What I would encourage you to consider in this time of isolating is the art of spiritual disciplines. These are not ways to remove sins but are practices of removing habits that too often lead to sin. You can also think of spiritual disciplines as ways of reorienting us to God. Too often rhythms come from our society, which often disorients us to the ways of God. In many ways, we feel chained to certain ways. We need to break these links and uncover our true identity in Christ. And so, because we are so impressionable, we need practices that shape us into the people of God. Take for instance fasting, which is a pausing something for a period of time for the sake of drawing closer to God. Fasting keeps our eyes on Christ while we feel the pains of hunger. This practice increases faith and reliance on God. This is counter-cultural because our society calls us to consume, which is the opposite of fasting. Are there some spirit...
There is a saying I have been introduced to, which I would like to share with you. It's, "Say what's so for you." I wish we were together as I introduce this to you. Becasue I would love to hear what this phrase stirs up within you. The first time I heard this phrase was about 5-6 years ago. At that time, I was asked to join a small group of pastors who met monthly for a time of fellowship. Their goal was to have space where they could be authentic with each other. Little did I know the level of authenticity far exceeded what I had experienced elsewhere. And it all revolved around saying what's so for you. This includes sharing experiences and the thoughts and feelings that arose. It's not about assuming what others thought, felt, or experienced. Saying what is so for you has everything to do with being present to yourself and speaking from your own understanding. It includes pushing the pause button on "...
Scripture and The Chronicles of Narnia both speak of God as being a lion. Even Dinsey's The Lion King paints the picture the lion is the king of other animals. It's easy to see how the lion can be used as an image for the powerfulness of a king. Male lions can weigh up to 500 pounds, and stretch out to 10 feet long. This beast moves about silently on soft paws with claws like shark teeth. Thinking about running? You better run faster than 50 miles an hour to escape. And that jaw can open up1 foot, and can claps down at 650 pounds per square inch, which is used to eat 18 pounds of meat per day... 70 hamburgers! Not only that, but the roar can be heard 2 miles away. I'm not petitioning the lion is the most ferocious beast of all. I am simply sharing the reasoning behind why the lion is considered a king of its domain and is used as a picture for kings. I share this with you to reveal the wildness of this creature. And as...
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