. . . two transformative discoveries catalyzed by Margaret Benefiel’s book The Soul of a Leader: first the realization of myself together with a future congregation as a living organism, and second, a new level of self-realization—of myself as soul. The next day . . . a great revelation of mercy as divine love applied to . . . imperfections . . . .
This morning around four, I found myself caught up in the jet stream of gospel energy, re-connecting with that feeling that I knew from decades ago when I began going forth to proclaim. Choosing to act on that surge of loving truth, I went back to Wrayco (see the previous blog post) to meet … Read more
What does it mean that we are divinely created? God creates us through a three-fold process: first, through cosmic evolution leading to the body and mind; second, by acting directly to bestow a unique personality upon that body-mind system and to send his spirit to dwell within us; and third, by creating the soul. But what is the soul? How can we recognize it in our experience? And what part do we play in its growth?
Learning to love another person is so much easier when we conceive of our creation in two phases. On the one hand, the Creator God has designed an awesome, long drawn-out, gradual process of evolution. Our body and mind are products of this evolution. On the other hand, the Universal Father acts directly, bestowing on each mind-body system a unique personality with a spirit nucleus (“the spirit poured out upon all flesh,” “the kingdom of God within you”).
Beyond the urge to exhort, assured rejoicing unveils a partial glimpse of the mosaic of world history . . .
When a monarch butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, we see transformation, but not salvation, nor exactly liberation.
Simple beginnings, quiet rivulets joining a mighty river, each drop with its uncertain path, as the river flows forward in the unstoppable field of gravity, spirit gravity.
How can one person be a friend to secularists, other professed followers of Jesus, and Muslims? Is the ambition impossible?
Like air fresh-cleansed by rain,
and shining grass
in bright and gently sun-
lit day . . . .