Life is itself a process of spiritual development and the only choice we have is whether that process moves us toward wholeness in Christ or toward a more dehumanized way of being.

ROOT CHECK:

• Where am I at the vending machine? What technique, method, or approach am I currently expecting to deliver quick wholeness? What do I do when it doesn't?
• What am I mistaking for the whole journey? Is there a past growth spurt I keep trying to recreate?
• What do I call "nothing happening"? Which dry or quiet season might actually be hidden growth?
• What is shaping me this week? Not what I say I believe, but what my thoughts, habits, and reactions are actually forming in me.
• Who is receiving the overflow? At home, at work, in school or church, is my formation making me a source of healing or a carrier of my own brokenness?
• Static or journey? Is my faith a possession I'm trying to manage, or a response I'm learning to make?

NEXT RIGHT STEP:

First, do the spiritual review. Mark the stages of your life and write a word or two or draw how you experienced God in each stage. Here are the stages.

Stage 1 - Childhood and early faith. To help you get started, here are some questions. What did God feel like when you were small? Think about rules, ritual, fiestas, family customs.

Stage 2 - Young adult years. Example prompt is where did you collect things such as programs, retreats, roles, achievements, performance hoping they would finally make you whole?

Stage 3 - Wilderness or dry season. What did you assume was wasted time that you now see as hidden inner, character work?

Stage 4 - Today, present moment. Where are you more responsive and less controlling? Where did grace redeem a detour, where did Holy Spirit’s power free you from old bondage, and where did God meet you at a turn in the road?

Second, name one vending-machine habit. Choose one place where you expect instant results, name it clearly and aloud. One you name that vending-machine habit, surrender it to God in prayer.

Third, tell one trusted person what you learned. Formation is not meant to be a solo project. Share it with a mentor, a friend, or a small group.

INVITATION

1You are not just listening to a message, you are a part of a quiet movement of questers for good character. Here's what you can do.

1. Share this with someone who is tired of kicking the machine, and invite them to subscribe.
2. If you haven't yet, subscribe or follow on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and leave a rating or review if you can.
3. If you or someone you know have been walking through something that self-help hasn't solved, and you'd like someone to walk alongside you or them, you can book your online counseling session at the link below.

And a question for you - what was/is your vending-machine habit and how are you surrendering it to God? If you would like to let me know, email me at help@emmylouiman.com, or leave a comment below. That’s how I know you are with me in this quest.

USEFUL LINKS:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Iman Diaries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHOLE | Life Counseling Ministry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Book your counseling sessions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

MUSIC CREDITS

• Alex Jauk for distant bell ringing
• Breakz Studios for the piano

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