February 18, 2009
Fasting
Posted by John R Loppnow
What did you learn about fasting growing up?
How much do you fast?
What does the bible say about fasting?
Did Jesus fast?
Ok, just trying to stir the pot of thoughts to see what kind of response the blog can get.
I’m asking about fasting because I recently picked up a new book by one of my favorite authors. But, first I wanted to see what our community understands or thinks about fasting. In terms of learning I think its great to start where people are and then move to a new place.
Please share.
November 30, 2008
First Sunday of Advent
Posted by John R Loppnow
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
That was a prayer that millions of followers of Christ are praying across the world today (Sunday).
In future posts I’ll be talking about the meaning and significance of Advent. I’m curious who knows what Advent is all about? What has it meant for you? How can we thoughtfully enter into Advent? My sense is that when we understand the signficance of Advent we will be drawn deeper into conversation with our loving Father by the Spirit.
November 15, 2008
Pray for the Week
Posted by Pastor John Loppnow
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
November 14, 2008
Questions to ask while dating
Posted by Pastor John Loppnow
Preparing for the most important human relationship is is very beneficial and pays off in your future marriage. There are many ways to prepare for your marriage even if you aren’t currently dating. Reading books on dating and marriage is a great way to prepare. Reading a book with a few close friends is even better. One of the most important elements in preparing for marriage is to realize the reality of marriage in general and specifically with the person you are dating or engaged to. Asking yourself questions as a couple is a good way to prepare for marriage.
I often send people a file with 99 questions to answer in the pre-marital process. And the feedback I get is very positive. I’ll include 10 questions here. If you are interested please respond with a comment here. The 99 questions are divided into 5 categories: Family Background, Conscience, Compatibility Potential, Relationship Skills , Past Relationship Patterns. I’ve included 2-3 questions in each category to give you a little taste.
Family Background
1. What made you feel special in the family?
2. How were conflicts handled by your parents?
Conscience
1. What do you feel strongly about? Rights and wrongs?
2. How do you handle it when you are wrong?
3. Do you understand my perspective?
4. Do you validate my perspective when I explain myself to you?
Compatibility Potential
1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of your personality?
2. How good at nurturing are you?
3. How do you handle your money?
Relationship Skills
1. Are you good at reconciling and making up?
2. Do you initiate conversations? Apologies? Affection?
3. How open are you to get help for our relationship from someone else outside of the relationship?
Past Relationship Patterns
1. What were the patterns of your previous relationships?
2. What did you do well?
3. What do you wish you had done differently?
4. What did you argue about?
November 9, 2008
Prayer for the Week
Posted by Pastor John Loppnow
Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Jesus Creed
Scot McKnight, the author of The Jesus Creed, writes powerfully about the way Jesus amended Judiasm’s creed – The Shema (Duet 6:4-9). Jesus took the spiritual center of Judiasm and added what he deemed important – the act of loving others. Central is loving God with all of who we are and Jesus said in order to live the life he desires we must love God and love others. They cannot be separated according to Jesus.
According to McKnight he writes,
“A scribe asks Jesus about the essence of spiritual formation and Jesus gives him an old answer with a revolutionary twist: Love God and love others, and love God by following me (p. 13)”
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31
This is our greatest call as followers of Jesus Christ. We are to live this out in all of our relationships; marriage, family, co-workers, fellow brothers and sisters, and beyond. We will have the greatest opportunity to live out the greatest commandments in our marriage. In a sense it is our best training ground to grow strong in Christ as we learn to live out our loving (1 Cor 13) attitudes and actions in our marriages.
Be strong and courageous as God is our Good Shepherd who is faithful to complete what he began in your marriage.