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Counter Cultural: Presence influences happiness
So the Word (Jesus) became human and made his home among us. John 1:14 (NLT)

I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Ephesians 3:16-17 (NLT) 

"Technoference"

"Don't be so conformed to culture that you fit into it without thinking. Instead, let God transform you by changing the way you think." Romans 12:2

Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn't miss him at first, because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn't show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they couldn't find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents didn't know what to think. "Son," his mother said to him, "why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere." "But why did you need to search?" he asked. "Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they didn't understand what he meant. Luke 2:41-50 (NLT)

Jesus was listening and asking questions

Listening validates people as valuable

But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42 (NLT)

No one needed to tell him [Jesus] about human nature, for he knew what was in each person's heart. John 2:25 (NLT)

"Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" Luke 2:49 (NKJV)

INCREASING YOUR INFLUENCE OF PRESENCE

Action Plan: Who would benefit in your world by having you listen to and ask questions of them?  Who do you already know that needs new questions from you so that they are more understood?  Set aside 30 minutes to meet with them this week.

1. EVALUATE YOUR "WHY?"

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a (NLT)

Action Plan: Listen to Pastor Rick's message on Discipleship in the Digital Age and start those positive actions that leverage this technology to bring your closer to God.

2. IDENTIFY YOUR RELATIONAL VALUES

3. POWER DOWN OCCASIONALLY

4. INSTALL SPEED BUMPS

Action Plan: Think of some creative ways to interrupt the compulsion to check a notification on your phone.  Share your idea with a friend and ask them to brainstorm more ideas.

Presence clearly communicates, "You matter to me!"

Listen to: "Being A Disciple In The Digital Age" Pastor Rick Warren (9/16/19)
 
Go to beepresent.tips for 25 practical ideas.