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Jesus and Oxytocin: How to Bond with God
Oxytocin is the love molecule, the chemical behind social and familial bonding. It reduces stress and increases our happiness quotient. Interestingly, it has also been called the moral molecule because our oxytocin levels increase when we treat others well. And as it happens, oxytocin can be very helpful in developing a close relationship with Jesus. So many of the activities that scientists recommend for increasing oxytocin levels correspond directly to many worship practices, both individual and corporate. And our imagination can go a long way towards helping us develop an emotionally intimate relationship with Jesus as well. In fact, regular prayer and interaction with fellow believers can add significantly to…
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Why Jesus Went to Hell: An Inner Healing Perspective
The fact that Jesus entered hell is not much preached about. This is understandable since the major emphasis is and should be on the resurrection. But His invasion of hell can be incredibly meaningful for many of us who have suffered trauma. And honestly, a good many of us who haven’t. One of the main reasons many sufferers of trauma do not seek help is that they fear to have to re-enter their own personal hell. I get it. No one wants to go to hell. But too many also don’t necessarily want to leave it either. Jesus asked a man if he wanted to get well. This question is…
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Eight Ways to Fill the Emptiness Inside
The rise in depression and anxiety signal to me that many do not know how to fill the emptiness inside themselves. And I want to note that there are as many different kinds of emptiness as there are people. And, point in fact, many choose emptiness over the alternative. Being vacant can be a significant defense in our hurting world. Much of the emptiness that we suffer is actually avoidance, a refusal to face the pain we are sure awaits us. The other major source is simply the endless drain of our energy and emotion that life imposes. Children, work, spouses, church, and even our expectations of our own selves…