First things first, who was Enoch and why would anyone want that particular kind of faith?
According to an ancient, carefully laid out genealogical record, which is easy for anyone to look up for themselves, Enoch was a great grandson of Adam, many times removed – (about 5 “greats”).
Noah and Methuselah were both close descendants of Enoch.
What got me started looking closely at Enoch was reading the 11th chapter of Hebrews in a Greek New Testament.
Here, in one English version (New King James), “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, and was not found, because God had taken him, for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
The multiple words translated as “pleased,” in the original language, has more of a flavor of, “had access to the power of God because of his intimacy with God,” or at least, so it seemed to me.
What really struck me, were the words, “By faith” is the key to the ultimate death-avoidance mechanism.
About ten or so years ago, I began writing a series of Brad Cullen articles about reverse and anti-aging often calling attention to the question, “What’s the point of living any longer if you’re not living according to your purpose?”
While writing one of these articles it hit me that my previous research into the life of Enoch as portrayed in a broad spectrum of writings including the Book of Enoch, which purportedly was written by him, Enoch was a perfect model of the kind of faith that made intimacy with I AM that, I AM possible.
Further, with that kind of faith, physical death could be avoided entirely while living in perfect health!
There are two guys who didn’t experience physical death, but went to be with God, Elijah and Enoch; and, in the above quoted passage in Hebrews 11, was the first clue, for me, as to how to come to the point of getting this Faith of Enoch.
We’ll expand upon that in The Faith of Enoch and HOW to get it (Part 2). Meanwhile, these two previous Brad Cullen articles may provide some preparation: http://spiritualhealingsource.com/?p=9085 and http://spiritualhealingsource.com/?p=8125
d/”b”
A couple, George and Deloris, before we had become close friends, had called with a “spiritual” problem.
They had two kids, George Jr., 6 and Suzie.
We were sitting in my office – the problem? Suzie, a precocious four year-old, wanted to have a baby brother.
Deloris said, “I’ve been permanently fixed, my tubes were not merely tied, they’ve been cut and the doctor told me that having another baby is impossible.”
“So, what’s the problem?” I remember asking.
“Well, we’re bringing her up to pray in faith and she is praying continually for a baby brother.” George was nodding in quiet agreement.
“So what are you going to do about it?”
“That’s what’s bothering us, I’ve already explained to her that it is impossible, because of my operation, but she is still praying constantly for a baby brother.”
“Careful what beliefs you hold onto, you might get surprised,” I remember responding.
“What do you mean, man,” George spoke for the first time since they sat down, “We’ve already decided we don’t want any more kids, that’s why she had the operation and we’re sure not going to adopt another one so it really is impossible.”
“That’s the belief I’m talking about, George. What do you guys want most,” I remember clearly, laughing while asking, “Your daughter to pray in faith, or you not to have another child?”
“But it’s impossible!” Deloris said emphatically, but I could see she was faltering a bit.
I remember repeating, “I’d be careful about holding onto that thought.”
I also remember having dinner at their place, a few years later and Donnie, now about 4, being a nuisance; George joking, “That’s your baby, man, I mean you practically prophesied he would happen.”
Suzie’s miracle baby brother was a monster, a behavioral disaster, a disruptive/destructive brat!
Deloris’ gynecologist, with over 30 years in practice and hundreds of procedures, told her that he would have said it was impossible and it was certainly a first for him.
Deloris told me that, when she pointed out he had said that it would be impossible; he just shook his head and shrugged his shoulders saying, “I know.”
I had occasion to ask Susie when she was around ten if she had ever regretted praying for a brother. She admitted it, and with mature wisdom, far beyond her years, she said it made her realize how important it was to be careful how you pray.
Next up, The Faith of Enoch and how to get it
d/”b”
All too often I approach things on the basis of asking, which of two things is the better way to get something done? A tough habit to break! This is helping though …and dramatically.
When working with the conscious part of mind this may not be a “bad” way to look for solutions when faced with any problem.
When, however, we begin to factor in some recent scientific research into the workings of the human mind, we begin to see the need to consider approaching things in a better way with the use of a question that takes us beyond the limits of the so-called “aware” or conscious part of the mind and to an unlimited number of things from which to choose.
The most recent research conclusively proves that the brain is primarily a relay station for information sent to it by every cell and organ in the body via a network of electro-chemical neurotransmitters.
Further, that every one of the now estimated at trillions of cells in the body has a mind and memory of its own and that the brain actually acts on the transmitted impulses.
Extended parts of the same research suggest that the other-than-conscious parts of the mind process information literally more than a billion times more rapidly than the conscious part.
Therefore what I’m suggesting is that, with the use of three simple questions, we can all be far more effective at harnessing the power of all parts of, and beyond, the human mind so as to begin living and operating in the presence and power of The Infinite Mind (by whatever other title or name you choose to believe).
These three questions have been shown to work even before someone has come to the point of believing and has brought them beyond to a place of knowing such a MIND exists.
1. What else is possible? 2. What now? 3. What other question would be more appropriate for me, right now?
d/”b”
Questions, comments? Write brad@spiritualhealingsource.com or doug@bizbuzzagency.com