Embracing God's Presence: A Journey of Transformation

 

Summary

In this Advent season, as we journey towards Christmas, we are reminded that we are not alone. We can learn to live life together with God, embracing His presence in every moment. The Gospel of John tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, a miracle of the Incarnation that is not only historical but also a present reality within us. This transformation is akin to the concept of neuroplasticity, where our brains can be rewired by our thoughts. Similarly, the Word of God can become embodied in us, transforming our spiritual lives.

We draw inspiration from Frank Laubach, a missionary and thinker who devoted his life to experiencing God's presence continuously. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Laubach found profound joy and fulfillment in his inner life with God. He described moments of divine communication, where he felt God speaking through him, filling him with poetry and beauty. This experience of prayer and communion with God revitalized his spiritual life, turning it from emptiness to abundance.

Laubach's practice involved asking a simple yet profound question: "God, what shall we think of now?" This question invites God into our thoughts, transforming mundane moments into opportunities for divine connection. It encourages us to focus on thoughts of beauty, goodness, and nobility, which elevate our lives, rather than succumbing to worry and negativity.

The pursuit of a life with God is strenuous, requiring effort and concentration. However, this effort is life-giving, not draining. By keeping God in mind, we find clarity, peace, and joy. The key is to remain vigilant, ensuring that God does not slip from our thoughts. When God is present, we are in harmony with the universe, and we can navigate life with grace and ease.

Key Takeaways:

- The Incarnation is not just a historical event but a present reality within us. By allowing the Word of God to become embodied in us, we can experience a transformation akin to neuroplasticity, where our spiritual lives are rewired and renewed. [01:36]

- Frank Laubach's life demonstrates the power of continuous communion with God. Despite personal hardships, he found joy and fulfillment by inviting God into every moment, transforming his inner life from emptiness to abundance. [02:31]

- Asking "God, what shall we think of now?" is a powerful practice that invites divine presence into our thoughts. This question helps us focus on beauty and goodness, elevating our lives and keeping us aligned with God's will. [06:35]

- The pursuit of a life with God requires effort and concentration, but this effort is life-giving. By keeping God in mind, we find clarity, peace, and joy, navigating life with grace and ease. [09:33]

- Remaining vigilant in our spiritual practice ensures that God does not slip from our thoughts. When God is present, we are in harmony with the universe, and we can navigate life with grace and ease. [10:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:29] - Introduction to Advent
- [00:40] - The Life-Changing Question
- [00:53] - The Miracle of the Incarnation
- [01:06] - Neuroplasticity and Spiritual Transformation
- [01:48] - Frank Laubach's Journey
- [02:31] - Laubach's Inner Life
- [03:24] - The Power of Prayer
- [04:02] - Experimenting with God's Voice
- [04:44] - Continuous Discovery of God
- [05:46] - God's Love for Beauty
- [06:35] - The Transformative Question
- [07:33] - Thoughts and Our Best Selves
- [08:23] - Experimenting with God
- [09:17] - The Strenuous Pursuit of God
- [10:28] - The Invitation to Live with God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:14 - "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
2. Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the Gospel of John describe the Incarnation, and what significance does it hold for believers today? [00:53]

2. What was Frank Laubach's approach to experiencing God's presence, and how did it transform his life? [02:31]

3. What is the significance of the question "God, what shall we think of now?" in the context of the sermon? [06:35]

4. How does the concept of neuroplasticity relate to spiritual transformation according to the sermon? [01:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the Incarnation serve as a model for how believers can embody the Word of God in their daily lives? [00:53]

2. How might Frank Laubach's practice of continuous communion with God challenge or inspire modern believers in their spiritual journey? [02:31]

3. What are the potential impacts of inviting God into our thoughts, as suggested by the question "God, what shall we think of now?" [06:35]

4. How does the sermon suggest that focusing on thoughts of beauty, goodness, and nobility can transform a believer's life? [07:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a mundane moment. How did it change your perspective or actions? [06:35]

2. Consider the question "God, what shall we think of now?" How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine to invite divine presence into your thoughts? [06:35]

3. Identify an area of your life where you feel spiritually dry or empty. What steps can you take to invite God's presence into that area, similar to Frank Laubach's approach? [02:31]

4. How can you apply the concept of neuroplasticity to your spiritual life by intentionally focusing on thoughts that align with God's will? [01:06]

5. Think of a recent situation where you were overwhelmed by worry or negativity. How might focusing on thoughts of beauty and goodness have changed your response? [07:33]

6. What practical steps can you take to remain vigilant in your spiritual practice, ensuring that God does not slip from your thoughts throughout the day? [10:08]

7. How can you create a habit of continuous discovery of God in your daily life, as Frank Laubach did, and what might be the benefits of such a practice? [05:15]

Devotional

Day 1: The Incarnation as a Present Reality
The Incarnation is not merely a historical event but a present reality that can transform our lives. The Gospel of John speaks of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, a miracle that continues to unfold within us today. This transformation is similar to neuroplasticity, where our spiritual lives can be rewired and renewed by allowing the Word of God to become embodied in us. As we embrace this reality, we open ourselves to a profound spiritual transformation that aligns us more closely with God's will and presence. [01:36]

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Word of God to become more embodied in your daily life, allowing it to transform your thoughts and actions?


Day 2: Continuous Communion with God
Frank Laubach's life exemplifies the power of continuous communion with God. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Laubach found joy and fulfillment by inviting God into every moment of his life. He experienced divine communication, where God spoke through him, filling him with poetry and beauty. This practice transformed his inner life from emptiness to abundance, demonstrating that a life lived in constant awareness of God's presence can lead to profound spiritual fulfillment. [02:31]

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you create moments throughout your day to consciously invite God's presence into your thoughts and actions, transforming mundane tasks into opportunities for divine connection?


Day 3: The Transformative Power of a Simple Question
Asking "God, what shall we think of now?" is a powerful practice that invites divine presence into our thoughts. This question encourages us to focus on beauty, goodness, and nobility, elevating our lives and keeping us aligned with God's will. By intentionally directing our thoughts towards these virtues, we can transform our inner lives and experience a deeper connection with God. This practice helps us to resist the pull of worry and negativity, allowing us to live more fully in the light of God's love. [06:35]

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: What specific thoughts or worries can you surrender to God today by asking, "God, what shall we think of now?" and how might this shift your perspective?


Day 4: The Life-Giving Effort of Pursuing God
The pursuit of a life with God requires effort and concentration, but this effort is life-giving rather than draining. By keeping God in mind, we find clarity, peace, and joy, enabling us to navigate life with grace and ease. This pursuit demands vigilance, ensuring that God does not slip from our thoughts. When we remain focused on God, we align ourselves with the universe and experience a harmonious existence. The effort we invest in this pursuit is rewarded with a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. [09:33]

"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (1 Chronicles 16:11, ESV)

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to ensure that your thoughts remain focused on God, allowing His presence to guide you through your daily challenges?


Day 5: Vigilance in Spiritual Practice
Remaining vigilant in our spiritual practice ensures that God does not slip from our thoughts. When God is present, we are in harmony with the universe, and we can navigate life with grace and ease. This vigilance requires intentionality and dedication, as we strive to keep God at the forefront of our minds. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's presence, experiencing a life of peace, joy, and spiritual abundance. [10:08]

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a habit of vigilance in your spiritual practice, ensuring that God's presence remains central in your life, even amidst distractions and challenges?

Quotes


In the Gospel of John at the very beginning we're told that the word that is Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us when we beheld his glory, and that was literally true in the person of Jesus that's the amazing Miracle of the Incarnation but it's also something God wants to have happen inside you and inside me. [00:46:55]

We talk a lot in our day about neuroplasticity how the brain can actually be changed can actually be rewired and that actually every time you think a thought it involves neurons firing and that changes the brain and the brain is actually part of your body it's part of your flesh so the word becoming flesh the word becoming embodied in US is actually a way by which we live. [00:67:86]

Frank lavik Remains the only U.S missionary as far as I know to be put on a U.S postage stamp happened back in the early 1980s because of his impact on the world and what a lot of people who saw his outside impact did not know is what was most uh remarkable about him was his inner life and that he decided to devote it to this experiment of seeing to what extent God could be present for him especially in his mind. [02:32:18]

He said the day had been rich but strenuous so I climbed Signal Hill back of my house that's what he called the hill or you'd go to meet with God talking and listening to God all the way up all the way back all the lovely half hour on the top and God talked back. [02:66:14]

I let my tongue go loose and from it there flowed poetry far more Beauty than any I ever composed it flowed without pausing and without ever a failing syllable for a half hour I listened astonished and full of joy and gratitude I wanted a Dictaphone for I knew I should not be able to remember it and now I cannot. [03:81:31]

People all over the world are withering because they are open toward God only rarely every waking minute is not too much the sun pours out on the earth and gives life the water rain pours out on the earth and gives life and so God says I want to do with you and every moment is not too much. [04:87:40]

Now that I have discovered him I find it is a continuous Discovery every day is Rich with new aspects of him and his working as one makes new discoveries about his friends by being with them I used to tell my wife I know you better than you know yourself and it did not make her happy it was not a wise thing to say because every human being is a wealth of depth that can never be plumbed whether a new surprises how much more with God. [05:15:30]

See it is when thoughts of beauty and goodness and nobility Wonder curiosity admiration fill our minds that our lives are at their best and when our thoughts go to worry Darkness anxiety selfishness greed discontent anger resentment pruning that we are at our worst we are what we think about why not God what should we think of next. [07:50:84]

This concentration upon God is strenuous but everything else has ceased to be so I think more clearly I forget less frequently these are Frontline reports from the experiment things which I did with a strain before I now do easily and with no effort whatever I worry about nothing I don't lose sleep even the mirror reveals a new light in my eyes and face I no longer feel in a hurry. [09:73:48]

Nothing can go wrong except one thing that is that God May slip from my mind if I do not keep on my guard if he is there the universe is with me if he is there the universe is with me I go lightly through the day that's the invitation the word became flesh it happened then it happens now. [10:08:27]

The pursuit of growth of Love Of Joy of uh goodness of character that is not something that we drift into Grace doesn't mean that there's no effort involved in it but it means that the effort becomes not draining not life depleting but life-giving. [09:52:80]

God what shall we think about now You Are Not Alone. [10:39:48]

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Transcript
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