tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36555644359690018172024-03-13T14:28:28.998-04:00Gentle Ripples in a big pondUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-42214012224474080832015-03-19T13:23:00.000-04:002015-03-19T13:23:00.217-04:00Is Marijuana HARMFUL to your health?<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrTyzbxen0jX2S_VnsMvDDKGpJlV3UeCFUp5ju1nggJvI-nBzd69XoBi5xJg8MIul324VSehvPW6AL7EjrRmXB8zEIevFQbV2MSl8zx6jN60R8VA8ximFWMAQjHuXvnKVaOg8dnfHw5O3/s1600/153443649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrTyzbxen0jX2S_VnsMvDDKGpJlV3UeCFUp5ju1nggJvI-nBzd69XoBi5xJg8MIul324VSehvPW6AL7EjrRmXB8zEIevFQbV2MSl8zx6jN60R8VA8ximFWMAQjHuXvnKVaOg8dnfHw5O3/s1600/153443649.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The push for the legalization of marijuana for medical and
recreational use continues to plow ahead.
In the past week, members of Congress as well as members of my State
Assembly have joined the pro-pot push. I also noticed an article describing the
“useful” tax revenue generated by the legalization of medical marijuana in
Colorado. When money is in the mix, it’s
often not long before legislators want a piece of the pie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lost in the move to legalize recreational and medical
marijuana are the questions about the health effects of marijuana use. It seems
hard for pro and anti-pot proponents to have even a useful conversation to answer
health-related questions concerning this drug. Repeating the mantra that
“marijuana is safe and no more harmful than alcohol” (including a certain oval
office holder), the legalization train keeps chugging ahead and minimizing or
ridiculing data concerning harmful health effects. The anti-marijuana crowd tends towards
knee-jerk reactions to these issues, and don’t consider the plight of those
struggling with painful and debilitating diseases that don’t respond to
conventional treatments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wonder what would happen if both sides just took a deep
breath (not a long toke) and took a serious look at studies documenting the
physical and psychological damage that smokers of marijuana are likely to
experience. Would it then be possible to
have an informed dialogue? Government
policies concerning marijuana are too important to be made by those who ignore
data in pursuit of a buzz, those on the “Reefer Madness” bandwagon or
politicians looking for new revenue to fund pet projects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Difficult Answers<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the outset, several issues make the marijuana health
debate more complicated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, the majority of medical marijuana users are those who
began using cannabis in adolescence. That
means that those pushing most for legalization also have a long-term history of
getting high. Do we really want the
loudest voices influencing this debate to be those looking for a legal high –
justified on medical grounds? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Second, it is also clear that some proponents of legal
medical marijuana are suffering from long-term intractable conditions or the
side effects of cancer treatments. As a person who has a long-term, chronic
disease for which there is no cure, I am highly sympathetic to anyone seeking
relief from pain or other debilitating conditions. The fact that some potheads
are pushing for legal marijuana does not mean that all proponents of legal
marijuana are looking for a quick buzz.
There are medical conditions that respond uniquely to cannabis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Third, there are over 100 cannabinoids marijuana. THC is the
cannabinoid that receives the most attention because it is responsible for the
“rush” of pleasure when marijuana is used, but is only one of a multitude of
the active ingredients in pot. Science is still in the process of trying to
better understand and isolate individual cannabinoids to determine their
efficacy for medical use. Is it possible
to isolate specific cannabinoids to more effectively treat specific diseases,
and deliver the proper dosage in a medium that minimizes or eliminates the
health effects of other cannabinoids? This question should be answered, but I’m
sure that anything that might eliminate the THC buzz would be quite unpopular
with those who see medical marijuana as a quick route to an easy high.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Fourth, the degree to which marijuana users experience harmful
marijuana side effects depends on the age of first use, as well as the frequency
and duration of use. Studies on the health effects of marijuana must control
for these issues, and the good news is that some research already is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, marijuana does not have uniform concentrations of
cannabinoids. What someone smokes in England may be chemically different from
what someone smokes in California.
Therefore, it’s important to note that studies of the health effects of
marijuana need to control for this and other factors as well as the use of
other substances and behaviors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So, what are studies
suggesting about the health effects of marijuana?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For a good overview of current studies about the health
effects of cannabis, please check out Dr. Michael Schatman’s article, “Medical
Marijuana-the State of the Science” published in <u><a href="http://click.mail.medscape.com/?qs=9fd6546b83a174d64b7feb0768e81ac5d5ffb6e5fe8bdfbb5ccfde2a4617781b0e9881e2776ec384" target="_blank">Medscape Neurology,</a></u>
February 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Effects on the brain<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SPECT scans from Dr. Daniel Amen (Amenclinic.com) show
marked decrease in activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal
cortex is one of the biggest things that separate us from other creatures like
lizards. When the prefrontal cortex is impaired, we begin to function like very
relaxed lizards and lose a variety of essential brain functions. The functions impaired include: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">the ability to effectively regulate emotions</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">maintain effective real-time interactions with
others</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">resolve conflicts</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">think creatively or resourcefully</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">impulse control</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">motivation and goal-directed behavior</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">understand the emotional consequences of
behavior</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">focus attention</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In addition to these problems, a study of over 1000 participants
showed that cognitive impairment among adolescent users continued long after
they stopped using marijuana. In fact, nobody knows how long these effects will
last or if they are permanent.
Proponents of marijuana need to recognize that anything making pot more
accessible to teens is dangerous to the brain, including teens or children who
use marijuana for medical reasons. Do the health benefits of marijuana outweigh
the known long-term cognitive impact of marijuana on the developing brain?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In response, marijuana proponents are quick to point out
that only those 21 and older should be able to buy marijuana legally. They
argue that the 21-year old age limit will ensure that marijuana legalization
will not affect teens. Really?
Really? How many teens already
find access to marijuana now? Can we
really believe that increasing the available supply of available marijuana will
somehow magically make it less accessible to kids? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Psychological Effects<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Studies report that acute anxiety in marijuana users has
risen as THC content has increased and studies that suggest a correlation
between marijuana use and anxiety date to 1944. Some studies also suggest that
depression, suicidal ideation, and increased risk for suicide are correlated to
the use of marijuana. One study by Hadland and Harris found that “frequent
marijuana use by teens predicted depression and anxiety later in life”, and a
more recent study determined that “use of marijuana among adolescents was
associated with adult-onset anxiety.” (Michael Schatman PhD Medical
Marijuana-the State of the Science; Medscape Neurology February 2015) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Dr. Schatman also reports a correlation between the use of
marijuana and psychotic disorders, schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder. The
relationship between marijuana and these mental health issues is complicated.
Frequently people with a variety of mental disorders use substances like
marijuana to self-medicate, so it’s unclear if marijuana is the causative
factor. Risk factors associated with marijuana use and psychosis include: early
use of marijuana, childhood abuse, a family history of schizophrenia, as well
as a variety of genetic factors. While it would be inaccurate to state that
marijuana use leads to these mental health issues, it is equally difficult to unequivocally
state that marijuana does not lead to those problems. It would be helpful if
proponents of legal marijuana were willing to consider the psychological issues
associated with marijuana use of repeating the mantra, “marijuana is safe”.
This isn’t about fear it’s about scientifically informed decisions about
marijuana use. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Physical Effects<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Marijuana is not good for your lungs, and it’s been known
for years that cannabis contains carcinogens. A report from <a href="http://www.lung.org/associations/states/colorado/tobacco/marijuana.html">The
American Lung Association</a> notes that there are 33 cancer causing chemicals
in marijuana. In fact, “marijuana deposits four times as much tar into the
lungs as cigarettes when equal amounts are smoked”. Add to this other
respiratory problems related to marijuana including bronchitis, lung irritation
and infection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Marijuana also affects the heart. Dr. Schatman notes studies showing a
connection between inhaling marijuana and higher rates of heart attack and
death. In general people who use marijuana had higher rates of death from lung
cancer. They also died more frequently from car accidents. The use of marijuana
can also make it more difficult for women to become pregnant. <a href="http://www.webmd.com/men/news/20031013/smoking-marijuana-lowers-fertility">A
report in WebMD</a> indicates that marijuana also affects men’s reproductive
health. In fact they state, “The smokers weren’t the only ones who got high.
The drug effected their sperm too. These stoned sperm party hard and are
hyperactive… they’re too fast, too early… and then poop out.” In other words,
the sperm of those smoking marijuana tend to swim hyperactively initially, and
then to “burn out” and stop moving before they ever reach the egg. I wouldn’t
consider marijuana to be an effective form of birth control, but it does effect
fertility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I don’t know about you, but the impact of marijuana on the
brain and cognitive functions, along with the psychological and physical
effects, strongly suggest that marijuana is not the “harmless drug” that
proponents report. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So, what can we make
of this information? Is marijuana a safe drug? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It seems best to say that the data is still coming in, but
studies definitely indicate there is a dark side to the use of marijuana. We
need solid research to study the health effects and benefits of the many
cannabinoids in cannabis. Furthermore, we need research to determine the best
non-harmful delivery system for medical marijuana. If a specific cannabinoid can treat a disease
effectively, is it possible to deliver it medicinally without the harm caused
by smoking marijuana?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Parents opting to use marijuana to treat diseases in
children need to carefully weigh the benefits and longer term harm of cannabis prescriptions. The evidence suggesting long-term damage to
the developing brain is compelling. The accompanying psychological effects can
also be serious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Should we deny adults with conditions that tend to respond
only to the use of marijuana access to the most effective treatment for their
disease because anti-marijuana are afraid? As with any medication, shouldn’t
patients become educated about the side effects of their prescriptions, and
then be free to make their own informed decisions about usage? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In closing, perhaps it makes sense to look at the health
effects of marijuana this way. When the
buzz feels good it’s hard to imagine the harmful effects of marijuana – unless
you are a marijuana smoker who is dying of lung disease, stroke, or heart
attack. Then it doesn’t seem quite so harmless at all. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-37553301549454674292015-02-19T13:40:00.001-05:002015-02-19T13:40:14.334-05:00"Getting high" and Medical Marijuana<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The active ingredient in marijuana associated with the rush
of euphoria is the cannabinoid, THC. Both medical marijuana legally available
from dispensaries as well as cannabis available “on the street” have much higher
concentrations of THC than in the past. Users are getting “higher” than ever
before. But is marijuana with high THC concentrations really the best use of cannabis
for medical reasons?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Patients with chronic pain that is unresponsive to other
therapies use marijuana with high concentrations of THC to relieve their pain. Some
doctors prescribe it for chemotherapy patients to control nausea and stimulate
appetite. Anecdotally, many medical marijuana users report significant
improvement in their conditions. With over 100 cannabinoids in marijuana, is
euphoria-causing THC responsible for these reported medical benefits? Are high
concentrations of THC really the most medically effective cannabinoid in marijuana?</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Is the debate over medical marijuana being informed by
science - or is it driven by those who use see the medical marijuana debate as
an opportunity to legitimize “getting high”? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">CBD<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another cannabinoid in marijuana that may show more promise
than THC for treating a variety of conditions is CBD (Cannabidiol). Research
indicates that CBD "mitigates the euphoria associated with THC"
(Iverson, The Science of Marijuana). To give marijuana users more “high” for
their buck, scientists working for the drug sellers figured out how to boost
the amount of THC in the marijuana plants, and subsequently reduced the amount
of CBD. So, while THC concentrations increased from around 2% to nearly 10%,
the concentration of CBD decreased 300%. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">To put it simply, scientists increased THC and reduced CBD
content to give users a more intense high. Interestingly, the THC potency in
states with legally protected dispensaries is significantly higher than in
states without dispensaries (Sevigny, Pacula and Heaton, 2014). This means that
medical marijuana will get users very high with low levels of CBD. It also
means that harmful side effects associated with THC are maximized in medical
marijuana and potential benefits from CBD are minimized. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What are possible
medicinal usages for CBD?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In this discussion, I want to be clear. I am NOT arguing for
the expansion of medical marijuana or for legalization of marijuana. I am
suggesting that more research with CBD is important; I am NOT advocating that
“getting high” is the way to solve serious medical problems. I also don’t want
to throw the baby out with the bathwater and argue that marijuana has
absolutely no medicinal value at all. I want patients suffering from severe,
chronic, life-altering medical problems to have the benefit of every effective
treatment option supported by data generated from numerous scientific research.
As we will see, CBD may be a promising intervention for a long list of medical
conditions. If further studies suggest that CBD is an effective treatment
modality, I would be much more inclined to support its use, especially if produced
synthetically and administered apart from marijuana and its harmful side
effects. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Furthermore, it is important to understand that CBD research
is still in its infancy. Short-term trials and experiments with animals suggest
that CBD may be medically useful, but there isn’t sufficient data from
long-term human trials with CBD to draw any final conclusions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Administration of CBD shows promise when in addressing the
following conditions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Epilepsy and seizure disorders - Data suggests
that CBD helps reduce seizure frequency including treatment resistant pediatric
epilepsy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Parkinson’s Disease – CBD reduced Dystonia and
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Pain relief – Patients with MS and spinal cord
injury found significant pain relief from CBD without unwanted side effects
compared to those receiving the placebo. CBD also seems to have
anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic benefits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Cancer – In hundreds of human an animal cell
studies, CBD interferes with cancer cells’ ability to reproduce themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Anxiety & PTSD – While THC tends to increase
levels of anxiety in some users, studies show that CBD reduces anxiety and
arousal of the autonomic nervous system. CBD also reduced anxiety in patients with
generalized social anxiety disorder in a placebo-controlled trial. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Psychotic Episodes – CBD has antipsychotic
effects and may reduce psychotic symptoms in patients with acute paranoid
Schizophrenia and Schizophreniform Psychosis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Addictions – Early research suggests that CBD
may be useful in helping smokers reduce cigarette usage compared to those
treated with a placebo. CBD may also be useful to reduce opioid seeking
behavior; this research is in its infancy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6FBremjfBGEDENmd2tWdzlLgRyl6bYGm4FVW81X4WmXLKsDgg1L6SPuhrw0dB595tsDG9joZLyv7uGNyja-WXylf0YCi2DgQ-XwgmHn5J2wYFlC41_FL-yw3qQQ4MrWI0D6IcgO_SU_0/s1600/461303783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6FBremjfBGEDENmd2tWdzlLgRyl6bYGm4FVW81X4WmXLKsDgg1L6SPuhrw0dB595tsDG9joZLyv7uGNyja-WXylf0YCi2DgQ-XwgmHn5J2wYFlC41_FL-yw3qQQ4MrWI0D6IcgO_SU_0/s1600/461303783.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What conclusions
about THC, CBD and medical marijuana can we find? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, we cannot allow the agenda of those wishing to
legitimize their “high” to drive the debate about medical marijuana. A 2014
study found that customers at medical marijuana dispensaries started using
marijuana in their teens and 50% had indications of risky alcohol use. 20% had
recent histories of prescription or illicit drug abuse. Its unclear form these
numbers if these are potheads who have found a new and legal way to continue to
get high. However, these numbers do suggest that a significant number of
medical marijuana users have a long-term history of using illegal and
mind-altering substances. Are these really the people we want driving the
movement to legalize and legitimize the use of medical marijuana? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Second, marijuana in its current form at medical
dispensaries has higher concentrations of THC than pot sold elsewhere.
Furthermore, marijuana available “on the street” has much higher concentrations
of THC than was available in the past. Because there is an inverse relationship
between THC (which causes euphoria) and CBD (which lessens euphoria) it is
virtually impossible to determine the efficacy of CBD from medical marijuana.
This also means that serious users experience the maximum health risks
associated with the use of marijuana, with minimal potential benefits of CBD. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Third, there is a significant need for more research into
the use of CBD for medical purposes. Studies and trials suggest the potential
health benefits of CBD for a variety of medical conditions. To understand the
benefits and harms associated with CBD, we need more solid data from unbiased
scientific research. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fourth, data suggests that CBD has fewer side effects than
marijuana with high levels of THC. As I’ve pointed out in my previous blog,
marijuana in its current form has strong addictive potential and is associated
with a variety of physical and psychological impairments. We definitely need
studies documenting the bio-psycho-social impact and the addictive potential of
CBD. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fifth, clearly there is considerable debate concerning the
use of cannabis for the treatment of a variety of physical and psychological
conditions. Serious research should inform this debate. We can ill-afford political
expediency driven by those hiding out in the purple haze to hijack this
necessary medical debate. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-80229318900435645002015-02-16T16:33:00.003-05:002015-03-10T14:07:01.753-04:00Is Marijuana addictive?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac04fYXQ29uMip65JZWsGlg6DgO5sjXJPyaNdSbWewrTN7SlYaaBgfaoObntgHGU6bQX9bzM4Icu3ZaNxMjFoA3oM8gEnTcZWgk0p03xXo6Yr_FPpJ9EodMMj6a_6AkmERtti4UabSckB/s1600/Paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac04fYXQ29uMip65JZWsGlg6DgO5sjXJPyaNdSbWewrTN7SlYaaBgfaoObntgHGU6bQX9bzM4Icu3ZaNxMjFoA3oM8gEnTcZWgk0p03xXo6Yr_FPpJ9EodMMj6a_6AkmERtti4UabSckB/s1600/Paul.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
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<br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For years, pro-marijuana lobbyists, users, and potheads have vociferously defended marijuana as non-addictive. Arguing that marijuana's non-addictive POTENTIAL made it a safe and relatively harmless substance, marijuana proponents have pushed for legalization and strong liberal protections for the medical use of marijuana.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">But is it really non-addictive? </span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) disagrees.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The new DSM-V which was released in 2013 includes 5 cannabis-associated disorders. These include:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span data-mce-style="text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: Symbol;" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span data-mce-style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';" style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span data-mce-style="text-indent: -0.25in;" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Cannabis Use Disorder (</span><em data-mce-style="text-indent: -0.25in;" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">While the DSM-IV included separate categories for substance abuse and dependence, the DSM-V has included both abuse and dependence in its new cannabis use disorder.)</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span data-mce-style="text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: Symbol;" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span data-mce-style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';" style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span data-mce-style="text-indent: -0.25in;" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Cannabis Intoxication</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span data-mce-style="text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: Symbol;" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span data-mce-style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';" style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span data-mce-style="text-indent: -0.25in;" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Cannabis Withdrawal</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Other cannabis related disorders include, Cannabis Intoxication Delirium, Cannabis Induced Psychotic Disorder, Cannabis Induced Anxiety Disorder and Cannabis Induced Sleep Disorder. From the DSM-V, it appears clear that the use of marijuana can be far from harmless.</span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">How is Cannabis Use Disorder diagnosed?</span></strong></h3>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 9.5pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #222222;"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cannabis use disorder is defined as the following:</span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 9.5pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #222222;"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least 2 of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:</span></span><br />
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<li class="MsoNormal" data-mce-style="color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 9.5pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cannabis is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.</span></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" data-mce-style="color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 9.5pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control cannabis use.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" data-mce-style="color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 9.5pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain cannabis, use cannabis, or recover from its effects.</span></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" data-mce-style="color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 9.5pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use cannabis.</span></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" data-mce-style="color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 9.5pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Recurrent cannabis use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.</span></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" data-mce-style="color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 9.5pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Continued cannabis use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of cannabis.</span></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" data-mce-style="color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 9.5pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of cannabis use.</span></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" data-mce-style="color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 9.5pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Recurrent cannabis use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.</span></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" data-mce-style="color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 9.5pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cannabis use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by cannabis.</span></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" data-mce-style="color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 9.5pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Tolerance, as defined by either a (1) need for markedly increased cannabis to achieve intoxication or desired effect or (2) markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.</span></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" data-mce-style="color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 9.5pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Withdrawal, as manifested by either (1) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for cannabis or (2) cannabis is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In my years of working in this field, I've always known that addiction is characterized by tolerance, withdrawal, the disruption of normal psycho-social and relational functioning. These are the kinds of issues that are discussed in typical intake interviews and bio-psycho-social assessments. In looking at the co-occurring issues that must be present in a diagnosis of Cannabis Abuse Disorder, one can clearly see a similarity between harmful use of marijuana and other drugs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Notice the presence of cravings, which may often occur despite serious impairment in health, schoolwork, relationships with family and friends, employment, and threats to one’s own health and safety. These cravings and the urge to “use” which are the subject of some pretty funny stoner movies and stories, are really no laughing matter. The urge to use marijuana is perfectly capable of destroying family, friends, and motivation for school, work, and home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It is interesting that the DSM-V recognizes the development of tolerance in the use of marijuana. Tolerance means that our body requires increasing amounts of the same substance to achieve the desired effect. In other words, it takes more marijuana to get the same high. For years I heard that it was impossible to develop tolerance for marijuana. It seemed that tolerance was an issue related to heroin or later stage alcoholism – but not use of cannabis. <b>I was wrong!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I also heard that there was no withdrawal associated with the use of marijuana. Proponents of legalized marijuana and potheads argued that the awesome “buzz” had no push back. They could quit anytime they wanted to, but they just didn’t want to. Now it seems clear that one of the factors that drives ongoing use of marijuana is withdrawal. Users are not just chasing the buzz; they are trying to stave off the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal. With heavy use of marijuana withdrawal symptoms can include: irritability, anger, or aggression, anxiety, nervousness, decreased appetite, restlessness, and a depressed mood. Physical symptoms can include: significant discomfort, abdominal pain, shakiness/tremors, sweating, fever, chills, or headache. I don’t know about you, but these symptoms describe use of a drug that is far from harmless for serious users.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The debate over legalization and the medical use of marijuana will continue. The pro-marijuana lobby seems committed to a world in which marijuana is readily accessible for all who want it. This is not likely to change anytime soon. As we move forward, it’s important that we consider the full addictive potential of marijuana for already committed stoners as well as casual or curious users. Nobody sets out to become addicted. It is the addictive nature of marijuana that takes the unwary as well as heavy users captive. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLf_KtM7MgeVE1czYiGOnqI6Egr2UTg6QHkO4vTN11VdLxynJQYL1qYIvl8JAOAL7E0_RPWm-EdcFaqi43iX6VT7mpKfjfkHmQTFV5S0h1mI7Z3QcoJOQk-Ff63MpDli4YeWmezBmhgFK/s1600/file00036960026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLf_KtM7MgeVE1czYiGOnqI6Egr2UTg6QHkO4vTN11VdLxynJQYL1qYIvl8JAOAL7E0_RPWm-EdcFaqi43iX6VT7mpKfjfkHmQTFV5S0h1mI7Z3QcoJOQk-Ff63MpDli4YeWmezBmhgFK/s1600/file00036960026.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>It’s time to stop inhaling the smoke exhaled in our direction by those who simply want to pursue their high, and come to grips with the addictive potential of this supposedly "harmless" drug.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*<i>top photo</i> <span style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">courtesy of Paul </span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">at FreeDigitalPhotos.net</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-2757009427434638352014-10-18T11:28:00.000-04:002015-03-10T13:52:31.836-04:00What is Healing? Part 5<p> <h2><font size="5">Our Relational Design: Ideal or Real?</font></h2> <p>Is God’ relational design for our lives more than a nice theoretical guideline – or are loving relationships with God and others something we need to take seriously? <p>Many of us long to live for God more deeply. We want to see God move more powerfully in us and through us to accomplish His purposes. We’d like to have the kind of joyful, loving fellowship described in the Book of Acts. Some of us would even like to see the miraculous in our day. Why does it seem that despite our deepest longings, our desires for “more of God and His works” often seem unfulfilled? <p>Perhaps the heart of the matter is this: it’s hard to experience or express the life of Jesus when we live outside of His relational design for our lives. According to His design specs for our lives, God created us to function best only when we are connected with Him and others in love. Love, experienced and expressed in relationship with God and others (and not more power, authority, influence, ministry opportunities, miracles, church attendance, memorized Bible verses, miracles, signs and wonders) is the “Gold Standard” in Christianity. <p><i>The failure to take seriously Jesus’ commands to love God and each other with His love keeps us weak, frustrated and unfulfilled in our lives as Christians. Furthermore, it blinds us from recognizing our overwhelming need for healing.</i> <h2> </h2> <h2>What does Jesus tell us?</h2> <p>On the night before He died, Jesus shared a last meal with His disciples. Knowing that His arrest was only a few hours away, Jesus poured out His heart to His dear friends one last time. This was not a moment for empty words; Jesus used the short time he had to tell his disciples what was most important. <p>Here Jesus established a new and more demanding vision for love than they’d ever heard before. He said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love [Greek tense: love and continue to keep loving] one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35, NIV, parenthesis mine). Here, there is little room for negotiation or debate; Jesus is quite clear. He commands His disciples to love each other with the same love that He has for them. <p><b></b> <h2>What did his disciple John say?</h2> <p>Fifty years later, John the beloved disciple had not forgotten Jesus' commands. Addressing the influences of Hellenism, early Gnosticism, Eastern Mysticism and Roman pagan religion on the early church, John takes us back to the Last Supper as he writes, <ul> <li>Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1Jn 2:6)</li> <li>And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. (1Jn 3:23)</li> <li>This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1Jn 4:10-11)</li> <li>Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. (1Jn 4:20-21)</li></ul> <p>I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that if we claim to follow Jesus, then we are commanded to love God and each other – just like Jesus. <p><i>Love isn’t a one-time event – Jesus intends it to be our lifestyle. </i> <p>The idea of Christianity marked by signs, wonders, power, authority, spiritual gifts and ministry opportunities without love is a myth – and a poor substitute for the life of Jesus. As much as I would like to at times, I just can’t find any wiggle room to avoid the commands to love God and others like Jesus! <p><b></b> <p><b></b> <h2>The challenge of love, the need for healing</h2> <p><i>Healing is the restorative work of returning me to my original relational design so that I can mature in love and overcome my own internal resistance to love. </i> <p>When I take God’s design for loving relationships seriously, I am confronted by my own lack of love – and secret wish that I could exclude really annoying people from the list of those I am supposed to love. I come face to face with my own internal resistance to both receiving and allowing God’s love to flow through me to others. Jesus’ command to love as He does is hard – and makes me realize how much I need to mature in love and deal with my own internal resistance to love. I desperately need to be restored to God’s relational design for a life of love. We’ll continue discussing our need for restoration in our next blog. <p><i>Love challenges me to leave my comfort zone and enter the hard work of engaging with the love of God in Jesus so that I can learn to love and live like Jesus with those around me.</i></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17683071548106037490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-20062642947678597172014-09-26T16:06:00.002-04:002015-03-10T13:52:31.832-04:00What is Healing Part 4<h2>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">In our last blog, we began studying the scriptures to reveal God’s relational design for our lives and discovered that from the beginning, we are created to enjoy loving relationship with Him. Since our Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are an eternal, joyful, loving, relational Trinity – and created us in their image and likeness – everything about us is designed to be just as relational! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">Today, we’ll continue by taking a look at how God intends the life and love we share with Him to flow into our relationships with others. As I pondered this topic, I realized that this subject is just too big for one blog, so I decided to spread our discussion about God’s design for our relationships with others over several weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">God’s Love Initiates</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;"><i>According to God’s design, our relationships with each other work best when they reflect the characteristics of the relationship the Father, Son and Spirit share together. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">It’s important to note that experiencing this type of relationship with others is only possible when we are connecting with God in Christ to receive His love. It’s impossible to live in this kind of love – and share it with others – if we haven’t received it first. We simply can’t give what we haven’t received. John makes the connection between receiving God’s love – and our ability to love others clear in 1Jn 4:7-11:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love (in Greek, love and keep on loving) one another. (NKJV, parenthesis added).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">He emphasizes this theme later in the same chapter when he writes:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. (1Jn 4:19-21, NKJV).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">These passages show a clear sequence: </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">God’s loves us first and takes the initiative to show us love.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">We receive His love and life.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">We respond to His love with love.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">We relate to others with the same love. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">Reflecting God’s Love</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">From the Greek texts, we also learn something seriously exciting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">In these passages of Scripture, John uses the word (agape and variants) to describe God’s love for us and the love God asks us to share with others. The New Testament uses this word to describe God’s unconditional love, and is different from the kinds of love that express feelings, warm affection or even a kiss. God is not just asking us to be friendly, affectionate or nice to others in response to His love. God asks that we respond to His love by sharing the exact same type of love with those around us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">It blows my mind to think that this kind of love is what the Trinity experienced together before creation. It is even more incredible to understand that Father, Son and Spirit are generously pouring out that love to us today so that we can freely receive it, live in it and share it with others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">But wait…it gets even better!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">You are I are created with a relational design to experience and share this kind of love. This means that everything about us functions best – according to God’s design – when we live in love with God and each other. As apprentices of Jesus, we are all in the process of learning to continually receive love, respond to love and share love. God designed us and intended for us to live this way with Him and with each other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">The relational nature of our design is not just a “nice spiritual truth” or interesting point of discussion we can tuck away in a file drawer under “good things to think about later.” We can only grow to experience the full capacity of God’s original design for us when the “3 R’s” (receiving, responding and relating to God and others in love) are alive and active in our lives. To function within God’s design parameters, we must be interactively experiencing the 3 R’s as we relate to God and to others. When any of the 3 R’s are missing, we are functioning outside of our design specifications – and that means that we malfunction and break down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;"><i>We will never understand healing and God’s desire to heal if we miss His relational design for our lives – and the malfunctions and breakdowns that occur when we operate outside of our design specs. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">Coming Attractions</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">My next blog we want to answer the question, “Is the relational design for our lives something that is ideal (but can’t really exist) – or is it real (something we can experience as part of a “normal” Christian life? You don’t want to miss this discussion as we move forward to establish a new understanding of healing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">Remember, our purpose in this series of blogs is to move towards a new definition of healing that:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">Is broad enough to include physical healing as well as healing for those who are hurting on the inside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">Uses terminology explicitly found in Scripture to end the “is it Biblical or not” controversy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">Proactively focuses on healthy growth and maturity, and avoids a self-limiting emphasis on pain, problems and suffering. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">Is Invitational, and helps all members of church community recognize the significant role they play in healing and maturity.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">Multiplies easily from one person to another (self-propagates).</span></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17683071548106037490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-80518206131412267702014-09-19T13:01:00.002-04:002015-03-10T13:52:31.842-04:00What is Healing? Part 3<h3>
<b>The Reality of Relationships</b></h3>
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<i>Our Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are an eternal, joyful, loving, relational Trinity. Created in God’s image and likeness, everything about us is relational too! He designed us so that we function best when we are joyfully connected to Him and to others, and learn to see ourselves through these eyes of joy. That’s why relationships are the foundation for life, growth and healing.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwpWwq8r1Y4HIDqwObghzoNXQrgG6TRTpKzyrm7BnipK7zqeHuBA1hsa6R_JdBKcelGo10AodZfNl0SzD_82EGhAwUDqo_PG9q4fSbUhmAD5gZryXopoDRmpVN4yQGIWL9F89qWhbc6o/s1600/Heart+with+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwpWwq8r1Y4HIDqwObghzoNXQrgG6TRTpKzyrm7BnipK7zqeHuBA1hsa6R_JdBKcelGo10AodZfNl0SzD_82EGhAwUDqo_PG9q4fSbUhmAD5gZryXopoDRmpVN4yQGIWL9F89qWhbc6o/s1600/Heart+with+hands.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>As we move towards a fresh definition of healing, I want to spend my next several blogs exploring God’s relational design for our lives. We’ll explore why both scripture and neuroscience agree that relationships are foundational for life and growth. We will also discover why joy-based relationships are essential for healing and equipping in the Body of Christ. I will also discuss the role that grace plays in healing of all kinds.<br />
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Remember, we are working towards a new definition of healing that must be:<br />
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<li>Broad enough to include physical healing as well as healing for those who are hurting on the inside.</li>
<li>Use terminology explicitly found in Scripture to end the “is it Biblical or not” controversy.</li>
<li>Proactively focus on healthy growth and maturity, and avoid a self-limiting emphasis on pain, problems and suffering. </li>
<li>Invitational, and help all members of church community recognize the significant role they play in healing and maturity.</li>
<li>Multiply easily from one person to another (self-propagate).</li>
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Today, our journey begins with a look at what scripture has to say about God’s relational design for our lives and His desire for life giving connections with us. </div>
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<b>From the beginning</b></h3>
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We need to look no further than the book of Genesis to discover God’s relational design for our lives. In Genesis 1:26-27, we read:<br />
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Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (NKJV).<br />
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When God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness”, we catch a glimpse of God’s eternal relational nature. Always in harmony, each member of The Trinity moves in everlasting unity and love. There is no strife, no jealousy, no selfish ambition. The Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit do not argue about “who gets to be in charge and make decisions now.” The Father never has to referee arguments between Jesus and the Holy Spirit about anything. <br />
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<i>You are I are created in the image and likeness of a relational God to be just as relational! </i><br />
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The divine attributes of God revealed to us in Jesus are present at creation. Love, joy, peace, wisdom, compassion, mercy, patience and humility pour into our design. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne, and He weaves a hunger for these into our design. The drive to share the life, character and gifts God has given us with others in new places is part of our God-given spiritual DNA. The “one another” passages in the New Testament describe what it looks like when we follow Jesus and share His relationship with each other.<br />
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The relational nature of our design means that our deepest desires and needs are for lasting connections with God and others that reflect His character and nature. God’s design means that you and I literally function best in these relationships. God never intended us to live an isolated life, and living in a relational vacuum is antithetical to His design for us. <br />
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<b>The greatest commandments are relational</b></h3>
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When reading the books of the Law and the Prophets in the Old Testament, many Christians mistakenly conclude that God’s biggest concern is making people behave – and then “smiting” those that do not. Nothing could be further from the truth! The law and prophets proclaim the heart of a relational God who desires loving connections with His people. He also desires that people who follow Him live in love with each other. <br />
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In chapter 22, Mathew’s Gospel records a fascinating interaction between Jesus and one of the Pharisees, who were the religious leaders of his day. The Pharisees were experts in the details of Old Testament law, (as well as the hundreds of other commands they created) and were usually much more concerned with rules and behavior than they were with love for God or others. In verses 36-40, Mathew reports the interaction between Jesus and a Pharisee who wanted to know which commandment in the law was the greatest<br />
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"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"<br />
Jesus said to him, 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' <br />
This is the first and greatest commandment.<br />
And the second is like it: 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' <br />
On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." (Mat 22:36-40, NKJV)<br />
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What a relational response and revelation of God’s heart as revealed in the Old Testament! Here Jesus tells us that God’s intent for us is loving relationship with Him and with each other. Furthermore, Jesus is telling us that everything in Old Testament Law and in the prophets can only truly be understood when approached from the understanding that God’s greatest desire is for relationships of love. <br />
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Everything about us – and scripture – testifies to our relational design and God’s desire that our relationship with Him would be reflected in our interactions with each other. <br />
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<b>Finding real life in real relationship</b></h3>
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Have you ever wondered how to find real, authentic life? Volumes have been written on the subject and the “Self-Help” sections of bookstores are packed with answers. Today, people have become wealthy by packaging trendy new techniques to help people enhance their lives. Christians have also explored this question extensively, and devised many ways to help people make a “profession of faith” in Jesus to find eternal life. <br />
<br />
Perhaps nowhere is the answer to this question expressed more clearly than in John 17:3. Not surprisingly, we discover that God’s answer is relational, and consistent with His relational design for our lives found throughout scripture:<br />
<br />
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3, (NKJV). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RbxK4Ii8A9tElPIPGZMeuZxy4wAC2zG8NDxBVkwlf7htZyh-DEG0nLb9G42yvYVIp2iWlIISAWDicJq2TALCYI1diJZrdo_A7eACLLbVgOmERjWOwVVbTsePVdOw4WyC6V0jdrt2e7E/s1600/Bible+-+Grunge+and+Jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RbxK4Ii8A9tElPIPGZMeuZxy4wAC2zG8NDxBVkwlf7htZyh-DEG0nLb9G42yvYVIp2iWlIISAWDicJq2TALCYI1diJZrdo_A7eACLLbVgOmERjWOwVVbTsePVdOw4WyC6V0jdrt2e7E/s1600/Bible+-+Grunge+and+Jesus.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
The relational nature of this statement becomes absolutely clear when we look to the original Greek that is translated “that they may know you” in English. In Greek, this portion of the verse means “should keep on knowing,” which indicates an active, growing and ever-deepening relationship with God in Christ. It means that we find eternal life only in an ongoing relationship with God in Christ. Eternal life, it seems, is much more than a one-time profession of faith, or mere intellectual assent to a “Christian” belief system. You and I find life and are restored to God’s design only in relationship!<br />
<br />
There is much more to say about God’s love and our relational design, especially John’s declaration, “We love Him because He first loved us,” (I John 4:19, NKJV). Here, we find that love is our relational response to God’s initiating love. However, if I pursue each scripture describing our relational design, and God’s desire for relationships with us, I would never complete this blog!<br />
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<br />
<h3>
<b>A preview of coming attractions</b></h3>
<br />
In my next blog, we’ll explore how God designed us to relate to each other. We will discover how joyful relationships with other followers of Jesus help us heal, become equipped and grow in maturity as we connect to each other in love. <br />
<br />
In future blogs, we’ll also look why Grace is foundational for healing, consider what neuroscience is learning about our relational design.<br />
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<i>All Photos: Thinkstock.com</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17683071548106037490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-14710396746283323012014-08-28T14:31:00.001-04:002014-08-29T11:06:33.828-04:00What is healing? part 2<!--[if !mso]>
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<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Those Pesky Emotions</b></h3>
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Trying to answer questions about emotions and “emotional
healing” always reminds me of the carnival/arcade game, “Whack-a-Mole.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcap-Z3Ls8YOaA9AJ5hRw1Lgolwb8KPp_6xCYFpcrmx78ZXoXgSCXiXa-YlY3dcE1UzAvjfq38oNXmqrKsGWdeOcDneo4_pZrw4fnjQVIlbELr8nVFAe2WVyGKuihkrjJTkqcgpnEaghxt/s1600/Whack-a-Mole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcap-Z3Ls8YOaA9AJ5hRw1Lgolwb8KPp_6xCYFpcrmx78ZXoXgSCXiXa-YlY3dcE1UzAvjfq38oNXmqrKsGWdeOcDneo4_pZrw4fnjQVIlbELr8nVFAe2WVyGKuihkrjJTkqcgpnEaghxt/s1600/Whack-a-Mole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcap-Z3Ls8YOaA9AJ5hRw1Lgolwb8KPp_6xCYFpcrmx78ZXoXgSCXiXa-YlY3dcE1UzAvjfq38oNXmqrKsGWdeOcDneo4_pZrw4fnjQVIlbELr8nVFAe2WVyGKuihkrjJTkqcgpnEaghxt/s1600/Whack-a-Mole.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<br /><p>
In
Whack-a-Mole, the player stands with a large foam “whacker” in hand, and faces
a flat surface with a series of holes in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The object of the game is to “whack” a mole on the head every time he
pops up randomly from one of the holes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once whacked, the mole disappears back into his hole – and another one
pops out somewhere else. Good whackers discover that the faster they dispatch a
mole, the faster and more frequently multiple moles appear simultaneously.
Before long, the moles are moving too quickly for the player to respond to them
all.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><p>
Discussions about emotions and emotional healing generate
questions in the same way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are only
a few of the kinds of questions that quickly arise:</div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>What’s the best way to deal with emotions such
as anger, sadness, shame or hopeless despair?</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Are emotions like these inherently “sinful?” </li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Do we eliminate these primarily through
repentance and renewal of the mind with God’s Word – or is the capacity to
experience these emotions part of our God-given makeup? </li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Is emotional healing much more than changing our
belief systems to change our behavior?</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>If negative emotions are part of our humanity,
how do we learn to manage them?</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Are deeply troubling emotions signs of a deep wounds
and a painful past that needs healing?</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Isn’t it better to “stuff” emotions than act out
when we’re upset?</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>If we’re really walking with Christ, should we
ever experience emotions like these? </li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>And where in the Bible is the term “emotional
healing” found anyway?</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal"><p>
<br />
And lists like this tend to multiply exponentially for 2
very profound reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, the
subjects of emotions and emotional healing generate controversy in the church.
Second, we all experience sometimes confusing emotions to one degree or another
as part of our human experience. </div><p>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My purpose in discussing issues related to emotions and
emotional healing is not to try to answer every question that has – or will
arise – around these issues. I want to describe a fresh, clear definition for
healing that includes each of the following elements listed below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<p>Healing should:<p></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Be broad enough to include physical healing as
well as healing for those who are hurting on the inside.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Use terminology explicitly found in Scripture to
end the “is it Biblical or not” controversy.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Proactively focus on healthy growth and
maturity, and avoid a self-limiting emphasis on pain, problems and suffering. </li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Be invitational, and help all members of church
community recognize the significant role they play in healing and maturity.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Multiply easily from one person to another (self-propagate).</li>
</ul><p>
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<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></h3>
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Emotions are
important</b></h3>
</div><p><p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
First, we are created in the image and likeness of a kind, good, loving
and intelligent God who has emotions. As the Son of Man, Jesus experienced an
intense assortment of emotions ranging from serious anger (Mark 3:5), to
sorrowful grief (John 11:35). In the person of Jesus, we see a living picture
of God’s own character and nature. Jesus told His apprentices, the disciples,
“He who has seen me has seen the Father,” (John 14:9).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote,
“He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all
creation,” (Col. 1:15). Jesus also spoke what he heard His Father saying (John
12:49), and told His disciples, <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">"Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son
can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He
does, the Son also does in like manner,” (John 5:19).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">This is profound! What was happening when Jesus was enraged at the
stubbornness of hard-hearted leaders or cleansed the temple with a whip? What about
the time he wept over Jerusalem or grieved at the grave of a dear friend? His
emotions and actions were simply reflections of what He saw His Father doing. In
the person of Jesus, we see the rich emotional life of God demonstrated for us!
This alone makes emotions a very important part of our lives and design. </span></div>
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</div>
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Second, emotions are some of the most personal things about
us, and to a large degree, tend to motivate our behavior. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ignoring or dismissing the importance of how
God, others or we feel is a grave mistake. This kind of behavior explicitly communicates,
“God, others or self, I don’t really care what you feel or are experiencing
emotionally right now.” As a result, we also implicitly, convey the message
that we don’t value God or others – or our relationships with them – too highly
either. Sadly, the tendency to ignore/dismiss the importance our own emotions
tends to indicate that we don’t value ourselves as highly as God does. These
messages of rejection bless no one, perpetuate relational breakdowns and
prevent us from learning to regulate emotions in the way that Jesus did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><p>
An example will help make this point more clearly. Suppose a
child falls, skins her knee, bleeds a bit and starts to cry. What kind of
parent would ignore their daughter’s obvious distress and continue to check
email on their smartphone? What message would that communicate to a child in
pain? Suppose the parent stopped looking at their phone long enough to say,
“Stop crying and let me get back to this important task.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><p>
What kind of message would this communicate
about God? What would the child learn from this experience?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>When I am in pain, no one (including God) cares
or comes to help.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>I am on my own and must take care of myself.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>I cannot trust others to help me.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>My pain is unimportant, especially when I am
upset.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Nobody cares when I am in pain.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>I am not very important.</li>
</ul>
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<br /><p>
Clearly, this kind of behavior is not OK and the messages
learned create serious emotional and relational distortions in the life of the
child. We could run scenarios involving the death of loved ones, overt racial
intolerance, beatings and all manner of abuse, and the messages would be the
same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ironically, we communicate the
same kinds of rejection messages when we dismiss/ignore positive emotions.</div><p>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
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<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dropping a Bombshell</b></h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><p><p>
Having described the importance of emotions, let me now make
a statement that may surprise many in the “emotional healing” community. I want
to make this point now, and promise to develop much more fully in my next
several blogs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><p><p>
<b><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">While emotions are
important, they are not the most important things about us and are not the
primary issue that must be addressed in the context of “inner healing.”</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">From a Biblical and Neurological
perspective, the real problem with negative (and sometimes intense positive
emotions) is that they damage, distort and disrupt our relational connections
with God, with others and with ourselves. </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><p><p>
In my opinion, the term “emotional healing” sows confusion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would very much like to banish the term from
the healing language used in church. Not only is this un-Biblical, it runs
contrary to good neuroscience.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><p><p>
By definition, the name “emotional healing” suggests that
emotions should be the real focus of healing ministry, and leads us off track
in the inevitable and unending quest to “fix” our emotions so that we feel
better. This term elevates emotions to a place they are not intended to be, and
unintentionally makes emotions and “feeling better” an idol. I would like to
smash that idol right now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><p><p>
Biblically, the restoration of relationships and the
ministry of reconciliation are quite clear. We are created to learn to love God
with all of our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We called to grow
together into the “whole measure of the fullness of Christ,” (Eph. 4:13). The
calls to love and relationships are Biblically non-negotiable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><p><p>
Developments in neuroscience increasingly reveal that the
brain really only learns to manage, regulate and express emotions in the context
of relationships when those relationships are joyful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my brain, joy does not mean that I’m
happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joy is the fruit of an
interaction with someone who is glad to be with me. Neuroscience defines joy as
coming from others, and emphasizes the role that others have in helping us
learn emotional regulation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a
Christian, I believe that interactions with God, who is always glad to be with
His children, are also an excellent source of life-transforming joy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><p><p>
This is why reconciliation and restoration of relationships
to God’s intended design are the solid foundation upon which healing ministry
should rest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><p><p>
As we’ve pointed out, emotions are important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God feels deeply, is willing to share our
distress and asks us to help bear one another’s burdens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We never want to minimize the importance of
anyone’s emotions. But, we also do not want to elevate emotions in life –
whether positive, negative or horribly traumatic – to a place not found in
scripture.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><p>
<p>In my next blogs, we will take a look at what I believe is a
proper focus for “inner healing” that is both Biblical, relational and true to
the brain’s design. I will also begin to lay out exactly what I believe about
emotions from both scripture and neuroscience as we move towards a fresh, clear
definition for healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-61340010872820221322014-08-14T11:44:00.001-04:002015-03-10T13:52:31.839-04:00What is Healing?<h3>
Part 1: To Heal or Not to Heal</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAk0P3VQTqJkKafRl2_Tq04ad0adCaV7JpEjEc04LhCRZLr5aYjwUlAitTVymz53ekYPRFSqfEU43HDSXKeUTLB4ILoRhj40i6IhwyxHuoqXOER2swRYDUyDBVlMrz3r7A_uY9bLiF95I/s1600/Angry+Man+with+Bear+Head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAk0P3VQTqJkKafRl2_Tq04ad0adCaV7JpEjEc04LhCRZLr5aYjwUlAitTVymz53ekYPRFSqfEU43HDSXKeUTLB4ILoRhj40i6IhwyxHuoqXOER2swRYDUyDBVlMrz3r7A_uY9bLiF95I/s1600/Angry+Man+with+Bear+Head.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a>One of the quickest ways to start a theological argument is to start throwing around the words, “Inner Healing,” or “emotional healing.” Like a group of grizzly bears<br />
with fresh meat, heresy hunters, those self-appointed internet guardians of all things Christian, will rip the term – and the unwary feeder – apart. Name calling, personal and professional attacks systematically seek to destroy the credibility of anyone who might use those terms. Those attacks deter bystanders – or those who serve hurting people – from entering the fray. The fear of being found “guilty by association,” deters and discourages churches, ministries and individuals from exploring tools to help bring wholeness to hurting people. <br />
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Furthermore, there is often considerable confusion surrounding the use of the terms “inner healing” or “emotional healing” in traditional denominational circles. Neither term is explicit in scripture, although the concepts are implicit. As a result, those seeking a firm foundation for a Biblical approach to ministry are reluctant to embrace them. They simply do not want to introduce non-Biblical approaches to ministry. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1_LXy0JLVKks0W9bdwkQMmY94ofGVkRJqRnj_sfAp1TNJXK8sc0iEowMMCyJm3mg4kxCYzJXi10-LOBuGlLaHoeSqWwpblErX31ntQQRsZhnicyhpYXvum4Z26IoEFwCzPGdCDiom-c/s1600/Weak+and+Strong+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1_LXy0JLVKks0W9bdwkQMmY94ofGVkRJqRnj_sfAp1TNJXK8sc0iEowMMCyJm3mg4kxCYzJXi10-LOBuGlLaHoeSqWwpblErX31ntQQRsZhnicyhpYXvum4Z26IoEFwCzPGdCDiom-c/s1600/Weak+and+Strong+16.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>This is even more complicated because there are so many dispensational augments concerning whether or not God even heals today. While recognizing that God clearly worked miracles in the New Testament Church, some dispensationalists argue that era in Church History is over and that God no longer miraculously heals. Thus, the entire concept of physical healing – let alone inner/emotional healing – is suspect. In addition, some churches are willing to embrace the idea that God is still in the business of bringing physical healing to people – but do not believe that ministry to help people overcome the areas on life that keep them stuck on the inside are needed. Contending that receiving Jesus makes us whole, these churches believe that salvation alone, combined with exercise of the will and forgiveness for others make any other type of ministry to hurting people unnecessary.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVl88Anms8af0ExqBDvt_JKM5cJcbEsvc_bWKbT-Mi2DR6RgPKPExm_B8gLZv4mvZsW74NmKPUbh2T5vLHm7ZGDatMe5c3PYgjTFMN6g-lTffTpxn5TKlHqUN15FZM3TNnu_KyE4agZvE/s1600/Helping+the+weak+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVl88Anms8af0ExqBDvt_JKM5cJcbEsvc_bWKbT-Mi2DR6RgPKPExm_B8gLZv4mvZsW74NmKPUbh2T5vLHm7ZGDatMe5c3PYgjTFMN6g-lTffTpxn5TKlHqUN15FZM3TNnu_KyE4agZvE/s1600/Helping+the+weak+3.jpg" height="170" width="200" /></a>The problems multiply further because there is often a difference of opinion as to exactly what “inner/emotional healing” really is. Because the term is not explicit in Scripture, it is hard to establish a clear, contextual definition of these terms from the original texts. It is important to note, however, that there is a clear mandate in Scripture concerning the call to bring healing to the brokenhearted as well as numerous citations describing elements that bring us freedom. As my friend, Andy Reese makes clear on his Freedom Resource Website (www.thefreedomresource.org), Scripture contains many references to the concept of bringing healing and freedom to people in pain. These include:
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<ul>
<li>Healing the brokenhearted is (Luke 4:18).</li>
<li>Confessing sins to another and prayer for them is (James 5:16).</li>
<li>Casting out demons is (Mark 16:17).</li>
<li>Setting up godly defenses (Eph. 6:10).</li>
<li>Speaking prophetic encouragement is (1 Th. 5:20).</li>
<li>Taking thoughts captive is (2 Cor. 10:5).</li>
<li>Releasing the captives is (Luke 4:18).</li>
<li>Forgiving is (Eph. 4:32).</li>
<li>Renouncing past sinful practices is (2 Cor. 4:2).</li>
<li>Being led by the Spirit is (Rom. 8:14).</li>
<li>Asking God for miraculous input is (Jer. 33:3).</li>
<li>Bearing one another’s burdens is (Gal. 6:2).</li>
<li>Wanting freedom is (Gal. 5:1).</li>
<li>Speaking truth to someone is (Eph. 4:15).</li>
<li>Setting free the oppressed is (Luke 4:18).</li>
<li>Knowing and saying God is near to the brokenhearted is (Psalm 34:18).</li>
<li>Comforting the afflicted with what God has shown us is (2 Cor. 1:4).</li>
</ul>
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Finally, it is important to point out that our culture is full extra-Biblical approaches to helping people heal. “Extra-Biblical” simply refers to something not specifically mentioned in scripture. Some examples of extra-Biblical approaches to healing include things like antibiotics, surgery or other direct medical/treatment interventions. Things like losing weight to manage high blood pressure or diabetes are helpful, although scripture remains silent on issues of high blood pressure and diabetes. Treatment or interventions for things like alcoholism or other substances of abuse can be included here also. All of these good things are consistent with Biblical principles, and followers of Jesus utilize approaches like these frequently with a clear conscience.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLdMfeeBA9gFhYF_G2yY2nBbYWLV7mgyvu28e_RioQdH7J7LaKQujqulkMgoW_vphhH-Md9BBpfXieI9Za7LW1-GgWrblcd0D7BcYjle3N5_qtVllnL0FfPigDsh56oEMspqHSjaFmfY/s1600/Yelled+at.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLdMfeeBA9gFhYF_G2yY2nBbYWLV7mgyvu28e_RioQdH7J7LaKQujqulkMgoW_vphhH-Md9BBpfXieI9Za7LW1-GgWrblcd0D7BcYjle3N5_qtVllnL0FfPigDsh56oEMspqHSjaFmfY/s1600/Yelled+at.jpg" height="146" width="200" /></a>At the same time, it is clear that other approaches to healing are not consistent with scripture. These include the use of “spirit guides” or some forms of “guided imagery” under their leadership, which are clearly not consistent with the teachings of scripture. By "spirit guides, I am referring to spiritual beings who represent themselves as God or as higher forms of "spiritual consciousness" that promise greater spiritual enlightenment to anyone willing to interact with them. I am not referring to Share Immanuel or other approaches to healing in which participants interact directly with God and are led by Him. New Age influences muddy the waters and in the minds of many heresy hunters, make any approach to healing the brokenhearted unacceptable. The baby is thrown out with the bathwater.
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<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Getting to the Heart of the Matter</h3>
To me, we need a clear and fresh definition of healing. This definition should:<br />
<ul>
<li>Be broad enough to include all forms physical healing as well as healing for those who are hurting on the inside.</li>
<li>Use terminology explicitly found in Scripture to end the “is it Biblical or not” controversy.</li>
<li>Proactively focus on healthy growth and maturity, and avoid a self-limiting emphasis on pain, problems and suffering.</li>
<li>Be invitational, and help all members of church community recognize the significant role they play in healing and maturity.</li>
</ul>
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In my next post, we will take a look at a new definition of healing! <br />
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Photos by ThinkStock.com<br />
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NEW: Listen to <a href="http://equippinghearts.podomatic.com/entry/2014-10-21T09_21_46-07_00" target="_blank">this Podcast episode</a> for a Q&A about THIS blogpost!! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17683071548106037490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-44050029453311397442013-07-03T12:03:00.001-04:002013-07-03T12:03:52.944-04:00Zombies Attack!<div id="test" onmousedown="return false;" onselectstart="return false;">
Zombies seem to be very popular these days. I'm not quite sure why it is so fascinating to watch dead people grossly gorge themselves on the living. I've watched my share of horror movies in the past, but I can't say that I've ever enjoyed the spectacle of a zombie feast. With apologies to zombie aficionados (who insist that zombies are real and are preparing to survive a coming zombie apocalypse), I do not believe that kind of zombies seen on TV or the big screen are real.<br />
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There is however, a real kind of zombie that scares me more.<br />
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These are Christians who are obsessed with the idea that the path to spirituality is found in "dying." To them, a relationship with Jesus is more about dying than living. Pointing to Paul's exhortations to "die daily" and to "put to death whatever remains of the 'flesh,'" the spiritual quest of a Christian Zombie seems to be the pursuit of becoming more perfectly and completely dead, and making sure to stay that way. It makes me wonder how "perfectly dead" and how long I must remain that way to finally achieve their ultimate spiritual goal of "deadness!"<br />
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Christian Zombies are also simply passionate in their pursuit of "flesh" - what the Bible describes as the stubborn and willful parts of our pre-Christ nature that cannot be reconciled with the life of God. This "undead flesh" in themselves or others is terribly attractive and they do their best to make sure it is consumed (purged) everywhere. In the process, they tend to devour their own lives, the lives of their families, churches, ministries, schools, workplaces and communities - and anyone else whose flesh they pursue. This is also known as "Legalism."<br />
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Sadly, Christian Zombies don't realize another even greater truth about death and dying that was also written by Paul in Romans Chapter 6. In this passage, Paul notes that followers of Jesus have already both died with Him and have also been subsequently raised to life with Jesus. According to Paul, we are completely and gloriously alive! We aren't alive because we tried hard and succeeded in "killing our flesh." We are alive because God feely gives us His life at salvation, and continues to draw us to enjoy and experience His life more fully each day. Real life is the moment-by-moment adventure of becoming more fully alive with Jesus! We discover that as we become more fully alive with Him, our life together begins to displace the old intractable hold of the "flesh" that zombies find so irresistible.<br />
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Dead men, according to Paul, do not sin. Furthermore, people who are dead don't do anything else either - except decay. They don't love, feel joy, experience shalom or connect with others in life-giving relationships. Christian Zombies who are obsessed with dying to be spiritual have doomed themselves to an existence in which they do not awaken to life - and engage in a self-defeating battle to achieve ever more perfect deadness. It is based on a theology of self-annihilation. <br />
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Let's do more than survive the attack of the Zombies. We want to live as people that are finding ourselves ever more fully alive in Christ. And, we want our life, love, joy and peace to draw zombies to life.<br />
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Are zombies stirring up ripples in your pond today? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17683071548106037490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-66286033211342132442013-06-12T17:10:00.000-04:002013-06-13T06:33:36.812-04:00Misunderstood Invitations, Part 3<div onmousedown="return false;" onselectstart="return false;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Imagine
for a moment that we are playing the roles of the King's Servants in a
parable. Today, the King's Son is getting married, and the King has spared
no expense to honor His Son by preparing a royal banquet. We
don't know the King, His Son or Their Hearts well yet, but we
are incredibly excited to serve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">The
invitations were sent by the King weeks ago, and He joyfully honored many in
His realm by including them in His plans. We carried the royal invitations
to all those invited to the banquet, and were careful to keep track of the
numbers who accepted the gracious invitation. And, not surprisingly, just about
everyone said, "Yes, I'd love to come to the King's banquet to Honor the
Son."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">For
weeks, the King was busy making generously abundant provision for all who
planned to attend. He chose only the best wine, and let the bakers know that a
big order was coming. His herdsman selected the most prized calves and
sheep for the banquet. Early on the day of the banquet, the smell of roasting
meat filled the palace. With mounting excitement, the King looked joyfully
at His Son, and then motioned us forward. "Go," he said,
"Go to my invited guests and let them know that the great feast
to honor my Son is now ready."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">With
great anticipation, we each set off to the homes of the honored guests - only to stare in horrified disbelief as each now
refused to attend. In fact, the excuses were so crazy (like
buying a bunch of oxen without a test drive or warranty) that we began to
wonder if anyone understood the invitation we carried to
them weeks ago! What could have happened? When we heard the last refusal,
we trudged home to report to the King. Our minds struggled to make sense
of it all. How could the King's amazing plans all fall apart like this?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">"Surely,"
we reasoned to ourselves, "nobody would dishonor the King and His Son by
refusing their invitation. How could they?" Deciding that our
reasoning was correct, we pondered further.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">"If
the King knew that nobody was coming, why was He so joyful - and why did He go
to all the trouble of creating such incredible banquet? And why would He ask us
to work so hard to fulfill His plans?” We scratched our head in
bewilderment, and finally concluded, "Our King is wise, and would
neither spend His time nor waste our time on plans that just
don't work out." The reason for The King's joy continued to escape us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Our
next thought so terrified us that we stopped dead in our tracks. "This
must be my fault! The King had a plan, told me about it, sent me to help fulfill
it, and the whole thing failed miserably. The King can't be wrong, so
I must have failed as a messenger!” Horrified by our thoughts, our
minds raced to figure out what we should, could or might have done to
ensure a better outcome. With downcast faces and eyes full of
shame, we walked home to face The King.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">And
so, our story ends for now with 2 questions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 1.
Is our joy the exquisite, delightful pleasure of walking and working
with the King? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"> 2.
Can Our King's Heart actually send us on a mission that He knows will not seem
to succeed?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">What
kind of ripples do your answers make?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17683071548106037490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-15563869034961369282013-05-22T11:25:00.001-04:002013-06-13T08:52:54.391-04:00Misunderstood Invitations, Part 2I am not at all sure how faith in the life of a believer works. People who have impressive credentials have done their best to explain it. Some argue that it is a completely supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit. Others contend that it is rooted in just "believing" what scripture says. <br />
<br />
These don't feel particularly satisfying to me.<br />
<br />
Suppose someone I never met sent me letters telling me that they loved me so much, that they chose me to invest my life savings in their new venture. In return, they guaranteed the plan would produce returns so massive - that I'd never have to work for anything again. All I need to do is trust them and act now! Should I believe them on the basis of their letters? Should I just wait until "goose bumps" cover my skin and a massive sense of "go for it" rises up in me? <br />
<br />
To me, faith is all about believing the one who is speaking with me because I know and trust the person speaking with me. Ongoing, active faith means ongoing, active relationship.<br />
<br />
The verse, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" is interesting. In Greek, "Word of God" in this passage refers to something that is uttered or something spontaneously spoken by God. It suggests active dialogue, speaking and listening - a conversation with God. It implies the kind of relationship in which trust grows because I am getting to know God better as we interact on our journey together.<br />
<br />
So what does this have to do with misunderstood invitations, and our discussion yesterday?<br />
<br />
When Jesus invites us to allow Him to take the seeds of our dreams and plant them in the ground to die, it's hard to watch. It's almost impossible, unless we know the Gardener who tills the ground, sows the seed, and nurtures new growth. This isn't about trusting that the seeds will grow when I want them to. This isn't about periodically digging up the seeds to see if they are sprouting, and then trying to replant them without damaging the seeds!<br />
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This is about knowing the Gardener who loves me and highly prizes the seeds we dream together. He is able to take the seeds of dreams, plant them in the ground and produce a great harvest. Even if I never see those seeds sprout - or grow into the dreams we shared - He will produce new growth in our relationship because of our experience. This is fruit that is satisfying, tasty and worth waiting for!<br />
<br />
What kind of ripples are your seeds and dreams producing in you?<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17683071548106037490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-1338758591785363282013-05-21T17:19:00.003-04:002013-05-22T11:33:27.747-04:00Misunderstood Invitations, Part 1<div id="test" onmousedown='return false;' onselectstart='return false;'>The goal I was working towards was awesomely exciting. God was intricately involved in the original idea, the planning, and preparation. It seemed that we were creating an adventure together, and I still think it was "His idea." I was stunned when the bottom suddenly dropped out and the plans I'd been carefully talking with Jesus about for months fell apart. <br />
<br />
When this happened, I didn't feel angry or sad. I felt a lot of disappointment. I remembered the verse that says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick," and that really describes what I felt. The fact that God was so involved in the birth and planning of the goal made it much harder to handle than if I had just run out to "do my own thing." <br />
<br />
I also had a million questions. Did I just hear wrong? Did I miss God? Was there something else He had in mind that I just missed? Could I have messed up something God actually wanted? <br />
<br />
I couldn't find easy or satisfying answers to any of my questions. The only thing I knew was to keep talking with Jesus. <br />
<br />
So, I told Him how I felt - about the disappointment and all the unanswered questions. I had a strong sense that Jesus was with me, understood my disappointment and was not upset at me. He was just as loving, kind and gentle with me as ever. He also didn't answer any of my questions. I told Him that I was open to Him correcting me if I had just run out ahead on my own. His silent response was deafeningly loud. I didn't know what else to do, so I just kept talking with Him and trying my best to quiet and listen. <br />
<br />
Then, this morning I read, "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit." Suddenly, I realized what Jesus was trying to tell me. He simply wanted me to let the dreams and plans we made together fall into the ground and die. This wasn't about "missing Him" or plans that were wrong. It was just about letting the plans go - and turning them fully over to His care.<br />
<br />
I understood immediately that if the dreams we shared together were God's plans, then they would bear more fruit than I dreamed possible. He was actually extending an invitation to me to grow more fruit together. This was not even so much about death of a vision as it was about giving the vision a chance to bear the kind of fruit that God produces when good seed falls into the ground and dies. <br />
<br />
I wonder how much disappointment is related to misunderstood invitations to increased blessing? <br />
<br />
What kind of ripples are your plans making - in you and around you - today?<br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17683071548106037490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-58342511663257482352013-05-19T10:52:00.001-04:002013-05-28T15:41:14.777-04:00History as Destiny?<div id="test" onmousedown="return false;" onselectstart="return false;">
Speeches made by guest speakers at high school graduations tend to be nostalgic, fluffy, and loaded with "wise" words of inspiration. In other words, most everyone nods at the speaker enough to stay awake, and wonders how long it will be before their child crosses the stage to receive a diploma and a congratulatory handshake. <br />
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But, a speaker at Jordan's graduation yesterday got my attention.<br />
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She was introduced as someone who spent years laboring at a full-time job while she attended school just about every night of the week. She worked incredibly hard, endured and overcame tough obstacles to attain her dream of becoming a teacher. The intro was enough to make me stop checking my watch and pay attention.<br />
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My ears perked up when she said, "Our history does not have to be our destiny." She went on to explain that where we come from and where we've been do not have to define our future - and that our destiny does not have to look like our past.<br />
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I pondered her words.<br />
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Dallas Willard once explained that the purpose of spiritual disciplines is to help us do the things we can to change the things we can't. In other words, there are many things in my life that I can't change right now - no matter how hard I try. Followers of Jesus are better off spending their time, effort and energy to create room to connect with Someone Who Loves Them today - than trying to move mountains that refuse to budge right now. When I find Belonging today, I become more fully alive and am pointed towards my destiny.<br />
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Many of us want change. We want our lives to be different. We want our future to be better than our past. I wonder how many of us miss our destiny because we focus on the "big picture" of how we want our lives to turn out - rather than on the small, seemingly insignificant - and less exciting steps we can take today.<br />
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Changing the dynamics of the ripples we make in a big pond can be a joyful journey when taken with friends. Brothers, sisters and One who is closer than a brother make excellent companions.<br />
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What kind of ripples are we making today?</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17683071548106037490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655564435969001817.post-957122041105813322013-05-18T18:18:00.001-04:002013-05-21T11:25:34.433-04:00What kind of ripple are you?<div id="test" onmousedown='return false;' onselectstart='return false;'>I was the first to arrive at the pool area last week. The warm salt and mineral water in the pool was smooth and completely undisturbed. I dropped my towel on a nearby chair, and got ready to start 50 minutes of walking in the pool to rehab my leg and back. Just then, I had those Jesus-follower moments that says "Pay attention...I want to show you something." <br />
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Easing slowly into the pool, I immediately disturbed the tranquility of the water. Though I was walking gently, I was making ripples in the water that followed me for the entire length of the pool. It takes me exactly 44 steps to make a complete circuit around the pool, and each movement generated new waves. And no, counting my steps does not make me OCD! There's just not too much to do walking around in a pool for nearly an hour!<br />
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After a while, I became curious and stopped moving. I wanted to see what happened to the water when I stood as motionless as possible, just breathing and maintaining my balance. The ripples stopped...almost. I realized that as long as I was alive, breathing and standing in the water, I would make ripples and waves of some kind.<br />
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The verse, "If the salt looses it's saltiness, what good is it" came to mind. My next thought was, "What about ripples? If I'm alive, I'm going to make some kind of ripples...someplace. A life that no longer makes ripples has lost it's savor - and has forgotten what it means to be fully alive.<br />
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So, what kind of ripples are we making?<br /></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17683071548106037490noreply@blogger.com0