Monday, June 18, 2012

Ok, after a week in sunny San Diego, we're seriously back to week 2 in this study: Relational Spirituality - Loving God Completely (pages 27-33). Read through the chapter, review the questions on page 33 and be ready on Thursday 6/21 at 6:15 to discuss. See you there! Oh, go ahead and blog a few thoughts if you get the time...
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8 comments:

  1. Jason KayserJune 18, 2012 at 6:42 AM

    When I consider the vastness of creation, it amazes me that He has chosen me to be a part of His will. Why would a God who can create all we see and experience in a single word need me to be a part of his plan? I would think if he can figure out how to make the sun 8 light minutes away from the earth, that needing me would be trivial. But He did it that way, and I get to be part of His will being worked out around and through me.

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    1. Scott SJune 20, 2012 at 7:39 AM

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    2. Scott SJune 20, 2012 at 7:41 AM

      If anyone on the team really gets jazzed by contemplating the wonder of creation, let me recommend Gerald Schroeder's "The Science of God: The Convergence of Scientific and Biblical Wisdom." Schroeder is a published, credentialed astro-physicist. He is also a Jew steeped in study of the Torah who has studied and thought deeply about the Biblical account of creation. While plumbing the depths of the wonder of the universe God has created, he also applies principles of modern physics and reconciles them with Biblical, 7 24-hour days of creation! Did you ever think you'd ponder the laws of Einsteinian relativity and time dilation in a theological context?! It's greatly enhanced my appreciation and awe for the God who "thinks not as man thinks and ways are higher than the heavens."

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    3. Jason KayserJune 20, 2012 at 10:34 PM

      I just bought the digital version of that book. Sounds intriging

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  2. Jason KayserJune 19, 2012 at 6:19 AM

    "What does it take to know God more clearly? The two essential ingredients are time and obedience." pg 32 - So simple right? Well, I've got all the time in the world (at least for 80 years or so) and obedience?? As long as I remember to obey I'm good there too ;o) This quote goes to show that the Christian life is a journey that will not end on earth. As we journey though the confinements of time and space, we attempt to grow deeper in Him so that our obedience is not something we do but rather something we become. Then over time, His statutes become more important to us than disobedience. I wish I could master this part of life because I really hate disobeying God - actually, I hate having to grieve the Holy Spirit by my disobedience and than having to go through the reconcilliation process - why not just obey in the first place and avoid all of that??

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    1. Scott SJune 20, 2012 at 7:47 AM

      Indeed--when you can answer that, you've "arrived." Clearly, however, Paul makes it clear in Romans 7-9 that journey is continuous. Take heart that you are ON the journey and CONTINUING in it. The cycles of sin and repentance, and grappling with tempatation, are part of the rhythms of our walk with Christ. Hopelessness or abandonment of the fight is a sign of spiritual malaise, so press on!

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  3. Jason KayserJune 20, 2012 at 6:18 AM

    "To know God is to love him, because the more we grasp - not merey in our minds but also in our experience - who He is and what He has done for us, the more our hearts will respond in love and gratitude." pg 32 - Do we reflect enough to realize what He has done for us? God has created all, loved all and forgiven all and wants a personal relationship with each one of us. He has designed a personal life experience for me so I can know and reflect His love through it. Now the question is if I daily recognize that and live to also want to know Him. Sadly, I would say far too often I get through the day without truly acknowledging Him outside of a few minutes in the morning. I'll still looking for that technique that will put Him top of mind throughout the day. Thouhts?

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  4. Scott SJune 20, 2012 at 7:32 AM

    In the introduction to his book "Summary of Christian Doctrine," Louis Burkhoff makes the observations that God is spirit and so He is invisible, but He is knowable and personal. My experience has been that knowing God and loving God can be difficult for western, post-modern minds because He is spirit. We need to use different "muscles" or faculties to percieve, grasp, embrace and act on spiritual realities. Add to this that we are pursuing a God who is infinite and triune and you find yourself on a life-long quest!

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