What are some things that I am investing a lot of my thought, time, and/or energy into that really have no eternal worth or significance?
What are some things of eternal significance that Jesus would rather me invest my life into instead?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thrive: Week 1, Day 4
Matthew 6:19-21 & Matthew 6:25-33
What are some things that I am investing a lot of my thought, time, and/or energy into that really have no eternal worth or significance?
What are some things of eternal significance that Jesus would rather me invest my life into instead?
What are some things that I am investing a lot of my thought, time, and/or energy into that really have no eternal worth or significance?
What are some things of eternal significance that Jesus would rather me invest my life into instead?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Beyond Sunday: Thrive-Reality Check
...by Randy Parish
Can you ever really be prepared for disaster to strike in your life? I think we can run on autopilot when things are going good. We are just along for the ride, enjoying the scenery. Maybe in the back of our mind we entertain the thought of darker days ahead, but hey, things are good now, why worry? I can skip my bible reading today. I don’t really have time to pray today, maybe tomorrow, things are fine anyway. We let the relationship we have with God slip a little. Then comes the doctor visit we weren’t expecting. The diagnosis that showed no symptoms. We’re doing the fine balancing act of being one unexpected bill away from serious financial problems, and then the company has a layoff. The worry builds up along with the stress and we go into survival mode. Philippians 4:4 says “Rejoice in the Lord, always”. How can I rejoice? Paul doesn’t know what I’m going through. Paul doesn’t say to rejoice in your situation, he says: Rejoice in the Lord.
Scott Coons summed it up about losing his job when he talked about not being defined by his job. We are not what our situation is. We need to keep striving in our relationship with God in the good times, so we can be stronger through the tough times. We all face tough times and if you haven’t, you will. We need to focus on the peace of God and not on any peace that may come from a life without trouble.
Did you notice anyone standing beside you on Sunday who raised their hand when Greg talked about those who have experienced the peace of God? Ask them about it. I’m sure they would tell you their story. As Greg said, left to our own devices, we just survive, with God’s peace, we can thrive.
Can you ever really be prepared for disaster to strike in your life? I think we can run on autopilot when things are going good. We are just along for the ride, enjoying the scenery. Maybe in the back of our mind we entertain the thought of darker days ahead, but hey, things are good now, why worry? I can skip my bible reading today. I don’t really have time to pray today, maybe tomorrow, things are fine anyway. We let the relationship we have with God slip a little. Then comes the doctor visit we weren’t expecting. The diagnosis that showed no symptoms. We’re doing the fine balancing act of being one unexpected bill away from serious financial problems, and then the company has a layoff. The worry builds up along with the stress and we go into survival mode. Philippians 4:4 says “Rejoice in the Lord, always”. How can I rejoice? Paul doesn’t know what I’m going through. Paul doesn’t say to rejoice in your situation, he says: Rejoice in the Lord.
Scott Coons summed it up about losing his job when he talked about not being defined by his job. We are not what our situation is. We need to keep striving in our relationship with God in the good times, so we can be stronger through the tough times. We all face tough times and if you haven’t, you will. We need to focus on the peace of God and not on any peace that may come from a life without trouble.
Did you notice anyone standing beside you on Sunday who raised their hand when Greg talked about those who have experienced the peace of God? Ask them about it. I’m sure they would tell you their story. As Greg said, left to our own devices, we just survive, with God’s peace, we can thrive.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Thrive: Week 1, Day 2
Psalm 46:10-11
After watching the video please reflect on these questions:
Where do I find it best to think, reflect and pray?
What are the distractions, the noise in my life?
How can I best get alone so I can Selah?
After watching the video please reflect on these questions:
Where do I find it best to think, reflect and pray?
What are the distractions, the noise in my life?
How can I best get alone so I can Selah?
Monday, September 14, 2009
Thrive: Week 1, Day 1
Psalm 139
I have this image of God holding us in the warmth and strength of His hand. We are like stones, no two are alike. As God searches us He finds that we have rough edges and He often uses community to help smooth out our rough edges. So where do you think some rough flaws might be? Ask God to show you and offer them to Him. Where are there smooth areas that are pleasing to Him? Offer them to Him as an act of worship.
I have this image of God holding us in the warmth and strength of His hand. We are like stones, no two are alike. As God searches us He finds that we have rough edges and He often uses community to help smooth out our rough edges. So where do you think some rough flaws might be? Ask God to show you and offer them to Him. Where are there smooth areas that are pleasing to Him? Offer them to Him as an act of worship.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
It's Here!
FINALLY, the cultivate blog is unveiled!
We are thrilled that you have stopped by to check it out. Our desire is that this blog will help you in cultivating your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. There are several tools, links, and resources listed here that we believe will assist you in your journey to growing in Christ, so feel free to explore. We also want to encourage you to post comments in response to what God is speaking to you. It is so amazing how we are encouraged and lifted up by each other when we are willing to share our stories.
Thank you for joining us in our journey as we cultivate our relationships with Jesus Christ together. Looking forward to where God leads!!
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. -Philippians 1:9-11
We are thrilled that you have stopped by to check it out. Our desire is that this blog will help you in cultivating your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. There are several tools, links, and resources listed here that we believe will assist you in your journey to growing in Christ, so feel free to explore. We also want to encourage you to post comments in response to what God is speaking to you. It is so amazing how we are encouraged and lifted up by each other when we are willing to share our stories.
Thank you for joining us in our journey as we cultivate our relationships with Jesus Christ together. Looking forward to where God leads!!
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. -Philippians 1:9-11
Monday, March 9, 2009
The 5 "R's"
One of the best ways to start your deep dive is by having a plan in place. Basically what to do and where to begin. Here is an easy way to start and all you have to do is remember the 5 "R's":
1. Relax-Slow down! Be still and quiet.
2. Read-the Bible until God has said something and then stop and think about it.
3. Reflect-be introspective about the passage you just read and how your life would be different if you embraced it and ask God to show you how you can grow.
4. Record-write down your thoughts and reflections a well as things you need to pray about it.
5. Request-Pray. Bring to God the things on your heart as well as those who are far from Him.
Now GO! and get started. Can't wait to hear how God speaks to you.
1. Relax-Slow down! Be still and quiet.
2. Read-the Bible until God has said something and then stop and think about it.
3. Reflect-be introspective about the passage you just read and how your life would be different if you embraced it and ask God to show you how you can grow.
4. Record-write down your thoughts and reflections a well as things you need to pray about it.
5. Request-Pray. Bring to God the things on your heart as well as those who are far from Him.
Now GO! and get started. Can't wait to hear how God speaks to you.
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