Hey everyone.... Just to be clear, I am aware of the reality that not many people read this blog, and so it is highly unlikely that people will come here to post random questions. This is kind of my scratch pad after all for random thoughts.
However, in the event that there is some philosophical emergency, a persistent recurring existential moment, or just the obsessive compulsion to dialogue about something and every potential outcome of that thought, please feel free to post a comment to this post. I will read it, copy and paste it into a blog post of its own... and we can have a really good "go" at it. :D
Please, please, do not post any questions about llamas and what their significance really is in the Jimmy Neutron series. I really don't know, though I think it might be somehow related to hair spray. (Seriously, have you ever thought about the hair-dos in that show??!).
Post away.
Thanks!
Noodles
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8 comments:
For some, the desire for the Spirit of God grows so immense on the journey to spiritual union, how does one know for sure an impression is not caused by the evil one?
Anonymous Said:
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For some, the desire for the Spirit of God grows so immense on the journey to spiritual union, how does one know for sure an impression is not caused by the evil one?
e.s. Response:
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Thanks for the question! Though, I am not too certain what you are asking... You kinda said, "how do you know "an impression" has not originated from the evil one ..."
What do you mean by "An impression"? Do you mean the impression that there is a desire for the Spirit of God?
No, I mean something that the soul experiences, as if the soul could see, hear, touch, or taste. When intimacy with God is all that one desires, how can you be sure that these senses have not been deceits by the evil one?
Hey Anonymous,
I am sorry it has taken a while, but I have been noodling on this for a while, trying to figure out how to answer your question about how we can really know the voice of God.
I was babbling ... a lot... when I wrote an answer, here:
http://www.kohen.com/2010/03/voice-of-god.html
I will definitely edit it more, but I just wanted to let you know that I didn't forget, and actually tried. I would love to know your thoughts. :) I will make it shorter. :)
e
Thanks for answering, I actually wasn't sure I'd get a response. Now I know how to get one. I will respond on your post after I've processed it.
Thanks again.
Hedya
Hey there!
No, I definitely intend to answer everything. You just asked me something really, really hard to answer. :)
I just revised it a little. Pretty much the same thing. But I added the stuff about the "Voice of the Shepherd" and the "Voice of the Friend".
Please feel free to object to things. It will help me fix it. :)
I'm curious of your thoughts on this subject (no rush):)
Extreme vs. Balance
I continuously hear from other believers that I need to have balance.
I also hear “extreme/intense” mentioned with a negative tone.
This has been brought up a couple times after expressing my passion for Jesus. (In other words, am I too extreme by giving my all to God regardless of the suffering that may come??) Is this true? What is considered balanced spiritually?
John the Baptist comes to mind. Was he balanced? He seemed anything but... What if God wants to bring a nation back to Himself? Wouldn’t extreme measures be required?
If you make the choice to give your entire life to God wouldn’t this be considered extreme?
Balance can be a good thing of course, but when a person truly gives their entire life to Christ and in turn feels suffering for the lost to an extreme…why should one suggest balance? This makes me wonder. When people want an excuse to be complacent, safe, or to not give their all to God, is this why they say, “you need balance…?”
This just baffles my mind and when I gave it some thought, I’ve never really felt balanced.
So I looked it up:
Balance/Balanced by definition-
1. The power or means to decide.
2. A stable mental or psychological state; emotional stability.
3. To compare by or as if by turning over in the mind: balanced the pros and cons before making a choice.
4. To bring into or keep in equal or satisfying proportion or harmony.
It seems to me that I’m little more balanced than I thought despite how I feel. But why am I told I need more balance?
Extreme by defintion-
1. Very intense: extreme pleasure; extreme pain. (something I tend to experience together regularly)
2. Extending far beyond the norm
3. Very dangerous or difficult (pertaining to my walk with God)
4. Of the greatest possible degree, quality, or intensity
It seems to me that I’m also extreme more often than not.
So can a person be extreme and balanced or is it extremely balanced?
I found this in scripture:
Ecclesiastes 7:18 (New International Version)
18- It is good to grasp the one
and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes.
So here's my real question...
Can you fear God, be extreme for Him, and not be considered a fool?
Sorry for the length...
Hedya
HEDYA- you ask the wrong question. You're looking for affirmation you're right and your community is wrong, and that's a judgment I'm not sure anyone can make.
If I were to take your question at face value, i would answer it is difficult not to appear the fool if you are a true Christian. it says the wisdom of God is foolishness to men. So, yes, outsiders will view our philosophy(and our lives) as incomprehensible and inane.
But your issue is with other believers, not the world.
With that in mind, Scripture warns us against being foolish...
Prov 18:1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.
Prov 12:14 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advise.
Don't be so quick to dismiss their criticism. Examine yourself. It could be they see what you cannot. Also keep in mind God exalts the humble and humbles the proud, so while you're tempted to say they're the complacent ones, consider them better than yourself. Assume you have much to learn. Set out to find their strengths (not weaknesses) and aim to imitate them in those ways.
It can't hurt to consider their advice. It may turn out that if you aren't mindful of their warning, you may lose footing and your face is going to get friendly with the pavement.
Excuse my brashness. I don't mean to offend, but I'd rather sound like a mean witch than fail to say you may be in danger.
KOHEN- you've been busy. I had a question for you…ethics related. I didn't write it down and reading/responding to this as shoved it out of my periphery. I'll return when I think of it.
Thena.
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