Questions are more important than answers. That is what Socrates thought. He became a famous philosopher because of his technique of asking questions in order to reveal the truth. His life goal was to assist others in finding the answers by asking a series of questions. That may seem odd to us because we tend to want to tell others what we think or what we believe. We are quick to support our opinions and are often hurt when others don't agree with what we are saying or thinking.
But few people have mastered the art of asking a good question. Jesus loved a good question. When confronted with a situation he would ask his accusers: "Who do you say that I am?"; "Who is without sin?"; What does it profit a person to gain the whole world but lose their soul?" Over the next few weeks, read through one of the gospels and note the number of questions that Jesus used.
During this fast, it is a great time to ask God our own questions. He is waiting to talk with you. Sometimes, instead of giving us a straight answer, God will return to us a series of his own questions. The answers to our prayers can be found in the willingness to answer His questions.
I've asked God over the past 10 days, "What do you want for Cornerstone in this next year?" In return, the Holy Spirit within me has impressed on my mind questions like: "What does my Son look like?"; "What do you seek that I have not already provided?"; "Why are you so restless, when I am the God of peace?"
What are some of the questions that God is asking of you during this time? Maybe if we compile a list of the questions, then we can get a clearer picture of God's plan for Cornerstone. I'd love to hear some of the questions that God is laying on your heart. Take a moment and record them in the comment section. Remember, the only stupid question is the one that goes unasked.
May God's blessing pour over you this day!!
What does it mean that we say we are a "different kind of church"? Different how?
ReplyDeleteWhere should we want to be different and where the same as other churches?
And I remember well the question we kept asking a few years ago:
If Cornerstone disappeared, would Oakdale miss us? Are we making a difference to this neighborhood?
I wanted to share with you all that as I go through this time, I see a calling, a desperate longing from God that we would return to our first love. I know that is a very cliche saying, but it's a very serious call for a church body.... here are the verses I have sought and been shown:
ReplyDeleteRevelation 2:4-5 (New King James Version)
4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.
So it's a message of coming back to God, which is only possible through the active yielding of our whole selves unto Him....and to turn (this is a great four letter verb...) and run back to Him - do the first works (see Mark 12:30).
This has been challenging for me, individually, but I am finding much time to seek God...it helps to have a small little voice that reminds you , "Jesus is coming, coming in clouds Mommy".... yep, Elijah's been my little helper :o) during the fast.
Jesus said to the disciples he would teach them to be fishers of men. Luke 5 talks of Jesus asking the disciples, who had a disappointing night of fishing, to go out in their fishing boats again and put their nets in on the other side. They did and filled the nets beyond capacity so they had to ask another boat to come help them bring in the fish. MY QUESTION: At Cornerstone, do we need help with the nets?
ReplyDeleteI love questions and I love intentionality. So a call to fast as a church to see what God wants for us sounded intriguing. Interestingly,this time fasting has diminished my questions and provided lots of time to be quiet and be aware of God's presence...everywhere. The biggest message I've gotten so far is about trust. Pure, unquestioning, faithful, trust. It feels great.
ReplyDeleteO.K., is this one of those "oooowhoo" moments (as Michael calls it) or not?
ReplyDeleteMy journal entry, (which I might add are literally my prayers and conversations with God), Tuesday...First 2 lines: Funny isn't it? (changed color in parenthesis 'or not'). Why do I always get hung up with "the details"?....And we talked about my particular issues with prayer...And OF COURSE, through His Word He led me through to the answers. So we talked some more...
And as some of you know, I've had some human father issues, hence showing itself in some Heavenly Father issues....But again...Through this time spent with Him Wednesday, came another thought to my mind..."how this all rolls into building OUR relationship, (which I've attempted so many times). You love me, You want me to talk to YOU and come to YOU. YOU LOVE ME!!!"
Pastor Scott - - YOU know what a breakthrough this is!!! My heart is filled with Joy!!!
I'm telling you people! This has been one of THE BEST experiences in my life! Thank you for sharing it with me!
I don't know what direction He's bringing me in Cornerstone - - - But I do know He's clearly bringing me closer to Him - - and "clearing my closets", thus it seems preparing me for some awesome work!
Christ asks: What have I said about what separates you and I? That nothing separates us! What have I said about leaving you? That I will NEVER leave you! What have I said about my work in you? That I, who has begun a good work in you, will complete it!
ReplyDeleteI have always loved one of the first questions that God asks Adam, just after Adam and Eve sinned (Genesis 3:9):
ReplyDelete"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"
When I have wandered away from God, and I feel the separation, this passage reminds me that God comes to look for me, calling for me.
Let me in… my heart keeps begging for this… I have come to Cornerstone for about a month now… people are friendly and it seems that everyone knows everyone so being new means that I know no-one… is not that anyone is rude or unfriendly… is just that there is no connection beyond the Hi and Welcome… I am learning “tons” during the services but I leave saying goodbye to only one person in the whole church (Thank you Lynn)… So I have a question… how could Cornerstone be intentional at connecting in a deeper level with new people that are seeking not just to get to know God but also to get to Know God thru you?
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