{"id":20822,"date":"2022-04-05T11:29:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-05T11:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gamic.dv.themerex.net\/?p=20822"},"modified":"2023-05-24T00:39:36","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T00:39:36","slug":"five-alive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/demo25.mystagingserver.site\/alignwithgod\/five-alive\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Alive"},"content":{"rendered":"

FIVE QUESTIONS TO BRING YOUR GOD CHAT JOURNALING ALIVE:<\/strong>                                          <\/p>

This morning I was on my daily walk and I sat down at a bench to reflect. I usually pray and surrender the day\u2019s events to God, asking Him to show me what He has for me and what He wants to chat with me about.  In God Chat, we are learning to talk with God informally. Yes He really does want to listen! (See previous posts).  As I was doing so a van pulled up with about 9 people in it, which has the city\u2019s emblem on it in which I live.  The people gathered around an art piece of an owl immediately to my right. The leader of the group starts to explain the history of the art and it\u2019s artist.  The owl had hollow eyes that you could look through, and it was pointed toward Long\u2019s Peak.  The group leader stated that this piece was called, \u201cSeeing through other\u2019s eyes\u201d.  <\/p>

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As I reflected on that I wondered what God was trying to show me, I realized that to see the world through His eyes, we need to \u201cturn to clear our vision\u201d , just as the picture suggests. We need to turn away from our vision and seek His vision.  I asked Him how we learn to see through His <\/em>eyes.  The impression He left on my heart went something as follows:  <\/p>

\u201cGod, how do we see through your eyes better?\u201d  What\u2019s important about that to you?\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWhen you see through my eyes, you are seeing the vision of that thing or event or person from my perspective.  This helps you to bring your vision higher.\u201d<\/p>

As I reflected on the five question journaling that we teach in God Chat inspired by the Life Model (see attachment below), in the first question we ask, \u201cGod how do you see me?\u201d  So I asked another question, <\/p>

\u201cGod, so this goes beyond how you see me, and it expands our vision into how you see our circumstances, our projects, our lives, and others around us. You want us to see everything through your lens, is that right?\u201d<\/p>

\u201cYes, I do.  When you get My perspective on anything, you are more likely to bring about my will in that situation, which benefits everyone and glorifies me.  My people fail for lack of vision.\u201d  <\/p>

\u201cSometimes do we think we have your vision and really don\u2019t?\u201d <\/p>

\u201cYes.  You can project your vision onto me.  This takes surrendering all of your objectives, desires and hopes to Me first, and letting Me show you what I have for you.  Most of the time it is greater than what you can imagine.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cGod it says above (in photo) that we should \u201cturn the knob to clear our vision\u201d. How does this apply to you? How do we learn to clear out our vision so we dream along with you, think along with you, listen to your voice and make sure it\u2019s not our own voice?\u201d<\/p>

This is when He made things much more clear. It\u2019s as if I took off my glasses and wiped them off, and the world cleared up.<\/p>

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I’ve managed to get to a reasonable age without the need for reading glasses but that situation seems to have changed very rapidly. \r\r(By the way, I know this is an eye chart for distance acuity and not for reading acuity, but I thought it made the point more clearly. Ironically).<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Before I share what I sensed in response from God, let me share my stance on \u201chearing from God\u201d. For those of you who are from a Christian background, I want to reiterate that, as previously stated in God chat posts, this is not inspired text, nor does it stand anywhere near the Bible in its accuracy and authority as the inspired word of God. Only the Bible is inspired by God 100%. Humans can err in hearing His voice, but that should not stop us from writing down what we perceive<\/em> He is communicating to us, and checking it against the Bible and other believers for a sense of God\u2019s truth and presence. You can use the \u201cFilter checks\u201d (see in resources) after you are finished with your God chat\u2019s. I see myself as just one of His many sheep, hearing His voice as I perceive it, and you are free to reject it, compare it to scripture, or let it speak to your heart depending on what you perceive God is saying to you through this post. This is along the lines of someone getting an idea and exploring it as did Einstein, or writing it down as a novel as did Hemingway, or an article, or an inspired poem. It is not on a \u201chigher\u201d level than that, just because we are ascribing it to God. God works through all of us creatively. Some people are aware of that and some are not. Some people credit themselves, and some credit God, in the making of their masterpieces, or creation of their Bach or Beethoven sonata\u2019s. In God chat we are inspired to co-create with God, to think with God, to dream with God. God chatting is no different than these other ways of perceiving God\u2019s thoughts, presence and ideas.<\/p>

John 10: 3 \u201cTo him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out 4 \u201cWhen he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.5 \u201cA stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

This promise to hear His voice, is for everyone, not just the followers of Jesus at the time (the Jews), but also the Gentiles (the non-Jewish people, everyone else).<\/p>

John 10:<\/em>16 \u201cI have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 update<\/em><\/a>. (1995). (Jn 10:16). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.<\/p>

So as I aligned myself with God, here is what I sensed Him saying:<\/p>

\u201cI have had dreams for you and for mankind since the beginning of time. I placed those dreams in your heart so you can dream alongside me and so we can accomplish all I have for you to do in your generation. These things are also my dreams for those around you, who share the planet with you. This is your destiny. I have imprinted this upon your heart and written it within your very soul so we can do them together. When you \u201cturn to clear your vision\u201d you are turning away from how the world sees you and your destiny, and turning toward me. I am your Creator and only I know your blueprint and design. When people turn their ear toward me to listen, I will always speak to them. There are few that turn their ears to listen, and few that want to clear their vision. Those that do will be richly rewarded. We will co-create a more loving place where humans serve one another and honor one another above themselves. When you turn toward me, you too will be inspired to see the world from a new place, as you are renewed and re-aligned with Me and My purpose for you.\u201d<\/p>

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Exercise #1:  <\/strong><\/p>

Today, as we begin our exercise, we always want to start with Gratitude. This turns on the relational connections on the right part of our brain.\u00a0\u00a0Write below something that you are genuinely grateful for, then pause and surrender your agenda and align with God.\u00a0\u00a0You may have to quiet first before this comes to mind, or ask God to bring it to mind.\u00a0\u00a0Then, Listen for His response to your gratitude.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

God, I am so grateful for\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>

God\u2019s response to you\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>

Exercise #2: <\/strong><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0God I am willing to surrender my agenda, my perspective and align with yours. God please tell me, how do you see me? \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>

                  My child, I see you as\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.. This can refer to how God sees you outwardly (striving, busy) or inwardly (dedicated, wanting to serve). Just listen and write down what you receive without filtering.  (For reference to the two-way journaling handout from Life Model, it is attached below).  <\/p>

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Exercise #3:  <\/strong><\/p>

                  God, how do you see my___________________? (This should be a person that you are daily or intimately involved with, and it could be someone you are having some issues with, or simply someone in your life that you love and are committed to and want to see them more through God\u2019s eyes:  Examples, my husband, my child, my friend, my mother, my sister, my boss)   <\/p>

 <\/p>

                  I see them as\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>

 <\/p>

Exercise #4:  <\/strong><\/p>

                   God how do you want me to see you today? (This is asking God how He wants to show up for you today, what aspect of His character He wants to reveal to you. Examples:  This may be things like, \u201cYour protector\u201d, \u201cVictorious for you\u201d, \u201cUnconditionally loving\u201d, \u201cPatient\u201d. )  If you want you may meditate on this verse:<\/p>

John 12: 44-46<\/strong> And Jesus cried out and said, \u201cHe who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 \u201cHe who sees Me sees the One who sent Me.\u00a046 \u201cI have come as<\/em> Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.<\/p>

                  My child, I want you to see me today as\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>

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Exercise #5:  <\/strong><\/p>

                  God, how do you want me to see __________________(my project, my life calling, destiny, my goal for today to accomplish, my work\/business, my vision\/dream for my life?)   This is where we tend to hide and not want to know how God sees things, so be sure to surrender your agenda again. Write down what you receive without filtering. Remember you can check it against the filter checks when you are finished.<\/p>

                  My Child, I see ___________________ as\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>

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Gratitude:\u00a0\u00a0Always end your journaling times with Gratitude about what you see God doing in your life, for Him and His alignment with you:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

God, I\u2019m so grateful that\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>

My child\u00a0\u00a0(God\u2019s response to you)\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>

Repeat this throughout your week.\u00a0\u00a0Making it a daily habit to ask Him these five questions will bring increased clarity and renewal to your life.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Happy God chatting!  <\/p>

Denice MacKenzie\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Below is the attached two-way journaling from Life Model and Jim Wilder, that I referred to earlier in this post.\u00a0<\/p>

JOYFUL IMMANUEL TWO WAY JOURNALING<\/strong><\/p>

1)  GRATITUDE: (5-10\u201d)<\/strong><\/p>

A)  Step #1- Gratitude from ME to GOD  <\/strong><\/p>

Write something you are grateful to God about. Specify details.<\/p>

B)  Step #2 God\u2019s response to our Gratitude:<\/strong><\/p>

Listen and Write:\u00a0\u00a0Write what you think God is saying in response to your gratitude.\u00a0<\/p>

2)  THOUGHT RHYMING:  (25-30 \u201c)<\/strong>\u2013 God\u2019s attunement to us and our attunement to God: You feel understood, validated, seen and known. <\/p>

You can bring up a particular issue, or a difficult relationship and ask these questions in regard to that issue, or you can just see where the Lord goes in general as you ask Him these questions:\u00a0\u00a0As you journal, ask the Lord the following questions, and write down your impressions:<\/strong><\/p>

A)  Step #1-Lord how do you <\/strong>SEE <\/strong>me today?  <\/strong><\/p>

Listen and Write your impressions: God watches us with love and describes to us what He SEES.  (Psalm 33:13-19, Psalm 34:15, Neh 9:9, 2 Kings 14:26, Exodus 3:7-9). Start with\u201cI see you\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/strong><\/p>

B)  Step #2- Lord what are you <\/strong>HEARING<\/strong>from me today?<\/strong>  Listen and Write your impressions about what you sense God has HEARD you say with your words and thoughts (Psalm 34:17, Exodus 3:7-9).  Start with\u201cI hear you\u2026..\u201d<\/strong><\/p>

C)  Step #3<\/strong>– Lord what do you understand about my ability to carry this problem? OR- Lord, what do you <\/strong>UNDERSTAND<\/strong>about me right now?<\/strong><\/p>

Listen and Write your impressions about how God understands how big and hard this is for you, or how it is too much for you to bear alone.  (Exodus 3;9, John 5:19).  Let God validate this for you.   Start with something like, \u201cI understand this is too much for you\u2026.\u201d <\/strong><\/p>

D)  Step #4- Lord tell me how you are <\/strong>GLAD TO BE WITH ME<\/strong>right now.<\/strong><\/p>

Listen and write what you believe the Lord may be telling you about his desire to be with you in spite of your weakness or circumstances, in a kind, tender and loving way  (John 14:26-28, Ex 4:12, Matthew 28:20).    <\/p>

Start with, \u201cI\u2019m glad to be with you in the midst of this\u2026..\u201d <\/strong><\/p>

E)  Step #5- Lord what do you have for me, what are you <\/strong>DOING<\/strong>about this right now?  <\/strong><\/p>

Listen and Write your impressions of what God may be doing right now in the midst of your situation or issue, how He may be acting on your behalf to work all things together for your good, or how He is with you to help you in life (Romans 8:28, John 5:20, Psalm 34:19, Psalm 35:10).\u00a0\u00a0Start with, \u201cI\u2019m doing something about it\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

3)  CLOSURE: Notice how you feel now that you\u2019ve interacted with the Lord in this way. Do a \u201cShalom\u201d Check:  Notice if you\u2019ve gained any Godly insight into your situation:  Repeat step 1, and if you have time do step 2<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

FIVE QUESTIONS TO BRING YOUR GOD CHAT JOURNALING ALIVE:                                           This morning I was on my daily walk and I sat down at a bench to reflect. I usually pray and surrender…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24395,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[218],"tags":[209,210,212],"class_list":["post-20822","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-his-will","tag-church","tag-god","tag-love"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo25.mystagingserver.site\/alignwithgod\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20822","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo25.mystagingserver.site\/alignwithgod\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo25.mystagingserver.site\/alignwithgod\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo25.mystagingserver.site\/alignwithgod\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo25.mystagingserver.site\/alignwithgod\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20822"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/demo25.mystagingserver.site\/alignwithgod\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20822\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24907,"href":"https:\/\/demo25.mystagingserver.site\/alignwithgod\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20822\/revisions\/24907"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo25.mystagingserver.site\/alignwithgod\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24395"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo25.mystagingserver.site\/alignwithgod\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20822"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo25.mystagingserver.site\/alignwithgod\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20822"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo25.mystagingserver.site\/alignwithgod\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}