Matt Nelson - September 26, 2021
Transforming Practices
Good Father, We confess we are burdened, weary, and dry. We have searched for life in the systems of death. We carry weights we were not created to carry. We run further into the desert. We are thirsty. Today, we step into your invitation to rest. We join the flowers and birds who do not worry or toil. We choose to live from your overflowing well of grace. We seek first your kingdom. As we draw near to you, would you draw near to us? As we step out of what is comfortable, will you meet us? Would you meet us in our community? Would you meet us in the spaces created for you? Jesus, wellspring of life, Overflow into our dry and weary souls. Saturate us with your peace and presence, As we plant ourselves by the streams of living water. As we seek to be formed into the image of Jesus, we commit to obedience in these two areas: Finding a discipling relationship and/or community Implementing an intentional plan for spiritual formation Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” John 15:5-9 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Without an intentional plan for spiritual formation we live… Scattered: Our schedule is full but doesn’t reflect our purpose and priorities. Hurried: We’re busier than we want to be, but don’t know what to change or how to simplify. Reactive: It seems like we’re never in charge, always responding to demands. Exhausted: We end each day weary and discouraged, unsure if we’ve spent it well. Rich Villodas (The Deeply Formed Life): We need contemplative rhythms for an exhausted life We need racial reconciliation for a divided world We need interior examination for a world living on the surface We need missional presence for a distracted and disengaged people A Rule of Life is a way of living, an intentional plan to keep God at the center of everything we do. It is a life-giving structure for freedom, growth, and joy. A Rule of Life is a mixture of spiritual, relational, and vocational practices and rhythms that help create space in our busy lives to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and fulfill the mission of Jesus. A Rule of Life is a means to an end, not the end itself. It is designed to help us experience the love of God and transforming work of the Spirit. Spiritual Formation: Scripture reading Prayer/fasting Worship Silence, solitude, contemplation, reflection, retreat Emotional/Physical Health: Sabbath – renewing practices Sleep Diet and exercise Hobbies Relationships: Spouse/Children/Family Friends/Neighbors/Co-workers Church family/discipling community Church: Community Participation Corporate Worship Mission/Generosity Vocation/Money: Calling/vocation Current position & responsibilities Personal development and growth Stewardship How do I get started? Listen and discern what God is speaking about your Rule of Life Talk about this in your discipling relationship/community Begin to write down some realistic practices/rhythms that will make up your Rule of Life