hiddenbehindnothing » Uncategorized

What will you celebrate?

Brother Jon — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:56:26 +0000

As we wrap up our independent study of the Celebration of Discipline and our sermon series God Calling, we know that this is the commencement of a re-focused journey. We are now in the season of Easter. In the church, we continue to celebrate for several more weeks. I mean, should a celebration of the resurrection be contained to one day? Just dress up, go to church, give the kids more candy and DONE! On to whatever is next! Why not extend the celebration in your home and your spiritual life? Why not live like Christ’s death and resurrection really DO matter? Wow. What would that look like?

Meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance and celebration can all play a part in how we reflect Christ’s death and resurrection to others. You’ve got some tools in your tool belt. You have a greater understanding of God and how to better respond to Him. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to go and share.

Which of these disciplines has meant the most to you and why? Leave your comment below as an encouragement to the others who have joined with you in this celebration. Or let it be the motivation for others to pick up their Bible and a copy of Foster’s book and begin a journey of their own! “We step out in confidence…”

Henri J. M. Nouwen

Brother Jon — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:07:30 +0000

Some people have asked why we chose a book by Henri Nouwen for one of our independent Lenten studies. His roots are in Catholicisim. Some even consider him to be one of the founders of the Emerging Church. There are other more provocative claims. So why Nouwen? I can answer that in one short statement: his heart and his witness.

One of the most transformational books I have ever read is Nouwen’s The Return of the Prodigal Son, A Story of Homecoming that my friend Steve bought for me. It is a simple book, just like the simple devotionals we are reading each day. But in that simplicity is clarity and understanding. He was not a perfect man or a perfect writer, but what he was able to do was to give voice and words to the struggles and joys of his life so that others could share the journey with him.

Are you sharing your life transparently through your words or your deeds? What better way help others renew their chaotic lives by allowing them to see the renewal that Christ has brought in to your life. May our witnesses and legacies, like Henri Nouwen’s, point others to the cross and the resurrection!

Click here to read more about Henri Nouwen on his website.

Click here for a Wikipedia article about Henri Nouwen.

How can worship be a discipline?

Brother Jon — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:05:38 +0000

Sometimes when that alarm clock goes off on Sunday morning that question (the title) is easy to answer. It takes some self discipline to get things rolling and get everyone out the door. But that’s really not what we’re talking about in chapter 11 of Foster’s book. It’s not the focus for Sunday’s sermon either which centers around Isaiah 6:1-8.

What we’re talking about is “an ordered way of acting and living that sets us before God so that He can transform us.” It not a Sunday morning thing. It’s ALL THE TIME. It’s not about singing, clapping, standing or sitting. It’s a lifestyle.

For me the word that comes to mind is “communing.” I want to commune with Christ and make Him a part of my thoughts, my conversations, my work, my rest, my everything. Paul references this concept in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. That’s how worship can become a true spiritual discipline.

What do you do in your everyday life to cultivate that communion… without ceasing? Share one of the habits that you are working on in this area, or perhaps share your struggle. We’re here to encourage each other as we strive to answer when God is calling.

Searching for…

Brother Jon — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:53:53 +0000

Lent can be a time of searching, seeking, and hopefully discovery. It’s not just an exercise in self-discipline or a 40-day diet before spring break. Our search should focus on God. The whole idea is to put aside our own selfish desires in exchange for the struggle of experiencing the fullness of love. Not yearning for things that make us feel good momentarily, but yearning for the truth and a taste of Christ’s redemptive power in our lives.

That has to begin with sacrifice. David writes in Psalm 51:17 that God will not despise a broken and repentant heart. That’s part of what we should be seeking during this season. I am not pursuing all the comforts that push God away, but instead I am removing everything, sacrificing of myself and giving my Heavenly Father my broken heart. .. and by His grace I am given life, abundant life, and a joy that lasts for eternity.

Lent as a journey

Brother Jon — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:30:26 +0000

What does it mean to conform our lives to Christ? Sometimes I wonder if we really understand the difficult words we read in the Bible… discipline, sacrifice, conviction, transformation. Lent can be a wonderful time to refocus and remember that in those moments of self-denial, repentance, and change that God’s love and acceptance is still present in the crucifixion and resurrection. We only need to accept His gift and struggle to know our Heavenly Father and His Word.

Enjoy Nouwen’s writing and God’s message for you in the daily scripture. What have you learned so far? Leave your comments below or tell us about one of your “Lenten Actions” from this week.

NOTE: Tobit? Sirach? Did you think you were reading Lord of the Rings? Tami C. pointed this out on Monday, but I had to do some homework to figure it out. Click here to read more about the Biblical Apocrypha.

Called to fasting

Brother Jon — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:42:57 +0000

My head aches right now because I won’t be drinking any coffee today. My normal routine includes four or five cups before lunch. That’s more than I should drink, I know. So what does enduring a headache or some hunger have to do with your faith? It’s not about guilt, getting sympathy or outdoing someone else. In a staff meeting, Britt shared that fasting is more about aligning ourselves with Christ, His sacrifice and His suffering on our behalf. Learning to be more like Christ… I can endure a headache for that.

THE BOOK: What holds you back from fasting? Foster refers to this on pages 47 and 48. Does that sound similar to your experiences of trying to fast? Of the fasting “alternatives” listed on pages 56 through 61, which one would you consider doing and why? Click here for a weekly study guide that you can use as you read through Celebration of Discipline.

THE SERMON: Luke 4:1-13 // The Temptation of Jesus What stands out as you read these verses? How is this process preparing Jesus for ministry and for the suffering He will endure on Good Friday?

Leave your comments below. Help others grow by sharing what you are learning.

Wisdom for the days ahead

Brother Jon — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:51:44 +0000

Welcome to our 2010 independent study for lent, Feb. 17 – April 4, Lent and Easter Wisdom by Henri Nouwen. You are invited to read and then respond online with your comments or thoughts. This is a unique channel of discussion for people who can’t take part in a group study or who do not live in our area. Feel free to invite that friend or family member to join us, no matter where they’re from!

We have a limited number of copies of Lent and Easter Wisdom by Henri Nouwen at our church office for only $8.00, or you can use the link below to purchase your own copy from amazon.com ($10 plus s&h). The book is a daily devotional that gives the reader a thought from the heart of Nouwen, a corresponding scripture, a prayer and a daily action for every day during lent. Each day’s reading will only take about five or six minutes. We hope you’ll participate in this opportunity to study God’s Word, to learn more about who He is and grow to become the person He wants you to be.

Purchase Lent and Easter Wisdom from amazon.com

Welcome to the celebration!

Brother Jon — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:29:22 +0000

Thanks for joining us for Celebration of Discipline our 2010 independent study for lent, Feb. 17 – April 4. You are invited to read and then respond online with your comments or thoughts. This is a unique channel of discussion for people who can’t take part in a group study or who are not in Northwest Arkansas.

The book Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster can be found at major book stores or you can use one of the links below to purchase your own copy from amazon.com or Cokesbury. If you choose not to read the book, you can still comment based on our weekly lenten sermons. We hope you’ll take part in this opportunity to study God’s Word, to learn more about who He is and to become the person He wants you to be.

Watch or listen to the weekly sermon

Purchase Celebration of Discipline from amazon.com

Purchase Celebration of Discipline from Cokesbury

europeans

jonathan — Thu, 11 Aug 2005 16:09:00 +0000

On my trip I met a wonderful french student that was travelling around the U.S. We stayed together for a day or two as a helped him get to his next destination. This gave us plenty of time to talk about all kinds of matters. It’s interesting to hear from someone “across the pond” as they say. I have to say that from my experience with him, it really seems that Europeans are a lot more sensible than us Americans are.
It really makes me want to move to Europe for at least a prolonged period maybe going to school or something. I would really savor the time because of the freshness of thought and clear headness that can be missing in America so much of the time.

Sometimes, maybe it’s because I live in Arkansas, I feel so backward compared to Europeans. In a lot of ways I still feel that we are the silly childish colony of Britian; trying to grow up. And since we’re big and immature all we know how to do is be a bully to the rest of the world.

political commercial

jonathan — Thu, 11 Aug 2005 15:30:00 +0000

So yesterday I heard two awful commercials both attacking each other. I haven’t heard them first hand; I very rarely ever hear political commercials first hand it may have something to do with living in Arkansas. They were played on NPR’s “all things considered.” It seems that any political commercial I ever hear, I am apalled at the level of direct attack they use. It very embarrassing to listen to such uncouth language. I hate partisan politics, and this is it at it’s worst.
The commercials were about supreme judge pick coming up. The most obvious thing about it is that democrats are getting themselves into something in the completely wrong way. They need to realize the the media even the including that so called “liberal biased” parts have put John Roberts in such a positive light ever since the story broke. The democrats have no chance of swinging anything with the decision; they are only digging a hole for themselves in the public eye. It’s really ashame because they probably have grounds to argue against the white house for holding documents, but it doesn’t matter when the media has already decided on it.
At any rate, it whole thing creates a wonderful smoke screen to issues that really matter…Oh you know like poverty, starvation, and war. But all the adminstration is going to do is put out issues out there that don’t matter; as to hide anything that matters and can cause real positive change.