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Grace and Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:06:55 -0500

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology, proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper "A Theory of Human Motivation." Maslow's hierarchy of needs is often portrayed in the shape of a pyramid, with the largest and most fundamental levels of needs at the bottom, and the need for self-actualization at the top. Maslow's theory suggests that the most basic level of needs must be met before the individual will strongly desire (or focus motivation upon) the secondary or higher level needs.

This theory has become pervasive in our culture and society, being the basis of thought-processes and projects worldwide.

This begged the questions : where is Grace in all of this ? is Grace applicable in the hierarchy of needs ? If so, where ? Can Grace really fill every need I have ?

Turns out, it can. And it doesn't just fill every need, it overly satisfies it. My needs are completely filled by God's provision of Grace for me, focusing on His glory before my own.

I hope you enjoy seeing how Grace can fulfill everything you need.

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1. Physiological needs
For the most part, physiological needs are obvious – they are the literal requirements for human survival. If these requirements are not met, the human body simply cannot continue to function.

Air, water, and food are metabolic requirements for survival in all animals, including humans. Clothing and shelter provide necessary protection from the elements.

Grace is characterized as being:
Worth more than silver and gold Pr 22:1

Grace is linked with:
Life Jb 10:12, Pr 3:22
Healing Ps 6:3

I am:
Tasting (G) 1Pt 2:2-3
Clothed in (G) Col 3:12

Because of Grace, I can pray for:
For God's healing Ps 6:2
For God to take away my affliction Ps 25:16
For God to heal my soul Ps 41:4
For God's strength Ps 86:16

Because of His Grace, I receive:
Strength Ps 86:16, Is 33:2, Zc 10:6, He 13:9, 2Ti 2:1, 2Co 12:8-9, 1Pt 5:10
Riches 1Co 1:4-5, Ep 3:8

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2. Safety needs
Safety needs have to do with establishing stability and consistency in a chaotic world. These needs are mostly psychological in nature.

With their physical needs relatively satisfied, the individual's safety needs take precedence and dominate behavior. Safety and Security needs include: Personal security, financial security, health and well-being, safety net against accidents / illness and their adverse impacts.

Grace is characterized as being:
A shield Ps 5:12
Trustworthy Ps 52:8

Grace is linked with:
Truth Dt 10:12, 2Sa 15:20, Ps 61:7, 85:10, 89:14, 138:2, Pr 3:3, 14:22, 16:6, 20:28, Jer 22:3, Ho 4:1, 6:6, Mic 7:20, Zc 7:9, Jn 1:14,17, Col 1:6
Righteousness Ps 33:5, 112:4, 116:5, Pr 21:21, Jr 9:24, Ho 2:19, 10:12, Ro 5:17, 21
Justice Ps 33:5, 101:1, Jr 9:24, Ho 2:19, 12:6, Mic 6:8, Zc 7:9

I am:
Surrounded by (G) Ps 5:12
Standing in (G) Ro 5:2, 1Pt 5:12
Under (G) Ro 6:14

Because of Grace, I can pray for:
For rescue from my trouble Ps 31:9

Because of His Grace, I receive:
Protection Jb 10:12, Ps 5:12, La 3:22
Stability Ps 21:7, 30:7
Preservation Ps 61:7, Pr 20:28

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3. Love and belonging
After physiological and safety needs are fulfilled, the third layer of human needs are interpersonal and involve feelings of belongingness like friendship, intimacy and family.

Humans have a desire to belong to groups: clubs, work groups, religious groups, family, gangs, etc. We need to feel loved by others, to be accepted by others. Performers appreciate applause. We need to be needed.

Grace is linked with:
Forgiveness Ps 86:5
Compassion Ps 86:15, 111:4, 112:4, 145:8, Zc 7:9
Love Ho 2:19, 1Ti 1:14
Fellowship 2Co 8:4

I am:
A vessel of (G) Ro 9:23
Showing (G) Zc 7:9

Because of Grace, I can pray for:
For God to take away my loneliness Ps 25:16

I interact with Grace in my:
Giving Jb 6:14, Zc 7:9, Lk 6:32-24, 10:36-37
Dealing, lending Ps 37:26, 112:5
Rebuking Ps 141:5
Speaking Pr 15:18, 22:11, Ec 10:12, Ep 4:29, Col 4:6
Forgiving Mt 18:33, Ep 4:32, 2Co 2:7. 10, Col 3:13
Meetings Ac 11:23
Rejoicing Ac 11:23, 2Co 8:1-2
Encouraging Ac 13:43, Rom 12:3, 2Co 8:1, 6, 2Ti 2:1
Partaking Ep 1:7
Bonding Php 1:7, 1Pt 3:8
Being 2Co 1:12
Praying, longing 2Co 9:14

I bless others:
Because of God's (G) Ge 33:11
(G) is the blessing Ge 43:29, Nb 6:25, 2Sa 15:20, Ac 13:43, Ac 20:32,
By commending them to (G) Ac 14:26, 15:40, 20:32, Ga 2:9
In the 'hellos' Ro 1:7, 1Co 1:3, 2Co 1:2, Ga 1:3, Ep 1:2, Php 1:2, Col 1:2, 1Th 1:1, 2Th 1:2, 1Ti 1:2, 2Ti 1:2; Tit 1:4, Phm 1:3, 1 Pt 1:2, 2Pt 1:2, 2Jo 1:3, Re 1:4
In the 'good-byes' Ro 16:20, 1Co 16:23, 2Co 13:14, Gal 6:18, Ep 6:24, Col 4:18, 1Th 5:28, 2Th 3:18, 1Ti 6:21, 2Ti 4:22; Tit 3:15, Phm 1:25, He 13:25, Re 22:21

Because of His Grace, I receive:
Fellowship Ga 2:9
Unity with others Ep 4:7-16

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4. Esteem
All humans have a need to be respected and to have self-esteem and self-respect. Esteem presents the normal human desire to be accepted and valued by others. People need to engage themselves to gain recognition and have an activity or activities that give the person a sense of contribution, to feel self-valued, be it in a profession or hobby.

There are two types of esteem needs. First is self-esteem which results from competence or mastery of a task. Second, there's the attention and recognition that comes from others.

Grace is characterized as being:
Praiseworthy Ep 1:6

Grace is linked with:
Glory Ps 84:11
Humility Mic 6:8

I am:
Crowned with (G) Ps 103:4

Because of Grace, I can pray for:
For God to raise me up Ps 41:10

I serve others:
Because of (G) Ro 12:6, Ep 3:2, 7-8, 2Co 4:15, 9:8,14, 1Ti 1:12, 1Pt 3:7

Because of His Grace, I receive:
Honor Pr 11:16, 21:21

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5. Self-actualization
“What a man can be, he must be.” This forms the basis of the perceived need for self-actualization. This level of need pertains to what a person's full potential is and realizing that potential. Maslow describes this desire as the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming.

The need for self-actualization is "the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming." People who have everything can maximize their potential.

Grace is characterized as being:
Free Ro 3:24, 8:32, 1Co 2:12
Sufficient 2Co 9:8, 12:9
Manifold 1Pt 4:10

Grace is linked with:
Wisdom Pr 31:26, Lk 2:40
Purpose 2Ti 1:9

I am:
Defined by (G) 1Co 15:10

Because of His Grace, I receive:
Joy Ps 9:13-14, Ac 11:23, 2Co 8:1-2
Glory Ps 89:17, 2Co 1:12, 2Th 1:12
Hope Ps 130:7, 2Th 2:16, Tit 2:13, 3:7, 1Pt 1:13
Enlightenment Ezr 9:8
Personal value Jr 9:23-24, Ac 20:24, 1Co 15:10, 2Co 1:12, 12:9
Knowledge 1Co 1:4-5
Satisfaction and sufficiency 2Co 9:8, 12:8-9
Perfection 1Pt 5:10Glorification Ps 23:6, Ep 2:5, 1Pt 1:13

My first Easter (bis)

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:36:43 -0500

This is a repost of last year's 'My first Easter' composition. This remains what I have in my heart in contemplating the amazing Grace during this Easter season.

May it bless you.

---"Before we see the cross as something done for us, we need to see the cross as something done by us"
- John Stott

I asked him to heal me and feed me without any intention to follow him
I tested his teachings and refused to let go of my beliefs
I expected him to liberate us from the Romans

I betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver
I broke bread with him at his last supper
I fled when the soldiers came to take him
I kissed him to show the soldiers who he was
I took him into custody and brought him before the high priest Caiaphus
I put him on an illegal trial with false witnesses
I brought him to the governor Pilate
I questioned him about the accusations
I brought him to Herod and returned him to Pilate
I let the crowd decide his fate and washed my hands of it
I wanted the liberation of a known murderer instead of his
I sentenced him to death to appease the crowd and my ego

I beat and flogged him multiple times with whips
I spat on him
I made a crown of thorns and placed it harshly on his head
I made him carry his cross up the mount and pushed him to the ground
I put his hands on the cross and nailed him to it
I put his feet together on the wooden block at the base of the cross and nailed them to it
I lifted the cross and slipped it in the hole
I divided his clothes and cast lots for it
I placed a sign above his head
I give him vinegar to drink
I pierced his side and saw blood and water spill out
I looked on approvingly, content of his death
I mocked his lack of power, even while I was hanging on a cross beside him
I denied ever knowing him, three times
I doubted his messianic claims
I heard him say ridiculous words to his supposed father
I saw him draw his last breath

I took the limp body off the cross
I placed it in a tomb and rolled a massive stone to close it
I guarded the tomb and prevented anyone from reaching it
I kept the empty tomb a secret
I persecuted those who thought he was risen

I was there that first Easter. My sins did all of this. And yet, through faith, His Grace covered me.

- GraceGuy

What if God based His Grace on my doings ?

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:10:26 -0500

I recently read a profound reflection that begged the scary question: What if God based His love and His blessings for us solely based on our deeds and not His Grace?

The following sends me on my knees in thanks. Thankful that Grace is unmerited favor, that God's love is not a natural reaction to my relationship with Him, that God does not treat me the way I tend to treat others, that Grace is ultimately not a 'deal' I have with the Almighty.

It also springs me back on my feet to serve Him more, obey Him more, love Him more.

This is not a checklist of things I should do to merit His favor. It won't work by my strength alone. I know. I tried.

This is a realization that His Grace is ever present in those easy-to-forget details and edges me on to want to be closer to Him.

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What If?

What if, GOD couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?

What if GOD decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?

What if, we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when GOD sent the Rain?

What if GOD didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?

What if, GOD took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today?

What if, GOD took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?

What if, GOD didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin.

What if, the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?

What if, GOD stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?

What if, GOD would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him ?

What if, GOD answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?

What if, GOD met our needs the way we give Him our lives?

- Anonymous

Grace: My Daily Manna

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:14:05 -0500

On this extra day in the year, I am reminded of the graces I recieve every single day, without really thinking about them.

In the Old Testament, during the desert crossing, the Israelites had daily provisions from God on the ground every morning. (WP) In the description in the Book of Exodus chapter 16, manna is described as being "a fine, flake-like thing" like the frost on the ground. (v14) It is also described in the Book of Numbers as arriving with the dew during the night.

The Israelites were instructed to eat only the manna they had gathered for each day. Leftovers or manna stored up for the following day "bred worms and stank" (v20): the exception being the day before Shabbat (Preparation Day), when twice the amount of manna was gathered, which did not spoil overnight; because, (v23-24) "This is what the LORD commanded: 'Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.' "So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it."

When I wake up every morning, a whole list of graces are staring right at me as well (Lam 3:23), and all too often I revert to being exactly like the Israelite of old. I think of the problems ahead. I count the things to do. I become scared of potentially damaging (unrealistic) scenarios. I remember my forgiven failings. I recall how others have hurt me. I focus on what I am missing in life and what I think I deserve.

So here's the reminder to myself: look down at the renewed manna, and look up at the Provider. I should be thankful for the breath I take, for the food in my fridge, for the water in my tap, for the clothes on my body, for the roof over my head, for the money in my pocket, for the mobility I have, for the ideas in my mind, for the love that surrounds me, for the smiles on my loved ones faces and most of all for the salvation of my soul and the peace that surpasses my understanding.

Look at Grace. It is right there. Delight in it. Relish it. Depend on it. Share it. Live it.

Jesus Christ's relationship model

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:00:53 -0500

Ever since I started the journey of studying the infinitely profound concept of Grace, I was burdened with the desire to understand Christ's relationship model. How did Christ show Grace in his contact with others?

MY QUESTIONS
I knew Love was the primary motivation (John 3:16), but how did he do it in the everyday situations? How did He demonstrate that Love with the people around Him? Was there a pattern in His interactions that I could learn from? Were there constant character traits that were shown? Was there someting that attracted them to Him and, conversly, was there something that prevented Him to show His love to them?

MY FOUNDATION
My first question was: Did Christ have overarching attributes that qualified who He was? Yes. I used John 1:14,17 as my foundation: Christ, full of Grace and Truth. My first thesis was that His contact with people was imbued with both amazing Grace and godly Truth.

My second question pertained to the initial contact He made with others. I had already studied why His interactions with the Pharisees were so different than the others. But what was the common thread between those who were attracted to Him? or those He sought out? Did they commonly demonstrate something I could learn? My thesis here was that both faith and humility were present at the scene.

My third question was one of process. Is there a particular recurring order Christ prefers when He interacts? Does He demonstrate Grace before Truth? or vice versa? My analysis showed that Grace (more often then not) preceded Truth.

MY METHODOLOGY
First, I took the 'Harmony of the Gospels'. The episode structure within the table is based on Edward Robinson's A Harmony of the Gospels in Greek as well as Steven L. Cox and Kendell H Easley's Harmony of the Gospels. I wanted to establish a chronology for the events of the life of Jesus depicted in the four canonical gospels.

Second, I excluded 2 particular relationships:
- His dealings with the Pharisees because their pride prevented any graceful contact with Him
- His teachings and parables to the followers and disciples because it was an on-going three year (often one way) relationship

Jesus' relationship model (Click image to enlarge)

MY FINDINGS
I was amazed to discover that Jesus had a model He used very often with the people around Him. He started by establishing contact by going to see someone, accepting someone's request for Him or sitting down with strangers who unknowingly needed Him. He was very gracious with His time with sinners, lepers, tax collectors, Samaritans and other of society's refuse. He gave a lot of Himself.

Once He established the contact, once He developed the relationship, He gave some form of grace. It could be a healing, an encouragement, a protection from others, a glimpse of the Kingdom, a forgiveness, a touch, a listening, a relief of whatever suffering they had.

Then, after dispensing grace, He would finish with a certain truth about God or command future actions to take. Whether it was 'go and sin no more' or 'Do not tell anyone what has happened here', Christ would finish the interaction with a teaching for the crowd or an exhortation for the graced one.

MY DOCUMENT
The document below takes each interaction, regrouping them where they appeared in the Gospel account. I then separated the interaction in 3 parts, with the references of the verses that pertain to:
1. The relationship established with Humility and / or Faith
2. The acts of or explanations on Grace
3. The acts of or explanations on Truth

May it become my personal relationship model.

jc_relationship_model.pdf
File Size:	94 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Love came down

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:44:51 -0500

Last year, I wrote about the invisible Grace of that happened on this miraculous time. I was (and still am) amazed at the apparent paradoxes that happened on that day.

Christmas is so many things to so many people. But above all, Christmas is Love coming down and giving Grace to those who have faith.

Enjoy Brian Johnson's 'Love came Down'.

The Pharisees' 10(+1) commandments

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:44:27 -0500

Thou shalt believe that your truth is THE only valid truth.
Thou shalt interpret and judge a man's heart through those actions you see. Nothing else is to be considered.
Thou shalt use your vast knowledge of God to be right in any and all arguments, especially if others think you should apologize. Use favorite Scripture pieces at will.
Thou shalt debate this vast knowledge vigorously with others. They must understand your truth at all costs. All costs.
Thou shalt seek the approval and admiration of others above all else. They must see you as you think God sees you.
Thou shalt not develop unholy relationships. They cannot love you if they do not agree with your truth.
Thou shalt seek to make others holy through your truth at every occasion. It is your duty as the protector of your truth.
Thou shalt use grace to show the largesse of your heart. Make sure everyone sees it.
Thou shalt exhort others by telling them what you know God wants to tell them. He speaks through you. Make sure they listen and understand. This is especially important during their times of intense suffering.
Thou shalt never question any intent, thought or action you have. Fight mightily or flee swiftly those who do.
Thou shalt never doubt the First Commandment. It is your only rock in a very shifting world.

-- GraceGuy

Thank you Giny

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:16:53 -0500

A close friend of ours has decided to stop chemotherapy treatments because her cancer is too advanced. It was a difficult decision for Giny and her husband Dave to take.

When we were going through similar difficult times in our lives, Giny helped me understand the grace that is wrought in just one day. What follows is a deeply personal letter we have sent them recently for their 35th anniversary. I post it here because I recognise that her wise words started me on my path to understanding God's daily grace.

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Giny and Dave,

Thank you.

These 2 words sum up our deepest and hard-to-express feelings we have towards the both of you. You were (and still are) partners with us in our trying times, you understood our pains, you saw pieces of yourselves in us. When the night was darkest for us, you lit a little candle that would help us see our way. Your brilliantly simple wisdom of the value of just one day will remain in our hearts and mind forever.

You see, we had developed the habit of planning our schedules way ahead of time. Juggling family, work, church, friends, sports, etc. had become second nature. But when the 'cancer and chemotherapy' ball was added to the act, everything came crashing down.

You have taught us that God gives us just one day. One day to pray, to laugh, to love, to suffer, to work, to share, to exhort, to teach, to rejoice, to praise, to forgive, to fail, to cry, to ask forgiveness, to learn, to deepen our relationship with Him. One day to depend solely on His grace, to eat the manna on the ground and fully trust that tomorrow, His grace will be renewed again. One day, where yesterday is an experience, tomorrow an adventure and today a clean slate. One day to fully appreciate life and all it's wonders. One day to live in the present moment, with the peace of the knowing that the One who holds tomorrow works all things together for our good.

We stand strong on the foundation that, one day, we will be rejoicing together in His presence for all of eternity. So thank you for helping us see the eternal value of just one day.

- GraceGuy

The Grace behind 'The Touch of the Master's Hands'

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:14:27 -0500

When I was a young boy, I had found a collection of inspirational poems in a used book shop. I begged my mom to pay the indicated 4$ (and even included the guilt-inducing wide eyes). She was graceful enough to oblige and I began to read it fervently.

It has since become the best 4$ investment I ever begged my mom to make. Out of that collection was a poem called 'The Touch of the Master's Hands'.

I wrote a short blog post a while back on it but I recently stumbled upon an essay of the author by Lilly Walters, from the 'One Hand Typing and Keyboarding'.

For Myra, writing such a telling image of Grace came from a deep personal experience. Enjoy Ms Walters' bio of Ms Brook Welch.

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Meet Myra Brooks Welch.

Myra Brooks Welch, a resident of La Verne, California, was called "The poet with the singing soul." Hers was a very musical family. As a young woman, Myra’s special love was playing the organ.

In 1921, she heard a speaker address a group of students. She said she became filled with light, and "Touch of the Master’s Hand wrote itself in 30 minutes!" She sent it anonymously to her church news bulletin. She felt it was a gift from God, and didn’t need her name on it. It’s popularity spread like magic. Finally, several years later, the poem was read at a religious international convention - "author unknown." A young man stood up and said, "I know the author, and it’s time the world did too. It was written by my mother, Myra Welch."

Then her name, as well her other beautiful works of poetry became known worldwide. All of her poetry told of the rejoicing she had in God’s love.

What the world did not see, was the woman who created these masterpieces: Myra in her wheelchair, battered and scarred from severe arthritis, which had taken away her ability to make music. Instead, her musical soul spoke through her poetry.
She took one pencil in each of her badly disabled hands. Using the eraser end, she would slowly type the words, the joy of them outweighing the pain of her efforts. Her words, a joyous expression of the wonders of life, as seen by a singing soul, touched by the Master’s Hand.

(c) 2003, Lilly Walters, from the 'One Hand Typing and Keyboarding'

JD Greear's Daily Prayer

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:43:20 -0500

I recently heard JD Greear preach at a local conference. He exposed his biblically-based view of how the Gospel affects one's personal life.

Taken from his latest book, Gospel, JD gave is his 4-point daily prayer which encapsulates deep truths about Grace.

It has since become a daily reminder for me as well. Thank you JD.

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1. In Christ, there is nothing I could do that would make Him love me more, nothing I have done that makes Him love me less

2. Your presence and approuval are all I need today for everlasting joy

3. As You have been to me, so I will be to others

4. As I pray, I'll measure Your compassion by the cross and Your power by the resurrection

- JD Greear