To ride with Jesus...

I have been thinking a lot about what it would be like to ride with Jesus. Wondering how I would respond to his teaching. Wondering what things he said might trip me up. I would love to say... "I would fallow and have total obedience and strength to represent him no matter what." But I think that the reality might make me more human more like the actual disciples.  When I take time to really process how they think based on what is written and how the responded, I am struck by how human they are,.

This week I am talking about Philip. I want to look into who he was... his personality... his choices and words to Jesus. I am looking at the question that Jesus asks him and how it brought Philip to a place where he could receive from Jesus. It makes me think about the questions Jesus is asking me.

Jesus asks us questions all the time. He doesn't just do things for us or bring people into our lives to smack sense into us. He takes us and leads us to a place of receptivity. We are all "Young Guns" trying to learn how to live this life... Jesus desires for us to be developed and grow into great people. What questions is he asking you?

• circumstance asks us questions... We often find ourselves in a place where we know God is teaching us something if we pay attention.
• Relationships ask us questions... the relationships we have cause challenges and benefits... but each one can teach us something. Why do I feel jealous to that person? Why does that person grate on me? Why am I so critical to them? Why do I love them so much? Why do I react the way i do in their presence?
• Scripture asks us questions... If you and I read the bible in a way that it interacts with us we will realize that certain thing on the page pop out. In that moment it is important to figure out why that passage or thought is grabbing you.
• The Holy spirit asks question... You and I can be stimulated by just about anything in this world... a thought might pop in your head that causes us to stop and process... This is more than just good marketing or a great song or a good movie it is often the spirit of God trying to cause us to ask deeper questions.

God is using a number of these questions so that I can develop into the man He has called me to be. It is good. I am excited but it can be painful. Let it work though you and ask the Holy Spirit of God to speak into your mind and heart. Take time to develop these thoughts and pray through what God is speaking. When you are ready share it with a trusted spouse of friend.

What is God developing in you? What questions is he asking and are you listening? If you don't have anything to point to lately... stop. Take a walk. Ask God to speak to you as you walk. Notice the world around you and anything that pops out ask God about it. If you listen He will speak and if you ask he will respond.

(Any guesses on what the surprise might be this week?)