Stuck. That's where my journaling has been recently. Stuck. And I've noticed that when my journaling isn't going well, my behavior (walk) isn't as good either.
I went to CRU Austin's monthly luncheon this week. Gary Runn spoke on "Walking In The Spirit." I went after receiving a phone invite from Teresa Snow. I went because, I think, of the message title. I also went because CRU-Austin puts on some great events, and they're always timely. A couple of people went with me (Austen and Bruk).
In after thought though, I was hoping for some insight to
a Spirit filled journaling.
Walking (journaling) - in - the - spirit. That sounds so intriguing. But really? How does that happen? Is it something I can learn, or is it a gift?
These are serious questions for someone who has trouble with a spirit filled crawl.....
Gary shared out of John 13 - 17. Specifically 14: 16, 17, 26, 15: 26, 27, 16: 7-11, 13-15, Galatians 5: 19-23, and Acts 1:8.
I've got 4 pages of notes. Gary gave us some good information. Information that will cause, if you're looking, you to get way past your habitual thoughts.
Big things that jump out at me (from the notes) this morning are..
Big things that jump out at me (from the notes) this morning are..
- my answer to Gary's question "what 3 words describe you right now?" were persistence, thankful, struggle (strange combination?!..)
- the reminder that the Holy Spirit is the Helper (that just opened up a few minutes of journaling). Helper...a good helper anticipates when help is needed. Not new, but we also come to the same thing a different person each time...right. It's meaning...HELPER...means something different, more real this time.
- Gospel is narrow, evangelism is wide
- Holy Spirit's primary purpose is to bring the light on Jesus, to glorify Jesus and that Jesus might be disclosed to the world. Yet, I tend to hide Him.
- tell authentic stories
- Jesus is the cause of persecution
- inward vs outward role of Holy Spirit (need to definitely listen to that part again)
- praying TO the Holy Spirit
- we were redeemed for possession (gulp....)
- the fruit becomes evident when I'm walking with the Holy Spirit
- "choose" to yield sin over to God
- something about exhaling to release sin and inhaling to be rejuvenated in Christ
- something about exhaling to release sin and inhaling to be rejuvenated in Christ
Small bites. There's a lot to take in here and a good time to 'choose to take small bites.'
I'm reminded of the time someone said to me 'one day at a time is just too long' and not too long afterward hearing Doug Sherman talk about putting one foot in front of another. That's me, just trying to pay attention.
I think I'll focus on 'a spirit filled next step, next breath.' Exhale, inhale.
As to being stuck? Not-so-much right now (I'll be pondering this scripture/the notes and will post comments below).
As to being stuck? Not-so-much right now (I'll be pondering this scripture/the notes and will post comments below).
Thanks CRU. Thanks for the call Teresa (I probably went because she took the time to call and invite me!).
