I captured this image because I really like how it shows that something we generally consider ugly and unwanted, in this case a blackberry bush can be transformed into something beautiful. The frost transforms the leaves and reveals their intricate and beautiful structure. When I study the individual leaves and then their overall pattern I am amazed at how gorgeous God has crafted a bush which I work so hard to eradicate from my yard. Just in case your wondering I didn't shoot this one in my backyard but don't worry, I am still locked into a multiyear backyard battle.

Why I find this important is that we often miss how God illustrates biblical principles (his written word) through creation (his spoken word). He does this so that we can continue to learn and to see how these principles work in the world we inhabit. He also doesn't want us to get lured into thinking we need to have lived 2000 years ago in Palestine to understand the connection between Creator and creation. The frost transforming the blackberry into something beautiful reminds us that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

While the frost will disappear from the blackberry the scripture tells us that the transformation we have in Christ is new and permanent because the "old has gone". I am convinced that too many of us spend too much time thinking about how we were or somehow think we will be like the blackberry and go back to the way we were. By only speaking about the old is the past tense saying and emphasizing the "new creation" God makes it very clear that our new creation in Christ is permanent. Our new creation in Christ is beautiful, wonderful and fashioned by God in Christ. This is who we really are and while it is tempting to think of the old let us mediate on the beautiful and eternal new creation that we are using our energy to live from truth and not lies.

Basic Guidance in Prayer

1.      Make time to give Jesus our undivided attention.

a.      I know we can and should pray and be prayerful as we go throughout our day. However, the reason it is so important to dedicate time to Jesus is that our time is all we really have and how we spend that time expresses our values and intentions. Therefore, giving Jesus our time without external distractions is a way of prioritizing Jesus and our relationship with him. In doing this we need to realize that he knows we have daily chores and responsibilities which is why we need an achievable and sustainable approach. It is best to start with too little time allocated than too much and fail. I recommend 5-10 minutes 4-7 days a week. Make sure to have several weeks of meeting this allotment of time before adding more time. It is generally helpful to find a regular place and time for our time with Jesus.

2.      Be honest with Jesus.

a.      Sometimes we are afraid Jesus doesn’t want to spend time with us just as we as we are. We figure it is like going on a job interview where we present “our best selves”. Other times we think he will be no longer love us if we are angry with him or have a ton of doubts. He wants us to be honest with him and ourselves because that is the only way an authentic relationship can grow and flourish. He knows all our sinful ways which is why he was crucified for us. We have nothing to fear. When we are most vulnerable is when we experience his deepest compassion, forgiveness and love.

3.      Keep most of your prayer life private.

a.      There are times when it is helpful for your growth in prayer to share with a spiritual director, mentor or coach. Also, sometimes it is helpful for a brother or sister to share your prayer life.

4.       Ask Jesus to help.     

 

a.      Prayer is something we learn so it is normal and necessary to ask Jesus for help. He wants to offer us guidance and help because he desires an ever-deepening relationship with you and he is the shepherd of your soul. Do not use adjectives to describe your prayer life. Too often we hear people say they are bad at prayer because someone is more eloquent in a prayer group. I have yet to find in scripture where eloquence was critical for someone to have a deep prayer life. I find it can be a stumbling block because sometimes it can lead a person to think they are “good” at prayer. When Jesus’ disciples asked for help, he told them to prayer what is now known as the Lord’s Prayer. (Luke 11:1-4) Simply go to your prayer place and say “hi” to Jesus and ask him to help you to pray. Share with him anything you want to and then be quiet for a bit then close saying the Lord’s prayer slowly. If he instructs you in a different way to pray then follow that pattern.

Principles Part One

One of the best ways to grow in humility is to let others help you. It is amazing how hard this is for us as a people. We have been taught to be self starters and self made men or women who pull themselves up by their bootstraps when things get tough. Jesus's death on the cross contradicts this false notion since we know that if we could do it on our own we wouldn't have needed him to die for us. Grace can only be received by the humble because the proud think they somehow deserve or are worthy of the gift given to them. 

We are called to be humble (Philippians 2) and one of the best ways is to simply say yes when someone offers to help. This means the we don't try to repay the gift because that makes it something we have bartered for. I encourage you to find small ways to say yes to help because growth in humility will help you grow closer to Jesus.