Discipline may be best served as you do the thing you know when you don't know what to do.
I have decided to fast on Sundays for the foreseeable future. Fasting has never been a huge part of my spiritual journey. Occassionally I will give up something for Lent or shut down the media stream into my life. But there is a part of me that grows concerned when their is something that potentially masters me. I have given up most carbonation, table salt, sugar in my coffee and sex on Tuesdays (just kidding about the sex - Tuesdays are a great day for it.)
It isn't that I believe food owns me. But I do sometimes wonder if gluttony (be it food or anything else) attacks my spirit. So I am resolved to fast on Sundays. I'll let you know how it goes.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Life is a Desert...
"The soul will certainly suffer great trials at this time, especially if the devil sees that its character and habits are such that it (the soul) is ready to make further progress: all the powers of hell will combine to drive it back again. That is why it is very important for us to associate with others who are where we are in the journey, but also those who have gone farther. Those who have drawn close to God have the ability to bring us closer to him, for in a sense they take us with them." Teresa of Avila
"Take away that absolute (the infallibility of scripture) and you've opened an unpluggable hole in your theological dike." Charles Swindoll
"Life is a desert...be refreshed." (Lifted from the track I received from Southern Hills Baptist Church five minutes ago as they knocked on my door)
It was 25 degrees this morning as I got in the car. For the desert valley, this is the coldest stretch in almost five years. I am familiar with the steps to take during a deep freeze. First, make sure to wrap any exposed exterior piping (or at least turn the facet on a drip). Second, bring in warm weaher plants. Third, bring in any pets. And lastly, wear layers of clothing if you brave the outside.
So as I loaded on my layers, I was reminded of a private conversation with Tom Clegg this week. As I retraced some of the steps of my journey, he suggested I spend a while with Teresa of Avila - a 16C nun from Spain who was one of the spiritual guides for St. John of the Cross. She writes using the metaphor of a castle to describe the progress of the spiritual life. As you enter the first room, the emotive responses of prayer and spiritual practice are easily encountered. But in subsequent rooms of challenge and crisis as you progress to the interior of the castle, "feeling" connected to God escapes you. In fact, your discipline seems met with suffering not comfort. Why is it we retreat to the discipline of prayer and reading scripture when we discover it is winter in the desert? Because we desire to retreat to that first room. But once those doors of shut, we are not to return.
Paul says in Ephesians that those mature in their faith should feed themselves. Teresa seems to add that such a diet does not yield the same "good feeling" as the tasty kid's menu. All to say, I join with Richard Foster's analysis that he struggles to read Teresa of Avila.
However, I appreciate greatly her tie between spiritual progress and a communal journey. We were not intended to walk alone.
The last few entries from Swindoll have been less engaging. Albeit the above quote snagged my attention. I do not mean to suggest that the Bible is anything but true and dependable. But my soul shivers when I think of God - his ways, his promises, his dreams - as a collection of premises that build a theological dike. Even Chuck's summation, that people are fallible and the Bible is not, seems ironic when you consider the "infallibility of scripture" (a total human statement and concept) is the chief material used to build theological dikes.
"Thud, thud, thud." Just as my fingers began to type these thoughts, I hear the noise at the door. Thinking Wendy has returned, I go to the door to find two guys - wearing layers of course - offering me a colorful picture of footprints on the sand saying "Life is a desert..." They introduce themselves as somebody and his friend somebody else. They are from Southern Hills Baptist Church and would love for me and my family to join them this Sunday. As I politely sent them on their way, I opened this familiar track offering the cure to the desert life being spiritual refreshment. "If you find that external solutions are not meeting the deepest needs of your life, then be refreshed - truly refreshed - at Southern Hills Baptist Church this Sunday!"
Of course, to know that I am going to heaven, there are five things that I must know and one thing I must do. First on the list - The Bible is true. It is the Word of God. Infallible. Like a battering ram budgeoning its way into my soul. Surely, just the way Jesus intended.
You know what happens when a dike breaks near the desert? It floods the valley. It refreshes the land. It allows the nutrients for life to bloom again. For sure it can damage all the stuff that we build, but isn't that part of it. Valleys have been flooding as the normal course of life every spring from the beginning, bringing rebirth to the desert floor below.
"Let the river flow. Let the river flow. Holy Spirit come. Move in power."
May our theological dikes burst that our lives might once again be truly refreshed.
"Take away that absolute (the infallibility of scripture) and you've opened an unpluggable hole in your theological dike." Charles Swindoll
"Life is a desert...be refreshed." (Lifted from the track I received from Southern Hills Baptist Church five minutes ago as they knocked on my door)
It was 25 degrees this morning as I got in the car. For the desert valley, this is the coldest stretch in almost five years. I am familiar with the steps to take during a deep freeze. First, make sure to wrap any exposed exterior piping (or at least turn the facet on a drip). Second, bring in warm weaher plants. Third, bring in any pets. And lastly, wear layers of clothing if you brave the outside.
So as I loaded on my layers, I was reminded of a private conversation with Tom Clegg this week. As I retraced some of the steps of my journey, he suggested I spend a while with Teresa of Avila - a 16C nun from Spain who was one of the spiritual guides for St. John of the Cross. She writes using the metaphor of a castle to describe the progress of the spiritual life. As you enter the first room, the emotive responses of prayer and spiritual practice are easily encountered. But in subsequent rooms of challenge and crisis as you progress to the interior of the castle, "feeling" connected to God escapes you. In fact, your discipline seems met with suffering not comfort. Why is it we retreat to the discipline of prayer and reading scripture when we discover it is winter in the desert? Because we desire to retreat to that first room. But once those doors of shut, we are not to return.
Paul says in Ephesians that those mature in their faith should feed themselves. Teresa seems to add that such a diet does not yield the same "good feeling" as the tasty kid's menu. All to say, I join with Richard Foster's analysis that he struggles to read Teresa of Avila.
However, I appreciate greatly her tie between spiritual progress and a communal journey. We were not intended to walk alone.
The last few entries from Swindoll have been less engaging. Albeit the above quote snagged my attention. I do not mean to suggest that the Bible is anything but true and dependable. But my soul shivers when I think of God - his ways, his promises, his dreams - as a collection of premises that build a theological dike. Even Chuck's summation, that people are fallible and the Bible is not, seems ironic when you consider the "infallibility of scripture" (a total human statement and concept) is the chief material used to build theological dikes.
"Thud, thud, thud." Just as my fingers began to type these thoughts, I hear the noise at the door. Thinking Wendy has returned, I go to the door to find two guys - wearing layers of course - offering me a colorful picture of footprints on the sand saying "Life is a desert..." They introduce themselves as somebody and his friend somebody else. They are from Southern Hills Baptist Church and would love for me and my family to join them this Sunday. As I politely sent them on their way, I opened this familiar track offering the cure to the desert life being spiritual refreshment. "If you find that external solutions are not meeting the deepest needs of your life, then be refreshed - truly refreshed - at Southern Hills Baptist Church this Sunday!"
Of course, to know that I am going to heaven, there are five things that I must know and one thing I must do. First on the list - The Bible is true. It is the Word of God. Infallible. Like a battering ram budgeoning its way into my soul. Surely, just the way Jesus intended.
You know what happens when a dike breaks near the desert? It floods the valley. It refreshes the land. It allows the nutrients for life to bloom again. For sure it can damage all the stuff that we build, but isn't that part of it. Valleys have been flooding as the normal course of life every spring from the beginning, bringing rebirth to the desert floor below.
"Let the river flow. Let the river flow. Holy Spirit come. Move in power."
May our theological dikes burst that our lives might once again be truly refreshed.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Idols, Offerings and Bigness
Superstition reigns. I am fairly surprised as to how much superstition is evident in my life. Probably important to distinguish between routine and habit versus superstition, but as I watch the college bowls, I see myself holding the computer a certain way or sitting in a certain spot hoping good things will happen (obviously good for my routing interest). But what struck me more than the danger of superstition was the actual Bible passage 1 John 5:21 "Children, don't give in to idols." The truth is idolatry is the true danger.
What are the idols in my life? What are those things that have made their way to God-like status? And how to I pay homage to them?
Swindoll addresses "Offerings" a couple of chapters later. He is old school in his description of the practical workings of modern church and the passing of the plate. But again, his biblical reference refers to time and how we use it.
I would dare say that the form of homage that I submit to the idols in my life is time. I give my time to many things that do not deserve such a precious resource.
It has been a life long goal to be free of any addictions. I gave up extra table salt several years past. Following that I added soda and carbonated drinks to that list. Last year was extra sugar added to anything. (You would be amazed at how you adjust to the bland flavor of a non-fat latte with nothing added). Most people I know who give up the sugar replace it with some sugar substitute which I am convinced will eventually prove out to be even worse. But it speaks to the hold that sweetness has on the normal person's palate. I believe that is how idolatry works - when you find yourself changing the style without changing the actual substance of something, (i.e. Nicotine gum for the smoking addict, only a social drink for the alcoholic, a mere reference for the habitual gossip, just a quick glance for the porn addict, just one bet for the gambler) idolatry rules.
This year I want to consider where idolatry may be trying to take root in my life and family and I want to stamp it out before it grows to deep. I plan to give up something - not so much for the specific sacrifice, but as a fresh, constant reminder that I do not want to be given to idols.
Which bring us to Swindoll's account of the John Stennis shooting and the devotional act of his political counterpart, Mark Hatfield. Swindoll describes bigness as "being free of grudges, pettiness, vengeance and prejudice." I hope to replace idolatry with bigness - to fill the gaping hole of false allegiance with "authentic love, expressing itself in compassion, fairness, willingness to support, and when possible coming to the aid of another." Why? Just because I believe it is ultimately a better way to live.
What are the idols in my life? What are those things that have made their way to God-like status? And how to I pay homage to them?
Swindoll addresses "Offerings" a couple of chapters later. He is old school in his description of the practical workings of modern church and the passing of the plate. But again, his biblical reference refers to time and how we use it.
I would dare say that the form of homage that I submit to the idols in my life is time. I give my time to many things that do not deserve such a precious resource.
It has been a life long goal to be free of any addictions. I gave up extra table salt several years past. Following that I added soda and carbonated drinks to that list. Last year was extra sugar added to anything. (You would be amazed at how you adjust to the bland flavor of a non-fat latte with nothing added). Most people I know who give up the sugar replace it with some sugar substitute which I am convinced will eventually prove out to be even worse. But it speaks to the hold that sweetness has on the normal person's palate. I believe that is how idolatry works - when you find yourself changing the style without changing the actual substance of something, (i.e. Nicotine gum for the smoking addict, only a social drink for the alcoholic, a mere reference for the habitual gossip, just a quick glance for the porn addict, just one bet for the gambler) idolatry rules.
This year I want to consider where idolatry may be trying to take root in my life and family and I want to stamp it out before it grows to deep. I plan to give up something - not so much for the specific sacrifice, but as a fresh, constant reminder that I do not want to be given to idols.
Which bring us to Swindoll's account of the John Stennis shooting and the devotional act of his political counterpart, Mark Hatfield. Swindoll describes bigness as "being free of grudges, pettiness, vengeance and prejudice." I hope to replace idolatry with bigness - to fill the gaping hole of false allegiance with "authentic love, expressing itself in compassion, fairness, willingness to support, and when possible coming to the aid of another." Why? Just because I believe it is ultimately a better way to live.
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