“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)
streams
Friday, February 9, 2018
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)