A week and a half ago I was in California for a few days of meetings with Pastor Charlie, and as usual God taught me several things throughout the week. I'd like to share some of them and see what you think. These insights come from Dallas Williard, John Ortberg, Eric Parks and Mike Breaux. Please feel free to comment.
1. We pray way more than we think we do. We think that when we close our eyes, fold our hands, and call to God that that is prayer. The insight is to become more aware of God's omnipresence and that He is with you all the time. He is the Father nearby. He is the Coach on your sidelines. He is in you to cry out to all the time.
2. A few good formations questions to ponder: (a) what does God's best version of me look like? (b) what are the barriers that keep me from getting there? (c) what am I like when I am in the flow of the Spirit?
3. Discipleship barometers - you are growing in spiritual formation when you want to be with Jesus more than anyone else or anything!
4. Signs of a spiritually-formed Christian: (a) a joy-filled attitude and life vs. irritable and (b) a person who is encouraging in spirit vs. discouraging.
5. Good times of Bible meditation and prayer require warmups, just like an athlete.
6. Life is run by habits. The problem is, we have bad habits. Our will is devoted to habits without even thinking.
7. "We need to teach and re-teach people 'why you should go to church.' We go to love and be loved, and occasionally worship breaks out." -Dallas Willard
8. Performance defined for Christians: Do your best but don't trust your best.
9. The e-community can be very dangerous. Facebook, MySpace, blogs and social internet networks can remove us from people sitting right next to us.
10. Leaders: Do not hide your flaws, sins, and failures. They are what makes you authentic and real.
Comments?
Recent Comments