An Imitable Life

 

Working with this question

 in some Discipling Huddles these days.

It is a formidable look at my own life

and actually a bit scary to think about on 

any given day.

"Imitate me as I imitate Christ."

1 Corinthians 11:1

Paul reminds us of who we follow. 

He points out just who we are 

being conformed to in likeness- Jesus.

Am I moving closer 

to the cross or farther away?

Do my actions more and more

 reflect the heart of Jesus?

This transformation only happens 

with the work of the Holy Spirit in my life.

I can't will it or make it happen by my own power.

Thank you, Lord for being in charge 

of this amazing journey to shine bright in the world 

as a reflector of the face of Jesus. Amen.

Joining Jesus - Show Me How-3

 Mission Focus, Purpose

Challenges, Direction

These are all topics that churches 

wrestle with and make plans 

for and meet about, and then meet some more.

One of the things we know about millennials - 

they don't do meetings.

So they are not only missing 

from our churches but they are missing 

from the conversations 

about why they are missing.

Greg Finke's work with Dwelling1:14 

offer these great questions for conversation starters:

1. What is the mission of God, according to God?
2. How does God intend for us to participate in His mission?
3. In the gospels, what is Jesus’ goal for those He is discipling?
4. According to Jesus, what is a disciple and what does a disciple do?
5. In the gospels, what process does Jesus use to train His disciples?
6. How can we optimize our congregational groups and gatherings to accomplish Jesus’ discipling goals?

 These questions bring time together

 looking at the right things-

how do disciples make disciples?

It is not about budgets, 

attendance, weekly offerings,

and leaky roofs.

Those all need to be dealt with but,

 they are not the MAIN THING.

 What I really appreciate reading

 in Greg's book- Joining Jesus - Show Me How

 or his blog at dwelling114.org

is that I can actually imagine Jesus

 sitting around and talking with his disciples

using these very questions.

It is Jesus Discipleship Class 101.

And I am reminded how many times

 Jesus had to go over the lessons with them,

 repeat the main point, 

and review when they failed the test.

Simple enough..

go and make disciples.

Joining Jesus- Show Me How-2

For some time now I have been asking people-

"Who are you discipling?

Who is discipling you?"

Not very often I get an answer.

Turns out that is a simple door-opener

 for thinking through this process 

of discipling everyday missionaries.

Mulling more thoughts from 

Joining Jesus - Show Me How by Greg Finke.

 So, what is the mission of God?

"To redeem and restore all things through Jesus.

And we get to help.

 It's what we were made for and saved for.

Discipling, then, is the means 

for showing the people of God 

how to participate in the mission of God

 as a daily lifestyle."

Well, that is a mighty big plan. 

And I am feeling pretty inadequate.

Best left for someone else to do.

Except for that Great Commission thing-

Go and Make Disciples.

SO, how does this Really happen?

Greg Finke summarizes-

"To become redemptive in the world 

with Jesus we need to become more loving like Jesus. 

He restores us to the abundant love

 of the Father through baptism 

and he trains us to give away that love

 to those who need it so badly."

Ok, easy enough.

Right? Well, except....

100 excuses.

I know how to do church,

but mystified by this discipling thing.

So, surely we get clues for this task

 by watching Jesus, right?

Finke summarizes Jesus' teaching plan-

imitate him.

"It looks like relationship-

intentional time together,

 unhurried conversation about real life and Jesus-

 and the kingdom comes."

That doesn't sound like a theology degree,

or binders full of studies and studies.

Pretty sure, 

this is a jump right into the learning lab,

without credentials,

kind of sending.

But, Jesus equips his ragtag, ill-equipped lot 

with the power of the Holy Spirit.

  This driving force, 

for the sake of all of His missing children,

is a game-changer.

And I'm game. 

Joining Jesus - Show Me How-1

Thinking some things through these days.

How to put into practice - 

discipling settings.

 How did Jesus work 

with His disciples?

Reading Joining Jesus- Show Me How

by Greg Finke.

He states that there are

 5 Lifestyle Practices of Jesus.

1. Jesus remembers his true identity and mission.

(our baptism invites us 

into this relationship and mission)

2. Jesus seeks the kingdom.

He looks for the good that the Father

 has prepared in advance for him to do.

3. Jesus humbles himself.

He submits to the Father's timing

 and purpose in the moment.

4. Jesus freely gives.

What He has received from

 the Father He offers to others.

5. Jesus shows others how to do the same.

So, if we are to imitate Jesus, 

how can we pray to be ready

 to what Jesus may be up to today?
What do you see the Holy Spirit
 doing in your life right now?

Soul-Tending Reading- 2018

I normally post the photo 

at the end of the year 

with the books I have read.

(See previous blog post)

Then I got some questions 

about what I was reading for THIS year.

So I decided to share #mystack2018.

I usually start praying
 about this early December.

What do I feel the Lord is wanting me

 to take a closer look at for this next year?

I set out books and put others back.

There is always an overwhelming pile

 of unread books in this house.

So this is what I came up with.

A couple were on the stack from last year 

that I didn't get to read.

So they automatically 

got placed right on the next stack.
Intention doesn't count.

And then-- It happens- 

sometimes I go on a tangent

 and read a whole lot of books not on the list. 

(My mystery books from the library don't count.)

We will see how this year goes.

Want to see my reading from 2012 on?
Here is the list from the 
Soul-Tending page on this blog.
Soul-Tending Reading
If you are a Visual person like I am -
 here is the list of my reading books with pictures.
books-soul-tending-reading/

Sorry for the photos of earlier stacks. 
Can see how much better
 the cell phones are?
May you all have a BLESED Journey
 this year in your Spirit-tending reading.

Visual Faith Ministry

Visual Faith Ministry website launched today.

That is what the Overcoming Obstacles series

 has been talking about in my world lately.

A ton of hours has gone into this endeavor and we

are so thankful for our Webmaster- Diane Marra, 

who has made all of this come together.

We still are in format stage 

as we find the best way 

to bring resources to those in the 

Visual Faith Communities that we support.

Here is the website link:

visualfaithmin.org

Check us out- 

find a free resource to download and share.

We thank the Lord for His rich blessing.

Connie Denninger and Patricia Maier

Overcoming Obstacles Series- SEVEN- Worthiness

Overcoming Obstacles- SEVEN- Worthiness

There are days when everyone else seems to 

"have it going on"

except me.

Just plugging along- day in and day out.

 Things don't seem too different.

Dreams, goals and projects?

Why should things succeed for me?

Do I have enough education, 

knowledge, skill,

or experience?

There will always be many more

 with higher qualifications.

Seems like I can talk myself out

 of it before even starting.

Think it will just take experience and practice.

Knuckle down and get going.

Think Nike has had it right for a long time.

JUST DO IT.

Just gonna sit right down 

and have a bit of "worthiness" talk with myself.

Coz- you remember where that starts from- right?
Our worthiness comes from the relationship
 with the ONE who makes us worthy.
 Not from anything we do or achieve, 
 plan and execute.
Our worthiness is pure gift.
For that we simply give HIM honor 
and follow His lead.

Bible centering:

And now, my daughter, do not fear. 
I will do for you all that you ask, 
for all my fellow townsmen know
 that you are a worthy woman.
Ruth 3:11

Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy 
of honor among God’s people. 
Help her in whatever she needs, 
for she has been helpful to many, 
and especially to me.
Romans 16:2

Thanks to Pat Rigsby for his article in Fit-Pro Summer 2017 
for the inspiration for this series.

Overcoming Obstacles Series- SIX- More Research

Read another HOW TO- Book.

Google something else on the internet.

Ask many more questions.

Read ONE MORE blog.

Set up another conference call 
about best practices.

You get it, right?

Find another excuse and reason-

that allows you significant 

STALLING time.

Yes, research is good 

and the bottom line
  about using the internet

 for whatever you are figuring out how to do- 

is that as soon as your read ALL

 the content on your subject area- 

well, more just hit the cloud. 

So there you have it....

When do you know enough to get started?

 What if there is a walloping big mistake 

that ends up blocking your plan 

because that was the one thing 

you never read up on?

Well. deal with it.

Move on. 

Get going.

Back when I finished up my Master's Work

 a couple of years ago, I had read SO MANY books

 about Christian Spiritual Formation for Women 

that I became frozen. 

I could not process, 
synthesize and start writing.

Any excuse to READ MORE  
allowed me to NOT DO 

the very thing I was tasked to do- WRITE.

 I am sure you have used this same method

 in your own life when there was a new endeavor

 looming on your horizon.

Well, maybe it is time to get going.

Write, publish, create,

craft, do, start or MAKE.

Then you will have added more 

material for the next person to read about-

because you have also learned something 

to share along the way.

Bible Verse Centering:

Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
and the one who understands obtain guidance.
Proverbs 1:5

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
Proverbs 9:9

Overcoming Obstacles Series- FIVE- Perfection

Perfection.

Got to get it right.

The first time.

What about on the tenth time?  

What about Never?

Does it even make sense
 to seek perfection?
How long does it take till "all of our ducks"
 are in a row?
What to do when something derails the plan?
OK, lots of questions.
Somehow we get it into our head
 that we need to know all the answers.
Before we start...
Perfection and the beginning of ANYTHING
 just don't go hand in hand.
New starts simply means a move from inertia.
There is the unexpected, 
the technology or scheduling glitches.
There is the failure of people to meet deadlines,
and they didn't understand your timeline.
Well...
MOVE ON.
Sometimes it is simply the best to extend
 your best effort-
with what you know and understand-
in the beginning.
You've got a starting point...
and the outline begins to form
 for stage 2 and plan B.
Sometimes we can only make improvements 
when we lay it all out on the line.
It also helps to remember that perfection
 is our Heavenly state.
That goal here on earth?
 We are just trying to be God.

Bible verse centering:

Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
 that by testing you may discern 
what is the will of God, 
what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2

                          Out of Zion, the          
                           perfection of beauty,
                            God shines forth.

                          Psalm 50: 2


                             .

Overcoming Obstacles Series- FOUR- Comparison

Yes- The measuring stick.

There will always be those who are faster,

 better skilled,

gifted for crafting framework around ideas, 

more innovative,

widely recognized for their contributions...

the list goes on and on.

So it makes it easy to give up along the way...

even if we did manage to get started.

Sometimes it IS necessary to put 

"blinders on."

Asking questions to check on 

JUST our own growth.

Have we ourselves moved- forward?

Are we following our own calling?

Do we see our work as God-given vocation?

Do we understand that we need to seek

 the approval of ONLY our heavenly Father?

Seeking the approval of only the ONE?

How this is gift!
Especially when we focus on work
 of eternal consequence.

Bible verse meditations:

For what was glorious has no glory now
 in comparison with the surpassing glory. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 3:10

For this light momentary affliction
 is preparing
 for us an eternal weight of glory
 beyond all comparison, 
as we look to the things that are seen
 but to the things that are unseen. 
For the things that are seen are transient, 
but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV)

For am I now seeking the approval
 of man, or of God? 
Or am I trying to please man? 
If I were still trying to please man,
 I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

Overcoming Obstacles Series- THREE- Comfort Zone Security

Comfort Zone Security-

yea- where we are known.

Our homes as fortress,

our workplace where we understand our job,

our places of worship 

and the familiar faces and practices.

I look at these leaves and just marvel. 

Our Lord God Creator-

did not move on the timid side.

Always exploring the possibilities for

unique combinations.

When exploring a new adventure-

that is the BIG MOVE.

It will ALL be out of our comfort zone.

And when we step outside that 

safe circle-

the first disappointment or hurdle 

can set us right back to first base.

Safe- before we have a chance to 

make a run.

Comfort is good because we rest in the 

God of Comfort.

But, he has blessed each of us 

with His good gifts 

to be used in the KINGDOM.

And in that- if we feel that the evil one

 lurks in the shadows-

we take a deep breath-

and rest in the security that 

Jesus gives.
For His Spirit does not makes us 
timid.


Bibe verse centering:

For the Spirit God gave us 
does not make us timid, 
but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

Overcoming Obstacles Series- TWO- Fear

Fear_________________________.

Fill in the blank.

There are multiple answers here.

Obstacles like:

fear of not finishing.

fear of rejection.

fear of doing a poor job.

fear of finding many more folks better qualified.

fear of failure.

fear of "what if I never try."

I think that is what finally got to me.

In the end, would I me more sorry if I failed, 

or sorry that I never tried.

You know when you wait for God 

to confirm the directional path like sky-writing?

And you pray about it.

And talk yourself out of it.

And end up right where you started.

So then what?

There is a helpful piece in a leadership 

mentoring group that I was a part of 

about 10 years ago.

"Choose to do something 

so outrageously challenging

 that you know you can only
 do it with God's help."

And then move aside that fear of failure....

because in the end it is better to 

FAIL BIG

than to 

NEVER TRY.

Some verses that have helped

 in this journey about fear.

Be strong and courageous. 
Do not fear or ben in dread of them,
for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. 
He will not leave you or forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

It is the Lord who goes before you.
He will be with you;
he will not leave you or forsake you.
Do not fear or be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

                                         

Overcoming Obstacles Series-ONE-Feeling Overwhelmed

Moving through a BIG PROJECT 

in the past few months.

You- know- when you have an idea

 and then you keep shoving it back in the closet-

just hoping it will go away.

AND it just follows you around,

and around, and around.

While helping a daughter and family 

unpack from a move, 

I came across an article 

that has been helpful in the past month.

It was in a FITNESS magazine,

actually one for those IRONMAN athletes.

So I have been thinking about the

 7 suggestions and have found them helpful.

So decided to do this series- 

Overcoming Obstacles.

 Looking at the ideas- one by one.

Because WE ALL HAVE OBSTACLES.

Obstacle One-

Feeling Overwhelmed.

So this is when you don't 

even know where to start.

You take a deep breath,

and then another.

You can't map it all out.

It gets side-railed before you get started.

And that's the key- right?

Getting started.

The one thing to move you forward.

We have heard it multiple times-

"A journey of a thousand miles

 begins with a single step."

Lao Tzu

How to begin........
It is just that one action.
Take a single step.
As I work to build a framework
 for this new endeavor,
it is just that-
one step.

These verses have been part 
of my quiet, reflection time.

Psalm 17:5
My steps have held to your paths; 
my feet have not stumbled.
Psalm 37:23
The Lord makes firm the steps of the 
one who delights in him.