Spiritual or Artificial Intelligence?

You may be wondering what is this new term - Spiritual Intelligence?

In Mark 12:30, Jesus instructs us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. This commandment is fundamental to our faith and challenges us to love God with all our being. While our heart represents our emotions desires and passions, our soul is the essence of who we are, our life force and our spiritual center. 

And then comes the mind. Loving God with our mind means using our intellect to know and understand Him better. We study the Bible and learn about His character His promises and His ways. We also use our minds to gain more knowledge of Him and apply that knowledge in our daily life. And this is where Spiritual Intelligence comes in.

Today we are not going to define Spiritual intelligence in general, but we are going to create a Christian framework for it. It is a mindset and is important for us to be able to delve into the Word of our Lord to understand and apply it to our lives. 

Spiritual Intelligence is the combination of the soul and the mind, working together to understand God and His word and apply it with meaning, purpose, and values, to our lives. It goes beyond intellectual intelligence (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) by integrating a Biblical sense of awareness, ethics, and inner wisdom. Hence, we have the Word (Bible) from where we gain wisdom and information; we have the soul which processes that information to gain deeper understanding and finally we have the mind which captures that information and applies it to our lives. It is Spiritual Intelligence which helps us to make ethical decisions in our personal and professional lives, creating a Biblical Integrity in ourselves. 

While the exact term "spiritual intelligence" may not be explicitly mentioned in the Bible, it does emphasize divine wisdom, discernment, and applying spiritual insights to life.

Therefore, when we read the Word, we need to apply our spiritual intelligence to understand the word and apply it to our lives. Unfortunately, many of us today depend on external sources for wisdom - using sources like Artificial intelligence. People, including Christians use it to understand or interpret the Bible and even preach, producing a soulless, heart less and mindless understanding and message. This kind of knowledge and understanding can be dangerous, giving reality to Christs warning in Matthew 7:15.

Therefore, we would urge our readers today to kindly NOT use Gemini, Co-pilot or any other AI tool during the course of our learnings, except as a research or historical data tool and to further fact check it against the Bible. If it is not there, it may be false. 

Instead, we will use our heart, emotions, human logic and human feelings as we study the word of God. We will also pray for the Holy Spirit to open our minds as we read and learn.

The Upper Room

In our last post, we pondered on how Easter is a new beginning. If the Friday crucifixion changed the world for the apostles, Easter brought hope.

Between Easter and the Day of Pentecost (When the Holy Spirit came upon them and which is a period of 50 days), the Apostles were primarily Experiencing the Risen Christ and learning from Him. As they waited to be anointed by the Holy Spirit, after Jesus' ascension, they spent their time praying and fellowshipping, gathered in the "upper room" (Acts 1:12-14). They devoted themselves to prayer along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers, preparing for their future Ministry. Preparing for a new beginning and a new reality.

Today, the day after Easter, we too decided to make a new beginning: Reading, Understanding and practicing Gods word from the beginning. Thus, from tomorrow we will focus on the Bible, from Genesis to Revelations, to understand the word through Spiritual Intelligence - insights we all can receive from the Holy Spirit.

We hope you will accompany us on this journey, to learn anew, understand afresh and experience a renewed strength in in our spiritual life.

Our devotional posts will be derived from, what we call Spiritual Intelligence, be based on the Jeremiah Bible as well as our own research. We hope to learn something new every day.

Our first post will explain the term Spiritual Intelligence, and how we can instill it within ourselves, to better understand the Word of God.

Is it Finished?

When Jesus proclaimed "it is finished" from the cross, he meant His great work was done. He knew He would be resurrected and thus, offer us a new life.

But for us it is not finished; it is the beginning: it's only begun. what does His resurrection mean for us? Does it mean after Easter is done and dusted; we go back to who we were? What does Easter personally mean to each one of us? 

The resurrection signifies a new creation and offers us the possibility of living a new life in Christ. Just as Jesus was raised to new life, we too are called to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). This empowers us to overcome sin, live righteously, and follow Jesus' example of love and service. It means we walk away from our old ways and change our ways to His way. If we truly believe in the resurrection of Christ, we will resurrect Him in our own lives, cleaning it out to make a home for Him.

Becoming more like Christ is a lifelong journey of transformation that involves intentionally aligning our thoughts, actions, and attitudes with His example and teachings and reliance on God's grace.

Such a Change is empowered by the Holy Spirit and therefore, the visible effects of such change is seen as fruits of the Spirit, a collection of nine positive attributes that are evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence in a believer's life. These are - love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23.), in short, a spirit filled life.

Let's explore each of these fruits. 

Love (Agape): This is more than just affection; it's a selfless, unconditional love that seeks the best for others, mirroring God's love for us. It's an active choice to prioritize others. Loving others not to show but in action. Not in intention but in actual delivery.

Joy: This is a deep-seated gladness and contentment that isn't dependent on external circumstances. It's rooted in our relationship with God and the hope we have in Him. Finding hope in God is often deeply personal, shaped by faith, experiences, and reflections.

Peace: This refers to an inner tranquility and a sense of wholeness, even amidst difficulties. It also extends to harmonious relationships with others. Your inner peace will determine outward behavior. 

Forbearance (Patience): This is the ability to remain calm and long-suffering in the face of delays, frustrations, or difficult people. It involves a willingness to endure without getting angry or upset.

Kindness: This is the quality of being gentle, helpful, and considerate towards others. It involves showing compassion and acting with goodwill.

Goodness: This is moral excellence and uprightness. It's a desire to do what is right and honorable in all situations. What we do when no one is looking, is what counts, because God is and God knows. Integrity in personal life, our work and profession. A failure point for many, and one which we need to be very wary of because it can become second nature, being justified as being "street smart". 

Faithfulness: This implies loyalty, trustworthiness, and dependability. It means being reliable in our commitments to God and to others. Again, a major failure point for many, as keeping a commitment made to someone tends to take a back seat when we need to choose between ourselves, our comfort and our convenience. 

Gentleness (Meekness): This is a disposition of humility and mildness. It's not weakness, but rather strength under control, showing consideration for others.

Self-control: This is the ability to manage one's desires and impulses. It involves discipline over our thoughts, words, and actions. Self-Control and discipline is key in our endeavor to change. 

Thus, Easter is not just a historical event we commemorate; it is a living reality that transforms our lives, offering forgiveness, hope, purpose, and the power to live in the light of Christ's victory. It is a chance for us to also start a new life with and through Christ. A new beginning. 

7 Words: 10 Questions

Tomorrow is Good Friday and like all Good Friday’s most churches will call upon their elders to talk about the seven words Jesus spoke from the Cross. But to us, those Seven words raise serious questions about the whole Christian experience and life. Today we will briefly, try and understand what those seven words mean to our lives in practical application, so that when we hear our elders speak tomorrow, we have a perspective relating to our own lives.

1. "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

Message: Jesus begins His final moments with a prayer of forgiveness for those who crucified Him. Despite the physical agony and emotional betrayal, He intercedes for humanity, demonstrating His boundless mercy. This prayer reflects the heart of His mission—to bring reconciliation between God and mankind.

Application: Forgiveness is not easy, especially when we are wronged. Yet, Jesus calls us to forgive, even when it feels undeserved. Are we willing to let go of bitterness and extend grace to others?

2. "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43)

Message: Jesus offers hope and salvation to the repentant thief, showing that redemption is available to all who turn to Him in faith. This statement underscores the inclusivity of God's grace—no one is beyond His reach.

Application: No matter our past mistakes, we can approach Jesus with a repentant heart and receive His promise of eternal life. Are we ready to trust Him with our future?

3. "Woman, here is your son... Here is your mother." (John 19:26-27)

Message: Even in His suffering, Jesus cares for His mother, ensuring she is cared for by the disciple John. This act of compassion highlights the importance of family and community.

Application: How can we show love and care for those around us, especially in times of hardship? Are we attentive to the needs of our loved ones, even in hardship?

4. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

Message: Jesus cries out in anguish, quoting Psalm 22. This moment reveals the depth of His suffering as He bears the weight of humanity's sin. It also fulfils prophecy, showing that even in despair, God's plan is unfolding.

Application: In moments of pain and doubt, we can cry out to God, knowing He understands our struggles. Are we willing to trust Him, even when we feel abandoned?

5. "I am thirsty." (John 19:28)

Message: Jesus expresses His physical thirst, fulfilling Scripture and revealing His humanity. This statement reminds us that He fully experienced human suffering. When the soldiers offered Him sour wine on a sponge, lifted on a hyssop branch, that act connects to the Passover, where hyssop was used to apply the blood of the lamb. Jesus, the Lamb of God, sheds His blood to save us from sin. 

Application: Are we attentive to the needs of others, both physical and spiritual? How can we serve those who are in need? Do we thirst for God and His righteousness?

6. "It is finished." (John 19:30)

Message: Jesus declares the completion of His mission to redeem humanity. The debt of sin is paid in full, and the path to salvation is opened. This is a triumphant moment, marking the victory of God's plan.

Application: We can live in the freedom and victory of Christ's finished work. Are we embracing the grace and redemption He offers?

7. "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46)

Message: Jesus surrenders His life to the Father, demonstrating trust and obedience. This final statement reflects His unwavering faith and the fulfillment of His earthly mission.

Application: Are we willing to entrust our lives to God, even in the face of uncertainty? How can we live with faith and surrender to His will?

The seven words of Jesus from the cross are a testament to His love, sacrifice, and victory. They call us to forgiveness, faith, compassion, and trust. Tomorrow as we reflect on these words, may they inspire us to live lives that honor His sacrifice and share His love with the world.

Seed By the Wayside

                                                     

Matthew 13:19 "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side".

In the days of old, there was no Bible, no word of God written somewhere. So when God needed to communicate he did so through prophets. They had a calling, were receptive to God's communication through dreams and signs, were blessed with wisdom and knew human nature of those times.

Today, we find all these qualities in Gods word, and hence, just as it was critical to listen to what the prophets said then, it is critical for us to read and understand Gods word now - to gain His wisdom, knowledge and His instruction for our lives.

To do this we need to go beyond just reading the word. We need to read, understand and apply it to our lives.

To read His word is simple - we just need to find and consecrate quiet, unadulterated time to it.

Understanding His word needs some work. In the quoted chapter Jesus Himself asks that question - "have you understood all these things"? That is the importance to be attached to His word. We need to research the background, sometimes check translations, understand the context and references and so on. (For example we may have read Psalms 35 and 91 many times but have to stopped to find out what is a "buckler" and thus how can you ever understand the impact when it says His truth and His helps is like a "shield and buckler"?)

All of this is possible only by dedicating time, patience and is hard work, but above all we need to ask for the wisdom and guidance to understand it from the Holy Spirit. Thus, it may be a good idea to pray for such opening of the eyes and mind by the Holy Spirit before we read.

And then comes the application to our lives. If we have read it and understood it, we will be able to identify, without rationalization or justification, the impact of what we do and ask forgiveness, specifically for those acts of commission or omission we may not even be conscious of, correct them and practice the new way according to His word, so that it gets sowed deep in our hearts and minds.

In the quoted verse, and in the parable, Jesus is talking about exactly this: hearing or reading the word of God and not understanding it can open us up to deceit by Satan. He can misrepresent it (through adulterated doctrine) or minimize the impact of what we have read, through faulty understanding or biases, so that it becomes useless, making us completely vulnerable.

So, if we are in the habit of performing a tick in the box by perfunctory reading, albeit it maybe a daily discipline, understand that it opens us to spiritual danger and becomes a useless exercise. A time wasted. A life without purpose. A shallow understanding. It's better not to read it at all.

So let us not receive "the seed" (Gods word) by "the Wayside" , as a superficial reception, but give His word the honor, understanding, time and Devotion it deserves and demands and ask for the Holy Spirit for give wisdom to understand the word.

Life Changing Reality

A life-changing reality is a profound shift in one's understanding of themselves, the world, or both, leading to a significant alteration in their values, beliefs, and ultimately, their life path. It's not merely a new piece of information, but an experience, insight, or realization that fundamentally alters one's perspective. It is the tipping point, after which one experience triggers change in thought, action and priorities.

John 9:25 states: “He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.”

This verse reflects the testimony of a man who was healed by Jesus, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and healing. The context of this verse highlights the man's acknowledgment of his previous blindness and newfound sight, symbolizing spiritual awakening and understanding.

The blind man in this story went through such a change when he experienced a life changing reality: Jesus. And he could not deny Him because he could not deny his own miraculous healing.

Another life changing moment and reality is written about in John 8, 1-11. What would that woman have felt when she saw Jesus at work? While the then law stated that both - the man and woman caught in adultery were to be stoned, here she alone was being made a scapegoat in the politics of the Pharisees.    Jesus was and is life changing. 

But the ultimate life changing reality is the resurrection of Jesus because it empowers us to change and transform into a new life.  It changed the world and changed us.

Can you think of one life changing reality that you experienced?

One reader of this blog wrote - 

"For me it was experiencing the time of Covid. It made me realize that God's protection and provision surrounded me, not just in Covid times, but, thinking back, it was present at each moment and each stage of my life. That reality and it's realization changed me forever".

In this Holy Week, review your situations in life: were any of them life changing? Will, or did, the crucifixion of Christ alter anything? Will the Risen Christ change anything? 

Or, come Monday, it will be "Business as Usual"? 

Sunday Quotes

 

Every time we deny ourselves in order to serve someone else, we grow in Christ." ~ David Jeremiah

"Faith is not limited to affirming the existence of God. No, faith tells us that God loves us and demands a loving response. This response is given through love for human beings, and that is what we mean by a commitment to God and to our neighbor." ~ Gustavo Gutiérrez

"Even the best of Christians are troubled by the question, "Why does an almighty God send, or at least allow, suffering?" When you are nagged by thoughts like this, say to yourself, "I am still in elementary school. When I graduate from the university of Christian life, I will understand His ways better and doubts will cease." ~ Richard Wurmbrand

"It is my desire, in the office of a Christian minister, to do nothing which I cannot do with my whole heart. Having said this, I have said all." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents." ~ George Orwell

"As Christians, I challenge you. Have a great aim - have a high standard - make Jesus your ideal...make Him an ideal not merely to be admired but also to be followed." ~ Eric Liddell

"To be a Christian is to be a theologian-a student of God and his will. The contemporary disdain for theological content and emphasis on self-image and emotions were not shared by the apostolic church." ~ R. C. Sproul

"We are not alone.  Even now there are thousands of beings in heaven watching what is going on down here—a ‘great cloud of witnesses,’ the Scripture says.  It reminds me that there is so much more to our existence than what we can see.  What we do reverberates through the heavens and into eternity." ~ Francis Chan

"In the poor and outcast we see Christ’s face; by loving and helping the poor, we love and serve Christ." ~ Pope Francis

"Many Christians and Christian leaders have been neutralized by the love of money and materialism. The homage paid to affluence becomes a burden that saps our energy as well as our love for God and other people...Like Jesus and Paul, we can learn to be content with what we have, living modestly in order that we may give liberally to the work of the kingdom and to meet the needs of others." ~ John Wimber

"You cannot acquire the gift of peace if by your anger you destroy the peace of the Lord." ~ Pope Gregory I

"There is a danger in the word someday when what it means is “not this day.”...The scriptures make the danger of delay clear. It is that we may discover that we have run out of time. The God who gives us each day as a treasure will require an accounting. We will weep, and He will weep, if we have intended to repent and to serve Him in tomorrows which never came or have dreamt of yesterdays where the opportunity to act was past. This day is a precious gift of God. The thought “Someday I will” can be a thief of the opportunities of time and the blessings of eternity." ~ Henry B. Eyring

"God gave me emotions so I could experience life, not destroy it" ~ Lysa TerKeurst

"There is no such thing as low-cost Christianity. Following Jesus means swimming against the tide, renouncing evil and selfishness" ~ Pope Francis

"Faith is reacting positively to a negative situation." ~ Robert H. Schuller

"To be a Christian, you can’t go with the flow. You have to go by the Word of God." ~ Jim Cymbala

"God hates the LUKEWARM GOSPEL OF HALF-TRUTHS that is now spreading over the Globe. This gospel says, 'Just believe in Jesus and you'll be Saved. There's nothing more to it.' It ignores the Whole Counsel of God, which speaks of Repenting from former Sins, of Taking up your Cross, of being conformed to the Image of Christ by the refining work of the Holy Spirit. It is totally silent about the Reality of Hell and an After-Death Judgment." ~ David Wilkerson

God's Plan: Our Role

Acts 5:12 states: “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch)”

This verse highlights the miraculous works performed by the Apostles. But what about us? What can we do? 

Knowing your role in God's plan is a deeply personal and ongoing journey. There isn't a single, definitive answer that will be revealed in a moment, but rather a process of seeking, learning, and growing.

Your role may not include performing signs and wonder like the Apostles did, but we will have a role all the same, albeit a silent one. 

A KJV Bible study comments on Acts says that the early church was marked by these miraculous events to conform the message of the Gospel and draw people to faith in Christ. 

Today we may not see the same kind of dramatic signs and wonders that the Apostles performed, however we can still experience the power of God working in our lives and in the lives of those around us. God is still at work in the world and invites us to join Him in His mission. How? 

Perhaps we can be agents of God's love and compassion to those who are hurting and in need. Or maybe we can be ambassadors of reconciliation to those who are estranged from God and one another. Whatever our role maybe we can trust that God will use us to make a difference in the lives of others with the power of God working through us. 

A New Day

 

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." 

This verse beautifully illustrates the daily renewal of God's grace and mercy, offering a fresh start each day to each of us. 

Isaiah too gave similar counsel in chapter 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." 

This encourages us to look forward to the new things God is doing and a daily spiritual renewal and revival for each one.  So, every day let us be happy for another day to live. 

Today is a New Day so thank you for a chance for a new start. Yesterday's gone and with it are our failures, mistakes and regrets. Lets ask God to help us to start again. It's a good day to give thanks for this life. A new opportunity to love, give and be all that He wants us to be. 

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Sunday Quotes

"God has a time for everything, a perfect schedule. He is never too soon, never too late. The when of His will is as important as the what and the how." ~ Richard Halverson
"A grateful heart is like a sponge that soaks up God's goodness." ~ Joel Osteen
"God sees in you a masterpiece about to happen" ~ Max Lucado
"God loves purity so well He had rather see a hole than a spot in His child's garments." ~ William Gurnall
"Harboring unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping your enemy will die." ~ Joyce Meyer
"The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays." ~ Soren Kierkegaard
"I don't want to play with marbles, when God told me to move mountains!" ~ Reinhard Bonnke
"Religion says earn your life. Secular society says create your life. Jesus says, 'My life for your life." ~ Timothy Keller
"In reading our newspapers today, we can see how God is setting the table, getting everything in order, preparing the way for Christ to return." ~ David Jeremiah
"Before you speak to me about your religion, first show it to me in how you treat other people. Before you tell me how much you love your God, show me in how much you love all His children." ~ Cory Booker
"The Christian should never worry about tomorrow or give sparingly because of a possible future need. Only the present moment is ours to serve the Lord, and tomorrow may never come...Life is worth as much as it is spent for the Lord's service." ~ George Muller
"Thus there will be three effects of nearness to Jesus humility, happiness, and holiness." ~ Charles Spurgeon
"I got the best of Jesus. He got the worst of me." ~ LeCrae
"Whenever you find a preacher who takes the Bible allegorically and figuratively...that preacher is preaching an allegorical gospel which is no gospel. I thank God for a literal Christ, for a literal salvation. There is literal sorrow, literal death, literal Hell, and, thank God, there is a literal Heaven." ~ J. Frank Norris
"Love your children-and let them know you love them. Children who experience love find it far easier to believe God loves them." ~ Billy Graham