Fifteen years ago, a journey began that would change my spiritual life forever. Inspired by a conversation with my friend Gary Barcalow, I embarked on a series of "transcendent pursuits," a concept that diverges sharply from the traditional, often rigid New Year's resolutions. These pursuits invite us to align with God's work in our lives, emphasizing spiritual growth over mere self-discipline. Join me as we explore the profound impact of focusing on our God-given strengths and diving deeper into our relationship with the divine, drawing insights from Dorothy Sayers' "The Mind of the Maker."

Throughout this episode, I recount my personal experiences of discovery, from the inception of "reflect and express" in 2010 to becoming a worship leader, each pursuit bringing its own unique challenges and revelations. These aren't just exercises in self-improvement; they're ongoing adventures that uncover deeper truths and connections in everyday life. By embracing honesty and recognizing our own weaknesses, we can experience transformative spiritual growth. Oswald Chambers' teachings serve as a guiding beacon, prompting introspection and encouraging us to seek God's guidance amidst life's recurring themes and struggles.

In a world often focused on external achievements, these transcendent pursuits offer a refreshing alternative—an opportunity to embrace life's unexpected joys and fulfillments. Engage with us by sharing your own spiritual journeys, and explore additional resources at beliefsoftheheart.com. Whether you're seeking a new direction or yearning for a deeper connection with God, this episode promises insights and inspiration to nurture your spiritual adventure. Thank you for being part of this journey, and stay tuned for more engaging discussions in the coming weeks.

This is the first time I've podcasted about a spiritual practice that I began doing fifteen years in place of an annual New Year's Resolution. And I believe it sets my heart on the Lord in ways that a New Year's Resolution never did.

Here are some questions I ask myself during my week or two of self-examination:

• Pray, ask God, ask friends: What is God up to in my life?
• What am I curious about? What is stirring my mind? What is moving me?
• What is the one truth I wish I knew better?
• What has God’s activity in my life been (things he keeps bringing up, curiosities, etc.)
• What “season” am I in? (retirement, empty nester, new job, new service, etc.)
• What keeps coming back to me, over and over
• What feels spiritually urgent to me?
• What might God want to multiply, or reduce, or begin, or stop?

Share with a few friends. And share with me: Sam@BeliefsoftheHeart.com

Thanks,

Sam

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Years ago I read an article that describe how out thoughts, feelings, desires and tastes are influenced by factors completely out of our control. And usually by factors and environments of which we are completely ignorant.

And I think it perfectly illustrates what the world does to us believers.

A reading and commentary on this article:

• Are We Unconsciously Controlled?
• by Sam Williamson.

And very special thanks to Keith Medley for his FANTASTIC 27 string guitar background song, Ancestors. You can find more of Keith's music at: http://www.keithmedleymusic.com/

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In this episode, I talk of a business experience I had when our company tried to break into the software market in France. And I talk about how we did so by showing solutions to problems that people faced.

All the while, our competitors simply ooh'd and ahh'd over French culture.

And I think that experience has a message for us today.

A reading and commentary on this article:

• Chasing Lovers
• by Sam Williamson.

And very special thanks to Keith Medley for his FANTASTIC 27 string guitar background song, Ancestors. You can find more of Keith's music at: http://www.keithmedleymusic.com/

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The idea of "spiritual warfare" is a long-standing principle of the Christian life: knowing that there are enemies of God who delight in battling His chosen people. Psalm 83 says:

Those who hate you raise their heads. They formulate cunning plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones. They say, “Come, let us wipe them out.” (Ps. 83:2-4)

But most of us haven never heard of the real nature of spiritual warfare. It is more hidden and insidious than exorcisms. There is a hidden enemy. That we never talk about.

A reading and commentary on this article:

• When Two Parties Claim The Same Throne
• by Sam Williamson.

And very special thanks to Keith Medley for his FANTASTIC 27 string guitar background song, Ancestors. You can find more of Keith's music at: http://www.keithmedleymusic.com/

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Almost every person I speak with is suffering, or has suffered. And the world has a boatload of answers for our problems. Many of them are fine, helpful even; but many are dangerous and against God.

What are we to do? I suggest we keep remembering that all therapy deals with how we humans can flourish, how can we live blessed lives? And that answer to those questions is always about SOUL therapy, understanding the condition of our souls.

And even secular thinkers are beginning to see the dangers of bad therapy; not all therapy, but the dangers of bad therapy. See this book: "Bad Therapy: Why Kids Aren't Growing Up" for a great analysis of what "bad" therapy is doing today.

A reading and commentary on this article:

• Is Modern Therapy Serving Up Spiritual Malnutrition?
• by Sam Williamson.

And very special thanks to Keith Medley for his FANTASTIC 27 string guitar background song, Ancestors. You can find more of Keith's music at: http://www.keithmedleymusic.com/

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For two thousand years, believers have prioritized the importance of “spiritual warfare” for Christian health. Heck, I was raised Presbyterian, and even Presbyterians taught it.

The battle comprises three enemies: the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. While most teaching mentions these three enemies, the spiritual warfare enemy most frequently publicized is the Devil. (Though some churches emphasize the Flesh.)

But Scripture warns us of the perils of the World one hundred times more than the Devil or the Flesh. One Hundred Times More!

The battle against Satan is ubiquitous (even Hollywood gives it lip-service) and the nature of the Flesh is obvious (nobody committing adultery says, “Wait a minute, you’re not my spouse”). But the war of the world is insidious. Its very hiddenness enforces its potency.

Last week I was asked to preach at the Springs Church in Colorado. On any topic I wanted. And I finally decided to speak on the topic that is most deeply on my heart.

That sermon expresses the substance of the first chapter of my next book, the book titled (can you guess?), The War of the World.

I invite you to listen to that sermon either on my podcast Beliefs of the Heart Reflections or watch it on the video player below.

And I would really appreciate any comments, insights, corrections, and even a little (if you want) sharing of your own experiences.

Sam

You can email me at: Sam@BeliefsoftheHeart.com

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Almost every person I speak with has suffered. We hear, "For to those who love God, everything works out for the good," but it doesn't work for us, or at least we have very different ideas of the "the good" is.

What is God up to? How good really is that "good"?

A reading and commentary on this article:

• These Inward Trials - Beliefs of the Heart
• by Sam Williamson.

And very special thanks to Keith Medley for his FANTASTIC 27 string guitar background song, Ancestors. You can find more of Keith's music at: http://www.keithmedleymusic.com/

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Almost every person I speak with has suffered some sort of betrayal from parents or teachers or bosses or spouses. And it affects us on so many levels, most of which we can't see--but our friends can.

We are imprisoned.

How do we handle the evils do to us?

A reading and commentary on this article:

• The Evil Done to Us - Beliefs of the Heart
• by Sam Williamson.

And very special thanks to Keith Medley for his FANTASTIC 27 string guitar background song, Ancestors. You can find more of Keith's music at: http://www.keithmedleymusic.com/

Send us a text with comments, questions, or ideas:

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