While Jesus was at the home of a prominent religious leader he healed a man on the "wrong" day and told a story about the importance of humility. He then gave his host some advice about how to host a dinner party. I wonder whether this advice still relates to us today? If so, let's do it. See The Banquet
The story of "excuses" hit me between the eyes. Thanks for the invite God but you know how busy I am!!
Last night at the Zadows Chris shared with us his image of Frodo stuck in the spiders web and how he felt like this: entangled by the trappings of Western Society. We do need to cut off the things that hold us back and give up the things that we cling to so that we can walk in freedom and create the space for God to fill us with his Spirit. These words from verse 33 are so fitting:
"In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple."
May we all reflect on the powerful words in this chapter and allow them to change us from the inside out!
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An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
4 comments:
Hi Everyone,
Thought I would add my thought to the blog. I underlined a few things in my bible today.
v8 - don't always head for the best seat.
v11 - For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored.
v14 - God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.
These few things are thought patterns I look at changing in myself.
v28 - But don't begin until you count the cost.
v33 - So no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me.
If your not serious about giving all to God, wait until you are.
Love to all.
I've been doing some catching up on the blog so have made a few comments going back to last Friday. I guess the loose theme of my comments has been around untangling myself from the things of this world that have such a strong hold on me. JB was talking last night about being ineffective Christians - God showed me that those spider webs are contributing to my ineffectiveness, and if I linger there too long, the spider may decide to come and eat me! Thankfully God is so gracious and is leading me where he wants me to go and has given me all of you to walk this part of the journey with.
When I first read 28-32 I was somewhat reassured - so often I have stepped in without thinking things through... the idea of some forethought and planning as opposed to taking the plunge was calming! But on reflection - is this all about knowing the total cost upfront before committing? I am confused. I don't think we can ever know the total costs upfront! I feel one has to focus on what one does know - the need - and The Sufficiency promised to meet any need.
Often we don't know the true cost until we are 'in' deep. So we 'step out(in) in faith'!
Maybe there is a direct correlation between depth of faith, trust and commitment and extent of cost.......
Just putting it out there!
any thoughts?
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