I was looking at the stars the other night on a "retreat" with some friends. I am blown away by the immense beauty that IS God. It is good to be quiet, it is good to be alone, and it is good to let my heart reflect! I am in awe.
QUESTION(S) FOR THE WEEK:
What is your vision for changing the face of religion? Do you think it needs to change? Do you think it can change in our lifetime? Please weigh in!
WHERE HAS GOD PLACED US?
Our group is taking the time this month to look at the "Spiritual Geography" into which each of us has been placed. I drew three concentric circles and began to think about those who are closest, those who are near, and those with whom my life touches on a semi-regular/somewhat engaged basis. It helped to kind of sort it out - made it easier to assess where my time is going and how God is moving in relationships in my life. Where are the "Good News" opportunities in your life?
THE POWER OF STORY
Jesus' Kingdom is growing one heart at a time, and many of us a privileged to see God at work right before our eyes. Tell us your stories of where you see God at work in and around you.
END OF THE SPEAR
Saw this yesterday - found myself having to control my emotions on numerous occasions. It will bless your missional heart - made me think about OUR tribes local, regional, and national that are too numerous to count. See it - it will bleed parts of your soul (in a good way).
6 comments:
mr vandelay, i didn't use circles at all. i used lists. what does that say about me? i hear what you're saying about not being able to change everyone... but i don't think that's the point. if we are just intentional about our circles or lists (and where those lists overlap with other believers), so many will be changed.
art
I have found that the four circle approach has great advantages - I have just never been able to master it. re: face of religion - I think the attractional mode (re: Shaping) is here to stay and die. I think you are right - we must mind our part of the Kingdom and - if we are indeed closing in on the end of the age - wait for the Spirit to bring alive incarnational ministry.
fjatman
I am disturbed by the image - is that you?
I am following up on the challenge to share faith with someone over these next weeks and see what happens. I am talking with a girl named April and she is posing some excellent questions that are reminding me of tons of things - how hard it is to see God - and to trust God - and to see my way clear to find God. In addition to questions about the authenticity of the Scriptures and Jesus (why shouldn't this be a question?) she has opened up her fear that "what if I try to have contact with God and nothing happens?" WOW. Also, she is struggling to think that God would even WANT to have contact her. It is a bittersweet reminder of my life before Christ - it is no wonder that God is moving heaven and earth to bring us home!
well... it's been pretty cool to see how God is working in my different relationships. just by being purposeful with how i spend my time or approach certain people is making a big difference. every interaction is within my "sphere"... i'm praying specifically for those... and i know God is faithful. so, right now i'm really encouraged.
about changing the face of religion i though of these verses:
Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to
look after widows and orphans in their distress and to keep oneself
from being polluted by the world. -James 2:27
Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. -1 John 3:16
so i guess my vision is to try to be obedient to God by trying to serve the people around me, being intentional about serving the needs i see. of course doing this with love that i understand because of Jesus.
end of the spear:
i cried during the movie at parts. i took a poll at the end of the move, and my whole family had cried. but my friends who went with me, no.
when the widows came back for the first time and said, "God had a son, and he was speared, but he didn't spear back," it was overwhelming to think about how the Gospel was going to change these tribes entire existance.
i am a list person as well, fjatman.
man... i really need to see that movie. i'm sure i'd cry, too. Paul, it sounds like your whole family's a bunch of saps. lists rule.
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