Shayne on August 24th, 2009

On this day, Selwyn is discussing some of the characteristics of shame.  He writes: “One of the elements of shame is painful self-absorption. … When we feel great shame it appears to us that the self is too ugly to look at, and that is why people who are overcome with this emotion often say [...]

Continue reading about ‘Acid in the soul’

Shayne on August 23rd, 2009

The last emotion Selwyn looks at is shame.
He writes that shame is a ‘feeling of humiliation excited by consciousness of one’s own guilt or shortcoming, a state of disgrace, a regret or ignominy’. He also mentions that guilt is a feeling of having done something wrong and is different to shame.
I think the feeling of [...]

Continue reading about ‘The portrayal of hell’

Shayne on August 22nd, 2009

I think Selwyn’s conclusion is worth thinking about: not only do many cultural Christians have a lop-sided view of their faith, they are also luke-warm in their response to Jesus’ call, to follow Him.
He writes: “many Christians … prefer a world of make-believe, a world where everyone is nice and where negative feelings do not [...]

Continue reading about ‘Full of shadows’

Shayne on August 21st, 2009

Selwyn summary of  the two main responses to the emotion of despair  – perhaps reflects, the two main responses of mankind, to God’s love – to either embrace, or to reject (there are no other possible options)!
He writes: “We spend one more day on the subject of despair, reflecting a little more om what the [...]

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Shayne on August 20th, 2009

Today, Selwyn continues his discussion on yesterday’s point that ‘in a fallen world not all our expectations will be met’. He  goes on to say: “Human relationships, for example, cannot fully satisfy our hearts. There is something in us that only God can truly meet. Don’t try to draw from others the emotional strength that [...]

Continue reading about Better to feel mad …

Shayne on August 19th, 2009

Selwyn presents three steps that we can take, when we find ourselves experiencing a sense of despair.
“First, we must be willing to acknowledge our feelings (having identified the type of feeling).
Second, talk to God about it – we should honestly express our feelings, but combine with them our convictions concerning the Lord’s deliverances in times [...]

Continue reading about Don’t forget to remember

Shayne on August 18th, 2009

Today, Selwyn looks at another characteristic of despair – loneliness.
He concludes this study with these words: “Without … a warm relationship on a human level, how are we to make it through life? Many find themselves in this situation – perhaps you are one of them. Can Jesus succour (help and comfort) us in loneliness and [...]

Continue reading about ‘Wave to me!’