Friday, January 28, 2011

McArthur Series on Spiritual Growth

I mentioned this series in class weeks ago, and I'm finally getting around to posting it...if I haven't already posted it. I can't find it, so I'm going to assume that I haven't. I am linking to the written sermons here, but you can also listen online or download the audio versions. They are well worth your time.

Spiritual Growth, Part 1

Spiritual Growth, Part 2

Spiritual Growth, Part 3

Spiritual Growth, Part 4

Self-Diagnosis

Are you proud? Here's a test...
The Fifty Fruits of Pride: A Self-Diagnostic

Delight Yourself in the Lord...

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Journal Entry 1-26-11: Snapshot of the First Church

Reading: Exodus 14-16, Acts 2

Scripture
And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. —Acts 2:42

Observations
devoted—zealous or ardent in attachment. loyalty, or affection (dictionary.com)

What were they devoted to?
  • Apostles' teaching. For us this would be the Bible.
  • Fellowship = spending time together AND sharing material possessions. The word "hospitality" also comes to mind.
  • Breaking of bread = Eating meals together. May also include the Lord's Supper.
  • Prayers.

Application
This appears quite different from the church today. We are not devoted to the Word and to prayer. We isolate ourselves rather than spending time together, and when we are together we tend to discuss the trivial and the mundane. We accumulate possessions for ourselves rather than helping those in need. John Piper says it is because we do not fear God as the saints in this passage did.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, revive your church to fear You and transform us that we may live as did the early church—devoted to the apostles teaching, fellowship, hospitality, and prayer.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Redirect 1-22-11

Tim Challies writes here about how Biblical submission can look very different from marriage to marriage. Don't miss it!

Journaling isn't just popular in our church right now. If you like notebooks and writing instruments, you will enjoy this article.

If you grew up in the seventies and eighties like I did, you were there when rap music originated. Remember Fantastic Voyage? Here is a wonderful example of the potential for rap music.

Here is a great post on how being online and social media can hinder your walk with God.

John Piper writes a wonderful poem about grieving the Holy Spirit.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Divine Development & Journaling

We have undertaken a program at our church called "Divine Development." It is inspired by the book, Divine Mentor, by Wayne Cordeiro. We are reading through the Bible this year and journaling how God is speaking to our hearts. For the next six weeks, we will meet in small groups to inspire encourage one another. My group met for the first time on Wednesday evening to get to know one another and to talk a little bit about our reading and journaling thus far. Several of the women expressed that they were not in the habit of devotional reading and journaling, and that it was proving somewhat challenging for them. I encouraged them to keep at it and not to give up. Like most things, improvement comes with practice.

I thought it may be helpful to share my journal entry from yesterday to demonstrate how simple yet effective this process can be.

Reading: Genesis 49-50, Psalm 8, and Luke 20

Scripture
Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplace and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation. —Luke 20:46-47

Observation
These people (the scribes) are primarily concerned with their status and what others think of them. Their personal fulfillment comes from their authority and position in society. They are not concerned about others, only about advancing their own interests and impressing others.

Application
While I am not concerned with status or impressing others, I do like to be appreciated, and I want others to think well of me. However, this must not be my motivation for doing what I do. I must be motivated by obedience and a desire to please God. I should not think of myself or my own personal interests at all.

Prayer
Father, enable my focus and motivation be on obeying, pleasing, and glorifying you alone. I pray that my needs and fulfillment will be met only in You.