Disciplines for Life/An Appetite for God - Revision history

Kathyyee: Protected "Disciplines for Life/An Appetite for God" ([edit=sysop] (indefinite) [move=sysop] (indefinite))

2011-03-31T15:48:10Z

Protected "Disciplines for Life/An Appetite for God" ([edit=sysop] (indefinite) [move=sysop] (indefinite))

← Older revision

Revision as of 15:48, 31 March 2011

Bhkauflin at 15:18, 18 July 2008

2008-07-18T15:18:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:18, 18 July 2008
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-	{{info~~\|An Appetite for God~~}}For years now—decades, actually—I’ve enjoyed ''Sports Illustrated'' every week (except for the deplorable, pandering, exploitative swimsuit issue). When I get the mail on Thursdays, I tend to lose all awareness of the world around me. Time stops. Only something significant like an earthquake or the smell of chocolate could get my attention. I’ve been known to stand there at the mailbox for long periods of time, oblivious to everything but sports.	+	{{info}}For years now—decades, actually—I’ve enjoyed ''Sports Illustrated'' every week (except for the deplorable, pandering, exploitative swimsuit issue). When I get the mail on Thursdays, I tend to lose all awareness of the world around me. Time stops. Only something significant like an earthquake or the smell of chocolate could get my attention. I’ve been known to stand there at the mailbox for long periods of time, oblivious to everything but sports.

	One Thursday a few years ago I was walking back from the mailbox, eager to sit down and read the latest issue, when I was interrupted by a clear impression in my spirit. Brief, quiet—but unmistakable. “You want to read that magazine more than my Word,” whispered the voice.		One Thursday a few years ago I was walking back from the mailbox, eager to sit down and read the latest issue, when I was interrupted by a clear impression in my spirit. Brief, quiet—but unmistakable. “You want to read that magazine more than my Word,” whispered the voice.

Bhkauflin: Disciplines for Life/Chapter 8 moved to Disciplines for Life/An Appetite for God

2008-07-18T15:18:30Z

Disciplines for Life/Chapter 8 moved to Disciplines for Life/An Appetite for God

← Older revision

Revision as of 15:18, 18 July 2008

Bhkauflin at 17:52, 9 July 2008

2008-07-09T17:52:17Z

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-	{{~~MasterHeader~~	+	{{info\|An Appetite for God}}For years now—decades, actually—I’ve enjoyed ''Sports Illustrated'' every week (except for the deplorable, pandering, exploitative swimsuit issue). When I get the mail on Thursdays, I tend to lose all awareness of the world around me. Time stops. Only something significant like an earthquake or the smell of chocolate could get my attention. I’ve been known to stand there at the mailbox for long periods of time, oblivious to everything but sports.
-	\|~~author= C.J. Mahaney~~	+
-	~~\|partnerurl= http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org~~	+
-	~~\|partner= Sovereign Grace Ministries~~	+
-	~~\|other=~~	+
-	~~\|mediatype= Chapter~~	+
-	~~\|lang= English~~	+
-	~~\|editor=~~	+
-	~~\|translator= n/a~~	+
-	~~\|levels= 1~~	+
-	~~\|reviewed=Not Reviewed~~	+
-	~~\|newtitle=~~An Appetite for God	+
-	~~\|series=Disciplines for Life~~	+
-	~~\|topic=Spiritual Growth~~	+
-	~~\|subtopic=Christian Hedonism~~	+
-	~~\|month=~~	+
-	~~\|day=~~	+
-	~~\|year=1992~~}}For years now—decades, actually—I’ve enjoyed ''Sports Illustrated'' every week (except for the deplorable, pandering, exploitative swimsuit issue). When I get the mail on Thursdays, I tend to lose all awareness of the world around me. Time stops. Only something significant like an earthquake or the smell of chocolate could get my attention. I’ve been known to stand there at the mailbox for long periods of time, oblivious to everything but sports.	+

	One Thursday a few years ago I was walking back from the mailbox, eager to sit down and read the latest issue, when I was interrupted by a clear impression in my spirit. Brief, quiet—but unmistakable. “You want to read that magazine more than my Word,” whispered the voice.		One Thursday a few years ago I was walking back from the mailbox, eager to sit down and read the latest issue, when I was interrupted by a clear impression in my spirit. Brief, quiet—but unmistakable. “You want to read that magazine more than my Word,” whispered the voice.

Bhkauflin at 17:32, 16 June 2008

2008-06-16T17:32:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:32, 16 June 2008
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	\|partnerurl= http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org		\|partnerurl= http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org
	\|partner= Sovereign Grace Ministries		\|partner= Sovereign Grace Ministries
-	~~\|date= 1992~~
	\|other=		\|other=
-	~~\|categorytopic= Christian Hedonism~~
	\|mediatype= Chapter		\|mediatype= Chapter
	\|lang= English		\|lang= English
-	\|editor= ~~C.J. Mahaney~~	+	\|editor=
	\|translator= n/a		\|translator= n/a
	\|levels= 1		\|levels= 1
	\|reviewed=Not Reviewed		\|reviewed=Not Reviewed
	\|newtitle=An Appetite for God		\|newtitle=An Appetite for God
-	}}For years now—decades, actually—I’ve enjoyed ''Sports Illustrated'' every week (except for the deplorable, pandering, exploitative swimsuit issue). When I get the mail on Thursdays, I tend to lose all awareness of the world around me. Time stops. Only something significant like an earthquake or the smell of chocolate could get my attention. I’ve been known to stand there at the mailbox for long periods of time, oblivious to everything but sports.	+	\|series=Disciplines for Life
		+	\|topic=Spiritual Growth
		+	\|subtopic=Christian Hedonism
		+	\|month=
		+	\|day=
		+	\|year=1992}}For years now—decades, actually—I’ve enjoyed ''Sports Illustrated'' every week (except for the deplorable, pandering, exploitative swimsuit issue). When I get the mail on Thursdays, I tend to lose all awareness of the world around me. Time stops. Only something significant like an earthquake or the smell of chocolate could get my attention. I’ve been known to stand there at the mailbox for long periods of time, oblivious to everything but sports.

	One Thursday a few years ago I was walking back from the mailbox, eager to sit down and read the latest issue, when I was interrupted by a clear impression in my spirit. Brief, quiet—but unmistakable. “You want to read that magazine more than my Word,” whispered the voice.		One Thursday a few years ago I was walking back from the mailbox, eager to sit down and read the latest issue, when I was interrupted by a clear impression in my spirit. Brief, quiet—but unmistakable. “You want to read that magazine more than my Word,” whispered the voice.

Mahra at 19:26, 20 May 2008

2008-05-20T19:26:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:26, 20 May 2008
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	As you seek God, he may reveal a specific sin. (If so, deal with it radically.) But often you will find that what has decreased your hunger and thirst for righteousness is a normally innocent activity, a typically harmless pastime. It’s not inherently evil, but it has ''become'' an evil for us, because we have allowed it to take too high a priority in our lives. We have adopted it as an idol, and the Lord himself is no longer our passion and priority. Instead, we spend our limited time and energy in the worship of false gods. Yet our God is a jealous God who will specifically confront anything that affects our passion for him.		As you seek God, he may reveal a specific sin. (If so, deal with it radically.) But often you will find that what has decreased your hunger and thirst for righteousness is a normally innocent activity, a typically harmless pastime. It’s not inherently evil, but it has ''become'' an evil for us, because we have allowed it to take too high a priority in our lives. We have adopted it as an idol, and the Lord himself is no longer our passion and priority. Instead, we spend our limited time and energy in the worship of false gods. Yet our God is a jealous God who will specifically confront anything that affects our passion for him.

-	The Scripture says, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles...” (He 12:1). In the next section we will look at some of the more subtle hindrances Christians often encounter. Prepare yourself to be challenged. And purpose in your heart now that nothing—absolutely nothing—will dull your appetite for God.	+	The Scripture says, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles...” (He 12:1). In the next section we will look at some of the more subtle hindrances Christians often encounter. Prepare yourself to be challenged. And purpose in your heart now that nothing—absolutely nothing—will dull your appetite for God.

	=== Time Bandits ===		=== Time Bandits ===
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	{{RightInsert\|<big>3</big> How many hours, on average, do you spend each week on the job? (Homemakers included)		{{RightInsert\|<big>3</big> How many hours, on average, do you spend each week on the job? (Homemakers included)
-		+	<br>❏30-40 hours<br> ❏40-50 hours<br> ❏50-60 hours<br> ❏60-80 hours<br> ❏More than 80 hours}}I’m privileged to serve a church filled with people who have as their passion and priority God and his purpose, not their careers. There’s Joann, who graduated from M.I.T. with a degree in architecture. Rather than making big money at a prestigious firm, she has chosen to work free-lance in order to care for people in the church. Ed could be retired and fishing his life away in Florida. Instead, he serves others through his involvement with the church’s marriage-counseling team, and oversees the teaching-tape ministry. Larry travels the country for the federal government, but makes a point of adjusting his schedule so that his leadership of a small group and attendance at Sunday meetings are not needlessly interrupted. Many in our church have turned down promotions because they involved relocation.
-	❏30-40 hours ❏40-50 hours ❏50-60 hours ❏60-80 hours ❏More than 80 hours}}I’m privileged to serve a church filled with people who have as their passion and priority God and his purpose, not their careers. There’s Joann, who graduated from M.I.T. with a degree in architecture. Rather than making big money at a prestigious firm, she has chosen to work free-lance in order to care for people in the church. Ed could be retired and fishing his life away in Florida. Instead, he serves others through his involvement with the church’s marriage-counseling team, and oversees the teaching-tape ministry. Larry travels the country for the federal government, but makes a point of adjusting his schedule so that his leadership of a small group and attendance at Sunday meetings are not needlessly interrupted. Many in our church have turned down promotions because they involved relocation.	+

	{{RightInsert\|'''Meditate on Acts 2:37-41.''' In response to Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, about 3,000 people—including many foreigners who were just visiting Jerusalem for Passover—were added to the church. Imagine how many of them sacrificed careers at home in order to participate in God’s purpose.}}People like this aren’t interested in attracting attention to themselves. They just want to serve, and they haven’t allowed the culture to seduce them. While pursuing excellence in their work, they haven’t let that work distract them from their primary priority and passion—Jesus Christ and his advancing kingdom. Their selfless example provokes me on a daily basis.		{{RightInsert\|'''Meditate on Acts 2:37-41.''' In response to Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, about 3,000 people—including many foreigners who were just visiting Jerusalem for Passover—were added to the church. Imagine how many of them sacrificed careers at home in order to participate in God’s purpose.}}People like this aren’t interested in attracting attention to themselves. They just want to serve, and they haven’t allowed the culture to seduce them. While pursuing excellence in their work, they haven’t let that work distract them from their primary priority and passion—Jesus Christ and his advancing kingdom. Their selfless example provokes me on a daily basis.
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	''A Call to Spiritual Reformation ''by D.A. Carson (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1992)		''A Call to Spiritual Reformation ''by D.A. Carson (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1992)

-	''Religious Affections ''by Jonathan Edwards (Minneapolis,MN: Bethany Book Publishers, 1996)	+	''Religious Affections ''by Jonathan Edwards (Minneapolis,MN: Bethany Book Publishers, 1996)

-	=== References ===	+	=== References ===

	<references />		<references />

Cmullery at 19:11, 20 May 2008

2008-05-20T19:11:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:11, 20 May 2008
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	{{LeftInsert\|'''Meditate on Psalm 42:1-2.''' Imagine the extreme thirst described here. Is it possible that you could experience such an intense longing of God?}}This exercise is not meant to condemn or provoke legalistic introspection (although it ''is ''meant to convict, where needed). God loves and accepts us on the basis of Christ’s finished work—period. Then, having laid a solid foundation of justification by grace through faith, God desires that we press on to develop our relationship with him. Just as we submit to periodic medical exams to check our physical health, we need to monitor our spiritual health at regular intervals. Loss of appetite, whether physical or spiritual, is symptomatic of disease. And where our hearts are involved, it is a “disease” that hides itself very well.		{{LeftInsert\|'''Meditate on Psalm 42:1-2.''' Imagine the extreme thirst described here. Is it possible that you could experience such an intense longing of God?}}This exercise is not meant to condemn or provoke legalistic introspection (although it ''is ''meant to convict, where needed). God loves and accepts us on the basis of Christ’s finished work—period. Then, having laid a solid foundation of justification by grace through faith, God desires that we press on to develop our relationship with him. Just as we submit to periodic medical exams to check our physical health, we need to monitor our spiritual health at regular intervals. Loss of appetite, whether physical or spiritual, is symptomatic of disease. And where our hearts are involved, it is a “disease” that hides itself very well.
-
-	~~If your hunger has subsided, it is imperative that you seek God’s diagnosis and make whatever changes are necessary—no matter how drastic. Your condition requires immediate care.~~
-
-	As you seek God, he may reveal a specific sin. (If so, deal with it radically.) But often you will find that what has decreased your hunger and thirst for righteousness is a normally innocent activity, a typically harmless pastime. It’s not inherently evil, but it has ''become'' an evil for us, because we have allowed it to take too high a priority in our lives. We have adopted it as an idol, and the Lord himself is no longer our passion and priority. Instead, we spend our limited time and energy in the worship of false gods. Yet our God is a jealous God who will specifically confront anything that affects our passion for him.

	{{LeftInsert\|<big>1</big> What are your vital signs? Use this self-diagnostic test to check your spiritual health.		{{LeftInsert\|<big>1</big> What are your vital signs? Use this self-diagnostic test to check your spiritual health.
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	(H is Healthy, Q is Questionable, S is Sick)		(H is Healthy, Q is Questionable, S is Sick)

-	Heart (Pr 4:23) ~~H❏ Q❏ S❏~~	+	Heart (Pr 4:23)

-	~~Eyes (Ps 123:1-2;Heb 12:2)~~ H❏ Q❏ S❏	+	H❏ Q❏ S❏

-	~~Ears~~ (~~Pr 2~~:1-2;~~Is 50~~:4) ~~H❏ Q❏ S❏~~	+	Eyes (Ps 123:1-2;Heb 12:2)

-	~~Lungs (Ps 150:6)~~ H❏ Q❏ S❏	+	H❏ Q❏ S❏

-	~~Blood pressure~~ (~~Php 4~~:6-7) ~~H❏ Q❏ S❏~~	+	Ears (Pr 2:1-2;Is 50:4)

-	~~Oral hygiene (Jas 3:3-10)~~ H❏ Q❏ S❏	+	H❏ Q❏ S❏

-	Hand-eye coordination (Jas 2:14-17) H❏ Q❏ S❏	+	Lungs (Ps 150:6)
		+
		+	H❏ Q❏ S❏
		+
		+	Blood pressure (Php 4:6-7)
		+
		+	H❏ Q❏ S❏
		+
		+	Oral hygiene (Jas 3:3-10)
		+
		+	H❏ Q❏ S❏
		+
		+	Hand-eye coordination (Jas 2:14-17)
		+
		+	H❏ Q❏ S❏
		+
		+	Body odor (2Co 2:14-16)
		+
		+	H❏ Q❏ S❏}}If your hunger has subsided, it is imperative that you seek God’s diagnosis and make whatever changes are necessary—no matter how drastic. Your condition requires immediate care.
		+
		+	As you seek God, he may reveal a specific sin. (If so, deal with it radically.) But often you will find that what has decreased your hunger and thirst for righteousness is a normally innocent activity, a typically harmless pastime. It’s not inherently evil, but it has ''become'' an evil for us, because we have allowed it to take too high a priority in our lives. We have adopted it as an idol, and the Lord himself is no longer our passion and priority. Instead, we spend our limited time and energy in the worship of false gods. Yet our God is a jealous God who will specifically confront anything that affects our passion for him.

-	~~Body odor (2Co 2:14-16) H❏ Q❏ S❏}}~~The Scripture says, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles...” (He 12:1). In the next section we will look at some of the more subtle hindrances Christians often encounter. Prepare yourself to be challenged. And purpose in your heart now that nothing—absolutely nothing—will dull your appetite for God.	+	The Scripture says, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles...” (He 12:1). In the next section we will look at some of the more subtle hindrances Christians often encounter. Prepare yourself to be challenged. And purpose in your heart now that nothing—absolutely nothing—will dull your appetite for God.

	=== Time Bandits ===		=== Time Bandits ===

Cmullery at 19:06, 20 May 2008

2008-05-20T19:06:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:06, 20 May 2008
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	Has anything diminished your appetite—your passion—for God? It could be something minor, something that appears insignificant. A fascination with news, for example. An opportunity for promotion. An intriguing hobby. A dream vacation. Something so seemingly justifiable that you haven’t even thought of reevaluating it.		Has anything diminished your appetite—your passion—for God? It could be something minor, something that appears insignificant. A fascination with news, for example. An opportunity for promotion. An intriguing hobby. A dream vacation. Something so seemingly justifiable that you haven’t even thought of reevaluating it.

-	But here’s the issue: Is it competing with God as your primary passion? Once you recognize that something—anything—is hindering your growth in godliness, please don’t waste any time in attacking and avoiding it.	+	{{LeftInsert\|"God has given us the Spiritual Disciplines as a means of receiving His grace and growing in godliness.... We have learned that the Spiritual Disciplines are scriptural paths where we may expect to encounter the transforming grace of God."<ref>Donald Whitney, ''Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life ''(Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1991) pp.16 & 28.</ref><br>'''-Donald Whitney'''}}But here’s the issue: Is it competing with God as your primary passion? Once you recognize that something—anything—is hindering your growth in godliness, please don’t waste any time in attacking and avoiding it.

-	{{LeftInsert\|"God has given us the Spiritual Disciplines as a means of receiving His grace and growing in godliness.... We have learned that the Spiritual Disciplines are scriptural paths where we may expect to encounter the transforming grace of God."<ref>Donald Whitney, ''Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life ''(Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1991) pp.16 & 28.</ref><br>'''-Donald Whitney'''}}As we remove these hindrances, let’s replace them with the spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, Bible study, fasting, confession, and solitude. What may initially seem like a sacrifice won’t compare to the reward of intimacy with the One who made us for himself.	+	As we remove these hindrances, let’s replace them with the spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, Bible study, fasting, confession, and solitude. What may initially seem like a sacrifice won’t compare to the reward of intimacy with the One who made us for himself.

	=== Group Discussion ===		=== Group Discussion ===
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	''Religious Affections ''by Jonathan Edwards (Minneapolis,MN: Bethany Book Publishers, 1996)		''Religious Affections ''by Jonathan Edwards (Minneapolis,MN: Bethany Book Publishers, 1996)
		+
		+	=== References ===
		+
		+	<references />

Cmullery at 19:05, 20 May 2008

2008-05-20T19:05:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:05, 20 May 2008
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	This kind of radical obedience should be the norm. God is establishing churches that are full of people fully prepared to climb off the career ladder—should God direct them to—because they want to build something that is far more meaningful and significant. These men and women won’t allow themselves to be jerked around by corporate transfers, compiling possessions and positions at the expense of their relationships with God, their family, and their church. Nor will they have any regrets when God one day summarizes their lives with a resounding, “Well done!”		This kind of radical obedience should be the norm. God is establishing churches that are full of people fully prepared to climb off the career ladder—should God direct them to—because they want to build something that is far more meaningful and significant. These men and women won’t allow themselves to be jerked around by corporate transfers, compiling possessions and positions at the expense of their relationships with God, their family, and their church. Nor will they have any regrets when God one day summarizes their lives with a resounding, “Well done!”

-	{{~~LeftInsert~~\|Congratulations! You’ve been offered a significant promotion. It comes with a huge salary increase, and puts you in line for an even better job in just a few more years. This is it ... the big time awaits!	+	{{RightInsert\|<big>4</big> Congratulations! You’ve been offered a significant promotion. It comes with a huge salary increase, and puts you in line for an even better job in just a few more years. This is it ... the big time awaits!

	There’s just one little catch. To take the job you will have to relocate to another city 1,500 miles away.		There’s just one little catch. To take the job you will have to relocate to another city 1,500 miles away.
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	But here’s the issue: Is it competing with God as your primary passion? Once you recognize that something—anything—is hindering your growth in godliness, please don’t waste any time in attacking and avoiding it.		But here’s the issue: Is it competing with God as your primary passion? Once you recognize that something—anything—is hindering your growth in godliness, please don’t waste any time in attacking and avoiding it.

-	{{~~RightInsert~~\|"God has given us the Spiritual Disciplines as a means of receiving His grace and growing in godliness.... We have learned that the Spiritual Disciplines are scriptural paths where we may expect to encounter the transforming grace of God."<ref>Donald Whitney, ''Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life ''(Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1991) pp.16 & 28.</ref><br>'''-Donald Whitney'''}}As we remove these hindrances, let’s replace them with the spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, Bible study, fasting, confession, and solitude. What may initially seem like a sacrifice won’t compare to the reward of intimacy with the One who made us for himself.	+	{{LeftInsert\|"God has given us the Spiritual Disciplines as a means of receiving His grace and growing in godliness.... We have learned that the Spiritual Disciplines are scriptural paths where we may expect to encounter the transforming grace of God."<ref>Donald Whitney, ''Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life ''(Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1991) pp.16 & 28.</ref><br>'''-Donald Whitney'''}}As we remove these hindrances, let’s replace them with the spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, Bible study, fasting, confession, and solitude. What may initially seem like a sacrifice won’t compare to the reward of intimacy with the One who made us for himself.

	=== Group Discussion ===		=== Group Discussion ===

Cmullery at 19:03, 20 May 2008

2008-05-20T19:03:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:03, 20 May 2008
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	The development of your spiritual life should take precedence over all else. If something is important to us, our schedules will reflect that, and a close look at how we spend our time is a sure indication of what we have built our lives around. So if we are not taking the necessary time to pursue God via the spiritual disciplines, it simply means some other activity has become more important to us.		The development of your spiritual life should take precedence over all else. If something is important to us, our schedules will reflect that, and a close look at how we spend our time is a sure indication of what we have built our lives around. So if we are not taking the necessary time to pursue God via the spiritual disciplines, it simply means some other activity has become more important to us.

-	{{RightInsert\|'''For Further Study: '''When young King Josiah discovered and studied God’s Word, he took radical action against Judah’s idolatrous practices (2 Kings 22:1- 23:25). If the Holy Spirit revealed idols in your life, would you be willing to follow Josiah’s lead?}}Here are some of the activities which most frequently compete with what could otherwise be spiritually productive time:	+	{{RightInsert\|'''For Further Study: '''When young King Josiah discovered and studied God’s Word, he took radical action against Judah’s idolatrous practices (2 Kings 22:1-23:25). If the Holy Spirit revealed idols in your life, would you be willing to follow Josiah’s lead?}}Here are some of the activities which most frequently compete with what could otherwise be spiritually productive time:

	'''Television.''' I can almost hear the groans. You don’t need me to tell you that Christians should exercise great care in choosing what we watch on TV. But it’s equally important to monitor ''how much'' we watch. For many of you, television is more of a habit than you would like to admit (and if you can’t admit it, you won’t change it).		'''Television.''' I can almost hear the groans. You don’t need me to tell you that Christians should exercise great care in choosing what we watch on TV. But it’s equally important to monitor ''how much'' we watch. For many of you, television is more of a habit than you would like to admit (and if you can’t admit it, you won’t change it).
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	{{RightInsert\|<big>3</big> How many hours, on average, do you spend each week on the job? (Homemakers included)		{{RightInsert\|<big>3</big> How many hours, on average, do you spend each week on the job? (Homemakers included)

-	❏30-40 hours ❏40-50 hours ❏50-60 hours ❏60-80 hours ❏More than 80 hours}}I’m privileged to serve a church filled with people who have as their passion and priority God and his purpose, not their careers. There’s Joann, who graduated from M.I.T. with a degree in architecture. Rather than making big money at a prestigious firm, she has chosen to work free-lance in order to care for people in the church. Ed could be retired and fishing his life away in Florida. Instead, he serves others through his involvement with the church’s marriage-counseling team, and oversees the teaching-tape ministry. Larry travels the country for the federal government, but makes a point of adjusting his schedule so that his leadership of a small group and attendance at Sunday meetings are not needlessly interrupted. Many in our church have turned down promotions because they involved relocation.	+	❏30-40 hours ❏40-50 hours ❏50-60 hours ❏60-80 hours ❏More than 80 hours}}I’m privileged to serve a church filled with people who have as their passion and priority God and his purpose, not their careers. There’s Joann, who graduated from M.I.T. with a degree in architecture. Rather than making big money at a prestigious firm, she has chosen to work free-lance in order to care for people in the church. Ed could be retired and fishing his life away in Florida. Instead, he serves others through his involvement with the church’s marriage-counseling team, and oversees the teaching-tape ministry. Larry travels the country for the federal government, but makes a point of adjusting his schedule so that his leadership of a small group and attendance at Sunday meetings are not needlessly interrupted. Many in our church have turned down promotions because they involved relocation.

	{{RightInsert\|'''Meditate on Acts 2:37-41.''' In response to Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, about 3,000 people—including many foreigners who were just visiting Jerusalem for Passover—were added to the church. Imagine how many of them sacrificed careers at home in order to participate in God’s purpose.}}People like this aren’t interested in attracting attention to themselves. They just want to serve, and they haven’t allowed the culture to seduce them. While pursuing excellence in their work, they haven’t let that work distract them from their primary priority and passion—Jesus Christ and his advancing kingdom. Their selfless example provokes me on a daily basis.		{{RightInsert\|'''Meditate on Acts 2:37-41.''' In response to Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, about 3,000 people—including many foreigners who were just visiting Jerusalem for Passover—were added to the church. Imagine how many of them sacrificed careers at home in order to participate in God’s purpose.}}People like this aren’t interested in attracting attention to themselves. They just want to serve, and they haven’t allowed the culture to seduce them. While pursuing excellence in their work, they haven’t let that work distract them from their primary priority and passion—Jesus Christ and his advancing kingdom. Their selfless example provokes me on a daily basis.

-	This kind of radical obedience should be the norm. God is establishing churches that are full of people fully prepared to climb off the career ladder—should God direct them to—because they want to build something that is far more meaningful and significant. These men and women won’t allow themselves to be jerked around by	+	This kind of radical obedience should be the norm. God is establishing churches that are full of people fully prepared to climb off the career ladder—should God direct them to—because they want to build something that is far more meaningful and significant. These men and women won’t allow themselves to be jerked around by corporate transfers, compiling possessions and positions at the expense of their relationships with God, their family, and their church. Nor will they have any regrets when God one day summarizes their lives with a resounding, “Well done!”
-	corporate transfers, compiling possessions and positions	+
-	at the expense of their relationships with God, their family, and their church. Nor will they have any regrets when	+
-	God one day summarizes their lives with a resounding, “Well done!”	+

	{{LeftInsert\|Congratulations! You’ve been offered a significant promotion. It comes with a huge salary increase, and puts you in line for an even better job in just a few more years. This is it ... the big time awaits!		{{LeftInsert\|Congratulations! You’ve been offered a significant promotion. It comes with a huge salary increase, and puts you in line for an even better job in just a few more years. This is it ... the big time awaits!
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	_____ Climate/geography		_____ Climate/geography

-	_____ Proximity to family/friends}}=== Initial Sacrifice, Eternal Reward ===	+	_____ Proximity to family/friends}}=== Initial Sacrifice, Eternal Reward ===

	Has anything diminished your appetite—your passion—for God? It could be something minor, something that appears insignificant. A fascination with news, for example. An opportunity for promotion. An intriguing hobby. A dream vacation. Something so seemingly justifiable that you haven’t even thought of reevaluating it.		Has anything diminished your appetite—your passion—for God? It could be something minor, something that appears insignificant. A fascination with news, for example. An opportunity for promotion. An intriguing hobby. A dream vacation. Something so seemingly justifiable that you haven’t even thought of reevaluating it.
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	But here’s the issue: Is it competing with God as your primary passion? Once you recognize that something—anything—is hindering your growth in godliness, please don’t waste any time in attacking and avoiding it.		But here’s the issue: Is it competing with God as your primary passion? Once you recognize that something—anything—is hindering your growth in godliness, please don’t waste any time in attacking and avoiding it.

-	{{RightInsert\|"God has given us the Spiritual Disciplines as a means of receiving His grace and growing in godliness.... We have learned that the Spiritual Disciplines are scriptural paths where we may expect to encounter the transforming grace of God."<ref>Donald Whitney, ''Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life ''(Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1991) pp.16 & 28.</ref><br>'''-Donald Whitney'''}} As we remove these hindrances, let’s replace them with the spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, Bible study, fasting, confession, and solitude. What may initially seem like a sacrifice won’t compare to the reward of intimacy with the One who made us for himself.	+	{{RightInsert\|"God has given us the Spiritual Disciplines as a means of receiving His grace and growing in godliness.... We have learned that the Spiritual Disciplines are scriptural paths where we may expect to encounter the transforming grace of God."<ref>Donald Whitney, ''Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life ''(Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1991) pp.16 & 28.</ref><br>'''-Donald Whitney'''}}As we remove these hindrances, let’s replace them with the spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, Bible study, fasting, confession, and solitude. What may initially seem like a sacrifice won’t compare to the reward of intimacy with the One who made us for himself.

-	=== Group Discussion ===	+	=== Group Discussion ===

	#We’ve all seen images of starving children. What signs would indicate that a Christian is starving spiritually?		#We’ve all seen images of starving children. What signs would indicate that a Christian is starving spiritually?
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	#Do you sense a need to increase your appetite for God? What first step can you take?		#Do you sense a need to increase your appetite for God? What first step can you take?

-	=== Recommended Reading ===	+	=== Recommended Reading ===

	''Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist ''by John Piper (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Books, 1986)		''Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist ''by John Piper (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Books, 1986)

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:52, 9 July 2008
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-	{{~~MasterHeader~~	+	{{info\|An Appetite for God}}For years now—decades, actually—I’ve enjoyed ''Sports Illustrated'' every week (except for the deplorable, pandering, exploitative swimsuit issue). When I get the mail on Thursdays, I tend to lose all awareness of the world around me. Time stops. Only something significant like an earthquake or the smell of chocolate could get my attention. I’ve been known to stand there at the mailbox for long periods of time, oblivious to everything but sports.
-	\|~~author= C.J. Mahaney~~	+
-	~~\|partnerurl= http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org~~	+
-	~~\|partner= Sovereign Grace Ministries~~	+
-	~~\|other=~~	+
-	~~\|mediatype= Chapter~~	+
-	~~\|lang= English~~	+
-	~~\|editor=~~	+
-	~~\|translator= n/a~~	+
-	~~\|levels= 1~~	+
-	~~\|reviewed=Not Reviewed~~	+
-	~~\|newtitle=~~An Appetite for God	+
-	~~\|series=Disciplines for Life~~	+
-	~~\|topic=Spiritual Growth~~	+
-	~~\|subtopic=Christian Hedonism~~	+
-	~~\|month=~~	+
-	~~\|day=~~	+
-	~~\|year=1992~~}}For years now—decades, actually—I’ve enjoyed ''Sports Illustrated'' every week (except for the deplorable, pandering, exploitative swimsuit issue). When I get the mail on Thursdays, I tend to lose all awareness of the world around me. Time stops. Only something significant like an earthquake or the smell of chocolate could get my attention. I’ve been known to stand there at the mailbox for long periods of time, oblivious to everything but sports.	+

	One Thursday a few years ago I was walking back from the mailbox, eager to sit down and read the latest issue, when I was interrupted by a clear impression in my spirit. Brief, quiet—but unmistakable. “You want to read that magazine more than my Word,” whispered the voice.		One Thursday a few years ago I was walking back from the mailbox, eager to sit down and read the latest issue, when I was interrupted by a clear impression in my spirit. Brief, quiet—but unmistakable. “You want to read that magazine more than my Word,” whispered the voice.