Journey to the Shores

The Charismatic Tradition

Excerpts from Thomas Kelly, Catherine of Genoa, George Fox, Ignatius of Loyola, Jean-Pierre de Caussade, Isaac Penington, and John Bunyan

 “We were created to live our lives in cooperation with another reality.” These are the words used by Richard J. Foster as he defines the Charismatic Tradition in Streams of Living Water. He continues, stating that “this tradition pays special attention to this other reality, which is, quite simply, life in and through the Spirit of God.”^[1] Continuing into week four of Devotional Classics with the Charismatic Tradition, I made note of three central themes: “Divine Center, Spiritual Light”, spiritual movement, and Discernment—God and Holy Spirit. Foster sums up this tradition very well when he writes about Catherine of Genoa: “God focuses on the seemingly insignificant changes that occur “little by little.” God invites us to “renounce the care of ourselves.” God wants our complete attention. God possesses eternal patience.”^[2]

“Divine Center,” Spiritual Light

            Thomas Kelly explains that in each of us there is an inner sanctuary of the soul, a Divine Center, a voice that continuously returns.^[3] Throughout this section, in Devotional Classics, there is also a thought of spiritual light. This light inhabits us. This light illuminates the face of God.^[4] Thomas Kelly also states that “the Inner Light, the Inward Christ, is no mere doctrine, belonging peculiarly to a small religious fellowship, to be accepted or rejected as a mere belief. It is the living Center of Reference for all Christian souls and Christian groups.”^[5]  John spoke about this Inner light, this true light. “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into this world.”^[6] Kelly affirms that the true light, the inner light, the Inward Christ, belongs to everyone and it is at the center of our being.

Catherine of Genoa provides further insight on our spiritual light. She states: “When God gives light to the soul, it no longer desires to live with that part of it that continues to block the light.”^[7] It is further reflected in scripture in Daniel 12:3 NIV: “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” God gives us spiritual light through our willingness to learn, and our willingness to become wise. We truly no longer desire to live with the darkness of the world.

Furthermore, in the New Testament, Paul is talking to the Ephesians about Christian living, a living in the light.^[8] Catherine of Genoa’s point that we no longer desire a life that is in darkness is emphasized in this way. As we find our divine center and God’s light shines through us, we grow to desire a life that resembles Christ’s. A life that lives in the light.

George Fox talks about Jesus being the Seed of our lives. Having our Christ be our “divine center” creates a dependency on Him. Fox continues with “This Seed you will see the bright and morning Star appear which will expel the night of darkness, by which morning Star you will come to the everlasting Day which was before night was. Everyone feel this bright morning Star in your hearts, there to expel the darkness.”^[9] This reminds me of the children’s story Peter Pan, following the stars to Neverland. In our Christian life, following the “bright morning Star,” leads us to Jesus, our journey to the shores of Heaven, and gives motion to our Spiritual growth.

Spiritual Movement

Ignatius of Loyola expresses spiritual movement in two terms: consolation, or “the soul is aroused by interior movement” and desolation, or “all that is contrary to the third rule, as darkness of the soul.”^[10] He states that the characteristic of the good spirit helps to remove obstacles so we can progress in spiritual growth.^[11] The spiritual movement is dependent on us walking faithfully in Christ. Additionally, Ephesians 5:2 NIV says “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Very early on in the Bible, the word walk speaks in a manner of how one lived their life.^[12] It implies a spiritual movement and a life dedicated to Christ.

Catherine of Genoa gives a similar thought: “When God finds a soul that rests in him and is not easily moved, he operates within it in his own manner. That soul allows God to do great things within it. He gives to such a soul the key to the treasures he has prepared for it so that it might enjoy them.”^[13] With that same sentiment, George Fox explains that walking in the power of God is walking in the power of the Truth.^[14]

In further illustrating these points, I love Thomas Kelly’s expression about the work that is done within our hearts. He explains: “For God himself works in our souls, in their deepest depths, taking increasing control as we are progressively willing to be prepared for his wonder.”^[15] Paul’s letter to the Philippians articulates this: “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”^[16] Richard Foster echoes this, stating that “God focuses on the seemingly insignificant changes that occur “little by little.” God invites us to “renounce the care of ourselves.” God wants our complete attention. God possesses eternal patience.”^[17]

Our spiritual movement is also dependent on waiting on the Lord. We cannot give a time, day, or place for movement to happen. When we pray, we must believe that it will be answered and we must remain steadfast in understanding that movement happens when we let go and let God work.^[18] Isaac Penington believes that “True prayer is not in the time, in the will, or in the power of the person praying. Rather, it is a gift from God that resides in his Spirit. —It is ours to wait upon the Spirit, to wait for the Spirit to move and breathe in us, and give us the ability to call upon the Father and give us the power of prevailing with the Father, in the name and through the life of the Son.”^[19]  Penington also expresses that we are to hold the Truth in our hearts because the devil and false teachers cannot reach it. This is expressed in Psalm 119:11 NIV: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

 This notion is developed further by Jean-Pierre De Caussade as he explains that waiting for God is like quenching the thirst when it is necessary to drink. He states that “Reading books about it only makes it worse. Thus, when we long for sanctity, speculation only drives it further from our grasp. We must humbly accept all that God’s order requires us to do and suffer. What he ordains for us each moment is what is most holy, best, and most divine for us.”^[20] God knows what is best for us, even though we want control. What we have in our minds as the best answer to a prayer, is not what God has in mind. His way is always better than our way.^[21] “The will of God is the presence, the reality, and the virtue in all things, adjusting them to souls.”^[22] Without God’s directions, there is nothing but death that awaits us.

Discernment-God and Holy Spirit

The Bible states that scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training for the servant of God to be fully equipped.^[23] Paul also tells Timothy not to neglect his gifts.^[24] He understands that the discernment of God and the Holy Spirit are important to building the body of Christ. Catherine of Genoa, states “God, who desires that we see by faith and who desires that we not do good because of selfish motives, gives us this vision little by little, sufficient to the level of faith of which we are capable. God leads us into a greater vision of that which is to come until faith is no longer needed.”^[25]

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”^[26]

1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV

John Bunyan’s thoughts on this are quite reflective; cymbals can make beautiful songs but do not contain any life, they can be thrown and crushed. He compares this to gifts and grace. “The cymbal does not contain life; though it can make wonderful music, it can be crushed and thrown away. So are all those who have gifts but do not have saving grace. Christ can use gifted people to affect the souls of the people in his Church, yet when he has finished using them, he can hang them up without life.”^[27]

Foster states that“the Spirit bestows gifts of discernment and prophecy to guide the life of the community. The Spirit anoints pastors and teachers for the equipping of the people of God.”^[28] The Spiritual gifts are located in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10 NIV, Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV, and Romans 12:4-8 NIV.

The first gifts are the Manifestation Gifts.^[29] These gifts flow through the believer but do not become the possession of the person. The Holy Spirit is the Source and the One in charge of the gift, working through an available and expectant vessel.

The Second set are the Ministry Gifts.^[30] Developing God-given ability in a gift-like way, responding to God’s specific call with a willing heart. These gifts are given to the Church by Christ himself. Most often these require additional training. These are also known as APEST or 5-finger ministry.

Last are the Motivational Gifts which are shaped by our personalities.^[31] These gifts we receive when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The words from George Fox, “so let your lives preach, let your light shine, that your works may be seen, that your Father may be glorified,”^[32] give me hope and peace when considering these last gifts. Additionally, Matthew said for us to let our light shine, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”^[33] Finally, John Bunyan provides us with his thoughts on gifts, saying that “gifts are desirable, but grace and small gifts are better than great gifts and no grace.”^[34] The two are inextricably linked. These gifts are only available through Christ.

1 Peter 5:7 NIV

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

As a mother and a wife, I experience anxiety of the unknown; the uncertainty. We do not know what tomorrow brings, but yet I often try to control what my day and events will be like.  Why do I think that I can control my life, simply when you live a life of uncertainty you look for something that you can control. In reality, the only thing I can control are my own feelings. When I get up in the morning am I saying, “Yes Lord” or am I saying, “Bless it, don’t mess with it.”

 Let this prayer fill me with comfort, let it fill us people with comfort.

Lord Jesus, I thirst for You during this season of difficulty. At times I feel like the waves of the ocean are crashing all around me. I am filled with anxiety, and I long for peace. Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. The waves still know Your name. Lord Jesus your presence calms the storm. I trust in you Lord; may I say Yes even though I do not know the path you have for me.

In your Holy and Precious name, Amen

Lifting Others Up

As I have gone through this week, I have taken the time to lift up a group of women who I am currently teaching in my ministry. I pray for them regularly, but I did not ask for anything for them, just spoke their name. I have noticed that interacting with them has been more of a blessing than a must.

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