For the past few years at this time, I have sent out a blog to remind all of us (this includes a reminder to myself) to continue to engage in our spiritual disciplines throughout the summer months, despite the different rhythms that often take over our time during the months of June –August. I am always reminded about this as a pastor when September comes in conversations with people who completely neglected any intentionality with respect to their walk with Christ over the summer months. They allowed the different routines to control their lives and this lack of intentionality has them looking to breathe in deeply once again in September to reignite their journey with Christ. This should not be the case. And as those who lead others on the journey of discipleship, it is a unique opportunity that we have to model something that is life-giving and to demonstrate how natural it is to engage with Christ through all seasons of the year.
I am 2 weeks into a three week vacation that I am thoroughly enjoying with my wife Janice. Being able to take this amount of time off is rejuvenating in so many ways. And in the midst of this time off and getting away, I knew up front that I wanted to engage with Christ as is my routine. In all of this, I like to look for the sacred space and sacred time that will be part of my life during the different segments of my vacation.
Our first week off was spent at a cottage in the beautiful Muskoka area of Ontario. Being up there is an amazing thing to behold in and of itself and for my wife especially, helps her to connect with God in deep ways. In the cottage where we stayed, there was a long, wood dining table that would seat around 16 people. I chose the one end of the table where I would spread out by bible, journal and another book that I was reading. Each morning became one hour of sacred time when I first woke up. Time to engage with scripture, write out prayers and reflect on life. I loved it immensely.
Our second week was spent in Paris, France, as we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Each morning, around 6:30am, I made my way into the hotel lobby where I found a quiet table and chair. The space wasn’t fancy or beautiful per se, but for me each morning it became my sacred time and sacred space during that week away as I once again took out my journal and bible along with a book I was also reading. Each morning, for about 45-60 minutes, I enjoyed some fresh thoughts from scripture and prayers in my journal.
Sacred space and sacred time. As leaders of others, we are to live the life that we desire for those that we are leading. May we all choose to find the space and time this summer. Let’s also share about it with those that we are coming alongside. May it be an encouragement to us and to them.
For the Kingdom.

The guys I meet with began a new study entitled “Old Testament Essentials.” It follows a similar format to the Discipleship Essentials curriculum that I have commented on previously. It is taking us on a high level walk through of the OT and also includes a section each time called “Anticipating the New Testament.” This link to what is to come is a beautiful addition, getting us to think in a broader sense – across all of scripture.

In our recent study of Jacob, God again renews the covenant he made with Abraham, Jacob’s grandfather – this covenant is simply a declaration by God, no strings attached, God will do what he says. However, when Jacob hears from the Lord through the famous stairs into heaven dream, he makes the following statement the next morning: “If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will certainly be my God.” Genesis 28:20-21

I was fascinated by the “ifs” in Jacob’s reflection. God was fully in, he made a covenant with no ands, ifs or buts. Yet Jacob responds with conditions. Only if God fulfills what Jacob expects then will he make the Lord his God.

As I reflected on the many guys that I have led over the years, there are some similarities. Now don’t take this analogy to far, but in essence, when I ask a guy to join me on this journey of life-on-life discipleship, I am making a covenant with him. I’m in, I’m going to give it my all.

Yet on some occasions, I have felt like the guys that commit do so conditionally, like Jacob. They are hedging right up front. If they have time in their schedule they’ll be there. If they don’t have to memorize the verses they’ll participate. If we don’t have to serve outside of our comfort zone then they will commit. If we can meet every other week they’ll join. If I’m not too demanding, if I come to where they are geographically, if we meet in the evening, if, if, if.

At times they state these things up front and I am aware of what I am working with and it doesn’t necessarily stop me. Other times I discover these things over the first 3-6 months and frankly I don’t always know how to respond. Sometimes I push back and call them to a higher level of commitment – some of them do, others don’t, others leave. Sometimes I don’t say anything but inside I’m regretting the fact that I have committed my time to them.

Yet as I thought about this, I was reminded how God must at times get frustrated with me. I have been saved by grace, been given a gift, “not by works, so that I can’t boast.” Yet how often have I added conditions to my discipleship? How often have I negotiated with God? And has God stepped away from his act of grace in my life? Yes God disciplines me, and yes he will allow the pains of life to teach me. And in the same way I at times am doing similar things to those I lead. And yet, at my core, what is my motivation to walk alongside others? Am I in?

May we be willing to confess the “conditions” we have placed on our discipleship, where we have chosen not to “deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow.” And may God grant us the covenant commitment to those that we choose to come alongside.

For the kingdom.