So, it's been a while since we've talked about studying the bible in depth on this blog, hasn't it? I hope you haven't given up studying your bible even though the 9 month reading plan is over. To be honest, I find it easier to study the bible in a group, probably because of the accountability aspect. I'm looking forward to community groups starting up again for the fall semester. You should consider plugging into one wherever you are.
If you are looking for a way to dive deeper into God's word, consider going through Rick Warren's '40 Days in the Word' study campaign. Rick Warren provides great study methods for how to get more out of your bible reading. They are a lot of work, but they're easy to follow and will certainly improve the quality of information you can get out of reading your bible.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Dallas Willard's book... again
I'm posting again on Dallas Willard's book "Hearing God". I'll probably end up posting on it again before I'm done, because I'm only partway through the book, and I'm finding it really interesting. It speaks about how to talk and listen to God, but in ways that make sense. Willard is basically putting into words a lot of the experiences I've either had or heard about, and he gives a bit more explanation about hearing God and provides scripture verses to back up his point of view.
The next idea of his that I'd like to mention is the fact that we can't just rely on blind faith (knowing that God is working in our lives but having no clue what exactly he's doing), miraculous acts of God, or just a 'sense' that he is guiding us. We have to commune with him through reasonable, intelligent conversation. Why? Willard mentions Psalm 32:9 - "Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with a bit and bridle." Willard goes on to say "We are to be led by - guided by - reasonable intelligible communication, not by blind impulse, force, or sensation alone."
The next idea of his that I'd like to mention is the fact that we can't just rely on blind faith (knowing that God is working in our lives but having no clue what exactly he's doing), miraculous acts of God, or just a 'sense' that he is guiding us. We have to commune with him through reasonable, intelligent conversation. Why? Willard mentions Psalm 32:9 - "Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with a bit and bridle." Willard goes on to say "We are to be led by - guided by - reasonable intelligible communication, not by blind impulse, force, or sensation alone."
Hearing God
I'm reading a book by Dallas Willard titled 'Hearing God'. I'd like to share with you something he says about recognizing God's presence in our lives.
Willard reminds us that many people can often sense when someone else is looking at them without even knowing it. For example, someone is sitting on one side of the room but may have a sense that someone on the other side is looking at them; we later learn that they were looking at them.
Why then should we be surprised when we get a sense that God is with us? I've experienced both secular and spiritual experiences like this but had never linked the two together. Have you had a similar experience?
Willard reminds us that many people can often sense when someone else is looking at them without even knowing it. For example, someone is sitting on one side of the room but may have a sense that someone on the other side is looking at them; we later learn that they were looking at them.
Why then should we be surprised when we get a sense that God is with us? I've experienced both secular and spiritual experiences like this but had never linked the two together. Have you had a similar experience?
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