Sunday Highlights – Part 2

OH!!! This series is messing with me… we sang the song “From the Inside Out” tonight in worship and I’m afraid that is exactly what has got to happen… God has got to do a renovation on this heart from the inside out.

Pete‘s message tonight was entitled “Syncing Through Solitude”. Here are the highlights… prepare to be rattled!!

  • Two enemies of spiritual transformation are NOISE and HURRY
  • If you really want Christ to be formed in your life you need to find ways to ruthlessly eliminate the noise in your life.
  • The Method: Solitude
  • Hurry is addictive. I choose hurry because it makes me feel important.

Henri Nouwen said:

“In solitude, I get rid of my scaffolding; no friends to talk with, no telephone calls to make, no meetings to attend, no music to entertain, no books to distract, just me – naked, vulnerable, weak, sinful, deprived, broken – nothing. It is this nothingness that I have to face in my solitude, a nothingness so dreadful that everything in me wants to run to my friends, my work, and my distractions so that I can forget my nothingness and make myself believe that I am worth something.”

  • Luke 5:15-16, Romans 12:2
  • Jesus was never in a hurry (and he had a lot to do).
  • Jesus never did life in such a way that he lost his connection to God.
  • In John 15:4-9 Jesus uses the word “remain” repeatedly, which can also be translated as ‘abide’
  • Solitude is about removing yourself from society and solitude may look different for each of us.

What are some practical ways you can practice solitude this week? I would love to hear your thoughts because I’m having to define this for myself.

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8 comments

  • Marla Saunders June 8, 2008  

    I love this series that Pete is doing! So challenging and full of good thoughts. Today I was thinking as I read your summary that I would ADORE some solitude…probably because God has created that need within us. I did have a few moments on a friend’s ocean-front balcony today in the midst of a graduation party. No one was near and the ocean was working its magic, and I felt like I could feel God everywhere. That must be what Pete meant by Jesus never lost his connection with God: he felt that presence all the time. What a thought. I think I will discipline myself to take 20 minutes alone each day – somewhere, even if it has to be the bathroom!!!

  • JudiFree.com June 9, 2008  

    I’m so glad you asked! We just shut off our cable subscription. We had to silence the NOISE in our home that was sucking our time and making us slaves. I plan on increasing my quiet time dramatically this week.

  • Jessica Turner June 9, 2008  

    I recommend reading the book Sabbath – it will rock your world in this area.

  • Jan Owen June 9, 2008  

    Hi Jenni
    There is a book I highly recommend called “Invitation to Solitude and Silence” by Ruth Haley Barton. She is my retreat leader (2 year commitment to meet with a group in Chicago each quarter – it’s been life changing for me). This book spoke deeply to the tiredness of my heart and has helped me make changes – BUT I am constantly working on this. One thing i do is take retreats, drive without radio or cd many times, take walks by myself, and don’t turn on the tv. But regardless, I have to – as you say – eliminate hurry. If Im hurrying, I’m not tuned into God. period. So simplifying is something I’m working on so I can live a life that is more spacious – towards God and my family and friends. I think my laptop is my enemy as well – i get caught up in that. It’s just too darn handy.

  • Jenni Catron June 9, 2008  

    Jan & Jessica – thanks for the book suggestions!

    Marla – I envy the ocean view!

    Judi – I’m proud of you… that’s a big sacrifice but I suspect it will be so refreshing!

  • Mike Leahy June 9, 2008  

    Hey Jenni,

    This was good one for me (as I lay in bed with my laptop:). Here was my favorite reminder: Jesus never did life in such a way that he lost his connection to God.

    Great challenge girl! Love it — mikey

  • Brooke June 9, 2008  

    Oh, solitude. What I wouldn’t give for a little of that…
    David & I are working together to devise a plan though, so maybe just maybe we’ll be able to sneak some in around these 2 crazy girls we’ve got. I think it helps to have your husband wanting the same, and appreciating the need, and hearing the same message.
    And regarding your post on Brandiandboys, I would LOVE to be one of the ones to help hold you accountable for taking the time to share in the joys of friendship! I’m with you sister!

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