Fast Food Fast Guide

To be continued:

2007-02-24T04:58:00.000-08:00

The Fast Food Fast Guide is going to take a break for the moment. If you'd like to see it continued, my personal study continues and I'd be glad to finish the year long study with you. Just let me know by sending me an email.

Til then, keep in the Word.

Durand

January- Week 5

2007-01-26T12:20:00.000-08:00

2 Peter 1:8-9 "For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." (NIV)

Let's look again at the steps Peter laid out from last week's study (in verses 5-7). Verse 8 tells us that growing in these areas transforms knowing about God (pure knowledge of the Lord) into effectiveness and productiveness for Him. Which of these areas require additional attention in your life?
God has created spheres of influence in our lives where our relationship with God is meant to make a difference. We are part of our neighborhood. We spend the most productive hours of our day at work or in school. We know and are known in our own families perhaps better than anywhere else. Are these places where your faith feels ineffective and unproductive? Explain.
Verse 9 reminds us of our tendency to gloss over our sin and failure, losing sight the perspective and plan that God has for our lives. Renew your commitment to God to live by faith in his promise that "he who began a good work in you will complete it."

January- Week 4

2007-01-22T12:19:00.000-08:00

2 Peter 1:5-7 "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to your goodness, knowledge; and to your knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." (NIV)

This is not just a grocery list of spiritual fruit to be added to your life. These traits are interrelated and logical in the progression by which these things are added to our lives. And they are part of what God's Spirit promises to produce in us as we draw close to him.

Here's an exercise for the week. Take some time now to think through why Peter would tell us to add goodness to faith? How would our evil desires seek to corrupt faith? How does adding goodness along with our faith help us in our pursuit of God? I've made a place for you to think them through below.

1. Add goodness to your faith
2. Add knowledge to your goodness
3. Add self-control to your knowledge
4. Add perseverance to your self-control
5. Add godliness to your perseverance
6. Add brotherly kindness to your godliness
7. Add love to your brotherly kindness

January- Week 3

2007-01-15T00:12:00.000-08:00

Pursuing God for Dummies (or how to pursue God in 8 not so easy steps)
(part 1 of 2)

2 Peter 1:2-5

1) "May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to know Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better." (2 Peter 1:2, NLT)

There's good news and bad news (at least for some of us) about pursuing God.

Bad news first... It's a life-long pursuit, so for ADD (attention deficit disorder) folks like me, that's a challenge. I don't even do New Years resolutions anymore because my ability to keep them is always disappointing.

But the good news is that God promises special favor we don't deserve and wonderful peace in the process of drawing closer to him.

Question: Name an accomplishment have you achieved in your life that took time and discipline to accomplish? (Could be a childhood memory or something more recent.) How did the value of the accomplishment to you personally contribute to achieving it?

2) And the good news gets even better. "And as we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life." (2 Peter 1:3a, NLT)

Question: how could knowing Jesus better actually provide everything we need for living a godly life? What do you think Peter meant by this statement?

3) " He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness!" (2 Peter 1:3b, NLT) We drawn to knowing Jesus because of his glory and goodness. His character give us assurance about his promises. And his promises provide us the means to even dream of becoming like him.

Question: Are there particular promises God has made that you count on daily for encouragement or comfort? Describe the promise and what it means to you personally. How does knowing God's glory and goodness confirm the certainty of that promise in your life?

4) "So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life." (2 Peter 1:5a, NLT)

Some of us shuttered a bit when Peter used the "effort" word. There's work ahead. There's no drive-thru window that hands out pre-cooked, ready to eat maturity. But there's help next week as we look at the rest of this passage, because Peter breaks it down for us into logical steps that take us closer to Him.

Start by trying to tell him all you know about his glory and goodness. (This might take a while.) Allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the powerful person that he is. And then ask God about all he wants for you. Ask him for specifics. Now ask him to make a resolution to help you pursue him. (Hint: it's been on his list for many a new year anyway). Don't make it your own resolution, because frankly you don't have what it takes. He does. End with a time of thanks.

January- Week 2

2007-01-09T12:17:00.000-08:00

"God is a Person, and in the deep of His mighty nature He thinks, wills, enjoys feels, loves, desires and suffers as any other person may. In making Himself known to us He stays by the familiar pattern of personality." (AW Tozer) How does God's personality manifest itself in the world?
"This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3) Why do you think John sums up life eternal as "knowing God?"
Can you name a time when you felt a conscious personal awareness of interaction between God and your inner self, your soul? Describe what that was like.
New birth is where our journey begins with God, not where it should end. It is the celebration of the beginning of a pursuit to explore the richness of the One to whom we've been restored. What are some ways you can begin to further your awareness of, knowlege about and confidence in God himself?

January- Week 1

2006-12-31T09:22:00.000-08:00

No one needs to be forced to become hungry or thirsty. We were created to long for the things that keep us alive. Try to remember a time when you or someone you know longed for something so strongly that all other desires were forgotten. Describe how that felt.
In Philippians 3:8, Paul describes his life's pursuit of knowing God. How does he describe the effect that pursuit had on the rest of life?
Try to think of others who could be described as pursuers of God, either from the Bible or from your personal experience. What stands out in their lives that would make you describe them in such a way?
David describes his heart in Ps 42:1-2a. "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." What are the thirsts that drive your life?
In Acts 13:22, God himself is said to have described David as "a man after my own heart." What would becoming a person "after God's own heart" look like in your life?

January Focus- Pursuing God

2006-12-30T06:32:00.000-08:00

Scripture Focus: Psalm 63:1
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Quote: How tragic that we in this dark day have had our seeking done for us by our teachers. Everything is made to center upon the initial act of "accepting" Christ (a term, incidentally, which is not found in the Bible) and we are not expected thereafter to crave any further revelation of God to our souls. We have been snared in the coils of a spurious logic which insists that if we have found Him, we need no more seek Him...

In the midst of this great chill there are some, I rejoice to acknowledge, who will not be content with shallow logic. They will admit the force of the argument, and then turn away with tears to hunt some lonely place and pray, "O God, show me Thy Glory." They want to taste, to touch with their hearts, to see with their inner eyes the wonder that is God. (from A.W. Tozer, "The Pursuit of God")

Prayer:
Lord, unmask the futility of pursuing anything other than you.
"Find rest, my soul, in God alone." Ps. 62:1

For further reading:
The Pursuit of God, by A.W.Tozer (1957, Camp Hill, PA: Christian Publications)
FREE ONLINE VERSION AVAILABLE by clicking here.

A. W. Tozer was a rare breed in his day, and would have been even more so today. A God-taught man, Tozer learned early in life, the key to spiritual knowledge --- an open Bible, before bended knees. His book focuses on a loving and soul-satisfying God as revealed to the Christian with a heart, hungry to know Him.

Christmas Day 2006

2006-12-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

5th CANDLE - (white) "CHRIST CANDLE"

The white candle reminds us that Jesus is the spotless lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! His birth was for his death, his death was for our birth! (John 1:29 and John 3:1-8)

Merry Christmas everyone.
-Durand for the staff at CreativeWorks

Christmas Song for All Year 'Round

I wonder if this Christmas, they'll begin to understand
The Jesus that they celebrate is much more than a man
But the way the world is I don't see how people can deny
The only way to save us was for Jesus Christ to die

(Chorus)
And I know, that if St. Nicholas were here he would agree
That Jesus gave the greatest gift of all to you and me
They led him to the slaughter on a hill called Calvary
And mankind was forgiven when they nailed him to the tree

But most of all the children, they're the ones I hope will learn
That Jesus is our Savior and he's going to return
And Christmas isn't just a day, and all days aren't the same
Perhaps they'll think about the word and see it spells his name

(Chorus)
And I know, that if St. Nicholas were here he would agree
That Jesus gave the greatest gift of all to you and me
They led him to the slaughter on a hill called Calvary
And mankind was forgiven, mankind was forgiven
We were all forgiven when they nailed him to the tree

So merry Christmas,
Merry Christmas,
Merry Christmas,
Oooh, oooh....

I wonder if this Christmas, they'll begin to understand...

Words and Music by Randy Stonehill ©1976 King of Hearts Publishing
(ps. Randy's currently playing this song on his myspace. Enjoy!)

December- Week 4

2006-12-20T08:19:00.000-08:00

4th CANDLE- (purple) "CANDLE OF LOVE"

Read John 3:16-17 "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again."

The more familiar something is the less we tend to value it. The message of John 3:16 has become the wallpaper in our lives instead of the masterpiece displayed in us and through us.

God's love was given unselfishly. Have you ever given something of great worth away because of love? What must it have for God to deny his right to keep his only son on our behalf?
God's love has been given unconditionally. God's word is painfully clear about us. We are undeserving of God's love. Hebrews 8:6-13 holds some astounding promises. We won't just know about God, we'll know him firsthand. We'll know his greatness as we understand our smallness. We'll know his forgiveness as we recognize our sinfulness. What have you learned about yourself and about God's unconditional love in these areas?
God's love is unequalled by any one or any thing else. What does it mean for you to be completely forgiven and loved by someone who understands you so completely?
God's love has been given without limit. Life can seem as temporary as the candle burning away. How does knowing that God's love for you is permanent encourage you to invest in your love for Him?

December- Week 3

2006-12-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

3rd CANDLE- (pink) "CANDLE OF JOY"

Read Luke 2:10-11"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Joy is a perfect response to provision. Think of times in your life when you were in need. When those needs were met can you describe how you felt and why?
The angels announcement says that their good news brings great joy for all people. Describe the impact in your life of knowing you have a saviour.
In Philippians 4:12 the apostle Paul says "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." How do you think he arrived at that place in his life?
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Make a list of how God has met your needs this year and rejoice.

December- Week 2

2006-12-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

2nd CANDLE- (purple) "CANDLE OF PEACE"

Read Romans 5:1 "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

The Bible describes Eph 2:15 speaks of a separation, a barrier or emnity between man and God. Can you describe how that manifested itself in your own life?
How does being at odds with God effect our ability to love and receive love from God?
How does being justified by faith make things right between us and God, freeing us to love God and receive his love?
What are some of the benefits of having peace with God you appreciate most?

December- Week 1

2006-12-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

1st CANDLE- (purple) "CANDLE OF HOPE"

Read Ps. 33:18 "But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love"

When did you place your hope in God's unfailing love? What stands out most about your life before that time?
Describe how hopelessness effects our ability to love God.
How has God's unfailing love provided hope for you?
The passage says God watches over us who fear him. Tell him what that means to you.

December Focus- Loving God

2006-12-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

(I'm using this questions as a guide as part of my personal worship, using the advent wreath and candles as a reminder throughout the month. Perhaps you'll find that useful for your celebration as well. Merry Christmas. NDR)

Scripture Focus: 1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Quote: So how do I come to love God with more of my heart? I wonder whether part of it involves what C.S. Lewis refers to in Mere Christianity as a slow, gradual turning of the self toward God by doing right things both when we feel like it and, more importantly perhaps, when we do not. (from the blog "Letters from Babylon")

Prayer:
O to grace how great a debtor, daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.
-Robert Robinson

For further reading:
Loving God, by Chuck Colson ( ©1987, 1996 Zondervan, Grand Rapids)
Chuck Colson is a great story teller, and he gives many gripping illustrations of what it means to love God in our everyday lives.

November: Week 4

2006-11-22T06:15:00.000-08:00

Has Jesus shown himself to you in a way that you've actually been aware of his presence?
Read a few promises from Jesus himself. Jn. 14:18-21."I will come to you." "You will see me." "Because I live, you also will live." "I am in you." "I will love and show myself to (those who love me.)"
How does having God's commands and obeying them open the door to experiencing his presence?
Do your actions show that you want to please him through understanding his will and doing it?

November: Week 3

2006-11-15T07:13:00.000-08:00

What are some of the dynamics in human interaction that deepen relationships?
What tends to drain them?
What in your current lifestyle gets in the way of knowing God better?
What would it take for you to change that pattern?
Describe what that change in your lifestyle would look like and share it with someone you trust.

November: Week 2

2006-11-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

What does a relationship based on people's "performance" feel like?
Compare that with a relationship where unconditional love and acceptance is the foundation.
Are there "conditions" or demands you are placing on your love for God? What are they? What do you need to do to let them go?
Take some time to remember God's promises of loving kindness and faithfulness toward you. Write them down.

November: Week 1

2006-11-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

Describe the difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing them personally.
How are your attitudes about God shaped by what others say and think about Him?
What are some of the false presuppositions you have held about God?
What changed your perspective?

November-February: Intimacy with God

2006-11-01T23:43:00.000-08:00

Intimacy with God is the focus for the first 4 months of the fast. Our relationship with God is what separates Christianity from simple religion. I don't know about you, but I'd like to get this part right.

Here's the focal scripture that over-arches our fast from November through February.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30

I thought we'd take each part of that verse and look at one aspect per month.

November: Knowing God
December: Loving God
January: Pursuing God
February: Pleasing God

November Focus: Knowing God

2006-11-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Scripture Focus: John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

Quote: A little knowledge of God is worth more than a great deal of knowledge about him. (Knowing God, J.I. Packer)

Prayer: I want to know you, not just know about you. I want to know you, not just what you do. To learn to trust your goodness whatever we go through. There's nothing I want more than knowing you. (From the song "Knowing You", Durand Robinson)

For further study:
Knowing God, by J.I. Packer (©1975 by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, USA) was written in three sections: to help us understand how to know God and why, to help us recognize His attributes and finally to make us aware of the benefits we share as his children. A true classic to read and re-read.

Getting more out of your Fast Food Fast.

2006-10-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

If you're new with using Guide, here are a few tips.

REVIEW: Each week, read the intro section to the month again, reviewing the Bible the verse, and then dive into the questions. I'll remind you when we head into a new section what the over-arching theme is and maybe bring a little review into the post as well.

MEMORIZATION: I've got a good memory. It's just a little short. (ha...) And a bit random.

It remembers insults people have thrown my way for years. It remembers worthless song lyrics that I heard maybe once. But try and get it to remember important things like God's promises and the sponge turns into a brick.

Every month, there'll be one anchor scripture verse. Not chapter. Not whole passage. Just a verse or two that I need to have wedged in my heart and mind. And believe it or not, I'm actually going to take a stab at memorizing them. If I can do it ANYONE can do it. (Ask my wife.)

REGULARITY: I know we all have way too much to do. And with that kind of pace, it's easy to leave out things you wish you'd done, but just plain forgot or let slide.

Take a look at your week and choose the most likely moment you'd have to make 15 minutes work, then stick to it. Maybe it's during breakfast on Saturday mornings. Or Sunday evening, before hitting the sack. Or the one weekday lunch you inevitably leave work to go for a quick lunch. Skip lunch, or at least be late.

What I'm saying is, create an oasis moment for you to dive into time with God, and protect it. You could do all these questions in one sitting, but don't. Regular eating is always healthier than binging.

APPLY: They say the number one reason people run from God is the hypocracy they see in those that follow him. The questions are to help us know God's will and do it. I never meant these little studies to be a simple pursuit of wisdom. I want my life to change because of what I know.

If you've got suggestions email me. I'm asking God to make this worthwhile in my life and in yours.

Durand

Introduction to the Fast Food Fast Guide.

2006-10-20T16:25:00.000-07:00

The Fast Food Fast Guide is meant to help lead people into a growing relationship with Christ through a deepening sense of intimacy with God, a growing sense of community with other believers, and a increasing sense of influence in the lives of those without Christ.

The Guide is simply a 52 week set of Bible passages, quotes from others who've gone this road before us, and a series of questions for us to think and pray through.

There is no doubt that we can learn from one another as we journey together. We've gone with a blog-style guide because the questions may bring up things people want to share. (Note: this is not meant to be a place for sermonettes or personal rants.) But we do expect God to speak through his Spirit and through his Word. Leave a comment if you've got something you'd like to share with the rest of us.

I'd like to adapt the 5 rules for discussion from the Alpha program. That way you'll know why a comment has been included or excluded from the blog.

There are no "stupid" questions. We're all at different places in the journey.
There's no need room for ridicule or senseless criticism of others. Respect is the rule, and growing with Christ is the goal.
Things shared in confidentiality stay confidential. You may be thinking how anything on a blog can be confidential? Sometimes you really need to share something God's showing you through the study, but you don't know folks you feel you can share it with. If you want to share something confidentially send it to us via the "contact us" link rather than the comment option. We'll get back to you that way.
Don't interrupt. On this blog, changing the subject, rants and random thoughts that don't pertain to the questions will not be posted. (Start your own blog if you've got other things to say.)
You don't have to comment if you don't want to. Enough said.

I'm not much of a runner, but I know I run farther and more regularly when I do it with others. So hit the "Tell a friend" tab at the top of the page and get a few of your friends to start the journey with us.

Durand