Many people think it's hard to hear God.
Perhaps they should ask him to use words or methods they can understand.
From what I have found, I think He is willing and if it's your desire, at least give it a try.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Friend
Could it so simple that God's primary desire is to be included in your life?
I think yes, and subsequently, everything else is secondary and subject Him.
I think yes, and subsequently, everything else is secondary and subject Him.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Prayer
I’m not a big petitioner of God. We talk extensively, I share my life in complete transparency and I believe He know my every need. For example; as I think about a person or event, He is present in every thought as it is formed, He knows my heart might desire intervention but my thought is His to do with as He pleases.
Any compassion I have for a person is born from His nature dwelling within me. Any capacity to love at all is a manifestation of His heart living within me. I have found little need to verbally express to Him in some ceremonial fashion the thoughts (desires, needs) I have. It would be like me saying every sentence twice if we were to have a dialogue. It would be like me saying every sentence twice if we were to have a dialogue.
Yet I find myself troubled by some circumstances in my garden. The one I love most intimately is in physical pain. I know nothing has changed in our relationship; me and God, her and God, God and us or us with each other, but from within my heart raises a holy desire to pray.
I intercede. I petition. I repress the thought to make a deal because it doesn’t feel like it’s from Him. I pray.
Jesus, please step into time and space and heal my woman. Please restore her health. Please let this be your will.
Any compassion I have for a person is born from His nature dwelling within me. Any capacity to love at all is a manifestation of His heart living within me. I have found little need to verbally express to Him in some ceremonial fashion the thoughts (desires, needs) I have. It would be like me saying every sentence twice if we were to have a dialogue. It would be like me saying every sentence twice if we were to have a dialogue.
Yet I find myself troubled by some circumstances in my garden. The one I love most intimately is in physical pain. I know nothing has changed in our relationship; me and God, her and God, God and us or us with each other, but from within my heart raises a holy desire to pray.
I intercede. I petition. I repress the thought to make a deal because it doesn’t feel like it’s from Him. I pray.
Jesus, please step into time and space and heal my woman. Please restore her health. Please let this be your will.
Monday, July 6, 2009
I had a chance to share my testimony today. Afterword’s when my mouth was closed, my thoughts landed on my intimate allies, the life shared, the experiences of healing, and the discovery of true life. I have deep gratitude for these, my friends. Without them I might not understand my story to the extent I do. In fact, without them, my story would be lonely. Ahhh, the heart of Jesus.
Steve
Steve
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Holy discontent
Monday (sometime in March)- Holy Discontent
A ‘stirring’ or crisis occurs in God’s creation as His spirit moves upon it. Believer, unbeliever, it matters not. Unbelievers have a choice; consider if this is from God, or dismiss it as life. Believers too have the same choice but have more options to consider as they pursue the Lord and try to discern what is happening.
For the believer, often the conclusion is that the Lord surly must want something from us, or that He is leading us to some ‘next level”, or that there is some puzzle we must solve to have this discontent removed. Do we go to scripture with the testimonies and knowledge found inside? Do we busy ourselves in service? Do we ‘plug in’ past healings or revelation and try to make them fit? Do we ‘practice’ the disciplines like fasting and prayer? All of these may be correct if that is where Jesus leads, but all of these may be ‘our’ solution and may do nothing more than silence that which we desire, to hear from our Lord.
I am in such a moment right now. As I speak with Jesus about this ‘Holy Discontent’ in my life; every action, every word definition, every principle I’ve learned, every testimony from my past rings empty and leaves me with a sense that these solutions are ‘mine’ and they are accomplishing nothing more that busying my mind and distracting me from my hearts desire, Jesus. Even this post boarders on repulsive for me.
The only answer is Jesus and I try to center myself solely on Him. Not on what my life will look like, not what He will remove or add, not what my testimony will be or if others will see truth in it, not if He will effect those in my garden as a result of what He accomplishes in me, not if I will have peace, not if I will understand, not if He will use me, not even if I will receive life, freedom, or healing.
I still myself best I can. I center my focus on Jesus, nothing more. I don’t know what to ask for; I don’t know what I need ‘from’ Him except that it is Him. I await Him.
A ‘stirring’ or crisis occurs in God’s creation as His spirit moves upon it. Believer, unbeliever, it matters not. Unbelievers have a choice; consider if this is from God, or dismiss it as life. Believers too have the same choice but have more options to consider as they pursue the Lord and try to discern what is happening.
For the believer, often the conclusion is that the Lord surly must want something from us, or that He is leading us to some ‘next level”, or that there is some puzzle we must solve to have this discontent removed. Do we go to scripture with the testimonies and knowledge found inside? Do we busy ourselves in service? Do we ‘plug in’ past healings or revelation and try to make them fit? Do we ‘practice’ the disciplines like fasting and prayer? All of these may be correct if that is where Jesus leads, but all of these may be ‘our’ solution and may do nothing more than silence that which we desire, to hear from our Lord.
I am in such a moment right now. As I speak with Jesus about this ‘Holy Discontent’ in my life; every action, every word definition, every principle I’ve learned, every testimony from my past rings empty and leaves me with a sense that these solutions are ‘mine’ and they are accomplishing nothing more that busying my mind and distracting me from my hearts desire, Jesus. Even this post boarders on repulsive for me.
The only answer is Jesus and I try to center myself solely on Him. Not on what my life will look like, not what He will remove or add, not what my testimony will be or if others will see truth in it, not if He will effect those in my garden as a result of what He accomplishes in me, not if I will have peace, not if I will understand, not if He will use me, not even if I will receive life, freedom, or healing.
I still myself best I can. I center my focus on Jesus, nothing more. I don’t know what to ask for; I don’t know what I need ‘from’ Him except that it is Him. I await Him.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Advance
In late 2003 a group of men came together at my church. The premise was a men’s ‘bible study’. We used a book and video series by John Eldredge titled Wild at Heart. Several of us discovered an image of God in ourselves that perhaps we had stifled or lost from the wounding of our hearts. There are two premises presented (among others) that we embraced; God meets men in the wilderness (see Moses’ and Jesus’ lives) and men need intimate allies (a band of brothers).
In 2004, we began an annual tradition of going to our denomination’s campground south of Canton called Camp Gideon. The first year we had the strictest agenda in its history, that being that we told the men to ‘go for a walk’ on the 165 acres, alone, and listen for God’s voice, and too be prepared to get together that night and share their experience.
Now we just go and watch to see how Jesus shows up. He does it differently every year. I find Jesus is particularly fond of his men getting together as men.
This weekend marks the 6th anniversary of this outing. We call them ‘Advances’ (men don’t ‘retreat’) and I’m excited. I still go for walks alone, we eat great food we cook ourselves, and we are men together in each other’s presence. We have great expectation that Jesus will join us in a profound way but will accept whatever way He chooses to manifest Himself. If we come to mind this weekend, mention it to Jesus for us. He and we would appreciate it. We are a group of men seeking the heart and mind of Christ.
Here is an exerpt from Wild at Heart
A Nice Guy 03/11/2009
And then, alas, there is the church. Christianity, as it currently exists, has done some terrible things to men. When all is said and done, I think most men in the church believe that God put them on the earth to be a good boy. The problem with men, we are told, is that they don’t know how to keep their promises, be spiritual leaders, talk to their wives, or raise their children. But, if they will try real hard they can reach the lofty summit of becoming . . . a nice guy. That’s what we hold up as models of Christian maturity: Really Nice Guys. We don’t smoke, drink, or swear; that’s what makes us men. Now let me ask my male readers: In all your boyhood dreams growing up, did you ever dream of becoming a Nice Guy? (Ladies, was the Prince of your dreams dashing . . . or merely nice?) Really now—do I overstate my case? Walk into most churches in America, have a look around, and ask yourself this question: What is a Christian man? Don’t listen to what is said, look at what you find there. There is no doubt about it. You’d have to admit a Christian man is . . . bored. At a recent church retreat I was talking with a guy in his fifties, listening really, about his own journey as a man. “I’ve pretty much tried for the last twenty years to be a good man as the church defines it.” Intrigued, I asked him to say what he thought that was. He paused for a long moment. “Dutiful,” he said. “And separated from his heart.” A perfect description, I thought. Sadly right on the mark. (Wild at Heart , 7)
In 2004, we began an annual tradition of going to our denomination’s campground south of Canton called Camp Gideon. The first year we had the strictest agenda in its history, that being that we told the men to ‘go for a walk’ on the 165 acres, alone, and listen for God’s voice, and too be prepared to get together that night and share their experience.
Now we just go and watch to see how Jesus shows up. He does it differently every year. I find Jesus is particularly fond of his men getting together as men.
This weekend marks the 6th anniversary of this outing. We call them ‘Advances’ (men don’t ‘retreat’) and I’m excited. I still go for walks alone, we eat great food we cook ourselves, and we are men together in each other’s presence. We have great expectation that Jesus will join us in a profound way but will accept whatever way He chooses to manifest Himself. If we come to mind this weekend, mention it to Jesus for us. He and we would appreciate it. We are a group of men seeking the heart and mind of Christ.
Here is an exerpt from Wild at Heart
A Nice Guy 03/11/2009
And then, alas, there is the church. Christianity, as it currently exists, has done some terrible things to men. When all is said and done, I think most men in the church believe that God put them on the earth to be a good boy. The problem with men, we are told, is that they don’t know how to keep their promises, be spiritual leaders, talk to their wives, or raise their children. But, if they will try real hard they can reach the lofty summit of becoming . . . a nice guy. That’s what we hold up as models of Christian maturity: Really Nice Guys. We don’t smoke, drink, or swear; that’s what makes us men. Now let me ask my male readers: In all your boyhood dreams growing up, did you ever dream of becoming a Nice Guy? (Ladies, was the Prince of your dreams dashing . . . or merely nice?) Really now—do I overstate my case? Walk into most churches in America, have a look around, and ask yourself this question: What is a Christian man? Don’t listen to what is said, look at what you find there. There is no doubt about it. You’d have to admit a Christian man is . . . bored. At a recent church retreat I was talking with a guy in his fifties, listening really, about his own journey as a man. “I’ve pretty much tried for the last twenty years to be a good man as the church defines it.” Intrigued, I asked him to say what he thought that was. He paused for a long moment. “Dutiful,” he said. “And separated from his heart.” A perfect description, I thought. Sadly right on the mark. (Wild at Heart , 7)
Monday, March 9, 2009
The kind of face a woman finds attractive
I found this interesting.
A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has revealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle.
For example: If she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged and masculine features. However, if she is menstruating or menopausal, she tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a spear lodged in his chest while he is on fire.
A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has revealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle.
For example: If she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged and masculine features. However, if she is menstruating or menopausal, she tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a spear lodged in his chest while he is on fire.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
When God draws us to Himself
Some of us continued our discussion of evangelism today. The premis of Heaven and or Hell as the primary reason to evangelize for the most part repulses me and I think is misguided. Jesus I believe came primarily to offer the ability to re-establish our relationship with God (Himself). I see the following format as the primary steps He used with me. How does this feel to your heart? Does the following sound like freedom, life and healing to you?
4 Steps To Becoming Like Jesus when God draws us to Himself
1. Initial Sanctification (get saved via crisis experience).
a. ACTION: request relationship with Jesus Christ as God.
b. RESULT: God relationship restored, Kingdom living begins.
2. Entire Sanctification: (also via crisis experience).
c. ACTION: depravity acknowledged, request inpartation of nature of Christ
("Holy Spirit", "Spirit of Truth", "The Councelor")
d. RESULT: Purged conscience, power to live from position of innocence,
ability to change as God reveals need, spiritual fruit.
3. Perfection:
a. Walking in spirit, knowing you are positional perfect but practically,
changes will be made as God reveals the need (our response is not one
of guilt but of Love)
4. Daily Consecration:
a. Determine to be set apart (only we can consecrate ourselves).
4 Steps To Becoming Like Jesus when God draws us to Himself
1. Initial Sanctification (get saved via crisis experience).
a. ACTION: request relationship with Jesus Christ as God.
b. RESULT: God relationship restored, Kingdom living begins.
2. Entire Sanctification: (also via crisis experience).
c. ACTION: depravity acknowledged, request inpartation of nature of Christ
("Holy Spirit", "Spirit of Truth", "The Councelor")
d. RESULT: Purged conscience, power to live from position of innocence,
ability to change as God reveals need, spiritual fruit.
3. Perfection:
a. Walking in spirit, knowing you are positional perfect but practically,
changes will be made as God reveals the need (our response is not one
of guilt but of Love)
4. Daily Consecration:
a. Determine to be set apart (only we can consecrate ourselves).
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Life in the Meetinghouse
My personal community in my meetinghouse has spent a good amount of time over the past five or so years discussing the role of the ‘church’ in the lives of attendees and the life of our community at large. We have also discussed our role in evangelizing and discipling others. We’ve talked allot about Kingdom living and what that means. It’s remarkable to hear the variety of definitions to these roles and concepts. I find any number of ‘groups’ of like minded people who share the same basic motivation. Some groups are large some number just a few.
Last night we met and continued in a discussion with a working title “Is Church for the Community or the Community for Us”. The dialogue was stimulating yet, I’m left, (as usual), with some level of discontent. I get frustrated when we as a ‘church’ feel the need to have this defined, clear concept as to what a Christian should look like. We take the great commission and call it our job. We use the object lesson of Jesus washing feet and call it our example, and therefore our objective and mission. We read the story of His life and look for commands and clues as to what to do. Sometimes I think we busy ourselves just to keep Him quiet. I find over and over again that those of us who are more ‘vocal’ share our passion and sound like we got it right. My poor Pastor friends have it much worse because the public thinks Pastors know what’s good for everybody, and by some screwed up definition of the role, are supposed to regurgitate God’s will for our lives. What a shame for them (in my opinion).
So, what alternative is there if it’s debatable that what I know Jesus tells me is the right thing for you, or for that matter, what He tells you is right for me? If I’m so stinking smart, what would I offer if I was in charge of ‘putting on the program’? I find the answer for me at this time (critical choice of words) in an exchange between Jesus and Peter that takes place just before Jesus leaves for heaven.
From John chapter 21 in the NIV Jesus is talking to Peter asking him three times if he loves Him, Peter says ‘yes’ three times. Each time, Jesus gives Peter instructions; “Feed my lambs", "Take care of my sheep," and "Feed my sheep”. Then he gives him a clue to his death and says, "Follow me!"
So here’s Peter talking with Jesus, getting information for (and about) his (Peters) life,
Then in verse 20-23 we read “Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."
Peter is often used as a good demonstration of ‘us’ and here he is worried about what is going to happen to someone else. I love Jesus’ response.
Niv: “what is that to you? You must follow me."
Message: “what's that to you? You—follow me."
King James Version “what is that to you? You follow me.”
Do we do the same thing? Do we hear from Jesus and start looking around at everybody else and worry about what Jesus is going to tell them? Can we just point people to Jesus and trust He will tell them what to do? In fact can we continually point people to Jesus and hammer over and over and over again that Jesus will lead them? He will tell them what to do? Can we trust that Jesus knows what is best for them? Can we stand to hear Jesus tell us ““what's that to you? You—follow me." Can a message that simple not get exhausted? It probably would once people ‘get it’, so now our ‘program’ emphasis becomes to talk about and demonstrate the massive variety of ways to follow Him (“the smorgasbord”).
I hear us being judgmental that perhaps people come to the community ‘for themselves’, that they should be ‘in service’, ‘in the world’, doing this that or the other thing to ‘be like Jesus’, or ‘love like Jesus’.
The Niv implores, “what is that to you? You must follow me."
Last night we met and continued in a discussion with a working title “Is Church for the Community or the Community for Us”. The dialogue was stimulating yet, I’m left, (as usual), with some level of discontent. I get frustrated when we as a ‘church’ feel the need to have this defined, clear concept as to what a Christian should look like. We take the great commission and call it our job. We use the object lesson of Jesus washing feet and call it our example, and therefore our objective and mission. We read the story of His life and look for commands and clues as to what to do. Sometimes I think we busy ourselves just to keep Him quiet. I find over and over again that those of us who are more ‘vocal’ share our passion and sound like we got it right. My poor Pastor friends have it much worse because the public thinks Pastors know what’s good for everybody, and by some screwed up definition of the role, are supposed to regurgitate God’s will for our lives. What a shame for them (in my opinion).
So, what alternative is there if it’s debatable that what I know Jesus tells me is the right thing for you, or for that matter, what He tells you is right for me? If I’m so stinking smart, what would I offer if I was in charge of ‘putting on the program’? I find the answer for me at this time (critical choice of words) in an exchange between Jesus and Peter that takes place just before Jesus leaves for heaven.
From John chapter 21 in the NIV Jesus is talking to Peter asking him three times if he loves Him, Peter says ‘yes’ three times. Each time, Jesus gives Peter instructions; “Feed my lambs", "Take care of my sheep," and "Feed my sheep”. Then he gives him a clue to his death and says, "Follow me!"
So here’s Peter talking with Jesus, getting information for (and about) his (Peters) life,
Then in verse 20-23 we read “Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."
Peter is often used as a good demonstration of ‘us’ and here he is worried about what is going to happen to someone else. I love Jesus’ response.
Niv: “what is that to you? You must follow me."
Message: “what's that to you? You—follow me."
King James Version “what is that to you? You follow me.”
Do we do the same thing? Do we hear from Jesus and start looking around at everybody else and worry about what Jesus is going to tell them? Can we just point people to Jesus and trust He will tell them what to do? In fact can we continually point people to Jesus and hammer over and over and over again that Jesus will lead them? He will tell them what to do? Can we trust that Jesus knows what is best for them? Can we stand to hear Jesus tell us ““what's that to you? You—follow me." Can a message that simple not get exhausted? It probably would once people ‘get it’, so now our ‘program’ emphasis becomes to talk about and demonstrate the massive variety of ways to follow Him (“the smorgasbord”).
I hear us being judgmental that perhaps people come to the community ‘for themselves’, that they should be ‘in service’, ‘in the world’, doing this that or the other thing to ‘be like Jesus’, or ‘love like Jesus’.
The Niv implores, “what is that to you? You must follow me."
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Calling His name
Sometimes I get anxious. There are times I can trace the feelings to events or circumstances taking place in my life. There are also times when I cannot. Sometimes at those times I’m sure the feelings are empathetic, where the life of someone I know is in turmoil and I’m feeling it. Sometimes there’s just no explanation.
In any event, when these feelings rise, I find myself saying the name of Jesus. I ponder this, it’s not that I call Him expecting His arrival in my life; I know He’s already there. I know our lives are a shared experience. He experiences what I experience. It’s not that I ‘need’ anything, I know He provides what I need in the moment I need it.
Rather, by saying His name I physically, demonstratively, align myself with Him. It’s helpful, it’s warfare
In any event, when these feelings rise, I find myself saying the name of Jesus. I ponder this, it’s not that I call Him expecting His arrival in my life; I know He’s already there. I know our lives are a shared experience. He experiences what I experience. It’s not that I ‘need’ anything, I know He provides what I need in the moment I need it.
Rather, by saying His name I physically, demonstratively, align myself with Him. It’s helpful, it’s warfare
Friday, February 27, 2009
Right side living part 3
I’ve finished the book “My Stroke of Insight” by Jill Bolte Taylor. It was a good read. Jill ends up pretty new age in thought. Some things I just can’t identify with such as; telling the billions of cells in my body they have, and are, doing a great job, and thanking them for a good day.
She teaches a belief system that’s very internally biologically based but that externally there is a greater ‘whole’ (Nirvana).
She teaches a belief in interconnectedness with each other and the universe, which on the surface sounds trippy but also sounds rather like “The Kingdom”.
She teaches much about living in the moment, the here and now, witch reminds me of Mathew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”.
She draws “Angel Cards” several times a day to help her stay focused on what’s important in her life (apparently these cards contain words such as enthusiasm, clarity, harmony, grace, etc.) which sounds allot like Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”.
As she teaches these new age concepts though, I’m aware that certain Christian alignments within me are challenged which I see as having value. I realize I’m looking for trouble in certain Christian circles (including some friends) by even talking about these things. I feel like some friends would have me either; fight for and defend Jesus or burn this book and say nothing less the reputation of God and/or scripture is diminished. Yet if I ask Jesus about these things, He clearly tells me He is not threatened, I should relax, He’s amused by my reaction, and He’s not asking me to do anything about this book, these thoughts or beliefs.
To be honest, I’d like to meet Jill. She seems like a wonderful person, and I think we have more in common than not. I wonder if she would be as open to me as a Christian as I am to her not being one.
In conclusion, this book has been a wonderful experience I’ve shared with Jesus. These thoughts have challenged my mind and strengthened my understanding of how my body works. This book has also challenged my faith and strengthened my understanding of how blessed I am to be in relationship with the creator of it all.
She teaches a belief system that’s very internally biologically based but that externally there is a greater ‘whole’ (Nirvana).
She teaches a belief in interconnectedness with each other and the universe, which on the surface sounds trippy but also sounds rather like “The Kingdom”.
She teaches much about living in the moment, the here and now, witch reminds me of Mathew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”.
She draws “Angel Cards” several times a day to help her stay focused on what’s important in her life (apparently these cards contain words such as enthusiasm, clarity, harmony, grace, etc.) which sounds allot like Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”.
As she teaches these new age concepts though, I’m aware that certain Christian alignments within me are challenged which I see as having value. I realize I’m looking for trouble in certain Christian circles (including some friends) by even talking about these things. I feel like some friends would have me either; fight for and defend Jesus or burn this book and say nothing less the reputation of God and/or scripture is diminished. Yet if I ask Jesus about these things, He clearly tells me He is not threatened, I should relax, He’s amused by my reaction, and He’s not asking me to do anything about this book, these thoughts or beliefs.
To be honest, I’d like to meet Jill. She seems like a wonderful person, and I think we have more in common than not. I wonder if she would be as open to me as a Christian as I am to her not being one.
In conclusion, this book has been a wonderful experience I’ve shared with Jesus. These thoughts have challenged my mind and strengthened my understanding of how my body works. This book has also challenged my faith and strengthened my understanding of how blessed I am to be in relationship with the creator of it all.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Right sided living part 2
I’ve made some progress in the book “My Stroke of Insight” by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D. today. It turns out she’s still a brain scientist, and as expected is drawing some conclusions about spirituality and God that might be threatening to some ‘religious minded’ people. Taylor states that brain research performed by two doctors “helped her understand exactly what was going on in [her] brain” she goes on to state “that these scientists identified the neuroanatomy underlying our ability to have a religious or spiritual (mystical) experience. They wanted to understand which regions of the brain were involved in our capacity to undergo a shift in consciousness – away from being an individual to feeling that we are at one with the universe (God, Nirvana, euphoria).” Taylor states these abilities are ‘right sided’ brain activity.
These thoughts are stimulating to me. I embrace the truth that we are human and therefore have a human experience. I believe we are very much the product of our lives; that the events we are exposed too help define who we are, (be they wounds or positive experiences), that as we live, biological nueropathways are established and patterns of response are ingrained.
I also have a testimony that God intervened in my life, that He impacted and changed my life coarse. He ‘touched’ my mind, offering revelation, healing, and the ability to recognize that there was something (someone) outside of me. Did He activate my ‘right side’ mind (no-one comes to the Father unless He draws them)? As I have followed Jesus, have I exercised the right side and become more in touch with these spiritual abilities?
I wonder if Jesus being the perfect representation of humanity had in fact a perfectly balance human brain.
I’m not threatened by these thoughts and my beliefs have not changed. All credit and glory too God. I know that I’m different than I was. I know that this change is not ‘of me’ but ‘to me’.
I think the human brain is amazing.
These thoughts are stimulating to me. I embrace the truth that we are human and therefore have a human experience. I believe we are very much the product of our lives; that the events we are exposed too help define who we are, (be they wounds or positive experiences), that as we live, biological nueropathways are established and patterns of response are ingrained.
I also have a testimony that God intervened in my life, that He impacted and changed my life coarse. He ‘touched’ my mind, offering revelation, healing, and the ability to recognize that there was something (someone) outside of me. Did He activate my ‘right side’ mind (no-one comes to the Father unless He draws them)? As I have followed Jesus, have I exercised the right side and become more in touch with these spiritual abilities?
I wonder if Jesus being the perfect representation of humanity had in fact a perfectly balance human brain.
I’m not threatened by these thoughts and my beliefs have not changed. All credit and glory too God. I know that I’m different than I was. I know that this change is not ‘of me’ but ‘to me’.
I think the human brain is amazing.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Right side living
I've been reading a book titled “My Stroke of Insight” by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D. Jill was (still is? I haven’t finished yet) a brain scientist who suffered a stroke. This book is her description of the event; her journey to 'recovery' and an interesting look into the physiology of the brain.
Jill's stroke was contained mostly to the left side of her brain which is, in my understanding (and I might add extremely simplified) primarily analytical in nature (linear, sequential). The right side being primarily ‘in the moment’ (abstract, emotional, experiential) was undamaged. Jill describes a type of ‘nirvana’ she experienced as her left hemisphere ‘went off line’ and her existence was limited to right hemisphere thinking. As I read her medical, scientific explanations of the physiology of the brain and her subsequent spiritual experiences “with the universe”, I am joyful to realize once again how fearfully and wonderfully made we are. Specifically, as I read Jill’s narrative of her spiritual experience, I am so thankful that I know the person responsible for it all, call Him by name, and call Him my friend.
As I spend this time away on vacation I reflect how I am choosing to live from my right side. To slow down, respond to my heart, and experience the moment.
See ya.
Jill's stroke was contained mostly to the left side of her brain which is, in my understanding (and I might add extremely simplified) primarily analytical in nature (linear, sequential). The right side being primarily ‘in the moment’ (abstract, emotional, experiential) was undamaged. Jill describes a type of ‘nirvana’ she experienced as her left hemisphere ‘went off line’ and her existence was limited to right hemisphere thinking. As I read her medical, scientific explanations of the physiology of the brain and her subsequent spiritual experiences “with the universe”, I am joyful to realize once again how fearfully and wonderfully made we are. Specifically, as I read Jill’s narrative of her spiritual experience, I am so thankful that I know the person responsible for it all, call Him by name, and call Him my friend.
As I spend this time away on vacation I reflect how I am choosing to live from my right side. To slow down, respond to my heart, and experience the moment.
See ya.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Slowing down
I’m going to Florida today at about 3:00. We’re driving, which thrills me because it’s slow. We’re going to a place that’s about 15 hours away and we’ll drive it over two days. I really look forward to stopping all the rushing. Even flying, which would get me to my destination in less than 3 hours, seems like too much of a hurry. Granted, I’d be able to start relaxing at the beach this afternoon instead of tomorrow evening, but the sacrifice is I’ll have to meet deadlines, timetables, schedules, and frankly, moving around at 400 mph, (while exceedingly stimulating), just seems like work right now.
I ponder our American lifestyle and reflect about all the anxiety and depression we as people experience. I wonder if we’re just stimulated beyond our design and cramming too much into our life. In the name of efficiency, we do more in less time and marvel at how much we get done.
John Eldredge in his book Wild at Heart, spoke of how in the bible, God ‘meets’ men in the wilderness, outside of their normal environment. I’ve found this to be true. Often, when I am away I seem to ‘hear’ a little better. So in a couple hours, when the bags are loaded, the car is washed and filled up, and the instructions for feeding the dog and fish are gone over one more time, I’ll punch out, take a deep breath and hit the road, me, my beautiful wife and Jesus. The three of us have an expectation that by slowing down, perhaps we’ll actually miss less.
I’ll post a ‘postcard’ from the beach but untill then click on this,
http://www.careerbuilder.com/monk-e-mail/Default.aspx?mid=29573490&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=46f65f8f020f431f9ef9c988924fde45-288536867-wi-6
The Monkey
I ponder our American lifestyle and reflect about all the anxiety and depression we as people experience. I wonder if we’re just stimulated beyond our design and cramming too much into our life. In the name of efficiency, we do more in less time and marvel at how much we get done.
John Eldredge in his book Wild at Heart, spoke of how in the bible, God ‘meets’ men in the wilderness, outside of their normal environment. I’ve found this to be true. Often, when I am away I seem to ‘hear’ a little better. So in a couple hours, when the bags are loaded, the car is washed and filled up, and the instructions for feeding the dog and fish are gone over one more time, I’ll punch out, take a deep breath and hit the road, me, my beautiful wife and Jesus. The three of us have an expectation that by slowing down, perhaps we’ll actually miss less.
I’ll post a ‘postcard’ from the beach but untill then click on this,
http://www.careerbuilder.com/monk-e-mail/Default.aspx?mid=29573490&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=46f65f8f020f431f9ef9c988924fde45-288536867-wi-6
The Monkey
Friday, February 13, 2009
Welcome (a little late)
I probably should have had this as my first post. Check out this link.
http://www.careerbuilder.com/monk-e-mail/Default.aspx?mid=29491839&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=f8e28bce1fc84371a4d022be5155a46c-287823626-JW-5
http://www.careerbuilder.com/monk-e-mail/Default.aspx?mid=29491839&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=f8e28bce1fc84371a4d022be5155a46c-287823626-JW-5
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Life, Freedom, Healing
As I walk through life and have those moments where my spirit 'catches', you know, some type of discomfort or anxiety, I ask myself, where in this experience is the life, freedom, or healing Jesus offers?
Growing up and into adulthood when these experiences occurred, I practiced distraction and detachment. I did allot of things to avoid discomfort (most of which was harmful to my mind, body, spirit and relationships). At about 30 years of age I realized life wasn’t going away and I was stuck with myself. Something had to give. It did. I met Jesus.
For awhile I thought perhaps He would help remove, or change the events that gave me discomfort or fear. I'm sure He did a few times, (I’ve got a few really cool stories) but what to do with the times it appears He didn't?
You see I believe Jesus came so that we can find life, healing and freedom. I base that upon His words from Luke 4:17-19 and John 10:10. However, He also said that in this world we will have trouble (john 17:33). How to balance this?
I conclude that in many circumstances the life, freedom and healing He promised is found in how we respond to trouble (or lack thereof).
So, As I walk through life and have those moments where my spirit 'catches', you know, some type of discomfort or anxiety, I ask myself, where in this experience is the life, freedom, or healing Jesus offers? Often I find it in my response.
Growing up and into adulthood when these experiences occurred, I practiced distraction and detachment. I did allot of things to avoid discomfort (most of which was harmful to my mind, body, spirit and relationships). At about 30 years of age I realized life wasn’t going away and I was stuck with myself. Something had to give. It did. I met Jesus.
For awhile I thought perhaps He would help remove, or change the events that gave me discomfort or fear. I'm sure He did a few times, (I’ve got a few really cool stories) but what to do with the times it appears He didn't?
You see I believe Jesus came so that we can find life, healing and freedom. I base that upon His words from Luke 4:17-19 and John 10:10. However, He also said that in this world we will have trouble (john 17:33). How to balance this?
I conclude that in many circumstances the life, freedom and healing He promised is found in how we respond to trouble (or lack thereof).
So, As I walk through life and have those moments where my spirit 'catches', you know, some type of discomfort or anxiety, I ask myself, where in this experience is the life, freedom, or healing Jesus offers? Often I find it in my response.
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