Norma L. Brumbaugh

Peter Scazzero hits the nail on the head with this book. He takes the reader into the heart of spiritual life. Authenticity matters as a believer in Christ. We enter into the silences with Scazzero and listen. He shows us how to become close in our walk with God. The tendency to live our faith in a detached fashion that doesn’t involve the emotions is an incomplete spirituality. True spiritual life takes us further still. As Christians, we must dive deeper and explore the inner life, which is where we are open with God and seek His face. A workbook and daily “Day by Day” reader are available to be purchased as a set. I recommend that you buy all three. The reader explores their inner self and their relationship with God as a means to draw closer to God. They are given ways to grow in awareness of their own spiritual walk, what’s under the surface. You will discover how well you’re functioning and how to integrate this dynamic in your life. You cannot sit on the sidelines while reading this material. It has the power to change your life. Videos are available for group sessions. I am a part of a group of five that meets regularly to discuss the topics presented as we work through this material.

We need God

People need the Lord. We all need God. Let me distill the thought for you. In this post I list five needs that we collectively and individually need. A verse in the book of Malachi gives us our ‘why.’ This tiny statement contains the major truth that has been true since Adam and Eve.

‘Return to me, and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
Malachi 3:7

*If you read nothing else, read the end of this post.

We in America need to return to God.

I want to share with you five components that I believe can help us as a nation and individually ‘return to God.’ These components aren’t formulaic, they concern matters of the heart and soul.

Awaken
Pray
Repent
Heal
Enliven

Awaken

America needs to awaken from its slumber. Christian people need to awaken from their slumbering. We are asleep. We, I, must see the big picture. It’s easy to complain about the state of affairs in our Country, the way things are today, without taking ownership of any of it. But that’s a mistake.

Individually and corporately we bear some responsibility in this. Believers need to come alive to the Spirit of God. Enlivened Christians are lively, rejuvenated and freed from their preoccupation with self and all its desires. Love is central to a spiritual awakening.

Pray

Americans need to pray. Christians need to get down to the business of earnest prayer that brings about repentance, righteousness, and holiness. If we would get serious about praying for America and the world, for our neighbor and the destitute (who is our neighbor; context matters), for those who hate and are godless, change would come.

God says He answers our prayers. “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Co 1:20). Christ brings about salvation in the hearts of humankind. A heart that loves God, loves well, and loves broadly.

Repent

We in American need to repent of wrongdoing. We as believers who live in America and elsewhere are charged with the same. If we don’t repent of our sin, if we don’t confess our sins with a contrite heart, then we are glossing over wrongdoing and excusing it.

We must look at our own hearts before we can effectively speak truth to others. Otherwise, we seem fake and disingenuous. A beautiful work of God emerges and touches lives when we are humble and genuine in what we say and do.

Heal

Americans need healing. Individually we need to heal. Healing initiates a transformational redemptive work in us. Yes, we have done wrong as a nation–through slavery (historically), racial injustices, abuse, killing of innocents, moral failures, prideful acts–worshiping idols of materialism, success, and power.

We ourselves have also failed. But God restores us when we seek Him with our heart, soul, and mind. He redeems what the locusts have eaten. God takes the old and makes it new.

Enliven

We in America are passionate about various things. However, our passion for things of God, in many respects, has waned. Our passion for God should drive us. Ask yourself, am I passionate about Christ’s message of life, His gospel of truth, and His promise of peace?

Our individual and corporate spiritual lives are an expression of God’s love to the world. We as believers thrive when we are filled to over-flowing, alive in the Spirit, radiant, enthusiastic, emboldened believers who speak life in word and deed to the world of humankind.

* * *

But How?

We can do this. It’s not as hard as it seems.

First, you do what you already know–you pray, and add to your prayers.
Next, you expand on this–you repent; you let God show you what needs attention.
Then, you pursue healing; God initiates, you follow, and then you act.
Finally, your spirit awakens and enlivens. These come as the result of pursuing prayer, repentance, and healing.

These five components work together. Awakening and enlivening are a result, not a cause. These two are attractive qualities in a believer’s life. They initiate this fluid process, and they draw people to you. Please will and intention to go further still with these critical elements.

However, some points of stress and resistance also come along the way. We have an enemy, we have strongholds, and we have to conquer the flesh to live in the spirit. But, you can do this. If you stumble, which happens, you get up, dust yourself off, and proceed. Our Country and the world become the recipients of God’s grace made manifest in our lives.

* * *

Now, as an add-on because he was my professor at Western Baptist College, now Corban University, I share this video of Dr. Jim Hills speaking to the graduates. He makes the point for me, about how to live authentically. He’s a Covid long-hauler and was in a hospital for months. Here is his story: https://youtu.be/SOm_kkFgqss

Thank you, Dr. Jim Hills.

. . .

I wish you well on your spiritual journey.

CONNECTING WITH GOD IN EVERYDAY LIFE