BLeach

Encounter::Suffering

This month our church is on a journey of spiritual formation, and the experience is reminding me that spiritual depth doesn't develop because of left brain activity alone.  At some point we have to meet God face to face.  Since that encounter is often relational and experiential before it is cognitive, it can be difficult to explain.  So this week we're exploring the process through pictures.

Today's thought: We encounter God through suffering.

I'm not really sure how to explain it, but suffering has the potential to become a profound spiritual experience.  Unfortunately, we don't really have a theology of suffering in the American church.  Instead, we often assume that Christianity proves itself through prosperity. 

I love it when God demonstrates his blessing materially and situationally.  But full bank accounts and smooth waters don't prove faith.  Trials on the other hand...

For example, take this quote from my favorite New Testament author: "I want to know Christ."

Yep, me too. 

Don't you?

But have you read the rest of the verse?  The encounter sounds a bit painful; even a little bloody.

Yesterday I spent some time with a good friend who's really hurting.  I listened as she spilled her guts, earnestly searching my internal "pastor file" for the right words to ease her pain.  I'm sure you'll be surprised to hear that I didn't come up with anything profound:)  Just one question.

What if this encounter with depression could turn into an encounter with God?

Encounter::Knocking

Today marks the half-way point of The First 15 Challenge.  As a church community, we're exploring spiritual formation.  The good feedback I've been getting from those who've taken the challenge has helped me reflect on the nature of the devotional life.

I don't think our relationship with God can be contained in left-brain activity alone.  At some point we have to meet God face-to face.  That encounter is difficult to explain.  Fortunately, Jesus offered several metaphors to help us picture the experience.  This week I'd like to explore a few of those.

For starters, encountering God is alot like knocking.

Doors serve an interesting purpose.  Sometimes we close them to keep people from bothering us.  Other times we open them to let people in.  When I'm expecting company, I'll often open my door as they arrive.  I want my friends to know they're welcome in my home.

Jesus stands on the other side of a door.  But it isn't a locked door.  You won't find a don't disturb sign hanging from the doorknob.  It's a door called invitation.  And His promise is clear.  If you will knock, He will open it, and invite you inside.

What's inside?

That's a question that Jesus answers with an invitation.  Why don't you come in and see?

First 15

At the conclusion of our service on Sunday we presented The First 15 Challenge.  It's a 21 day commitment (October 28 - November 18) to devote the first fifteen minutes of the day to God.  I was pumped to see about 95% of our church commit to the challenge.  I'm going to use my blog periodically over the next few weeks to switch into pastor mode and encourage those who have taken the challenge.  If you don't attend Church of the King but would like to take the challenge with us, jump on in!

Since John's biography of Jesus has 21 chapters, we're reading one per day during the course of the challenge.  Here's a thought for those of you who are new to the gospels.

As you read through John, focus your thoughts on Jesus.  Since He is the most accurate picture we've ever had of God, getting to know Jesus is the same as getting to know God.  As you read these snapshots from his life, think about who he is.  What moves him?  What saddens him?  What pleases him?  What are his words telling you about God?  What are his miracles telling you about God?  What are his relationships telling you about God? 

Get to know Jesus. 

Get to know God.

And you'll end up getting to know yourself:)