Dr. David Levy - God's Wisdom Freshly Revealed: Recent Episodes
Dr. David I Levy
Biblical and Scientific Wisdom presented by a neurosurgeon. Emphasis on healthy relationships with God, Self and Others.
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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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?
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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."
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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?
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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.
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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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?
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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
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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?
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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/
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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?
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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/
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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.
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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/
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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?
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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
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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.
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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?
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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
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(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.
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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.
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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.
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
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?"
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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.
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Why are the people worshipping idols? Where are the priests? Leviticus 10 and 1 Samuel 2 shows us why the people were not flocking to the priests for instruction during this period.
Bible Maps here https://www.knowingthebible.net/studies/bible-maps
Idolatry was forbidden by The God of Israel. Why? What is an idol? Have you conquered the territory God assigned to you?
Begin discussion of the Levites and Priests. Leviticus 10, I Samuel
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Continuation of events in Judges 18. The tribe of Dan don't attempt to take their allotted inheritance in the Tel Aviv area of Israel. The opponents look to be too strong, so they go to find some unsuspecting people to attack in the extreme north of Israel. The 600 men from the tribe of Dan come to Micah's Inn for the night and steal his household Gods. Micah is very attached to his idols. What idols do you have in your life?
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See Bible Maps here. #14 Tribes of Israel
https://www.knowingthebible.net/studies/bible-maps
What was life like in Israel before there was a king? We begin in one of the most confusing portions of scripture, Judges 17 and see syncretism, the mixing of idolatry with The God of Israel. Micah has an Inn in the hill country of Ephraim and strange things occur. Is this the Bible? We are asking these questions What does God want? What do the people want?
Photo by Matthew Smith on Unsplash
See Bible Maps here. #14 Tribes of Israel
https://www.knowingthebible.net/studies/bible-maps
What are the characteristics of narcissistic relationships? What is "narcissistic supply?" Are you a people-pleaser?
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Jesus had some awkward family dynamics. Can he help us with our families?
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We are to connect people with God. We are priests. (Rev. 1:6) Talk to God about the problem. Adrenaline keeps you non-relational.
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How do you feel? How are you doing? How did you sleep? What are the questions you ask your family and friends? What scripture would you use to help in a crisis? What words are you speaking over circumstances? Fear is belief in the greater ability of the enemy to steal, kill and destroy, than in God's ability to bless and protect you.
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What do you do when someone comes to you in a crisis? Physical, emotional, financial problems are all around us. Do you point them toward God as a resource? Jesus distills all scripture into 2 commandments.
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Why are there so many pigs across the lake? Does Jesus dislike pigs? Is Jesus fooled when the demons beg to go into the pigs? Mark 5:1-20
30 min.
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Why is there a naked demoniac running among the tombs? What is the spiritual climate in the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes)? Why does the demoniac fall down before Jesus? Had the disciples heard about this man? What about all those pigs? Mark 5:1-20
20 min.
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Why does Jesus have favorites? Why does Jesus give his favorite disciples a mission they can't complete - in the area of their expertise? Does God sometimes lead us into messes? Mark 4:35-41
12 min.
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Jesus is sleeping in the stern of a boat. (Where is the stern?) When the disciples wake him, he calms the storm and rebukes them. Why? What could they have done? What did he expect from them? What were the relational dynamics on board?
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Does God love Adam or Eve more? Was Adam too focused on his projects? Marriage Class Genesis 1-3 lecture. God does not withdraw from them. Next generation murder of Abel show Adam's anger overflowed into the next generation. How does Eve tempt Adam? Did she feel guilty? Adam is angry and blames God. Hardness of heart is when you pay more attention to what you want than what God wants. It can start with a subtle shift of priorities. Is Adam a victim? A victim is one who uses injustice of life to justify their own sin. God's act of mercy for his children by making them clothing and limiting the effects of sin. Adam doesn't appear to have repented. Do you repent when you sin? Part 4 of 4.
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Are you tempted by things you want but don't need? Why is no repentance forthcoming from Adam? What was God's purpose in creating Adam and Eve? How did God feel when Adam and Eve ate the fruit? Jeremiah 2:13. God wants to be pursued. God was underestimated by Adam and Eve. What does God have as a vision and dream for your life? Anyone who loves has a desire to receive love from the object of their love. Colossians 1: 15-17, 19. Do you seek God's opinion before you make decisions?
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Dr. David Levy Podcasts on: iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2
Google Play 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
Can you see the beauty of God? How was Eve supposed to be a "Helper" to Adam? How is life supposed to flow in Eden? Why is Eve temptable? What kind of relationship does God want with her? Why is arrogance and contempt for God's wishes attractive to Eve? Did the serpent eat the fruit? Is Adam doing what God expected? Was Adam with her? Why does Adam take fruit from Eve and not pick his own fruit? Marriage Class Teaching from Genesis Chapters 1-3. Part 2 of 4. 19 min
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From the beginning, God was good and his creation was very good. Why is it sometimes difficult to believe God was good before Jesus came? God hasn't changed in character. What were Adam and Eve supposed to be doing with their time? How long were they supposed to stay in Eden? How does God show his delight for his son? Do you have a challenge in your life? God wants to be with you and loves to watch what you are going to do. Marriage Class. Part 1 of 4 12 min.
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How does Jesus NOT want you to pray? Does God care if your public prayers are longer than your private prayers? Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice..." Do you hear it? Is it getting more difficult to hear God's voice with all the distractions in your world? This is part of a workshop on listening to God. Blocks and obstacles that prevent you from hearing from God are addressed.
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Why did Jesus tell parables? Didn't he want everyone to understand? What kind of people want to argue with you? Pearls before swine? Why did Jesus say it?
Is the soil of your heart hardened? Why are some people shallow? How do you determine if there are thorns in your life? Mark 4. Part 2 of 2.
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YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7aq4WGV71EkeEWnAkVunQ
There is one parable Jesus said was the KEY to all the parables. Why is this parable so important? What does Jesus know about the brain? How often is the sower sowing seed? Is the sower simply sloppy or is the sower intentional about where the seed is falling? Why would the sower sow seed where it won't grow? What kind of soil are you this season? Has it changed since last year? Are you taking care to make sure you are fertile soil? Mark 4. Part 1 of 2.
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Do you want to be loved? Are you pretending to be someone else? If so, you are in good company. What do you do when a crisis arises? How do you handle stress? What happens when you get angry with God? How do you pray when you don't feel like it? Does quoting Bible verses work for stress? Does God want to walk with you and comfort you in distress? How does suffering allow you to bring God into your problems? Why do some people feel entitled to a better life? Do you try to control too much in your life? How can you have more joy? How can you reframe your problem into a learning experience?
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Dr. David Levy Podcasts on: iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2
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Website www.DrDLevy.com
YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7aq4WGV71EkeEWnAkVunQ
Bad relationships can make you sick. With the best of intentions I was trying to make a relationship work and it ended badly. She was understandably angry and I felt manipulated. But don't stop at the breakup. There is much to learn from our mistakes. How does people-pleasing set you up to make poor decisions? How easily are you manipulated into staying in bad relationships? After a breakup - can you forgive? Who gives you advice about your relationships?
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Dr. David Levy Podcasts on: iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2
Google Play 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
AUDIO Podcast. Video at https://youtu.be/sRG9y3pFPio
Creature Comforts. Comfort Foods. Even in the womb we seek comfort and continue throughout life. From the time we wake up in the morning until we go to sleep we are very interested in our personal comfort. Does God want to comfort you? Are you looking to find comfort in screen time, movies, social media, sweets, food, an addictive person, gambling, money, shopping, work, exercise and many others. Not all comforts are bad, but any comfort can hinder your spiritual growth. Many people want God to comfort them but are unable to receive comfort from God. Why? With personal examples, Dr. Levy shows what it looks like to seek comfort apart from God and what it looks like to allow God to comfort you. Recorded from My Therapist Sez with Host Dr. Don Welch LMFT. www.enrichingrelationships.org
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Are you aware of how envy affects your relationships and steals joy from your life? Envy is a joy robber that needs your attention. 2017 New Zealand Conference 3. Hebrews 12:1-3. 2:00 Luke 8. Jairus' Daughter. 09:45 Jesus claims Priesthood is no longer needed to forgive sins. 11:50 We don't want a Messiah like this. 21:09 Envy. 21:20 Building a wild animal trap. 23:43 My younger brother is a genius. 26:30 Envy sees the beauty and wants to diminish it. 31:15 We compare our inside with someone else's outside. 33:00 Envy is the oldest sin. 44:44 Anti-Envy declaration and blessings.
YouTube Video of this talk available here
https://youtu.be/ZpAp3qN45ZA
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Resources: Dr. David Levy Podcast - God's Wisdom Freshly Revealed on: iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2
Google Play https://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed
Website https://www.drdlevy.com/
YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/DrDLevyMedia
Vimeo https://vimeo.com/user59106713
Are you disappointed with God for something in the past? Unanswered prayer? Relationship failure? Do you have trouble believing God is good? It is worth reframing events of the past and rekindling hope. Audio from 2017 New Zealand Conference Video 2. Video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/sd1hmRO76AU John 8 Woman caught in adultery. 7:30 Covering shame. 7:50 Joy depends on treatment of weakness. 10:30 Rick and Rita home birth tragedy. 17:30 Parents often withdraw their love as a behavior modifier. 19:00 You will grow from suffering. 21:30 Disappointments with God are obstacles to relationship. 23:15 My circumstances affect my feelings, but do not need to control me. Circumstances do not determine God's love for me. 24:15 The pain of singleness. 27:45 We seek comfort but we often forget to grieve. 31:05 Jesus understands how you were set up to fall. 34:37 Self-pity feels good in the moment, and it seems free and justified, but you won't like the cost. 36:57 Renouncing vows and agreements. 38:00 God why? 39:15 We expect an apology when offended. 49:53 Forgiveness is not reconciliation.
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Resources: Dr. David Levy Podcast - God's Wisdom Freshly Revealed on: iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2
Google Play https://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed
Website https://www.drdlevy.com/
YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/DrDLevyMedia
Vimeo https://vimeo.com/user59106713
Younger brothers who take short cuts usually irritate older brothers who do not. We can empathize with the Elder Brother as he comes home to an unwelcome surprise. His younger brother is being celebrated at a party after losing the entire inheritance. How are you at celebrating those who have made mistakes? While we can relate to the brothers shame and struggle, we can learn much from The Father. Story is found in Luke 15.
I concluded this message with an Imagination Journey that is not found on this recording but "The Elder Brother Comes Home" Imagination Journey/Meditation can be found under "Imagination Journeys" on Dr. David Levy App or on YouTube at:
https://youtu.be/G3y4U-SQxWk
Resources: Dr. David Levy Podcast - God's Wisdom Freshly Revealed on: iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2
Google Play https://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed
Website https://www.drdlevy.com/
YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/DrDLevyMedia
Vimeo https://vimeo.com/user59106713
How does the brain process sexual attraction? Do you consider God in your sexuality? Can sexual video games affect you spiritually? Audio From My Therapist Sez video presentation which includes research references.
Video of this talk is here: https://youtu.be/1K_oN2VxrC4
Resources: Dr. David Levy Podcast - God's Wisdom Freshly Revealed on: iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-david-levy-gods-wisdom-freshly-revealed/id1403541244?mt=2
Google Play https://play.google.com/music/m/Itnylngdsghg425rjbhhcfzfw2y?t=Dr_David_Levy_-_Gods_Wisdom_Freshly_Revealed
Website https://www.drdlevy.com/
YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/DrDLevyMedia
Vimeo https://vimeo.com/user59106713
My Therapist Sez hosted by Dr. Don Welch LMFT. http://www.enrichingrelationships.org/donald-welch/
Photo by YIFEI CHEN on Unsplash
If you had one hundred $1 bills and one was missing, would you leave $99 on the table and go look for your lost $1? What kind of crazy shepherd is this?
Luke 15 Parable of Lost Sheep, coin, son.
At the conference, I did an imagination meditation involving picturing yourself as a sheep and allowing The Shepherd to come find you and put you on his shoulders and take you home. You can find the meditation here:
https://youtu.be/GA_CeO7v4ZM
App on iTunes or Google Play under Dr. David Levy has this and other meditations under the category, "Imagination Journeys"
Photo from Pexels 59863
Are you able to quiet yourself or do you need constant stimulation? Is the focus always on you? Relationships are more difficult when the goal of your conversation is agreement. Questions from the audience on stress, shame and imagination.
Marriage class on relationships.
1:30 Quieting 3:40 The goal of conversation. 7:35 Problem Sandwich. 11:25 Question about relational stress. 14:30 Question on Shame. 16:40 Question on False Self. 17:55 Imagination and Faith
Many insights on quieting, problem sandwich and shame adapted from talks on relational brain skills given by E. James Wilder Ph.D. His resources are available at:
www.thrivetoday.org
www.lifemodel.org
www.lifemodelworks.org
www.deeperwalkinternational.org
Photo by Eaters Collective on Unsplash
Breathing and imagination meditations on website www.DrDLevy.com.
App store or Google Play have Dr. David Levy App which also has these resources for iPhone or Android.
Why do we get overwhelmed? What erodes your emotional reserves? Do you know when you are approaching overwhelm and about to blow? Emotional fatigue and physical pain push us to a point where conversation becomes fruitless. What to do when you recognize you are not connecting? Appreciation is a tool that can help you get back on track.
2:30 Overwhelm 14:30 Relational Circuits. 18:00 Anxiety is in the future. 19:00 Brain chemistry of prayer.
Many insights on overwhelm adapted from talks on relational brain skills given by E. James Wilder Ph.D. His resources are available at:
www.thrivetoday.org
www.lifemodel.org
www.lifemodelworks.org
www.deeperwalkinternational.org
Relational Circuits concept and checklist developed by Karl Lehman MD and detailed in his book Outsmarting Yourself. www.outsmartingyourself.org.
http://kclehman.com/
Geyser at Yellowstone National Park. Photo by David Levy
Breathing and imagination meditations on website www.DrDLevy.com.
App store or Google Play have Dr. David Levy App which also has these resources for iPhone or Android.
Singles Conference
My experience with burnout after surgery in Africa. What makes you susceptible to burnout? How can you build resilience? Jesus faced opposition but did he ever face burnout? How did he stay joyful in tragedy and disappointment?
00:30 Susceptibility to Burnout. 3:00 Doing difficult surgery in Africa. 09:00 Sick in San Diego. 13:00 Trying to pray when sick. Entitlement. 14:00 Those in ministry susceptible to entitlement. 17:00 Gratitude 27:00 Matthew 13 Jesus rejected at Nazareth. 31:30 Jesus tries to retreat, feeds 5000 and walks across the lake. Playful after tragedy. 37:10 Peter doesn't want to miss the fun this time. Jesus training them and us.
Burnout symptoms adapted from lecture given by Dr. J Bryan Sexton. Introduction to Resiliency: The prevalence and Severity of Burnout. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL1FmLYOC4c
Photo by ibrahim kusuma on Unsplash
David and Abigail 3: David, a man with a difficult acension to the throne, marries 2 women, Abigail and Ahinoam and begins to unravel. David goes on a suicide mission into enemy camp, pushing God. Emotionally exhausted, angry with God, and trying to obtain security, he pretends allegiance to the Philistines, the enemies of Israel. This departure from God's plan causes much damage to David's soul and the atrocities perpetrated lay the foundation for the Bathsheba incident.
I Sam. 22:2 02:40 David In Keilah, consults God. 04:00 I Sam 23:15 Ziphites. 06:10 Red Sea Salvation. God loves drama. Anti-faith desires. 08:00 I Sam 24. King Saul. David cuts his robe. 09:25 David and Abigail. God is always giving David spiritual power. 10:34 David marries 2 women, begins to come apart- bifurcate. 12:00 David begins working salvation by his own hand. 15:00 Ziphites again. 26:25 David goes to Philistines. 23:00 David makes raids against Philistines pretending to make raids against Israel. 26:20 Ziklag is burned. 28:30 Burnout caused by working for a boss or organization whose values you don't share. 30:30 Fantasy life always stops at the dopamine hit. Take it all the way to the next week!
Photo by jesse orrico on Unsplash
David and Abigail 2: David avoids assasintion attempts by King Saul (narcissist) many times. Abigail hurries and makes decisions early in her relationship that potentially set her up to become "wife number two." Why did a beautiful and discerning woman with such amazing things said about her in scripture, have little or no influence in David's life or the Kingdom of Israel?
00:00 My anti people-pleasing attempt. 1:55 1 Sam 15 King Saul is a narcissist. 3:10 Narcissism and people pleasing both try to control. 4:25 1 Sam 15:19 King Saul's character. 7:45 Healthy vs. unhealthy people pleasing. 9:20 David and Abigail. 14:52 People pleasing is saving by your own hand. 20:00 Hurry a sin? 23:02 When we allow people to treat us poorly, it does damage to us, them and the relationship. 26:25 When do I hurry? Exercise. 26:50 Relationship reflection.
Photo by dylan nolte on Unsplash
David and Abigail 1: After David suffers wave after wave of betrayal, injustice and loss, he shows all the signs of clinical burnout and plans a mass killing. Saved from tragedy by a wise and discerning woman, he ultimately marries her...and another, Ahinoam of Jezreel. Ahinoam is considered his first wife, and David no longer listens to Abigail who repeatedly told him not to "save by his own hand." Ahinoam becomes the mother of Amnon, crown prince, who is not a nice man, while Abigail's son is not even considered in the running to be the next King.
1:35 1 Sam 16:10 David's family of origin? 4:00 David and Goliath. 7:00 David and Michal. 9:20 I Sam. 22 King Saul kills the priests. 10:20 I Sam. 23 Judean wilderness. 12:50 I Sam 25 Samuel dies. David and Nabal. 18:10 David shows signs of burnout. 22:05 Abigail meets David. 23:00 Don't save by your own hand. 27:50 Abigail goes home. 29:15 A (small?) decision begins an addiction and starts David making poor decisions.
Tragic verse I Sam. 25:43. David had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel, and they both were his wives.
Ahinoam is in 1st position as David's wife in 1 Sam. 27:3 David and his men settled in Gath with Achish, and each man had his family with him. David had his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal.
Photo by Etienne Steenkamp on Unsplash
After being shamed on the playground, I pass along the abuse to another. New twists in the story of the Prodigal son. Why does The Father sell his property? Why does he not argue with his son? Why does Father endure so many offenses from both of his sons? There is something very unusual about this Father that you may not have noticed.
Shame, guilt and celebration. Journey of Father and Prodigal Son.
Sixth grade playground story. 1:50 Shame and rejection. 4:20 New friend Bill's adventure. 9:00 Luke 15 Prodigal Story. 15:20 Did the Prodigal want a party? 20:55 Can you celebrate when others shame you? 22:00 What gives joy to Father? 23:40 Who is the strange character who celebrates like a child?
Photo by Spenser Sembrat on Unsplash
James and John are offended at the Samaritan's treatment of Jesus. They ask to call down fire from heaven? Despite being surprised and inconvenienced, why does Jesus have a different attitude and rebuke the disciples? What is your attitude when you are "reprioritized" and people don't treat you as highly as you expect?
Luke 9:51-56. 2:00 Why is there tension in the air? 06:15 Does Jesus know he will be rejected? 08:50 Why does the party assume they will be received by the Samaritans? 10:45 Why I love shortcuts. 12:50 Why James and John want to call down fire from heaven.14:10 Elijah and Ahaziah episode of commanding fire down. 2 Kings 1. 18:25 How do you respond when someone cancels on you? Man who cancelled on me irritated me. 21:00 I'm a lower priority than I think I should be. 22:00 My initial reaction is not the path to joy. Jesus shows us patience and humility brings maturity. 22:59 Listening prayer, interactive gratitude (These are part of the Immanuel Process or Immanuel journaling. https://www.immanuelapproach.com or https://immanueljournaling.com) 25:40 If I'm special to God I don't need for you to treat me special. 27:20 Are people prioritizing you lower than you would like? 31:30 Inconvenience of rejection. Jesus and his disciples take a detour. 32:40 Costs us more than we think it should. 33:20 Is God taking you on a detour? 36:40 Possible reasons why the Samaritans reject Jesus. 42:00 Anxiety, your imagination leaves out God with you. 45:00 Why would Father allow Jesus to be detoured? 47:45 Why do we go through testing? 51:30 Patience and Humility always required on a detour. Humble Reframe.
Map of Jesus' last journey to Jerusalem from ESV Study Bible. Crossway Publishing, Wheaton IL 2008
Luke 8:40-56. 03:20 The people you love change the way your brain works. 03:45 Your belief system, Who do you love? Who loves you? What do you love? 06:25 Dopamine sources. 07:25 Looking at Jesus. He was offensive for a number of reasons. Early 30's. 09:00 Jesus has no formal education. 09:40 From Nazareth. No legitimacy. 10:25 Jesus is joyful. (John 15:11). 11:00 Jesus is peaceful. (John 14:27). 11:35 Jesus left behind at Temple. 13:45 Jesus not the only child of Mary and Joseph. (Matthew 13:55-56) 15:25 A supernatural experience does not necessarily change your faith forever. 16:05 Jesus before High Priest (John 18:19-23) 17:30 Jesus breaks with tradition. 18:45 Jairus and the Centurion live in Capernaum. Centurion servant healed (Luke 7: 1-10) 20:49 Was your daughter sick yesterday? 22:15 Where is your faith? I can heal at a distance. 23:30 Jairus has 2 problems. 23:59 Widow of Nain has son raised from dead. (Luke 7:11-17) 25:40 The girl is not dead but sleeping. 26:15 If I were the Messiah and a self-promoter. 28:20 Why does he say she's sleeping? 29:50 These are not your friends. 30:09 Wealthy people have a problem. 30:30 Jesus not politically correct. 31:10 Jesus is giving people a way out. 32:49 Jesus not promoting himself using guilt or manipulation. 33:37 Nothing matters more. 34:05 Judgment against Capernaum (Matthew 11:23) 35:10 Jesus is looking for people who resonate with his goodness. 35:50 Jesus goes with Jairus into a hostile environment.36:27 Jesus is offensive, a stumbling block. 36:50 Is there someone in your life who offends you? Accused of lacking joy. 38:20 Why does Jesus clear the room before he heals the girl? Photo of road with Redwoods by David Levy from Avenue of the Giants, Northern California.
00:50 God has no desire to control you. 01:40 What does God want? 03:00 Jesus has pressure put on him by his brothers. (John 7) 05:20 What about Jesus' brothers? (Matthew 13) and citizens of his hometown (Mark 6:3) 07:45 Unbelief 08:25 Envy. Man with withered hand (Mark 3:5) 13:15 How did Jesus' family deal with his fame? 19:45 Story from 6th Grade playground. I became a people pleaser. 24:27 Story from 8th grade popular girl phone call. 30:28 Parents control son after paying for his education.
Photo by Phil Hodkinson on Unsplash
Awkwardly avoiding dinner with people I don't enjoy. 04:00 People pleasers. 05:12 Was Jesus a people pleaser?(Mark 3:20) His family comes for him. 12:14 How controlled are you by those around you? 13:15 Story of woman with anxiety and depression who wants meds. 18:42 Can we allow people to make mistakes? 20:18 Are you trying to be a savior? 21:10 "I told you so" manipulation. 21:45 Narcissistic people. 24:00 Time to draw boundaries? 27:00 Manipulation is insisting my will is done. 28:50 The person with the power is least invested.
More on this angle on narcissism in this powerful talk by Bob Hamp https://www.facebook.com/ThinkDifferentlyCounseling/videos/1586201834773197/
Photo by Hans Veth on Unsplash
00:00 Buying my first car. 02:50 Matthew 5 Jesus on using words to manipulate. 06:43 Manipulating my way to family camp. 11:30 Using anger to intimidate/manipulate gets behavioral modifications but no love. 13:40 Pouting, door slamming, yelling and overwhelm = control. 14:05 You become like the god you worship. 15:45 Jesus doesn't manipulate. 16:05 Fear Bond vs. Love Bond. God doesn't want to control you. 18:10 Intimidation, contempt, sarcasm, teasing, put-downs. 19:15 Teasing vs. complementing - can your family do it? 20:25 Jesus faced intimidation, humiliation attempts to control him. Jesus never used his power to make life better for himself or his family. 21:00 Jesus did not try to control or manipulate, even at his trial. 24:40 Smooth-talking manipulation on the ski-lift. It takes courage to be vulnerable.
Photo by howling red on Unsplash
Talk given at a surgical convention.
Photo by David Levy MD, Quinalt Rain Forest, Washington State, USA.
What happened to Jacob that makes his sons hate their brother? Why and how does Judah make one of the largest character arcs in scripture? Judah is responsible for the plan to sell Joseph, then years later gives his life for the life of Joseph's brother Benjamin. What happened?
01:30 Judah's character arc. 02:30 Jacob summarizes his life. 05:00 What happened to Jacob? 07:00 Jacob's response to his sons (Gen. 42:36). 10:15 Implications of Favoritism. 13:50 Jacob's thinks his life is finally coming together. 14:45 Behold it was Leah! (Gen. 29:25). 19:15 Jacob is angry with Leah. 21:50 Jacob marries Rachel (Gen. 29:31). 22:30 Wives of the Patriarchs are all beautiful and barren. 24:45 Judah is born (Gen. 30:14). 28:00 Family Dynamics. 30:00 Rape of Dinah and Shechemites killed. 33:10 Reuben and Bilhah. 36:00 Story of woman who held grudges. 38:45 Reflection on Jacob. 40:53 Judah's character arc. 44:00 Judah marries Canaanite woman. 47:43 Burn the prostitute! 48:00 Judah's character grows. 49:18 Judah goes to Egypt.
Photo by Martin Widenka on Unsplash
Jesus Meets Jairus (Again?) Luke 8:40-56 02:35 Did they know each other? 03:00 Jesus and Jairus home town is Capernaum. 03:30 Who is Jesus? 04:40 Young Doctors are not always popular. 06:50 Jesus has no fear of authority. He is not manageable. 10:30 Do I want this man to be the Messiah? 17:03 Jairus has 2 problems. He has a problem with his social circle. 20:38 Why does he say she is sleeping? 24:20 How easy is it for mourners to laugh? 26:55 Do you want to believe matter came together by itself? 28:45 Do you use guilt or manipulation? 30:15 Don't think Jesus doesn't care about spiritual health. 31:30 Jesus is the judge - even if you don't like it. (Matthew 11:23) 32:50 Where do we get our belief system? 33:55 You believe what you want and your brain makes it true for you. 35:00 Jesus has something to say about money, sex and power. Do you want him to be your Messiah? 36:00 Jesus is beautiful and wants to be asked. He attunes to you. 37:35 Is someone speaking truth to you but you can't hear it? A young man told me I wasn't very joyful. 39:28 How are you when you are laughed at? Angry? 40:19 Do you have the courage to be laughed at in your social circle? 40:30 There is power in humility
Are you triggered by socially embarrassing situations? What can you do? Was Jesus in such situations? 00:00 John 2. 04:55 Backstory. 10:10 Wine. 10:45 Jesus' Mother. 11:20 Uncomfortable interaction between Jesus and his mother. 12:00 "My hour has not yet come." 12:30 Jesus is not the Messiah people want. 15:10 "Woman, what does this have to do with me?" Triggers, Amygdala. 16:35 The 4 interactions between Jesus and Mary. 23:50 Does someone in your family try to control you? 26:20 Jesus' Mother's life and reasons for anxiety and control. 35:04 Fear of embarrassing situations leads to control. 36:32 Children often seen as extensions of the parent. 37:47 Jesus changes his mind. Why did the wine run out? 42:46 What would you do in his place? 44:20 Stress response. 48:00 He is The King of Israel with unlimited resources. 51:10 Breathing. 53:19 Humility