Archive for July, 2009
Posted on July 5, 2009 - by Tim L
Summer ‘habits’
Summer time is always a great time. Long summer holiday, 7 weeks for some this year. A chance to go on holiday, to get away from it all, a change of scenery, a chance to relax and have a different pace in life. Maybe you are looking forward to spending some time together as a family, or catching up with someone who you have not see for a while. Maybe you will be glad to see the back of some people for a time.
For many of us the change of pace and of rhythm to our lives can be a positive or negative thing. So too in our relationship with God.
This evening I would like to make some suggestions about summer habits that you might like to try over the summer months. Please try not to just dismiss them as gimmicks, or just something for keenies.
I think they can help us all to live life more to full and cope with the stresses and strains that life can throw at us.
There are three stations set up around the room for you to go and visit. You can try them all, or you might get stuck in the one, don’t worry about it.
The idea is that you go away fro this evening with something to try, something to give a go at,…
Summer habits - Stilling
“Stilling” has a very ancient Christian tradition. In the middle of storm on the lake the Disciples cried out to Jesus, “we’re going down!” Jesus woke up and said “Peace be still” and all was calm. How often do you feel like the disciples?
It is possible to learn ways of stilling the mind and heart and fixing our whole being and attention on God who dwells within us in rest and peace. So why not give it a try over the summer months and see what you can learn. Some might say it will help to keep us sane!
The desert fathers and mothers practiced stability, silence and mediation so they might draw close to God who is within us. It may come as a surprise that God has made his home in us and we can encounter intimacy and love with God. It is not about seeking special experiences we simply seek God within.
There is no quick fix. It is a discipline and not a sweet!
Listed below are some words or ‘mantras’ that Christians have used throughout the ages. They are repeated over and over again, quietly, under the breath twice a day over a period of 10-30 minutes. The place, time and what you are doing might matter but don’t let it become law. Start with 10 minutes and extend the time. Stick with the same words, do not be tempted to change them ‘because it is not working.’
Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me
Maranatha, come Lord Jesus
Come Holy Spirit
Peace be still
Be still and know
Summer habits - Reading the Bible
For many of us the bible is a thick book which spends a lot of time on the shelf gathering dust. Which is a real pity as;
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another-showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
2 Timothy 3 : 16 (The Message)
Wow!
So why not give it a try.
Find a friend who is willing be your reading partner for the summer.
Your friend will be a real friend in that they will help you stick to what it is that you will agree together. (They do not need to do the reading too, just help you to read what you have set out to read)
Agree what and how much you will read.
Here are a few ideas;
- Try a Gospel, Mark is shortest, John is different. If you agree to read a chapter a day it will take you about 2 and 3 weeks respectively.
- Read a Psalm and a chapter of Proverbs a day, morning and evening.
- The adventures of the early church in Acts will take you about 4 weeks to read at a chapter a day.
They are only suggestions you might have some of your own, great, go for it!
Every day before you read say a prayer, something like;
“Lord, help me to hear your from you today” or
“Father give me eyes to see.”
Go on, it might just change you life.
Summer habits - eating
You will eat plenty over the summer, BBQ’s, salads, fresh fruit, maybe some freshly caught fish and almost certainly delicious ice creams. But you will go hungry again. Reflect on the passage below and how long you spend shopping, preparing food, eating food and then clearing up afterwards.
Jesus responded, “The real significance of that Scripture is not that Moses gave you bread from heaven but that my Father is right now offering you bread from heaven, the real bread. The Bread of God came down out of heaven and is giving life to the world.”
They jumped at that: “Master, give us this bread, now and forever!”
Jesus said, “I am the bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go. I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.
John 6 : 32 - 38 (The Message)
Do you spend as much time eating the ‘real bread’?
How might you feast on Christ over the summer?
How might you eat that you might be filled?
Make some plans, be intentional, it will never happen otherwise
Let me go over with you again exactly what goes on in the Lord’s Supper and why it is so centrally important. I received my instructions from the Master himself and passed them on to you. The Master, Jesus, on the night of his betrayal, took bread. Having given thanks, he broke it and said,
This is my body, broken for you.
Do this to remember me.
After supper, he did the same thing with the cup:
This cup is my blood, my new covenant with you.
Each time you drink this cup, remember me.
Posted on July 2, 2009 - by Tim L
Pony Rides and Creams 09
