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My sails are set to enter this New Year and New Decade more in step with the Spirit of God and less in step with my own efforts. I’ve opened my journal to you today…below is my entry for this last day of 2009.

The spiritual life is not journeyed by following a set of formula’s but much more by listening to and keeping in rhythm with the voice of the Spirit. Romans 7:6 talks about this New Way…appropriate for a New Year.
Following a formula doesn’t always lead to a predicted outcome. The Christian life just isn’t that simple. Sometimes, a child raised in a godly family will turn off the path…an expression of their own free will. Tithing doesn’t always lead to financial prosperity – just like God doesn’t always protect His children from calamity, illness, death, and injustice. A mindset that is formula driven is set up for big disappointment – bad things happen to good people…you know, people who follow the rules.

A formula life is life under the Law – a spiritual life is life, unpredictably blown about by the Spirit – a life that flows, moves, keeps in step with the rhythms of the Holy Spirit. A formula paradigm (i.e. 2+2 =4) is a religious life but not a spiritual life…and thus when the blows (unbelievable hardships) of life hit (i.e. 2+2=5) the religious life and formulas no longer work. Unfortunately, the religious life responds by either quitting (entering the world of status quo) or worse becomes more resolute in attempting to make the formulas work.

God is about relationship, communion and partnership in his Kingdom work – I enter 2010, sails set, to navigate uncharted waters…as the winds of the Spirit lead.

“You drew near on the day I called on You, And said, ‘Do not fear’

This guy must be thirsty, fishing, bathing?

  O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.”

 Lamentations 3:57-58

A good passage to address my deepest insecurities, self criticisms, and even demonic accusations. My God and King gives me hope – for he advocates my deepest desires – my dreams and hopes – yes even ones that I do not know or think are best for my soul. He speaks up for me – prays for me – contends for me and in this I take great encouragement!

By the way – during time in prayer I came across this Buck – standing right in the middle of a shallow lake. How cool is that? Chunky thing isn’t he?

 

 

Our sermon series on Spirituality and Family brought us to the topic of Fathers and Husbands. The above video, Pursuit, helps us understand the Father Heart of God – The only Perfect Father. The second half of the message is all about the needs of a husband. We discussed How to Destroy the Manliness of your Man. I encourage you to give it a listen…great practical ways to live out Ephesians 5:33. I also want to give credit to a strong man of God for his influence on my life and for teaching me many of the lessons in this sermon – Dr. Bill Thrasher.