Embracing Transformation Through Community and Holy Habits

It was a time marked by personal and professional upheaval, leading to the creation of this ministry. The idea was born out of a need to continue serving and connecting with others, even when traditional paths seemed closed. With the encouragement of friends and the use of technology, we started small, sharing daily devotionals that have since grown into a vibrant community. [00:06:09]

The story where Jesus is in a synagogue and there's a man with a withered hand, and Jesus tells him to stretch out his hand. The one thing that the man most wanted to hide, would have felt the most shame around, is the thing that gets exposed publicly. And the one thing that he can't do, stretch out your hand, is the very thing Jesus asked him to do. [00:13:35]

I think because of the pain that we have been through, it makes it possible to meet with lots of people who are courageous, vulnerable, willing to share their pain, their journey. That's the whole kind of Fellowship of the withered hand. And so, no, being alone with that camera and God has been very, very moving. [00:12:27]

The true unprecedented event was the incarnation of Christ. This perspective has been a guiding light for us, reminding us that our circumstances, no matter how daunting, are not beyond the scope of God's understanding and presence. [00:07:44]

The main thing God gets out of my life is the person that I'm becoming. So to look at what's researched around how do you flourish in Ministry and how to cast that Vision, teach it, a very devoted to that, and we're looking together at how we could do that more and more in the future. [00:24:29]

Our lives are largely shaped by our habits. As we look to the new year, focusing on cultivating holy habits can lead to significant spiritual growth and transformation, drawing from both ancient wisdom and modern insights. [00:27:49]

I think this whole message brings us back to you, oh, that's what life is about. I mean, for me, John 21 has just been at the center of almost every day the last three years. Somebody's going to lead you to where you do not want to go, follow me. And nobody preaches on that, but that's what Jesus said to somebody he loved very much. [00:15:45]

The power of God becomes present, and then I told about how 30 years ago I was in Ethiopia with a pastor friend who told that story, and somehow there was a breakthrough with, at that time, Underground church leaders in a Marxist country, where they all became a fellowship of the withered hand. Confession, inadequacy, tears, and great power. [00:14:21]

I think you speak really well to that intersection of spiritual formation, spiritual life, and Leadership. And I think especially in Ministry, probably you could say this with lots of different occupations, but there's a special kind of weight to it. And I think so much of what John teaches helps us to hold that in the right way and in the right place. [00:25:02]

I think somehow the reason this community feels powerful, at least to me, is life is about life with God, and somehow we all mediate that for each other in a strange, mysterious, wonderful way. And we experience being with each other where God is part of that. So thank you. [00:29:44]

I pray especially right now for everybody who's hurting, for everybody who's wounded, who everybody is feeling alone or where there is an empty chair around the table this year at Christmas time, especially for them, especially for us, that you would be deeply present, that you would fill that hole in the heart that only you can feel. [00:29:44]

To want God is the most important thing, and part of what's tricky with wanting is I have to get honest about what do I want because the honest truth is often I don't want God more than anything else, but I can want to want God. And this Series has been a great reminder of that. [00:27:49]