The kids asked if I would speak at some sort of retreat kind of thing about how God guides us. Just to show that I don't leave everything til the last minute, here are a few thoughts around which I might gather a talk or two, and raise some questions.
- how did God guide in the OT? It is said of both individual (Abraham) and nation (the Israelites) that they "journey by stages". I find that an interesting phrase. What was the role of the Law? The Prophets? Wisdom?
- are there hindrances to responding to God's guidance? fear, sin, etc (this is where my own personal expertise comes in handy)
- how does God guide in the NT? What is the role of other christians? the Spirit? prayer?
- responding to that angst-laden "what is God's will for my life" (short answer: to believe)
I expect several insightful comments filling in and expanding all of the above, which I can then cut and paste into a few 20 minute presentations...
It's simple, pray for God's guidance then go do what you really wanted to do anyway, otherwise we get bent out of shape like Jonah. Besides if your perfect you could end up like Job, and that would suck.
Posted by: steve the z | October 31, 2006 at 09:13 AM
Yeah, and then when you look at people in the New Testament, it seems like all those who did the right things ended up with a pile of trouble in their lives... like Jesus. I mean, who really wants to be 'totally' Christ-like?
Posted by: joseph | October 31, 2006 at 09:29 AM
Yep, you got it brother. Jail, Persecution, Poverty, endless wandering. God can be demanding you know.
Posted by: steve the z | October 31, 2006 at 11:49 AM