Written by Ross Wakeley
Finding GodGod in life’s journey
Practical ideas Practical ideas
for everyday lifefor everyday life
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Lorraine is 84 now and she’s
had a tough life. Back in her
early 30’s, her husband dumped
her for another woman!
Lorraine had five young kids,
lived in a country town and had
to get work just to survive.
She’d got married in a local
church, but when this crisis
came they left her to cope on
her own.
For Lorraine the church is full of hypocrites and things got no
better some years later. One of her son’s—
Graham—was married and he and his wife
had the joy of a new baby.
They attended a local church in St Mary’s
and asked the pastor to christen their baby.
“Ah sorry mate, you don’t live in my parish.
Try the Pastor where you live.” So Graham
made a call and got this response:
“Yes, I’ll christen your child, but only after
you’ve attended my church for six weeks
and the church accepts you.”
Graham tells me he hung up on that bloke, went home, told his
wife and she hit the roof at such hypocritical religion.
I’m not sure about how you
feel about this true story, but
that sort of religious behaviour
makes me boil!
It’s NOT God’s nature.
Note: Names changed in this story to guard privacy
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What Lorraine and Graham copped is actually religion. So let
me be clear—religion is all about what I need to DO to try and
get right with God. It never works.
In this booklet, we’re exploring:
How do I find God in the everyday struggles of life?
What will Jesus do to help me?
How do I have a relationship with Jesus?
So let’s be clear—Christianity has a focus on Jesus Christ and
what he has DONE for all of us—so we can be loved, free and
accepted by God. Its relational, experiential and based on the
truths of the Bible. Christians often ‘stuff up’ but ‘own up’ to
our failures (and hopefully give others lots of grace).
Thankfully God isn’t yelling at us or trying to dump guilt on us.
Let’s explore this journey of finding God with the story of a
well-known Aussie—Ken Duncan.
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Ken Duncan is one of the country's most loved photographers
with his striking landscape panoramas found in thousands of
homes and offices. His work has appeared in publications such
as Time and National Geographic. Ken describes himself as
“an average photographer, with a great God”. His first solo book
was published in 1987 and since 1992, he’s produced over 30
individual titles. Ken and Mel Gibson went to school together,
and when Mel was making the movie The Passion of the Christ,
he invited Ken to shoot the official photo's [it’s a brilliant book].
Photo Source: Ken Duncan ©
2012 Divine Guidance P/L
Years before the books, Ken developed a relationship with
Jesus Christ. Ken says, “My surrender to Jesus was an act of
faith after running into life’s brick walls. I only wish someone
could have saved me a little pain and shown me the evidence”.
Photo Source: Ken Duncan ©
2012 Divine Guidance P/L
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John Howard asked Ken to write a letter to George Bush
explaining why he decided to publish the book. Ken Duncan
wrote: “The reason why I did this book is to remind America
that the only thing which would
keep them strong for troubled
times ahead is their faith in
God, and that is under attack.
Trust in God.”
Next day, the September 11
terrorist attacks occurred. Bush
wrote to Ken: “At a time when I
had to make some very heavy
decisions over my nation, I’d
like to thank you for this book,
because I’m reminded how
blessed our nation is by God.
Thank you so much.”
Ken says, “Jesus life, death and resurrection can change our
lives forever. The story is true and his purpose is real. As a
Christian, when I stand in the beauty of God’s creation, I’m
not afraid, because I think, ‘How great is my God, how big is
my God and how small am I, and yet He loves me.’ A person
who doesn’t know God, finds the universe begins to show
them how small they are and how imprisoning fear can be”.
On September 7, 2001,
Ken Duncan’s photobook,
America Wide: In God
We Trust, was launched.
It featured the 50 states
of America. It was given
to former president
George W Bush on
September 10 by then
Australian prime minister
John Howard.
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MY WORLDVIEW
The story of Ken Duncan tells of a man moving from NO faith
in God to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Ken proved his choice
is a good decision. Many other people are on their own faith
journey and look at life through our unique worldview.
1. The overall perspective from which we see and interpret
events in the world.
2. A collection of beliefs about life and the universe held
by an individual or a group.
The CHART explores a range of worldviews. Where are you at?
2000 years ago in Israel, a brilliant Jew named Saul attempted
to kill the early followers of Jesus Christ. He passionately hated
Jesus—his worldview was that his Jewish faith was THE truth
and everything else was a lie. Then everything changes.
Riding to Damascus—on a mission to capture and kill Christians—
Saul has a unique experience. A bright light from heaven flashed
around him. Saul fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to
him, "Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting me?"
Saul asked, "Who are you,
Lord?" The voice answered,
"I am Jesus, whom you are
persecuting”. (Acts 9:3-5)
This dramatic event radically
changes Saul’s worldview and
he changes his name to Paul!
Saul—like lots of Aussies—had a
wrong view of God. Let me look
at four common views of God
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Ken Duncan and Paul discovered a personal relationship with
God himself. They proved that God is not angry at us.
Jesus is not against us, but for us. The real God continuously
acts to love us. God is not into man-made religion, but is
totally compassionate and brings us freedom and life. So,
HOW do I find God in the everyday struggles of life?
Wrong views of God—
4. God is a kindly
grandfather who helps
us when we are in need.
2. God is a divine rescue
service to bail me out
when things get rough.
1. God is a moral policeman
just waiting to thump me
when I step out of line.
3. God is just an old man
in the sky who only
acts if we yell loudly.
God as a
moral policeman
God as an old
man in the sky
God as
Santa Claus
God as a
divine rescuer
Celestial Police Emergency Service
Celestial Deliveries
Celestial
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WHAT ACTIVITY, PLACE
OR ACTION HELPS YOU
BEST ENCOUNTER GOD?
1. Sensory
2. Rational
3. Truth
4. Bible
5. Sharing
6. Discipline
7. Passion
8. Mystic
9. Sacrament
Enjoying the
works of God,
all of nature
Logic and
scientific proof
is vital to us
Truth and systematic
belief thinking
Know God’s
Word. Apply
it to daily life
Prefer to help
other people
to show God
Self-sacrifice
and led by my
inner values
Celebrate
God’s power
to change life
Enjoying God’s
presence in
our life daily
Express Jesus’
life in ritual
and symbol
The heavens declare
the glory of God.
Psalm 19:1
God says, “Lift your
eyes to the heavens.”
Isaiah 40:26
Don’t believe empty philosophies of man’s
ideas. Colossians 2:8
All Scripture is God
inspired and teaches
truth. 2 Timothy 3:16
Mary responded,
“I am the Lord’s
servant.” Luke 1:38
Let God transform
you by changing your
thinking. Rom 12:2
God’s Kingdom is us
living by God’s power.
1 Corinthians 4:20
Our Father loves us,
and he calls us his
children. 1 John 3:1
God became human
and made his home
among us. John 1:14
Our style of
spiritual life
Favourite
location
Our Focus
Bible verse
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2. Rational Style
The people with a rational style,
will naturally seek God or express
their spirituality through mental
activity. They reflect and look for
logic and scientific proof to back
up their faith in God.
1. Sensory Style
People with a sensory style, use
five senses in their spirituality. To
enjoy God’s creation—the beach,
bush, the heavens or the stunning
flowers and amazing animals God
has made lifts our spirit.
3. Truth spiritual Style
A style fitting people into systematic
beliefs and truth. They have no time
for frauds or empty religion. They
like things to be done “properly”,
often dislike emotion and can be
critical of those with a passion style.
4. Bible driven Style
People with a spiritual search that is
sparked with a Scripture-driven style,
naturally express their spirituality
through the study of the Bible. They
will also apply biblical principles to
life, but can be a bit judgemental.
HOW OUR UNIQUE PERSONALITY HELPS US FIND GOD
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5. Sharing Style
Your spiritual journey is energised as
you share what God is doing in your
life with other people. You like to
share God’s love with others through
talking and caring. You discover more
about God from a chat with friends.
6. Self discipline Style
Often “loners” fit this style. May have
little interest in material and worldly
stuff. They will happily make a sacrifice
of their time and pull back from life to
chase after time with God. They find
sharing style people hard to accept.
7. Passion Style
Spirituality develops from super–
natural encounters with God and an
outward passion for God. These folk
trust in God’s power, enthusiastic
about their faith, but can be open
to emotional manipulation.
8. Mystical Style
The spiritual journey is explored in an
experiential way—people look for a
place to just “be” in God’s presence.
They ask God to give them revelation
of truth and for the God/individual
relationship to be developed through
worship and enjoying time with God.
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9. Sacramental Style
A style appeals to people who search
for or worship Jesus best through
ritual, symbol and sacraments [Holy
Communion, Lord’s Supper or Mass].
This style links spirituality with our
senses and a real love for tradition
and symbols of faith. A risk is that
the familiar becomes an empty ritual.
What spiritual
style do you have?
[it may be a mix
of a few styles]
What insights have
you gained about
how you seek for
God in this world?
Any other personal
reflections?
Resources to assist your spiritual searching
Alpha course—a 12 week course that includes relevant talks,
small group discussion and treats questions with respect.
See www.alpha.org.au or http://uk-england.alpha.org/alpha
Colours of Spirituality—http://3colorsofyourspirituality.org/en
Finger of God—film explores what God’s doing supernaturally
in people all over the world. See www.fingerofgodfilm.com
Brennan Manning—Ragamuffin Gospel (see next page)
My web site is full of FREE resources to help you explore a
spiritual journey. See http://wakeley.weebly.com
Acknowledgment: 3 Colors of Your Spirituality
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The Word (Jesus Christ) became human and made his home
among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.
(John 1:14) God gives you and I grace—favour that we don’t
deserve—no matter what we’ve done. Absorb that good news.
WHAT WILL JESUS DO TO HELP ME?
“I hope there is something more than this”
“I’m a spiritual person for sure....not religious though.”
“I don’t like the formal church structures (of spirituality)”
“My parents went to church but I’m probably more spiritual”
Brennan Manning began
his working life as a Catholic
priest and then became a
gutter alcoholic. Brennan
knew about a God of grace.
But like many of us, he had
trouble applying God’s real
grace to our daily life.
So easily we see God as a
bookkeeper recording our
failures and successes on a
score sheet—and we never
win! There is good news
We come to Jesus as ragamuffins—
dirty, bedraggled and beat-up—and
he embraces us in his arms of love.
Brennan Manning proved this true.
He is one of the most “free” people
I know and is released from his
earlier life of pain by experiencing
the unlimited love of Jesus.
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WHAT WILL JESUS DO TO HELP ME?
Charlie Brown discovers life is tough and we all need some one
who really understands our struggles. Jesus TOTALLY does—
Jesus had equal status with God but didn't think so much of
himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no
matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the
privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became
human! Having become human, he stayed human.
It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special
privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then
died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death
at that—a crucifixion. Philippians 2:5-8 (The Message)
In prayer (which is honest talking to God) we have a God—in
Jesus—who hears our words; our heart and knows where we
are at. He will never reject us. Never “hangs up” because we
get angry at God. His love, faithfulness and goodness is real.
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THE GREAT ELECTRICIAN
Once upon a time there was a Great
Electrician (GE). He made himself a
light globe and called it Osram. He
was pleased with that light globe
and it shone with a wonderful light.
The light wasn't just 'light' it also
radiated love, joy and peace. The
Great Electrician said to Osram,
“Go and enjoy yourself and fill the
whole place with your light. The only
thing I ask you not to do is, don't
let anything shake you. If you do,
you will die, your light will go out.”
Osram was very happy. One day someone came along. A handy
man. He said to Osram, “What makes you shine so bright?
Can I have a look?” So Osram allowed the handyman to look,
but he couldn't see anything because of the light being emitted.
He gave Osram a shake. The filament in Osram stretched and
broke and his light went out.
“Whoops!” said Osram. “I'm
in trouble now.” The light had
gone out and Osram could see
that his filament was broken.
“GE will get angry with me”,
he muttered, and tried to hide.
GE said to Osram,
“Why are you hiding?”
Osram told GE what had
happened and GE said,
“Wait, I will fix you directly.”
But Osram didn't wait.
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Then GE came back and replaced the filament with a new one.
GE said to Osram, “There you go, you've been born again.”
Osram was puzzled because no light came out. He asked GE
why no light came out of him.
GE said to Osram, “You must
remain plugged into me from
now on.” However Osram was
a bit naughty and wouldn't
stay plugged into GE. At times
he'd wander about and his
light would go out and he’d
wander around in the dark.
Eventually he'd go back to GE
get plugged in and restored.
But after a while, he'd repeat the cycle. Story © Bill Rossiter
He went to the handyman and
said, “You broke me, you fix me.”
So the handyman dismantled
Osram and siliconed his filament
together. But Osram still could
not produce light.
“Hang on,” said the handyman,
“I know a bloke who might be able to fix you.” They used duct
tape, glue and wire to try and replace the filament but nothing
worked. One or two got a flash for an instant but the filament
would not last long enough to produce light.
I’m sure you know who the Great Electrician (GE) really is,
in this story from Bill Rossiter (he lives in Tasmania). I liked
it as it “highlights” how being independent from God only
makes life tougher for you and I.
Many of us “do it on our own” as we’ve been hurt by religion or
life. Been there? Here’s some help with the pain or questions
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It’s common for us to blame God for our suffering and tell God
to fix the problem. In our pain, we can miss reality. What do I
mean? Imagine you’ve been booked by the police for speeding.
We have a cycle of emotions: shock, denial, anger, “It's not my
fault!” Mankind does the same thing: we blame God for our stuff.
Paul Young, author of The Shack, says:
“People often embrace fear, pain, power and
rights in our relationships. We center our lives
around things that leave us feeling empty.
We’re addicted to power and the illusion of
security that power offers. When a disaster
happens, we’ll turn against the false powers
we trusted. In our disappointment, we’ll either
become softened toward God (‘Help God, I
need to be rescued’), or we become bolder
in our independence (‘You’ve let me down,
so go away God, I’m better off on my own’.)”
Paul Young carried an immense amount of
hidden pain in his life. He’d been sexually
abused at six and then the church wounded
him with judgmental attitudes. He hid it all
down deep inside. That was until his wife
caught Paul (then in his late 40’s) having
an affair with another woman. Now, he
had to deal with all of his junk and pain.
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Lots of us keep our secrets, our sin, our pain and our shame in
‘The Shack’. We’re scared to go there. Scared God will wack
us. Overwhelmed by all of our failure. We feel really powerless
to make things right. We know all of the religions will fail us.
Here is the GOOD news—
As a result of Jesus’ death for all mankind on the Cross and his
resurrection, our shame and sin has been dealt with—forever.
Accept God’s gift and we stand in a place of freedom, mercy,
forgiveness, love and acceptance. Our choice. God transforms
our ‘shack’ from a scary place to us being healed and whole.
Paul Young released his book
about six years ago—over ten
million have been sold. Why?
It’s honest about life. It really
helps with our pain, suffering
and getting a better view of a
God who is good and is love.
We live transformed,
knowing and experiencing
that we are adopted into
the centre of God’s love.
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You and I are You and I are
adopted into the adopted into the
centre of God’s lovecentre of God’s love
Jesus
Father
Holy Spirit
God doesn’t make junk! You are lovedGod doesn’t make junk! You are loved
Applying this to MY life
Does this stuff work? Do the ‘finding
God’ and my notes on dealing with
our pain when we’ve had a run in with
people caught in religion really work?
This photo is our family in Nowra
back in early 1988. We’d been asked
to Pastor a church of 80 people and
we took it on with enthusiasm. The
church doubled in size in two years,
BUT then the “attacks” began
For example, one leader accused me of “leaving the narrow
path”—he was stating I was no longer a “true Christian.” That’s
about as low as you can get to knock another person who is a
Christian. I was shattered. He said it due to jealousy, insecurity
and what is called a ‘religious spirit,’ but I was stuffed for a bit.
I really had to let God heal me and the help of my family and
friends was pivotal into recovering from that time of criticism.
Scripture quotations from The Holy Bible, New International
Version ® Copyright 1984 by International Bible Society
Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright ©1993-2002.
Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group
Acknowledgements: Photo’s—Passion movie, internet, author
Booklet © 2012 Ross Wakeley
Colour version free at http://wakeley.weebly.com
Jesus Christ has helped Jan & I through many
tough times. We’ve proven God’s love, care
and goodness is ‘rock solid’. Jesus is also our
role model of how to handle struggles.
Jesus daily lived from God the Father’s—
Affirmation—“You are my beloved Son”
Empowerment—Jesus was totally dependant
Revelation—That is how Jesus lived/spoke
“Jesus is not one of many ways to approach God, nor is He the
best of several ways; He is the only way.” (A. W. Tozer) God put
us here to LIVE. If people are crying out for help, Jesus does not
reject them. He'd be saying, “I’m here to help you.” And he does.
You may find a counsellor or your Chaplain a help in your journey.
As the quote from the movie, Shawshank Redemption bluntly
puts it: “Either get busy living, or get busy dying”. Choose life.