Ruminate

Let's take some of the big theological words that describe profound topics and break 'em down into terms that everyone can understand! You know, the big words like "Sanctification" -the kind of word where you kinda' know what it means, but you couldn't really come up with a definition for it if someone pressed you on it.

The book of Ephesians hits on at least a dozen of the foundational theological issues -things like "Sovereignty," "Redemption," "Depravity," "Ecclesiology," "Election vs. Predestination," "Transformation," "Unity," and more. I'm thinking we go through the book of Ephesians, following it's story line, but focusing on theological terms, wrestle with each one as they come up.

I can relate to that song "Rocken' the Suburbs" by Ben Folds -did you ever see that movie "Over the Hedge?" It's like the theme song of the movie.

I moved to the suburbs over a year ago -it's called Broomfield. I love it here, but I'm finding it's kind of dangerous... it's not that there's a bunch of the crime or violence... I'm finding it puts people's spiritual life into cruise-control.

I just picked up this book at the ARC called "Death by Suburb" and I can't wait to read it. The inside jacket says: "Does life in the suburbs kill our souls? Without a spiritual focus we start acting as if the world's highest priorities are a perfect lawn, a daughter on the honer roll, and a son's victories in soccer..." I can relate.

I think that there's a message series in here... The book talks about 8 spiritual disciplines that keep us from going through life in cruise-control and can help to create "the thicker spiritual life."

Don't know yet if we'd hit 'em all, but the disciplines that Goetz lays out in his book are:
1. Prayer of silence
2. The journey through the self
3. Friendship with those who have no immortality symbols
4. Accepting my cross with Grace and peace
5. Pursing action, not results
6. Staying put in your church
7. Building deep and meaningful friendships
8. Falling in love with a day
Maybe I can use some of the info in "Celebration of Disciplines" by Richard Foster... but there is another, more recent, book in the same vein -but I can't remember the title of it. And I can't find my copy... I seem to recall loaning it out, but I don't recall who I loaned it to...

There is no doubt in my mind -Nehemiah was one of the greatest leaders in the Bible. I want to be like him when I grow up. Have you read this Old Testament book lately? God used Nehemiah to lead others to do the impossible. He didn't just rebuild a wall -he rebuilt a nation.

Almost all of us lead something -a business, a division at work, a softball team, a family... And we could all become better leaders if we followed Nehemiah's example.

You may not know this about me, but I can juggle. I'm not talking chainsaws or anything... 3 balls is about my limit. When I hit the wall and can't come up with a creative idea, I break out the balls and do a little juggling.

A lot of us go through life trying to juggle everything that life throws at us -work, hobbies, friends, health issues, family, chores, finances, community- it can feel like a 3-ring circus. Sooner or latter, you're going to drop something. No matter how hard you try, you'll never be able to handle it on your own.

But I've come to the conclusion that it's a good thing! The real issue (that's kind of hidden) is "Who am I trusting?" Me and my abilities or God?

I'm thinking we go with the whole 3-ring circus theme and talk about how "balance" is an over-used term. Talk about how you can't juggle everything -you can't handle it all. Talk about how we can't please everyone. Talk about how you can't control the future.

Maybe I can work in the story of going to the circus while in Russia...

What's the deal with fasting?
How do you do it? What are some of the ways to go about doing it?
Why would you do it?
Is fasting simply about starving yourself or is there more to it?
Should fasting be a part of following Jesus, or is it optional?
Does the Bible say anything about fasting?

Best resource I know on Fasting is in Richard Foster's book, "Prayer:Finding the Heart's True Home." One of the chapters is on fasting and it's worth the cost of the entire book for that one chapter. -man that's a good book!

Just lately I've met a number of people who are "Practical Athiexts." They go to church, and call themselves Christians, but their actions don't hold up to that claim. It's made me look real closely at my life lately. I find myself asking questions like:

If I believe in God, why don't I follow his lead?
If I believe in God, why do I trust my bank account?
If I believe in God, why don't I fear him?
If I believe in God, why do I worry?
If I believe in God, why don't I...

What about you? You say you believe in God, but do you really? Do you live your life as if God is in the room, or do you assume He's not paying attention? You call yourself a Jesus Follower, but are you really who you say you are?