Time to Dive into the Father's Affection

Time to Dive into the Father's Affection.

A continuation of my stories on the Father's Affection, part 1 and part 2

Well you’ve come this far, either you’re convinced that I’m not a lunatic, OR you’re just as looney as me! Just in case you’re not still sure about this, consider this.

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Imagined experiences, for better or for worse, have a similar effect on the brain as real experiences.

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Studies have shown that when you imagine practicing a particular skill, it strengthens the areas of the brain that are involved in the actual performance of that skill. Check out this article to learn more. When you imagine playing the piano, neural connections to your fingers are strengthened. Maybe this is why golfers are trained to envision the flight of their ball before they swing.

The western worldview is quick to determine whether an experience is “real” or “not real,” but remember Peter when he had the munchies in Acts 10? He fell into a trance. (go back to part 2 and revisit ekstasis). Paul has a similar experience in Acts 22. Jesus also suggests hearing and seeing things that weren’t with his natural senses.

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Just because something is happening in the realm of the imagination, doesn’t mean it’s not real.

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I recognize that this might be a hard pill to swallow for some. That's okay! This might be something you need to wrestle with a bit more. If that's the case, I encourage you to set this down for now. You can always come back! Dig around, talk to others, pray about it, see if you can get to a place where you're open enough to give this a try.

Okay, now that we’ve paved the way, let’s try it out. You ready? If you are currently not in a private place or time in which you can engage fully with this process, set it aside and come back later. Plan to give it about 10-15 minutes. This process is only as helpful as your ability to be present. Here we go… 

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• Sit quietly in a comfortable position.
• Take several deep breaths, letting them out slowly. Take your time here, don’t move on until you feel your body start to relax.
• Begin to whisper your feelings to God. If you’re anxious, tell Him. Tell Him how you feel about Him. Offer Him thanks for who He is to you.
• After a few moments, invite the Holy Spirit to use your imagination to lead you to Jesus.
• Ask the Spirit to create within your mind a safe place where you can meet the Lord. It may be an imaginary place or somewhere you have been before that is special, like a cabin, beach, or spot along a quiet stream. You might feel like you supplied the place rather than the Spirit, that’s okay. Jesus doesn’t mind if you choose the place, He just wants to meet with you.
• Rest there for as long as you like, enjoying all the surroundings. If you experience some dissonance or distraction, notice it and let it pass, like a leaf in the stream. 
• When ready, invite the Lord to join you in that place. If that frightens you, ask him to come as the lamb, or to simply allow you to feel his presence.
• Once there, notice the warmth of his love. Let it soak into your being. If you are allowing Christ to be there, notice his posture, eyes, and extended arms. Draw close to him if you desire.
• When ready, tell Jesus how you feel about him. Ask how he feels about you. He may respond with words or maybe actions. Either way, experience his acceptance and delight.
• If you are ready to conclude the exercise, simply spend a few moments in thanks and praise.
• Take a few deep breaths, letting them out slowly.

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If you just attempted this, I am giving you a standing ovation! I want to encourage you, that for many this is a hard process to lead yourself through. Don’t be discouraged if you had less than satisfactory results. It may take practice and you might need help. If you have a desire for encounter, and you are acting on that desire, God made you a promise.

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all of your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord.” -Jeremiah 29:13-14

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I'd like to pray a blessing over you.

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Father, I thank you that your desire to meet with this reader is even greater than their desire for you. Before the foundation of the world, You had an intense desire to walk with this person. Thank you that you are closer right now than they realize. I take authority on their behalf, and I command that any unknown resistance in their heart and mind be exposed and broken. I bless them with the Spirit of Revelation. I speak to the eyes of their heart, their imagination, be opened to the Presence of God.

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