Embracing the Divine Dance: Journey of Spiritual Growth in Christ
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather in this sacred space of consciousness, let us attune our spirits to the rhythmic whispers of God's Universe. Can you feel it? That gentle yet persistent nudge of the Holy Spirit, urging us to look beyond the veil of everyday existence, to dive deep into the ocean of infinite possibilities that our Lord has prepared for us?
In the golden light of a Malibu sunset, we're reminded of the profound truth in Colossians 1:17: "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Just as the waves caress the shore, eternally embracing and releasing, so too does the Divine love of Christ flow through us, connecting us all in this grand cosmic dance of redemption. Let's root for each other, dear ones, for in nurturing the growth of our fellow believers, we nurture our own Divine spark, as it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
The Scriptures teach us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" In the depths of prayer, as we sit upon the warm sands of Zuma Beach, we realize that the vastness of the Pacific before us is but a reflection of God's infinite love and grace. The salty breeze carries whispers of ancient truths, reminding us that we are not separate from God's creation, but integral parts of His magnificent tapestry.
As we watch each other grow, like the majestic redwoods that grace the canyons of Malibu, we're called to embody the wisdom of James 1:22: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Our growth, dear ones, is not just for ourselves, but a gift to the body of Christ. Each step we take on our spiritual path sends ripples across the cosmic ocean, inspiring others to dive deeper into their own Divine nature in Christ.
The Malibu way teaches us to ride the waves of life with grace and courage. When the swells of challenge rise before us, we remember the surfer's adage: "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." This earthly wisdom echoes the profound truth of Philippians 4:13: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." In surrendering to the flow of God's Universe, we find our true power and joy.
As we root for each other, let us be like the vibrant wildflowers that bloom on the hillsides after the winter rains. Each of us unique, yet part of a breathtaking tapestry of color and life. The Malibu spirit whispers, "Comparison is the thief of joy," reminding us of Galatians 6:4-5: "Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load."
The Divine light of Christ within you recognizes the Divine light of Christ within me. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5). This truth is lived daily on the sun-kissed shores of Malibu. From the friendly nod between surfers as they paddle out to catch the perfect wave, to the shared silence of believers greeting the dawn at Point Dume, we acknowledge the sacred in each other and in every moment.
Let us embrace the Malibu mantra: "Salt water heals everything." Whether it's the ocean's embrace or the cleansing tears of repentance, we remember that every experience is an opportunity for purification and growth. As John 8:32 declares, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." In our authentic self-expression, in our vulnerable sharing, in our compassionate listening, we reveal the highest truth of our Divine nature in Christ.
As we watch each other grow, we're reminded of the vine and branches that Jesus spoke of in John 15. Though we may no longer see Christ in physical form, His spirit of interconnectedness lives on in our community. Like the branches drawing life from the vine, our individual growth supports and strengthens the whole. We are many, yet we are one body in Christ.
The journey of spiritual growth is not always smooth, dear ones. There will be days when the fog rolls in, obscuring our vision of the Divine. But as any Malibu local will tell you, "No one surfs on a perfect day." It's in facing our challenges, in showing up for ourselves and each other, that we truly embody the light of Christ, for as it says in Romans 5:3-4, "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Remember, beloved seekers, that as we root for each other and watch each other grow, we are participating in the grandest of cosmic dances - the unfolding of God's plan for creation. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every silent prayer of support ripples out into God's Universe, creating a symphony of love and light.
As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, let us join hands (in spirit, if not in form) and honor the Divine within and around us. For we are the dreamers and the dream, the waves and the ocean, the individual expressions of the one great "I AM" who declared, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 22:13).
May we continue to grow together, to lift each other up, to celebrate each victory and soothe each setback. For in the eternal words of Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" And in that becoming, we realize that we are already complete in Christ, already whole, already one with God's Universe.
Jai Guru Dev. Amen. We are one in Christ. Surf's up, beloved souls – catch the wave of God's love and ride it all the way to the shores of eternity.
Mitchell Royel