Week Thirty-One - It's Not Supposed to Be This Way

I want to share some thoughts from a book I enjoyed by Lysa TerKeurst: It's Not Supposed to Be This Way. It's well worth reading!

Here's what she writes,

"What makes paintings so delightful? We already know a painting isn't going to look like a photograph. And that's what makes it art. It's been touched by a human. It's been created by someone whose hands sweat and who can't possibly transfer divine perfection from what her corneas see to what her fingertips can create.

Even the best painters will get something off-scale, out of alignment, a shade too dark, or a hair too thick. It will be flawed. And that's why we must make a crucial decision: What will we do with the disappointment?

Will we see the human behind the work? The heart that dared to hold the brush dripping with color? Remember that she was the courageous one. She was the one who showed up and took the risk. She braved the disappointment of others. She lived. She made her mark.

I fear you have a picture of my messy that's way too tidy. Maybe you've looked straight on at my faith and made some fine-sounding assumptions and conclusions that are impressive but not true. If you do this, you may think that when things get messy in the process and progress of your journey, maybe your faith isn't strong enough. Dear one, that's not true.

Weak moments don't make weak faith. Weak moments make us even more aware of our need to press into faith. A faith in God that helps us know that what we see isn't all there is. Weak moments are also clues telling us what needs to be addressed right now in this part of the journey. Don't beat yourself up for weak moments. But don't ignore them, either."

I enjoyed those thoughts, and they left me with some questions. Are we guilty of looking at the faith of others and feeling we pale in comparison? Do we expect things to be perfect and fall into disappointment when reality hits? Do we judge our weak moments as defining instead of challenging us to greater growth? Do we give up too easily?

Then, she went on to talk a bit about dust.

"Dust is messy. We don't even like to touch dust, especially if it's made up of the shattered pieces of our own hearts.

Thankfully, we don't have to. We can hand it over to God, the One who forms our dust into something we want but never could have made for ourselves.

Jesus used the dust of the ground to restore a man's sight in John 9:5-6  When mixed with water, dust becomes clay. Clay, when placed in the potter's hand, can be formed into anything the potter dreams up. Isaiah 64:8 & John 18:6

Dust doesn't have to signify the end. Dust is often what must be present for the new to begin."

Friend, we are but dust, nothing very beautiful or valuable, but in the hands of the Potter, we are bound for new creation. 

So today, if your life isn't perfect, if it doesn't look like a fine work of art or a porcelain vase, don't be discouraged. God is the designer. He is the creator of beauty. Yield yourself to Him and in time, you will be amazed at what He can do!

Week Thirty - The Spiral Staircase

God's Word holds the idea of rising higher and higher, like climbing a spiral staircase, always returning to the same standpoint but from a higher position on the circling circle. This is especially true when we consider our position in Christ and the growth of understanding that comes to the Christian.

The first step is salvation, the blessedness of knowing we belong to an invisible, heavenly family. Psalm 32:1 reads, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."

Another step leads us to recognize the blessedness of being comforted with the comfort only God can give. Assurance and peace become our companions as we continue to climb."

The steps of understanding our privileged position in Christ, that we are complete in Him, and that we serve the Lord Christ compels us to strive for greater heights. 

The higher we climb, the more we appreciate the blessed work of the Spirit. His guidance, conviction, and instruction help us make steady progress. 

Humbled, we rejoice in the blessed knowledge that we are recipients of mercy, undeserved yet dearly beloved. 

And as we behold the vision of God - His majesty, power, and great love with which He has loved us - we are compelled to hold on more tightly as we breathe heavenly air. 

This cycle continues as we grasp more of the spiritual blessings bestowed upon us and begin to see ourselves as saints and children of God whose sins are forgiven.

Note the rising circle pattern of Ephesians 2:6-10

Step One: Salvation - But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 

Step Two: Learning our Position in Christ - "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" 

Step Three: Learning more of Grace -  "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. "

Step Four: Humble Understanding - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." 

Step Five: Heartfelt Service - "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

As we grow in Christ, we learn more about grace and begin serving with a pure and genuine heart. God repeatedly assures us of His love, and we grow in confidence and humility each time we consider His grace applied to our lives. 

Where are you on this learning curve? Are you growing in Christ? 

If you don't know Him, it's time to get on the ladder! The first step is to believe in Jesus, trust Him, and accept His gift of salvation.

Why not join me on the staircase, and let's learn more about what it means to "sit together in heavenly places in Christ."

Week Twenty-Nine - Finding Your Feet!

This past year, we enjoyed spending time with our grandkids. Several of them are at the point where they are ready to leave home. They are testing out their wings, learning to drive, finding jobs, heading to college, and looking to see where life will take them as they try to find their feet. We've had some long conversations and shared stories about ourselves and their parents launching into life.

Finding their feet can take some time. Unless they know their goal, they may wander around for a while, making parents and grandparents nervous. However, finding our feet is not a challenge reserved for teenagers. Even adults can find it difficult. Why? 

Maybe you are standing on slippery rocks. Like those moss-covered ones by the riverbank, you slip before noticing the danger. Slippery rocks are those where we are taking risks. Risks that involve lies or cheating. Risks of being found out or getting caught. Slippery rocks will trip us up every time. 

Or maybe you are afraid to put your feet in the water. You've been hurt, failed before, or don't know if you have what it takes. You'll never know what God has for you until you wade out into the deep.  Faith calls for us to get our feet wet; to walk on water, you must get out of the boat!

If you are standing on the shore with only your toes in the stream, you'll never know the thrill of the ride. You might enjoy a measure of refreshing, but you'll never reach your full potential. 

Are you afraid you can't stand against the current? That might be a concern, especially if your faith is only in yourself. Getting into the river of life with God will hurl you down fantastic plunges, but you'll never regret taking the opportunity to know His power. 

Finding your feet in a stream requires getting onto solid rock, anchoring deep, and adjusting to the current. It is similar in life. You need to be on that solid rock. 1 Samuel 2:2 reads, "There is none holy as the Lord; for there is none beside thee; neither is there any rock like our God." He is solid. When we place our faith in God, He gives us footing.

1 Corinthians 10:4 gives us a couple more assurances about the Rock. It speaks of the children of Israel and the great exodus: "And did all drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them; and that Rock was Christ."

Let's focus on two words. The first one is drank. When we drink the water of life, we never thirst again. He becomes our source; that spiritual water gives us the power to stand and adjust to the current of life. And the second word is followed. The spiritual Rock followed them in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. They were never outside His view or out of reach. You, too, are never out of His view or reach. You can launch yourself into life because you are covered! You will find your feet because He is leading, He is following your every step, and He is in control.

As I pray for my grandchildren to find their feet in life, I'm excited to see where God will take them. They may hit some slippery spots and face fears and disappointments, but I know they are cared for by the Rock because they are His.

The same is true for you if you are in Christ. So, get out there and find your feet!

Week Twenty-Eight - When I Remember

Praying always. That's what the Bible says. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Eph 6:18). 

Does that mean we walk around with our eyes closed and hands folded? Are we to be like the Pharisees, lifting our hands and praying aloud in public? Are we to always be in our prayer closet? Hardly. The instruction is about an inner sanctum, an attitude, and readiness for prayer.

So, the question today is, "Are you praying always?" 

I drew this little poem from Spurgeon's devotion, Restraining Prayer.

When I remember God is omnipotent,
I pray for larger things.

When I remember God is tender and full of compassion,
I pray for the little things.

When I remember God is great,
I pray boldly.

When I remember God is faithful,
I pray confidently.

When I remember God is full of majesty,
I pray with awe and delight.

When I remember God is forgiving,
I pray in humble confession.

When I remember God is my Father,
I pray with love.

When I remember God is my Provider,
I pray with earnestness.

When I remember God is my Protector,
I pray with expectation.

When I pray,
Let me always remember.

And how important it is to remember to Whom we are praying. No gimmicks, luck charms, or magic words are necessary, just a humble recognition of who He is. He remains faithful, loves to bless, knows and cares, never leaves nor forsakes. We pray to Him, and He answers our prayers based on His attributes.

Friend, we can pray always because He is always there! Not one moment of your life goes unrecognized or undesigned by Him. Surely, when you remember His greatness, constant prayer and praise will be your response.

Week Twenty-Seven - Hard-hearted

For my Bible reading this year, I am taking a chapter at a time and asking the Lord to reveal a little truth or fresh insight. I wanted to share a sample with you that significantly spoke to my heart.

In Exodus 8, Moses stands before Pharoah as the plagues of frogs, lice, and flies occur. Verse 15 reads, "But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said."

The only thing Moses knew as he obeyed God was what God had said - Pharoah would be stubborn, yet God would bring Israel out with a strong hand. "Then the Lord said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharoah: for with a strong hand shall he let them (the Children of Israel) go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land" (Exodus 6:1). Moses didn't know how long this would take.

As God increases the severity of the plagues, he must have wondered what it would take to break Pharoah's stubborn resolve. He didn't know all God had planned; he simply did his part by obeying God's direction as he brought God's word to Pharoah.

As I read, I began to think of the hard-hearted around us. Maybe they are our shopkeepers, co-workers, or even members of our family. They staunchly reject the gospel and resist all our pleas. I've even known God to shake the hard-hearted through tragedy, but like Pharoah, they refuse to yield. We, like Moses, may feel we can only watch as they move further and further away from God.

Do you have a stubborn loved one resisting the gospel? Have you witnessed repeatedly but to no reception? Don't give up! You can rest knowing you have done your part by sharing the light and will continue sharing. You have obeyed, as Moses did, by doing what the Lord has directed. If they refuse, that is their decision  - a sad decision but one you cannot make for them. 

He is not willing that any perish. Do you doubt that? Look at all the opportunities God gave Pharoah to repent and yield. And yet, he wasted God's grace. God is not willing for your loved one to perish either, so keep shining your light. Keep offering God's grace and mercy, and at the same time, rest yourself in the sovereign knowledge of God. You don't know what God has planned, but you can remain faithful and obedient in giving them the gospel.

Week Twenty-Six - Don't Get So Hung Up

Often, we read statements and accept them without thinking of their meaning. For example, we looked at trust your heart several weeks ago. It sounds good, but it contradicts the Bible's truth. Another phrase we accept, but Jesus never commended, is You deserve to be happy. You won't find that in the Bible, either. We all prefer to feel happy, but happiness is not a Bible quality. The Bible gives us joy, which is considerably different and much deeper than any fleeting happiness. 

I read an interesting quote by Michael Marshall highlighting another of these well-intended statements: "You need to find your identity."

According to Psychology Today, finding one's identity involves discovering and developing one's potential, choosing one's life's purpose, and finding opportunities to exercise that potential and purpose. 

That sounds good, and doing those things is wise, but we miss a significant component of life if we only use what we do or accomplish to define our identity. What I do is not who I am. I am more than a writer, more than a Christian worker, more than my job description, aren't you?

When you go home at night, do you continue thinking of yourself in terms of your job? Do you carry on with the same motivation and attitude as at work? Or do you relax and return to being yourself- the self outside your job description?

Another definition of identity states that it is not static. It is a dynamic concept that changes throughout life, with time, and through your struggles. I'd agree. I'm not the same person I was in my teen years or even in my 30s. But I'm still me, with all my insecurities, fears, and personality traits. How about you?

So, that definition doesn't help much, either.

Here's the thing: we can search to find our identity, but we still struggle to define it because it differs for each of us. We have a variety of sides because we are complex creatures with moral qualities, spiritual needs, varying levels of intellect, and social strata. Yet we desire to understand ourselves, define who we are, why we are here, and where we are going.

It may be time for you to read the quote that prompted my thoughts. Michael Marshal writes, 

"Modern man is hung up on his identity. The Christian realizes that his true identity is a mystery known only to God and that any attempt at this stage on the road of discipleship to define himself is bound to be blasphemous and destructive of that mysterious work of God forming Christ in him by the power of the Holy Spirit. Certainly, the Christian does not define his identity by his actions; that is the very ultimate in anti-Christ, for it is in effort saying that I am my own creator."

Let's unpack that a bit.

We are a mystery known only to God. How true. We cannot discover our hearts. As Paul puts it in Romans, we try to do good but fail miserably. But God knows our hearts, and He is at work in our lives to bring us to Christlikeness. We step outside our authority and ability when we try to unravel this mystery or define ourselves through actions. We have been bought with a price. We no longer define ourselves by ourselves, but our identity is intrinsically bound in Christ. He becomes our identity. We belong to Him.

I don't know about you, but this takes loads of pressure off my life. I don't have to "become" anything or "be" anyone because I am already a child of God. No need to figure anything else out because I now live by faith in Christ, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 

So, let's not get so hung up on who we are that we overlook the beauty of who He is and what He is doing in us. Let's rest ourselves in the Bible's definition of identity and keep moving forward into Christlikeness.

Galatians 2:20 reads, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." That sounds like a healthy place to start.

Week Twenty Five - Delightfully

One of the first verses that meant anything to me was Psalm 37:4, "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thy heart." I took this promise to heart, and I can tell you that God keeps His promises. He has given me more than my heart could have ever imagined because I chose to take Him at His word. I set Him to be my delight.

Spurgeon took this verse as a subject of one of his devotions, writing, "The life of the believer is here described as a delight in God, and we are thus certified of the great fact that true religion overflows with happiness and joy. Ungodly persons and those who merely profess faith never look upon religion as a joyful thing; to them it is service, duty, or necessity but never pleasure or delight."

When I read his devotion, I had to stop and think about this. Are there people who think it is a waste of time to serve the Lord? Yes. Are there people who believe you have lost your mind when you speak of all God has done for you? Yes. Are there people who see the church as demeaning, demanding, or brainwashing? Yes. Are there Christians who begrudge service, withhold, and resist the leading of the Lord? Yes.

To them, Spurgeon says, "The thought of delight in religion is so strange that no two words in their language stand further apart than "holiness" and "delight." They do not equate the two together.

And yet, those who know the Lord and choose to accept the promise of Psalm 37:4 understand the blessed unity. Those who love God with all their hearts find His ways pleasant and His paths peaceful. For all the joys, delights, and blessings the saints discover in their Lord, Spurgeon says, "that so far from serving Him from custom, they would follow Him though all the world cast out His name as evil."

To the child of God, there is no coercion. Our faith is not a fetter, bondage, or duty. It is a joy. There is joy in serving Jesus, delightful joy. Spurgeon says, "Our piety is our pleasure, our hope is our happiness, our duty is our delight."

Dear friend, how do you view Christianity? Do you know joy? Do you delight yourself in the Lord? Do you serve Him willingly? Is He your source of contentment and purpose? That is the only way you can claim the promise of this verse. "He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." It's like a blank cheque, an golden opportunity, or a limitless blessing for those who love God and delightfully serve Him. 

Where is your delight?