affect me?
The Christian form of meditation is the process of allowing the reality of God to permeate your essence. It is accomplished through contemplating on God and His principles. Being a former athlete, I will give an analogy from athletics that I believe will highlight this process - the struggle of a Rookie. The one challenge young professional athletes have in transitioning from the collegiate level to the pro level is the speed of the game. The rookie must learn how to take large amounts of information and utilize it as though it were a natural part of their performance. So instead of having to take time during the game and consider the appropriate response for a given situation, the proper course of action should flow naturally from them without hesitation. This can only happen when the Rookie’s training becomes instinctive or a part of who they are.
Is meditation important for the Christian?
The Rookie analogy is similar to meditation. In meditation we focus on some aspect of God---for example --- Psalm 118:28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. If you focus on the first phrase, “You are my God…” start to consider all the ways this truth impacts your life. How does it affect your hopes, your dreams, your future, your pains, etc? Once this truth becomes a part of you, it naturally flows out of you. Once you’re out where the rubber meets the road, and meditation has become a habit for you, godly responses will naturally permeate from you instead of having to rummage through the Scriptures for an answer to whatever challenge you are facing. Over time and through constant meditation, the reality of the spiritual life will become more evident. The result will be an understanding that life’s myriad of challenges necessitate a specific godly response out of your heart, which was prepared through meditation.
What is the goal of meditation?
Ultimately, meditation is one of the spiritual disciplines that conforms us into the image of Christ. David coveys this idea the best in Psalm 119:11 he says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Meditation helps to bring us closer to God through focusing on ultimate reality, which is God. If practiced consistently, living out the Christian life will be less of a challenge and more of a joy; because the fruit of meditation is that we are not living out of someone else’s relationship, but we can now confidently live out who we really are, in Christ.
With the influence of eastern culture now permeating our lives, it is imperative for us to examine one of the most important spiritual disciplines for the believer today—meditation. A common question is, “How does Christian meditation differ from eastern meditation?” Christian meditation is about “filling the mind”, whereas eastern meditation is about “emptying the mind”. Most eastern forms of meditation take the stance that life is an illusion. As a result, to free ourselves from the deception, we must empty ourselves of our identity and become one with the inevitable nothingness of reality. In contrast to this form of meditation stands the Christian practice. In it, the worshiper is to focus on ultimate reality, which is God. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this; through nature, through art, through studying people etc. however, the one meditation method that is practiced the most is contemplation on the “Word of God.”
How does meditation affect me?
The Christian form of meditation is the process of allowing the reality of God to permeate your essence. It is accomplished through contemplating on God and His principles. Being a former athlete, I will give an analogy from athletics that I believe will highlight this process - the struggle of a Rookie. The one challenge young professional athletes have in transitioning from the collegiate level to the pro level is the speed of the game. The rookie must learn how to take large amounts of information and utilize it as though it were a natural part of their performance. So instead of having to take time during the game and consider the appropriate response for a given situation, the proper course of action should flow naturally from them without hesitation. This can only happen when the Rookie’s training becomes instinctive or a part of who they are.
Is meditation important for the Christian?
The Rookie analogy is similar to meditation. In meditation we focus on some aspect of God---for example --- Psalm 118:28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. If you focus on the first phrase, “You are my God…” start to consider all the ways this truth impacts your life. How does it affect your hopes, your dreams, your future, your pains, etc? Once this truth becomes a part of you, it naturally flows out of you. Once you’re out where the rubber meets the road, and meditation has become a habit for you, godly responses will naturally permeate from you instead of having to rummage through the Scriptures for an answer to whatever challenge you are facing. Over time and through constant meditation, the reality of the spiritual life will become more evident. The result will be an understanding that life’s myriad of challenges necessitate a specific godly response out of your heart, which was prepared through meditation.
What is the goal of meditation?
Ultimately, meditation is one of the spiritual disciplines that conforms us into the image of Christ. David coveys this idea the best in Psalm 119:11 he says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Meditation helps to bring us closer to God through focusing on ultimate reality, which is God. If practiced consistently, living out the Christian life will be less of a challenge and more of a joy; because the fruit of meditation is that we are not living out of someone else’s relationship, but we can now confidently live out who we really are, in Christ.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Desert
I have often thought that storms and deserts were synonymous; however, this is not the case. I think what I will do over the next couple of Blogs is contrast the two, which I believe will help in gaining a better understanding of our God...
I found this brief article regarding deserts by George J. Miller
When you learn of the desert experience, remember what, or who led you into it. That very same situation belonged to Moses, before and after he led the Hebrews out of Egypt. God brought him into Midian, he spent 40 years living nearby Mt. Sinai, his desert experience.
Then look at Elijah, after defeating the prophets of Baal, was put on the run by Jezebel and her promise to take his life. Guess where he went to experience his desert experience?
Yes! the same place where 200 years earlier God had sent Moses, only it was called Horeb, his desert experience.
Why does God require this desert experience for us all?
We usually have reached the end of our spiritual strength, and God places us where he knows we can be reached. It's a desolate place, that desert, it seems like the perfect barren spiritual place he wishes us in to listen.
Usually, but not always we put ourselves there in the first place. We tend to do things in our strength, without His anointing. He lets us do this, so we can realise we are out of touch with him, and must pursue self-examination.
We feel lost as though he's left us, when we made the first step away from his grace.
Two examples of powerful men of God placed in a position of deep humility, wondering, why?
Gods reason is one of revelation, not of what has taken place in both these lives leading up to their "desert experiences," but for them to examine themselves and their relationship with him.
For both of these great men were to need a great spiritual strengthening and preparation for what was to come. Moses was to lead the Hebrew children out of Egypt, and Elijah would receive the double portion upon himself, in order to bestow it upon his successor Elisha. No easy tasks in either mans future, but doable with Gods anointing, and blessings.
So a desert experience is not a punishment, it is a way to get one spiritually right again with God, and prepare for a great work for Him that is yet to come about. It is Gods way of recharging the human soul...
"Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice,and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him."
Deuteronomy 13:4
© George J. Miller
http://www.soon.org.uk/thought/desert_experience.htm
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Our Wants
ACCEPTANCE – I want to be warmly received without condition.
GRACE – I want something good (e.g., forgiveness) that I don’t deserve.
CONNECTION – I want to be united to others.
COMPANIONSHIP – I want deep, intimate relationships.
SUCCESS – I want to achieve or accomplish something.
SELF-DETERMINATION – I want to have independence and free will.
UNDERSTANDING – I want to be known.
LOVE – I want to feel attractive to others.
VALIDATION – I want to be valued for who I am.
COMPETENCE – I want to have skills and ability that bring success.
RESPECT – I want to be admired and esteemed.
WORTH – I want to feel important.
HONOR – I want to feel like a priceless treasure.
COMMITMENT – I want to have unconditional security in relationships.
SIGNIFICANCE – I want to have meaning and purpose.
ATTENTION – I want to be noticed.
COMFORT – I want to feel a sense of well-being.
SUPPORT – I want to be cared for.
APPROVAL – I want to be liked and accepted.
WANTED – I want to be sought after.
SAFETY – I want to feel protected and secure.
AFFECTION – I want to feel fondness and warmth.
TRUST – I want to have faith in others.
HOPE – I want confidence that I will get what I love and desire.
JOY – I want to feel satisfied and happy.
http://smalley.cc/?s=affection+&x=0&y=0
GRACE – I want something good (e.g., forgiveness) that I don’t deserve.
CONNECTION – I want to be united to others.
COMPANIONSHIP – I want deep, intimate relationships.
SUCCESS – I want to achieve or accomplish something.
SELF-DETERMINATION – I want to have independence and free will.
UNDERSTANDING – I want to be known.
LOVE – I want to feel attractive to others.
VALIDATION – I want to be valued for who I am.
COMPETENCE – I want to have skills and ability that bring success.
RESPECT – I want to be admired and esteemed.
WORTH – I want to feel important.
HONOR – I want to feel like a priceless treasure.
COMMITMENT – I want to have unconditional security in relationships.
SIGNIFICANCE – I want to have meaning and purpose.
ATTENTION – I want to be noticed.
COMFORT – I want to feel a sense of well-being.
SUPPORT – I want to be cared for.
APPROVAL – I want to be liked and accepted.
WANTED – I want to be sought after.
SAFETY – I want to feel protected and secure.
AFFECTION – I want to feel fondness and warmth.
TRUST – I want to have faith in others.
HOPE – I want confidence that I will get what I love and desire.
JOY – I want to feel satisfied and happy.
http://smalley.cc/?s=affection+&x=0&y=0
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