This video is on seven different perspectives I have found from my experience that if we hold will move us deeper into the Word of God and thus in intimacy with God.
Contemplating the oneness of Truth while guided by the Voice of Truth produces the evolution or maturation of the soul, spirit and mind, so reality can begin to reflect Truth's immutable, divine attributes, which manifest the highest good for all. This blog reflects an ever-deepening understanding of the Truth a soul gains as its mind is renewed by Truth's pure Light.
Another good and helpful video. I had a few comments:
–I think active reading, the kind that you emphasize involving the reader asking questions and trying to make links with the material as he/she progresses, requires practice. I believe that since your program sets aside daily reading and reflection time that this practice time is included.
–I like the message of praying doubt (when you were discussing the Bible as the Inspired Word of God) and praying unbelief (that you mention near the end). I view the Psalms as containing excellent examples of those who cried out to the Lord when doubt and/or unbelief was troubling them. As we cultivate a relationship with God, communication is essential and admitting what we are thinking (though it may not be pretty) is necessary for growth.
As I watched the video from your site, I noticed that your facebook status had a message about being in the Roanoke Airport. I hope they dig the runways out quickly for you–yuck.
Slamdunk – thanks for your feedback on this video and great comments. Yes, we were in Roanoke – and got out in the nick of time on Friday!! God was very merciful and faithful! It really started to come down – nice to be back in San Diego 😉
More helpful thoughts here. I agree it’s easy for us to become less sensitive to the amazing truth that Jesus is the Word, and yes, this belief should be manifest in our continual presence in the Word as well as a continual hunger and reverence for it.
Months ago, I blogged about the experience of reading Luke 4:14-21 where Jesus reads aloud in the temple Scriptures about the Messiah and then says, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” That moment of the Word just gave me chills! How amazing it must’ve been to listen to the Word, reading the Word that was prophesying Himself. As I wrote at the time, I just think that’s “an amazing fusion of the Word!”
Your reminders that it is the Spirit who teaches us and is completely capable of doing so are helpful to me as I reread the Old Testament. When we started this Stirring the Deep with Me series, I had started the Bible from the beginning to get a clearer picture of how events progressed from God originally calling His people to making His Salvation available to all nations. Almost every day, I find myself praying for God to help me understand what these stories mean and how they fit with the whole picture of God’s character and history with His people. I can see how much I still have to learn and how much deeper I have to go, but it’s always exciting when something does stand out where God is revealing His meaning or how something exactly parallels or foreshadows God’s work in the New Testament. What a blessing to be reassured that the same Holy Spirit that was upon God’s chosen people then is still revealing His truth right now!
Ruth – it is incredible isn’t it? How that same Spirit is with us – instructing and leading us! I too pray constantly for understanding of His Word – there is so much there and the more I read the more I realize I need to learn and know. It is never ending – but what a joy to be taught by Him. John 6:45 “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” – what a powerful verse.
And I love your insight into Luke 4. Thanks for sharing!! I truly enjoying reading your thougths on this journey!
Living Light 
February 7, 2010 at 4:13 am
Another good and helpful video. I had a few comments:
–I think active reading, the kind that you emphasize involving the reader asking questions and trying to make links with the material as he/she progresses, requires practice. I believe that since your program sets aside daily reading and reflection time that this practice time is included.
–I like the message of praying doubt (when you were discussing the Bible as the Inspired Word of God) and praying unbelief (that you mention near the end). I view the Psalms as containing excellent examples of those who cried out to the Lord when doubt and/or unbelief was troubling them. As we cultivate a relationship with God, communication is essential and admitting what we are thinking (though it may not be pretty) is necessary for growth.
As I watched the video from your site, I noticed that your facebook status had a message about being in the Roanoke Airport. I hope they dig the runways out quickly for you–yuck.
February 8, 2010 at 3:08 am
Slamdunk – thanks for your feedback on this video and great comments. Yes, we were in Roanoke – and got out in the nick of time on Friday!! God was very merciful and faithful! It really started to come down – nice to be back in San Diego 😉
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February 11, 2010 at 5:54 am
Hey Rachel,
More helpful thoughts here. I agree it’s easy for us to become less sensitive to the amazing truth that Jesus is the Word, and yes, this belief should be manifest in our continual presence in the Word as well as a continual hunger and reverence for it.
Months ago, I blogged about the experience of reading Luke 4:14-21 where Jesus reads aloud in the temple Scriptures about the Messiah and then says, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” That moment of the Word just gave me chills! How amazing it must’ve been to listen to the Word, reading the Word that was prophesying Himself. As I wrote at the time, I just think that’s “an amazing fusion of the Word!”
Your reminders that it is the Spirit who teaches us and is completely capable of doing so are helpful to me as I reread the Old Testament. When we started this Stirring the Deep with Me series, I had started the Bible from the beginning to get a clearer picture of how events progressed from God originally calling His people to making His Salvation available to all nations. Almost every day, I find myself praying for God to help me understand what these stories mean and how they fit with the whole picture of God’s character and history with His people. I can see how much I still have to learn and how much deeper I have to go, but it’s always exciting when something does stand out where God is revealing His meaning or how something exactly parallels or foreshadows God’s work in the New Testament. What a blessing to be reassured that the same Holy Spirit that was upon God’s chosen people then is still revealing His truth right now!
February 11, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Ruth – it is incredible isn’t it? How that same Spirit is with us – instructing and leading us! I too pray constantly for understanding of His Word – there is so much there and the more I read the more I realize I need to learn and know. It is never ending – but what a joy to be taught by Him. John 6:45 “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” – what a powerful verse.
And I love your insight into Luke 4. Thanks for sharing!! I truly enjoying reading your thougths on this journey!
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