It’s kinda like Jack Bauer and Chloe
I’m a sucker for action movies and TV shows. If there’s not some danger, risk-taking, or explosions, I’m probably not going to like it. Shows like 24, The Unit, and a new favorite, Burn Notice are my style. I like the excitement. I also like the purpose and mission these shows display. Each character is on a mission and it’s very clear. Nothing will stand in their way or interrupt their operation. Then there’s the new gadgets and gizmos they all use.
While I was studying through the lesson for this week, I kept seeing images of Jack Bauer talking to Chloe, The Unit guys talking to each other, and Michael Westen talking to his group of mercenary friends. As each show progresses, the danger grows, the mission becomes increasingly important, and each character is in constant communication with people around them. I mean, as bad as Jack Bauer is, where would he be without the info Chloe sends to his phone? Where would the Snake Doctor be without talking to the rest of the guys in the Unit or even Headquarters? How would Michael Westen get out of tough situations without calling Fiona for help?
This week we are delving further into our study on prayer. Praying without ceasing is one of those ideas you hear growing up in the church but never really understand. Well, at least I never did. But somehow in watching these shows and seeing how important constant communication is to the mission, I think I’m gaining some understanding. I mean, how can I stay in tune with God’s purpose for my life and actively live the mission if I’m not communicating with Headquarters? Where’s help going to come from if I’m working alone?
As you go through the lesson this week, think about how important constant communication with God is. Work this week to daily, hourly, even moment by moment be in tune with what God is doing around you. It may mean voicing a prayer; it may mean just listening; or it may mean looking for His hand as you move throughout your day. Determine to not go through a day with your communications out. You never know what you’ll miss!
There have been 5 replies so far
I’ve never seen the whole “1+1 is equal to?” thing before. Is that why most sites ask for you to retype the letters and numbers in those crazy fonts and blurs?!
Anyways… I really can’t relate to The Unit and 24, but you did open my eyes to a way I can relate. I have a few friends that I’m in CONSTANT communication with everyday. We text message all throughout the day, and we don’t have to say hello and goodbye everytime. Usually we say HI in the morning and GOODNIGHT before bed, and isn’t that how it should be with God?! You should be able to pick right up anytime, anyplace…just like texting conversations. I’m a HUGE fan of BeenUp2 and Twitter. I was thinking about these websites as I was reading the blog, and then when I scrolled down to comment, you all even asked for my Twitter URL. Both BU2 and Twitter allow for a constant communication that doesn’t have to be re-established everytime I post a picture or update. This is EXACTLY how God wants us to be—say “Good morning God” in the morning, talk to him throughout the day in times of worry, forgiveness, fear, etc, and then say “Goodnight” as we lay our head down to sleep. This really is an epiphany to me. I’m thinking, “Katie, you should have got this before now”, but the truth is…I haven’t.
Thanks for your insight on the blog. This is the first time I’ve came to use the site, and I’ll definitely be back on Sundays that I teach the lesson at church. I really think my Connect Group will relate to this. :-)
kT<><
1 | Katie
Friday, February 20, 2009, at 9:36pm
Katie, Thanks for the comments. I totally agree with you and your example will probably relate to alot of people. I feel the same way when God opens my eyes to something so simple and elementary that I should have gotten it a long time ago.
2 | Chad Jordan
Saturday, February 21, 2009, at 8:56am
Great post Chad, so true. Can’t wait to see pictures of the baby!
3 | Jenny Williams
Saturday, February 21, 2009, at 5:20pm
Katie, love your example!
Here’s an idea: wrap up this unit by sending (or Twittering) a video of Lecrae’s “Praying for You” to your class members this week.
If you are not familiar with the song, be sure to watch/listen to the very end to find out who he’s really praying for.
Loved the lines near the end of the Leader’s Personal Bible Study this week: “We should ask Him to help us make holiness and integrity marks of our character. Then we can pray these requests on others’ behalf.”
May this always be our prayer as we seek to lead others.
4 | Sandy Duke
Saturday, February 21, 2009, at 7:12pm
As I was finishing up my preparation to teach Sunday morning, the wireless internet pop-up stated that my signal strength was good. This made me think about the times when that same pop-up appeared and advised me that my signal had weakened after moving further away from base. And then, when even further away, I would just loose the signal. That’s the same way with my prayer life. The more I pray, the closer to God, hence a better signal. The further away from Him, the signal fades. Sometimes a slow fade. Stay close through constant contact with God. My signal strength is good right now. I’m prayin! Thank y’all for your insight and good-night.
5 | Steve Cash
Sunday, February 22, 2009, at 1:36am
Comments are closed. Please use our contact form if you have any thoughts or questions.