Showing posts with label Discipleship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Discipleship. Show all posts
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linda
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And then this week, I read this- about discipleship, and doing the real, day-in, day-out practices of faith that lead to spiritual growth & maturity in Christ. It's from Dallas Willard:
"But, someone will say, can I not be 'saved'-- that is, get into heaven when I die-- without any of this? Perhaps you can. God's goodness is so great, I am sure that He will let you in if He can find any basis at all to do so. But you might wish to think about what your life amounts to before you did, about what kind of person you are becoming, and about whether you really would be comfortable for eternity in the presence of One whose company you have not found especially desirable for the few hours and days of your earthly existence. And He is, after all, One who says to you now, 'Follow me!' "
It is such a huge call, to follow Christ. It is no small thing. Not a decision made once, in response to an altar call at church camp... not a fire insurance policy. No, following Christ is a daily thing.
Sometimes so painful, but in that pain, there is growth, and it is good. Like those old growing pains... oh I remember when I was about 9 or 10 and my legs would have these shooting pains-- they were not pleasant, but they were for my good. I needed to grow taller; God was stretching out my body so that I might grow into womanhood and have a frame that would support the weight and demands it would need to carry.
Recently, God allowed me to see the extent of my sin-- specifically, He has graciously placed pressures in my life that have revealed my anger. For many years, this sin lay dormant in my life, and then it slowly crept out as pressures mounted... but in the last year in particular, it has become clear: I have allowed myself to be mastered, enslaved, by anger... and the realization of this has brought me lower than I think I have ever been.But IT IS FOR MY GOOD that God has brought me low. He allows these momentary pressures so that He can refine and shape my life. Just like that orange, He is simply squeezing out of me what is already there. He is revealing what exists in me.
I am trying to willingly put myself under His hand... to submit to this refining process. To work with Him, instead of kicking against Him. This whole week has been a process of looking to Him daily, even moment-by-moment, depending on Him and greatly desiring His guidance (through the Spirit and the Word).
"Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus..." ~Hebrews 12:1-2
Re-reading this book online-- free!-- that I read in college, has proven instructive and fruitful for giving me a biblical foundation for seeking a breakthrough in the fight against the hold of this sin in my life. Rightly calling it what it is & confessing it with true contrition to those who have been hurt by it has brought it into the light. And the light is where I long to live. I want to have my life and heart be on the inside what it is on the outside, and what it is on the outside on the inside. I want anyone who looks at any thread in my life to see what is in every other thread... a true desire to be like Christ. To be a person who loves as I am loved, who roots out and fights against the hold of sin, who continually submits myself to this process of being shaped and refined by my Maker, who fights for justice, and encourages everyone to be free in Christ. To be -truly- free in Christ myself.
Getting real about discipleship means that I have to do the real work of it, daily. I can not sit back and "let go and let God". I will welcome this squeezing, and will be real about what pours out of my heart. Prayerfully, I will refill those squeezed-out places with Christ... with His Word, with His ways, with His Spirit. With His strength, I will not allow those places to be reclaimed by the stronghold of sin. By His help, I will work with all my might to be more like Jesus.
I am writing this in a continued effort to be transparent here, and this blog would not be a full picture of my life if I did not deal with my ugly sin in a straightforward way. This is who I am, but I want to be more like Jesus. I'm so thankful that He doesn't let me stay ugly, but that He keeps squeezing that ugly right out of me. And in the process, He makes beautiful things out of us.
http://youtu.be/nJ4yNYY1hHM
Please pray for me. And please feel free to share what God is doing to refine you. The longer I live, the more I am convinced that He wants to make beautiful things of all of us, and I want to work with Him to that end.
Images:
Poppy- Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Squeeze- Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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linda
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I recently bought the entire New Testament from the Bible Experience (oh I love these recordings!) and took the opportunity to listen to the entire books of Matthew & Mark all in one afternoon/evening. (Matthew took the entire length of my 3 year old's naptime, including the time it took him to fall asleep), and Mark took 90 minutes.
I had a couple of random observations from listening to the gospels in such a intensive format.
I had a couple of random observations from listening to the gospels in such a intensive format.
- The writers shared specific details (5 loaves & 2 fishes for 5000 men plus women and children, 7 loaves for 4000 men plus women and children) because these are real stories-- real events-- not euphemisms or general impressions of how miraculous Jesus was.
- Boy, Jesus really came down hard on the Pharisees. And really, a lot of both gospels was spent with all the ways they (and the Sadducees & Essenes) plotted and laid traps to try and trip Jesus up in His teachings. Multiple times yesterday, my heart started praying, "Father, don't let me be like the Pharisees.... seeing, but not understanding, hearing, but not perceiving. Help me understand. Let me perceive what You really mean. Discipline & shape me to be humble and teachable."
- Jesus did a lot of healing. It seems that physical healing is what drove most people to come out and listen to Him, rather than some inward spiritual hungering or thirsting.
- The extensive, specific genealogies in both books immediately reminded me of recently beginning a book by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a woman raised as a Muslim in Somalia, and how as a child, she was taught to be able to list out her ancestors, back at least 200 years. Before she learned almost anything else (practical, religious, or educational) about life, her genealogy was of paramount importance. We don't do this, so genealogies seem superfluous and dull to us, but to someone who values the heritage and history communicated in the lists of ancestors, this would be an important part of the gospels, and of the authority of Christ.
- Jesus laid out the specifics to prepare the disciples for His arrest & death multiple times, "they will hand over the Son of Man to be killed," "She is preparing my body for burial," so many times in fact that it is difficult to believe that the Disciples didn't seem prepared.
- I wonder if the title "King of the Jews" came from the Jewish notion that the Messiah would be a military/political leader? I wonder if He had really been called this by some people, and if certain portions of the population were really trying to thrust him into political power, or if (like I've been told all my life) it WAS solely to mock Him? I don't know. =
- Stay SPIRITUALLY awake! Don't fall into a noncommittal, bland, sideline-style faith. We should always be engaged & prepared for His coming.
From Mark 13: "Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” - I wondered as I listened to the account of Judas going out to betray Jesus if it was the acceptance of sinners that pushed him right over the edge. See, the woman known as a prostitute came and poured out her expensive oil on Jesus, and instead of condemning her, He said she was preparing His body, AND that she would be honored for all of time. From that banquet, apparently right after hearing Jesus say that such a sinful woman would be honored in the Kingdom of God, Judas went out to make his initial plans with the council to kill Jesus. It made me introspectively consider if I am self-righteously put off when outright sinners are accepted and beloved by God. I hope that is never the case in my heart... but that is one of the warnings of Judas to us.
This was such a wonderful, wonderful exercise for me... and I'm so thankful to now own the entire NT produced by the Bible Experience. I highly recommend it for those of you who might be able to intentionally use & listen to an audio Bible. It is dramatically done, and brings vivacity to the text; it enhances rather than distracting.
I hope to do this regularly, to remind myself of the core teachings and truth of Jesus Christ.
Bread Image: dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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linda
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"Soul care begins with time. We can begin with small time commitments. By tinkering here, cleaning and polishing there, we refurbish the soul. Some may need to 'get away from it all' for a major overhaul, but for most of us, day-by-day maintenance will add up to soul care. Now is the time to begin." ~Stephen W. Smith, Embracing Soul Care
Consider: What resources do you have available to you, and are you making good use of them? Is there a ladies' Bible study you could join that would give you the opportunity to connect with other women, and go deeper in Scripture? Do you have a friend you could trade off with (caring for your children), once every month or so, to give each of you a day of rest and reflection every so often? Do you have a book on your shelf that you need to read more diligently to fuel your mind & heart? Are you surrounding yourself with Scripture in your home to encourage and challenge you as you go about your days? Is there something practical you could change in your daily life that would reduce your stress & give you more time/mental space for "soul care"?
Smith writes this about soul care: "it figures out what truly matters in life and then realigns the self to those higher priorities.... it slows down the frenetic lifestyle to make time for the soul."
GOD LOOKS AT THE HEART; SO SHOULD WE
We sell ourselves short when, whether as a businessman or as a homeschool mom, our lives become about achieving, doing, and performing. God looks at our soul-- not at our outward appearance, not at our checked off (or unchecked) to do list.
Smith encourages us to be more curious-- "Curiosity invites us to wonder, 'What is God up to in my life? What is He doing in the world?' A curious soul seeks to know God and appreciate His ways."
Look around you, and look in your heart. Where is God at work? What things do you sense that the Potter is trying to shape in your life? Do you see something He is doing that you can take part in?
As you look in your heart and in your world, what do you see God doing? How can you join in? What things might you need to stop doing in order to "realign" yourself to those higher priorities? How can you begin, today, to care for your soul?
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linda
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So today is Ash Wednesday. That didn't mean anything at all to me, growing up, and it still doesn't really, in terms of real practical living. But I appreciate the general pattern of fasting at meaningful times represented by the traditional celebration of Lent, kicked off by Ash Wednesday.Today, I decided to take a self-imposed break, or fast, from Facebook & all online forums. Honestly, I don't spend a lot of time on forums at this stage in life, but I need to be more disciplined and use my time more fruitfully, to worship God & serve my family.
There have been times when I have spent more time in these online locations-- when I was beginning homeschooling, for example, I spent a lot of time on Sonlight Forums (a WONDERFUL place to learn about homeschooling), and I've spent a good amount of time on the Raising Godly Tomatoes forum at various points, learning and gleaning wisdom from wise women about child rearing. But now is an excellent time for fasting from these things, so I am.
FASTING/LENT
As moms of little ones, fasting is an interesting topic.
In most religious traditions with "rules"/guidelines about these sorts of things, pregnant women, breastfeeding moms, children, and the elderly are excluded from the requirement of fasting from food. As Christians, we don't have specific rules like this governing our decisions about fasting, but we do know that God is "gentle with those who are with young" (Isaiah 40:11) and knows we are made of dust. As women, we recognize that we are a weaker vessel... particularly, more fragile in certain conditions that we often find ourselves in when we are mothers of little ones (pregnant/breastfeeding/in a more exhausted state/etc.).
Spiritually, I have grown so much through times of fasting from food. I first fasted in college, and found it to be a way of being much more intentionally focused on prayer & God's Word, and then have had a virtual hiatus from fasting for the last 10 years as I've been pregnant or breastfeeding for virtually 100% of the time during these years. Since I am currently neither pregnant nor nursing, I have enjoyed the spiritual growth & times of more intensive prayer that comes from regular fasts once again, knowing that the time may again come when I cannot do so.
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR MOMS OF LITTLE ONES
I want to encourage you in two ways:
- If you are at a place where you feel free to take fasts from certain things, and can do it healthily, and joyfully as unto the Lord, do it. BUT ALSO-
- If you are in a place of neediness, exhaustion, feeling burnt out, used up, stressed, etc., allow the Lord to fill you and meet your needs. Do not feel pressure from others to give up things that you need or do what you can not do. Let your yes be yes and your no be no, and rejoice in either fasting or in letting the Lord supply your needs.
As Christians, we are not bound to ritualistic feasting or fasting. And particularly as a young mother, your God, El Roi, sees your state. He knows your needs. Let Him be the source of any religious observation AND the meeter of your every need. Draw on HIS reserves. You can do that through fasting, or through the joyful receiving of food (or the joyful receiving of internet wisdom, or the joyful eating of chocolate, or whatever you might feel pressure to "give up" during Lent). Don't let the convictions or decisions of others rule your life, particularly in this demanding season of your life.
"He will tend his flock like a shepherd... and will gently lead those who are with young."
~ Isaiah 40:11
Rest in your God. Rely on your God. Rejoice in your God. Do this, whether fasting or partaking.
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linda
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I calculated it yesterday: 28 months out of our last 6 years (72 months) have been spent in temporary housing of one kind or another... whether a guest flat with just the essentials, a raised wooden traditional Thai house, an ultra-modern apartment in Hong Kong, vacation rentals, or a guest home here in the US, we've had a lot of time in temporary dwellings. We've done it around the world, and with 2, 3, 4, and 5 kids in tow.
Yesterday, it occurred to me that this earth is a temporary dwelling place. This temporary body houses my eternal soul until I'm given an eternal body like Christ's. When we experience resurrection to eternity with God in Heaven, these things that seem so normal and so much like "home" will seem distant, just like all of those temporary dwellings seem to me now.
So I thought, what can I learn from our experiences in temporary situations?
Yesterday, it occurred to me that this earth is a temporary dwelling place. This temporary body houses my eternal soul until I'm given an eternal body like Christ's. When we experience resurrection to eternity with God in Heaven, these things that seem so normal and so much like "home" will seem distant, just like all of those temporary dwellings seem to me now.
So I thought, what can I learn from our experiences in temporary situations?
- Temporary dwellings are definitely something to be grateful for. Each home we've stayed in has met a need... a need for medical attention, a need for rest, or maybe a need for a place to stay while something else was found & prepared for us.
I'm thankful for life on earth, even though I know it's not all it could have been, or all it will one day be on the New Earth.
- Temporary dwellings can sometimes make for strange situations: like me getting locked in a small bathroom on our first night in Hong Kong, or lizards crawling across our ceiling while our newborn daughter slept in a bamboo & mesh cage to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes in Thailand (photographic evidence above and below).
Sometimes things on earth work out strange too.... godly people struggle with infertility while the unwed druggie has multiple children. Now we know that rain falls on the righteous and unrighteous; and drought strikes both groups too... but it can be downright weird and potentially discouraging when you happen to be in that moment where hard circumstances hit the faithful, and you see unbelievers heaped up with blessings.
- Temporary dwellings can be inconvenient. Everything isn't where you think it should be. Maybe you don't have a good knife, don't know the best places to shop, or you lack basic information or resources that everyone around you seems to have. Even things that seem necessary may not be available.
Boy, this relates to life here on earth as a believer, doesn't it? Sometimes I feel like I'm just not equipped right. I can be brash and short with people when frustrated, and I see this principle in everyone around me too. We all have these deficiencies... not just sin, but sometimes personality foibles and quirks that make others scratch their heads (or, in 6th grade, call names). Paul calls them "these momentary afflictions." - Temporary dwellings make you feel unsettled. This one has struck me the most, particularly while living in them. You didn't pick the furniture, maybe you dislike the location, you don't have your favorite household items, and you're living in transition. It's just unsettling.
Sometimes we sense this here... our bodies wear out quickly, and we feel exhausted and used up. We feel weary of life and tired when the hardest moments hit. But do we really feel this way like we should? I don't. Even after reading (and leading a study) on Randy Alcorn's book Heaven, I tend to think of earth as "home".
As I anticipate moving into our new home, the one I hope we'll get to live in for a long time (however long that is will be handled by the Lord, as He's always seen fit to move us around according to His purposes), I think I have this little glimpse of the excitement we should feel about Heaven... there's this place that's been prepared for us... it will suit our needs & we won't feel this constant unsettling (course, we ultimately will because we aren't in Heaven yet, but you know what I mean). Right now, though, I just want to express gratitude for all the ways God has provided for us even in the midst of temporary situations. He is good, and all His ways are good.
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linda
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As a mom of little ones, at times it can be so difficult to try to find time for the Word... and yet, it is SO essential! I have to confess there are times when I've fallen into discouragement & gotten out of the habit of regular intake of Scripture. However, there is nothing like having God's Word in your heart and mind as you go about life as a mom! Scripture is necessary for our encouragement, training, and strength... it is what we need as we minister to the people in our family!Now, I absolutely don't want to contribute to legalism or a sense of failure for anyone out there, but also, I know there are many who are trying to implement new habits in Scripture as you begin 2012. Some of you have just had a new baby, some are homeschooling several children on different levels, and some of you may be chasing toddlers for what seems like 72 hours each day. In an effort to encourage your commitment to the Word, I offer up these ideas; use them as you see fit. Please view none of them as an absolute command... rather, see these as possible methods to utilize. I hope they will bless you as you seek ways to weave God's Word into your day.
Here are some ways, in various seasons of motherhood, that I've found to get more Scripture in my heart and mind:
- Find an audio Bible that you love to listen to, and download books. Listen to Scripture as you go about your day... while you're building block towers, putting in a load of dishes, or folding laundry, your mind can be engaged in the Word!
- Set your Bible on the counter and read while you work. As you flip pancakes or wash dishes, open up your Bible to the place where you are reading. Read a Scripture or two, and then let your mind focus on that verse while you do the next thing... then look back down and move through a passage a verse or two at a time
- Wake up early and spend time in the Bible in the quiet of the morning. This is not something I have gotten into the habit of doing, but I've had friends for whom this works well. Our apartments and such have always been set up in ways where I would wake up the rest of the household if I got up, and so instead, I've opted to maximize sleep for everyone and find other ways to work Scripture into my days. But if this works for you, go for it!
- Use your first discretionary time each day to have time in the Word. Particularly when I have a newborn, I find this method to be the most helpful. It allows me to get the rest I need to have, and meet my baby & children's needs, but also, once those needs are met, helps me remember not to putz around on the internet or take up a new sewing project with my few free minutes, when I haven't yet spent at least some time in Scripture. So with this, there's no set "time" or "method" so much as just trying to jump into the Word once I get a few minutes free.
- Spend more time on a passage, not less. This may seem counterintuitive, as many Bible reading plans have you going through heaps of Scripture in a day's time, but I've found that I actually benefit more from the message of Scripture when I slow down and focus in on Scripture over the course of days. For example, for several years in a row, I took a "Book a Month" approach, and let each book's message percolate in my mind over the course of 4-5 weeks. Then I'd move onto the next book. That method allowed the heart and soul of each book to get more clear in my mind, as opposed to just sprinting my way through the Word. Each method of intaking Scripture has its own benefits, but I think particularly as a busy mom of little ones, this idea of parking in one place for a given length of time can give freedom and time to really draw the marrow out of a passage, and not contribute to a sense of feeling perpetually "behind".
- Read it out loud. Whatever passage you are reading, read out loud to your children. Use your voice to emphasize different parts, and let the message of Scripture be heard in your home just as you would do with a read-aloud book on your child's level.
Hopefully one or more of these have given you a new idea or approach to consider. Perhaps you have another idea or two that could help other moms increase their Scripture intake? Please share them in the comments!
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linda
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Here's another "7 Quick Takes":
- Herman, please stop. "Since I've been campaigning all week, I haven't had an opportunity to sit down with her and walk through this with my wife and my family. I will do that when I get back home on Friday," Cain told reporters " -- It's painful to watch his arrogance and lack of concern for his family. I can't imagine anything that would keep a respectable man from hopping on the next plan to his family, when accused of something like this, if false. This is horrible to watch, and I wish he'd just retreat and let the Republican race continue without this being the top story. There are much more important decisions to be made, and this perpetual Herman Cain/women story obscures the importance of the issues & decisions facing Republican voters.
- Are you listening to Christmas music now? We are, but I'm kind of bummed, I lost about 1/2 of my Christmas music collection when my computer crashed last year. I can't abide by cheesy or sub-par Christmas music, so it had taken me a while to build up not just tolerable, but enjoyable Christmas music (Sarah McLachlan, James Taylor, Reliant K, top-notch orchestras -- lots of good stuff). So for now, I'm mainly settling for Pandora stations.
- I've been embroidering like mad. I'm enjoying the fuel-for-ideas that comes from Pinterest. Here's my embroidery board, if you want to get an idea of what I've been doing.
- Our ladies' Bible study group has been working through the book "What Did You Expect?", and though the cover looks like it was written in 1983, it was only published last year and is a wonderful book about marriage, expectations, and sanctification as believers. It's very convicting in the very best ways.
- Doug's at an interview right now, as I type. This whole transition (our family deciding to stay here in America) has been faith-rebuilding for me, as once again, God reminds me of how much He has always cared for and provided for us. So many verses come to mind: "Remember the Lord," "The Father of Lights", "The Lord is near," "Forget not His benefits," "He cares for you," "Consider the birds of the air," "The Lord will indeed give what is good." That is not to say I believe that God will make us wealthy or always comfortable, or that everything will be smooth and easy, but I really am confident that our needs will be met, because He cares for us.
- Yelling in anger. Do you yell in your home? I didn't until our oldest was about 4 or 5, and suddenly, the stress overpowered my will power, and down went the house of cards. I began yelling at the children when I reached that "boiling point"; it became a pressure valve. I'd rarely (almost never) yelled at Doug, but began yelling at the kiddos, and I've always hated it. And of course they hate it too.
So yesterday when a friend and I were discussing this sinful habit of ours, she shared something challenging and convicting-- that she was trying to fully get her head around the idea that God can help her stop it completely. That it IS possible to never yell again.
Something about that flipped a switch in my brain. I began thinking and praying more fervently last night... I know it is God's will that I not yell in anger at my kiddos (I say "in anger", because I have no problem yelling a name across the house if I'm cooking and need to tell them something... I just want to ditch the angry yelling), and I know that they hate it. It is hurtful and it is like poison in our home. It changes the tone and uses intimidation and bullying to accomplish the desired effect, rather than patiently continuing to teach and love them. I would never throw acid in my child's face, and yet, I will spew angry words? That doesn't make sense, and it's not right.
So I am praying that God will work this change in my life... that He will restrain me, that He will enable me to be self-controlled and REMEMBER the distasteful nature of this sin. That I will not excuse it, or justify it, but that He will help me cut it out of my life. Please ask me about it. - Check out this bit of hilarity: Jeff Tweedy (lead singer of Wilco) singing the Black Eyed Peas' "I Got A Feeling". It shows the inanity of pop-song lyrics.
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linda
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Have you ever been in a home where you felt truly welcomed? Maybe it was the way you were received into a home, or perhaps a friend did something that made you feel fully accepted and treasured-- welcomed.Have you ever experienced the opposite? Maybe it was a group of kids in school who made you feel left out, or a group of adults at work or church who already had their 'clique' and didn't seem to want to have anything to do with you, or a party where you felt like you never really connected with anyone in particular-- unwelcomed.
I'd like to explore the idea of the Christian "welcome" that should exist within the Body of Christ, even while we hold varying personal convictions. Specifically, I'd like to talk about the sense of unwelcome that is communicated when (at least on the internet) every stance, every conviction, every choice a couple makes is held up as an all-or-nothing proposition, particularly within the Christian homeschool community.
HOMESCHOOLING & CONVICTIONS
Friends of mine have shared that it can be difficult if you're a homeschool parent of an only child, or even of 2 or 3, when curriculum covers continually feature families of 9 or more, all dressed in denim, period dresses, or plaid. Intentionally or unintentionally, it projects the message that smaller family units are not valued or welcomed within that circle.
It also, speaking frankly, projects the message that homeschoolers are some strange breed of humanity, and draws unnecessary and extrabiblical distinctions between us and the world around us, when there are plenty of biblical distinctions that could and should be a better focus of our time and attention.
Even more insidious is the idea that unless we all hold identical convictions on everything, we can not (and should not) be in fellowship. That standard could be one's political views, stance on contraceptives, headcoverings, skirts, or what educational choices are made by adult children. Sometimes it is all of these. For pete's sake, there are Christian homeschool organizations that have stances on men's facial hair! It has gone too far, and intruded too deeply into areas where God is fully capable of speaking and leading in the life of a family.
HOMESCHOOLING = HOLINESS?
Recently, Tim Challies has written about homeschooling, and -I'll admit- I have disagreed with some of what he said, and more generally objected to the approach he uses when he talks about homeschooling, which to me has come off almost like a bitter teacher who wants to "teach a lesson" to the kid he never liked. However, regardless of my take on his attitude, I think there is one larger point interwoven in his articles worth considering: homeschoolers have too often projected an image that we think that this one educational decision-- homeschooling-- is a holier decision, or that it will somehow save our children from the resident sin within.
Part of that may be that any significant decision one makes that intentionally takes a minority position seems to cast rejection and judgment toward the majority view, but part of it is that the homeschooling community (writ large) has repeatedly, methodically, sometimes unintentionally, but sometimes intentionally, projected that sense of judgment and disdain toward other choices over the last few decades. I am not suggesting that I agree that this is a motivation of why people choose to homeschool. What I'm suggesting is that we need to be aware of this ability to easily come off as "holier than thou", and write and speak about homeschooling more carefully.
UNITY IN CHRIST
As I write here, I want to be careful to cling to what is good and delight in the beauty of the Bride of Christ. For my part, I want to earnestly seek unity within the Body of Christ, not based on externals, but based on faith in the grace of Jesus Christ as the sole means of my justification. Whether my daughter, or yours, wears pants or goes to college is not a salvation issue. Whether or not a family uses contraceptives or not should not be a fellowship issue. Honestly, while these issues are sometimes discussed among friends, I do not hear them spoken of in real life to the degree or frequency as I see on the internet.
And schooling decisions are different the world over. The importance we place on the issue of homeschooling is laughable in a place where the church is being persecuted and can not even meet publicly as believers- places like China, Tajikistan, or Iran.
While I've worked through some of these issues in my writings here at Making Home, I am writing these things here today, because I do not ever want to be a part of projecting an image that says "if you'll just clean yourself up, or do these things, or hold identical convictions to mine, THEN you will be acceptable to God, and to me as a fellow believer." Our salvation is granted by Christ's blood-- completely, 100%. There is nothing we, or our children, can do to merit it. I never want to even hint otherwise.
RANKING CONVICTIONS
At the same time, I know that when we come to personal convictions, we hold them dearly. We see how God has led us to certain "a-ha" moments in life, and we treasure that leading of God's Spirit. And that is right and good, that we value the things God has taught us. And I know that where there is conviction, that issue is often raised to the level of sin in our own estimation, as we are commanded in Scripture to only do those things that we can do in faith. Even while I sit here and write this, I know that there are convictions I have that I would rank more significantly than you might rank those same convictions in your own life, and vice-versa.
WELCOME
But my point is that we have to speak and write about these things with balance and with grace. If our arms and lives and mouths are so full carrying around these personal convictions, how can we truly open up our arms and offer welcome towards those God has put in our path whose non-salvation-oriented convictions differ from our own?
So for me, the issue becomes this: How can we hold our personal convictions securely, and yet gladly be a part of a more diverse Body of Christ?
And I think Romans 15 says some wonderful things on such a point:
"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself... may the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."
I want to think on these ideas more--
(1) please our neighbor for HIS good, to build him up
(2) rely on the God of endurance and encouragement to live in harmony
(3) seek to live in harmony with others so that, together, we can glorify God
(4) welcome others, for God's glory
But for now, thoughts? Comments? Christian sister, I would love to hear your reaction to these scattered thoughts I've shared.
welcome mat image: Stoonn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
shaving image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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Yesterday, we went to Half Price Books and I was so excited to get a good selection of books (on the cheap!) to give me a boost in the area of personal Bible study. Last year, I hit a real slump in that area, and I really want to be intentional to try to nurture that area of my life, so that when I hit another tough time, I'll have a variety of spiritual "food" to intake.
Are you in a slump? It could hit in many different places:
But when it hits, it can be hard to climb out. I'll offer thoughts on a few... I'd love to have you share your tips/ideas for dealing with slumps in any area of life as a Christian woman!
Spiritual Slump
Sometimes I want Someone to just come and lift me out... and sometimes He does. But sometimes, He comes and is simply with me in the pit. And sometimes when I don't reach out to Him, He gently reminds me how much I need Him.
So what I am learning to do is just keep talking to Him. Just keep looking outside of myself, to find where my Creator, Redeemer, and Friend is at work. I may have ebbs and flows, but He is always the same. So when I look to Him, there is a fixed "constant" in my life, no matter what else is going on around or inside of me.
What I did last night is pre-purchase a number of those little Bible study guides put out by NavPress, Charles Stanley, or Chuck Swindoll, so that I have an intentionally-selected system to use to study God's Word in new ways, particularly for those times when I'm not just bursting with ideas or an intense desire for Scripture. I've found that this is particularly important for me overseas when I don't have as many options for conferences, women's retreats, etc.
Sex Life Slump
Now, every time I check out my SiteMeter, I am very aware that the articles I've written about intimacy are still the most-visited, most linked, and most popular posts here at Making Home. :)
But of course, in our marriage, we still hit sickness, a crazy schedule, travel times, and general exhaustion from time to time, like anyone else. It could be easy to cast this area of sex aside as one thing to remove from "the list" of necessary "to-do"s. And I'll admit that lately I've not been as creative and fun in this area as I'd like to be.
However, it's such a central part of the marriage relationship that it would be a shame to let it fall to the wayside. A few things that help me as a woman are to: (1) take time to really kiss my husband... not just a peck, but really look him in the eyes, and kiss him, every day. (2) Freshen up! Take a bath while he puts the kids down, or get a shower in during naptime. Spontaneity is more easily achieved when you feel clean & relaxed. (3) Just do it. I don't mean to do it without enthusiasm or enjoyment... I mean, let yourself just go along for the ride. Take time to enjoy the simple sensations and fun times together that happen when you are alone with your husband. Just do it.
I've heard a number of women express the idea that sex is like exercise-- "I may not always feel like doing it beforehand, but I'm always glad to have done it."
What about you? Have you been in, avoided, gotten out of, or even simply made it through, a "slump" in your life? Please share in the comments!
Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
- marriage
- spiritual life
- relationships with your kids
- emotions
- sex life
- friendships
But when it hits, it can be hard to climb out. I'll offer thoughts on a few... I'd love to have you share your tips/ideas for dealing with slumps in any area of life as a Christian woman!
Spiritual Slump
Sometimes I want Someone to just come and lift me out... and sometimes He does. But sometimes, He comes and is simply with me in the pit. And sometimes when I don't reach out to Him, He gently reminds me how much I need Him.
So what I am learning to do is just keep talking to Him. Just keep looking outside of myself, to find where my Creator, Redeemer, and Friend is at work. I may have ebbs and flows, but He is always the same. So when I look to Him, there is a fixed "constant" in my life, no matter what else is going on around or inside of me.
What I did last night is pre-purchase a number of those little Bible study guides put out by NavPress, Charles Stanley, or Chuck Swindoll, so that I have an intentionally-selected system to use to study God's Word in new ways, particularly for those times when I'm not just bursting with ideas or an intense desire for Scripture. I've found that this is particularly important for me overseas when I don't have as many options for conferences, women's retreats, etc.
Sex Life Slump
Now, every time I check out my SiteMeter, I am very aware that the articles I've written about intimacy are still the most-visited, most linked, and most popular posts here at Making Home. :)
But of course, in our marriage, we still hit sickness, a crazy schedule, travel times, and general exhaustion from time to time, like anyone else. It could be easy to cast this area of sex aside as one thing to remove from "the list" of necessary "to-do"s. And I'll admit that lately I've not been as creative and fun in this area as I'd like to be.
However, it's such a central part of the marriage relationship that it would be a shame to let it fall to the wayside. A few things that help me as a woman are to: (1) take time to really kiss my husband... not just a peck, but really look him in the eyes, and kiss him, every day. (2) Freshen up! Take a bath while he puts the kids down, or get a shower in during naptime. Spontaneity is more easily achieved when you feel clean & relaxed. (3) Just do it. I don't mean to do it without enthusiasm or enjoyment... I mean, let yourself just go along for the ride. Take time to enjoy the simple sensations and fun times together that happen when you are alone with your husband. Just do it.
I've heard a number of women express the idea that sex is like exercise-- "I may not always feel like doing it beforehand, but I'm always glad to have done it."
What about you? Have you been in, avoided, gotten out of, or even simply made it through, a "slump" in your life? Please share in the comments!
Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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David Powlison is the lecturing professor of the counseling class I've been taking (via distance education), and one of the terms he uses that has been helpful for me in thinking about sin is identifying when "watershed moments" occur in our lives. He uses the term to refer to times when our reactions, words, or attitudes (even in something small) act as markers that give indication of is really going on at a deeper level in our hearts. Often, the same exact situation can produce entirely different reactions in two people... and these moments can give insight as to why we react the way we do.Yesterday's "Watershed Moment"
Just this week, I went to my Weight Watchers meeting, weighed in (I'd gained .6 pounds, but was totally OK with that, because last week was our "birthiversary"-- my birthday and our anniversary over 2 days-- and I'd enjoyed cheesecake and not exercised much, so I was completely OK with the slight gain), and was pumped about starting a new week. I'm really enjoying Weight Watchers (my mom and I are doing it together), and love the accountability and encouragement to stay motivated that happens at the meetings.
So this week, everything was coasting along nicely, and this lady who'd met her goal of losing 74 pounds got up to share her story. At first she spoke about her inspiring journey, and it was very encouraging, but then she looked pointedly at me and said, "it's so good that those of you who only have 10 pounds to lose can get things under control before it becomes 70 pounds."
Now I realize that may not seem bad.
But to me, it was quite discouraging, as I came into Weight Watchers nearly 40 pounds over the MAXIMUM weight they say someone my height should be. Not 10. I have lost 13 pounds in the last 8 weeks, which is all fine and good, but I still have about 25 pounds to go. I'm not, by any means, some skinny-winny. To me, it felt like she had pointed at me and said, "aw, look at this naive little girl who doesn't understand the struggles of those of us who have REAL weight to lose." My cheeks reddened, and I tried to subtly look around me to see if there was anyone else she could be talking to, but no. She meant me, and kept staring at me for what seemed like minutes.
My Response (The "Fruit")
I left the meeting mildly perturbed. As I went to shop for new tennis shoes, her words kept replaying in my mind and I felt more and more furious. I was seething that someone would (in my mind) ridicule me and downplay the seriousness of my hard work and efforts to get back to a healthy weight. "I still have 25 pounds to go! What is she talking about, 10 pounds???", I thought. I called my mom and she encouraged me that that had happened to her, too, the last time she did Weight Watchers... she & I carry weight differently than other people do-- we carry extra weight spread all over our body, rather than (for example) all in the hips-- so it looks different on us. When I hung up with her, I felt mostly validated, yet still frustrated.
Getting To the Root
Before taking this class, I would have felt justified, and let the moment go as that lady's problem or lack of understanding. But now, I'm more apt to dig deeper when I see an attitude like that in my life, and ask, "What is it that's really going on?"
And what's really going on, I think, is that I don't like to feel publicly humiliated. I still vividly remember the girl on the school bus in junior high who loudly told me my chest was, "so flat it's like a bowl; it caves in", even though now, I am quite well endowed and completely content with my lot in that area. My heart still pounds wildly when I remember the girl who threatened to beat me up after school and chased me home in her car.
I don't like feeling called out, particularly in front of other people.
So then, what do I do with that? What do I do with feelings of shame & humiliation based on how I'm treated by other people?
What does God say?
Well, I have to go to Scripture and see what it says about embarrassment, humiliation... not much... but fear of man and shame? Plenty.
"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe." ~Proverbs 29:25
"Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You." ~Psalm 25:20
"But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame." ~Isaiah 50:7
From this, I can counsel my own heart-- God helps me. What people say is irrelevant because my confidence is in the LORD, not in myself.
Even more convicting,
"hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." ~Romans 5:5So, yes, I should hope in God, and then I can lay hold of God's love in my heart and have a response of love (1 Corinthians 13-style: bearing all things, enduring, being patient, not holding a record of wrongs) toward the woman who I wanted to slug, because I have the Holy Spirit.
And, for an eternal perspective, John wrote to the children of God,
"And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming." ~1 John 2:28
By abiding in Him, choosing love at times when I would rather abide in my frustration, and by relying on the Holy Spirit within me, I can avoid a more lasting and more significant "shame". Momentary embarrassment in a meeting (which might have not really been noticed by anyone but me) is NOTHING compared to the shame I would feel in the presence of Jesus, at the memory of a continual mental haranguing of another human being when I ought to have relied on the Spirit and opted for love.
The next time I feel publicly humiliated and face a similar "watershed" moment, I hope I will recall these truths and put my reddened cheeks in a more whole, eternal perspective.A Framework for Understanding Life
Putting the situation, and my behavior & reactions, in the light of the reality of Christ changes the whole notion of what is shameful. I'm so thankful for a new way of looking at these "watershed" moments in my life and hope that by continuing to examine myself in this way, I will gain insight into the ways that I am not abiding in Christ, and be able to more heartily and fully live in Him.
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The counseling class I'm taking has been so good for pressing us toward practical, specific application of Scripture in our lives. This passage from Psalm 16 has been so encouraging to me as I press toward contentment when it would be easier to complain, or feel inferior to others for what they have and I don't--
When I am not choosing joy and contentment, I am valuing other things above God, and above what He has sovereignly put in my life. ***This is incorporating my recent struggles to be content; your situation may be entirely different.*** This is an exact opposite of what is written above, from Psalm 16. :
Pretty convicting, isn't it, to see the exact opposite so clearly laid out? It challenges me to think about which of these I will choose each day.
Image: nuchylee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You."
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed I have a beautiful inheritance.
I have set the LORD always before me;
Therefore, my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16: 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11)
When I am not choosing joy and contentment, I am valuing other things above God, and above what He has sovereignly put in my life. ***This is incorporating my recent struggles to be content; your situation may be entirely different.*** This is an exact opposite of what is written above, from Psalm 16. :
I proclaim to the world, "God is not my Lord & Master; I value other things, and want them, more than Him."
Possessions and a beautiful house is what I will choose-- I want to pour my own cup; I will clutch and manipulate my life to get maximum comfort, ease, and stylishness with my own hands rather than trust my life in God's hands.
I have set my own desires and my culture's standards of what is desirable always before me.
Therefore, my heart is continually dissatisfied, and my whole being sulks.
I try to chart my own path of life without regard to what God says; outside of His presence I am empty and discontent; away from Him I find sorrow and discouragement.
Pretty convicting, isn't it, to see the exact opposite so clearly laid out? It challenges me to think about which of these I will choose each day.
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To non-believers, the word can be mistaken to solely mean "rescued from Hell". Being rescued, or saved, from Hell is indeed a wonderful thing, but as I read Sinclair Ferguson's thoughts today, I was reminded --that is really not the whole picture of this word "saved".
In his book, The Christian Life, Ferguson writes that the salvation of God affects believers, and saves us, in these ways:
- We are being saved from the distortion & disfiguring of sin. Though we are sinners by nature, God's salvation makes us a new creation. Over the course of our lives, God transforms us (sanctification) so that we look more and more like Jesus. This does not mean that we achieve perfection, but that as we spend years abiding in Christ, our Potter shapes us and softens us to reflect the image of God.
- We are saved from the dominion of sin. The Bible tells us we were once slaves to sin, but now we are slaves of Christ. We like to use the word "servant", but really, the word "slave" is a more accurate translation. As believers, we are bought with a price, and become Christ's bondservant. And the beautiful irony is this: by becoming slaves, "we may live freely for God." We are purchased from the darkness and enslaved to live in the light!
- We are saved from the power of Satan. There is a real and present enemy, and he seeks to devour us like a lion seeks to consume his prey. In Christ, we are freed from Satan's grasp, and while he still seeks to harm us, he cannot claim us as his own, because we belong to Christ alone.
- We are saved from the real, and terrifying, wrath of God. In this present age, it is considered a social faux pas to talk about God's wrath, even in church. Many people believe that the fact that "God is love" overrides his other character qualities. But while our Father is loving, He is also just and righteous, and our sin deserves his wrath. When we are hidden in Christ, our sin is also hidden in Christ. His perfect nature transforms our unworthiness; His sacrifice covers us and makes us fit to enter the presence of God. The people of Israel had an ever-present picture of God's holiness as only one priest, after ritual cleanings and sacrifices, could enter God's presence one time each year. The opportunity to be in God's presence, and make requests of Him, was a rare-- and frightening-- proposition because of the reality of God's wrath. Being in God's presence is only possible if God's wrath over sin has been satisfied by a perfect sacrifice-- which was done, once for all, in Christ.
I am so thankful for the way truth and doctrine ultimately lead to hope and confidence in God. Being "saved" is such a beautiful truth-- not just a word, and not just salvation from some eternal destiny, but a current, present gift that affects every day of every believer in Christ!
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linda
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Over the weekend, I got curious and ended up studying and writing down all the various times that Scripture uses the phrase, "that you may know", so that I could see those times when God did something specific to teach us something specific. It was incredibly clarifying-- they all center on this idea: God wants you, me, Israel, Gentiles, the nations, indeed- all the peoples of the world- to know that He alone is God, that there is no other, and that Jesus and the Father are one. That pretty much sums up all 5 pages of my notes about the "that you may know" passages.
ANXIETY
So last night, I started feeling anxious about a house. We've been talking about buying a house now (since real estate prices are so low), to rent out while we're gone, so that we'd have a "homebase" to return to each time we visit family, rather than scrambling to find a furnished house. Yesterday, we found one online that is priced to sell. So many people are (understandably) trying to sell their house at the price it would have sold for 4 years ago, but this house was priced well under-market, and it has a pool in the backyard. AND- it's just a few houses down from my parents' house.
Anyway, I began worrying. I'm not normally an anxious person, or at least I haven't thought that I am. But I was nervous about that house. Worried that someone else would see it and snatch it up first. Restless that our realtor hadn't written us back yesterday after we e-mailed him (lighten up, Jess, it's a SUNDAY). Really feeling unsettled about the entire situation, because I was so eager to see and buy the house.
Once I realized how nervous and anxious I felt, I reflected on all I've been learning in my counseling class-- that what comes out of us is actually just the fruit of what we're believing in our heart. I was believing lies-- that it's all up to me, that I can control a situation into what I want it to be, that things will not work out unless I __________.
At 1am, with no one else awake in the house, I began speaking out loud what I know to be true, replacing the lies with the truth. It sounded something like this:
My heart remembered the things God wants us to know-- that He alone is God.
Knowing that God is the "blessed controller of all things" frees us from rattling nerves or a worried heart. Focusing on the reality of His sovereignty allows us to rest when our hearts would otherwise be spinning and anxious.
Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
ANXIETY
Anyway, I began worrying. I'm not normally an anxious person, or at least I haven't thought that I am. But I was nervous about that house. Worried that someone else would see it and snatch it up first. Restless that our realtor hadn't written us back yesterday after we e-mailed him (lighten up, Jess, it's a SUNDAY). Really feeling unsettled about the entire situation, because I was so eager to see and buy the house.
Once I realized how nervous and anxious I felt, I reflected on all I've been learning in my counseling class-- that what comes out of us is actually just the fruit of what we're believing in our heart. I was believing lies-- that it's all up to me, that I can control a situation into what I want it to be, that things will not work out unless I __________.
At 1am, with no one else awake in the house, I began speaking out loud what I know to be true, replacing the lies with the truth. It sounded something like this:
God, You are good. You have always cared for us. Your provision has never come to an end. You let us find this house where we could live while in Texas. You have led us to good deals for the shampoo bottles (they were right in front of me) we use, You have provided these clothes (my mother in law had dropped her wardrobe "extras" off earlier in the day). We have always had a place to live, and so many times, God, You have surprised us with a wonderful home You had in store for us-- better than we could've imagined! If we are to have that house, it will be ours. I trust You to give us what we need, and to take care of all that concerns us. I don't have to worry or fret; You are in control.As I turned from disbelief and worry, and turned to faith and trust in Our Soverign LORD, everything changed. My heart felt at rest, and I fell asleep so easily. Simply knowing the truth, or having affirmed it previously in a class or my own personal Bible study, was not enough... I needed to remind myself of it, and reflect on it, and allow it to resonate in my soul, in the moment when my heart was being pulled to trust in something OTHER than God. THEN, my heart followed.
My heart remembered the things God wants us to know-- that He alone is God.
Knowing that God is the "blessed controller of all things" frees us from rattling nerves or a worried heart. Focusing on the reality of His sovereignty allows us to rest when our hearts would otherwise be spinning and anxious.
Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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So, you're sitting in ___(Bible Study, Church, small group, your living room with your Bible on your lap)____ and you read or hear something powerful. A particular verse, a comment someone else makes, an experience shared, or a principle taught... it hits you between the eyes and you KNOW it's a truth you needed to take to heart and implement in your life.
WHAT NOW?
This is where I've been parking my brain lately.
Throughout my childhood, my late teen years after God drew me back to Him, and the first decade of my adult life, I have had many times of feeling bowled over by truth. Again and again, God has put truth in my life that I needed to hear and implement.
But I don't know if it's human nature, or my former tendency to cram for a test and then forget the facts/information I studied once I've taken the test, but whatever the case, I've realized something: I don't hold onto truth well.
Below I've listed some ways I've found to hold onto truth and implement it in my life. I would LOVE to hear ways that you've found to KEEP and IMPLEMENT the truth that God reveals in your life.
Of all of these, the first is most helpful for me, which may be a personality thing-- keeping WORDS visually in front of me is extremely beneficial. At times when we are in-between apartments though (which has been often lately), it's difficult. Right now, for example, I don't have a printer, and haven't since March; plus, I don't want to mess up walls in a temporary residence. Just writing this out has helped me realize that this may be a big reason why I feel mentally "fuzzy" lately. I'm missing those normal opportunities that I rely on to hold onto truth.
WHAT NOW?
This is where I've been parking my brain lately.
Throughout my childhood, my late teen years after God drew me back to Him, and the first decade of my adult life, I have had many times of feeling bowled over by truth. Again and again, God has put truth in my life that I needed to hear and implement.
But I don't know if it's human nature, or my former tendency to cram for a test and then forget the facts/information I studied once I've taken the test, but whatever the case, I've realized something: I don't hold onto truth well.
Below I've listed some ways I've found to hold onto truth and implement it in my life. I would LOVE to hear ways that you've found to KEEP and IMPLEMENT the truth that God reveals in your life.
- Printing out verses/passages/ideas and placing them in obvious places in my home
- Talking about it with Doug
- Having accountability from women friends
- Trying to hold onto it in my mind as I read through Scripture, taking special note of applicable verses and passages I run across
- All of these things done with prayer and journaling
Of all of these, the first is most helpful for me, which may be a personality thing-- keeping WORDS visually in front of me is extremely beneficial. At times when we are in-between apartments though (which has been often lately), it's difficult. Right now, for example, I don't have a printer, and haven't since March; plus, I don't want to mess up walls in a temporary residence. Just writing this out has helped me realize that this may be a big reason why I feel mentally "fuzzy" lately. I'm missing those normal opportunities that I rely on to hold onto truth.
At the same time, people have gone thousands of years reaching out to God, and clinging to His truth without a printer and scotch tape! :)
Please share ideas of how you have been able to HOLD onto truth God reveals to you. How do you mentally imprint truth in your heart and life? Let's help one another to live biblically.
Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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linda
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Lately I've been thinking about living in the light. It's such a useful word picture for our lives as Christians, isn't it? * Don't have any "dark corners" in your life-- live fully in the light!
* Speak the truth and don't gossip or backstab-- let your words always be so that if they "came to light", you would not need to be ashamed!
* Walk consistently in the light of God!
This idea of living in the light fit perfectly with something Dr. David Powlison shared in a lecture I listened to recently, about speeding-- that you should choose your car's speed by the speed you can drive at without needing to nervously watch for cops. It makes sense, doesn't it? Whatever speed you know is acceptable, go that speed, rather than pushing the limits to go 9 or 11 miles over the speed limit, constantly watching for cops and worried about getting a ticket.
It's simply living in the light. No matter who sees or knows, you're just fine, because you've done everything in the light.
So, today, I did a little bible study on this idea of living in the light. Read through these Scriptures and be encouraged as a child of the Light!
- In the beginning was the Word... In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ~John 1:1, 4-5
- Nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. ~Luke 8:17~
- Everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. ~John 3:20-21~
- Jesus said to them, "The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." ~John 12:35-36~
- Be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part in dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light. ~Luke 11:35-36~
- (Jesus speaking) "I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness." ~John 12:46~
- Nothing is covered up that will not revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. ~Luke 12:2-3~
- The Lord has commanded us, saying, "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." ~Acts 13:47~
- Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven. ~Matthew 5:16~
- The Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness, and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God." ~1 Corinthians 4:5~
- Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? ~2 Corinthians 6:14~
- At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. ~Ephesians 5:8-14~
- Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. ~Philippians 2:14-15~
- You all are children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. ~1 Thessalonians 5:5-6~
- You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim that excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. ~1 Peter 2:9~
- This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness of all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. ~1 John 1:5-7~
- Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. ~1 John 2:9-10~
I don't think I've ever put together just how many references there are that clearly place the "setting" of our lives, as believers, in the light. The Bible gives such a clear picture of a major indicator of our faith-- if we live in the light and do not walk in darkness, that freedom and transparency in our lives gives credence to the creed we profess with our mouths.
I love the way Scripture continues to pour forth wisdom, and that there continue to be depths of insight and understanding, no matter how long I read God's words.
God has been challenging me to live in the light in several ways lately-- in the words that I use in conversations with other women, and towards my children; in the speed that I drive; and in the way I eat. Are there ways He is speaking to you about living in the light? I'd love to hear about it.
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Images:
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"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want... He restores my soul." ~Psalm 23:1
In the last post about soul care, I shared about what led Mr. Smith (the author of Embracing Soul Care) to the point of realizing his own need to nurture his soul.
Now I admit, this can sound a little unorthodox or even new agey. If you think of this in terms of "taking time for ME", this idea of "soul care" will seem incorrect or unbiblical; but if you understand that nurturing your soul actually means renewing your strength in the LORD, it all comes into proper perspective. In reality (when you take the long view of Christian history), this method of practicing spiritual disciplines, making time to be quiet before the Lord, and focusing on the simple things in life is quite orthodox.
And it's biblical:
- "We urge you, brothers, ...to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs." ~1 Thessalonians 4:10-11
- "Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." ~1 Peter 3:4
- "Take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life." ~Deut. 4:9
- "O God, be merciful to me, for in You my soul takes refuge." ~Psalm 57:1
- "O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised to high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul." ~Psalm 131: 1-2
- "For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' " ~Isaiah 30:15
- "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD." ~Lamentations 3:25-26
One idea that has been transformative for me lately has been to realize that "I" am not a brunette who is about 5'7", still carrying leftover baby weight, with size 8 feet, who wears glasses. "Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart." While it is possible for me to have a twin who is completely identical on the outside, my soul is the unique inner part that can be turned Godward or selfward... it's the part that the bulk of Scripture is concerned with.
The person who gripes when dirty clothes don't get picked up... the person who loves to learn new things and take on new projects... the person who yells when frustrated... the person who goes deep and wants to understand and know my friends... the person who loves to snuggle and giggle with my kiddos... the person who has a tendency to be cynical and causticly sarcastic... the person who really does, in her inmost parts, want to be like Jesus... that is me.
My soul is the part of me that can RUN TO or run away from God.
I am not "the things I do", but the things I do contribute more to me than the things I wear. "I" am the gal on the inside... it's what makes me me.
It's not that it's bad to take time to look nice. But we can all too easily confuse these external things -- the clothes or makeup we wear, the car we drive, the kind of house we select, the way we decorate it-- with who we really are. While it is possible to have these things reflect who we are, our soul IS who we really are. And it's the part of us that is eternal.
We spend so much time and money on external, temporary things, and yet we often neglect the one thing that will be ours for eternity-- our souls. God wants to sanctify our souls, and we partner with Him through prayer and obedience in order to submit to that process of sanctification.
Is this challenging for you too? Maybe it's just me... that could totally be the case. :) But maybe this shifts some things in your head like it did for me... does it change anything for you to remember & focus in on the eternal and significant nature of your soul?
Any thoughts you'd like to share?
Bible image: Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Woman image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Posted by
linda
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Jumping right in...
- What a week. This week began, first thing Sunday morning, with the news that a friend's baby had passed away. It was anticipated, as he'd been diagnosed with a rare disease several months ago, but still shocking. I've never seen a casket so small, or a face so very sad. There are no words to speak at times like that, which is a good thing because most of the time, the person grieving doesn't want to hear our words anyhow. "I'm sorry" is all I could find to say; I knew that to say much more would just increase the likelihood of inserting my foot into my mouth.
I'm reminded of Molly Piper, who has blogged quite a bit about grief, out of her own sorrows. If you have a friend hurting after a miscarriage or the death of a child, her writings may give you some food for thought. - It doesn't take much to delight our kiddos. Sometimes all we have to do is break out of our "norm". Last week, I found huge pads of construction paper for $1.00 each, and last night, I bought some glue sticks on the cheap in a back-to-school sale. We sat today at the table for nearly an hour, cutting and gluing, drawing and cutting, laughing and imagining, and it was so easy. I'm not a "crafty" type mom... we don't have googly eyes and markers and fuzzy little pom poms in neat little drawers in some craft closet. But just doing that one thing out of our normal m.o. was pretty thrilling for the kids, and gave us a fun, stress-free afternoon. I'm left wondering why I don't do things like that more often.
- Just got a Kindle! Yeah!!! Can't wait to use it.
- I asked Doug to change the passwords to my Facebook and online forums for the present time, so that I will not be able to access them. I've been spending too much time like an idle woman, running from place to place, watching or weighing in on other people's lives, and not engaged fully in my own. So I think until October, I'll limit myself to e-mail and a little bit of blogging.
- My mom and I joined Weight Watchers on Monday, and will be doing it together. I'm enjoying the plan... basically just planning what I put in my mouth a little more carefully, and keeping track of it all. I'm glad to be doing this with my mom.
- I'm planning a shower for my sister-in-law (it'll be their first baby, and my first niece!), and this week, I made centerpieces for the baby shower. I'm kind of excited about them- I used a variety of glass vases like they send with flower arrangements, and then filled them up with fun-colored baby bath toys, pacifiers, onesies, bath products, teethers, etc. A cheerful ribbon tied around each pulls them together. They turned out so cute!
- Today, I read an extremely helpful article for discerning the hidden motivations of our own hearts, and any idols we've erected that we lean on or look to or desire in place of God. It's called, "X-Ray Questions", and it was one of the assigned readings for my class.
It's about a 10-page article, so you should be prepared to take some time with it, but I'd highly recommend it; I found it heart-probing and helpful. These 35 questions are written in such a way that you can use them to discover what the motivations are in your life, or in a particular situation in your life. It would be a great thing to go through prayerfully with your Bible open, as he suggests certain passages for each question. I hope it will challenge others as it has me.
Have a great weekend!
