“Carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:20-21 MSG)
Have you ever had to use your computer, tablet, or smartphone offline or in airplane mode? Tablets and smartphones were made to be used online; without internet connection, these devices have limited functionality. You can only access music, videos, and games that you have already downloaded onto the device. You can type documents, but you can’t transmit any information.
The Holy Spirit is the medium through which we are meant to connect with God. When we pray with the Spirit, we are integrated with the divine. The Spirit keeps us in God’s presence, influencing our thoughts, motivating us to seek God, and transmitting our wordless intercessions through the proper channels. Without the Spirit, all we can do is occupy ourselves with the information we already have. This might make us feel like we are doing something, but it is an ineffectual way to communicate.
When we pray with the Holy Spirit, it is as if we are singing along with a wonderful singer. Our inadequate notes are harmoniously blended with the most powerful and perfect voice. In the atmosphere of the Spirit, we become more receptive. We are granted supernatural insight and discernment. We recognize our dependence on God and lean on Him completely.
streams
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Voluntary Detachment
“The Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says to the people, ‘Come back and quietly trust in me. Then you will be strong and secure.’" (Isaiah 30:15 GNT)
Every day, we are faced with hundreds of opportunities to choose detachment over indulgence. If given the choice, most of us would choose comfort over discomfort. Like dogs with leashes attached to choke collars, we are controlled and limited by our impulses and desires. We choose pleasure over pain, warmth over cold, distraction over stillness, and fullness over emptiness. In many instances, pursuing immediate gratification of our desires can be harmful--physically, mentally, and spiritually. However, we allow our cravings to lead us into temptation. This is the way of the world.
There is a different way. Instead of being controlled by our desires, temptations, and evil influences, we can return to God and settle down in complete dependence on Him. This is not easy; we have grown accustomed to indulging in sensual pleasures. We have been raised to believe that it is our human right to seek immediate gratification of all our desires. Thus, voluntarily detaching from what we have always held dear may seem counterintuitive. If you would like to change your ways, it’s best to start small. Take tiny breaks from that which binds you or takes your focus away from God. Take it one choice at a time. Voluntarily detach from comfort, turn your back on worldliness, be still, and trust God.
Every day, we are faced with hundreds of opportunities to choose detachment over indulgence. If given the choice, most of us would choose comfort over discomfort. Like dogs with leashes attached to choke collars, we are controlled and limited by our impulses and desires. We choose pleasure over pain, warmth over cold, distraction over stillness, and fullness over emptiness. In many instances, pursuing immediate gratification of our desires can be harmful--physically, mentally, and spiritually. However, we allow our cravings to lead us into temptation. This is the way of the world.
There is a different way. Instead of being controlled by our desires, temptations, and evil influences, we can return to God and settle down in complete dependence on Him. This is not easy; we have grown accustomed to indulging in sensual pleasures. We have been raised to believe that it is our human right to seek immediate gratification of all our desires. Thus, voluntarily detaching from what we have always held dear may seem counterintuitive. If you would like to change your ways, it’s best to start small. Take tiny breaks from that which binds you or takes your focus away from God. Take it one choice at a time. Voluntarily detach from comfort, turn your back on worldliness, be still, and trust God.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Lenten Fasting
“The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.” ( Mark 1:12-13 NLT)
Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to enter the isolation of the desert and fast for forty days. He faced the wilderness outside and the dryness inside of Him. He depended on the angels to take care of His needs.
“Lent invites us to stop eating whatever protects us from having to face the desert that is inside of us. It invites us to feel our smallness, to feel our vulnerability, to feel our fears, and to open ourselves up to the chaos of the desert so that we can finally give the angels a chance to feed us.” (Ron Rolheiser)
Facing our internal wilderness is unpleasant and complicated. We would rather not open up that can of repressed emotions. There are a myriad of ways to numb or distract ourselves: food, alcohol, drugs, technology, socializing, diversions, etc. We use these pacifiers to soothe and draw our attention away from the emptiness and pain we feel in our souls. Lent invites us to face the chaos, to abstain from distractions long enough to shine the spotlight inwards. It gives us a chance to admit we are powerless, vulnerable, and afraid. Once we are aware of our need for healing, we can rely on God to minister to us through His angels.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Clearing a Path
“A voice of one is calling out, ‘Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness [remove the obstacles]; make straight and smooth in the desert a highway for our God.’”(Isaiah 40:3 AMP)
When you live in Iowa, clearing your driveways after a snow is part of the winter ritual. An accumulation of snow becomes an obstacle for those going in and out of your home. It’s best to remove the snow before it builds up or gets compacted. Thus, we put in the effort to clear the pathways in front of our homes as soon as we can.
Similarly, clearing a path for the Lord is part of my Lenten ritual. There is an accumulation of obstacles in the way. This is the time to shovel my compulsions, long-held attitudes, pet sins, mistrust, anxieties, and personal desires to the edges.
Holy Spirit, may Your light shine upon me, melting anything that is still in the way. Come, Jesus, come.
When you live in Iowa, clearing your driveways after a snow is part of the winter ritual. An accumulation of snow becomes an obstacle for those going in and out of your home. It’s best to remove the snow before it builds up or gets compacted. Thus, we put in the effort to clear the pathways in front of our homes as soon as we can.
Similarly, clearing a path for the Lord is part of my Lenten ritual. There is an accumulation of obstacles in the way. This is the time to shovel my compulsions, long-held attitudes, pet sins, mistrust, anxieties, and personal desires to the edges.
Holy Spirit, may Your light shine upon me, melting anything that is still in the way. Come, Jesus, come.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Lenten Realignment
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV)
How do you know when a car needs to be realigned? The first thing most drivers notice is that the car starts drifting to one side, even when it’s supposed to be going straight. If you look closely, there will be uneven wear on the outside of the tires. Many of us assume that the tires are the issue, but the source of the problem is much deeper. It’s not the wheels, but the suspension that needs realignment.
Is your life off-kilter and noticeably drifting in the wrong direction? Do you recognize something needs to change? It’s tempting to look at the external symptoms and assume that the problem can be solved by making superficial changes. This is a misconception.
I find that when my life feels off-track, my mind has strayed from God’s purposes. This drifting happens unwittingly, even for the most well-intentioned Christians. The season of Lent is a good time for a scheduled tune-up. It gives us a chance to retreat from worldly diversions, realign our spirit with God’s Spirit, readjust our perspectives, reevaluate our priorities, and repent for our waywardness. We cannot do this on our own. We must allow the Holy Spirit to lift us up and do the necessary recalibration.
Lord, please take my disoriented soul and realign it in accordance with Your purposes. Let me not depend on my willpower, but on the power of Your Divine Will.
__
How do you know when a car needs to be realigned? The first thing most drivers notice is that the car starts drifting to one side, even when it’s supposed to be going straight. If you look closely, there will be uneven wear on the outside of the tires. Many of us assume that the tires are the issue, but the source of the problem is much deeper. It’s not the wheels, but the suspension that needs realignment.
Is your life off-kilter and noticeably drifting in the wrong direction? Do you recognize something needs to change? It’s tempting to look at the external symptoms and assume that the problem can be solved by making superficial changes. This is a misconception.
I find that when my life feels off-track, my mind has strayed from God’s purposes. This drifting happens unwittingly, even for the most well-intentioned Christians. The season of Lent is a good time for a scheduled tune-up. It gives us a chance to retreat from worldly diversions, realign our spirit with God’s Spirit, readjust our perspectives, reevaluate our priorities, and repent for our waywardness. We cannot do this on our own. We must allow the Holy Spirit to lift us up and do the necessary recalibration.
Lord, please take my disoriented soul and realign it in accordance with Your purposes. Let me not depend on my willpower, but on the power of Your Divine Will.
__
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Raising My Ebenezer
“Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means ‘the stone of help’), for he said, ‘Up to this point the LORD has helped us!’" (1 Samuel 7:12 NIV)
Technology has made private worship and study much easier. My favorite form of praising God is by singing along to lyric videos on YouTube . Although I like listening to old hymns, I rarely know the proper words to them. Recently,I was listening to the classic “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (written by Robert Robinson in 1758). When I came to the following verses, I was confused about the meaning:
Here I raise my Ebenezer
Here by Thy great help I've come
I remembered that the word Ebenezer had some sort of significance in the Old Testament, but I didn’t have a chance to look it up at that time. However, for the next two days, I kept feeling the nudge to understand these lyrics. I checked an online Bible concordance and found the scripture reference in 1 Samuel 7:12. The Israelites had just won a battle against the Philistines. Samuel set up a stone in the battlefield and named it Ebenezer (Hebrew for ‘stone of help’) to commemorate God’s preservation of the Israelites.
Our own choices and actions may bring about some positive results or negative consequences, but the majority of all that we have and all that we have become is from God. Many of us imagine that this world turns by human skill, good luck, and hard work. Perhaps, like me, you need daily reminders that God sustains and preserves everything. Maybe we all need to raise our own Ebenezers--visual, tangible memorials that bring to mind the following truth:
WE HAVE COME THUS FAR BY GOD’S GRACE.
Technology has made private worship and study much easier. My favorite form of praising God is by singing along to lyric videos on YouTube . Although I like listening to old hymns, I rarely know the proper words to them. Recently,I was listening to the classic “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (written by Robert Robinson in 1758). When I came to the following verses, I was confused about the meaning:
Here I raise my Ebenezer
Here by Thy great help I've come
I remembered that the word Ebenezer had some sort of significance in the Old Testament, but I didn’t have a chance to look it up at that time. However, for the next two days, I kept feeling the nudge to understand these lyrics. I checked an online Bible concordance and found the scripture reference in 1 Samuel 7:12. The Israelites had just won a battle against the Philistines. Samuel set up a stone in the battlefield and named it Ebenezer (Hebrew for ‘stone of help’) to commemorate God’s preservation of the Israelites.
Our own choices and actions may bring about some positive results or negative consequences, but the majority of all that we have and all that we have become is from God. Many of us imagine that this world turns by human skill, good luck, and hard work. Perhaps, like me, you need daily reminders that God sustains and preserves everything. Maybe we all need to raise our own Ebenezers--visual, tangible memorials that bring to mind the following truth:
WE HAVE COME THUS FAR BY GOD’S GRACE.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Prayer of Jesus
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” (John 17:22-23 NIV)
What does Jesus want for us as followers?
He wants us to have experiential knowledge of God and to glorify Him. He asks the Father to protect and sanctify us. He prays for shared purpose and unity in divine consciousness.
How much of what Jesus wants has manifested in my life?
I know of God. I hear, read, sing, and speak about Him frequently. However, my experience of the Holy is limited. I cannot claim to have a unified purpose with the rest of humanity. I’ve got a long ways to go.
How can I do my part in doing what Jesus wants?
I can pay attention. I can live in a way that Christ is revealed through me. I can allow the Holy Spirit to use me as an intercessor. I can detach from worldliness and immerse my mind in truth and goodness.
Lord, help me to experience all of You. May everything I say and do magnify You. Unify me with your divine consciousness, so that nothing separates us.
What does Jesus want for us as followers?
He wants us to have experiential knowledge of God and to glorify Him. He asks the Father to protect and sanctify us. He prays for shared purpose and unity in divine consciousness.
How much of what Jesus wants has manifested in my life?
I know of God. I hear, read, sing, and speak about Him frequently. However, my experience of the Holy is limited. I cannot claim to have a unified purpose with the rest of humanity. I’ve got a long ways to go.
How can I do my part in doing what Jesus wants?
I can pay attention. I can live in a way that Christ is revealed through me. I can allow the Holy Spirit to use me as an intercessor. I can detach from worldliness and immerse my mind in truth and goodness.
Lord, help me to experience all of You. May everything I say and do magnify You. Unify me with your divine consciousness, so that nothing separates us.
Monday, February 19, 2018
Business Partners
“Store your treasures in heaven...” (Matthew 6:20 NLT)
Financial Advisers will tell you the importance of saving and investing for the long term. Picking the right investments can be tricky. You have to consider your time horizon, goals, risk tolerance, inflation, etc. Putting your money in the wrong stocks or getting involved in a bad business deal can erase all your hard-earned savings. This is why it is important to carefully consider where and who you trust.
When we invest with God, we are guaranteed to have an honorable business partner. When we devote our time, talent, money, and other resources to kingdom work, we become joint heirs to God’s sphere of influence. We are never equal partners. The Lord has unlimited capital and expertise. He is perfectly capable of independently managing every venture. Whatever we bring to the table is miniscule compared to all that He has to offer. However, God is pleased when we want to work with Him. He relishes every opportunity to be with us, to teach us, and to guide us.
Financial Advisers will tell you the importance of saving and investing for the long term. Picking the right investments can be tricky. You have to consider your time horizon, goals, risk tolerance, inflation, etc. Putting your money in the wrong stocks or getting involved in a bad business deal can erase all your hard-earned savings. This is why it is important to carefully consider where and who you trust.
When we invest with God, we are guaranteed to have an honorable business partner. When we devote our time, talent, money, and other resources to kingdom work, we become joint heirs to God’s sphere of influence. We are never equal partners. The Lord has unlimited capital and expertise. He is perfectly capable of independently managing every venture. Whatever we bring to the table is miniscule compared to all that He has to offer. However, God is pleased when we want to work with Him. He relishes every opportunity to be with us, to teach us, and to guide us.
Friday, February 16, 2018
Entire Trust
“Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you'll live as you were meant to live - and everyone in your house included!” (Acts 16:31 MSG)
I have a busy life--a home and family to care for, multiple projects, hobbies, and lots of friends. On any given day, there are more things I want to do than I have time or energy for. However, busyness does not equal fulfillment.
When the Holy Spirit fills us and moves us, when we yield in complete trust to God, this leads to a full and filled life. Without faith, we are always unfulfilled. BUT, when we put our entire trust in Jesus, when we are under the influence of the Spirit of God, THEN, we live as we are meant to live, and those around us also benefit from the Spirit’s influence.
I have a busy life--a home and family to care for, multiple projects, hobbies, and lots of friends. On any given day, there are more things I want to do than I have time or energy for. However, busyness does not equal fulfillment.
When the Holy Spirit fills us and moves us, when we yield in complete trust to God, this leads to a full and filled life. Without faith, we are always unfulfilled. BUT, when we put our entire trust in Jesus, when we are under the influence of the Spirit of God, THEN, we live as we are meant to live, and those around us also benefit from the Spirit’s influence.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Midnight Prayer and Praise
“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.” (Acts 16:25 NLT)
Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned unjustly. In the middle of this dark period in their lives, they were praying and praising God aloud. Most of us would react differently in these circumstances. We may: cry in self-pity, rant against the injustice, stew about how we could have avoided our present predicament, and plot our revenge. These disciples respond extraordinarily. Their focus is neither on their past nor their future, BUT on God.
Prayer and praise are not usually our first instincts in the midst of darkness. Grief, uncertainty, anger, self-pity, anxiety, denial, and despair can overtake our minds to the exclusion of all other emotions. However, darkness can be used as a tool to focus. Many of us close our eyes when we want to block out other stimuli and concentrate. We voluntarily choose solitude and quiet when we want to be alone with God. Why? We sense that the Lord is near in the darkness. Once all other distractions are removed, we hear His footsteps walking alongside us. We hear His comforting whispers. We feel His strengthening presence.
He made darkness His hiding place, His canopy around Him, darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies. (Psalm 18:11 NASB)
Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned unjustly. In the middle of this dark period in their lives, they were praying and praising God aloud. Most of us would react differently in these circumstances. We may: cry in self-pity, rant against the injustice, stew about how we could have avoided our present predicament, and plot our revenge. These disciples respond extraordinarily. Their focus is neither on their past nor their future, BUT on God.
Prayer and praise are not usually our first instincts in the midst of darkness. Grief, uncertainty, anger, self-pity, anxiety, denial, and despair can overtake our minds to the exclusion of all other emotions. However, darkness can be used as a tool to focus. Many of us close our eyes when we want to block out other stimuli and concentrate. We voluntarily choose solitude and quiet when we want to be alone with God. Why? We sense that the Lord is near in the darkness. Once all other distractions are removed, we hear His footsteps walking alongside us. We hear His comforting whispers. We feel His strengthening presence.
He made darkness His hiding place, His canopy around Him, darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies. (Psalm 18:11 NASB)
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
The Clarity of Adversity
“But you have cultivated wickedness and harvested a thriving crop of sins. You have eaten the fruit of lies--trusting in your military might, believing that great armies could make your nation safe.” (Hosea 10:13 NLT)
The late 1960’s and early 1970’s were a time of great tumult in our nation. John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King were assassinated. The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing. Protesters against the Vietnam War swarmed the streets of many U.S. cities. Nixon resigned in the face of almost certain impeachment. Instability reigned.
Our nation is, once again, in a cycle of chaos. We are inundated with news of political corruption, civil unrest, racial and social divisiveness, and threats of nuclear war. Wickedness and lies govern. In this constant state of turmoil, confusion and uncertainty have become commonplace. Can anything good come from all this misery?
Adversity can be clarifying. Illusions of moral superiority are demolished. It forces us out of the lull of complacency. It defines what we hold important. It shrinks our pride. Harking back to simpler times is a poor excuse. Things have never been simple; some of us just had sheltered lives. Apathy and ignorance are no longer options. Averting our eyes to injustice does not make us any less complicit. We cannot afford to be distracted while our surroundings burn.
The late 1960’s and early 1970’s were a time of great tumult in our nation. John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King were assassinated. The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing. Protesters against the Vietnam War swarmed the streets of many U.S. cities. Nixon resigned in the face of almost certain impeachment. Instability reigned.
Our nation is, once again, in a cycle of chaos. We are inundated with news of political corruption, civil unrest, racial and social divisiveness, and threats of nuclear war. Wickedness and lies govern. In this constant state of turmoil, confusion and uncertainty have become commonplace. Can anything good come from all this misery?
Adversity can be clarifying. Illusions of moral superiority are demolished. It forces us out of the lull of complacency. It defines what we hold important. It shrinks our pride. Harking back to simpler times is a poor excuse. Things have never been simple; some of us just had sheltered lives. Apathy and ignorance are no longer options. Averting our eyes to injustice does not make us any less complicit. We cannot afford to be distracted while our surroundings burn.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Roadblocks
“Their plan was to turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route.” (Acts 16:6 MSG)
The Apostle Paul and his friends had made plans for their next missionary journey. However, their path was blocked by the Holy Spirit. They tried another route; that,too, was blocked. Then Paul had a dream in which he was instructed to go in a completely different direction than he originally intended.
Whenever I am at a major crossroad in life, I pray for guidance. Often I hear nothing. After a period of waiting, I tentatively make a choice. I start moving in the direction that seems most logical; I ask God to put up roadblocks if I am going the wrong way.
This method of seeking God’s will may seem righteous, but it has its own pitfalls. No matter what path you take, there will be some difficulties that make you wonder if you are going the wrong way. Not every adversity is a Holy Spirit roadblock. Some are speed bumps that slow us down; others are stop signs that require us to refocus our attention, look both ways, and proceed with caution.
If a road is impassable, there will usually be a detour sign for us to follow. The new route might be inconvenient and circuitous; we may feel tempted to take our chances and continue with our original plans. If we diverge from God’s guidance and go our own way, we are heading towards danger. We are no longer tuned in to the Holy Spirit; we are relying on our own instincts and experience. It’s just a matter of time before we find ourselves stuck in the mud of iniquity, in the quicksand of delusion.
The Apostle Paul and his friends had made plans for their next missionary journey. However, their path was blocked by the Holy Spirit. They tried another route; that,too, was blocked. Then Paul had a dream in which he was instructed to go in a completely different direction than he originally intended.
Whenever I am at a major crossroad in life, I pray for guidance. Often I hear nothing. After a period of waiting, I tentatively make a choice. I start moving in the direction that seems most logical; I ask God to put up roadblocks if I am going the wrong way.
This method of seeking God’s will may seem righteous, but it has its own pitfalls. No matter what path you take, there will be some difficulties that make you wonder if you are going the wrong way. Not every adversity is a Holy Spirit roadblock. Some are speed bumps that slow us down; others are stop signs that require us to refocus our attention, look both ways, and proceed with caution.
If a road is impassable, there will usually be a detour sign for us to follow. The new route might be inconvenient and circuitous; we may feel tempted to take our chances and continue with our original plans. If we diverge from God’s guidance and go our own way, we are heading towards danger. We are no longer tuned in to the Holy Spirit; we are relying on our own instincts and experience. It’s just a matter of time before we find ourselves stuck in the mud of iniquity, in the quicksand of delusion.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Praying Psalm 34
Lord, I shall praise you every chance I get, in every way I can.
Even when things are not going well, I will glorify you and invite others to join in.
Hear me when I pray.
Free me from my fears.
When I call out in desperation, save me.
Send Your angels to set up a circle of protection around us when we pray.
May we experience Your goodness with all our senses when we worship You.
You know everything that is going on.
Stay close to the depressed and brokenhearted.
Protect and shield those who seek You.
Rescue everyone who comes to You for refuge.
Even when things are not going well, I will glorify you and invite others to join in.
Hear me when I pray.
Free me from my fears.
When I call out in desperation, save me.
Send Your angels to set up a circle of protection around us when we pray.
May we experience Your goodness with all our senses when we worship You.
You know everything that is going on.
Stay close to the depressed and brokenhearted.
Protect and shield those who seek You.
Rescue everyone who comes to You for refuge.
Friday, February 9, 2018
Protection and Trust
“Since God is in her midst, she will not be shaken. God will help her at the break of dawn.” (Psalm 46:5 ISV)
When I hear a tornado warning, I immediately seek shelter. If I’m away from home, I try to gauge the strength of the nearest structure. I remember one time I heard the sirens going off when I was inside a small store. I quickly assessed my surroundings. The building had a metal roof and no basement. If the tornado hit, I would be in the path of a ton of flying debris. Since I didn’t feel secure, I was tempted to leave and seek something more sturdy.
God has promised to help and protect us. We will not be shaken as long as we remain under His safeguard. In order to determine if a structure is secure, we have to be familiar with it. Similarly, we cannot place our confidence in someone whom we do not know well. God’s promises of protection are contingent on trust, and trust requires intimacy. Once we know God, we recognize Him in our midst. We realize that He is trustworthy and that His timing is perfect. Instead of relying on our own wits, we seek shelter under Him.
"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God.” (John 14:1 NLT)
When I hear a tornado warning, I immediately seek shelter. If I’m away from home, I try to gauge the strength of the nearest structure. I remember one time I heard the sirens going off when I was inside a small store. I quickly assessed my surroundings. The building had a metal roof and no basement. If the tornado hit, I would be in the path of a ton of flying debris. Since I didn’t feel secure, I was tempted to leave and seek something more sturdy.
God has promised to help and protect us. We will not be shaken as long as we remain under His safeguard. In order to determine if a structure is secure, we have to be familiar with it. Similarly, we cannot place our confidence in someone whom we do not know well. God’s promises of protection are contingent on trust, and trust requires intimacy. Once we know God, we recognize Him in our midst. We realize that He is trustworthy and that His timing is perfect. Instead of relying on our own wits, we seek shelter under Him.
"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God.” (John 14:1 NLT)
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Focal Point
"Still, if you set your heart on God and reach out to him...” (Job 11:13 MSG)
It doesn’t take much for me to feel scattered. A change in routine, everyday stressors, obsessive thoughts, entertaining diversions--all can get me off track. On average, I am awake for 16 hours a day/112 hours a week. How much of that time am I engaged in focused, intentional living?
“People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit.” (Isaiah 26:3 MSG)
A life of integrity requires intentionality. A scattered mind cannot be whole. When we allow ourselves to pursue every diversion, we may feel like we are leading busy, full lives. When we fixate on our problems and strive to find our own solutions--this may give an illusion of control. Once an illusion is enmeshed in our minds, it becomes a delusion. Those who choose to focus on God are able to stay above the fray of earthly distractions and delusions. When we center our thoughts on Him, when His Spirit is the primary motivation behind every waking hour, we are kept in perfect and constant peace.
It doesn’t take much for me to feel scattered. A change in routine, everyday stressors, obsessive thoughts, entertaining diversions--all can get me off track. On average, I am awake for 16 hours a day/112 hours a week. How much of that time am I engaged in focused, intentional living?
“People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit.” (Isaiah 26:3 MSG)
A life of integrity requires intentionality. A scattered mind cannot be whole. When we allow ourselves to pursue every diversion, we may feel like we are leading busy, full lives. When we fixate on our problems and strive to find our own solutions--this may give an illusion of control. Once an illusion is enmeshed in our minds, it becomes a delusion. Those who choose to focus on God are able to stay above the fray of earthly distractions and delusions. When we center our thoughts on Him, when His Spirit is the primary motivation behind every waking hour, we are kept in perfect and constant peace.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
God-Pleasers
“Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant.” (Galatians 1:10 NLT)
People Pleasers tend to be viewed as kind, likeable, and accommodating. They thrive on approval. Since they can’t stand disappointing others, they will do anything to avoid the discomfort of direct conflict. These traits are considered socially acceptable and favorable; thus, they are often reinforced in children by their parents. After years of habitual people-pleasing, a person’s self-worth and identity become dependent on what others think. This approval addiction is closely related to codependency.
“Jesus gives a great example of a non-codependent life, totally God-directed, with no concern about what others thought, yet abounding in love.” (Quote from a friend)
Jesus was always God-directed. His love was not motivated by other people’s responses or opinions. He lived to please God. As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same--to live as if only One person’s approval matters, to be continuously God-focused, God-dependent, and God-pleasing.
People Pleasers tend to be viewed as kind, likeable, and accommodating. They thrive on approval. Since they can’t stand disappointing others, they will do anything to avoid the discomfort of direct conflict. These traits are considered socially acceptable and favorable; thus, they are often reinforced in children by their parents. After years of habitual people-pleasing, a person’s self-worth and identity become dependent on what others think. This approval addiction is closely related to codependency.
“Jesus gives a great example of a non-codependent life, totally God-directed, with no concern about what others thought, yet abounding in love.” (Quote from a friend)
Jesus was always God-directed. His love was not motivated by other people’s responses or opinions. He lived to please God. As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same--to live as if only One person’s approval matters, to be continuously God-focused, God-dependent, and God-pleasing.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
The Codependent Christian
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:37 ESV)
Christianity, along with most other religions, values self-denial, forgiveness, kindness, and patience. We are taught to tolerate mistreatment, to turn the other cheek, to put the needs of others before our own. The desire to live virtuously oftentimes blurs the boundaries of personal accountability.
Codependency is defined as a dysfunctional, helping relationship where one person enables another person’s unhealthy behavior. It is essentially a boundary issue. Codependence often masquerades as kindness. It is often motivated by our own guilt and approval addiction. This leads to coerced generosity, shame-based sacrifice, and obligatory caretaking. The ultimate result of codependency is self-disrespect.
Boundaries promote self-respect; their absence, on the other hand, invites disrespect, manipulation, and degradation. Knowing what is ‘okay’ and what is ‘not okay’ requires maturity. Being able to say YES to what is healthy and NO to what is unhealthy is a sign of responsibility. Continuing to stand up for ourselves, even when it is tiresome, involves personal strength and integrity. The ability to have boundaries and enforce them is a practiced skill. There will always be some discomfort involved in setting limits, but the more we stand our ground, the stronger we get. If we don’t care for ourselves, if we don’t value ourselves, if we don’t respect ourselves, how can we expect others to do so?
Christianity, along with most other religions, values self-denial, forgiveness, kindness, and patience. We are taught to tolerate mistreatment, to turn the other cheek, to put the needs of others before our own. The desire to live virtuously oftentimes blurs the boundaries of personal accountability.
Codependency is defined as a dysfunctional, helping relationship where one person enables another person’s unhealthy behavior. It is essentially a boundary issue. Codependence often masquerades as kindness. It is often motivated by our own guilt and approval addiction. This leads to coerced generosity, shame-based sacrifice, and obligatory caretaking. The ultimate result of codependency is self-disrespect.
Boundaries promote self-respect; their absence, on the other hand, invites disrespect, manipulation, and degradation. Knowing what is ‘okay’ and what is ‘not okay’ requires maturity. Being able to say YES to what is healthy and NO to what is unhealthy is a sign of responsibility. Continuing to stand up for ourselves, even when it is tiresome, involves personal strength and integrity. The ability to have boundaries and enforce them is a practiced skill. There will always be some discomfort involved in setting limits, but the more we stand our ground, the stronger we get. If we don’t care for ourselves, if we don’t value ourselves, if we don’t respect ourselves, how can we expect others to do so?
Monday, February 5, 2018
Spiritual Gifts vs. Natural Abilities
“For He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago].” (2 Timothy 1:9 AMP)
Have you ever taken a spiritual gifts survey/test? I’ve done several of these over the years. According to these assessments, my spiritual gifts seem to be aligned with my natural talents. I’m not sure if this is always the case.
All gifts are God-given. Our natural abilities are genetically traceable, nurtured by our environment, and life-long. We often use these talents for our own benefit and advancement. Supernatural gifts don’t always match our natural inclinations. There is an element of surprise to them; we are not sure how we came to possess these gifts. There is something unexpected about them--like a fifty-year-old who suddenly grows two inches taller. They don’t make sense; they are counterintuitive. We can be sure that these supernatural gifts are from God, because they are not an extension of our natural talents.
Spiritual gifts are not based on personal merit, but on God’s unmerited favor. They cannot be traced to our genetic makeup or environmental factors. These talents are not meant for personal advancement but for God’s glory. We must be aware that these supernatural abilities are given by the Holy Spirit. We are to use these spiritual gifts to live consecrated lives-- lives set apart for God’s purpose and grace.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Bag of Concerns
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)
When parents drop off their toddlers at daycares, they hand over the child as well as a diaper bag. This bag may contain all sorts of things that the parent imagines her child might need for the day--diapers, extra change of clothes, medications, snacks, maybe a favorite toy or blanket, etc. It would be silly to pack a bag for your kid and then take it with you to work.
Many parents are used to trusting others to care for their precious little ones. As a stay-at-home mom who homeschooled her only child, I didn’t have to do this very often in the early years. However, these days, I have to release my son into God’s care on a daily basis. As I surrender my son, I also hand over my bag of concerns. This bag is filled with all my anxieties, fears, contingencies, and hopes for him. God is trustworthy. He loves my son even more than I do. He is the best caretaker. I can freely go and do the work that I am assigned to do in this phase of my life.
When parents drop off their toddlers at daycares, they hand over the child as well as a diaper bag. This bag may contain all sorts of things that the parent imagines her child might need for the day--diapers, extra change of clothes, medications, snacks, maybe a favorite toy or blanket, etc. It would be silly to pack a bag for your kid and then take it with you to work.
Many parents are used to trusting others to care for their precious little ones. As a stay-at-home mom who homeschooled her only child, I didn’t have to do this very often in the early years. However, these days, I have to release my son into God’s care on a daily basis. As I surrender my son, I also hand over my bag of concerns. This bag is filled with all my anxieties, fears, contingencies, and hopes for him. God is trustworthy. He loves my son even more than I do. He is the best caretaker. I can freely go and do the work that I am assigned to do in this phase of my life.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
The Lord's Prayer
“Our Father in heaven, reveal who you are. Set the world right; do what’s best—as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.” (Matthew 6:9-13 MSG)
I find myself using the Lord’s prayer several times a day. Mostly I go over it in my mind. Growing up Catholic, I memorized the words to this prayer as a kid and recited it without much thought. It was part of the Mass, the rosary, and bedtime prayers. By the time I reached adulthood, it had lost some of its impact due to overfamiliarity. That is, until one day, when I read the Message translation of this passage of scripture. This prompted me to meditate on each word and rewrite the prayer in my own words. Now, I can’t just whiz through it like I used to. Instead, I slow down and think about each sentence.
Father of all, reveal Yourself to us. Blessed be Your name. May Your influence come; may Your intentions be done. Provide for us daily. Forgive us and help us to forgive others. Protect us from all evil, internal and external. You are in control; You are powerful. You are glorious. Amen.
I find myself using the Lord’s prayer several times a day. Mostly I go over it in my mind. Growing up Catholic, I memorized the words to this prayer as a kid and recited it without much thought. It was part of the Mass, the rosary, and bedtime prayers. By the time I reached adulthood, it had lost some of its impact due to overfamiliarity. That is, until one day, when I read the Message translation of this passage of scripture. This prompted me to meditate on each word and rewrite the prayer in my own words. Now, I can’t just whiz through it like I used to. Instead, I slow down and think about each sentence.
Father of all, reveal Yourself to us. Blessed be Your name. May Your influence come; may Your intentions be done. Provide for us daily. Forgive us and help us to forgive others. Protect us from all evil, internal and external. You are in control; You are powerful. You are glorious. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)