Do We Believe or Don't We

The classic definition of education is behavior modification.  What we learn should somehow affect how we live.  Yet there seems to be almost no connection between our faith and our life.  We seem to be okay with God is sovereign, the Bible is His word, I really should study it and know what it says, but it really doesn't matter if I live it.
It's like having Jillian Michaels for your personal trainer.  You listen to her about exercise and nutrition, learn how to exercise properly, gain a complete understanding of the interplay between healthy lifestyle and physical health and then sit on the couch watching Gilligan's Island and Brady Bunch reruns eating Twinkies and MooseTrax icecream and get pissed off at Jillian because nothing changed.
We see how ridiculous that is, but how is that any different than the way we treat God?  He told us so many things through scripture for our own good, but we ignore them and live life on our own terms leaving a wake of destruction in our path and then blame God for all the crises and drama in our lives and wonder why He is treating us this way.
Maybe if we listen to the words He has to say and put them into practice, when the storms come (which they always do) we would find ourselves still standing when they pass none the worse for wear for our harrowing experience.
The video is an excerpt from XPerience on Sunday, Sept 11, 2011.

Without ceasing?!?

The idea of praying without ceasing is a difficult one to wrap my head around.  I mean, how long can you keep you head bowed before you get a serious crick in it?

There's a story I once read on the internet that sheds some light on the issue:

A group of theology professors were debating the efficacy of pray within the sovereignty of God and the meaning of "pray without ceasing".  Obviously it had to mean something other the most direct interpretation.  After all, no one can continually pray, there are other aspects of life.  Finally, they settled on the concept that to "pray without ceasing" is an ideal we strive for, but never attain in this life.

Just then a cleaning woman comes in and one of them asks her, "Do you think anyone can pray without ceasing?"  She replies, "Of course!  When I first wake up in the morning I thank God for the new day and ask Him to direct me in a path that is pleasing to Him.  When I put my feet on the floor I thank Him for the health he has given me and I pray for those that I know are ill.  As I pick up my Bible for my morning devotion I ask Him to open my mind to understand, and my heart to want to do what I read in His book.  When I lay it down I ask Him to show me where His word applies in my life and relationships as I go through my day.  When I take a shower I thank Him for his provisions of my home and running water and electricity that puts me among the wealthiest 10% in the whole world.  As I prepare my breakfast I thank Him for His generous provision that is so far beyond what most people in the world have and ask Him to provide for those in need of the basic necessities of life.  And on and on through my day.  Everything offers me a chance to continue my conversation with Him!"

Sometimes I think we over think things a bit in order to give us a way out.  Maybe it does mean exactly what it says - "pray without ceasing."

Just sayin' ...