Pronoia
In my Wednesday night adult study class, we're reading A New New Testament. It's got a collection of writings from the Nag Hammadi library. It has been a fascinating class to read sacred texts that were not included in the Bible for various reasons - part of which was that some of the texts weren't discovered until the 20th century. The texts have been thought-provoking, rich, and full of opportunities to discuss how the early church was formed.
Our recent class was discussing the Apocryphon of John. I read through the text and found a word that I hadn't heard of before. It's so obscure of a word that it's not in the dictionary.
After spending a grueling couple of weeks at work dealing with pressure and change, I was in a terrible place. I spent time working on taking care of myself, with the help of my doctor, and I'm doing much better now. Thanks to those who reached out - even if I didn't respond to each person directly, knowing that I have people who care helps.
So coming from a place of darkness and stumbling across this word was life-changing for me. I see motivational posters all the time - with inspirational quotes laid over beautiful images. I've become desensitized to them at this point. It doesn't matter how much positive attitude you have if you feel that the world is against you - living in a place of paranoia (which is the antonym/opposite of pronoia) doesn't foster an environment of shalom very easily.
When I realized that God is the driver of the good things happening in my life, and that God is in control, it changed my life once again.
Positivity for the Day
Many times are biggest hurdles that we face are because of self-generated fears, lack of confidence, and not having a complete understanding in order to make a decision. We get stuck in a place where rather than make the wrong decision, we make no decision at all. Especially living in the midwest, where we're raised to be "Minnesota nice" to the point of self-deprecation.
Stepping out in confidence takes a huge leap of faith. Take time to understand your own needs - listen to your inner voice to find the answers. Rely on your support system to help you make decisions. And take comfort in knowing that pronoia - that God is conspiring in your favor. Listen to God's voice leading you on. God is your cheerleader, standing beside you rather than waiting on the sideline. Rest in the peace that passes all understanding and let that be your strength and confidence for the day.
Romans 8:28-31
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love God, who have been called according to God's purpose. 29 For those God foreknew God also predestined to be conformed to the image of God's Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those God predestined, God also called; those God called, God also justified; those God justified, God also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Our recent class was discussing the Apocryphon of John. I read through the text and found a word that I hadn't heard of before. It's so obscure of a word that it's not in the dictionary.
After spending a grueling couple of weeks at work dealing with pressure and change, I was in a terrible place. I spent time working on taking care of myself, with the help of my doctor, and I'm doing much better now. Thanks to those who reached out - even if I didn't respond to each person directly, knowing that I have people who care helps.
So coming from a place of darkness and stumbling across this word was life-changing for me. I see motivational posters all the time - with inspirational quotes laid over beautiful images. I've become desensitized to them at this point. It doesn't matter how much positive attitude you have if you feel that the world is against you - living in a place of paranoia (which is the antonym/opposite of pronoia) doesn't foster an environment of shalom very easily.
When I realized that God is the driver of the good things happening in my life, and that God is in control, it changed my life once again.
Positivity for the Day
Many times are biggest hurdles that we face are because of self-generated fears, lack of confidence, and not having a complete understanding in order to make a decision. We get stuck in a place where rather than make the wrong decision, we make no decision at all. Especially living in the midwest, where we're raised to be "Minnesota nice" to the point of self-deprecation.
Stepping out in confidence takes a huge leap of faith. Take time to understand your own needs - listen to your inner voice to find the answers. Rely on your support system to help you make decisions. And take comfort in knowing that pronoia - that God is conspiring in your favor. Listen to God's voice leading you on. God is your cheerleader, standing beside you rather than waiting on the sideline. Rest in the peace that passes all understanding and let that be your strength and confidence for the day.
Romans 8:28-31
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love God, who have been called according to God's purpose. 29 For those God foreknew God also predestined to be conformed to the image of God's Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those God predestined, God also called; those God called, God also justified; those God justified, God also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
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