Day 61

"But I thought this was the 60/60 Experiment!"

It is. There won't be any more official posts to this BLOG but we're hoping that you'll take time to tell your story of how you experienced God during these past 60 days. All you have to do is post a Comment to Day 61. It doesn't have to relate to anything anyone else has written. It's just a chance to tell your story. If you haven't shared your story with anyone yet - this a great chance. And even if you have told a few people, here's an opportunity to encourage still others.

Looking forward to celebrating God's goodness made real in your life.

In His grip,

Pastor Steve


::Clark Howe::





::Linda Noftle::





::Vicki Howe::

DAY 60

As I'm sitting here I'm reviewing what happened in the services this morning. There was a lot of excitement when people were sharing what God has done in their lives. We thanked God for showing Himself to Tony and Amity. We laughed at God's goodness to Vicki as He answered a simple prayer for a ride home. We agreed with Linda as she spoke about how it's easy to get too busy for God. And we celebrated the small and big changes that have taken place in the lives of many. It seemed right to me.

And it's caused me to wonder - "Why don't we celebrate victories more often?" They don't need to be huge ones - like starting a ministry or being part of ten friends coming to know Jesus. They could be small victories, like choosing to become part of a small group OR trusting God (rather than trying to exert control) when people we love disappoint us. This morning was energizing. It doesn't mean that every trouble will disappear for those who gave testimony but God has worked for good in their lives and He deserves praise.

I think the 60/60 Experiment is all about opening the eyes of our hearts so that we can see God more clearly . . . . . and we can praise Him for what He has done and is doing.

And that leads me to this week. I'm really glad that our Soul Revolution Campaign has formally finished the week before Thanksgiving. There is so much to Thank God for -and now we can see Him more clearly and thank Him more personally.

May you continue to connect with God regularly and deeply.

Pastor Steve

Sneak Peak

Day 58

I am really excited about our church service this Sunday. We will be celebrating DAY 60 of our 60/60 experiment, and will be able to hear from a number of people as to how God worked in their lives during the experiment. We will also take time to worship our God who invites us in to this personal relationship. During the service we will be opening up the mic for people to share, so be thinking about if their is some experience from your 60/60 that God would want you to share with others.

For those who have stuck this thing out - way to go! I'm sure that you have a better understanding of what it means to hear God, and to have continual interaction with Him. Even if you consider your experiment to be a "failure", though, I want to encourage you to think about this - did God do or change anything in your life during the 60/60? Are you in a better relationship with Him now that when you began? Did you learn anything about God or about yourself through the 60/60? If so (to any of these), then I would not consider it a failure by any means, but a great learning experience. Just hang in there, and continue to learn the lessons that He is teaching you. And imagine (like Burke prompts us) to imagine what your life could be like 3 years down the road.

May He continue to change you into the person that He created you to be, and may He complete the great work that He has done in your life.

Blessings.

Day 56

Am I connecting to God more on Day 56 than on Day 1?
Yes!!

In fact 2 nights ago with heads bowed praying before dinner someone's watch went off and I smiled, already in His presence. I have noticed over the last 2 weeks that as my beeper went off it mattered less and less because I was in God's presence more and more ~ that habit, pattern, desire to be in His presence was here. I am so excited that I am hearing this from many different places and from different ages of people. People connecting with God more. . . not more than "so-n-so" just more for them! Each of us connecting more throughout our day; before a decision is made, before a conversation, as we walk/drive/run/exercise, during a meeting, as we put our heads on our pillows...

On page 249 the author asks us to image our lives 3 years from now if this remains a way of life and not just a 60/60 experiment we've shared. As I imagine this I know I want that for my relationship with Christ. I pray that the 60/60 experiment remains a changed way of life
for me ~ and for you ~ and for us ~ as we follow Jesus and grow alongside.

What's next for me?
Stay in the Small Group we are in going deeper with others, keep my beeper going to remind me of my ongoing commitment and continue to ask for God's help in keeping my heart connected to HIS because I need Him in all things.
What's next for you?

Happy Thanksgiving ~ our blessings are abundant in Christ Jesus.

Lynn

Day 55

The leaves are down and mostly raked up. Fall is about over. Fall is not my favorite season, but I do love the fall colors when the leaves turn. This year it was unusually spectacular for me. In the latter weeks, when a lot of the leaves had already fallen, there were still some brilliant red and gleaming gold trees along the streets I travel. Several times the sun was shining through those trees in such a way that it actually illuminated the leaves, making the colors more vibrant than any I can recall. I was compelled to stop and just take it in. On other occasions the sunset I saw as I was driving home from work was unusually breathtaking—deep rose colors, bright pinks and dazzling golds contrasted against a pale blue or gray sky and stretching across the entire landscape. I had to pull over and watch as it moved and changed and eventually began to fade. This happened 5 or 6 times. Each time the majesty and glory of God was so evident to me that I was moved to spill out praises to Him as I observed His creation. But at the same time I wondered what was so different about this fall that it seemed so much more magnificent than others? The difference, I concluded, is that this fall I am doing the 60-60 experience—connecting more with God—listening more for God—looking more for God. And He will be found! His word says so! Even in such seemingly small things, He enriched my life and blessed me. This is just one more reason I have appreciated the Soul Revolution. I pray that your experience has been rewarding too, and that you will continue drawing closer to the God who is waiting for you and for me. Praise our God!

Day 51

So today is Friday...the...13th! Are you scared (if so then apparently you have paraskevidekatriaphobia)? So as rumor goes, there are all sorts of bad things that can happen today, as it is a day of bad luck. I thought that (in rebellion) it would be a great day to celebrate all the good that God is doing in your life. Aren't you glad that we have a God that is not swayed by "bad luck", but is the very Creator of the world, universe, and all the laws that govern it's existence? And so, as we finish up this 60 day experiment, let us be reminded of why we started it in the first place - to be more connected to God, that we might become more aware of His interaction in our everyday lives.

So we no longer say, "Isn't that odd?", but we begin to see, "that was God"! Thank You for letting us see Your workings in our lives!

DAY 48

High View
In our Ladies Bible Fellowship Study this morning, our leader made this statement: “What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” That is a statement to ponder.

We talked a lot about having a “high view” of God and what that means. As I was thinking about that before hand, I thought about His ultimate holiness, His complete perfection, His immeasurable goodness, His unwavering faithfulness, His unconditional love, His overarching wisdom, His limitless power and on and on. Emphatically, He is high, high above me. Unquestionably I believe this. Is He so high that He is unreachable? I don’t believe that. His Word tells me that he knows me, loves me and wants to have a relationship with me. This is not a new revelation for me, but the expanse between his high position and my lowliness was driven home once again by this pondering. And then the beeper goes off and I am reminded that God wants to connect with me more often. He wants the connection to be moment by moment. I am humbled and overwhelmed by this privilege.

Day 47

Yesterday I went rock climbing with a friend after church. I know, I know that's not really that remarkable since I go climbing with this friend often but there's more. This time we took our kids with us. He took his two and I took my three oldest boys up to Buck Mountain to this great climbing place. On our 1.5 mile hike to the climbing crag I looked ahead of me at the long trail of people (5 kids) and was struck at what a great experience this is. We got to the crag, set the gear to do the climbing (to climb safely) and the fun began! One by one, our kids roped up and climbed about 60 feet up this cliff face. Each one admitted to be a little bit afraid and they all had trouble with a certain spot, but....they kept going. As each one pushed pass their fear and kept going, I was struck by how profound that is! I learned something from each of those 5 kids yesterday that I wanted to share with you. Being a little afraid is a good thing, and pushing past it is even better. That struggle and tension brings wisdom and confidence. Perhaps some of you are afraid, or facing great struggles, or maybe the stress of living out this Soul Revolution challenge is getting hard. I want to encourage you to keep going because the Apostle Paul said it best:

"Theres more to come: We continue to shout our praises even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary--we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5: 3-5 MSG)!"

Blessings,

Joshua

Day 45

What a pleasant surprise! I was concentrating on my upcoming meeting as I drove to church. And there they were! Four colorful hot air balloons hanging in the still morning sky.

Just as I was surprised by the sight of those balloons, I think the 60-60 practice of God's presence is helping me see more of the pleasant surprises of God's activity all around me, even as I go about my daily rountines.

I'm reminded that God "is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:27-28)

Pastor Bill

Day 44

My good friends Justin and Zoe had a baby this past Tuesday (congrats guys!). As I was holding little baby Elliot in the hospital on Thursday, I was deeply moved, and reminded of God's goodness. This little baby was just revealed to his parents when he was born, but he has already been known to God. Wait a second...what? He has already been known to God. Think about that, and let it blow your mind for a few minutes. I mean, I've known that truth, but it really hit me in a new way this past week as I let it sink deeply in to my spirit. Then I thought of some other truths of God: He has a plan for Elliot's life; He wants a relationship with him; He has made a way for relationship with him, and..., and...

As you continue the 60-60, let the truths of our amazing God blow you away, and let them lead you to love (for Him and people) and action!

In His Presence

I was driving to work (church) and on the way I usually pray. I found myself thanking God for the many experiences ~ deep exchanges ~ Soul Revolution has initiated with other people in my life and especially with the Lord. I began to think about some of the changes it has made in my life. One instantly came to mind; I have become more and more aware that He is God and I am not. Daily I am reminded of this rather than once a month or once in a while. I have found that in meeting with God - coming into His presence more - it keeps me humbly aware of who I am not and more importantly of who He is. That is right and good and it should be. How in the world to I lose that in daily life? I lose it by not staying connected to Him. I am thankful that Soul Revolution - the 60/60 experiment has engaged my heart and mind into staying committed to meeting with God, seeking Him more and more and more.

I am so looking forward to November 22nd when we will celebrate as a congregation during our Sunday Worship Services what the Lord has done. I am praying for these last weeks of the 60/60 to be used by our God in life changing ways so that we will seek moment by moment to be in His presence.

Blessings,

Lynn

Day 43

Fresh off a very enjoyable spirited Community Group meeting, I began today with a thought process that was my"issue" last night, of what I wanted to change with the help of Intentional Practices. I acknowledged that I could not do this on my own. That the habit in thought was going to come, but I wanted the Holy Spirit to intervene to remind me of what I vowed to overcome. Right on cue as my negative thought entered, there was the Holy spirit's reminder to to say"Remember what you were going to do when this happens". Thank you Holy spirit you came! peter

DAY 41

Group Support
It’s really neat when someone is honest about an area in their life which God wants to change, especially if you have been aware of that issue for some time but they’ve been in denial. This happened in our Group last night. We were supposed to identify one behavior, attitude or habit in our own life that kept us from experiencing God’s best for us. One person named the very character flaw that I found frustrating in them, and had been praying about how to deal with it. When they named that very thing, I was amazed that they saw it. With God’s help they saw it for what it is. That was so encouraging to me, because I knew God was “on it”. The next step was to commit to an “intentional spiritual practice” that would help change that one flaw--and to agree to be held accountable for doing that practice. As that commitment was made, I could see that God was in this change process.

Where else would I have seen that happen? Realistically, I can’t think of a place. But that’s what can happen in a Group.

I had my own flaw to share, so now I have my own “intentional practice” to be accountable for. Where else would I have felt safe and comfortable enough to admit my own flaw(s) so openly? Where else would I not be afraid of what people would think? Where else would I feel so accepted in spite of my flaw(s)? Where else would I be held accountable to carry out my “practice”? I don’t have another place like that in my life. It happens in my Community Group. And I can count on prayer support from the group along the way.

Doing the Soul Revolution in Group has confronted me with a gentle but needed push to make the changes God shows me as I read and do the exercises. I also get an opportunity to see God’s work in the lives of others. Thank you, God, for your plan of community life. Your plan is always the best.

Day 40

We knew this young couple for a few years while we served at Parkside. They had just gotten married when they were transferred to Fort Drum so that he could begin his military career. They were so much fun to be around. She served as a vocalist on my worship team and they both helped us out in our student ministry. We enjoyed their friendship and said our sad goodbyes when they were transferred to a different duty station where they had their first son and she became pregnant with a girl (due this December). Life was good, even when he left for his second deployment with his unit several months ago. Last week we he was killed along with 8 other soldiers while on patrol in Afghanistan...my heart aches for this young family.

There are three reasons I'm telling you this today. First, I think it's important to talk about what is troubling our hearts. It does little good keeping it bottled in. Next, I would ask that you would pray for this family as they grieve the loss of this beloved husband, son and friend. Lastly, take some time during your 60/60 experiment this week to thank Him for your friends and family, they are a gift from God. Additionally remember to pray for them as the Lord leads. Thanks for letting me share my heart!

-Joshua

Day 38

This week I talked with a friend who has followed Jesus faithfully for decades. He has been chronically ill for the past several months. The constant physical pain has at times taken a toll on his emotional and spiritual reserves. Any of you who have experienced chronic pain for a long time would identify with him.

He said recently the pain was so intense and the illness so unrelenting that he had periods of time when he wondered if God had forsaken him. When those doubts came he drew upon what he had learned was true about God from the years he had spent cultivating the Lord's daily presence. His years of intentionally walking with God enables him to remember that God continues to love him and be with him even when his painful experiences seem to contradict those truths.

As we continue to practice the Lord's presence every day we are not only able to experience a revolution in our souls now, but we will be preparing our hearts for the day when the pain of life may threaten to blind us from what we know is true about God. The Psalmist tells us that the person who walks closely with God is blessed and that "He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord." (Psalm 112:7)

Pastor Bill

Day 37

The Lord has been speaking to me about my heart lately. It's very humbling to know that there are things that need to be changed in your heart, because that means that it is at the very center (or HEART) of who you are. But God has been showing me things there that need to change. A couple of verses that have gotten stuck in my mind are:

Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
-Psalm 51:10 (NLT)

-AND-

May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in Your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
-Psalm 19:14 (NIV)

There is also this song that has been working on my soul, as well. It is by Mike Crawford and it's called Center My Heart. You can listen to it over on his myspace site if you'd like, but here are some of the lyrics:

center my heart upon You, Lord
center my heart upon You

it's so easy to fall asleep in life
and let the night erase the day
the comfort of not thinking calls my name

it's so easy to sink this ship
I'm sailing on instead of digging in
and rowing through the storms of life with You, with You

center my heart center my soul
center my strength upon You, Lord
center my mind center my life
center my heart upon You

it's so easy to be the person who
will take the path and suffer less
any time there's trouble I turn back

it's so easy to bless the people who
reach out to me the harder thing
is loving those my instincts say "reject, reject"

So how is God working on you?

Day 36

Did you see it? Tuesday morning approximately 7:05am in the eastern sky. The most incredible "sailor's warning" I've ever seen. The sky wasn't just pink, it was a fluorescent mixture of red's, purple's & pinks ominously coloring the low lying cirrus clouds, that filled the entire view out my kitchen window. Wow! What an artist! "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature -have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20

I was beginning to "leak." I was certain I wasn't whining or complaining, but I started noticing myself mentioning to people, just matter of fact-ly, that I hadn't been getting to service on a regular basis. In case you don't know, I love getting to service, but my position on staff requires a "buck stops here" commitment to the KIDS on Sunday morning. I believe I didn't even talk to God about it. But He knew! Last Saturday we went to a Workshop in Albany that included two 45 minute "sermons", that fit right into our 60/60 connect with God, specifically His Holy Spirit, of which I'm a big fan. Two take aways I'd like to share: (1) How many of us would Die for Jesus if "terrorists" gave us a choice. He was preaching to the choir, all hands went up. How often do we say "No" to Jesus in the little things in life, like passing by someone in need, for our own agenda. (2) How many "souvenirs from hell" do we carry around with us. Things like secular music with ungodly words & ideas but we sing because we like the melody or the beat moves us. Ouch! A challenge to go deeper! We had a great worship time led by the youth of their Church. I was being filled.
Then Sunday morning everything was totally covered during 2nd service downstairs and I could attend the adult service, albeit late. Pastor Steve did his usual awesome job connecting Truth to our real world. The best take away for me was -The World equates success with EFFORT; God's formula is SURRENDER. This blended so well with the deeper leaning on the Holy Spirit messages of the day before. To my pleasant surprise worship was at the end, I wasn't going to miss it! Tammy's leading was moving, so easy to honor our Creator.
Last night, at the Leadership Community meeting, Joshua again led us into God's presence and Pastor Steve led us in a foot washing experience that took us beyond the usual take away of servant leadership, to being willing to be open and vulnerable to letting people lay heavy, personal issues before us.
I feel like I've been to 4 Sunday Services this week. My cup is full! And I didn't even ask. Or did I? "...for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8 peter

Day 35

Meditate On These Things

In Psalm 19:14 David wrote, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord."

During Soul Revolution I have begun to fill my mind with Scripture and focus on the Lord's commands and promises and goodness.

This week I am focusing on His goodness while meditating on Psalm 86:
He saves.
He is merciful.
He is kind and forgiving and has great love for those who call upon Him.
He is there for me in times of trouble.
There is no one like our God ~ no works like His.
He is great and He does miracles.
He has great love for me, great love for you.
He is slow to anger.
He is full of love and faithfulness.
He is our comforter.

I need the reminders/comfort/challenges/renewal/focus/rest that meditating on His Word bring me. I am connecting to God by meditating on His goodness and thanking Him for His love. My bible study brought this quote to me this week while choosing to meditate; "To become more like Christ, mediate on who He is."

Alongside,

Lynn

Day 34

Soul Care
People are very concerned about caring for their bodies. We regularly hear all about what to feed our bodies, how to clean our bodies, how to enhance our bodies, how to exercise our bodies, and on and on. Body care is important to us.

This past Saturday, I attended a Group Life Conference in the area. One of the speakers talked about the importance of a healthy soul—Soul Care. Just as we can neglect our body care, we can also neglect our soul care. I think many of us do that.

How much time do we give to feeding our souls? Is it a Sunday thing? A few minutes a day thing? How do I receive from God? Is it enough to keep my soul alive and well or is my soul starving? These questions are from the Conference session.

In considering these questions, I was feeling very thankful for the Soul Revolution. My Soul Care is looking much better than it used to. Whew! I know connecting with God more throughout the day is feeding my soul. A lot of what I read about in my Soul Revolution book is about soul care. This week we read about how the “things” we keep hidden can effect or even cause our unhealthy behaviors and sin patterns. We are challenged to bring these things out into God’s light by doing a “Full Spiritual Inventory”. (details on page 163). I admit it is intimidating and definitely challenging. My first reaction was resistance, but I did it. It wasn’t as hard as I thought. As I began, one thought brought up another and another. As I considered the given categories (resentments, fears, moral behaviors, pride and selfishness and relational/emotional struggles) my page was filling up. I didn’t know I had so many things hidden and needing to be brought to God. And I’m sure there’s more, but it’s a starting place. I have never done this before, and I can see the benefits already. I think my soul is better groomed than it was before. Praise God! Thank you, God, for the opportunity to take better care of my soul through Soul Revolution. I’m looking forward to learning more about Soul Care in the remaining weeks. I hope you are too.
Joan

Day 32 (Posted day 33)

I was able to put my socks on without back pain today! Three weeks ago I was desperate to get out from under the pain I was feeling. If an exercise would have relieved it I would gladly have done it - anything to be able to move in normal ways without feeling like a metal band was being tightened around my lower back. During that time I was diligent to; sit correctly, ice my back in the evenings, take anti-inflammatorys and stretch multiple times during the day. Now that the pain is lessening so is my diligent attention to stretching and correct posture.

In a similar fashion there have been times where I have been desperate for God. I knew that without Him I could not go on. I was willing to do anything - confess my sin, pray late into the night, wrestle with Him over an issue - to know His presence. But when the pain that reminds me of my need for God is gone I fall back in to a pattern of doing much of life in my own strength. How shortsighted.

Today as my watch beeps my simple prayer is, "Father, I need you right now as much as at any time in my life. Thank you for being near."

Pastor Steve

Day 33

I thoroughly enjoyed our corporate worship experience last Sunday morning! There is such a great excitement when hundreds of people come together to bring an offering of worship to God through giving of their time, treasures, and talents. This week, on day 32 of the Soul Revolution I wanted to share a brief excerpt from one of my favorite books that will help you continue your worship experience for the rest of the week. Check this out:

"The revelation of God is the fuel for the fire of our worship. And there is always more fuel for the fire. When we open the eyes of our hearts, God's revelation comes flying at us from so many angles. He has revealed Himself to us in creation, throughout the history of His people and overwhelmingly at the cross. And to this day, every breath we breathe is a reminder of our maker, and every hour holds the possibility of living in His presence. We simply need to keep putting ourselves in a place where we are likely to receive this revelation."

-The Unquenchable Worshipper

-Matt Redman

Rather than sharing personal experiences, revealing passages of Scripture or just plain preaching I wanted to give you a few thoughts to consider:

1. What was the last thing that God revealed to you? Where were you when it happened? What was your emotional and spiritual response to that revelation?

2. Describe a place or an activity that seems to inspire you to pray, worship, or stop to thing about God.

3. Think of your favorite worship song and ask yourself why you like it so much. What sort of revelation does it bring? What is your response that revelation?

May you see Him in the little things, experience Him in the big things and be ever mindful of the many ways in which He reveals Himself as you continue your lifestyle of worship this week!

-Joshua

Day 31

This week God is reminding me about the importance of living all of my ordinary life with Him in mind. He doesn't expect me to do great, spectacular feats for Him. Those are not His measure of how effectively I am following Him. He is more interested in my willingness to approach the ordinary tasks of daily living, the routine matters that make up my actual life, in the manner that Jesus would approach them.

I've visited Colossians 3:17 several times recently: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

I need to keep learning that my life in Christ is not only a matter of what I do, but of how I do it. Whatever I do (and most of what I do is the routine of life) I am to do in the manner of Jesus. That helps me understand that any soul revolution that takes place in me is one that encompasses my everyday life -not only my church life or religious life. It also frees me from falsely thinking that I am of little use to God unless I am performing great and spectacular feats for Him.

I have the following quote from Oswald Chambers taped to the front of my computer:
"The thing that tells in the long run for God and men is the steady persevering work in the unseen. It is inbred in us that we have to do exceptional things for God; but we have not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things. It does require the supernatural grace of God to live an ordinary, unobserved, ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus."

Have an exceptional ordinary revolution day!

Pastor Bill

Day 30

So today is a big perspective check for me - for us all really, and there is not really any way around it. Today you are bound to be thinking one of two types of thoughts...

(1) Wow! We are halfway through the 60 days. I wonder what the next 60 days will hold...
(2) What? We still have 30 days left! There's no way that I can keep this up...

Okay - so It might not sound exactly like that in your head, but I'm sure that as you read "Day 30", you must have had a thought similar to one of these. Today would be a great day to evaluate this experiment in your own life. Here are some questions to consider...

(1) Have I been fully committed to this experiment over the past 30 days?
(2) What has been helpful in aiding my connection/conversation with God?
(3) What has been hindered my connection/conversation with God?
(4) What has God done in my life over the past 30 days?
(5) Am I willing to be fully committed to this experiment for the next 30 days?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on these questions. May you sense and follow God more as you seek Him each day!

Day 29

CONNECTING WITH GOD- I connect with God most easily in nature. After last weeks cold I couldn't wait to spend a few hours outside this week. I took a look at my hobby garden and felt disappointed. Once again my earnestness to keep after the weeds in early Summer gave way to busyness with Camp Discovery and preparation for the Fall Ministry Season and now the evidence of neglect was way too apparent. Overwhelming the corn stalks, strawberry plants and the few small blueberry bushes were weeds, weeds, weeds...everywhere. My thoughts turned to Adam & Eve...thanks for the weeds folks. Then I had the clear impression that these weeds, whose origin was hatched by sin, represented what sin does in our lives. These choking weeks were probably the reason for the very poor corn production this year. I was determined to restore my garden to health. After a few hours of pulling up the dead corn stalks, pulling out the biggest weeds by hand, cutting the smaller ones close to the ground, raking off the carnage and roto-tilling the soil, my garden was restored to Spring like condition. I saw a picture of spiritual life restored by repentance. The following day I had very itchy marks on my wrist. Acquired from hand pulling the weeds, I'm not sure if they were a reaction to a plant or perhaps spider bites from disturbing their homes, but again the impression presented itself that even though the sin is no longer a current issue in my garden, their often remains a consequence.
CONFLICT-Motivated by the 60/60 experiment a church family member came to me to communicate a conflict they had with me. When I study these best practices my thoughts only turn to how I will implement them. I never saw it coming that others would approach ME, trying to clear the air. Now two weeks in a row! I can't wait until we start talking about BLESSINGS! Do we talk about blessings?
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY- Today is the 32 wedding anniversary for me and my wonderful wife Connie! I would like to say something "Profound" about her and the incredibly positive impact she has on my life, but my proficiency with words couldn't possibly do justice to what is going on in my heart. The best compliment that comes to my mind is that I think "Our Marriage" is what God had in HIS mind when he invented the institution. Connie, you know what you mean to me!
peter
P.S.- I do not believe that there is currently anybody in my dog house, God won't let me. If you find yourself there, it is a self imposed sentence. Walk out. The door is not locked.

Day 28

Listening.

It's difficult to be still in the presence of God and listen ... for me that is true. I am usually talking to Him rather than listening to Him.

One of my favorite psalms is Psalm 116:1-2. "I love the Lord, for He head my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live." I do call on the Lord. I pray daily, I listen occasionally.

My prayer life is more talking than listening and I sense that He is calling me to listen. Because He knows I need confirmation of what I sense Him telling me I usually hear from Him in a few ways regarding the same thing - I've shared that before. Well just to confirm what I am sensing in my spirit one of my devotions this week shined the spotlight on listening to God; "The cry of the human soul is never unheard. It is never that God does not hear the cry, but that man fails to hear the response. Like parts of a machine, made to fit each into the other, and to work in perfect harmony, so is the human cry and the God-response." My realization is that if I slow down, stop and listen the response that was waiting to be heard now has the chance.

For me - half way through the 60/60 I am called to be still and listen to God.

What about you? What is God saying to you half way through?

Blessings,

Lynn

Day 27

Be Encouraged

At just about the time we were into 3 weeks of the 60-60,, I found I was getting a little “stale” in my connects with God. It seemed like I was a little like the “broken record”, saying the same things each time. That bothered me. But at about that same time, God refreshed me, as only he can. Several things happened.

First at Ladies Bible Fellowship Study the devotional was on that very thing. I was given a list of scripture verses and a suggestion was made to meditate on one of them if/when we felt a little stale. That has helped a lot.

Then we paid a brief visit to Chicago where we had lived for 6 years. I found myself talking with an old friend about the Soul Revolution and the 60-60. It turns out that she already has the book, but had not read it. She was also about to start a new small group and they were looking for material to study. Through our conversation, she was excited about Soul Revolution and planned to talk to her group about it. That was so affirming.

Then during the week I had a clear leading from God. It didn’t come to me exactly as I was connecting with Him, but as people came across my path. The encouraging part is that I recognized that it was from God. I recognized that he wants me to reach out to these two people. It's very clear to me. And that’s exciting!

God’s timing in all of that was so obvious. God met me where I was. He helped me with an answer I needed, he affirmed me by using me in someone else’s life, and he gave me a “mission” going forward. Being more conscious of God’s presence has allowed me to be more aware or his activity in my life. I could easily have missed it, if I wasn’t trying so hard to tune in through the 60-60. Yes, I have to try hard. It does take effort. But I’m encouraged by the past week. May you be encouraged too.

Praying for you,
Joan

Day 25 (posted day 27)

Doing the 60/60 Experiment has me thinking about motivation. There's no question about the importance of motivation. A motivated team practices and plays at a different level than an unmotivated one. And motivation goes beyond the sports arena, it makes the difference for the student and the parent, the employee and the employer. So, I'm thinking about motivation. What is motivating me to do this experiment as a way of forming a stronger relationship with God?

The answer is: there are a number of motivators for me, all of them powerful yet some that I would call "lesser".

Here are my lesser motivations.

Guilt - Guilt is this sense of having done something wrong. This sense of failure that lingers. Sometimes I'm trying to connect to God on the hour so that at the end of the day I don't feel the weight of guilt.

Pain - Why is it that we seek God most desperately when we're in pain? Trying to understand pain and then have it go away pushes us toward God but when the pain goes away, all too often, our pursuit of God vanishes with it.

Pleasure - I enjoy so many things about the process of connecting to God. Often it happens in quietness - at this time of my life stillness is precious to me. When I connect to God my mind has the freedom to consider thoughts that go deeper than, "What is it that I need to finish before the day is over?" I treasure the chances I have to reflect. When a connection with God has taken place I experience His peace. It's better than coffee or ravioli - and that's saying something.

These are the lesser motivations of my heart. They "work". In other words, they cause me to do the thing (meet with God) that I want to do. But even as they "work", they do damage. When I act out of guilt I reinforce a distorted picture of God. When I meet with God to alleviate my pain or enhance my pleasure it's still about ME. I'm not going to discount the times I move toward God out of guilt or pain or pleasure - God, in his grace, meets me there and moves me to a better place. This better place is the place of love.

I'm convinced that love is the Highest Motivation. So as I continue in the 60/60 Experiment my goal for the next 30 days is to connect with God more and more often because I love Him.

Next week I'll write a bit about what Loving God looks like in real life. But before then I'd love to hear what motivates you and how you live out your love for God.

Pastor Steve

Day 24

There's nothing new under the sun. Our journey of connecting with God in daily life through the Soul Revolution is as old as the Scriptures themselves.

It has also been the experience and endeavor of many followers of Jesus through the centuries. Brother Lawrence was an unknown Lay brother among the Carmelites in Paris in the late 1600's. Following his conversion to Christ as a teenager he made it his goal to maintain an ongoing constant connection with God so as "to walk as in His presence."

Following are a few excerpts from letters that he sent to a friend as he described his habit of constant communion with the Lord. The language is a bit archaic but still meaningful.

"In order to form a habit of conversing with God continually, and referring all we do to Him, we must first apply to Him with some diligence; but after a little care we should find His love inwardly excites us to it without any difficulty."

"We need only to recognize God intimately present to us, to address ourselves to Him every moment, that we may beg His assistance for knowing his will in things doubltful, and for rightly performing those which we plainly see He requires of us, offering them to Him before we do them, and giving Him thanks when we have done them."

Pastor Bill

Day 23

There has been much written on this blog about what to do, and why to do, and what happened, and it has all been great. I have really enjoyed reading it all. For today, though, I thought that we could all just look, worship and give thanks. I recently came across some great worship art by a guy named Adam Howie. For me, art can really point me to some truths that are hard to express in words. May that be true for you today.

Day 22

Someone accused me of something that was both hurtful and untrue. I determined to put them into my dog house...forever! Fortunately this person was also a God follower and we both, it turns out, talked to God about this situation. Within 48 hours our relationship was completely restored. I'm not saying I just intellectually agreed to forgive them. I'm saying my head, my heart, my emotions towards this person returned to pre-event position. My desire to wallow in self pity wanted to lock the dog house and throw away the key. I could not. Desire to dwell on this even one more moment left.
This week's study is on "Conflict". This would have been a great story to dredge up from the past to prove the point. But it happened this week. Wow, what a "coincidence." peter

Day 21 - 3 weeks

Recently we had a house guest, okay - a family member, ... alright - my mother in law. She arrived Aug. 3 and was to depart on Oct. 3 but actually left on Oct. 10. That's 9 weeks. My heart's desire was and is to bless her. She is 83 years old and not had an easy life. I was blessed to pray with her to accept Christ 3 years ago after sharing His love for her at the end of her visit with us that particular year.

I'll cut to the chase; I did really well the first 5 weeks of her visit with us this year...but then "evil Lynn" (the red one with horns that sometimes sits on one of my shoulders) started whispering things into my ear/mind/heart. (Actully I am sure some of my self focused abilities helped in this as well.) I began to get annoyed at the smallest things and downright put out by other things. Talk about inner tension as I am involved in the Soul Revolution.

Question 2 on Page 100 then asked: "How am I treating those around me?" It went on to say: "... be aware of your relationships in relation to God's will." Conviction - Holy Spirit conviction. I can choose to examine my motivations, ask God to give me what I lack as I love others, pray for a heart's desire to move beyond what is happening to me and reach out to others. I am still learning - choosing to lean into God. How about you? How is the revolution within your soul going?

Love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22

Alongside,

Lynn

DAY 20

A Bonus!
The Soul Revolution is making a difference in my life One of the places I am seeing it is in my relationship with my husband. I can’t say if it’s reading the book, connecting with God more intentionally, Community Group discussions or a combination of all the above. I just know there’s a difference, a willingness to change, a willingness to look at some issues.

The lesson for our Community Group meeting last night included talking about conflict. That promised to be challenging, because I’m not very good at conflict. One of the things we were asked to discuss was a situation where we had handled conflict well with the end result that a relationship was restored. Let’s see—can I think of even one situation where I did it right? As Dave and I were preparing to lead that lesson, we were both having the same problem, because we usually don’t do it right, and we knew it. But a wonderful thing happened. In an objective way, we were able to talk about the way we handle conflict, especially between the two of us. We were able to say some hard things to each other, and we were able to hear them. A door that had been blocked with hurt feelings or denial or defensiveness was open to truth. Like never before, we were able to see the other’s perspective and none of those bad feelings came up. That felt like a soul revolution! And I know it’s because of the Soul Revolution.

I rejoice over that small step along the way to handling conflict God’s way. We even thought of an acceptable way to remind each other when we’re heading into our old patterns over a conflict, in order to recognize what’s happening. That’s another small step. And that’s the way God grows us—one step at a time. I am so encouraged by this particular couple of steps. It wasn’t a time when we were looking for a solution. I think it was a bonus. I think God has some surprises for us when we’re open.

I pray that you too are experiencing a willingness to be open to God and some bonuses as you are reading Soul Revolution and experiencing the 60-60.

Day 19

Pizza & the Experiment

When my family and I first moved to South Glens Falls we started a new "thing." Rather than ordering pizza on occasion, we decided that we would start making it. So every Monday night the kids and I get all the stuff together and make some home-made pizza. It was pretty burdensome at first, but now it's becoming second nature. It's understood that Monday is pizza night and that everyone is going to need to help make it. As silly as it sounds, pizza night has become part of the family dynamic, a sort of rhythm of our life. So how does this relate to our Soul Revolution? I really hope that the 60/60 experiment is becoming a rhythm of life rather than a burden. It is beginning to become that for me. I find myself (without a beep) more aware of what God is doing in me, through me, and around me. Though I am not perfect in connecting every hour, I can see that it's working. My challenge for you is today is to take a moment to consider what God is doing in you, through you and around you. Let us rejoice together God's great faithfulness. Blessings... -Joshua

Day 18 (posted day 19)

Yesterday I spoke with a friend about her sister-in-law who has been diagnosed with cancer. Initially the cancer was thought to be Stage 3 but, after the pathology reports were completed, the cancer was evaluated as Stage 1. Certainly serious but much more hopeful.

It struck me, as we talked, living One Day at a Time is really difficult. It’s our nature to plan into the future. We want to have an idea of what to expect out of the coming months or years. We want to “know” what’s going to happen before it happens. We want life to go according to our script. Maybe it’s something like this – Happy marriage, healthy kids, stable job, good health, growing economy, satisfying retirement, enduring legacy. Pretty good script, wouldn’t you agree? But life doesn’t unfold according to a script.

And that’s where learning to live moment by moment with a sense of God’s presence comes in. When life takes a left turn when we wanted to go right, it is important to be reminded that God hasn’t abandoned us. When we can’t see the future because of the fog, it’s crucial to know that God is willing to light our path. And when our energy is focused forward onto Tomorrow or Someday or on That Day – it’s then we most need to hear God say, “Today I’m near. Meet with me Now – Today.”

“God, teach me to trust you with all of my yesterdays and tomorrows so I can enjoy Your presence Today.”

In His grip,

Pastor Steve

DAY 17

Since we started the 60-60 experiment I think I've become more open to the Holy Spirit's leading in my schedule. Like many of you I usually have a plan for the day. For the past few weeks I've been better able to view "interruptions" to that plan as Divine detours, if you will. Not every little thing qualifies as a Divine prompting. I'm not always sure how to respond. But I'm more willing to consider that unplanned events may be part of God's plan for me for that day even though I don't have them on my daytimer. More importantly, I feel myself being less resentful and bothered when those things happen.

For instance, today I had planned various small activities. I was looking forward to them. But yesterday I was talking with someone whom I am uniquely positioned to help. He told about something occurring today that is very difficult for him. He didn't ask me for my help, but after thinking about his situation I believe that the Spirit of God wants me to put aside my plans and be with him today instead. So, last night I called him and we plan to spend time together today.

I think about Acts 16 where Paul and his companions apparently planned to preach in the province of Asia. But we read that the Holy Spirit kept them from preaching there. They ended up preaching in Macedonia instead after God came to Paul in a vision. I also remember God's instruction to us in Galatians 5 to "keep in step with the Spirit." I know that verse is in the context of displaying the fruit of the Spirit. But certainly to "keep in step with the Spirit" has implications for our sensitivity to the Lord's Spirit in responding to the events of everyday.

I'd be interested to know if God has been working with you in this area of being open to the Lord's leadingas we stay connected to Him. Enjoy the revolution!

Pastor Bill

Day 16

Day 15

Greetings,
Fresh off the spiritual high which was our community group last night, let me tell you how impressed I am with the testimonies the people gave in our group regarding their diligence with the experiment and the positive effect it is having on their relationship with God. Even though we are only two weeks into this it would hard not to call this a "success!" It's exciting to wonder what the impact will be several weeks down the road. I encourage myself not to get complacent with the results and settle for a plateau, but strive for ALL God might have for me in this adventure. We accented our study last night with Rob Bell's Nooma Video Devotional titled "Breathe", #14 in his series. It went along great, I believe, with last night's breathing exercise. If any group or individual would like to borrow it, just ask, it's in my office at church. I highly recommend it.
Personally, I found myself with a group of three other people gathered to discuss the details of an upcoming event. You might call this a "task" meeting. At one point the conversation took a turn towards a personal issue in one of our lives. I felt the Spirit say "Go There". We took a detour from our "task" gathering towards this person's personal life. Feeling I had the authority of the Spirit of God, I began to try to give my advice on how to solve this issue for this person. Suddenly again the Spirit spoke, shouting to me "NO, that's not what they need!" I refocused my thoughts and we began to show love and acceptance to this person, not advice. I don't know what effect our conversation had on this individual, but I know I felt the pleasure of God's Spirit come over me for allowing a task meeting to become a relationship meeting with Spiritual implications.
Earlier that same day I had stumbled across the classic song by Pete Townshend, "Love...Reign o'er Me", on the radio. Songs sung with passion move me spiritually, even rock & roll, ok, especially rock & roll songs. Ever sense that gathering, the song keeps coming back to me, accompanied by the feeling of the Holy Spirit's intervention in my mind. I so want the love of God, to be a regular flow out of my mouth and in my actions. Come Holy Spirit, come, I'll try to keep listening. peter

Day 14 - 2 Weeks

I am in a Ladies Bible Fellowship Study alongside participating in The Soul Revolution. In this study we are challenged by the author to "go down (to the floor) before we go up (entering His presence)"; get on our knees with our face to the floor in prayer before we open our bibles and humbly seek the Lord.

What I have noticed is that once I have my face to the floor I don't want to leave there. I am humbled before God. My thoughts are on Him, His holiness, His power, His love, His forgiveness ... Doing this alongside Soul Revolution has been an amazing same-message-in-2 venues-kind-of-experience as I long to stay in His presence. On page 65 of our Soul Rev. book the author says; "Watch what happens as you willingly put Him first.".

Yesterday I spoke with the first pastor I have ever had. He called me "out of the blue" (and we all know what that means) -we played phone tag for a few weeks...but yesterday I spoke to him. I see his call, our connection, as a perfect gift from God. In my devotions I was to journal about my place of salvation. So I wrote about the time, place, circumstances I accepted Christ as a 30 year old mom of 2 in need. I praised the Lord for rescuing me and revealing to this unchurched woman that Christ wants me, died for me, loves me. I asked Him to be my Savior. As I continued to write my thoughts I thanked the Lord for the first Body of Christ He guided me to and for the growth that began there. Seven days later my Pastor calls - haven't heard from him since 1993! He said he felt led to connect with some people who were meaningful in his life and in the life of that church. He prayed over me at the end of the phone call in a way that touched my soul ~ and I hung up in the presence of the Giver of all good things - our Lord. God has such personal blessings for us. Let's continue to seek Him first and watch what happens....

Loving Christ Alongside,
Lynn

DAY 13

Keeping On

I had an email from one of my daughters over the weekend asking my advice on how to respond to a grieving friend. She knew that I had experienced the death of a loved one (my first husband) and that I had counseled others through a grief support ministry. Still I was flattered that she would ask me.

It made me think of times when I needed advice from others on some issue in my own life. Did I always have someone to call or ask for advice? There was a time I would have drawn a blank. Or maybe it would have finally dawned on me that I could go to God. Duh! Through this 60-60 experience, I have found myself asking God’s advice frequently. Even before I answered my daughter’s email, I asked God to help me speak what was needed. God knew the situation much better than my limited knowledge. I wanted to use God’s healing words, not mine. I am so thankful to have that open avenue to God’s wisdom. What a privilege to be able to ask God’s input whenever concerning whatever. I don’t have to wait 60 minutes either. But my beeper reminds me that He wants me to come to him at least every 60 minutes.

Sometimes my grown up “kids” call me for the recipe of a favorite family dish. I have access to the One who has the recipe for my life. I don’t know everything that is needed for my life to turn out right, but He does. How much of this and how little of that? What’s the process? Of course I can’t get all the answers, but I can learn to trust the One who has them. And to hear from Him. Amazing! So I want to be connected to Him throughout the day. I am liking this 60-60 connection and wanting it to become a habit. Yes, it’s not always convenient and it can be discouraging. But I’m not about to give up! How about you? Let’s keep going. It’s already worth it, and there’s more to come.

Day 12

The Cairn

I was out scouting a new climbing spot with my wife a few days ago. This particular climbing area required a 40 minute hike on a well-traveled, marked trail. That was until you came upon a rock "cairn," on the right hand side of the trail that marked the beginning of the more obscure climbers-trail. Many of you who have spend some time hiking know what these mysterious piles of stones are, but just in case some readers may not know, this is what a "cairn," is. A cairn is an unnatural pile of rocks that are used to mark a trail or something of significance. In short, a cairn is a marker that helps you to know that you're going the right way. That afternoon when Ellen and I found the cairn that marked the way to the new climbing area, God reminded me that although I have not been perfect in my 60/60 experiment, I'm going the right way. He used that pile of rocks to encourage me to keep going, so let this post be your "cairn" today by looking back at the ways you've grown, and overcome challenges. Be sure to thank Him for taking you a little bit deeper each day, blessings!

-Joshua

Day 11 (posted on day 12)

During the past two weeks my concentration and mobility have been limited by a painful lower back. Getting out of a chair after sitting down is my most difficult movement followed closely by pulling on socks, tying shoes or just leaning over the sink to shave.

Anne Marie asks me, "When are you going to call the doctor?"

My answer, "I don't know if I am."

"Why?"

"Well - here's the deal. Remember how my back was doing almost the same thing about 5 years ago? I went to a chiropractor and in a few weeks I was feeling a lot better. Toward the end of those weeks he gave me some stretches and some exercises to do to ensure 'back health'. And I did them periodically for a while with good results. But I stopped doing them 2 or 3 years ago. So, now I'm not that fired up about going back to him and asking him to help me through a situation I've brought on myself. If I can, I'd like to get through this without calling him."

"How's it working?", Anne Marie asks.

"Not so well."

All of this has been happening during the 60/60 Experiment so there have been plenty of opportunities to talk (complain) to God. And to hear from Him.

The conversation I summarized above was about my back and medical care but it could just have easily have been about my soul and God's care.

• How many times do I put off asking God for help in a situation because I carry the shame of not putting His words into practice in my life?
• How often does my pride (I can fix this) keep me from allowing God to be my 'soul healer?'
• Would God refuse to help me if I asked for help, solely on the basis of my negligence?

In the book of Hebrews there is a picture of Jesus that challenges my perception.

Now that we know what we have - Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God - let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all - all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Hebrews 4:14-16 (The Message)

Pausing every 60 minutes to touch base with God has allowed me to recognize some of the obstacles that keep me from getting close to Him. Obstacles like pride and shame. I know there are more that will be uncovered in the future but right now it's time to swallow my pride.

I'm going to call my chiropractor.

In God's grip,

Pastor Steve

Day 10

Has the initial excitement of the 60/60 experiment begun to wane yet? It has for me. So, I need to remind myself that the Soul Revolution is not about living on excitement and hype, but about slowly learning how to adopt a new way of daily living. Changing habits always takes time - and a certain amount of discipline. Learning the habit of intentionally relating to God hour by hour is no exception. We will have our ups and downs. So, if you are losing the initial stir that's connected with beginnning something new, it's OK. Don't let it worry you, and don't become discouraged. Regroup and keep at it. Every change is hard before it becomes easy. And remember, its worth the effort because what we are doing has the potential to revolutionize our souls. Have a good revolution day!

Blessings,
Pastor Bill

Day 9

It has been our (church staff and leadership) prayer that God would take you deeper into knowledge and relationship with Him through these 60 days of full devotion to Him. That's why when Joshua said that he'd written a song called Take Me Deeper, we knew that we had to use it alongside this adventure. We also thought that it would be great if we could get this song into the hands (and heads...and hearts) of everyone here at PK, and even beyond. So Joshua and I sat down over the past couple of weeks and recorded it.

So there it is - in the left column on this page, just for you - and anyone else who wants it. No charge, viruses, ads or spam. You can listen to it right here using the player, or (better yet) you can download it and put it on a cd or mp3 player and bring with you everywhere.

May this song serve as your cry to God in the coming days and weeks...

::verse 1::
I've got a reason to rejoice
with joy You've filled my heart
because You came and changed me
and forgave, so now we'll never be apart
so I rejoice - with gladness I resound
You are my Lord and King
and I'm so glad I've found - Jesus

::chorus::
take me deeper
bring me higher than I've ever been before
take me farther
I want to know you now more than ever before

::verse 2::
I've got this passion in my heart
I've just got to let it out
because You came and freed me
and redeemed with a love I can't live without
so I rejoice - with gladness I resound
You are my Lord and King
and I'm so glad I've found - Jesus

::bridge::
risen Lord of grace and love
take this life and make it Yours
all I am I give to You
all I say and all I do
o let Your revival fire
burn in me this one desire
to lift my hands in gratitude
declaring I belong to You

Blessings!

ps - I also added Please Whisper To Me, the song that Joshua described and posted on Day 5, to the player and to download in the side column.

Day 8

First let me update you on my new "beeping" purchase. For 1$ at Dollar tree, I am now using a kitchen timer. Very easy to set and reset. Just push button once to turn beeper off, once again to reset the hour. I don't know how long it will last for a buck, but I'm in day three with it and still working great, even surviving two drops on the floor.
At community group last night we moved into the other "Big Part" of Soul revolution. We had our first Running Partner meetings. We are divided in groups of four and spent an hour together going thru the suggested material. For some of you, gathering in a small group like this and talking about personal/spiritual things, is a normal part of life. Me and the other 3 men in our group acknowledged that this is not the norm for us and the awkwardness was to be expected. Actually I think we did real well. Being as this whole thing is about relationships, with God & His people, we dove in and learned many things about each other that we never could have gathered in such a short time period, in any other manner. I called the night a total success as the feedback I recieved from members of the other groups was all positive, at least that was the public response.
Personally, I'm very curious where this gathering will lead. I acknowledge that God ordained the four of us sitting around that table, at that time, and offered myself to let Him do whatever He wanted with me during this experience. I have not had much success in meeting personally with another man or two or three. My wife continues to be my best friend and really my only confidant. And I'm totally comfortable with it this way. But as I've learned over the years, my comfort isn't always God's will for me. So I'm trying to stay open, trying to be open in our conversations and trying to have the curiousity of a child as I will continue to sit with my Running Partners and see how this peice of the program fits into my relationship with my creator. I have no problem offering encouragement to the others, no problem welcoming them to share where they are at in their spiritual journey. No problem offering myself to let God use me in any way in their lives. But what will there be for me? peter

Day 7

Day 7 - ONE WEEK - what are we learning?

BEEP: I am at Community Group and we all get a chuckle when on the hour one beep is followed by a phone beeping ~ while someone's cell phone chimes with bird calls ~ and somone's watch goes off. Beep, chirp, ring, beep. We're doing it . . . The Soul Revolution. We are trying to engage with God every 60 minutes of every day.

I wish I could say this is easy but the truth is that sometimes it is easy and sometimes it is not. There are times when I am worshipping the Lord and the beep never went off ~ it just happened ~ I am there, in His presence; in my devotions or prayer time or in the sanctuary of a worship song my spirit is connecting to the Lord with. There are other times when the beep goes off but I don't hear it because I have left my timer attached to my purse instead of my belt loop and my purse is in the other room or I am so engaed with my own agenda that it never got through to me ... am I connecting with anybody yet?

What I am noticing is that I am thinking about my God more. . . and more . . . not an hourly habit yet... but I am hopeful. As I am connecting to Him I am discovering some things about my relationship with Him that I didn't think were so. That looks like this: Beep - "Oh God I am serving You, aren't You pleased?". Rather than a thought that is not performance oriented but that is praising the One who delights in me, His creation, not because of what I do...don't do...but because I am His child and He loves me...delights in me...is for me...has a plan and purpose for my life ... That's starting to look like this: BEEP: "Oh God, thank you that your Word reminds me that You chose me, gifted me for Your purposes, and that You will complete the work You have begun in me. Praise you Jesus. Praise you Lord. Thank you God. Keep my eyes on You I pray, off of me and on You. Praise You Jesus.".

I am so grateful to be on this journey together with you - the Body of Christ. Take us deeper Lord Jesus. Take us deeper.

In His Grip,

Lynn

Day 6

I have been in Florida the past week--just got back today. The 60-60 experiment began while I was there. I'm finding it's even harder than I thought. The first couple of days were fine. I could pretty well pay attention to the beeps and connect with God on some level when I was supposed to. Those days I was on vacation, relaxing. I had time. I did have to remember to keep the beeper with me, though. It was just Dave and I, and he also had his beeper.

The next couple of days, we were with my son, his wife and 7 month old baby. The beeps were coming mostly in the middle of conversation, and it was not "convenient". I tried to keep up with it, but it was hard. I was distracted. Then today on the plane, I shut off the beeper, thinking it might cause a disturbance to people around me (or worse), although I still tried to remember to connect with God. (I need the beeper.)

But it was on the way to the airport that I learned the best lesson of my day. As I was "connecting" with God, I was thanking Him for my son's family but feeling sad about leaving them. I felt so blessed with the time we had spent together, and I was filled up with the love I have for them, but I was missing them. Then my thoughts went to God's love for me as his child. Here I am missing my children and longing for our next connection. Is that how God feels waiting for my next connection with Him? I realized that it must be so. The feelings of my own loneliness gave me a new perspective. I don't want God to be lonely for me. I want to warm his heart by spending time with him. Often. At least every 60 minutes!! I am thankful for this learning, and there's so much more to be learned in the coming days of the 60-60. Wow!

Day 5

Please Whisper To Me

I don't know about you, but I've really been enjoying this blog. Both the postings by the staff and the comments by the readers have been pretty inspirational, so keep reading.

I was really moved by the Holy Spirit during last Sunday's worship service. Pastor Steve's illustration at the beginning of his message was a powerful reminder of why we are doing this Soul Revolution--because we need to get our priorities in order! I was also honored to share something very personal with all of you, the song, "Please Whisper To Me." Today I wanted to take a minute to tell you how and why that song was written.

My friend Todd and I love playing music together. He lives in Watertown, NY, and is one of the best musicians I have ever played with. More importantly, he is a humble worshipper and Christ follower. Several years ago we sat down together--me with my guitar, he with his violin--and we began to talk about those moments in life in which we are desperate to hear God's voice. We talked about trials, struggles, and the ways in which we have tried to hear His voice through those difficult moments. What we discovered was that He was speaking but we weren't really listening. We began to see that our idea of listening was that God would speak to us on OUR terms, when in reality He speaks to us in under HIS terms. The prophet Elijah experienced this in 1 Kings 19:11-13:

"^11-12 Then he was told, "Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by." A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but Godwasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper. ^13-14 When Elijah heard the quiet voice, he muffled his face with his great cloak, went to the mouth of the cave, and stood there. A quiet voice asked..."

I always thought that since God was so powerful He would speak to me through those fiery, earth-shaking moments, and He does, but not all the time. The chorus to the song Todd and I wrote that night became our prayer: "I don't need to feel | the ground shake beneath | I just need to rest in Your perfect peace | And I'm on my knees | Won't You please whisper to me"

Perhaps you could make that your prayer this week. Here's the song we recorded that night (MP3 format for download), blessings...

-Joshua

PleaseWhisperToMe.mp3

Day 4

Day 4. Reminds me of the Star Trek intro – Captain’s Log, Day 98933 on the Starship Enterprise, Conducting a search for intergalactic intruders somewhere in the Orion Galaxy.

But it’s only Day 4, the location is Upstate New York, the vehicle is me and the purpose of my journey is to discover how to have an ongoing connection with God. I need to say that I thought I was pretty good at this – until actually doing the 60/60 Experiment. Here’s why - I often pray and read the Bible in the morning. I pause before eating to thank God for the meal and more. I pray with the kids at night. And because of my role as a pastor I pray before meetings and, often, after being with people. I figured I was more than halfway to connecting with God at least hourly. But it hasn’t gone the way I thought it would.

I find myself disrupted when the buzzer beeps and I’m in the middle of something important. Now what? How long do I have to stop to have the pause count? And if I stop will I be able to get my thoughts back on track?

And if I’m with people who are also doing the 60/60 Experiment and the beep beeps, now what? If I stop and pray it feels fake. If I don’t it feels like . . . . . .I’m asking people to do something I’m not willing myself.

And then there’s this – I’m surprised at how disconnected from God I can get in less than an hour.

Next time I write on this blog it will be Day 11. I thought I would be further along the journey by Day 4 so I’m not sure where I’ll be on Day 11 but, in spite of the slow start, I’m convinced this is a journey worth making.

Here’s what I wrote in my journal on Day 2 – I think I’ll read it often because it reminds me why I’m on this road.

What would it look like to have God invade my life?

My life would be characterized by peace. Not that every conflict would disappear but rather the conflict would not overtake my heart.

The presence of God would awaken my mind to the day ahead. To its possibilities and the joy it holds. He reminds me that He will walk with me through every situation I face. I turn to Him for guidance and I listen for His voice. Sometimes I stop what I’m doing to talk with Him. When I’m afraid or angry or tempted I ask Him for perspective.

In my relationships with others I see God’s image in them even when that isn’t my first thought. I follow God’s lead by choosing to get closer to people than I would choose on my own. I get close to others but I don’t give them the power to define me – I choose to be defined first and foremost as “God’s Child.” So, when I am labeled as; “a failure”, “a success”, “a lousy parent”, “a wonderful pastor” – these labels don’t stick. They are the perceptions of people. I hear their voices but there is another voice that is louder and clearer than all the others. It’s His voice I need to hear.

I'd love to hear what you're experiencing as you tackle this Experiment. 'Til next week.

Pastor Steve

Day 3

Since we're talking and listening to God at least every hour for 60 days, what exactly are we to do when the beeper goes off? I'm sure that you re being creative by doing things like listening to God in quiet, thanking Him for His presence and his help, etc. Something that is helpful to me is meditating on Scripture verses that I've memorized. Especially those that describe God's character or His promises. For instance, Psalm 103: "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love . . . as a father has compassion on his children so the Lord so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." Or the 23rd Psalm. When I've memorized Scripture I can recall it, meditate on it, or pray it back to God even if I can't stop what I'm involved with at the moment because I don't need to stop to get a Bible. It adds variety to our on going conversation with God, and what better way to remind us of who God is than to remember Him through His own words to us? Have a great soul revolution day!

Pastor Bill

Day 2

Congratulations! You made it to day 2! How did it go? If you have a story that you'd like to share about how God met, challenged or spoke to you during this experiment, then please leave a comment - we'd love to hear about it.

Yesterday I was reminded of something very clearly - that God is for me. He wants me to "succeed" - to live a life in a way that honors Him. I guess I've known this for years, but it just is really coming through. He challenges me and convicts me of things in my life and then gives me the opportunity to change. How loving is that? He shows us what is right and wrong and then lets us choose which way we go.

Maybe there have been some tough circumstances in your life lately, and you have begun to see God as being out to get you. Do you know that He is still for you? That does not mean that your circumstances are easy or fun, but consider this: how might God be using the circumstances of your life to grow you closer to Him? Understanding that He is for you will totally change your perspective of Him, and of life.

Today as you interact with God, consider how He is for you. Ask Him how He wants to use each circumstance of your life to grow you.

Day 1

Peter B. here, we had our first Community Group meeting last night and most importantly it was timed perfectly to be the day before the Big Kick-Off of the Soul revolution, 60-60 Experiment. I thought it might be helpful to relay a few thoughts we had regarding getting started. First I was surprised how many people didn't know what was expected of them during the experiement. We talked about what to do when your alarm goes off. There are no wrong answers, here's a sampling: Thank God for what happened during the passed hour; Thank God for where He has you at that very moment; Invite God into your next hour; Just acknowledge God's existance; Pray for help in the next hour; and my favorite response "Use the beeper as you would a friend poking his head in the door and saying 'Hi'. How would you respond back to a friend? Great stuff!
We also talked about the practicality of hourly reminders. Most folks in our group had yet to secure any kind of beeper or plan...ouch...hurry! One crane operator said he has both hands on controls for hours at a time and couldn't possibly risk safety and take his hands off to turn off a beeper. Suggestion was made that he get just a chimming watch that beeps once and turns itself off. He responded that he is really concentrating on his job and if we were underneath him we wouldn't want him to be distracted. I couldn't argue with that. Another, a teacher said it wouldn't be possible to withdraw for a few minutes of solitude with God while teaching a class. It was suggested that solitude was not always a necessity, but perhaps a silent quick thought to God was all that was needed. We bottomed lined to say that the goal was not to be legalistic with it or produce any guilt for failure, but any increase in relationship with our Creator would prove very beneficial.
We also talked about what we hope to get out of this experiment experience. Personally, I desire God's direction on a decision that needs to be made. It's not a sin issue, that would be too easy. Both options have the potential to be either productive or failures by worldly standards. My desire would be for God to look into the future and tell me which option to take. I'm hoping that as I grow more in tune to God in my relationship with Him, that I will sense His leading and approval with this decision, regardless of it's worldly outcome. That's the big rub for me, the word regardless. I don't always mean it. I have the spiritual head knowledge that God's ways are best, regardless. But that human side of me wants the worldly success, always, along with the spiritual. So, I guess this is the real goal for me. May regardless, be a reality in my heart, not just in my head. Enjoy your experiment, peter.

Two Days to Go!

Our 60/60 experiment begins in just two days...are you signed on? Make sure that you have your watch, cell phone or timer handy and ready to go. Find ways over the next two days to pray and prepare your heart for this adventure (position yourself for interaction with God - HERE), and prayerfully tell God that you want Him to guide you and speak to you during this time (actively seek His voice - HEAR). Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.

What are your thoughts or feelings heading into this thing?

One Week...

...from today will be day one of our 60 day experiment together. I am really looking forward to this time in my own life, and to hear of what GOD does in your life, as well. I am REALLY excited to be able to kick things off this weekend, and look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Lord, have Your way in our church. As we dedicate this time to You, meet us in the ways that only You know how. May we learn to hear Your voice above all others, and may it be our desire to follow. Amen.

A REVOLUTION?

What do you think of when you hear the word, REVOLUTION? I'll be honest, the first thing I think of is that old tune by the Beatles, "You say you want a revolution, well you know, we all want to change the world." I know that's not very "Christian," or "Pastoral" of me, but it's the truth. Today I was thinking about this big adventure our church is getting ready to begin, Soul Revolution, and I decided that I'd like to know what a revolution really is. So naturally I had to look it up and found this, among many definitions --A dramatic change in ideas and practice. Who knew that Webster's Dictionary could convict a person so much? If I'm honest, I'll admit that there are some patterns in my life that could use some change. The past few months of selling a house, moving, being away from my family, and changing jobs have been both exciting and exhausting. I find myself in need of having my soul reconnected to my Savior, which makes me realize that I NEED a dramatic change in practices. Soon, we'll begin this Soul Revolution together and set out to make some changes. So let's be honest in our struggles, authentic in our relationships, deliberate in connecting with God, and open to what the Holy Spirit wants to do in our lives. See you on Sunday.