We have been preaching through the lectionary. This has been wonderfully challenging as there is new things to confront and ways in which God speaks to us in this. We have been spending time in the book of James in the sermons as well as in the Young Adults meetings. I have decided that I love James.
Particularly shaping has been James 1. 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.'
I am a double minded fool. I will not consider it joy because God is at work in my life. However, I am learning. God has been wonderful to me and reminded me often of this precious passage. I am so grateful. A little reminder never hurt anyone.
The Men's Retreat was a huge blessing. We were able to talk about connecting with God and others including wife, family, the world, and the body. This allowed us to get to the stuff of life in a meaningful way and I believe all were blessed.
I spoke on connecting with your wife and connecting with the world (two different talks). This has brought about a change in my life, faith and practice. I believe God would have us give him our highest and best and that when we are weakest, when we have nothing to offer, then He is most glorified when we are obedient to him.
Putting this into practice has been a major blessing and I hope to my wife and family. I am learning to offer them my highest and best. Sounds a bit dense but it is where I am at...growing :) A little reminder never hurt anyone...right? Hoping to offer more thoughts and comments as life progresses!
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