Living from Fullness (#1009)
Kyle asks AI to define the message of The God Journey, leading to a brief discussion about AI and the soothing properties of the ancient cathedrals. Then he and Wayne get into the conversation about finding our fullness in his Presence, rather than seeking it in the temporal amusements of the world. Presence is about focus and simplicity, not elaborate rituals or time-consuming practices or having to “fill up” at weekend services. Religious institutions can unintentionally create a cycle of spiritual emptiness and dependency, rather than fostering a continual engagement with presence and joy.
Podcast Notes:
- We're sorry, but we are still having technical difficulties and were not able to make a video of this podcast.
- The audio release of It's Time
Podcast: Download
Subscribe: RSS
What if Sunday church is not used to ‘fill up’, but instead as pretense to justify living however we want the rest of the week? Is Church used that way by many who attend?
Presence is a 24/7/365 proposition. It is a way of life, not an event. I learned that the most when job responsibilities precluded me from attending Church on a regular basis. It was freeing to know that Jesus would not punish me for not attending a Sunday morning gathering. Instead, He made His Presence known at other days and times of the week to fill the void, and to strengthen my relationship with Him. So that when Sunday rolled around, I didn’t feel guilty, or less than. I could go about my work with a sense of purpose and calling, knowing that was where Jesus wanted me to be.
When I was a very young Christian I belonged to a Methodist church where they would distribute little envelopes that were numbered with our unique number, for us to put our giving into each week. One day I had a visit from someone in the church, who I didn’t even know, to find out why I hadn’t been putting my donations in. I don’t remember how the conversation went at the time, but I have never forgotten the experience.
And talking about being in the old churches to experience the presence of God or the healing factors that are associated with that. I believe nature in many aspects is bringing us into the presence of God and is healing. When I visit my sister and we go to beach I experience something healing. I can’t put my finger on what it is, but I just know that my spirit is uplifted.