Author Archives

Norma L. Brumbaugh

Inspirational Writer, Author, and Speaker

PO Box 6432, Chico, CA 95927
nlbrumbaugh@gmail.com

Keep a smile in your heart.

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Historical and Traditional Christianity

Traditional Christianity

Here is traditional Christianity in a nutshell. You become a Christian through true, heart, faith belief in Christ. Christ becomes your Savior by forgiving your sins and redeeming your soul, through your belief in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, and your belief in Christ as God.

Romans 10:9-10  (KJV)

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

From there, you begin to live a life of devotion to God, reading His word, praying, reflecting righteous and Christ-honoring behaviors. You obey God through communion, baptism, and ministering, developing and using your spiritual gifts, exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit, and eschewing the lusts and temptations of the flesh, world, and Satan.

Some Christians go further by dedicating their lives to living a life of service, sacrifice, and solidarity with Christ. I was sixteen when I committed my life to Christ. It was very real to me, and I know the Holy Spirit was instrumental in bringing it to pass.

That is how it is for most folks in the community of Christians who are serious about their faith and its beliefs. Prayer, Bible study, knowing the bible’s truths and doctrines, the fellow-shipping with believers in a church that has Christ and His truth as the center of its system, and spiritual growth. These are all necessary components that make up spiritual life.

I’m not in conflict with traditional Christianity. I still live it as stated in the previous paragraphs. These beliefs made me what I am, and they keep me from living selfishly, or sinfully and in rebellion. They are meaningful and life-giving real. But they are not all there is to Christian living. There is more.

The silent life is where faith is nurtured in the inner parts of the soul. The soul finds its nourishment in Father, Son, and Spirit. Once our soul is redeemed, regenerated, and living, it has an ever-increasing capacity for spiritual growth. I trust you have experienced the Source of life and spiritual living. If you have the time, I suggest that you read some of my posts about this part of Christian living and Christ following.

Suggested readings:

Home Page: Silent Sacred Space

Home Page: Going Deeper with God

Home Page: Spiritual Growth

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God Does what We Cannot Do: (The Deep Healing, Part 4)

Self-Protection doesn’t cut it.

Most of us have barriers around us. We protect ourselves in order to deflect pain and discomfort. We learn to hide from others. Our real selves are unable to shine forth. We are false. Pretending to be what we are not. That’s not living in freedom. It’s living in bondage. Who can escape its tyranny?

Yes, you can. I can. It is a step by step process. But we can and God will help us. Actually, it becomes a life-style practice. There is always something more. Like right now, I am getting back on track, and I need to. Life is never easy, but it is better lived in close union with Father God.

  • Trust Him with it all, every little doubt, problem, anxiety-producing thing. … God accepts you, and your burdens.
  • After trusting Him with it, tell Him about all of it . . . every last piece. … God restores our souls. He redeems our brokenness.
  • Commit it to Him. Let Him have it. Prayerfully give it to Him. … God is trustworthy. God will make a way.
  • Start looking for the answers. Notice them as they arrive. Relax in their beauty. Thank Him. … God responds to those who truly seek Him.
  • Embrace the answers. Don’t hide from the truth as He reveals it. Let love in. … God is not mocked. He knows the nature of our hearts. He gives when we are willing and ready to receive.

You may get emotional. And that’s okay.  You may get angry as the past rises to meet you, as it tries to defeat you. Give the anger to God. Figure out the anger. Ask God about it. Let God minister to your need. Trust Him for this. God will show you what you need once you let Him come close enough.

Change my heart, oh God, Make it ever true. Change my heart, oh God; May I be like You. You are the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me; this is what I pray. 

— Brian Bontes

The deep healing is possible.

Spiritual growth is not automatic. Deep healing is a not a given, it is a result. You must connect with God in an  open relationship that has honesty at its base. Busyness will slow and clutter this process. Time alone with God is essential. Setting your wants and wishes aside is necessary when seeking God for a clean heart and for all that He wishes to impart to you. His Word is living. Absorb it. Partake of its tender truths. Allow God to work change in you.

Let God in. Trust Him. Then let Him become your shield, guide, protector. Your everyday experiences will grow in strength and power. God will supernaturally enable you. He will bless you with delight in Him. Rather than feeling alone, you now know He is with you.

Joy, joy, joy

Part 5 of the Deep Healing can be accessed here.