Kingdom Man?

Kingdom Man is the name of the book by Tony Evans I have started reading. It was used on the men's retreat for First Baptist Nashville this weekend. At the last minute I decided not to go for multiple reasons. One of those is that I did not think it would be good for the younger adults if in discussions I got started talking about my failed marriage. Though they might learn from my mistakes, I did not want to complicate the message that God wants men to be the spiritual leader of the family. I was more concerned about keeping the peace than being a spiritual leader in my marriage and that is just one of my failures. I've only read three chapters so far and hope to learn a lot and grow spiritually from some of the lessons. The thing I don't particularly care for in the book so far is his big emphasis on the macho man, sports, etc. which has never been me. But if he can use it to bring men to God, more power to him. The first two chapters describe what he calls a "Kingdom Man" and the third presents his idea that we are all called to greatness. It is a spiritual greatness. I'll report more as I read more, but my first repulsion by the macho-ism has been relieved as I read further.

"Spiritual Sleep"

Pastor Frank one time told us that sleep might be the most spiritual thing we could do for ourselves. 

I think I agree. And this is where I sleep. 

The simple print of Jesus in the Garden hung in my Grandmother Clemmie Hardgrave's bedroom. 

Sometime after Grandmother's death Aunt Iris gave it me. I treasure it!

My bedroom is used only for sleep, prayer, some reading and dressing. (No TV!)
So, it looks like a monastery bedroom - I like it!

On March 19 I changed the photo from one of just the bed and painting 

to this one with an interesting set of afternoon shadows of

my Tudor window, blinds and floor lamp

Love it!

Grace for the New Year

I saw Les Miserables, the new movie today. It is a powerful story of love and grace very well presented in this movie. It is best summed up for me by a paragraph in the Christianity Today review:

"As a Christian, I have always been drawn to the portrayal of faith in Les Misérables. The bishop displays a Christ-like mercy to Valjean that literally transforms him. He emerges from that church figuratively born again, with a new identity and an entirely new course in life. And we see this transformed life touch others in need with compelling grace and love. This is all in sharp contrast to the character of Javert, a man of the law. He shows no mercy, and when mercy is eventually shown to him, instead of being transformed he is undone. Wonderful discussions could stem from these two characters alone. And I love that there are such beautifully faith-inspired characters in a film today."
-Camerin Courtney

His Spirit is seen or felt throughout this movie. I recommend it!

This Mystery

My prayer is that His Spirit will be in you and me throughout the new year.

My 2005 photo of a Miami Beach Sunrise I made into a 24" x 32" canvas print with Colossians 1:27 imprinted.

The image is a reminder to me of His constant and powerful presence.

Looking Forward by Faith

A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.
Proverbs 16:9 Amplified Bible

The last sermon of the year at First Baptist Nashville by pastor Frank Lewis. It is good to make New Year's Resolutions or to make plans for our life, but they come about only by faith in God or following His Spirit. Our lives in God's providence may end up a little different than our plans but for those of us who love the Lord, all things work together for good.

God can do anything, you know . . .

^14-19 My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.

^20-21 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!

 

Ephesians 3:14-21 The Message

 

The emphasis is mine and a few years ago this in The Message translation became a new insight and rally call into the mysterious and wonderful things that have happened in my life over the years. It is with this that I begin my spiritual journal - something I've done off and on over the years on paper but never in public.

 

I don't know how honest I can be in a blog or if I can even effectively communicate what is going on in my life in relation to His Spirit in me. But that is what I will try to do. Your comments here are welcome or you are invited to privately email me your feelings or suggestions. If you are more interested is less ethereal things, check out my Nature Notes blog and Adventures blog.