Hey there! This week we had another great time together talking about some good stuff and afterwards enjoying Baskin Robbins’ dollar scoop night!
After reading Chapters 1 and 2 of Forgotten God during the week, we discussed a few particular issues brought up by Francis Chan in Chapter 1, then shared some of the fears we have about God, asking Him to move in our lives, etc. Here are some notable things I remember:
*One of the primary things we need to hold to is that Jesus himself, in John 16, indicates that it is better for us that the Holy Spirit be with us, rather than the physical presence of Jesus! We discussed the implications of Jesus’ statement, as well as how awesome it is that God can be with us at all places.
*Given God’s presence in our lives, however, causes us to sometimes wonder, “Shouldn’t there be a huge difference between those who have the Spirit of God in them and those who don’t?” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) If there isn’t a huge difference in the way we live, can we blame people for questioning the validity of our lives and claims about God? After all, we are Christ’s ambassadors, “as though God were making an appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
*Sometimes we find ourselves producing cheap substitutes to satisfy us in our lives, rather than the Holy Spirit. Some mentioned were music, friends, comfort, other people’s words and expectations, etc. Basically we settle for things we can control, or second-hand information about God, rather than seeking the Lord with all our hearts ourselves then discussing our experiences with others. This does not follow the praiseworthy Scriptural example of the Bereans (Acts 17:11), who were eager for God but examined His words daily to see the truth for themselves.
*Some of our fears of following the Holy Spirit included being afraid that God would not respond in the way we desire, we would become known as holy-rollers, we would have to give up things we don’t want to, He would change the plans that we made for ourselves, or He simply wouldn’t come through for us.
I know one word that was good for me to hear was simply that God is all-powerful and all-loving; there will always be more of God to know and more places to which the Holy Spirit will lead us. This could be an overwhelming thought if you let it, but it can also be an awesome promise of God’s continued presence and work in our lives. As we continue to meet together this summer, I am hoping that everyone will see that we are simply on a journey of learning to walk with the Lord in a more honest and sacrificial manner. As we learn to listen more and give more of ourselves to God, I trust He will be there as always to lead us where He wants and to comfort us along the way.
Peace.
tim