Twenty years ago I was pregnant with my first child. I had completed my first year of college and was looking forward to another semester. However, when December rolled around and my baby girl was born, I knew motherhood was what I wanted to pursue. So, for twenty years I have been a stay-at-home mom. I have done other things along with raising my children and caring for my home. I worked at a crisis pregnancy center as a counselor and later as their spokes person. I cleaned a few houses for extra money. I tried my hand at writing, penning several Bible studies and one book (still unpublished). Currently I sit with some mentally challenged ladies once a week and I organize workers for the church nursery. I have homeschooled my children for nine years and continue to do so. But for the past few months the question that has been eating at me is, "Who am I?"
My youngest children turned thirteen over the past few days, and as I count the future years I am faced with the reality that my kids will be grown in the next five years. Five years! That can be counted on one hand! Soon they will be off to begin their own lives, and my job as full time mom will be over. Oh, and in October I will be turning forty. Half my life is over. The first few seasons completed. And as I look in the mirror I see an older and wiser woman and ask, "Who am I?" What is it I am going to do with the rest of my life? What skills, gifts, and talents do I have to offer the world? What can I do to leave my mark in history? What does God want to do through this woman during the second half of her life?
I know all the right answers. Yes, I am a child of God, and I am to live a life that brings Him glory. But my question is, "What direction am I supposed to go as I accomplish this?" I know I make a difference just being me, but where is God leading me to do this?
I don't think I am the only one who wrestles with these questions. I believe at certain times in our lives we all take a deep look inside ourselves and ask similar questions. And when these questions go unanswered we wrestle to find the answers.
I find great solace in studying the life of Moses. At forty he fled his home in Egypt after killing a man. The next forty years he spent tending sheep in desert. He had started life with a BANG! He was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, raised as royalty, and given all the accolades that belonged to Pharaoh's family. He could have done anything. He had the money and the influence. But that came to an abrupt end. Before Moses could comprehend what was happening, he found himself a stinky, lowly shepherd. I know he thought his prime was behind him, that all he had left to do was tend sheep and die. But that was not the plan God had for him. He had another forty years of life and work to accomplish. Unbeknownst to him, Moses was being primed for the difficult work of leading God's people. Each day he labored to keep the sheep together and safe he was in the midst of God's will for him. I guess we could call it his college. However, he didn't get his degree in four years. It took him forty. But when he graduated, he was ready to lead millions of people and to relate God's word to them.
So, where are you right now? Perhaps you are like me and are coming quickly to a time of great change. You are wondering, "What now?" Or maybe you are still in the time of great adventure and satisfaction unaware that a time of teaching and preparation is ahead. Or you might be in that desert tending sheep wondering, "How did I ever get here?" Know that in each phase you are in the palm of God's hand, that He is not wasting any part of your life experience. He is preparing you, molding you, and teaching you valuable things. Our responsibility is to listen and take advantage of these years. They all hold great purpose.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Under Oppression
During much of the four hundred years of Israel's captivity in Egypt the people lived under oppression. Several years after the death of the Pharaoh who knew Joseph, a new king rose to power. This king cared little for the Israelites and, fearing their great numbers, took great care to keep them under his thumb.
"Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, 'Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; com, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.' Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses." (Exodus 1:8-11 NKJ)
The king watched nervously as the children of Abraham increased in number. He became fearful that the Israelites might join Egypt's enemies and overthrow the nation. The king understood the potential of God's chosen people and strived to keep Israel from realizing her own potential. Our enemy has much the same mind set as the Egyptian King. I believe it was the true enemy, Satan, who convinced the King that he needed to implement some drastic measures to oppress and even destroy God's chosen nation. You, sister, are God's chosen as well, and the same fear that welled up in the heart of the Egyptian king fill the heart of the Satan today. He knows your potential in Christ, and he will stop at nothing to keep you from realizing and walking in that potential. Revelation 12:12 helps us to understand why Satan is so determined to keep us under his thumb. "For the Devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." (NKJ)
Satan knows his time is short, and so he seeks to do everything in his power to break the heart of God. He fights dirty, using the very creation God loves dearly, mankind, as weapons and casualties to pierce the heart of our Father. In his efforts, Satan does not want us to realize the potential we hold in Christ Jesus. For he knows that if we truly understand and take hold of the gifts and truth God has for us, we would join his enemy in the spiritual war. So, Satan pulls out the arsenal of oppression. Believing that if he can keep us down, we would be unable to look up and see the outstretched hand of God drawing us to His side.
I think we can better understand this twisted logic of the enemy by grabbing a dictionary and briefly defining depression. The Webster's Dictionary for Students defines oppression as "cruel or unjust use of power or authority; to control or rule in a harsh or cruel way." As we know all too well, Satan's ways are cruel and heartless. He cares for one thing, his own self-elevation. He has no heart or concern for the pain he causes God's people. In fact, he revels in your pain!
With such a vile enemy we need to know that the promises of God are solid. Perhaps we'd do well to know the promises of God period! We can glean hope from the Old Scriptures as we see God fulfill His promises to specific people. Look at Genesis 15:13-14.
"Then He said to Abram: 'Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions.'" (NKJ)
God promised to judge Egypt for the evil it had perpetrated against Israel, and He did. Through each plague Egypt suffered greatly. And finally, Pharaoh's army was wiped out in the Red Sea as they pursued the Israelites. As for coming out with great possessions Exodus 12:35 - 36 says, "Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians." (NKJ) Our enemy, Satan, faces judgement as well. His evil schemes will not go unpunished (PRAISE THE LORD!). He will reap the harvest of his oppressive and destructive activities. Without delving too far into Revelation's end time prophecy, let's look at the judgement the devil will face when God finally proclaims, "Enough is enough!"
Revelation 20:1-3 "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while."(NKJ)
Revelation 20:7-10 "Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and false prophet are. AND THEY WILL BE TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOREVER AND EVER! (emphasis mine). (NKJ)
Sisters, I know the pain you have endured because of the destructive activities of Satan. I know your soul crises out for justice. Rest assured it is coming! There is a time in which God will wipe every tear from your eyes (Rev. 21:4). Until the, the battle rages, first for your very soul. Then, when Satan realizes he can't win your soul, he will strive to steal any effectiveness you have as a Believer. We can stand fast, though in the power and the promises of our God. Stick with me, we are going to build our strength together.
"Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, 'Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; com, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.' Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses." (Exodus 1:8-11 NKJ)
The king watched nervously as the children of Abraham increased in number. He became fearful that the Israelites might join Egypt's enemies and overthrow the nation. The king understood the potential of God's chosen people and strived to keep Israel from realizing her own potential. Our enemy has much the same mind set as the Egyptian King. I believe it was the true enemy, Satan, who convinced the King that he needed to implement some drastic measures to oppress and even destroy God's chosen nation. You, sister, are God's chosen as well, and the same fear that welled up in the heart of the Egyptian king fill the heart of the Satan today. He knows your potential in Christ, and he will stop at nothing to keep you from realizing and walking in that potential. Revelation 12:12 helps us to understand why Satan is so determined to keep us under his thumb. "For the Devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." (NKJ)
Satan knows his time is short, and so he seeks to do everything in his power to break the heart of God. He fights dirty, using the very creation God loves dearly, mankind, as weapons and casualties to pierce the heart of our Father. In his efforts, Satan does not want us to realize the potential we hold in Christ Jesus. For he knows that if we truly understand and take hold of the gifts and truth God has for us, we would join his enemy in the spiritual war. So, Satan pulls out the arsenal of oppression. Believing that if he can keep us down, we would be unable to look up and see the outstretched hand of God drawing us to His side.
I think we can better understand this twisted logic of the enemy by grabbing a dictionary and briefly defining depression. The Webster's Dictionary for Students defines oppression as "cruel or unjust use of power or authority; to control or rule in a harsh or cruel way." As we know all too well, Satan's ways are cruel and heartless. He cares for one thing, his own self-elevation. He has no heart or concern for the pain he causes God's people. In fact, he revels in your pain!
With such a vile enemy we need to know that the promises of God are solid. Perhaps we'd do well to know the promises of God period! We can glean hope from the Old Scriptures as we see God fulfill His promises to specific people. Look at Genesis 15:13-14.
"Then He said to Abram: 'Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions.'" (NKJ)
God promised to judge Egypt for the evil it had perpetrated against Israel, and He did. Through each plague Egypt suffered greatly. And finally, Pharaoh's army was wiped out in the Red Sea as they pursued the Israelites. As for coming out with great possessions Exodus 12:35 - 36 says, "Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians." (NKJ) Our enemy, Satan, faces judgement as well. His evil schemes will not go unpunished (PRAISE THE LORD!). He will reap the harvest of his oppressive and destructive activities. Without delving too far into Revelation's end time prophecy, let's look at the judgement the devil will face when God finally proclaims, "Enough is enough!"
Revelation 20:1-3 "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while."(NKJ)
Revelation 20:7-10 "Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and false prophet are. AND THEY WILL BE TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOREVER AND EVER! (emphasis mine). (NKJ)
Sisters, I know the pain you have endured because of the destructive activities of Satan. I know your soul crises out for justice. Rest assured it is coming! There is a time in which God will wipe every tear from your eyes (Rev. 21:4). Until the, the battle rages, first for your very soul. Then, when Satan realizes he can't win your soul, he will strive to steal any effectiveness you have as a Believer. We can stand fast, though in the power and the promises of our God. Stick with me, we are going to build our strength together.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Walking in Freedom
If you have read all or even parts of the Old Testament you have seen how the Isrealites cycled between freedom, manifested in a true worship of God, and bondage which revealed itself in idol worship. For hundreds of years God's chosen people swung from freedom to bondage and back again. Whether is was spiritual bondage or physical bondage, it seems God's chosen people couldn't hold on to the freedom God sought to give them time and again. What caused them to stumble back into slavery when God had set them free? Why couldn't they maintain their freedom and consequent loyalty to God? I believe that as we study the cycles of our Old Testament friends, God will reveal to us exactly what keeps us from experiencing true freedom and how we can walk in a way that daily places our feet on the path to true spiritual freedom.
Let's begin by setting the stage of our study. As we read Exodus 2:23-25, we see that the Isrealites are in the land of Egypt living under the heavy hand of oppression and slavery. Deuteronomy describes their plight, "But the Egyptians mistreated us, afflicted us, and laid hard bondage on us." (Deuteronomy 26:6 NKJ) Our Isrealite brothers were in terrible slavery in the land of Egypt. They were forced to work under unbearable conditions, enduring hard labor, severe treatment, and personal abuse.
We can parallel the life conditions of the Isrealites in Egypt to our spiritual condition before salvation. Much like the children of Abraham we lived under the cruel rule of an evil king (Satan). We were pushed around by our sinful desires, and we feared death. Our very existence was a struggle for survival spiritually. We were held captive in the prison of condemnation unable to free ourselves from the bondage of sin. According to Romans 5:12, death and sin reigned in our lives before we come to know Christ personally.
Sadly, many people are totally oblivious to the bondage they are in. They pride themselves on their status or accomplishments. When told they are captives of sin and death, they reply as the Jews did when Jesus tried to warn them of their spiritual captivity, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free?'" (John 8:33 NKJ) Let's not deceive ourselves. The truth is there. We have been held captive and are often still held captive to sin. The Pharisaic attitude is to deny this truth and thus continue to live in bondage because our pride refuses to humble itself before the Word of God. Freedom can never be attained if we insist on believing lies about our captivity.
Truth be told, we all will be slaves to one thing or another. We will be held captive by one power or the other. "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?" (Romans 6:16 NKJ) We can be captives to sin, slaves of our sinful nature and desires. Or we can submit ourselves to God and become His slave. In doing so, we put ourselves in a position not only to be captives of our God, but to be captivating to our Savior!
So the question burns, "Who are you a slave to? Are you still a slave to sin and death because you have not received the free gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ? Or are you held captive by the love of the King? If you are the former, I invite you to walk through the steps of knowing Christ personally with me. If you are the latter, revisit your commitment to Christ by remembering (maybe even writing down) your salvation experience. Perhaps today you might want to make a renewed commitment to the Lord as well.
Steps to knowing Christ: It's as easy as A-B-C!
Salvation is imperative for freedom to be possible. It is Christ who purchased our freedom through His death. He broke the chains of sin and death. Without Him those chains remain. We do not have the power to loose them. God's purpose in having Christ die in our place was to pay for our sin. We can't. We don't have the goodness or righteousness to do so. God so eagerly wants to receive us as His children that He was willing to do whatever it took to put us into a position that we could have a relationship with Him. But, we have to act on this. Our first response should be to admit that we are sinful. Even the smallest sin deserves great eternal punishment. In admitting our sinful state we are saying, "I'm sorry. I know my behavior has offended you, God." It's humbling ourselves before Him and agreeing that He alone is perfect.
The second thing we do is believe that it is through Christ, God's only Son, that we can be forgiven of all our sins (great and small). He is the only sacrifice good enough to completely wipe our slates clean before God. Without His blood, our sin remains. Romans 3:23-25a says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation (payment) by His blood."
Finally, salvation is solidified as we confess Christ as Lord. "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9 NKJ) If you are prepared to admit your sin, believe that it is only through Christ Jesus the Son of God that you can be made right before Him, and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, express it in a prayer from your heart. Here is a sample prayer. Please make it your own.
Lord, I know that I am a sinner and that my sin has been against You and You alone. I believe that it is only through the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ, that I am forgiven and put into a right relationship with You. I confess you as my Lord and willingly choose to make You my God and my Savior. Thank You. Amen.
Sisters, freedom is yours. As a believer you have been set free from the bondage of sin and death. However, as we will learn by studying the Old Testament Jews, we have a responsibility to walk in that freedom and not relinquish it to any other person or idol. As you will see, the enemy will seek to put us back into bondage by convincing us that other things are more important than believing and following God. Now, friend, we've got to learn to stand fast. Stick with me. I believe this series is going to strengthen us both as we learn to walk in freedom!
Let's begin by setting the stage of our study. As we read Exodus 2:23-25, we see that the Isrealites are in the land of Egypt living under the heavy hand of oppression and slavery. Deuteronomy describes their plight, "But the Egyptians mistreated us, afflicted us, and laid hard bondage on us." (Deuteronomy 26:6 NKJ) Our Isrealite brothers were in terrible slavery in the land of Egypt. They were forced to work under unbearable conditions, enduring hard labor, severe treatment, and personal abuse.
We can parallel the life conditions of the Isrealites in Egypt to our spiritual condition before salvation. Much like the children of Abraham we lived under the cruel rule of an evil king (Satan). We were pushed around by our sinful desires, and we feared death. Our very existence was a struggle for survival spiritually. We were held captive in the prison of condemnation unable to free ourselves from the bondage of sin. According to Romans 5:12, death and sin reigned in our lives before we come to know Christ personally.
Sadly, many people are totally oblivious to the bondage they are in. They pride themselves on their status or accomplishments. When told they are captives of sin and death, they reply as the Jews did when Jesus tried to warn them of their spiritual captivity, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free?'" (John 8:33 NKJ) Let's not deceive ourselves. The truth is there. We have been held captive and are often still held captive to sin. The Pharisaic attitude is to deny this truth and thus continue to live in bondage because our pride refuses to humble itself before the Word of God. Freedom can never be attained if we insist on believing lies about our captivity.
Truth be told, we all will be slaves to one thing or another. We will be held captive by one power or the other. "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?" (Romans 6:16 NKJ) We can be captives to sin, slaves of our sinful nature and desires. Or we can submit ourselves to God and become His slave. In doing so, we put ourselves in a position not only to be captives of our God, but to be captivating to our Savior!
So the question burns, "Who are you a slave to? Are you still a slave to sin and death because you have not received the free gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ? Or are you held captive by the love of the King? If you are the former, I invite you to walk through the steps of knowing Christ personally with me. If you are the latter, revisit your commitment to Christ by remembering (maybe even writing down) your salvation experience. Perhaps today you might want to make a renewed commitment to the Lord as well.
Steps to knowing Christ: It's as easy as A-B-C!
Salvation is imperative for freedom to be possible. It is Christ who purchased our freedom through His death. He broke the chains of sin and death. Without Him those chains remain. We do not have the power to loose them. God's purpose in having Christ die in our place was to pay for our sin. We can't. We don't have the goodness or righteousness to do so. God so eagerly wants to receive us as His children that He was willing to do whatever it took to put us into a position that we could have a relationship with Him. But, we have to act on this. Our first response should be to admit that we are sinful. Even the smallest sin deserves great eternal punishment. In admitting our sinful state we are saying, "I'm sorry. I know my behavior has offended you, God." It's humbling ourselves before Him and agreeing that He alone is perfect.
The second thing we do is believe that it is through Christ, God's only Son, that we can be forgiven of all our sins (great and small). He is the only sacrifice good enough to completely wipe our slates clean before God. Without His blood, our sin remains. Romans 3:23-25a says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation (payment) by His blood."
Finally, salvation is solidified as we confess Christ as Lord. "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9 NKJ) If you are prepared to admit your sin, believe that it is only through Christ Jesus the Son of God that you can be made right before Him, and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, express it in a prayer from your heart. Here is a sample prayer. Please make it your own.
Lord, I know that I am a sinner and that my sin has been against You and You alone. I believe that it is only through the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ, that I am forgiven and put into a right relationship with You. I confess you as my Lord and willingly choose to make You my God and my Savior. Thank You. Amen.
Sisters, freedom is yours. As a believer you have been set free from the bondage of sin and death. However, as we will learn by studying the Old Testament Jews, we have a responsibility to walk in that freedom and not relinquish it to any other person or idol. As you will see, the enemy will seek to put us back into bondage by convincing us that other things are more important than believing and following God. Now, friend, we've got to learn to stand fast. Stick with me. I believe this series is going to strengthen us both as we learn to walk in freedom!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
I Am the Resurrection
As Resurrection Sunday lights upon us, I cannot help but think about my Savior. For three days now I have been thinking back to my previous post in which God is revealed as the "I AM." I have been thinking about all that He is in my life, and I want to share it with you. Hope your celebration of Christ's victory over death and sin is one you will remember for a lifetime.
I AM.....
I AM the calm in the midst of the storm.
I AM hope when you feel hopeless.
I AM the way when you have no where else to turn.
I AM life that has overcome death.
I AM first over all of creation.
I AM light that crowds out the darkness.
I AM peace in the midst of chaos.
I AM joy when your heart is troubled.
I AM close when everyone else seems distant.
I AM grace that trumps vengeance.
I AM everything. Without Me, there is nothing.
I AM justice that promises all will be made right.
I AM love that always endures.
I AM mercy that understands your frailties.
I AM freedom from slavery and fear.
I AM perfect in My love and care for you.
I AM patient with the weakness of man.
I AM near to the broken hearted.
I AM the answer to all the questions you've been asking.
I AM forgiving of sin.
I AM faithful in all my promises.
I know there are many more "I Am's" I could write, but I want you now to take time to meditate on all that Christ is in your life. What would you add to this list?
I AM.....
I AM the calm in the midst of the storm.
I AM hope when you feel hopeless.
I AM the way when you have no where else to turn.
I AM life that has overcome death.
I AM first over all of creation.
I AM light that crowds out the darkness.
I AM peace in the midst of chaos.
I AM joy when your heart is troubled.
I AM close when everyone else seems distant.
I AM grace that trumps vengeance.
I AM everything. Without Me, there is nothing.
I AM justice that promises all will be made right.
I AM love that always endures.
I AM mercy that understands your frailties.
I AM freedom from slavery and fear.
I AM perfect in My love and care for you.
I AM patient with the weakness of man.
I AM near to the broken hearted.
I AM the answer to all the questions you've been asking.
I AM forgiving of sin.
I AM faithful in all my promises.
I know there are many more "I Am's" I could write, but I want you now to take time to meditate on all that Christ is in your life. What would you add to this list?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Life's Questions
I wish I was one of those people who always sees things in a positive light, who knows without a doubt that everything will turn out fine. But I'm not. I hurt. I fear. I do downright stupid things. I get angry. I feel weak. I feel dumb. I struggle in this walk with my Lord. I don't understand God. His ways, quite often, don't make sense to me. Why did I loose my unborn child? Why do I struggle with depression? Where is that certain blessing promised in Scripture?
My mind questions. My heart cries out for answers. And the Lord replies, "I am."
I don't know why there is pain in certain situations. I don't know why God, at times, seems so quiet when I am desperate to hear His voice. I can't comprehend how He can stand back and allow evil to occur. The frustration of unanswered questions can become overwhelming. Such uncertainty can even lead us to become hard, cynical, and isolated. But every Christian (and nonbelievers as well) wrestles with such thoughts. Deep within, if we are honest with ourselves and God, we wonder 'why' in so many circumstances. What are we to do with these uncertainties?
Jesus doesn't call us to find all the answers. He invites us to know the Answer. He understands that we cannot comprehend His ways, but we can know the Way. When we question, He replies, "I am." "Know Me," he pleads. "Come to Me," He calls. Knowing His character, His nature would allow us to rest in the uncertainties of life. God is good. God is love. God is compassion and hope. When we know the source of such beauty, the grotesque truths of this fallen world pale in comparison. We can believe He is true to Himself. He will make right all evil and pain. He will bring to account all who have preyed upon the weak. He holds the unborn children mothers have lost to abortion and miscarriage. He hears every cry of the hurting and oppressed. He will make pure those who have been used and mistreated. He is a God of restoration and justice. He will, before all is said and done, make right all that is now wrong.
I don't know the answers to many of my questions. However, knowing that God holds me in the palm of His hand gives me grace to rest and not fear in this life. I may feel like I am holding on to my Savior with the last bit of strength I can muster, but in reality, it is His strong hand that is holding me. And in light of such truth my questions can wait to be answered.
My mind questions. My heart cries out for answers. And the Lord replies, "I am."
I don't know why there is pain in certain situations. I don't know why God, at times, seems so quiet when I am desperate to hear His voice. I can't comprehend how He can stand back and allow evil to occur. The frustration of unanswered questions can become overwhelming. Such uncertainty can even lead us to become hard, cynical, and isolated. But every Christian (and nonbelievers as well) wrestles with such thoughts. Deep within, if we are honest with ourselves and God, we wonder 'why' in so many circumstances. What are we to do with these uncertainties?
Jesus doesn't call us to find all the answers. He invites us to know the Answer. He understands that we cannot comprehend His ways, but we can know the Way. When we question, He replies, "I am." "Know Me," he pleads. "Come to Me," He calls. Knowing His character, His nature would allow us to rest in the uncertainties of life. God is good. God is love. God is compassion and hope. When we know the source of such beauty, the grotesque truths of this fallen world pale in comparison. We can believe He is true to Himself. He will make right all evil and pain. He will bring to account all who have preyed upon the weak. He holds the unborn children mothers have lost to abortion and miscarriage. He hears every cry of the hurting and oppressed. He will make pure those who have been used and mistreated. He is a God of restoration and justice. He will, before all is said and done, make right all that is now wrong.
I don't know the answers to many of my questions. However, knowing that God holds me in the palm of His hand gives me grace to rest and not fear in this life. I may feel like I am holding on to my Savior with the last bit of strength I can muster, but in reality, it is His strong hand that is holding me. And in light of such truth my questions can wait to be answered.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
One Beat
I am my own person. I have particular likes and dislikes. I am talented in some areas and severely lacking in others. I look a certain way, react to situations in a certain way, and I move in a certain way. I struggle with particular fears, and I find great joy in many things. I have hopes and dreams. I want to be loved. I want to belong.
I am my own person, but in being such I do not want my individuality to distance me from the heart of my Father. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, dearly. He is so good, so perfect, and so pure. His heart beats for His people and for the lost. Scripture says I cannot number His thoughts about me. My name is even written on the palm of His hand! I am important to Him. No one has loved me more. No one could ever love me more, for His heart beats for me.
I want to return that love. Because I know I hold great value in His eyes, I want Him to hold ultimate value in mine. I do not want Him to be an extra to a life I control. I don't want Him to be an after thought to choices I make. I want Him to be front and center; for my mind to meditate on Him day and night. I want Him to be made known through me.
I want my simple heart to beat in perfect rhythm with His as I become one with Him in thought and in action. I want to love what He loves and hate what He hates. I want what breaks His heart to break my heart just as much. I want to rejoice in what makes Him sing and to mourn over sin as I know His heart is grieved over our sin. I want there to be one heartbeat, His heartbeat, as my heart beats perfectly in time with His.
I am my own person, but in being such I do not want my individuality to distance me from the heart of my Father. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, dearly. He is so good, so perfect, and so pure. His heart beats for His people and for the lost. Scripture says I cannot number His thoughts about me. My name is even written on the palm of His hand! I am important to Him. No one has loved me more. No one could ever love me more, for His heart beats for me.
I want to return that love. Because I know I hold great value in His eyes, I want Him to hold ultimate value in mine. I do not want Him to be an extra to a life I control. I don't want Him to be an after thought to choices I make. I want Him to be front and center; for my mind to meditate on Him day and night. I want Him to be made known through me.
I want my simple heart to beat in perfect rhythm with His as I become one with Him in thought and in action. I want to love what He loves and hate what He hates. I want what breaks His heart to break my heart just as much. I want to rejoice in what makes Him sing and to mourn over sin as I know His heart is grieved over our sin. I want there to be one heartbeat, His heartbeat, as my heart beats perfectly in time with His.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Priorities
Priorities are often the hardest things to manage. With so much pulling at us from many different directions, we often become confused with what is most important, with what needs to be done and what we need to let go. All of it seems so pertinent. Each demands our attention. How can we live this life and not become overwhelmed? That is a dilema I understand. It is exactly the subject God brought to mind on day four of my thirty-nine day journey.
I want so much to please everyone. I would say I am a "people pleaser". However, as I struggled to make my husband, five children, six pets, my mother, my church, my friends, strangers at the grocery store, and everyone else happy I found myself saying, "I feel like I have a bunch of plates spinning, and it is all I can do just to keep them from falling!" I was exhausted! God knew I couldn't do it anymore. He knew I wasn't created to do it all in the first place. I had to figure out not just who I am or what I am here to do, but also when is the right time for certain things to become priority in my life.
I know what is to be most important. I've studied scripture and listened to sermons. However, it doesn't all fall in to place like I'd like it to. I had to do some hard things. I had to say 'no' to some people. I had to refuse certain activities. I had to decide that I couldn't be responsible for how others would respond to my decisions. I needed to get my life under control. However, if it was ever to work, it had to be under the control of God.
Such a choice is not always popular. People don't understand. The world tells us that, as women, we can have and do it all. You want to know the unpopular truth? We can't. We aren't meant to. No one is, man or woman. We must step back, look at what is most important to God, and weed through the demands of our lives, casting aside the things that take our time and energy, yet fail to accomplish His good purpose.
As a married woman and mother I looked again at Titus 2:4-5. Young women are encouraged to first, love their husbands. After God, my husband is to be my top priority. I was created to be his help mate. I am to compliment him as he strives to do his work and be the best man he can be. Next I am to love my children. They must come second. They are so valuable and pliable. I cannot ignore these years given to me to mold them into godly young men and women. I understand that such priorities are considered old fashioned. They are taken from the Word written over two thousand years ago! It doesn't get more old fashioned than that! However, it works! These aren't simple suggestions. They are the perfect design for families that God, the creator of the family, has established. It would be foolishness to ignore such instruction.
As I began to weed out stresses that vied for my attention yet were not necessary, I began to feel much relief. I found I was able to do what I needed to do each day. I was succeeding! For so long I felt I was failing at everything. I couldn't keep up with all the demands. Now, I understand that certain demands are mine to handle and others aren't. I pray I will remember this each day.
I want so much to please everyone. I would say I am a "people pleaser". However, as I struggled to make my husband, five children, six pets, my mother, my church, my friends, strangers at the grocery store, and everyone else happy I found myself saying, "I feel like I have a bunch of plates spinning, and it is all I can do just to keep them from falling!" I was exhausted! God knew I couldn't do it anymore. He knew I wasn't created to do it all in the first place. I had to figure out not just who I am or what I am here to do, but also when is the right time for certain things to become priority in my life.
I know what is to be most important. I've studied scripture and listened to sermons. However, it doesn't all fall in to place like I'd like it to. I had to do some hard things. I had to say 'no' to some people. I had to refuse certain activities. I had to decide that I couldn't be responsible for how others would respond to my decisions. I needed to get my life under control. However, if it was ever to work, it had to be under the control of God.
Such a choice is not always popular. People don't understand. The world tells us that, as women, we can have and do it all. You want to know the unpopular truth? We can't. We aren't meant to. No one is, man or woman. We must step back, look at what is most important to God, and weed through the demands of our lives, casting aside the things that take our time and energy, yet fail to accomplish His good purpose.
As a married woman and mother I looked again at Titus 2:4-5. Young women are encouraged to first, love their husbands. After God, my husband is to be my top priority. I was created to be his help mate. I am to compliment him as he strives to do his work and be the best man he can be. Next I am to love my children. They must come second. They are so valuable and pliable. I cannot ignore these years given to me to mold them into godly young men and women. I understand that such priorities are considered old fashioned. They are taken from the Word written over two thousand years ago! It doesn't get more old fashioned than that! However, it works! These aren't simple suggestions. They are the perfect design for families that God, the creator of the family, has established. It would be foolishness to ignore such instruction.
As I began to weed out stresses that vied for my attention yet were not necessary, I began to feel much relief. I found I was able to do what I needed to do each day. I was succeeding! For so long I felt I was failing at everything. I couldn't keep up with all the demands. Now, I understand that certain demands are mine to handle and others aren't. I pray I will remember this each day.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Restoration
This new year didn't begin so well for me. The first day of January I stayed in bed until 2:00 pm not wanting to face the day or life itself. I had made a fool of myself and was beating myself up relentlessly. This pattern was all too familiar. It was not the first time I had allowed myself to fall into a deep pit. Something had to change.
January second I found a quiet place to seek the Lord and to pour my heart out to Him. This time, however, I was most intent on hearing what He wanted to say to me. I knew some of it (ok, most of it) would be difficult to receive, but I was ready to be broken completely. So, I grabbed my Bible, a note pad, and a pen and went into the driveway to sit in the van. (We have a house full of people at all hours, so finding solitude within the walls of my home would be impossible.) I began to write. I simply allowed my thoughts to flow. Page after page I scribbled feelings, fears, questions, everything that came to mind. And when I finished I just sat. I sat and listened. In my spirit I heard His voice. I felt Him leading me to dedicate the next thirty-nine days to Him. I wondered if He wanted these days to be filled with fasting, however all I believed He was asking me to do was to give Him the next thirty-nine days.
Why thirty-nine days? Well, I'm thirty-nine and have lived with bad habits, thought processes, and attitudes since I can remember. A day for each year. God was seeking to restore me, to take the brokenness of this soul and bring complete healing. And the journey began.
For those of you who are most meticulous you have probably counted the days spanning from January second to find when this current journey would end. For those who are more like me, you are continuing to read knowing I will eventually get around to disclosing the information. February tenth. That's the day that ends this thirty-nine day journey. So why am I writing this before the days are completed. Because I have learned some things that I want to share with you; things that have allowed me to enjoy more of His peace.
The Lord first reiterated things I knew but couldn't seem to practice continuously. It all revolved around my mind. The mind is where battles are won and lost. That is why new testament authors command us to take control of our minds. We are to control our thoughts which in turn controls our actions. Until we master our own minds we cannot master our own behaviors. Each thought must be brought in for inspection to see if it can stand the test of God's word. Many of my thoughts couldn't. They had run wild causing me to develop feelings of low self esteem, anger, resentment, fear, loneliness, despair, and hopelessness. I couldn't continue to ignore my need to be responsible for my own mind.
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, MEDITATE on these things." Phil. 4:8 (NKJ) For years I had recited these words to my children trying to help them overcome and even avoid the struggles I had endured. Yet I myself was unwilling to truly do what this verse said. Instead of thinking on the true, noble, just, pure, and lovely things I was thinking on how "stupid" I was, how I wished I could be someone else, how I hated my faults, and I meditated on the faults of others. God was telling me that it was time to stop living as a hypocrite and to start living by example the things I wanted my children to believe. No more excuses.
Do you struggle with obeying God's command to think on the things that are from Him? I think most of us do to some extent. If we are ever going to win the battle for our minds, we are going to have to commit to be obedient to all of His word no matter how hard it is. He would not tell us to do the impossible.
Tomorrow I will pick up with the second lesson God had for me. I can't wait to share it with you!
January second I found a quiet place to seek the Lord and to pour my heart out to Him. This time, however, I was most intent on hearing what He wanted to say to me. I knew some of it (ok, most of it) would be difficult to receive, but I was ready to be broken completely. So, I grabbed my Bible, a note pad, and a pen and went into the driveway to sit in the van. (We have a house full of people at all hours, so finding solitude within the walls of my home would be impossible.) I began to write. I simply allowed my thoughts to flow. Page after page I scribbled feelings, fears, questions, everything that came to mind. And when I finished I just sat. I sat and listened. In my spirit I heard His voice. I felt Him leading me to dedicate the next thirty-nine days to Him. I wondered if He wanted these days to be filled with fasting, however all I believed He was asking me to do was to give Him the next thirty-nine days.
Why thirty-nine days? Well, I'm thirty-nine and have lived with bad habits, thought processes, and attitudes since I can remember. A day for each year. God was seeking to restore me, to take the brokenness of this soul and bring complete healing. And the journey began.
For those of you who are most meticulous you have probably counted the days spanning from January second to find when this current journey would end. For those who are more like me, you are continuing to read knowing I will eventually get around to disclosing the information. February tenth. That's the day that ends this thirty-nine day journey. So why am I writing this before the days are completed. Because I have learned some things that I want to share with you; things that have allowed me to enjoy more of His peace.
The Lord first reiterated things I knew but couldn't seem to practice continuously. It all revolved around my mind. The mind is where battles are won and lost. That is why new testament authors command us to take control of our minds. We are to control our thoughts which in turn controls our actions. Until we master our own minds we cannot master our own behaviors. Each thought must be brought in for inspection to see if it can stand the test of God's word. Many of my thoughts couldn't. They had run wild causing me to develop feelings of low self esteem, anger, resentment, fear, loneliness, despair, and hopelessness. I couldn't continue to ignore my need to be responsible for my own mind.
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, MEDITATE on these things." Phil. 4:8 (NKJ) For years I had recited these words to my children trying to help them overcome and even avoid the struggles I had endured. Yet I myself was unwilling to truly do what this verse said. Instead of thinking on the true, noble, just, pure, and lovely things I was thinking on how "stupid" I was, how I wished I could be someone else, how I hated my faults, and I meditated on the faults of others. God was telling me that it was time to stop living as a hypocrite and to start living by example the things I wanted my children to believe. No more excuses.
Do you struggle with obeying God's command to think on the things that are from Him? I think most of us do to some extent. If we are ever going to win the battle for our minds, we are going to have to commit to be obedient to all of His word no matter how hard it is. He would not tell us to do the impossible.
Tomorrow I will pick up with the second lesson God had for me. I can't wait to share it with you!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
God's Work Through Depression
Recently I began writing what I thought would be an article I would submit to some local magazines. I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to address what God has taught me over my thirty-nine years. It all centers on depression and difficult circumstances. Funny I thought it would all fit into a small article. I now find myself writing yet another book. Here's an excerpt from the first chapter. I hope it brings you comfort and insight.
God's Work Through Depression
When faced with depression we often ask ourselves, “What is wrong with me?” I’ve come to understand that as a believer such a question is too simple, too hopeless. With an understanding of who God is and how He works the question should be restated as, “How can God use this to mold me and to glorify Himself?” When we begin to see depression as a tool in the hand of the Master, we can lean into the struggle and work with Him to bring about His masterpiece.
You see, trials, struggles, and pain do not have to destroy us. They can be used to aid us in our spiritual growth and maturity. When we grasp this truth, we can cease trying to relieve ourselves of the pain and learn instead how to master it, using it to cause us to be more in tune with and more aware of God’s activity in our lives.
One of the most quoted verses in the New Testament is Romans 8:28. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom 8:28 NKJ) I can hear you quoting it from memory. You probably didn’t even have to read the verse did you? Now focus on this verse with me. The verse says that all things work together for good; not some things, not most things, but all things. I would have to conclude that depression would fall under the category of all things.
So we can be safe in saying, “depression works together for good.” I can hear the cringes of some of you. I’ll probably even read some very frustrated emails. Unfortunately many of us are convinced that God would never allow bad things into our lives. It’s blasphemy to think He would willingly allow us to hurt! Is it? Is it really? Let’s look at several Bible figures to see if this is true.
Genesis 45 brings about the climax in the life of a man named Joseph. He had experienced betrayal, slavery, false accusations, imprisonment, and being forgotten. He was hated by his brothers, accused of rape, and left in prison, forgotten by those who promised to help him. Yet, through all of this he leaned into God and continued to serve him. He did not rebel or give up. And as we pull back the curtain on this forty-fifth chapter of Genesis we see that his life has improved. Joseph has journeyed from the pit of despair to being second in command over Egypt. And now, as h e encounters his brothers, Joseph looks back over all he had endured and says, “So now it was not you (his brothers through their betrayal) who sent me here, but God.” (Genesis 45:8a NKJ) Do you remember how he got to Egypt? He was sold as a slave by his own family! Yet it wasn’t his family that brought him to Egypt but God! Later Joseph tells his brothers, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20 NKJ)
You see, what we deem to be unnecessary or even bad, God is using for our benefit. He is also using it for the benefit of others. He is building us into strong yet dependent believers - people who can walk through fire and come through such trials without even the smell of smoke. Which brings me to three young Hebrew men. We find their story in the third chapter of Daniel. We almost exclusively refer to them by their Babylonian names - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Those young men, though, were first named by their loving parents. Of Hebrew birth, they were given names that revealed the character of their God. Shadrach was originally named Hananiah, Meshach had been Mishael, and Abed-Nego carried the name Azariah before his captivity in Babylon. However, in their early teens these three boys were taken from their homes, their families, and all that was familiar to them and carried away to Babylon. Their they lost all their rights and freedoms as they became servants to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. I am sure we all would consider such a life event to be devastating to say the lease. Yet these young men refused to allow fear and uncertainty to master their behaviors or their faith in God. Instead they drew closer to Him and determined to remain faithful to Him no matter their feelings or their circumstances. Surely God would honor this!
But things took a turn for the worse. Day after day they watched as a large image was built nearby. Understanding the ways of their captors Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego knew this statue was not a benign presence. They understood the image was being erected for the sole purpose of worship. The day came when they were commanded to worship the statue or face a painful death by being burned alive. Why would God allow this terrible thing to happen to these men who had remained faithful to Him? What could their deaths possibly prove?
Ah! But God’s plan was to use this seemingly useless struggle to prove Himself faithful. If Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego had not determined to worship only their God, had they not been forced into the furnace of fire, they would not have experienced the very essence of God’s faithfulness. Nebuchadnezzar would never have realized that the God of these Hebrews was greater and stronger than any false god in Babylon! However, that is not all that was accomplished during this fiery trial. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were promoted to prominent positions within the kingdom giving them more influence and more opportunities to make God known to pagan Babylonians. Our trials similarly have an effect. When we lean into God, trusting His sovereignty, we grow in Him. Others see our trials and acknowledge God’s faithfulness. And, we are promoted in our faith, moving from the faith of a newborn babe to the faith of a mature believer.
So, does God allow painful often confusing situations to come into our lives? Indeed. Has He allowed you and I to wrestle with depression? I have to say yes. In His sovereignty God has ultimate control over what situations touch us. He filters what touches our lives. He determines how it can be used for His glory and our growth.
God's Work Through Depression
When faced with depression we often ask ourselves, “What is wrong with me?” I’ve come to understand that as a believer such a question is too simple, too hopeless. With an understanding of who God is and how He works the question should be restated as, “How can God use this to mold me and to glorify Himself?” When we begin to see depression as a tool in the hand of the Master, we can lean into the struggle and work with Him to bring about His masterpiece.
You see, trials, struggles, and pain do not have to destroy us. They can be used to aid us in our spiritual growth and maturity. When we grasp this truth, we can cease trying to relieve ourselves of the pain and learn instead how to master it, using it to cause us to be more in tune with and more aware of God’s activity in our lives.
One of the most quoted verses in the New Testament is Romans 8:28. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom 8:28 NKJ) I can hear you quoting it from memory. You probably didn’t even have to read the verse did you? Now focus on this verse with me. The verse says that all things work together for good; not some things, not most things, but all things. I would have to conclude that depression would fall under the category of all things.
So we can be safe in saying, “depression works together for good.” I can hear the cringes of some of you. I’ll probably even read some very frustrated emails. Unfortunately many of us are convinced that God would never allow bad things into our lives. It’s blasphemy to think He would willingly allow us to hurt! Is it? Is it really? Let’s look at several Bible figures to see if this is true.
Genesis 45 brings about the climax in the life of a man named Joseph. He had experienced betrayal, slavery, false accusations, imprisonment, and being forgotten. He was hated by his brothers, accused of rape, and left in prison, forgotten by those who promised to help him. Yet, through all of this he leaned into God and continued to serve him. He did not rebel or give up. And as we pull back the curtain on this forty-fifth chapter of Genesis we see that his life has improved. Joseph has journeyed from the pit of despair to being second in command over Egypt. And now, as h e encounters his brothers, Joseph looks back over all he had endured and says, “So now it was not you (his brothers through their betrayal) who sent me here, but God.” (Genesis 45:8a NKJ) Do you remember how he got to Egypt? He was sold as a slave by his own family! Yet it wasn’t his family that brought him to Egypt but God! Later Joseph tells his brothers, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20 NKJ)
You see, what we deem to be unnecessary or even bad, God is using for our benefit. He is also using it for the benefit of others. He is building us into strong yet dependent believers - people who can walk through fire and come through such trials without even the smell of smoke. Which brings me to three young Hebrew men. We find their story in the third chapter of Daniel. We almost exclusively refer to them by their Babylonian names - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Those young men, though, were first named by their loving parents. Of Hebrew birth, they were given names that revealed the character of their God. Shadrach was originally named Hananiah, Meshach had been Mishael, and Abed-Nego carried the name Azariah before his captivity in Babylon. However, in their early teens these three boys were taken from their homes, their families, and all that was familiar to them and carried away to Babylon. Their they lost all their rights and freedoms as they became servants to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. I am sure we all would consider such a life event to be devastating to say the lease. Yet these young men refused to allow fear and uncertainty to master their behaviors or their faith in God. Instead they drew closer to Him and determined to remain faithful to Him no matter their feelings or their circumstances. Surely God would honor this!
But things took a turn for the worse. Day after day they watched as a large image was built nearby. Understanding the ways of their captors Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego knew this statue was not a benign presence. They understood the image was being erected for the sole purpose of worship. The day came when they were commanded to worship the statue or face a painful death by being burned alive. Why would God allow this terrible thing to happen to these men who had remained faithful to Him? What could their deaths possibly prove?
Ah! But God’s plan was to use this seemingly useless struggle to prove Himself faithful. If Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego had not determined to worship only their God, had they not been forced into the furnace of fire, they would not have experienced the very essence of God’s faithfulness. Nebuchadnezzar would never have realized that the God of these Hebrews was greater and stronger than any false god in Babylon! However, that is not all that was accomplished during this fiery trial. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were promoted to prominent positions within the kingdom giving them more influence and more opportunities to make God known to pagan Babylonians. Our trials similarly have an effect. When we lean into God, trusting His sovereignty, we grow in Him. Others see our trials and acknowledge God’s faithfulness. And, we are promoted in our faith, moving from the faith of a newborn babe to the faith of a mature believer.
So, does God allow painful often confusing situations to come into our lives? Indeed. Has He allowed you and I to wrestle with depression? I have to say yes. In His sovereignty God has ultimate control over what situations touch us. He filters what touches our lives. He determines how it can be used for His glory and our growth.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Truth versus Feeling
Sometimes what we know to be true and what we feel are two separate things. And too often we place our feelings above what is true. For those of us who deal with depression, our emotions can take us on a roller coaster ride. One minute we may be ecstatic, the next we might feel worthless. Each minute we must choose - will I believe God's word or will I rely on how I feel?
It seems so simple. Just choose to be happy. Choose to be content. Just believe what God says about you. Yet choosing to believe truth at times seems as hard as climbing Mount Everest and almost as impossible. We see the mountain before us and just know it has already conquered us! And yet that in itself is not true.
The constant of the battle for our minds rages. We must stand and refuse to allow lies (even the lies we tell ourselves) to overcome us. It gets tiring. War is never easy. We get wounded. Thankfully we are in the army of the Great Healer. If we could take one battle at a time and focus on overcoming for that moment, perhaps we would have more success. Instead of looking at the whole war and thinking, "I'll never make it," we could look at the single foe before us and say, "I can take him." Instead of looking at the mountain and saying, "It is way too tall; I'll never reach the top," we can determine to focus just a few feet ahead and make it to that point. One step at a time.
Maybe, too, we could look back and see how far we've come. Sometimes such self evaluation helps us to see that we are not just spinning our wheels, but are indeed making progress. While struggling up the mountain, perhaps we should stop to look back and see how high we've climbed; not looking at how far we have to go. That might just be the push we need to make it the next few feet.
I guess I'm writing this because that is where I am today. My emotions, my fears are really pounding on me. I feel down. I feel like I can't do it. The war looks too bloody. The mountain seems too tall. I need to believe God's truth because the lies are overwhelming. Why do I share this with you. Definitely not so that you would think I am a nut! But to let you know that whatever your struggle you are not alone. We are fighting this battle together. We are climing this cliff as partners. I pray for you, and I ask that you pray for me. We are promised victory. We just have to hold on and keep moving.
I love you for being my sister in Christ! I need you!
It seems so simple. Just choose to be happy. Choose to be content. Just believe what God says about you. Yet choosing to believe truth at times seems as hard as climbing Mount Everest and almost as impossible. We see the mountain before us and just know it has already conquered us! And yet that in itself is not true.
The constant of the battle for our minds rages. We must stand and refuse to allow lies (even the lies we tell ourselves) to overcome us. It gets tiring. War is never easy. We get wounded. Thankfully we are in the army of the Great Healer. If we could take one battle at a time and focus on overcoming for that moment, perhaps we would have more success. Instead of looking at the whole war and thinking, "I'll never make it," we could look at the single foe before us and say, "I can take him." Instead of looking at the mountain and saying, "It is way too tall; I'll never reach the top," we can determine to focus just a few feet ahead and make it to that point. One step at a time.
Maybe, too, we could look back and see how far we've come. Sometimes such self evaluation helps us to see that we are not just spinning our wheels, but are indeed making progress. While struggling up the mountain, perhaps we should stop to look back and see how high we've climbed; not looking at how far we have to go. That might just be the push we need to make it the next few feet.
I guess I'm writing this because that is where I am today. My emotions, my fears are really pounding on me. I feel down. I feel like I can't do it. The war looks too bloody. The mountain seems too tall. I need to believe God's truth because the lies are overwhelming. Why do I share this with you. Definitely not so that you would think I am a nut! But to let you know that whatever your struggle you are not alone. We are fighting this battle together. We are climing this cliff as partners. I pray for you, and I ask that you pray for me. We are promised victory. We just have to hold on and keep moving.
I love you for being my sister in Christ! I need you!
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Foundation
This is the introduction to a book I started writing a few years ago. At the present I am working a piece that is taking longer than I anticipated. However, I believe it will be relevant to many of our lives. I can't wait to share it with you! Till then, be challenged by this post.
Stumbling Blocks and Stepping Stones
Introduction: Each of us has experienced some really difficult times. I'm sure if we sat down together we could tell some stories. We could share tales of heartache and stories of triumph. We've each had some valleys to crawl through and some mountaintops to dance upon. We are being molded through what Christ is allowing into our lives. Every situation is an opportunity to know Him better and to grow to be more like Him. Unfortunately, we don't always wiew it this way. At times the pain is so great we cannot see past the circumstance to grasp the hope Christ has for us. Other times we are led astray by temptations that could have been used to teach us to trust God, and we miss the opportunity to grow as a believer.
As I have walked the road of my life through the divorce of my parents, have cancer as a teen, miscarraiges, and depression I am learning a very important truth. It is a truth that is vital to the success and freedom of the believer. The truth is this: every situation we encountaer as believers is a tool in the hand of Almighty God that can be used to benefit and mature us. Nothing happens by chance. No situation is hopeless. God is very aware of what is going on in our lives and has only our best interest in mind. At times it may seem God has forgotten us. At times it may even seem as if He doesn't care. But that couldn't be farter from the truth. We are His precious children. God invested much to save us and to claim us as His own. He has begun a wonderful work in our lives and will see it to completing. As you read this book you will be reminded of the grace of God in your own life. My hope is that you will also begin to see the hand of God working in every situation you encounter.
Jesus - The Cornerstone
"Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like the person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like the person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash." (Matthew 7:24-27 NLT)
A certain woman decided to build herself a house. She had lived in many structures and not one was to her liking. Some had ceilings that were too low. Others had too few bedrooms. She despised the views offered by each. And two of her precious homes had neighbors with loud, barking dogs. This woman knew what she wanted but could not find it anywhere. So, to rid herself of the frustration of looking for another home, the woman bought a beautiful plot of land and called her builder.
The woman met with the builder and they decided which features she would most appreciate in her new dwelling. Together they rode to the edge of town to see the coveted piece of land she had purchased. As they approached the homesite the builder became concerned. The woman had bought a piece of land with a magnificent view of the ocean. What the woman had failed to recognize was that the land had no solid building site on which to build her home. The builder told her such, but she was determined to continue with her home-building plans. Under much duress the builder agreed to build the home the woman so desired.
Months passed and the woman moved into her new house. She was very pleased with the craftsmanship of her new home. It was eveything she wanted. The ceilings were tall and majestic. She had plenty of bedrooms for her family and guests. All the amenities she desired were present in her new home. And, there were no barking dogs living next door. The woman went to decorating her beautiful, custom built home.
Winter soon came and the season proved to be very wet. Day in and day out rain beat at the roof and walls of the woman's home. She found refuge from the harsh weather curled up by the fireplace where she kept warm. One night as she sat reading in her bed the woman felt the house shift. "Strange," she thought to herself but kept reading. A few moments later the rain picked up and the house moved again. The woman reached for her phone and called her builder. "My house if moving! I'm afraid it is about to be swept straight out into the sea!" She exclaimed hysterically. "Ma'am," her builder replied, "we went over this. I warned you about the location, but you insisted on building your home there. There is nothing I can do to help you." The woman slammed the phone down frustrated with her builder, but even more frustrated with herself. "Why had I not listed to my builder? He told me to build on a more solid foundation, but I had to do it my way." Realizing she was about to loose everything she valued the woman gathered a few things and left her house. When she returned the next morning all she found were the broken remains of her dream.
This woman lost much in terms of material possessions. She had set her heart on something and let nothing deter her from seeing it through. While perseverance is a commendable attribute, persevering after the wrong things is a tragedy that often cannot be easily remedied. This woman had many choices as to where she could lay the foundation of her house, and against wise counsel she chose a foolish location. However, she stands with much company. For we, too, are easily given over to setting our lives on shakey ground. We ignore the wise counsel of God, build our lives on unforgiving foundations, and loose much in the process. However, we loose much more than materieal possessions. We often lose our self-respect, family relationships, friendships, our innocense, and our dreams. If we are lucky we may escape the crumbling house with a few valuables, but replacing all we lose is almost impossible.
We have been given many choices, and choices are one of the joys in life. However, when it comes to vital decisions of what we will build our lives upon, let us not go against wise counsel and choose a weak, shifting foundation. We have many foundations on which we can choose to build our lives. We may seek wealth as an end to all means. Or perhaps we feel we would be secure with an impressive job title or career. Frienships, popularity, good-looks, knowledge, and a good reputation are all foundations on which people build their lives. On the other extreme some people base their lives on revenge, sexual gratification, self-indulgence, or power. However, scripture is clear that there is only one thing worth our time and energy; only one hope that will not disappoint - Jesus, the cornerstone. He alone is able to stand the storms of life. He alone will not fall when everything else begins to crumble. He is strong, unmoving, and never changing.
As a believer, Christ is the foundation on which you are encouraged to build your life. Yes, there are other things that seem worthy and admirable. Being a mother is a wonderful investment of my time and energy, but if mothering is the foundation for my life, I am setting myself up for serious frustration. There are many great callings, but that is what they should remain. They should never become the basis for our hope and worth. If we set our hope on anything but Christ we will be tragically disappointed. For these things do not last. Nothing and no one but Christ has the ability to carry us and to not disappoint us in the end. He is the firm foundation. As the storms of life blow He does not sway; He does not bend; He does not run. And if we are planted firmly with Christ we will also remain strong during all the pains and tragedies of life.
So where is your hope? Is it in your 401K? Is it in your tone body and nice hair? Is your hope in your career, your friendships, or even your spouse? Or is your hope in Christ? Are you the wise man who built your house on the solid rock of Jesus Christ, or the foolish person who ignores the truth of Christ and finds all hope washed away with the rising tides? Friend, I want to offer you the hope I have found in every situation. Hope found in the One who has turned my mourning into dancing, who has given me that deep rooted joy we aread about in James that comes in spite of circumstances. But before you can turn your stumbling blocks into stepping stones you must be firmly planted on that firm foundation called Jesus Christ. Is He the basis of your life? Is He your passion, your heart's desire, your Lord? Don't mistake weekly attendance at church for a deep, active relationship with Christ. Are you living a life centered around God, or are you insisting He revolve around you? Until you take the first step through complete submission to God, your foundation is shakey. Let's start building, you and I, on this firm foundation of Jesus, the Christ.
Stumbling Blocks and Stepping Stones
Introduction: Each of us has experienced some really difficult times. I'm sure if we sat down together we could tell some stories. We could share tales of heartache and stories of triumph. We've each had some valleys to crawl through and some mountaintops to dance upon. We are being molded through what Christ is allowing into our lives. Every situation is an opportunity to know Him better and to grow to be more like Him. Unfortunately, we don't always wiew it this way. At times the pain is so great we cannot see past the circumstance to grasp the hope Christ has for us. Other times we are led astray by temptations that could have been used to teach us to trust God, and we miss the opportunity to grow as a believer.
As I have walked the road of my life through the divorce of my parents, have cancer as a teen, miscarraiges, and depression I am learning a very important truth. It is a truth that is vital to the success and freedom of the believer. The truth is this: every situation we encountaer as believers is a tool in the hand of Almighty God that can be used to benefit and mature us. Nothing happens by chance. No situation is hopeless. God is very aware of what is going on in our lives and has only our best interest in mind. At times it may seem God has forgotten us. At times it may even seem as if He doesn't care. But that couldn't be farter from the truth. We are His precious children. God invested much to save us and to claim us as His own. He has begun a wonderful work in our lives and will see it to completing. As you read this book you will be reminded of the grace of God in your own life. My hope is that you will also begin to see the hand of God working in every situation you encounter.
Jesus - The Cornerstone
"Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like the person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like the person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash." (Matthew 7:24-27 NLT)
A certain woman decided to build herself a house. She had lived in many structures and not one was to her liking. Some had ceilings that were too low. Others had too few bedrooms. She despised the views offered by each. And two of her precious homes had neighbors with loud, barking dogs. This woman knew what she wanted but could not find it anywhere. So, to rid herself of the frustration of looking for another home, the woman bought a beautiful plot of land and called her builder.
The woman met with the builder and they decided which features she would most appreciate in her new dwelling. Together they rode to the edge of town to see the coveted piece of land she had purchased. As they approached the homesite the builder became concerned. The woman had bought a piece of land with a magnificent view of the ocean. What the woman had failed to recognize was that the land had no solid building site on which to build her home. The builder told her such, but she was determined to continue with her home-building plans. Under much duress the builder agreed to build the home the woman so desired.
Months passed and the woman moved into her new house. She was very pleased with the craftsmanship of her new home. It was eveything she wanted. The ceilings were tall and majestic. She had plenty of bedrooms for her family and guests. All the amenities she desired were present in her new home. And, there were no barking dogs living next door. The woman went to decorating her beautiful, custom built home.
Winter soon came and the season proved to be very wet. Day in and day out rain beat at the roof and walls of the woman's home. She found refuge from the harsh weather curled up by the fireplace where she kept warm. One night as she sat reading in her bed the woman felt the house shift. "Strange," she thought to herself but kept reading. A few moments later the rain picked up and the house moved again. The woman reached for her phone and called her builder. "My house if moving! I'm afraid it is about to be swept straight out into the sea!" She exclaimed hysterically. "Ma'am," her builder replied, "we went over this. I warned you about the location, but you insisted on building your home there. There is nothing I can do to help you." The woman slammed the phone down frustrated with her builder, but even more frustrated with herself. "Why had I not listed to my builder? He told me to build on a more solid foundation, but I had to do it my way." Realizing she was about to loose everything she valued the woman gathered a few things and left her house. When she returned the next morning all she found were the broken remains of her dream.
This woman lost much in terms of material possessions. She had set her heart on something and let nothing deter her from seeing it through. While perseverance is a commendable attribute, persevering after the wrong things is a tragedy that often cannot be easily remedied. This woman had many choices as to where she could lay the foundation of her house, and against wise counsel she chose a foolish location. However, she stands with much company. For we, too, are easily given over to setting our lives on shakey ground. We ignore the wise counsel of God, build our lives on unforgiving foundations, and loose much in the process. However, we loose much more than materieal possessions. We often lose our self-respect, family relationships, friendships, our innocense, and our dreams. If we are lucky we may escape the crumbling house with a few valuables, but replacing all we lose is almost impossible.
We have been given many choices, and choices are one of the joys in life. However, when it comes to vital decisions of what we will build our lives upon, let us not go against wise counsel and choose a weak, shifting foundation. We have many foundations on which we can choose to build our lives. We may seek wealth as an end to all means. Or perhaps we feel we would be secure with an impressive job title or career. Frienships, popularity, good-looks, knowledge, and a good reputation are all foundations on which people build their lives. On the other extreme some people base their lives on revenge, sexual gratification, self-indulgence, or power. However, scripture is clear that there is only one thing worth our time and energy; only one hope that will not disappoint - Jesus, the cornerstone. He alone is able to stand the storms of life. He alone will not fall when everything else begins to crumble. He is strong, unmoving, and never changing.
As a believer, Christ is the foundation on which you are encouraged to build your life. Yes, there are other things that seem worthy and admirable. Being a mother is a wonderful investment of my time and energy, but if mothering is the foundation for my life, I am setting myself up for serious frustration. There are many great callings, but that is what they should remain. They should never become the basis for our hope and worth. If we set our hope on anything but Christ we will be tragically disappointed. For these things do not last. Nothing and no one but Christ has the ability to carry us and to not disappoint us in the end. He is the firm foundation. As the storms of life blow He does not sway; He does not bend; He does not run. And if we are planted firmly with Christ we will also remain strong during all the pains and tragedies of life.
So where is your hope? Is it in your 401K? Is it in your tone body and nice hair? Is your hope in your career, your friendships, or even your spouse? Or is your hope in Christ? Are you the wise man who built your house on the solid rock of Jesus Christ, or the foolish person who ignores the truth of Christ and finds all hope washed away with the rising tides? Friend, I want to offer you the hope I have found in every situation. Hope found in the One who has turned my mourning into dancing, who has given me that deep rooted joy we aread about in James that comes in spite of circumstances. But before you can turn your stumbling blocks into stepping stones you must be firmly planted on that firm foundation called Jesus Christ. Is He the basis of your life? Is He your passion, your heart's desire, your Lord? Don't mistake weekly attendance at church for a deep, active relationship with Christ. Are you living a life centered around God, or are you insisting He revolve around you? Until you take the first step through complete submission to God, your foundation is shakey. Let's start building, you and I, on this firm foundation of Jesus, the Christ.
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