He Came Eating and Drinking God's Heart for the Whole Human Experience |
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Author:
| Sheedy, Richard |
ISBN: | 978-1-4923-3822-2 |
Publication Date: | Oct 2013 |
Publisher: | CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
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Book Format: | Paperback |
List Price: | USD $12.99 |
Book Description:
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Many of us are living fragmented and unfulfilled lives because we fail to blend the human and mundane ingredients of our life with the spiritual. We don't feel comfortable doing so because we are erroneously fearful of embracing various pleasures and activities that seem too worldly. But regardless of our attempt to live above human desires and longings, it is God's non-negotiable plan that the whole and abundant life cannot be experienced without embracing these basic and ordinary...
More DescriptionMany of us are living fragmented and unfulfilled lives because we fail to blend the human and mundane ingredients of our life with the spiritual. We don't feel comfortable doing so because we are erroneously fearful of embracing various pleasures and activities that seem too worldly. But regardless of our attempt to live above human desires and longings, it is God's non-negotiable plan that the whole and abundant life cannot be experienced without embracing these basic and ordinary "foods" in our lives. We need to be nourished by our desires, experiences and goals in order to fill and energize the human heart, mind, body and emotions. >>>Human desires are an integral part of God's design for mankind and cannot be omitted while we consider how to partake of our "daily bread." It's time to embrace a whole and comprehensive awareness of who we are and how we are to live and then consume all of life with a sense of freedom and exuberance. >>>Using food as an object lesson and teaching tool, this book investigates important aspects of the human experience in order to bring balance and wholeness to our lives. Without this equilibrium we are likely to have skewed views and lopsided lives. We need to recognize God's design for this balance so that our lives will become more useful, satisfying and complete. >>>This manuscript also addresses a few additional aspects of the human experience. Other sections discuss topics such as; vocational calling, mental health, negative relationships and a biblical view of denominations. > "Homemakers and All Vocations" makes it clear that we are not second string Christians however mundane our vocation or daily routine. Jesus at his baptism was "the Son in whom God was well pleased." At that point in time he had done no preaching, teaching or religious work. >>> Our culture tends to promote poor mental health rather than prohibit it. In "Health for the Whole Person," private struggles with depression are shared as well as the incarceration of the author's Christian college roommate for manslaughter. These experiences are shared to encourage all readers to recognize aspects of the human experience that touch us all. An appeal is also made to church leaders to increase church involvement in the field of mental health. We would be wise to have our churches better equipped for handling the emotional and psychological maladies affecting our culture and congregations. >>> Some individuals have a deadly allergic reaction to peanuts, while the rest of us can feast on them. Likewise, certain people may not be good for us, even though they may be just fine for others. "Food for Thought" makes it clear that sometimes we need to make difficult and bold decisions in our relationships. Following the examples of Paul and Jesus, each of us is to be vigilant - keeping our mind and emotions clear of unhealthy constraints. >>> Using both a drawn illustration and biblical references, "The Human Church" expounds on the picture of the Church of Christ as a majestic divine/human tree. Jesus said, "I am the vine you are the branches." With branches spreading out in different directions, the church and its denominational differences are used by God to reach the needs of a vast and diverse world looking for spiritual shelter.