CONVERSATIONS
WITH GOD
Godlike: Simplicity​
Archived Conversations with God​​​​​​
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Day 1
Methods
Most of the time we approach any type of transformation with a set of rules. If we want to lose weight, we tell ourselves we can't eat as much food as we want. If we desire to get stronger, we tell ourselves to get up earlier and exercise. Generally, we seek transformation through creating rules for ourselves. These rules serve the purpose of keeping us from doing what we really want to do. Our desire for transformation is usually driven by a desire to avoid the consequences, not a genuine love for the thing we are pursuing. I want to lose weight to avoid high blood pressure. In the same way, we often pursue simplicity because we are tired of the clutter and chaos of our lives. We are tired of the consequences of the way we are living, so we make rules to keep us from pursuing many things. The problem is, we love those things. The rules become corrupted and ineffectual because we love what we have prohibited. This leads to frustration or the worship of the rules. What is the answer? Simplicity is an inward attitude that results in an outward lifestyle. You cannot change from the outside in. Our hearts must pursue the kingdom because they love the kingdom. How do you learn to love God more? Learn to enjoy him more. Read the following article to start that process:
https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-to-find-more-joy-in-god
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Verses: Matthew 6:25-34, 1 John 3:1, Romans 15:13
Prayer Topics: Love, Joy, Excitement
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Day 2
Anxious
When we seek to enjoy God more, we will find that there are many beneficial side effects. The first, of course, is a change of heart. We will not need to bind our will with a bunch of rules but will instead find ourselves pursuing God's kingdom because that is what we want to do. The second thing that will happen is that we will find our level of anxiety greatly reduced. I remember the feeling of fear and vulnerability when I first rode a motorcycle on the street. When I stopped at a red light and found myself surrounded by other cars I was struck by the feeling of vulnerability, as if I had just decided to play in traffic. I continued to ride in spite of the fear because of the fun, but over time as my experience grew, my anxiety decreased. I learned to trust that the fear was really the opportunity for excitement and enjoyment. We often forget that God's call to seek the kingdom first is given in the context of his teaching on anxiety. Focusing your pursuit on one thing helps keep away the anxiety of pursuing many things. To learn more about seeking God's kingdom, and how a life of simplicity seeking his righteousness will work on your anxiety, check out this article:
https://www.gotquestions.org/seek-first-kingdom-God.html
Verses: John 14:27, Psalm 55:22, 2 Timothy 1:7
Prayer Topics: Vulnerability, Trust, Peace
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To Be Continued!