This post is from Leroy Mackey
Mark Batterson wrote: "the sacred becomes routine, and we not only forfeit spiritual adventure but we also start losing the joy of our salvation. Chasing the Wild Goose is a way to get it back. But that means coming out of the cage of the routine. We need to change our routine, take some risks, and try new things." This paragraph really sums up Chapter 3.
Reading Chapter 3 on routines made me realize what I go through at times in my life. I don't want to loose that adventure. It makes sense to me in changing my routines, changing time of prayer, reading different translations, sitting up front in church (so Pastor can keep an eye on me), buying a puppy (not recommended), reading instead of TV. I do not want to get caught up in just going through the motions in my Christian walk. I want to worship always along the way to the Promised Land.
The poem in the beginning of Chapter 3, the one part says, "But only he who sees takes off his shoes". Now that speaks to me, to say so sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
Leroy Mackey
Coming out of the cage of responsibility
Monday, November 23, 2009
This post is from Pastor Dan Scally
Chapter two challenged me to stop getting caged in my day-to-day responsibilities and begin to passionately live out big dreams that are God-ordained. Batterson shows how important it is for us to come out of the cage of responsibility. Let’s first take a look at what it means to be responsible; it means to be accountable to someone for an action or for the successful carrying out of a duty. I am responsible to pay rent every month, show up to work, and pay my student loans. These are certain responsibilities that I must carry out or I will get into deep trouble. However, the problem is that these daily responsibilities can become distractions and excuses for us to stop focusing on our Kingdom responsibilities.
Batterson is not saying that we need to quit paying our bills, mowing the law, or planning for retirement. He is challenging the reader to stop being so consumed by daily responsibilities and to begin dreaming big things and let God give us new passions. The point is that we need to stop being so boring and concerned about all the little things in life. We need to live with a Kingdom perspective. Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” I believe that we need to begin to seek first God-ordained dreams and passions and stop worrying about our own responsibilities. We need to stop getting trapped by the little things of life and begin to allow God to give us new passions. For example, my family and I have a passion to do a ministry called the Production of Life. This is a drama ministry that we have preformed in the past which was a success. However, lately my family and I have all been so wrapped up in day-to-day responsibilities like college and work which have caused this ministry to get pushed aside. My prayer is to stop letting God-ordained passions get buried by daily projects and tasks. Let us all strive to do whatever it takes to rediscover those passions which God has placed within each of us and will serve as our motivation to make an impact for His Kingdom.
Dan Scally
Chapter two challenged me to stop getting caged in my day-to-day responsibilities and begin to passionately live out big dreams that are God-ordained. Batterson shows how important it is for us to come out of the cage of responsibility. Let’s first take a look at what it means to be responsible; it means to be accountable to someone for an action or for the successful carrying out of a duty. I am responsible to pay rent every month, show up to work, and pay my student loans. These are certain responsibilities that I must carry out or I will get into deep trouble. However, the problem is that these daily responsibilities can become distractions and excuses for us to stop focusing on our Kingdom responsibilities.
Batterson is not saying that we need to quit paying our bills, mowing the law, or planning for retirement. He is challenging the reader to stop being so consumed by daily responsibilities and to begin dreaming big things and let God give us new passions. The point is that we need to stop being so boring and concerned about all the little things in life. We need to live with a Kingdom perspective. Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” I believe that we need to begin to seek first God-ordained dreams and passions and stop worrying about our own responsibilities. We need to stop getting trapped by the little things of life and begin to allow God to give us new passions. For example, my family and I have a passion to do a ministry called the Production of Life. This is a drama ministry that we have preformed in the past which was a success. However, lately my family and I have all been so wrapped up in day-to-day responsibilities like college and work which have caused this ministry to get pushed aside. My prayer is to stop letting God-ordained passions get buried by daily projects and tasks. Let us all strive to do whatever it takes to rediscover those passions which God has placed within each of us and will serve as our motivation to make an impact for His Kingdom.
Dan Scally
Chapter 2 “Goose Bumps” – Coming Out of the Cage of Responsibility
Monday, November 16, 2009
Comments by Ron Wilcox, Board Member
In chapter two of Wild Goose Chase the author, Mark Batterson, writes “Most of us want God to provide miraculous signs before we come out of the cage”. It is always easier to go forward and embark on something new when we know before we start that we are doing God’s will. Conversely, even if we feel that we are being called in a new direction, it is often difficult for me to get started because of my lack of faith. Now before you start to think that I have lost my faith in God, let me assure you that is not the case. My lacking in faith is a lack of faith in me and my ability to understand who God is and what my role is in Him.
During her Wednesday night study on prayer, Barb Skoff asked people to share miracles that they have experienced in their lives. Many people spoke of healings they have had or have witnessed as the result of prayer. Lately God has laid on my heart to write down the miracles and answers to prayer that He has given in my life. The truth is that we need to remind ourselves at times that God does answer prayers. He is still in the business of doing miracles. As a matter of fact, why are we surprised when we get our prayers answered? Sometimes we get answers in three minutes, or three hours or three days. The fact is we will get answers if we have faith.
About 10 years ago I had the opportunity to go to Washington DC to attend a day of prayer with Promise Keepers at the Mall. For 40 days, I fasted and prayed. Let me assure you that fasting is not one of my regular habits. The first 30 days I would spend my noon lunch at the church in prayer. Days 31 through 37 I spent fasting all but one meal a day. Days 38 to 40 were water/juice only days. I have never spent more time in God’s word and in prayer. The theme of the gathering was “Stand in the Gap”. Ezekiel 22:30 states “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one”. Our goal as a group was to be that man. So after a day of praise, worship, prayer and fabulous speakers, the event ended. At that time God spoke to me and said “So, what did you expect, fireworks? You did what you were called to do. Now go back and live your life for me.” I am still not sure if this was what I wanted to hear, but I know that it is what I needed to hear and still need to hear today.
Mark 16:20 states “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs, Amen”. They went out and signs followed. The signs do not come first. It has been said that the primary reason most of us don’t see God moving is simply because we aren’t moving. If you want to see God move, you need to make a move. If you want to know where God wants you to move, spend time reading his word and praying (fasting is also wonderful). Then you can go forth and signs will follow. Some signs will be seen immediately, while others will follow later. But, if you go, signs will follow in faith.
Ron Wilcox
In chapter two of Wild Goose Chase the author, Mark Batterson, writes “Most of us want God to provide miraculous signs before we come out of the cage”. It is always easier to go forward and embark on something new when we know before we start that we are doing God’s will. Conversely, even if we feel that we are being called in a new direction, it is often difficult for me to get started because of my lack of faith. Now before you start to think that I have lost my faith in God, let me assure you that is not the case. My lacking in faith is a lack of faith in me and my ability to understand who God is and what my role is in Him.
During her Wednesday night study on prayer, Barb Skoff asked people to share miracles that they have experienced in their lives. Many people spoke of healings they have had or have witnessed as the result of prayer. Lately God has laid on my heart to write down the miracles and answers to prayer that He has given in my life. The truth is that we need to remind ourselves at times that God does answer prayers. He is still in the business of doing miracles. As a matter of fact, why are we surprised when we get our prayers answered? Sometimes we get answers in three minutes, or three hours or three days. The fact is we will get answers if we have faith.
About 10 years ago I had the opportunity to go to Washington DC to attend a day of prayer with Promise Keepers at the Mall. For 40 days, I fasted and prayed. Let me assure you that fasting is not one of my regular habits. The first 30 days I would spend my noon lunch at the church in prayer. Days 31 through 37 I spent fasting all but one meal a day. Days 38 to 40 were water/juice only days. I have never spent more time in God’s word and in prayer. The theme of the gathering was “Stand in the Gap”. Ezekiel 22:30 states “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one”. Our goal as a group was to be that man. So after a day of praise, worship, prayer and fabulous speakers, the event ended. At that time God spoke to me and said “So, what did you expect, fireworks? You did what you were called to do. Now go back and live your life for me.” I am still not sure if this was what I wanted to hear, but I know that it is what I needed to hear and still need to hear today.
Mark 16:20 states “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs, Amen”. They went out and signs followed. The signs do not come first. It has been said that the primary reason most of us don’t see God moving is simply because we aren’t moving. If you want to see God move, you need to make a move. If you want to know where God wants you to move, spend time reading his word and praying (fasting is also wonderful). Then you can go forth and signs will follow. Some signs will be seen immediately, while others will follow later. But, if you go, signs will follow in faith.
Ron Wilcox
TIME TO CHASE THE GOOSE!!!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Hey everyone, here we go for round two of the bookclub. I am going to get things started by sharing my thoughts from reading the first chapter. Always feel free to leave comments, thoughts, questions, etc.
It is very obvious to me that the majority of the Christian Church today has lost the sense of adventure that following Christ should produce. Mark Batterson is trying to help us get out of the cages that keep us back from pursuing God’s best for our lives. The problem is that we do not realize we are in a cage at times.
There has got to be something more than just acknowledging that God’s Son, Jesus, died on the cross for us and now we attend a church service every week. If that is the highlight reel of my faith, I am missing something. The Holy Spirit is constantly challenging me to not settle for routine so that I can avoid the comfort ruts in life. I like my routine because I get to insert all the variables which makes things go really smooth. However, if I will allow the Holy Spirit to set my routine, I might run into variables that will cause some adrenaline, cause me to face fear, and force me to deepen in my faith.
Look at the church today versus the church centuries ago. The swine flu has us unwilling to shake someone’s hand in greeting. We want to stay as far away from the afflicted as possible. Five hundred years ago, ancient Goose chasing Christians would plot out trips to visit leprous islands to minister to the sick and afflicted. I am a huge J.R. Tolken fan. In his book, Return of the King, the main characters are facing a challenge where there was only a fool’s hope of survival unless there was a divine intervention. Despite the odds, one of main characters (a dwarf), says, “Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?”
What are we waiting for? The best days are ahead for any Goose Chaser. Let’s not stand around idle. Maybe a small change of your routine or a different perspective on your life will be the catalyst for you to experience an adventurous life of faith. Let’s do something different in our expression of faith that forces us to trust God more than we ever have before. I am excited to get to learn to chase the goose with you.
Coming out of the cage,
Pastor Dave
It is very obvious to me that the majority of the Christian Church today has lost the sense of adventure that following Christ should produce. Mark Batterson is trying to help us get out of the cages that keep us back from pursuing God’s best for our lives. The problem is that we do not realize we are in a cage at times.
There has got to be something more than just acknowledging that God’s Son, Jesus, died on the cross for us and now we attend a church service every week. If that is the highlight reel of my faith, I am missing something. The Holy Spirit is constantly challenging me to not settle for routine so that I can avoid the comfort ruts in life. I like my routine because I get to insert all the variables which makes things go really smooth. However, if I will allow the Holy Spirit to set my routine, I might run into variables that will cause some adrenaline, cause me to face fear, and force me to deepen in my faith.
Look at the church today versus the church centuries ago. The swine flu has us unwilling to shake someone’s hand in greeting. We want to stay as far away from the afflicted as possible. Five hundred years ago, ancient Goose chasing Christians would plot out trips to visit leprous islands to minister to the sick and afflicted. I am a huge J.R. Tolken fan. In his book, Return of the King, the main characters are facing a challenge where there was only a fool’s hope of survival unless there was a divine intervention. Despite the odds, one of main characters (a dwarf), says, “Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?”
What are we waiting for? The best days are ahead for any Goose Chaser. Let’s not stand around idle. Maybe a small change of your routine or a different perspective on your life will be the catalyst for you to experience an adventurous life of faith. Let’s do something different in our expression of faith that forces us to trust God more than we ever have before. I am excited to get to learn to chase the goose with you.
Coming out of the cage,
Pastor Dave
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