I have never thought of authority as a blessing before. I am beginning to see that understanding authority and how to correctly respond to it is understanding God's ways. His authority and His love are intertwined. He has been most gracious to me as the learning process to love has also been being applied to my learning of authority without the consciousness of my soul. When the Spirit began to nudge me into the direction of learning of authority I still wanted to draw back . However the healing of love that has been going on in my soul , gave me courage to resist my flesh and not withdraw as it was wanting to do.
I have decided to follow Jesus has everything to do with believing in His authority. The disciples were amazed that Jesus had authority over the wind and the waves. However, knowing that truth surely gave them courage to leave all and follow Him.
It was not that now they had authority but that they now had the One who had all authority on their side. Or was it that they had decided to be on His side ? Regardless of who chose who, the point is the authority that was given to them was the authority of Jesus. The two came in one package. His love for them , His authority over them. Unto the world they went , giving His love to the world, walking in His authority over everything that He had given them authority over.
About my Hiding From Love by Dr. John Townsend book. I have found that all along I have known of the authority of the LORD Jesus Christ but had been afraid to talk to Him about certain things. Afraid because of my wounded authority muscle convincing me that He would not want to hear about such things as I wanted/or thought I didn't want , to talk to Him about.
Now as He is healing my authority muscle I realize I can now approach Him with subjects I thought He would rather I not discuss with Him. And His response to my conversations has revealed to me that He is willing to teach me His ways. He is willing to go with me . He is my Shepherd. He is the lover of my soul. He is everything I thought He was , now because I dare to go through the veil He rent for me , I realize I do not have to know about Him. He is willing to let me know Him.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Spiritual Authority cont.
I continue studying from the books Spiritual Authority by Watchman Nee and Hiding From Love by Dr.John Townsend.
During this time of study a situation came into my life and I tried my best to respond differently to it. Knowing that my feelings are not necessarily lining up with God's word I tend to really down play what I feel. I act out of a sort of intellectual understanding of God's word . While I am not going to put myself down for asking the Holy Spirit to reveal a scripture to me that will help me in times of trouble, I am not always sure it is the Holy Spirit's work when a scripture comes to mind.
Just as Jesus was tempted by the devil , my flesh sometimes feeds my mind scriptures that can be misinterpreted by my mind so that I believe a certain action will be warranted. Fortunately I've learned to walk expecting correction so if I begin to lose the Way , I know something is a miss.
It maybe that there is no better way to learn than from my mistakes. Regardless I praise the LORD that He is my shepherd. From what I understand , He wants to restore my soul.
In the book Hiding From Love , Dr. Townsend has listed some hiding styles that he has observed in people. One style he calls, Intellectualization . This is under the heading of INTERNAL HIDING FROM AUTHORITY. The defensive behavior looks like this : Retreats to head (logic) instead of heart (dealing with emotion), hiding perceived dangerous feeling. The recommended steps are: Realize God doesn't ask us to make such distinctions - feelings are part of the soul.
In Watchman Nee's book Spiritual Authority the thread is to bring the reader to know the authority of God. He does a good job of representing a balanced view of authority . Rather than pummelling me with scripture that insists I have the authority in Jesus name to do this and this, he realizes the reader needs to intimately know the One from Whom all authority is given. Being given the privilege to know the One in authority is so much better than trying to be the one in authority. Let me know Him. Then if He has something He wants me to do He and I will go do it.
Knowing Him requires not hiding from Him.
Knowing Him requires acknowledging that He knows me , through and through.
Knowing Him requires an ability from within that presses on, draws close to, seeks to find Him, and trusting that His hand will be extended in mercy and grace. Not demanding but expecting Help in time of need.
Now Watchman Nee is quick to point out the wrong approach to God's authority as exhibited by Satan. In Isaiah 14:12-15 he notes Satan violates God's authority while in Ezekiel 28:13-17 Satan is trespassing against God's holiness.
I was thinking of these ideas in regards to boundaries. When I first began understanding that people needed boundaries the point that came across to me as most important was , that I could learn what God's business was. God's boundaries and His authority I see as two in one. As I learn to know Him , I learn both , what His business is and what His authority is and I need to take heed that I stay where I am suppose to be.
During this time of study a situation came into my life and I tried my best to respond differently to it. Knowing that my feelings are not necessarily lining up with God's word I tend to really down play what I feel. I act out of a sort of intellectual understanding of God's word . While I am not going to put myself down for asking the Holy Spirit to reveal a scripture to me that will help me in times of trouble, I am not always sure it is the Holy Spirit's work when a scripture comes to mind.
Just as Jesus was tempted by the devil , my flesh sometimes feeds my mind scriptures that can be misinterpreted by my mind so that I believe a certain action will be warranted. Fortunately I've learned to walk expecting correction so if I begin to lose the Way , I know something is a miss.
It maybe that there is no better way to learn than from my mistakes. Regardless I praise the LORD that He is my shepherd. From what I understand , He wants to restore my soul.
In the book Hiding From Love , Dr. Townsend has listed some hiding styles that he has observed in people. One style he calls, Intellectualization . This is under the heading of INTERNAL HIDING FROM AUTHORITY. The defensive behavior looks like this : Retreats to head (logic) instead of heart (dealing with emotion), hiding perceived dangerous feeling. The recommended steps are: Realize God doesn't ask us to make such distinctions - feelings are part of the soul.
In Watchman Nee's book Spiritual Authority the thread is to bring the reader to know the authority of God. He does a good job of representing a balanced view of authority . Rather than pummelling me with scripture that insists I have the authority in Jesus name to do this and this, he realizes the reader needs to intimately know the One from Whom all authority is given. Being given the privilege to know the One in authority is so much better than trying to be the one in authority. Let me know Him. Then if He has something He wants me to do He and I will go do it.
Knowing Him requires not hiding from Him.
Knowing Him requires acknowledging that He knows me , through and through.
Knowing Him requires an ability from within that presses on, draws close to, seeks to find Him, and trusting that His hand will be extended in mercy and grace. Not demanding but expecting Help in time of need.
Now Watchman Nee is quick to point out the wrong approach to God's authority as exhibited by Satan. In Isaiah 14:12-15 he notes Satan violates God's authority while in Ezekiel 28:13-17 Satan is trespassing against God's holiness.
I was thinking of these ideas in regards to boundaries. When I first began understanding that people needed boundaries the point that came across to me as most important was , that I could learn what God's business was. God's boundaries and His authority I see as two in one. As I learn to know Him , I learn both , what His business is and what His authority is and I need to take heed that I stay where I am suppose to be.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Healing For My Soul
The following is a compilation of my paraphrasing portions of the books Hiding From Love by Dr. John Townsend and Spiritual Authority by Watchman Nee.
Also ways that I see to apply what I am learning from these books into my life.
There are different ways that I hide from God's authority.
One style could be called a shoving underneath style. This means that when I find myself disagreeing with someone in authority , rather than go ahead and think about the issue, I try to stop thinking about it. I try to shove it back underneath something else in my brain , because I do not want to disagree with someone in authority. If I disagree with the person I feel that I might be considered inappropriate. If I strongly disagree with the person it might require an action on my part , and it might bring me disapproval.
Another style of hiding could be called soapbox. Rather than acknowledging that I have been injured by an improper use of authority I become passionate about how I see an improper use of authority being used. Instead of taking the time to go back and relive my own unjust woundedness I take on a fight for others that they might not be wounded such as I.
Now I will look at the importance of authority .
Romans 13:1-7
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
Hebrews 1:3
Who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Other ref. found in this portion of Watchman Nee's book are Is.14:12-14 , Matt. 6:13, Matt:62-64
In Is. 14: 12-14 The Holy Spirit is prompting the prophet to tell us how Lucifer had a wrong attitude about authority. The phrase "I will be like the Most High," standing by itself would concern me because I thought the whole object of this time on earth was to become like Him, the Most High. After meditating on the entire scripture I see that it was "how" he wanted to become like Him that was wrong. "How" and maybe "why" , however the "how" he wanted to do it is stated clearly. "In his own strength." "I will ascend above the heights," he says. "I will do it," "I will earn my own place of authority," "I have earned my place of authority " rather than accepting authority is placed when and where God chooses.
Some people talk about the principle of authority much like they do when they talk about money. If you do this then you get this. While I have no argument for them , I do not want to do it their way. Is it possible there is another principle , one of this world that you could follow and get your money and the authority you want ? Is it possible that there is yet another way , one that is harder to find but well worth the seeking ?
Finding and accepting God's order and plans seem to be a much better way to me.
One more thought before we leave these segments of the books.
Just as our authority muscle can be wounded thus giving us a warped view of authority, so could our love muscle be wounded.
Since destroying our faith in God's LOVE for us ,is what Satan's number one job seems to be, could it be that he realises accepting God's perfect love also carries with it an authority that he does not want to deal with ?
Jesus tells us that His Father is forgiving and just . Forgiveness means love to me and just means authority. So as I struggle to receive His forgiveness I also should struggle to receive His authority.
Struggle as in , "letting Him heal my wounded love muscle and let Him heal my wounded authority muscle."
God's Throne Established on Authority, is expressed in the phrase found in Heb 1:3 "upholding all things by the word of his power," which means of His Authority.
(to be continued in next blog post.)
Also ways that I see to apply what I am learning from these books into my life.
There are different ways that I hide from God's authority.
One style could be called a shoving underneath style. This means that when I find myself disagreeing with someone in authority , rather than go ahead and think about the issue, I try to stop thinking about it. I try to shove it back underneath something else in my brain , because I do not want to disagree with someone in authority. If I disagree with the person I feel that I might be considered inappropriate. If I strongly disagree with the person it might require an action on my part , and it might bring me disapproval.
Another style of hiding could be called soapbox. Rather than acknowledging that I have been injured by an improper use of authority I become passionate about how I see an improper use of authority being used. Instead of taking the time to go back and relive my own unjust woundedness I take on a fight for others that they might not be wounded such as I.
Now I will look at the importance of authority .
Romans 13:1-7
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
Hebrews 1:3
Who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Other ref. found in this portion of Watchman Nee's book are Is.14:12-14 , Matt. 6:13, Matt:62-64
In Is. 14: 12-14 The Holy Spirit is prompting the prophet to tell us how Lucifer had a wrong attitude about authority. The phrase "I will be like the Most High," standing by itself would concern me because I thought the whole object of this time on earth was to become like Him, the Most High. After meditating on the entire scripture I see that it was "how" he wanted to become like Him that was wrong. "How" and maybe "why" , however the "how" he wanted to do it is stated clearly. "In his own strength." "I will ascend above the heights," he says. "I will do it," "I will earn my own place of authority," "I have earned my place of authority " rather than accepting authority is placed when and where God chooses.
Some people talk about the principle of authority much like they do when they talk about money. If you do this then you get this. While I have no argument for them , I do not want to do it their way. Is it possible there is another principle , one of this world that you could follow and get your money and the authority you want ? Is it possible that there is yet another way , one that is harder to find but well worth the seeking ?
Finding and accepting God's order and plans seem to be a much better way to me.
One more thought before we leave these segments of the books.
Just as our authority muscle can be wounded thus giving us a warped view of authority, so could our love muscle be wounded.
Since destroying our faith in God's LOVE for us ,is what Satan's number one job seems to be, could it be that he realises accepting God's perfect love also carries with it an authority that he does not want to deal with ?
Jesus tells us that His Father is forgiving and just . Forgiveness means love to me and just means authority. So as I struggle to receive His forgiveness I also should struggle to receive His authority.
Struggle as in , "letting Him heal my wounded love muscle and let Him heal my wounded authority muscle."
God's Throne Established on Authority, is expressed in the phrase found in Heb 1:3 "upholding all things by the word of his power," which means of His Authority.
(to be continued in next blog post.)
Spiritual Authority Introduction
What do I feel when I hear the word "authority ?" Am I calm ? What immediately comes to my mind ?
While reading the book Hiding From Love by Dr.John Townsend I learned that it is possible to have a wounded authority muscle. He was referring to the part of ourselves that house feelings which can initiate our actions. The point of the book is to help a person stop hiding from God's love.
At the same time my soul was awakened to the love and forgiveness of God , it was also awakened to His authority. He had the authority to judge me and condemn me but He chose instead to use His authority to say , "I was pardoned."
I have been working at letting God heal my authority muscle. It has been very injured but I believe all things are possible with God. These very words were spoken about Jesus' observation of how a rich man might enter the kingdom of God. Easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. "All things are possible with God."
Having an injured authority muscle has caused me to limp badly in my spiritual walk with God.
I have learned not to talk to people about authority or how to relate to it , because they too, are limping yet seem unawares.
I have begun reading a book titled Spiritual Authority by Watchman Nee. If this man's reputation is correct , he does not limp while walking with God.
I have spent years pondering over the observations of Dr.John Townsend in Hiding From Love . Recently I realised that in order to gain strength and begin to walk correctly I needed some clue as to what was right. I lovingly observe my fellow Christians limping along and know that they only wish , like I, to be better able to walk in the spiritual authority we should have. I say , "lovingly" because I do not feel any different about their spiritual lack than I do about my own.
I have a wounded authority muscle and I am drawn to other wounded souls such as myself. So here we are wounded and walking with God the best we can. Sometimes it kind of looks like a mess to other people , but I know God is looking at us lovingly , glad that we are even up trying to walk with Him.
As I journal about my thoughts from Watchman Nee's book and Dr. John Townsend's book maybe it will provoke thoughts of your own. Please do not try to guide my thoughts to look like yours. I do not journal to convince your thoughts to look like mine. I offer my journal as an obedience to let my light shine before men. You have your own path and need your own light , may you be encouraged to seek for the true light of the gospel by my testimony.
While reading the book Hiding From Love by Dr.John Townsend I learned that it is possible to have a wounded authority muscle. He was referring to the part of ourselves that house feelings which can initiate our actions. The point of the book is to help a person stop hiding from God's love.
At the same time my soul was awakened to the love and forgiveness of God , it was also awakened to His authority. He had the authority to judge me and condemn me but He chose instead to use His authority to say , "I was pardoned."
I have been working at letting God heal my authority muscle. It has been very injured but I believe all things are possible with God. These very words were spoken about Jesus' observation of how a rich man might enter the kingdom of God. Easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. "All things are possible with God."
Having an injured authority muscle has caused me to limp badly in my spiritual walk with God.
I have learned not to talk to people about authority or how to relate to it , because they too, are limping yet seem unawares.
I have begun reading a book titled Spiritual Authority by Watchman Nee. If this man's reputation is correct , he does not limp while walking with God.
I have spent years pondering over the observations of Dr.John Townsend in Hiding From Love . Recently I realised that in order to gain strength and begin to walk correctly I needed some clue as to what was right. I lovingly observe my fellow Christians limping along and know that they only wish , like I, to be better able to walk in the spiritual authority we should have. I say , "lovingly" because I do not feel any different about their spiritual lack than I do about my own.
I have a wounded authority muscle and I am drawn to other wounded souls such as myself. So here we are wounded and walking with God the best we can. Sometimes it kind of looks like a mess to other people , but I know God is looking at us lovingly , glad that we are even up trying to walk with Him.
As I journal about my thoughts from Watchman Nee's book and Dr. John Townsend's book maybe it will provoke thoughts of your own. Please do not try to guide my thoughts to look like yours. I do not journal to convince your thoughts to look like mine. I offer my journal as an obedience to let my light shine before men. You have your own path and need your own light , may you be encouraged to seek for the true light of the gospel by my testimony.
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