Devotion

Getting to the TASK:  Transformation, changing Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge!

By Carolyn Russell

We recents had holidays.   Superb –  friends, memories from past, being with our granddaughter REALLY loving cold experiences. We planned, paid, travelled, then walked miles, ate food enjoying fellowship, lived in close quarters ( quite challenging at times!), and yet it was good. The job of a holiday was for a rest break ….  to return to life energised..RIGHT?

 I returned refreshed and ready in some ways, but there was persistent discomfort in my Heart…. A CONFLICT!

I tried to ignore this discomforting presence in that sector of my heart as I commenced the routine of home life/client work for the New Year–  one likely full satisfaction and joy.  The true character of the Conflict Sector was being expressed – on the one hand I think and believe ‘this’, on the other hand my body and my mind and spirit are wanting to give me a message that seems ‘opposite’. 

The Discomfort continued!  Then Sickness! – confined to bed for 2 days after a Gastro bug, it amplified… Shouted VERY LOUD.  ‘Take NOTICE’

So, I did. I had to STOP to do so. STOP running busy, STOP getting into my ‘regular’ way and FACE… but WHAT was I learning as I did this? 

Well, our God is Invitingly gracious in Discomfort. He wants to always teach us more of Him, to be present to us, as we choose to Centre. His Word is always there for me to read and learn from.

Where did I go in His Word through these sick days….?  Well, my brain was jetlag addled, but I prayed for Understanding, then thought of the short words, Do and Be.  

These words led me to read a lot of Scripture, illuminating the Discomfort in the Conflict sector….

[ As you read this, open the Scriptures, hear the words about HIM that illuminated, taught, and exhorted me to FACE then to offer Transformation.  

Let’s TURN the Eyes of our Hearts (Centre) to Him who knows us]

Three Scripture shone out as I researched Do and Be.

James Chapter 1

Colossians Chapter 3

 John Chapter 9

Firstly, there are SKILLS, obvious to all around as they read these chapters.  They seem to be all about Tasks… Doing work and activity, ‘putting on’ stuff!

Then hone down:

Col 3: 17  and 3: 22 :  The WHOLE, ALL, EVERYTHING words jump out ( CWF!!)

Now, James 1:  when we Turn (repent) and Centre on Christ, there is created in us a Heart seeped with righteousness, deeply Soaked in water then Cleansed, Activated,  and Being beautiful, LOOKing like Jesus!   

Now read John 9:  Jesus responded to the blind man, and the crowd in the gospel: He said ‘we must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world’.  Jesus knew that his character was to illuminate, and this led to doing tasks and work, but overall to Responses( his work) which cause the BLIND TO SEE. 

So, I spent that day resting, and thinking about CWF, and using the shapes to explore my discomfort

The word TASK on the LW card arrested me – how easy it becomes to DO tasks, get knowledge and apply skills, not allow the Transformation and changed Attitudes from Jesus to seep out i.e.The True TASK. People see the Skills and Knowledge, but the Character is not blessing others.   

The discomfort was easing – I was getting it! 

Carolyn, you have been sliding back L – over into DOING only, not BEING, and though your outer Circles were fed through the holiday, you did not take time for the Character of Christ to be continually formed, to become more and more HIS.

What have I learned from Him? 

Task = DO                                and yet….                            T.A.S.K ≠ BUSY, Doing

T.A.S.K = Being HIS… the WHOLE, ALL of us, With EVERYTHING

After recovering, I read Bible Hub, finding this: ‘… we seek diversion, distraction, and busy-ness to elude the encounter with God, and the examination of self in His presence’.  This attitude of Busy-ness had become pervasive for me through the last months, and I needed to notice my Discomfort more.  ( this is worth reading if you wish to follow up more on this topic: 2. Process Spirituality: Being Versus Doing | Bible.org)

Thank you Father for the Conflict sector that you have gifted us. We praise You, that You have given us minds, which have thoughts and emotions, and ways of observing ourselves, and hearts which can notice when we are not seated in your gates, learning from You. 

Help us all to be more aware of that Sector, to STOP, Feel the discomfort, think about ourselves, and to FACE the truth of our ways, and to Turn for HOME, to the inviting Transformational presence of Christ in Word and Spirit.  

Then help us by the Spirit’s power to submit ourselves to be Cleansed Soaked Refreshed, and to BE yours while there is light.

Come Lord Jesus,

AMEN

The Cross

By Steffi Gerber

The race of our life:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1+2 (NIV)

Why the cross?

Some time ago a friend asked me: Steffi, you keep sharing about this Living Wholeness stuff and I notice you always speak about the cross. Coming to the cross, the cross activity…. Why don’t you say “Coming to God or the Jesus-Activity?”. Why the Cross? My friend’s question made me think. As E-team we spend some time together to think exactly about this question. It was a wonderful time collecting our understanding about the cross and sharing memories at the cross with each other.

What is the cross for you?

The cross has so many aspects: Ironically the first thoughts what comes to me is “the well of life”. It was meant to be a tool of death but to many of us it is a place of life. We are surrounded by destruction and death, but God has plans of hope and future for us. This brings me to the next thought: the place of exchange. I remember sitting during a LW “cross-activity” with a heavy heart, full with me and my anxiety and deep frustration. The cross in front of me. With my head knowledge hoping but not really believing that this “could work”. The time came for me decide to bring it to Jesus, letting go and walk over to the other side. Receiving – HIS assurance that He knows. He knows my anxiety, anger and unbelief and with that came the peace of Christ in my heart – and in my head.

Testimony – A pastor from Sri Lanka explained it this way:

“I am a person I didn’t have any trust or had not a good thought about counseling. I rejected that. So 41years I thought there is no need for counseling. I thought spiritual support is enough but I am going back – having learned now with Living Wholeness there is a wholistic freedom and I saw the experience of bringing our burdens to the foot of the cross and I saw how this people in this conference where released from their burdens. I want to say thank you to those who worked so hard for this conference to happen.”

There are so many wonderful aspects of the cross. Today was about turning back, deciding to believe in my unbelief. The race of our life is the walk to the cross. Returning to where I belong.

Question

How often do you go to the cross – or the space what the cross represents?

The preaching of the cross is, I know, nonsense to those who are involved in this dying world, but to us who are being saved from that death it is nothing less than the power of God. 1.Cor 1:18 (Philipps)

The Pyramid of Support

By John Wardsworth

Recently our son had the amazing opportunity to visit Egypt. Whilst there he was able to climb deep into the centre of one of ancient Pyramids, navigating narrow passages and climbing down ladders. Once at the centre he was filled with a sense of awe and peace knowing that this monument had stood firm for thousands of years.

The Pyramid of Support serves as a powerful reminder of how God uses relationships to sustain and strengthen us. At its head is God Himself—our ultimate source of love, guidance, and sanctification. Surrounding us are four essential corners: family and friends, groups and church, a mentor or support group, and professional help. These interconnected relationships form a framework of support, with us at the centre, rooted in God’s design for community and growth.

During many of our training sessions, participants often highlight the Pyramid of Support as their most valuable takeaway. Those serving in ministry or caregiving roles frequently realize how little personal support they receive. Despite their focus on helping others, it is easy to overlook the importance of maintaining our own health and well-being.

Reflecting on my own life, I see how these relationships have been crucial for maintaining stability and staying connected to God. In challenging times of loss or difficulty in ministry, I’ve been deeply grateful for people who provided comfort, care, or wisdom. I’m equally thankful for those who encouraged me, supported me, and helped me grow.

Let us take a moment to evaluate our own support networks. Even if we have done this exercise before, our circumstances evolve, and it is essential to nurture healthy, loving relationships that keep us connected to God and strengthen one another.

Above all, we must acknowledge that God holds everything together. As the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of our lives, He designed us not only to be in relationship with Him but also to rely on the support of others. Colossians 1:17 reminds us, “In Him all things hold together.”

Family and Friends
God places family and friends in our lives as our first circle of support. They are the people who know us best and offer love, encouragement, and companionship. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

Groups and Church
We are designed to live in community. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” In groups and church, we grow in faith, serve others, and receive mutual encouragement. It is essential to understand that our role is both to receive and to be vessels of God’s love in the community. This is the heart of the Living Wholeness Community—to encourage and support one another in God’s love.

Mentor and Support Group
Paul modelled this relationship with Timothy, urging him to remain steadfast in faith (2 Timothy 1:6-7). A mentor provides perspective, helping us recognize God’s work in our lives and challenging us to grow in Christlikeness.

Professional Help
The final corner acknowledges the value of professional support—through counselling, therapy, or other expertise. This complements the other corners by addressing areas where deeper healing or growth is needed. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom and humility, trusting God to work through those He has equipped to bring restoration.

To flourish in a God-centred life, we must invest in each area nurturing close relationships with family and friends, engaging in church and group fellowship, seeking wisdom from mentors, and turning to professionals when needed. Above all, we must keep God as the head, guiding every aspect of our lives.

The Pyramid of Support is not only a tool to assist others in their journey of healing but also a reminder that we, as caregivers, must maintain our own support networks.

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Reflection Questions

1. How is your connection with God shaping your relationships?
2. Are you investing in each pillar of your Pyramid of Support?
3. Is there a specific pillar that needs more attention or strengthening?

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Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for being the centre of our lives and for the relationships You provide to support us. Help us nurture connections with family, friends, church, mentors, and professionals in ways that honour You. May our lives reflect Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Square

By Gill Vriend

The shape of the square in CWF apprears first on the Understand step, and answers the questions “How are you?” and “Where are you?”. Divided into 4 quadrants, the right side of the square represents God centredness, the left side represents self centredness. The horizontal wavy midline divides the top half of the square (flourishing) from the bottom half of the square (suffering). Typically, Living Wholeness practitioners refer to the position of the quadrant to indicate where they are that day: for example God centred flourishing is ‘top right’, self centred suffering is ‘bottom left’. As individuals alive in Christ our goal is always to gravitate to top right; with our clients our goal is for them to identify where they are, often using a 1-10 scale which can be compared session by session to help us, and them, understand the depth and duration of the impact of their problem issue.

I was reflecting on what it is that pushes us as believers down from above the water line flourishing to under the water suffering. Top right to bottom right, or to bottom left. From flourishing to suffering. With awareness of God with us, or without. As one down there, how to get back up again. Recently severe flooding hit the province of Chiang Mai, Thailand, where I live. One of the most memorable pictures was of 3 elephants standing together in shoulder deep water as the flood waters rose at their river side elephant camp. All three have their trunks raised up through the dirty brown water to breathe the clean air above. What a great illustration of how to survive and stay God centred while suffering , I thought. Staying together with others who understand and respond likewise in a God centred way, as this in itself increases the capacity to endure, all the while taking in whatever healthy, sustaining ‘nutrients’ are available.

What, then, could be responsible for drift to the left, from God centred suffering to self centred suffering? I thought of the polluted floodwater, full of debris and sewer effluent swirling around the elephants. The potential for wounding, and for infection; the pus, the poison, the damaged tissues. Psychologically, the fear and lies in the mind, the pain and judgments and deception of the heart. Deep stuff. Yet familiar to probably all of us, at some time in our lives, as Kingdom workers in His vineyard. At times like that, who is with us? Who can stand with us, breathing healthy air, as it were, while encouraging us to do the same? Who can channel the peace and love and power and truth of God at times when we cannot see it?

All of us will find ourselves in ‘deep water’ situations at some point. My next question is, “How long do I stay there?”. How long does it take me to recognize where I am, and to take whatever action is necessary to enable a shift to the right? To come out of shame and hiding, or blame and accusation, to face uncomfortable and painful truths with God so He can raise me up?  The three elephants in the photograph all survived, though others did not and were drowned and swept away. Quite a parable. Let us find our place in Him, alongside trusted others (which maybe only one other), that we can endure and raise each other up in hard times. The best is yet to come!

The Circles

By Claire Wadsworth

I am wondering if watched any of the 2024 Paris Olympic. Games?  The Olympic rings are one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, representing the Olympic Games and the values they embody. Designed by Pierre de Coubertin in 1913, the rings symbolize the union of the five inhabited continents of the world and the meeting of athletes from around the globe. Their interlocking-coloured rings stand for unity, peace, solidarity and friendship across all nations and peoples.

I am wondering if watched any of the 2024 Paris Olympic. Games?  The Olympic rings are one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, representing the Olympic Games and the values they embody. Designed by Pierre de Coubertin in 1913, the rings symbolize the union of the five inhabited continents of the world and the meeting of athletes from around the globe. Their interlocking-coloured rings stand for unity, peace, solidarity and friendship across all nations and peoples.

Pierre de Coubertin introduced the Olympic motto, “Citius, Altius, Fortius,” Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger.” This phrase embodies the relentless pursuit of excellence and the drive to surpass limits. Similarly, the circles of Christian Wholeness Framework challenge us to strive for spiritual and personal growth, urging us to reflect on Christ as our example. They prompt us to examine areas for improvement and to explore the underlying beliefs we hold about ourselves, fostering a continuous journey toward Christ-centredness.

The five interconnected circles—Social, Physical, Mind, Heart, and Spirit—symbolize the holistic nature of human existence, illustrating that we are a unified being comprised of various interdependent aspects. These dimensions of our being are shaped and coloured by factors such as age, gender, and culture, which together contribute to each one’s uniqueness. This concept aligns with the biblical passage from Psalm 139:13-14: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” This verse underscores the idea that each person is a distinct creation, meticulously crafted by God, akin to a one-of-a-kind artwork. It suggests that every aspect of our being, from our physical form (Physical Circle) to our thoughts and feelings (Mind Circle), and our deep sense of ourselves (Heart Circle) has been intentionally designed. In this view, human diversity is not merely a product of biological or cultural differences but is also a reflection of divine intentionality, where every individual is thoughtfully and wonderfully made.

The journey of life can be likened to a race, one in which we are not alone but surrounded by spectators who encourage and support us, (Pyramid and Social Circle). This prompts a critical reflection: Are we spiritually fit for this race, or are there aspects of our lives that burden us and make the race more challenging? (Heart and Mind Circles)

Hebrews 12:1-2 provides a pertinent exhortation: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” This passage emphasizes the need to discard the spiritual and moral encumbrances that hinder our progress, directing our focus towards Christ, (Spirit Circle) who is central to our faith and the ultimate guide in our life’s journey. In this context, some essential questions arise: Who governs our lives? (Control) Who or what occupies the central position in everything we do and are? (Centre). From where or from whom do we obtain our sense of value and worth? (Love). This evaluation is vital for determining the direction and success of our race, as it challenges us to examine the forces and values that influence our decisions and actions, and our very identity. Spiritual fitness and the alignment of our lives with Kingdom values are crucial for running the race of life with endurance and purpose (Heb 12:1).

Reflection: Engage in an honest self-assessment by completing your own circles. Reflect on what God is revealing to you about your true self. Consider whether any aspect of your life is misaligned with His identity and purpose for you. If discrepancies exist, consider the changes necessary to cultivate beliefs and behaviours that are more Christlike, seeking a deeper alignment with His teachings and example.  ^“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16)

The Triangle of Connection

By Susanne Nikles

The triune loving Godhead decreed “Let us make man in our own image”. (Genesis 1;26) As the human race we were born out of the God who lives in constant love, relationship and attachment.  The triangle draws us back to where we belong – to that loving relationship with God, ourselves and others. It reminds us of the purpose that we can be instrumental in others connecting or reconnecting to God.

 But what does it mean to connect with God, ourselves and others?

An essential element is to let ourselves be wholly and fully loved by God. For me this has meant getting a growing picture of His endless grace-filled desire to be in relationship with me, no matter how I am. Ephesians 3: 18 & 19 describes the incredible dimensions of God’s love.  When I was with a client in trialogue, she had a picture of God with His arms wide open, saying “I’m always here for you, you just have to turn to me”. That picture often reminds me of His constant invitation. And yet how often during a day in our stress or distress, do we turn more away from Him, rather than to Him?  I have to admit that I often allow the uninvited guests of disappointment, frustrations, small griefs and losses, to initially push me away from, rather than towards those open welcoming arms. 

My capacity to hear God’s whispers in the jostle and hustle of my daily life seems to grow when I am able to take longer times of resting in and delighting in His presence. I need to take intentional time to still the busyness of my mind, and my inner anxieties, and then I can feel that deep desire expressed by the psalmist (Psalm 27:4 ) to  ‘gaze upon the beauty of the Lord’. I can hear his voice saying to me “Seek my face, and my heart says to You Your face Lord, will I seek”. (v 8). He knows everything about me, and everything I am going through as expressed in Hebrews. “It was essential that He be made like His brethren in every respect, in order that He might become a merciful High Priest”. (Hebrews 3 : 17). Because He Himself has suffered and been tempted, we can boldly come before the Throne of Grace to find help with every  need (Hebrews 4: 15 & 16).

To know that He truly cares about the state of my heart, my soul and even my body, gives me encouragement and permission to connect with myself.  Encouragement to breathe deeply and notice how I am really doing. And to accept, rather then judge, or blame myself – or deny what I don’t want to see! What a precious gift to know that whatever state I am in, I can bring myself  back into those open welcoming arms of love.

With others: The triangle can represent the relationships within the trinity of attachment, love and connection, and this can be a guide for us to have life giving supportive relationships where we are truly known, with at least a few others. The value of having a few close reciprocal relationships has been scientifically shown to improve the length and quality of our lives. Jesus himself had special relationships with Peter, James and John, and invited them into the deeper places of His life, in the transfiguration on the Mount, and into the garden of Gethsemane.

It is from that life giving space of grace that we can then extend welcome and delight to those we encounter. To be truly present with another, even for a few minutes, can switch on the relational circuits in our brains. The triangle invites us to “Love one another as I have loved you”. (John  13: 34 – 35). My mother’s favourite verse was “We love because He first loved us”. (1 John 4:19). In her humble simple way, she was a living example of this in my life.  Being truly loved by God and others allows us to pass that on to others.

And then we may have that privilege of being part of another’s journey towards, or back towards their Loving Heavenly Father. The third side of the triangle reminds us of the great commission “Go into all the world and make disciples”. My daily prayer is that today I may notice and take those opportunities to extend grace and bless others, that they may taste something of the goodness of God through me.

Reflect:

What spoke to your heart today as you read this?

How might you deepen that side of the triangle between you and God? Do you regularly take time to connect with yourself and bring all of you before our loving God?

How might you build life giving relationships in your own life?  How might God be inviting you to give this to others?

Seeking to be an A+ student

Steffi Gerber

As the father has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in my love. John 15:9

In a dream at night I saw myself in the final exam to become a pastor. The task of the exam was to preach exactly what my heart is passionate about. I had a few minutes left to think before it was my turn. I had no idea what my passion was. Should I preach about God the father? Jesus my friend? About Mission? I started to panic. I don’t know what is truly important to me – something that is worth living and dying for. And then it was time to walk to the pulpit. Standing on the pulpit and looking into the face of the listener I knew exactly what my heart is burning for: “………………”

I remember waking up with racing heartbeat but also with this deep peace and joy in my heart! I knew what is worth for me to live and die for! I know what my message is! I know, I will not fail this exam.

When I search my heart, my thoughts, my doings – what is worth keeping? What needs to be adjusted and done or thought differently next time? God is helping us finetune our heart’s desire. And he gave us already a guideline to evaluate myself safely attached:

Faith:

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹ We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God”. John 6:68+69

I believe in God the father. I believe in Jesus. To Him is given all power. I believe that I am His child and for this I am called to live with Him.

This solid faith is the foundation of our life. In a picture language using a boat, its course and its captain – faith could be the course of the boat.

Hope:

Be on guard; stand firm in the faith: be courageous; be strong. 1 Cor 16:13

Hope builds on this foundation of faith and is like the boat in our picture. It follows the course through the storms and calm water.  Without the course the boat is lost. But the boat trusts the course and because of the course the boat can be brave and courageous.

Love:

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hears by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Rom 5:5

The course of the boat is correct, the boat takes courage and does what faith is telling but it would not go well for long if there would not be this eye-contact to the captain full of love. Sometimes the boat has carried hope bravely through a storm and looks with excitement into the eyes of a loving God. Sometimes hope went overboard and we look downcast into His eyes – still loving.

How did I do today? Which action, statement, thought, decision was build on faith, carried out by hope and securely attached in his love? Where did I lose my anchor (hope)? Where did I betray my Lord (faith)? Have I lost connection with the captain (love)?

God in his character is love. And when we find in our actions shortcomings, we can practice our faith and hope and turn to the LOVE OF OUR FATHER GOD.

To me that makes someone an A+ student.

What is your heart burning for?

And now these three remain: Faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:13

Engage Help

John Wadsworth

The story of Moses is a profound illustration of servant leadership, humility, and the necessity of community support in fulfilling one’s calling. When Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he felt inadequate and voiced his concerns. In response, God provided Aaron as a companion and spokesperson (Exodus 4:10-16). This act of divine provision sets a precedent for the importance of seeking and accepting help from others.

As Moses continued his journey, he frequently relied on the support of others. During the battle against the Amalekites, when Moses raised his staff to ensure Israel’s victory, Aaron and Hur supported his arms when he grew tired (Exodus 17:8-13). This symbolic act demonstrates the power of communal support in achieving success.

Additionally, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, observed Moses’ overwhelming burden of leadership and advised him to delegate responsibilities to capable men, thereby appointing seventy elders to share the load (Exodus 18:13-26). This wise counsel prevented burnout and ensured more effective governance.

When constructing the tabernacle, God appointed skilled artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab to execute the intricate work (Exodus 31:1-11). This further emphasizes the necessity of specialized skills and the importance of recognizing and utilizing the gifts of others to fulfil a larger purpose.

The “Engage Help” step in CURE reflects this biblical model. Just as Moses needed a support system to fulfil his divine mission, we too must recognize the importance of seeking help from various sources, including friends, family, and professionals. However, many of us struggle with asking for help due to pride, embarrassment, or uncertainty.

It’s essential to acknowledge our limitations and understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. When we feel overwhelmed, inadequate, or tired, we must remember the examples set by Moses and his community. Asking for help is not only practical but also spiritually wise.

Just like Moses, we must first seek God. At the top of the Pyramid on the “Engage Help” step is God, and through Christ, we have access to the Holy Spirit, the ultimate helper. As John 16:7 (AMPC) states: “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counsellor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you].”

By seeking God’s wisdom, discernment, and strength, we can navigate our challenges more effectively. Engaging help from God and others is crucial in our journey of transformation and in serving those around us.

As we support others, let us be mindful of our own needs and the resources available to us. By asking, “Can you please help me?” we open ourselves to a wealth of support that can empower us to fulfil our callings and assist others more effectively. Embracing this step fosters a community through servant leadership leading to transformation, reflecting the collaborative spirit demonstrated by Moses and his companions.

Responding to God

Gill Vriend

I appreciate the shapes that sit on the respond step of the Christian Wholeness Framework: the circles, the cross, the combined cross and square, the triangle. They illustrate the diversity of ways by which our Creator, His Son and the Holy Spirit reach down into our world and touch us where we are. Demonstrating Immanuel.

Looking at the shapes, I imagined them jumping off the page, dynamic and multi dimensional, just as He is multi dimensional and His world is without end. The ways He responds to humankind, and we to Him, are numerous. Looking at the inner circles of the mind and the heart, I wondered what they would look like when fully inhabited by the Spirit of God. What would it be like to have the ‘mind of Christ’, always thinking His thoughts from a Kingdom perspective? We are instructed to ‘take every thought captive’ and “demolish strongholds which set themselves up against the knowledge of God’ (2 Corinthians 10:5), yet in itself this is only a precurser to receiving and living out of a Kingdom mindset.

I then thought how it would look if this also applied to our mood, that we feel His mood and emotions about situations we are in.  In reading John 11:1-44, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, I am struck by two things. First, it is clear in the early verses that Jesus knew ahead of time what He, in obedience to what His Father had told Him, would raise Lazarus from death to life. He appears almost impatient with his disciples for not understanding this! Why then, I wondered, was he so overcome by emotion on approaching the tomb that He wept? What was He responding to? Was it, perhaps, grief at identifying with the pain of separation which death means for human beings, something which was never part of God’s original design? And why, in verse 38, was he ‘deeply moved’, ‘deeply troubled’, or in one translation ‘angry in His spirit’? I do not know, but postulate that His spirit could have been troubled, stirred, angry over satan’s seeming ‘victory’ that death was now firmly established in the God’s world, the very opposite of the life that ran through Jesus’ veins.

Yesterday I spent part of the day running errands, preparing a wodge of documents for a visit to Thai immigration. I was consciously ‘practicing the presence of Jesus’, imagining Him being with me as I collected documents from here and there in the city. We were chatting and joking, passing the time like two old friends in a relaxed unhurried way. When I got home I realized I had left my cell phone somewhere, probably in the bank in a big shopping mall. Sharp intake of breath. Oh no! What if…? ‘Stay with me. Breathe’, His whisper came. Back to the shopping mall, Jesus and me. I had an inner calm, because I sensed from Jesus it would be OK, and ,to be fair, also because my phone was old (and  undesirable) and people in North Thailand are usually very honest. And sure enough, all was well. Afterwards I sensed Him laughing with me, not at me, at the relief of retrieving my phone. No condemnation, no reprimand. That was His response, and it silenced my inner critic.

With situations that are more serious and more threatening, I find it harder to ground myself in Christ centred responses as a default setting. Fear is a powerful force to be reckoned with, the polar opposite of love, with both human and spiritual dimensions. ( 2 Tim 1:7) At times like this I often ‘engage other help’, and have a trusted person to pray with me to break the oppression of fear, and be freed to receive both His peace and His thoughts, the ‘mind of Christ’, in order to know to pray and to act from a God centred perspective once more. Recently I have discovered that taking communion, the physical act of symbolically taking His body and blood into my body, and all that it represents, to be extremely powerful in evicting fear and negativity and bringing peace and love.

So, me in Him, and Him in me. These are some of the ways I have found myself responding to God recently. How about you?

To Understand – To Know

Claire Wadsworth

Thus says the Lord:
“Stand by the roads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way is; and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls ….

Jeremiah 6:16

Recently, I embarked on a transformative journey of silence at a Christian monastery—a wholly novel experience that has indelibly marked my soul. The serenity cultivated within those sacred walls has given me a profound tranquillity, diminishing the grip of stress and permeating my life with a newfound calmness. Even amidst the hustle and bustle of daily affairs, my mind now finds solace, echoing the timeless injunction of Psalm 46:10 to “Be still and know that I am God.” I feel as though I am more alert to details in the day, I am more mindful of nature and colours around me my senses are heightened. I gaze at the beautiful tropical fish, the majestic sea turtle, the tiniest ants, spectacular cumulus clouds and I consider my God who created all these for His pleasure.

Who is this God that He should be mindful of me? The scriptures say that God is Spirit (Spirit circle), love (Love sector) truth (Truth sector) and by Him all things were created, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities (Control sector). It is no wonder that when we invite Him into our Spirit circle and ask Him to take residence (Centre sector) that it affects every sector of our being, His omnipotent presence in every facet of existence. Through moments of profound surrender, such as the week of silent communion, He draws near, establishing Himself as the focal point of our being. In this sacred union, I discovered a deeper understanding of both God and self, relinquishing control of my thoughts, behaviour, and mood to His divine guidance.

The words of Jeremiah 6:16 have resonated deeply within me. Even after more than forty years journeying alongside God, I continue to glean wisdom from its timeless counsel. I daily inch closer towards embracing the age-old pathways, where the rhythm of existence finds its resonance in divine centrality.  In this pursuit, I discover a profound serenity enveloping my soul, a testament to the restorative power of a life firmly anchored in God. In this text the ancient paths refer to faith, devotion, and honour to the one true God of Israel. These pathways, rooted in the gospel of Christ, offer a sanctuary of rest amidst life’s chaos. Matthew 11:28-30 extends a divine invitation to participate in this transformational journey, a journey characterized by an earnest pursuit of spiritual nourishment. For me this state of rest means soaking in Scripture more, listening to Christian messages, podcasts, worship music. In moments of extended travel, instead of subjecting myself to the whims of radio programming, I now manage a personalized worship playlist. This intentional choice enables me to arrive at my destination in a greater state of peace. I try to go somewhere green or blue most days to watch and be mindful of creation and the Creator. I acknowledge that this is only one side of the triangle, me, and God. Yet, this journey is not solitary; it extends an invitation for communal engagement. As I walk along the ancient paths, I find myself more attuned to the needs of others, extending an invitation for them to participate in this journey of transformation. Scripture directs us in greater detail and guidance to God’s workings. It shows us that these ancient paths are still relevant today and are accessible and relevant to all. They are a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).

• I am wondering when was the last time you spent an hour, a day, a week in silence, no distractions, just listening to your Lord?
• What does Jeremiah 6:16 speak to you?
• What does it mean for you to walk in the good way?
• How do you seek to deepen your understanding and intimacy with God?