For some time we've been planning on making some updates to this site that would better accomodate our readers. So without any further ado, I'd like to share that today is the final post of www.timdeatrick.blogspot.com. A new site has been designed and is now up and running. All of the posts to this site have been relocated. And, for everyone's convenience, the domain name remains the same: www.timdeatrick.com.
If you were a subscriber to this site, you'll need to re-subscribe at our new site. And, you'll need to make sure you correct the site on your favorites. Other than that, I'd like to thank you for following along for nearly 300 posts. I've really enjoyed writing for it, and hope in some small way my writing will continue to encourage you along your journey as you follow Christ.
Blessings!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Practice What You Preach
As long as I can remember, I’ve heard the worn phrase, “practice what you preach.” Sometimes it’s in reference to the burden that pastors feel to perfectly implement into their lives the material they present to their congregations each Sunday. After all, who is inspired by, “You should obey God in this area of life, even though I don’t?” Sometimes it’s used colloquially as a challenge to those who hold opinions that may be inconsistent with their behavior.
In my ministry I’ve discovered that God’s sense of humor allows me to live out whatever I’m preaching, whether I think I need to experience it or not. Take for example a Bible study I’m presently leading for a small group in our church on The Fruit of the Spirit. I love teaching the Fruit of the Spirit. It’s always relevant and draws out tons of conversation. In the past month I’ve observed that each fruit that I teach has been a point of challenge in my personal life. The week I taught “love,” for example, I had the chance to unconditionally love and forgive a family member. The week I taught “joy,” our rescue dog, Jackson, ate, of all things a razor blade (he’s fine, thanks for asking). The week I taught “peace,” I was confronted with a circumstance that was literally imploding before my eyes.
This week I get “patience.” My biblical understanding of patience is that patience deals primarily with difficult people, whereas endurance deals primarily with difficult situations. Of course my patience is being tried big time as I prepare to teach tonight’s lesson!
When I was young I would hear saintly people say things like, “don’t pray for patience or God will give it to you!” I’ve learned through the years that if God determines I need patience, it doesn’t matter if I ask for it or not, He’s going to work on that area of my character. And when he does, he uses difficult people to do it.
In my ministry I’ve discovered that God’s sense of humor allows me to live out whatever I’m preaching, whether I think I need to experience it or not. Take for example a Bible study I’m presently leading for a small group in our church on The Fruit of the Spirit. I love teaching the Fruit of the Spirit. It’s always relevant and draws out tons of conversation. In the past month I’ve observed that each fruit that I teach has been a point of challenge in my personal life. The week I taught “love,” for example, I had the chance to unconditionally love and forgive a family member. The week I taught “joy,” our rescue dog, Jackson, ate, of all things a razor blade (he’s fine, thanks for asking). The week I taught “peace,” I was confronted with a circumstance that was literally imploding before my eyes.
This week I get “patience.” My biblical understanding of patience is that patience deals primarily with difficult people, whereas endurance deals primarily with difficult situations. Of course my patience is being tried big time as I prepare to teach tonight’s lesson!
When I was young I would hear saintly people say things like, “don’t pray for patience or God will give it to you!” I’ve learned through the years that if God determines I need patience, it doesn’t matter if I ask for it or not, He’s going to work on that area of my character. And when he does, he uses difficult people to do it.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Power of a Whisper
Do you ever wonder if God still speaks to people today? Do you ever wonder if God might speak to you? Do you wonder if you would recognize God’s whisper if He did speak to you? I enjoy reading books that relate to the topic of spiritual formation. At any given time, I’m reading three or four books, one of which is usually related to spiritual formation. So when I saw The Power of a Whisper, I picked it up and read it.
The biggest take away from The Power of a Whisper is Hybels’ affirmation that God still speaks to his people today. When God speaks, He speaks in simple, yet profound ways. God’s whisper does not come in designated places like churches or during designated times like our daily devotionals. He speaks in all areas of life and at all times of life. While God’s voice doesn’t always change our circumstances, His voice will change us and our approach to our circumstances.
I found The Power of a Whisper to be practical, inspiring, and compelling. If you feel as though your time with God has become stale, or if it’s simply been a while since you have heard God’s whisper, I’d recommend this highly encouraging book.
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