LEGACYouth: Riskolutions Revisited (SOAP Edition)

Last week in LEGACYouth, we centered our discussion on how to rightly perceive change in light of the Gospel (i.e. how to change the right way for the right reasons).

Question is: How do we actually do this? 

Of course, the "Sunday school" answer is: staying connected to God (see cell phone illustration as part of our Living Más discussion - http://deepfryedmind.blogspot.com/2014/01/deep-fry-cxlvii-living-mas.html).

However, I wouldn't blame you if you rolled your eyes, thinking these four words sound like a broken record. Why? Because such an answer, in light of its accuracy, is supposed to be dug into, not just superficially addressed. Seriously, God is pleased when we pursue the Spirit in us, which inspires us to wonder: "What does this actually look like? How do we stay connected to God consistently through the ups and downs of life? How can we tell we are where we're supposed to be?"

While reading and applying Scripture seems like the obvious answers, perhaps you feel like something is still missing…like a blueprint or gameplan that will help you connect personal response to the truth of who God is and the great work He has already started in you. It's no question God is faithful to do His part in our lives each and every day. But how often do we leave this truth at the altar, check out of church unchanged and numb ourselves to our need of Him, when everything inside of us in pulling in the opposite direction? 

Have you ever felt this way, caught in the middle between hope and fear, yet so hungry for understanding, you couldn't help but cry out: "God, I know you are who you say you are and you are faithful to do your part, but how do I mine? What do you want from me because if I just knew, I would do it!"

Here's something to chew on: God believes in you. Why? Because God loves you and loves you strongly. And out of this passionate love flows a faithfulness which consistently seeks to develop us into His likeness. In other words, God is faithful to deposit holy desires from His heart into ours! Just check out this verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24... 

"May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!" (MSG)

Pretty awesome stuff, right? How great is it we can feel mightily encouraged and justified at the same time when we consider how we are to grow in 2014. There's something so radical about believing the right way…in believing we can accomplish the resolutions of God. After all, His heart is purely and unconditionally resolute.

Yet, keep in mind: belief by itself can only go so far. How we translate our innate desires into transparent action, as part of a balanced, everyday pursuit, is everything...and it's a journey that can't be navigated apart from a balanced Spirit and Truth lifestyle. As a pastor, such truth ignites one of my all-time greatest passions: to help people live God's dream. To discover the dream, one must be hungry to discover God. 

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Last week, we revisited the SOAP method, a catchy acronym on the outside that helps us connect with God on the inside.  

For those who are not familiar with SOAP, here's a quick review:

Scripture: Pick a verse or two that stands out to you.
Observation: What is it about that verse that stands out to you? Why?
Application: How does it apply to your life? How can you apply it to your life?
Prayer: Write out a prayer asking God to help you apply it.

Throughout 2014, we will be using the SOAP method as part of our discussion times, as we center our attention on becoming more like Christ. For now, think about some spiritual resolutions (or rather riskolutions*) you can take on in 2014 that will help you stay connected to God in a greater way in 2014. If you need an idea for your Scripture, try Ephesians 4.

*Note: Remember riskolutions are resolutions of change through courage and faith as compared to our own will power and strength. It's believing in the God who provides numerous opportunities for us to share the light in us in ways we never thought possible. 

The requirements of riskolutions are integratable determination, unhindered love for God and unwavering faith that you are the man or woman that God has prepared unimaginable things for.

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Below is a humorous video that captures the futile side of independent resolution, as opposed to Spirit-led riskolution:

Also, for those who haven't see the Acquire the Fire 2014 promo video, here it is for your viewing pleasure...

Also, in case you missed service this past Sunday, we took time to honor Erik & Stacy Hildner, who recently completed four years of faithful service in LEGACYouth. As a tribute to their leadership, I created a special video in their honor.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License.