You're correct. Wanting to feel good is something that I fear draws many away to the rituals and spiritually dark path of Eastern religion practices and esotericism. Yet, for some is it wanting to feel good, or simply direction or calling? Exceptional writing!
Some people get the two confused. It’s important to abide in the Lord so people can distinguish between wanting to just feel good or the nudge towards a calling.
Modern Christianity has accidentally trained us to treat emotion like evidence. If the music swells and we get goosebumps, we call it the Holy Spirit. If we don’t, we assume something’s broken.
This is an excellent admonition. God has gone to extravagant lengths to communicate and reveal Himself and make Himself available to us.
This quote draws me back to HIM. "When faith becomes something you manage instead of Someone you pursue, the heart cools under the weight of religious duty."
Very often, I enjoy a warm and deep friendship with God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
I love to share/teach about worship-based listening prayer - God draws near.
James 4:5-8
Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (Using 1 John 1:9)
Fostering relationship with the Lord is very much like growing in friendship with a visible person..."He is NEAR to all who call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18
Talking to Him out loud makes it real, especially if you are a verbal processor. It wakes me up into concrete efforts to grow closer to Him (as opposed to wandering thoughts).
"Take Him with you" as you go throughout your day. Consider Him as you make your decisions - would He want to do this or that, or not? How sharp is your conscience - your ability to discern? To love Him is to obey Him. (John 15:12-17) To obey Him and follow His lead is to foster intimacy.
Pray without ceasing - tell Him things. Ask Him things. Expect Him to guide you with clear answers from His Word, worship, and the wisdom of godly "counselors" - friends and leaders who are "on fire" for Christ and who walk in obedience to His Word.
Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. He will never leave us or forsake us. When we are faithless, He remains faithful.
Thanks needed that reminder today
Most of us aren’t numb we are disappointed. Great line.
We're "still" asking for miracles just as the Pharisees did and think somehow that because it's the 21st century that it’s different. 😏
You're correct. Wanting to feel good is something that I fear draws many away to the rituals and spiritually dark path of Eastern religion practices and esotericism. Yet, for some is it wanting to feel good, or simply direction or calling? Exceptional writing!
Some people get the two confused. It’s important to abide in the Lord so people can distinguish between wanting to just feel good or the nudge towards a calling.
And, thank you!
Modern Christianity has accidentally trained us to treat emotion like evidence. If the music swells and we get goosebumps, we call it the Holy Spirit. If we don’t, we assume something’s broken.
I believe you've hit the nail on the head with your four insulation points!
This is an excellent admonition. God has gone to extravagant lengths to communicate and reveal Himself and make Himself available to us.
This quote draws me back to HIM. "When faith becomes something you manage instead of Someone you pursue, the heart cools under the weight of religious duty."
Very often, I enjoy a warm and deep friendship with God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
I love to share/teach about worship-based listening prayer - God draws near.
James 4:5-8
Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (Using 1 John 1:9)
Fostering relationship with the Lord is very much like growing in friendship with a visible person..."He is NEAR to all who call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18
Talking to Him out loud makes it real, especially if you are a verbal processor. It wakes me up into concrete efforts to grow closer to Him (as opposed to wandering thoughts).
"Take Him with you" as you go throughout your day. Consider Him as you make your decisions - would He want to do this or that, or not? How sharp is your conscience - your ability to discern? To love Him is to obey Him. (John 15:12-17) To obey Him and follow His lead is to foster intimacy.
Pray without ceasing - tell Him things. Ask Him things. Expect Him to guide you with clear answers from His Word, worship, and the wisdom of godly "counselors" - friends and leaders who are "on fire" for Christ and who walk in obedience to His Word.
Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. He will never leave us or forsake us. When we are faithless, He remains faithful.
Lord Please Hear mu Cry