Thursday, September 11, 2014

Spiritual Journey Thursday - The Truth Project


Every Thursday, I explore different aspects of my spiritual journey, and I ask anyone else who would also like to write about their spiritual journeys to link up below.  I've learned so much from the posts of those who share their thoughts.

What is TRUTH?


     My church is exploring this question in a 13-week small group-focused study of The Truth Project.   My husband and I are hosts for a small group, and we started last Thursday.  How perfect is it that our small group meets on Spiritual Journey Thursdays?!  Our church has tried a couple initiatives that involved the whole congregation - B90 and a summer small group study of The Bible Series.  The Adult Education Committee, on which I serve, has received positive feedback from these classes/studies because everyone feels the power of community and fellowship.  The Truth Project is our latest endeavor, and we can't wait to see what God does within our congregation and community!

Our small group

     Each small group session involves about an hour-long video and then another 45 minutes of discussion.  In last Thursday's session, Del Tackett left us with the question:


     This struck me as the most important question that came out of lesson one.  If you really believe, what about your life is indicating that you really believe it?  I think this is so convicting. My answer to this question is a resounding YES, but doubt still creeps in.  It's hard to sustain that 100 % belief all the time.  In the video, Tackett says, if we really believe in the power of prayer, wouldn't it be hard to tear yourself away from prayer?  I think back to the time in my 20s when I read More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell, and I had an overwhelming feeling of understanding the truth.  It was so overwhelming, that is was almost more than I could sustain.  If it is really all true, then why aren't we shouting among the mountaintops continually?!  My conclusion is that most of us are not wired that way.  We can't sustain that feeling and understanding to that level.  We get glimpses, not stares.  However, if we can continually remind ourselves that what we really believe is really real, we can return again and again to that revelation.  That's what God wants.  He wants us to be in constant communion with Him.  I'd love to hear from you.  How do YOU maintain that?

  Before I go, I want to take a minute to remember 9/11.  What a day that was.  I'll be talking about it in class today.  It's hard to believe the students I have now weren't even born yet when it happened.  It's important to keep the memory alive.  I'll be sharing 14 Cows For America because it is the perfect book for the 5th grade theme topic, EMPATHY, and our 6th grade theme topic, SOCIAL INJUSTICE.  We've been talking about responses to social injustice and what characteristics are evident in people/characters who work to stop social injustices.  The Maasai show us.

14 Cows for America



4 comments:

  1. I wasn't quite sure where you were heading with this theme of truth. Now I get it. My post is rather random. Just thoughts around the word truth. I think it is exciting that your church community is embarking on a group study.
    I am never quite sure how to talk about 9/11 with my students. They do not have the capacity to understand it. I will look for 14 Cows in my school library. I wish I owned it. I love the message.
    Thanks for pushing me to think about my spiritual journey each week. It's a challenge, but one that is important and gratifying.

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  2. I struggled with this one Holly. I am going to read your post & Margaret's after dinner. Thanks for the challenge! :)

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  3. Truth Project is an interesting concept for church. I think my church is struggling with this right now. Thank you for making me think and dig deeper!

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  4. This was a difficult and deep concept this week. I struggled to find the right words to say -- and ended up being a half week late. I'm interested in your church project - a human perspective of truth can tear people apart, by focusing on God, it's His truth that shines. Have a great week, Holly.

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