You may be following the Oscar Pistorius trial (if you read the paper or watch the news, it's hard not to!). I haven’t been watching every move, but, as the embattled South African hero's name has been “trending” on news sites as a result of ongoing testimony that will help decide whether he will face at least 25 years in prison for killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, I’ve generally been keeping up.
What has caught my attention most (in addition to his behavior in the courtroom) are reports portraying Pistorious’ personality. Text messages, testimony and news interviews with people who reportedly know him have revealed a brash, temperamental Pistorius who had been known to fire a gun in at least a couple heated moments.
I could not help but reflect that the picture painted of Pistorius - and this very sad situation, whatever the outcome - gives us practical, biblical lessons about the need to control our emotions, especially anger.
I’m not arguing whether I think Pistorius is legally innocent or guilty – I don’t know, and the South African court will decide that based on the evidence – but it does strike me that at the root of the events resulting in Steenkamp’s death on Valentine’s Day last year could be the outcome of a guy who has had challenges controlling his emotions. Now, how he's been portrayed may not be accurate, but, since issues about his allegedly temperamental persona have been raised, I can’t help but wonder if him not having controlled emotions was the underlying cause of the killing – whether it was premeditated or in the heat of the moment.
What we can learn from the tragic death - directly or indirectly - is that how we handle our emotions matters. In Genesis 4, right before the first murder, God gave some practical advice to the soon-to-be-culprit, Cain. In a nutshell, Cain became angry at his brother Abel because God accepted Abel’s offering from his work keeping flocks but not his, from his work on soil (after sin entered the world through Adam and Eve's actions, various offerings were required to make amends for sins committed).
The text it is not completely clear why Cain’s offering was not accepted, but the Bible says that “In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor" (Gen. 4: 3-5a). As the type of offering Abel brought – i.e., “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock”, and Abel himself - is favorably described - and Cain’s fruits - and Cain himself - is not favorably described, Cain's attitude and his offering likely were not of the first-rate quality of his brother's.
In response to God rejecting Cain’s sacrifice, the Bible says Cain got heated. In reply, God said to him, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it” (vv. 6-7). Rather than heed God’s warning, however, Cain killed his brother (v. 8). And, as we know, killings of passion – and premeditation – have continued since.
What would have happened if Cain had controlled his emotions – in this case, his anger? God’s words to Cain before he committed murder indicate he had the opportunity to reverse course by doing what was right – giving a good sacrifice, from a right heart - and not getting caught up in the moment of feeling rejected by God. Instead, Cain chose to let his emotions master him.
Ephesians 4 further provides that in our anger, we should not sin so that we don't give the devil a foothold in our lives. This implies that being angry is not always sinful, but what we do with our anger can be – and can lead to lasting negative emotions, and sin.
Expressing anger – and other emotions – starts with inward feelings that flow outward into our actions. Jesus said, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45). In other words, our words - and actions - are connected to what is in our hearts. While at times someone’s actions - or our own - may surprise us, the Bible indicates that, whether we saw it coming or not, our actions are the result of what’s in our hearts. Further, the Bible also says that our hearts are wicked and hard to know.
How, then, do we avoid being mastered by our emotions? Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” The heart is often referred to as the seat of our emotions and mind. What feelings we allow ourselves to be caught up in, and what we fill our minds with, ultimately determines how we behave. The wrong thoughts and attitudes can lead us to make sinful, devastating choices. Learning to protect our hearts from being overcome by adverse attitudes and emotions can keep us bearing good fruit rather than bad.
Ultimately, however, the task of guarding our hearts is just too much on our own, that’s why we need Jesus. The death and resurrection of a sinless God gave us a way to be made right with Him, without sacrifices such as the one Cain and Abel offered - we need only confess with our mouths and believe - in our hearts - inJesus’ death on the cross and resurrection. Then, we receive His Spirit, which enables our hearts to change so that we learn to say no to sin and yes to right living. Christians aren't perfect, but we are being changed through faith in Jesus!
Whether Oscar Pistorius is guilty or innocent I don’t know, but I can’t help but wonder to what degree a habit of acting on negative impulses may have played a role in Steenkamp’s death, intentional or unintentional. I can’t answer this question, but I think the image we’ve seen of Pistorius is a chance for us to evaluate what – and who – has our hearts. Pistorius is human, as we all are, and our hearts can all wander off course, and anything can happen. Each day, who has yours?
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
Monday, March 31, 2014
The Biggest Lie You Might Believe
Have you ever experienced something unexpected? Faced tragedy? Dealt with unmet desires? Ever disliked your circumstances? The answer to all these questions likely is yes.
You've probably also pondered God's role in these situations. You may be tempted to think that God doesn't care or love you, wouldn’t understand or is to blame. We may not say it, but we can act like it. The biggest lie you can believe? That those thoughts are true.
Trying situations where God's hand may not seem evident are ripe for us to be hoodwinked by the enemy, who wants us to believe negative thoughts about God, distance ourselves from Him and stop trusting Him. In John 8:44, Satan is called the father of lies. In Revelation 12:9, he’s named the great deceiver. In John 10:10, he often is interpreted as the “thief” seeking to kill, steal and destroy, while Jesus says that He came to give us true, abundant life - to the full. While the enemy is out to ruin us, God wants to see us thrive in all circumstances, and, ultimately, into eternity. Yet in those times when we don't see His hand, we're tempted not to believe Him and instead trust the deceiver by going our own way. Here are some questions we can ask ourselves to avoid falling prey to the devil's schemes in tough times.
Who is God to Me?
Trying circumstances are a chance to evaluate whether we see God as He is. We can view Him as Creator of the world who loves us and knows best, or we can see Him as less than He is, perhaps reducing Him to a means of getting what we want, such as health, wealth and companionship. If God is merely the fairy who grants all our wishes, we'll do what He asks only as long as things go our way, and we'll bail on Him when life gets rough. We'll also see ourselves as more in control than we ever can be, not recognizing that we can only see what is in front of us, while He sees all. When we don't recognize God's greatness, we can forget how small we really are.
The story of Job provides a wonderful reminder of God's magnitude. Despite Job ultimately passing tests to his faith in God and devotion to Him that Satan inflicted with God's permission (such as losing his children, wealth and health), there is a point during his suffering where Job ponders the reason for his torment, attempting to explain it from his limited, human perspective. God's response to Job's questioning, in Chapters 38-41, is awe-inspiring. He reminds Job of his limits. A snippet of God’s reply:
When we recognize God's power, we can trust that He’s in control even when we only see chaos.
What's My Diet?
Our habits also impact whether we believe Satan's lies or God’s truths. The Bible tells us that our battles in life are not about the physical that we see, but the spiritual that we cannot see. Second Corinthians 10:3-5 says,
Ephesians 6: 10-18 also says that we are to resist the devil’s schemes by being strong in the Lord’s mighty power, putting on the "full armor" of God. The “weapons” from the passage include:
Belt of Truth (v. 14)
Breastplate of Righteousness (v. 14)
Shield of Faith (v. 14)
Footwear of the Readiness of The Gospel (v. 15)
Shield of Faith (v. 16)
Helmet of Salvation (v. 17)
Sword of the Spirit (v. 17)
(See an explanation of each here)
When we put on God's armor, we're no longer dealing with trouble in our own limited way, but through God's power, which makes all the difference!
Who's in My Corner?
Connecting with other believers also is critical in overcoming the enemy's schemes. The book of Hebrews, written to Jewish Christians facing persecution, contains relevant advice on maintaining Christian community. Hebrews 10: 24-25 says,"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
I love how timeless this passage is! Both then and now, there are those of us prone to periodically disappear – check out – from connecting with other believers. Often it’s when life gets challenging and the support is needed most when we may be tempted to bail. Yet we’re to stay in our struggles together. And, as this passage indicates, connecting is not only for our personal benefit, but also so that we can encourage others. Being part of God’s kingdom, our difficulties aren’t just meant to grow us, they’re also supposed to lead us to comfort others. In community, we can’t wallow too deeply into self-pity!
Further, Hebrews 3: 12-15 tells us that we avoid being hardened by sin's deceitfulness – i.e., seeing sin as “no big deal” – by encouraging each other. When we're tempted to stray in our trials, other believers steer us in the right direction. We're not meant to always be alone, and we can't succeed in overcoming challenges by ourselves!
Am I thankful?
Our perspective also is critical. Second Thessalonians 5: 16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." "All" truly means all! When we have a disposition of thankfulness no matter what the circumstance, we are not limited by our trials and recognize what blessings we do have that the enemy would have us forget. As 2 Thessalonians indicates, we also are obedient to God when we remain thankful, and God honors obedience. Psalm 103, a psalm of praise, is one that reminds me to be thankful for all that God has done - and does - every day!
Post Script
Jesus said that in this world, we would have trouble, but we can take heart because He's overcome the world. In trials, learn to trust God by recognizing who He is, putting on His armor, connecting with other believers and overflowing with thankfulness. That way, you won't get hoodwinked by the enemy's lies.
You've probably also pondered God's role in these situations. You may be tempted to think that God doesn't care or love you, wouldn’t understand or is to blame. We may not say it, but we can act like it. The biggest lie you can believe? That those thoughts are true.
Trying situations where God's hand may not seem evident are ripe for us to be hoodwinked by the enemy, who wants us to believe negative thoughts about God, distance ourselves from Him and stop trusting Him. In John 8:44, Satan is called the father of lies. In Revelation 12:9, he’s named the great deceiver. In John 10:10, he often is interpreted as the “thief” seeking to kill, steal and destroy, while Jesus says that He came to give us true, abundant life - to the full. While the enemy is out to ruin us, God wants to see us thrive in all circumstances, and, ultimately, into eternity. Yet in those times when we don't see His hand, we're tempted not to believe Him and instead trust the deceiver by going our own way. Here are some questions we can ask ourselves to avoid falling prey to the devil's schemes in tough times.
Who is God to Me?
Trying circumstances are a chance to evaluate whether we see God as He is. We can view Him as Creator of the world who loves us and knows best, or we can see Him as less than He is, perhaps reducing Him to a means of getting what we want, such as health, wealth and companionship. If God is merely the fairy who grants all our wishes, we'll do what He asks only as long as things go our way, and we'll bail on Him when life gets rough. We'll also see ourselves as more in control than we ever can be, not recognizing that we can only see what is in front of us, while He sees all. When we don't recognize God's greatness, we can forget how small we really are.
The story of Job provides a wonderful reminder of God's magnitude. Despite Job ultimately passing tests to his faith in God and devotion to Him that Satan inflicted with God's permission (such as losing his children, wealth and health), there is a point during his suffering where Job ponders the reason for his torment, attempting to explain it from his limited, human perspective. God's response to Job's questioning, in Chapters 38-41, is awe-inspiring. He reminds Job of his limits. A snippet of God’s reply:
4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?Job responds accordingly, in worship and repentance. Similarly, Ecclesiastes 5:2 gives us a guide for reverencing our Maker even in trying times, when we may be tempted to think we have the answers: “Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.” (ESV)
Tell me, if you understand.
5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
6 On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
7 while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?
8 “Who shut up the sea behind doors
when it burst forth from the womb,
9 when I made the clouds its garment
and wrapped it in thick darkness,
10 when I fixed limits for it
and set its doors and bars in place,
11 when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther;
here is where your proud waves halt’?
12 “Have you ever given orders to the morning,
or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges
and shake the wicked out of it?
When we recognize God's power, we can trust that He’s in control even when we only see chaos.
What's My Diet?
Our habits also impact whether we believe Satan's lies or God’s truths. The Bible tells us that our battles in life are not about the physical that we see, but the spiritual that we cannot see. Second Corinthians 10:3-5 says,
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.There is no better way to “take captive” thoughts that help us choose obedience to Christ than meditating on the promises in His Word. Just a few of the things God says to believers in it are that He works all things together for our good, is for us, nothing can separate us from His love, He will never leave or forsake us, and has great plans for us - including a definitive, final plan to overcome evil. I shared some other promises I like to meditate on most here. If you don’t already, mediate on verses that remind you of who God is and speak to your doubts. God’s Word is truly the hope that we have to overcome the enemy!
Ephesians 6: 10-18 also says that we are to resist the devil’s schemes by being strong in the Lord’s mighty power, putting on the "full armor" of God. The “weapons” from the passage include:
Belt of Truth (v. 14)
Breastplate of Righteousness (v. 14)
Shield of Faith (v. 14)
Footwear of the Readiness of The Gospel (v. 15)
Shield of Faith (v. 16)
Helmet of Salvation (v. 17)
Sword of the Spirit (v. 17)
(See an explanation of each here)
When we put on God's armor, we're no longer dealing with trouble in our own limited way, but through God's power, which makes all the difference!
Who's in My Corner?
Connecting with other believers also is critical in overcoming the enemy's schemes. The book of Hebrews, written to Jewish Christians facing persecution, contains relevant advice on maintaining Christian community. Hebrews 10: 24-25 says,"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
I love how timeless this passage is! Both then and now, there are those of us prone to periodically disappear – check out – from connecting with other believers. Often it’s when life gets challenging and the support is needed most when we may be tempted to bail. Yet we’re to stay in our struggles together. And, as this passage indicates, connecting is not only for our personal benefit, but also so that we can encourage others. Being part of God’s kingdom, our difficulties aren’t just meant to grow us, they’re also supposed to lead us to comfort others. In community, we can’t wallow too deeply into self-pity!
Further, Hebrews 3: 12-15 tells us that we avoid being hardened by sin's deceitfulness – i.e., seeing sin as “no big deal” – by encouraging each other. When we're tempted to stray in our trials, other believers steer us in the right direction. We're not meant to always be alone, and we can't succeed in overcoming challenges by ourselves!
Am I thankful?
Our perspective also is critical. Second Thessalonians 5: 16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." "All" truly means all! When we have a disposition of thankfulness no matter what the circumstance, we are not limited by our trials and recognize what blessings we do have that the enemy would have us forget. As 2 Thessalonians indicates, we also are obedient to God when we remain thankful, and God honors obedience. Psalm 103, a psalm of praise, is one that reminds me to be thankful for all that God has done - and does - every day!
Post Script
Jesus said that in this world, we would have trouble, but we can take heart because He's overcome the world. In trials, learn to trust God by recognizing who He is, putting on His armor, connecting with other believers and overflowing with thankfulness. That way, you won't get hoodwinked by the enemy's lies.
Monday, February 10, 2014
How Do You Read The Bible?
Last summer I finished reading through the Bible chronologically, marking two-and-a-half times that I'd read the Bible cover-to-cover. As I shared at the beginning of the read, I used The Chronological Study Bible published by Thomas Nelson.
As I’ve explained before, for me reading through the Bible all started in January 2011, when I read the New Testament in 30 days with my church. It was the catalyst for me then reading through the Old Testament and completing my first full read. Through it I gained greater perspective about God’s Word that really deepened my understanding of Him and our relationship. After it I decided to continue reading through the Bible in various ways perpetually. The experience truly has revolutionized how I consume Scripture.
The Story
Studying God's Word chronologically this read around really illuminated once again that the Bible is The Greatest Story ever told. I'll recount it, in a nutshell. It begins in Genesis with the true tale of the triune God of the Universe, in His boundless creativity, making a beautiful world and everything in it, including forming humanity in His image by one man and giving him the privilege of fellowship with God, just as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit shared. God gave man the Garden of Eden as his dwelling place and responsibility. Then, knowing just what man was missing, God created for him a suitable helper (ladies, haaay!). In His omniscience, He also set boundaries of protection to maximize man (and woman)'s enjoyment of Him and His creation. Yet also in His love, God gave them the choice to obey His boundaries, or disobey.
Then the sunny story turns dark, with man deciding to cross the boundaries that God set by eating from the only tree in Eden that He had told them not to, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. As a result, man faced the devastating effects of sin, including separation from God and banishment from Eden.
Man's sin sets off the rest of Scripture, which highlights God's love affair with a wayward humanity. Although man and woman would suffer consequences of sin, God promised a Savior. Each verse, chapter and book of the Bible knits the story of God reaching down to rescue and restore mankind to a relationship with Him, the Creator. His redemptive plan plays out in Scripture as humans like you and I underscore our need for salvation throughout it.
We witness it in the Old Testament, where God’s chosen people Israel consistently disobey His commands despite His warnings that the people’s lives would go well if they only followed them. They rejected God’s warnings by committing offenses such as not listening to God’s instructions in battles with other nations, whoring after other gods, envying other nations, ignoring and abusing the prophets God sent to call them to repentance when they strayed, and completely forgetting – even for a time losing – His laws. We see Israel (and Judah) suffer the consequences of those sins, at times in brutal ways. Yet through it all, God shows them mercy by holding back His wrath repeatedly, relenting in many cases. And when He does punish His people, it is to discipline and guide them in the right direction, as a loving Father would.
The Old Testament also highlights God's holiness. He is far greater than us and cannot look on sin. For His people, He instituted a high priest that could go into the Holy of Holies once a year in the temple, where He appeared, to offer sacrifices to atone for their sins. This ritual was a glimpse of the atonement that the sinless Messiah would bring when He came to earth to be the Ultimate sacrifice. We also see God use and deliver foreign nations as part of His redemptive plan.
The Promised Messiah Jesus is experienced in the New Testament, where He introduces a New Covenant. His life, ministry, death and resurrection, chronicled in The Gospels, finally bring the long-awaited way for man to freely access God and restore the relationship with Him that was lost at Eden.
While on earth, Jesus picks and trains a group of 12 ordinary men – including one who would betray Him – teaches them and tells them of the greater things that they would do when He goes and sends His Spirit. After He is victorious over death, suffering in our place, He leaves, returning to be with the Father.
As promised, the Holy Spirit arrives, on the Day of Pentecost. The church launches, ushering an Age that we are still part of today. His disciples start spreading the good news that Jesus died, buried, and rose again – not only to Jews, but also to Gentiles. Many Gentiles hear and receive the message, and The Gospel starts reaching the ends of the earth, as Jesus promised it would.
And, as presented in Acts, God calls and makes an apostle to the Gentiles out of Saul, a Pharisee who was previously breathing out murderous threats against God’s people and even participated in the first martyrdom of a Christian.
Saved by Grace
The introduction of Saul turned Paul in the New Testament – and the books he wrote by divine inspiration – highlight one of the greatest reminders that I got from this read – that I – and all believers – are predestined! In Ephesians 1:3-6, Paul writes to the church in Ephesus:
One of the best parts of The Greatest Story Ever Told is the ending. In Revelation (and in other parts of Scripture, such as Daniel 9 and 1 Thessalonians 4), we learn about the end times and how Jesus will come back and establish a new heaven and a new earth, one that believers will reign with Him on, and how sin and Satan will ultimately be defeated. Through Revelation we are reminded that while God chose a specific time in history to reveal His word, it is a timeless revelation that speaks not only up to our present, but also the future. Further, it tells us about a God who is outside time and has a definite plan to overcome the world – including evil. His Word ends with the ultimate hope: that He will come again, and those who know Him will be with Him forever, just as intended in Eden. Amen – come, Lord Jesus!
Reading
Question: how do you read the Bible? Do you read it as a critic picking out select phrases to bolster a negative opinion about it? Do you only read all or part of the Old or New Testament and discount the rest? Do read it just out of duty, to check a box? Do you see it just as a “good book” with positive sayings for life but not as God’s very Word? If we do not see it as primarily a love story, from Genesis to Revelation, we have missed the point. I like how Mark Driscoll puts it in his newest book, A Call to Resurgence: Will Christianity Have a Funeral of A Future?, particularly in reference to reading Scripture out of religious duty:
As I’ve explained before, for me reading through the Bible all started in January 2011, when I read the New Testament in 30 days with my church. It was the catalyst for me then reading through the Old Testament and completing my first full read. Through it I gained greater perspective about God’s Word that really deepened my understanding of Him and our relationship. After it I decided to continue reading through the Bible in various ways perpetually. The experience truly has revolutionized how I consume Scripture.
The Story
Studying God's Word chronologically this read around really illuminated once again that the Bible is The Greatest Story ever told. I'll recount it, in a nutshell. It begins in Genesis with the true tale of the triune God of the Universe, in His boundless creativity, making a beautiful world and everything in it, including forming humanity in His image by one man and giving him the privilege of fellowship with God, just as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit shared. God gave man the Garden of Eden as his dwelling place and responsibility. Then, knowing just what man was missing, God created for him a suitable helper (ladies, haaay!). In His omniscience, He also set boundaries of protection to maximize man (and woman)'s enjoyment of Him and His creation. Yet also in His love, God gave them the choice to obey His boundaries, or disobey.
Then the sunny story turns dark, with man deciding to cross the boundaries that God set by eating from the only tree in Eden that He had told them not to, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. As a result, man faced the devastating effects of sin, including separation from God and banishment from Eden.
Man's sin sets off the rest of Scripture, which highlights God's love affair with a wayward humanity. Although man and woman would suffer consequences of sin, God promised a Savior. Each verse, chapter and book of the Bible knits the story of God reaching down to rescue and restore mankind to a relationship with Him, the Creator. His redemptive plan plays out in Scripture as humans like you and I underscore our need for salvation throughout it.
We witness it in the Old Testament, where God’s chosen people Israel consistently disobey His commands despite His warnings that the people’s lives would go well if they only followed them. They rejected God’s warnings by committing offenses such as not listening to God’s instructions in battles with other nations, whoring after other gods, envying other nations, ignoring and abusing the prophets God sent to call them to repentance when they strayed, and completely forgetting – even for a time losing – His laws. We see Israel (and Judah) suffer the consequences of those sins, at times in brutal ways. Yet through it all, God shows them mercy by holding back His wrath repeatedly, relenting in many cases. And when He does punish His people, it is to discipline and guide them in the right direction, as a loving Father would.
The Old Testament also highlights God's holiness. He is far greater than us and cannot look on sin. For His people, He instituted a high priest that could go into the Holy of Holies once a year in the temple, where He appeared, to offer sacrifices to atone for their sins. This ritual was a glimpse of the atonement that the sinless Messiah would bring when He came to earth to be the Ultimate sacrifice. We also see God use and deliver foreign nations as part of His redemptive plan.
The Promised Messiah Jesus is experienced in the New Testament, where He introduces a New Covenant. His life, ministry, death and resurrection, chronicled in The Gospels, finally bring the long-awaited way for man to freely access God and restore the relationship with Him that was lost at Eden.
While on earth, Jesus picks and trains a group of 12 ordinary men – including one who would betray Him – teaches them and tells them of the greater things that they would do when He goes and sends His Spirit. After He is victorious over death, suffering in our place, He leaves, returning to be with the Father.
As promised, the Holy Spirit arrives, on the Day of Pentecost. The church launches, ushering an Age that we are still part of today. His disciples start spreading the good news that Jesus died, buried, and rose again – not only to Jews, but also to Gentiles. Many Gentiles hear and receive the message, and The Gospel starts reaching the ends of the earth, as Jesus promised it would.
And, as presented in Acts, God calls and makes an apostle to the Gentiles out of Saul, a Pharisee who was previously breathing out murderous threats against God’s people and even participated in the first martyrdom of a Christian.
Saved by Grace
The introduction of Saul turned Paul in the New Testament – and the books he wrote by divine inspiration – highlight one of the greatest reminders that I got from this read – that I – and all believers – are predestined! In Ephesians 1:3-6, Paul writes to the church in Ephesus:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.Further, Paul’s letters most often begin with the phrase “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” He consistently proclaimed that, but for God choosing Him, he would have continued persecuting God’s people with misguided zeal. The more I study God’s Word, the more I am convinced that God chose me – not because of anything great I’ve done, but because of His grace. God choosing – adopting – believers is something to celebrate!
One of the best parts of The Greatest Story Ever Told is the ending. In Revelation (and in other parts of Scripture, such as Daniel 9 and 1 Thessalonians 4), we learn about the end times and how Jesus will come back and establish a new heaven and a new earth, one that believers will reign with Him on, and how sin and Satan will ultimately be defeated. Through Revelation we are reminded that while God chose a specific time in history to reveal His word, it is a timeless revelation that speaks not only up to our present, but also the future. Further, it tells us about a God who is outside time and has a definite plan to overcome the world – including evil. His Word ends with the ultimate hope: that He will come again, and those who know Him will be with Him forever, just as intended in Eden. Amen – come, Lord Jesus!
Reading
Question: how do you read the Bible? Do you read it as a critic picking out select phrases to bolster a negative opinion about it? Do you only read all or part of the Old or New Testament and discount the rest? Do read it just out of duty, to check a box? Do you see it just as a “good book” with positive sayings for life but not as God’s very Word? If we do not see it as primarily a love story, from Genesis to Revelation, we have missed the point. I like how Mark Driscoll puts it in his newest book, A Call to Resurgence: Will Christianity Have a Funeral of A Future?, particularly in reference to reading Scripture out of religious duty:
The Bible must not be read as a job description for motivated, self-disciplined, devoutly religious people to be their own heroes and saviors of their souls. It must be read as the story of guilty sinners and self-righteous hypocrites, visited by a perfect God who lived the life they haven’t, died the death they should have, and rose to give the gift they could not earn. The Bible is good news about what Jesus has done before it is good advice about what we should do. The Bible tells us how God serves us before it asks us to serve Him (pgs. 145-146).
Reading through the Bible chronologically (and perpetually) has made me much more mindful of the main purpose of God’s word as I read it each day, even in the times when I may not be particularly excited to do so. Now, every time I open it, I’m reminded that each verse – and passage – is an opportunity for me not just to complete a daily ritual or even gain wisdom for living, but, must importantly, to experience His love. I am so thankful for how God has revolutionized my time in His word through reading the whole story!
On that note, my perpetual read must go on! Right now I’m on day 176 of The Lookout Bible Reading Plan, available on YouVersion. The one year, six-day-a-week plan assigns a daily reading from the Gospels, another New Testament book, a Wisdom book (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) and another Old Testament book. The daily “big picture” it provides of the whole Bible has been another great way to mediate on The Story.
Whether you profess a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or not, I challenge you to read God’s Word as a complete story, cover to cover. It is living and active, and has the power to change not just your life, but your destiny. If you know Jesus, be reminded of His love whenever you open it up, even in the times when doing so seems mundane. After all, it’s God’s very words, and that’s how He wants us to read it. And in the process, we can't help but be changed.
On that note, my perpetual read must go on! Right now I’m on day 176 of The Lookout Bible Reading Plan, available on YouVersion. The one year, six-day-a-week plan assigns a daily reading from the Gospels, another New Testament book, a Wisdom book (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) and another Old Testament book. The daily “big picture” it provides of the whole Bible has been another great way to mediate on The Story.
Whether you profess a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or not, I challenge you to read God’s Word as a complete story, cover to cover. It is living and active, and has the power to change not just your life, but your destiny. If you know Jesus, be reminded of His love whenever you open it up, even in the times when doing so seems mundane. After all, it’s God’s very words, and that’s how He wants us to read it. And in the process, we can't help but be changed.
Thursday, December 05, 2013
My Top Ten Life Verses
I’ve been talking about blogging a top-ten list of Bible verses for a few years, but hadn’t – until now. After loving responses to Mandisa's Facebook post asking people to share their theme or "life" verses, I was inspired to finally share my list. Yes, I even ranked them – and, in some cases, that was no small feat! There are countless others that I love, but these are the ones that currently are most central in my life. At some point I have memorized each, and they run through my head periodically, in various situations. Let's count down to number one.
10. 2 Cor. 1: 3-7
This is a newer one for me. God really spoke to me about this passage late last year while listening to this message from one my favorite pastors, Miles McPherson from the Rock Church. Through the passage God convicted me about more intentionally using the comfort He has given me in my experiences to then comfort others. This was a different call to me than just being an encouraging person, which is comfortable for me. Instead, it was going a step further by taking the time to pointedly - but genuinely - ask people God places around me how they are doing, and then share how God is working in my life in ways that comfort them in their situations. Until we die, we will always be going through some struggle! It’s been amazing how, in living with these verses in mind, God has opened my eyes to so many spiritual needs around me that I had previously overlooked.
These verses also have been such a reminder that, as Christians, comforting others through Him is a big part of why God puts us here! In a culture where self-promotion has been ingratiated in our lives through outlets such as social media, we can easily get caught up in making our lives about our individual pursuits and seeking praise from others, but God calls us to be more concerned with others than ourselves. We shouldn’t waste the experiences and comfort God gives us to navigate life’s challenges by keeping it all to ourselves and just sharing our high points. Let’s let God get the glory in all circumstances! As I contemplate this verse, I’m encouraged to keep at the “comfort” pursuit for the rest of my life!
9. Philippians 1:6
This whole section of Philippians 1 is my favorite passage for the Body of Christ, especially for close friends who are believers. I also love verse 6 for the perspective it gives me for my own life. That God is doing a work in each believer that He will ultimately finish when we get to heaven gives me hope about our present and our future, and puts relationship issues in particular – squabbles, disagreements, personality clashes, hurts, fears, the list goes on – in the perspective of eternity. Knowing God is working on each of us gives me the grace to forgive, seek forgiveness – and grow!
8. Colossians 1:17
If you’ve gotten an email from me, you’ve probably seen this verse in my signature line. I got this one in Fall 2007 from one of the girls in a college small group I was leading then. She shared how it gets her through life. Her testimony – and the verse – really resonated with me at that point in my life. I was in my last year of law school, trying to finish my classes strong and prepare for graduation and taking the bar exam. I also was anxious about what the future held for my career and other aspects of my life, at times being overwhelmed by all the possibilities! And that year the financial crisis hit. There was so much talk about not being able to find a job – I wondered whether the job offer I had would be rescinded. Yet whenever I remembered Colossians 1:17 – that He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together – all the chaos did not even matter, because I could rest in the fact that God is in complete control. The verse has continued to comfort me, especially in everyday situations – I may feel that I have so many things to do in one day and not enough time to do them, but I’m reminded that in Christ, I have everything I need. It encourages me to take a moment to seek His wisdom even in the most busy situations, knowing that He is my source and enables me to do my best in all situations. The whole section of the chapter, on the supremacy of Christ, is good for that, too! I thank God for holding it all together so I don’t have to try – and fail – to!
7. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Now we’re getting into my lifers – the verses that have shaped me since childhood. This one’s from second grade. I’ve blogged about this verse in a couple entries on giving, so I won’t say too much about it. Knowing that my Heavenly Father loves a cheerful giver has made me give without reluctance or compulsion, because giving is not about pleasing people, but Him. And He so loved us that He gave The Indescribable Gift - His only Son! I have found the promises from the whole passage to be true: when you give with a cheerful heart, God really does take care of you, and He gets the glory for your giving – what it’s all about! While true, godly giving doesn’t give to get, God makes promises to those who sow generously as compared to those who sow sparingly. There’s nothing better than giving to the praise of the most generous, loving Father, who can never be “out-given!”
6. 1 Timothy 4:12
I believe I first learned this verse as a song in elementary school that still plays in my head when I think about it, lol. I’ve shared that I’ve had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ since I was three or four years old and truly remember knowing then that my life would be different because I had met Him. I’ve had the privilege of walking with Him since. Growing up – and to this day – this verse has really helped me navigate my faith as a young person. Through hearing this verse repeated in my context by parents, teachers and youth leaders, I got the message that I don’t have to be a “grown up” to follow Jesus – I can do it right where I am, and in every aspect of my life: speech, life (or conduct), love, faith and purity. In doing so, I am setting an example for others - the young, old, and somewhere in between. I won’t be young forever, but I will always be who I am in Christ because of God saving and shaping me first in my youth. It also encourages me to invest in the next generation, knowing that they too can commit to serving Christ today.
5. Hebrews 4:12 / Psalm 19:7-14
Okay, so I know these are two different passages, but, “what had happened was..." I have these passages that I call “tandem verses”, lol: in my mind, one verse or passage on one topic is inextricably linked to the other. Memorizing these verses as a kid helped shape my understanding of the preeminent power of God’s Word. That it’s living and active and has the might to shape my every decision – and, in turn, my entire life – never ceases to amaze me. That means the more I interact with it – read it, meditate on it, memorize it – I can’t help but be changed.
One of my mottos (which I came up with long before “there’s an app for that”, lol) is “there’s a verse for that,” meaning there is literally a Scripture for every situation in life (which is different from saying that every life situation is directly addressed in Scripture - what I'm saying is that there is a principle for approaching every life situation, even if the situation itself is not directly addressed. I have never had a life situation where I have not been able to apply Scripture, either directly or indirectly). I began memorizing Scripture regularly when I was three or four. As I continued to memorize Scripture as I grew up, I had no idea how much it would shape my life. When you allow the Word of God to be written on your heart, through its amazing power, you find that you can only be different. Yet I believe we sleep on its power so much! God’s Word really is all that He says it is, and these verses are a wonderful reminder of how we are transformed by it. It’s awesome!
4. Jeremiah 29:11 / 1 Corinthians 2:9
Okay, another tandem set. In response to Mandisa’s post requesting people share their life verses, Jeremiah 29:11 was the number one response, and for good reason. I too am on the Jeremiah 29:11 – and 1 Corinthians 2: 9 – train, and I believe every Christian should be on it! Of all the verses on my top ten(ish) list - with the exception of one, these two verses have meant the most to me over the last few years. I also memorized them as a child and they resonated with me then, but even more so now. As the years pass, more of life happens: things unexpected; some seemingly great, others seemingly not. Yet when I remember that God’s plans for me are always good – plans to prosper me and not to harm me, and to give us a hope and a future – and that no eye has seen, ear heard or mind conceived what God has in store for those who love Him – whew, and Amen!– I (and we) can trust that my Heavenly Father knows what He’s doing and loves me, even when I don’t understand it. And, further, 1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds me that His plans for me are not only for this life, but also for heaven, which will be unimaginably spectacular!
3. Psalm 139:14
This one’s on the list because it’s a Word from God that my mother gave me when I was still a pup: that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Because of this verse – and my mother modeling it –I never got the memo society sent that I was not supposed to love myself or think I’m beautiful because I have brown skin and black hair (and every day I wake up, I still haven't gotten it!). My name, Oluseyi (Olu meaning God), means “God did this.” My mother always put it this way: “God did this, and you are fearfully and wonderfully made!” In our culture we have an epic identity crisis, but there’s a verse for that! The whole Psalm 139 also is awesome - it got me through law school, and I call it “God’s hug to me." Until recently, it was on my license plate (I’m going to explain why it’s not now shortly). I have the whole chapter memorized, and I recite it whenever I need a hug from God! God loves us so much, knew us even at our conception, and He’s still with us now – He’s everywhere! That should give us joy no matter what the circumstance!
2. Psalm 119:9-11 / Joshua 1:8-9
Okay, so now we are talking the story of my life. These are among the top verses that my parents instilled in me. I do not know anyone who loves God’s Word more than my dad. He told me and my siblings that “The Word” would keep us throughout life if we only mediate on it, hide it in our hearts and seek God with all our hearts. My mother also emphasized that following God’s Word would keep us out of trouble. She said over and over again: “If you’re obedient, your life will go well...” Similarly, in Deuteronomy, God gave the Israelites a choice: they could choose blessings – i.e., life, by their obedience - or curses, by their disobedience, and He urged them to choose life. What my mom - and the verses – don’t mean is that that life will be problem or trouble free – but that if we are obedient, living the life that God has for us, we will experience God's success – which may not look like the world’s, but will be the best because it is what we were made for. She also didn’t meant that we would be sin free, because we all sin. But when we seek Him and follow His Word daily, we don’t get stuck in our sin. We also experience the forgiveness and fellowship that comes when we confess our sins. All in all, as we continue walking with Jesus, we become more like Him!
I thank God that, thus far, my testimony has been about choosing life. While God’s blessings for me have involved some earthly success – and I am thankful for that – the best success still, and always will be, the spiritual blessings. Material blessings can come from God, but they don’t get you through life’s challenges. When I’m having a rough day, looking around my closet doesn’t give me supernatural peace, but His presence does. That’s the Joshua 1:9 promise that I can cling to no matter where I am.
I still have to make the choice every day to choose life – and I pray that I always make that choice. And I can know that as I seek Him with all my heart, He will be with me wherever I go, and I will have the strength to courageously face life’s challenges. And I pray that for the whole Body of Christ. Amen!
1. John 10:10
This one also is courtesy of my dad. Growing up, he said it often (as a hopefully humorous aside, when I mentioned to him at Thanksgiving that I was reflecting on my top ten(ish) verses, he queried why 2 Timothy 4:7-8 was not on the list. Growing up he probably referenced those verses with me and my brothers more than any other passage aside from Psalm 1. He first had us memorize it in the KJV, before the complete NIV took off, and reciting it is still the only time I use the word “henceforth.” Anyway, I told my dad that, while I do like that verse, he will have to do his own top ten for that to make it, lol). John 10:10 is so big for me right now that when I got a notice saying it was time to renew my car registration and that I had the chance to change my plates, I knew I had to swap Psalm 139 for John 10:10.
If you would have asked me a couple years ago, I don’t even know if John 10:10 would have made the top ten. But as it was written on my heart, God, through His living and powerful Word, could make it come to life right when I needed it. A couple years ago, I particularly needed it (and still do – that’s why it’s currently my life verse!). I found myself spending too much time not living in the moment – where God had placed me right then. I was thinking too much about what I wanted things to be but not how they actually were. With John 10:10, God basically gave me the message that “I sent my Son to die for you to have eternal life, and if you’re not living life abundantly right now, that’s your fault!” (and it wasn’t in a haha, condescending tone, but a call to action!). Even those of us who are believers often spend so much time chasing pursuits that God never wanted us to. We’re often saying “when I get ‘x,’ then I’ll be ‘y’,” or “if I had what ‘x’ has, then I’d be satisfied.” Yet God has a purpose for each of us that He wants lived out daily, in all that we do. And not only that, it’s the best life that we can ever have. The verse reminds me that fulfillment is always in Christ, and anything else that the enemy or anyone else can make look appealing never will be, because it’s not what I was made for. I was made to live the life my Creator purposed for me, and that is the only way I will ever truly be fulfilled.
The other side of John 10:10 for me is the reminder that there's an entire world that needs Jesus, and I have to share Him! There are so many people who are looking for fulfillment through worldly things but don’t even know that what they really want is Him. When we as Christians are so wrapped up in earthly pursuits, we miss that we have all been given the mission or “ministry” of reconciliation, telling people about Jesus Christ. It also should be evident from our lives. If you know Jesus and aren’t living abundantly through Him, that’s your fault!
Final Thoughts
We are so blessed to have the treasure that is God’s Word. If you read my blog, you know I quote Romans 15:4 very often (technically it could have made the list, but since it’s a verse that summarizes why God gave us His Word, it makes a good theme that I can sneak in without having to use up another spot on the list, lol). I stay quoting it four versions deep:
Amen! For followers of Christ, the Word of God is really all we need, yet we often take it for granted. It’s also how God reveals Himself to the whole world.
What are your favs? I’d love to hear!
10. 2 Cor. 1: 3-7
This is a newer one for me. God really spoke to me about this passage late last year while listening to this message from one my favorite pastors, Miles McPherson from the Rock Church. Through the passage God convicted me about more intentionally using the comfort He has given me in my experiences to then comfort others. This was a different call to me than just being an encouraging person, which is comfortable for me. Instead, it was going a step further by taking the time to pointedly - but genuinely - ask people God places around me how they are doing, and then share how God is working in my life in ways that comfort them in their situations. Until we die, we will always be going through some struggle! It’s been amazing how, in living with these verses in mind, God has opened my eyes to so many spiritual needs around me that I had previously overlooked.
These verses also have been such a reminder that, as Christians, comforting others through Him is a big part of why God puts us here! In a culture where self-promotion has been ingratiated in our lives through outlets such as social media, we can easily get caught up in making our lives about our individual pursuits and seeking praise from others, but God calls us to be more concerned with others than ourselves. We shouldn’t waste the experiences and comfort God gives us to navigate life’s challenges by keeping it all to ourselves and just sharing our high points. Let’s let God get the glory in all circumstances! As I contemplate this verse, I’m encouraged to keep at the “comfort” pursuit for the rest of my life!
9. Philippians 1:6
This whole section of Philippians 1 is my favorite passage for the Body of Christ, especially for close friends who are believers. I also love verse 6 for the perspective it gives me for my own life. That God is doing a work in each believer that He will ultimately finish when we get to heaven gives me hope about our present and our future, and puts relationship issues in particular – squabbles, disagreements, personality clashes, hurts, fears, the list goes on – in the perspective of eternity. Knowing God is working on each of us gives me the grace to forgive, seek forgiveness – and grow!
8. Colossians 1:17
If you’ve gotten an email from me, you’ve probably seen this verse in my signature line. I got this one in Fall 2007 from one of the girls in a college small group I was leading then. She shared how it gets her through life. Her testimony – and the verse – really resonated with me at that point in my life. I was in my last year of law school, trying to finish my classes strong and prepare for graduation and taking the bar exam. I also was anxious about what the future held for my career and other aspects of my life, at times being overwhelmed by all the possibilities! And that year the financial crisis hit. There was so much talk about not being able to find a job – I wondered whether the job offer I had would be rescinded. Yet whenever I remembered Colossians 1:17 – that He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together – all the chaos did not even matter, because I could rest in the fact that God is in complete control. The verse has continued to comfort me, especially in everyday situations – I may feel that I have so many things to do in one day and not enough time to do them, but I’m reminded that in Christ, I have everything I need. It encourages me to take a moment to seek His wisdom even in the most busy situations, knowing that He is my source and enables me to do my best in all situations. The whole section of the chapter, on the supremacy of Christ, is good for that, too! I thank God for holding it all together so I don’t have to try – and fail – to!
7. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Now we’re getting into my lifers – the verses that have shaped me since childhood. This one’s from second grade. I’ve blogged about this verse in a couple entries on giving, so I won’t say too much about it. Knowing that my Heavenly Father loves a cheerful giver has made me give without reluctance or compulsion, because giving is not about pleasing people, but Him. And He so loved us that He gave The Indescribable Gift - His only Son! I have found the promises from the whole passage to be true: when you give with a cheerful heart, God really does take care of you, and He gets the glory for your giving – what it’s all about! While true, godly giving doesn’t give to get, God makes promises to those who sow generously as compared to those who sow sparingly. There’s nothing better than giving to the praise of the most generous, loving Father, who can never be “out-given!”
6. 1 Timothy 4:12
I believe I first learned this verse as a song in elementary school that still plays in my head when I think about it, lol. I’ve shared that I’ve had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ since I was three or four years old and truly remember knowing then that my life would be different because I had met Him. I’ve had the privilege of walking with Him since. Growing up – and to this day – this verse has really helped me navigate my faith as a young person. Through hearing this verse repeated in my context by parents, teachers and youth leaders, I got the message that I don’t have to be a “grown up” to follow Jesus – I can do it right where I am, and in every aspect of my life: speech, life (or conduct), love, faith and purity. In doing so, I am setting an example for others - the young, old, and somewhere in between. I won’t be young forever, but I will always be who I am in Christ because of God saving and shaping me first in my youth. It also encourages me to invest in the next generation, knowing that they too can commit to serving Christ today.
5. Hebrews 4:12 / Psalm 19:7-14
Okay, so I know these are two different passages, but, “what had happened was..." I have these passages that I call “tandem verses”, lol: in my mind, one verse or passage on one topic is inextricably linked to the other. Memorizing these verses as a kid helped shape my understanding of the preeminent power of God’s Word. That it’s living and active and has the might to shape my every decision – and, in turn, my entire life – never ceases to amaze me. That means the more I interact with it – read it, meditate on it, memorize it – I can’t help but be changed.
One of my mottos (which I came up with long before “there’s an app for that”, lol) is “there’s a verse for that,” meaning there is literally a Scripture for every situation in life (which is different from saying that every life situation is directly addressed in Scripture - what I'm saying is that there is a principle for approaching every life situation, even if the situation itself is not directly addressed. I have never had a life situation where I have not been able to apply Scripture, either directly or indirectly). I began memorizing Scripture regularly when I was three or four. As I continued to memorize Scripture as I grew up, I had no idea how much it would shape my life. When you allow the Word of God to be written on your heart, through its amazing power, you find that you can only be different. Yet I believe we sleep on its power so much! God’s Word really is all that He says it is, and these verses are a wonderful reminder of how we are transformed by it. It’s awesome!
4. Jeremiah 29:11 / 1 Corinthians 2:9
Okay, another tandem set. In response to Mandisa’s post requesting people share their life verses, Jeremiah 29:11 was the number one response, and for good reason. I too am on the Jeremiah 29:11 – and 1 Corinthians 2: 9 – train, and I believe every Christian should be on it! Of all the verses on my top ten(ish) list - with the exception of one, these two verses have meant the most to me over the last few years. I also memorized them as a child and they resonated with me then, but even more so now. As the years pass, more of life happens: things unexpected; some seemingly great, others seemingly not. Yet when I remember that God’s plans for me are always good – plans to prosper me and not to harm me, and to give us a hope and a future – and that no eye has seen, ear heard or mind conceived what God has in store for those who love Him – whew, and Amen!– I (and we) can trust that my Heavenly Father knows what He’s doing and loves me, even when I don’t understand it. And, further, 1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds me that His plans for me are not only for this life, but also for heaven, which will be unimaginably spectacular!
3. Psalm 139:14
This one’s on the list because it’s a Word from God that my mother gave me when I was still a pup: that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Because of this verse – and my mother modeling it –I never got the memo society sent that I was not supposed to love myself or think I’m beautiful because I have brown skin and black hair (and every day I wake up, I still haven't gotten it!). My name, Oluseyi (Olu meaning God), means “God did this.” My mother always put it this way: “God did this, and you are fearfully and wonderfully made!” In our culture we have an epic identity crisis, but there’s a verse for that! The whole Psalm 139 also is awesome - it got me through law school, and I call it “God’s hug to me." Until recently, it was on my license plate (I’m going to explain why it’s not now shortly). I have the whole chapter memorized, and I recite it whenever I need a hug from God! God loves us so much, knew us even at our conception, and He’s still with us now – He’s everywhere! That should give us joy no matter what the circumstance!
2. Psalm 119:9-11 / Joshua 1:8-9
Okay, so now we are talking the story of my life. These are among the top verses that my parents instilled in me. I do not know anyone who loves God’s Word more than my dad. He told me and my siblings that “The Word” would keep us throughout life if we only mediate on it, hide it in our hearts and seek God with all our hearts. My mother also emphasized that following God’s Word would keep us out of trouble. She said over and over again: “If you’re obedient, your life will go well...” Similarly, in Deuteronomy, God gave the Israelites a choice: they could choose blessings – i.e., life, by their obedience - or curses, by their disobedience, and He urged them to choose life. What my mom - and the verses – don’t mean is that that life will be problem or trouble free – but that if we are obedient, living the life that God has for us, we will experience God's success – which may not look like the world’s, but will be the best because it is what we were made for. She also didn’t meant that we would be sin free, because we all sin. But when we seek Him and follow His Word daily, we don’t get stuck in our sin. We also experience the forgiveness and fellowship that comes when we confess our sins. All in all, as we continue walking with Jesus, we become more like Him!
I thank God that, thus far, my testimony has been about choosing life. While God’s blessings for me have involved some earthly success – and I am thankful for that – the best success still, and always will be, the spiritual blessings. Material blessings can come from God, but they don’t get you through life’s challenges. When I’m having a rough day, looking around my closet doesn’t give me supernatural peace, but His presence does. That’s the Joshua 1:9 promise that I can cling to no matter where I am.
I still have to make the choice every day to choose life – and I pray that I always make that choice. And I can know that as I seek Him with all my heart, He will be with me wherever I go, and I will have the strength to courageously face life’s challenges. And I pray that for the whole Body of Christ. Amen!
1. John 10:10
This one also is courtesy of my dad. Growing up, he said it often (as a hopefully humorous aside, when I mentioned to him at Thanksgiving that I was reflecting on my top ten(ish) verses, he queried why 2 Timothy 4:7-8 was not on the list. Growing up he probably referenced those verses with me and my brothers more than any other passage aside from Psalm 1. He first had us memorize it in the KJV, before the complete NIV took off, and reciting it is still the only time I use the word “henceforth.” Anyway, I told my dad that, while I do like that verse, he will have to do his own top ten for that to make it, lol). John 10:10 is so big for me right now that when I got a notice saying it was time to renew my car registration and that I had the chance to change my plates, I knew I had to swap Psalm 139 for John 10:10.
If you would have asked me a couple years ago, I don’t even know if John 10:10 would have made the top ten. But as it was written on my heart, God, through His living and powerful Word, could make it come to life right when I needed it. A couple years ago, I particularly needed it (and still do – that’s why it’s currently my life verse!). I found myself spending too much time not living in the moment – where God had placed me right then. I was thinking too much about what I wanted things to be but not how they actually were. With John 10:10, God basically gave me the message that “I sent my Son to die for you to have eternal life, and if you’re not living life abundantly right now, that’s your fault!” (and it wasn’t in a haha, condescending tone, but a call to action!). Even those of us who are believers often spend so much time chasing pursuits that God never wanted us to. We’re often saying “when I get ‘x,’ then I’ll be ‘y’,” or “if I had what ‘x’ has, then I’d be satisfied.” Yet God has a purpose for each of us that He wants lived out daily, in all that we do. And not only that, it’s the best life that we can ever have. The verse reminds me that fulfillment is always in Christ, and anything else that the enemy or anyone else can make look appealing never will be, because it’s not what I was made for. I was made to live the life my Creator purposed for me, and that is the only way I will ever truly be fulfilled.
The other side of John 10:10 for me is the reminder that there's an entire world that needs Jesus, and I have to share Him! There are so many people who are looking for fulfillment through worldly things but don’t even know that what they really want is Him. When we as Christians are so wrapped up in earthly pursuits, we miss that we have all been given the mission or “ministry” of reconciliation, telling people about Jesus Christ. It also should be evident from our lives. If you know Jesus and aren’t living abundantly through Him, that’s your fault!
Final Thoughts
We are so blessed to have the treasure that is God’s Word. If you read my blog, you know I quote Romans 15:4 very often (technically it could have made the list, but since it’s a verse that summarizes why God gave us His Word, it makes a good theme that I can sneak in without having to use up another spot on the list, lol). I stay quoting it four versions deep:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. (NIV)
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (NKJV)
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (NASB)
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. (NLT)
Amen! For followers of Christ, the Word of God is really all we need, yet we often take it for granted. It’s also how God reveals Himself to the whole world.
What are your favs? I’d love to hear!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Being (But Not Playing) Hard to Get
Trying to read this entry? Check it out on my new blog here. Thanks!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Lessons in Prayer
I haven’t posted a blog entry in a few months – forever in my book! That isn’t because I haven’t been writing, I’ve just been working on some theologically weighty topics on and off that need more time (sigh!). Anyway, I will get it together, but, in the meantime, today while I was cleaning up my kitchen after an afternoon of making gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with my teen girls small group (love my girls!) and doing our latest lesson from The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson, God really impressed on me to put my next planned activity for the afternoon on hold and blog about a few lessons in prayer that I’ve been reflecting on. These likely are not new, but are ones that God has reminded me of over the last few months and, in some cases, years. I’m going to attempt to make these short and snappy, but we will see how that goes!
For the last several months, God has really been growing my prayer life. One obvious way He’s done this is through increased time in prayer. Another way, among others, has been through reading The Circle Maker, which I first did last spring. It’s a book on prayer that I think can be summed up with one of the mantras repeated in the book: “God honors bold prayers because bold prayers honor God.” It focuses on the concepts of dreaming big, praying hard and thinking long (multi-generationally) – all in prayer. This isn’t a book review, so you can check Circle Maker out in more detail here. It really brought together lessons I have learned in prayer and packaged them neatly for reflection and implementation in my prayer life now. A few months after reading Circle Maker it was recommended as an option for my teen group study, and I almost picked the student edition immediately. Although I see the girls benefiting from the study, I really believe God had me choose it for me too! Every chapter I have reread so far has directly addressed situations I am currently facing and dovetail into other lessons God has impressed on me though other media. Some principles in the book are peppered below. I also recommend checking it out!
Prayer is part of God’s sanctification process for His children.
Sanctification can be a theologically deep concept, but here I will sum it up as the process of God making believers in Christ more like Him here on earth. At times in prayer we can become focused on “unloading” to God, petitioning Him for our personal needs or praying for others. While those are all good things, at times, consciously or unconsciously, we can see getting an answer to our requests as the end. While God loves to provide for our needs and answer our prayers in various ways, He also uses our time in prayer to grow our dependence on Him and conform us to His likeness. We find that as He transforms us in prayer, an answer to a prayer is the natural – but secondary – response to pursuing Him. Today we read a chapter in Circle Maker that I think has an appropriate section: “you shouldn’t seek answers as much as you should seek God…If you go looking for answers, you won’t find them, but if you seek God, answers will just naturally find you.” p. 56 (see section for other context). Our prayers are part of the process of God changing us, and His work in sanctification continues until we get to heaven and are perfected.
God also just loves for us to spend time with Him and experience the benefits of doing so! Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (ESV). The joy we can experience in God’s presence – no matter what our circumstances – is a wonderful respite from life’s challenges and, even better, does not compare to what believers will experience in heaven!
God’s plans and thoughts toward us are infinitely greater than our own.
I love this truth! In a nutshell, it’s that whatever I may go to God thinking I want, what God is thinking toward me is so much bigger than anything I can even conceive. I love to illustrate this principle with kids by asking them to think about the grandest thing they could ever imagine. Then it follows to say, “whatever God is thinking is infinitely bigger than that!” Isn’t that verse amazing!?!?!??? Now, what God is thinking may have nothing to do with what we’re thinking is “best,” and it may even involve pain, but His Word says that His plans are mind-blowing, beyond what we can imagine! Two scriptures that God has impressed on me in prayer for things I desire have really given me rest and helped me encourage others: the popular Jeremiah 29:11 and I Corinthians 2: 9.
Jeremiah 29:11 says:
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (NKJV)
First Corinthians 2: 9 says,
9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him—” (NIV)
For the last several months, God has really been growing my prayer life. One obvious way He’s done this is through increased time in prayer. Another way, among others, has been through reading The Circle Maker, which I first did last spring. It’s a book on prayer that I think can be summed up with one of the mantras repeated in the book: “God honors bold prayers because bold prayers honor God.” It focuses on the concepts of dreaming big, praying hard and thinking long (multi-generationally) – all in prayer. This isn’t a book review, so you can check Circle Maker out in more detail here. It really brought together lessons I have learned in prayer and packaged them neatly for reflection and implementation in my prayer life now. A few months after reading Circle Maker it was recommended as an option for my teen group study, and I almost picked the student edition immediately. Although I see the girls benefiting from the study, I really believe God had me choose it for me too! Every chapter I have reread so far has directly addressed situations I am currently facing and dovetail into other lessons God has impressed on me though other media. Some principles in the book are peppered below. I also recommend checking it out!
Prayer is part of God’s sanctification process for His children.
Sanctification can be a theologically deep concept, but here I will sum it up as the process of God making believers in Christ more like Him here on earth. At times in prayer we can become focused on “unloading” to God, petitioning Him for our personal needs or praying for others. While those are all good things, at times, consciously or unconsciously, we can see getting an answer to our requests as the end. While God loves to provide for our needs and answer our prayers in various ways, He also uses our time in prayer to grow our dependence on Him and conform us to His likeness. We find that as He transforms us in prayer, an answer to a prayer is the natural – but secondary – response to pursuing Him. Today we read a chapter in Circle Maker that I think has an appropriate section: “you shouldn’t seek answers as much as you should seek God…If you go looking for answers, you won’t find them, but if you seek God, answers will just naturally find you.” p. 56 (see section for other context). Our prayers are part of the process of God changing us, and His work in sanctification continues until we get to heaven and are perfected.
God also just loves for us to spend time with Him and experience the benefits of doing so! Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (ESV). The joy we can experience in God’s presence – no matter what our circumstances – is a wonderful respite from life’s challenges and, even better, does not compare to what believers will experience in heaven!
God’s plans and thoughts toward us are infinitely greater than our own.
I love this truth! In a nutshell, it’s that whatever I may go to God thinking I want, what God is thinking toward me is so much bigger than anything I can even conceive. I love to illustrate this principle with kids by asking them to think about the grandest thing they could ever imagine. Then it follows to say, “whatever God is thinking is infinitely bigger than that!” Isn’t that verse amazing!?!?!??? Now, what God is thinking may have nothing to do with what we’re thinking is “best,” and it may even involve pain, but His Word says that His plans are mind-blowing, beyond what we can imagine! Two scriptures that God has impressed on me in prayer for things I desire have really given me rest and helped me encourage others: the popular Jeremiah 29:11 and I Corinthians 2: 9.
Jeremiah 29:11 says:
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (NKJV)
First Corinthians 2: 9 says,
9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him—” (NIV)
Both in heaven and on earth, God only desires and plans good for our lives. We may not think of suffering or hardship as good, but let’s not forget that the Father put His Son through the ultimate suffering to accomplish His grand plan to give us eternal life! Through Christ's agony on the cross came His victory over sin and the opportunity for us to be made right with God – justified – through belief in His Son. And even when we sin, God still promises that, for the believer, He works all things together for our good. How special that should make us feel!
Father knows best.
This lesson relates to the last one about God always having good for us. Trusting that God knows best – even in the most trying times - is SO.HUGE. In theological speak, it’s resting in the sovereignty of God. Things happen in our lives that we may not understand – why God caused or allowed a death, breakup, job loss – the list goes on. But if we can take comfort in the fact that God is in complete control and knows better than we do, we can accept the bumps, bruises and bombs in life. Isaiah 55: 8-9, which we actually read today in church, says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God is just much greater than we are, and, frankly, even in the challenging times, that makes me really happy – that my life is not left to chance, but is in the hands of my Creator, who knows exactly what He is doing. Moreover, that God knows best AND His plans for me are always infinitely greater than my own excites me – what may seem like a disappointment is an opportunity for God to blow my mind!
Years ago I heard this quote from Elisabeth Elliot that so encouraged me that I ended up memorizing it from repetition: “Let’s not forget that some of God’s greatest mercies are His refusals. He says no so that He may, in some way we cannot imagine, say yes. All His ways with us are merciful. His meaning is always love.” What an awesome, loving Heavenly Daddy we have!
What God purposes always happens.
This last lesson is about discerning the voice and move of God in prayer. There are times where we think God is moving in a particular direction, but what we thought God was going to do ended up not happening, at least initially. I have even heard it put, “God told me ‘x’ but ‘y’ happened.” While in some cases this may be an oversimplification of the situation, I think any instance where things do not go the way we may have thought God was directing is a good opportunity to look at a couple aspects of God’s character.
The first: God does not lie or change His mind.
Numbers 23:19 says:
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (NIV)
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? (ESV)
Further, Isaiah 55:10-11, which follows Isaiah 55:8-9 that was quoted above about God’s ways being higher than our own, is God speaking about Himself: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (NIV)
If you believe that God is speaking to you that something will happen, it will come to pass, or it was not God speaking. At times what we think is God not fulfilling what He spoke to us could just be Him delaying an answer –He may say no to something for a time, and then He may later say yes in the same situation. In those cases, it is not God changing His mind, but Him working out His plan over time. Also, in such instances where the final answer does end up being what we thought God said, our belief will be validated when the act comes to pass. In other words, at times we just have to wait out God’s promises – often for longer than we think! Scripture is filled with examples of people who had to wait a long time for God’s promises to materialize, but, where they actually were His promises, they always did!
On the other hand, where what we thought we heard from God does not happen, in those instances we may have opportunities to later reflect that, while God may have been speaking to us, we made the wrong conclusion. In some cases it may be that we become better able to discern God’s voice another time as we grow in our faith, including through doing the things that we already know to do. See James 1: 22-25.
Other times, we may not be able to fully understand what God was doing in a situation until we get to heaven and have full knowledge. As 1 Corinthians 13 says, now we know only a part, but, when we get to heaven, we will know fully, as we are fully known. And at that point, we’ll be in the glorious, unimaginable presence of God and probably won’t even care about some situation that weighed on us so much earth. Another reason to look forward to heaven!
The other related principle is about recognizing that our sin can deceive us in situations where we may have thought God was speaking: that God does not sin and never causes us to sin.
James 1: 13-15 says, "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
As we pray and seek to discern God’s voice in our lives, we need to be very aware of the impact sin has on our ability to hear Him. If we are led to sin, we also need to be honest about our condition and our choices and not ever claim that God directed us to make a sinful choice. As already noted, God turns even the bad decisions of a Christian for good, but we can’t blame our negative choices on God. But that His sovereignty covers even our sin should also remind us of the goodness of our God!
Lessons in Prayer
In this period of my life, God has increased my awareness of my dependence on Him, especially through prayer! I am guessing that every season after this one will heighten that awareness. And I am ever thankful for the sweet fellowship with God that I have experienced through prayer. I pray that as we commune with Him, we crave Him more, are changed and experience the life He has for us. Amen!
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ~Ephesians 6:18
Father knows best.
This lesson relates to the last one about God always having good for us. Trusting that God knows best – even in the most trying times - is SO.HUGE. In theological speak, it’s resting in the sovereignty of God. Things happen in our lives that we may not understand – why God caused or allowed a death, breakup, job loss – the list goes on. But if we can take comfort in the fact that God is in complete control and knows better than we do, we can accept the bumps, bruises and bombs in life. Isaiah 55: 8-9, which we actually read today in church, says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God is just much greater than we are, and, frankly, even in the challenging times, that makes me really happy – that my life is not left to chance, but is in the hands of my Creator, who knows exactly what He is doing. Moreover, that God knows best AND His plans for me are always infinitely greater than my own excites me – what may seem like a disappointment is an opportunity for God to blow my mind!
Years ago I heard this quote from Elisabeth Elliot that so encouraged me that I ended up memorizing it from repetition: “Let’s not forget that some of God’s greatest mercies are His refusals. He says no so that He may, in some way we cannot imagine, say yes. All His ways with us are merciful. His meaning is always love.” What an awesome, loving Heavenly Daddy we have!
What God purposes always happens.
This last lesson is about discerning the voice and move of God in prayer. There are times where we think God is moving in a particular direction, but what we thought God was going to do ended up not happening, at least initially. I have even heard it put, “God told me ‘x’ but ‘y’ happened.” While in some cases this may be an oversimplification of the situation, I think any instance where things do not go the way we may have thought God was directing is a good opportunity to look at a couple aspects of God’s character.
The first: God does not lie or change His mind.
Numbers 23:19 says:
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (NIV)
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? (ESV)
Further, Isaiah 55:10-11, which follows Isaiah 55:8-9 that was quoted above about God’s ways being higher than our own, is God speaking about Himself: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (NIV)
If you believe that God is speaking to you that something will happen, it will come to pass, or it was not God speaking. At times what we think is God not fulfilling what He spoke to us could just be Him delaying an answer –He may say no to something for a time, and then He may later say yes in the same situation. In those cases, it is not God changing His mind, but Him working out His plan over time. Also, in such instances where the final answer does end up being what we thought God said, our belief will be validated when the act comes to pass. In other words, at times we just have to wait out God’s promises – often for longer than we think! Scripture is filled with examples of people who had to wait a long time for God’s promises to materialize, but, where they actually were His promises, they always did!
On the other hand, where what we thought we heard from God does not happen, in those instances we may have opportunities to later reflect that, while God may have been speaking to us, we made the wrong conclusion. In some cases it may be that we become better able to discern God’s voice another time as we grow in our faith, including through doing the things that we already know to do. See James 1: 22-25.
Other times, we may not be able to fully understand what God was doing in a situation until we get to heaven and have full knowledge. As 1 Corinthians 13 says, now we know only a part, but, when we get to heaven, we will know fully, as we are fully known. And at that point, we’ll be in the glorious, unimaginable presence of God and probably won’t even care about some situation that weighed on us so much earth. Another reason to look forward to heaven!
The other related principle is about recognizing that our sin can deceive us in situations where we may have thought God was speaking: that God does not sin and never causes us to sin.
James 1: 13-15 says, "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
As we pray and seek to discern God’s voice in our lives, we need to be very aware of the impact sin has on our ability to hear Him. If we are led to sin, we also need to be honest about our condition and our choices and not ever claim that God directed us to make a sinful choice. As already noted, God turns even the bad decisions of a Christian for good, but we can’t blame our negative choices on God. But that His sovereignty covers even our sin should also remind us of the goodness of our God!
Lessons in Prayer
In this period of my life, God has increased my awareness of my dependence on Him, especially through prayer! I am guessing that every season after this one will heighten that awareness. And I am ever thankful for the sweet fellowship with God that I have experienced through prayer. I pray that as we commune with Him, we crave Him more, are changed and experience the life He has for us. Amen!
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ~Ephesians 6:18
Monday, July 01, 2013
What Women Want (and other Goodies)
Passing on some messages, stories and other resources that I’ve been listening to…enjoy!
“The Marriage” Message (which I subtitle “What Women Want”) by Matt Carter for Acts 29 Network (a resource for church planters founded by Mark Driscoll): Male or female, my “What Women Want” title probably caught your attention (and perhaps reminded you of that Helen Hunt and Mel Gibson movie of the same title which I saw bits of years ago and do not remember, other than to note that I don’t recall it actually being about what women want). As I listened to “The Marriage” message, which, from what I gather, was preached to an audience of pastors and their wives, for probably the first time I felt that this was an articulation of what women who love Jesus (and, to some extent, women who aren’t followers of Christ) actually want.
Whenever there's talk of what women want – including in biblical sermons about romantic relationships– almost inevitably I end up rolling my eyes over the practical tips given to men for giving women “what they want” because something is usually said as an absolute that does not represent what I actually want. My favorite example: the advice that telling a woman she’s beautiful - and offering other compliments – is an essential for making her feel special. I’m not saying I don’t ever want to be told I’m beautiful or be otherwise complimented, but offering compliments would not make a top five list of things I need to feel valued by a man in a romantic relationship (as I’ve blogged before, I am a "show me" rather than a "tell me" kind of girl; I’m cool with whatever compliments when they’re anchored by actions!).
Anyway, my mini diatribe highlights what I think this message gets right: first, it articulates the biblical calling of a man in marriage (and can be applied to Christ-centered dating relationships) - but then gives practical tips for men loving their women in the ways they accept love. Men, it hits home that showing love to a woman is not about working around the fact that women are “complicated” or dealing with us hailing “from Venus” while you are “from Mars,” but about studying and understanding the particular woman God gives you. I think that’s a lot easier than trying to figure out what women collectively want, in the abstract– and will certainly get you better results! And I see this message as the closest thing to a tailored “how to love a woman” that I’ve ever heard. Most importantly, the message reinforces that, in any godly marriage, she must be loved as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.
Ladies, I also think it’s a good message to evaluate potential mates and, married or single, pray for men.
I won’t say any more because you just have to hear this message! A couple of housekeeping items for when you listen: (1) Question: Ladies, am I the only one who never read or watched Twilight? I feel like there’s a lot of us who didn’t for various reasons, but I get – and appreciate – where he’s going, lol. And (2) there is a passing reference to The Drudge Report. I do not support The Drudge Report, and note, it is a passing reference (whew!).
Anyway, I pray the message speaks to you, male or female – our world needs it! Click here to download the message, or get the podcast on iTunes: Acts 29 Network Sermons > select “Podcasts” (rather than “All”)> “The Marriage”, March 29, 2012.
Jordan & Jessica Video (click here to listen, from Essence.Com): Speaking of love, this true story is a wonderful example of God’s power and plans for His children. It’s about a couple, Jessica and Jordan, who were both widowed in their 20s and how God orchestrated their love story. In explaining their story, Jessica referenced Ephesians 3:20, which I will quote along with verse 21: “20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Amen! Be encouraged by this story – and pass it on!
Do North: My pastor has been preaching an eight-week sermon series on the seven letters to the churches in Revelation 2 & 3 about the importance of re-focusing The Church, The Body of Christ – on Christ. He’s done an excellent job providing historical context for each of the churches and very relevant, practical manifestations of both the grievances and the praise Jesus expressed, and how it relates to the church at present. He also addresses how the letters may apply to your personal walk with God. He then provides ways for turning our focus northward. We just had the Week 5 message and have three weeks to go. The whole series is worth listening to – weeks four and five especially (as I type, the Week 5 message is not up yet, but it will be soon). You can find Do North messages here.
National Christian Writers Conference: A few months ago I attended a Christian Writers’ conference in California that is coming to D.C. in October! It's a great resource for writing workshops, marketing and publishing tips. There also is a Gospel Music Expo track that provides similar resources for artists. Currently, early bird registration is $125, and you can register here. Additionally, for the conference NCWC is accepting proposals for classes and workshops on publishing books in the Christian market.You can find more information here.
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