Dr. David Levy - God's Wisdom Freshly Revealed

Part 4/4 John the Baptizer had a difficult time with the transition. Like the disciples, John expected Jesus to fulfill his Messianic prophecy to take over the government and set up His Messianic kingdom. They all overlooked the suffering that was also prophesied for The Messiah. John began accusing a top government leader of breaking Jewish law and expected Jesus, as the Messiah, to back him and come to his rescue. Jesus did not rescue John. But Jesus did recognize John's disappointment and handled it with such grace that most would never notice the subtle correction. Have your expectations of Jesus led to  disappointment? Photo by Ron Lach at pexels.com

Part 3/4 John the Baptist was making a big splash. People were coming to him in droves. He was leading the greatest revival in the history of Israel. People were repenting and being baptized. John's ministry was going well, and Jesus said John was the greatest person who had ever lived. Then Jesus said, "the least in the kingdom was greater than John." What did it mean? Why didn't John follow Jesus or send his disciples to follow Jesus? Why did John not ask to join Jesus as a disciple? Do you check with God or assume you are on the right path? Photo by Will Swan on Unsplash.com

Part 2/4 Why did Jesus say John the Baptist was the greatest man who had ever lived? How can we be great in the eyes of God? John was greater than every prophet, every priest, and every king who had ever lived. What was so special about John? What did John say about himself? How did he define his role in God's Kingdom? How do you define your role in the Kingdom? Photo by pixabay at pexels.com

Part 1/4 Jesus' disciples argue about who is the greatest, but Jesus makes an incredible statement about the greatest man who ever lived. Jesus said it was John the Baptist. What made John greater than Moses, Elijah, Abraham, Daniel, and King David? Jesus said John was greater than every prophet, every priest, and every king who had ever lived. What was so special about John? How did you get your sins forgiven if you sinned in John's day? They asked John, "What do you say about yourself?" Ask yourself this same question. Photo by pixabay at pexels.com

Jesus has high expectations. While waiting four days for Jesus to arrive after the death of their brother, Jesus expected the sisters to stay positive.   How could they? How can you? Jesus requires a profound level of faith from Mary and Martha. They did not know when he was coming. They were expected to use the information they had. This would be for the glory of God. He had raised others from the dead...just not after four days. Engaging in faith is more difficult when those around you don't have faith. The sisters had a house full of people who were there to mourn and grieve. What did Jesus expect? What could they have done? How is your imagination? Photo from pexels - cottonbro studio

Jesus raised Lazarus after his death and after he spent four days in the tomb, creating a stir. Some "mourners" were not happy Jesus raised Lazarus. They wanted him dead. They were pretending to be "friends" of the family. What wisdom do you need to deal with people who believe good is evil? Why does Mary anoint Jesus' feet with costly ointment? When Jesus arrived in town, he corrected Martha but didn't speak to Mary. Mary wailed loudly at Jesus' feet, drawing the crowd's attention to Jesus' failure to arrive on time to save her brother from dying. Mary is very sorry that she doubted Jesus in the presence of his enemies. She is sorry she was trying to punish him with her public display on day four. On her third time at Jesus' feet, Mary honors Jesus and dishonors herself in front of the disciples, who complain about the waste of expensive ointment. Jesus rebukes Judas, telling him, "Leave her alone."  Photo from pexels-liza-summer-6383183

Zachariah and Elizabeth had a long-standing disappointment to overcome. In the process of waiting, Zachariah picked up a negative attitude. While understandable, the angel was not amused at his unbelief. What can you do to keep from being negative when your prayers are not yet answered? Why was the priest "muted" by the angel? How might your speech affect those around you who need encouragement in this season? Photo by dzenina lukac on Pexels

What makes Jesus cry? Jesus walks many hours uphill from Jericho, and nobody says a kind word to him when he arrives. He is not treated as a friend of the family but shamed as a late-comer. Jesus gently corrects Martha, but he does not or cannot even speak to Mary, who is wailing at his feet. The crowd is also wailing, although it is now four days after Lazarus has died, which makes the wailing suspect. Is it grief or drama? Some in the crowd are not Lazarus' friends and are delighted that Lazarus is dead. It makes Jesus look bad. Some in the group are celebrating Jesus' failure to help his friend. Martha is not wailing or even crying. The wailing of those on day four is not mere sadness; it is a shaming device designed to punish Jesus for failing to promptly help his friend Lazarus. Jesus is weeks away from his own death, and not even his closest friends believe in him. Jesus is angry and hurt. He cries because he was joyfully anticipating the celebration surrounding the resurrection of his friend Lazarus. Jesus is disappointed and moved to tears when Mary, who was previously at his feet listening, is now at his feet shaming him publicly. What is your response when your prayers are not answered in a timely fashion? From John 11  Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

Part 3/6  He could have come with the messenger, but didn't.  Jesus arrives 4 days after Lazarus dies.  The sisters are angry.   To get to Lazarus, Jesus must take the road from Jericho to Jerusalem, which includes a 14 mile climb of 3300 feet which averages a 5% grade.  Jesus makes the 8 hour climb and arrives looking like...a normal 33 year old man who just walked 14 miles uphill...and is 4 days late. Martha shares her pain and disappointment.  Jesus is not angry with her but he gently but firmly corrects Martha's unbelief.  Martha receives his correction and reorients to who Jesus really is.  

In John 10 we read Jesus was in danger of being killed and he left Jerusalem and went away. In John 11, this is where he is when the messenger finds him, a 2 days journey from Lazarus. Strangely we read, "He loved Lazarus...so he waited two more days," then starts the long uphill journey from Jericho to Jerusalem.  Doesn't preventing a death take priority?  If you could heal, wouldn't you have gone back with the messenger? Jesus' disciples are free to speak their mind. They are free to correct Jesus and suggest what they think should be done. John 11. What Jesus said and what the sisters heard were two different things. Jesus thinks differently about death. He doesn't see it as significant as we see it. He sees it as one fluid transition. Photo by pexels-antoni-shkraba-7163361  

Jesus, who is a celebrity, visits the home of Martha and Mary and brings 12 men with him. Martha is understandably distracted, anxious and troubled and angrily accuses Jesus of not caring. She feels free to give him a piece of her mind and instruct him about what he should say to her sister Mary.  What does her freedom to instruct Jesus say about her? What does it say about Jesus that he allows us to accuse him?  Luke 10:38-42 Photo by Anastasia Kalinkina on Unsplash.

How do you move past a big mistake? Remember that you are part of the human race. There are people before you who have made similar mistakes, and people coming after you who will make similar mistakes. Having compassion on yourself for making a mistake will help you to have compassion on others who make similar mistakes.  Humility brings compassion.  Be kind to yourself and speak to yourself as if you were speaking to your best friend. Instead of harsh angry words, speak to yourself as if you were looking for reasons to give yourself the benefit of the doubt. Jesus died so that you can be free (Galatians 5:1) Self-criticism paralyzes you with a fear of making more mistakes.  Building joy is important for those who have a habit of self criticism. Your brain is  designed to learn best in an atmosphere of joy. To maintain joy it is essential to be able to make mistakes.  Photo by Guilia Bertelli on Unsplash Further resources on DrDLevy.com and Dr. David Levy App. Dr. David Levy Podcasts  created on Podbean: (Photo for each episode) https://davidilevy.podbean.com/ iTunes Podcast  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2 Google Play Podcast https://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed Website DrDLevy.com YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7aq4WGV71EkeEWnAkVunQ App for iPhone or iPad from Apple App Store  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dr-david-levy/id1422510199 App for Android from Google Play App store  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.drdavidlevy&hl=en_us

Do you make mistakes?  Have you ever made a BIG mistake?  Have you hurt people when you did not intend to? How do you handle your sins, mistakes or errors? Do you beat yourself up attempting to pay for your own sin?  Do you engage in harsh self-criticism to try to prevent yourself from ever making another mistake?  Is your self-condemnation a form of punishment which you think will help avoid another error? Recognizing God is not angry with us is an important first step. If your parents were critical of you, this may not come easy. Tuning up our relationship with God is essential. Isaiah 49:13-16  -God has you engraved on the palms of His hands. An honest confession to God is very healing. For example, if there were warning signs but you ignored them this is worth confessing. If you are having trouble feeling forgiven, confessing to another person is something the Bible says is healing (James 5:16) Once you have confessed and been forgiven, forgiving yourself is really just agreeing with God's forgiveness.  This sounds easy, but it is not. Especially for those who have a habit of self-condemnation.  It is essential not to continue condemning yourself once God has forgiven you and you have received that forgiveness.  Confess, receive God's forgiveness, and treat yourself the way God treats you, even if others do not.

Part 1 of 3. What increases or decreases self-control? How can you know if your self-control is depleted? Psychology research on self-control often involves tempting people with chocolate.  How do you respond to your failures? Self-condemnation weakens self-control while self-compassion increases self-control. People with self-compassion are happier, kinder and more compassionate. Do you love yourself with compassion?  Are you able to be alone with yourself? Do you have time in your week without your phone? Recorded in 2012 Further resources on DrDLevy.com and Dr. David Levy App. Dr. David Levy Podcasts  created on Podbean: (Photo for each episode) https://davidilevy.podbean.com/ iTunes Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2 Google Play Podcasthttps://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed Website DrDLevy.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7aq4WGV71EkeEWnAkVunQ App for iPhone or iPad from Apple App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dr-david-levy/id1422510199 App for Android from Google Play App store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.drdavidlevy&hl=en_us

Part 4 of 4. Forgiveness is more difficult during seasons of suffering. Under what circumstances did Jesus forgive? Who was Jesus forgiving and why was Jesus forgiving? Did Jesus simply absolve everyone  involved in his death for everything they ever did? Will Judas and all those who crucified Jesus be spending eternity together with Jesus? The information is useful as we work with Jesus to forgive. Photo by Vaishakh Pillai on Unsplash Further resources on DrDLevy.com and Dr. David Levy App. Dr. David Levy Podcasts  created on Podbean: (Photo for each episode)https://davidilevy.podbean.com/ iTunes Podcasthttps://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2 Google Play Podcasthttps://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed Websitewww.DrDLevy.com YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7aq4WGV71EkeEWnAkVunQ App for iPhone or iPad from Apple App Storehttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/dr-david-levy/id1422510199 App for Android from Google Play App storehttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.drdavidlevy&hl=en_us

Part 3 of 4. Why do the sins of others bother us much more than our own? We typically see our sin as much less significant than the sin against us because it feels much less significant. We believe our feelings indicate the debt of our sin but we are greatly mistaken. How does God see your sin compared to sin against you? Jesus tells a parable in Matthew 18 to answer this question. Jesus uses economic terms of debt owed and we are off by a factor of 200,000. This is how our sin looks from God's point of view. Two hundred thousand times greater than the sin against you. We discuss how God arrives at this calculation, and how thinking about it can help move us to forgive. Photo by tartiqiubarbhuiya on Unsplash Further resources on DrDLevy.com and Dr. David Levy App. Dr. David Levy Podcasts  created on Podbean: (Photo for each episode)https://davidilevy.podbean.com/ iTunes Podcasthttps://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2 Google Play Podcasthttps://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed Websitewww.DrDLevy.com YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7aq4WGV71EkeEWnAkVunQ App for iPhone or iPad from Apple App Storehttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/dr-david-levy/id1422510199 App for Android from Google Play App storehttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.drdavidlevy&hl=en_us

Part 2 of 4. What would you do if someone borrowed your power tools and left town without returning them? Why do we often feel angry at ourselves when we feel anger at someone else? What is bad debt and what does it have to do with forgiveness? Photo by Marissa Daeger on Unsplash Further resources on DrDLevy.com and Dr. David Levy App. Dr. David Levy Podcasts  created on Podbean: (Photo for each episode)https://davidilevy.podbean.com/ iTunes Podcasthttps://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2 Google Play Podcasthttps://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed Websitewww.DrDLevy.com YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7aq4WGV71EkeEWnAkVunQ App for iPhone or iPad from Apple App Storehttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/dr-david-levy/id1422510199 App for Android from Google Play App storehttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.drdavidlevy&hl=en_us

Part 1 of 4. In this parable, forgiveness is presented in a new way. You are an accident victim and have some choices to make regarding pursuit of those who hurt you.  Photo by Michael Jin on Unsplash Further resources on DrDLevy.com and Dr. David Levy App. Dr. David Levy Podcasts  created on Podbean: (Photo for each episode)https://davidilevy.podbean.com/ iTunes Podcasthttps://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2 Google Play Podcasthttps://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed Websitewww.DrDLevy.com YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7aq4WGV71EkeEWnAkVunQ App for iPhone or iPad from Apple App Storehttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/dr-david-levy/id1422510199 App for Android from Google Play App storehttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.drdavidlevy&hl=en_us

Part 2 of 2. Abigail is an amazing woman. She has more dialogue than any other woman in scripture.  In 1 Samuel 25 She speaks positive words of life over David before he becomes King. She prophesies wonderful things about him. Then, her husband dies and she marries him. She marries him before he becomes King. Her prophesy doesn't exactly come true in David's life. And she's never heard from again. What happened? Why is she not the Queen? Why was she downgraded? What was God's intention for her and for David? Photo by Jared Subia on Unsplash Further resources on DrDLevy.com and Dr. David Levy App. Dr. David Levy Podcasts  created on Podbean: (Photo for each episode) https://davidilevy.podbean.com/ iTunes Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2 Google Play Podcast https://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed Website www.DrDLevy.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7aq4WGV71EkeEWnAkVunQ App for iPhone or iPad from Apple App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dr-david-levy/id1422510199 App for Android from Google Play App store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.drdavidlevy&hl=en_us

Part 1 of 2. David is on the run from Saul and betrayed repeatedly by his own tribe, the tribe of Judah. David and his men are treated with disrespect by Nabal, a wealthy fool from the tribe of Judah.  David has had enough! He is murderously angry. When David comes to settle the score, he gets a surprise. Nabal's wife Abigail comes to meet him to prevent him from making a massacre mistake that would haunt him the rest of his life. She prevents him from killing innocent people (along with her husband.) She prevents him from "saving by his own hand." Do you save by your own hand? Why is it important to wait for God and not save by our own hand? Bible passage 1 Samuel 25 Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Validation is vital when caught in a toxic shame spiral.  Cindy has shut herself in the upstairs bedroom and is prepared to boycott Thanksgiving. Jesus experienced abuse and toxic shame. Jesus experienced attempts to control from family and friends. He is able to validate and guide us through these difficult situations but it is not easy to connect when full of anger and adrenaline. How can you connect with God when you are stressed? Breathing is one of the  best ways to get your physiology back from the "fight or flight" response.  The mother-in-law will need boundaries in the future, but what can Cindy do now? She feels humiliated and it will take humility to rejoin the party. Was Jesus ever humiliated? If you were a guest, what might you offer Cindy to help her recover and rejoin the holiday?   Photo by Julian on Unsplash Further resources on DrDLevy.com and Dr. David Levy App. Dr. David Levy Podcasts  created on Podbean: (Photo for each episode) https://davidilevy.podbean.com/ iTunes Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2 Google Play Podcast https://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed Website www.DrDLevy.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7aq4WGV71EkeEWnAkVunQ App for iPhone or iPad from Apple App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dr-david-levy/id1422510199 App for Android from Google Play App store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.drdavidlevy&hl=en_us

Based on a true story. Tom and Cindy are having Thanksgiving at their house this year. Tom's mother wants to control the event and pulls a stunt that leaves Cindy angry and hurt. Tom wants to please his mother and doesn't validate Cindy's hurt. How do we deal with emotionally immature people during the holidays? What are the signs of an emotionally immature, abusive or narcissistic person? What do you do with the negative feelings you have? If you were a guest, what might you offer Cindy to help her recover and rejoin the holiday?  Did Jesus experience any poor treatment from people who wanted to control him? What can be done to recover from the offense? Photo by Julian on Unsplash Further resources on DrDLevy.com and Dr. David Levy App. Dr. David Levy Podcasts  created on Podbean: (Photo for each episode) https://davidilevy.podbean.com/ iTunes Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2 Google Play Podcast https://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed Website www.DrDLevy.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7aq4WGV71EkeEWnAkVunQ App for iPhone or iPad from Apple App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dr-david-levy/id1422510199 App for Android from Google Play App store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.drdavidlevy&hl=en_us

Have you miscalculated when change would occur? Have you ever thought someone was following God but they were not? Have you ever been angry with God about what is happening in your country? Do you feel God isn't helping you? If so, you are in good company. Elijah is one of God's favorites yet suffers greatly from disillusionment and fatigue. Some of his suffering is caused by his own choices and some by others. Ultimately, God redeems all of Elijah's mistakes and ministers to his broken heart. We see evidence of a changed man. How does God validate Elijah's pain? Do you allow God to validate your pain? The Bible text is from 1 Kings 16, 17, 18 for the Ahab/Elijah episode and 2 Kings 1 for the Amaziah/Elijah conflict. Photo by Jenny Hill on Unsplash Further resources on DrDLevy.com and Dr. David Levy App. Dr. David Levy Podcasts  created on Podbean: (Photo for each episode) https://davidilevy.podbean.com/ iTunes Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2 Google Play Podcast https://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed Website www.DrDLevy.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7aq4WGV71EkeEWnAkVunQ App for iPhone or iPad from Apple App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dr-david-levy/id1422510199 App for Android from Google Play App store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.drdavidlevy&hl=en_us

How are you at interpreting data? How do you assess danger? What does God call a "bad report?" Have you been given a "bad report" that you are repeating? We are overloaded with data and it is always interpreted by a person with a bias–which includes every one of us.  Bible text: Numbers 13-14 finds the Children of Israel at the border of the Promised Land. Twelve spies are sent to spy out the land and 10 return with a "Bad Report" according to God. The 10 spies saw the same sights but interpreted the data differently than the other two.  Joshua and Caleb tried to convince the people how God saw them and the land He promised them. They tried to tell the people God was with them but they were already too afraid. The people would not listen to God speaking wisdom through Joshua and Caleb. It kept them out of the Promised Land. Is your idea of the Promised Land one of rest and relaxation? If so, you may be in for a surprise. Exodus 17:7 ...is The LORD among us or not? Photo by Carlos Muza on Unsplash Further resources on DrDLevy.com and Dr. David Levy App. Dr. David Levy Podcasts  created on Podbean: (Photo for each episode) https://davidilevy.podbean.com/ iTunes Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2 Google Play Podcast https://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed Website www.DrDLevy.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7aq4WGV71EkeEWnAkVunQ App for iPhone or iPad from Apple App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dr-david-levy/id1422510199 App for Android from Google Play App store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.drdavidlevy&hl=en_us

Did King Saul really believe David could beat Goliath? Your thoughts have substance in your brain. Thoughts change the physical structure of your brain. David's imagination was trained by meditating on God's mission. Even his family could not dissuade him. Unless you become like a child you cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven. A child has a good imagination and childlike faith. Can you imagine good things happening to you? What has God deposited in you for the battle this season? Betrayals have happened to all of us. Have you been offended by someone? Forgiveness is important to move forward into joy. There are reasons we don't forgive. It gives energy. If you are energized by being critical of others, you may have someone to forgive. Bitterness is like poison you drink while hoping someone else dies. If you don't forgive, your relationships will suffer. Photo by Ümit Yıldırım on Unsplash

Bible stories require imagination. The story of David and Goliath is no exception. You don't go up against a giant without a healthy imagination. In 1 Samuel 16, at great danger to himself, Samuel anoints David in front of his brothers, who are jealous of him. Goliath is described as an imposing human - like a tank.   David wants to know what he will gain if he kills Goliath. Does David imagine he will get into the palace by marrying the king's daughter? How did David kill the lion and the bear? Did he use his sling like an underhand and overhand club (without releasing the stone)? How would you counsel the boy David before he goes into battle against Goliath? Would you recommend he go or not? What has David been practicing and dreaming as he keeps his sheep? Does he want to be the best shepherd in Israel or to be the best soldier? What was David's spiritual journey?  What is yours? Photo by Ümit Yıldırım on Unsplash

Surgery failure and my father forgiveness story. I displayed the character of an orphan. In John 14:18 Jesus calls his disciples orphans. Why does Jesus use this term? Are you acting like a spiritual orphan? How fast do you eat? How are you sleeping? How are you with trusting people? Do you trust God? Do you act like you are on your own? Are you in survival mode? Do you believe in a God of scarcity or abundance? If your faith isn't growing, you are going backwards.  Hope is the Bible's word for imagination. How is your hopeful imagination? Photo by Ümit Yıldırım on Unsplash

Imagination Series Part 1 of 4. Are you speaking life? What words are you speaking over your life and over the lives of those you love? Prov. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue... To read the Bible you must have a good imagination. God requires a vivid imagination to understand His Kingdom. You won't grow spiritually without being able to imagine good things happening in your life. Photo by Ümit Yıldırım on Unsplash

Part 3 of 3. Story of a difficult relationship with George and Barb. George had been a pastor and had multiple health issues as well as repressed anger. He and his wife requested medical advice but did not want any spiritual or emotional advice. Is anger like murder? Why was Jesus angry if he told us never to be? Why did Jesus instruct us to turn the other cheek? Are Jesus' disciples to be doormats inviting and even encouraging exploitation? Where does forgiveness fit into the anger scenario? While expressing anger as rage and violence are bad for health and relationships, repressing anger can also be bad for health. Have you been taught to repress your anger? Photo by Tim Doerfler on Unsplash

Part 2 of 3. Story of a difficult relationship with George and Barb. George had been a pastor and had multiple health issues as well as repressed anger. He and his wife requested medical advice but did not want any spiritual or emotional advice. Is anger like murder? Why was Jesus angry if he told us never to be? Why did Jesus instruct us to turn the other cheek? Are Jesus' disciples to be doormats inviting and even encouraging exploitation? Where does forgiveness fit into the anger scenario? While expressing anger as rage and violence are bad for health and relationships, repressing anger can also be bad for health. Have you been taught to repress your anger? Photo by Tim Doerfler on Unsplash  

Part 1 of 3. Story of a difficult relationship with George and Barb. George had been a pastor and had multiple health issues as well as repressed anger. He and his wife requested medical advice but were not interested in any spiritual advice. But why? George believed anger should never be expressed and had scripture to back it up. Is anger like murder? Why was Jesus angry if he told us never to be? Why did Jesus instruct us to turn the other cheek? Are Jesus' disciples to be doormats inviting and even encouraging exploitation? Where does forgiveness fit into the anger scenario? While expressing anger as rage and violence are bad for health and relationships, repressing anger can also be bad for health. Have you been taught to repress your anger? Photo by Tim Doerfler on Unsplash

(Part 2 of 2) What happens when the rug is pulled out from under you by someone you trusted? Years ago there was a woman who did my bookkeeping and tax preparation. I'll call her Polly. After I left on Sabbatical to South America she took my money and ran. I was angry, vulnerable and betrayed. How could I forgive her? Even though I was teaching forgiveness in prisons and orphanages, It wasn't easy. Bitterness was binding me to Polly. I was ruminating on her, thinking often of what she had done and the pain she caused me. Too many thoughts were focused on her. I was losing sleep and it was affecting my health and life negatively. When I began the process of forgiveness (it was a process, not a one-time event) I began to focus on how God had forgiven my sins (Unlike Polly's offense which I felt strongly, the weight of my forgiven sins were not something I felt unless I focused attention on them). I began to develop compassion for Polly as someone who needed money so badly she needed to steal it. (Not a content person and unable to communicate a need)  I cancelled her debt to me. It was God's money and God could replace it. I had been relating to God as a God of scarcity and poverty, I began to see God as a God of abundance and provision. I used gratitude and appreciation to focus on what I had vs. what I lost. Over time the pain decreased and the extreme pain of the season went away. Forgiveness is a difficult but worthwhile process.    What does Justice mean to God? Forgiveness Illustrations by David Levy Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

(Part 1 of 2)  Matthew 18 Jesus tells a story about a King who forgives an enormous debt of 10,000 Talents. The servant who was forgiven the debt does not forgive the man who owes him a smaller, but not insignificant debt. What are the nuts and bolts of forgiveness? Why is it so hard to forgive? There is a binding chain that develops between two people when you feel someone owes you an apology––or more. It doesn't seem fair for you to give to the person who has already owes you. How can it make sense to forgive? As long as you believe someone owes you something,  you are emotionally bound to them. While not easy, Jesus draws our attention to the fact that (although we don't feel it) we have all been forgiven much––10,000 Talents––more than we can repay. If we focus on the forgiveness we have received, and the gifts God has given us, forgiveness is easier. But rarely is it easy. It goes against our feelings of justice and fairness. Envy and rumination keep us focused in the wrong place. We must allow our faith in God's love for us, and faith in God's justice to prevail. It takes effort to feel God's love when others dismiss you. Forgiveness is probably the highest form of faith. Ultimately we want to be like Jesus more than we want immediate justice. We therefore follow Jesus' example and forgive.   Photo by Jingming Pan on Unsplash

Forgiveness Illustrations God doesn't need your help with justice. Envy becomes part of the problem when we focus on someone else. Envy will damage your relationship with God. The problem with focusing and ruminating on another is that you can't see or feel your own blessings. Help to forgive: Your identity as a member of God's family is the basis of forgiveness. It is difficult to forgive without a healthy identity. i.e. how God sees you. To God you have very high value. Using Gratitude and Appreciation tunes your heart to God and away from your offender. Your value hasn't changed. Canceling the debt is a difficult but important step to break the connection and release yourself into freedom.  Is it OK if God brings you what you lost from another source?  Developing compassion with people who hurt us doesn't prevent setting boundaries. Wounded people wound people. Focus on the good things you have. An apology goes a long way to restore someone you offended. But most of the time we won't be getting one. Joel 2:25 KJV And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten...   Ask God to help you forgive if it is too big for you. Humble yourself and ask God to help you to do what He asked you to do. God comes close to those contrite and who forgive. Forgiveness Declaration is on my website. DrDLevy.com

Problems in the soul (emotions) can overflow into the body and affect your health. Spirit-Soul-Body Illustration for first segment. Forgiveness illustration. Someone has taken something from you. What message did you receive?   What happened to your value? How often do you think about it? What did you lose? Would you like vengeance? Your emotions are negative focused on the offender. Why is forgiveness so difficult? What can be done? What lie are you believing?   "I don't matter" is a common lie that makes us fight and dwell on the offense.  

Can you hear from God when you make a mistake? Is there grace or condemnation? Ezekiel 36:26,27 I will give you a new heart and a new spirit...I will put my spirit within you... Col. 1: 27 ...Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Eph. 1:13-14  ESV  ...were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit... Freedom is not doing whatever you want. It is doing what you were designed to do. You get to decide to who or what you will be a slave.  Will quenching the Holy Spirit make it more difficult to hear from God? God moves toward those who are humble and repent.  Do you experience God as being in you?  Are you stuck in some relationships? Are there people in your life who bring you down? Setting boundaries is not easy. Which of your relationships are yielding negative fruit? Is it time to sow in another field? Sabbath is a helpful tool to make time and space to hear from God.  Photo by Gary Bendig on Unsplash

Might life work better if we could hear from God? Jesus was confident you would be able to distinguish the voice of God from others. Humans are uniquely designed to hear from God. The Spirit-Soul-Body metaphor is one way to understand how we function spiritually and physically in this world. While not a perfect metaphor, I find it helpful.  When someone invites Jesus to live in them, what happens to the spirit, soul and body?  In Christ, we are a new creation.  (2 Cor. 5:17) Why don't all bad habits instantly disappear?  What is the difference between a spiritual person and a soulish person? Can your spirit become tarnished or dirty? What does it mean if God lives in you?  How does the Holy Spirit come into a believer in Jesus? Should we ask for Holy Spirit? Acts 2:38 ...Repent and be baptized...and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Luke 11:13 ...How much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. Acts 5:32 ...The Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him. How can we change our habits? On what do you meditate? Rumination on negativity affects how you think and feel.  What is life supposed to be like when living as God intended?  Where does fear come from? Satan is full of fear and tries to pass it on to you.  Drawings by Dr. David Levy. Photo by Kyle Smith on Unsplash

We are uniquely designed to hear from God. While not completely correct, this metaphoric illustration of the Spirit, Soul and Body, is a working model of the 3-part human. We usually cannot see or feel our soul or spirit and this illustration makes them visible. The spirit, soul and body are all connected to one another. When we believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord, our human spirit becomes one with the Spirit of Jesus (But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 1 Cor. 6:17 ESV). This shared Spirit with Jesus should affect our soul (mind, will, emotions) and body. The mind must engage (and open the valve) to bring the spiritual nourishment from our spirit to our soul. This illustration metaphor is also used as a meditation on my Dr. David Levy app under Imagination Journeys. The realization of the connections may change the questions we ask each other, allowing us to focus on the spirit (who we are) instead of the soul (how we feel). While simple in theory, we receive much input from our world through the senses. It requires effort to focus the mind on how God thinks about a situation vs. how you think about the situation.  Some verses used in this section:  2 Peter 1:3,4 NKJV His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature... Phil. 4:13 NKJV I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:19 NKJV And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Illustration by David Levy. YouTube version shows other illustrations https://youtu.be/wiew_F-Ii-o

In the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, people hear from God. He walks and talks with Adam and Eve, shows up with two friends for lunch with Abraham,  tells Moses to part the sea so the people can walk through it, etc. Jesus assumes we will recognize his voice as different from the voice of a stranger. (John 10) This requires some effort on our part.  Beginning in Genesis, we look at Adam and Eve hearing––and sometimes not hearing––God. Is. 30:21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left Photo by Anthony Roberts on Unsplash

Are we supposed to hear from God?  Do we not hear because God is not speaking or we are not listening? There are radio waves all around you, but if you don't have a receiver tuned to the station, you will hear nothing intelligible. What are the benefits and dangers of trying to hear from God? Did Jesus expect us to hear? Bible characters from Genesis to Revelation listened to God and responded.  Jesus assumes we will recognize his voice as different from the voice of a stranger in John 10. This requires some effort on our part. The first in a series of lessons in a workshop on learning to listen for the voice of God.  1 Cor. 6:17 ESV But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him Is. 30:21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left

How do you respond when your prayers are not answered? Perhaps there was something good you really wanted to happen for yourself or someone else. Perhaps there was something bad you didn't want to happen. You prayed but did not get what you wanted. Dr. Levy encounters unanswered prayers that cause pain and suffering and cause him to ask God, "Why?"

Zachariah and Elizabeth had a long-standing disappointment to overcome. In the process of waiting, Zachariah picked up a negative attitude. While understandable, the angel Gabriel was not amused. What can you do to keep from being negative when an angel comes with an answer to your prayers? Why was Zachariah the priest "muted" until the baby was born?   Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Where is Jesus when you are in trouble? Peter sinks after a heroic walk on water. Why did he sink and where was Jesus while he was sinking?  Had Peter been in a prior situation in a boat in a storm? Was Jesus expecting them to have learned from the experience?  Have you been in a prior stressful situation not EXACTLY like the one you are in now? Prov. 18:20-21 By the fruit of a man's mouth, his stomach is satisfied... Death and life are in the power of the tongue... How are your words about yourself and your situation. Are you exchanging the power of your words for sympathy or gossip? Further resources on DrDLevy.com and Dr. David Levy App. 

Fear and Emotional Contagion are rampant with the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. People regularly share bad or distressing news with each other.  Anxiety, depression and fear-driven anger are easy to see. What does Jesus have to say about fear? Psalm 91 personalized.  Peter gets out of the boat and walks on water. Why does he begin to sink? What are the dynamics with those in the boat? Was Jesus standing in front of him as the famous painting shows? Or was Jesus behind him?  Photo by Barth Bailey on Unsplash

Does King Saul believe David can win against Goliath in 1 Samuel 17? If you were trying to decide whether to send David against the giant, how would you decide?  What strategy does David choose and where does he get his confidence?  David is quoting from Deuteronomy 20 as he speaks with King Saul. He seems to have absolute confidence in The God of Israel.  Are there other giants in the land? What happened to them?  Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash

How do you differentiate between God and coincidence? Numbers 13:25 The spies bring a "bad report." We see "emotional contagion," spreading fear among the Israelites who want to go back to Egypt. Why do they want to go into the Promised Land the day after they wanted to go back to Egypt? What changed in their mind? If we see or perceive God it changes the way we behave.  The Israeli spies gave an "Honest Report" of what they saw, but without faith, God called it a "Bad Report," and it kept them all out of the Promised Land.  Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash

We typically take the worst possible interpretation of what someone did or said as the truth. We review the offense over and over...I'm not good enough, I'm not special...I'm not loved. Is there a situation bothering you because you took offense? What message did you receive that wasn't from God? Continuing in 1 Samuel 17. Other people encounter lions in scripture. How did David kill a lion and bear? Did he use his sling like a chain-mace and break the jaw of the animal? David is not intimidated and gives his own speech to Goliath the giant. What is your self-talk? Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash

1 Samuel 17. Judah doesn't conquer the Philistine territory they were given claiming the iron chariots of the plains were too strong for them. God defeated iron chariots in Judges 4. David's family dynamics include envy, resentment and a culture of dishonor. Envy is treating your gifts as lower value than someone else's gifts.  Why do we interpret events negatively?  Who do you envy? Who makes you jealous? Were you raised in a culture of dishonor? Photo by Kyle Johnston on Unsplash

 1 Samuel 17 David is sent by his father to to see his brothers "fighting" with the Philistines.  Goliath the Giant is described in all his glory, power and weapons of war. The narrator then switches to David at home with the sheep.   Did God want Saul or one of David's brothers to fight the giant? David played the lyre, how do you worship? Saul is offering a reward if someone kills the giant and David asks repeatedly about it. Why is Eliab angry at David? Photo by Kyle Johnston on Unsplash

Saul becomes king of Israel and is successful in battle. Later, worried about an upcoming battle, he offers a sacrifice instead of waiting for Samuel, the Priest. We hear that God will remove Saul and choose another.  Why do righteous people have children who don't follow God? Eli's sons and Samuel's sons don't follow God. They lack attachment (bonding) to the parent and to God.  1 Samuel 13 "Rules without relationship causes rebellion"  - Josh McDowell  How do you hear from God? Listening Prayer described more fully on YouTube entitled "Why Can't I Hear from God?" Photo by Valario Davis on Unsplash

Saul is chosen king of Israel.  Does God want a king in Israel? Deuteronomy 17:14-18 seems to indicate God was OK with a king as long as he was a spiritual as well as political leader. God wanted the king to read and write the scriptures daily to be familiar with what God wanted. The people want a king for security and prosperity. 1 Samuel 9 and 10.  Is it possible you could hear God like Samuel did?  Would it be a good thing for you? If you desire a spiritual gift, Ask, seek, knock.  Photo by Valario Davis on Unsplash