07/06/2024
Chapter One: Simplicity - Living from the Tree of Life
Surrendering to Godâs redemptive love is an ongoing process. The duality within us creates a spiritual barrier, representing our free will and standing between us and divine connection. When we dismantle this illusion, life's profound questions find answers. This journey towards a Kainos (NEW) life isn't solitary; itâs a trinity of agape love and infinite wisdom. In our post-pandemic world, where global awakening has shaken many to their core, living an esoteric life is a radical yet necessary shift.
If a guilt-ridden, middle-aged, recovering pill addict, hovering mom, and anxious wife can find an intimate relationship with God, so can you. The first step? Ditch the labels. Hereâs my story: One day, while journaling in prayer, I felt a clear prompting from the Lord to "shed."
Shed? Shed what? Shed your unbelief.
I envisioned a campfire surrounded by family and friends, each tossing pieces of paper inscribed with limiting beliefs into the flames. God revealed this as His fire of purity, consuming the lies inherited from the worldâs adversary. First Peter 5:8 urges us to resist and stand firm in faith, much like Jobâs friends who falsely accused him of wrongdoing against God as the source of his suffering. Humanity, too, faces an accuser, but we love because He first loved us. The enemy prowls like a roaring lion, but we resist and stand firm in faith (1 Peter 5:8-9).
Understanding God's voice, discerning our identity, and detoxing from religious striving leads us to comprehend what Jesus meant by âit is finished.â This awareness frees us from wasting time on worry, doubt, and fear of the unknown.
Co-Creating with Christ
Are we co-creating with Christ or merely coexisting? True progress lies in embracing our imperfections. In Christ, there is no separation; we must unite in fellowship. The peace that surpasses all understanding is already within us, as the Life-Giver breathed His heart into us to share with the world. We are light dwellers and kingdom entrepreneurs, awakening to the truth of our redeemed identity. Innocence can be described as a new birth, but Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3 that we didnât begin in our motherâs womb. Paul didnât use new birth rhetoric to convert people but spoke clearly of our union with Christâs death and resurrection, leading many to believe (Acts 14:1). Even Peter referred to our new birth as the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (1 Peter 1:3). Paul asserts in Ephesians 2:5-6 that while we were dead in our sins, God made us alive together with Christ.
Cultural advice suggests taking breaks from social media and reconsidering separation from its toxic influence. Too many rural Christians feel unconnected, but Philippians 3:13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, and Acts 17 remind us of our unity. Truth becomes a reality when we awaken, breaking free from traditional constraints. United, we stand against power-driven vultures threatening our land, liberty, and happiness. We are not doomed to fail; the Spirit of God Almighty empowers us.
I used to treat God like a slot machine, offering prayers as coinage, expecting payouts of blessings. When outcomes didnât meet expectations, I moved on or reacted in frustration, treating God as a last resort rather than the first. I prioritized everythingârelationships, finances, careerâover God. This toxic pattern seemed to work until middle age hit. Seeking God with all my heart became a mission, but in the process, I lost the spark many call the fire of God. Yet, it starts with a simple smile or a prayer from a friend.
Breaking free from societal pressures and religious rituals, we find our true identity in Christ. His transformative love heals us from the inside out, guiding us through lifeâs complexities with grace. Embrace this journey, shedding unbelief and embracing the unity and peace found in Godâs redemptive love. Together, we co-create with Christ, embodying His love and sharing His light with the world.