SERMON NOTES:
The joining of emotional health and contemplative spirituality takes us below the surface of our lives so Jesus can heal and transform.
At the heart of our transformation journey is the inevitable – “Grief and Loss”!
Matthew 5 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
How well do we handle loss?
A very human response:
· Deny or Minimize the pain and impact of loss
· Blame others or ourselves or ….?
· Rationalize away the emotional reality of loss,
· Anger becomes a friend instead of a phase,
· Addiction and unhealthy habits become our means to cope cover the pain of loss
Note to self: “When I am hurting I am vulnerable to unhealthy agreements!”
God’s Way: Embrace loss through healthy grief! (Not just endure loss by suffering!)
· Pay Attention !
· Wait in the Confusing In-Between!
Psalm 27 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
1 Peter 5 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
· Let the Old Birth the New … in God’s time!
1 Peter 1 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
SYNC GUIDE
SOLITUDE, SCRIPTURE, AND PRAYER
Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.
Solitude – Spend several minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”
Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)
Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying? Why this word this day?
What are You asking me to believe about You and about me? How am I learning to Sync up?
How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”
Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.
Monday – Matthew 5:3-12
Tuesday – Psalm 27
Wednesday – 1 Peter 5:5-11
Thursday– 1 Peter 1:3-9
Friday – Romans 8:31-39
Saturday – Psalm 37
Got questions? Continue the discussion. Follow the link @ https://goo.gl/Jd93J7