Each week, we’re going to dive into a session of The Organic God Study. For those following along, you’ll want to watch the first session of the DVD this week, and respond to the first session of homework in the workbook. You’ll also want to read the first three chapters–.001, .002, and .003–of the book. Throughout the week we’ll be posting different thoughts and reflections on the topics we’re tackling.
We’d love for you to interact–here on the blog as well as on our Facebook page. You can even join us on Twitter. Share what ideas or phrases that catch your attention. What God is challenging or showing you through the material. How we can pray for you! And of course, you’re welcome to send in quirky questions, too, since I’ll be interacting with them throughout our time together.
One person has already asked: What exactly is that on the cover?
And that’s a great question, because honestly, I don’t know. But let me give you a little background. Several years before I ever went on this spiritual journey of wanting to know God for myself through the Scripture, I was taking a walk one morning, and a phrase popped into my creative imagination.
The Organic God.
I thought, Hmmm. I like it. I wrote it down on a scrap sheet of paper and several years later went on this journey of searching for God in the Scriptures. The publisher asked, “What should we call the book?” We went round and round, and then I said, “I have this little phrase I’ve been sitting on.” When I said it aloud, they liked it.
It’s funny. Some people thought I chose the phrase, because organic was becoming trendy. Or because I wanted to sound hipster. Or crunchy.
Nope. Just taking a walk one day with Jesus.
But then the question of cover design arose. I can show you some of the rejects if anyone is curious. I confess. I saved them. But we wanted something that obvious. Or green. The design team sorted through hundreds of images. And while attending a Catalyst conference, a member of the marketing team saw this image used as the backdrop of one of the promotional booths. “What do you think?” he asked. “I love it!”
So I imagine this image as blue ink dropped into a carafe of clear water. To me, it’s representative of the idea that when God infuses us with even a drop of Himself–it changes everything.
But I’d love to know what you think the image represents…
And I’d love to know your name and how myself and the team can be praying for you over the next six weeks.
We’re excited for what God is going to do as we pull aside and renew our love for Him.
_______
UPDATE:
Want to catch up on the online #SummerBibleStudy at MargaretFeinberg.com? It’s never too late to join! Feel free to stop by at any point to interact with the material and share your thoughts.
Here are the links to The Organic God Online Bible Study Posts:
Session 1 An Organic Appetite: The Wonder of Bioluminescence | How to Fall Back in Love with God | 7 Ways To Nurture Your Desire for God
Session 2 Bighearted: The Green Flash | What Do You Love About Jesus?
Session 3 Amazingly Wise: How to Hear from Our Talkative God | The Words You Can’t Afford to Miss | Does God Call the Qualified?
Session 4 Wildly Infallible: Are You A Hilarious Giver? | 5 Behind the Scene Secrets from The Organic God
Session 5 Abundantly Kind: How to Midrash | Heavenly Whispers of the Kindness of God
Session 6 Deeply Mysterious: What to Do When the Questions Won’t Go Away
Hi Margaret,
I have been looking foward to this study since you announced it. I’m wondering what God will stir in my heart.
At first glance, I see the image as what it is – blue ink in water. But, the more I look at it, I realize it’s much more.
The word Organic has a meaning of — “matter that has come from a once-living organism, is capable of decay or the product of decay, or is composed of organic compound” (via Wikipedia). Having recently taken Biology certain things have remained in my mind even though the semester ended in May. Specifically, arteries and veins. I’m going to try and explain what I mean by much more.
In the circulatory system, we have arteries and veins. Arteries carry blood the heart and veins carry blood back to the heart.
Based on the organic meaning and the above statement, this is what I see.
I see God’s heart taking his blood through Jesus’s heart via his Artery to my heart, cleaning out the organic, dead matter and returning it to Jesus’s heart via the vein. There he takes my sins and old habits and changes them giving me a new heart via His Blood.
So a simple drop of blue on a white background – is so much more that just that. It’s a reminder that my sins are washed white as snow (which is why you can see the white through the blue). It’s a reminder that He is constantly cleaning out the dead organic material that bogs down my circulatory system.
Now, begining Session 1 🙂
~Lorna (from South Louisiana)
Lorna,
I LOVE what you see. I didn’t know about the circulatory system. That image and interpretation of the cleansing is powerful. I love it. Can’t wait to hear and see what God arises in your life as we go through this study together. Huge hug!
The term “organic” usually relates something to me that is found in simplicity…the fundamental or original design. My Christian experience seems to thrive best when the non essential clutter that I may ascribe to God falls away, and I encounter Him in simplicity. The blue on the cover looks to me like it is free falling, with no control over the destiny awaiting it. That also describes my spiritual life when it seems I am thriving…a free fall of faith. Like Aslan! Not safe, but good! : )
Oh, and I really meant what I said about, “How can we be praying for you?”
Maybe I should go first.
We have a dear family member who has been battling cancer, and she’s called for the family to come. My mother-in-law flew in last night and others are soon on the way. It’s a difficult time. I want to kick cancer in the teeth at the moment (can you tell I’m at the anger stage in grieving?). But I just ask for your prayers for grace and strength and peace for every family member and friend during this difficult time.
Humbly, Margaret
I love the thought that a drop of God infuses my whole being. I will see that image everytime. I used to hunger and search for God but have gotten so lazy and have rested in past blessings. I am ready to wake up and start eating God again. So thankful for this study and chance to interact with you. Your writing is fresh and real. Please pray for me to keep hungering and searching.
Marylou – love your definition of “organic.”
Margaret,
{Huge Hug Back}
Will be praying for you and you and your team can pray for me to find my way back.
Back to Following Him. Back to Serving Him. Back to Loving Him. Back to Writing for Him. Back to Him.
~Lorna
Jo Ann,
I am praying that God stir up that hunger in you..and in me..and in so many others who are embarking on this journey together. Just today we receive an email from an amazing lady I’ll call “Paula”. Her mom died in February and the she’s been slowly rebuilding and recovering since. Her prayer is an echo of yours. That the hunger for God would stir in her heart, that she’d make time to dig deep into the things of God. So I pray God stirs strong and forceful in your heart awakening you even more to Himself. Blessings, m.
Lorna,
Prayers are going up! Back. Back. Back. Back. May you be drawn back. And may God have your back. Every step of the way. Amen.
Dear Margaret,
Prayers are being offered for your family for grace, strength and peace. Take good care of each other.
Marylou
Marylou,
Thank you–oh so appreciated!
My package just arrived and I am thrilled. I’m sorry if it was mentioned already but I want to make sure I am doing this correctly.
Is the dvd each week the intro to the reading/text AND workbook? Do you suggest I watch the dvd first or if not, what order?
I see that week one is 001-003..is that right?
So in essence, this can be read in one sitting or three? Advice would be awesome!
The small group I’m in are going through The Organic God DVD study. We’re loving it! But we’re having a little debate. What does the cover of the book represent? Some say water? Others smoke? What is the design meant to be?
Plastic Fabrication
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