Part I
As part of my being a student of Jesus, I’m regularly asking people in my Life Groups these two questions:
- What is God up to in your life as a result of DJ08?
- How is your heart?
I realize these are not easy questions to answer. I don’t ask them casually. Nearly every time, though, ordinary people have extraordinary things to say in response to these questions. Typically, the extraordinary answers don’t immediately come tumbling out. It’s in the course of conversation that they realize what’s been going on in their life and heart. They simply needed space and a willing ear to sort it out.
Since I’m the co-guru of the ERC blog (my esteemed and glossy-headed brother, Larry Dove, being the other), the third question I’ve been asking is, “Have you checked out my blog this week?” Now before you judge this question as unashamedly self-serving, let me explain. In nearly every blog I’ve asked people to share the stories of God’s activity in their lives. Why? Well, because your stories yield thanksgiving, encouragement and a sense that God REALLY is alive. So, I’m asking this third question as a way of saying, “Hey, take 10 minutes to type something up that grows our faith.”
Where am I headed with all this? Before I answer that question, let me add one more piece to the puzzle. I have consistently run into a great deal of fear when it comes to you sharing your stories. Many of you have told me, “I don’t want to blog because I’m afraid that my writing isn’t any good,” or, “I don’t want to blog because my story is really no big deal.” Some of you have also admitted you just didn’t want to take the time to tell your story. I don't know any other way of getting past these fears than taking the risk and going for it -- do you?
So, here’s where I’m going with the blog this week. Take a few minutes to share (not preach) in regards to these two questions:
- What is God up to in your life as a result of DJ08?
- How is your heart?
Also, I want your feedback on how to encourage more people to share their stories in this blog. Here’s one idea – when you hear a friend sharing something of value, encourage them to get on the Blog and type it up.
Part II
Pastor Bill let me know that there’s a great new article on fasting on our Spiritual Practices page. You can click here to check that out.
You know we’ve been trying out a new mission statement (Deeply Connecting People to Jesus, People and Mission) and a new definition of a disciple (click here to read it). I’m a big fan of both. As you’ve been trying these statements on, what about them seems to fit? You can let me/us know.
Many of the blogs you find on the web are purposely controversial. Like the hosts of talk radio, the content is intended to spark a strong reaction. I’m a member of a church body. First and foremost, I must be a brother who loves you. While I hope to share ideas that are provocative, I will not be writing stuff that is intentionally offensive. My job is not to stir up arguments and dissension. Most of the people who intentionally provoke strong reaction don’t have brothers and sisters in Christ they are accountable to. I do.
Finally, I’m a little disappointed no one suggested any strong cheese to try. As I said in the previous blog, it's just not right to withhold this tasty bit of information.
Posted on
Mon, February 18, 2008
by Jason Brown