We’ve all been told at one point or another to give things to Jesus. But what exactly does that mean? Think about it. What does that look like?
In the following video blog, I share what that looks like for me in my practice of imaginative prayer. Don’t let your relationship with Jesus become dull and lifeless for lack of a disciplined imagination.
What are you holding on to that you need to give to Jesus? What do you need to throw in the fire? Throw it in the fire and leave it in the ashes.
I attended Open 2013: Open Theology & the Church in St. Paul, MN last month. The main speakers were Greg Boyd, Tom Oord, and John Sanders. The conference was held at Woodland Hills Church and hosted by the ReKnew team. I had a great time and wanted to tell you about it.
I flew up early on Thursday and hung out with a couple of old college buddies until the first session that evening. It was nice getting to catch up with my friends, Josh Crain and Samuel Holder.
The conference began that evening with Greg Boyd talking about the History and Hope of Open Theology in the church. Greg talked about the growing attraction of the open view and discussed its historical roots in church history. Q&A followed.
The next day Jessica Kelley gave a very moving message about the recent loss of her 4 year old son, Henry. Jessica shared how the open view made all the difference in her family’s experience of losing Henry to a brain tumor. I was already prepared to cry. I had read Jessica’s story a couple weeks before, and as a new father, I wept through the entire thing.
Unfortunately, there was a mix up and her talk wasn’t recorded. But you can read Jessica’s story over at her blog, Jess in Process. I expect that God is going to continue using Jessica and her family in some spectacular ways (even more so) in the days to come. I even told her myself. 🙂
John Sanders gave the plenary address on Friday evening. He lectured on The Virtues Inherent in Open Theism. John fashioned his message to show that the open view allows for the best portrait of God over other views, especially that of classical theology. Q&A followed.
Tom Oord delivered an interesting informal classroom-styled message on Openness & Moment-by-Moment Relation. He even used the dry-erase board to draw his illustrations. Tom’s talk was stimulating as he made a case for holiness and “perfection” coming through our choosing from the best options among a world of possibilities.
One of my favorite parts of the conference was the table discussions on Friday and Saturday (during the day). I had the privilege of leading and moderating a group. It was encouraging to see and hear from so many people around the country (and globe) that are embracing the open view and learning how it is shaping their lives and ministries.
It’s still unclear if the conference will be annual, or every other year. One thing is for certain, the entire weekend was encouraging and uplifting to all in attendance. There is definitely a movement taking place within the church.
Finally, check out this video reflection of Open 2013.
THANK YOU to all those who put the conference together and had the vision to make it happen. I also want to thank our local congregation for assisting in the expenses of the trip. Thank you, Church at Birnham Woods. And a special thanks to Greg and Shelley Boyd for letting me crash at your house my last night in St. Paul. Your hospitality was a blessing.
I thought we could all use a little humor this Friday. I think most of my readers will find it funny. The following video is a trailer for an upcoming rapture spoof film called, Rapture-Palooza (June, 2013).
Relax and have a good laugh!
For more of my serious theological reflections on the rapture:
I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we’ve been shown the mystery! Col 2:2-3 (MSG)
How often have you thought, “If I could just have [insert obsession here], then I would be at rest.” Maybe you’ve thought something like that.
Many of us, especially those in ministry, have probably been told in a wilderness period that there are BIG things ahead, if we’ll just press on. It may be true that the Lord will increase and expand your influence in the days to come, but what if it doesn’t happen the way you envision it?
More importantly, what if I told you the next BIG thing won’t even really satisfy us if we’ve missed the greater things that God wants to do within us—that is to root us into the depths and mysteries of Christ.
I don’t want to have any other obsession but Jesus. Only Jesus is BIG enough to fill the desires of the human heart. In the following video, I talk about why our deepest need is to make Christ the next BIG thing.
Have you ever felt restless while you wait for God’s promises? Are you finding that he is enough? Let’s make knowing Jesus central and supreme.
D.D. Flowers, 2013.
You may also be interested in other deeper Christian life posts:
The Centrality and Supremacy of Jesus Christ 