Never mind what you do... How?

[Clio]

How do you experience Jesus?

Everything I find in the Bible that talks about Jesus is experiential in nature. So... How do you?

How do you experience Jesus?

[Nicodema]

[sarcasm but with a point]

Apparently I don't, because I am human, have triggers, and am not perfect yet -- which apparently according to SOME people, means [:"red"]able (and WILLING!) to sit down and shut up, lay down, be silent and SUCK UP THE ABUSE and LIES and GAME PLAYING while others kick me around, walk on me, twist my words, misinterpret me, then throw it all back in my face and say, "HERE, THIS, THIS IS WHAT YOU REALY ARE" when it is all a BIG FAT SATANIC LIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/]

[/sarcasm but with a point]

[Jeannieb43]

Clio, I heard this concept first from a trusted Bible instructor (female) in our church when I was in my 20s. She said in order to commune with God while in prayer -or any other time- one has to exercise his consecrated imagination.

I took that to mean that we have to picture God in our minds, picture our guardian angel at our shoulder, picture our petitions being carried up to the altar in heaven, etc. Our imaginations are limited by our own experiences -- but if we imagine God as being there for us (and actually being just as gentle, loving and kind as was Jesus while living on this earth), it makes our communion with Him more real.

I heard HMS Richards, Jr. say once from the pulpit that when he has his daily devotions, he prays part of his private prayer aloud, and part of it silently so Satan won't know what his silent petitions are. He believed (as I do) that Satan is roaming the earth and can hear and see everything we do -- but Satan is not given the power to read our minds.

[That last paragraph should have been in the past tense. I know Harold Richards is now deceased, but the present tense was the way he talked on this subject.]

[Nicodema]

Just don't "buy it" if people start telling you that (a) you should put yourself into an altered state to do this; ( that communication with your own imagination constitutes communication with the TRUE AND LIVING GOD. Those are lies from the pit of hell and those who teach such things are at best ignorant and at worst ... I don't want to speculate.

[Clio]

NOpe... So far nothing is on track for what I was wondering about.

How can you know someone if you have not experiences with them?

I certainly wouldn't have married my husband if I had not experienced him as a part of my life prior to that point.

We are going to marry the Lamb. How do you experience Him?

Certainly NOT through imagination or anything false.

Anyone want to try again?

[Bravus]

I guess for me I experience Jesus and God together, as an infinite reservoir of love. When I chose to let their love flow through me to others, that's when I experience them... when I block off the flow through me, I also block of the (perceived) flow to me.

[Dr. Shane]

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,

But His smile quickly drives it away;

Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,

Can abide while we trust and obey.

Refrain

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,

But our toil He doth richly repay;

Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,

But is blessed if we trust and obey.

Refrain

But we never can prove the delights of His love

Until all on the altar we lay;

For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,

Are for them who will trust and obey.

Refrain

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.

Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.

What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;

Never fear, only trust and obey.

[stef]

Just as we experience our loved ones in many different ways, there are myriad facets to the way we can experience Jesus in our lives.

For example one way that I experience Jesus is in my thoughts...not my imagination, but in a "mind conversation” For example, when He is working on peeling yet another smelly layer of some cherished sin, and I respond, "How can I do it? I don't KNOW another way..." He teaches me through impressions--only stronger than impressions, it is as clear as an audible voice. He is a patient and compassionate instructor.

I experience Jesus through others--especially when performing a service that I have performed without prior planning. It's not the thanks I receive from an individual (or, in my case often stray/injured animals), but it's a blessing that goes beyond that, an intimacy that is akin to a hug from a beloved brother.

I also experience Jesus through being served by others. For instance, one of my former students graduated from high school last year. She happens to have some profound congenital defects that have left her with mental and physical disabilities and have left her with the mind of a third-grader and a life expectancy of age 25 or so. The other day I asked if she would like to accompany me to town--a one-hour trip each way. When I picked her up, she was fairly bouncing up and down with the desire to take me out for dinner. Inwardly I cringed. I was already running late, knowing that I had to be in class later in the evening. Also, this delightful child does not have a lot of her own funds, and I was reluctant to allow her to spend her money on food for me--I would have rather paid her way or paid separately. I prayed about being good stewards of our time, and some way out of having Sarah buy my dinner. Amazingly we had a half-hour to spare, in which she took me out for a light supper which she delighted in paying for. Jesus spoke to me through her sacrifice and showed me how reluctant I am to be served by anyone, but that I must allow Him to serve me or I can't be part of His kingdom.

One of my favorite experiences with Jesus is the personal touch He has given each morning to awaken me for the past three years or so. This is a gift of love that I specifically prayed for. Prior to my prayer I struggled in the morning and alarm clocks--no matter if they sound chimes or buzzers or music--tend to get me off on the wrong side of the bed. I wanted more time with the Lord, but not in my characteristic morning-grumpy-self. Jesus answered my prayer by giving a different song that He uses to bring me out of my slumber.

I am confident that anyone desiring a closer relationship with Jesus and our loving Father can ask for his or her own personal message. Listen and feel, He is there!

[Clio]

Stef -

I have to say, your post this morning was exactly what I needed to read. And to hear..er... read some of your experiences just made me smile, and I desperately needed a smile this morning.

I especially liked what you said about the "silent conversation". It is very similar to what I have also experienced, especially when we're working on a... as you put it... "on another smelly layer of some cherished sin". I also send up helpless, or sometimes exasperated, questions and receive that stronger than an impression, as clear as an audible voice response. I experience it in such a way, that no matter the topic, I recognize His Voice.

Yesterday was one of the most difficult days I've had in a veyr long time. It seemed like everyone to whom I could pour out my troubles was cranky, grumpy, and consumed with their own problems, even my husband. I prayed last night, and continued to pray throughout the night, in my sleep... I remember doing so. And this morning, on my way to work, I continued... Not just for me... but for all those in my life who are in need just as I am. And when I got to work, I turned off the car and prayed a little more. It was like He scooped me up and let me cry on His shoulder. I'm shaky, but better. I think today is a praise and worship MP3 player day.

You pick up stray animals too huh? I bet all the animals in your home tend to congregate around you too! Last night I woke up to find a little gray and white kitten on one shoulder, my mean old raggedy earred mama cat on my other shoulder, and my Rottweiler lying beside me.

I receive my greatest blessings when He says to "do this" and I listen the first time and just do it. Most often, that is helping someone in a truly tangible way. I have brought homeless people home, given them a meal, a place to sleep for the night, and an opportunity to get cleaned up. I've had families stay in our home for several months while they got back on their feet. My husband just sighs... and tells me it's all right. It's just one of the idiosyncracies of living with me. He's so good about it.

It's funny you mention Him awakening you. Two years ago, when Mike first got sick, I was convicted I needed to spend more time with Him in the morning. But like you, alarms tend to start my day off WRONG! So I told Abba, "You want more time with me, I want more time with You. So get me up!" I have yet to actually hear my alarm since. I always set it, but invariably, 30 minutes before it goes off, I'm awakened. Sometimes by a song (the Holy Spirit seems to like praise songs ), sometimes I'm awakened with a strong message to "PRAY!!" and sometimes I'm awakened just with a slow, wonderful, deepening sense of anticipation of spending time with Him.

And then there are days like today. He woke me up... and then... nothing. And the way I'm feeling, was feeling, left me miserable, right up until I got to work. Now I just wish I had the time to curl up on His lap and cry. But I don't. So the music will have to do.

What you shared about Sarah just blows my mind. You see, it was a lesson He brought round to me this past two years. We have always been (my family) those who served. We rarely allowed anyone to serve us. We paid for dinners, we brought others into our home, we...we...we... and the last two years, while Mike has been so ill, others have served us. They have blessed us in amazing ways.

Someone provided me with some books I have longed for, in order to deepen my study with Abba. More than I would have ever purchased for myself, and it has been SUCH a blessing. Another provided a tuneup for my little car when it was desperately necessary, and left me his suburban to drive while he had my car for 3 days. Someone else sent me a large sum of money, it arrived the day our furnace died. And through it all came the message from Abba, "You must serve... and be served... to have a place in My Kingdom. Each according to his gifts and talents"

Abba's Blessing upon you, Stef.

[Nicodema]

I experience Jesus when I am lifted out of and above my self. Can't see my self and wouldn't matter if I could, cuz I'm all wrapped up in HIM and HE is all that matters.

Still, sometimes it feels like too much work for ME (too hard) to "get there". Like no matter how I try it just doesn't happen. (Other times, though, it's like He just puts me there and I don't have to "work" at it, at all.)

It's been a couple weeks since I really experienced Him. I've been extremely discouraged lately in case it hasn't been blatantly obvious. Honest prayers by people who care about me would be appreciated. (Those who don't, or whose only interest in me is to manipulate, "punish" and control, need not apply).

[Clio]

You are in my prayers Nico. Unceasingly.

[Nicodema]

Thanks Clio. I'm more than half convinced your prayers (and perhaps that of a handful of caring others here as well) are the ONLY reason why I ever DO return to my "right mind" as it were, on ANY occasion.

A simpler way of expressing what I tried to say above: I experience Jesus when I am blessedly relieved from the burden of myself.

[olger]

Since it is in relationships where most people are damaged, God has arranged it that healing comes through relationships.

First with Him, and then with others that He brings across our path. If we can't open our heart to God, we will never open it to another person, including our spouse.

olger

[Nicodema]

I don't have any problem opening my heart to God or to anyone else who actually loves me, all of me, who I am, and sees and knows me for who I really am -- my boyfriend, my son, etc.

I receive a great deal of healing from them. But that doesn't automatically change other people into being more like them. Hurtful people are still hurtful, no matter how much healing love God blesses me with through a few special souls.

I'm not going to open my heart to someone hurtful. I don't lie down and roll over for abusers like a dog.

[:"grey"]Wow, THAT was a weird morph to this thread. Please ... [/]

[olger]

I hope I we didn't take this thread off topic. Forgive me.

Each of us will suffer many wrongs in life. We cannot control what others do or say to us. The only thing we can do, is to have a proper attitude towards those who have wounded us.

The enemy has a goal to defile the life of a believer with bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). This will damage his/her effectiveness for the Lord. How many bitter people does it take to start anger moving through a family or a church?

..just one..

God never never intended that our lives would be frustrating and full of defeat. He provides Biblical solutions to every problem that we struggle with.

I like the words in Jeremiah 29: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

God has the solution.

olger

[Norman Byers, N.D.]

Hi Clio,

Talking to Abba and knowing that He hears and answers me is one of the greatest blessings that tells He's real and thereby produces in me a experience that I can't explain except that it comes from Him.

The other one is when He answers my requests.

But the most powerfel way I have experienced my Father is by the words of Jesus, when He said,

Luk 10:20 "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight."

God has revealed the fact that my name is written in heaven and I don't have to rely on my works, even if the are Spirit led to bring me joy and spiritual life (experience)

My name is written there and that is my source of joy when darkness comes and when it's clear. If I base my experience on what I do then one day I may be in a position where I can't do those things. Then how will my experience survive?

How marvelous is our God, how amazing and wise to give us such comfort by His grace. Knowing that our names are written in heaven compels us to use the faith that we have been given.

A note about imagination: We have been given these to use for the understanding of God. They are important when led by the Holy Spirit to think on spiritual matters. Our imagination when used right can be a powerful tool for our regeneration and for the sharing of the Gospel. When hard times come I have to use fact, knowledge, wisdom and imagination to get through them, all by the leading of the Spirit.

Take care and God bless you.

Norman

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

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Nicodema said:

I experience Jesus when I am blessedly relieved from the burden of myself.

---

A mutual conclusion probably reached by some on this forum, and many more throughout the body of Christ on earth. Thank you for expressing it so well, Nico.

Maybe this fits here.

[:"red"] "Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it].

For every person will have to bear (be equal to understanding and calmly receive) his own [little] load [of oppressive faults]." [/] Gal 6:2,5 AMP

parenthesis theirs LHC

[stef]

Clio, thank you for sharing your day of need with us. The tempter is so adept at targeting his fiery darts where we are most vulnerable. I am also grateful that you posted this question. Relating how I experience Jesus was a powerful reminder that He is very present in my life just at a time when I was feeling low!

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

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LifeHiscost said:

Quote:

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Nicodema said:

I experience Jesus when I am blessedly relieved from the burden of myself.

---

A mutual conclusion (reached about our own experience) probably reached by some on this forum, and many more throughout the body of Christ on earth. Thank you for expressing it so well, Nico.

LHC

---

You know, I read this response to your post, Nico, and failed to realize it could sound like a put down. I added the words in parenthesis to help clarify. Hope you forgive easily, as I do apologize for any offense. It was entirely unintended.

[:"red"] "But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God." [/] Romans 2:29 NASB

[Nicodema]

It's all right. I am starting to realize human beings are not responsible for the parlor tricks of the Arranger, even if they are inadvertently used.

God bless.