Here is an encouragement from Eugene Peterson (again) on prayer!

Everything and every person has an interior. Prayer goes beneath the surface and penetrates to the heart of the matter. Unlike mere action, prayer is not subject to immediate evaluation or verification. If we are addicted to "results" we will quickly lost interest in prayer. When we pray we willingly participate in what God is doing, without knowing precisely what God is doing, how God is doing it, or when we will know what is going on - if ever.

I read this in Tell It Slant by Eugene Peterson (He is quoting Evagrius the Solitary from The Philokalia):

Hey all, I started reading the cost of discipleship the other day; after finishing the first chapter I realized that this book would be best read with others. I am wondering if anyone wants to read it with me/start a book club? We could meet up once every few weeks and talk about a chapter or two.

OK, I'll check back here in a few days to see if anyone is interested.

Derek

PS - I used html!!!

Here is a link to some thoughts of the prosperity gospel from some African thinkers and theologians!
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/article_print.html?id=86009

Cheers!

Derek

PS - Merry Christmas!

The Bible seems to be so vague sometimes, Eugene Peterson alludes to this vagueness when he says that next to Christ being the fullness of the revelation of God, the best description we have of God is 'I am that I am'. This description stops us from being able to control God, to fit God into schemas that make him easy for classification, thus freeing God, to be God and to do what God will do.

A Magna Carta
for Restoring the Supremacy of
Jesus Christ
a.k.a.
A Jesus Manifesto
for the 21st Century Church
by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola

Christians have made the gospel about so many things … things other than Christ.
Jesus Christ is the gravitational pull that brings everything together and gives them significance, reality, and meaning. Without him, all things lose their value. Without him, all things are but detached pieces floating around in space.

God speaks
Heir of all things
Created the world
Radiance of the glory of God
Exact imprint of his nature
Upholds the universe by the word of his power
Made purification of sins
Sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high
Superior to the angels
Father
Son
Firstborn
Throne is forever and ever
Righteousness is the scepter of his kingdom
Loves righteousness, hates wickedness
Set above
Anointed with the oil of joy
Laid the foundation of the earth
Heavens are the work of his hands
Always remains the same
Years will have no end

Awesome!

df

Hey check out the following link, http://apartmentlife.org/
Just another way to live a missional life, this time from home!

df

I found two interesting blog posts recently; these posts are mulling over the "great missional/attractional" debate of our time. Both of the posts are from pastors in the states, the first is Dan Kimball and his thoughts on the missional church, the second is David Fitch and his response to Kimball's post.

Kimball
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2008/12/dan_kimballs_...

Fitch
http://www.reclaimingthemission.com/2008/12/three-questions-for-attracti...