Journey On with Dave Schmelzer

Many earnest churchgoers have found great encouragement from lots of Bible reading. But, as life goes on, many of them not only burn out on Bible reading, but become disturbed by parts of the Bible that didn't bother them before. Dave Schmelzer takes a contemplative, journeying look at the good and bad elements of reading the Bible and, finally, at a hopeful way forward.   Mentioned on this podcast:   The Seek Course   Wesley's Quadrilateral   Galatians 3:28; Mark 4:1-20; Psalm 1:1-3   A helpful rethinking of enjoying the Bible: What Do We Do With the Bible? by Richard Rohr

As life moves forward, faith changes for many people, which can feel unsettling. Where, some might ask, is Jesus in whatever this new phase is? Dave Schmelzer has processed this with lots and lots of people. Here's the best stuff he's learned. Mentioned on this podcast: The Seek CourseNot the Religious Type and Blue Ocean Faith, by Dave Schmelzer Journey to the Heart, edited by Kim Nataraja    

Maybe finding our calling right now actually isn't so hard--that the trick is living it out. Join Dave Schmelzer as he looks at the wisdom of one contemplative who explores how calling changes over time, how we all face pressures to live out someone else's calling, how embracing our calling gives meaning and power to our suffering, and how a four-part pathway might propel us into all the benefits of our calling.    Mentioned on this podcast: Psalm 32:8 Stephen Cope's book, The Great Work of Your Life: A Guide for the Journey to Your True Calling Online groups on Wednesdays, Sundays and Mondays. Get info at mail@blueoceanfaith.org  

One very simple but hard to pull off move, we're told, is the building block of what Paul calls "renewing our minds" and Jesus calls "becoming pure of heart and so seeing God" and some Eastern sages might call Enlightenment. Dave Schmelzer will walk through that one move and then pull back the curtain to chat briefly about why this move is so central to our hopes of experiencing such cosmic things.    Mentioned on this podcast   Romans 12:2; John 5:19-20; John 17:20-23   The Wise Heart, by Jack Kornfield   Paul Ricouer   Further Along the Road Less Traveled, by M. Scott Peck

If we listen enough to the great spiritual teachers, it will hit us that the spirituality they're describing, while absolutely appealing, is different and more chill than the spirituality we've been taught. Jumping off from a list from one modern contemplative, Dave Schmelzer details how this unexpected spirituality can really help in a world which so often feels like "riding on a bumpy road."   Mentioned on this podcast:   A Path with Heart, by Jack Kornfield   Life Together, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer   The Wisdom of the Desert, by Thomas Merton   Weekly online Journey On groups. For more information, email mail@blueoceanfaith.org   A bi-weekly Journey On newsletter. Sign up here. 

In this remarkable time of protesting injustice, do the great spiritual teachers we look at here have anything to contribute? Dave Schmelzer will take a look at what Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Thich Nhat Hanh, and the Dalai Lama--each of whom has led their people through oppression--want to tell us. Mentioned on this podcast:   A six-week online "starter" group on the spirituality talked about on Journey On running Mondays at 2pm EST. Email mail@blueoceanfaith.org for information.   The Book of Joy, by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu   Thich Nhat Hanh: Essential Writings   Psalm 58

Neuroscientists and mystics tell us the same thing: our minds have been conditioned towards negativity, which all of us then do more or less well at fending off. But the great teachers tell us it doesn't have to be that way. Join Dave Schmelzer for a look at how bone-deep loving kindness can change us from the inside out.    Mentioned on this podcast   An online small group on these things on Wednesdays at 9pm Eastern time or on Sundays at 6:30pm Eastern time. For information, email mail@blueoceanfaith.org.   Appaloosa   The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz   Hardwiring Happiness, by Rick Hanson   John 12:31, 1 John 3:8, Matthew 6:28-29, Psalm 26:1-3, Philippians 4:6-7

We're taught by the great mystics that fully experiencing God's work in our life today--even at risk of being unprepared for potential suffering just around the corner--is the source of the life we want, even in a pandemic. With wisdom from Thomas Merton, Jesus, St. Paul and some modern contemplatives, Dave Schmelzer looks at your superpower in this--your powerful ability to improvise when needed. Mentioned on this podcast:   Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation   Bob Miglani, Embrace the Chaos: How India Taught Me to Stop Overthinking and Start Living   Mark Epstein, Going to Pieces (Without Falling Apart)   Psalm 23:1, Matthew 6:34, John 9:39-41, Romans 8:31-37, 

Among the encouragements of ongoing spiritual growth is that the great teachers--for instance, Thomas Merton in this episode--tell us that all that growth has every chance of making our relationships better than they've ever been. Dave Schmelzer will talk both about contemplative and folk wisdom about keeping your most important relationships strong and growing.  Mentioned on this podcast:   New Seeds of Contemplation, by Thomas Merton   Romans 12:18   The Odd Couple   Difficult Conversations, by Douglas Stone, Bruce Hatton and Sheila Heen

In this time of Covid-19, great spiritual teachers remind us that, counterintuitively, a daily experience of enthusiasm, joy and love not only is our birthright, but is the thing that will give us the best chance of responding well to whatever circumstances come our way. But of course spiritual teachings like theirs run the risk of encouraging a false front or of being superficial--the thing that these teachers most definitely are not. They avoid these problems by tying their key teachings to Jesus's cross--to understanding the suffering of our life in an entirely new and powerful way. Dave Schmelzer looks at why this is uniquely powerful during this worldwide crisis. Mentioned on this podcast:   Luke 9:23; John 12:24; Ephesians 3:16; Proverbs 23:7; Psalm 51:6; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Romans 7:22; 1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 20:27; 1 Corinthians 1:18   A modern book which highlights many of the points made here: The Untethered Soul, by Michael A. Singer  

On the last Journey On, Dave Schmelzer talked about classic spiritual approaches that were discovered during pandemics and offer happiness even during such stressful times. Here he'll look at how understanding a few, particular things about God has also proven encouraging and useful even when things are most challenging.    Mentioned on this podcast:   The Unity of the Bible, by Daniel P. Fuller   Weekly online Journey On groups. Email: mail@blueoceanfaith.org  

Perhaps the richest spirituality in the Christian tradition was forged during a pandemic, of all things. Dave Schmelzer will look at what Julian of Norwich and some modern spiritual masters have to tell us about thriving during such a time. And, who knew?, they start by urging us that happiness, even in such times, is the goal and is possible.   Mentioned on this podcast:   Julian of Norwich   Acts 26:14; James 1:5-8; James 1:1-4   Bridge of Spies   Sonya Lyubomirsky   The Book of Joy, by Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama   An online Journey On spiritual community. mail@blueoceanfaith.org  

It turns out that there's a powerful, unexpected bright spot to our suffering and disappointment. Join Dave Schmelzer for a look at how spiritual masters from around the world--including Mother Teresa and John of the Cross--tell us about how our dark nights might not be as bad as they appear. In his preface, Dave offers some contemplative reflections on the threat of the coronavirus.  Mentioned on this podcast:   Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics, by Dan Harris and Jeff Warren   Journey to the Heart, edited by Kim Nataraja   Radical Acceptance, by Tara Brach   Isaiah 43:18-19; Isaiah 50:10,11; Romans 8:14-17; John 12:24   Online groups on journeying spirituality. Email mail@blueoceanfaith.org for information

On the previous Journey On, we talked about how growing spiritual people might lead all of us out of our current deep cultural divisions. Here we'll look at how much smaller choices that lead to our own continued astonishment at the world are in themselves a profound start that direction. You'll hear from a legendary peace activist who also, delightfully, is one of our most profound teachers about a life of sustained wonder and joy. Mentioned on this podcast: Psalm 45:7, Hebrews 1:9   Thich Nhat Hanh: Essential Writings  

Our world is so divided, politically, culturally, and religiously--even among people who claim the same religion as our own. Perhaps a certain sort of growing spirituality can help us not only personally thrive but also help lead the way through this moment to a better future. Join Dave Schmelzer as he looks at thoughts from great spiritual masters and philosophers and, of course, the Bible, about how to find unexpected joy, grace and compassion right when the world around us can seem the most bleak. Mentioned on this podcast:  Ken Wilber's book A Brief History of Everything   Jeremiah 29:7; Romans 12:14,18; Ephesians 2:14; Matthew 5:22   John Oliver talking with the Dalai Lama 

20th Century America was a golden era for optimistic teaching about how to succeed. While the advice was great from point to point, as a whole it often left people less happy than they were before learning it. But the great spiritual teachers have their own take on how to succeed that takes us to a very different place. With lots of storytelling and the occasional cultural allusion, Dave Schmelzer walks us through both takes, with some concrete suggestions about what might come next for us.

We all hit problems in our lives that don't have easy answers and so, in the absence of obvious ways to solve them, we obsess over them. Many great spiritual teachers talk about what this is like and they have both a surprising way through these problems and a surprising upshot that will lead us to a solution we couldn't have seen coming. Join Dave Schmelzer for a look at this powerful advice with wisdom from theologians and Zen teachers and C.S. Lewis and the Bible and a classic movie or two. Mentioned in this podcast  It's a Wonderful Life Isaiah 30:15-16, Proverbs 3:5-6; 28:26, 23:4, Psalm 125:1, John 12:24 The Unity of the Bible, by Daniel P. Fuller Till We Have Faces, by C.S. Lewis Everyday Zen, by Charlotte Joko Beck  A weekly online group. Contact mail@blueoceanfaith.org. 

Many great spiritual teachers (looking to the Bible) agree that there's one straightforward spiritual thing you can do that is basically a joy guarantee...and yet it's, strangely, rarely done! Dave Schmelzer details the one-stop joy hack while offering inspiration from the Desert Fathers and Mothers, Pentecostals, and his own recent past. Mentioned on this podcast:   The Wisdom of the Desert, by Thomas Merton   Transformations, by the Sentinel Group   Psalm 22:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 2 Chronicles 20, John 10:10   A weekly online group: mail@blueoceanfaith.org    

Loneliness is hard--and boldly following God into uncharted territory can risk its own kind of loneliness. The good news is that the great spiritual teachers--and even some scholars--have a lot of thoughts on how to find the kind of connection and relationship that our hearts crave. Mentioned on this podcast:   Theology of Joy: Lisa Miller and Matt Croasmun from the Yale Center for Faith and Culture   James 1:5-8   Desert Fathers and Mothers

We've all heard about or experienced occasional unexplainable stories--was it an angel? a ghost? an alien? a praying friend? Of course they might have rational explanations in the end, but the spiritual masters nonetheless encourage us to lean into how those uncanny stories feel and what they might mean, telling us that those things are important clues to our happiness and fulfillment. Join Dave Schmelzer for thoughts from Mother Teresa, G.K. Chesterton, Stephen Spielberg and more about how the untamed universe is good news for you and those you love. Mentioned on this podcast:   Close Encounters of the Third Kind.   Hamlet   Mother Teresa, No Greater Love   G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy   Daniel 3:17-18, Psalm 27:4

Worrying more than anything else keeps us from living our best life. Of course it feels horrible, but it also keeps us from walking with God into the life we want. Join Dave Schmelzer as he reviews some of the richest lessons ever offered as we stop worrying and start living!   Mentioned in this podcast:    How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, by Dale Carnegie   30 Lessons for Living, by Karl Pillemer   Real Happiness, by Sharon Salzberg   Matthew 6:22-23, Psalm 118:24, Proverbs 23:7, Psalm 90:12

How do we find and sustain the kind of meaningful work that's at the heart of our deepest dream? Dave Schmelzer looks at how great contemplative teachers suggest that common biblical wisdom about this question works just great--until it doesn't, and we realize we're being invited into a different experience of life than we'd anticipated. All with our dream right at the center.    Mentioned on this podcast:   "Follow That Dream" by Bruce Springsteen   Matthew 14:22-33 and 2 Peter 1:4   30 Lessons for Living, by Karl Pillemer

What are you hoping for from your spiritual life? Beyond rules for living and rich community and even spiritual power, many spiritual masters encourage us to keep our hearts eager for great adventure and wonder. Join Dave Schmelzer to explore guidance from Brother Lawrence, Tuesdays with Morrie, the Bible, and his own journey of giving this stuff a try.   Mentioned on this podcast:   The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence   Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown--Antarctica   Tuesdays with Morrie   Acts 2:17-19 “‘God says,     I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy,     your young men will see visions,     your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women,     I will pour out my Spirit in those days,     and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above     and signs on the earth below.”    

Jesus and Paul join contemplatives, neuroscientists and pop spirituality teachers in agreeing on one thing: your life is quite a bit better than you think it is. But sadly you, like all people, have a built in bias towards negativity. Overcoming this is the road to what Jesus called "faith." Join Dave Schmelzer for an encouraging look at the good things about to come your way.  Mentioned on this podcast:   "Every Praise" by Hezekiah Walker   "Love Theory" by Kirk Franklin   Hardwiring Happiness, by Rick Hanson   Matthew 6:28-30 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”

Deep, spiritual thinkers like Francis of Assisi, Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama seem to think our growing spirituality can also help us find our way in our larger, political world--while not becoming miserable or outraged, but rather joyful, hopeful and useful. A miracle! Join Dave Schmelzer for a fascinating look at how you might bridge divides, find purpose, and be a part of something big that's only good news. Mentioned on this podcast:   John Oliver's Last Week Tonight interview with the Dalai Lama   A growing, multi-national online group on Wednesday evenings about these things, and a live Sunday group in Los Angeles. Learn more at mail@blueoceanfaith.org   St. Francis of Asissi, by G.K. Chesterton   Luke 5:12-13 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

Finding out who we actually are--and perhaps fulfilling our potential--turns out to be a more surprising challenge than we could have guessed. But the rewards that the great spiritual teachers suggest will come to us are pretty great, as we realize that God has been doing things for us behind the scenes that we've previously missed. Jumping off with insights from diverse sources like The Harvard Grant Study and the 90s Matt Damon movie Rounders, Dave Schmelzer takes us on a deep dive into the benefits of discovering our identity.  Mentioned in this episode:   Rounders   Explore a new online small group on related themes. For more information, email mail@blueoceanfaith.org   The Harvard Grant Study   John Cassian   The Peace Prayer of St. Francis   Psalm 139:1-4, 6, 13-14, 17 You have searched me, Lord,  and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise;  you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down;  you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue  you, Lord, know it completely... Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,  too lofty for me to attain… For you created my inmost being;  you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made… How precious to me are your thoughts, God!   How vast is the sum of them!  

In this new, story-filled podcast focusing on an experience of Jesus that's fun, contemplative, practical and cultural, Dave Schmelzer of Blue Ocean Faith talks about how the new documentary The Biggest Little Farm makes a case for what spiritual masters have been saying for millennia. Namely, that learning to observe what looks like a threat to your happiness (rather than immediately fighting it) can offer a way into a new, connected life--in which, as a throw in, the problem at hand spins around to become a benefit.    Mentioned in this podcast: The Biggest Little Farm   Explore a new online small group around these ideas (or check out a live group in Los Angeles). Contact mail@blueoceanfaith.org.    Isaiah 11:1-9 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;     from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—     the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,     the Spirit of counsel and of might,     the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,     or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy,     with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth... Righteousness will be his belt     and faithfulness the sash around his waist. The wolf will live with the lamb,     the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together;     and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear,     their young will lie down together,     and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den,     and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy     on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord     as the waters cover the sea.