Awesome Orientation

Last weekend, GoNow missionaries (who weren't already on the field) headed to Dallas for a time of spiritual growth and preparation. One of the first and most important lessons we learned was to take off the bib and put on the apron. That is, we need to serve others rather than simply be served. Likewise, in order to mature spiritually, we ought to move from 'toast' to 'pretzels.' Examples of spiritual toast are the basic disciplines such as attending church, reading Scripture, and praying. Toast is essential, but in order to move further toward Christ, we must practice the 'pretzel' disciplines (I like to think of this as moving from milk to meat...). Examples are silence, reflection, self-examination, and scripture memory. Of course, these disciplines are not ends in themselves, rather, they are a few ways in which we may draw closer to Christ.

During the weekend, we were able to practice some of these less-known disciplines. One of the most moving experiences was prayer-walking. It is amazing how difficult it is to walk and have a conversation with God at the same time. I hope that during this journey I will practice this discipline in such a way that conversing with the Lord will became as simple as talking to a best friend.

Please pray that God will continue to prepare the hearts of those I encounter and fill my own heart with His love. Pray that each missionary will be used in a mighty way as they serve around the world.

I pray that each of you 'may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects...' (Colossians 1)

Hebrews 5:13-14

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not aquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Ephesians 4:14-15

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed bak and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.