An Encouragement to Study Scripture (and Isaiah)

From this Sunday, May 3, 2015, West Loop UBF will begin studying of a new book of the Bible--Isaiah. As we begin I would like to encourage our church community to prayerfully study Scripture in general and Isaiah in particular over the coming year, as God willing, we will plow through all 66 chapters of Isaiah!

Personally, I regard the serious study of Scripture as the most important, significant and necessary daily activity of every Christian. Why? In a word, it is because of the countless benefits of studying Scripture from our hearts as our daily priority.

What are the benefits of studying Scripture with all of our hearts?

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ABCs of Practical Christian Living: Review and Overview

"...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you..." (Phil 2:12-13).

1. Accountability: Who are you accountable for (Gal 6:1)? To (Heb 3:13)?
   
2. Beauty: Are you enraptured by the beauty of Christ (Ps 27:4)? Or by a sense of duty?
3. Community: Do you sense the unity of Christian community (Ps 133:1)? Or the pressure of a wish dream?
   
4. Delight: Are you happy? How do you find delight (Ps 37:4)?
5. Experience: Do you taste the goodness of God (Ps 34:8; 1 Pet 2:3)? Or is it just head knowledge?

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Living The Christian Life

2 Timothy 1:6

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God..."

Jn 10:10b - The life God promised us and called us to live through Christ and in Christ is a full and abundant life.

Consider the what, why and how of the Christian life:

1. What the Christian life is
• 2 Tim 1:5 - a sincere (real) faith.
• Rom 1:17 - living by faith.
• Eph 2:8-9 - faith is a gift of God.
2. Why live the Christian life

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Confounding Paradoxes That Are True To Life

Paradoxes common in Christianity (and in life):

• If you die, you live (1 Cor 15:36). If you try to live, you die (Mt 16:25; Mk 8:35; Lk 9:24).
• If you expose your weakness, you experience power (2 Cor 12:9-10). If you conceal your weakness, you loose your power, even if you have might.
• If you give up control, you have authority. If you're authoritarian (Mt 20:25; Mk 10:42; Lk 22:25), you loose control.
• If you listen (Jas 1:19), you're heard. If you demand to be heard, no one listens to you.

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How To Be Productive Infographic

Take a minute to browse through the infographic: Get It Done: 35 Habits of the Most Productive People (Infographic). As a cerebral "heady" person, the habits regarding the MIND (right side of the infographic) resonates with me:

• 80/20 rule: Which 20% of your work produces 80% of the result? (Not sports, movies and facebook!)
• Focus on the important (Reading, preparing, planning, reflecting, exercising). Suppress the urgent (Checking sports stats daily, internet cruising, celebrity trivia).
• Idea dumping tips: Always carry paper (or note book). Be descriptive when writing it down. Ask why; think big picture. Don't force it. (First time I heard of "Idea Dump.")
• Learn to ignore. (But, but, this article was good!) No need to respond to everything.
• DO a bad FIRST DRAFT. You can't edit a blank page.

HACKS is pretty good too (third from left):

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Life on a balancing beam

Life is like on a balancing beam. Let me know your thoughts about Francis Chan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA_uwWPE6lQ

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