Remembering who we are is one of the hardest things to do.
The experiences we have in flesh and blood distract us from the experiences that take place in the spirit, the ‘wind hovering over the water’ life.
It’s hard to rip the flesh out of the equation. Needs make us aware of the ability in our hands. Passion makes us aware of the energy in our shapes. Dreams make us aware of the potential in our time. Pain makes us aware of the energy in our tears. Anger makes us sense the power of our fists. We use God like a shovel. We wear God like cheap perfume. We use oils and chants as though God were a genie. Our sense of entitlement thinks God wouldn’t want us to cry. Our so called righteous indignation uses God like brass knuckles.
When will we see that the flesh is separate from the spirit? We have the freedom to move about the world and all of its experiences without being bound to them. Things in this life do not sustain us because their loss cannot break us. We navigate our lives choosing liberation or capture.
It’s not about choosing right for the sake of choosing right. You’re choosing freedom. Not freedom from pain, failure, consequences or punishment. These are all things that have to do with the flesh. Flesh is relative and based on perspective.
Freedom has to do with the spirit. Nothing in the here and now should be used to navigate you. Only distract you. You have a force working against your freedom. An enemy who wants you to feel not only pain, guilt and uncertainty, but also relief, success and security. We are distracted by all of those things. We are tied to all of those things. We are held captive by our flesh in more ways than we know.
The power of the wind. An invisible force gentle enough to make chimes sing. Sturdy enough for birds to rest their wings. Strong enough to put a farmer’s tractor in the trees. The power of the wind hints at a terrifying and awesome invisible made visible by the effects it has on what we can actually see.
Flesh is only a whisper, not an infallible entity. Don’t submit to things that die with passing time. It’ll never be fascinating enough to hold you and it will never be simple enough to make you understand.
“You’re not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the ‘wind-hovering-over-the-water’ creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. When you look at a baby, it’s just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can’t see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit.”
Posted: April 1st, 2009 |
Filed under:book, life | Tags:change |
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Last night was the final session for ‘The Pilot’ group of the ‘Grace Is For Sinners: Bible Study.’ Six weeks isn’t that long, compared to the connections that we made with each other.
They were trying to figure out ways to stay connected, joking around about trying to sneak into the next group, when someone mentioned coming to the final session of every group. All of the groups adding up and getting together at the last session.
I love this idea.
In the first meeting, I propose a challenge to those who come. The challenge to not only recognize the flaw in the religious system and need for change, but to be the change. We spend the next four weeks digging into the system, comparing and contrasting common practice against scripture, results and overall message. At the final session, I ask a series of questions to see what they have learned.
‘The Pilot’ group wants to be there to hear the answers. I think they’re taking the challenge to be a part of a group of people who ‘get it’ seriously. They are determined to be the change.
It will be so inspiring to watch the final sessions grow over time and for everyone to connect with others who have the same challenge and goal.
“The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love — love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. Those who fail to keep to this point soon wander off into cul-de-sacs of gossip. They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven’t the remotest idea of what they’re holding forth with such imposing eloquence.” (1 Timothy 1:5)
Four days ago I started taking pre-orders for ‘Grace Is For Sinners’ and over twenty have sold. A few months back I remember thinking that it would feel cool to sell ten.
I know a group of ladies who want to read ‘Grace Is For Sinners’ in their book club. Some have considered going through the book in their small groups. It’s definitely a conversation starter simply because the book offers a different perspective on sin, failure, God and grace than you’ll easily find elsewhere.
If you’re interested in being one of the first to have the book, order the book for yourself, your friends or book club before December 10. The orders will be placed on December 11 and should arrive before Christmas. This date is only for pre-orders, so pay no attention to it if you’re not concerned about getting it before Christmas.
After the book is released, possibly toward the end of January, there will be a book release party with food and drinks. It will be set up a little like a book club so that those who are reading or have read ‘Grace Is For Sinners’ can talk about how it impacted their lives: whether they hate or love it.
Send an email through the contact page if you’re interested in being a part of the party.
Spread the word about the book if you know anyone who might like it.
Posted: May 24th, 2008 |
Filed under:book | Tags:change, grace |
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Here is what people are saying about my book…..
“Serena, I hope your book is a balm of healing for many wounded people.”
~ Philip Yancey, “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” (Zondervan, 2002)(after reading an excerpt chapter)
“Very well written. Thought provoking. You have a way of explaining things like I’ve never heard before. I realized that I was living in fear of failing God more than living in the freedom of his grace. Your book helped me and has the potential to help so many other people.”
~ Candace, a believer who wants to dig deeper into the truth.
“As you read you can actually see God pouring Himself into you as you tell your story. From the devastation of failure, to the hope of grace and finally restoration. It’s challenging and I loved it!”
~ Cal Swenson, Pastor New Life Church, www.new-lifechurch.org
“Your book helped so many things that I’ve wondered about make sense. At times, it was as if you were reading my mind. I was really challenged to look at things differently and [in spite of being hurt by the church] I was encouraged to not give up on my faith in God.”
~ Shannon, ex-church member, struggling believer
“Your book is extremely transparent with a direct message. The bible teaching aspect is…true. I get sucked in every time I read it.”
~ Joel Kneedler, Alive Communications
“I’m speechless! Blown away and undone, our stories are very similar…I have a two inch stack of letters from my church telling me that I’m over, done and useless. You HAVE to get this book out!”
~ Doug, a believer who went through a heartbreaking divorce (after reading an excerpt chapter)
“You have a wonderful writing style with rich, descriptive language and strong imagery. Your story and it’s emphasis on God’s grace is quite compelling.”
~ Dudley Delffs, Zondervan
“This is good stuff, Serena. Heartbreaking, but beautiful.”
~ Mary E. DeMuth, “Daisy Chain” (Zondervan, 2008) (after reading an excerpt chapter)
“I’m speechless, Serena. About half way through, it was all I could do to keep from crying. It was as though you could see into my life and talk about the things that cause me the most pain. So many people need something like this. I want to read the rest.”
