Intro
The first group meeting is usually a partial “getting to
know you” session with very little meaty content. This study couldn’t afford to start off that
slowly. “What does ‘excess’ mean to
you?” More than one refrigerator. Storage facility. More than what I need. Getting everything I want. Greed.
Ouch. Am I the only one being
convicted, here?
One of our group members suggested a clothing drive so we
could clear out our closets and donate the items to a local organization. Great idea!
So, are you ready to stage your own mutiny against
excess? Does this study intimidate
you? It probably should if you’re
looking at it properly. But don’t be
dissuaded from participating. There are
different intensity levels at which you can accomplish this study. They are presented as alternatives within the
pages of the study itself, so we will begin to see those with next week’s
homework.
The introduction to the study gives a good indication that
this is going to be a powerful nine weeks!
This is not about organizing and downsizing for your own benefit. Well, it is, but not in the way you might
think. This is about removing roadblocks
and obstacles that keep you from encountering God and enjoying the fullness of
relationship that He wants to share with you.
I am ready to bulldoze my way to a closer walk with Jesus. I’m still praying about how far to go. Just because I signed up for the overhaul
doesn’t mean that my family did. So,
this must be pursued delicately and tactfully.
I plan to ask my husband to read the Intro lesson so he knows where my
thinking is.
Over the next several weeks, we will be engaging seven
common areas where we experience excess:
food, clothes, possessions, media, waste, spending and stress. The challenge is to engage one area each week
and conquer the excess that is standing in the way of a closer relationship
with God. Sure, there are physical benefits
to participating in this study. My
personal goal is to be nearer to the Lord.
I’ll let you know how that’s turning out as the weeks pass. But I am looking forward to the challenge.
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