Hello to all my friends from TwentySomething. I have really enjoyed being able to share the small amount of time that we are able to share once a month. I would love to hear your responses to this blog for two reasons 1) To hear feedback on what God is doing with the talks that I give at TwentySomething (kind of follow-up) and how I can be praying for you. 2) To hear your ideas for how I can better serve you at TwentySomething and things that you think can enhance the experience.
I wanted you all to know that God has been making me so aware of my words ever since the talk from Thursday night. Just really kind of spiritually "tapping me on the shoulder" to show me where my words fall short of His standard in Ephesians 4:29. I would love to hear from you about what God is doing in this area of your life.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Navigating the Turn
"Momentum dies in our lives when we allow people, circumstances, or our past to author our lives instead of choosing to prayerfully decide our direction".
- Dan Webster, REAL DEAL: Becoming More Authentic in Life and Leadership
Navigating the weeks and months of our lives after a spiritual high or spiritual mountaintop is like trying to make a sharp turn into a straightaway. I am two weeks removed from one of the most meaningful "Christian Conference" experiences of my entire life. The first week back was easy. I applied what I had learned....put new spiritual disciplines into my life and began to revive my time/relationship with God. And then came the turn. Up ahead I could see that the narrow and straight road of "post-spiritual high" interstate was beginning to turn...sharply. And I was presented with a choice. OPTION 1: stay straight and trust the energy from the high to guide me through or...OPTION 2: Lean into the turn and use the knowledge I have to navigate that curve with faith in the ability God has given me to turn a steering wheel (insert "Walt's a bad driver" joke here) and faith in my car to be able to handle it. If I choose OPTION 1 I go offroading into disaster...if I choose OPTION 2, it takes some faith, but I end up heading in the right direction on a solid road and that turn gives me the momentum and confidence to be able to handle the next one.
What's my point? The point is this. If we rely on spiritual highs (retreats, worship services, etc.) to steer us then we end up driving off of the road. Eventually after we get back, we hit that wall of life that zaps of us the emotional high that we felt when we were on the spiritual mountain. I am learning that momentum is created and sustained by drawing from God's power everyday and putting yourself in a position physically, emotionally, and spiritually to be able to hear from God, love God, and have God at the CENTER of your life.
Here are five practical ways to do that:
1. Do things that feed humility
It is hard to focus on your wants and desires when you are focused on others (that's a good thing)
2. Have a non-negotiable time with God EVERYDAY
I have tried to shortcut this for years and have found that there is no substitute for reading God's Word and talking to him
3. Enjoy God by giving yourself positive pleasure outlets
Humans will seek pleasure. If you don't find positive ways to seek it you will seek it in negative/harmful ways
4. Get enough sleep and do some exercise
Easier to hear God and resist temptation when you are energized, healthy, and awake.
5. Pray and ask God to speak to you [and then listen]
Talk to Him...but also be quiet and listen to Him
- Dan Webster, REAL DEAL: Becoming More Authentic in Life and Leadership
Navigating the weeks and months of our lives after a spiritual high or spiritual mountaintop is like trying to make a sharp turn into a straightaway. I am two weeks removed from one of the most meaningful "Christian Conference" experiences of my entire life. The first week back was easy. I applied what I had learned....put new spiritual disciplines into my life and began to revive my time/relationship with God. And then came the turn. Up ahead I could see that the narrow and straight road of "post-spiritual high" interstate was beginning to turn...sharply. And I was presented with a choice. OPTION 1: stay straight and trust the energy from the high to guide me through or...OPTION 2: Lean into the turn and use the knowledge I have to navigate that curve with faith in the ability God has given me to turn a steering wheel (insert "Walt's a bad driver" joke here) and faith in my car to be able to handle it. If I choose OPTION 1 I go offroading into disaster...if I choose OPTION 2, it takes some faith, but I end up heading in the right direction on a solid road and that turn gives me the momentum and confidence to be able to handle the next one.
What's my point? The point is this. If we rely on spiritual highs (retreats, worship services, etc.) to steer us then we end up driving off of the road. Eventually after we get back, we hit that wall of life that zaps of us the emotional high that we felt when we were on the spiritual mountain. I am learning that momentum is created and sustained by drawing from God's power everyday and putting yourself in a position physically, emotionally, and spiritually to be able to hear from God, love God, and have God at the CENTER of your life.
Here are five practical ways to do that:
1. Do things that feed humility
It is hard to focus on your wants and desires when you are focused on others (that's a good thing)
2. Have a non-negotiable time with God EVERYDAY
I have tried to shortcut this for years and have found that there is no substitute for reading God's Word and talking to him
3. Enjoy God by giving yourself positive pleasure outlets
Humans will seek pleasure. If you don't find positive ways to seek it you will seek it in negative/harmful ways
4. Get enough sleep and do some exercise
Easier to hear God and resist temptation when you are energized, healthy, and awake.
5. Pray and ask God to speak to you [and then listen]
Talk to Him...but also be quiet and listen to Him
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
"...shake the whole wide world."
My first blog. It is May and we are already thinking about a new school year of 2:42 at Ocean Drive Student Ministry. I have been thinking alot lately about what we are all about. Thinking alot about wanting to do something with a global impact. Our theme for the Fall is going to be "Beautiful News" and it is a line from that song that has been ringing in my head. "Something so powerful should shake the whole wide World." I have just been thinking..."how much is God shaking the world through me." I am so fallen and fragile that it seems like most of the time I can't get past my own "stuff" in order to get to the "world shaking". But, I really want to. I long to. I desire to be a part of something that will shake our world to the core for God's fame. So I am simply going to start praying that God will use me (inspite of my selfishness, lust, and greed) to do something larger than I can fathom so that I can know what it means to be caught up in the wave of God that is working even now across the globe. Will you join me in this prayer?
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