"Quiet Times"

When I read the Bible, I try my best to read it from the perspective of the audience it was originally intended for. I have a study Bible that breaks down the "Who? What? Where? When? Why?" of each book. I start off by praying for understanding and revelation from the Spirit. I then usually read a section as a whole so that I don't miss part of the story I'm reading. I journal the things that God reveals to me. I listen to worship music before and while reading/journaling. I love worship in music to press into the presence of God so I start with that along with prayer. One thing that is difficult for me is the idea of "Introspection" from Bob Roberts' book "Transformation." "Introspection is answering the question, How will I exemplify what I've learned? This is where prayer and meditation comes in." This idea of remembering, exemplifying and meditating on something is often lost for me as I move forward. I'll forget what I journaled and have to go back and read what really impacted me. The biggest part of it is meditating and going back over what I've read and journaled. I'll often read to receive from God, but after I forget little things and eventually they fade. I am active a lot and don't take the time to slow down and meditate on things. Introspection is an area that is difficult for me that could benefit my walk greatly.

Transformed by the Gospel, not Converted

Is there a difference between conversion and transformation? Oh, yes! Conversion is the act of changing from one religion to another. Changing the system of beliefs rather than actual lifestyle. Transforming is a totally different and radical change rather than conversion. Being transformed changes the belief system AND lifestyle. The gospel is something that transforms the life of the one who hears and believes it. It compels you to live differently while believing passionately in something that is hard to fathom. The gospel pushes me to have more faith than I could ever muster up in anything. To believe in something unseen can be really hard at times, but coming to know it as truth drives me toward something that is way out of my hands. The gospel calls me to live a life apart from what I want at times. It helps me love others in a deeper way because of the love first shown to me. There is so much that can be said about the personal change the gospel has in one person's life and to each his own change. The gospel empowers me to live fearlessly and faithfully to others and God. I can stand against the powers of this world because of the faith I have received because of the gospel. There is no place to live in doubt or fear of what's to come because of the assurance and message of the gospel.

In-n-out: Not the burger place though

"Doing missions" and "living the kingdom of God" are quite different in my mind. "Doing missions" is more of an act of going on a specified "mission trip" somewhere. By no means does it have to be overseas, or even out of the city, but it's something that is planned out to a certain extent to share the gospel directly or indirectly. "Living the kingdom of God" is an active, everyday thing that goes so much deeper than doing missions. Living the kingdom is to follow the statutes of God and live in accordance to the kingdom. It includes missions, as well as personal transformation and growth. Living the kingdom keeps one on mission everyday. It's not something that is planned, but rather a part of the life you're living. In Roberts' "Transformation: How Glocal Churches Transform Lives and the World," he presents the idea of the kingdom of God coming alive in the believer, through the Holy Spirit, propelling them to living the kingdom of God outwardly. It's a challenging aspect because the kingdom of God is so complex, but, at the same time, simplistic with a direct mission. Understanding the kingdom of God more changes a believer inwardly and is followed by outward change. An outward change that affects every circle in a person's life. We live in a culture in America that is so focused on the outward appearance that the aspect of change from the inside out all but loses it's meaning. Believers take the back seat, while actively watching intently where the Holy Spirit is taking them and opening up to the process. This challenges me because I like to take charge and be in control of things, but to truly live the kingdom, I have to take a step back while seeking God to allow the Spirit to change my heart so I can learn more about God's heart. Knowing God's heart changes the way you live and is something that begins in then goes out.