October 21, 2018 reloaded

Ralph Waldo Emerson jotted some good advice in his journal on January 26, 1844. "Finish each day before you begin the next and interpose a solid wall of sleep between the two. This you cannot do without temperance." While it's virtuous to work hard and tackle projects with intensity, we cross a dangerous line wh

en we let ourselves become worn out and chronically exhausted. It's a sign we're not trusting God to meet our needs. Too much busyness depletes our vital spiritual resources and leaves is irritable, ineffective and subject to self-pity and depression. The Bible tells us to take each day in turn, not worrying too much about yesterday or tomorrow. We're to do each day's work in turn, putting a solid wall of sleep between one day and the next. Even our Lord needed sleep to function as he should (see Matthew 8:24). So don't be afraid to crawl into bed at night earlier than normal, take a nap in the day, plan a getaway, or sleep later in the morning. It's vain to work too hard.Remember Psalm 127:2, "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so God gives His beloved sleep." (paraphrase of meditation by Dr. David Jeremiah, no relation to the prophet)

"God give me eyes to see the thread of Your goodness running through my story." (incourage)

I read in a Zondervan publishing press release about the six spiritual disciplines that Paul the Apostle practiced to strengthen him in his walk with God and remind him of his dependence on God.

1. Solitude, spending time alone with God; perhaps meditating on words or promises from God. The Psalmist said to "be still and know God!"

2. Prayer - when Paul had a thorn in the flesh he prayed to get it removed though it did not get removed but God clearly told Paul that God's grace would be sufficient for him. Prayer did not bring Paul the answer he wanted but it did bring him the strength and presence of God. Paul was the writer who said not to worry about anything but to pray about everything. (Philippians 4:6-7)

3. Stewardship - Paul was careful not to waste the Lord's money. He encouraged churches to participate in an offering for the poor and needy. He taught all believers the importance of regularly setting aside a certain amount to be given to the Lord's work. Tithing is still one of the greatest spiritual disciplines we have reflecting our devotion to God and the work of God on earth.

4. Bible Study - Paul was a student of God's word. His study was not just an academic curiosity but was part of his worship of God. It is important that we daily read a portion of God's word and meditate on its meaning for our daily living. Involvement in a small group Bible study is also a great discipline which enhances one's relationship with God.

5. Spiritual Friendship - Paul's deep concern for people is reflected in his constant references to special people whom he cherished in Christ. Friendship often lays the foundation for discipleship. It is helpful to have people with whom you can share your faith journey, talking about spiritual issues and topics of significance to you.

6. Lessons For Life - (not sure I get this one, [though I might title it "Holy Spirit Presence"]; but this is how they put it), Even extraordinary people such as Paul are incapable of living the Christian life apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. Underlying all of Paul's activities is the constant pulse of God's power, working in and through him. We have this same power at work with us as we connect our lives to Holy Spirit by means of the spiritual disciplines mentioned above.

A couple of the people I do pastoral visitation on called me last week to ask me to listen to their experiences of depression, discouragement, crisis and struggle. The one had a medical diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy and the other deals with physical limitations due to brain cancer surgery and is also dealing with a spouse with dementia. I did listen. I did share some scripture as it seemed appropriate. I also shared the following from The Cloud of Unknowing.

"You may find a kind of darkness around your mind, as it were a cloud of unknowing. You seem to feel nothing in your will except a naked intent toward God. However hard you try to do something about it, this darkness and this cloud remain between you and God. It seems as though you neither see God by light of understanding nor feel God in the sweetness of love and affection. But learn to live with the darkness crying out always to Him whom you love."

Yes, sometimes you just have to hang on believing with the Psalmist that sorrow and darkness last for an evening but joy comes in the morning; the issue is, at least for me you just don't know how long the night is going to be. The above spiritual disciplines should be helpful for us in the midst of the night.

I read the following quote this morning from the Spiritual Formation Bible with a connection I Peter 3:8-12;  "Do not hesitate to love and to love deeply. You might be afraid of the pain that deep love can cause. When those you love deeply reject you, leave you, or die, your heart will be broken. But that should not hold you back from loving deeply. The pain that comes from deep love makes your love even more fruitful. It is like a plow that breaks the ground to allow the seed to take root and grow into a strong plant." (Henri Nouwen)

Here are my seven words from this week's Bible readings:

question

bear/carry

creation

answer

designated

servant

adornment

Wise is the person who does what God says and says what God does!