WATCHWORD:
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:1
Meditation:
Are You Brave Enough?
Have you heard of a program of Christian disciplines entitled “Wanted: 10 Brave Christians for 30 Days”? The program originated in 1963 in a Methodist Church in Florida. I believe that since that time thousands of lives in churches across the country have been enhanced by the power of this set of five disciplines.
The five disciplines are simple and understandable. They involve:
- Meet each week for prayer and sharing.
- Give two hours each week to God, in the church and in the community.
- Tithe, time, wealth and talent.
- Spend 30 minutes each morning, privately, in prayer and meditation, 10 minutes of the time reserved for journaling the work and blessings of God in our lives.
- Witness our faith experience to others, outside of our group and church.
In January 1983, I was part of a gathering of “Brave Christians” of Zion Lutheran Church, in this program of supported disciplines which we renamed The Great Experiment, where each of us committed to practicing the five disciples for 30 days. Initially, 25 of us met each week and after the first 30 days, 24 recommitted for another 30 days. This continued, month after month, and after we had been meeting for a year, we had 18 of our original group and by the end of the 9th year, six continued at each gathering and, then, we elected to join a new Bible study program that was just getting started.
Many who participated in this practice of the disciplines would say that the experience has had a lasting impact on their relationship with God. However, just stating the disciplines here doesn’t really tell the story. There is so much more to each of the five disciplines, which I will elaborate on in the next Watchword. I urge you to prayerfully consider each one, but be careful, if you commit to this experiment, and the disciplines, in a group or on your own, your life may never be the same! So be it.
The Truth of the Great Experiment:
- This experiment will do you no good unless you try it!
- This experiment will do you a little good if you only try it.
- This experiment will do you great good if you follow it faithfully.
- This experiment could change your life if it taught you to pray!
- Go with God!
D-Day – June 6, 1944:
The D-Day operation brought together the land, air and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest invasion force in human history. The operation, given the codename OVERLORD, delivered five naval assault divisions to the beaches of Normandy, France. This was the start that lead to the surrender of German Nazi forces, on May 7, 1945.
Gentle Reminder:
Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them… Love each other with a genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:9-10
Prayer from Wendy Blight:
Abba Father, Your Word promises that whoever believes in You will have rivers of living water flowing from the heart. I’ve given my heart to You, Lord. I’m Your blood-bought daughter/son. My name is engraved in the palm of Your hand. I’m thirsty. I long for Your living water to flow in all its fullness through me today and every day You give me on this earth. Holy Spirit, fill me afresh right now. Fill me to overflowing with the fullness of Your Peace, Presence, Love, Joy and Hope. Just as you ensure a spring is constantly renewed with fresh water to keep it pure and flowing freely, renew me today. Awaken me each day with a deep and abiding desire to meet with You. Give me an unquenchable thirst as I sit at Your feet. Ignite a passion in me for more of You and more of Your Word. Convict me. Minister to my heart. Encourage and equip me. I love you, Lord, and ask this in Jesus’ most precious and holy name. Amen
