MarcAlanSchelske.com

Life at the intersection of Grace and Growth.

The Freedom To Not Get Your Way (TAW004)

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Episode 004 – The Freedom To Not Get Your Way

In our culture we bear an awful burden: The profound need to get our own way. This burden gets in the way of our relationships undermines our spiritual growth. It can even impede our sense of connection to God. Not getting our way is often painful, and we are hardwired to avoid pain! And yet there are times when not getting our way, even when it’s painful, is the best possible thing. And of course, Jesus modeled this for us in the Garden of Gethsemane.

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When Jesus Changed Religion Forever (TAW003)

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Episode 003 – When Jesus Changed Religion Forever

Across the history of human religion we see the same structure over and over. In order to access God, or become enlightened, or get a blessing you have to go to that certain special spiritual place at the certain special time and there the special spiritual people will help you offer your sacrifice, or offering, or gift — and maybe then you’ll find what you need. The benefit of that system is that it is abundantly clear and concrete. But in a conversation with a Samaritan woman Jesus upended this structure forever.

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Do you need a little daily pastor? A Review of The Listening Day, by Paul. J. Pastor

8 minutes

I bet you eat food every single day. You do, right?

Why? Because your body needs it. Through the miracle of digestion, your body breaks that food down into the nutrients that sustain you, heal you, rebuild and energize you. You probably don’t spent much time thinking about giving up eating altogether. It’s just too important.

You also sleep every day. Even if you have a job that requires long shifts, eventually you have to sleep. You find a safe spot; you cuddle up and off you go. In that state of sleep what happens? Your body repairs itself. Your mind integrates your experiences and refreshes itself.

Just like eating, you probably don’t consider going without — at least, not for very long. Why? Because you need food and rest to live.
But what about your spirit? Do you feed it in the same way? You should!

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The Deeper Conversion (TAW EP002)

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Episode 002 – The Deeper Conversion.

We look around us at people wearing the label “Christian,” maybe we even look at ourselves, and wonder. Isn’t there something more? Shouldn’t life in Christ make a tangible difference in our experience and the way we live?

Yes! We are meant to have an experience of Jesus that changes more than our beliefs–It should change our perception, our desires, and the way we live in the world. And that’s exactly what scripture shows–our conversion is a transformation to a life that is deeply rooted and centered in Jesus. And that should change everything about us.

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Your To-Do List is Numinous

7 minutes

Think for a moment about the last significant spiritual experience you had, that last moment when it seemed the claustrophobic haze of everyday life burned off briefly, and you sensed God.

When was that? What was happening? Was it worship service where the music transported you? Or maybe you were on a hike. The trail broke through the trees revealing a stunning view and you couldn’t help yourself but think about God. What was it for you?

Hold that experience in your mind for a moment. Now, think about your to-do list. What’s on your agenda today? Think about your obligations, your commitments, the things you hope to accomplish?

Now, compare the two. The first situation felt spiritual. You connected with something so much bigger than yourself. It felt deep and profoundly real. But what about the items on your to-do list? Do those things seem spiritual to you?

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Welcome to MarcAlanSchelske.com.

This blog is centered around helping you find belonging, redemption and growth, learning that you are God’s artwork made for a good purpose, and giving you tools to live that life with your whole heart, soul, strength and mind.

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