My Sheep: Knows My Voice

My Sheep:

                                                       Knows My Voice         

 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand; Jn. 10: 27-28.

      Once in a way, an Ewe, gives birth to a lamb and rejects it! These bummer lambs hang their head down because of rejection, and were downcast in spirit. This particular shepherd took care of this lamb, hand -fed, kept it warm, wrapped in swaddling clothes for a season, and one day it became stronger.

     Once the bummer lamb becomes stronger, the shepherd places it with the other flock, and there is a closeness between the shepherd and the bummer lamb. This  bummer lamb developed a special bond of love and trust with the shepherd. When rejected by the Ewe, the love it got was from the shepherd and it begins to know his voice.

     It is a common practice in the farms that the shepherd calls for his flock, at particular time.  Guess who runs to the shepherd first at the voice of the shepherd? The bummer lamb! 

     It is not that the bummer lamb was loved more; but it knows intimately the One who loves it and his voice! The legs of the bummer lamb may be small, and its voice very soft, but it runs with joy knowing its life depends on This Shepherd.

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture; Jn. 10: 9.

Strong's Hebrew: 7716. שֶׂה (seh) -- Lamb, sheep, goat

שֶׂה denotes a young member of the small-livestock flock—either a lamb or a kid—viewed not primarily for its zoological identity but for its covenantal and pastoral usefulness.[i]

Strong's Greek: 4263. πρόβατον (probaton) -- Sheep - Bible Hub

4263 próbaton – sheep; (figuratively) someone easily led, one way or the other (like a sheep). [4263 (próbaton) properly refers to any animal that grazes (goes out to pasture), but especially to sheep.][ii] 

Strong's Greek: 5456. φωνή (phóné) -- Voice, sound, tone

noise, sound, voice. Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language -- noise, sound, voice. …[iii]

“As we have names for horses, dogs, cows, so the Eastern shepherds for their sheep. There is a story of a Scotch traveller who changed clothes with a Jerusalem shepherd and tried to lead the sheep: but the sheep followed the shepherds voice and not his clothes.” (Dods)

       In ancient times in Middle East, the shepherds just give a very distinctive call, and the sheep that belongs to that particular shepherd came out and followed their master because they knew his voice. It was amazing to witness that in New Zealand on our visit to a sheep farm that the sheep are experts at discerning the voice of their shepherds!

       Throughout the Gospels, we see that Jesus was calling his followers as sheep. For example, Philip, Mary of Magdala, Thomas, and Simon Peter; and on each occasion it is a turning-point in the disciple’s life.

       Sheep which belongs to God, not only they know His voice, and they are safe in the Mighty hands of  both the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ and God the Father. For the sheep it is so comforting to know that the hands which created the world is holding the genuine believer in His hands!

      Good shepherd takes good care of His sheep, and his soul is secure and saved while abiding in Christ alone who is the Real door and the Only True One! If we do not abide continuously in Christ and in His spirit we will be cast forth as branches that wither. If we are grafted into Christ, we will abide in Christ.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly; Jn. 10: 10. 

“The Greek word for ‘abundance,’ perissos, has a mathematical meaning and generally denotes a surplus…The abundant life is above all the contented life, in which our contentment is based upon the fact that God is equal to every emergency and is able to supply all our needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus.” (Boice) 

“More powerful than all the united energies of men and demons. He who loves God must be happy; and he who fears him need fear nothing on this side eternity.” (Clarke)

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[i]https://www.bing.com/search?FORM=I657DF&PC=I657&q=Hebrew+word+for+sheep

[ii]https://www.bing.com/search?FORM=I657DF&PC=I657&q=Greek+word+for+saheep

[iii]https://www.bing.com/search?FORM=I657DF&PC=I657&q=Greek+word+for+voice           

Kinsman-Redeemer: Sublime Faith?

 

Sublime Faith?

For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; 

Job 19:25.

          For a moment imagine ourselves sitting at the top of ash heaps! Think of itchy, painful sores in the body from top to bottom, forsaken by family, shunned by neighbors, and dear friends. To add to the present misery Job was accused falsely by very close friends of him being a secret slave of sin!! Job sees nothing but heart breaking misery and the most likely of the gloomy grave before him. Alas!...The wife of his bosom the beacon of his hope, who stood firm always unwavering in darkest hours in life, lost hope in Job and forsakes him.

 

       The sufferings of Job was in his body, mind and spirit. We mortal man ever since the Fall suffer more for survival, in the body, soul, spirit and mind. Soul is the intellectual property endowed to humanity, encased within our body miraculously, wonderfully by our Creator.  

 

       Yet out of the appalling night of Job’s woe and misery he sends forth this divine utterance of his faith in his living Redeemer. This is a huge testament for millions upon millions of later sufferers of today.

Strong's Hebrew: 1350. גָּאַל (gaal) -- Redeem, act as kinsman …

To be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, etc.) -- X in any wise, X at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk (-man), purchase, …[1]

        In the Book of Ruth, Boaz was the Kinsman Redeemer for Ruth. Boaz God sent, acts as goel by marrying Ruth and redeeming the family line for Naomi. By this alliance was restoration and hope and the inheritances continued. Boaz had the responsibility to ‘buy back’ and so redeem the lost inheritance and as such he was the defender or champion of the oppressed.

A primitive root, to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship), i.e. To be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, etc.) -- X in any wise, X at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger.[2]

 

The word translated Redeemer is goel, presenting one of the wonderful concepts of the Old Testament. “The ‘Goel’ stood for another to defend his cause, to avenge wrongs done to him, and so to acquit him of all charges laid against him.” (Morgan)

Sublime Faith?

 

        Job did lament the harsh words of his friends, and neighbors but yet, despite his afflictions, he expressed profound faith in God. The words of Job, affirms hope for vindication, resurrection and ultimate restoration in the promise of God’s words.

 

       What gives Job such sublime faith? This is absolutely because of his deep relationship with his living God. Nothing else than the Word, the promise of His God telling him of the Seed of the Woman that should bruise the Serpent's head. To this he clings with unfaltering faith, and through it soars triumphantly as on wings of an eagle over all his afflictions. 

A redeemer was a vindicator of one unjustly wronged. He was a defender of the oppressed. A champion of the suffering. An advocate of one unjustly accused. If you were ever wronged, a redeemer would come and stand beside you as your champion and advocate. (Lawson)

     We all have to supersede the theological calculus of our friends, family members, ourselves and hide within Christ, in the cleft of the Rock. This is emptying ourselves (self) completely under the Sovereignty of God, hiding behind the shadow of the cross. This bold confidence shatters Satan’s confidence and trusting in Christ and His redemptive work on the Cross, where Satan’s head was bruised!

Beyond the heavens Job thought there lived a Kinsman, who saw all his sufferings, and pitied, and would one day appear on earth to vindicate his innocence and avenge his wrongs. He was content to leave the case with Him, sure He would not fail, as his friends had done. (Meyer)

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[1]https://www.bing.com/search?FORM=I657DF&PC=I657&q=Hebrew+ https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1350.htm word+for+REdeemer

[2] https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1350.htm

Faith is Never Blind!

 

Faith is Never Blind! 

Our Neural pathways….

The most fascinating intersections of neuroscience and God’s Truth, should humble and prostrate all of us before our Holy, Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent God who gave His Son Jesus Christ for us.  Referring Mark: 5: 1-20; Jesus’s ministry exemplified compassion for those suffering in body, mind, and spirit, as demonstrated in His healing of the demon-possessed man.  

         The above tradition of healing ministry continued through the early church and medieval periods, where monasteries often served as places of refuge and care for those experiencing mental distress. Our brain’s ability to form new neural connections throughout life shows how consistent faith practices can literally reshape our thought patterns. This is when we “take every thought captive;”

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Cori. 10: 5.

        Through Biblical meditation and prayer, we are not only just engaging in spiritual discipline but actually creating new neural pathways. These neural pathways,  make it easier to maintain peace, joy, and Christ-centered thinking..

         At the heart of any of our belief formation lies the intricate network of neural connections that make up our brains. These networks are not static; they are constantly changing, adapting, and reorganizing in response to new information and experiences we receive in our life. This is called as neuroplasticity This neuroplasticity is the brain’s superpower; its ability to rewire itself based on our experiences and learning throughout our life. This is how we are wired, by our Creator!

Accepting forgiveness from God is first stage, in metamorphosis. Accepting Christ’s unconditional love and positivity literally reshapes our brain, and it boosts growth, memory,  creativity, and emotional resilience. When we ask God, who has wired us wonderfully, fearfully, different, in awesomeness (Ref. Psa. 139), He is able to give us the tender hearts to forgive our trespassers. This is because His love is poured out in our hearts beyond our imaginations. God is in us, with us, and through us by His Spirit. 

‘God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven me,’ – may each one of us be able to say that. We shall not feel the divine sweetness and force of the text unless we can make a personal matter of it by the Holy Ghost.” (Spurgeon)

Neuroscience studies have shown repeatedly, when we focus on good, our brains literally rewires itself  to look for more good. This is called neuroplasticity. This is not motivation but indeed science related to our nervous system. 

Who controls? 

         Our brains constantly interpreters, filters, process, and gives us the sense of the world around us where we are  placed temporarily. This brain machine (mind) plays a pivotal role in shaping our beliefs, perceptions, reasoning and storing all the information both good and bad. There is an  intricate relationship between neuroscience and faith. 

The Default Mode Network (DMN) plays a significant role in understanding the neuroscience of faith. Recent studies suggest that religious experiences (RSEs) are intricately linked to interactions between the DMN, the frontoparietal network, and the salience network. These networks are involved in various phenomena related to faith, including ecstatic experiences and mystical states. The DMN's activity may influence how individuals perceive and engage with spiritual experiences, highlighting the complex interplay between brain function and religious beliefs.[i]

         Our brains are fired to following our beliefs. Our brain cannot distinguish between what is real from what is physically imaginable! This means when God transforms our mind, He also transforms our reality. Inside our minds, we have the RAS (Reticular activating system). This is our brain’s gate keeper, filtering through millions of thoughts and information, every second. This only lets through what matters which our brain already believes to be true. This means when we believe we are not good enough, our brains will sub-consciously approve of this, even in conversations, outcomes, and even in the way people’s response to us.

The Reticular Activating System (RAS) regulates wakefulness, attention, and sensory filtering, acting as the brain’s gatekeeper for consciousness and focus.[ii] 

BUT: If we believe that we are loved, chosen, and capable and align our thoughts with what God said, and of what is written in God’s word, our brain starts scanning in the world for the evidences of God’s goodness instead. It is not manifestation, but it is how God designed our brain to follow and build faith, and this is how our nervous system works. The Bible says, For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:  Prov. 23:7 a.

       This is how faith builds the unseen with the seen. We are not pretending with something into our system. We are in-fact  partnering with God who wired our mind, to bring heaven’s reality into our daily life. When we rest and finally stop striving, our brains enter a state called beta, and that is when our DMN, (default mode net work) quiets down, making our mind more suggestable and more open to renewal.

Beta waves are essential for staying productive and focused. These signals, known as brainwaves, are patterns of electrical impulses created by neurons communicating with each other.[iii]

        This means our thoughts creates the pathways, about how our life needs to move on! God’s word in, Phil. 4: 6-8; wants us to think on; for our own benefit. What we meditate on; does magnify.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things; Phil. 4: 6-8.      

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen; 

Heb. 11: 1.

Where our focus grows, grace flows. Scripture reminds us that God provides wisdom through various channels.

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established;

Prov. 15: 22.

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[i]https://www.bing.com/search?q=The+Default+Mode+Network+(DMN)+plays+a+signifi

[ii]https://www.bing.com/search?qs=LT&pq=RAS+(Reticular+activating+system).&sk=CSY

[iii] https://neuropathclinic.com/understanding-brainwaves-alpha-beta-theta-and-delta-

The Cost

The Cost

                                                       Love vs. Commitment 

Love is a very complex emotion least understood and commitment is a strenuous challenge. Both these words are very easily misunderstood by humanity. . Yet, Love and Commitment are inseparable and its is like the two sides of a coin!

       We use the word "love" in many different contexts- the love for our parents, best friend, romantic partner, grandparent, married couples, children, sibling, job, automobile, etc.; and also for ice cream if one likes it!

Love may well be one of the most studied, but least understood, of all behaviors as well. When we talk about love, we fail to understand to talk about the commitment which comes along with it 

Meaning of love: Love is a strong feeling of affection towards someone or something, characterized by care, compassion, and emotional attachment.

Meaning of commitment: Commitment is an agreement, or pledge to do something in the future days to come, despite hurdles. Commitment involves huge dedication, and that is dedication of oneself to a particular role belief, or cause, with unwavering determination. 

Greek has multiple words for love, each describing a different type of affection or connection, including agápē, érōs, philía, storgē, philautía, and xenía .^[i]

“And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” Gen. 3:9-10. 

Most Christians seem to have a hard time picturing God as weeping over His lost children. Hence, we use the more appropriate rendering of “where are you?” But while ayakah is an interrogative,* it is also an expression of grief. (*Interrogative means: conveying the force of a question)- Chaim Bentorah. 

God is grief- stricken because the sin has caused to hide man from His presence- the presence He longs to share with all of us. When we look around, and the effects of Fall in our Globe; (ayakah - this rendering makes more sense, in my search for God’s heart!- ayakah in Hebrew means where are you?) 

         Quintessential passages for the Doctrine of Christ are: Col. 1: 15-17;  Matt. 16: 13-16; Jn.1:1.

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist; Col. 1: 15-17.

        Now we can partly understand, why God in His great love had to give His Son, for the remission of this heinous crime, the terrible tragedy at the Garden, and the entrance of the Original Sin! ( Original sin is, Peccatum-Originale-in Latin).

       The cost of God’s love is High! Can we wrap our mind around this great love and His commitment for creating us in His image?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life; Jn. 3: 16. 

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another;  

Jn. 13: 34-35. 

Strong's Greek: 2537. καινός (kainos) -- New, fresh, unused, novel

The adjective translated “new” (Strong’s Greek 2537) appears forty-two times across the New Testament, proclaiming God’s decisive in-breaking to transform creation, covenant, humanity, …^[ii]

 “‘New’ (kainen) implies freshness, or the opposite of ‘outworn’ rather than simply ‘recent’ or ‘different.’” (Tenney)

“The ‘new commandment’ (mandatum novum in the Vulgate) has given its name to the anniversary of the Last Supper: Maundy Thursday.” (Bruce)      

        This commandment stands at the heart of communal ethics; moral ethics and as well as for individual devotion. It transcends mainly mere affection.  It is active for people to be in  selfless service, humility, kindness, and sacrifice. This is patterned after the example set by Jesus Christ in his earthly ministry towards people and his disciples.

Self is the root, the tree, and the branches of all the evils of our fallen state. Read whatever chapter of scripture you will, and be ever so delighted with it - yet it will leave you as poor, as empty and unchanged as it found you unless it has turned you wholly and solely to the Spirit of God, and brought you into full union with and dependence upon him.- William Law[iii]

This is also patterned on the love and commitment of Christ for His Bride, the Church; HE died for her in order to restore her. This is patterned for healthy marriages, and relationships. 

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[i]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Greek+word+for+love&cvid=74ac

[ii] https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=greeek+word+for+new&cvid=5

 [iii] William Law - Wikipedia

For the next few years Law is said to have been a curate in London. By 1727 he lived with Edward Gibbon (1666–1736) at Putney as tutor to his son Edward, father of the historian, who says that Law became the much-honoured friend

I was Blind!

I was Blind!

 

I was blind, now I see;

Jn. 9: 25.

 

Strong's Greek: 3467. μυωπάζω (muópazó) -- To be short-sighted, to …

By choosing this rare word, Peter invokes the plight of spiritual nearsightedness: a believer whose vision is restricted to present impulses and earthly concerns, forfeiting the larger horizon of salvation history[i] 

Myopia - Etymology, Origin & Meaning - Etymonline

myopia (n.) "short-sightedness," 1727, medical Latin, from Late Greek myōpia "near-sightedness," from myōps "near-sighted," literally "closing the eyes, blinking," on the notion of "squinting, contracting the …[ii]

 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind (Jn. 9:13). This explains that the healing of the blind man is for the glory of God.

Works of necessity and mercy never could be forbidden on that day by him whose name is mercy, and whose nature is love; for the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath; were it otherwise, the Sabbath would be rather a curse than a blessing.” (Clarke)

 

He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see; Jn. 9: 25.

       The blind man never even saw Jesus until later in the story. His first dealings with Jesus were while he was still blind, and Jesus was not there when he washed his eyes at the Pool of Siloam and could see.      

Despite the intense intimidation, the men stayed courageous in their confession of faith. Spurgeon eloquently described the horror of those who lose their courage at such times: “Remember also that by yielding to the fear of man you are demeaning yourself. ” (Spurgeon)

       Spirituality has most often been defined as a sense of being connected to something greater than oneself. Blind sees, and Jesus healed the blind. There is a spiritual blindness in all of us, only God can heal and open our eyes to see. Something happens in our brain, metaphysically and when we engage in it, this improves mental health, emotional well-being and our performance.    

Neuroimaging research indicates that some brain regions exhibit stable patterns of activation or deactivation across spiritual experiences.[iii]

      One of the things worthy to be noticed in our Lord’s character is his wonderful quiet spirit, gentleness, tenderness, especially his marvelous calmness in the presence of those who misjudged, miscalculated, insulted, underrate and slandered him. This is something we beleivers have to learn, when we are reviled and accused in these days to come.

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 1 Pet. 2: 23.

         As our heart remember previous life experiences and identity we had, it is very obvious that our past experiences of self become part of our heart. If our hearts are hardened towards our neighbour, that still means that we are not able to see what the Lord wanted us to see! Unless our spiritual eyes are opened by the Lord, we cannot see clearly.  

“Such a man sees the things of time, and fails to discern those of eternity … he sees himself and his fellowmen, but not God. This nearsightedness is destructive of a true Christian experience, and therefore makes advance impossible.” (Morgan)

This healing work of our Savior cost Jesus something; it wasn’t as if He had a magic bag of healing power that He drew from and cast about to the needy. It came at the cost of His own agony. “If His word and touch brought instant deliverance to men, it was because in a great mystery of grace He suffered in order to save.” (Morgan)

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable; 1 Cori. 15: 19.

God has put this glory into the believer right now. In heaven the glory will simply be revealed. “The glory will be revealed, not created. The implication is that it is already existent, but not apparent.” (Morris)

 

Neuroscientists reveal the brain ignores Truth and accepts whatever thoughts you repeat frequently as the Truth overtime. This is the effect of Fall, and we would rather believe a lie as truth! 

         The good thing of over coming nearsightedness spiritually, brings healing, and we begin to see more clearly; and it activates our brain for our overall goodness. Spiritual practices make one less vulnerable to disease by regulating the hormonal and neural systems.

Neurotransmitters: Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are boosted, improving mood, motivation, and attachment. Default Mode Network (DMN): This network deactivates itself during spiritual practice, reducing ego-centered thought and enhancing feelings of compassion and interconnectedness. In addition, developed states can show synchrony between different cerebral areas, leading to increased coherence and clarity in cognitive functions.[iv]

True Story: A good friend of mine, while driving in the snow, the wheels started spinning out of control, and she was skidding. She felt that her life was over that day; and she cried out to God, and asked Jesus to take the wheel, and took her hands off the wheel. The next thing she knew of when she opened her eyes was, she found herself in the car safely landed on the side snow bank. To her surprise, not a scratch on her, and she was safe. Sometimes in life experiences we have to take the hands off the wheel!

         Seeing is not the thing that the Lord simply pours into us as we passively receive; without us taking any effort to attain them. Instead, we are called to give all diligence to these things, working in partnership with God to add them. This is allowing God, to be in the driver seat and following Him faithfully, every step of our way. The Blind can See !

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[i] https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=near+sightedness

[ii] Online Etymology Dictionary https://www.etymonline.com › word › myopia

[iii] https://neurolab.co/post/spirituality-and-neuroscience-

[iv] Neuro Lab