Archive for the ‘Spirituality’ Category

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Temptation

July 20, 2008

Continuing in my study of Luke. After a brief history of John the Baptist and his message, Luke focuses on his main subject–Jesus. Jesus meets John at the river where he is baptized and has a spiritual experience. He then proceeds to the wilderness to contemplate his new insights and probably his upcoming ministry when he is tempted by the devil.

This is a well-known, and usually forgotten, aspect of spiritual life. Almost inevitably after a moving spiritual experience–whether at camp, during prayer, at an event such as an Emmaus walk–temptations are shown to you. Some are quite subtle and you may not recognize them. Others are more bold, but nonetheless powerful. In the time of Luke, the spiritual force that tempted people was given the name translated as the devil. We don’t use that term very much today, but the spiritual reality is quite real. Into your head pop visions of “entertaining” or “fun” things. They can be so powerful that you begin to fixate on them. These emotions (as we often call them today) can be sexual or other relationship-destroying urges. It may be alcohol or drugs to help maintain the high. It may be a fixation on things rather than people. It may be a fixation on self instead of others. Whatever, these are powerful agents and must be dealt with by prayer and by seeking the help of a spiritual guide. Notice that Jesus quotes Scripture to the devil. He learned what God wants through study. That in itself is a great guide to us. But, beware just memorizing Scripture. In the final temptation, the devil quotes Scripture to Jesus. But He sees the fallacy of interpretation in the quote and one-ups the quote with another that more truly reflects the will of God.

So, be alert to temptations that seem to pop from nowhere into your consciousness. Learn the Bible–and how to interpret what God really means. Stay focused on God–and you’ll continue in the life.

–Gary Mintchell

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Life after spiritual experience

July 6, 2008

I’m going to be studying the Gospel of Luke for the next few months. Every time you go back and study something you’ve already thoroughly studied, you still find new insights. The idea that fascinates me right now is what do you do after a spiritual experience (called “enlightenment” in some traditions). I was influenced by the meditation experience that swept through the country in the late 60s, and I’ve been meditating and studying that ever since. There are many reasons to meditate, but many people think the goal is “enlightenment” or hearing the voice of God directly. When this happens, does life stop? Acutally, no. Perhaps your spiritual experience came at the evening campfire during Tar Hollow or other church camp. Same thing. What do you do afterward?

So, in the third chapter Luke reports on John (the Baptist). John had a spiritual experience, “a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living out in the wilderness.” This message compelled John to talk to others about his new knowledge–we call that preaching. His fundamental message was that others should get right with God–“turn from your sins.” So our first goal in life is to put all of our trust in God and listen for God’s guidance and insight. But then we also must show the fruits of this trust and insight by how we live. By the way, this is an individual experience. You don’t inherit it (“God can make sons of Abraham from these stones”). You have to take responsibility for your own life and search out God on your own.

Your life will change when this happens, John says. And you will now live your life for others. “If you have two coats, give one to ther poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry. …Show your honesty. Don’t extort money.” These were some of the examples that John gave.

Mother Teresa evidently had just one moving experience of Jesus, but she followed the message with a lifetime of service to some of the poorest of the poor. In America we are so blessed with abundance. Giving to those less fortunate is one response that John would approve. The American obsession of living for ourselves would draw his wrath, just as the similar “we’ve got ours, let them get theirs” mentality drew his wrath in his own time.

–Gary

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Partners

June 28, 2008

I just completed a week long intensive on The Missional Church at Ginghamsburg with Mike Slaughter and I am full-to-bursting with ideas. So, I come home to my quiet abode and wonder what now God?

As I am pouring my coffee this morning, my life-partner starts a conversation about his work.  This week he flew out east to the home office for a national sales meeting.  He too is full of ideas and questions. And we talk.

The conversation blends and suddenly I am recognizing that pattern again; where God takes our lives and weaves them together and we can use each other’s learning and questions to discern our own answers.  I am amazed.  We have been through so much together.  There have been major wars fought in our kitchen and tear filled confessions shared on our couch.  We have hurt each other deeper than anyone else ever could and love has grown to heal us. 

As I heard from so many all week who work the mission of Ginghamsburg church, we are broken people and we need a Savior.  And I am so aware that we also need a partner.  God saw this; so Eve was created. Sure we can lead each other down the wrong path, but honestly we don’t need someone else to find that path.  Yet, I believe we do need someone to keep us balanced, to help sift the shaft from the grain, to dry the tears and share the joys.

A partner who helps us pattern our thoughts and exam our words, so that we can better articulate our faith and serve as God’s hands and feet. So we can truly hear the Master’s answer when we ask – what now God?

Posted by Darcy

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Knowledge or Wisdom

June 11, 2008

“Knowledge was their treasure,” Indiana Jones in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. This has the sound of a statement of deep truth. Indeed, the Bible often quotes people who tell us that knowledge of the Law and knowledge of God are good things for us to acquire. Is there more to life than knowledge? Is there more to wisdom than knowledge?

Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Ah, it looks as if we can go deeper than knowledge. Knowledge is sort of like a first goal. We study, ask questions, listen–and learn. Think of kids, though, who learn something then let their imaginations run amok with possibilities of what that knowledge might mean. I could imagine the disciples at Pentecost where knowledge (in the head) turned into an entirely different level of experience.

Taking this thought further, we can turn to Paul writing to the Romans (8:1-3), “We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.” Once again knowledge is a starting point. But if we don’t use knowledge with the right attitude, then it can lead to pride and destroy a person. Strive for knowledge, but also know what you know, and use your knowledge with love and in the love of God. This is being aware of your knowledge and aware of its purpose.

I once saw this Persian proverb that has stayed with me for 30 years. It fits.

  • One who knows not and knows not that he knows not is a fool. Shun him.
  • One who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep. Wake him.
  • One who knows not and knows that he knows not is a student. Teach him.
  • One who knows and knows that he knows is wise. Follow him.

Gary

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That nothing … is me!

May 27, 2008

I buy books according to what catches my interest.  I may hear someone talking about it, or see something written about it, but most times, I am attracted for some reason to pick-up the book at a store and impulsively buy it.  Ten or more years ago, I probably bought Breakfast at the Victory by James P. Carse in that manner, but never read it.  I found the book this morning in a basket of books that once sat by the loveseat, but was moved out for the new carpet to be installed.  I started to read it and the first quote hit me perfectly.  In my mind, this is one of God’s many blessings.  Like when you put on a jacket and find money in the pocket – an unexpected bonus put away from a previous forgetfulness.

Gary is right in saying not to wait for permission.  That requires faith in God though; assurance in the fact that we are hearing and following in the way He would have us go. My problem is I have trouble with the follow-thru.  I am an ideator, if you have ever taken the Strength Finders. My mind popcorns ideas constantly, but I tend to lose interest in the process unless there is a challenge involved.  In this instance also, since kids are not my world, I doubt my ability to connect.

Now, let me tell you my God story in all this.  My mind went into what the Gestalt world would call projection. ‘A projector, unaware that she is rejecting others, believes they are rejecting her.’ (paraphrased from Gestalt in Pastoral Care and Counseling – A Holistic Approach by Jeffrey D. Hamilton, D-Min.)  I convinced myself this was a bad idea and no one else in the world was the least bit interested.  Also, in this process though, I started to read Momentum for Life by Michael Slaughter and attended, as a singer with the school choir, commencement for UTS where he spoke.  He used that book as the basis of his message.  He told about visioning.  He said he had stood in the original Ginghamsburg church asking God for the vision of what he could work towards there.  He saw a future church where three-thousand people would attend while standing behind that tiny country church with no parking lot and just a half circle drive.

I asked God for a vision on my future and sat in quiet for a couple mornings.  I read Psalm 86 repeatedly, mainly because I have to write a sermon on it for July, I read my devotionals and I wrote in my journal.  I talked with my husband and to a few friends, not directly on my “crisis”, just skirting the subject.  Then this morning, I picked-up this book and in the first quote, it was like the proverbial light bulb coming on.  I didn’t see a vision, but I remembered a truth.  I am God’s child and it is mine to be a co-creator with Him. (That is in the Slaughter book as well.) I cannot explain how this verse and my mind work, but I am in awe and so very sure.  Of and by the way, I have heard from all the church leaders I contacted and I’ll meet with three of the four of them tomorrow.  As a Christian counselor once assured me, “Always look for more than one affirmation from God.”  There are always more than we will see.  

posted by Darcy

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To Seek and Save

May 21, 2008

I’d often find him playing beside the back porch or under the deck around the ugly above-ground pool that took up most of the backyard where we lived in Toledo.  He would sneak in around the bushes and over the wire fence in the back.  The gate and wooden fences to the front didn’t stop him.  I don’t remember how often I shared my meals with him or tried to engage him in conversation.  He was broken goods; the spent product of an explosive family where love had lost to anger and manipulation, sanity to drugs and fear.  I think he was about 11 or 12. After his dad left and his brother was sent to prison for abusing his mom, he stopped coming around. 

I had forgotten about him until last Wednesday.  We had our last Ministerial Formation group meeting at the Original Pancake House and while waiting for everyone to show up, my friend from Cleveland asked about the children in my life.  I am used to saying we have no kids, but he then said ‘You surely influenced some along the way.’  That thin gaunt face came across my mind and I remembered. I wonder where he is now.

I don’t have any kids, I have never been a teacher and I have spent many Mother’s Days wondering why God – why did we not have a family.  Lately though, I have had this unexplainable desire to work with youth.  It started with the amazing young adults at General Conference and my refreshingly supercharged roommate for the week.  Then I awoke one morning with this idea for blending my passion for spiritual growth and my need to help others avoid the painful path I walked.  I had a leadership class project requirement, so I set the plan to paper and PowerPoint.

I wish I could say my presentation was a success.  I failed on many points, including a claim that I said OK 46 times (?), but I received great insight into what needed to be changed.  I also failed to excite the leaders in my church when given the chance by our Senior Pastor to present the idea.  But, that has only made me more determined to try again. I truly feel the need to stop the senseless wasting of the fertile minds of the next generation – “to seek and save what was lost” (Luke 19:10).

It is often in the small things that we really make a difference.  Many we would probably never realize if asked, but to someone else that could be the pivotal point.  That’s what makes it so important to be open to God’s will and seeking the opportunities to serve.

 I have not given this blog the attention I promised, but hope to increase my attention from this point forward.  I would love to hear your thoughts.

posted by Darcy

 

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Put in a skylight

May 14, 2008

Oliver Wendell Holmes said:

There are one-story intellects, two-story intellects, and three-story intellects with skylights. All fact collectors, who have no aim beyond their facts, are one-story men. Two-story men compare, reason, generalize, using the labors of fact collectors as well as their own. Three-story men idealize, imagine, predict; their best illumination comes from above, through the skylight.

Where are you on your faith journey? This is a powerful little way to chart growth. You begin reading the Bible and listening to talks and sermons trying to learn facts. Then you analyze and think about what you’ve learned. But if you are going to find the mission and ministry that God has put in front of you, then you’re going to need that illumination from above.

What new ministries could your church develop? What would a new type of worship look like? Where are the people who need to deepen their lives through a relationship with Jesus? How would you reach them? What needs could be met? Children imagine all the time. But then they become fact gatherers. It’s time to imagine, idealize and predict again in your life. How? First devote yourself to listening and watching for that illumination from above. Then, boldly set out to realize that dream in life.

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Live in the present

May 7, 2008

I was on a business trip last week and lucky to blog much at all. But there was another interesting dinner conversation where we got into the subject of living in the present. Living in the present is a learned skill for most of us. But it is an ancient and important spiritual practice. Jesus addressed this concept recorded in Matthew 6. You can read the entire passage from verses 26 through 34, but He summarized, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

This time of the year could be very stressful for me. It’s a demanding time for business travel. I am responsible for assigning soccer referees for a half-dozen clubs and/or leagues, not to mention recruiting, assigning and managing about 150 referees who will come to Sidney Mothers Day weekend for our soccer tournament. Then there are other responsibilities, not to mention keeping my wife happy. But years of contemplation and practice have cured me of constant worrying. I look at the future, of course. I plan, watch out for obstacles or opportunities. But that is controlled thought. When I start to worry if I’ll get everything done, I just divert my attention to what needs to be done. You write everything that needs to be done on a list (I use a computer program called Thinking Rock plus plain old pen and paper in a little notebook) then decide what tasks I’ll do right now to tackle these things one at a time. You discover that being aware and focusing on the present means the future will take care of itself.

Or, as one of my childhood heroes–Alfred E. Newman of Mad Magazine fame–used to say, “What? Me worry?” Or as Jesus said better, God will take care of our future. Let’s just take care of the present.

Gary

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God is Good

April 21, 2008

Ah, the first really neat day of the spring where I can sit on the patio in the evening with gold finches and woodpeckers at the birdfeeder, spring birds calling, the neighborhood is quiet. Even if I am out here with my WiFi and laptop, it’s peaceful. Reminds me to take a few deep breaths, shut down the brain and realize, God is Good. Here’s a nod to St. Francis of Assisi.

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A Little Path

April 21, 2008

Ultimately, we are responsible.  In everything, in every choice – it is up to us to discern and act accordingly. God will open the doors, but we must choose to seek Him. That is an awesome responsibility.  One we drop, pick-up, dismiss, lose sight of, search over, blame someone else for, and re-address on a daily basis.  And most of that time, we are not even aware of it.

 God wants into our lives.  It is not our actions or our deeds which are important, but our relationship with God.  That is all that is important.  If we can get to that basic, everything else becomes so much easier.  I often wonder why it is so hard to stay on this path. 

I had a dream.  (I do record my dreams.) There was a small path, barely noticeable in the grass, yet it is straight and clear.  A highway is to the left.  A four lane thoroughfare, divided, paved and thoroughly modern.  It would seem the fastest way to go.  The highway seems the “normal” way to go. But a roller coaster beckons to the right with the highs and lows and thrills along the way.  Who knows what is next and where it might lead?

I have been on all three paths.  I know them all.  I have taken the thrilling yet devastating ride seeking a good time.  I have also been left crying on the sidelines.  I have stumbled back to find the straight little path.  It is not big and it too goes down through the valleys, but it is clear enough.

Then again, I have wondered onto the highway, even maneuvered into the fast lane.  I have schemed and lied, planned and climbed onto the corporate ladder.  I have crashed and burned into the median.  The straight little path seemed inviting then.

On and off I have gone to the left and to the right – yet the straight little path is clear enough.  It sparkles in the cool moonlight to draw me back from my fallen state.

“The light and the way” – the little path is clear enough.  Why do we find it so hard to stay upon it?

Posted by Darcy

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