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10 Comments

  1. Darryl Schafer
    June 3, 2009 @ 9:28 pm

    "If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then 2,000 years should make the Church desperate for Jesus."

    Yes, that's from Reeves. Great minds think alike. That's why you're both under the "Better Minds" section on my page. 🙂

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  2. Carmen
    June 3, 2009 @ 9:39 pm

    Darryl, I LOVE that quote! Isn't it, in this very moment of clarity, so abundantly obvious that the Adversary and the things of this world which he rules (1 John 5:19) are always actively at work to keep the children of God from THINKING ON, DREAMING ABOUT, & IMAGINING about Yeshua?

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  3. Darryl Schafer
    June 4, 2009 @ 4:04 am

    I think you're on to something, Carmen. (And this is tying in quite nicely with a piece I'm working on.)

    GK Chesterton said that the reason he believed in the gospel was because of fairy tales. Many Christians have become too turgid and entrenched in Enlightenment philosophy to allow any room for sanctifed dreaming and imagination.

    The rich young ruler (Luke 18) said that he had kept all the commandments since he was a child. WAS. WAS a child. He's all grown up. Yet Jesus had JUST said (implicitly, at least) that we must receive the kingdom like children. Ultimately, we see this saying played out in the actions of Zaccheus. When we look at child's mind on the whole, though, we see some of the biggest dreams and imaginations out there.

    Growing up is the worst thing that can happen to a disciple — it kills our imagination.

    Interesting footnote: The way Luke tells the story, the rich young ruler and Zaccheus together show in real life the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Fun stuff.

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  4. Amydeanne
    June 4, 2009 @ 1:51 pm

    wow, I love this Carmen.. and I like what Darryl quoted.. we should be desperate!

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  5. jesnicole
    June 4, 2009 @ 3:36 pm

    Hey, have you read Reeves' book "A Genuine Faith" yet? Or Wright's book that I lended you? They're AWESOME. They'd be good summer reads. As well as "Following Jesus" by Wright. I have recommended it to everyone I know. It is seriously one of the best I've read.

    P.S. I STILL want a copy of your study that you did recently!! I don't have a printer, so could I get a hard copy from you, seeeeester? Love you. 🙂 See you guys soon, I'm sure.

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  6. Carmen
    June 4, 2009 @ 3:54 pm

    Darryl,
    yes, and the penalty for not cultivating our dreams of the Kingdom (and the love that grows out of that) is a perpetual lack of joy and confusion.

    Children, because they've been largely untainted by cynicism and self-aggrandizement, are able to love greatly, trust deeply, forgive easily and cannot wait to jump into the arms of their Father.

    Yeshua, indeed, was trying to teach us something glorious about the mind of a child whose nature easily believes, trusts, loves, and forgives.

    Amy D, I agree!
    Jes, no, I've not taken the time to read the books yet…I'm sure they're fantastic…perhaps this summer?! Remind me when you come, I have a copy of the study by the fridge! ;o)

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  7. ~ Being Woven
    June 5, 2009 @ 3:55 pm

    Beautiful study, Carmen. One I plan to ponder a bit more and delve into more. And to Darryl, thank you for adding more to this along with Carmen's responses.
    I truly believe that we do need to understand the depth of which our LORD loves us. Reading His Word with our hearts, ears and eyes wide open can only bring us closer, allowing us to know Him in ways that ordinarily we could not. May we dream.
    Thank you, ~ linda

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  8. Faith Imagined
    June 8, 2009 @ 2:15 pm

    Wonderful post!

    Reply

  9. jcdisciple
    June 12, 2009 @ 1:05 pm

    Yay!! My darling reverted me back to IExplorer version 7 and I can read your blog again. Wasn't that sweet of him!! He's the greatest. He totally doesn't get this blogging thing, but he loves me enough to make me happy.

    I've missed it and I started the study yesterday…AWESOME!! I am so thankful to have met you and be learning so much rich Hebrew through you. Thanks for all you do for your internet sisters and brothers!!

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  10. themelse
    June 12, 2009 @ 7:17 pm

    Carmen, I just found the spot where I can post a comment! I'm a little slow!! I cant wait to talk to you and catch up. Lots of love, Judy Melson

    Reply

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