So, I'm taking a little time today to study for the 12:3 Conspiracy. We are in week eight of the studies and I'm looking forward to teaching Romans 12:9 on Sunday. I thought it was cool that the 12:3 Conspiracy was starting Romans 12:9 (Let love be genuine...) on the same day we are starting our introduction to the 40 Days of Love at LHC. Anyway, I'm reflecting on something that I haven't done in a while and wanted to share it with you.
In his brilliant little book, Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer has a chapter entitled, The Day with Others that talks about starting your day in reflection of Christ's sacrifice and readings in Scripture, especially the psalms. Then, Bonhoeffer tells us how to end our day in the fellowship of others. Bonhoeffer writes, "The early morning belongs to Christ...the break of light remembers the morning on which death and sin lay prostrate in defeat and new life and salvation were given to mankind." This is how we should start every morning if we are to take on the task of spending the day with others.
Spending the day with others, huh, I've never thought of it that way. Most of our lives are lived in routine. We are around the same people, almost everyday. The same people at work, church, the gym, Starbucks, and most routinely, our families. Do we genuinely think of the "routines" as "others?" I think there is a way to start. It's called practicing the one anothers.
Practicing the "one anothers" from Scripture starts by knowing what they are. Here's a list:
John 13:34
Love one another
Rom. 12:10
Be devoted to one another
Rom. 12:16
Live in harmony with one another
Rom. 15:7
Accept one another
Gal. 5:13
Serve one another in love
Eph. 4:2
Put up with one another
Eph. 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another
Col. 3:16
Teach and admonish one another
Heb. 3:13
Encourage one another daily
1 Pet. 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another
Ok, so it's easy. First, memorize the list so you can recall the one's you need at any given circumstance. However, while you're memorizing them, you could practice at least one a day. Let's say you choose "devoted to one another." What does the word "devoted" mean? According to Webster's it means: to give up or appropriate to or concentrate on a particular pursuit, occupation, purpose, cause, etc. When's the last time you spent time with others like that?
It would be cool to get some comments on this blog and to hear how this "practice of the one anothers" is going for you. Any ideas of how you are doing this? Any stories that could encourage someone else? Let me hear from you.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Pulling Back, Disconnecting or Whatever You Want to Call It
You never know what a day will bring. It's funny how you can wake up, go about your day, and then, something out of blue happens and you think, didn't see that one coming. I had one of those days on Wednesday. Just when I was wrapping up my day and headed home—BAM! A phone call that changed everything! It changed the whole trajectory of my day, my countenance, emotions—everything.
After the phone call, I got into a mindset that usually happens after I get news like that. I kind of go into this "disconnection" mode where I begin pulling back from people and responsibilities. Have you been there? I think we all "disengage" from time to time, but, sometimes I wonder if that's really healthy? I know all of us go through emotional ups and downs, but what I'm talking about here is cutting loose, hiding out, abdicating our relationships because we are "knocked for a loop." I'm not sure how healthy it is. Any thoughts?
I guess the danger is that we tend to "disappear" or "go dark", as one of my friends puts it, when we face some kind of stress or relational disaster. I think that's when we need the people around us to recognize when and how we start fading. I have had plenty of people recognized my countenance looking a little down the last couple of days, however, I have tried to blow it off as "I'm tired" or "I'm good, no worries." Funny, how we have gotten in the habit of offering these trite expressions. We might as well be saying, "No thanks, I don't need your encouragement or prayers today. Maybe next time when I'm in a better mood." This can no longer be. I know God has surrounded me with people who care. I'm not "putting them out" by sharing how my stresses are bogging me down. Most of these people are my friends, I like to call them "my cushion."
Maybe it's time for some of us to re-engage. Some of us have been disengaged so long we can't remember the last time we allowed ourselves to be encouraged by another. We end up playing a victim and think we deserve a time-out. Well, in a lot of cases we do deserve a time-out, but we don't deserve an off-season. We don't deserve to just quit the game. A time-out is fine, but we must gather our emotions, change our mindset and re-engage with 100% assurance that we can make it. Why? Because, you may need to be the cushion in someone else's life today. You never know what a day will bring.
Below are Scriptures that include the phrase "one another" that might encourage you.
John 13:34
Love one another
Rom. 12:10
Be devoted to one another
Rom. 12:16
Live in harmony with one another
Rom. 15:7
Accept one another
Gal. 5:13
Serve one another in love
Eph. 4:2
Put up with one another
Eph. 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another
Col. 3:16
Teach and admonish one another
Heb. 3:13
Encourage one another daily
1 Pet. 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another
After the phone call, I got into a mindset that usually happens after I get news like that. I kind of go into this "disconnection" mode where I begin pulling back from people and responsibilities. Have you been there? I think we all "disengage" from time to time, but, sometimes I wonder if that's really healthy? I know all of us go through emotional ups and downs, but what I'm talking about here is cutting loose, hiding out, abdicating our relationships because we are "knocked for a loop." I'm not sure how healthy it is. Any thoughts?
I guess the danger is that we tend to "disappear" or "go dark", as one of my friends puts it, when we face some kind of stress or relational disaster. I think that's when we need the people around us to recognize when and how we start fading. I have had plenty of people recognized my countenance looking a little down the last couple of days, however, I have tried to blow it off as "I'm tired" or "I'm good, no worries." Funny, how we have gotten in the habit of offering these trite expressions. We might as well be saying, "No thanks, I don't need your encouragement or prayers today. Maybe next time when I'm in a better mood." This can no longer be. I know God has surrounded me with people who care. I'm not "putting them out" by sharing how my stresses are bogging me down. Most of these people are my friends, I like to call them "my cushion."
Maybe it's time for some of us to re-engage. Some of us have been disengaged so long we can't remember the last time we allowed ourselves to be encouraged by another. We end up playing a victim and think we deserve a time-out. Well, in a lot of cases we do deserve a time-out, but we don't deserve an off-season. We don't deserve to just quit the game. A time-out is fine, but we must gather our emotions, change our mindset and re-engage with 100% assurance that we can make it. Why? Because, you may need to be the cushion in someone else's life today. You never know what a day will bring.
Below are Scriptures that include the phrase "one another" that might encourage you.
John 13:34
Love one another
Rom. 12:10
Be devoted to one another
Rom. 12:16
Live in harmony with one another
Rom. 15:7
Accept one another
Gal. 5:13
Serve one another in love
Eph. 4:2
Put up with one another
Eph. 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another
Col. 3:16
Teach and admonish one another
Heb. 3:13
Encourage one another daily
1 Pet. 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Solitude
Jump on my bandwagon if you are ready for some life changing! If you are tired of the rut that you are in and ready for some John 10:10 climb on board.
For those who have been around me lately you will know that I've been directing people to read the article Moving from Solitude to Community to Ministry.
I'm now offically in the community stage of my journey. (I was reading from Romans 9 today and the word pictures of the potter still stick in my head) God has been molding me, chisling me and sanding me lately and I must honestly say that it has been the best time of my life in a really long time. While it is never easy or pleasant being worked on being in the potters hands is no safer place to be and to be doing the will of the Father is the most rewarding. I'm looking forward to seeing how God continues to use me for His purposes.
Why do I say all this? Because it is the life changing truth that we all want but I also hope to inspire you to join me on this journey and watch God work in your life. Click on the link and read the artcile and highlight things that jump out to you. Then ask God what He is trying to tell you and how to apply it to your life. Then read it again the tomorrow and highlight things that you did not catch the day before or something from yesterday that catches you in a new way.
As you are being filled by the Father, you are able to pour into others and then you are able to minister. If you are NOT being filled by the father you are in a spiritual drought and you are becoming dried up, brittle and no good. A quick rain won't heal you but a long steady healing rain is what will get you back on track.
If something grabs your attention write it in your journal but also reply to the post and share it with others in the group. As writers we want your feedback and push back. As readers your expirences will impact others who are reading the post.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Doing What We're Supposed To Be Doing
I love M. Night Shyamalan's films. One of my favorites is Unbreakable. In one scene, the dialogue goes like this:
DAVID: (To Elijah) This morning was the first morning I can remember, that I didn't open my eyes and feel that sadness.
ELIJAH: (To David) That little bit of sadness in the morning you spoke of? I think I know what that is. Perhaps you're not doing what you're supposed to be doing.
I think a lot of times we find ourselves introspective and closed off to people because we're trying to figure out what we're supposed to be doing for God. We're like M. Night's David who isn't fulfilling his destiny—his calling to help others. It's because we waiting for God to come to us and show us what to do, all the while, He is sending people by us all the time.
Who has God sent by you today? Did you stop them and say something? Maybe it's time we do what we're supposed while we're figuring out what we're supposed to be doing. Perhaps in doing for others, we'll discover there is no difference. Then, we'll wake up in the morning with joy.
DAVID: (To Elijah) This morning was the first morning I can remember, that I didn't open my eyes and feel that sadness.
ELIJAH: (To David) That little bit of sadness in the morning you spoke of? I think I know what that is. Perhaps you're not doing what you're supposed to be doing.
I think a lot of times we find ourselves introspective and closed off to people because we're trying to figure out what we're supposed to be doing for God. We're like M. Night's David who isn't fulfilling his destiny—his calling to help others. It's because we waiting for God to come to us and show us what to do, all the while, He is sending people by us all the time.
Who has God sent by you today? Did you stop them and say something? Maybe it's time we do what we're supposed while we're figuring out what we're supposed to be doing. Perhaps in doing for others, we'll discover there is no difference. Then, we'll wake up in the morning with joy.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
On ONE
One. Some consider it the loneliest number. I disagree. Those who feel one is a lonely number view it only from a fallen perspective. They have no real concept of the ONE God. They have yet to experience the ONE baptism. They have no clue what its like to have ONE Master. They cannot comprehend ONE faith, or ONE way to eternal life. And it's all because they don't know the ONE savior and are not part of the ONE family of God. But ONE thing is for certain, these are the ONES we need radically give to and serve. That ONE needs you to be the ONE in their life that forever changes the course of their ONE life.
But you maybe asking yourself the same question I am asking, "How can I be the ONE?"
Here is what Paul tells the ONES in Ephesus. I believe it may speak boldly to us as we live out the ONE life and the ONE call Christ given each of us.
In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. Ephesians 4:1-6 (The Message)
The beauty of it all is that we only have ONE message to share. We only have ONE task to complete. And the best part about it is we all go down ONE road together. No ONE has to do this or even be alone. Not only are you the ONE, but you are a part of the ONE.
So, I urge you brothers and sister, be ONE today. -AO
But you maybe asking yourself the same question I am asking, "How can I be the ONE?"
Here is what Paul tells the ONES in Ephesus. I believe it may speak boldly to us as we live out the ONE life and the ONE call Christ given each of us.
In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. Ephesians 4:1-6 (The Message)
The beauty of it all is that we only have ONE message to share. We only have ONE task to complete. And the best part about it is we all go down ONE road together. No ONE has to do this or even be alone. Not only are you the ONE, but you are a part of the ONE.
So, I urge you brothers and sister, be ONE today. -AO
Monday, February 23, 2009
Determination
I have a friend that speaks into my life that I respect very much. He often says that what we are missing in our lives is what he calls "the intensity of desire." Whether it is prayer, serving or being a witness for Christ, we lack the desire or determination to seek hard after God. It takes effort, and most of the time we put EVERYTHING first and God last. Then we're too tired; too worn out to give Him the attention He desires. We shouldn't expect more of God's presence, maybe He should expect more of ours.
After reading today's (2/23) My Utmost for His Highest, I realized that The One is something that isn't an accident. Read the first line of Chambers's journal entry, "Jesus also said, 'Yet I am among you as the One who serves' (Luke 22:27)." Wow! What a word from God to us as we are seeking how God can use us as The One. This is a total confirmation to me that the 25 people who are committed to being The One are right where God wants all of us. And, we can only be used if we become like The One who serves.
Are you serving your sphere of influence today? Are you leaving your fingerprints on everything you touch today? Someone is waiting for you to be The One who serves. Maybe, it's just someone in your family. Often times, we think of our family members least. Familiarity has left us insensitive to those who are closest. What would happen if we stopped and asked our spouse, son or daughter how we could serve them? What could God do in the heart of the person who has a blazing fire of desire to serve another?
Paul said to Timothy, "...fan into flame the gift of God." This speaks of sparking your intensity and working toward using your gifts for others. May your intensity for God's will be hot! May the fire of God be present in your prayers today! May the intensity of desire overtake your spirit today and make you more like Christ who came to serve.
Click here for the February 23 reading of My Utmost for His Highest.
After reading today's (2/23) My Utmost for His Highest, I realized that The One is something that isn't an accident. Read the first line of Chambers's journal entry, "Jesus also said, 'Yet I am among you as the One who serves' (Luke 22:27)." Wow! What a word from God to us as we are seeking how God can use us as The One. This is a total confirmation to me that the 25 people who are committed to being The One are right where God wants all of us. And, we can only be used if we become like The One who serves.
Are you serving your sphere of influence today? Are you leaving your fingerprints on everything you touch today? Someone is waiting for you to be The One who serves. Maybe, it's just someone in your family. Often times, we think of our family members least. Familiarity has left us insensitive to those who are closest. What would happen if we stopped and asked our spouse, son or daughter how we could serve them? What could God do in the heart of the person who has a blazing fire of desire to serve another?
Paul said to Timothy, "...fan into flame the gift of God." This speaks of sparking your intensity and working toward using your gifts for others. May your intensity for God's will be hot! May the fire of God be present in your prayers today! May the intensity of desire overtake your spirit today and make you more like Christ who came to serve.
Click here for the February 23 reading of My Utmost for His Highest.
Delayed Obedience is Disobedience
I’ve been disobedient to God because I’ve not done something that he has called me to. While I’ve done plenty of other things that are good and right I’ve been disobedient in this area of discipleship. It has been on my heart for some time and I think that it is the weakest area in the “church” today. We may know trival stuff but we don’t know each other and for the very few who may have someone close we do not talk about spiritual things. I know this because of the lack of fruit that I see in churches around America.
What would we do if we have asked one of our children to do something and they did not do it? They may have done other things that were good and expected of them but a specific task that you gave them was ignored? It would not only hurt you as a parent but frustrate you and cause consequences upon them.
God has placed a person upon my heart for over 6 months to a year now and I’ve avoided connecting with this person in a real and deep way for no real reason. This disobedience has cost me. It has cost me the blessings and growth that God wanted to give me from investing into someone’s life and it has cost them the chance to grow in their relationship with God and understanding that they are as his child but also having a deep relationship with someone. I know that this person wants and needs a connection with someone and I may miss this opportunity if I do not act upon it.
Instead of sharing what God has been doing in my life and sharing these wonderful experiences and growth I’ve kept them selfishly to myself.
Take this call to be the One seriously and do not be delayed when God lays someone on your heart like I’ve done. Let each of us know who it is so that we can be praying for you but also make contact with them and set up a time to meet. Let us know when you are going to connect so that we can be praying for that time as well. As each of us takes steps of faith out of our comfort zone it will give accountability and encouragement to the others. As we each are obedient to God’s call small fires will begin and prayerfully a spiritual revival will take places because of the 25 charter members of “the one”.
What would we do if we have asked one of our children to do something and they did not do it? They may have done other things that were good and expected of them but a specific task that you gave them was ignored? It would not only hurt you as a parent but frustrate you and cause consequences upon them.
God has placed a person upon my heart for over 6 months to a year now and I’ve avoided connecting with this person in a real and deep way for no real reason. This disobedience has cost me. It has cost me the blessings and growth that God wanted to give me from investing into someone’s life and it has cost them the chance to grow in their relationship with God and understanding that they are as his child but also having a deep relationship with someone. I know that this person wants and needs a connection with someone and I may miss this opportunity if I do not act upon it.
Instead of sharing what God has been doing in my life and sharing these wonderful experiences and growth I’ve kept them selfishly to myself.
Take this call to be the One seriously and do not be delayed when God lays someone on your heart like I’ve done. Let each of us know who it is so that we can be praying for you but also make contact with them and set up a time to meet. Let us know when you are going to connect so that we can be praying for that time as well. As each of us takes steps of faith out of our comfort zone it will give accountability and encouragement to the others. As we each are obedient to God’s call small fires will begin and prayerfully a spiritual revival will take places because of the 25 charter members of “the one”.
Apprenticed to Jesus
To quote Dallas Willard, the foremost expert on biblical discipleship, "Christians have responded to the Great Commission by making 'Christians', not 'disciples'." Willard writes, "The word disciple occurs 269 times in the New Testament...Christian is found only three." As Willard points out in his book The Great Omission, the church is full of undiscipled disciples. We have replaced biblical discipleship with canned Bible studies, small group fellowships and slick programs. While these are good tools to grow in our knowledge of God's Word, they cannot and should not replace one-on-one discipleship. The One is a call to return.
Learning To Be
Learning to be a disciple is difficult these days with all the quick fix books on spirituality. Discipleship today is more of "what do I get", rather than "what can I give." I was reminded of this today when I received an email on Facebook from a person I haven't seen in 18 years. She writes:
"Please pray for my husband. He is at crossroads right now. He wants a personal relationship with God but has many questions. We have come this far before and he retreats with doubt so the more prayer warriors the better. I am very thankful he is asking questions, praying God places the right people in his life..."
What struck me most about this "prayer request" was her prayer that God would place the "right" people in his life. If this is not a call to discipleship, I don't know what is. Not a call to her husband, but a call to...me! Will I be The One? Will I be the "right" person God sends into his life?
Being the Right Person
This week, you will pass by all kinds of people. People you work with. People you go to church with. People you see everyday and think nothing about. Maybe, this is the week you don't pass by. Maybe, this is the week you stop and start asking questions. Maybe, this week you will be the "right" person God places in the life of another. Isn't this real discipleship?
Living Wide Awake
Here is a great resource that can motivate and encourage you to be the "right" person in another's life. This is the trailer to a DVD that accompanies Erwin McManus's book Wide Awake. I want to encourage you to get a copy of the DVD and watch the first short film "Beauty." It's an elegant story about a lonely girl who experiences a simple act of kindness that changes the way she sees the world.
Learning To Be
Learning to be a disciple is difficult these days with all the quick fix books on spirituality. Discipleship today is more of "what do I get", rather than "what can I give." I was reminded of this today when I received an email on Facebook from a person I haven't seen in 18 years. She writes:
"Please pray for my husband. He is at crossroads right now. He wants a personal relationship with God but has many questions. We have come this far before and he retreats with doubt so the more prayer warriors the better. I am very thankful he is asking questions, praying God places the right people in his life..."
What struck me most about this "prayer request" was her prayer that God would place the "right" people in his life. If this is not a call to discipleship, I don't know what is. Not a call to her husband, but a call to...me! Will I be The One? Will I be the "right" person God sends into his life?
Being the Right Person
This week, you will pass by all kinds of people. People you work with. People you go to church with. People you see everyday and think nothing about. Maybe, this is the week you don't pass by. Maybe, this is the week you stop and start asking questions. Maybe, this week you will be the "right" person God places in the life of another. Isn't this real discipleship?
Living Wide Awake
Here is a great resource that can motivate and encourage you to be the "right" person in another's life. This is the trailer to a DVD that accompanies Erwin McManus's book Wide Awake. I want to encourage you to get a copy of the DVD and watch the first short film "Beauty." It's an elegant story about a lonely girl who experiences a simple act of kindness that changes the way she sees the world.
Friday, February 20, 2009
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