Good Distractions Gone Bad

I haven't been writing much lately between summer youth ministry and taking graduate classes, but if you'll humor me, here's a peek into this morning's blessing as I read the final chapter of 1 Timothy:

Saturday, July 11, 2015                                                                                    1 Timothy 6
v. 11 But flee from these things [a different doctrine-v. 3, godliness as gain-v. 5, riches-v. 9], you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

Impression: How easy it is to get distracted by good things, by lesser things, by deceitful things and miss God! To get caught up in details of doctrine that lead to strife, envy and disputes is to miss the mark. When my conversation and reputation is focused on being right, I am more about myself than God. To get drawn into keeping certain laws and traditions as a means of contentment—formulas for how to raise our children or keep our home or manage a church—I have missed the mark and left God behind. When my life is all about following a prescribed formula for godliness and personal gain, I am more about myself than God. And if I am drawn away from the truth by a desire for riches and personal comfort, when getting and having is more important than meeting with the Body of Christ and serving others, I have again missed the mark and left God behind. I am more about myself than God.

It is as I walk with the Lord that I find myself hungering and thirsting for righteousness, reflecting (not recreating) godliness, living out faith in love time after time after time with patience and gentleness. The only worthwhile endeavor is “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in inapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen” (v. 15-16).

Application: The goal is to forget myself, to leave myself behind, and to follow Jesus; to follow Him wholeheartedly, with everything I have and am, and to pray and ask for His gracious hand of protection from those many temptations and good things that would draw me away from His face. It is my responsibility and thankful response to seek His face, to harness my thoughts and emotions as I sift through the value and weight I place on people, circumstances, dreams and goals. Who am I seeking to please? Who am I serving? Who has first place in my life? What am I willing to die for? What hill am I willing to die on? Any hill, any cause apart from the Lord Jesus Christ, is vanity.

Lord, as I enter this day, this day of calling and serving and loving; this week of ministry; I ask Your guiding, loving, protecting hand on either side of my face. Direct me in Your way. Guide me in Your path. Let me not turn to the left or to the right. Let me not be distracted and carried away by my sinful longings and the deceit of my heart. Keep me true and steadfast, focused and centered always on Your loving care in the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Your precious Son. May Jesus be my focus, my motivation, my source and my prize. In His name I pray, Amen.

Fear--It's In You

Our group was in a physically threatening situation when one individual panicked. She had no sense of fear for the actual threat but thrashed and screamed in response to an everyday occurrence. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" she apologized. "I can't help it. I'm just feeling very paranoid."

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The truth, for each of us, is that our fear was not (is not) "out there." It was, and is, "in here." Fear concerns a future event, something that has not happened. Fear focuses on something I can't control but wish I could. It invades my thoughts, drives my behavior, and results in overwhelming emotions about something that isn't real or factual.

We fear recurrence of a painful past event. We fear change, uncharted territory, failure, success. We avoid people, places and things that hint of danger. All the while, the sneaky, pervasive truth is that what I fear has become my god.

I worship what I fear. "No way!" you say? Take a step back. How deep is the thought-groove of fear in relation to the thought-groove of faith? How often do you make choices based on avoiding or confronting the object of your fear?Do you find yourself stained by sin as you manage fear? Or do you turn first to the God who knows you and made you?

What we think about, what drives our behavior, and what we are willing to sin to  get (or avoid) has replaced the God of the universe in our hearts. It rules us. It enslaves, drives and controls us. We are "under the influence" of unseen/unknown situations when we could be "under the influence" of the Holy Spirit in obedience and trust.

So what did we do in the face of danger and unreasonable fear? We sang. We sang loudly. We changed our focus from the unknown to the God who designs and directs all--with shaky voices and a tear squeaking out here and there, we sang lustily:

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! - who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand:
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.*

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

*See more at: http://www.stuarttownend.co.uk/song/in-christ-alone/#sthash.zKg4tgJu.dpuf

Priceless Anonymity

I read an article this morning on the topic of pride and how insidious it is--from struggles in marriage to depression, eating disorders to anger and everything in between.

As I thought of its opposite--humility--and the conversation D.L Moody had with revivalist Henry Varley. At one point Varley said, "Moody, the world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to him" and Moody sensed God's call to be that man. 

The more I've thought about the contrast and what humility looks like, the more I think that true Christianity lend itself to anonymity. There will always be the Billy Grahams, Moodys, and Mother Theresas. We are people with names and our world continues to grow smaller, but often, more often, we will never see that man or woman fully consecrated to God because God, in His greatness, guards His own in humility. In local churches around the world, needs are met and individuals are served  in droves. But there is no name, no individual, no agenda apart from Jesus--Jesus working through individuals, moved by compassion as His hands, feet, minds, mouths and hearts. 

Biblically, we cannot, nor will ever, be wholly consecrated apart from the working of the Holy Spirit.
But I have seen the result of consecration--and I have learned this:  The one who is wholly consecrated to God seeks no praise of His own, but only that of His Father. He serves diligently, with or without recognition, blessed with peace, joy, and contentment: gifts that fill the giver before they are given (Gal. 5:22-23). Through His people, God is glorified. He is honored. His reputation is supreme. He is seen and reflected in all that is said and done. And, someday, I hope to be one of those people who has no desire to be seen or recognized or applauded for my own sake, but only for His.

Where some would count success in numbers and products, the consecrated individual can simply say, "I am blessed."  Ministry continues not because the world is dark, but because there is Light.  And as the Light penetrates darkness, it is not lessened or enlarged because of the darkness. It is. God uses His people to extend Himself to a lost world and His essence is not affected by their acceptance or rejection.  He shines through these humble, cracked vessels because He is.  And because He is, we are... blessed... praying... depending... available... working... living.

In that day “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” shall be engraved on the bells of the horses. The pots in the Lord’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar. Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be holiness to the Lord of hosts. Everyone who sacrifices shall come and take them and cook in them. (Zechariah 14:20-21)

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10)

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. (2 Timothy 2:19-21)

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 10:31)

There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. (Revelation 22:3-4)

And God Said....

One of the most challenging things about being a Christian is getting my mind and heart in line with what the Bible says. I once heard a lady say, "I didn't like that word so I just blacked it out. Is that okay?"

One way to avoid that problem is to avoid my Bible. If I don't see it in black and white, I can pretend it says what I want it to say.

Oooh, but if I go to church regularly (one that reads and teaches directly from the Bible), I see it. I read things I don't like or agree with. There are things in the Bible that conflict with my experience, perspective, opinions or political view. What then? I can try to explain it away, "God didn't mean it that way," or "Doesn't it say something different somewhere else?" Or I can rationalize the fact that I'm better than most people I know (or at least some of them).

Worst of all, I can imagine my life is what the Bible says. I think I'm kind, good, and yeah, Jesus's got my back.

This week I've been reading "Respectable Sins" by Jerry Bridges and, ooh, ouch--I'm more and more aware that when I make a transparency of my life and lay it over the pages of Scripture, they don't match. I've been studying Isaiah and have been reminded that God's Word says, first and foremost, what it said to its original hearers/readers. I must be careful not to make it say what God never intended. And I've been reading material from the background of someone who preaches the Bible (and other spiritual books) but left out the most important of all--Jesus.

That said, I will never live up to God's standard. Ever. I will never completely understand who God is and how He works. But I can know Jesus. I can surrender to God through the penalty Jesus paid in my place. I can stand before God in Jesus' righteousness. I can pray directly to the Father because of Jesus. I can learn about Him, ask Him to help me understand His Word and live in a way that pleases Him. But without Jesus, there's no gospel. No good news. And the Bible is meaningless. Oh, yeah. I read Ecclesiastes this week, too--and guess what? It's a joke. It's meaningless. Life really is hopeless without Jesus.

With the assurance of God's love and forgiveness in Christ, I can lay my life over the Word of God and experience peace, joy, satisfaction and motivation to change. I have a reason to get out of bed in the morning, to make friends, to help others, to go to church, to love my husband and children.... All because God said...and sent the Word: Jesus.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. (John 1:1-18 NASB)

Failure on the Bench, Fire in the Hole

When I was young, my mother read books illustrated by Eloise Wilkin--and her paintings are still some of my favorites. Try as might--3rd grade, 7th grade, every time I went to art class--I could not begin to duplicate the delicacy and reality she brought my little life.

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Life has moved on. I've grown up and realized that there's not much I can draw beyond stick figures and basic conceptual shapes. It's been a disappointment. By God's grace, disappointment came quickly, before I'd spent countless hours pursuing a path of empty dreams.

That's one area of life--but there are others. In some, I paddle fiercely; in others, I am resigned to life on the bench. But there's more to it than that.

The Bible says "to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7). You might like to know that the original Greek means, "each one." Yes. Everyone. Personally. Each. Those of us who have a redeemed relationship with God through Christ (see right sidebar) have been given a "manifestation of the Spirit" (I looked that up in Greek, too, and "manifestation" means "manifestation.")

Years ago a pastor asked me to join him in visiting with a couple who received news the husband was dying of cancer. We listened and prayed. The couple left and the pastor turned to me. "Since you have the gift of mercy and I don't, I'd like you to take care of them." What?! "But you're their pastor!"

That moment drove me back to Scripture and this interesting insight: many of the "manifestations" or spiritual gifts God gives His children are extensions of their new nature. He seems to give a boost to certain individuals, but the primary trait is shared (should be shared) by all believers: wisdom, knowledge, faith, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, mercy, evangelism. We are all called to be wise in the way we live (Ephesians 5:15-16), to be generous on every occasion (2 Corinthians 9:8-11), to be merciful (Matthew 5:7)...and the list goes on.

That means you and I are without excuse. God has purposed, enabled and equipped us to represent Him, within the Church (and to a dying world), in a supernatural way. And when we get it--when we learn to depend on God and get busy discovering His design for each of us--we're no longer a failure on the bench. There's fire in the hole! God is at work. We see the need, depend on His grace, and get to work, fighting discouragement, rankle, and fatigue. There's no time to mewl over warming the bench, I have a course of action and contribution to make--because I am an "each one."

On a different level, we have natural gifts and abilities--i.e. artistry--that God redeems as uses for His purpose as well. And that is another area of struggle because "I want" to do certain things...and God gives that job to someone else. "I want" to do a different thing....but God didn't give me the capacity to do it well. "I want" to be seen or appreciated...and it never seems to happen that way. And as I struggle with the places God puts me and the opportunities He gives, my heart is drawn to praise and glorify His wisdom. He is using the "yes's" and the "no's" to make me more like Jesus--not more like myself. And that (as many of you know) is a blessing to us all!

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:7-11)

Got Grace?

It's not something we usually say (or admit to thinking), but here it is: grace is a scary thing. Why? Because we don't really deserve it. And if I didn't do anything to earn it, why me and not someone else? And why me? Period. One girl recently said about Jesus, "That sounds too good to be true. I think I'd better take you up on it!"

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Grace is great when we feel like it's the icing on the cake--we did something well but got more than we expected. Grace is great when it's within reason--somehow we can repay the kindness, make it up, or pay it forward. That kind of grace makes me feel good about myself.

But too much grace? Too much grace makes me feel wrong. Unworthy. Undeserving.  A gift can be too expensive. It can read too much into a relationship. There must be a mistake. Something is wrong...

And that's the way of God's grace toward us. It's simply too much--or is it? In my mind, I know God's not wrong--but my heart doesn't want to admit that my sin is really that bad.... and that God's grace is really that good.

What does it mean that God actually left heaven and took on earthly form? Was it really necessary that He give himself over to be tortured, mocked, humiliated and mutilated? When I try to get my mind around what it cost Jesus to die and pay the debt of my sin, I can't imagine it. To think of how much pain and suffering God the Father experienced to buy me back from the slave market of sin, I will never fully comprehend it. That is His grace--something He didn't have to do, but chose to, because of love.

If He did all of that, then there must be something I can bring to the table.... Perhaps He saw ahead of me and knew I would do this special thing or be a wonderful kind of person?

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy... (Titus 3:5)

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)... (Ephesians 2:1-5).

I didn't do good deeds. I was actually dead (dead  people are rather useless). I chose to live in disobedience and rebellion. Life was all about me and getting what I wanted.

And that's what makes grace so uncomfortable. Unsettling. It's not about me anymore. It never was. It's all about God's goodness and grace--goodness, grace and riches that He lavishes on those who come, by grace alone, though faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 1:8; 2:8-9).

Got grace? I will lavish as much grace on others as I take hold of myself. In my grumpy moments, my selfish moments, my didn't-get-my-way moments: I have been given limitless grace at no cost to myself. I have received more than enough grace to forgive an offense, let go of a grudge, return good for evil, confront with love, and give generously. What does it cost to give it to others? Only that which is dead, forgiven, removed, and best forgotten: pride, self-seeking, envy, anger, bitterness, resentment. To give grace is to die to self.

Grace. It's just that amazing...

Wait! I Can Do Better than That!

Would you agree that one of the greatest frustrations is our own limitations? We want to do more, be better or different... How much time, effort, brain power and money do we spend in our struggle to overcome obstacles?

People like Oscar Pistorious, the Olympic amputee blade-runner, stir up bittersweet emotions. If he can overcome, so can we. Then the bitter--we try and fail, try and fail. His success spits in the face of our failure at lesser things.

One of the most wonderful things I'm learning is personal limits. They're real. They exist. And I'm starting to recognize that I don't have to overcome them, or power through them. I don't have to create excuses or cover stories. Simply acknowledging them, as humbling and disappointing as it may be, has been a great relief.

Perhaps its our American culture. Maybe it's ingrained pride. Whatever the source, it pushes and drives; wall after wall after wall.

Growing older, reading the Bible daily, and praying (sometimes desperately) have given way to a deeper peace; a restful contentment. There are things I can do. There are things I can't. I will never be 5'8," easily reaching the top shelf in the kitchen. The struggle is real. I cannot function on too little sleep. On the other hand, I have a lot of energy that drives people crazy and am learning to harness my enthusiasm. My hair will do what it will do and there are certain things it simply. doesn't. "do."

We creatures, flawed and finite, have limitations. Each of us has been made with a unique bent and personality, set of besetting sins, gifts, abilities and strengths. You are a unique person with unique limits. The problem? I don't want to acknowledge or live within them. I want to overcome, walk on the moon, shoot through the galaxy. Ah, yes, the problem.

The problem is I am not God. I cannot be who I am not. I cannot make myself someone or something--and I shouldn't. God made me with a plan, purpose and design that includes limitations and takes into account sin, faults and failures. It's in my sinful, wanting-what-I-don't-have state that I begin anew to build the tower of Babel; reach the sky on my own; to create what was never intended.

The solution? Rest. It's one of the most-used repeated words and concepts of the Bible.

Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29).

God says, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." (Psalm 37:7).

Rest. Wait. Re-lax! That is one of the greatest, most difficult, most freeing acts of humility we will ever practice. I used to read the words, "Humble yourself" and wonder how to do that. As I learn and grow and continue to ask questions, this is one way to humble myself--to acknowledge and bow the knee to my God-given limitations.


Lord, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.

Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever. (Psalm 131)

That's No Good! Or is it?

"That is so unreasonable!"
"Are you sure?"
We don't say it aloud, but it's what we often think about God. Like Eve in the Garden of Eden, we find ourselves failing in answer to the question, "Did God really say?"

In my limited, tainted understanding I disbelieve God's goodness. I doubt that what He has just provided is a good idea, the right answer, just what I need. There is something about my will that wants an easy life, a convenient one, with access to the things that tickle me plump. Miscommunication with a friend or mate, an upset in my schedule or long line at the store are just enough to make me question God's goodness.

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What if...what if we took God at His Word? What if we walked in that same gospel that saved us? The gospel says Jesus died for me. Rose for me Lives for me. And if I have accepted that on faith, It is not a once-is-enough-moving-on act of faith. It is the beginning of a life lived in that same faith, day after day, moment by moment

What if we grasped the fact that His good isn't our good? That He is infinite and holy? And His good is for me to be like Jesus--dying to myself and living for God instead? Humbling myself and approaching my friend or mate with gentleness is God's good--it's a step toward being like Jesus. Accepting God' interruption to my schedule graciously and acknowledging His lordship and direction is a better thing. How much better to be like Jesus than myself? And waiting patiently in line at the store is one more way to express content that God is working all things (all of them) for the good of making me more like Jesus.

Jesus had no agenda of His own. "For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me." (John 6:38 NIV)

Jesus did not demand His rights. "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness...." (Philippians 2:6-7 NIV)

He loved His enemies. "Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:7-8 NIV)

And, although Jesus suffered and died--it was all for God's good plan. It was God's love for you and me that brought about His death. It is His continued love for us that drives His work in our lives. He did not save us to simply drag human corpses to Heaven. He saved us to change us--to recreate us into something better. He is providing opportunity after opportunity for us to walk in faith, joy, peace, goodness and kindness. I do this by taking hold of His promises and acting on them...in faith, believing God is good (1 Peter 1:3-4). This circumstance is for my good. This interruption is for my good. This tragedy is for my good. This is a purposeful act of God. And God is good. Believe it....or not.

Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:23-39

Being "That" Woman

I appreciated a reminder the other day that humility is not about me--it's actually about someone else. The less I think about me (my failures or successes; my choices, words and actions) the more I'm thinking about someone else. That's what Jesus did--He lived a life focused on pleasing His Father and meeting the desperate need of others. Like carrying a full cup of liquid, the less I look at it the steadier it travels.

I've also been pondering the passage about the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31--and the fact that it was given to a young man by his wise mother. This is a "Son, when you're ready for a wife..." And the combination of humility and the Proverbs 31 wife is this--it's really not about me. I can try and try, but working to be a good wife only backfires.  This woman lived with her eyes focused outside her needs and wants to the needs and wants of others. Because of that, Proverbs 31 has a larger application than just wives and mothers.

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Once upon a time I told my son to look for a wife with 2 qualifications. "Find a wife 1) that loves Jesus more than she loves you and 2) that has a heart of joy." I figured that was a good place to start. King Lemuel's mother gave it more thought--and God inspired it for eternity.

The woman in Proverbs 31:10-31 was not concerned with how to become a virtuous woman. Instead, she lost herself in serving others and accomplished much. Like Jesus, her love for others was evident in her actions. There is very little about her expectations, her likes and dislikes, the help she received or the sympathy she inspired. What we know is that she loved her husband, her maidens, the poor, the needy, her household, and the tradesmen. She looked for ways to do good to those in her care, fill her days productively, help those in need and fill a niche in the market.

How and why? Because she feared the Lord. Her eyes were fixed on Him. Her words and deeds were motivated by worship and devotion--not to others, but toward God, the Giver of all good gifts. How life would change if my focus was on those around me instead of myself! How much happier I'd be and how much more peace I'd have if my eyes were fixed on the Lord instead of my tipping cup.

By God's grace, my needs are met. Now to walk in faith, watching and seeing; serving and loving!

The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him:
An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
“Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
(Proverbs 31:1, 10-31)

Because I'm Basically Wicked

It was a grumpy week. My husband couldn't get it right. I went off on a two-day silent rant due to a simple inconvenience (or maybe it was 3-4 days). God just wasn't enough--and the busier I was the more I stewed. It was one of those weeks.

Although I wanted (really wanted) to blame the world for my funk, I knew better. Sure, there was pressure, loss, and things didn't fit my plan, but that didn't excuse my behavior or attitude. The junk that mars my life doesn't happen on the outside, it happens on the inside.

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Jesus said, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders." Matthew 15:19 (NASB).

Evil thoughts come from my head--not my circumstances. Murder and anger result from not getting what I want (James 4:2). I'd like to think I'm not alone--that it's true for all of us--and Jesus' list continues: sexual misconduct in my thoughts and actions begins in my imagination, not anyone else's. Wanting what others have is my problem, not theirs. Accusing and speaking against another's reputation come from my mouth, not theirs.

And that was the blessing of last week. As I looked at the irritants that crept into my world, it wasn't what was happening on the outside that created impatience, unkindness, complaining, and slander. It was bitterness and discontent in my own heart that erupted out onto the lives of others.

The good news is God loves me enough to show me my imperfection. He put His finger on areas I kept for myself--that's mine; oh, yes, and that one too, and I'll keep this one for later--and reveal them. I may not know the depths of the depravity in my heart, but God does (Jeremiah 17:9) and He sent Jesus.

Jesus will forgive. Jesus will cover. Jesus will help. Jesus will restore. I remain broken, desperate and needy. And it's okay. It's okay to go back to my husband, my friend, my family confessing my sin and asking forgiveness. That's just the way it is. That's life in the raw. But through it all, Jesus loves me. And that's good news. Jesus brings forgiveness, hope, life, joy and peace.

Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.

Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! This I know,
As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee,
Saying, “Let them come to Me.”

Jesus loves me still today,
Walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to give
Light and love to all who live.

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.

v. 1 by Anna B. Warner, 1860
v. 2-3 by David R. McGuire

ref. by William B. Bradbury, 1862

Time, Time, Time, Time....

Parts of the United States will turn their clocks ahead this weekend as a means of enjoying longer sunlit days. It's a reminder that time--while it can be rearranged--cannot be gained or changed.

Time. Time slips through our fingers. Time is precious. And how easy it is for me to confuse the importance of time and the importance of people! I get in a hurry, grow impatient, push and shove my way through tasks forgetting that time is not precious for its own sake, but for people's sake. We don't outlast time. A person comes. Presents a need. There is a moment, a precious moment to choose authenticity, to be real, to reach out. Boom wallah. The person is gone, taking their need with them. The moment has passed. And I must remember that time is precious, not because it is limited, but because time with people, for people, is limited. Temporary. Fleeting.

You may remember the story of my friend who shared Christ with a child at Vacation Bible School. That child responded to God just days before his life ended. "There's not enough time," she'd said. And while God is the Keeper of time, the One who knows all; we make choices. We spend time. Waste time. Keep time. Use time. Watch time.

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Today I need the reminder that time is a tool to be used and managed and spent, not for its own sake, but for others--and, ultimately, for God Himself. It is a gift worthy of stewardship. I will be held accountable for my use of time: harnessing it for God's use and glory or hoarding it for my own.

Time. It's a gift.

He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.

Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good....

Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things. So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting. 
Ecclesiastes 11:4-6, 9-10 NASB

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were born
Or You gave birth to the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

You turn man back into dust
And say, “Return, O children of men.”
For a thousand years in Your sight
Are like yesterday when it passes by,
Or as a watch in the night.
You have swept them away like a flood, they fall asleep;
In the morning they are like grass which sprouts anew.
In the morning it flourishes and sprouts anew;
Toward evening it fades and withers away.

For we have been consumed by Your anger
And by Your wrath we have been dismayed.
You have placed our iniquities before You,
Our secret sins in the light of Your presence.
For all our days have declined in Your fury;
We have finished our years like a sigh.
As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years,
Or if due to strength, eighty years,
Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow;
For soon it is gone and we fly away.
Who understands the power of Your anger
And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You?
So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.

Do return, O Lord; how long will it be?
And be sorry for Your servants.
O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness,
That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us,
And the years we have seen evil.
Let Your work appear to Your servants
And Your majesty to their children.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us;
And confirm for us the work of our hands;
Yes, confirm the work of our hands. (Psalm 90)

When I Can't Be Trusted

"God, you can't trust me." I heard the words before I thought them.

In that morning's Bible reading, Jeremiah told Israel to serve and obey Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. The ruler of the known world. The man who ate children (almost). Really?

Jeremiah 27 gives the command six times. Then, in the next chapter God says, "I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they will serve him. And I have also given him the beasts of the field” (Jeremiah 28:14).

But Nebuchadnezzar was a bad guy. Bad. True. God told His people to obey Him. Serve Him. Actually settle in and make Babylon a better place. Read it for yourself if you don't believe me (Jeremiah 29:4-10).

And I guess that's the encouragement. God uses wicked, evil men. He will accomplish His purpose even in His anger (Jeremiah 23:20; 30:24).

You and I make choices and God uses them. Nebuchadnezzar conquered his known world, created a city of wonder and hanging gardens that continue to amaze the world. And God used Him. That guy.

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Is God sovereign? Does He have complete control? Yes. Is man free to choose and is he responsible for His choices? Yes. Both? How? I don't know. But Nebuchadnezzar is a great example.

So this is the take-away: If God used Nebuchadnezzar, He can use me. I can't trust my own heart (Jeremiah 17:9), but God is greater than my heart. And sometimes God will require me to obey the bad guy--not do bad things, but live in an uncomfortable situation I don't like in a place I don't want to be under the authority of someone who doesn't deserve it. That's okay. I'm not trusting that individual with my life, I'm trusting God. I'm not going to be there forever, just until God says, "Enough." My job is not to save the world, but to become more like Jesus in my own little orbit. And even that's too big for me (without His help).

So what are you doing? Keep doing it. How is God working? Keep your eyes open. He uses each of us with our unique personalities, gifts, influence, geographical placement--all of it--because He's really that big. And He has a plan. The choice is yours: His way or your way.

"Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches. Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called.


"Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called." 
1 Corinthians 7:17-24

"Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.  Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

"This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us." 1 John 3:18-24

The Tomato Soup of Existence

I started fasting again. Not because of a certain event or time of year--but because of reading God's Word to Isaiah (see the bottom of this post). It's been a while, but it's oh-so-good for me when, by God's grace, I can set aside one day a week to refrain from eating. It's not a big deal. It's not impossible. It's just that I don't eat from after supper one night until supper time the following night.

I began by asking, "What do you want me to pray about, God?" Nothing. Nothing came to mind, so I asked myself, is it enough to simply obey? To seek God? To desire to please Him without sensing a specific need? Of course. So when the hunger pains reminded me of my desire for food, I was reminded of a greater desire and need for God Himself.

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Yesterday the discomfort was almost overwhelming in mid-afternoon. I heated up some soup. Drank some milk. And the thought came, "This will not satisfy me."I folded clothes, reminded of the people and blessings God has given: these will not satisfy me. I thought of the dreams I have, of desires for far-off things: these will not satisfy me. I remembered past dreams met: those did not satisfy me. And the beauty of yesterday's fast was that realization. The things we have now; that we see, feel, taste, touch, hear, want, long-for, seek after, will not satisfy. They are not enough; will never be enough. They're the tomato-soup of my earthly existence. They coat the ache. They ease the discomfort. But they don't do the job. The benefit is short-lived and minimal.

What I need is God Himself. What I need is life that fills my soul (eternral life now! not just in the hereafter). And that is only possible through Jesus. How beautiful that, through Jesus, I am brought near to God--me, the one who was far away, the one who had no hope (Ephesians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 3:18). Through Jesus, I can come boldly to God's throne in my time of need to find mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16). Through Jesus, I can "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name" (Hebrews 13:15).

Praise God that He is enough. That He is mine and I am His. He is the bread of life. The real stuff. He is what I need.

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live..." (Isaiah 55:1-3)

“Cry loudly, do not hold back;
Raise your voice like a trumpet,
And declare to My people their transgression
And to the house of Jacob their sins.

“Yet they seek Me day by day and delight to know My ways,
As a nation that has done righteousness
And has not forsaken the ordinance of their God.
They ask Me for just decisions,
They delight in the nearness of God.
‘Why have we fasted and You do not see?
Why have we humbled ourselves and You do not notice?’
Behold, on the day of your fast you find your desire,
And drive hard all your workers.

“Behold, you fast for contention and strife and to strike with a wicked fist.
You do not fast like you do today to make your voice heard on high.

“Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it for bowing one’s head like a reed
And for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed?
Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to the Lord?

"Is this not the fast which I choose,
To loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the bands of the yoke,
And to let the oppressed go free
And break every yoke?

“Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry
And bring the homeless poor into the house;
When you see the naked, to cover him;
And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

“Then your light will break out like the dawn,
And your recovery will speedily spring forth;
And your righteousness will go before you;
The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
You will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you remove the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness,
And if you give yourself to the hungry
And satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
Then your light will rise in darkness
And your gloom will become like midday.

“And the Lord will continually guide you,
And satisfy your desire in scorched places,
And give strength to your bones;
And you will be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

“Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins;
You will raise up the age-old foundations;
And you will be called the repairer of the breach,
The restorer of the streets in which to dwell.

"If because of the sabbath, you turn your foot
From doing your own pleasure on My holy day,
And call the sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable,
And honor it, desisting from your own ways,
From seeking your own pleasure
And speaking your own word,
Then you will take delight in the Lord,
And I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;
And I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father,
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”  Isaiah 58

Perhaps You Should Get Out More

One of my favorite movie scenes is from The Count of Monte Crisco (2002). Edmond Dantes swims to safety after escaping an island prison only to encounter a band of pirates. He engages in a knife fight and releases his captive, rumbling, "Perhaps you should get out more."

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The idea is appealing--especially at this time of year in the American Midwest. I'm tired of snow, ice and cold and would love (love!) to get out more. But as I thought about, there's more to it than just getting out there.

In our Christian life, we need to not only get out there, we need to "be" out there. Too many of us spend month after month, year after year in training, but fail to use it. We call ourselves Christians, we hang out with Christians, we go to church and look the part, but we struggle with intermixing who we are with what we do. Too often we give in to fear of what others would think/say, fear of being rejected, of failing, of  __________ (fill in the blank). We create unrealistic standards for others, live with unfulfilled expectations, and live in a world of constant disappointment and sabotage.

What we need is to simply "get out more." We need to practice what we read (Hebrews 5:14); to do what we know. We carry a lot of "but's" in our back pocket: excuses, experiences and reasons for disobedience. But the life of the Christian is a life "lived by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20) It is a  life crucified. It is a life whose excuses, reasons, experience and but's have been nailed to the cross. They have no power. They are not reality. They are vaporous fumes that blind us to the good works God has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10, Hebrews 9:14).

We will not be filled with the Spirit, we will not walk by faith, we will not experience the abundant life Jesus came to give if we balk and waver in disobedience and rebellion. God's call is live out His love for us, His love for others, and our love for Him. We are to go. It is as we are "going" that we make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).

If only we would "be"out more--living and speaking His Word--we would see wonderful, amazing things. It is as we go, as we live by faith, that we see God heal the lost soul, fill the discouraged heart, buoy the drowning friend. In the end, we test and try the truth: perfect loves drives out fear.

For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:7-21

Kumquats!

It's easy to take ourselves too seriously. We all need a spot of sunshine from time to time (especially when the weather is dank) and I think I've found it: kumquats! If you haven't tried one, or it's been awhile, here's a plug that kumquats will create a burst of sunshine.

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I gave one to a friend the other day who didn't know what to expect. "Eat it like a grape, but keep going!" She was hopeful as it burst in her mouth. Then unhappy. "Keep going. Keep going," I cheered. Then she smiled.

Obedience is like kumquats. We have a 3-year-old buddy who doesn't like to obey. His mommy isn't finding it much fun either. "Keep going. Keep going," we cheer.

Faith is like kumquats. We can't see where we're going; don't know what's on the other side. The men and women who have been there testify that God is faithful; His word is true. "Keep going. Keep going." With our eyes on Jesus, we can obey; when we fail, we have a place to go where confession is accepted and repentance is empowered. With our eyes on Jesus, we can keep going. Keep going.

If you need a little surprise; a pick-me-up for your day, stop and buy a kumquat or two. Share them. And smile.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.

By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants as the stars of heaven in number, and innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, “In Isaac your [n]descendants shall be called.” He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come. By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.

And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.

And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 11-12:3)

Defending Your Marriage in Ministry

Here's a jump-start on Valentine's Day. I don't know how to say it more delicately so here goes:

Men, there are needy men who admire your wife. Women, there needy women who watch your husband. They are not seeing the tousle-headed, morning-breath person who leaves dirty socks on the floor. They are seeing the spiffy, get-up-and-go-to-church-with-a-Colgate-smile person. This is not the man or woman you live with (granted).

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Said another way, Men, your wife may be one of those needy women looking at other men. Women, your husband may be one of those needy men looking at other women.

The way you love and treat your spouse reflects your love and respect for our Savior. Read it again. The way you love and treat your spouse reflects your love and respect for our Savior. If Jesus was your spouse, would you talk to Him that way? Talk about Him that way? Treat Him that way? You are the first line of defense for your marriage. If you aren't loving and serving and caring--if you aren't the best deal on the planet for your spouse--you stand to lose a great deal. Your marriage and the way your live with your spouse is a better reflection of your spiritual health than any other ministry.

This does not (NOT) mean that you are at fault if your spouse has committed adultery. We make choices and live with the consequences. That spouse made a choice. God allowed it. And I cannot express  in words how sorry I am for your loss and chaos. God hates divorce because He loves people.

For that reason, those of us who are married need to take one another seriously. If we love and serve the Lord, we will seek to love and serve our spouse biblically: men will love their wives as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her. Women will submit to and follow their husbands the way the Church is called to submit to and follow Christ (Ephesians 5:24-25).

So what does that look like in ministry? I hope many of these are self-evident:

1) Love God first and foremost. When God is my priority, I spend time with Him--reading His Word daily and praying. By living to please Him we fulfill our design in all parts of life and He meets needs we didn't know we had! (Matthew 6:33). You and I are also more attractive to our spouse as we draw close to the Lord. There's something irresistibly sexy (if I may) about a godly man or woman--especially within marriage!

2) Love your mate.  Don't check out already. This seems obvious so let me ask, how does your spouse know you love him/her? God showed us His love by giving His Son. He gave. He sacrificed. He continues to give in tangible and intangible ways (Romans 8:32). So how (or what) have you given your spouse recently that was costly? Time? Attention? Thoughtfulness? A personalized gift?

3) Stand by your man--or woman. Literally. Women, sit with your husband in church and at gatherings. Husbands, sit with your wife during worship services and small group. Needy people are watching and interacting. Again, that doesn't make them bad, but they are looking for a place to belong. Let them belong with both of you.

4) Give the same message. If someone were to ask either of you a question, the answer should be the same regardless of whom they ask. If you know your husband/wife would disagree, ask for time and confer privately. Others need to see you make unified decisions-and you need to practice submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21).

5) Serve together. Yes, you are individuals and you probably have different gifts. Use them to make a unified contribution to your local church and community, not separate ones. Believers form incredible bonds of friendship as they serve together--that's the way God intended it (Ephesians 4:13). Don't squander the opportunity to grow with your spouse (or make provision for someone else to form that relationship in your place).

6) Don't serve the opposite sex as an individual. There are women looking for (and thinking they need) a surrogate spiritual  husband. Some men are looking for appreciate, attractive surrogate wives. To serve someone of the opposite gender without the very real, physical presence of your spouse should shout, "Warning! Warning!" even if it's done in public. Guard the length and depth of conversation with members of the opposite sex (Proverbs 4:23).

7) Follow your God-given roles and responsibilities. Sometimes (many times?) it seems easier to just do what needs to be done. But that's not what honors God. Our trust is evident in our willingness to obey His design and commands, leaving the results to Him. Men lead. Women follow. It's not wrong. It's not bad. It's counter-cultural. Functioning within our roles and responsibilities shows His glory, not ours (which is paltry and flaky at best).

8) Speak well of one another. When you speak poorly of your spouse, it makes other men/women feel sorry for them (really!). Women will sympathize with your husband; men will sympathize with your wife. Your spouse will appear more long-suffering and forbearing than you realize because they live with you: the one who's complaining (Philippians 2:14-15). Keep faults where they belong: in the loving, caring context of your life together.

Your spouse is a "one another." The closest one another you have. As a husband or wife, you have an obligation and calling to keep your relationship pure and protect it.

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.(Ephesians 5:15-33 NASB)

A Cup of Cold Water

Are you thirsty? This time of year--in the American Midwest--we're not thirsty as often as we are in the summer, but after shoveling snow or chasing around the house? Sounds good.

Life can leave us a little parched, dry-mouthed, panting even. We made it this far, but looking back our journey feels insignificant. small, shallow. Looking at the world around us increases that sense of worthlessness. What then? Instead of looking out, look up. Look to the One who saw you in eternity past, who knew you and called you by name. Look to the One who left glory and clothed himself in the flesh of a human body--then gave it all up. For you. That is your worth. That is your value. Not you, per se, but Christ.

Here's some perspective; a cup of cold water for your day:

"...and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls" (1 Peter 2:24-25).

"And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread?
When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,
My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.
Though a host encamp against me,
My heart will not fear;
Though war arise against me,
In spite of this I shall be confident.
One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord
And to meditate in His temple.
For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;
In the secret place of His tent He will hide me;
He will lift me up on a rock.
And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,
And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. (Psalm 27:1-6)

But I Don't Want to Go to Cancun!

A couple of years ago our family was invited to a resort in Cancun. Some of our children went, the older ones (who had a choice) didn't. After seeing the pictures and hearing the stories I think they wish they had. The truth is, they were more content with what they knew (staying home) than going away. They didn't know what they were missing!

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The same is true as it relates to God. We don't know what we're missing! It's much easier and more comfortable to continue where we are, with what we have than to strike out and risk loss, rejection, the unknown...

In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself when He rescued Israel from Egypt using Moses, Aaron and multiple plagues. He didn't leave them, but parted the Red Sea and continued to meet their needs despite complaints and mutiny. That's the kind of God He is. Once a slave people, He gave them laws and ordinances to govern their behavior and provide forgiveness of sin. But it wasn't enough.

Over time they turned to idols and idol worship--can you say nightclub? Buffet? Immediate gratification? Distraction?! We all have our go-to comforts and joys; things that fulfill us momentarily, things that change our behavior because we want more or we want to avoid them altogether. Yes, these are our modern-day idols. And guess what, when you're happy with staying home, you won't want to go to Cancun either.

But, God says, when you see Me, you won't need petty distractions and escape mechanisms. You will have Me and you will see your treasure much differently. "Precious" rings turn your fingers green; lewd comments  taste like coffee grounds; front-row seats are as cages.

As in the New Year's entry on HeartQuencher, the key to seeing life as it really is is not to work and toil and extend effort to escape the things that hold us back. The key is to look to Jesus as He really is, to long for and read His Word and see Him. It is as we see Him that the "things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

O satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14)

Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law. (Psalm 119:18)

[I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened. (Ephesians 1:18)

O Lord, I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11)

[I pray that God] would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man. (Ephesians 3:16)

[I pray that you] will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord...bearing fruit in every good work. (Colossians 1:10)

Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:9)

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? (Romans 8:32)

This blog came to mind as I've been working my way through John Piper's list: 9 Ways to Pray for Your Soul.

When It's Not About New Year's Resolutions

New Year's Day 2015--and I would greatly benefit from a number of changes in my life. It would be great if I could drop a few pounds, get in better shape, organize my closets and storage, be a better mom and wife. If only I swept the kitchen floor more diligently or got rid of out-dated clothes, I would feel better about myself. And that's what a New Year's resolution does--it gives me a tool to feel better about who I am and where I'm headed. But what if it's not about me?

This morning I discovered a different tack. My morning Bible reading had me in 2 Chronicles 31. I started but realized I'd missed something important--and had to back up to chapter 29. If you haven't read that recently (and who has-? really?), I would highly recommend it. Blow off the dust and read that ancient story because it could change your world.

Life changed for a nation--life changed for the better--and people got excited. In fact they spent a lot of time rejoicing. And in the middle of the joy and celebration came destruction of old practices, evil lifestyle patterns and establishments. Isn't that what we're looking for? A way to cut the apron-strings to those things that hold us back, that set us up for destruction, that cause pain and misery? How does that happen?

In the life of Hezekiah it didn't happen because he woke up one morning with a new set of resolutions for the coming year. He began by opening the doors of the house of the Lord and repairing them (2 Chronicles 29:3). Here's the point: you and I will never leave behind or turn our back on those things we hold dear until we find something (or Someone) who means more.

Hezekiah treasured the Lord more than his reputation. He valued the Lord more than his relationships. He sought the Lord over and above personal comfort and acceptance. He wanted God more than anything else. He loved God more than he loved himself. So he set his heart to serve the Lord--and revival took place. It wasn't because he was such a great guy (though we remember him that way). It was because his heart was set on the Lord over and above all else.

"Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah; and he did what was good, right and true before the Lord his God. Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered."(2 Chronicles 31:20-21)

New Year's Resolutions will come and go--much too quickly--but those who turn and seek the Lord will find they've not only turned their backs on things that used to haunt them but they've found the greatest treasure of all. As we love God more than ourselves, more than our go-to saviors, our world will change in ways we never thought possible and our hearts will be full of worship, praise and joy.

PS--it's not possible without Jesus. There's no way to be right with God, to seek Him, to be diligent and steadfast with humbling ourselves and asking for God's forgiveness through Jesus. We can't do it on our own (haven't you tried and failed enough times to figure that one out?). We need the Holy Spirit's help. We need cleansing, forgiveness, and a new day--each day. We need, must have, are desperate for, Jesus.

"Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For, behold, those who are far from You will perish;
You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.
But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works." (Psalm 73:25-28)

Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." (John 15:1-11)