How Do I Improve my Spiritual Pulse?

Last Sunday we started a new series called Vital Signs. The sermon has already sparked some important conversations. People were challenged to evaluate their spiritual pulse. In other words, has your life been transformed? Transformation is not just a one time emotional experience. True transformation is both initial and ongoing. To listen to the message click here.

The cool thing is that people are asking great questions. For example, one young lady emailed me and said that she felt convicted about some areas in her life. She was tempted to come up with some things to do (religious activities). She then realized she had missed the point. So it begs the obvious question . . . What can I do about this uncomfortable feeling? Below are highlights of an article written by our Interim Small Groups Pastor Dino Senesi. However, if you want to read a full version of the article then click here and download the .pdf version.

What Can I Do About This Uncomfortable Feeling?

God, through His Holy Spirit, makes us uncomfortable because He wants to change us. How can you tell what He is saying? How can you discover what to do about it? At times the answers are unclear. Finding what God is saying and how to resolve your discomfort is a journey. What the journey looks like varies, depending on the person and the issue.

As you begin this important journey remember three things:

1. Finding ‘easy answer’ is not likely.

2. Discomfort is God’s way of leading you to better places with Him and for Him.

3. Ignore the discomfort is not an option.

Before you consider a commitment make sure that you don’t see the new commitment as a solution. Often, if we have been around church for any length of time, we have been conditioned to make our life with God about series of commitments. Speakers and leaders constantly ask for them. We soon figure out that commitments are normal expectations of life with God and church.

Usually a “commitment” of some sort gives us temporary relief from discomfort. Most of these “church “commitments are seldom kept and resolve nothing. Usually they only disappoint us in ourselves, further alienate us from God, and alienate us other people.

The commitment I am asking for is not a solution. The commitment I am asking for is in order to find a solution. The journey to resolve this discomfort is a commitment to find God’s purpose and to experience true transformation.
True transformation is only something God can do in our lives. Our commitment, however, is to place ourselves in the position to let God transform us. So resolving the situation is a partnership with a transformation specialist, God Himself! You are committing to show up!

What are your next steps?

1. Communicate with your church staff and your Small Group leader that you are on the journey to discover what God is doing. You are committed to go forward.

2. Put together a prayer team of three people you trust. Update them each week by e-mail about your progress and your next steps.

3. Schedule a personal retreat for prayer, scripture, reading and journaling. That may present a challenge but remember, you are committed to the journey, right? Find a way.

4. Find a Christian book that might address growth and even specifics to your journey. Click here for some recommended readings that relate to this subject.

5. Find for a spiritual coach or mentor. Remember, ultimately, you are responsible to discover what God is saying and doing. However, doing life with God is doing life with other people who are doing life with God! Who can help you one-on-one? Schedule a conversation with them soon.

6. When you make the discovery, tell your story! You are not alone here. When God does something significant in your life we will all learn from it. You are responsible to tell the story. That is one reason why God will give you the story. You can inspire and encourage all of us on the journey with your story.

Finally, post this verse somewhere where you will see it, every day. Have confidence that God is at work in your to take you new places with Him!

“I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

Books to Help You Improve Your Spiritual Vital Signs

Purpose Driven Life – Rick Warren
Are you new to the Christian Faith? Do you have questions about initial steps toward Christ? Then Rick Warren’s top selling book is the perfect book for this step in your journey.

Divine Mentor – Wayne Cordero
Are struggling with your time with God? Is your time meaningful or another task on your to do list? Then this book will help.

The Life You’ve Always Wanted – John Ortberg
Are you are feeling like you are just going through the motions? Does your spiritual life seem empty? Are you asking is there more to the Christian Life? Then Check out this book. (Highly Recommended!)

Crazy Love – Francis Chan
Are you are looking for a book to challenge you and push you to new heights in your spiritual journey? You can’t go wrong with Francis Chan!

How Good is Good Enough – Andy Stanley
Are you looking for a better understanding who you are in Christ and what you can do for Christ? Andy's book is short, sweet, and well worth your attention