Ever notice how throughout scripture different locales tend to be linked together thematically? As metaphors, these sacred places can help us map where we are on our spiritual journey and better understand the experiences we’re having.

Here are a some of the sacred places in scripture that come to mind and some of the themes that are associated with the place:

The mountain–a place to encounter God–worship
The desert–a place of testing, preparation
The house–a place to learn, be taught
The boat–a place to be challenged (Think of Jesus’ dealing with the disciples while they’re together in a boat)
The marketplace–a place to interact with others and demonstrate the grace and wisdom of the gospel
The river–a place to be saved or cleansed
The table–a place to experience community and acceptance
The pit–a place to despair and cry out to God

What sacred places and their related themes come to your mind?

Last night I finished Come to the Table by John Mark Hicks. I recommend it to anyone who wants to have a better understanding of the Old and New Testament roots of communion and just how far off track we are in the way we typically celebrate it today. This book challenged me to see communion in a totally different light and frustrated me because I’m not sure how to implement his suggestions for renewal in a church of 800 where communion is the most sacred of cows. Of course that doesn’t mean I won’t be giving it a try.

1) A church that says, “This is our 10 year plan, broken down into 5, 3, and 1 year goals.”

2) A church that says, “We have no idea where we’re going or what we’ll be doing in 10 years. We’re just trying to keep up with God.”

Congratulations to my friend and co-worker, Brad Voss, who today updated his blog. Unfortunately we will probably have to wait another month for another update.

I’m working on a list of assumptions I have about spiritual formation. These assumptions will obvious shape the way spiritual formation is done in my life, home, and church. Here’s what I have so far.

Spiritual formation does not happen accidentally, automatically, or instantaneously.

Spiritual formation cannot be programmed, controlled, or scientifically measured.

Spiritual formation does not happen primarily in a classroom. It happens in all of life.

Spiritual formation requires effort from motivated individuals.

Spiritual formation is not about acquiring information; it’s about being transformed into the image and likeness of Christ.

Can you help me think of other assumptions/generalizations to add to this list? Feel free to challenge the validity of these assumptions. I’m just brainstorming.