Disciples of the Internet

[@andreajohnson5435]

I just experienced this last week. I was seeking God's direction for a possible job that would require moving. I of course did not get direction that day. Expecting God to give me direction that very day I prayed. I even went into a deep depression for four days. Watching this video I realized that I had been trained by the speed of the internet. I was placing my learned experience of speedy answers from the internet onto the Maker of the Universe, the Most High. Thank you for your heart for God.

[@natureofjoyart]

This is so true and eye opening!!!! So much is coming at us in every direction so we are distracted. creating moments every single day throughout the day of stillness and quietness before God is essential to peace. Thank you for covering this topic and shedding light on all of this. We are so blessed by what you guys are doing.

[@trinitychasara7422]

I started reading your book "Walking with God- talk to him-hear from him" and am finding it refreshing during a time of so much upheaval. It's hard to sit still and hear from God in this fast paced life, but like you are sharing in this podcast, "we are disciples of the system which tutors us". We need to take good care of our souls lest they get overclattered with things not of God. Our souls need God more than ever before.

[@mobanewman7139]

"Now we can thrive." YES! This is part of the issue. Thriving is found in only one place, and when our hearts are seeking or abiding in that place.

[@terrip-fg7ts]

So true! (To the extent that we allow it!) It’s part of the Spiritual Battle!! We make the choice to what steals our time, energy and peace! We need to simplify our lives and look to God more for answers! ❤️

[@mobanewman7139]

John, you are onto something real here. It keeps us bound up, always searching for "the answer". It destroys our peace, which spiritually definitely means something!! I went down the solar powered generator rabbit hole yesterday and I could feel, FEEL, my anxiety growing...which is best, so much money!, do we need this, should we do this? I dreamt last night about some people yelling at me that I needed to take care of something NOW. Woke up and thanked God for the dream, and closed out the tabs on my computer I still had open. If that is a step we are supposed to take, God will make it clear to me somehow...He always does. Slowing down today. Your podcast is timely.

[@ryanthompson4920]

@mobanewman7139 thank you for this comment. I really needed to let some things go that I was hanging on to. This really helped me! God bless and protect you and your family and loved ones.

[@stellaharris4826]

The Internet has helped erode our capacity to wait. Fascinating discussion, looking forward to next week

[@Ingrid-zu7tp]

Jesus has the perfect timing in waiting on Him also inspiring us with certain videos.Let's pray for Holy Spirit limitation😮

[@lauravanbuskirk66]

I'm worn out listening to too much! ❤

[@sibyllezion]

So thankful today. Thank you, Jesus. And Allen: Im 50 now and totally coffee addicted, no matter what they say. I simply love coffee. I dont care, I dont allow my mind, soul and heart being affected by those debates. It may have its effects or not. Sometimes thats the answer. But it somehow belongs to me and Jesus smiles seeing me walking the fields with him and a coffee in hand. Its simply ...me. I do me. Its like dark chocolate with John, aye? We all have our ...accessoires, expressions of our personality. Something that accompanied us somehow through years, good for running gags. And I guess, we are allowed to have it. Wonderful podcast. I will linger on that. No quick content answer. It meets my thoughts. And it ironically answers a deep, desperate question. Have a great day over there in beautiful Colorado.

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

Thank you and have a great weekend!

[@maemeecoen7449]

Such a needed word John. Thank you!

[@barbaracallenmohr783]

I have a lump on my forearm that I went for an ultrasound on. Within 2 days, I got a call for a follow-up appointment, but not for 3 weeks! After my rabbit trail search on YT, I now think I have, at the very least, a lipoma and at the very worst, sarcoma (cancer). 😂 I release the outcome of that follow-up appointment to the Lord. I ask Him to help me stay away from this trap! This was a very timely podcast for me. P.S. I basically don't watch the news anymore. I'm slowly trying to get rid of those negative traps in my life, but it's a hard habit to break!

[@terraloft]

Own nothing ,be happy. Know nothing, be happy. OR...am nothing, know Him, the I Am! Have Life and the fullness of All He is.

[@askmisspatience]

‘Disciple of the system that tutors me. Internet (digital) instantly. No waiting. Analog requires pause. Patience and often times long suffering.’ This is the summary I’ve written down to reflect. Remind me. Daily. Today’s my birthday. It’s the first day of my new bible use. As my other is worn. I mean beat up from overuse :) … it’s The One Year Bible 15th edition I’ve used since accepting Jesus. The first one God drew me to for digesting the entire book in meals daily. Helped me answer questions. Fed me like a fine dining experience. Read the word throughout. Over and over again. Reflect. Analog. I’m so eager to beat this new one up with analog love and focus. Hearing a fresh word or reminding me of a grounded need. Today’s podcast affirms the vibe I’d felt from God to renew with him through analog reflection. Thank you for sharing. Beautiful reminder and encouragement. My son and me have analog desks. Awareness of this need. Funny how we’d both created these spaces first then when seeing his shared about mine. Despite him being an IT guru is deliberate in his use. We’re both very similar in our awareness of what digital does. One thing I began years ago when finding out the alerts in a phone stimulate the brain like cocaine and screw with dopamine removed alerts. Much to some people’s chagrin because I’m not instantly available. Must make time to interact with whatever it is. My email replies to whomever are present to say if it’s important call the number. Because I don’t respond to email until it’s office time. Which isn’t even my private number. It’s a community or business number. One that will forward. While telling me who it is. Parceling myself into what vibes like folders helps me navigate the digital. The phrase we teach people how to treat us comes to mind when I set this up. My reflection of how to renew and remember today’s podcast meaning affirms so much. I’m very glad the podcast decision is slow down. I need this. I know it’s a movement throughout the country where people are finding solace in OG or traditional lifestyle choices. Visiting what analog life was like. Adapting things like homesteading options. Growing food. Letter writing. Etc. It’d be great if we could pray for the people and children sucked into the digital vortex. It’s harming them in cellular ways. So much so their bodies become addicted to the dopamine rush from alerts. The health implications are beyond measure as there aren’t studies on this completely. Thought (brain) dis-eases with dopamine depletion are prevalent and rising. Communal prayer and remembrance is needed for those suffering and peace. If anyone seeing this could join the mindful continuous prayer trusting God’s omnipotence :) Thank you for following the prompting of the Holy Spirit and guiding in ways to pause and slow down. Your caring love is a blessing today, Wild@❤️ team. A precious gift. Thank you 😊

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@thewrightoknow]

Excellent, bless you men! Thank you.

[@terraloft]

Faith is sourced in obedience. Obedience to Omniscience. Alone, Jesus is Master, singularly, Jesus is Peace. Sit/staying in Him, psalm106:13 recalling His faithfulness, willing to wait on His plans to unfold. The Love of God constrains and releases!

[@lauralayton8885]

You called it what it is, John. The tree of knowledge - The symbol on most of our phones says it all...the apple with a bite out of it... we are already serving the god of fortresses that our ancestors didn't know

[@markmarston]

In my mind the takeaway is about who to trust. How to evaluate who to trust and how to get access to information sources you trust. What search mechanism are you using? Who controls what can be found on that mechanism? What information platform are you searching? Who controls what’s allowed on that platform? We’ve always had to learn how to be discerning and who to trust. One way to discern is to ask yourself, “Who is getting paid and by whom? God bless.

[@marjorieclark6374]

John, the thought at the 45 minute mark comes to mind: "the abomination of desolations."

[@kimrodriguez9174]

This was such an eye opening episode! I have been trying to pull away from social media and the more I try the harder it is getting. I didn’t realize how many times a day I reach for my phone to look for information for a variety of things, until I tried to pull away. Thank you for sharing this on the internet. 🤷‍♀️😊

[@thomaslewis203]

ok. John. Listen. We are 'disciples' of the internet in so far as we, the christians, 'ask, seek and knock' - looking for Jesus Christ and his presence on the internet. I love Him and I love you. Amen. Fiat

[@randywindborne5669]

Excellent & timely message! Science, medicine, even “facts” shape-shift minute by minute. Is it news or is it propaganda? I dunno. It all smells like the enemy, doesn’t it? Looking forward to hearing the path forward, hopefully in next week’s podcast.

[@GinnyNorton-r6d]

It quenches the Holy Spirit

[@OverTheHillTraining]

Hello guys. This is an excellent topic. P.S., I have two of the Wild at Heart books and workbook I've had for many years. I passed on one of them to our oldest daughter. I'm reading the workbook again. It's so good, even for an old guy.😊

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

Thank you!

[@terraloft]

Clay vessels are fragile. And the filling potentials are both deliberate and beyond control. I search for, request, and accept ; and also i am used, appropriated and without a lid as some of what is just passing through and falling into "me". But, 11 corinthians 4:7, Jesus,Light, shines out if darkness, makes His lightshine in our heartsto give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ. This treasure in us, jars of clay, shows the all surprising power is from God. Again it comes to the dynamic of time and relationship. Quality and quantity! Where focus is fixed, energy flows. As the Holy Spirit desires me, draws me, delights me , I am turning my eyes on my first love, Jesus Christ.

[@less5851]

👍 thanks brothers

[@christiangibbs391]

Howdy 🤠😂 Greetings John, Allan & Alex 👋 Whilst many might overlook this seemingly insignificant detail, can I give some "kudos" or "Godly encouragement" to both Alex & Allan for their transparent & honest answers regarding having some "Rest Breaks with God". I realise that it's only light banter & not necessarily important to address, but I think that even the fact we all need to be reminded to have a short "time-out with God" during the day, is truly evident of the topic that you are discussing in this episode. If there was expectation that we had to respond "Yes, of course I did" would be unrealistic & reflect the unfortunate state of some of how we have ended up where we are today 🥳🙃😮‍💨 Brothers, I pray that we all, (especially me) would be reminded to use healthy boundaries & take time-out with God, whenever possible 🙏 I pray His perfect rest, rejuvenation & restoration over your hearts & minds 😇❤️ I realise that as good Bible scholars & more importantly, "Mighty Men Of Valor" 😇💪 - that not automatically addressing the fact that you're talking about the pros & cons of the Internet & how to affects our lives & intimate relationship with God - signifies that I've missed the point of your fine & thoughtful message 😔 But alas, I did 😊 Unfortunately I was on the Internet & completely got distracted 😅 The End 🕺 (I don't know if anyone even reads these comments, but God Bless Y'all 🤠🙏❤️)

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@MaddenKCM]

Haha!! We’ve been talking (my friends) have laughed about computers/phones. Who do we go to first when we need an answer? God SHOULD be, but being sucked in to digital. Being self controlled is HARD being on the internet, but I love human interaction! God designed it that way. How we use it, let’s take time to rest in God first. The root of my confidence is the the Bible. It NEVER changes and God is so good. God is my foundation and I have “boundaries” when it comes to the internet. Good information! I laugh when I hear people say “okay, google…) 😂

[@thomasjones9848]

This was an interesting episode, parts of it really resonated. Maybe it's just because I'm a little younger than all of you but I don't share quite the level of negative connotations with the internet you were talking about! Maybe next time you talk about this, your conversation would benefit from having one or two younger guys on as well as they will have been formed differently. Meanwhile, I had a few thoughts: 1. When you talk about how we are discipled by the systems we live in, I guess the internet is just part of the culture we swim in these days - a big part of it to be sure. But people in every day and age have been part of a system and it has always had good and bad, and I doubt the internet age is more or less virtuous than the past. 2. When we talk about "The Internet", especially like how it was on this podcast, what are we actually talking about? In 2024, probably just a handful of big companies (Google, Facebook, Amazon, maybe Twitter or Tiktok as well). We have to remember though that 10 years ago that would have been different, and 10 years from now it will probably be different. 3. SOME parts of the internet have a vested interest in stoking insecurity (about ourselves, about what we know, about what we might be missing out on), generating compulsive behaviours, or making us feel outraged. You talked about this on your podcast too. I think this is the bit that resonated most with me. But this is one of these things where, say, a flame war on Twitter is very different than watching a KZbin video for how to replace a filter on your washing machine. I really don't think the latter is very harmful. 4. The notion that, because of the expectations of our culture, we expect instant answers from God is... very legit, actually. It's interesting how our culture shapes our prayers. I'm not sure it's always wrong, though. God does also like answering prayers instantly from time to time, you don't need to go through a dark night of the soul every time you ask him something :D 5. Would earlier generations of Christians have been against the internet? REALLY, John? (Again, it probably depends on which Internet we're talking about, but...). Lots of the earlier generation Christians you mentioned were scholars who loved books, and might have been very jealous of the sheer size of the library we have at our disposal on the internet, so I think to say they would have all thought it was evil is probably overshooting the mark a fair bit. One other historic change in our ability to communicate widely, the invention of the printing press, was pretty essential to the availability of the bible in common languages and probably to the whole reformation - and I bet some people opposed it, but I'm still pretty glad I get to read my ESV! And yes, the internet is another step or two from the printing press, but now you can have your bible on an app and have the bible read to you on audiobook or really epic new worship songs streamed to you or even listen to podcasts like this one while out and about. It doesn't sound like the work of satan to me!

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

Thank you for sharing this feedback. We appreciate it!

[@The_UO_]

I have listened to this podcast twice thinking I was missing something and still can't agree with the message. I'm an older millennial and was about 10 years old when the Internet showed up in my home. I feel like my English teachers in high school did a very good job of teaching me what a solid resource for information is vs a weak one. (i.e. seeing a fellow student get a failing grade because all his research was from WIKI) I also had amazing youth leaders who helped me understand that God is outside of our understand of time and he will ALWAYS answer our prayer according to his will and timing. I don't see how using the internet to find out how to fix my car is any different then you Sages using a Cilton manual to do the same. I agree with OP that a younger voice needs to be added to this convo. Grace and Peace to you all.

[@sutergirlify]

​@The_UO_ I really appreciate your input on this. I am a baby boomer in the generation of John E. I love his zeal and commitment to Christ, but I also have a twist on this. Some years ago, my "Christian" husband of 20 years left me with almost zero resources. I have benefitted a great deal from the ability to get necessary information from the internet. Do I have instant access to a busy human person with the knowhow to help me fix something when it is time critical? I have been so thankful for the instruction videos I can access on KZbin when a friend is busy taking care of his own family or I can't afford to hire a professional and I'm capable of a simple project. Beyond that, there is an amazing library of resources available for enhancing my Bible explorations, sometimes a great comfort when I need to figure out how to fill some alone time that I didn't ask for while others are rightfully bonding with their loved ones. I believe every age has had its own particular snares and temptations and certainly there's plenty to be wary of in the internet age. Yet I can't help but be grateful that by God's grace I can benefit from the good parts.

[@ericstogner2222]

Yes, the internet has destroyed our ability to have patience, delayed gratification, our ability to stick to something and remain focused on task to obtain information or accomplish a goal, it has robbed us of the benefits of really steeping in a subject to absorb the real wisdom in it, (like eating processed food quickly that has had most of its nutrients stripped away). We have access to all this information and we never truly learn anything. It’s like having the library of congress in our backyard and yet we rarely go inside the building but instead we race inside to read a paragraph from 5 books to zero in on the one answer we think we need and yet we never check out or read a book ever again. Why read books when you can land on the one paragraph you think you need / or better yet that the algorithm thinks you need?! it has created a culture that demands to be a satisfied or at least gives a false feeling of satiation instantly. While leaving us malnourished in profound ways . - this is why the younger generations are so criticized by older generations - they seem to have no Umph - they seem so lazy and when they hit the slightest blockage - they seem stuck or they ONLY think to appeal to the internet for help out of a jam. They have lost the ability to improvise, adapt and overcome. The mental laziness atrophied other attributes in society as well - things like interacting with other people- learning from sages, praying to God and learning to wait on him. We no longer value wisdom, or investing in time to master a thing, and we miss the joy and development that comes from the slower and longer persuit of things. CS Lewis regretted the invention of a car because it robbed him of the time to contemplate God when he used to walk to places more. And now it teaches us to value man’s quick insights as a greater and more accessible practice and more useful approach than that seeking wisdom as contained in books like the Bible. And it teaches us to accept and believe what the internet hands us. Look how easily manipulated we are now - Hitler or Stallin never had it so good or easy. Train the masses to accept as “gospel truth”’whatever the search engine delivers and if you control the algorithm - you control the masses and are, in a sense, their god. I could riff with you all for days on the dangers of the technology - what it already has done and what it is about to do. And note also, it has not only outmoded the older ways , even if you cling to old school approaches, it has slowly eradicated or neutered them. There are many things that simply don’t exist or are hard to find that were once common and essential - because of the convenience and centrality of technology - they are all but gone or are relics of the past. Even simple things - maps, compasses, encyclopedias, cookbooks,and the time honored skills that using such more primitive tools blessed us with.

[@FudgeTheFurry]

Forgive me, I am a new person to the channel. What is John's views on contemplative prayer like centering prayer or Christian mantra meditation?

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

We recommend you try 30 Days to Resilient in the Pause app. That speaks to John's practices. We also have a contemplative prayer podcast series you may find useful: becomegoodsoil.com/search-results/?search=contemplative

[@FudgeTheFurry]

@@WildatHeartOfficial Thanks.. I've been doing the one minute pause and I'm doing the 30 days! Thanks for responding.

[@FudgeTheFurry]

@@WildatHeartOfficial What would your opinion be of practices like Centering Prayer?

[@47pwocmom]

Wow! Excellent exposure. Did anyone else think of the World System in Revelation 17? Also, Proverbs 8 in The Passion Translation blows the world’s ways/wisdom to smithereens.

[@OverTheHillTraining]

When is the second one in this series?

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

Posted today! bit.ly/WAHwearyprag

[@TheRichardmay1]

Ok so here's a thought. 1John 2:27 ....you do not need anyone...all knowledge already was before any was discovered by humans. If I correctly understand the meaning of this profound Bible verse I perceived it to mean anything and everything I am aware of in whatever form or format it comes through the filter of the Spirit within me. Therefore of what value or concern should I place on those external influences? My understanding is zero.All that they are is tools being used by the Spirit to place in my operating agenda or not. The filter of the Spirit is the discerning operator within me as I have learned to "hear his voice" and "see what needs be seeing". Simple. Not complicated. Moshe May; friend, son and disciple of the living God within and serves with peace and joy. P.s. Knowledge still needs it's relationship with understanding and wisdom...which comes by the Spirits agreement which can not be found on the Internet.

[@TheRichardmay1]

The Mystery is revealed by Christ in me. The Spirit in relationship gives me confidence to get knowledge I might need to accomplish life's challenges.

[@lonnajoy]

I agree with what you are saying so much!! I really enjoy listening to you, but can I respectfully ask you to please not take the name of our God in vain...it hurts my heart whenever I hear oh my....especially knowing how much you express love for Him. No criticism just a respectful request. Truth is going back to the source of truth the Word of God...I find that when I am frustrated or bogged down with the news of the internet going back to God's Word brings sweet relief! Thank you for sharing this message it is so timely!

[@Sherry-rq1jx]

Its broken down relationship, because in the past we would have mentorship.

[@terraloft]

Mas profundas....go out again, though it has been a long and empty night..go, because Jesus says so, and extend the nets, He knows, He has provided, He is beneficent

[@pbartkus]

Nick knows that tech support's secret tool is Google. 😁

[@terraloft]

I know i spammed here. Alone and so hungry for connection. I wanted to be around the table. Included. To have someone look at me and ask "what do you think?"

[@Ingrid-zu7tp]

The life&tjread to Holy Spurit ,very petsonally and intimately ,is thebonly way out.to find personal ,individual,optimal guidence because HE aline inows zs and had tje recioee tjat wozld work fornzs.Because He loves us...

[@margaritajohns7907]

I agree that the internet has changed our lives in some ways good and some ways not good. We live in a very fast paste life. What happened to encyclopedias lol 😢they where educational. Not looking for relationships at the tip of our fingertips. It’s definitely the sings of the end times. Corruption in the leaders no scruples ⭐️❤️❤️‍🩹🙏🕊