Radical Update

I'm completing my third week in the Radical Experiment, and wanted to give an update on how things are going.

First, I want to say so far it's been a good thing for me.  I'm reading the Bible daily, first thing in the morning after my shower so I can think about what I've read all day.  Also, if I do it first thing, then I won't let other things get in the way like I'm so prone to do if I wait until the end of the day. 

I'm praying more and hopefully in a more meaningful way than before March 1.  My prayer time is designated for the morning as well so I will spend at least 30 minutes each day in prayer.  I want to do better, which means I would like to spend another 30 minutes in the evening.  I've not been consistent with the evening goal as yet, but it is a goal.  Also, I'm failing at this point in praying for the entire world.  I've managed to pray for United Arab Emirates and Bosnia, but totally missed the country for this week. 

I've been out of context at least once durng this month, but I'll exceed the Radical Experiment goal just by going to the Navajo and Pine Ridge Reservations this year.

I've made the commitment to support my church, Lakota Baptist Church, and make quarterly contributions to the Kingdom Missions Fund.  I can't say I've reached the giving until it hurts point yet, but I remain willing to do this and I'm trusting God to guide me where I need to give my money.  I've been doing some smaller stuff that requires a monetary investment, which if I added it up would actually have been a great contribution toward my 46" flat panel TV I so desire; nevertheless, I'm committed to place the TV on hold so I can do other things, and I'm good with this decision.

The final thing is to multiply the community.  I have no idea yet what that means for me.  I'm open to whatever God might direct me to do, but I haven't gotten any real sense of what that is yet.

Something that could be a coincidence, but I don't really believe in coincidences so I'm saying it's a Satan thing.  I've had more repair bills to deal with since the first of the year than I've had in a long time.  It all began about the time I started thinking about doing this experiment, so I think it's connected.  I've had approximately $4,000 in bills and at least $2,300 of that was totally unexpected.  I've been told I need at least a $1,000 repair on my car, but I'm getting another opinion before I have that work done.  I'm pretty sure this doesn't fit into the category "Give until it hurts," but it's affecting my giving until it hurts, so I think it's worth mentioning...Satan is always ready to put up obstacles to the commitments you make to God, and I'm looking at this as one place he's targeting.

Finally, for many of you who read my blog, you know our pastor challenged us to give up something for Lent.  And, you know I couldn't think of anything to give up.  Well, as it turns out, I have actually given up something, which will continue after Lent.  I'm getting up at 4:30 each morning so I have my Bible and prayer time.  If you who know me well, you know this is a sacrifice for me because I hate to get up early.  Nevertheless, I've been consistent and if I've done it for three weeks, I can continure to do it.

So there's the update.