In my last post, I shared my camping experience with my brother, Daniel. The relief of hiking back down and out of the range of any moose. The shivery cold in the tent and still being cold when I transitioned to sleeping in the car. When I looked into the sky during the night, the stars were so vibrant! It was so dark that our flashlights penetrated the darkness and when turned off, the darkness was a bit overwhelming. I felt more alone in the darkness even with the flashlight on.
As the sun came up, the warmth increased and I felt immense relief. The darkness was gone and the warm sun felt sooo good! In all, I enjoyed my experience camping and would do this again...just preferably without any moose and being warmer at night.
John 1:5 states, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
I shared with a few people that I was going to be practicing a few 'new to me' spiritual practices; Lectio Divina, Visio Divina, and Listening Prayer. Each of these practices is paired with a few art activities and I was looking forward to trying them out. I only made it through three and I will explain why.
Lectio Divina is where one repeats a section of scripture several times slowly and pays attention to 3 or 4 words that stand out. This is supposed to be God speaking to a person. In the Visio Divina, a person studies a photo; the colors, what one likes, what one is bothered by, and prays to God what one notices. In Listening Prayer, I was instructed to listen to my heartbeat and picture myself in the throne room of God. I would then ask God to speak to me what he wants as I am listening. After being still and quiet for awhile, I would reflect on how I am feeling and write down 4 words that come to mind.
Now, for some of you, perhaps alarm bells are ringing already and alert flags are flying. For others, you may be wondering, "Sounds fine so far, even good." In all honesty, I was bothered by the first two practices but when I came to the third one, I became even more uncomfortable. A few days later, I was putting together a puzzle and listening to a podcast by Doreen Virtue (former New Ager) as she was interviewing Marcia Montenegro (also former New Ager). Marcia was sharing the New Age roots of several different spiritual disciplines including Lectio Devina and contemplative prayer practices and the dangers of these practices. You are welcome to listen to the podcast here! Marcia also refered to an article she wrote entitled, 'Spiritual Disciplines Revisited' and how these practices stem from the New Age and are slipping into the church. These practices are not found in the Bible or supported by the Bible which should ring alarm bells. Sometimes we can struggle with fully trusting that the Bible is sufficient in practicing our faith. Anything we hear or see should be tested by scripture and the Holy Spirit. I refer to Acts 17:11-12, "The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."
As I was listening to the conversation, the Holy Spirit immediately convicted me of taking part in some of these spritual practices! I felt horrible that I did not immediately recognize that these practices were not Biblical. I repented and asked God for forgiveness for taking part in practices that are not godly and not supported by Scripture. I then shared what had happened with two close friends who are in Germany and currently serving at BFA. As I shared with them, they were immediately alarmed as well and at the same time so relieved and thankful that God opened my eyes and revealed the dangers.
It is only by God's mercy and grace that He opens our eyes and convicts our hearts! I am so thankful for His conviction! I pray that He will continue to convict me of sin in my life and draw me ever nearer to His side. Repenting and turning away from sin is God's grace and kindness to us. In my Bible Study Fellowship notes this week, it says, "The Holy Spirit awakens a response to sin that transforms our minds, emotions, and will....A believer's path of spiritual growth also involves ongoing repentance, as the Lord renews and transforms our minds....(and finally) Repentance is not a painful process to avoid byt God's gracious invitation to embrace."
As we get closer to Christ's return, popular, yet unbiblical thinking can pull us away from the truth. Even in the church! We are to be careful, discerning, and wise. When we think we cannot possibly be deceived, we should be on alert! Satan is alive and well and working hard. Yet, be encouraged! Jesus says in John 16:33, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." Halelujah and Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment