Authenticity

I have always been intriqued by the concept of imitating rather than being. In an effort to be "authentic" many of my brothers and sisters in Christ seem more interested in "imitating" other Christians. Maybe it is the first century Christians or other spiritual people they admire and who inspire them. There seems to be this effort to do the things they do or practice the same disciplines without asking the simple question, "Why did they do that?" or "What was the purpose or motivation behind that discipline?" When that happens it seems like they end up imitating the relationship that others have with Christ rather than entering into an authentic relationship with Jesus. When I see that happen it breaks my heart.

I love Jesus. I really want others to love Him as well. Not just superficially, but authentically. I look at a guy like Enoch and I think how cool it was that he and God were so tight that God just took him home...didn't let him face death...he just, "was no more". Wow. I am kind of glad that scripture doesn't give us a bunch of details about "how" he walked with God, just that he did. That way it leaves you wanting to pursue the relationship without the temptation do the same stuff that Enoch did. That is what is so awesome about our relationship with Jesus. He is the same Jesus, but he relates to you and me and others in a personal way. He makes it real, authentic, genuine, deep. I love that. I hope you do to. My encouragement, don't settle for the imitation when the genuine article is avaialble and so awesome!

Jumping In

Welcome to "Deep Calling to Deep." After walking with Jesus for most of my life and spending many of those years in ministry (Pastoral, Seminar Speaker, etc) I realize more and more that the depth of my relationship with Jesus comes as He calls to the depths of my soul to dive deeper into Him. In other words, the deep things of Jesus call out to the deep things in my soul...hence, the scriptural truth..."deep calling to deep." He calls to me throw His scripture, scriptural teaching, spiritual relationships and sometimes the circumstances of life. The question is, "Do I have ears to hear?" That is the reason for this blog...to open another avenue of hearing and speaking to enhance deep calling to deep. Don't get the idea that this site will be a quicksand of academic theology...there are many wonderful places to dive into that. This is a place to allow the truths of scripture to interact with the stuff of life. I find that the best way to teach people is to show them how the teachings of Jesus have affected me personally and how they can do the same for them. This seems to be the most effective in the realm of dialogue...yes, you and I talking to one another about going deeper with Jesus.

All of this is based on a simple spiritual fact...you will go as deep with Jesus as you desire. If you are "comfortable" where you are, Jesus will not push you under. He respects our free will although He wants us to experience blessings that dwell in the depth of His soul. Do you want to go after those blessings"? I do. In fact I live for them and I spend my life traveling across the country encouraging, teaching and sharing with churches and individuals about going deeper with Jesus! So, I will periodically post items on this site to promote, challenge, encourage and awaken the deep things of your soul. I hope you will do the same as we grow deeper together by allowing the deep things of God to call to the depth of our souls! Let's dive!