Living Fascinated
Psalm 139:1-6
O Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. 5 You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.
THE HUMAN PROPENSITY TOWARDS FASCINATION
Gen 2:8-9
The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. 9 And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food.
Gen 3:6
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
We were Created to Be Fascinated
When a human being is fascinated these biochemical reactions take place:
Dopamine Release
Engaging with something fascinating often leads to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
Activation of the Reward Circuitry
The reward pathways in the brain are activated. This system, which includes regions such as the nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area, is involved in processing rewards and motivation.
Enhanced Attention and Focus
The noradrenergic system, which releases norepinephrine, becomes more active, enhancing attention and focus.
Cortisol Fluctuation/Reduction
An immersive, fascinating experience might reduce cortisol levels, suggesting a reduction in stress.
Engagement of the Hippocampus
The hippocampus, a region of the brain associated with memory and learning, becomes more engaged. This engagement facilitates the encoding of new information into memory.
More Focus
Certain brain networks, including the default mode network (DMN) and the executive network, are activated, aiding in introspection and focused, goal-directed activity.
Sensory Integration
The sensory regions of the brain process the visual, auditory, or tactile information being received, integrates it to create a detailed perception of the fascinating object or topic.
Emotional Engagement
The amygdala and other emotional centers in the brain are engaged, leading to emotional responses ranging from joy and wonder to surprise.
Neuroplasticity
Engaging deeply with fascinating phenomena can encourage neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to form new neural connections, enhancing learning and memory.
10. Serotonin Release
Serotonin is often released, contributing to feelings of well-being and happiness.
11. Increased Blood Flow
Blood flow increases to various regions of the brain, supplying the necessary oxygen and nutrients to the areas that are more active during the fascination experience.
THREE AREAS OF FASCINATION TO PURSUE
Fascination with God
Ezek 1:26-28
And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. 27 Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.
Rev 4:2-8
2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”
Dan 7:9-10
“I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire; 10 A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened.
Creation
Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race. 6 Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end
a. Gravity
Gravity is fine tuned to allow for the existence of life as we know it. Any slight variation would result in a universe where life could not exist.
b. DNA and Genetic Code.
The DNA molecule carries complex, detailed information in the form of a genetic code, which is used to create every protein necessary for life. This code is both highly specific and remarkably efficient, packing a vast amount of information into a very small space.
c. The Human Brain.
100 billion neurons
Each neuron forms 1,000 to 10,000 connections with other neurons
Processes 393 feet per second
Developing babies in womb first few months develop 250,000 neurons per minute
Storage estimated to be over 1 million Gigabytes
d. The Eye
The eye is a remarkably complex organ that is capable of converting light into an electrical signal that the brain can interpret.
Can distinguish between 10 million different colors
Fast: can process a visual scene in as little as 13 milliseconds blinking takes 100 milliseconds
Individually unique retina
How much He knows and Loves Us.
Psalm 139:1-6
O Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. 5 You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.
O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
Searched - to penetrate; examine intimately:—find out, search out, seek out, try.
Known - perceived, acquire knowledge, to be acquainted, realized, arrived at a full knowledge of my condition.
Down Sitting / Uprising
All that I do from one end of the day to the other.
Thoughts Afar
while it is just forming—long before it is a fully developed thought.
Also motivations behind the thought
Comprehend My Path (Deeds) and my rest
Comprehend - Scatter, fan winnow, sift my path.
Acquainted with All My WAYS
Word on Tongue
Before we can frame a word on our tongue, the Lord knows already
Hedged Before and Behind
Hand on Me
Wonderful
He allowed Himself to be wondered by it!!!
HOW TO LIVE FASCINATED
Col 3:2
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
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