The primary Christian tactic to convincing the unbelieving world of Jesus is not attacking culture, winning arguments, canceling our opponents, or retreating in our holy huddles… it is love.
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” - Jesus
I’m always amused when someone is telling me a normal story and then says “I’m not going lie to you.” I always think: “we’re you tempted to lie to me about that?”
One of my most meaningful takeaways from The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas is his wisdom on the spiritual practice of “the slow reading of Scripture.” If you want to do life at God’s speed, you probably need to slow down!
Anxiety is sometimes the result of “stored trauma” in the body. Our current circumstances trigger our bodies to remember our painful pasts. We shift into survival mode. Don’t judge your body for trying to protect you; retrain it to know the past is over… and you are now safe.
RETHINK FAILURE. When the unmanned SpaceX exploded after takeoff yesterday, the team cheered. I it was a successful launch! They then regrouped to try again. This is an apt metaphor for an emotional healthy spiritual life. When you blow it - repent, regroup, repair, and relaunch!
In Jesus’ famous Parable of the Soils (Mark 4:1-20), a farmer plants in four kinds of soil bringing different results. Guess what? YOU are that farmer! Jesus says: “The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” (Mark 4:14). Who can you share God’s love with today?
Those who stayed by Jesus at the cross were women. Those who were the first to the empty tomb were women. Those who were sent first to share the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection were women. Take time to thank the women in your life who remind you to follow Jesus.
KILLER SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTION: What elements of your life could you place limits on to make space for God to connect with you? #jofsocal#matthew112829#take6
WHAT MY DAUGHTER SAID:
“I’m turning on the blender now!”
WHAT I THOUGHT SHE SAID:
“I’m a daughter of Thunderdome!”
Not sure how I heard that,
but I think it’s far better.
Last weekend, I heard someone say that “feedback culture” is rooted in the creation story. After God made the world, he evaluated things as “good” and “not good.”
Do everything possible to be open to feedback on everything you create.