We're starting up our CG again on Tues. Sept, 2nd at Stephanie's house. Hope to see you there.
Peace.
8.23.2008
3.17.2008
3.11.2008
Week 06 - Fasting (for real this time :-)
Yeah, so this time we are really going to talk about fasting :-) Below is the summary of the chapter:
Fasting is often looked down upon in our society for two reasons. The first is that is has the appearance of self righteousness. The second is that we are falsely told that it is physically harmful to us. Both of these reasons have no reality in true fasting as it is is a practice that awakens our sense of dependence on God and even has many health benefits.
We are reminded that fasting always centers around spiritual purposes - particularly it reminds us that we are sustained by God. Any other benefits must be considered secondary to this.
Foster suggests that during our fast we seek God through prayer, meditation, and study during the time we would normally eat our meals.
We must realize that while fasting is a wonderful means to experience God's presence it is not a command and those who fast are no more loyal to God than those who do not. Still, many of the greatest believers have made fasting a regular practice and have been blessed greatly though it.
Some questions to think about . . .
When you think of fasting is it a positive or negative idea? Why?
Have you ever fasted before? If so, why? If not, why not?
For those that have fasted what have you learned about yourself? About God? About the world?
Did anything significant occur during or as a result of your fasting?
Fasting is often looked down upon in our society for two reasons. The first is that is has the appearance of self righteousness. The second is that we are falsely told that it is physically harmful to us. Both of these reasons have no reality in true fasting as it is is a practice that awakens our sense of dependence on God and even has many health benefits.
We are reminded that fasting always centers around spiritual purposes - particularly it reminds us that we are sustained by God. Any other benefits must be considered secondary to this.
Foster suggests that during our fast we seek God through prayer, meditation, and study during the time we would normally eat our meals.
We must realize that while fasting is a wonderful means to experience God's presence it is not a command and those who fast are no more loyal to God than those who do not. Still, many of the greatest believers have made fasting a regular practice and have been blessed greatly though it.
Some questions to think about . . .
When you think of fasting is it a positive or negative idea? Why?
Have you ever fasted before? If so, why? If not, why not?
For those that have fasted what have you learned about yourself? About God? About the world?
Did anything significant occur during or as a result of your fasting?
3.03.2008
Week 05 - Fasting
UPDATE: Some of us are sick or otherwise unable to come tonight. Those that are free are invited to come with us and see "I am Legend" at the $2 theatre @ 7 pm.
_____________________
The summary and questions are coming shortly, it's just been a crazy week! We are still planning to meet this week on Tuesday, March 4th. In coming weeks we may be moving our meeting day to another day of the week. I'll keep everyone posted. Peace.
_____________________
The summary and questions are coming shortly, it's just been a crazy week! We are still planning to meet this week on Tuesday, March 4th. In coming weeks we may be moving our meeting day to another day of the week. I'll keep everyone posted. Peace.
2.11.2008
Week 04 - Prayer (continued)
Okay, at least for me, this chapter brought up an idea that is extremely foreign to me. That is the idea that when we pray intercessory prayer we must not pray "if it be your will," rather we must pray with certainty. We must hear God's voice and then pray knowing the outcome. Having said that, this will be our main topic of conversation Tuesday night. Read the summary below to an idea of Foster's view of prayer.
Week 04 - Prayer
Quick summary of the chapter . . .
Prayer is the central means God uses to transform us. Desiring God's desires after him is a direct result of this transformation.
In Foster's mind many of us do not pray because we believe the future is already set in stone. He thinks that if we believed our prayers could actually change God's mind and even redirect the future we would be more likely to pray. He reminds us that we are "coworkers with God" in this world.
Prayer, he believes, is something we learn. In his own personal study of the Gospels he made the interesting observation that when believers prayed for someone else they never asked "if it be your will." They seemed to pray with certainty for others. Of course, Foster does believe that there is a time for "if it be your will" prayers, but when it comes to intercession he believes that we must pray with certainty. Still, he is not saying that we are able to manipulate God or that his power is at our command. Rather, what he is saying that we must listen to God's voice on whom to pray for. For if it is God who desires someone to be interceded for then he will certainly act. If we are truly thinking God's thoughts after him we can pray for others with certainty (John 15:7).
This leads to the importance of listening in prayer. For Foster prayer is primarily listening. Listening for God's desires. This is a vital step before we intercede. We must first listen for guidance from God before we pray for something. We must only pray for something if we truly believe God is leading us to do so. If we are not certain of God's prompting then we probably shouldn't pray for it.
As with meditation, Foster stresses the importance of imagination in prayer. To picture what God is doing and can do. Again, not that we are creating something in our imagination and then demanding that God do it. Rather we ask God to tell us what to pray for and imagine it. He gives several examples of what this looks like on pp. 43-44.
He also suggests that eventually prayer will become a continual thing. As we go through the day we are constantly seeking the direction of God in all we do and for those we see.
Prayer is the central means God uses to transform us. Desiring God's desires after him is a direct result of this transformation.
In Foster's mind many of us do not pray because we believe the future is already set in stone. He thinks that if we believed our prayers could actually change God's mind and even redirect the future we would be more likely to pray. He reminds us that we are "coworkers with God" in this world.
Prayer, he believes, is something we learn. In his own personal study of the Gospels he made the interesting observation that when believers prayed for someone else they never asked "if it be your will." They seemed to pray with certainty for others. Of course, Foster does believe that there is a time for "if it be your will" prayers, but when it comes to intercession he believes that we must pray with certainty. Still, he is not saying that we are able to manipulate God or that his power is at our command. Rather, what he is saying that we must listen to God's voice on whom to pray for. For if it is God who desires someone to be interceded for then he will certainly act. If we are truly thinking God's thoughts after him we can pray for others with certainty (John 15:7).
This leads to the importance of listening in prayer. For Foster prayer is primarily listening. Listening for God's desires. This is a vital step before we intercede. We must first listen for guidance from God before we pray for something. We must only pray for something if we truly believe God is leading us to do so. If we are not certain of God's prompting then we probably shouldn't pray for it.
As with meditation, Foster stresses the importance of imagination in prayer. To picture what God is doing and can do. Again, not that we are creating something in our imagination and then demanding that God do it. Rather we ask God to tell us what to pray for and imagine it. He gives several examples of what this looks like on pp. 43-44.
He also suggests that eventually prayer will become a continual thing. As we go through the day we are constantly seeking the direction of God in all we do and for those we see.
2.04.2008
Things To Be Praying For
Energy and strength for Dustra
Dustra's friend who is in jail
Transitions in Jenny's life
Jenny's sister and the baby
Tab's new job at hospice
Energy and encouragement for Scott
Megan's father
Transformed lives for us all
Dustra's friend who is in jail
Transitions in Jenny's life
Jenny's sister and the baby
Tab's new job at hospice
Energy and encouragement for Scott
Megan's father
Transformed lives for us all
Week 03 - Meditation (continued)
Some question to keep in mind . . .
1. What is meditation and what is its purpose?
2. Before reading this chapter, what did you think meditation was?
3. Do you think we can hear the voice of God when we meditate? Is this something that still occurs?
4. What do you think of using your imagination during meditation? How do you plan on using it in the future, how have you used it in the past?
5. What does meditation look like? Where? When? In what position?
6. Foster suggests four forms of meditation. What are your thoughts on them? Are they helpful?
7. What other forms of meditation have you practiced that you have found helpful?
8. What words in this chapter impacted you the most? Why?
9. How do you plan to incorporate what you have learned into your everyday life?
10. Your thoughts . . .
1. What is meditation and what is its purpose?
2. Before reading this chapter, what did you think meditation was?
3. Do you think we can hear the voice of God when we meditate? Is this something that still occurs?
4. What do you think of using your imagination during meditation? How do you plan on using it in the future, how have you used it in the past?
5. What does meditation look like? Where? When? In what position?
6. Foster suggests four forms of meditation. What are your thoughts on them? Are they helpful?
7. What other forms of meditation have you practiced that you have found helpful?
8. What words in this chapter impacted you the most? Why?
9. How do you plan to incorporate what you have learned into your everyday life?
10. Your thoughts . . .
1.31.2008
Week 03 - Meditation
Okay, here is the summary for Chapter 2:
In the midst of our hectic lives we need to make time to retreat to a place of solitude and meditate. Meditation is simply hearing God's voice and obeying his word. We meditate in order to develop a familiar friendship with God. When we place ourselves in God's presence and interact with him with frequency we will find it difficult not to be inwardly transformed.
Generally speaking, there are four misconceptions concerning meditation. The first is that it has in common the final goal of detachment associated with Eastern religions. In reality, while we do detach ourselves from the confusion of the world around us, the final goal of meditation is attachment to God. The second misconception is that meditation is complicated when in reality it is very simple and natural. Fear of becoming a rigid, unhealthy, otherworldly, self-righteous person is one of the great fears associated with meditation. However, in reality, it is the one thing that can bring us to deal with life successfully. The final misconception is that meditation is simply psychological manipulation. If meditation were totally a human experience this would be true; however, meditation is a divine-human encounter.
As believers, we are called to communicate directly to God without the need for a human mediator. We are urged to hear the voice of God. This is an experience not isolated to the Old Testament believers but to all who know Christ and Teacher and Prophet.
Foster suggests that the imagination is exceedingly useful in meditation as it allows us to picture what God is doing, what he can do, what he has done, who he is, etc. He does caution however that the imagination like all our other faculties is corrupt and distorted. Having said that, he still trusts that God is able to redeem our imagination and use it for his purposes.
No one can learn how to meditate from a book. However, Foster offers some practical suggestions to help facilitate meditation. Keep in mind that just because we follow his suggestions does not mean we are actually meditating. Meditation occurs when we hear and obey God.
The first suggestion he makes is to set apart a time to meditate. Though we do this, realize that meditation is an unceasing activity throughout the day that prevents us from getting caught up in the franticness of life and encourages us to pace ourselves and enjoy the beauty around us. The second suggestion is to find a place for meditation that is free from distractions and that facilitates encountering God. The third suggestion he has is to find a posture that is comfortable and not distracting. Remember that however we choose to meditate that the goal is an encounter with God.
Foster suggests four forms of meditation that can aid us in our experience of God. The first if the reading of scripture. Not in an analytical or studious fashion. Rather in a personal and experiential manner in which we place ourselves in the setting of the passage. To get the full affect of a passage it is suggested we use the same small passage for a whole week. Our goal is not so much to understand the intricacies of the passage as to be transformed by it.
The second form of meditation suggested is the releasing of our concerns and anxieties to God. Naming them and asking God for grace and guidance. Having done this, sit in complete silence for a long while and listen for the voice of of God. If it comes, good. If not, good.
The third form suggestion is to meditate upon creation, to appreciate the beauty around us.
The fourth form is to observe the current state of events in our world, asking God for guidance to understand what he is doing and what we can do to transform a rotting world.
Do not be discouraged if your first meditation experiences seem rather dry and empty. This kind of experience will take time as it is something wholly foreign to us. Be encouraged as the goal of this task, when achieved, is an encounter with and transformation by God.
Peace.
In the midst of our hectic lives we need to make time to retreat to a place of solitude and meditate. Meditation is simply hearing God's voice and obeying his word. We meditate in order to develop a familiar friendship with God. When we place ourselves in God's presence and interact with him with frequency we will find it difficult not to be inwardly transformed.
Generally speaking, there are four misconceptions concerning meditation. The first is that it has in common the final goal of detachment associated with Eastern religions. In reality, while we do detach ourselves from the confusion of the world around us, the final goal of meditation is attachment to God. The second misconception is that meditation is complicated when in reality it is very simple and natural. Fear of becoming a rigid, unhealthy, otherworldly, self-righteous person is one of the great fears associated with meditation. However, in reality, it is the one thing that can bring us to deal with life successfully. The final misconception is that meditation is simply psychological manipulation. If meditation were totally a human experience this would be true; however, meditation is a divine-human encounter.
As believers, we are called to communicate directly to God without the need for a human mediator. We are urged to hear the voice of God. This is an experience not isolated to the Old Testament believers but to all who know Christ and Teacher and Prophet.
Foster suggests that the imagination is exceedingly useful in meditation as it allows us to picture what God is doing, what he can do, what he has done, who he is, etc. He does caution however that the imagination like all our other faculties is corrupt and distorted. Having said that, he still trusts that God is able to redeem our imagination and use it for his purposes.
No one can learn how to meditate from a book. However, Foster offers some practical suggestions to help facilitate meditation. Keep in mind that just because we follow his suggestions does not mean we are actually meditating. Meditation occurs when we hear and obey God.
The first suggestion he makes is to set apart a time to meditate. Though we do this, realize that meditation is an unceasing activity throughout the day that prevents us from getting caught up in the franticness of life and encourages us to pace ourselves and enjoy the beauty around us. The second suggestion is to find a place for meditation that is free from distractions and that facilitates encountering God. The third suggestion he has is to find a posture that is comfortable and not distracting. Remember that however we choose to meditate that the goal is an encounter with God.
Foster suggests four forms of meditation that can aid us in our experience of God. The first if the reading of scripture. Not in an analytical or studious fashion. Rather in a personal and experiential manner in which we place ourselves in the setting of the passage. To get the full affect of a passage it is suggested we use the same small passage for a whole week. Our goal is not so much to understand the intricacies of the passage as to be transformed by it.
The second form of meditation suggested is the releasing of our concerns and anxieties to God. Naming them and asking God for grace and guidance. Having done this, sit in complete silence for a long while and listen for the voice of of God. If it comes, good. If not, good.
The third form suggestion is to meditate upon creation, to appreciate the beauty around us.
The fourth form is to observe the current state of events in our world, asking God for guidance to understand what he is doing and what we can do to transform a rotting world.
Do not be discouraged if your first meditation experiences seem rather dry and empty. This kind of experience will take time as it is something wholly foreign to us. Be encouraged as the goal of this task, when achieved, is an encounter with and transformation by God.
Peace.
1.30.2008
Summary and Questions
Summary and questions for chapter 2 coming by Friday. I left my book in Mike's car :-)
1.29.2008
Favorite Song?
Like the title says, what is currently your favorite song? Share what it is and why you like it or how you can relate to it. This will give us a chance to share with each other part of who we are.
Anyway, I'll go ahead and list my current favorite - Strawberry Fields by The Beatles. Why? I can relate to the sentiment that everyone is living life "with their eyes closed" while I'm trying to be someone meaningful. I find it very hard to accomplish this yet, at the same time, I don't really care whether or not I actually become someone meaningful. I can relate to being misunderstood, not being able to get people to understand where I'm coming from (note the lyrics "no one I think is in my tree"). Also, I at times feel like I disagree with what's going on in the world - like "it's all wrong." Check out the video clip below I'll put the lyrics in the comments section:
Now it's your turn :-)
Anyway, I'll go ahead and list my current favorite - Strawberry Fields by The Beatles. Why? I can relate to the sentiment that everyone is living life "with their eyes closed" while I'm trying to be someone meaningful. I find it very hard to accomplish this yet, at the same time, I don't really care whether or not I actually become someone meaningful. I can relate to being misunderstood, not being able to get people to understand where I'm coming from (note the lyrics "no one I think is in my tree"). Also, I at times feel like I disagree with what's going on in the world - like "it's all wrong." Check out the video clip below I'll put the lyrics in the comments section:
Now it's your turn :-)
1.23.2008
Week 02 - Door to Liberation (continued)
Alright, here are some questions to keep in mind while reading. Make note of your own questions and observations as well.
1. Foster suggests that a primary problem with the world is superficiality. Do you agree? If you do, what is the cause of this lack of depth within humanity? Why do people tend to busy themselves with the more shallow things of life? If you disagree, for what reasons?
2. Foster thinks that most people in our culture dismiss the spiritual world as non-existent. Do you believe this to be true?
3. Do you believe we are as unfamiliar with the spiritual disciplines as Foster thinks we are?
4. What do you think of Foster's ideas on sin and its relationship to our will?
5. If righteousness, spiritual transformation, is a gift from God, then is there really anything we can do to be spiritually changed? What does Foster believe about this? Does he think there is something we can do? What do you think of his idea?
6. Along this same line of thinking let's talk about our longing for God. Foster says that this is the only requirement for practicing the spiritual disciplines. Is this longing also a gift from God as righteousness is? If so, what does this imply?
6. In the past have the spiritual disciplines become externalistic (dry routine by which you measured the spirituality of yourself and others) for you?
7. Do you believe the spiritual disciplines are really a primary means of transformation?
8. What sentence or paragraph affected you or resonated with you the most? Why?
9. How do you personally hope to be transformed in light of what you read this week?
10. [insert all your questions and thoughts here]
Peace.
1. Foster suggests that a primary problem with the world is superficiality. Do you agree? If you do, what is the cause of this lack of depth within humanity? Why do people tend to busy themselves with the more shallow things of life? If you disagree, for what reasons?
2. Foster thinks that most people in our culture dismiss the spiritual world as non-existent. Do you believe this to be true?
3. Do you believe we are as unfamiliar with the spiritual disciplines as Foster thinks we are?
4. What do you think of Foster's ideas on sin and its relationship to our will?
5. If righteousness, spiritual transformation, is a gift from God, then is there really anything we can do to be spiritually changed? What does Foster believe about this? Does he think there is something we can do? What do you think of his idea?
6. Along this same line of thinking let's talk about our longing for God. Foster says that this is the only requirement for practicing the spiritual disciplines. Is this longing also a gift from God as righteousness is? If so, what does this imply?
6. In the past have the spiritual disciplines become externalistic (dry routine by which you measured the spirituality of yourself and others) for you?
7. Do you believe the spiritual disciplines are really a primary means of transformation?
8. What sentence or paragraph affected you or resonated with you the most? Why?
9. How do you personally hope to be transformed in light of what you read this week?
10. [insert all your questions and thoughts here]
Peace.
Week 02 - Door to Liberation
Summary (pp. 1-11)
Okay here is the summary. Though it is disjointed, lacking flow and refinement, it is fairly thorough. Still, if at all possible, don't use this as a substitute for the original material. You will gain much more from that than you will from this. On that note, here it is . . .
The problem with our world is superficiality. We need more deep people, not more smart people. The spiritual disciplines are a means for us to develop this spiritual depth. These spiritual disciplines are for everyone, not just "spiritual giants." Neither are they dull or dry. Rather they are full of deep emotion. The only requirement to practice these disciplines is a longing for God and spiritual depth. Any beginner in there faith can practice them. In truth all of us are, and always will be, beginners.
Two main problems seem to face us in our journey into the heart of the spiritual realm. The first problem is scientific. Unfortunately, the majority of our culture is affected by the popular scientific notion that nothing exists beyond the physical. Therefore, to talk about spiritual depth may seem largely absurd to most.
The second problem we face is our culture. That is, we have no idea how to begin seeking out inner life through the spiritual disciplines. To the early church these things were natural but to us they are foreign. We must also remember that just because we go through the motions of the spiritual disciplines does not mean we are actually performing them. What matters is not the mechanics but the heart.
Sin is more than just individual acts of disobedience. It pervades our nature. It is our nature. It is who we are. Most people attempt to change this nature through their willpower. They make a list of right and wrong and use their willpower to try and accomplish inner change. This does not work. Why? Because our will, just like the rest of us, is corrupted by sin. The will can only deal with changing external actions - it cannot change our nature. It cannot change who we are.
We understand that righteousness is a gift from God. We cannot earn it. So the logical thing to do is nothing and wait for God to make us righteous, right? Surprisingly, no. It is true that we cannot demand righteousness, however, there is path we can follow that will take us to a place where God freely transforms our evil nature. That path is the spiritual disciplines. Understand, that the disciplines do not cause growth, they simply put us in a position to grow. They are a way of sowing to the spirit. Just as a farmer plants seed. His planting of the seed does not cause it to grow - that is not within his power. However, his planting of the seed puts it in a place where it is able to grow. So it is with the spiritual disciplines. We sow ourselves into the ground with the disciplines - God causes the growth at his choosing.
We must be cautious that the spiritual disciplines to not degenerate into externalism. It is easy to use these disciplines in such a way that they bring about death rather than life. For when we make the spiritual disciplines laws we are in danger of becoming like the Pharisees. In danger of judging ourselves and others by a set list of external practices. What we must rely on God to always bring to mind is this: what matters is not solely the external change - what matters is the inner transformation of the heart.
Okay, there it is. Remember, I only summarize what I believe to be central to Foster's message. I am certain my summary lacks phrases or ideas from his writing that you may find deeply meaningful . . .
Peace.
Okay here is the summary. Though it is disjointed, lacking flow and refinement, it is fairly thorough. Still, if at all possible, don't use this as a substitute for the original material. You will gain much more from that than you will from this. On that note, here it is . . .
The problem with our world is superficiality. We need more deep people, not more smart people. The spiritual disciplines are a means for us to develop this spiritual depth. These spiritual disciplines are for everyone, not just "spiritual giants." Neither are they dull or dry. Rather they are full of deep emotion. The only requirement to practice these disciplines is a longing for God and spiritual depth. Any beginner in there faith can practice them. In truth all of us are, and always will be, beginners.
Two main problems seem to face us in our journey into the heart of the spiritual realm. The first problem is scientific. Unfortunately, the majority of our culture is affected by the popular scientific notion that nothing exists beyond the physical. Therefore, to talk about spiritual depth may seem largely absurd to most.
The second problem we face is our culture. That is, we have no idea how to begin seeking out inner life through the spiritual disciplines. To the early church these things were natural but to us they are foreign. We must also remember that just because we go through the motions of the spiritual disciplines does not mean we are actually performing them. What matters is not the mechanics but the heart.
Sin is more than just individual acts of disobedience. It pervades our nature. It is our nature. It is who we are. Most people attempt to change this nature through their willpower. They make a list of right and wrong and use their willpower to try and accomplish inner change. This does not work. Why? Because our will, just like the rest of us, is corrupted by sin. The will can only deal with changing external actions - it cannot change our nature. It cannot change who we are.
We understand that righteousness is a gift from God. We cannot earn it. So the logical thing to do is nothing and wait for God to make us righteous, right? Surprisingly, no. It is true that we cannot demand righteousness, however, there is path we can follow that will take us to a place where God freely transforms our evil nature. That path is the spiritual disciplines. Understand, that the disciplines do not cause growth, they simply put us in a position to grow. They are a way of sowing to the spirit. Just as a farmer plants seed. His planting of the seed does not cause it to grow - that is not within his power. However, his planting of the seed puts it in a place where it is able to grow. So it is with the spiritual disciplines. We sow ourselves into the ground with the disciplines - God causes the growth at his choosing.
We must be cautious that the spiritual disciplines to not degenerate into externalism. It is easy to use these disciplines in such a way that they bring about death rather than life. For when we make the spiritual disciplines laws we are in danger of becoming like the Pharisees. In danger of judging ourselves and others by a set list of external practices. What we must rely on God to always bring to mind is this: what matters is not solely the external change - what matters is the inner transformation of the heart.
Okay, there it is. Remember, I only summarize what I believe to be central to Foster's message. I am certain my summary lacks phrases or ideas from his writing that you may find deeply meaningful . . .
Peace.
1.21.2008
Week 01 - What Now?
So what are we interacting with in or CG this time around? A book entitled Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster. Ah, yes. I know, I know. I hear you. "Celebration of Discipline?" you say. "Discipline? What the [insert favorite colorful word] is up with that? How is that even relevant to . . . anything?!" Well, true enough. That's what I thought until I picked up the book myself. So why this book? Here's why . . .
Many of us, I believe, are at a point in our experiential journey where we love interacting with ideas - learning and sharing new thoughts about this world, God, and discovering our place in it. However, in our search for truth and self discovery we are often left spiritually empty. Our minds and ideas are ever emerging and transforming - but our lives seem to be transforming at a sufficiently slower, if not imperceptible rate.
We seem to understand that our knowledge, however great, is perpetually insufficient to explain reality, to comprehend our existence. We have come to recognize that we must cling to and be transformed by the One who is Truth itself. Yet, in the midst of this knowledge, we find ourselves lost and unable to experience the reality of God and his transformative power in our lives. We find ourselves restrained, held captive, by the same evil that was present in us years ago.
Of course, there is no magical solution for Christlike transformation. God truly is the one who transforms us in his time. Still, there is a path to follow. A means to arrive at the place where God readily transforms us. The author of our book suggests that this path, this place of transformation, is found within the spiritual disciplines.
Admittedly, just the word 'disciplines' itself sounds dry, dull, and unwelcoming. (I mean really, who has ever found that word exciting?) However, as we will discover, the spiritual disciplines are not cold calculated rules and routines. Rather, in stark contrast, they are deeply genuine expressions of our experience. Expressions that bring us to a place where God transforms, where God makes himself known.
So, if you are like me and feel experientially/spiritually stuck while your mind keeps growing - feel like God is far away and untouched by your existence (and you untouched by his) then I invite you to join us. Join us on our journey towards God as we humbly seek him to transform us, to transform others, to transform existence.
Many of us, I believe, are at a point in our experiential journey where we love interacting with ideas - learning and sharing new thoughts about this world, God, and discovering our place in it. However, in our search for truth and self discovery we are often left spiritually empty. Our minds and ideas are ever emerging and transforming - but our lives seem to be transforming at a sufficiently slower, if not imperceptible rate.
We seem to understand that our knowledge, however great, is perpetually insufficient to explain reality, to comprehend our existence. We have come to recognize that we must cling to and be transformed by the One who is Truth itself. Yet, in the midst of this knowledge, we find ourselves lost and unable to experience the reality of God and his transformative power in our lives. We find ourselves restrained, held captive, by the same evil that was present in us years ago.
Of course, there is no magical solution for Christlike transformation. God truly is the one who transforms us in his time. Still, there is a path to follow. A means to arrive at the place where God readily transforms us. The author of our book suggests that this path, this place of transformation, is found within the spiritual disciplines.
Admittedly, just the word 'disciplines' itself sounds dry, dull, and unwelcoming. (I mean really, who has ever found that word exciting?) However, as we will discover, the spiritual disciplines are not cold calculated rules and routines. Rather, in stark contrast, they are deeply genuine expressions of our experience. Expressions that bring us to a place where God transforms, where God makes himself known.
So, if you are like me and feel experientially/spiritually stuck while your mind keeps growing - feel like God is far away and untouched by your existence (and you untouched by his) then I invite you to join us. Join us on our journey towards God as we humbly seek him to transform us, to transform others, to transform existence.
A New Beginning
Okay, this is it. This is going to be our nexus, our center of contact, throughout the week. Here you will be able to access important information for our community group such as weekly questions for discussion, upcoming events, group goals, news, maybe we'll even have some discussion on here . . . who knows?
This is very much a work in progress so post any suggestions you have for this blog. I'd like it to be as helpful as possible for everyone.
Peace.
This is very much a work in progress so post any suggestions you have for this blog. I'd like it to be as helpful as possible for everyone.
Peace.
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