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Following Christ and Minimalism 

I’ve been drawn to do some “research” on the minimalist movement in the past few days, particularly the writings of “the minimalists”—Joshua Fields Millburn and his best friend of over 20 years, Ryan Nicodemus, whose documentary “Minimalism” I had watched on Netflix (and was intrigued by) several months ago.

Because they are not obviously “Christian,” I’ve had some feelings of guilt for spending my time with them, but this morning upon awakening at 3:30 AM, I realized that God was speaking to me through these two young men who have demonstrated the courage to follow their hearts (in very practical and concrete ways) in a materialistic culture which is blatantly against all they are espousing in their lives and their writings.

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Asleep in the Storm

Matthew 8:23   And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.  24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.  25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.  26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

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Take No Care 

A couple nights ago I was having difficulty sleeping. I found that my mind was occupied with thoughts about some things that were quite serious, such as family relationships, and other things quite trivial (what to cook; what to buy at the grocery; what to wear, etc.). I attempted to get quiet inside and listen, but wasn’t very successful. I was finally able to doze off for a few minutes and, upon awakening, was able to hear.

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God Is Not Mocked

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

I awakened in the early morning hours hearing this Scripture being spoken inside, along with several insights connected to it. I’ve no doubt the Holy Spirit is speaking and that I am to start writing whatever I hear. Continue reading “God Is Not Mocked”

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Obedience Is Better than Sacrifice

 

[May 6, 2015] I have been in hell, that place of torment, fear, depression and despair. I knew all the promises of God concerning the peace that passes all our understanding. But there was no peace. I became obsessed with my physical body and death. I could think of little else. Nothing could distract me from these fears—cooking, cleaning, exercise, listening to tapes, reading books, watching TV, traveling—nothing at all. I almost wished I would die, but I was afraid of dying. I was afraid of everything. I almost wished I would get Alzheimer’s so I could get some relief. My pills I got for what my doctor called an “anxiety disorder” would sometimes seem to work (if I was tired enough to go to sleep), but at other times it was like eating candy.

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Capability Does not Constitute “Calling”

Several years ago I wrote and posted on my website a contemplation entitled God’s Call wherein I acknowledged that I was called by God to write and had committed myself to that call. In 2012-2013 I posted about 70 Contemplations and abruptly stopped posting anything. I didn’t stop writing altogether, but I reached the place where I believed that I had to spend my time and energy walking out what I had already written before I could legitimately post anything else.

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What Is “God’s Call”?

What Is God’s call or the calling of God and how are we to respond?

Paul tells us that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance, (Romans 11:29) that not many who are somebodies in this world are called (1Corinthians 1:26) —or at least don’t recognize that they are called. Paul goes on to say that we are to abide in the same calling wherein we were called (1Corinthians 7:20), that this calling is a holy calling and was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began and not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace (2Timothy 1:9). And Peter admonishes us to give diligence to make our calling sure (2Peter 1:10).

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