Subscribe to the podcast using your favorite podcast app including, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.

Hello, I’m Christopher Lepine. Welcome. This is the first podcast. This is podcast number one of the Find My New Life podcast. And today is Friday, November 11, 2022, as I’m recording this. In today’s episode, I’ll talk a little bit about these podcasts in general and also the topic of how to find spiritual power to change yourself, you know, what are the real keys, how you strengthen yourself, supercharge yourself and just keep getting that momentum for personal change and happiness and progress. That’s what today’s topic is really all about. 

It’s simpler than we think, but it’s also a bit harder than we think. So we’ll get into that little bit later. I’m just very happy to be speaking to you to, be connecting with you, whatever your spiritual journey. And I really wish you the best on that journey. We all come from different perspectives, different backgrounds. You may have a Muslim background, you may have a Hindu background, Christian, Jewish, whatever the background is, we’re all on the spiritual journey together. And I think the most important thing is that we keep open hearts, and we’re really seeking to serve others and find the truth, find the truth about God, find the truth for our lives, our destiny. And that’s what makes it thrilling. 

Because, you know, God does not operate a factory. We’re not being stamped out; we’re not being forced to do something; we’re not little parts coming off a line. When you think about the universe, it’s so vast, it’s so gigantic . . . it’s really going to be the future adventure for us, the playground, and actually, I shouldn’t say future because we’re here now and we’re part of the adventure already and that unfolds in our lives. 

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just get ground down. I have a fulltime job in addition to doing this, and I’m sure everybody else does. And sometimes I don’t know about you, but I just lose track of it. I just I wake up in the morning and I know what I’ve got to do for the day. That’s the top of my mind and so I go out and I start doing and I make lists. It’s as simple as just starting that morning routine. Maybe I’ll get a cup of coffee. I usually get breakfast, but once I take that first step and get going, I’m already starting to use energy up. Then once I get on the job, start working with my coworkers, start facing problems, dealing with stress, then I can I get . . . I don’t know about you, but I can just feel the energy being drawn off me. I start to get tired just like some kind of athlete or something. 

So that’s a challenge, and I’m sure you face similar challenges. Just, just think about it for a second. You know, what do you do when you get up? What’s energizing you and what is really drawing on your batteries? What’s drawing your batteries down? Just take a second to think about that. And, you know today I think it’s a lot more demanding than it ever has been. I know we’re all trying to deal with, we’re all trying to process the complications and the events in today’s world. There’s a lot of strife, there’s a lot of pain, but there’s also a tremendous amount of complexity. 

You know, if we went back 100 years, 200 years, life is simpler. I wouldn’t say it was easier. But to get through your day was not as complex. We have remarkably complex modern environments, societies . . . so many choices. Just think about it. Think about all the screens that are in your life; think about how you are accessing this podcast, maybe on a laptop, a desktop computer, or phone. They’re just a variety of media that are coming at us. We’ve got images; we’ve got sound; we’ve got the combination in video, and then you’ve got mail: email, paper mail . . . it goes on. So, all of these things, I think, also impact your energy, they draw down your energy.  

I like to think of it as being a spiritual athlete. And we’re on this spiritual journey. So, we need to take care of ourselves as athletes.  

So, I want to introduce a way that you can recharge, that’s proven: it works. It’s known, I think, to most people who’ve had deep spiritual lives and been able to recharge. And we know that we just can’t do it alone. I think that’s obvious. If we’re spiritual seekers, we know that. We need friends. We need God. we need our spirit within. We can’t do it alone. And when we try to do it alone, we hit brick walls, we get exhausted, we get tired, we get bored, apathetic. We begin to just shut down and cruise along in the world. And sometimes that’s comfortable, but it’s not living, it’s not being awake.  

Because the more we live, the more we’re conscious of our decisions, the more we’re thinking about how we can improve the world during the day, the more joy and happiness we have. We truly have tremendous destinies that God already has planned for us. And we’re given goals, we’re given this incredible cosmic destiny, and it’s gradually revealed to us as we can handle it. And we get to take part or not.  

So that’s really what it’s about, getting the energy to be part of that destiny. Even if you feel really inspired, even if you feel like you have a vision and clear direction, it gets down to making sure that you have enough energy every day to keep going. If you’re an athlete, if you’re training, you know that you’ve got to use the right techniques. You’re eating the right foods, at the right times in the right amounts. You’re taking care of your body in other ways: the stretches, the conditioning, the monitoring of your body. And, you’ve got the right mental attitude as well. You’re visualizing, you’re going through . . . so it’s a gradual process of continuing to improve to build in those habits.  

Okay, so what I want to share with you is just a very, very focused way to bring in that energy, that strength, that nourishment every day. 

I wrote a blog a while back and I’m just going to read that blog to you first and then comment on it a little bit later. So here’s the blog, it’s called Finding Spiritual Power to Change yourself.  

In my spiritual studies I’ve looked at the essentials for spiritual rebirth: you need wholehearted faith to believe that 1) God is in charge, 2) you are a child of God, and 3) that doing the Father’s will is the key to happiness and eternal progress. 

So, that’s really the foundation; those are the essentials. If you’re thinking about progress, if you’re thinking about having a true, intimate experience of the Divine, of God, you need to wholeheartedly believe 100% that God’s in charge, and you have to trust absolutely. Number two, believe that you are a child of that Creator of the universe and that following the Father’s will, following the guidance of God is going to bring happiness and eternal progress.  

Now to believe those things it’s not something you figure out; it’s not something that takes a lot of intellectual discussion or research or reading; it’s not that at all. Basically, the process of belief is turning your face toward the light and saying to yourself, “I see the light.” Belief is the process of accepting reality, and the reality that we’re accepting is the reality within.  

So when you spend time there, repeatedly, you are going to come to this conclusion, this thought is going to come in your head: God is in charge. There is nothing you have to figure out; it’s just a thought. So embrace it. Believe it, Accept it. Then the other thought is, “I’m a child of God,” and that this God has a plan for me; there’s a Divine Will; there’s a desire for me to do something to be happy and contribute.  

Those are thoughts that will come into your head, hopefully, as assurances. If you wholeheartedly want to know, those things will come through. So those three facts, those three core truths become the foundation of everything, they become the foundation of how to find that spiritual power: this is just the beginning.  

That all sounds fine. But once you do this, this is not enough. That may sound hard to believe. But simply believing those three key truths is not enough. They enable you to open the door for more truth and growth. But while you are trying to follow your divine leading, while you are trying to know and do the will of the Father, you need nourishment. And since we have a mind, a body and a soul, we need to take care of all of them.  

I talked about a little bit before about the stresses of modern life. We all know it; we all feel it. And it’s challenge for everybody. And there’s a really interesting analogy of how just a little bit of the right ingredient can make an absolute tremendous difference. It’s astounding. It’s kind of a funny one: I don’t know if you’ve seen it, but you can Google it or search for it on the Internet. But search for “Mentos” and “Diet Coke.”  

These things, these videos came out years ago: You take a large container of Diet Coke. You take a mento candy. You drop it in and run because there’s a tremendous reaction. And all this energy is released and it expands, and a giant fountain of soda comes shooting out the top of this thing just by the chemical reaction. I don’t know how it works, but it’s fun. Another analogy which is probably more accurate, is the process of strengthening iron. We’re trying to strengthen ourselves and a little bit of the right ingredient will do the trick. So, there’s the process of manufacturing steel.  

Just as ordinary pig iron is transformed into the remarkable material of steel by just 2% carbon mixed in, we can be transformed into better people by adding the ingredients of nourishment. Again, even though you may make sound decisions, even though you set your heart on a goal, it will be impossible to reach unless you provide food for mind, body, and soul. When you start to try to do the will of the Creator, you are using up real energy, just as your body uses up energy every day and needs food, water, exercise, good hygiene, and rest. 

So in that in that process of pig iron, visualize it: At a mining site, iron ore is being removed. And it’s still mostly, when it’s when it’s mined, dirt, really. And through a refining process, the actual iron element is extracted. And then it goes through a steel mill plant operation. And you’ve got it melted. You’ve seen those big glowing pots–amazing videos. And now, it’s still not as strong as it could be. And the ingredient of that 2% Carbon makes all the difference because there’s now a new strength, there’s now a new connection within the pig iron: it permeates it. It’s mixed in that process.  

This is something that we can do to change our lives in a spiritual way. I’m not suggesting that the way to spirituality is to visit a steel mill. But that’s the analogy. 

When I look my efforts and the challenges at times, I run out of steam. When I think about how I was making progress, then got off track or sad, it’s because I was neglecting my personal garden of growth, spiritual growth. It takes sustained, very substantial effort to change, to do great things, to realize your spiritual dreams and goals. So we must provide the foundation–a balanced foundation. 

Here’s a quote from The Urantia Book:

It is to the mind of perfect poise, housed in a body of clean habits, stabilized neural energies, and balanced chemical function — when the physical, mental, and spiritual powers are in triune harmony of development — that a maximum of light and truth can be imparted with a minimum of temporal danger or risk to the real welfare of such a being. By such a balanced growth does man ascend the circles of planetary progression one by one, from the seventh to the first.  (Paper 110:6.4)

Pretty cool. It’s that foundation, that steady foundation, you know. We’re not seeking rapid change, spectacular miracles, visions, but steady growth, stable growth. In addition, The Urantia Book states these habits in another way:  

Religious habits of thinking and acting are contributory to the economy of spiritual growth. One can develop religious predispositions toward favorable reaction to spiritual stimuli, a sort of conditioned spiritual reflex. Habits which favor religious growth embrace cultivated sensitivity to divine values, recognition of religious living in others, reflective meditation on cosmic meanings, worshipful problem solving, sharing one’s spiritual life with one’s fellows, avoidance of selfishness, refusal to presume on divine mercy, living as in the presence of God. The factors of religious growth may be intentional, but the growth itself is unvaryingly unconscious. (Paper 100:1.8)

So, those are those are just a sampling of things that we can do. Those spiritual habits provide that foundation. So when we take care of our entire beings, we nourish ourselves: Then and only then can we give our utmost to others. We certainly shouldn’t wait until we think we have perfect habits of nourishment. Because if we did that, we wouldn’t be growing. Spiritual growth depends on nourishment and exercise. 

Each grows, as the other grows; they are commensurate. So, you grow in the way you nourish yourself, and then you use that in exercise. And once you’ve exercised more, you’ve increased your capacity to grow more, to be nourished more. You can’t have one without the other, but we begin with charging up the spiritual batteries. That’s the key.  

We live in a physical world. We’re using up real energy and making spiritual decisions. To make a spiritual decision, you need power. When you make the decision you are using your heart and you’re reaching for that nourishment for that strength, and it comes to you. And once you’ve made the decision, you’ve used up some spiritual power. When you make it again, and again, you’re also using emotional power. So, it’s all being drained down.  

But the good news is that there’s an inexhaustible supply for you. And also, every time you attempt even just attempt to do something, every time you try, you are increasing your ability to absorb that energy. And it’s more likely that you’re going to do it again. So, you’re building this really great habit, but it takes a tremendous amount to go through life and do this. There’s a writer in The Urantia Book: Rodin of Alexandria. He lived in the time of Jesus, and this is what he had to say:

The effort toward maturity necessitates work, and work requires energy. Whence the power to accomplish all this? The physical things can be taken for granted, but the Master has well said, “Man cannot live by bread alone.” Granted the possession of a normal body and reasonably good health, we must next look for those lures which will act as a stimulus to call forth man’s slumbering spiritual forces. Jesus has taught us that God lives in man; then how can we induce man to release these soul-bound powers of divinity and infinity? How shall we induce men to let go of God that he may spring forth to the refreshment of our own souls while in transit outward and then to serve the purpose of enlightening, uplifting, and blessing countless other souls? How best can I awaken these latent powers for good which lie dormant in your souls? One thing I am sure of: Emotional excitement is not the ideal spiritual stimulus. Excitement does not augment energy; it rather exhausts the powers of both mind and body. Whence then comes the energy to do these great things? Look to your Master. Even now he is out in the hills taking in power while we are here giving out energy. The secret of all this problem is wrapped up in spiritual communion, in worship. From the human standpoint it is a question of combined meditation and relaxation. Meditation makes the contact of mind with spirit; relaxation determines the capacity for spiritual receptivity. And this interchange of strength for weakness, courage for fear, the will of God for the mind of self, constitutes worship. At least, that is the way the philosopher views it.

When these experiences are frequently repeated, they crystallize into habits, strength-giving and worshipful habits, and such habits eventually formulate themselves into a spiritual character, and such a character is finally recognized by one’s fellows as a mature personality. These practices are difficult and time-consuming at first, but when they become habitual, they are at once restful and timesaving. The more complex society becomes, and the more the lures of civilization multiply, the more urgent will become the necessity for God-knowing individuals to form such protective habitual practices designed to conserve and augment their spiritual energies.(Paper 160:3.1-2)

 

So it’s like I was discussing before, it’s the demands of modern life; it’s the challenges of modern life that are constantly using up energy. And because modern life is so complex, so stimulating, it’s harder to carve out these times for spiritual growth. But any effort that we make anything begins to start the habit. So, as you go and try to deepen your, your spiritual practices, it can be as simple as saying thank you in the morning, or you just spend some time talking to God. That’s it. And it might be 60 seconds. It doesn’t matter as long as it’s something because that something will grow. You do it the next day, it grows a little more, it grows a little more, and it grows a little more.  

Do it when you can. You’re running to the subway, you’re running to your car, you’re just trying to get to work, you’re working. Whether it’s in your home office, at the shop, the field, or wherever you take that 60 seconds, it will add a little bit more to your day, a little bit more energy. And the next day, you’re going to be much more likely to remember and do it again. And maybe the next day, it’s two minutes. I don’t know, maybe it’s 60 seconds again. But as you do it, it just keeps growing, if you keep it up. And it may seem at first, like, “Oh, this is taking too much time, I my day is too complex, I’m just gonna get on with my day.” But as you do it and you start to grow it, you’ll discover that you’re functioning at a higher level, you’re making decisions more effectively, you’ve got the strength.  

And if you’re stronger, things take less time. So, it’s actually timesaving . . .Imagine going through the day without having any food whatsoever. I know some people are not breakfast people, and some are morning people (and I’m one of those people). But you know, at some point in the day, you need food. And just imagine not having any food and going through the day; just imagine you’re going on a roadtrip to another city. And now yesterday, you almost used up your tank and only have a gallon  left. So now you want to drive 500 miles.  

Spiritually, that’s what it’s like: You wake up in the morning, you still have some energy from the day before and at night when the Spirit of God is working in your mind to replenish you. But you have to take the next step to choose to pay attention when you’re awake, if you really want to get recharged. So not doing that, it’s like trying to drive to the next city when you’ve only got gas that will get you 30 miles, and you really have hundreds of miles to go. And if it’s a really, really stressful day, you know, maybe you’re going up a steep hill, or there are lots of winds, or you’re towing something with your car, you’re going to be using up even more energy. And then you’re gonna hit a wall and run out. And then you’re stopped spiritually.  

So that’s why, anytime you can devote in the morning is time well spent and will save you time: it really will. It’s not only that you get fuel, but the quality of that fuel. Rodin was talking about the relaxation. So if you are, if you let yourself be fully relaxed, you’re going to be able to experience the Spirit of God more. And it gets back again to just repeatedly accepting the thought that comes in your mind. Again, the key beliefs are, God is in charge, I am a child of God, and doing the Father’s Will is the key to happiness and progress. 

When we don’t get recharged, we don’t give ourselves the balance of mind, body and spirit. That’s when we have issues.  

So, the reason that so many times we falter, grow weak, or get off track, is that we are not spending enough time with God in solitary meditation, prayer, and worship. What type of living creature or organism do we know of that can survive without nourishment? What group, institution, or nation can survive without worthy ideals, sound ideas, and the strength and determination to pursue them. In the end, all truth progress is from our dedication to God. The imitation of God is the key to progress, and we must immersive ourselves in his presence to begin the process.  

You are truly a child of God with a limitless future and a limitless well of power and light. Think of all that you can accomplish; think of all the people you can help; think of the personal transformation that you can have; think of doing the impossible!  

I have issues I’ve dealt with for decades (I’m over 60 years old), things from childhood, I’ve grown in so many ways, which is great. And because we have an eternal future, because you have an eternal future, you have endless growth and adventure ahead of you as well.  

God knows, every decision you’re going to make. He knows everything you’re going to need for eternity. And he knows when you are capable of utilizing it. So everything you need is already arranged in eternity. The moment you need something and you reach for it, it’s already been arranged, it’s there. And that’s mainly spiritual nourishment.  

It’s a growth process. We can all look at things in ourselves that have been challenging for years. And we may think, “How can I even change? How can I get over that?” Sometimes we think we’re trying to change a block of granite. And if we lose sight, if we forget about the power of God, then yeah, it is impossible to change. Without true spiritual power, true, lasting, invigorating change toward real happiness, real deep spiritual satisfaction, spiritual growth is not possible: It’s only possible if we accept God within and accept that power. Say, “I want to grow, I’m going to try, I’m going to get nourishment every day.” 

And that’s the exciting point, the point at which we accept those truths within and are reborn; we feel the joy, we feel the hope. Okay, that’s step one. Step two, is what we’re talking about. Now that I’m moving on the journey, I got all excited about the journey on this big trip, this vacation I’m gonna take to this next town. Okay, I accept it, it’s great. Well, now, as you take that trip, you must prepare, you must make sure that you’re getting nourished along the way. And that’s what this is about. When we think about the analogy with taking pig iron, taking that very simple element and adding 2% carbon, it makes all the difference in the world: You get steel. You get a remarkably strong material. Without the carbon that pig iron is brittle. That’s the the problem.  

So, it’s just like our lives . . . there’s only so far we can go. And when we get that spiritual nourishment, then we’re really unlocking unlimited growth. And it’s not about speed, going faster, making incredible spectacular accomplishments every day. We need to be satisfied with the gradual growth, with a gradual process. That’s the nature of evolution. It applies to the material area and it applies to our spiritual selves. Everything that we accomplish is done by effort, exercise, and nourishment. And we cannot do it alone.  

The core of Jesus’ teaching was that we are children of God. He loves us, he’s gonna give us everything we need, and that we’re all brothers and sisters, and that by accepting these truths with faith, we’re accepting what we’re experiencing within. We’re beginning to release all the spiritual treasures for the exercise. The core of the teachings of Jesus is service. He taught a religion of service. So, to realize all the fruits of the Spirit and the total joy to take part in that, means you need to be nourished, you absolutely need to be nourished.  

The good news is we have an inexhaustible supply of nourishment within.  

So, that’s my first podcast, everybody, on spiritual nourishment. Really the title of this one is Finding Spiritual Power to Change Yourself. I could go on and on, and there’s just a lot in it. So my next show will be coming up around November 19, I’ll be releasing these on a weekly basis. And I think the initial title of that one is going to be getting spiritual perspective, not being too hard on yourself at the beginning of the of the spiritual journey.  

So, I’ll be looking forward to seeing you next time. You have a have a wonderful week, and I really wish you the best in beginning to build the spiritual habits or deepening the spiritual habit of nourishment that you already have. It’s going to unlock so much. It’s going to change you, so give it a chance. Take the time, go slowly, and watch yourself flower. You have a great week. And God bless you.

–Chris Lepine

FindMyNewLife.com

>> Sign up for alerts and deals.