A Page from A. Page: Spiritual Block: Reading Through the Gospels

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Spiritual Block: Reading Through the Gospels

I'm posting the last exercise in the spiritual block here of reading through the Gospels each month. It's been a few weeks and I'm working my way through. 'Jesus and the Fig Trees' was a writing that came from reading through the Gospel books. God's Word is living and active. I encourage you to still follow through with this exercise, but I will be posting a new Spiritual Block for those interested.

SPIRIT BLOCK

Sometimes we have struggles keeping in step with the Spirit. I seem to be going through the motions sometimes going to church, praying for dinner, saying, "God Bless you," when someone sneezes. You could list a few going-through-the-motions activities yourself--I could list many more here, but the purpose of this block is to offer exercises in getting back in touch with the Holy Spirit--to find life in Christ and Kingdom living here on earth now!

One thing practiced by a pillar of the faith, though I've forgotten who, is reading the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) each week. While this may seem daunting to you with so many appointments and packed schedules, perhaps taking each book for a week to have them read each month is more attainable. Whatever you are able, His word is living and active! Let it live through you as you read through the Good News each week or month while still keeping in study with other scripture.

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Spiritual Block

Upon the precipice of being poured out like a drink offering, Paul wrote about the course he had run for Timothy personally and for generations of Christians throughout the history of the church. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." NAS

Bring pen and paper to a daily meeting with God this week. Pray in the Spirit and listen patiently for His leading. He may be waiting for you to quiet down and so may seem a while in answering. He may answer with conviction of the heart immediately in prayer. He may drop love notes through others or events throughout the day to let you know He's thinking of you and leading you. He may speak through pain to help you grow, or through joy to raise your spirit. He knows what you need more than you, so be open especially in focused prayer, but also throughout the coming week, praying through these areas. Be open to writing down thoughts, convictions, events as they happen and compile them for a Sunday night recap with the Holy Spirit. Lay your thoughts upon your Bible in prayer and work on a journey check up session with Him. What fights has your heart been in--good and bad? What good fights lay ahead for your heart?

What course have you taken with and without the Spirit? Where has He been leading? Where does He lead you now? Follow His steps.

Where have you been faithful? If you've made it through this post and are looking to engage in the exercise, you have a measure of faith. Don't sell yourself short or long...don't sell yourself anything. Wait on the Spirit to tug at your faith to see areas He would like you to grow and areas bringing joy to His Spirit.

Ask God. He loves giving good things to His children. What glorious requests to ask for His Spirit to be alive and active within your heart, to take your feet with His to others who need Him, to live in the security with His promises, His truth...love, hope and faith.

Soli Deo Gloria

In Christ, Andy

Writer's Block!

November 16, 2012
Writing exercises can often jog the pen when it seems dry.

What's your favorite sport? Tell me about a dramatic game with an active voice. Yardage, velocity, power, precision and backspin are all popular and often necessary subjects in sports. While describing running yards or serve speed or slugging percentage, describe in active voice what you saw--or what you see in your imaginary game. "Defensive tackle Page flopped on a Colts' cut block, and then used the center to spring into the backfield, wrapping the quarterback for a loss of 8 yards."or"Defensive tackle Page got an 8-yard sack."While journalism preaches efficiency and lean writing, I'm saying, 'have fun!' Let the reader have some fun, too. Get into the real details and description of the action. I love sports and reading about them, so feel free to leave something you've written about an exciting game--real or imaginary!

In Christ, Andy