Growing Our Walk With God

God made us for Him - to be in relationship with Him - just like God made bees for flowers and fish for water. No one understood this better than David. David's understanding of this wasn't religious - or theological - it just was. David was not only aware of being created to be in relationship with God - but shifted his life as much as he could to support that purpose for his existence. David was not his father's favorite son - when asked to bring in his sons David's father Jesse left David out of the picture and completely off the list (1 Sam 16:11). David's first boss - King Saul - wanted to kill him (1 Sam 18:10). His wife despised him (2 Sam 6:16). His son Absalom betrayed him and launched a rebellion against him (2 Sam 15) and on top of all that David was an adulterer and murderer. Obviously - he had his trials and his faults. He was thoroughly human - and yet in spite of everything - He's called a man after God's own heart (1 Sam 13:13).

Maybe that's why Psalm 73 is so compelling - David starts out with some - seemingly perfunctory praises - but then launches into the heart of the matter: life's hard, unfair, baffling, - and it's easy in light of all this to lose sight of God's sovereignty. It's comforting though to read David wrestle with the same struggles we all struggle with - but with such expression of emotion - and ultimately with such devotion and faith in God. Time and time again this struggle, and reaffirmation of faith is played out in Psalms. No other book bears such vivid testimony to a profoundly dynamic relationship between God and the "master" at relating to Him. It's good to have such a book to turn to and take note.

Leaven is Amazing

Matthew 13:33 "The Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven - which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened."

What in the world is leaven? How can whatever that is be like the Kingdom?

For starters - leaven is not yeast. Leaven comes from a bacteria naturally present in the air - and is similar to what allows sour-dough bread to rise. Yeast however - is literally an entirely different animal. It will help to know how to grow naturally occurring leaven. First, mix equal amounts flour and water. Then, daily throw half of the mixture away - and add a little fresh flour and water. Protect the mixture by storing in a good environment. leaven is air-borne - and will naturally mix into the mixture a bit more each day until it is sustaining enough to turn large quantities of plain old flour and water into mouth-watering, amazing bread.

For centuries - this was how nearly everyone who ate bread - went about having bread that would rise. Little foil packets of yeast powder sitting on grocery store shelves would have been impossible for your ancestors to imagine. In those days - bread was integral to survival - made from whole grains, stone-ground - it made survival deliciously possible.

Last Sunday night we discussed in group just how awesome it is that God compares the Kingdom of Heaven to leaven - here are some of the analogies - but there are many more to add!
Leaven's available to everyone - no one is excluded from the kingdom
It's free - the bacteria that results in leavening is in the air
It's delicious - it's awesome that God's Kingdom is like something so sublime and enjoyable?
It needs daily feeding - God wants to be in our lives daily
It's unique - leaven from one area has a unique flavor - God wants you be like you!
It's a process - there's no instant leavening available
It's a great equalizer - until factory bread the everyone ate bread made the same way
We love it - have you noticed what premium artisan bread goes for? People value the genuine article.
Leaven grows - leavened dough can grow by 4, 5 or even 6 times its original size!

Isn't it awesome - that Jesus said that His Kingdom is like leaven?

Best Textbook You'll Read this Year

Pound for pound and ounce for ounce the Bible is the most profound book written. It's the greatest printed change-agent the world's ever know and the things you'll read in it will give you direction, purpose, and Hope like no other.

This year, JC's Village is going to read through the New Testament. We're starting tomorrow - and we'll finish the week after finals next spring. It'll take dedication, self-discipline and persistence to complete this goal with the reward of not only learning things about Jesus Christ you'd never imagined - but learning some things about yourself along the way.

A copy of the reading plan is available by e-mailing jcsvillage@gmail.com and request a copy.

The plan starts off tomorrow with reading Matthew 1 - and we'll read one chapter a day for the next 264 days. Day by day as you open your Bible up to read - you'll encounter the words of the Living God.

Feed Your Soul

Wouldn't it be great to tap into a seemingly endless source of inspiration and encouragement? Who wouldn't want this? A friend and I were talking the other day about staying on faithful to the call to be obedient to God and not let sin reign over us (Romans 6:12) and we were very clear - staying true to God is almost a non-issue when our walk with God is well cared for.

Well - up until recently - I was missing the boat nearly completely at using one great tool for staying spiritually charged and fired up; namely - my ipod.

For the last 5 or so weeks - I have been listening to sermons, teachings and encouragement from some of my favorite teachers. This is every bit as powerful for me as tuning into great music. From getting to listen to the sermons from Cornerstone Community Church where I attend each week - to listening to Tony Campolo, Dallas Willard, Rob Bell and others - this is a great way to stay sharp, mindful and filled up with relevant things to discuss with others who can be blessed by these encouraging words.

Over the next few days and weeks a lot of us are going to spend some time walking and driving around - getting used to our new routine. Many of us also have mp3 players that we love to load up with quality entertainment... and at least some of that quality entertainment can include podcasts by inspiring and provoking teachers who will help keep you sharp and focused on putting your relationship with God first.

Go ahead and go on over to itunes - or whatever other sites you like - and search for your favorite preachers, authors, pastors and speakers. You might wish for more time to walk, drive, bike etc. - so you can spend more time being taught and inspired!

Encouragement

This short version of the famous sermon always pumps me up. It was preached by the late Shadrach Meshach (S. M.) Lockridge in San Diego California at Calvary Baptist Church. I just love how clear it makes the Awesome Sovereignty of God. If you're interested in hearing the whole unedited part of this sermon where he declares "That's My King" - you can hear it on this clip. Either way - this is a great condensed and abridged description of all Jesus's attributes.

Enjoy!

How well equipped are you?

What if - tomorrow morning you woke up to find yourself on the summit of Mt. Everest. Imagine waking up just as an instruction booklet drops down from the ceiling of your tent with the words "Read this to Survive" written on it. I betcha you'd read them. In fact - I bet you'd read those instructions like you'd never read any instructions in your life. You'd read them as if your life depended on them! You'd do this because the top of Mt. Everest is not to be messed with. It's all serious business up there - and if someone did suddenly wake up in a tent way up there - it wouldn't be a funny joke ... it'd be deadly.

Funny thing is - spiritually - many of us are in fact in an inhospitable environment spiritually. We have these souls - called into existence with purposefulness and intention by God - to enjoy Him and for Him to enjoy us - but we live in this fallen world - this imperfect place with joys and heart-ache and very real risks - just like a mountain summit ... we work hard to reach each and every summit and celebrate the victory when we get there - but the trek up is not without perils - and we all know some go lost along the way.

And - there really is an instruction booklet - though it probably doesn't quite drop onto our heads every morning. Pity! But it is FULL of survival strategies and tips to not just survive - but to Thrive - and make sure others summit safely with us. Of course I'm talking about God's word.

Think I'm kidding about this metaphor? God calls us sojourners. Abraham is consistently called a sojourner in the book of Genesis - as he traveled - living temporarily here and there from Ur to Egypt. A sojourner is a temporary resident. The Bible calls sojourners "aliens in foreign lands".

This world - with all its imperfections, sickness, and injustice is not our home. These things eat at us because it's foreign to the spirit God put in us. The closer we draw near to Him - the more these things wear on us. God's word is full of comfort, hope, wisdom and encouragement - to not only endure this place - but to be so obedient that wherever we are become a place where others can come find peace ... our obedience allows God's Kingdom - which rights the wrongs - to come into existence and be like a life-giving Oasis to others ... kind of like a Search and Rescue helicopter coming down out of the mountain mist on top of Everest - and plucking us out of harms way - and into warmth, safety - security. The more we put God's survival instructions into work in our lives - the more we can be a part of that life-saving Search and Rescue crew.

So - don't roll up that "How to Survive Manual" - own it!

You can BANK on that!

So continuing this conversation on & transformation and here are some basics:

No. 1

When we talk about "the "T" word" - what do we mean? Are we talking about normal people making do-able changes? Where's the Divine in that? Are we talking about God smacking you on the forehead and pitching you into the next dimension? Here's what I'm talking about:

a.) "transform = to change in condition, nature, or character; to convert."

b.) I believe there are 3 modes of transformation: baby-steps, "thunderbolt" moments, and "I see the Lord sitting upon His throne" moments (Isaiah 6:1)

Powerful, incredible transformation comes from Baby Steps - which only happen if I lean on God for them. It's easy for me to mistakenly dismiss this kind of growth because it doesn't have quite the same sexy "something seriously spiritual just went down" thing going on. Too bad - because this is what 99% of what scripture teaches regarding transformation. No cape and rubber boots required. The Bible calls this kind of living "Obedience" It works - and there is NOTHING boring or contrived about it.

Boy do I love thunder-bolt moments though. These are breakthrough moments when all of a sudden the lights come on. These moments are unpredictable - 100% God's call - and frankly - tragically - these moments fly right over my head when I'm not baby-stepping. Sad. So sad! These thunderbolt moments make up the stories we love to hear over and over again - from the Bible, from each other's lives like Peter splashing out of the boat.

As for the cases of God transporting us - well - all you can do is be available. You can't really think about it, plan for it, set it up or anything else. If/when you and God have this kind of experience though - it won't be for just for you - you will need to minister with what He gives you - at least that's the precedence in scripture.

And - I need to keep throwing off my Encumbrances (Hebrews 12:1-2) It seems like right now these fall into two categories: fear and lack of love. Fear - includes everything from fearing the future, to fearing my abilities to stick to it. Lack of love - well - every Christian knows we are called to love others - but some of us loathe ourselves like it's our other religion. Combine these two encumbrances and you get fantasy that runs toward nightmares.

We'll discuss these further tomorrow evening - and we'll really focus getting grounded in reality ... the truths of what God's word says about transformation as well as looking at the promises that are EVERYWHERE in God's word. As a result - I hope you come away very hopeful and very encouraged.

See you there!

Trust the Process

Do you trust the process?

Is there anyone left in the US who hasn't seen an episode of "The Biggest Loser"? The show and the weight-loss industry isn't a multi-billion dollar business because it's mysterious; it's a multi-billion dollar industry because we keep looking for a way to get the results we want without changing anything.

The process of weight loss is simple: burn more calories than you eat. I like watching the contestants light up as they get it that the process not only works but works for them. From then on their commitment to it goes up and up. The process for transformation is also simple: study God's word, obey God's word, repeat. It works. It may not be easy, spiritual or mystical but it's a recipe for success as long as I don't quit. It doesn't break down - I break down. But the more wisely I stick to the process the more adept I become at applying the process to my life.

So - I'll ask again - Do YOU trust the process? What are you telling yourself? Are you a mark/easy target?

Hi! My name is "JC's Village"

JC's Village is an independent Christian campus ministry for collegians, colleged-aged types, non-traditional and graduate students - everyone is welcome. We have a casual, interactive and discussion based large-group meeting on Sundays and we break into small groups for accountability, prayer and encouragement on Tuesdays.
Luke 10:27 (theme verse this year)

We meet twice weekly during Fall and Spring semester.
SUNDAYS - University of Wisconsin La Crosse in Port-O-Call in Cartwright Center - from 7pm-8:30pm
TUESDAYS - Cornerstone Community Church, 130 S 5th St, La Crosse, Wisconsin (2 blocks from WTC) from 7pm - 8:30pm

More Quiet Time Resources -

So some of this is familiar - some of this is new - hopefully you'll find all of it encouraging.

First - you do not have to have a quiet time every single day that looks like the quiet time you have every other single day. There are certainly seasons for laying strong foundations for godly habits - and there are also seasons for really living in the reality of the fact that we are in relationship with God - and no relationship works like a machine ... they're dynamic, funny, spontaneous, unpredictable and engaging.

What IS a "Quiet Time?"
That's just how I refer to the time I spend alone with God. I try to do this daily - and can always tell when I haven't given this the priority it needs - I just feel "off". Just because it's called a "quiet" time - doesn't necessarily mean that I have to be quiet during it ... just that the more I can quiet / still and focus my soul before the Lord - the easier it is for me to connect with Him.

Usually I at least start my quiet time in the morning - before I ever leave the house. This isn't because I like getting up early - but because I know that going out the door after a fresh conversation / prayer time / study time with Him - I'm much more apt to remember to live out His wishes / values and ways first - rather than falling back on my automatic habits (which are usually driven by less than Godly attitudes).

Come to think of it - given what kind of impact quieting my spirit before God has on my life - instead of calling this spot in my day a "quiet time" it should be called something completely awesome ... like "T-Time" (transformation time) or "Fueling" ... or something like that. I'm sure someone out there has a better/more apropos name ... naming's not precisely my talent.

If you are new to spending time alone with God - for the purpose of Fueling, Transforming, Morphing and such - here are some more great ways to add to your options:
1. Daily Bread - an almost "magazine like" daily devotional. Pick up a hard-copy at Cornerstone (or ask for one at your church) or read it on-line.
2. My Utmost for His Highest - probably THE CLASSIC daily devotional. Available in more flavors than any other. Available in hard-copy and on-line
3. Morning and Evening - another classic daily devotional. Again - available on-line and in hard-copy.
4. Streams in the Desert - this one is a compilation of devotions from many sources. On-line and in hard-copy.
5. A whole host of Christian authors have also written daily devotionals - more here than I could ever list.
6. Here's one I just started reading; "Sparkling Gems from the Greek" which focuses heavily on clarifying things "lost in translation". Hard copy only - and these are long-thought provoking word-studies. No pocket edition available - but you can get an electronic edition.
7. And of course there is BibleGateway.com - which is loaded with Bible study resources; numerous translations, study helps, even some books.

Bottom line though - no matter how good the quality of the resources you use during your times alone with God - it's the slow transforming of your own mind and you understand and obey God's word. In my experience - any devotional book/tool gets "stale" after a while ... but God's word is always Razor Sharp (Hebrews 4:12 compares it to a sword). Growing in your commitment to obey God's Word and encouraging others to do the same will keep God's Word really active and meaningful to you. Honestly - all you really need for your "Transformational Fuel Times" (or whatever you want to call it) - is a Bible and obedience. It's not any more complicated than that.

If you're interested in more help with further resources, or how to go about applying God's word to your life - don't hesitate to contact myself, any of the leaders of JC's Village and/or ministry leaders from your church. The more you understand and live by God's word - the easier it is understand and live by His word.

Via Con Dios!


ps - Click here to read the rest of the article associated with the picture at the top of this post

Are you Feasting?

Are you feasting spiritually? Are you spiritually well-fed, healthy, full, sated, and satisfied? Are you well-fed on God's word, prayer, obedience, service, worship, fellowship - and the rest? Look at the picture of that spectacular feast - is that how you picture the food you give yourself spiritually? This isn't necessarily any easier than figuring out how to feed our physical bodies

Go to a book store and you'll find rows and rows of books on the subject. Hundreds of blogs on the web - whole TV programs and even channels - and why not - we derive so much pleasure from a great meal - our favorite foods prepared just so ...

... and if you've ever had a great retreat experience, week of camp; or sat through a fantastic sermon, had an amazing conversation with a friend, discipler or teacher - then you know ... You know that a spiritual feast is even more life-giving.

What do we all do after we have a meal like the one on the right? That's right - we go to sleep. Not a bad way to spend a holiday - but there it is. What do we do after a spiritual feast though? We connect with God - and others - we journal - we pray and express deep gratitude to God for pouring such rich blessings on us. We're lit up - fired up - energized - inspired ... we half expect ourselves to glow and levitate because we sense ourselves in that close of a proximity to God. We can practically feel ourselves glowing from the time we spent with him.

The rewards of learning to do so well are at least as fulfilling - having a superbly nourished and fueled soul could literally change the world for those around you.

As all the familiar routines of fall kick back in over the coming days and weeks - you're in an ideal season to incorporate a habit of feasting on God's word daily and making the daily care and feeding of your soul a preiminent treat you give yourself. You can hardly imagine what your world would look like - what God can reveal to you in your classes, how He can use you at your job, what insights He can infuse you with while interacting with your neighbors - or how much more effectively you can love your family and friends - when you clear out the soul clutter than creeps up on us every day. Whether we have questions, doubts, desires or hopes - the peace, love, joy and hope God promises can get swamped as the rigor of our daily lives challenges our commitments. Bringing these things to God every day - and asking for His wisdom and perspective lets us become attentive students and unburden our souls. Staying in prayerful conversation with Him throughout the day allows us to continually recalibrate and stay shifted into a position of giving, encouraging, building and investing in others. The more we do this - the more the battles we long to win in our personal lives fade away under God's continous and loving presence - and the battles we wage are His - for others - and we move from working to fix or that in our own lives - to becoming His Life Giving agents in the lives of those we care for. We move from wading through an environment filled with the fog of being me-driven - to not only having a clear conscience - but having our own souls healed and well enough to be able to look to standing with others.

If you want to build a daily habit of walking with God - here are some ways to start:
Commit to feeding your dog ... this is based on a Native American legend of a grandfather telling his grandson that we all have "two dogs in us - a black dog that represents all that's evil, dark and sinister in the world - and a white dog that represents everything that's good, right and excellent in the world. These two dogs are constantly at war with one another." The boy asks his grandfather "which one will win?" and the grandfather answers "The one you feed" If you want to have a victorious, strong soul that's able to generously give to and love others profoundly - you must feed your soul. This is a very simple place to start - but it works:
STARTING OUT:
Commit to 15 minutes a day - 5 minutes of Bible reading, 5 minutes of prayer - and 5 minutes of journaling. Here are some questions to jump start your journaling:
1. What is God teaching me through His word?
2. How is God answering my prayers?
3. What's happening with spiritual warfare? (aka: how am I and/or others around me being tempted?)
4. Who does God want me to encourage with what He's doing?

Look for another post on this topic in the next week - it won't take long for our quality spiritual feeding to start really building spiritual muscle - which makes us so hungry for even more quality spiritual feeding. Until then - Bon' Appetit'!

Questions I wish I would've asked my Mom

Many of you already know that my my mom passed away a while back. I was astonished to realize afterwards that there were so many questions I would've asked my mom. While none of you are in the exact same - but here are some of the questions I wish I would've asked - and maybe you'll be inspired to not only come up with your own list - but to actually ask you mom as many of them as you can.

1. What made you chose to be a teacher?
2. How did you cope with losing your mom?
3. How was it not having your mom there for all those important life-moments ... your marriage, your first child - all the rest, your first child graduating, marrying, having their own children ... ? How did you make it through all major mile-stones without your mom?
4. How did you keep your faith in light of all the diagnoses you received ... cardiovascular dementia, diabetes, internal bleeding, heart-murmur and on and on. You were sweet and eager to laugh - how'd you do that?
5. Had were your dreams for your retirement?
6. What was it about Dad that made you fall for him?
7. What was it about you (besides your good grades in Greek class - we've all heard that story) that made you fall for him?
8. How did you fall into the habit of mentoring the women around you at being godly, loving moms?
9. How come you didn't talk about that mentoring at home?


yes - that's my mom's senior year photo.
Be sure to thank your mom for being there with you.