I have been reading recently, and taking the opportunity over the quieter holiday period, to think about stillness. Three notable reads that I would recommend are "In the stillness" (Jock Anderson), "Too busy not to pray - Slowing down to be with God" (Bill Hybels) and "In the Name of Jesus" (Henri Nouwen)
None of them present anything particularly new, or radical, in content - however they each point to a lifestyle that is radically different to that which we all seem to be living in this day and age ... particularly as we engage increasingly in social media. "the archenemy of spiritual authenticity is busyness, which is closely tied to something the Bible calls worldliness - getting caught up with this society's agenda, objectives and activities to the neglect of walking with God... time is required."(Hybels p100)
So how do we live the authentic Christian life in a deep and meaningful way?
They each point the reader to some helpful hints and tools to organising our devotional life - but the bottom line is time. It may be the one commodity and resource that is the most precious and valuable, but if we are determined to live authentic Christian lives in the power of the Spirit, and in deep communion with the Living God - which is after all the gospel we proclaim - then we need to take more care with what we do with our time.
What I found to be a very helpful way of looking at it was the concept of giving time as an offering, a vow "Self-giving is a spontaneous part of a true love relationship. It is what leads us to give Jesus the offering of our time." An expression of love, not duty ...
However, for those of a more practical bent, I have cobbled together some resources I have found in these books, and others that will perhaps be helpful. It might work for you it might not, we each have to find our own ways - but for myself I realise that I need a little structure and discipline. So, as from the 1st of January when I will be starting a new reading programme I am going to use the following. Feel free to try it out and see how it helps you! I will keep you posted.
I think this will take at least one hour a day, and requires a Journal - which if you don't do I would recommend anyway - whether it is written by hand or via an iPad! Find a time to suit you or break it down into the various elements over the course of the day ... you may find that an hour is not enough!
Phase 1 (10mins?)
Yesterday ...
Reflect on what you did yesterday ... what went well/badly ... what can you learn? Is there anything you need to revisit with other people or with the Lord?
Phase 2 (20mins?)
Devotional reading of Scripture ... find a plan to suit (loads online) for myself I am reverting to a "one chapter a day programme" (Read one NT book, then two OT books etc) Time to slow it down a little after having been reading large portions of scripture over the past year!
For each passage ponder the following and write notes;
What is the main point of the passage?
What does it teach us about God?
Is there a promise/command/warning or an example to take special notice of?
How does the passage help us to understand ourselves, our situation or our relationships?
Phase 3 (30mins?)
Prayer
ACTS ... (well known system)
Adoration ... take time to worship, glorify and praise your Father in heaven.
Confession ... repent of anything the Holy Spirit brings to mind - actions, attitudes, words etc - we sin one sin at a time, so too should we confess as the Spirit leads.
Thanksgiving ... we have so much to be thankful for, even in our darkest moments.
Supplication (asking in prayer) ... four areas - ministry, people, family, personal needs ... be specific and write your requests down. If you then get in the habit of reviewing you will be amazed at how the Lord has answered prayer.
As I said there is nothing of rocket science in these books, but a simple encouragement to deepen our walk with the Lord and to enjoy more fully the fulness of life that we have been given in Christ.
Look forward to hearing from you if you try this and especially how it ha affected your relationship with the Lord and, therefore, your quality of life.
Who are you? I have never been a great fan of labels when it comes to describing members of the body of Christ. eg. he is anglican, she is Baptist, they are Charismatic, etc. etc. I remember once causing a man to become increasingly hot under the collar when he asked me who I was? To which I replied I was a disciple (follower) of Jesus. He was meaning which Church did I attend (presumably so he could classify me and decide whether I was bona fide or not) and my answer did not bring him peace, but I refused to go any further. Why? Because, as I said, I am not a great fan of labels, but also because for me there is a very important distinction between primarily identifying myself with Jesus and identifying myself with Church. Of course, I recognise that by becoming a follower of Jesus I become part of the body of Christ, but that can be very distinct from being a member of a Church. To me this is the crucial difference between vibrant faith and dusty religion. I want t
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