Have you been looking for some practical steps to guide you into a more immersive daily experience with God? In this special solo episode of 'Deeper Experiences with God,' host Dave delves into a transformative method for encountering God more deeply in daily life. Drawing from his book 'Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus,' he introduces the 'Immerse Method'—an acronym for Immersion, Meditation, Memorization, Encounter, Response, Supplication, and Experience. Each step is designed to help readers engage with the Bible in an experiential way, inspired by the teachings of Dallas Willard. Dave uses Matthew 11:28-30 to demonstrate how these steps can deepen one's spiritual journey, emphasizing a posture of reverence, anticipation, and trust.
Takeaways:
- Immersion - approach Scripture with reverence and expectancy, believing you will encounter God as you read.
- Takeaway: Before opening your Bible, pause to pray. You can use the words of Dallas Willard, “Lord, beyond the sacred page, I seek You.” Read the passage slowly, paying attention to context, key words, and what it might have meant to the first listeners.
- Meditation - let the passage speak personally to you by reflecting on what stands out.
- Takeaway: Read the passage again and notice what words or phrases draw your attention. Sit in silence for a few moments, allowing those words to sink in, and ask, “What might God be saying to me here?”
- Memorization - internalize Scripture so it becomes part of you, shaping your thoughts and daily life.
- Takeaway: Choose one phrase from the passage to carry with you throughout the day. For example, “Come to me, and I will give you rest.” Repeat it during moments of stress or pause to keep God’s word close to your heart.
- Encounter - experience God’s presence in the text by using your imagination and attention.
- Takeaway: Close your eyes and picture Jesus speaking the words directly to you. Imagine his tone, expression, and presence. Sit quietly, waiting for God to meet you in the stillness.
- Response - consider how God is inviting you to act based on what you’ve read.
- Takeaway: Ask, “How can I live this out today?” It might mean forgiving someone, slowing your pace, or extending kindness. Take one concrete action that reflects the passage’s invitation.
- Supplication - bring your needs and desires before God with openness and trust.
- Takeaway: Pray specifically for what you long for—peace, rest, wisdom, strength—and give God permission to work in your heart and circumstances.
- Experience - reflect on what you experienced with God through the passage.
- Takeaway: try journaling about your time with God: what stirred in your heart, what you prayed for, and any sense of God’s presence. Revisit this later to notice how God answered or worked in your life.
Quote of the Show:
- “ We don't just want to understand what the words say. We want to meet and encounter the Author, ” - Dave Ripper
- “ What really deepens relationships? It’s shared experiences, and that's what God is inviting us to.” - Dave Ripper
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