G.W. Bill Elliott, Jr once noted;
Oh sure, it appears as though the world revolves around you. But, from where we stand, it's just you spinning out of control!
Week:
12
Deep Formation and Mystery
Advanced formation, spiritual depth, mystery of God. The final week invites participants into deeper, often paradoxical dimensions of spiritual life—mystery, silence, and ongoing transformation. It focuses on practices for sustained interior formation, embracing questions that have no quick answers, and living with wonder. The goal is to leave learners equipped for lifelong formation rather than a finish line.
Objectives
Plan a long term formation pathway beyond 12 weeks.
Embrace mystery and God’s hidden work.
Practice deeper listening and contemplative rhythms.
Reflections
What contemplative practice will I adopt?
How will I continue formation after this series?
What spiritual longings remain unmet?
NowTo the HowTo
Accountability/Tracking
Commit to a monthly check in with a mentor and log progress toward the 3 month plan.
Community Action
Pair with a mentor to share a spiritual longing and request one prayer or resource.
Creative Project
Draft a 3 month personal formation plan with one contemplative practice, one study goal, and one community rhythm.
Leader Prompt
Close the series with a guided silence and invite participants to name one long term formation goal.
Personal Practice
Practice a 20 minute contemplative prayer and journal one image or phrase that lingers.
Devotionals
Fresh Ain't Easy
Our devotional today helps us reflect on our relationship with God and Jesus in a similar light. Just because we've been 'around the Lord' for a while, doesn't mean our zeal, excitement, and yearn is going to remain strong. Keeping our hearts and mind set on Him is not easy, keeping it fresh does require diligence on our part, attention to His presence in our lives.
The Nod of God
So much of our lives seems overwhelmed with a need or want for acceptance, approval, and maybe just simple assurance that who we are, how we do what we do, and the ways we've applied our lives in this world is pleasing to God. Sure, there are many who don't (or claim to not) believe in God... but even they seek approval and recognition for their efforts. Those who do recognize God in their lives, have an assurance from Psalms 16:11 , which states; " Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy...
When God Can't Find You
Oh, He knows right where you are... He's God, after-all. But, as when Adam & Eve hid from Him, even as He entered the garden on that fateful day... He still called out, "Adam, where are you?" Genesis 3:8-10 tells us; And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. (9) And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? (10) And he...
When God Becomes Old Hat
No, it doesn't happen fast for you; He gradually gets less and less time with you; less and less attention; less and less communication (except for your crisis and panic moments, huh!). Over time, He does become old hat, or... is it just that you have become lukewarm about Him, about your peace in Him, about your very salvation? Our devotional today scrutinizes our intent with the Lord, which can be best portrayed through Revelation 2:4 , which states; " Nevertheless I have somewhat against...