Lessons learnt from "Is That Really You God?"

One of my assessments here includes handing in a book report every 2 weeks... The books I have to read are shown below... I'm supposed to read them in order and I've handed the first one in...

So here are a couple of lessons I learnt from the book that really opened my eyes:

1. The idea that "we can hear a confirming voice through another person. But if God has something important to tell you, He will speak to you directly". Sometimes our relationship with God isn't personal enough that we feel we won't get the answer directly from God because we are not 'spiritual' enough. This should not be the case; and we should only use others' answers (even though they are extremely close to us and are Christians) as confirmations from God and not the answer itself.


2. "Guidance is first of all a relationship with the Guide. The first goal of guidance is to lead us into a closer relationship with Jesus. All other goals should be subservient to that. We have to be especially watchful when He is leading us toward tools, such as a ship or a university. There is nothing wrong with tools. But it's a sad day if the tools ever supersede the Lord Himself"

Guidance, (especially when it comes to special events we are planning for church....) is first of all a relationship with the Guide. It is extremely important that we keep our focus on Jesus when we look for guidance. We as humans tend to get easily distracted especially when we are seeking guidance that involves tools, fame, money or power. As Loren mentioned in the book, it is not good when these ever supersede the Lord Himself. It is dangerous and we may subconsciously start 'worshiping' and giving glory to the tools rather than God.

Reading this particular passage really challenged me to review past social events I have led at church in my life. How often do I look for guidance through or with my ministry team that leads them into a closer relationship with Jesus? How many times have we ended up giving glory to the tools themselves as opposed to Jesus?

It was a real eye-opener and I feel ashamed at what I may have caused in the passed. Looking back I realized that there may have been more than one instances when I led events completely lacking God's guidance but instead relied upon what I felt was confirmations from my peers and leaders. Building relationship with God and being in constant communication with Him in every aspect should be the key to a successful and purposeful event.

I certainly hope that this can be implemented at my church now or at least upon my return. :) :)