a quick (depending on your attention span and speed-reading ability) note about this season's book study:
the information in this next book, The Freedom of Simplicity, has been extremely influential (in a good way) in the internal and external transformation of my own life, since I picked it up a little over a year ago - just ask my family...as a result of some the changes in my life, i have had more spiritual conversations with people (believers and not) over the last year than any year prior...i believe this "living simpler" concept is compelling, very timely and universally important to all, especially believers...i also believe that dealing with it prayerfully, intently and sincerely can transform our lives (and the lives of those we lead) and thus, our worship...the content of The Freedom of Simplicity may spark the most important discussions we will have together this year...
i strongly desire that we discuss and evaluate this book together (for individual/group application)... I encourage all of you to stay up on the reading and jot down questions, "ah-has," "no ways," etc. to share with everyone...also talk about this stuff throughout the day with those around you...
this month we will discuss chapter one, "the complexity of simplicity"... i do not wan't to miss any of the forthcoming discussions...
our recent rehearsals have been shuffled around in many ways (and most likely will continue to be)...thus, i think a new plan for book study is necessary (that is, as opposed to trying to do it every saturday, which hasn't happened yet)...
so, on the LAST saturday of each month, let's plan on gathering everyone for food, discussion and prayer after rehearsal at 10:30am until 1:00 pm...we'll begin on saturday, may 30 at 10:30 in the green room...please plan to attend...it would be great if everyone could bring a snack to share...i'll supply the high quality H2O...i will also attempt to resurrect the blog (you remember that don't you?), so we can discuss things 24-7, or as you come up with thoughts/questions...
here are a few questions to ask yourself (and others) from chapter one:
1. Which part of the "more is better" race to affluence culture concerns me most as it relates to my life (or the life of my family)?
2. Where do i find myself subtly, or even not so subtly, drawn to desire affluence or status, etc?
3. What factors make a life of simplicity complex? Brainstorm those and then think about ways to combat the complexities.
4. What complex aspect of your life is difficult for you to envision ever being simpler? Pray that God will show you the one small step you can make toward that impossible goal?
5. Foster's discussion on "tensions" is important. How is simplicity both a Grace and a Discipline? Easy and Difficult? Inward and Outward? Goodness vs Limitation (material possessions)?
6. What "things" own too much of me? (In other words, what stuff do I THINK I cannot live without?)
7. What things do I take for granted? Can I acknowledge it as a "good gift" from God and thank Him for it regularly?
I feel the Holy Spirit loudly in the final paragraph of chapter one:
"Models of simplicity are desperately needed today. Our task is urgent and relevant. Our century thirsts for the authenticity of simplicity, the spirit of prayer, and the life of obedience. May we be the embodiment of that kind of authentic living."
this could be just me, but i am praying that it's His Spirit that makes my heart jump when i consider how the freedom in Christian simplicity lived out in each of you and then in the midst of the community of grace gathering can change our families and communities...i do believe the application of the content of the book will be unique in every individual and family, but if it is from the Spirit, it will change us for the better and His kingdom will expand as a result...
seeking FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness,
with you,
see you all saturday, May 30,
craig
∆ IN ∆ UP ∆ OUT ∆
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craig eakright
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"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks."
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