Encounter God's Word for yourself!

For me - no devotional exercise isn't complete until I encounter God's word for myself. That's where my daily posting - @ A Life Examined - comes in. Writing forces me to invite God into my own experience, rather than limiting the discipline to reading about someone else's faith.

Don't misunderstand, reading about other people's journey is an inspiration and an encouragement - but at some point in the day I simply have to stop, meditate, read, pray, and invite the Holy Spirit to be my personal guide.

It's a journey that we're all more than capable of taking, one small step at a time.

- DEREK

Mission Statement from Paul

This is my writing mission statement:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

(Philippians 4:4-9)

Spreading the word

Well, after a quiet start at the end of last year, several efforts are now under way to get the word out regarding "The Unmaking of a Part-Time Christian."

First was a very good article in "The United Methodist Reporter", presented as a Q&A with yours truly. I kind of rambled in the interview, but the reporter - Mary Jacobs - was able to pull things around nicely when she wrote up the story.

Her article was titled "Embracing Full Time Faith". You can read it by clicking here.

Then - this week - there is an excellent banner ad for the book on the front page of the Religion News Service website - religionnews.com - we're hoping that stirs up a little interest.

But the most ambitious project is a series of short (one-minute videos) featuring key points from the book. I'm certainly not a great actor... but some of the bits manage to capture a little of what we're trying to communicate. I'm not sure yet exactly how they're going to be distributed, but the plan is to get them "out there" via U-tube, vimeo and press releases.

Here's one - still in its rough form - but it gives the general idea - VIDEO

Lots to be excited about - much still to pray about. As always I appreciate your support and covet your prayers. DEREK

Let's talk about this!

I talked to a man the other day about checking in with this web-page. He's an enthusiastic Christian, a huge fan of "The Unmaking of a Part-Time Christian", and also very savvy about technology.

• "So have you ever followed the invitation (it's ALL OVER the book!) and checked in at the blog to share some of your thoughts?" I asked.
• "Never in a million years!" he replied.

Which begs the question, "Why". or, "Why not?"

It's an interesting phenomenon, but he told me he felt intimidated by the idea of sharing anything about his own spiritual journey on an open forum. I countered that it's not much of an open forum if only a handful of people ever come to visit! But his point was well taken. Fact is, this hesitant, challenging, often hit or miss path to spiritual maturity is deeply personal. It's one thing to spill your guts to a friend, or at a small-group meeting in the context of church... but this is the www.

So I'll continue to post occasional updates on this space (around once a week or so), but I won't hold my breath for more than a smattering of comments.

Instead, why don't you visit DerekMaul.com, and find out how you can arrange for me to visit your church or conference so we can talk together in person, as part of a retreat, or from the safety of your pew!

This remains an important conversation. God be with you as you journey on this spiritual way.
- DEREK