WATCHWORD:
19Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or more gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:19-20
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
Meditation:
Great Experiment
As I explained in a previous Watchword, I was part of a gathering of church members, in a program of five supported disciplines which we called The Great Experiment. Each member of the group was committed to practicing the disciplines, which included:
- Meeting each week to pray and share.
- Give two hours each week to God. (Undefined)
- Tithe 10% of your earnings.
- 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.
Although they appear to be simple and within the reach of any person, these disciplines contain the greatest concentration of power in changing of a human life. The purpose of each one is to help you put God first in your life. I believe these disciplines can best be practiced in a group where we support one another, offer ideas and suggestions, but there is no reason why these disciplines cannot be incorporated in your own, individual, walk as a Christian. In the following points, I have summarized the key elements of each discipline:
- MEET EACH WEEK TO PRAY AND SHARE: When Jesus said, “where two or more gather in my name, there am I with them”. He meant that! This is a simple truth – if your group will meet each week for support and sharing experiences, questions, even faults in an atmosphere of trust, and pray for one another, you will find, beyond your expectations, the power of this discipline.
- GIVE GOD 1/10 OF YOUR EARNINGS: Of all the acts and wonders of the Christian life none is less understood than the discipline of self-surrender where tithing is concerned. Putting God first in our lives require that we give back to God a portion of His two greatest gifts – Our time and our talents. It says clearly, “I surrender my all to you, Heavenly Father.
- GIVE TWO HOURS EACH WEEK TO GOD: In some ways, giving God your money is easier than giving your time, yet we should not underestimate the importance of this. Time is one of the most important gifts we have received from Him, and our tendency is to hoard it. Volunteering, reaching out to another in love, compassion and anonymity, shows that we understand the use for which God has provided time. By dedicating our time, we are underscoring that God is the center of our life.
- SPEND 30 MINUTES EACH MORNING, PRIVATELY, IN PRAYER AND MEDITATION: This is time we define to include prayer, readings and meditation; intentional planning acts of kindness or generosity to be done that day, and writing in your journal meaningful thoughts and inspirations, as well how God has blessed you.
- SHARING WITH OTHERS YOUR EXPERIENCE AS WITNESS FOR GOD: Of the disciplines, this is probably most challenging. Discussing this within your group is helpful, but the truth is that God will begin to change lives and enhance your desire to share with others. This becomes your faith story and, in that knowledge, will give you peace, and you will want to tell others. Nevertheless, speaking boldly about what God has done in your life can be very meaningful to others. Share.
Those are simply summaries of the disciplines. As one who has gone through these over an extended period, I can attest to the value that God places in each one, and, taken together, is a powerful experience that truly changes lives. So be it.
Bulletin Board:
If you would like additional information on the Great Experiment, including some of the handouts that were used, and scripture themes and passages that became a focus of our meditation time each day, contact me – Stan Escott at bosworthescott@gmail.com.
Gentle Reminder:
We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. Psalm 126:2
Prayer:
Lord, I draw closer to you because you have promised to draw closer to me. Thank you for your precious promises that give me comfort and strength. Show me the way to everlasting life. I bare my heart before you and repent of everything that comes between you and me. Forgive my sins and cleanse me from unrighteousness. Purify my heart that I may hear you clearly and obey your commands. Help me remove the distractions that get in the way of giving my heart to you in its entirety. I will guard my heart and present it to you pure and holy. Forgive me for where I have been double-minded. Give me the single-mindedness I need to focus my attention on you. Let me not look to the right or to the left but to keep my eyes on you. Give me a renewed focus and help me not to veer off the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
