New Year's resolutions—they don't work for most people. I know they've never worked for me. And they've never worked for my pastor, Mike Ashcraft. He loves the beginning of a new year and five years ago he decided to do something better than making another resolution he wasn't going to keep. He decided to think about what kind of person he wanted to be, something he needed to work on, and whittle it down to just One Word. He put One Word in front of him that whole year and watched his life be transformed. Then he shared it with us, his congregation. And now we have a website including people's One Word stories, a blog, and journal found HERE that has literally spread across the nation.
So far my words have been:
2007 – surrender
2008 – perseverance
2009 – abide
2010 – perspective
I had almost picked “best” for my One Word (as in giving God my best, and doing my best in everything I do) but it didn't stick. I also considered “focus” and “live” but they weren't right either. Mike said a week ago Sunday that our One Word would probably be one we were very uncomfortable with. That hasn't been true of me in past years, but little did I know it would indeed be true this year. As I asked God what to choose, a word popped into my head that I didn't expect and honestly didn't really want to hear—a word that is going to require a lot of me, and yet that is simple in many ways—PRAY.
Yes, PRAY is a verb, a doing word. I tried to get away from a doing word last year. It only went well until about August and then it fizzled out like flat soda. “Perspective” proved to be a bit too nebulous, and it was my fault for neglecting a lot of the Word Journal entries I had committed to complete. Still, I do think the word “perspective” helped me keep my head in some situations that were very stressful last year. Which is a good thing.
This year I think God is throwing me back to the basics of Christian living. I've been a believer for 31 years. I have studied prayer, I have prayed out loud in groups, I have written about prayer, I have made spreadsheets detailing my prayer lists. I know a lot about and have experienced a lot of prayer. I have seen many answers to prayer. However, my life is obviously deficient in this area or God wouldn't have given it to me. Maybe I haven't been as faithful in prayer as I needed to be. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” We are told in the Bible to pray continually, pray so we won't fall into temptation, pray with persistence, pray in Jesus' name, pray about everything, pray on all occasions.
Jesus is a wonderful example for us to follow in this regard. He often got up early and went off alone to pray (see Mark 1:35). He taught His disciples how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13). His prayer for us and the world is found in John 17. And I would be remiss if I didn't reference his selfless prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39b).
If we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26). God promises to answer when we call on Him. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16b).
What kind of person do I want to be? I want to be a person of prayer. I want prayer to be my first thought, not my last resort. I don't want to have knee-jerk reactions, but a prayerful heart that is responsive to the Spirit and to others. I want to lift my fellow Christians up, to be there for them when they need me to pray. I want to be more faithful to pray for those I know who need Jesus, who need to take another step towards Him. I want to see answers, even miracles happen because I took the time to petition the Lord of the Universe for His will. I want prayer to transform me into His likeness, to make me more caring, loving, God-dependent, joyful, concerned, faith-filled, confident, empowered.
God only knows the ways in which my One Word will change me. And it's up to me to put PRAY into action, to plan my life accordingly so it will remain always with me and become an integral part of my life. I'm apprehensive and yet excited because I trust God—his character, his promises, his ways. I don't have to be afraid, because I can trust Him with my life, both now and forever.
So how about you? Have you picked your One Word?
Showing posts with label bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bible. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Set Apart Blog Tour
Because Living IN this World Doesn't Mean Living LIKE the World
I'm excited about this bible study. I heard Jennifer speak at my church about 11 or 12 years ago, and she made a big impression on me with her unique perspective on prayer. So much wisdom in this woman. She has a lot of good things to teach us about prayer, and after a cursory look at this study, I'm positive that she has much more to say about the Christian life. I've already decided to recommend this study to a women's group that I'm in--they need a new book to go through and I think this one might be the ticket. It is theologically sound, informative, unique, and not too lengthy. Perfect for a small group to tackle.
I'm happy for the opportunity to promote it.
About the Author:
Jennifer Kennedy Dean is Executive director of The Praying Life Foundation and a respected author and speaker. She is the author of numerous books, studies, and magazine articles specializing in prayer and spiritual formation. Her book Heart’s Cry has been named National Day of Prayer’s signature book. You’ll find articles and daily quotes from Jennifer at the National Day of Prayer website. Her book, Live a Praying Life, has been called a flagship work on prayer.
Jennifer was widowed in 2005 after 26 years of marriage to Wayne Dean, her partner both in life and ministry. They are the parents of three grown sons. Jennifer makes her home in Marion, KY.
About the Book:
(Marion, Kentucky) - In a world of self-love and materialism it's reassuring to know that God's Word has a better plan for living. Renowned author and speaker, Jennifer Kennedy Dean, provides insight to the life of Christ, specifically the Sermon on the Mount, in her new book, Set Apart: A 6 Week Study of the Beatitudes.
Through careful study of the Hebrew traditions of biblical times, Dean leads participants into a deeper awareness of this early ministry sermon series by Christ.
Jennifer guides readers to a heightened understanding of each beatitude, correlating the Ten Commandments with the Sermon on the Mount to tie these Old and New Testament principles together. Dean shares how living the Set Apart Life is an exciting and life-changing spiritual journey. Participants surrendered to Christ will see a total transformation: outward actions of holiness as well as inward attitudes of joy. Believers following along in this workbook will experience the life God intends. This blessedness comes from seeking and knowing God. Anything outside the realm of Jesus Christ results in emptiness--the ultimate opposite of blessing.
Each chapter includes interactive questions for readers to answer, emphasizing God's desire to reproduce the character and attitudes of Jesus in each Christian's life. Along with the Bible study book, there is a Leader Kit that includes six DVD sessions and a CD with bonus material for small-group leaders. Jennifer's website, www.prayinglife.org, provides opportunities for previewing the Set Apart materials and extra resources for pastors and leaders.
Click here for an introductory video to the study.
An Interview with Jennifer Kennedy Dean
You are known for your extensive research and your fresh insights. Do you have a method for gleaning new concepts?
Of course, the truths are not new, but I think I sometimes am able to frame old truths in new ways. I always find that when I put the words of Jesus into their original Hebraic setting and experience the scene through the viewpoint of His real-time audience, some new little fragment of truth finds its way into my thinking. I like to let the Scripture breathe. To let it sit in my heart until its full aroma has time to emerge. There's the hard-core research, and then there's the marinating. Turn your imagination loose and unfurl your curiosity, and listen to the living Word.
You have a series of Bible studies in the format of Set Apart, designed to be interactive. This series of studies has video series and leader's kits available. What is the advantage to this kind of format?
I try to produce a new Bible study with video series every year. I like the interactive format because I like to pull the reader into the Scripture to experience the Word. I like to challenge the reader to interact with the thoughts and ideas and to take the time to absorb them and apply them, rather than just to read. The other thing I like about this format is that it can be done by an individual, or as a group. In the video series, I like to be able to teach the main points of the material and set the learners' up for a productive week of personal study. I love feeling like I get to be part of your Bible study group! The kits have lots of other resources for leading a small group in the study.
Several of your studies have theme songs that go with them, as Set Apart does. How do these songs come about?
I have developed a song-writing relationship with a talented musician named Roxanne Lingle. I write poems, we turn them into lyrics, Roxanne composes and arranges the music, and Roxanne records the songs. For Set Apart, we have the theme song in the form of a music video, which is a new addition. In the leader's kit you have the audio track, accompaniment track, lead sheet, and the music video. The theme song becomes an important and worshipful part of the study experience.
The Music Video
Adapted from Set Apart by Jennifer Kennedy Dean
"I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:9-10).
My weakness is my greatest asset in the Kingdom. My weakness is where God meets me. My weakness is where Christ's power is most clearly displayed in me. Only when I am confronted with my own helplessness can I experience the power of Christ in me.
"Your helplessness is your best prayer. It calls from your heart to the heart of God with greater effect than all your uttered pleas. He hears it from the very moment that you are seized with helplessness, and He becomes actively engaged at once in hearing and answering the prayer of your helplessness." (O. Hallesby, Prayer)
I recently had the tiniest glimpse of how powerfully helplessness speaks. A few years ago, I lost my husband to brain cancer. During the final months of his illness, he became utterly helpless. The man I had leaned on for 26 years, whose strength I counted on, was now dependent upon me for his every need. During those weeks, my ear was tuned to his every sigh, his every restless movement, every change in his breathing pattern. If I had to be out of his room for even a few minutes, I had a monitor with me so I could hear him if he needed me. When he was strong, I was not so attentive. His needs did not fill my waking moments, when he could meet them himself. His helplessness spoke louder than any word he might have spoken. Because of his helplessness--because I knew he could do nothing on his own--I was on watch day and night.
My experience is but a pale shadow of the reality of the Kingdom, but still it helps me understand how my weakness is the opening for His strength. The fact of my helplessness is the only prayer I need. It speaks louder than eloquence.
Let your helplessness and your weakness be the offering you bring to Him. He is not waiting for you to be strong. He is waiting for you to recognize that you are weak.
GRAND PRIZE DRAWING
Please leave a comment to be entered in a drawing to win the following items from Jennifer. If you are a leader (small groups, book club, Bible Study, Women's Ministry), please note that you are--you will automatically be entered in the contest. If you are a member of one of these groups at your church or community, mention that you are a group member.
You will be entered to win:
A Set Apart Leader's Kit (video and leader resources and a student book) retail $79.99
A copy of Fueled by Faith (retail $19.99)
Jennifer will have a live web event just for your group.
THIS BLOG TOUR COORDINATED BY KATHY CARLTON WILLIS COMMUNICATIONS. A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THE BOOK, SET APART, WAS GIFTED TO ME IN EXCHANGE FOR RUNNING THIS TOUR ON MY BLOG.
I'm excited about this bible study. I heard Jennifer speak at my church about 11 or 12 years ago, and she made a big impression on me with her unique perspective on prayer. So much wisdom in this woman. She has a lot of good things to teach us about prayer, and after a cursory look at this study, I'm positive that she has much more to say about the Christian life. I've already decided to recommend this study to a women's group that I'm in--they need a new book to go through and I think this one might be the ticket. It is theologically sound, informative, unique, and not too lengthy. Perfect for a small group to tackle.
I'm happy for the opportunity to promote it.
About the Author:
Jennifer Kennedy Dean is Executive director of The Praying Life Foundation and a respected author and speaker. She is the author of numerous books, studies, and magazine articles specializing in prayer and spiritual formation. Her book Heart’s Cry has been named National Day of Prayer’s signature book. You’ll find articles and daily quotes from Jennifer at the National Day of Prayer website. Her book, Live a Praying Life, has been called a flagship work on prayer.
Jennifer was widowed in 2005 after 26 years of marriage to Wayne Dean, her partner both in life and ministry. They are the parents of three grown sons. Jennifer makes her home in Marion, KY.
About the Book:
(Marion, Kentucky) - In a world of self-love and materialism it's reassuring to know that God's Word has a better plan for living. Renowned author and speaker, Jennifer Kennedy Dean, provides insight to the life of Christ, specifically the Sermon on the Mount, in her new book, Set Apart: A 6 Week Study of the Beatitudes.
Through careful study of the Hebrew traditions of biblical times, Dean leads participants into a deeper awareness of this early ministry sermon series by Christ.
Jennifer guides readers to a heightened understanding of each beatitude, correlating the Ten Commandments with the Sermon on the Mount to tie these Old and New Testament principles together. Dean shares how living the Set Apart Life is an exciting and life-changing spiritual journey. Participants surrendered to Christ will see a total transformation: outward actions of holiness as well as inward attitudes of joy. Believers following along in this workbook will experience the life God intends. This blessedness comes from seeking and knowing God. Anything outside the realm of Jesus Christ results in emptiness--the ultimate opposite of blessing.
Each chapter includes interactive questions for readers to answer, emphasizing God's desire to reproduce the character and attitudes of Jesus in each Christian's life. Along with the Bible study book, there is a Leader Kit that includes six DVD sessions and a CD with bonus material for small-group leaders. Jennifer's website, www.prayinglife.org, provides opportunities for previewing the Set Apart materials and extra resources for pastors and leaders.
Click here for an introductory video to the study.
An Interview with Jennifer Kennedy Dean
You are known for your extensive research and your fresh insights. Do you have a method for gleaning new concepts?
Of course, the truths are not new, but I think I sometimes am able to frame old truths in new ways. I always find that when I put the words of Jesus into their original Hebraic setting and experience the scene through the viewpoint of His real-time audience, some new little fragment of truth finds its way into my thinking. I like to let the Scripture breathe. To let it sit in my heart until its full aroma has time to emerge. There's the hard-core research, and then there's the marinating. Turn your imagination loose and unfurl your curiosity, and listen to the living Word.
You have a series of Bible studies in the format of Set Apart, designed to be interactive. This series of studies has video series and leader's kits available. What is the advantage to this kind of format?
I try to produce a new Bible study with video series every year. I like the interactive format because I like to pull the reader into the Scripture to experience the Word. I like to challenge the reader to interact with the thoughts and ideas and to take the time to absorb them and apply them, rather than just to read. The other thing I like about this format is that it can be done by an individual, or as a group. In the video series, I like to be able to teach the main points of the material and set the learners' up for a productive week of personal study. I love feeling like I get to be part of your Bible study group! The kits have lots of other resources for leading a small group in the study.
Several of your studies have theme songs that go with them, as Set Apart does. How do these songs come about?
I have developed a song-writing relationship with a talented musician named Roxanne Lingle. I write poems, we turn them into lyrics, Roxanne composes and arranges the music, and Roxanne records the songs. For Set Apart, we have the theme song in the form of a music video, which is a new addition. In the leader's kit you have the audio track, accompaniment track, lead sheet, and the music video. The theme song becomes an important and worshipful part of the study experience.
The Music Video
Adapted from Set Apart by Jennifer Kennedy Dean
"I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:9-10).
My weakness is my greatest asset in the Kingdom. My weakness is where God meets me. My weakness is where Christ's power is most clearly displayed in me. Only when I am confronted with my own helplessness can I experience the power of Christ in me.
"Your helplessness is your best prayer. It calls from your heart to the heart of God with greater effect than all your uttered pleas. He hears it from the very moment that you are seized with helplessness, and He becomes actively engaged at once in hearing and answering the prayer of your helplessness." (O. Hallesby, Prayer)
I recently had the tiniest glimpse of how powerfully helplessness speaks. A few years ago, I lost my husband to brain cancer. During the final months of his illness, he became utterly helpless. The man I had leaned on for 26 years, whose strength I counted on, was now dependent upon me for his every need. During those weeks, my ear was tuned to his every sigh, his every restless movement, every change in his breathing pattern. If I had to be out of his room for even a few minutes, I had a monitor with me so I could hear him if he needed me. When he was strong, I was not so attentive. His needs did not fill my waking moments, when he could meet them himself. His helplessness spoke louder than any word he might have spoken. Because of his helplessness--because I knew he could do nothing on his own--I was on watch day and night.
My experience is but a pale shadow of the reality of the Kingdom, but still it helps me understand how my weakness is the opening for His strength. The fact of my helplessness is the only prayer I need. It speaks louder than eloquence.
Let your helplessness and your weakness be the offering you bring to Him. He is not waiting for you to be strong. He is waiting for you to recognize that you are weak.
GRAND PRIZE DRAWING
Please leave a comment to be entered in a drawing to win the following items from Jennifer. If you are a leader (small groups, book club, Bible Study, Women's Ministry), please note that you are--you will automatically be entered in the contest. If you are a member of one of these groups at your church or community, mention that you are a group member.
You will be entered to win:
A Set Apart Leader's Kit (video and leader resources and a student book) retail $79.99
A copy of Fueled by Faith (retail $19.99)
Jennifer will have a live web event just for your group.
THIS BLOG TOUR COORDINATED BY KATHY CARLTON WILLIS COMMUNICATIONS. A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THE BOOK, SET APART, WAS GIFTED TO ME IN EXCHANGE FOR RUNNING THIS TOUR ON MY BLOG.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
