Library of Thoughts

Listening Prayer? Often we go to the Lord with a laundry list of needs. Much more rarely, do we sit, and listen. Listening Prayer is a term for this kind of prayer. Prayer where we are asking God to speak directly into our thoughts with words, images, strong feelings. This is a biblical concept, practiced over the centuries by new testament believers, but lost for some of us. A format for Listening Prayer: 1. Still and quiet your soul: Quiet and still your soul before God from the cares of the day. 2. Resist the enemy: Take your place of authority by saying something like," In the name of Jesus Christ, I prohibit the enemy from speaking or interfering with this time." 3. Invoke His presence: Praise and acknowledge God as the One who is truly there. Ask that He would especially reveal Himself to you during your time of listening. 4. Ask God to search your heart: Talk to Him about what he reveals, and confess any known sin. 5. Ask God to speak to you: Use the model of Samuel,...

In Henri Nouwen's book "Life of the Beloved" he highlights four major aspects of our life in Christ. We are... Chosen, Blessed, Broken, Given What is basis of our Chosenness? How are we Blessed? Why are we Broken? What does it mean to be Given? These concepts will give you a framework, in a short book, for all those scriptures you have memorized over the years. I highly encourage you to read it this month! Vernon

Nobody likes vulnerability. But Paul leads us right through the doorway of fellowship, into the safety of the brotherhood, so that we can become "light bearers" or Christ like (Phil.1 & 2). In the context of acceptance and encouragement from our brothers, we trust the Lord and humble our selves. Submitting our needs to our brothers in openheartedness. Both Ephesians 5 and James4:7, and 5:16 reveal the connection between vulnerability and healing; humility and becoming the beloved. Is it painful? You bet! But the journey through brokenness to healing, involves humility before our brothers. Vulnerability with those mentoring us, be they pastors or counselors. We are at our healthiest, when we are journeying in a small community of openhearted, loving brothers and sisters. Janell and I are thankful to have that now...

How do we walk in His presence? Clearly, the evangelical position is to "walk in truth". Be in the Word of God, and soak in it until it is hidden in your heart (Psalms 119). And then obey! But I believe that fear, lies learned about His love, and our image, can lead us away from surrender and trust, into self protection and self sufficiency. For myself, lies believed at a young age needed to be repented of, and renounced in an earnest pursuit of experienced truth about God, and not just intellectually understood truth. One is effective in transformation. The other is effective as religious consolation.