Prayer- Lead Us Away From Temptation & Evil

Temptation reminds me of stress. A little bit of both can have ancillary benefits- like helping us to refocus. Too much of either can crush us, and both temptation and stress come from multiple directions. There's the external temptation that comes at us from "out there". But there's also an internal stream as well. As Jesus teaches us to pray, "Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil", He offers us some help in dealing with both sources temptation.

"OUT THERE"
The other day our daughter asked what a furnace is. My wife explained that our furnace heats our house in the winter. Clear dissatisfied with that answer, my daughter explained that she wanted to know what the furnace was in the story about Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego. (Actually she referenced the Veggie Tales version, but isn't that the same thing?). My wife replied that that was a story. Out of the daughter's hearing, I added that it was a true story. Then my wife confessed, "I'm having a hard time finding stories in the Bible I can tell her at 4." Why? Because so many stories deal with pain, disobedience, evil and suffering. We do live in a fallen world, and it's no wonder that Jesus would encourage us to pray about avoiding as much of this darkness as we can.

So where does temptation come from? Not from God. Why would God want us to move away from Him? Instead, God is on our side, monitoring the seduction of our souls to make sure that we won't be overwhelmed. Our external allurements come from another source. The enemy of God works to separate us from Him. (In fact, the "evil" in Jesus' prayer can also be translated "the evil one".) Check out what 1 Peter 5:7-11 has to say. We don't have to be afraid of the tempter and all he throws our way. We do have God on our side after all! Instead, we should be clear minded, alert and firm in our faith. Maybe praying regularly about temptation would help us to get there.

"IN HERE"
This week I read a study about one of the germiest places we're likely to encounter- not the public toilet, or the greasy restaurant, or the hospital ER- but the kitchen sink. After just one day the sponges in our sink can foster e. coli or staph bacteria. We worry about sanitation "out there", but face a greater danger "in here". Works the same with temptation, doesn't it? Yes, I need to worry about the traps that are being thrown my way. But I also need to pay attention to the trouble I'll seek out on my own.

And perhaps this little prayer of Jesus can help me do just that. When I think about the internal temptations I face I'm reminded of Proverbs 22:3:

"Sensible people foresee trouble and hide from it, but gullible people go ahead and suffer the consequence."

How much grief could I save myself (and others) if I asked God to give me self awareness? Do I recognize which temptations I naturally run towards? What triggers them? What they are really about? If so, then I'd be in a better position to see trouble coming- even from within. And what if I prayed that God would give me shelter from my internal struggles? Maybe I'd get wisdom about how to put firewalls between myself and that which seeks to move me away from God. I could also ask God to send me some folks who I could be honest with and accountable to, and I wouldn't have to hide on my own.

REFLECT:
Q: How often do you pray to ask God for forgiveness? How about help in avoiding temptation? Does the ration between the two say anything to you?

Q: Do you think much about the devil or spiritual evil? Do you believe they exist? How should Christians feel about/respond to them? (Check 1 Peter 5:7-11 for insight.)

Q: Does most of your temptation come form external or internal sources?

Q: How self aware are you when it comes to your struggles? Can you see them coming? Identify the expressions? Triggers? Root issues?

Q: Have you found any ways to hide from temptation? What has helped or worked for you before?

Prayer- Forgive Us, Help Us Forgive Others

I hate tangles. I know hate is a strong word, but I'm using it. Tangles complicate my life, raise my stress level and take valuable time (and sometimes money) to fix. Case in point: Christmas lights. Every year we take the time to wrap them up neatly and somehow in the 11 months they sit in storage they congeal into one huge mass of a mess. I think this passive aggressive behavior is a sign that they don't like being ignored, but that's another conversation.

Now what was I saying? Oh yes, tangles are a hassle and a given. Whether it's Christmas lights, fishing line, hair, the dog leash, shoe laces, a business deal, a relationship, or our souls- snags will find us. Jesus knows this of course, and offers us this simple prayer to help us do some detangling:

"Forgive us as we forgive others"

DIVINE TANGLES
The Scriptures are clear that no person is perfect. All of us have failed to live up to our own good intentions, much less the image of God in us. We're all rebels and outlaws, and not the cool kind in the movies that ladies seem to dig. But do we really need the Bible to tell us this? An honest look into each of our hearts reveals snags and twists in our connection with God. So how do we fix it? We don't. Tangles of the soul are beyond our clumsy fingers. They require the spiritual dexterity and sacrificial love of Jesus. Keep in mind this gift of mercy isn't simply to offset our guilt and send us on our way, or to clean our slate once and burden us with the pursuit of moral perfection. God invites us to love and live with Him- tangles and all.

CROSSED LINES
Some tangles happen as different lines intersect with and wrap around each other. But when it comes to detangling our souls, God does some intentional braiding. Most of the time I want to be forgiven and be done with it. But Jesus doesn't end his prayer there. God seems bent on the idea that we give others the freedom that He has granted us. In fact, this is the only part of the prayer that Jesus bothers to footnote. Wonder why? Maybe because we'd rather not connect our ability to be forgiven with our ability to forgive? But in God's mind, this is a given- if we want to love Him, we've got to learn to love each other.

HUMAN TANGLES
Our relationships with each other get kinked and snagged in any number of ways: miscommunication, misunderstanding, unmet expectations, selfish actions, betrayal, etc. And when things get messy, many of us would rather ignore it or cut and run. Jesus' words are very clear, but not very easy. Forgiving others is hard, especially when they don't cooperate. How can we pardon someone who doesn't seek it or won't own up to their part of the problem? We start by focusing on our end, on the things that we can control. Does setting others free mean that we act like the wrongs never happened? Ignore our emotions? Jump back into unstable, hurtful situations? I don't think so. Instead we, as William Young put it, forgiving means we "take our hands off of the other person's throat". We release our claims of vengeance and resentment in the eyes of God.

How can we possibly do that when we've been deeply hurt? I'm not sure we can on our own. And this is why Jesus has us praying about this. What God asks us to do, He will help us to do. We ask for the courage to let the mercy of God flow through us to another.

DETANGLING
Q: Where does your relationship with God feel snagged or knotted up right now? Are these new struggles, or the same things you've dealt with for sometime now?

Q: Look back at 1 John 1:9. Read the verse a few times. What words stand out to you? Why?

Q: What do you think "confessing our sins" entails? What look do you imagine on the face of God when you confess and ask for mercy?

Q: Which is easier for you: to ask God for forgiveness, to forgive others, or to forgive yourself? Which is most difficult? Why?

Q: Which is more grevious in your mind: the ways you've wronged God, or the ways others have wrong you? Is this just a mental concept, or do you feel the weight of each? Check out this story Jesus told. What does it say to you about the size and scope of our divine and human tangles?

Q: Who is their in your life (past or present) that you feel tangled up about? What can you do about it this week?

Prayer- Give Us Our Daily Bread

"This is how you should pray: Our Father in Heaven....Give us this day our daily bread."


How do you feel about that line?

Comforted that the God of all people would take time to listen to our needs?

Humbled to have to ask for help?

Challenged at the thought of separating your "wants" and "needs"?

Something else?

What does "daily bread" look like for you right now?

How could we join you in praying for the things you really need?

Hit the comments button and tell us what's on your mind.

Prayer- Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done

Ever dream about "the perfect job"? Not the one that will make you rich or famous. I'm talking about the gig that is the polar opposite of what you do everyday. As someone who sits at a computer and does a lot of work with his head and his mouth- I dream about a job that involves physical labor and no take home stress. Like cutting grass or working construction. Then a few weeks ago I did demolition for 3 hours in a space our church is renovating. I was sore for 5 days. My perspective of a life of manual labor changed dramatically. I had this romanticized vision of working with my hands, but learned that it can also be really tough.

Jesus tells us to pray "Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done, On Earth As In Heaven". We probably have some pictures in our heads about what these words and concepts mean. But do our perspectives about God's Kingdom and God's Will match His? My guess is no. In fact, our ideas probably differ in a bunch of ways from what God has in mind. Let me throw out a few to get you thinking:

SEPARATE VS. SYNONYMOUS
We read Jesus' instructions and instantly add two distinct items to our prayer list. But what if God's Kingdom coming and God's Will being done are one and the same? If we define "God's Kingdom coming" as God setting things right again and reconciling all Creation to Himself, then isn't that also His ultimate, over-arching Will? Jesus came to usher in the Kingdom of Heaven. All time and history are moving towards seeing God's Kingdom fully and finally re-established. So, why does this really matter? Those of use who follow Jesus ARE a Kingdom to God. Are we asking God to use us to help establish His Kingdom? Or praying that whatever needs to happen in us will happen so that we and others can get in on the Kingdom?

EASY VS. GOOD
My idea of God's will for my life can be summed up this way: God wants me to be happy, healthy and never struggle. Yes, I know this isn't what the Bible says- but it is what I really want. Not just for myself, but for my kids. The other day I was with my daughter in Wal-Mart. She wanted to buy a toy and my wife and I told her she'd have to spend her own money. She had about 7 bucks. Time and again she picked out toys that were too expensive. After a while it hurt my heart to tell her, "Honey, you don't have enough money." As her dad I wanted her to have what she wanted. The thought of her "going without" made me want to step in and fix it. Then I wondered, "What is it I want to do for my daughter?" Do I want her life to be easy? If so, I need to shelter her and not allow her to encounter any difficulty. Do I want her to become a mature, well-adjusted, responsible adult? If that's my goal then I might allow her to struggle and learn life's lessons. What is God's ultimate goal for us? If it is to be reconciled to Him, be spiritually healthy and whole, then He may allow us to experience things that aren't always easy- but will eventually lead us towards goodness. Not sure? Search for the phrases "God's of The Lord's Will" in the New Testament. You'll find that about 1/2 the verses deal with God's will and suffering. Ouch.

NOW VS. LATER
I believe that in our best (read non-selfish) moments we have much the same vision as God. Evil gets vanquished, suffering and oppression stop, people are healed (God's Kingdom). The difference in what we want and what God wants (His Will) is simply a matter of timing. We want things to be made right here and now. Although God is working on this now, it won't fully happen until later.

SELECTIVE VS. COMPLETE
Do we ask for God's will to be done every time we pray? Probably not. Why? Because we'd like to maintain some ownership of our lives as well. Jesus tells us to pray that God's Will would be done "on earth as it is in heaven". How do you think God's Will is done in heaven? Fully? Completely? Instantly? Without exception? Sounds right to me. Is that what we have in mind when we pray? Are we ready to go there?

REFLECT:
Q: When was the last time you prayed (either directly or indirectly) for God's Will to be done or made known? How about the last time you prayed for God's Kingdom to come? Do you pray more for one of these things than the other? If so, why?

Q: Do you believe that "God's Will" is that life would always be easy? How do you feel about the idea that God's Will might involve suffering? Does it make a difference for you if God makes something tough happen or just allows it to happen to us?

Q: If Jesus is our ultimate example, what does His life (and death) tell us about God's Kingdom and His Will?

Q: How do you think God's will gets done in heaven? How would our lives and prayers look differently if we started praying and wanting this?

Prayer- Hallowed Be Your Name

"Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name."

Over the last couple of thousands years, this phrase has been repeated by millions of people. I've said it a bunch myself. Maybe you have too. But have we really understood what it means to pray that God's name would be hallowed? And should we really be asking God to do something that we don't understand?

HALLOW DEFINED
Here's Mr. Webster's take on this semi-obscure word:

Main Entry: hal·low
Pronunciation: 'ha-(")lO
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English halowen, from Old English hAlgian, from hAlig holy -- more at HOLY
1 : to make holy or set apart for holy use
2 : to respect greatly : VENERATE
synonym see DEVOTE

WHY PRAY ABOUT "GOD'S NAME"?
God seems pretty bent on protecting the honor of His name. So much so that one of the ten commandments speaks about this- and offers a warning to those who would dishonor God's name. Does that seem a little extreme? Maybe. But keep in mind that God's name is pretty much all His people had to relate to. They weren't supposed to make idols or create images to represent Him. Apparently, the Jewish people understood what God was shooting for here, because they used "the name of the Lord" and "the Lord" interchangeably.

So for our purposes, asking that God's name would be hallowed means praying that God would be honored, respected or worshiped. But how do we pray that way? Remember, our goal isn't to recite one line over and over, but to allow these concepts to shape our conversations with God.

ONE IDEA - THREE APPROACHES
Let me suggest a few different directions we might go with the admonition to hallow God's name.

GENERALLY- Our Father In Heaven, May You Be Given The Honor You Are Due
As the Creator of all that we see (and all that we don't), God deserves to be worshiped and respected by every creature, every object, every molecule. We can pray that this would happen. That God would make Himself known and that people would respond to the work of the Spirit in and around them. Essentially we're saying- God you deserve this, make it happen.

PERSONALLY- Our Father In Heaven, May You Be Honored In Every Part of My Life
Most Americans are looking for purpose. We want to live for something. We want to make our lives count. A recent survey found that 77% of the people polled said that having a clear purpose for their lives was really important to them. This number rose to 90% among people who identified themselves as Christians. Although we might want something more specific (like, I was meant to be a fireman, or a teacher, or a rock star) living with a core purpose of honoring God is a good place to start. What if we stared praying each day that every part of our lives would honor God and be pleasing to Him? Maybe our work, sex lives, finances, relationships, care for creation, use of our talents, etc. would all improve if our overarching goal was to steward each of these areas so that we put a smile on God's face.

ACTIVELY- Our Father In Heaven, I want to honor and worship right now.
We constantly need to be stretching our idea of "worship". By default many of Jesus' people equate worship with the gatherings at church or the music we sing/play during those gatherings. Prayer gives us an opportunity to actively worship- especially if we take time to adore God for who He is and thank Him for what He has done. This can be as easy as talking about the parts of God's character/identity that we are reminded of in the moment (Ex: God, I look at that sunset and know that you are the Great Artist) or thanking Him for all of the good He has brought into our lives on a given day. (Thank you that the car was fixable, the kids are over their colds and that I can go to the grocery store whenever we run out of food.)

REFLECTING
Q: Last week we were invited to pursue intimacy with God as we prayed "Our Father". This week we focused more on reverence as we "Hallow His Name". Which one comes more naturally for you? Why? Which do you need to do more right now?

Q: Do you "hallow God's name" regularly when you pray? If so, how do you go about that?

Q: Devout Jews in the Old Testament refused to write or pronounce God's formal name (Yahweh) out of respect. Similarly, some Jewish people today write "G-d" instead of "God". What do you think of their attempts to honor the name of God? Do you do anything similar out of respect for God? (Ex. Capitalizing His Name)

Action: Practice a bit of adoration. Thank God for some part of His nature or character that you were reminded of this week. (Ex. You are patient)

Action: Practice thanksgiving. Hallow God's Name for the blessings of the past day or week.

Action: Read Psalm 148 out loud as a way to pray that God would be worshiped by all of His Creation.

Prayer- Our Father In Heaven

A few weeks back my wife and I received a new tv as a housewarming gift. After we got over the shock, we started to unpack it. Our new set is a little more advanced than our last, so I looked for the manual to learn about setting it up. I was greeted by 74 pages of instructions. "Really?", I thought, "It takes 74 pages to learn how to plug in a tv?" Just as I was about call it quits I found the "quick-start" guide. 11 pages with big pictures. Just my speed. Had the tv set up in 5 minutes.

Looking back, I was frustrated because I didn't want to learn about my tv. I wanted to watch my tv. And I've been wondering if a lot of us have the same disappointing experience when it comes to God. We don't want to just acquire information about Him- we want to know Him. Thus our latest teaching series was born.

For the next 7 weeks we'll be using the Lord's Prayer as a quick-start guide to help us have meaningful conversations with God. Although many are familiar with the words of the Lord's prayer, I wonder if we really appreciate what they represent. God (if you believe Jesus is God) is teaching us how to talk to Him. In a clear and concise way. As tired as we can get of listening to people's opinions about God or of having to dig for direct, simple answers to our questions about faith- you'd think we'd grab hold of Jesus' words here and wear them out. That's our goal over the next couple of months anyway. We won't simply be reciting the Lord's prayer over and over. Instead, we'll talk through each phrase and ask ourselves why Jesus taught it to us.

OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN
For example, why does Jesus tell us to start this way? Is this just a formality? Is this Jesus' version of our own pat greetings (Hey man, buddy, dude, girlfriend, playa, etc.)? Or is the choice of wording important to this process? One way to think through this question is to ask why Jesus made prayer a regular part of His life. He had no sin to confess, and seemed much better positioned than we are to make it through life on His own. Probably something about being God in the flesh. Yet Jesus prayed more than most/all of us. Why? He wanted to continue His relationship with His Father. As Jesus teaches us to pray, He urges us to ground our prayer in relationship

VENDING MACHINES
Lately our 4 year old has discovered vending machines. The old fashioned kind where you pop in a quarter, turn the nob and get some gum that peters out in 30 seconds, a tacky temporary tattoo or a toy that will be lost before days end. In fact, our daughter is so intrigued by this exchange that she's started suggesting that we drop by stores and restaurants that have them. Ah, the power of commerce and greed. But am I so different? Don't I treat God like a spiritual vending machine? Isn't prayer just the currency I insert into the slot so I can turn the handle and expect God to spit out whatever I am asking for? No? Ok, when was the last time I prayed just because I was thinking of God and wanted to check in- without needing something. Hmmmmm? You too? Maybe this is why Jesus tells us to start praying with an acknowledgment that God is our Parent. Yes, He'll encourage us to ask for what we and others need later. But, without a relational focus, prayer might become just another business transaction.

REFLECT

• Do I really want a relationship with God? Or something else?
  
• Does the way I pray reflect that?
• If not, why not?
  
• Why do you think Jesus tells us to think of God as a spiritual Parent?
• Check out Matthew 6:1-8 and note the things Jesus says about "your Father" (ex. "your Father sees what you do in private"- God pays attn to us). Which statement speaks most strongly to you today?

PRAY

• Have a conversation with God about your desire or lack of desire for a relationship with Him. Celebrate, confess, ask for help, etc.
• Start each prayer this week with some words that acknowledge the relationship between you and God.
• Rewrite the first line of Jesus’ prayer- putting your own words around the idea that God is your Parent.

Our Turning Points

For the last couple of months we've looked at and talked about the stories of people in the scriptures who changed direction after meeting with Jesus. Now, it's time to shift gears and talk about OUR stories. Are you approaching, in the middle of, or just coming through a turning point with God? If so, we'd love to hear about it. Just use the comments feature.

If you need a little inspiration, here are some questions to jump start your thinking:

• How is your relationship with God changing direction?
• What has God been up to in your life?
• How have you been trying to respond to what God is doing?
• Have you come to some new realizations about faith and life and acted on them?
• Have you tried anything new to help you be a better follower of Jesus?
• Are you leaving something behind for Jesus' sake?
• Picking something else up?
• Making commitments to God or others?
• Surrendering an area of your life that you've been holding back from God?

Turning Points: RECAP

This weekend we took a look back at the different ways people changed direction when they encountered Jesus. (You can find detailed notes for each teaching conversation in the previous posts on this blog.) We also spent some time talking about what we learned and/or found ourselves wondering about on this 7 week journey. Below is a list of the questions we provided our discussion groups. Feel free to use these on your own or with some friends. And, as always, feel free to use the comments feature to share your perspective.

REFLECT:

• Of the people whose stories we’ve heard in the last 7 weeks, whom do you relate the most to and why?

• Whose journey do you relate the least to and why?

• Whose story is most inspiring to you? Comforting to you?

• What common threads or themes did you notice in these stories about how people change direction with God?

• Each of the turning points we’ve studied involved not just a good moment or experience with God- but the invitation to keep on living in a new way. Which do you think is harder- making a decision to seek after God or choosing to continue on afterwards?

• What part(s) does God seem to play in our Turning Points?

• What part(s) do we play in our own Turning Points?

• What (if anything) have the last 7 weeks taught us about the role we might be asked to play in the lives of other people as they approach and move through Turning Points?

• What questions did this series of teaching conversations raise for you? What have you wondered or thought more about over the last 7 weeks?

• What questions did this series answer for you? What are you taking with you from these teachings?

• Describe a turning point in your relationship with God.

• Talk about your most recent turning point.

• Where are you at now? Approaching a turning point? In the middle of one? Recently though one? Something else?

Turning Points: WHEN WE'RE DOING THE BEST WE CAN

I've waited tables a time or two in my life. The most frustrating part of the job for me wasn't the hard-to-please customers, or the constant multi-tasking. It was the feeling that I had too many people to really serve well. Waiting tables taught me that it really bugs me when I can't give my best effort at a job. If only the same thing carried over in my life with God. It did for a man named Cornelius. He was doing his best to honor God- cultivating a devout and respectful attitude and backing it up with his actions of generosity and prayer.

THE GOD WHO NOTICES
The idea that God is always watching us can feel a bit creepy to some of us. But what if God is watching because He is hoping to catch us doing good? God notices that Cornelius is doing his best and sends a messenger to invite him to take another step of faith.

FILLING IN THE GAPS
Doing our best may show God our hearts, but it doesn't completely close the distance between us and a Holy, Awesome God. That's where our Maker steps in and closes the distance between us. Knowing better than we do that our goodness will only get us so far- He closes the gap for us. Read through Acts 10 and notice what happens for Peter. Peter is one of the most famous followers and servants of Jesus. Yet, he needs help. God uses a trip to Cornelius' house to expand Peter's understanding of God's heart and plan. And then there's Cornelius. He's done his best to honor God. Then God sends Peter to fill in Cornelius' gaps- inviting him to experience the peace, forgiveness and relationship that Jesus came to bring.

REFLECT:
Q: Cornelius' desire to honor God was obvious (even to other people) by his actions. Is the same thing true about us? How does our relationship with God get lived out?

Q: In this story God challenges some of Peter's religious traditions and asks him to leave them behind. What have you been taught about God that you might need to leave behind to know/love/serve Him more?

Q: God teaches Peter by giving him a vision, allowing him to meet some people who were very different from him- and allowing Peter to figure things out for himself. Cornelius is also asked to take steps of faith to send for Peter, but then is given a clear message and a powerful spiritual experience. Whose interaction with God describes the kind you are hoping for? Which do you think would help you reach your next Turning Point with Jesus?

Q: What happens in this story that describes some of the challenges you are facing? Pursuing God consistently? Taking steps of faith when God doesn't tell you what will happen next? Having your understanding of God stretched? Being sent to places and people you've never expected to go? Something else

Q: Peter gets prepped for his new mission (of interacting with Gentiles) just before God sends him out to do it. What has been happening in your life lately that might be preparation for some work God has for you to do?

Turning Points: WHEN WE'RE SINCERELY MISDIRECTED

What do you think when you see someone headed the wrong way down the road? I usually think, "What is that idiot doing?" Last week, I was that idiot.

I was traveling on the interstate and stopped to get some lunch. I chose an exit with a mall with several restaurants in the parking lot. Trouble was, I couldn't figure out how to get into the mall. I could see it, but every time I thought I was turning into the entrance, I found myself trapped in a smaller parking lot that didn't connect. Until I finally made a right and was headed straight for the mall. Then I noticed that I was the only car headed this way. Mental warning lights went off and I pulled over the shoulder of the road just seconds before several lanes of traffic came my way. I got my composure back, whipped a u-turn and headed the other way. Chances are, we've all had that kind of experience. Maybe in our cars. Or maybe in our lives.

SINCERE...BUT SINCERELY WRONG
The New Testament tells the story of a man named Saul. He had a deep and sincere love for God. He ordered his whole life around obeying and pleasing God. He was also sincerely convinced that the followers of this upstart rabbi- Jesus of Nazareth- were dishonoring God, leading people astray, and needed to be stopped. So Saul started arresting followers of Jesus, imprisoning them, and- if they wouldn't recant- working to get them executed. Mind you, he did all of this precisely because He loved God and wanted to honor him. If this seems far fetched, consider the Christian Crusades or today's Muslim terrorists.

STOP RIGHT THERE
As Saul is on his way to "clean up" another city, Jesus appears and stops Saul dead in his tracks. Jesus confronts the persecutor about his ignorance. Turns out that Saul didn't know Jesus at all. Amazing how many of our incorrect judgments are formed sans personal relationships or experience, huh? Jesus leaves Saul with a physical reminder the he isn't as enlightened as he presumed. Stunned and blind, Saul is led humbly to Damascus.

NOW TURN AROUND
For a few days, Saul is blind. His lack of physical sight gives him a chance to reflect on his recent supernatural encounter and his actions against the people of Jesus. While Saul stews, God enlists the help of someone who did know Him, Ananias. Ananias is hesitant to get involved given Saul's reputation, but he trusts God and plays an important role in helping Saul recover his sight- physically and spiritually.

OFF YOU GO
Most folks would call Saul's change of heart a win all by itself. At least he's stopped persecuting Jesus' people. But the story gets better from there. God isn't content with just having us stop our negative, hurtful, sinful behavior. He wants to send us out in the other direction. In the course of a week, Saul goes from speaking and acting out against Jesus- to convincing people that Jesus really is the Messiah. Talk about a turnaround.

REFLECT:
Q: Have you ever been sincerely wrong about something? What happened to "enlighten" you?

Q: Why do you think God involved Ananias in this story (instead of just healing Saul himself)? What role did Ananias actually play? What could we learn from him as we seek to engage people who are searching for God?

Q: How do you think Ananias found the strength to call Saul "brother" and embrace Saul after all he had done to Jesus' people? Could you have done that? Did Saul get off the hook for all the wrong he had done?

Q: Saul actively "went the other way" after he saw the light. He not only stopped doing what was wrong, but started doing what was right. Can you think of any issues in your life where God would call you to do the same?

Turning Points: WHEN WE'RE CAUGHT & EXPOSED

Ever watch "To Catch A Predator"? Every time I see this program I have mixed reactions. I'm glad they caught these guys. I'm fearful of how many more of them there are out there. And I'm amazed at how stupid some of these folks are. Especially the ones who have watched "To Catch A Predator" before- and still get stung. Maybe this is evidence of the fact that we think we'll never be the one who gets caught. Whatever the case, the guys on this show had a similar experience to a lady in the scripture- and to me and you too. They got caught and exposed. And had the chance to come to a turning point.

DOING OUR OWN THING
In John 8 we're introduced to a lady who was involved in an inappropriate relationship. Specifically, she was having sex with someone who wasn't her husband. She was committing adultery- even though she probably knew it was wrong. It would have been pretty difficult to live where she did (Jerusalem) amongst the people she did (fiercely religious) and not know that this was a line that shouldn't be crossed. She knew better, but did what she wanted anyway. Just like us. And like us- she probably wasn't planning on getting caught.

CAUGHT & EXPOSED
When this lady lay down with her lover, she couldn't have imagined that an hour later she'd be standing in the temple courtyard, with her secret out for everyone to know. She's naked before the crowd- maybe not physically- but certainly spiritually. Her secrets are on display. And she's steeling herself for the judgment to come

FACING JUDGMENT
The religous leaders who bring this lady to Jesus are looking to judge. They want to judge her. And they want to judge Jesus. However, their foolproof plan backfires. With a little ingenuity, a finger and some sand, Jesus turns the tables. God didn't see fit to tell us exactly what Jesus scrawled in the sand. Whatever the words, they helped the leaders of the mob judge themselves. Maybe the woman on display was guilty of misusing God's gift of sexuality. But these men had used her. They had used the words of God. All in an attempt to condemn Jesus.

A TURNING POINT
This lady doesn't escape judgment for her actions. Not only will she have to face her own conscience, the folks she's wronged, and the rest of her community- but as her accusers leave, she stands before the only one fit to pronounce judgment. Jesus doesn't condemn her. That's not why He has come. Instead, Jesus offers her not only pardon, but a chance to head a new direction in life. Having our indiscretions discovered and broadcast can be painful and humiliating. But being found out can also bring us to a turning point. In our despair we reach towards Jesus for mercy. And like this lady, we can find it.

REFLECT:
Q: Have you ever been caught doing something you knew was wrong? What happened?

Q: Would you agree that most of us "do our own thing" at some point or another? Why? What do we tell ourselves in those moments?

Q: What do you think this story has to teach us about sin? About judgment? Is the point of this story that everyone blows it, so we sin isn't a big deal? Or shouldn't be spoken against?

Q: In your life, which kind of sin is harder for you to deal with: blatant sin (like this woman misusing sexuality) OR subtle sin (like the leaders using this woman and God's words)? Why?

Q: Which is harder for you: to receive God's pardon OR to head in a new direction? Why?

Turning Points: WHEN WE'RE JUST BROWSING

I love Craigslist. Why? For starters, it's free. No fee to post, buy or sell. On top of that, it gives me the chance to get stuff out of my garage without sending it to the landfill. And buying gently used things saves money and is a good practice of self-discipline for me. But mostly- I like Craigslist because I can browse all I want without crowds, sales people or pressure. And I like to browse. How about you? Enjoy a stroll through a car lot, an open house or your favorite store with no agenda or shopping list? Not only is browsing an enjoyable way to spend some free time, but it can also lead us into a turning point.

A LITTLE CURIOSITY
Some of us find God not as the result of a huge quest or search, but simply because we were a little curious. That's what happened to a man named Zacchaeus anyway. Jesus was passing through his town and Zacchaeus just wanted a peek at the Rabbi who was causing such a stir. Maybe he wanted to see if Jesus looked anything like the mental image he had painted of him. Unable to get a front row seat, Zacchaeus' curiousity drives him to higher ground.

BEYOND BROWSING
The story would have ended there (or probably never ended up in scripture) if it wasn't for what happened next. Jesus engaged this lookie-lou. Jesus noticed the man. Called him by name. Honored Zaccheaus by offering to spend time with him. And suddenly, Zacchaeus was something more than curious. He was engaged. He was taking Jesus home for dinner.

I WASN'T PLANNING ON THAT
I have a friend who flips houses for a living. A few months back he finished a total renovation on a house built in the 1920's. Then he noticed that a house across the street was going to be auctioned off. My friend decided to swing by and see what the house sold for. Figured it would give him a good comp for what he had invested in his flip. A couple days later I asked him how the auction went. He told me that he bought the house and went on to explain that he hadn't intended to buy it, but no one else bid- so he jumped in and took it. Sounds like the kind of thing that happened to Zacchaeus. After spending some time with Jesus, he makes a decision.

To some of us, this decision might seem rash. But give Zacchaeus credit- he's started to believe in Jesus and did something about it. While I'm prone to think that decisions ought to be well planned and researched, Zacchaeus grabbed the opportunity in front of him. According to Jesus, this kind of faith is impressive and destiny changing.

REFLECTING:
Q: Do you like to browse? Where? What for?

Q: Zacchaeus climbed a tree to get a look at Jesus. What have you done to explore your own wonderings about faith?

Q: What could Jesus' people learn from Jesus about the way He engages Zacchaeus?

Q: How has Jesus engaged you? What happened to move you beyond "just browsing" when it came to God/Church/Jesus?

Q: What do you think of Zacchaeus' quick decision? How does it compare in your mind to what happened with the Rich Young Ruler?

Q: Are you "just browsing" in some part of your relationship with Jesus? What step of action could you take to express your faith right now?

Turning Points: WHEN WE'RE SO CLOSE

Familiar with this image? It was shot at the finale of this year's American Idol competition. The guy smiling in the middle, David Cook, won. The short dude applauding on the left, David Archuletta, finished second. This was a bit of a surprise. Archuletta dominated the head to head round in the mind of the judges and the fans in the theater. Pundits predicted that he'd win the online vote in a landslide. But he didn't. He got so close to his dream. Then things headed a different direction. Sound familiar? Not all turning points are good or welcomed. Sometimes we feel like we're on the right track- heading in the right direction. Then instead of moving ahead, we take an unforseen turn.

SO "CLOSE"
These kinds of turning points don't just happen to you and me. People in the Scriptures experienced them too. Like the "Rich Young Ruler". Probably not his given name. And although you might not guess it by a title like that, he was very close to getting the life with God that he wanted. He approached Jesus with excitement, humility and honor and asked a great question. He kept the commandments. Evoked a certain affection from Jesus. Heck, Jesus said the guy was only missing ONE thing spiritually speaking. (Not sure I'd want to see how many things would show up on my "stuff I'm missing with God" list!) Of course, "close" is a relative term. Ever tried to hike over to that mountain "right over there"? What kind of gap separated this man from his stated quest? Only complete and voluntary poverty.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR
Why did Jesus make such a demanding request? Because he answered the man's question. Although it is easy to see this as a conversation about money or even salvation, I think Jesus' words are about something even more important- eternal life. Sometimes when we're so close, Jesus has the nerve to offer us what we're asking for. And what we want from God may not look like we expect it to. Instead of eternal life = salvation after death, Jesus offered this man a quality of life that comes from living in relationship with God and people in the here and now.

DECISION TIME
The problem with having Jesus offer us the thing we say we want? Then we've got a decision to make. Do we REALLY want the thing we've asked for? Are we willing to do what Jesus says we have to do to get it? Jesus invited the rich young ruler to trade the good in his life for God's better. He'd been keeping rules. Jesus offered him a relationship. He had riches. Jesus offered eternal treasure. He had assets to hold on to. Jesus offered him freedom through simplicity. Even though the exchange looks good on paper (or computer screen)- it obviously wasn't an easy decision.

My guess is that if God offered us the things we say we want, it wouldn't be easy either. Do we really want to be humble? Enough to fail? Do we really want to be forgiven? Enough to forgive ourselves? Or others? Do we really want to be mature? Enough to endure hard times? Do we really want God to lead and guide us? Enough to have faith and venture out into uncertainty?

BIG SWINGS & PROBABLE REGRET
This conversation between Jesus and this wealthy young guy must have been brief. Each speaks only twice and the whole exchange is captured in one paragraph. I'm guessing that this encounter took less than one minute. 60 seconds is long enough change our emotions and path in life. When this guy approached Jesus he was so excited and so "close". A moment later he walks away from Jesus- dejected. Where did he end up? We don't know for sure. But I'm guessing that he replayed this encounter in his mind and had some sense of regret. At least that's the way I've felt about similar turning points that led me away from Jesus. How about you?

REFLECT
Q: The guy in this story came running up to Jesus- full of questions, respect and humility. How do you bring yourself to Jesus? What do you communicate to Him?

Q: Mark (who tells this story) somehow knew that Jesus loved this guy. Whether Jesus verbalized it or Mark read it on his face or in his voice- we don't know for sure. How and when do you sense the love and affection of Jesus in your life?

Q: If you were in this story, what question would you ask Jesus today?

Q: What do you think Jesus would say you are missing or is keeping you from the thing you'd ask Him for?

Q: Do you feel like you are close to any decisions or turning points when it comes to Jesus?

Turning Points: WHEN WE'RE DESPERATE (Pt 2)

Lisa and Wade Shelden were kind enough to share a piece of their story with our community last Sunday. Here's a recap from Lisa in case you missed it:

I grew up in a very religious family. Went to private (Lutheran) schools, elementary & high school. Went to Sunday school and church every Sunday, had chapel 2 times per week in school, had theology class every day in school and took confirmation class once per week for three years in junior high. During summers I attended Lutheran overnight camp and vbs. So .... there was a TON of "church" in my life. Once I got to college my participation in church tapered off dramatically. Once I graduated from college and was pretty much completely independant of my parents I attended very infrequently. Why, because I was completely burned out. Too much of what I thought was the same exact stuff week after week, year after year. I still maintained a prayer life on my own and never stopped believing but my church experience became an obligation that was meaningful in my life.

Skip ahead nine or so years. Wade and I were married and had Avery already. Wade was agnostic I guess you'd say. He grew up sort of hit-or-miss going to church but never really bought into it. We had Avery baptized in my parents Lutheran church as an infant because we thought it was the responsible thing to do -- but we were not church goers. We talked about it, but never really put much effort into finding a church to attend. December 2002 changed the lives of our entire family. Levi was born with a severely life threatening birth defect that we were unaware of until delivery. He had a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. He was born by c-section, we got to see him for about 1 minute and he was rushed from Raleigh Community hospital straight to Duke to the NICU. We were in shock. We were scared to death. We had never heard of this condition before and were clueless if he was going live or die before he arrived at Duke.


My OB was the father of 8 and a Christian. After he sensitively explained what was wrong with Levi he asked us if he could pray with us -- and did. Then our parents came in and prayed with us. Those few hours were the turning point for our family.

Wade told me later that he prayed for the first time in years during the days that Levi was being treated -- and that he meant the prayers, believed they were being heard. Wade's dad told me later that he'd made some very big promises to God that he knew he'd have to make good on, now that Levi was "saved". Wade's sister decided after Levi was okay to be baptized and confirmed in the Catholic church -- to become a participating, practicing member of the church she'd been married in. Many, many of our friends and family prayed on their own, with their respective churches, bible studies, small groups and prayer chains for Levi's healing. We were blessed and God evidently wanted the same outcome we did.

Once we brought Levi home we started church shopping. Went to Grace and new that we found the group of people we wanted grow in Christ with. Our special group splintered off from Grace, became Connections and here we are. Wade was baptized by Jeff Tippett through Connections -- a huge deal for our family. He was saved and is a believer! Levi was dedicated, not because we felt obligated, but because we wanted to thank and praise God for the miracle he gifted to our family. Wade's parents also have since joined and become heavily involved in church, Sunday school, Bible studies and mission work.

Needless to say it was a HUGE turning point for all of us -- and this is just the story from my perspective :-).

Turning Points: WHEN WE'RE DESPERATE

Desperate Times Call For...
...self-guided field surgery??? Well, not usually. But that's what happened to Sampson Parker when his hand got caught in a corn picker. Listen to Sampson tell his story on the Today show. Maybe we haven't faced the choice of having to cut off our own arm to save our life, but chances are we've all been in desperate situations. One redeeming quality of these challenging times? They often lead us to turning points. That's exactly what happened for a lady with health issues who encountered Jesus.

Might As Well Try God
When we find ourselves facing urgent times, we're forced to be proactive- trying things we've never considered before. Including God. The Bible tells the story of an unnamed woman who had struggled with health issues for 12 years. Somehow, she hears of Jesus' reputation as a healer and decides to take a shot and track him down. Seeking healing from Jesus isn't the her first attempt at getting well. She tried lots of cures, spent lots of money- and actually got worse. Sounds like us. When we're struggling, sometimes God is the last person we turn to. Instead we try lots of other things. Some not only fail to help us, but they actually degrade our situation.

The God Who Lets Us Touch Him
I've been paying a bit more attention to this election cycle than normal. One thing I've noticed? Everyone wants to touch the presidential candidates. Be it a handshake, hug, high five or pat on the back- most folks want to get a little piece of their favorite candidate. I think Jesus can relate. In the middle of a touch-hungry crowd, Jesus feels one particular hand- and the desperate faith that fueled it.

What makes this story more amazing is that this lady shouldn't have been touching Jesus at all. According to Jewish law and customs her constant bleeding made her "unclean". Anything and anyone she touched would become "unclean". Polite protocol dictated that if you were unclean you kept your distance from others. You informed them so that they could keep their distance from you. (Kind of like when we tell people we're sick before they shake our hands.) And you certainly didn't touch others (esp. a miracle working Rabbi) without their permission.

Personally, I'm glad that her desperation led this lady to touch Jesus. It gives me hope that God lets us touch Him even though we too are unclean- undeserving- sinful. And catch this, Jesus feels her touch. And she feels His power. Sounds personal doesn't it? And isn't that what we're hoping for when we're desperate? Not just a rescue from our crisis, but an up close and personal interaction with the God who responds to our touch?

Love, Acceptance & Peace
Jesus refuses to let this desperate woman stay anonymous. Even though he's got pressing business to attend to, Jesus stops and forces her to tell her story. Why? To set her free. With 10 words, Jesus changes this woman's direction in life.

Jesus told her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace!"

To start with, Jesus restores her standing in society. He not only pronounces her healed and fit for social interaction again- but Jesus speaks to her in endearing terms. Suddenly this isolated pariah has become the envy of the entire crowd. I love it when Jesus does stuff like this. Don't you?

On top of that, Jesus points her towards a new, peaceful path in life. No longer will her illness define and consume her. Now she is free to live for other things. Isn't this God's desire for us as well? To set us free from the sin and distractions that monopolize our lives so that we can live in peace and wholeness?

Reflect:
Q: Describe a time when you faced a situation that felt desperate. Did it resolve? How?

Q: Do you think we can still touch God today? How? What ways are most meaningful/helpful to you?

Q: Has your opinion of yourself ever stopped you from reaching out to touch God? Because you felt like a "nobody" when it comes to faith? Because you felt "unclean"? Something else? What should we do when that happens?

Q: Have you ever felt God's touch? How? What happened?

Q: Jesus set this woman free with two sentences. What could He say to you today that would do the same for you?

Turning Points: WHEN WE'RE STUCK

Ever been stuck? Me too. Whether the car is stuck in the mud, our career is locked up, or an important relationship is frozen- being unable to generate movement can be frustrating. At least we can take comfort in the fact that we aren't alone. Getting stuck seems to be a part of the human experience. It can also mean that we're on the verge of a turning point.

REALLY STUCK
John 5 tells the story of a man who had been stuck (on multiple levels) for a long time. Like 38 years. And I've been whining that it took the USPS 3 weeks to forward my mail when I moved! I officially repent. Jesus meets this guy as he sits by the pool of Bethesda- a spot where many invalids camped out with the hope of being healed when an angel stirred the water. The image below is a model of what the pool might have looked like in Jesus' day.


QUESTIONS
When we find ourselves in situations we can't seem to get out of, we ask questions. Some aren't really helpful: "Why did this happen to me?" "Why can't I catch a break?" "How come no one will help me?" Others are more constructive: "How did I get here?" "What can I try next?" "What can I learn from this?" Jesus' interaction with the handicapped man in John 5 suggests several questions we might want to ask the next time we find ourselves stuck.

Do We Really Want To Change?
Jesus begins his conversation with this question. On one hand, it seems too obvious. Of course, the man wants to get better. Why else would he be at the pool where miraculous healings are rumored to happen? On the other hand, this simple inquiry is a great starting point. Instead of assuming the man wanted to be healed, Jesus asks. (Those of us who are trying to follow Jesus take note: Jesus doesn't force Himself on people. We probably shouldn't either.) This question gives the man a chance to check his level of motivation and desire. Sure, he probably didn't want to be paralyzed, but was he ready for his world to be redefined? Had he lost hope altogether? Was he comfortable just being stuck? What about us? Do we really want to change those areas of our lives that we've been complaining about?

Are We Willing To Try Something New?
The man's response to Jesus isn't what we'd expect. If you've been paralyzed or sick for 38 years and someone asks if you want to get better, the answer should be some direct form of affirmative. Either an excited or sarcastic tone would work nicely here. Instead, the man talks about what he's been trying that hasn't worked. Jesus asks him to try something new. Makes sense. If we want to head a new direction, we'll probably need to venture into the land of "haven't ever done that before". This guy does. As a result he does 3 things that have alluded him for the last 38 years. Will we show the same kind of faith and guts?

Are We Clear On The Risks?
We live in a society plastered with warning labels- on our medications, the toys we buy our kids, even on our coffee cups. While risk is an inherent part of life, the potential difficulties multiply when we attempt to get out of a rut. For example, the people around us might not be happy for us when we get unstuck. After he is made whole, the former invalid packs up his gear and heads home. He walks vigorously, with a bounce in his gait and a triumphant tune on his lips. And he gets called down. The man that Jesus healed probably expected others to celebrate with him. But they don't . They don't see the man or his miracle. The same may happen to us. Some of the people we expect to be really supportive of our new direction might question, demean or rebuke us. Hopefully not- but it might happen.

Getting unstuck carries another sort of risk- God might send us in a new direction. Later, Jesus finds this man in the temple- most likely worshiping after being banned for 38 years due to his disability. Jesus message: now that you're unstuck- choose a different path. Why is it that so many of us complain about feeling stuck with God, but don't do much to change the situation? Maybe we're afraid that Jesus will say something similar to us, or reaffirm His leadership in our lives. "Hmmm", we think, "Guess being stuck doesn't seem so bad after all.

CELEBRATING BETHESDA
Even if you've never read John 5 before, you've probably heard the name "Bethesda". 14 U.S. states have cities with this moniker. Why? There's something beautiful about seeing someone get unstuck. The name "Bethesda" is the combination of two Hebrew words that mean "house of grace". Sounds good doesn't it? Some scholars note that one of those words can mean either disgrace or grace. As folks thought about this pool of water where miracles happened, they saw people coming in their "disgrace"- with illness and limitations, and finding "grace".

Makes a lot of sense that Jesus would have showed up there doesn't it? He meets us in our "disgrace" and brings "grace" to those of us who have the desire, faith and courage to follow His lead. And this often happens in the times and places where we're stuck.

May each of us find some "Bethesda" this week.

REFLECT:
Q: Think about a time in your life when you got stuck. How did it happen? How did you get unstuck?

Q: Is there a part of your life where you feel stuck today? How long has it been this way? How do you feel about it? What have you tried to get things moving?

Q: Which of the questions in the post above is the most pertinent to your situation right now? The most challenging?

Q: Have you ever faced opposition from the people in your life when you made some changes that were important to you? What happened? How did you feel? Respond?

Q: Which is scarier to you right now- staying stuck in your relationship with God- or having Jesus send you in a new direction? Why?

New Teaching Series TURNING POINTS

Changing directions in the car is easy enough. Find a cross street, hit the blinker, check the blind spot and turn the wheel. But how do we change directions in our lives? We may feel the need to do something different, but can’t always figure out how to turn things around. We aren’t alone. Join us for the next couple of months as we explore the stories of some average people like us whose lives took a turn when they met Jesus.

Schedule:
5/18 When We’re Stuck

5/25 When We’re Desperate

6/1 When We’re So Close

6/8 When We’re Just Browsing

6/15 When We’re Caught & Exposed

6/22 When We’re Sincerely Misdirected

6/29 When We’re Doing The Best We Can

What Are We Doing Here? GOING HOLISTIC

This week Shawn Cooper led us in a teaching about letting Jesus into every part of our lives. As a part of the conversation, Shawn told a story about Charles Blondin- a famous tightrope walker. The tale goes that after Blondin pushed a wheelbarrow back and forth on a rope strung over a dizzying height, he asked a spectator if the man thought Blondin could put someone in the wheelbarrow and take them across the rope safely. The audience member was sure that Blondin could do it. When Blondin invited him to climb in, the man declined.

As I heard the story recounted, I tried to picture myself in it. I think I would have responded just as the man did- yes you can do it, but not with me. But even if I had worked up the nerve to climb in the wheelbarrow, I would have divested myself of a few things first. I see myself handing my watch, wedding ring and wallet to someone else to hold- just in case.

Then I started wondering if that's the sort of thing that we find ourselves doing with God. Maybe we get up the gumption to put our souls in Jesus' hands. But since we aren't 1000% sure where Jesus may lead us, we choose to keep control over certain parts of our lives. We decide not to take certain things on this little adventure with Jesus. We take off our watches because we don't want to give Jesus all of our time. Sundays are fine, but more??? We take off our rings because we don't want to give Jesus complete control over our relationships- married or otherwise. And the wallet? Ok, maybe we'll put a few bucks in our pockets to let Jesus control- but the rest is ours. Right?

Sorry, don't mean to project too much. So, speak for yourself.

What do you need to put in the wheelbarrow right now?

What part of your life have you been keeping control of, instead of surrendering completely to God?

Why have you withheld that area?

What would it take to start giving God control of it?

(It might also help to look back at Proverbs 3:5-6, which was a core scripture in this teaching.)

What Are We Doing Here? OVERFLOWING

NOTICING
How observant are you? Take this AWARENESS TEST. How did you do? I failed too. Just another reminder that it is easy for us to miss things that are right under our noses. I've got a suspicion that the same thing happens regularly with people who are sincerely trying to follow Jesus. We pay attention to some things, and miss others. For example, have you ever noticed the pattern of overflow?

OVERFLOW IS THE WAY OF LIFE
Start looking and you'll discover that one life overflows into the next. For example, what do you know that someone else didn't teach you- either directly or indirectly? All of our lives we've benefited from the knowledge and experiences of other people: coaches taught us to play sports, musicians taught us to play instruments, someone taught us to drive a car, and another employee showed us how to use the cash register, fax machine or deep fryer at our first job. And it never ends. As we learn, we teach. We take the knowledge that others gave us and let it overflow: teaching others how to play sports, make music, drive cars and do jobs we are proficient in.

OVERFLOW IS THE WAY OF GOD
The bible describes God as the Giver of every good gift. God seems to enjoy bringing good things into our lives- not just for us to savor, but so that others can benefit as well. Take Abraham for example. God promised to make Abraham the father of a nation and to give him a great reputation- and to use Him to bless every family on the planet. Later, God makes a covenant with the nation of Israel (Abraham's people) and gives them favored nation status. Bully for them, but how does that help the rest of us? The Israelites are called to be priests. What does a priest do? He/She serves others and helps them worship God. (By the way, this same title is later given to anyone who is following Jesus.) One more example. When Jesus becomes a public figure, He selects 12 people as His disciples. For 3 years these folks catch the overflow of Jesus' life. Why? Not just for their own good- but so that they could could use what they learned to bless others.

OVERFLOW COULD BE OUR WAY
What might happen if we took personal ownership of the idea of overflow? Not only would we make the lives of those around us richer, but just we might experience the life Jesus promised. Jesus said that God's presence in our lives would be like a stream of living water. In Jesus' culture, "living water" moved and went somewhere.

"Dead water" just collected, got stagnant and maybe eventually evaporated.

Why is it that so many people who are following Jesus experience times of "dryness" or feeling "stagnant" or "empty"? One reason might be that we've forgotten to overflow. Seeking God's blessings just for ourselves can leave us in an ongoing cycle of "needing to be filled up". Allowing God to take the good things in our lives and pour them out into the lives of others can keep things fresh and alive.

How do we overflow? Let's keep it simple and assume that we simply pass on to others the blessings that God has given to us. God has forgiven us, so we forgive others. God listens to us talk, so we listen to others. God clothes us, so we clothe others. And we do all of this with the strength and kindness of Jesus. (By the way, if we can't overflow with kindness, I'm not sure we're really blessing people.)

REFLECT:
Q: Name a couple of people who allowed their lives to overflow into yours. What kinds of blessings, experiences and knowledge did they share with you? When/how did this happen?

Q: Look at 1 Peter 2:9 again. Do you think of yourself as a priest? Why/Not? If you are a priest, who are your "congregants" right now? What would it look/sound like for you to "tell about the excellent qualities of God"?

Q: Look back at the pictures of the river and the retention pond above. Which best describes your spiritual life right now? Explain.

Q: Describe a time in your life with Jesus when you felt the "living water" thing happening for you.

Q: Let's assume that "overflowing" is as simple as sharing with others the blessings that God has given to you. (Ex: patience, forgiveness, acceptance, wisdom, etc.) What do you have to pass on today? Who is God putting in your life that needs those things? Spend some time praying for that God will use you to bless these folks.