Well - this is it folks - the final day of preparation for 2008!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, comments, encouragements, revelations, inspirations and wisdom ;)
As a result of your journey since November 1st ....
Will you do anything differently in 2008? and if so, what?
For me, I will read less christian stuff next year, in favour of GOD's word through scripture.
I will set aside specific time to go out (with others!!!) and be Jesus in the community - intentionally!! (eg. sit in a public place - a park, a pub and talk openly and honestly to people about The Good News)
Generally, I plan to continue striving towards greater balance between work, fitness and spiritual growth - with GOD always my centre.
Were you challenged in any way over the past 52 days and if so, how?
My capacity for commitment was challenged - (reading prescribed material and posting a blog every alternate day) - but I was up for it! (By the grace of GOD)
I was challenged when I attended the prayer meeting at South Perth Church of Christ - I am uncomfortable around loud, overt, 'babbling type prayer.
What did you learn?
I learnt that one can go out and spread The Gospel without neccesarily building relationships with each and every person. (That is freeing for me, because the work that I do is based on building relationships with vulnerable, needy people and is not something I am willing to engage in outside my work life in 2008).
I learnt that 'loud, overt, babbling prayer' can be a demonstration to GOD of obedience and trust and to show GOD one is willing to 'risk making a fool of oneself' for HIM.
Have a merry christmas and may you continue to grow in faith, wisdom and discernment!
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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!
3 comments:
Thanks for this last post Gemma. It has been a pleasure sharing the input with you day by day over this time. My responses to your questions are as follows:
What will I do differently?
I want to spend more time pursuing intimacy with God on a day by day basis.
I want to step out in faith and trust that God will confirm his word via healings and miracles through me.
I want to spend more time loving people (and especially the poor) rather than just talking about it.
Was I challenged?
In many ways, some of which are reflected in my points above. The God who lives in me is no different to the God who lived in Paul & Peter and who works through Heidi & Rolland. The difference is my unbelief, fear & lack of passion/love for God, his kingdom and his people. I have been challenged that it doesn't need to be this way.
What did I learn?
I feel like I have gained deeper revelation of things I already knew at a surface level.
For example:
- not only does God heal (which I already knew) but he wants to use me.
- I have had more unbelief operating in my life than I was aware of.
- I am only beginning to learn what it means to REALLY hunger and thirst for the Spirit of God to work in me and through me.
- persecution AND unfathomable joy and peace WILL come to those who wholeheartedly follow Jesus.
Thankyou to everyone who has shared in this journey with me.
Gemma, thank you so much for anchoring this with Andrew. It has been wonderful for me to have this 'virtual' family that I could hear from and share with every day!
I am changing the sequence of your questions...
What did I learn
The Way is not always easy - even if it is empowered - and at times it may not feel like it is... It is a way - a journey and I may not always know where it is headed - but I need to do my part (stay close to God - much closer than I have been), and then I can trust that everything that happens is part of His plan.
So I think staying close through Prayer is very key for me - wanting what HE wants! and the discipline of these 52 days has been good for
me - I shall miss some of that - yet it has been long enough to set up good patterns.
Perseverance is key.
Never giving up. Making the most of every day - and the opportunities it presents. Using the gifts I have as fully as possible (as well as seeking more.... )
What will I do differently?
Pray - with more LISTENING time in my prayers...
Act on the things I have been shown over the last 2 years.
Be available and trust God to open the doors and also alter circumstances that I see as blockages in things I believe He is calling me to.
Was I Challenged
Materialism. I have always seen this as a big enemy - but thought I was 'not bad'. I have realised that I cannot escape into relativism on that score - such self justification!!
I think if I could truly see me as He does I would be devastated - and I pray that He will keep peeling the layers off in this regard...
Overall
I really gained new insights regards Paul on this journey - especially regards perseverance. So much power in His ministry and yet years of 'keeping at it'. The parallels with the Bakers were their honesty and openness. We are all beset by trials and struggles as well as victories and joy! I feel that many of Pauls words in his epistles make more sense to me having read this overall account in one steady go...
Dear Gemma & Andrew
Thank you for holding this thing together for the past 52 days. I have gotten a lot out of the posting, weblinks and having the opportunity to reflect corporately on the bible readings and the Bakers' book.
May the joy of Jesus shine from each of you. I love this time of year, the carols never fail to bring a tear to my eye:
"Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him Christ the Lord"
Love Sherrie
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