Journal 4

David Ridell
July 19-24

David Ridell focused on helping us connect our heart and soul to the mind.
This week we learned about relationships and the importance of healthy relationship with ourselves. We learned a lot about the human mind and it’s connection to the soul (spirit) from a man who studies the secular field of psychiatry. I was wary of Mr. Ridell’s teaching at first, it seemed like he was teaching from a religious position, but with incorrect doctrine. He proved me wrong. Over the course of the week he ended up giving great support from Scripture. Some of the practical advice he gave included: how to think in a healthy way, correct relationship, the importance of attitude, and ways to self-examine our minds and relationships.
The key ideas were, “the health of the relationship is never better than the mental/emotional health of the person in it, if you can’t set a boundary you’ll wind up building walls, and without negotiation skills there are only two options domination/subjugation.
Some confirmed ideas that I have had said to me many times in my life were: correct attitude is essential, optimistic thinking, respect yourself and others, and befriend you mind, truth coaches, trust being queen of the life skills.
New ideas included: the separation between soul and mind and the connection that has to mental health, inspecting your thoughts and beliefs puts you in charge of your mind (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy), king lies, welds, soul ties.
In being told these things or being reminded of past principles I found a new clarity and direction. I feel that life with the Lord is logical and when David Ridell said, “the shortcut to mental health is agreement with God” I was relieved to know that God does give personal revelation to those who walk with Him. I had gotten caught up in Mr. Ridell’s wisdom and was spinning, but when he said that line about being in agreement with God I found rest in the fact that I can use Mr. Ridell’s notes, and will, but the real power is in daily dying and giving your life to the Lord. So daily I will study His Scriptures and search for that daily word that will prepare my heart to abide in Christ during the course of that day.
The character of God this week is accepting. He wants to be ONE with me and is. I am living with Christ inside of me and will continue to experience His direction and wisdom over the course of my walk with Him. (John 17:26)
To personally respond to David Ridell’s teaching I am going to focus upon his gifts of wisdom and guiding words. What he did best was drive me into trusting that the Spirit will protect my heart, mind, and soul as I continue to live. My response this week is going to focus upon the word, abide. I think that through belief in our Lord and in thanking Him daily for answered prayer, no matter, how it might seem insignificant I will be able to learn His will for me. I will grow into a mature believer in this way and learn to trust in His words for me. Right now I am personally responding to this message by seeking holiness and reliance upon Him who lives inside of me!
I am not perfect Lord, but with your help I can continue to learn to live in faith and be a vessel of your Son. Please continue to give me truth and the gift of love as I seek your Kingdom.
2nd Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.”
His Spirit reveals his knowledge to us in His word.
I will continue to seek God’s word every morning and use it to affirm truth and discard lies throughout my day.
Thank you Lord for abiding in me. Please help me to continue to learn what it means to abide with you in the Kingdom.
Amen.