Sunday 8th February, 2009

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Here & Now: If God is present… where are you?

DISTRACTED FROM THE PRESENT

• What sort of thing commonly draws you out of the present moment? Are you a worrier or a dreamer, or a bit of both? What areas of your life do you worry or dream about? If you identified with one of the distractions from the present below try doing the appropriate exercise:

• Past Pain – Read and reflect on Peter’s question and Jesus’ answer, in Matthew 18:21-35. Now think about Peter’s story, as told in Matthew 26:31-35 & 69-75 and John 21:15-19.

• Past Success – Try starting a notebook to record everything God does in your life, even small things. Refer to it whenever you are struggling with your present circumstances. Think about Paul’s experiences in Acts 19:11-12 and 2 Corinthians 4:8-11. Do you think two such opposite episodes were confusing to him?

• Future Worry – Read Philippians 4:4-9. Try putting it into practice and think about excellent things instead of worries. Read and meditate on Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:25-34. What action could you take to help you stop doubting God’s goodness?

• Future Dreams – Is your present actively helping you move towards your vision? What sort of things could you do? Read how Paul’s vision shaped his present in 1 Corinthians 9:19-27.

LIVING IN THE PRESENT MOMENT

• Make a list of some things that are in your life right now that you are thankful for (a mental list is ok, but writing it down is better.) Do you find it hard to pick things that are in the present? Do you find it easier to think of past things that you are thankful for, or things that you are looking forward to?

• Practical task: DO SOMETHING GOOD THIS WEEK (or even everyday this week!) The rules of this experiment are:

1. First pray that God will lead you. Then, when you have a chance to do something good, have faith that God set it up.
2. The good act must be something you wouldn’t normally do.
3. It has to be spontaneous, not planned. For best results, step out of your comfort zone and do something for a stranger.
4. It mustn’t be for the purpose of sharing your faith. It should just be about doing good. If you do get an opportunity to talk about Jesus, that’s just a bonus!
5. Share what happens: by using the comments button below.