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‘Real change starts from the inside out’. This fundamental truth can be recognised as that significant change that starts deep within and eventually becomes visible on the outside. Applying this principle is powerful for behaviour modification. Hence the title ‘inside out’.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The clock on the cover page can be used to illustrate how the intricate gears of an old Swiss-German clock or watch work together to produce movement to the arms. Can our hearts and minds be compared to this clockwork? The analogy of the clockwork can be used to explain our actions and behaviour; the strong ‘winding mechanism of the heart’ and the ‘intricate gears of the mind’ work seamlessly together to make us tick. Did you know that the heart has a memory? Did you know that research suggests that the heart and the mind (brain) communicate? Is it possible that the heart and the mind are working in sync to produce our make up as human beings? Does the heart contain the ‘main gears’ or ‘winding mechanism’ that makes us who we are?
This simple phrase, inside out, encapsulates probably one of the most significant methods or laws of ‘change’ from a Christian perspective. When people change their attitudes and their thinking it consequently has an impact on their actions and in the long run it changes their behaviour.The great benefit is that it brings change to the inner core of the person and influences character. One’s character is that stable entity which develops over years and stays not stable but changes over time – or does it stay stable? We talk about ‘building character’, which includes working on one’s character. I think we choose to develop our character or we choose not to. It takes hard work to develop good character, hence the person who takes on this challenge will have to work very hard at it. It is a constant choice one makes, and it is governed by the heart. For example, a person that displays courage has to develop this character trait. It starts with making a heart’s decision, or it could be already in the heart. When we see someone who has made some significant changes to his or her life we make comments like ‘you have made some real changes to your life’. Let us acknowledge the fact that we all want to change in one area or another in our lives. We also marvel when we observe the change in a person’s life, especially when his or her behaviour and character changes for the better.
In this book, radical change and change of character and thinking will be discussed. The possibility of change will be discussed from a Christian perspective with very useful insights. The author will discuss some controversial scientific issues (beliefs), and personal issues like creation versus evolution for example, toward the end. He will indicate how these beliefs have shaped his thinking and beliefs over time. This book includes some tools for change and these could bring about change as suggested by the author. However, the biggest change starts with a change of heart which could only be achieved through surrendering one’s life to Christ. Nothing ever can be as significant and powerful as being ‘born again’. Jesus said to Nicodemus: “To enter into the Kingdom of God you have to be born again”.
2. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.” 3. Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
Firstly, is it possible that when one is ‘born again’ (spiritual awareness) the cells of the heart, or around the heart, is reprogrammed to be more receptive? Is it possible that on a spiritual level the ‘blood’ of Jesus – which washes away sins according to scripture – programmes the cells of the heart and prepares the person for a future change? Change here meaning the heart changes after surrendering to Christ and then the process of renewing the mind starts.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10)
…22 You were taught to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.… Ephesians 4:22-24. *Berean Study Bible.
The renewal of the mind is a process that takes years and it follows after being born again. In short, it means that the memory of the heart is built with fundamental beliefs and truths that are constantly analysed by the mind. It includes processes of reflecting, meditating, pondering, analysing, assessing and eventually the beliefs and truths that are filtered through the mind are allowed to settle in the heart. “As a man thinketh in his heart’ so is he“ (Proverbs 23:7). It also works in the opposite direction (symbiotic relationship). The heart dictates the mind on how to process information, how to interpret events and information; consequently, the heart guides the mind and behaviour. For example “ Thou shalt not steal”, is internalised in the heart by the Laws of God and the mind (thinking) is aligned after some time (meditation, reading & conscious programming). In this book (in progress), I will endeavour to illustrate how a belief system is settled in the heart and how changes can be made to align with scriptures. The more the heart aligns with the Word the more faith is settled in the heart. Have you ever thought of where faith is situated? It is definitely in the heart and not in the mind! By analysing the heart – where our fundamental beliefs are found – one can assess the belief system that governs our lives every day. With this powerful understanding, one can analyse one’s heart and be aware of how the heart influences our thinking (brain processes). Just to whet the reader’s appetite I would like to make a radical statement here regarding the thought life of man, namely the brain. ‘Extravagant thoughts’ are thoughts that run through the brain that are challenging and that are constantly seeking answers, making links, establishing relationships, settling truths, etc about the world which we live in (our reality). In fact, it can be described as a scientific research or a scientific process. I would like to call it ‘Spiritual Science’; it means we are constantly probing into events, the lives of others and our own lives, to configure, to confirm, to discard, or to create new beliefs. Consider, for example, our experience with giving (money, time, and so on). Do the laws of the Kingdom really work? Before I go further with this concept let me get to the ‘extravagant thoughts’ scripture. I am fully convinced that ‘birds of heaven nests in the branches’ means extravagant thoughts that are entertained in our minds. The parable of the Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…. ‘it falls into the ground, dies and becomes the largest tree of all’ is the starting point of this ‘extravagant thought’ concept. I continue, ‘the birds of heaven nests in the large tree’. A man is compared to a tree in scripture. (e.g. Cedars of the Lebanon).
‘It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” – Matthew 13:32 (English Standard version).
Have you ever considered your thoughts on a daily basis? What do we think during a day? It is related to those fundamental beliefs in our hearts. It is a symbiotic relationship – the one cannot function without the other – the two memories (heart & mind) constantly influences each other. Thoughts, ideas, concepts, and beliefs that do not align with the fundamental beliefs in our hearts are ‘put on hold’ or discarded. Those thoughts that do, are confirmed in our hearts. From a psychological perspective then we can explain it as a ‘construct’. Every individual are shaped and formed uniquely. In simple terms, it can be explained as ‘the set of glasses’ which we view the world. I am referring here to the Construct Theory (Psychology). Very individualistic indeed! So, what do you believe in your heart, one may ask? This big question will elicit a huge personal response. However, what the individual believes can be found in the heart, the mind merely communicates these beliefs. Extravagant thoughts then are those thoughts that originate from the heart and fires through the neurons of our brain constantly at a rate of 0.16 times per second. Based on the energy budget of the brain, it appears that the average cortical neuron fires around 0.16 times per second. I wonder what the memory of the heart’s firing rate is? I recently read online that each day the average person has about 50,000 thoughts. Some researchers put that number at 70,000 thoughts per day. Is it any wonder with this amount of inner traffic we lose touch with our self? Just imagine the mazes which our mind runs through every day! I want to make the point here that extravagant thoughts are those that include scriptures, communication with God, alignments with our beliefs, prayer, meditation, reading, talking, and so on. The great benefit is that we can expose ourselves to new things, and learn from these experiences. However, the real benefit is when events and experiences align with our beliefs. It could also challenge us to make some fundamental or smaller changes. I am convinced that the brain fires thoughts that are aligned with the fundamental truths of scriptures and that it lit up the memory of the heart and our faith is confirmed and built up in the process. For the non-believer, agnostic, and atheist this ‘firing of thoughts’ (neurons) and the processing of ideas and beliefs will look radically different. Such a person has to create his own belief system from scratch and maintain it. It will require constant changes as the person are always seeking the ‘truth’ and wanting to know ‘how things work’. The wonderful advantage is that the Christian has a set belief system (e.g the ten commandments) that are set for him or her (established in the heart’s memory). The thoughts that fire between the memories in the heart, and consequently in the mind, are ‘extravagant’. In other words not wasted on ‘trying to figure out how things work’. The benefit for Christians is that we don’t have to exert ourselves ‘trying to figure out how things work’, we know. Thoughts of peace, faith, confirmation, love, change, are all linked to the ‘laws, statutes, and precepts’ settled in the heart. Think about this well-known scripture, Psalm 23:
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
How does it make you feel? Safe, secure, happy, loved, and full of faith? Right? Multi-million dollar programmes are designed and implemented, with the backup and enlightenment of research, to make constant changes in society and in the lives of people. For example, domestic violence is an area which has received much attention lately and large amounts of funds are invested in counselling services, programmes, and advertisements (developed world context). Have you noticed how the mental health of people is affected all around the world? Has it perhaps got to do with our thinking? Depression, boredom, confusion, loneliness, anxiety – to name a few – are all signs of the modern times which we live in. To counter those negative thoughts the reading and reciting of Psalm 23, for example, is the perfect antidote. From darkness to light, from fear to faith, from depressed to happy, from anxiety to being bold, from confused to having a sound mind, from loneliness to having someone to talk to, to being lonely to having a counsellor. The scriptures talk about the Holy Spirit – which dwells in us (abides in us) – as our counsellor, our helper, and our comforter. John 14:16 –
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Holman Christian Standard Bible
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.
Here are some scriptures which contain the words ‘heart’ and ‘thoughts’:
‘For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…’ (Proverbs 23:7a KJV)
‘’…that you may know the thoughts of your heart.’ (Daniel 2:30b NKJV)
‘…The thought of your heart may be forgiven you.’ (Acts 8:22b NKJV)
Some Biblical words used for heart: Several Hebrew and Greek words are translated as ‘heart’ in the English translations of the Bible, but mostly it comes down to three words: 1. ‘leb’ (Hebrew) Meaning: heart, will, feelings, intellect. 2. ‘lebeb’ (Hebrew) Meaning: heart (as the innermost organ), understanding, awareness. 3. ‘kardia’ (Greek) Meaning: the heart, thoughts, feelings of the mind. The overwhelming feeling one gets is that the ancients better understood the close relationship between the heart and brain than modern science has traditionally understood. Only now is this close relationship beginning to be appreciated by the latest studies on the human heart. Some evidence of cellular memory: Amazing new evidence has made heart specialists and researchers think again! It has been estimated that between 5-10% of recipients of donated hearts have had most unusual experiences, including taking on aspects of the lives, interests, tastes and passions of the unfortunate deceased heart donor! Heart specialists who initially scoffed at this, blaming possible side-effects of anti-rejection drugs, are being forced to look more closely at the available evidence (source: Mindshock: Transplanting Memories? Channel 4 television, the UK, 26 June 2006 at 10pm BST). Channel 4’s own description of this programme (which the article writer carefully watched) says this, “…In recent years several heart transplant recipients have reported unexpected side effects including experiencing memories, habits and desires they never had before. With studies showing that these are not isolated cases, ‘Transplanting Memories?’ meets patients searching to understand what has happened to them. The film follows organ recipients as they make contact with their donor families in an effort to understand their new found lease of life and features scientists who are pioneering research into the intelligence of the heart and the biochemical basis for memory in our cells. Is science’s understanding of how memory works quite as cut and dried as once thought?” (source: http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/W/who_gets_the_heart/). *Excerpt is taken from http://www.ukapologetics.net/biblicalheart.htm There are many interesting stories that support cellular memory and the memory of the heart (heart transplants).The next excerpt is from http://www.care2.com/greenliving/let-your-heart-talk-to-your-brain-2.html:
Dr. J. Andrew Armour (MD PhD) first introduced the term heart brain in 1991. Armour showed that the heart’s complex intrinsic nervous system qualified as a “little brain.” This heart brain, explains Science of the Heart, published by Institute of HeartMath, “is an intricate network of several types of neurons, neurotransmitters, proteins and support cells, like those found in the brain proper. Research has shown that the heart communicates to the brain in four major ways: neurologically (through the transmission of nerve impulses), biochemically (via hormones and neurotransmitters), biophysically (through pressure waves) and energetically (through electromagnetic field interactions).” Its elaborate circuitry enables it to act independently of the cranial brain – to learn, remember, and even feel and sense.
If the heart communicates in four different ways, as indicated in the above excerpt, does it explains the amazing ability of man to sense things? Could it explains a gut feeling, to be ‘born again’, to receive the Holy Spirit of God, to hear God’s voice ‘deep inside’, and consequently, to have a unique ‘heart identity’. To go one step further, the Bible says that the spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord searching all the inner parts…
The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly (Proverbs 20:27).
The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being (Proverbs 20:27).
When I read these scriptures about ‘…man’s spirit is the Lamp of the lord…” I see the Spirit of God walks beside our spirit in the heart’s area with a proverbial ‘lantern’. God searches the heart. When reading these scriptures it paints such an awesome picture when the scriptures of God talks about standing at the door of the heart, knocking and asking a person to open his or her heart to Him.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20).
So, the question arises then that how do God get to the heart of a person and how does He searches (look into) the heart of man? God has seven spirits which travel to and for on the earth searching…
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him
who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. …” Revelation 3:1
In 1 Samuel 16:7 the Lord said to the prophet Samuel regarding his choice of a King for Isreal:
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
The Lord weighs the hearts. He searches the heart.
A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart (Proverbs 21:2).
Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle of Moses
I want to discuss a fundamental principle taken from scripture to illustrate the ‘Inside Out’ concept. When God gave the instructions to Moses to construct the Tabernacle he started with the ‘holies of holies’. In other words, the core was addressed first before the larger external parts were discussed . He started with the centre, the very ‘heart’ (Ark of the Covenant) which is at the very core of the building. He gave the instructions, with exact measurements, of the Ark of the Covenant to Moses. I encourage you to read on. There is an awesome revelation here which could be applied to almost every area of our lives. Not only from a spiritual perspective but also from a psychological tangent.
![Layout of the Tabernacle - Color scheme of Moses’ Tabernacle. By Adik86 (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tabernacle.png](https://williamvanzylcom.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/1228b-tabernaclel-1474058484-75-2.png)
Let us have a look at the Ark of the Covenant:
Aron denotes a chest, or coffer, in general; but is applied particularly to the chest or ark in which the testimony or two tables of the covenant were laid up; on the top of which was the propitiatory or mercy seat; and at the end of which were the cherubim of gold; between whom the visible sign of the presence of God appeared as seated upon his throne. Later the ‘rod’ (or staff) of Aron was placed in the ark as well as a container with manna for the generations to observe. Manna (bread) was food provided in the desert to the Israelites by God. Every day they had to collect enough for that specific day (cf. God’s provision). The rod of Aron refers to the leadership of the high priest or leader appointed by God. At one point when the nation rebelled and the rods of the twelve leaders were placed in front of the tabernacle before chest (Ark), Aron’s rod budded with fully developed blossoms and almonds overnight. This was a sign from God that He sovereignly chooses His leader for the nation of Israel- it was undisputed.
The details of the Ark of the Covenant:
The Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:9 – 11)
9. ”According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it. 10. ”They shall construct an ark of acacia wood two and a half cubits long, and one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. 11. ”You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and you shall make a gold moulding around it. New American Standard Bible
David comments in the Psalms that God’s way is in the Tabernacle. In other words, if one would like to understand ‘God’s ways’ it can be found in the layout, structure and symbolism of the tabernacle.
Contents of the Ark of the Covenant:
In the ark was the golden pot (jar) of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of stone which folded together like a book. These were the well-known Ten Commandments written with the finger of God.
The rod of Aron: Confirmation of Leadership (budding of Aron’s rod)
To finally put an end to the dispute as to who would lead Israel, God staged a demonstration of his sovereign power and choice. God spoke to Moses: “Speak to the children of Israel and get from them a rod from each father’s house, all their leaders according to their fathers’ houses – twelve rods. Write each man’s name on his rod. And you shall write Aaron’s name on the rod of Levi. For there shall be one rod for the head of each father’s house. Then you shall place them in the tabernacle of meeting before the Testimony, where I meet with you. And it shall be that the rod of the man whom I choose will blossom; thus I will rid Myself of the complaints of the children of Israel, which they make against you” (Numbers 17:2-5).
Aaron’s rod not only leafed out the next day, it also had flower buds, flowers, and even ripe almonds on the same stick (Numbers 17:8). The man’s name written on the sticks showed that it was the original one, but the growth in various stages of maturity also proves that no one had cut an almond branch and put it in its place.
Later Aaron’s staff was placed in the Ark of the Covenant as a memorial to the fact that God chooses whom He wishes to lead His people (Hebrews 9:4).
![Rod of Aron. Credit: Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://williamvanzylcom.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/c2943-rodofaron-1473614283-73-2.jpg)
Container with Manna: God’s provision to Israel or ‘His people’.
The golden jar of manna was a symbol and a constant reminder to Israel that God had miraculously provided for them during the forty years in the desert. “Let an omer of [manna] be kept throughout your generations so that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness when I brought you out of the land of Egypt” (Ex. 16:32).
![Coriander seed. According to the book of Exodus, manna is like a coriander seed that is white (this is explained by ancient commentaries as a comparison to the round shape of the coriander seed. Credit: The original uploader was Novalis at English Wikipedia Later versions were uploaded by Consequencefree at en.wikipedia. - [1], CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1468665](https://williamvanzylcom.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/3a6a7-mannacorian-1473614959-40-2.png)
Images of the Ark of the Covenant
Comments and discussion on the heart and mind.
With this background let us probe into the statement which was made here – ‘Inside out’ is a principle or law that can be used for change in the lives of humans.
Firstly, when the heart or core of a person changes his or her entire life is affected. Also called ‘The ripple effect’. It means when a person accepts and receives Christ the core or ‘chest’ of the person is filled with a new presence. The person accepts the “Law of God’, His leadership, and has faith in His divine provision. People respond to this invitation of the covenant and invitation by the Almighty. We recognise the change in a person who accepted this covenant when we see the change of behaviour on the outside. The change always starts from the inside; it impacts every area of a person’s life and then moves out. We know that all change comes from making fundamental changes to the way we think.
“As a man thinketh in his heart so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
Secondly, by accepting the Leadership of God (the High Priest-Jesus) in our lives change is inevitable. It requires submission to His laws, principles, statutes, and precepts. It can only be achieved by making deep commitments and decisions to adhere to His Words.
Thirdly, by having faith in God, and trusting Him according to the covenant which we have with Him, we lose our fear. We now believe that God will provide for us according to His Word. ‘And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus’. Philippians 4:19
To summarise then, by allowing Christ to enter our Hearts (accepting Him) that is where the real change begins. It continues as we accept His leadership through His Words, and consequently, we experience His provision.
On the question, how do we help or assist poor and needy people, the answer is ‘preach the Gospel of Christ to the poor’. The scripture below is powerful support of this fact.
18. “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, 19. to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour”. (Luke 4:18-19).
In very simple terms then, the ‘INSIDE OUT’ law is explained by using the Ark of the Covenant and comparing it to the heart of man. The scriptures refer to the body of a man as ‘The temple of God’. The heart is the chest (Ark of the Covenant’. This is a powerful tool for change and brings long-term changes in every area of a person’s life. And you know what the beauty of it is, is that it cost no money. However, it will only cost you giving up your life. So when you give up your life the advantages are incalculable!
The process of continuous change
Dr Caroline Leef (brain researcher-US) indicates that the heart has a memory – research has revealed this. The brain consequently communicates with the heart’s memory. To illustrate this fact is that we often refer to a ‘gut feeling’. In other words, we are guided by our hearts. With this revelation, we can invest in building the memory of our hearts. This is a continuous process, as we read the scriptures and make it our own, our heart’s memory are filled with His laws, statutes, precepts , and principles. Over an extended period of time, we see the impact of such practice in our own lives. A very good example is King David (old Testament) who says:
‘Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee’(Psalm 119:11).
From a very practical perspective then, filling the memory of the heart with His Word has great benefits. It brings about behaviour modification, it builds character, and it guarantees a stable and predictable outcome when making decisions. The memory of the heart then acts as a ‘law’ that governs decision making and behaviour. It makes life less complicated and increases the quality thereof.
See the many videos of Dr Caroline Leef on Youtube. Search Caroline Leaf.
In this video, Dr Leaf explains that the body is the temple of God.
Compatibility between the mind and the heart – displaying real character.
If the heart and the mind have got different ‘identities’ and communicate constantly could there be unity of disunity? One thing that happens very often is that people would refer to the character of a Christian and they would make non-flattering comments like “He or she says that they are Christian but their actions do not reflect those values and beliefs”. I am convinced by looking at the facts presented in this book that one can have a ‘change of heart’, but the mind could be pretty much the ‘old self. It is a conscious decision – and it takes hard work – to renew the mind. Ons can very easily sit back and allow the ‘old self’ to reign. It means we have to be very careful when someone indicates that he or she is a Christian and makes all the right noises (using cliches). It is possible that the person has not worked on their hearts and character at all. How will we know then, as the scripture says ‘that the heart of man is very fickle who can understand it’?
King James Bible:
The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV)
The answer is “You will know the tree by its fruit’. A good tree bears good fruit and its kind. A peach tree can’t produce figs!
A Tree and its Fruit
…16 By their fruit you will recognise them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.…(Matthew 7:16-18). Berean Study Bible
A good tree produces good fruit and a poor tree produces poor fruit. In short, the incompatibility of the heart and the mind (thinking) is a sign of a poor tree bearing poor fruit. Real character is when the action, thinking of the mind and the heart is in sync. Similarly, compared to God who weighs the heart, we weigh the hearts of others and or own, by looking at the fruit that is produced. Do not be discouraged when people disappoint you, be wise and prudent, rather focus on your own character and develop it. Align the mind with heart and do not compromise at all costs. True leaders are people we can trust, their actions, decisions and their behaviour are consistent, all the time. This choice brings stability, anchors trust, produces faith, and consequently establishes a character as solid as a rock. The consistency of the heart-to-the-mind and the mind-to-the-heart are consistent and produce the same result, all the time. That is a sign of great character! Once the heart is changed and the mind renewed – a continuous process – we have to work at it every day. One way is to think ‘good thoughts’ to programme and align our thinking with our hearts and vice versa. Consider the following scripture:
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful (Joshua 1:8). New International Version.
Creation Evidence an alternative model: From scriptures to science
As most of us go through the big question-stage (17 years of age to about 30 years of age, I think) where we philosophy about life, in general, we ask those very daunting questions: “ What is our purpose?’ and “ Where did we come from?”. I have been through those same questions and stages. I am in my fifties now. In fact, for me, it continued for some years after my thirtieth birthday. Evolution, evolutionism and creation… Very daunting to get answers to those philosophical and scientific questions. However, I watched some amazing programmes By Dr Carl Baugh way back, about 22 years ago. See the initial video that impacted my life to this very day (below). Dr Baugh, from Creation Evidence, suggested an alternative answer to these questions. It all changed for me to this day. A knowing that everything was created settled in my heart. I am convinced that we have a very young earth (only thousands of years old).
I am going to explain this in one paragraph to save time. If you are interested see the video series of Dr Carl Baugh (Creation Evidence) go to Youtube. It is highly recommended, it will provide an alternative perspective on creation and evolution. Here we go in very simple terms: The earth had a crystalline canopy around it about 11 miles away from the earth (during Adam to Noah’s time). This ‘bubble’ around the earth filtered the ultraviolet rays and acted like a ‘hot house’ around the earth. The oxygen levels were higher (25% then versus the 21% today). Remember that the scripture says that there was no rain till the time of Noah (The great flood). Noah built a ‘ship’ (the Ark) without knowing what rain really was. That requires an ear to hear God’s voice and a firm belief in Him, I must add. You could run 200 miles without getting tired, vegetation, animals, and insects were larger than today (more oxygen, etc.) . The crystalline canopy collapsed with the big flood (Noah’s Ark), The Bible says cisterns of the deep broke open and water were released and it rained. Consequences of the crystalline canopy that collapsed are the start of the hydrological cycle as we know it today (weather & climate). That is when the hydrological cycle was created at first – before that it was life in a very protective ‘bubble’ (environment). Just this simple explanation changes everything because all the events and those big questions are instantly answered and the revelations about us and the physical world got answered for me – now that built my faith! I could not believe that the answers are so real and provide such awesome answers and it aligns fully with scriptures! Now you would probably say ‘” you have probably changed your mind in the meantime?”. However, these explanations and truths have just grown stronger over the twenty-two years for me! In fact, I marvelled for about 22 years about these explanations and have made it my own. To this day, and in the future, I will marvel at this model for creation provide by Dr Baugh. I see so many scientific discoveries that line up with his model. He went from scriptures to research and not from science to the scriptures…. .
1988: Dr Carl Baugh on an introduction to the firmament (canopy around the earth).
Dr Carl Baugh. “The firmament …” Amazing theory!
If you are interested in the Creation Evidence Series:Part 1 to 4:
The Creation Model, Dr Carl Baugh. https://youtu.be/ZBhM9zC_6wY
Solving the big puzzle: Evidence in the earth for creation.
I am going to endeavour to write the shortest explanation of the different objects, artefacts, fossil, and more found around the world and those that will be found. My target is to do it one paragraph. Here is the background to my paragraph which will follow next: ‘God created everything, and without Him, nothing was created.
‘All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made’-John 1:3
Why did the dinosaurs die out? Answer: They died at the time of the flood. When the firmament (crystalline canopy) collapsed they did not get enough oxygen. The density of the oxygen changed and they drowned. With this simple truth, you can solve many tricky creation-evolution questions. Listen to Dr Baugh’s series – Creation Evidence. The ‘Great I Am’, also called Jehovah, or called Elohim then did an amazing thing, he allowed the waters of the flood to transport objects, artefacts, human bodies, plants, animals, people, insects, and so all around the earth. He allowed it to be buried at different levels. In the water, the suspended ground, and sediment settled down with many pieces of evidence buried at different levels. He then gave humans the task to figure it out. Evolutionists and scientists spend months, and years to solve mysteries when they find something interesting. For example, when they find the fossils of animals, plants, people, and they do their best to solve the puzzle or the riddle. Sometimes things are found at ridiculous levels, and it just does not make sense. To conclude the paragraph of solving this massive puzzle, almost everything pertaining to evolution-creation can be related to this action of God. So if you find the fossil of a dinosaur in the North Pole with a man-made hammer below it – during archaeological excavations – the flood explains it. Do not spend time trying to figure it out – it is explained by the flood. If something is found by archaeologists, at a ridiculous depth (confusing), the flood explains it. Everything is mixed up so man can search. There you have the paragraph. I conclude with a scripture:
‘Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour ‘.(Isaiah 45:15 -King James Version).
The ‘extravagant thoughts’ when scientific discoveries are made and these align with the truths of scriptures.
Dr Caroline Leaf explains how ‘extravagant thoughts’ grouped together creates wonderful thought patterns. These patterns of pink ‘fluffy’ protein are created by the brain every time the person thinks positive and happy thoughts. It literally creates substance in the brain, which could be described as beautiful healthy branches of trees. The opposite is true when we think negative and destructive thoughts, for example, thoughts that include bitterness, unforgiveness, whining, negativity, fear, and so on. This negative type of thinking produces chaos and harming distorted wire-type of protein. Yes, it can be observed and measured in the brain, according to Dr Leaf. The opposite of fear is faith.
‘There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love’.1 John 4:18 -Amplified Bible
I would like to mention the following scripture which is remarkable when thinking of men as trees, which includes the brain. When I read this scripture I marvelled at its significance in this regard. Notice how the blind man saw men as trees at first before he receives his sight…
23 So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then He spit on the man’s eyes and placed His hands on him. “Can you see anything?” He asked. 24 The man looked up and said, “I can see the people, but they look like trees walking around.” 25 Once again Jesus placed His hands on the man’s eyes, and when he opened them his sight was restored, and he could see everything clearly. (Mark 8:23-25). Berean Study Bible.
My explanation for this is as follow. The man’s spiritual eyes were opened first (saw men as trees) and then his physical eyes were opened. This confirms the principle God changes from the inside out. First, the spirit man and then the physical man. First the heart and then the mind.
The Tabernacle: A template – we as the tabernacle (or temple).
The fact that the scriptures contain many ‘scientific truths’, and the fact that we discover them is so exciting. It is like a large jigsaw puzzle which is constantly being built. The most extraordinary thing for me is the consistency of scripture and the fact that these truths are all hidden. The writings of thousands of years ago contains ‘truths’ that is hidden and are being discovered in our modern day and era. The second enlightenment, for example, is the tabernacle of Moses. I have just touched on the Ark of the Covenant in this book. In short, a very quick overview of the tabernacle: There is the menorah (golden lampstand), table with shewbread, cencer with incense, the fence around the tabernacle, the brazen altar in front of the ‘tent’ like structure (Holy Place & Holy of Holies), and much more. It will fill a whole new book if we have to discuss the layout and the significance of every piece of the tabernacle and how they fit and work together. The tabernacle and its component and artefacts include hundreds of extravagant thoughts which are related to everyday life and us as the tabernacle or temple. As the tabernacle ‘puzzle’ builds with it’s intricate, elaborate detail and symbolism which elicits those extravagant thoughts – including its rich layered links and connections to each other – is such a revelation! Indeed something to marvel about. The equilibrium that is generated eventually by placing these truths in the heart and mind creates an unseen ‘tabernacle’ within a person that interacts continuously and exchange truths. Within the tabernacle template, we see His ways. For example, when we come to Him “We enter His gates (entrance to tabernacle is called ‘The truth, the Life, the Way) with thanksgiving and with praise (worship), and He forgives us our sins (brazen altar – animal sacrifice – now Jesus’ blood).
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and with praise:
…3Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. 5For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.…(Psalm 100: 3-5). NASB.
The Truth, the Life, the Way:
5“Lord,” said Thomas, “we do not know where You are going, so how can we know the way?” 6Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7If you had known Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.”…(John 14: 5-7). NASB
We have His Holy Spirit (golden lampstand) in us, we worship Him by using words (cencer with incense), we recognise how He has shaped us (table of shewbread), and we then enter into His holy presence (Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant is located). To experience His presence in the tabernacle (we are the temple/tabernacle) is the most extravagant experience and privilege because above the Mercy Seat of the Ark (located between the two cherubim) He talks to us!
“So who may enter His holy place?”, asks King David in the Psalms (who may experience His presence)?
The answer from King David is:
…2For He has founded it upon the seas And established it upon the rivers. 3Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place? 4He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully.… (Psalm 24:2-4). New American Standard Bible
Conclusion: A personal reflection…
This overview of the symbiotic communication model, which includes the heart and mind, has huge implications when understood and studied. It suggests that this ‘two-way traffic’, so to speak, influences a person in both areas – the brain and heart. Once understood that the two makes a tight unit; the two components can be analysed by the person. A great way is to reflect and to ponder on the questions: “So, what do I believe deep down in my heart?”; “What does my actions and my words reveal about the consistency between my heart and my mind?”. Another exercise is to analyse how did one’s belief system come about. How were the two units shaped throughout the years of one’s life? Think about your childhood, your textbooks, the programs you have watched on television, the programs you have listened to on the radio, your parent’s beliefs, the influence of a teacher, a spiritual leader, and so on. Allow yourself to expose your belief system to an alternative model of creation as explained here. Think about it. Search and reflect on scriptures that contain the word ‘firmament’ – there are about 14 verses that contain this word. Here one of these scriptures:
6Then God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” 7God made the expanse, and separated the waters which were below the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse, and it was so. 8God called the expanse heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.… (Genesis 1: 6-8). New American Standard Bible.
Reflecting on my personal journey.
I would like to go back to about 22 years ago when I was exposed to this alternative model of Dr Carl Baugh (Creation Evidence). I replaced my fundamental beliefs around evolution and evolutionism with the creation model and has been building on it since. So what are the implications you would ask? I am glad you’re asking. The phrase ‘The Word of God is the ultimate authority in my life now, which includes the model of creation” is a short explanation. So, what is the difference you may ask? The difference is that a large faith gets settled in one’s heart and governs the thinking of a person every day. When we obey His commandments, laws, statutes, and precepts (10 Commandments, etc.) which are settled in our hearts, it aligns with our thinking. It produces harmony between one’s heart and one’s thinking. By being obedient to God and following His instructions, He blesses us (benefits). What are those blessings and benefits you may ask? It means I am being made fully whole and have entered into the rest of God. I have received full “Shalom”, it means being whole – nothing missing. The ‘wholeness’ includes having a ‘frame of reference’ (heart and mind) that is very close to ‘God’s thinking’ (referring to the template of the tabernacle). It includes being obedient, being in awe of His creation, and being grateful for the peace and love which one experiences on a daily basis. Ultimately the most wonderful thing is the ‘extravagant thoughts’ that runs through one’s mind every day. You could ask what do you mean by ‘extravagant thoughts’, give an example? Round about 1897 Matthew Fontaine Maury (US Commodore) read about ‘paths in the sea’ (Ps 8:8) and eventually discovered those paths.
19Your way was in the sea And Your paths in the mighty waters, And Your footprints may not be known. Psalm 77:19
8The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas. Psalm 8:8
To experience His presence in the tabernacle (we are the temple/tabernacle) is the most extravagant experience and privilege because above the Mercy Seat of the Ark (located between the two cherubim) He talks to us!
…5”You shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 6 ”You shall put this altar in front of the veil that is near the ark of the testimony, in front of the mercy seat that is over the ark of the testimony, where I will meet with you. 7”Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it; he shall burn it every morning when he trims the lamps.… Exodus 30: 5-7 (New American Standard Bible)
Inside the Ark of the Covenant (The heart)
We have His laws in our heart (commandments, statutes, precepts). He provides for us every day, and will do so in future (Jehovah Jireh – God our Provider – c.f. jar with manna). The third major component in our hearts is the Leadership of God (c.f. The budding rod of Aron). God is our role model, He influences us, and He directs our paths.
Everything I believe aligns with His model of creation and the universe, according to scripture. My thinking aligns with the truths in my heart. ‘Extravagant thoughts’ are generated when ‘birds of heaven nests in the branches’. Some extravagant thoughts for me are discoveries in science which affirm scriptures, as I have mentioned. The design is breathtaking. Creation is marvellous…
The parable of the mustard seed: Man compared to trees…
31Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. 32Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” 33He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”… Matthew 13: 31-33. New Berean Bible.
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Inside out
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