Yesterday at MCC we began a new series called “Intersections: where God and real life meet.” We kicked off the series by talking about the two kinds of people in the world. The first group always use a divided plate when they eat because they don’t want their food to touch. The second group use an open plate, because its all going the same place anyway. The reality is that a lot of people tend to live divided lives, some areas and days are sacred, others are secular.
We discovered an interesting truth from the story of Jacob’s dream [found in Genesis 28.10-17]
Jacob awakens from his dream and says, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He doesn’t wake up and say, “Wow, God finally showed up!”, as if God were somewhere else and only “shows up” when we get it all right. Jacob wakes up and realizes that God has been there all along, but Jacob was just waking up to the reality of God’s presence. Jacob is waking up to the truth that God is always present, that there is no such thing as a “God forsaken” place…he is always there.
How many of us are asleep to God’s presence and activity in our lives?
Yesterday, we talked about several disciplines or practices that can help “wake us up” to God’s presence.
The Scriptures. We read the scriptures, but the scriptures also read us. Those stories still speak into our lives today. When we read the stories in the Bible, we are reading about men and women who “woke up.” Their stories can help us detect God’s activity in our lives.
Prayer. A consistent prayer life can be eye opening. Prayer is not simply presenting God with our wish-lists. Prayer, at times, is being still and quiet. In the silence the Holy Spirit can bring to your attention anything that is preventing you from experiencing the life God has for you.
Fasting. When we fast, we abstain from something [food, activities, etc.] in order to feast on things that draw us closer to God.
Generosity. When we are generous we are like Jesus. Giving allows us to see God at work in the lives of others, but also in our own.
Community. God exists is a community of one. He is one, yet three. Father, Son, and Spirit. It was never God’s intention that people would be alone or without others to go through life with. When we journey with others in community, their stories impact us, and even have the potential to help “wake us up” to God’s presence in our own lives.
So, which of these practices do you enjoy most? Which is the most difficult for you?
What are your thoughts on Sunday’s teaching?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
josh
Josh Scott 
The Scriptures…reading my Bible is definitely the most difficult for me. I don’t know if it is the finding the time, finding the right time, or just not prioritizing my activities in the correct order. The one I enjoy the most is community…I love being with and doing life with the people with whom I worship on Sundays.
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I am with Chad. I read in spurts. I might read four books back to back and then not read a complete book for two years. I find scripture to be similar. It is hard to be consistent. I hope our new small group will help me with my spiritual disciplines.
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I am trying to read my Bible daily, but that is the most difficult for me. I think it’s because I have some trouble understanding a lot of what it says. It seems weird for me because I really enjoy reading all types of books, so you would think this would be the same for me. I struggle with that. But I absolutely love going to church and I am really looking forward to my small group. I am like Harold, I am hoping that the small group will help me!
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Sounds like a great series Josh. Keep up the great work.
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