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Catching the scent of faith

Writer's picture: Lorissa MannersLorissa Manners

Updated: Jun 6, 2022

On 14/08/2011 I ventured out on a brave journey to hear the voice of God directly for myself.

Have you ever felt excited by a small possibility?

Like if you were a hunter out in the wild, catching a glimpse of something in the scrub ahead. Suddenly your senses are heightened and adrenaline activates. You know you need to be careful but something is beckoning you into the challenge of this brave new pursuit.


Well, I had heard a few stories of great people in history who had caught a hold of something and it had taken them into a new reality, where incredible things happened. So I thought, if it is possible for them, could it be for me? Is there a way, on purpose, and with reliability? If it is available, what do I need to do to tap into it?


So, I sat down in a quiet place with my pen and notepad. As I was purposefully listening, I learnt to stop my own mind from wandering, to refocus it and start again, each time that it took its own path away I would return it. So it became an exercise in being still, listening, until I perceived divine words. It took a long time to quiet my soul, but the words came as I opened my heart in worship and reverence to God. Some days it would be an easier process, other days I would listen for a long time and then give up. However, by committing myself to learning in this way, as one ready to be taught by God, I came to find this quiet place a beautiful place, and the flow of receiving, like a river, a gentle rest for my soul.


I know this process sounds similar to the practices of meditation or gratitude (mindfulness) as taught in eastern religions, where the mind is quietened, the heart is open, but the difference is that the purpose here isn't to achieve emptiness, but rather as a place to hear and receive.


Here are some guidelines for those willing to try:

  1. Quiet your soul

  2. Be present in your awakened senses to listen

  3. Acknowledge the presence of the life-giving Spirit of Truth (Holy Spirit)

  4. Give gratitude and honour, to the God above all.

  5. As long as it takes, give space only to words perceived as coming from this all- powerful Creator Being

  6. Have a notepad to write as you listen for His voice

  7. Give reverence to words received and responsibly only do with them as pleases Jesus, your King.


The reason the soul needs to be quietened is so that it can discern between the origins of your own thoughts in the soul and that of God's Spirit to your inner being (your heart or spirit). This discernment is so important so that your receiving can be accurate from the Holy Spirit and not laced with your own imaginings. This quietening of the soul takes a significant amount of time and practice to achieve. So don't give up. The problem isn't God not wanting to connect with you, he wants to. Often the soul is full of ruble that needs to be cleared away so that you can connect and be ready to receive. This is why it takes time.


The true source of divine inspiration can be found through reverence and worship to the Creator God, acknowledging the source of this wisdom and revelation provides you with the protection you need against hearing from false spirits in the spiritual realm. Starting the practice by reading a passage from the holy scriptures is also an important part to staying safe in a spiritual atmosphere.

This scripture meditation is a good one to know, its a prayer Paul prayed for his fellow believers;


"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:17


Why is worship so important in this process? For us to hear from the source of all life in the universe, we are to approach in a spirit of worship, where we humbly give space for God to bring His instruction and His presence.


I can hear some asking, is this possible - to everyone? Will it work for me?

Because of the life of Jesus and his sacrifice, all things are now freely given. So what is possible for one person, is now possible for every person. His presence is free to all, but his majesty is to be respected, as are the words that are given. Yes, they are freely given, no need to pay a clairvoyant or a prophet. No need to sacrifice to shrines or to saints. His words are to be honored as He is to be honored, for He is a King. The King of all Kings.


To understand this in human terms, recall the story of Moses and the burning bush. He was invited into this Holy Presence, told to remove his sandals, for he was "standing on Holy ground.' While this story is in the old testament, and worship was done at the temple or through an event of divine visitation, in the new testament Jesus has since paid the price for our access to the Throne of Grace. As it says,


"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16


His truth is a beautiful seed, that grows into a sprout and then a flower until the perfume fills the temple. You are that temple, as He dwells within you.


Therefore, come apart from the busyness of life and worldly worries and pressures that take all of your attention.


Take time, and find a personal path of faith.

It is a place that can meet your challenges head-on.

It is a place where you will find real solutions to your problems.

It is a place where He can dwell within you

It is the sacred place of your heart.


And it is cherished by Your Heavenly Father.

He desires this time.

He desires you to know Him in this place of dwelling.

So that He may fill you,

first with hope, then with faith,

and ultimately with His all-consuming love.


Freely given, so receive of Him.

If it is possible for me, then it is possible for you.

For all are given this place in his freedom and in his love.


It cost him everything to make this available to you.

But you are His prize.


Hear him calling you to come,

Stay awhile and hear his heart for you.


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For more art & recent exhibitions, take a wander around the website or follow me on instagram @lorissamanners

https://www.instagram.com/lorissamanners/


For more art, and art sales find Lorissa Manners artist profile:

https://bluethumb.com.au/lorissa-humble-manners


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ABOUT LORISSA MANNERS

Lorissa Manners is an Australian-based award winning contemporary landscape and wildlife artist, known for her nature-inspired large-scale fine art paintings.

Using only the finest quality paints and archival quality materials, her masterpieces and limited edition prints are investment pieces for art lovers and art collectors all around the world.

 

Owning an original Lorissa Manners artwork will bring nature and serenity to your walls for decades to come.  

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