Smiling at the Future

Compassion in Action

2008-07-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

The dictionary defines compassion as, "sympathetic consciousness of others' distress with a desire to alleviate it." This kind of compassion is not too rare in our world and in my own life. We are sympathetic to others in their distress, and would like to help, especially if it's convenient. But too often it stops right there. We might desire to help, but don't always take action.

For Jesus, compassion always led to action. We see an amazing example of this in Luke 7:11-17. Jesus and His disciples were approaching the city of Nain, when out came a funeral prossession. Verse 12 indicates, "a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow". In that era a woman with no husband and no sons was in a very desperate situation. Jesus knew this and felt compassion for her (verse 13), compassion that led to action. He raised the son back to life. What an amazing miracle! This woman was not seeking his help, there is no indication she even knew who Jesus was, or believed in him. Yet Jesus acted out of sheer and utter compassion. He didn't just feel sympathy, like I would. He didn't just desire to help, like I might. He took action.

We see many other examples of this in the gospels.

In Matthew 15:36 Jesus says, "I feel compassion for the multitude, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat...", and then he miraculously feeds the 4,000.

Matthew 20:29-34 tells of two blind men who cry out to Jesus for mercy. His response is in verse 34: And moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him. The compassion of Jesus led to action.

Mark 6:34 records, And when He went ashore, He saw a great multitude, and He felt compassion for them becasue they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. Jesus felt compassion that led to action, as he taught the people, telling them truth they needed to hear.

For Jesus, compassion was not just about feeling for hurting people. It was more than a desire to help. It was action. I pray that might be a growing reality in my life as well.

Psalms: Shout it Out!

2008-06-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Psalms exhort us to speak of God, exalting His excellencies, proclaiming His wonders for all to hear.

Psalm 9:1 I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Thy wonders.

Psalm 35:28 And my tongue shall declare Thy righteousness and Thy praise all day long.

Psalm 71:15 My mouth shall tell of Thy righteousness, and of Thy salvation all day long.

Psalm 96:2-3 Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

Psalm 145:6-7 And men shall speak of the power of Thine awesome acts; and I will tell of Thy greatness. They shall eagerly utter the memory of Thine abundant goodness, and shall shout joyfully of Thy righteousness.

Let's be faithful to eagerly proclaim God's greatness and the salvation that only He can give.

Telling it Like it is

2008-06-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

What do you think of when you hear the word witnessing? It is easy to think of it as a planned activity, or even an event or program. I have been thinking about it quite a bit lately. Our church (Believers Fellowship) has declared the next 12 months The Year of the Gospel. I have been reading encouraging and challenging posts at Kelly's Korner.

I have also read about it in Luke. We see three examples of 'witnessing' that are definitely not a planned activity, event, or program. It is just people talking about what God has done in their lives. They simply tell what they know.

In Luke 2 angels appear to the shepherds in the fields, and the shepherds go to Bethlehem and see the newborn babe, the Savior, who is Christ the Lord. But they don't just experience it themselves; they talk about it to others. Verse 17 says, And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. Verse 20 says, And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. The shepherds were eager to speak out of all that they had seen and heard. We need to do the same.

Later in Luke 2 Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus to the temple to fulfill the customs of the Law, and one of the people they encounter there is Anna. She gave thanks to God for this newborn Messiah, and she (v. 38) continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. We need to continue to speak of Him to those we come in contact with as well.

In Luke 8 Jesus heals a man who had been possessed by a legion of demons. This man wants to accompany Jesus, but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you. God had done great things for every Christian. We need to be faithful to speak of Him to others.

Let's pray for one another, that we would be be bold and faithful in following these examples.

Sense and Sensibility: Spiritual Life

2008-06-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

We have been using Jane Austen's contrasting images of Sense and Sensibility to gain a better understanding of the first phrase in Titus 2:5, to be sensible (self-controlled, discreet), and to see how we can live this out in various areas of life.

How can we display this quality in our spiritual lives? It may seem like it doesn’t fit, or it would stifle our worship or fervency, but that’s not what God’s word says.

In 1 Corinthians 12-14 Paul addresses some problems in the Corinthian church regarding spiritual gifts and worship. His concluding statement in 14:40 says, But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner.

In 1 Timothy 4:7 we are instructed: Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness

A woman of sense would be consistent in her practice of the spiritual disciplines, knowing how vital they are to her life. She has a plan for her Bible reading, perhaps journals or keeps a prayer notebook. Her church attendance is regular, and committed. She values the teaching of God’s Word and listens to it attentively. She shows a pattern of spiritual growth in her life.

A woman of sensibility at times will demonstrate a real intensity in her spiritual life. At other times, when she is discouraged or caught up with other pursuits, her walk with the Lord seems empty and shallow. At times like this, she might withdraw from any spiritual activities, until she feels close to the Lord again. Then she will read her Bible and pray, but perhaps with no plan or pattern. Her church attendance and involvement is erratic. She responds to music and teaching with great emotion, but often fails to put what she’s heard into practice.

James 4:8 says, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

We must pursue our spiritual lives with discipline and consistency, when we feel particularly close to God, and even when we don’t.

This is really the key to displaying this quality in every area of life.

Carolyn Mahaney says, "One behavior, if diligently pursued, will promote self-control (NIV transation) in every area of your life…It is the daily practice of meeting with God…When we meet with God, we can find peace in the midst of trying circumstances, an eternal perspective where we have lost sight of the truth, and power to fight our battle against sin."

Being sensible, consistently demonstrating good judgment and appropriate restraint, is not a personality trait. It is a command from God for us, that we might act in a manner fitting for sound doctrine, and thus bring glory and honor to His Name.

But our personalities might more naturally be like one of the two sisters in Austen's story. So if you naturally tend to be the woman of sense, make sure you are acting not in your own strength, but in the power of the Spirit. Reach out to others with humility and compassion. If you tend to be more emotional and sensitive, pray that God would enable you to be obedient to Him. Seek to let truth lead you rather than your feelings.

It is my prayer that this quality, which is so important to God, would be a growing reality in all our lives.

Sense and Sensibility: The Heart

2008-06-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

The Biblical heart if very different than modern American thinking. In the Bible, the heart is the core of the inner being. It includes our thinking, our emotions, our desires, our will.

Proverbs 4:23: Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.

2 Corinthians 10:5 exhorts us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

Miss Sense takes these commands very seriously. She is continually reining in her thoughts and emotions. When she has a thought or emotion that is not pleasing to the Lord, she puts that thought off, and instead puts on thoughts that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, and praiseworthy. Or to put it another way—when the video starts playing in her mind, of hurt feelings, or worry, or discouragement, or anger, she hits the eject button. She refuses to let her mind dwell on those things. She takes those thoughts captive by examining them in light of God’s word. She guards her heart. Her emotions may be intense, but she strives to keep them under control.

Miss Sensibility is dominated by her thoughts and emotions. She lets them have free rein. She has quite a video collection, and she views them often. She plays that disc of her hurts over and over again. Every wrong done against her is reviewed, and rewound, and played in slow motion. Those anxious thoughts are fed by her imagination and allowed to build and grow. Her attitude of discouragement is examined and analyzed and cultivated, and prohibits her from carrying out the responsibilities in her life, which only makes her more discouraged. If anyone tries to correct her outlook, she moans, “You just don’t understand”. Her life is one big roller coaster, but she has no intention of getting off.

Ladies, this area of life is so important. Our hearts overflow into our words and actions, so we must take this seriously. Let’s be honest here. We as women are emotional creatures. This is something we all have to deal with.

In her book, Feminine Appeal, Carolyn Mahaney says, "We must understand that our feelings are not authoritative. Just because we feel something doesn’t make it true."

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones has said, "Most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself".

We must stop listening to ourselves, and remind ourselves of the truth of God’s Word. We must be sensible.

Sense and Sensibility: Speech

2008-06-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

Words are powerful--for good or evil, to build up or to tear down, to comfort or to criticize. So it is important that our speech is sensible.

The Bible has much to say about our speech. Luke 6:45 reminds us that our mouths speak from that which fills our hearts. So this is not only a tongue issue, it’s a heart issue. It’s definitely an area where God wants us to demonstrate self-control, to be sensible.

Being sensible in our speech is also what’s best for us.
Proverbs 21:23: He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles.

What does sensible speech look like, or should we say sound like?

Ephesians 4:29: Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.

This verse would describe the pattern of speech for our woman of sense. Certainly she wouldn’t display perfection in this area, but this would characterize her overall manner of speaking.

She would be diligent to guard her tongue.
She would be careful about the timing of her speech.
She would seek to build others up with her words.
She would vigilantly avoid gossip, either giving it or receiving it.

Our woman of sensibility has a favorite verse regarding the tongue as well.
James 3:8: No one can tame the tongue...
So she doesn’t even try; her words flow freely. No one needs to wonder about her emotions; her words make them very clear. She eagerly enjoys the dainty morsels of gossips; she just can’t help herself.

Many verses in Proverbs contrast two opposing images; we could label them sense and sensibility.
Proverbs 10:19: When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable(sensibility), but he who restrains his lips is wise (sense).
Proverbs 12:18: There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of the sword (sensibility), but the tongue of the wise brings healing (sense).
Proverbs 15:1: A gentle answer turns away wrath (sense), but a harsh word stirs up anger (sensibility).
Proverbs 15:28: The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer (sense), but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things (sensibility).

God hears our words before we even say them, so let’s commit to speak in a way that will honor Him. We want to speak sensibly. What verse encourages you to speak sensibly? Please share it in a comment.

Sense and Sensibility: Finances

2008-05-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

We are borrowing Jane Austen's pictures of Sense and Sensibility, personified in the two Dashwood sisters, to look at the first phrase of Titus 2:5, and how we can be sensible, discreet, or self-controlled in various areas of life. Today's topic is finances.

The Bible has much to say about money and possessions. Christ Himself had more to say about money and possessions than about heaven and hell combined. 1 out of every 10 verses in the gospels is about money and possessions.

God says so much about money and possessions because He knows this is an important area of our lives. It is something we need to deal with just about every day. It is definitely a spiritual issue, and an area where we must be sensible.

We need to realize that everything we have really belongs to God.
Psalm 24:1: The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.
Haggai 2:8: The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, declares the Lord of hosts.

So if everything we have belongs to God, we are merely stewards, or money managers.
1 Corinthians 4:2: In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy
While the context of this verse refers to spiritual resources, God requires this of our physcial resources as well. The woman of ‘sense’ takes this stewardship seriously. She wants to please the Lord with her finances.

Therefore, she has a plan for her finances, a budget. Her purchases are made according to this plan. She gives regularly to the church. Because she plans ahead, she can help those in need.

She isn’t stingy or miserly, but she is frugal. She’s a wise shopper. She has a plan for her meals, and shops from a list. She knows where to get the best deals. She saves up for larger purchases, and sets aside money for those unexpected events—car repairs, medical emergencies, etc. She balances her checkbook and pays off her credit card bill each month. She is content with what God has given her.

Miss Sensibility, on the other hand, thinks budget is a dirty word. She doesn’t think about being God’s steward, she thinks about pleasing herself. She shops according to her desires, not any kind of plan. It doesn’t matter if she can’t afford it. I’ll just charge it, she thinks. She may even hide her purchases from her husband, or lie to him about what she has spent. She shops where it’s most convenient, or at the most popular place, regardless of cost.

She is a sucker for any kind of advertising gimmick. She’ll buy things she doesn’t need because she has a coupon or it’s on sale, and thinks she’s being a smart shopper. No interest until 2010 will sound too convincing to pass up. Her giving at church is pretty much hit and miss, perhaps more miss than hit. She either foregoes giving to missionaries or those in need, or gives to them extravagantly. She is most always discontent, but perhaps a trip to the mall will take care of that!

The reality is we are God’s stewards. The only question is whether or not we are faithful.

What have you found that helps you be a faithful steward of the financial resources the Lord has placed in your care? What money-saving tips do you practice? Please leave a comment with your suggestions.

Sense and Sensibility: Time Management, Priorities, Scheduling

2008-05-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

In our ongoing series on Sense and Sensibilitiy, today's topic is time management, priorities, and scheduling.

The woman of ‘sense’ knows that this is a very important area, so she gives it serious consideration and planning.

Ephesians 5:15-16: Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

To display good sense you must:
--Know your priorities and regularly evaluate your practice to make sure they match.
--Have a prayerfully planned schedule for the day and week.
--Continually be on the look--out both for ways to maximize your time, and time wasters that must be eliminated.
--Remember that interruptions and unexpected events are part of God’s sovereign plan for your day and life, and should be embraced, not fumed over.
--Realize that making the most of your time will involve saying No! to many things, even good things.

On the other hand, time management, scheduling, and priorities may seem like words of restriction and limitation to the woman of ‘sensibility’. She wants to be free to spend her time as her fancy leads her. She has no plan, so she flits from one activity to another, not accomplishing the truly important in favor of the enjoyable or seemingly urgent.

Or perhaps her particular bent of sensibility manifests itself in perfectionism. Her house is immaculate, but her family doesn’t feel like they can be at home there. Her ducks are all in a row, but relationships are neglected.

God calls us to use our time wisely, making the most of our opportunities. That’s being sensible.

What techniques do you use to make the most of your time?

Sense and Sensibility: Food and Exercise

2008-05-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

In the previous post, we began to look at the term "sensible" (or discreet, or self-controlled) from Titus 2:5. We are going to borrow Jane Austen's contrasting viewpoints of sense and sensibility to look at different areas of life, to see how we can apply the truths of Titus 2 to our own lives. Today the topic is food and exercise.

To take a ‘sense’ approach to our food, we will be governed my moderation.

I Corinthians 10:31: Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

To glorify God we must be thankful for the food He has given us. It is okay, even appropriate, to enjoy the food He has given us. We want to be good stewards of the bodies God has given us, so we must seek a generally healthy, nutritious diet.

I think it is very easy to see food as a totally non-spiritual issue. But that is a lie. God commands us to glorify Him in all that we do, including our diet.

Elisabeth Eliot said, "We cannot give our hearts to God and keep our bodies to ourselves."

In contrast, a ‘sensibility’ approach to food could take a number of forms.

Probably most frequently we overindulge our desires in this area. Our senses tell us, I want chocolate, or potato chips, or ice cream, or whatever is your own favorite, and, in this case very literally, we feed that desire. We eat not to glorify God, but to please self, or because we’re discouraged, or nervous, or angry, or bored.

But sensibility can take other, more deceptive forms.

We can be zealous regarding our diet, but for all the wrong reasons—such as vanity, sensuality, desire for acceptance, fear of man.

We can become obsessed with healthy eating to the point where it, rather than God, dominates our thinking, discussions, and decision making, and we become judgmental toward others. God wants us to eat in a way that will glorify Him. That’s being sensible.

Miss Sense knows that exercise is good for her, part of a healthy lifestyle. She has a plan and puts it into practice with a reasonable degree of consistency, on days she feels like it and days she doesn't. Miss Sensibility again can go to extremes. She may avoid exercise altogether, or participate only when she's in the mood. Or she may be an exercise fanatic. Fitness is the driving force in her life. She frantically fights against the aging process and is determined to work out like a 25 year old, even if she's 50. Actually she needs to work out even harder, because she still hopes to look like that 25 year old.

In this area of life, who are you--Sense or Sensibility?

Please share any ideas or practical steps you take that help you to be sensible, or self-controlled regarding food and exercise.

Sense and Sensibility

2008-05-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a Jane Austen book club, you've come to the wrong place! I am just borrowing her imagery to look at the first phrase in Titus 2:5.

Titus 2:3-5: Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored.

This is part of a larger passage in Titus 2, where Paul commands Timothy to “speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). The focus here is not on preaching doctrine, but practical instructions for living. In verses 2-10, Paul goes on to give detailed description of fitting, or appropriate behavior for different groups within the church—older men, older women, young women, young men, and slaves.

This instruction is not a list of good ideas for those who want to go above and beyond; these are commands for us so that we will honor God’s word, be a shining testimonies to even our enemies, and make the doctrine of God our Savior appear attractive to others.

The phrase, to be sensible (in the NASB), is also translated to be discreet (KJV), and to be self-controlled (NIV, ESV). As I looked in various lexicons and commentaries, I found all these descriptions:
Of a sound mind, sane, in one’s senses, curbing one’s desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate
Mature judgment and proper restraint
Common sense and good judgment
A well-balanced, properly regulated mind; discreet and prudent
You can see why the translators had a hard time capturing this concept in a single English word!

To get a better understanding of this concept, let’s look at other places in the Bible where this term is used.

In Titus 1:8 and 1 Timothy 3:2 this is one of the requirements for an elder.

In our context of Titus 2:1-10, this is the only quality required for everyone. In verse 2 older men are to be sensible. In verse 6 younger men are to be sensible. The term in verse 4 which is probably translated encourage or train in your Bible is a form of this same word, literally the older women are to bring the younger women to their senses, implying that the older women are to be sensible themselves. And of course we are looking at it here in verse 5, for the younger women. This quality may seem unimportant, perhaps even a little boring, to us, but it must be important to God if He requires it of everyone. We need to think of it as important as well.

Other forms of this word are used in:
Mark 5:15—After Jesus heals the man possessed with a legion of demons, it says he was in his right mind

Romans 12:3 commands us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think, but to think so as to have sound judgment

In 1 Peter 4:7 we are commanded to be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. This verse highlights the spiritual implication of our concept. If we are being sensible, we will realize our dependency on God; it will drive us to our knees.

While this term encompasses the idea of self-control, it is broader than that. A totally different word is used in Galations 5:23.

By looking at the ideas of sense and sensibility from the Jane Austen novel, I think we can see a contrasting picture that will help us understand this biblical concept, and how we can apply it to our own lives. In today’s thinking and language sense and sensibility might seem like synonyms. But in Jane Austen’s day they were opposites. Austen uses these terms to capsulate the two sisters that are central in her story. Sense and sensibility summarize each one’s framework for living. If you’ve ever read the book or seen the movie I want you to picture those two sisters. One is dominated by sense. She seeks to make wise decisions, even when it means restraining her own emotions and desires. It’s not that she doesn’t feel strongly, but she exercises self-control. The other sister is dominated by sensibility—she is totally consumed by what she senses and feels. In modern language, we might describe her as excessively emotional and sensitive. Not only does she not curb her emotions and desires, she eagerly feeds them.

Over the next few posts, I want to look at several areas of life, and paint two pictures--actually, they will merely be preliminary sketches—one of sense, which for our purposes we will embody our biblical concept, and the other of sensibility. As we look at these different areas, look for ways you can put this into practice in your own life.

Holidays: Ideals can be Idols

2008-05-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

Holidays can be wonderful. They offer a special time to spend with family and friends, enjoying the relationships God gives us. They can also be times of disappointment and unmet expectations.

I recently had a great holiday, well, really, it was the day after Mother's Day, but that's close enough. I was able to spend time with all three of my sons, and my grandson. We spent the day at Disneyland with Ben, Bobby, and his wife Christa, and their son Tyler. The picture to the right is Ben, my youngest, me, and Bobby, my oldest. On the left I am enjoying a silly moment with my grandson, Tyler. That evening we had dinner with Billy and Cory. Sorry, no pix.

Mother's Day is one holiday where it is very easy to make the ideal an idol.

Maybe you are not a mother, but greatly desire to be one. That desire can become an idol of the heart with little or no effort, and Mother's Day becomes a day of self-pity.

Maybe your ideal Mother's Day comes from a Hallmark commercial, complete with breakfast in bed, flowers, lunch or dinner at your favorite restaurant, and new jewelry. When that ideal fantasy doesn't become reality (I can almost guarantee you it won't!), your day is ruined. You spend the day regretting what you don't have instead of rejoicing in what you do have. Your ideal has become an idol.

Maybe your Mother's Day includes a family celebration with multiple mothers, so you have to serve instead of being served. You respond dutifully, but perhaps also resentfully.

Maybe you are struggling with a difficult child, or a wayward teen or adult child, and your frustrations and disappointment dominate your holiday.

Maybe your children are grown and gone, and none of them, or not all of them, will be with you on Mother's Day. For most moms, having all the children and grandchildren around her would be the ideal holiday. If that ideal has become an idol, the day can be filled with dissatisfaction and discontent when the crowd is small or non-existent.

The possibilities are abundant, our hearts are idol-factories. So we must guard our hearts. As the next holiday approaches, we must search our hearts for any idealistic and idol-istic expectations, and confess them as sin. We are then free to enjoy the opportunities God gives us with thankfulness, not disappointment. When we focus on pleasing the Lord, and not ourselves, we can always have a happy holiday.

When it Doesn't Make Sense

2008-05-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

It is easy for Christians today, myself included, to evaluate commands from God's Word from some personal perspective. Maybe the command seems too difficult, or it is in direct conflict with the wisdom of the world or our own emotions, or it just doesn't make sense. We have become masters at justifying our own disobedience. Instead we need to obey whether it makes sense or not, whether it is popular in our day or not (usually it's not), whether our emotions are cheering us on, or screaming No!

This isn't an issue unique to our day. Peter faced the same concern. We find one such occurence in Luke 5:1-11. Verses 4-5: And when He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered and said, "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but at Your bidding I will let down the nets." It's easy to imagine Peter's thoughts. "I'm the professional fisherman here, your request doesn't make any sense at all." Yet, out of his respect and love for Jesus, he obeys.

You probably remember what happens next. Verses 6-7: And when they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish; and their nets began to break; and they signaled to their partners in the other boat, for them to come and help them. And they came, and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. Jesus was in control. He knew the fishing situation far better than the fishing experts.

The same is true today. God is sovereign. God's wisdom is far above our own. Isaiah 55:6-7: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways", declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Romans 11:33: Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

We don't need to understand; We need to obey. Peter understood the crux of the matter. In verse 8 he says, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" We are the sinners; Christ is the Savior. We are the sheep; He is the Good Shepherd. We are the clay, He is the potter. We are the slaves; He is the Master. We need to obey Him, no matter what.

In the Swim

2008-05-09T17:48:00.000-07:00

Our pool was officially finished today. Praise the Lord! Today the temperature was in the 90s, perfect swimming weather. So Bruce and I both took advantage of it. Actually I went swimming yesterday as well, even though everything was not completely finished and hooked up. There was a pool full of water, it was hot, I thought, "Why not?"

God is so gracious to not only meet our basic needs, but bless us in so many additional ways. He indeed "richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." (1 Tim 6:17) I am thankful that He has so graciously provided for us to have a pool. So whatever of God gifts you are enjoying, whether it's your favorite food, or spending time with family and friends, a special hobby or recreational activity, or even your

favorite salad dressing, enjoy it and praise God for it.

Not only are we to enjoy what God gives, and be thankful, but we can share what we have with others. So, if this picture looks inviting to you, give us a call, and come over and swim!

Back to Blogging

2008-05-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

After months (actually, more than a year) of not being able to access my blog after my computer froze when they were updating the way blogger operated, (It wasn't just my technological ineptitude, even my kids couldn't figure it out) I discovered I could access it from my laptop. Praise the Lord! Blogspot is much more user friendly than wordpress, so I am happy to be able to return to blogging here.

Last month I was reading in Psalm 119, probably my favorite--176 verses exalting the Word of God. What a blessing! We will be studying it this summer in our women's Bible study; I'm looking forward to it! Here are just a few of my favorite verses:

v.4--Thou hast ordained Thy precepts, that we should keep them diligently.

v.11--Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.

v.38--Establish Thy word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for Thee.

v.92--If Thy law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction.

v.128--Therefore I esteem right all Thy precepts concerning everything, I hate every false way.

v.140--Thy word is very pure, therefore Thy servant loves it.

v.160--The sum of Thy word is truth, and every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting.

v.165--Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.

And here's the verse I've been praying this week--for myself, and those on my prayer list:

v.27--Make me understand the way of Thy precepts, so I will meditate on Thy wonders.

I would heartily recommend that you spend some time in this wonderful psalm. If you go to Believers Fellowship, sign up for the summer study, or at least get the material so you can study it on your own.

As you read this psalm, you can't help but notice the whole-hearted devotion of the psalmist to God and to His Word. As I pray verses from this psalm, I trust that the Lord will change my heart, and I might more consistently stand in awe of Thy words. (v. 161)

A Firm Grip on God's Word

2007-02-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

Pursuing avenues of spiritual growth requires discipline. I have to be disciplined and committed to walking along the beautiful path, much more disciplined and committed than I have been to blogging! One of the primary avenues we need to pursue is God's Word.

In his book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald Whitney says, “No spiritual discipline is more important than the intake of God’s Word. Nothing can substitute for it. There simply is no healthy Christian life apart from a diet of the milk and meat of Scripture.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

Notice it says all Scripture. Not some, not even most, but all.

It is inspired—literally God-breathed. John MacArthur says,
“Scripture first of all and above all is from God and about God….The Bible is not a collection of the wisdom and insights of men, even of godly men. It is God’s truth, His own Word in His own words.”

All Scripture is profitable—beneficial, productive, sufficient

For teaching—to show us God’s path
For reproof—to show us when we get off God’s path
For correction—to help us get back on the path
For training in righteousness—to help us stay on the path

Through Scripture we are adequately equipped for every good work—no exceptions.

It is clear that if we want to progress on the path to spiritual maturity, we need to have a firm grip on God’s Word.

Pursue Avenues of Spiritual Growth

2007-01-22T17:23:00.000-08:00

The beautiful path is the path to spiritual maturity. Over the next several posts, we will look at three keys on that path. The first key is to Pursue Avenues of Spiritual Growth.

While the Spirit is at work in the life of every true believer, and no growth happens apart from His work, that does not mean that the path to spiritual maturity requires no effort on the part of the believer. Quite the contrary.

Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul sets the example for us as we press on along God’s path.

The Spirit’s work and the believer’s work are demonstrated in Colossians 1:29
And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

Paul is laboring, toiling to the point of exhaustion, and striving, an athletic term from which we get the English word agonize, but it is all according to God’s power which is mightily working in him. That needs to be our practice as well. John MacArthur says, “All his toil and hard labor would have been useless apart from God’s power in his life.”

1 Timothy 4:7 tells us to discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness.

The Greek word for discipline here is gymnazo, from which we get gymnasium. It is speaking of training. This is a time of year when many people are starting a new fitness regimen. It is a great time to start or rethink your spiritual fitness regimen. To make progress along the beautiful path, the path to spiritual maturity, we need to exercise our spiritual muscles, and that takes discipline.

We want to be actively pursuing avenues of spiritual growth. We could discuss many profitable spiritual disciplines, such as worship, evangelism, serving, and giving. But in upcoming posts I want to focus on just two—God’s Word and prayer. Both are key elements to any spiritual exercise program.

The Beautiful Path

2007-01-19T13:18:00.000-08:00

When you become a Christian you begin a great journey, which will culminate when you enter the glorified state to spend eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One day we will finally be like Him. Our sin, and selfishness, and struggles with the flesh will be gone forever. Hallelujah! But it is a journey, we do not get their overnight.

2 Corinthians 3:18 puts it this way:
But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

The Spirit is at work in our lives, conforming us to the image of Christ.

In the next several posts, I am going to discuss the path to spiritual maturity.

What does this path look like? The Psalms describe this path in a number of ways.
Psalm 16:11 calls it the path of life
Psalm 23:3 refers to paths of righteousness
Psalm 25:10 says, "All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth "
Psalm 27:11 calls it a level path

Sounds like a pretty good place to be! When we go the way God has designed for us to go, it truly is a beautiful path.

God is at work, leading us along His path, and we, like Paul, can be confident that the Lord will complete His work in us.

Philippians 1:6
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Does that just mean we sit back and let the Spirit work? What part do we play in this great journey?

We'll look at that next time.

Bountiful Blessings from a Gracious Giver

2006-11-23T11:17:00.000-08:00

Today Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving. Many will eat turkey, spend time with family and friends, take naps, and watch football, but few will actually give thanks. Fewer still will give thanks to the true God, who is the one who bestows every good thing and every perfect gift. Christians will probably spend some time counting their blessings and thanking God for His abundant goodness. But thanksgiving should not be limited to the fourth Thursday in November. God commands us to be thankful as a way of life.

1 Thessalonians 5:18--in everything give thanks

Ephesians 5:20--always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father

Colossians 3:17--And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

So while thanksgiving is to be standard operating procedure for a Christian, it is appropriate on this day to spend some time contemplating God's bountiful blessings and thanking Him for them.

God has truly blessed me in so many ways.

I thank Him for His gracious gift of salvation. He opened my blind eyes to see my own helplessness and hopelessness, and made me a new creation in Christ. He continues to graciously work in my life, like a master artist lovingly and faithfully chipping away at my ugly selfishness, conforming me to the image of His Son.

I thank Him for His marvelous word, in which I can learn of Him, and see the depth of the riches both of His wisdom and knowledge.

I thank Him for the wonderful family He has so graciously given me. I thank Him for a godly, wise, steadfast, and faithful husband, who is my very best friend. I thank Him for three wonderful sons who love and serve the Lord. They are a marvelous testimony of God's amazing grace to me; they are such special men. I thank God for a godly daughter-in-law who loves the Lord and mothering our grandson. I love being encouraged spiritually by all of their blogs. I thank God for a soon to be (22 more days!) daughter-in-law, who God has so graciously brought into my son's life. We will soon have two beautiful daughters-in-law, inside and out. I thank God for a grandson, and pray that God will graciously work in his life to make him a mighty man of God.

I thank Him for the gracious blessing of fellowship. Last weekend we returned to San Antonio, where we had lived and my husband had pastored for 10 1/2 years. It was a joy to see many friends again, and to hear how the Lord was working in their lives. Even though we have been gone for almost 1 1/2 years, it was so easy to just pick up where we had left off, and enjoy sweet fellowship together.

Mostly I thank God for just being Himself. He is so awesome, absolutely holy, completely good, immensely powerful, infinitely wise, and totally loving.

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Who can speak of the mighty deeds of the Lord, or can show forth all His praise? Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. And let all the people say, "Amen." Praise the Lord! Psalm 106:1-2,48

Happy thanksgiving!

Hope Against Hope

2006-10-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

In our culture, we are hopeful about many things. We may hope for good weather for a special activity. A student may hope to do well on an upcoming test. Right now many Detroit Tiger fans are hoping their team will come back and put up a fight in the World Series. I am hoping the USC Trojans finish their season strong and continue to win.

We may hope for a lot of things, but even in our hope we aren't always very hopeful. Although Tiger fans are still hoping to win the World Series, they are down 1-3, and may not be very optimistic.

Biblical hope is totally different. It is not wishful thinking; it is a confident expectation. Abraham displayed this kind of hope, described for us in Romans 4:18-21. In hope against hope he believed, in order that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, "So shall your descendants be." And without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what He had promised, He was able also to perform.

Abraham had hope in a hopeless situation. He was 100 years old, and his wife Sarah was 90. From a human perspective, their chance of having a baby at this point was no chance at all. It was impossible. Yet Abraham did not become weak in faith (v. 19); he did not waver in unbelief (v.20). How could he do this? He was fully assured that God was able to fulfill His promise (v. 21). God had promised a son, and Abraham trusted God. He knew God would keep His word.

Like Abrahm, we can count on God's faithfulness.

Psalm 12:6--The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.

Proverbs 30:5--Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. God's Word passes the test every single time.

Deuteronomy 7:9--Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation to those who love Him and keep His commandments.

Psalm 36:5--Thy lovingkindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Deuteronomy 32:4--The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.

Isaiah 25:1--O Lord, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will give thanks to Thy name; for Thou hast worked wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. God's faithfulness is absolutely perfect.

Are you facing a difficult situation? From a human perspective, do your circumstances seem hopeless? Follow Abraham's example, and focus on the Lord. He is sovereign, good, loving, and powerful. Remind yourself of these truths, and you too can have hope against hope.

Lamentations 3:21-23--This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's lonvingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness.

Dwelling on the Praiseworthy

2006-10-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

In an ongoing look at Set your Mind, Set your Course, we have seen the POWER of the mind. Whatever dominates our thinking is going to dominate our lives, whether we want it to or not.
We have seen the PRIORITY of the mind. We are to set our minds on things above. We are to have an eternal, spiritual perspective on life. We have been looking at the PATTERN for the mind, found in Philippians 4:8. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. We have looked at these terms one by one.

Our last attribute is praiseworthy, literally on or upon praise. Nothing or no one is more worthy of our praise than God Himself, our amazing Creator and sovereign Lord.
Here we’ve come back full circle to focusing our thoughts on God. I must fix my eyes on Jesus, as I’m instructed in Hebrews 12:2. When my thoughts are dwelling on my precious Savior, my heart is filled with praise, and the things of this world grow strangely dim, as the song says.

When I set my mind on The One who is praiseworthy, I have set a course to please the Lord.

Let me share a couple of my favorite praise passages.
Psalm 103:1-2--Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits.
Philippians 3:20-21--Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

What verses or thoughts stimulate you to praise the Lord?

Our minds are busy, we’re always thinking about something. Let’s purpose to let our minds dwell on things that our pleasing to the Lord, and thus set our course for spiritual prosperity.

Dwelling on What's of Good Repute and Excellent

2006-10-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

In Philippians 4:8, the Lord gives us instructions as to what He desires in our pattern of thinking. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

Our minds are to dwell on thoughts of good repute--well thought of, highly regarded, admirable. This kind of thinking searches for the good rather than the bad, in ourselves and in others.

What forms the basis of your self-image? Do you obsess over your faults and weaknesses, the things you've done wrong? Or do you focus on the Lord Jesus Christ, thankful that He died to forgive sin, and has made all who believe in Him new creatures? Does your mind dwell on who you are in Christ, on the reality that He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him, on the riches of His grace which He has lavished upon us, on the riches of the glory of our inheritance in Him, on the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe? (Ephesians 1)

We all know from personal experience about hurtful feelings. Maybe someone has said something unkind to us, or disappointed us in some way. How do we respond? Do we nurse our hurt feelings, and replay them in our minds over and over again, with the initial offense, whether real or imagined, growing each time? This is the opposite of thoughts of good repute. I need to focus on the good qualities of others, the positive actions they have taken toward me, and what positive actions I can take toward them. I want to focus on the positive in others, not the negative.

Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good

What are some practical ways we concentrate on the positive? What has helped you to overcome evil with good in your relationships? What has helped you to think thoughts of good repute, about yourself or others?

When I set my mind on thoughts of bad repute, I set my course for self-pity, bitterness, and misery.

Now the terminology changes—if there is any excellence. In the Greek if can mean different things, this one could be translated since. We are commanded to think about the excellent.

Ecclesiastes 9:10a--Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might
Colossians 3:23--Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men

Excellence is what God desires from us, but it is very easy to fall into better than, or good enough thinking.

Well, I think I am a better Christian than so and so. I’m doing a good enough job to get by.

How do we think about the responsibilities God has given for us to do? These take on many shapes and styles for different women and at different times in our lives—maybe it’s a ministry opportunity, a responsibility we have as a student, an obligation at our place of employment, or just the day in day out activities of life. Do we take a better than, or good enough attitude? Or do we seek to please God in all we think, say, and do, and pursue excellence?

When we set our minds on better than or good enough thinking, we set our course for mediocrity and self-righteousness.

Dwelling on What's Pure and Lovely

2006-09-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

Philippians 4:8 gives us clear instructions on what we are to allow our minds to dwell on. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

We are to dwell on whatever is pure—undefiled, unstained, not mixed with sin. What kind of input are we filling our minds with? What are we watching? Listening to? Reading? Talking about? What do we think about when no one else is around? Is it pure?

When I set my mind on impure thoughts, I set my course for unrighteousness and immorality.

The next description of thinking that is pleasing to God is lovely. I used to be confused about this word. Does this mean I am supposed to think about something lovely, like a beautiful sunset? I later learned more about this term. We are to think about things that are pleasing, sweet, gracious, generous. Literally, the term means towards love. The basic idea when applied to thinking is a thought which is toward love, planning or concentration which will bring about a loving act.

This is the kind of thinking we are exhorted to in Hebrews 10:24--And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.

What can I think, do, or say, that will show love to someone else? How can God use me to minister to someone else? How can I encourage others to love and good deeds? This kind of thinking switches the focus from self to loving and serving God and others.

Relationships can be challenging because imperfect people are interacting with other imperfect people. Do you dwell on the strengths of others, or their weaknesses? Do you thank God for the people He has placed in your life? Do we tell others things we appreciate about them, or do we more often complain and nag? Do we make ourselves easy for others to love?

When set my mind on unlovely thoughts, I set my course for discouragement, self-centeredness, and loneliness.

Dwelling on what's Honorable and Right

2006-09-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Continuing in our series on Set Your Mind, Set Your Course, we are now looking at Philippians 4:8--Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. Today we will look at the terms honorable and right.

Honorable refers to that which is noble, worthy of respect, dignified, lofty; that which inspires awe, majesty, seriousness. Here I need to focus on the important rather than the trivial. I can determine what’s important by determining what is precious to God.

1 Peter 3:3-4--And let not your adornment be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

So what do I spend more time thinking about—How I look or what I’m going to wear, or maybe how my home looks, or how my kids look—or on developing a gentle and quiet spirit. Am I more focused on the outside or the inside?

When I set my mind on the trivial, I set my course for superficiality and stunted spiritual growth.

What are some other ways we focus on the trivial or superficial, rather than what's honorable?

The next attribute is right—what is upright, just, fair, not prejudiced. I have to acknowledge that God determines what is fair, not me. I have to remember that my thinking is naturally skewed toward me. Without even trying, I am prejudiced toward myself. Instead, I need to think what is just and fair.

Romans 12:3--For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

I really like this verse because it doesn’t pull any punches. It reminds me that am I likely to think too highly of myself, but that isn’t sound thinking. It isn’t right thinking.

I do most of the shopping in my family. And I usually have particular areas where I park. Occasionally, I will go to one of my normal places with my husband or son, who is driving. He doesn’t always park where I park. My immediate thought is, “He’s parking in the wrong place!” That’s not right thinking. My way is not the right way, not even necessarily a better way, it’s just a different way.

Too many times our thoughts are on pleasing others rather than pleasing God. We think about what others are thinking about us rather than on whether what we are doing is right. In fact, sometimes we are unwilling to say or do what we know to be the right thing becasue we are afraid someone won't respond favorably. We must focus on right thinking which will lead to right words and right actions.

When I set my mind on thinking that isn’t right, I set my course for pride, selfishness, fear, and lack of true love.

What are some other ways we display prejudiced or unfair thinking?

Dwelling on What's True

2006-09-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

Philippians 4:8 instructs us to let our minds dwell on things that are true. This word can be used in two different aspects: real as opposed to fake or imaginary, and true as opposed to false

Have you ever stopped and thought about how much time you spend thinking about things that aren’t even real?

My son’s first job was working at McDonald’s. His first real night on the job was a Friday, he was to work from 5 until close, and McDonald’s closed at midnight. I woke up at 1:30 and my son wasn’t home! Believe me, my emotions and thoughts wanted to run wild. There’s been an accident! He’s in trouble! My mind was eager to go down a path of imagined possibilities, but I had to focus on what was true. God was in control. God loved my son, He loved me, and His plan for us was perfect. As it turned out, it was the night they moved and cleaned all the equipment in the kitchen, so my son didn’t get home until almost 3:00, but I was able to experience the peace of God by focusing on the real as opposed to the imaginary.

Women seem to excel at thinking about what others are thinking. We do this in a variety of ways--judging motives, quickly taking offense, being suspicious, wondering if a particular person likes us, etc.

When we set our mind on the imaginary, we set our course for worry and fear.

The second meaning of this verse is true as opposed to false. And where do we find the truth?—God’s Word. What influences our thinking more—the ideas of our culture, our own emotions or perceptions, or the truth of God’s Word?

Sometimes I might think—I just can’t take it anymore. You can define the “it” anyway you like—maybe trouble in a relationship, maybe health problems, maybe financial difficulties, maybe an area of sin where I continually struggle. That’s my feeling, my perception. But what is true?

1 Corinthians 10:13--No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.

Philippians 4:13--I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

When I am tempted to think this way, I am thinking what is false. Thinking what is true means that I can be confident that God will faithfully help me to endure my difficulty. I am not all alone in my struggle, I am not unique in my struggle, and I can endure anything that the Lord sends my way when I am dependent on Him and relying on His strength.

When I set my mind on what is false, even though my culture, or emotions, or perceptions is telling me it’s true, I have set my course for discouragement, and hopelessness.

What ways do you see people dwelling on the false rather than the true?

Let your Mind Dwell on these Things

2006-09-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Last time we looked at the PRIORITY of the mind. We must set our minds on the eternal, the spiritual, thoughts that focus on our great and awesome God.

But we do live in this world. We must daily deal with the issues of this life, and the people in our lives. We want to put the PRIORITY of our thinking into practice on a regular basis. God’s Word gives us a PATTERN for our thinking that can drive all of our thoughts along a path that glorifies God.

Philippians 4:8--Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

John MacArthur says, “The phrase dwell on these things introduces an important truth: spiritual stability is a result of how a person thinks. The imperative form…makes it a command; proper thinking is not optional in the Christian life.”

My husband calls this verse a leash law for the mind. We have a puppy at our house, and he is now big enough to go on walks. Without a leash, he would constantly be sniffing all kinds of nasty stuff, and dangerously running into the street. He needs a leash to keep on the right course. So do we, a mental leash. When we set our minds on the qualities in this verse, then we set our course on a path that is pleasing to God.

This verse is not a suggestion, but a command. God wants our minds to dwell on these things. This verse also gives us a measuring stick, or a filter, to examine our thinking. Over the next several days we will look at these qualities one by one.

The Priority of the Mind

2006-09-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Last post we talked about the POWER of the mind. Whatever we think about will direct the course of our life. Today lets look at what is to be the PRIORITY of our mind. A number of verses give us the answer.

Colossians 3:1-2--If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. The PRIORITY of our mind is to be the heavenly, the eternal.
We are to keep seeking, and set our mind, both present tense verbs. This is to be our continual pursuit.

In his commentary on Colossians, John MacArthur says, “To be preoccupied with heaven is to be preoccupied with the One who reigns there and His purposes, plans, provisions, and power. It is also to view the things, people, and events of this world through His eyes and with an eternal perspective.”

This year for the first time I got a passport. When you become a believer, you get a new passport, so to speak. You are now a citizen of heaven, as it says in Philippians 3:20. Peter reminds us we are aliens and strangers in this world. Our thoughts must be consistent with these realities.

This same idea is reflected in Romans 12:2--And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. We are not to think as the world thinks. We are to renew our minds. Notice the key role the mind plays in keeping us from being conformed to this world.

2 Corinthians 10:5--We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ
The preceding verses speak of the spiritual battle we are involved in. A fierce battle rages for our minds, and we need to fight against our flesh and the tendency to think like the world, and take our thoughts captive. How many of our thoughts? Every single one.

I love the imagery in 1 Peter 1:13--Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
In that culture, the dress was commonly loose and flowing. This didn’t work very well when it was time for action. They would gather their robes and tuck them into their belts, and then they were ready. We need to do that with our thoughts—tie up all the loose ends of our thinking and tuck them in. And to what end? That we might fix our hope on future grace—again focusing on the spiritual, the eternal. This must be the PRIORITY of our minds.

So, how exactly do we do this? Where are we going to find out about God and His purposes, plans, provisions, and power? In God's Word.

We must saturate our minds with Scripture. In the Bible God reveals Himself to us; in it we can learn about the things that are important to Him. We must be in His Word daily on a personal basis, we must regularly expose ourselves to the teaching of His Word.

We must meditate on God’s Word; like a cow chews its cud, we must ruminate on truth. We want to contemplate the character of God—how great and glorious He is. I’ve started taking Bible verses on cards with me when I walk, so I can meditate on truth, set my mind on things above as I exercise.

Bible memorization can be helpful as well. When we have a verse or passage memorized, it is ours to reflect upon whenever and wherever we may be.

Good Christian music can be another tool to turn our thoughts to God. We can be listening while we are busy with tasks around the house, and often the words and melody linger in our minds, helping us set our minds on the spiritual and eternal. My favorite music website is godsongmusic.com--check it out!

Sometimes we need a framework to help us in our spiritual thinking. One thing that I use to keep my thoughts on track is the alphabet—perhaps when I’m driving, or up at night unable to sleep.

I can meditate on the character of God
A--He is Awesome
B--He is Bountiful
C--He is Compassionate, and so on.

I can think of a key word from a Bible verse or a song.
A—All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
B—Blessed are the poor in spirit
C—Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you
Or
A—Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
B-Blessed be the Lord God Almighty, who reigns forevermore.
C—O come let us adore Him

When I do this, I wouldn’t go this fast, I would take time and reflect upon each attribute, each verse, each song.

What have you found that helps you focus your thinking on God, to set your mind on things above?

Set Your Mind, Set your Course

2006-09-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

Last night we started a new season of Titus Two Fellowships at our church. Women meet at a number of homes throughout the greater LA area. I have been blessed as I have studied for this, and hope to encourage others through what I have learned.

In our culture we use the word mind in many ways. It may refer to intellect—She has a really sharp mind. It may refer to determination—If you set your mind to it, you can do anything. It may refer to an issue of the will, or a decision—will you make up your mind?

In the language of our day, we definitely draw a distinction between mind and heart. We think with our minds, and feel with our hearts. In the Bible, however, these words are often used almost synonymously. In fact there are several words in the Hebrew and the Greek that are sometimes translated as mind, and sometimes as heart. The Biblical mind encompasses not just our thinking, but also our will, our affections, our choices, our desires.

One thing that stood out from my study is the POWER of the mind. What we think about has a more powerful influence on us than we might realize.

Even the secular world understands this. Mahatma Gandhi said, "A man is but the product of his thoughts." Ralph Waldo Emerson warned, "Beware of what you set your mind on, for that you will surely become."

While these men might recognize the POWER of the mind, it is from God’s Word that we want to gain understanding. The Bible has much to say on this topic. There are over 1000 biblical references to mind, thought, or heart.

Proverbs 23:7a--For as he thinks in himself, so is he. My thinking determines the kind of woman I am.

Proverbs 4:23--Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.
Here I am warned to diligently watch over my heart and mind, for my entire life flows from it. I need to be careful about what I watch, what I read, what I listen to.

Luke 6:45--The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. What is filling my mind and heart will come out in my words.

Matthew 15:19--For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. What is filling my mind and heart will come out in my actions.

So Set your Mind, Set your Course is more than just a clever title for a Titus Two. It is a reality. Whatever predominantly occupies my mind will determine the person I am and the course I take, whether I want it to or not.

We have seen the POWER of the mind. What are we to do with all this power? What are we to think about? We'll talk about that next time!

One Likes it Hot

2006-07-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

You may have heard about (or experienced) the unusually hot weather we've been having in California. I have found it very easy to be discontent and complain, at least inside my head, about the weather. We have had air conditioning failures in our home and car. Life was at times uncomfortable. I had to continually remind myself that God is sovereign over the weather, and this current heat wave was part of His perfect plan for my life.

The same pattern can occur in our spiritual lives. We may prefer to be comfortable. God likes it hot; He wants us to be 'on fire' for Him, whole-heartedly devoted to Him.

Deuteronomy 6:5--And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

2 Chronicles 16:9a--For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.

Romans 12:10-11--Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord

Revelation 3:15-16--I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

God is sovereign over all the circumstances, events, and people in our lives. His desire is not that we might be comfortable, but that we might be comformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:28,29).

So join me in using hot weather to remember that God is sovereign, and I need to be focused on zealously delighting in Him, not my own comfort. He likes it hot!

Praying for One Another

2006-07-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

As I have been reading 1 & 2 Thessalonians the last couple of months, I have been greatly encouraged by Paul's example of praying for these believers. He prays for them frequently (1 Th 1:2 give thanks to God always for all of you, 1 Th 1:3 constantly bearing in mind, 1 Th 2:13 constantly thank God, 1 Th 3:10 we night and day keep praying, 2 Th 1:11 we pray for you always) and with intensity (1 Th 3:10 earnestly).

These books contain specific examples of Paul's prayers:

1 Thess 3:11-13
Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.

1 Thess 5:23
Now may the God of peace Himself sancitfy you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thess 1:11-12
To this end we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power; in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thess 2:16-17
Now may or Lord Jeus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.

2 Thess 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.

These verses have formed the basis of my recent prayers for those on my prayer list. What a blessing to pray for one another, and to know others are praying for me. When we pray according to Scripture, we can be confident we are praying according to God's will. It also helps focus our prayers on the spiritual, and not just the circumstantial. It can even change the way we pray regarding specific circumstances.

So I would challenge you, when you come across Scriptural prayers in your Bible reading, use them to pray for one another. You and they will be blessed!

A New Buddy

2006-06-21T21:38:00.000-07:00

This year my husband gave me a very unique birthday present, a new puppy! We have had a few dogs in the past, but the kind I have always wanted is a golden retriever. So here is my present; we call him Buddy.

Buddy is 8 weeks old today. He is adjusting well to his new home and new family. He does the usual puppy things--play friskily followed by plenty of napping. He has a stuffed bear he likes to wrestle with--sometimes I'm not sure who wins! He very much likes to be around people, so he will pretty much follow me wherever I go. Buddy is very friendly so he is aptly named; you give him any attention and he'll be your buddy.

I look forward to enjoying this birthday present for many years to come.

A Growing Family

2006-06-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was an exciting time for our family. Our middle son got engaged! Cory was totally surprised and delighted to say YES! (She and Bill are on the far left in this picture) So, come December, our family will be growing with a new daughter-in-law. We are looking forward to it!

We also got to see our grandson, Tyler, who is also growing. Today he is four months old! He smiles much more readily, and made some cooing noises at me when we said goodbye. It is such a blessing to be closer and able to see them more often. Hopefully it won't be too long before Tyler knows who Grandma and Grandpa are!

But the best growth in our family is spiritual. It is awesome and humbling to watch God work in the lives of our family members. We are encouraged by conversations with our children, and challenged by reading their blogs. (Check out the links to the right.) We share the joy in 3 John 4 as we see our children walking in the truth. And God continues to teach and challenge and humble grandma and grandpa as well. His Word is such a rich treasure, yet we can never plumb its depths. I have grown to know God better, and love Him more, yet I know I am just seeing the fringes of His ways (Job 26:14). And I am confident that God will continue to grow all of us in Him. (Phil 1:6, 2 Thess. 3:4) What a great and awesome God we serve!

Lord of All Creation

2006-06-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

Based on the time since my last post you may have thought I had fallen off the end of the earth. I haven't, but I recently visited very close to there. My husband and I have just returned from a 2 1/2 week trip to South Africa, which, according to my map, is almost directly on the opposite side of the globe from where I live. My husband spoke at three pastors' conferences there, and I was blessed with the opportunity to accompany him. (I did get to speak to one group of women.)
Two things stood out to me on this trip. The first is that God is an awesome Creator! We were able to go to two animals parks while we were there. As we learned more about some of the animals, it was amazing to see how skillfully and wondrously God created each animal to be perfectly suited for its environment and life. The eyes of the big cats are created to increase their night vision. Lions have a very short gestation period, and the cubs develop quite a bit more after birth because a lioness heavy in her pregnancy would not be a very able hunter. Cheetahs are streamlined and created for speed. (I was able to pet one, as you can see.) The antelope family members--we saw impala, springbok, waterbuck, and kudu--all have big ears to help them sense approaching predators. Their coloring not only helps them blend into their environment, but also helps reflect rather than absorb the heat. Truly God is an awesome Creator.

The last stop on our trip was Cape Town, one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. The city is surrounded by mountains and coastline, a vivid combination. We were blessed with good weather and were able to go up on Table Mountain, which rises over 3000 feet above the city and the bay. The views from there were astounding, and an opportunity to again praise the Lord for the beauty of His creation. The next day we were able to drive around the mountain, along the beautiful coastline of Clifton Bay, Camps Bay, and Hout Bay, and then over the hill through a forest area where you'd never know you were anywhere near the ocean, even though it was only a few miles away.

The second thing that stood out to me was the reality that God is the Lord of all peoples and nations. We met many other believers on this trip, with widely varied life experiences, from diverse cultures and ethnic heritages, and speaking different languages, yet we shared a common bond in the Lord. What an encouragement to see people on the other side of the world worshipping the same awesome Creator, committed to the same Word of God, and growing in their own relationship with Jesus Christ, just as we do thousands of miles away. Truly He is Lord of All Creation, worthy of the worship and praise of every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues.

Who, Not Why

2006-03-31T07:26:00.000-08:00

I have been so immersed with a couple of studies I have been doing for teaching opportunities, that my blog has been seemingly frozen in time. Of course, hallowing God's name is a great place to get stuck! I spoke on Enjoying Life as a Wife at a couples conference in Oregon, and I am in the midst of a series from the book of Job for an elective at my church's women's ministry program. I have learned so much from my studying that whenever I have thought of blogging I don't know where to begin. So I'm just going to keep it simple.

Job is a wonderful book, and we can learn much about dealing with the diffuculties of life from it. Job suffered in amazing ways. He was a very wealthy man, and lost absolutely everything. He had 10 children who were all killed at the same time. He endured intense physical agony that went on day after day. He might have hoped to receive encouragement and comfort from his wife and friends, but they just added to his grief. Although his initial response to all of his calamity is fantastic (1:20-22, 2:10), over time he begins to falter. He gets discouraged and begins to view God through his cirucmstances, rather than viewing his cirucmstances through the truth he knows about God. He begins to questions why. Why did I not die at birth, come forth from the womb and expire? (3:11) I will say to God, 'Do not condemn me; Let me know why Thou dost contend with me.' (11:2) Why dost Thou hide Thy face and consider me Thine enemy? (13:24) Why are times not stored up by the Almighty; and why do those who know Him not see His days? (24:1)

God finally speaks at the end of the book. Chapters 38-41 gives the longest recorded speech from God. He speaks for four chapters, but does not address Job's why questions. He eloquently answers with who He is. He is God, the Creator, all-powerful, all-knowing, Lord and ruler over the entire universe. And what is Job's response? Does he still ask why? I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees Thee; Therefore I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes. (42:5-6) Although none of his questions have been answered, all of his questions have been answered. He may still not know why, but he knows who, and that is all he needs to know. God is God and he is not. God is the sovereign ruler, he is the humble servant. Job is overwhelmed with how awesome God is, and that is what brings him comfort.

So next time you are distressed by life, whether a severe trial or just the stresses and difficulties of life, don't focus on the why, focus on the who. Turn to God, meditate on the truth of His character, rejoice in what a great and awesome God we can know personally. This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23) When we recall the who to mind, and not get bogged down in the why, we can have hope.

Hallowed be Your Name

2006-02-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the morning sermon looked at a phrase from the Lord's Prayer--Hallowed be your name. Hallow means to regard as holy, to treat reverently. I was challenged to remember how holy God is, especially as I approach Him in prayer. I am thankful that God has adopted believers to be His children, and that we are invited to cast all of our cares upon Him. Those realities, however, might tempt us to forget that we are praying to the Lord Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, the sovereign God of the universe.

The fear of the Lord is not a concept you hear much about these days in many Christian circles, but it is a biblical concept. In January I read Proverbs, and the fear of the Lord is mentioned 16 times in that one book. We are commanded to fear the Lord several times, and learn several benefits of obeying this command. The fear of the Lord brings wisdom (1:7; 9:10; 15:33), prolongs life (10:27), brings confidence (14:26), is a fountain of life (14:27), keeps one away from evil (16:6), brings satisfied sleep (19:23), and is rewarded by riches, honor and life.

On the other hand, forgetting God's holiness and treating Him irreverently can have severe consequences. One example is found in Leviticus 10:1-3, when Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, offered 'strange fire' before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. The result: fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them. Why? God explains in verse 3, "By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy." This is not optional to God. I am thankful that He is gracious and doesn't kill all of us who ever approach Him lightly. But I am challenged to think about who He is when I come near Him in prayer.

So next time you go to prayer, take some time to reflect on the great and awesome, perfectly holy God you are praying to, and hallow His name.

What Do You Let Your Heart Do?

2006-01-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a phrase in my Bible reading that has got me thinking. Three different times, in different places, I read, Do not let your heart, or Let not your heart. Interesting. We live in a day when we are lead to believe that we don't have any control over our hearts. Take, for example, the term, "falling in love". The implication is that we tumble into love, helplessly careening down the slope, wherever our emotions take us. Or the term, "follow your heart", as if our heart will lead us to only the best places.

The Bible, however, tells us something completely different. I see two major implications from these repeated phrases. First, we are commanded to not let our hearts do certain things. That tells me that we, through the power of the Holy Spirit, do not need to follow wherever our heart may try to lead us. Second, the fact that we are told to not let our heart take us certain places implies that our heart will naturally tend to do that, and it's not always a good place to go! Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?" Proverbs 28:26 bluntly states, "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool".

So what does God tell us to not let our heart do? This list is not exhaustive, but here are the three verses I recently read.

Proverbs 23:17, "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always." We are not to let our hearts envy sinners. Our world portrays sin as normal, even desireable. The 'sinners' are the ones who really have it made, who enjoy life. We are constantly inundated with this subtle message. Yet it is a lie. In Psalm 73, Asaph tells how he fell into the trap of thinking this way. In verse 3 he says, "For I was envious of the arrogant, as I saw the prosperity of the wicked." He also expresses what he was thinking in verse 13, "Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure, and washed my hands in innocence." He was dismayed by his erroneous thinking, "until I came into the sanctuary of God," in verse 17. As he looked at things from God's perspective, he realized his thinking had been, "senseless and ignorant," verse 22. The remedy for our heart's envying sinners is to live in the fear of the Lord always. When the Lord has our focus, our respect, our worship, when we are living to please and honor Him, we will not be led astray by our foolish hearts.

Proverbs 24:17 says, "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles." Isn't that our human tendency? We cheer for the good guy (us), and root against the bad guy (anyone who is opposed to us). Sometimes we are oppressed, and justice serves to exonerate us and put the blame on our enemy. While justice is good, and ultimately all sinners will face God's judgement, what should our attitude be to our personal enemies? Not rejoicing when they stumble. In Luke 6:27-28 Jesus says, "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Romans 12:17-21 instructs us, "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'vengeance is mine I will repay,' says the Lord. 'But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

John 14:1 says, "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." Here we are commanded to not let our hearts be troubled. Over and over the Bible tells us to do not fear or do not fret. Why? Because that's what our hearts our prone to do! I think women, especially mothers, are particularly skilled at this! Instead we are to believe in God. We must abandon our own fears, our own worries, our own perceptions, our own preferences, our own expectations, our own analysis of the situation, and trust in the Lord. He is in control. He is at work for our good and His glory.

So don't follow your heart wherever it may try to take you. Follow the Lord. His ways are perfect. His word is sure.

Prayer Principles from Psalm 5

2006-01-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

I love the Psalms. The psalmist is so real and pours out his heart to the Lord. Through the Psalms I see glimpses of God--His amazing character is highlighted in so many ways. I also see glimpses of myself as the psalmist is honest and transparent about himself. I see areas of sin and weakness, just like me, but I also often see a heart that longs for God, also like me. Many psalms display a close relationship between the psalmist and God, and from these I can learn about growing my relationship with God.

The beginning verses of Psalm 5 give us a glimpse into David's prayer life, and my prayer life can be impacted as I observe some principles from these verses.

Psalm 5:1-3
Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my groaning.
Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, for to Thee do I pray.
In the morning, O Lord, Thou wilt hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch.

The prayer principles I oberved are:

Specificity(vs. 1)- David asks the Lord to give ear to his words. This implies that he has made some specific requests or brought specific situations or people before the Lord. It is easy to fall into generalities when we pray, God bless my world type prayers. I need to make sure my prayers include specifics, not just generalities.

Intensity(vs. 1)--David says consider my groaning, or meditation. He is pouring out his heart to the Lord with intensity, with fervency. His prayer is not casual, or an after thought, or a duty. It is intense.

Dependency(vs. 2)--Here he refers to his prayer as a cry for help. This shows his awareness of his own inadequacy and his dependence on the Lord. The more I see my own need the more I will turn to the Lord in prayer.

Submission(v.2)--David calls God "My King". He sees God as the King, and himself as the servant. This implies that his prayer was for God's will to be done, not for God to grant David's will. I need to make sure my prayers are seeking to align my heart with the Lord's, not asking God to give me what I want.

Intimacy(v.2)--here the reference is to "My God." David was not praying to some abstract spiritual force, he was praying to his God, someone he knew personally. How awesome it is that the God of the Universe, the Creator, the King, gave His Son so that I can have a personal relationship with Him! He has adopted me into His family. My prayers need to reflect this closeness.

Regularity(v.3)--Twice the phrase, "in the morning" is used. This implies that the Lord heard David's voice in the morning on a regular basis. I need to be consistent in my prayer life as well.

Centrality(v.3)--Another implication from morning prayer is that this was central to David's day. He didn't want to begin his day without the Lord as his focus. Whether or not my schedule allows for a lengthy time of prayer every morning, I need to begin each day focusing on the Lord, offering my day to Him, seeking His face and His strength for my day.

Expectancy(v.3)--this section ends with David's commitment to eagerly watch. He expected that God would answer his prayer. He was confident in God. John 5:14-15 says, "And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him." My prayers need to reflect this same confidence. I must be eager to see how God will answer my prayers.

What a privilege it is to have God's Word. What a privilege it is to pray. Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to hep in time of need."

Surrounded

2006-01-20T16:16:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been listening to a new song called Surrounded (check it out at www.godsongmusic.com) about how we are surrounded by God's blessings. The chorus says:

You're the giver of good gifts
You bless with benefits
Great is Your faithfulness
Your compassion's infinite
Every morning it is true
That Your mercies are new

I was reading Psalm 5 the other day, and took particular notice of a verse about being surrounded. Psalm 5:12 says, "For it is Thou who dost bless the righteous man, O Lord, Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield." It is easy to think that being surrounded with God's favor would mean pleasant circumstances, good health, financial prosperity, perfect relationships, etc. However, this is not what the psalmist experienced.

In verses 8-10 David talks about his foes. He was not experiencing the perfect circumstances we often imagine, yet he still saw himself as surrounded with God's favor. We are surrounded with God's favor by His love, His grace, His peace, His mercy, His comfort, His forgiveness, His wisdom, His compassion, His truth, His strength, His guidance, His goodness, His faithfulness. God surrounds us with Himself. It doesn't get any better than that.

A Good Word About Anxiety

2006-01-15T12:32:00.000-08:00

I recently read a verse in Proverbs that has stuck in my thinking. Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad.” I think all of us know what it feels like to be weighed down with anxiety. It dampens our spirits, dominates our thinking, and can damage our effectiveness in fulfilling our responsibilities. Doctors can tell us of a multitude of ailments which are anxiety-induced. From purely a human perspective we can see the negative consequences of anxiety.

From a spiritual perspective, we realize that anxiety is so much more. Anxiety is sin. Anxiety reflects a lack of trust in God—perhaps in His sovereignty, His goodness, His power, or His love. The Bible is full of commands such as Do not fear, Do not fret, and Do not be anxious. Anxiety disobeys these commands. How can we overcome anxiety?

We must stop and pray. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.” We need to stop being anxious, and instead bring everything to the Lord in prayer. We must cast all our anxiety upon the Lord, knowing that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7)

We must stop and seek God. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells his listeners three times--do not be anxious (v25,31,34). Literally, he says, stop being anxious. Aren’t you glad that God know our frailties, and instructs us? We are to stop being anxious about our life, our food, our clothing, our tomorrow—all the issues of this life. Instead we are to, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.’ (v33). We must seek God. We must look at life from His perspective. We must set our affections on things above, not on the things that are on earth (Col 3:2). Our focus must be on the spiritual and the eternal rather than the physical and the temporal.

We must stop and trust. In the first eight verses of Psalm 37, David says three times “Do not fret” (v. 1,7,8). Instead we are to trust in the Lord (v. 3,5). We must realize that these two attitudes are contradictory and mutually exclusive. When we fret, we are not trusting in the Lord. When we are trusting in the Lord, we will not fret. David develops what it means to trust in the Lord. It involves delighting ourselves in the Lord (v.4)—pursuing our joy in Him, thankful for all the blessings He wisely and lovingly gives us. It involves committing our way to the Lord (v.5)—seeking to follow Him and not our own desires. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” It involves resting in the Lord (v7)—dependent on and content in Him, casting our burdens upon the Lord and leaving them there. It involves waiting for the Lord (v7,9)—acknowledging His plan is far superior to our own and His timing is always perfect. As Psalm 27:14 exhorts, “Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” As we wait patiently for Him, our heart is strengthened, not anxious.

We must stop and listen. Proverbs 12:25 reminds us that a good word makes a heart glad. We must continue to put off anxiety, and put on listening to that good word. Do we daily spend time in God’s Word? Do we regularly and eagerly expose ourselves to good Bible teaching? Do we surround ourselves with other believers who will encourage us spiritually and help us to think biblically? Are we open to biblical exhortation and even reproof from others?

Our hearts need not be weighed down with anxiety. We can stop being anxious and pray, seek God, trust in Him, and listen to that good word which will make our hearts glad.

The Shield of Faith

2005-12-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

I love the Word of God. Its wisdom is so deep and profound that I can never fathom its depths. It is so encouraging to go back to a familiar portion of Scripture and gain new insights, see a new application, or develop a deeper and richer understanding of some timeless truth. I experienced this recently in Ephesians 610-17, a classic passage on the Christian's spiritual armor, a passage I had read many times before, and heard preached as well. Yet this time something really jumped out at me regarding the shield of faith.

Faith is a concept we often think about in abstract terms; we see it as lofty, spiritual, and even somewhat mystical. Faith has a very practical side to it as well. In the MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur describes faith as basic trust in God. The believer's continual trust in God's word and promise is 'above all' absolutely necessary to protect him from temptations to every sort of sin. All sin comes when the victim falls to
Satan's lies and promises of pleasure, rejecting the better choice of obedience and blessing. I have been meditating on this, and practical ways I can most effectly utilize the shield of faith.

When I am discouraged and it seems like I am getting the short end of the stick, I must remember Psalm 145:17: The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds and
Psalm 84:11: For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. I must pick up the shield of faith and believe God's Word, not my own perceptions.

When I am feeling overwhelmed with a trial or temptation and feel like this is more than I can handle I must remember 1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. I must pick up the shield of faith and believe God's Word, not my own feelings.

When I am suffering or in adverse circumstances and think about how bad the situation is, I must remember Romans 8:28: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. I must pick up the shield of faith and believe God's Word, not my own thoughts.

When I am aware of my own shortcomings and it seems like I can't possibly serve the Lord, or fulfill the responsibilities He has given me, I must remember Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. I must pick up the shield of faith and believe God's Word, not my own thoughts, feelings, or perceptions.

I would encourage you to spend some time meditating on situations in your life when you use or fail to use the shield of faith in fighting your spiritual battles. Actively and practically believing God's Word is the only way to extinguish the flaming missiles of the evil one.

Walking to the Beat of a Different Drummer

2005-11-25T07:57:00.000-08:00

Our society has numerous ways to describe an individual who does not conform to its values and standards—rebel, maverick, misfit, going against the grain, walking to the beat of a different drummer, eccentric, radical, fanatic, activist, nonconformist, one of a kind, unconventional. What, or who, do you picture when you hear these terms? Probably not you!

The Bible calls believers to live a life different than the world. Romans 12:2a—And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Today, when tolerance is one of our culture’s primary virtues, the rebels and eccentrics of yesteryear are welcomed and embraced, while anyone who stands for absolutes is frowned upon. As I read Psalm 131 the other day, I was struck by the values of the psalmist, and how contrary they are to our culture.

Psalm 131 says—O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever.

David says his heart is not proud, nor his eyes haughty—pride is everywhere in our world. Self-esteem is treasured. Trash talk is common. Self-confidence is desired. Taking delight in our accomplishments is assumed. The arrogant are idolized—actors, musicians, athletes. God’s Word condemns pride often. 1 Peter 4:5 and James 4:6 say, God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Proverbs 6:16-17 says, the Lord hates haughty eyes; they are an abomination to Him. Proverbs 21:4 calls haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, sin. Humility is the virtue God desires in the lives of His people.

The psalmist also says he does not involve himself in great matters, or in things too difficult for him. Our culture would look at this attitude as a problem—maybe a result of low self-esteem. Maybe this man is depressed or has some disorder; he needs medication! Ambition fuels our world; climbing up the ladder is part of the American dream. We can never think too highly of ourselves in today’s thinking. This is the opposite of what the psalmist says. Here he reflects the admonition of Paul in Romans 12:3—I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment. Romans 12:16 exhorts us, Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Verse 2 describes a picture of complete contentment, a weaned child resting against his mother. David reflects his total satisfaction in the Lord. Psalms 23:1, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Contentment is rare in our world. Advertisers spend millions of dollars to insure that! We live in a day of never-ending pursuit—a more prestigious job, a nicer home, a faster car, a firmer figure, the latest technological gadget. Yet the Lord invites us to rest in Him, to quiet our soul in Him. In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus invites us, Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light. The song based on Psalm 62 reminds us, Only in God is my soul at rest. We as believers need to seek contentment in the Lord alone.

David concludes the psalm by urging Israel to hope in the Lord. Today people are trusting in so many things—themselves, their financial resources, the government, the wisdom of the world, relationships, military might, education, etc. God wants us to trust in Him, to hope in Him. Psalm 130:5-8 says, I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. Psalm 118:8-9 reminds us, It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.

Psalm 131 highlights some significant ways that we as believers need to walk to the beat of a different drummer. We need to follow the Lord, not the world.

Bountiful

2005-11-19T17:17:00.000-08:00

At this time of year, it is easy to turn our thoughts toward Thanksgiving. For most people, however, thoughts revolve around the holiday--a day off from work, a great meal, time with family, football games--rather than the giving of thanks. For believers, our entire lives should be dominated by the giving of thanks, not just the fourth Thursday in November!

However, this is not the reality for many believers. I know that is true for me. I am not thankful 100% of the time. When I'm not, I need to remind myself of all that God has done for me. The psalmist does this in Psalm 116:7--Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

When I forget how bountiful the Lord has been to me, I am easily discouraged or disheartened. I can become fretful and anxious. It is then that I need to talk to my soul, and not let it just talk to me. I need to remind myself of how bountiful the Lord is. As Psalm 103:2 says, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits. As I do this my soul is uplifted and I can be at rest, content in the Lord.

When my focus is on the Lord, and how bountiful He is to me, my attention shifts from me--my desires, my circumstances, my concerns--to the Lord, and I seek to honor and glorify Him. I am in awe of His great bounty, despite my unworthiness, and all I can do is respond as in Psalm 116:12--What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? The Lord's bounty is so great I can never even begin to repay it, but my desire is to worship Him, serve Him, and give Him thanks.

Walking

2005-11-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went for a walk in my neighborhood, the first one in a long time. Our neighborhood is very hilly, so most of my steps were either uphill or downhill. Today I am feeling the effects of my activity, and paying for the lack of practice.

The Scripture often refers to the Christian life as a walk. It is such a good analogy-- a step by step, moment by moment, pattern of life following Christ. Sometimes we act like it's more like riding a bicycle, we can pedal, pedal, pedal, and then coast for awhile. There is no coasting in the Christian walk. We must continue to take one step after another as we pursue living for Christ.

I am reading in Ephesians this month, and it contains numerous references that help define our Christian walk.
2:1--As unbelievers we walked according to the course of this world
2:10--We are to walk in the good works that Christ prepared beforehand
4:1--We are to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which we have been called
4:17--We are not to walk any longer as the Gentiles walk, in the fulity of their mind
5:2--We are to walk in love
5:8-We are to walk as children of light
5:15--We are to be careful how we walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of our time

So the next time you go for a walk, think about the Christian walk and the life God calls us to.

Just Like Me

2005-11-01T14:10:00.000-08:00

It is easy to read the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, and shake your head at the sin of the people. God continues to show faithful lovingkindness and compassion to the people, and they continue to reject Him. How could they? How stupid are these people?

If I'm honest, I must admist that they are really just like me. This week I was reading Psalm 106, which recaps the history of Israel. As I looked at the mistakes they made, I was humbled to realize how easily I can do the same thing.

Verse 7 says, they did not remember Thine abundant kindnesses. It is easy to get caught up in our problems and the activities of every day life, and not be remembering God's abundant lovingkindnesses. If that was the focus of my thinking, I would be continually thankful and joyful. So whenever I get discouraged, distracted, or disappointed, at that moment I am probably not remembering God's abundant kindnesses to me.

Verse 13 says, They quickly forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel. Again they display forgetfulness, as do I. But also they did not wait on the Lord, as we are commanded to do many times, like in Psalm 27:14. I can so easily go my own way, and not even think about the counsel of the Lord. Or I get impatient and try to make things happen the way I want them to, or the way I think God would want them to, rather than waiting on Him.

In verse 21 they forgot God their Savior. If I am continually focused on the salvation I have in Christ, that will totally change my outlook on my situation, my relationships, my difficulties, everything. Like the song says, when I turn my eyes on Jesus the things of this world grow strangely dim.

Verse 24 says, they despised the pleasant land. I too can fail to value what God values. I can despise His will for my life, and think I have a better plan. I would never state it that boldly, but at particular moments of time that's really the logical outcome of my thinking. Whenever I think, I would be happy if... or life would be so much better if...I am despising the 'pleasant land' where my sovereign God has lovingly and wisely placed me.

But praise the Lord! He continues to show compassion and lovingkindness to His people, including me! Psalm 106:48: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. And let all the people say, "Amen." Praise the Lord!

A Great Inheritance

2005-10-31T11:44:00.000-08:00

Have you every fantasized about suddenly receiving an inheritance from some long lost relative? We tend to think money will solve all our problems and make life better, but believers have an inheritance that is far better!

Ephesians 1:11 tells us that those who are in Christ have obtained an inheritance. Verse 13-14 says that the Holy Spirit is given as a pledge, or down payment, or guarantee, of this inheritance. We have God Himself living inside of us, and that is only the down payment! Verse 18 speaks of the riches of the glory of this inheritance. This is no small matter.

1 Peter 1:4 tells us more about our inheritance--it is imperishable, undefiled, it will not fade away, and it is reserved(or kept or guarded) in heaven for you. What a blessing! While an earthly inheritance may be helpful, it can't compare with heavenly treasure that is eternal. And this is a treasure we don't need to fantasize about, it is real, and it is for every believer. If I am to fully appreciate my inheritance, I need to obey Paul's exhortation in Colossians 3:1-2:

If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

G-R-A-C-E

2005-09-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

The topic for our women’s Bible study this year is Women Walking in Grace. This week the speaker used an acronym for GRACE in the lesson. She encouraged us to come up with our own. I hadn’t really planned on doing this, but early this morning (when I hoped I’d be sleeping), I was thinking about God’s grace. God is always gracious, His grace is always available, but I don’t always experience it to the fullest. If I am to revel in God’s grace, I need to keep some truths about God forefront in my thinking.

I must remember that God is:

Good.

When I don’t like the circumstances I am facing I can be tempted to forget that God is good, and knows what is good for me far better than I do myself.

Psalm 31:19 How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee before the sons of men!
Psalm 107:1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 119:68a Thou art good and doest good
Psalm 145:9 The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works.
Romans 8:28 And we know that God cause all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose

I must always remember that God is good. I may not see the good He’s doing in a particular situation at the time, but I can trust Him. When I do, I am strengthened by His grace.

Righteous

I must never view God through my circumstances or my perceptions, evaluating His character by my take on a particular situation. He is always righteous, totally and perfectly.

Psalm 71:19 For Thy righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens, Thou who hast done great things; O God, who is like Thee?
Psalm 119:137 Righteous art Thou, O Lord, and upright are Thy judgments.
Psalm 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is truth.
Psalm 145:17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds.
Daniel 9:14 ..For the Lord our God is righteous with respect to all His deeds which He has done…

No matter how I may view any situation, I can be sure of God’s righteousness. When I do, I am refreshed by His grace.

Awesome

Although this word is used so often today, it has almost lost its meaning, only God is truly awesome. When I read His Word, I see His mighty power, His splendor, His majesty, His greatness. Yet sometimes I forget that His awesome might is just as true in my life as it is in the pages of Scripture. Nothing I face is too difficult for Him!

Exodus 15:11 Who is like Thee among the gods, O Lord? Who is like Thee, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?
Psalm 65:5 By awesome deeds Thou does answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, Thou who are the trust of all the ends of the earth, and of the farthest seas
Psalm 66:5 Come and see the works of God, who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men.
Psalm 145:6 And men shall speak of the power of Thine awesome acts; and I will tell of Thy greatness.
Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord God! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee

When my heart if focused on the awesome power of God, any problems I have seem minuscule in comparison, and I am encouraged by God’s grace.

Caring

It is overwhelming to think that the God of the universe, creator of heaven and earth, cares about me! I can never get too discouraged if my heart is set on this truth.

Psalm 8:3-4 When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him? And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him?
Matthew 10 28 Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called the sons of God

When I remember how much God cares for me, I am comforted by His grace.

Enough

Sometimes I act like a relationship with God is not enough. I want some experience or emotion. I want a quick fix to my problem. I want some human or earthly pleasure. I must remind myself that contentment and satisfaction can be found in Him, and in Him alone.

Psalm 23:1,5-6 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 62:5-6 My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man, and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
2 Peter 2:3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence

I must never forget that God is enough. He has given me every spiritual blessing, everything pertaining to life and godliness. Only in Him can I find satisfaction. His grace is sufficient for me.

If I am to enjoy the fullness of God’s grace, I must continually remember these truths.

God is:
Good
Righteous
Awesome
Caring
Enough

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen (Jude 24-25)

Father Knows Bests

2005-09-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

Sometmes I get very confused. I actually think and act like there is something better than following the Lord's commands--my way. This week I was again reminded on several fronts that my heavenly father truly knows best, and wants only the best for me.

During the Heart of the Home class this week, John MacArthur spoke from Ephesians 5:18-21, pointing out the key to harmony in the home(or in any relationship) is living a spirit-filled life, following the will of the Lord. To do this we must practice selflessness. It was a good reminder that my relationships are not all about me. When that is my focus, it only breeds discontent and disharmony. But when I focus on pleasing the Lord, and let His Word richly dwell within me, then I experience joy, thankfulness, and a desire to serve others.

The next day I read Psalm 81, which expresses God's desire to fulfill His people, and Israel's continued disobedience and disinterest. God offers so much:
v. 10 Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.
v. 13 Oh that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways!
v. 13 I would quickly subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries.
v.16 But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat; and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.
Yet the people did not listen and did not obey, but acted stubbornly to walk in their own devices (v. 111-12). I wonder how many times I forfeit God's richest blessings because I am pursuing my own way instead of following Him.

Later I read Nehemiah 9, a song of praise which reviews Israel's history, with Israel repeatedly rebelling against God, and God repeatedly showing Himself to be faithful and compassionate. In verse 13 it says, "Thou didst give to them just ordinances and true laws, good statutes and commandments." How important it is to remind myself that God's ordinances are just, His laws are true, His statutes and commandments are good. Nothing is better for me than obeying God, and when I think anything less I am being extremely foolish. Truly, my heavenly Father Knows Best!

Exalting God and His Word

2005-09-20T17:08:00.000-07:00

Over the last few days I have spent time in probably my favorite chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119. I have gone over it time after time over the last several years, and always feel I just get a taste of the treasure it contains. It always encourages me to value the Word of God. It feeds my desire to have a heart totally devoted to God, like the psalmist expresses so often.

In this psalm, exalting God and His Word are continually linked. Verse 38 says, Establish Thy word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for Thee. We turn to God's Word not just to learn facts, grow in knowledge, or understand principles for living, but so we can more deeply know and revere God. This idea removes any idea of duty from time in the Word, and makes it pure joy. The God of the Universe has revealed Himself to us, and desires that we know Him. How awesome is that!

What blessings are ours as we treasure God's Word:
v.11 Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee.
v.50 This is my comfort in my affliction, That Thy word has revived me.
v.98-99 Thy commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever mine. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Thy testimonies are my meditation.
v. 105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.
v.130 The unfolding of Thy words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
v.165 Those who love Thy law have geat peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.

So, if you've never done so, (or even if you have!) I'd encourage you to spend some time in Psalm 119. Wade in to a river of riches and let your heart be revived.

Quality Quiet Time

2005-09-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday night I went to my first women's ministry event at Grace Chruch, called a Ttus Two Tuesday. The topic for the evening was a Quality Quiet Time. It was a great evening--although I can't say I learned anything particularly new or earth shattering. It did provide a great opportunity to review and re-evaluate my own practices.

At the Titus Two the teacher shared several verses. The one that stood out to me was Psalm 63:1: O God, Thou art my God, I shall seek Thee earnestly; My soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (For more on this Psalm, see 8/2 post) If I approach my quiet time with this intensity and sincerity of heart, my quiet time will definitely be a quality quiet time.

The speaker shared seven suggestions to include in a quiet time:
1)Make it regular--consistency is key
2)Have a special time--she gets up early every morning
3)Have a special place (although another woman shared an idea to make a quiet time basket with everything you'd need in it that you can take wherever you want to have a quiet time)
4)Include prayer. She recommended ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication). She shared how she has her prayer notebook arranged.
5)Read God's Word. She recommended a reading schedule. (I later was able to share how I have been reading the same section of Scripture every day for a month and then meeting once a month with other women who were reading the same passage and share what God had taught us. I will greatly miss those breakfasts!) We were also encouraged to keep God's Word continually before us. Have verses in key places around the house, keep one in your car to review, etc.
6)Keep a journal. Meditate on God's Word and then write out a response to it.
7)Sing.

Since Tuesday I have been pondering my own practice and have made some changes. Yesterday I began to review Psalm 119, probably my favorite chapter in the Bible. I plan to incorporate some of the prayers of the psalmist to pray for myself and others in regard to my quiet time, heart, and spritual life. For example, v. 18: Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Thy law. I also reorganized my prayer notebook, and I think that will better facilitate my prayer time.

So I am motivated and organized, but to have a quality quiet time I need to approach my time with God each and every day with humilty and devotion. A quality quiet time is achievable. God promises that as I draw near to Him, He will draw near to me (James 4:8). What matters to God is not my technique or method, but my heart. That is what I need to remember.

Remember What?

2005-09-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

When I was young, I prided myself on my excellent memory. That certainly helped me to shine in the classroom all throughout my school days. Now, however, it is a different story. I remember less and less and forget more and more.

I have been studying the book of Nehemiah, and was challenged by Nehemiah's exhortation to remember the Lord in 4:14 (see post of 8/10), so I thought I'd go through the rest of the book and focus on what else it said about remembering. I was surprised with what I found. Although remember is used 9 times in the book of Nehemiah, there were no other exhortations to remember. There was one similar reference, looking at the opposite perspective, what happens when we don't remember. Chapter 9 includes a song of praise to the Lord that recounts the history of Israel. In verse 17, it says the people did not remember Thy wondrous deeds which Thou hadst performed among them. Because they did not remember the Lord who is great and awesome, they became stubborn and sought to go their own way instead of follow the Lord. When I don't remember God I do the same thing.

The other 7 references were what surprised me--they were all asking God to remember. Four references asked God to remember me for good, (5:19;13:14,22,31). Two requested that God remember for judgment those who had been enemies of God's work, or disobedient to His commands (6:14, 13:29). The most surprising of all was in 1:8, where Nehemiah asked God to remember His own word. Unlike me, who needs constant reminders (what would I do without post-its?), God is perfect. He knows everything, forgets nothing. His wisdom and knowledge are a depth of riches, His judgements unsearchable, His ways unfathomable (Romans 11:33). Why does Nehemiah ask Him to remember? Should I do the same?

I don't think Nehemiah questions whether God will remember these things. He knows God will keep His word. He knows God will reward the righteous and judge the wicked. In his study notes on 1:8, John MacArthur says it's not a reminder to God as if He had forgotten, but a plea to activate His Word. I have been challenged lately on a number of fronts to pray that God will be God in various ways, that His Word will prove true. It's not that I doubt any of it. In fact, for me I often don't pray about things like this because I know God will be God and keep His word. But when I do pray, it expresses my trust in God, my confidence in Him, and my dependence on Him. It pleases God when I express my faith in prayer. It helps align my heart with His.

We get a small glimpse of this in human relationships, although any illustration characterizing God comes woefully short. Think about a husband and wife relationship. I know my husband knows I love him. I have confidence in his leadership. I am thankful for his faithfulness to me. But when I express that to him, he is encouraged and it helps me to focus on his positive attributes and be thankful for him. On an infinitely grander scale, when I ask God to remember, I am demonstrating my love for Him, my confidence in Him, and my desire for His will to be accomplished. When I ask God to be God it helps me to focus on who He is, and to remember Him.

I am thankful that God does keep His word, that He always acts consistent with His character. My memory is fading, but His is eternal. I have been challenged to express that to Him in prayer, and I hope you have too.

Grace Upon Grace

2005-09-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

I love the beach. I am not a sun-bather. I do not surf, sail, or scuba dive. I do love to watch the waves and reflect upon how awesome God is. Psalm 19:1 says, The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Just as the heavens declare God's glory, so do the seas. His tremendous power is evident, as is His beauty. Looking at the variety of sea life gives us a glimpse into God's awesome creativity and wisdom. Watching the waves break over and over and over again reminds me of John 1:16, For of His fulness we have all received, and grace upon grace. God's grace is like that in our lives, steady and continual; we experiece His goodness over and over again.

Last week Bruce and I had the opportunity to go to Monterey, along the coast in Northern California. (Thank you, Believers Fellowship) We enjoyed beautiful scenery, like in this picture. In this midst of all this overwhelming abundance of God's majesty and grace, I had a major struggle with my own selfishness. Instead of standing amazed at who God is, I was focused on myself, and what I wanted, my plans and my desires. But God is faithful, He showed me my sin, and again provided forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more (Romans 5:20). I am so thankful for God's grace--grace greater than all my sins, grace that sustains me through the struggles of life, great and small.

Shortly after we got back home, we went to a chapel at The Master's College, which was somewhat of a memorial service for Bethany Rehrer. Her brother Matthew spoke, as did her boyfriend Bjorn, and a long-time friend Megan. Their lives and their response to this tragedy was another overwhelming evidence of God's grace. Their testimony has been an example to me and to many, and God has used these events for His glory and the good of many.

So the next time you go to the beach, or see a beautiful sunset, or a starry night, or examine a flower or butterfly, or have a chance to witness the awesomeness of God's creation in any aspect, reflect upon His abundant grace. Take the focus off of yourself and place it upon the Lord, and you too will be encouraged and strengthened.

Heaven on Earth?

2005-08-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

We are now settling in to our new home in California. We have enjoyed many things about our new location. We have been able to spend time with each of our three sons, and Bruce's dad. We have delighted in the cool mornings and evenings, and sleeping with our windows open. We have frolicked in our swimming pool and relaxed listening to its waterfall. The views from our back patio are even more stunning than we remember. Our new home is larger and more luxurious than the old. During our first visit to our new church we saw a number of familiar faces, and are looking forward to plugging in to ministry. However, we are definitely not living in paradise.

The prior owners took some of the window coverings we had expected to be part of our home purchase. When we arrived, the pool sweeper had stopped working, and algae had begun to form on the pool walls. The one room we were unsure of regarding its color turned out to be a very bright lilac (we have already begun repainting). We are having to adjust to the congestion, traffic, and high prices of living in California. We still aren't sure which box a number of things are in. We miss special people back in Texas.

All of this serves as a good reminder that there is no heaven on earth, and only discontent awaits if we try to find it. I don't think my mind can even conceive how wonderful heaven will be. That is where my heart needs to be centered, my mind and affections need to dwell, and my treasure needs to be deposited. But I thank God for the many pleasures He gives us in this life, family and friends that are dear, and I plan to gratefully enjoy each one of them.

Overcoming Fear

2005-08-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

I have been reading Nehemiah this month, and the other night one verse really stood out to me. Nehemiah had returned to Jerusalem to encourage the Jews there to rebuild the wall surrounding the city. The people respond eagerly, and work on the wall begins. However, the work receives opposition. Enemies threaten to attack. The people become fearful. Nehemiah encourages them in chapter 4, verse 14. "When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people; 'Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.'" As I meditated on this passage, I saw how practical Nehemiah's counsel is for anytime we are dealing with fear--we must remember God, and we must take action.

So many times our fear is compounded because we don't remember God, that He is great and awesome. He is sovereign over the very situation which brings us fear. He has brought it about for our good and His glory. When we remember Him, and all that He is, and all that He has promised us, we need not fear. The Psalms reflect this truth in a number of passages. Psalm 16:8 says, "I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." When David is focused on the Lord, setting the Lord rather than his own concerns and anxieties continually before him, remembering that the Lord is with him, he is not shaken. David reflects a similar thought in Psalm 56:3-4, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?" Again the psalmist remembers God when he is afraid. He remembers the word of the Lord, and trusts in Him. He reminds himself that God is great and awesome. He realizes that God is big and man is small. (So often we get those backwards!) And his fear fades away.

But there is more to Nehemiah's counsel. He also exhorts the people to take action. They must be prepared to fight. They must do what God has called them to do. He goes on to say, "...then all of us returned to the wall, each one to his work. And it came about from that day on, that half of my servants carried on the work while half of them held the spears, the shields, the bows, and the breastplates...those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon." Too many times this is where we drop the ball. Our fear may become crippling. We may try to deal with our fears on a spiritual level, but we don't take action. If I am a student anxious about an upcoming test, I need to remember the Lord, and diligently study. If I am a mother with a seriously ill child, I need to remember the Lord, and continue with my responsibilities. If I am getting ready for a big move, (no if for me), I need to remember the Lord and keep packing.

So the next time you are tempted to fear, to be anxious, to worry, remember Nehemiah's counsel. Remember the Lord. Focus on Him. Think specifically about His attributes, His character, and comfort your soul. But you must also take action. What does God want you to do in this situation? Are there regular responsibilities you are neglecting because of your fear? Be obedient to Him even if you don't feel like it, and you can find contentment, knowing you are making it your ambition to please Him.

The Unchanging One

2005-08-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

We are in the process of moving. At the moment our house is filled with boxes, and more are yet to come. Moving involves saying goodbye-to our home, to our city, to friends and fellow believers who are very dear to us. Moving involves saying hello-to a new home, new neighborhood, new church, new everything. Moving is nothing but change.

In this move, many of the changes will be drastic. We are moving from Texas--home of cowboys and rednecks, conservative values, and a low cost of living. We are moving to California--home of surfers and the cool life, liberals, and an exorbitant cost of living. We are moving from a church of about 300, where I know almost everybody, to a church of about 8,000, where I know almost nobody. My husband will have a new job with new responsibilities and a new commute. I will be going from a calendar full of commitments and ministries to a transitional phase of no responsibilties (besides unpacking all of the numerous boxes we are now packing!). In addition to the changes from moving, our youngest child will be off to college and we will enter the 'empty nest' phase of life. We are soon to become grandparents. Change is everywhere.

What an encouragment to know there is One who never changes. My circumstances may change drastically, but God remains the same. Listen to what the following verses say about our unchanging God:

Malachi 3:6--For I, the Lord, do not change

Numbers 23:19--God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

James 1:17--Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

Hebrews 13:8--Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.

Psychologists would tell us that a time of change is a time of stress. On a human level, all of the factors I mentioned earlier would give me a high score on a stress evaluation. What a comfort to know that I can take refuge in the Lord, my Rock, the Unchanging One.

Psalm 18:2--The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 62:6--He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken.

Isaiah 26:4--Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.

Psalm 46:1-3--God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the
sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.

My life may seem one of total change at the moment, but it certainly doesn't compare with the mountains slipping into the sea. I need not fear, I need not be shaken. I can trust in the Lord, my everlasting Rock, and will find Him to be an unchanging refuge and strength.

A Passionate Relationship

2005-08-02T00:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning during my quiet time I read Psalm 63. I was challenged by the psalmist's passion for the Lord. In verse 1 he says, "O God, Thou art my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly; My soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh years for Thee, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." David's intensity for the Lord is evident; he desires God above all else. I prayed that God would continue to grow in me that same intensity for Him. I also looked in the psalm for some specifics that might help me develop this same passionate relationship.

Vs. 2 begins with the word thus. Because of his fervent passion for the Lord, because of his desire to seek the Lord earnestly, David says, "I have beheld Thee in the sanctuary, to see Thy power and Thy glory." If I am to be passionate about the Lord, I need to be passionate about His church. When I worship in a church where God's Word is clearly preached, I can behold Him. Whether through sermons, music, small group Bible study, corportate prayer, or personal relationships, God uses the church to give me a better understanding of Himself, that I might better see His power and His glory. We have been hosting a weekly college/career Bible study in our home for the last 4 years. Last night was the last one, since we are moving. As I reflect on the different topics and books we've studied, and the way we've seen God answer prayer over and over again, I am reminded of how awesome and faithful God is.

Vs. 3 reflects the psalmist's values. He mentions that God's lovingkindness is better than life. His focus is clearly on the spiritual, the eternal, rather than the material, the physical, the temporal. When my focus is on my circumstances, my desires, my needs, the things of this life, my zeal for the Lord is easily diminished. When my focus is on Him, when I am valuing Him, when His lovingkindness is better to me than life, than I will be praising Him, rejoicing in Him, passionate about Him.

I have noticed in my own life, and that of others I know, that satisfaction, or contentment is a very elusive commodity. I can seek for it in many areas--money and possessions, relationships, good works, but I never quite get there. In this case the Rolling Stones were right when they sang, I can't get no satisfaction, cuz I've tried and I've tried and I've tried and I've tried. However, when I seek my satisfaction in the Lord alone, I can echo the psalmist in vs. 5, "My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips." I can find contentment only in Him.

I found another key to the psalmist's passionate relationship in vs. 6, "When I remember Thee on my bed, I meditate on Thee in the night watches." If you've noticed the timing of this post, that is exactly what I'm doing now! The middle of the night, if you can't sleep, is a great time to meditate on the Lord. I could be thinking through all of the things I need to do tomorrow, or I could toss and turn and wish I was sleeping, but to take advantage of this time to reflect on the Lord is precious. Several years ago I had been praying for God to deepen my relationship with Him, and He answered that prayer in part through some health problems that kept me awake at night. I spent that time in His Word and reflecting upon Him, and my relationship with the Lord did become more passionate. Now you may have guessed that this was not at all what I had in mind when I prayed that prayer, but God was faithful to answer as He saw best. But I had to be faithful to remember Him and meditate on Him in the night watches.

If I am to have a passionate relationship with the Lord, I need to turn to Him first and often. We see the psalmist doing this in vs. 7-8, "For Thou has been my help, and in the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to Thee; Thy right hand upholds me." We see a pattern of David clinging to the Lord, of taking refuge in Him, and finding Him to be a help, to uphold him. It is easy to turn elsewhere, to seek refuge in entertainment and relaxation, human wisdom, other people, personal fulfillment, but these rarely cause us to sing for joy. We must continually seek refuge in the Lord, to cling firmly and solely to Him. When we do, He will be faithful to help us, to uphold us, as He did the psalmist.

As I return to my bed, I will continue to reflect upon the Lord, to take refuge in Him, to cling to Him, and He will never disappoint. Sleep may be elusive, but God is ever present.

The Blessings of Christian Encouragement

2005-07-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

This week God has continually reminded me of the blessings of Christian encouragement. On Tuesday I read an encouraging post at stepontoliquid that discussed how to apply Hebrews 10:24--and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.

On Wednesday we had our last summer Bible study, on the faithfulness of God. What an encouragement to reflect upon how God is true to His Word and His character time after time after time. One verse that stood out to me was Isaiah 25:1. The end of the verse says, "For You have worked wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness." God's faithfulness is absolutely perfect. 1 Kings 8:56 states that, "not one word has failed of all His good promise." Wow! How encouraging is that! I can trust in every single word that God has said.

Wednesday evening we had a Titus Two Fellowship for the women of our church, in which we talked about encouraging with cards, and then had an opportunity to make cards. As I reflect upon cards I've received over the years, I was reminded about how great a minstry tool that can be. I have been encouraged many times by the kind words and by the challenging words of others, and others have mentioned being encouraged by the cards I have sent.

Thursday morning I met with a couple of women with whom I read the Bible. Each month we read the same section of Scripture and then at the end of the month we get together to talk about what God has taught us and to pray for one another. What a blessing to have friends that are learning and growing, that God can use in my life, and that He can use me in ministering to them. I am always encouraged after our times together. Prov 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." I am so glad that God has made His children part of a family of believers, that He uses us to encourage and build up one another, to sharpen each other, to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.

This morning I read an encouraging essay at godsongmusic based on Psalm 23. What a blessing to have the Lord as our shepherd, who perfectly leads us and guides us, who restores our souls. I also thought about the blessing of good Christian music, how God uses it to encourage us, stimulate our thinking, and tune our hearts toward Him.

Truly God is good, and that is the best encouragement of all.

Another Reason to Smile

2005-07-25T05:12:00.000-07:00

I have been keeping a secret for almost a month that has had me figuratively biting my tongue more than a few times. But now the word is out, so I can speak freely. I am going to be a grandma! My son Bobby and his lovely wife Christa are having a baby. We are excited. My friends that are grandmothers assure me that it is wonderful. We are thankful that we will be back in California when the baby comes and closer to them.

Babies are definitely worth smiling about, but the smile grows when you know God. I can entrust this developing child to Him, knowing He is good and He is in control. I can be thankful for how He has worked in the lives of my son and daughter-in-law. Their love for each other and for their Lord is so evident and encouraging. I am confident they will be good and godly parents, and that God will continue to work in their growing family. I am indeed smiling at the future!

Still True

2005-07-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

This summer the ladies in our church have been studying The Attributes of God. It has been extremely encouraging to reflect upon the character of God. He is awesome in so many ways. We had completed lessons on God's Holiness, God's Greatness, the Sovereignty of God, and God's Omniscience and Omnipresence. We were in the midst of the lesson on God's Goodness when our friends were killed in an automobile accident. How gracious God is in His timing. This week our lesson was on the Love of God. As I look back on truths we learned when everything was going well, what a comfort to know that God has not changed. All we have learned about Him is still true.

Exodus 15:11--Who is like Thee among the gods, O Lord? Who is like Thee, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?
Our dear friends are now in the presence of this awesome, majestic God.

Isaiah 26:4--Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.
We have been challenged to trust in the Lord when we are hurting, when we don't understand why things happen, and we have found Him to be an everlasting Rock.

Isaiah 45:6-7--That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other, the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these.
We know that God was not looking the other way or on vacation when this 'accident' occured. It was part of His sovereign will, and we know He will use it for His glory and the good of His people. We have already seen this displayed in many different ways. Many were encouraged and challenged by the wonderful memorial service. The evening after the service we had about 30 Master's College students here for dinner and fellowship. Toward the end of the evening one of them played the guitar and led songs of worship. It was such a blessing to me to see the Lord lifted high from hearts that were hurting, but not overwhelmed.

Psalm 139:16--Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Thy book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.
We discussed this verse two days before the homegoing of our friends. From our viewpoint it might seem like these four lives were cut short, but not in God's perfect timing.

Psalm 27:13--I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
The lesson said, "It is the certain and absolute goodness of God which allows us to trust Him in times of adversity--times when the circumstances of our lives don't appear 'good'." In my lesson I listed some of the many ways we have seen God demonstrate His goodness in the midst of this adversity.

Romans 8:38-39--For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God's love for us remains constant, and our friends are experiencing that love in all its fulness.

One of the songs we sang the night of the memorial service includes these words:
Blessed be your name, in the land that is plentiful,

where your streams of abundance flow, blessed be your name.

Blessed be your name, when I'm found in the desert place,

though I walk through the wilderness, blessed be your name.

You give and take away, you give and take away,

My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be your name.

In the midst of heartache we can praise the Lord because the character of God remains sure--He is holy, great, sovereign, omniscient, omnipresence, good, and love. Whether our circumstances bring smiles or tears, the reality of God and His Word is still true.

Praise the Lord!

A Very Present Help in Trouble

2005-07-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

Late Friday night we were awakened with the shocking news that some dear friends of ours, a mother and father and their two college age daughters, were killed in a car accident. My son and husband were able to talk on the phone to their son, who they had been driving to visit. So many thoughts race through your mind at a time like this, but you have to focus on what you know to be true. My family prayed for the son and his wife at that time, but it was later as I was praying alone, that I kept thinking about Psalm 46:1--God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. I began praying this verse for this young man and his wife.

Yesterday my family drove to Houston to minister to this couple and we quickly began to see God at work, indeed being a very present help in trouble. That very day was scheduled to be moving day for them, and an army of helpers showed up from their church, some of whom they had never met before. When we arrived in town we were already directed to their new apartment, and it wasn't long before boxes in the new place were unpacked and put away, and others went back and cleaned up the old place. God was using His people to be a very present help in trouble.

One thing I had been concerned about was all the decisions that would face this young man in the near future, and all of the legal questions that would arise, which I didn't know the answers to. My husband and I have experienced the death of three parents within the last two years, so we knew some things, but others we didn't. The first person I met at the apartment was a lawyer, an elder from their church. What an answer to prayer! What a blessing! What a demonstration of God being a very present help in trouble.

We spent the afternoon with this grieving couple and there were tears, but there was also rejoicing as we had confidence that the four family members were now in the presence of the Lord. There was even laughter amidst the tears as we reflected on precious memories that we had shared together. It was a blessing to see how this young man and his wife were responding to this devastating experience, to see how God was being a very present help in trouble in their own hearts.

While we were in Houston, the word was being spread in our own church, and an impromptu prayer meeting developed. Over 100 people showed up at the church to pray. They knew that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

I could share other ways we've seen God as a very present help in this trouble, and I am confident there will be many more in the days and weeks to come. While many of the troubles we face are small, some are huge, and God is present in each and every one. He indeed is our refuge and strength, we must continually abide in Him, find our refuge and strength in Him, and we will experience this reality in our own lives.

Respect is Still Respectable

2005-07-01T04:31:00.000-07:00

I met yesterday with a woman with whom I am studying the book, The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace. Yesterday's chapter was on respect. The verse we looked at in depth was Ephesians 5:33b, "and let the wife see to it that she respect her husband." Respect seems to be a lost art in our society. We are encouraged to question authority, not respect it. Probably in no area is this more evident than in the relationship between husband and wife. Wives today do not generally respect their husbands. Just look at any sitcom in a family setting. It is almost always the husband that is the butt of the jokes, the inept member of the family. The days of Father Knows Best are long gone.

The current climate gives the Christian wife an excellent opportunity to stand out by actually obeying this biblical mandate to respect her husband. The verse clearly indicates that this is her responsibility. She is to see to it. It doesn't comment on whether or not the husband has earned her respect, or is treating her in a respectable way. She is to see to it that she respect her husband. The present tense used here demands that this be her continual pursuit.

So how do I talk to my husband? How do I talk about my husband to others? How do I think of him in my own heart when no one else is around? Do I respond to him with kind words, a loving tone of voice, and a pleasant countenance? If I need to reprove or correct him, do I do it with graciousness and humility? Does he know that I am completely and unreservedly behind him, his biggest fan, his closest confidante? My husband and I recently celebrated our 28th anniversary, but I still need to ask myself these questions. I need to be continually devoted to loving and respecting my husband.

Even though respect may seem a lost art in our society, it is still respectable to God. It is His desire for us in many areas of life, including that of a wife for her husband. So I challenge myself, I challenged the woman I met with yesterday, I challenge every Christian wife to make it her aim to respect her husband in thought, word, and deed. Why do I want to do this? Because my husband is perfect, and never does anything unrespectable? No. (although he is pretty wonderful!) Because the world around me encourages me to? Definitely not. Respecting my husband is one aspect of my commitment to live my life to please the Lord. "Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." (2 Cor. 5:9) It is because of God that I am committed to respect my husband, and it is only through God that I am able to respect my husband. I am so thankful that when God gives us a command to obey, He also enables us to obey. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Phil 4:13)

So, Roberta, so wives, take a stand. Be a rebel in our anti-authority, do your own thing world. Respect your husband! Respect is still respectable to God, and it should be to us as well.

The Sustainer of My Soul

2005-06-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday I read a verse that I have been thinking about ever since. Psalm 54:4 says, "Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul." What an amazing truth! God, the creator and ruler of the universe, is my helper. He, and he alone, sustains my innermost being. He offers complete satisfaction and contentment. So why do I look for sustencance elsewhere--in pleasant circumstances, people, religion, the pleasures of this life? Sometimes I am so foolish.
I need to look to the Lord and the Lord alone to sustain my soul.

Today I read another verse that offers further insight into how God sustains my soul. Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." No matter how great my difficulties and disappointments, I can be sustained by the Lord. But, I need to cast my burden upon the Lord in order to experience His sustaining strength. I cannot replay them over and over in my mind; I cannot try to handle them all on my own; I cannot gripe and complain about them; I cannot stew and fret over them; I cannot just wish or imagine things were differnet. At times I have done all of these things. I must cast my burdens upon the Lord. It is only then that He promises to sustain me, that I need not be shaken.

Ladder to Heaven?

2005-06-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I drove by a chuch that had a message board in front saying, "Church is the ladder to heaven." Is that a biblically accurate picture?

The church is certainly precious to the Lord. It is referred to as Christ's body, as Christ's bride. You can't seriously read the New Testament without noticing the centrality of the local church. Every believer needs to be committed to a church that faithfully preaches and teaches God's Word, that equips the saints for the work of service, that reaches out to the lost. It is in the context of the local church that the "one-anothers" can be lived out. The church is clearly important--but is it a ladder to heaven?

A ladder is something one must climb, as rung by rung we get closer to the goal. The climber is the central figure in this picture. That is not true about salvation, but it is true about every human religion. The focus is on us earning our way to heaven. The Bible talks about a different path to salvation. It is not a ladder, but a rescue, an air-lift. All men are sinners and in desperate need of rescue. We can do nothing in our own efforts to earn God's favor, to climb up the ladder. The good news is that God is a God who rescues and saves! John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life". We obtain this eternal life, not by climbing to heaven by our own good works, or our participation in the church, but by believing in Christ's finished work on the cross, and trusting in Him. He did it all!

Out of love for Him and gratitude for all that He has done for me, I want to be a part of the church, to serve Him, to minister to others, and to reach out to those who don't know Christ. Ephesians 2:8-10 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one whould boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" Our good works are not rungs on the ladder to heaven, they are a response to the fact that He has rescued us, air-lifted us out of the mire of sin and self and human achievement. We have been delivered from the domain of darkness, and transferred to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:13-14), and therefore we want to proclaim the escellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light! (1 Peter 2:9)

The Perfect Father

2005-06-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

I have been more reflective on Father's Day the last couple of years since my father died. I still miss my earthly father, but I am thankful that I have a perfect heavenly father. He loves me like no person on earth will or even can. He knows me in my innermost being and knows what it best for me, and has the power to make it happen. He never changes. He has adopted me into his family and invites me to cast all my cares upon him, and draw near his throne with confidence. He is indeed the perfect father.

Joining the World of Blog

2005-06-18T05:51:00.000-07:00

I am the last in my family to join the blog world (I've even read somewhere of my dog having his own blog!). So far I have resisted the urgings of family members since we are in the middle of a move and things are rather hectic, but was encouraged by a posting at godsongmusic.com to go ahead and jump in. So here we go...

Once my decision had been made to start my own blog, my next decision was what name to choose. In Proverbs 31 God gives us a description of an excellent wife. Some have derided this picture as unattainable, overwhelming, or even old-fashioned, but God's Word presents it as a godly model which women throughout the ages can pursue in their own lives. Verse 25 contains one of my favorite phrases--she smiles at the future. She doesn't live in fear or dread of the future, she isn't consumed with anxiety about her children or grandchildren, she isn't overwhelmed by world events or national calamaties, she isn't disheartened by the difficulties of life. She smiles at the future. How can she do this? How can I do this? How can you do this? Doesn't she know about terrorism? increasing immorality in entertainment? crime rates? traffic? violence in schools? global warming? She's obviously not a 21st century woman!

Verse 30 holds the key to her smiling at the future. She fears the Lord. She regards Him with reverence and awe. He is the focus of her life. She has confidence in the future. The 21st century woman can be smiling at the future when her hope and confidence is in the Lord. The future is in His hands--her personal future, the future of her loved ones, and the future of the world. What a joy to know that God is in the control, and He is working for my good and His glory! When I am looking at life through the lens of God's Word, rather than letting my cirucmstances distort my view of God, I can be smiling at the future. And so can you!