Showing posts with label Intimacy with Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Intimacy with Christ. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Reflection - Intimacy with Christ - Divine 'Pen Pal'

Source (book): "Finding rest for the soul", Chapter Seven, Question 4, Page 120.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Is Jesus your divine 'pen pal'?
PHOTO: Is Jesus your divine "pen pal"?
As far as I can remember I do not have any pen pal. I have colleagues while working together for companies, who are also facebook's friends. After I am out of employment I also lost contact with them.

I have another source which I open my heart to. Especially matters regarding my situation, spiritual life, anxieties, aspirations, temptations, relationships, and opportunities. That source is Jesus Christ, and is through prayers. I have not yet met Him face to face but I do see many of His pictures in the Internet. I read about Him from the Bible which is the equivalent of His letters in Scripture form. That is one of His way to speak to us, and I learn that He has promised to hear us. I cannot see Him but we can still communicate, although not in the interactive way which I am used to.. I would consider Him as my divine "Pen Pal".

How has your knowledge of Him grown over the years?
As I do my biblical related reflections, I learn more about Him. At the moment I am reading the book "Finding Rest For The Soul" by Robert M. Solomon, and attempting to do the questions after each chapter. My progress is embarrassingly slow but significant amount of knowledge can be gained, especially when the contents are supported by quotations from the Bible. Many references are made to Jesus Christ and His disciples, Paul and Timothy. Included are also 50 meaningful quotes from other Christian writers, to further reinforce the points discussed.

I want to know Jesus more deeply and develop an increasingly intimate relationship with Him, which will make it easier for us to learn even more from Him.

What have you discovered about Him, His character, His concerns, His thoughts, and His will?
His character
During His ministry on earth, Jesus taught as no one else had done before. Those who heard Him saw the distinct difference - He taught "as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law" (Matthew 7:28-29). He taught people wonderful lessons for life. Using parables and simple language, He introduced them to deep truths about God and His relationship with human beings.

To learn from the divine Teacher, however, we first have to go to Him and remain in His presence. The person who wanders away from Christ and refuses to come under His authority leaves Jesus' classroom: he ceased to be a student and disciple.

His concerns
When Jesus invites us to "Come to Me", He also invites us to learn from Him. He wants to teach us eternal truths for daily living, to show us who God is, and to explain what is going on in our life and how God works in and through us. He wants us to be His disciple -  a person who learns. The Greek word for disciple, mathētēs, means learner - one who comes under the tutelage (guardianship) of a master.

His thoughts
One of His will was to fulfill His Father's will, therefore one of His thoughts would also be on salvation for mankind. Since at young age, Jesus was very clear about His purpose in life: to deal with the things of His Father. God's plan refers to His plan for humanity which is the salvation for mankind.

His will
Fulfilling His Father's will was His biggest priority:and central passion. He embraced only His Father's plan, which led to the cross. "I seek not to please myself but him who sent me," He publicly testified (John 5:30), "I always do what pleases him" (John 8:29). Throughout His life, Jesus displayed commitment to the Father that was wholehearted and consistent - right up to His death.

Jesus had come to seek out and save those who were lost. It must have filled Him with much joy to see sinners turn in repentance and faith to God.
Picture posted by Pins Daddy
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Is Jesus your divine "pen pal"? How has your knowledge of Him grown over the years? What have you discovered about Him, His character, His concerns, His thoughts, and His will?

A Divine "Pen Pal" [1]
Have you heard of pen pals? Pen pals are friends who live in different countries and who may never have met each other in person. As they exchange letters over the years, however, they get to know each other and the other person's country, neighbourhood, family, and life. They may not have met face to face, but they develop a pretty good idea of each other. And if their correspondence is deep, their knowledge of each other may even surpass their knowledge of people whom they see and meet regularly. Writing their letters enables them to communicate deeply, to disclose their thoughts and feelings, and to share their dreams.


Pen pals are friends who live in different countries and who may never have met each other in person.

PHOTO: Pen pals are friends who live in different countries and who may never have met each other in person. As they exchange letters over the years, however, they get to know each other and the other person's country, neighbourhood, family, and life. They may not have met face to face, but they develop a pretty good idea of each other.
Picture posted in Pinterest
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https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d4/53/83/d453833c8e7ba0cc1b98a8a29af61d38.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/9710955425439619/


The same principle can apply in our relationship with Christ. We cannot see Him, but we can hear Him through His Word. Through His letters of Scripture to us, we can learn to recognise the tone of His voice, His character, and His will. We can also speak to Him at any time; He has promised to hear us. Even though our heavenly Friend is invisible, we can communicate with Him and have an ongoing conversation with Him, just like we do with a pen pal. Then we will get to know Him more deeply and develop an increasingly intimate relationship with Him, which will make it easier for us to learn from Him. Without such closeness, the Teacher-student relationship cannot go very far. And finally, we will long for the day when we meet Jesus face to face.


Even though our heavenly Friend is invisible, we can communicate with Him and have an ongoing conversation with Him, just like we do with a pen pal.

PHOTO: Even though our heavenly Friend is invisible, we can communicate with Him and have an ongoing conversation with Him, just like we do with a pen pal.
Picture posted by Christian Life on 11 March 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwea-_N8JrB6amLd9P3p5SmHA-VGpPEEjlZ_Vh2CBTSvBO_m0FrU9ggarviUHEYfKNmjqyN3uTowcv7XBtKWEtRY17vwovMpsN6QppDBR8qULmGTbj2eE3RXRCoPDJPD2epAg9QGGe64/s1600/blog_5passos2.jpg
http://cdn.fabianabertotti.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/blog_5passos2.jpg
http://fabianabertotti.com/5-dicas-para-melhorar-sua-vida-espiritual/
Is Jesus your divine "pen pal"?
As far as I can remember I do not have any pen pal. I have colleagues while working together for companies, who are also facebook's friends. After I am out of employment I also lost contact with them.

I have another source which I open my heart to. Especially matters regarding my situation, spiritual life, anxieties, aspirations, temptations, relationships, and opportunities. That source is Jesus Christ, and is through prayers. I have not yet met Him face to face but I do see many of His pictures in the Internet. I read about Him from the Bible which is the equivalent of His letters in Scripture form. That is one of His way to speak to us, and I learn that He has promised to hear us. I cannot see Him but we can still communicate, although not in the interactive way which I am used to.. I would consider Him as my divine "Pen Pal".


Is Jesus your divine 'pen pal'?

PHOTO: Is Jesus your divine "pen pal"?
I learn that He has promised to hear us. I cannot see Him but we can still communicate, although not in the interactive way which I am used to. I would consider Him as my divine "Pen Pal".
Picture posted by Dawn Smith Jordan, The Church of the Cross on 31 March 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIsp0LnH5CnQJrWwPCnBKdxY2y8RjLaVWJW5mgm4Dh-P3mflWfxuwzmjif3yXGomYI28kd342L7ra4IKaxSeEVX-_CapP80Kuk0v4btUH9QFtDwNCceE4PEJKMTiEa4kCLNHjDV1coAA/s1600/woman-in-field_18122453.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/churchplantmedia-cms/the_church_of_the_cross/woman-in-field_18122453.jpg
http://www.thechurchofthecross.net/audio/page/14#series_261


How has your knowledge of Him grown over the years?
As I do my biblical related reflections, I learn more about Him. At the moment I am reading the book "Finding Rest For The Soul" by Robert M. Solomon, and attempting to do the questions after each chapter. My progress is embarrassingly slow but significant amount of knowledge can be gained, especially when the contents are supported by quotations from the Bible. Many references are made to Jesus Christ and His disciples, Paul and Timothy. Included are also 50 meaningful quotes from other Christian writers, to further reinforce the points discussed.


'Finding Rest For The Soul' by Robert M. Solomon

PHOTO: "Finding Rest For The Soul" by Robert M. Solomon
The contents are supported by quotations from the Bible. Many references are made to Jesus Christ and His disciples, Paul and Timothy. Included are also 50 meaningful quotes from other Christian writers, to further reinforce the points discussed.
Picture posted by Discovery House Distributors Sdn Bhd
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https://dhdmalaysia.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/f/i/findingrest.png
https://dhdmalaysia.com/finding-rest-for-the-soul.html


I want to know Jesus more deeply and develop an increasingly intimate relationship with Him, which will make it easier for us to learn even more from Him.


What have you discovered about Him, His character, His concerns, His thoughts, and His will?
His character [1]
During His ministry on earth, Jesus taught as no one else had done before. Those who heard Him saw the distinct difference - He taught "as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law" (Matthew 7:28-29). He taught people wonderful lessons for life. Using parables and simple language, He introduced them to deep truths about God and His relationship with human beings. Hundreds of people gathered around Him in concentric circles of followers - the 12 core disciples; another larger group of 72 disciples; many others who followed Him; and the crowds who thronged to hear Him (Matthew 10:1-4; Luke 10:1-2; John 6:2; Matthew 4:24-25).


During His ministry on earth, Jesus taught as no one else had done before.

PHOTO: During His ministry on earth, Jesus taught as no one else had done before. He taught people wonderful lessons for life. Using parables and simple language, He introduced them to deep truths about God and His relationship with human beings.
Picture posted by presentica.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnX_jOtPX4WEJi-uodNIuzLMhdpSxpAE3QSj9GTIiWPuRfz1YUXzd7Os1qbcvjR5hySxabD4iaEFaZpQfXgFecHwJUGRAUSMoT7n2Tz3jU3UsqBXUNsv2ryIQ4D4giHaCVI9URiHvzgl0/s1600/jesus-the-parables-l.jpg
http://image.presentica.com/272211/jesus-the-parables-l.jpg
http://seafoodnet.info/?k=TEACHING+THROUGH+PARABLES++FOLLOWING+JESUS


There is something about Jesus that attracted people; He spoke in a way that touched hearts and souls. That is why Peter said to Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).

To learn from the divine Teacher, however, we first have to go to Him and remain in His presence. The person who wanders away from Christ and refuses to come under His authority leaves Jesus' classroom: he ceased to be a student and disciple.


There is something about Jesus that attracted people; He spoke in a way that touched hearts and souls.
PHOTO: There is something about Jesus that attracted people; He spoke in a way that touched hearts and souls. To learn from the divine Teacher, however, we first have to go to Him and remain in His presence. The person who wanders away from Christ and refuses to come under His authority leaves Jesus' classroom: he ceased to be a student and disciple.
Picture posted by Gary Boyd on Sunday, 12 November 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVw1eFxurB5I_rwRe2G8Iw5xt1k9hWlTzigiFECPwOVCGTQJ_ESr1era30ETijDsdG05UN78xobuKxQ3m4FOZqmHLUPt11-rTCUhVsQOaF-uSOFJXcbAgHpnNdrLYUQ7Iz3BgdxHHaQw/s1600/Running+to+Jesus.jpg
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http://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-marriage-of-christ-to-his-true.html


His concerns [1]
When Jesus invites us to "Come to Me", He also invites us to learn from Him. He wants to teach us eternal truths for daily living, to show us who God is, and to explain what is going on in our life and how God works in and through us. He wants us to be His disciple -  a person who learns. The Greek word for disciple, mathētēs, means learner - one who comes under the tutelage (guardianship) of a master.


His concerns

PHOTO: His concerns
When Jesus invites us to "Come to Me", He also invites us to learn from Him. He wants to teach us eternal truths for daily living, to show us who God is, and to explain what is going on in our life and how God works in and through us. He wants us to be His disciple -  a person who learns.
Picture posted by TuckdDB Postcards
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https://images.tuckdb.org/postcards/images/000/078/124/original/2011_04_27_11_22_49.jpg
https://tuckdb.org/items/5420


His thoughts
One of His will was to fulfill His Father's will, therefore one of His thoughts would also be on salvation for mankind.

"Why were you looking for Me? Didn’t you know that I had to be here, dealing with the things of my Father?" (Luke 2:49}.

These are the first recorded Words of Jesus when He was only 12 years old. His parents were desperately searching for Him, thinking that He had gotten lost in the crowd in Jerusalem. Two days later, they found Him in the Temple, sitting among the religious leaders, listening to them and asking questions. Mary and Joseph rebuked Him, as any parent would in similar circumstances. And Jesus answered, surprised that they did not understand what He was doing. At such a young age, Jesus was very clear about His purpose in life: to deal with the things of His Father. God's plan refers to His plan for humanity which is the salvation for mankind. [3]
 

His thoughts
PHOTO: His thoughts
One of His will was to fulfill His Father's will, therefore one of His thoughts would also be on salvation for mankind.  At a young age (12 years old), Jesus was very clear about His purpose in life: to deal with the things of His Father. God's plan refers to His plan for humanity which is the salvation for mankind.
Picture posted by Haiku Deck, Waiting For The Word on 18 November 2015
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https://www.haikudeck.com/4-decades-of-rosary--education-presentation-C5OR053TTe


His will [2]
Fulfilling His Father's will was His biggest priority and central passion. He embraced only His Father's plan, which led to the cross. "I seek not to please myself but him who sent me," He publicly testified (John 5:30), "I always do what pleases him" (John 8:29). Throughout His life, Jesus displayed commitment to the Father that was wholehearted and consistent - right up to His death.

Jesus had come to seek out and save those who were lost. It must have filled Him with much joy to see sinners turn in repentance and faith to God.


His will
PHOTO: His will
Fulfilling His Father's will was His biggest priority and central passion. He embraced only His Father's plan, which led to the cross.  Throughout His life, Jesus displayed commitment to the Father that was wholehearted and consistent - right up to His death.
Picture posted by  Paola Serra on Monday, 16 March 2015 at 16:33:00
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumOgcNfNg4n6c-f4EeSwGd5OZPh2DQjVu4znaVI0bXGhnWIyv1X0k55RjB7jU3nzyHIcAk6iiC_IFXnEMavNyhPoqmjN-jkDGgMvBQW5-onjrwsaQOMiZSmYvdwZ7tgvJDI0I8H0ji7Y/s1600/jesus_god.jpg
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http://paolaserra97.blogspot.com/2014/04/dal-vangelo-secondo-giovanni-gv-517-30.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2018/04/reflection-submission-and-obedience_26.html
 

Dear Lord, please allow us to have Jesus as the source which we open our heart to. Especially matters regarding our situation, spiritual life, anxieties, aspirations, temptations, relationships, and opportunities. Let Jesus be our divine 'Pen Pal'.so that we can still communicate with Him although He is invisible to us; by speaking to us through the Scriptures, and we response through prayers. Then we can get to know Him more deeply and develop an increasingly intimate relationship with Him, which will make it easier for us to learn from Him.<br>We need help to go to Him and remain in His presence without drifting away. Help us to accept His invitation to 'Come to Me', and becoming His disciple learning from Him. Please help us to fulfil His will which is to fulfil your plan for humanity, and which among others, is the salvation for mankind.<br>Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray, amen!
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, please allow us to have Jesus as the source which we open our heart to. Especially matters regarding our situation, spiritual life, anxieties, aspirations, temptations, relationships, and opportunities. Let Jesus be our divine 'Pen Pal', so that we can still communicate with Him although He is invisible to us; by speaking to us through the Scriptures, and we response through prayers. Then we can get to know Him more deeply and develop an increasingly intimate relationship with Him, which will make it easier for us to learn from Him.
We need help to go to Him and remain in His presence without drifting away. Help us to accept His invitation to 'Come to Me', and becoming His disciple learning from Him. Please help us to fulfil His will which is to fulfil your plan for humanity, and which among others, is the salvation for mankind.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray, amen!"
Picture posted by Alamy, taken on 13 May 2015
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https://c8.alamy.com/comp/F0TJTP/fairytale-fantasies-a-young-woman-teenage-girl-alone-by-herself-sitting-F0TJTP.jpg
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-fairytale-fantasies-a-young-woman-teenage-girl-alone-by-herself-sitting-86593494.html

Reflection - Intimacy with Christ - Divine 'Pen Pal'
Question from source (book): "Finding rest for the soul", Chapter Seven, Question 4, Page 120.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Reference
[1] From "Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, Copyright © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-709-5, Part III: LEARN FROM ME, Chapter Seven "Learning from Jesus: Intimacy with Christ", Page 109, 119-120.

[2] From "Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, Copyright © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-709-5, Part II: Take My Yoke, Chapter Five "Christ's Yoke: Submission and Obedience Needed", Page 89-90.

[3] Renato Cardoso EN, Thought #1 – Your purpose in life, posted on 10 June 2014, https://blogs.universal.org/renatocardoso/en/2014/06/10/thought-1-your-purpose-in-life/

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Friday, June 22, 2018

Reflection - Intimacy with Christ - Conversing with Jesus

Source (book): "Finding rest for the soul", Chapter Seven, Question 3, Page 120.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
How can you converse with Jesus regularly and in a deepening way?
PHOTO: How can you converse with Jesus regularly and in a deepening way?
Our knowledge of Jesus and our relationship with Him will deepen as we learn to have a personal conversation with Him. This conversation is two-way: when we pray, we talk to Jesus, and when we read the Scriptures, He speaks to us through His Word.

The Bible is like an instruction manual or constitution - a document that spells out what God has revealed about the principles and practices of His Kingdom. It also functions as God's personal letter to each of us. When we read the Bible, we should look out for a personal message from God. It might come by way of a phrase or word that catches our attention, or an insight that enters our conscious thought. Such things will give us a distinct sense that Jesus is communicating with us personally.

We might receive encouragement, a fresh promise, a warning to be on guard, wisdom to resolve a dilemma or to make a crucial decision, or something else that speaks to a particular situation we are facing at the moment.

Learning from the divine Teacher requires a growing intimacy with Him. This intimacy is sustained by listening to Him daily and speaking to Him through prayer. This deepening conversation will help us learn from Jesus.

Reflect on the practice of lectio divina, and give it a try.
lectio divina - a Latin term loosely translated as "sacred reading" - a way  of reading Scripture prayerfully as practised by monks in ages past. The steps are simple, but need to be followed slowly and deliberately:

First, you read a Bible passage slowly, paying attention to the words and rhythm of the text.

Second, you meditate on the text, opening your heart to Jesus and allowing Him to speak to you about your situation, where you are in your spiritual life, your anxieties, aspirations, temptations, relationships, and opportunities. This needs to be done in an unhurried, uninterrupted way.

Third, you speak to God through prayer, opening your heart to Him and letting Him see and hear all that is there. Tell Him what you think and feel about Him, and your needs and concerns.

Finally, you rest in His presence, savouring the moment and letting Him love you even as you seek to love Him.

Jesus is not an idea, programme, or institution. When we relate to Jesus, we are relating to a Person. Many of us approach Him with a long list of needs and wants, treating Him like a heavenly butler or concierge. But the Lord wants something much deeper than that; He wants us to learn to treat Him as the Person who loves us with a sacrificial, undying love. And we can do this by learning to cultivate a deepening, growing conversation with Him throughout the day, so that we become increasingly aware of His presence, love, guidance, grace, and protection.
Artwork by Joseph Brickey - In Similitude
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http://josephbrickey.weebly.com/uploads/2/5/2/1/25216118/7997395_orig.png
http://josephbrickey.weebly.com/old-testament.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2016/09/reflection-introduction-to-book-of-job.html


How can you converse with Jesus regularly and in a deepening way? Reflect on the practice of lectio divina, and give it a try.

How can you converse with Jesus regularly and in a deepening way?
Conversing with Jesus [1]
Our knowledge of Jesus and our relationship with Him will deepen as we learn to have a personal conversation with Him. This conversation is two-way: when we pray, we talk to Jesus, and when we read the Scriptures, He speaks to us through His Word. But how is this conversation personal?
Conversation with Jesus is two-way
PHOTO: Conversation with Jesus is two-way: when we pray, we talk to Jesus, and when we read the Scriptures, He speaks to us through His Word. Our knowledge of Jesus and our relationship with Him will deepen as we learn to have a personal conversation with Him.
Picture posted by Ada Supuwatha Team on Saturday, 09 January 2018 at 8:28 PM   - Hannah's Prayers Reveal Her Faith (1 Samuel 1: 9-20)
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The Bible functions in two ways. First, it is like an instruction manual or constitution - a document that spells out what God has revealed about the principles and practices of His Kingdom. Second, it also functions as God's personal letter to each of us - a love letter, if you like. When we read the Bible, therefore, we should not only seek to learn and understand the broad principles that are applicable to all Christians, but also look out for a personal message from God. It might come by way of a phrase or word that catches our attention, or an insight that enters our conscious thought. Such things will give us a distinct sense that Jesus is communicating with us personally.
The Bible functions in two ways
PHOTO: The Bible functions in two ways. First, it is like an instruction manual or constitution - a document that spells out what God has revealed about the principles and practices of His Kingdom. Second, it also functions as God's personal letter to each of us - a love letter. When we read the Bible, therefore, we should not only seek to learn and understand the broad principles that are applicable to all Christians, but also look out for a personal message from God.
Painting by Joseph Brickey
Picture posted by Alibaba Group - Annunciation to Mary
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We might receive encouragement, a fresh promise, a warning to be on guard, wisdom to resolve a dilemma or to make a crucial decision, or something else that speaks to a particular situation we are facing at the moment. We will be reminded that Jesus is not just some faraway Saviour who has left us to our own devices, but a Lord who constantly communicates with us. As 18th-century Russian bishop and writer Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk advised, "Whenever you read the Gospel, Christ Himself is speaking to you. And while you read, you are praying and talking to Him." [29]


We will be reminded that Jesus is not just some faraway Saviour who has left us to our own devices, but a Lord who constantly communicates with us.
PHOTO: We will be reminded that Jesus is not just some faraway Saviour who has left us to our own devices, but a Lord who constantly communicates with us. We might receive encouragement, a fresh promise, a warning to be on guard, wisdom to resolve a dilemma or to make a crucial decision, or something else that speaks to a particular situation we are facing at the moment.
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Jesus can also speak to us outside the Bible - perhaps through a sermon, a card from a friend, a good book or film, advice from another Christian, or through our current circumstances - though of course He most frequently speaks through His Word.
Jesus can also speak to us outside the Bible - perhaps through a sermon, a card from a friend, a good book or film, advice from another Christian, or through our current circumstances - though of course He most frequently speaks through His Word.

PHOTO: Jesus can also speak to us outside the Bible - perhaps through a sermon, a card from a friend, a good book or film, advice from another Christian, or through our current circumstances - though of course He most frequently speaks through His Word.
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Learning from the divine Teacher requires a growing intimacy with Him. This intimacy is sustained by listening to Him daily and speaking to Him through prayer. This deepening conversation will help us learn from Jesus. Seventeenth-century Puritan theologian John Owen wrote: "Let us give up ourselves wholeheartedly to him. Let us tell Jesus that we will be for him and not for another. Let him hear this from us. He delights to hear it from our lips." [30]


Learning from the divine Teacher requires a growing intimacy with Him.
PHOTO: Learning from the divine Teacher requires a growing intimacy with Him. This intimacy is sustained by listening to Him daily and speaking to Him through prayer. This deepening conversation will help us learn from Jesus.
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Reflect on the practice of lectio divina, and give it a try.
Developing a Method of Reading Scripture [1]
Over the centuries, Christians have used various methods to deepen their conversation with Jesus and grow their relationship with Him. One example is lectio divina - a Latin term loosely translated as "sacred reading" - a way  of reading Scripture prayerfully as practised by monks in ages past. The steps are simple, but need to be followed slowly and deliberately:
LECTIO DIVINA (Spiritual, sacred Reading)
PHOTO: LECTIO DIVINA (Spiritual, sacred Reading)
Christians have used various methods to deepen their conversation with Jesus and grow their relationship with Him. One example is lectio divina - a Latin term loosely translated as "sacred reading" - a way  of reading Scripture prayerfully as practised by monks in ages past.
Picture posted by Rick's Notes on 05 March 2017
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https://ricksnotes.blog/2017/03/05/lectio-divina-spiritual-reading/


First, you read a Bible passage slowly, paying attention to the words and rhythm of the text.

Second, you meditate on the text, opening your heart to Jesus and allowing Him to speak to you about your situation, where you are in your spiritual life, your anxieties, aspirations, temptations, relationships, and opportunities. This needs to be done in an unhurried, uninterrupted way.

Third, you speak to God through prayer, opening your heart to Him and letting Him see and hear all that is there. Tell Him what you think and feel about Him, and your needs and concerns.

Finally, you rest in His presence, savouring the moment and letting Him love you even as you seek to love Him.

A spiritual exercise like this can help you have a deep conversation with Jesus. It may feel a little awkward or difficult at first, but as you experience the blessing and peace of a growing relationship with Jesus, you will want more of it. As you move from merely pouring words out at His feet to opening your heart to Him, your prayer life will deepen.
A Ladder to Heaven: Lectio Divina
PHOTO: A Ladder to Heaven: Lectio Divina
A spiritual exercise like this can help us have a deep conversation with Jesus.
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A Ladder to Heaven: Lectio Divina
PHOTO: A Ladder to Heaven: Lectio Divina
It may feel a little awkward or difficult at first, but as we experience the blessing and peace of a growing relationship with Jesus, we will want more of it.
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According to experts, there are many levels of communication. At the most superficial level, we talk about things and about other people; this is the "safest" form of communication, as it is non-threatening, and non-committal. The next level involves talking about our ideas. This makes us more vulnerable, because our ideas may be challenged, dismissed, and even ignored. Also, they communicate what we really think about others. Then, we enter a deeper, even more vulnerable level when we move on to talking about what we feel. We now face the risk of our feelings being misunderstood, ignored, or even repudiated. But if our listener recognises our feelings, we will be able to deepen the understanding and conversation. Finally, there is the deepest level of communication: when we and our listeners talk about "us" - the relationship itself. We are at our most vulnerable at this stage, because the conversation could disrupt the relationship or force us to face up to our responsibility (or lack of it). However, this stage can also enable us to grow in that relationship, because it makes us address problems and explore new possibilities.
Levels of communication
PHOTO: Levels of communication
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These levels of communication are true not only for relationships with other people, but also for our relationship with Jesus. That is because He is not an idea, programme, or institution. When we relate to Jesus, we are relating to a Person. Many of us approach Him with a long list of needs and wants, treating Him like a heavenly butler or concierge. But the Lord wants something much deeper than that; He wants us to learn to treat Him as the Person who loves us with a sacrificial, undying love. And we can do this by learning to cultivate a deepening, growing conversation with Him throughout the day, so that we become increasingly aware of His presence, love, guidance, grace, and protection.
These levels of communication are true not only for relationships with other people, but also for our relationship with Jesus.
PHOTO: These levels of communication are true not only for relationships with other people, but also for our relationship with Jesus. When we relate to Jesus, we are relating to a Person. Many of us approach Him with a long list of needs and wants, treating Him like a heavenly butler or concierge. He wants us to learn to treat Him as the Person who loves us with a sacrificial, undying love. And we can do this by learning to cultivate a deepening, growing conversation with Him throughout the day.
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Dear Lord, Please help us to have personal conversation with Jesus, in order to increase our knowledge of Him and our relationship with Him. We want to look out for your personal message while we read the Bible, by way of a phrase or word that catches our attention, or an insight that enters our conscious thought. We learn that such things will give us a distinct sense that Jesus is communicating with us personally. We would like to receive encouragement, a fresh promise, a warning to be on guard, wisdom to resolve a dilemma or to make a crucial decision, or something else that speaks to a particular situation we are facing at the moment. We want a growing intimacy with Jesus so that we can learn from Him through our deepening conversation.<br><br>Help us to practice lectio divina, 'sacred reading', a way  of reading Scripture prayerfully, and to cultivate a deepening, growing conversation with Him throughout the day, allowing Him to speak to us about our situation, where we are in our spiritual life, our anxieties, aspirations, temptations, relationships, and opportunities. We want to share with Jesus by opening our heart to Him and letting Him see and hear all that is there. We would like to tell Him what we think and feel about Him, and our needs and concerns. We want to rest in His presence, savouring the moment and letting Him love us even as we seek to love Him. We need these levels of communication so that we become increasingly aware of His presence, love, guidance, grace, and protection.<br><br>Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, Please help us to have personal conversation with Jesus, in order to increase our knowledge of Him and our relationship with Him. We want to look out for your personal message while we read the Bible, by way of a phrase or word that catches our attention, or an insight that enters our conscious thought. We learn that such things will give us a distinct sense that Jesus is communicating with us personally. We would like to receive encouragement, a fresh promise, a warning to be on guard, wisdom to resolve a dilemma or to make a crucial decision, or something else that speaks to a particular situation we are facing at the moment. We want a growing intimacy with Jesus so that we can learn from Him through our deepening conversation.

Help us to practice lectio divina, "sacred reading", a way  of reading Scripture prayerfully, and to cultivate a deepening, growing conversation with Him throughout the day, allowing Him to speak to us about our situation, where we are in our spiritual life, our anxieties, aspirations, temptations, relationships, and opportunities. We want to share with Jesus by opening our heart to Him and letting Him see and hear all that is there. We would like to tell Him what we think and feel about Him, and our needs and concerns. We want to rest in His presence, savouring the moment and letting Him love us even as we seek to love Him. We need these levels of communication so that we become increasingly aware of His presence, love, guidance, grace, and protection.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
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Reflection - Intimacy with Christ - Conversing with Jesus
Question from source (book): "Finding rest for the soul", Chapter Seven, Question 3, Page 120.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



Reference
[1] From "Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, Copyright © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-709-5, Part III: LEARN FROM ME, Chapter Seven "Learning from Jesus: Intimacy with Christ", Page 115-119.

[29] Cited in Esther de Waal, Seeking God: The Way of St. Benedict (London: Fount Paperbacks, 1984), 37.

[30] John Owen, Communion with God, ed. R. J. K. Law (Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1991), 60.

New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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