Mark R Spencer
 
  Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.  (Proverbs 16:32)

Wow!  Quite a response from yesterday’s sermon.  I am so appreciative of how earnestly the people of Bridgewood are pursuing God.  A number of you have requested some information from yesterday's message:

The youtube movie of the “Marshmallow Test”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzqfrNXvs4k

There are other longer copies out there as well.

The link for a great synopsis of Dr. Mischel’s original study at Stanford: 

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/05/18/090518fa_fact_lehrer

Lastly I wanted to recap yesterday’s message:

Bible text:Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9.23)

Yes, I risked running with a “cheesy acronym”, but hey I hope it helps you remember these integral parts of practicing self-control!

S-“Switch your focus and settle yourself down.” Remember to remember that God is with you and let the Prince of Peace quiet your body and your brain.  Impulse plays largely on two items: our over-stimulation and our “aloneness”.  When you deliberately turn them down you can focus and make wise choices.  

E-“Entrust your self to God and others.”  We are wired for dependency, so be sure that you are depending on the “Dependable One!” It is also critical that you have a group of people you can lean on as well.  This is why we are pressing towards forming some small groups designed to help us live out our faith.

L-“Lean on the cross and learn to wait.”  The cross is the “exchange place” for us.  As terrible as it was for Jesus, the cross has become a wonderful source of life for us.  Because of Calvary we are set free and invited to experience all the blessings of being a child of God.  Therefore, picking up that “cross” daily, is indeed a good thing!  It is important to note that part of cross-bearing is learning to wait.  Never forget that, “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40.31)

F- “Future fulfillment.”  The deepest, richest satisfaction comes from tasting God’s very best for us.  It may come wrapped in unusual circumstances which conceal unimagined blessings; but in the end we find our souls feasting on its goodness.  Truly, “God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.”  (J. Piper)

 

 

 

 


Comments

Pam Carlson

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:04:35

I missed the sermon but heard it was a good one. When will it be online to listen to???

 

mark

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:29:30

Hi Pam:

It should be up online some time this week.

peace,
mark

 



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