What will you celebrate?
As we wrap up our independent study of the Celebration of Discipline and our sermon series God Calling, we know that this is the commencement of a re-focused journey. We are now in the season of Easter. In the church, we continue to celebrate for several more weeks. I mean, should a celebration of the resurrection be contained to one day? Just dress up, go to church, give the kids more candy and DONE! On to whatever is next! Why not extend the celebration in your home and your spiritual life? Why not live like Christ’s death and resurrection really DO matter? Wow. What would that look like?
Meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance and celebration can all play a part in how we reflect Christ’s death and resurrection to others. You’ve got some tools in your tool belt. You have a greater understanding of God and how to better respond to Him. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to go and share.
Which of these disciplines has meant the most to you and why? Leave your comment below as an encouragement to the others who have joined with you in this celebration. Or let it be the motivation for others to pick up their Bible and a copy of Foster’s book and begin a journey of their own! “We step out in confidence…”
Henri J. M. Nouwen
Some people have asked why we chose a book by Henri Nouwen for one of our independent Lenten studies. His roots are in Catholicisim. Some even consider him to be one of the founders of the Emerging Church. There are other more provocative claims. So why Nouwen? I can answer that in one short statement: his heart and his witness.
One of the most transformational books I have ever read is Nouwen’s The Return of the Prodigal Son, A Story of Homecoming that my friend Steve bought for me. It is a simple book, just like the simple devotionals we are reading each day. But in that simplicity is clarity and understanding. He was not a perfect man or a perfect writer, but what he was able to do was to give voice and words to the struggles and joys of his life so that others could share the journey with him.
Are you sharing your life transparently through your words or your deeds? What better way help others renew their chaotic lives by allowing them to see the renewal that Christ has brought in to your life. May our witnesses and legacies, like Henri Nouwen’s, point others to the cross and the resurrection!
Click here to read more about Henri Nouwen on his website.
Click here for a Wikipedia article about Henri Nouwen.
How can worship be a discipline?
Sometimes when that alarm clock goes off on Sunday morning that question (the title) is easy to answer. It takes some self discipline to get things rolling and get everyone out the door. But that’s really not what we’re talking about in chapter 11 of Foster’s book. It’s not the focus for Sunday’s sermon either which centers around Isaiah 6:1-8.
What we’re talking about is “an ordered way of acting and living that sets us before God so that He can transform us.” It not a Sunday morning thing. It’s ALL THE TIME. It’s not about singing, clapping, standing or sitting. It’s a lifestyle.
For me the word that comes to mind is “communing.” I want to commune with Christ and make Him a part of my thoughts, my conversations, my work, my rest, my everything. Paul references this concept in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. That’s how worship can become a true spiritual discipline.
What do you do in your everyday life to cultivate that communion… without ceasing? Share one of the habits that you are working on in this area, or perhaps share your struggle. We’re here to encourage each other as we strive to answer when God is calling.
Searching for…
Lent can be a time of searching, seeking, and hopefully discovery. It’s not just an exercise in self-discipline or a 40-day diet before spring break. Our search should focus on God. The whole idea is to put aside our own selfish desires in exchange for the struggle of experiencing the fullness of love. Not yearning for things that make us feel good momentarily, but yearning for the truth and a taste of Christ’s redemptive power in our lives.
That has to begin with sacrifice. David writes in Psalm 51:17 that God will not despise a broken and repentant heart. That’s part of what we should be seeking during this season. I am not pursuing all the comforts that push God away, but instead I am removing everything, sacrificing of myself and giving my Heavenly Father my broken heart. .. and by His grace I am given life, abundant life, and a joy that lasts for eternity.
Lent as a journey
What does it mean to conform our lives to Christ? Sometimes I wonder if we really understand the difficult words we read in the Bible… discipline, sacrifice, conviction, transformation. Lent can be a wonderful time to refocus and remember that in those moments of self-denial, repentance, and change that God’s love and acceptance is still present in the crucifixion and resurrection. We only need to accept His gift and struggle to know our Heavenly Father and His Word.
Enjoy Nouwen’s writing and God’s message for you in the daily scripture. What have you learned so far? Leave your comments below or tell us about one of your “Lenten Actions” from this week.
NOTE: Tobit? Sirach? Did you think you were reading Lord of the Rings? Tami C. pointed this out on Monday, but I had to do some homework to figure it out. Click here to read more about the Biblical Apocrypha.
