So I am thinking more about this whole obedience thing. . . and I'm guessing that you might be confused as to how and why obedience would bring such freedom and joy. In our world it has negative associations, doesn't it? Kids want to rebel from authority, adults want to rebel from structure or expectation or conformity. . . to some level, I think we are all rebelling. We all see obedience as slightly distasteful in many of the circumstances we face.
But I think we completely miss the point when we lump obedience to Christ together with following the standards of this world. When we are suffocated by unrealistic expectations, or when we place those expectations on ourselves - it is draining and ultimately never satisfying. That's because the world's rules aren't made for our good. It isn't good for us to be so consumed with ourselves that we hurt the people around us.
God's rules are different because they were made for our good. God created each and every one of us and He knows how we are meant to function. He knows what is best! Following His design for life on this earth is simply like using a machine for the purpose for which it was created. On the contrary, trying to live life according to the standards of this world is like using a blender to wash your car.
It reminds me of Dancing with the Stars. Do you ever watch that show? It is hilarious. Why? Because you have the opportunity to watch people who were clearly made to dance alongside people who were obviously made to avoid dancing at all costs. It is actually painful to watch some people trying to dance. . . and I'm sure it is all the more painful for the individuals attempting it.
We were all created differently. We will have different gifts and abilities. . . And that is part of God's design for this world! It is through our differences that we exhibit the amazing creativity and nature of our God! But there are also ways that we were meant to function the same.
We were all meant to love and be loved. We were all meant to walk through this life side by side with our Creator. When sin entered the picture it destroyed our perception of God and His purpose for our lives.
Now rules seem bad. Obedience seems like something for the weak, or the goody-too-shoos. But the reality is that when we walk with Christ in obedience, we start functioning the way we were always meant to function. . . and all of a sudden we feel this insane amount of freedom and joy and life in this obedience!!
If you are one who struggles with finding a desire to obey God's standards or live in His ways, take some time to seriously reflect on why God made those standards in the first place.
I would much rather entrust my life to the God who made me and knows exactly how I'm supposed to function than to this world that wants me to strive for something I'll never be able to achieve anyway.
Freedom in Christ through obedience to Christ. Now that, my friends, is where real life begins.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Listen and Obey
Parenthood is a blast - but its hard. I have a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old, and while I spend a lot of time marveling in their little personalities and sweet spirits, I also face challenges in trying to train them up in the way they should go.
They are both so different that I have to really think through how I respond to them when they disobey. When Caleb was little I could get down low, give him a very stern and serious face, and speak in my "angry mommy" voice when he was naughty. . . and he would usually look straight at me and continue misbehaving (and I'm pretty sure - based on the look on his face - that he was thinking, "Que? No hablo inglese.") If I were to do the same for Alison she would fall to pieces and cry her little heart out over Momma being upset with her.
The end goal is the same (obedience), but the manner in which we achieve it for both of them is different. Ali only needs three magical words: Listen and obey. Usually her behavior immediately changes to ensure that we don't get upset.
I think sometimes I need to hear those same three words. I do a pretty good job of listening (most of the time), but I don't always carry it out in obedience. God has called us to a life of obedience, and it is through this obedience that we experience true intimacy, joy, and fullness in our walk with Him (Jn 14:15, 1 Jn 5:3-4).
But sometimes obedience doesn't come easy. Sometimes it feels like it would take a stern face and an angry voice to wake us up - and even then, sometimes we aren't convinced that obedience is better than what this world has to offer. But just like I love my kids, God loves us. He is patient with us - disciplining us for our own good, drawing us nearer to Him and helping us to see that His ways are better.
Today, I want to listen to what God has for me. And as I listen, I want to follow through with obedience. True life is waiting for me in that place. . . and my Savior is longing to meet me there.
They are both so different that I have to really think through how I respond to them when they disobey. When Caleb was little I could get down low, give him a very stern and serious face, and speak in my "angry mommy" voice when he was naughty. . . and he would usually look straight at me and continue misbehaving (and I'm pretty sure - based on the look on his face - that he was thinking, "Que? No hablo inglese.") If I were to do the same for Alison she would fall to pieces and cry her little heart out over Momma being upset with her.
The end goal is the same (obedience), but the manner in which we achieve it for both of them is different. Ali only needs three magical words: Listen and obey. Usually her behavior immediately changes to ensure that we don't get upset.
I think sometimes I need to hear those same three words. I do a pretty good job of listening (most of the time), but I don't always carry it out in obedience. God has called us to a life of obedience, and it is through this obedience that we experience true intimacy, joy, and fullness in our walk with Him (Jn 14:15, 1 Jn 5:3-4).
But sometimes obedience doesn't come easy. Sometimes it feels like it would take a stern face and an angry voice to wake us up - and even then, sometimes we aren't convinced that obedience is better than what this world has to offer. But just like I love my kids, God loves us. He is patient with us - disciplining us for our own good, drawing us nearer to Him and helping us to see that His ways are better.
Today, I want to listen to what God has for me. And as I listen, I want to follow through with obedience. True life is waiting for me in that place. . . and my Savior is longing to meet me there.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
Monday, March 08, 2010
Enough
We had a great service this last Saturday. Per usual the sermon was fabulous. Francis Chan was talking about what God promises us in this life (via video - he hasn't started making weekly trips to Wisconsin yet - but a girl can dream, right?).
There are a lot of people who want God to promise health, wealth and happiness. There are churches that claim that He does promise these things. But if you read the Scriptures carefully, you'll see that those are not promises He makes for our lives here on earth. The truth of the matter is that He promises that our lives will be difficult here. We live in a fallen world, and until Jesus comes back to exercise His official reign over all things, the consequences of sin abound.
So what does God promise to carry us through? Himself. And the question that Francis posed for us was this:
Is that enough for you?
Seriously, is God enough? Do we live like He is enough? Do our words and thoughts and actions communicate to the nonbelievers (and believers) around us that God is enough?
I want to be satisfied with God no matter what difficulties this life may present. I long to find fulfillment and joy in knowing that He is with me no matter what comes.
click here for an old post on the same issue. . .
There are a lot of people who want God to promise health, wealth and happiness. There are churches that claim that He does promise these things. But if you read the Scriptures carefully, you'll see that those are not promises He makes for our lives here on earth. The truth of the matter is that He promises that our lives will be difficult here. We live in a fallen world, and until Jesus comes back to exercise His official reign over all things, the consequences of sin abound.
So what does God promise to carry us through? Himself. And the question that Francis posed for us was this:
Is that enough for you?
Seriously, is God enough? Do we live like He is enough? Do our words and thoughts and actions communicate to the nonbelievers (and believers) around us that God is enough?
I want to be satisfied with God no matter what difficulties this life may present. I long to find fulfillment and joy in knowing that He is with me no matter what comes.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20In the end, that is all I need to know.
click here for an old post on the same issue. . .
Sunday, March 07, 2010
the B-I-B-L-E
I've been having an interesting conversation in the comment section of Friday's post. It is so awesome to have opportunities to express the depth of my convictions and beliefs about God's Word. I am so encouraged when I think about the extent to which I can know and trust that His word is truth. It is freeing to feel its authoritative power in my life. I love the bible!
And the more I talk about it - the more I love it! I think that's true about all of the different aspects of our faith. When we talk about what we believe, (especially to someone who might not agree) it reminds us of all the beautiful, mysterious, awesome details that we tend to take for granted! Philemon 6 says it like this:
See, the more we share, the more we understand. Rather than getting frustrated and defensive when someone challenges our beliefs, we should be thankful for the opportunity to explain! If you feel completely unqualified and incapable of giving an explanation, that should then serve as motivation to learn more and grow more.
The more I defend the truth of God's word and the reality of this Savior who gave His life for me, the more confidence I have in the authenticity of my faith. I hope that you have that same confidence. . . and I pray that if you don't - you will find opportunities to learn.
And as we stumble upon new opportunities to share what we've learned, we have to expect that there will be many who will not understand or agree. There will always be those who cannot - will not - accept God's word as it is. But that's ok - it isn't my job or your job to convince them. We simply speak what we know is truth, and then we let God do a work through it. There is power in the word because it is truth. . .
And the more I talk about it - the more I love it! I think that's true about all of the different aspects of our faith. When we talk about what we believe, (especially to someone who might not agree) it reminds us of all the beautiful, mysterious, awesome details that we tend to take for granted! Philemon 6 says it like this:
I pray that you maybe active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full under- standing of every good thing we have in Christ.
See, the more we share, the more we understand. Rather than getting frustrated and defensive when someone challenges our beliefs, we should be thankful for the opportunity to explain! If you feel completely unqualified and incapable of giving an explanation, that should then serve as motivation to learn more and grow more.
The more I defend the truth of God's word and the reality of this Savior who gave His life for me, the more confidence I have in the authenticity of my faith. I hope that you have that same confidence. . . and I pray that if you don't - you will find opportunities to learn.
And as we stumble upon new opportunities to share what we've learned, we have to expect that there will be many who will not understand or agree. There will always be those who cannot - will not - accept God's word as it is. But that's ok - it isn't my job or your job to convince them. We simply speak what we know is truth, and then we let God do a work through it. There is power in the word because it is truth. . .
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:11
Friday, March 05, 2010
Who am I
Well, if the sunshine isn't enough to brighten your day, you might want to take a few minutes to meditate on your identity in Christ. If you don't remember who you are (and Whose you are) it is way too easy to get caught up in the struggles of life and the distractions of this world.
Ephesians 1:4-5 says this:
Do you feel that? Do you understand what that means? If you have entrusted your life to Jesus then you have become a child of God!! A legitimate heir to the throne of Christ. . . You are chosen, loved, holy, and blameless.
What in this life should we fear if these things are true of us?!?! Nothing! I know that some of you are going through struggles. . . I know that you are hurting - sometimes at the hands of those who are supposed to be loving you and supporting you. But there is a love that can overcome every hurt. There is a destiny that can wipe away the insecurities and fears that so often control us all. . .
I am a child of the King, the bride of Christ, the beloved of my Savior and Lord. I am forgiven, accepted, indwelled, loved, lavished, protected, preserved, and beautiful in the eyes of God. Can you say that? Do you believe that?
Oh, if you are in a place of hurt or fear do not walk away from this computer without getting on your knees and begging God to make those things true in you. . . to transform your heart and life through the knowledge of who you are and Whose you are. And if you aren't even sure if you are a legitimate daughter of the King, then lift your eyes to heaven and ask God to reveal Himself to you. . . beg Him to draw you nearer to Himself that you might become grafted into His family.
Nothing else on this earth will satisfy you, and there is nothing more true and real than this God and this Savior who has promised us all of these things simply through trusting in Him.
Oh, God is good! And I, for one, am walking into this day with my head held high and my heart soaring with gratitude and confidence. I know who I am. I know whose I am. I have nothing to fear.
Ephesians 1:4-5 says this:
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 to be adopted as his sons 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.
Do you feel that? Do you understand what that means? If you have entrusted your life to Jesus then you have become a child of God!! A legitimate heir to the throne of Christ. . . You are chosen, loved, holy, and blameless.
What in this life should we fear if these things are true of us?!?! Nothing! I know that some of you are going through struggles. . . I know that you are hurting - sometimes at the hands of those who are supposed to be loving you and supporting you. But there is a love that can overcome every hurt. There is a destiny that can wipe away the insecurities and fears that so often control us all. . .
I am a child of the King, the bride of Christ, the beloved of my Savior and Lord. I am forgiven, accepted, indwelled, loved, lavished, protected, preserved, and beautiful in the eyes of God. Can you say that? Do you believe that?
Oh, if you are in a place of hurt or fear do not walk away from this computer without getting on your knees and begging God to make those things true in you. . . to transform your heart and life through the knowledge of who you are and Whose you are. And if you aren't even sure if you are a legitimate daughter of the King, then lift your eyes to heaven and ask God to reveal Himself to you. . . beg Him to draw you nearer to Himself that you might become grafted into His family.
Nothing else on this earth will satisfy you, and there is nothing more true and real than this God and this Savior who has promised us all of these things simply through trusting in Him.
Oh, God is good! And I, for one, am walking into this day with my head held high and my heart soaring with gratitude and confidence. I know who I am. I know whose I am. I have nothing to fear.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Here Comes the Son
I have pinpointed one of the main sources of my great joy and optimism over these last few days.
Sunshine.
It is amazing how God can use His physical creation to remind us of Himself and bring a sense of peace and contentment to our lives.
I am grateful for the sunshine and the joy it brings. But I also have to laugh because while the sunshine brings out the best me it simultaneously makes my house look like a complete pit. Have you ever noticed this? I wake up in the morning and see the sun beaming over the trees and think to myself, "Yay!! Sunshine!!" And then I walk out to my living room and think, "Oh my word - DUST!!!"
I don't want to over-spiritualize something mundane, but isn't that true about life too? A week or so ago I blogged about coming into the light. . . I talked about how hard it is to come into the light because it reveals the darkness within us. It highlights the dust bunnies collecting in our souls.
I have been so encouraged over these last days; coming back to a place of joy and contentment right where I'm at. Joy and contentment based not on my circumstances but on my Savior, Jesus Christ. . . And the reality is that while His joy fills my heart and lights my soul it will also illuminate the dark places and reveal the dust bunnies in my own life.
Don't be afraid of the light, or the dust bunnies. The joy and freedom that comes with the light is so much greater than the dirt that it must expose.
Tomorrow is supposed to be another great day. I think I will probably be wearing ballet flats and making good use of the swiffer sweeper. . .
And maybe while I'm enjoying the vitamin D and trying to clean my house I'll be able to meditate on the true Light of the world that came down to illuminate this earth with His love, grace, mercy, and truth. . .
Here comes the sun. .. and, oh, praise God for the One True Son!!
Sunshine.
It is amazing how God can use His physical creation to remind us of Himself and bring a sense of peace and contentment to our lives.
I am grateful for the sunshine and the joy it brings. But I also have to laugh because while the sunshine brings out the best me it simultaneously makes my house look like a complete pit. Have you ever noticed this? I wake up in the morning and see the sun beaming over the trees and think to myself, "Yay!! Sunshine!!" And then I walk out to my living room and think, "Oh my word - DUST!!!"
I don't want to over-spiritualize something mundane, but isn't that true about life too? A week or so ago I blogged about coming into the light. . . I talked about how hard it is to come into the light because it reveals the darkness within us. It highlights the dust bunnies collecting in our souls.
I have been so encouraged over these last days; coming back to a place of joy and contentment right where I'm at. Joy and contentment based not on my circumstances but on my Savior, Jesus Christ. . . And the reality is that while His joy fills my heart and lights my soul it will also illuminate the dark places and reveal the dust bunnies in my own life.
Don't be afraid of the light, or the dust bunnies. The joy and freedom that comes with the light is so much greater than the dirt that it must expose.
Tomorrow is supposed to be another great day. I think I will probably be wearing ballet flats and making good use of the swiffer sweeper. . .
And maybe while I'm enjoying the vitamin D and trying to clean my house I'll be able to meditate on the true Light of the world that came down to illuminate this earth with His love, grace, mercy, and truth. . .
Here comes the sun. .. and, oh, praise God for the One True Son!!
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Speak Up
I talk too much. I always have. Most of the time I talk before I think - and that, my friends, can get me in a world of trouble. I like to think out loud, though, and even though I stick my foot in my mouth on a fairly regular basis, I also have the best ideas and most inspiring revelations when I'm talking out loud.
I think that is why I like to blog. It is an opportunity to process "out loud." It has gotten more and more difficult for me to keep up with it over the last several months. . . and I miss it! I can tell that the more I blog the more I am consistently thinking and learning and growing. When I stop for a time, its like I'm on hold - waiting for life to slow down enough to afford me time to think and learn and grow. But I'm tired of waiting, and I think I need to demand it.
Because what I can say with absolute certainty is that I love Jesus more than I did 3 days ago, or 3 months ago, or 3 years ago. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is here with me; guiding me, loving me, helping me walk through each day. Even when I don't manage to wake up an hour before the kids and spend time alone reading God's Word and thinking on Him, I am leaning on Him and loving Him (though don't get me wrong - those mornings are the sweetest moments of life and I am hungry for that routine again!!).
I feel like I could spend my whole life reading my bible and I still wouldn't have skimmed the surface of the depth that is available there. And I could probably talk about what I'm learning hours each day and not run out of things to say.
Right now, in the midst of the chaos, I am learning what it means to be content; trusting in God's bigger picture and being thankful for what He has provided. He is awakening my spirit to today and I am doing my best to live it fully for Him and through Him. It has been a difficult few months, but I am awakening from my slumber and refusing to stay on hold.
I'm talking now. And whether anyone really wants to listen or not, it means I'm thinking and learning and growing. I'm grateful for that. . . and for you.
I think that is why I like to blog. It is an opportunity to process "out loud." It has gotten more and more difficult for me to keep up with it over the last several months. . . and I miss it! I can tell that the more I blog the more I am consistently thinking and learning and growing. When I stop for a time, its like I'm on hold - waiting for life to slow down enough to afford me time to think and learn and grow. But I'm tired of waiting, and I think I need to demand it.
Because what I can say with absolute certainty is that I love Jesus more than I did 3 days ago, or 3 months ago, or 3 years ago. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is here with me; guiding me, loving me, helping me walk through each day. Even when I don't manage to wake up an hour before the kids and spend time alone reading God's Word and thinking on Him, I am leaning on Him and loving Him (though don't get me wrong - those mornings are the sweetest moments of life and I am hungry for that routine again!!).
I feel like I could spend my whole life reading my bible and I still wouldn't have skimmed the surface of the depth that is available there. And I could probably talk about what I'm learning hours each day and not run out of things to say.
Right now, in the midst of the chaos, I am learning what it means to be content; trusting in God's bigger picture and being thankful for what He has provided. He is awakening my spirit to today and I am doing my best to live it fully for Him and through Him. It has been a difficult few months, but I am awakening from my slumber and refusing to stay on hold.
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:11-13
I'm talking now. And whether anyone really wants to listen or not, it means I'm thinking and learning and growing. I'm grateful for that. . . and for you.
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