When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to *know*
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
*A song in the night, oh my soul!*
Many of you know this song. Although, you may be more familiar with later versions in which the word know (first stars) was changed to “say”, and the last line (second stars) was changed to “even so it is well with my soul”. But these are the words as they were originally penned by Horatio Spafford,
This song is so uplifting, so bright and full of peace and a hint of joy. But as some of you may know. This song was written following a series of horrific tragedies in Spafford’s life.
Horatio Spafford was a wealthy, and influential, lawyer and investor in Chicago. He had invested in real estate early in the spring of 1871. When the Great Chicago Fire struck the city in October of the same year, Spafford was very nearly financially ruined.
Spafford was friends with the evangelist Dwight L. Moody (before he was ruined, Spafford had been one of Moody’s financial supporters). Shortly after the fire, when he had made up enough funds through his law firm, Spafford decided his family needed a vacation from tragedy, and decided to go to England where Moody would be preaching. His wife Anna, and four daughters were to go with him. When he was delayed with zoning issues regarding the Chicago properties which had burned, he sent his family ahead, planning on joining them within the week.
Not long after their departure, he received word that the ship his family had been on, The SS Ville du Havre (the SS City Harbor) had been sunk while crossing the Atlantic after the collision with a seagoing vessel. Spafford waited anxiously for news of how his family had fared, finally receiving the now famous telegram from his wife, “Saved alone.” All four of his daughters had died.
Spafford rushed to England to meet with his grieving wife. He spoke with the captain of his vessel and asked the man to alert him when they would be passing the location of the site of the Ville du Havre’s sinking.
It was as he passed this exact spot that Spafford was inspired to pen these words of hope and peace. A remarkable feat. Spafford originally called the lyrics City Harbor after the ship that had sunk. Later, when music was composed by Philip Bliss the name was changed to “It is well with my soul.”
Spafford’s tragedy was not yet over. Spafford and his wife had three more children; two daughters, Bertha, and Grace; and a son, Horatio Goetner. Horatio died at age four of Scarlett Fever. When the Presbyterian Church asserted that Spafford’s family tragedies had been divine punishment for unresolved sin, their family left the Presbyterian Church, starting their own church. Ultimately, they chose to turn their tragedy into the continuation of God’s will, and they moved to Jerusalem with other members of their new church. They founded a ministry later called the American Colony, which was later joined by Swedish Christians. They engaged in missionary work amongst the people of Jerusalem, regardless of race, nation, religion, or creed, and ultimately set an amazing example of faith in the region. The American Colony later played a critical role in supporting the region at the end of World War I.
The colony was also the subject of the Nobel Prize winning novel Jerusalem, by Swedish author Selma Lagerlof.
John 16:33 (ESV) says “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Horatio Spafford’s life is remarkable. He and his family found a way to turn every one of their tragedies into the good of The Kingdom. Spafford wrote what were arguably some of the most hopeful lyrics in any hymn book in any Christian church while passing the site where his daughters had died.
And Habakkuk 3:17-19 says “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. “ Spafford knew that when we are truly with Christ, no matter what tragedy we face, we can find peace in the Lord. Not only that, but in our tragedies we should seek ways to praise Him.
Luke 4:18 (ESV) says “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Spafford chose to take his tragedy, and turn it toward taking other’s tragedies and turning them toward joy in the Lord. There is no better way to deal with tragedy, suffering, pain, and loss, than to seek out God and through Him seek to help others find that same peace.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6l.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Friday, December 13, 2013
Precedence and Prioritization
I heard a story today about a college professor who was teaching a class. I'm paraphrasing. I know normally I would follow this with my opinion and some Bible verses which either support or complicate my opinion, but I like to think this story speaks for itself.
The teacher went into the class with a large, empty, bulk mayonnaise jar. The professor had eight silver bowls sitting on his desk. From the first bowl he poured golf balls into the jar until he reached the top.
He then asked his students, "is the jar full?" They replied yes. From the next bowl he then poured pebbles into the jar, shaking it until the pebbles settled into the spaces between the golf balls, and adding all the pebbles until they reached the top.
"Now is it full?" he asked. They replied yes again. From the next bowl he poured in sand, shaking, and pouring until all the sand was gone, filling in the cracks between the pebbles, and the sand reached the top of the jar.
"Is the jar full now?" he asked. Chuckling now, the class replied that, yes, it was.
From the last bowl on his right he picked up a glass pitcher of lemonade. He poured the lemonade into the jar, filling up all the spaces between the sand grains.
"How about now?" he asked. Laughing, and fairly certain this time they were right, they said yes.
"This jar is your life," the professor said, "The golfballs represent the important things, God, your spouse, your kids, your family, the things that are so important that even if we have nothing else in our lives, our life is full. The pebbles represent the material things that are also very important, your house, your job, your car. The sand represents everything else in your life, the unimportant things."
A girl in the third row asked, "What does the lemonade represent?"
"I'm glad you asked, it shows that when your priorities are right, there is always time left to fill with having a cool drink with friends on a hot day."
"Ok, let's do this again." He removed the empty bowls, shifted the jar to his right, and picked another equally large jar up from under his desk.
This time he picked up the lemonade first, and poured it into the jar.
"Is the jar full?" he asked.
Because it was the same amount of lemonade as the first time, it didn't fill the jar. He then added the sand. It sunk into the lemonade and was a little less than the top of the lemonade. But it still only filled the jar about halfway.
"Is the jar full?" The students murmured, disconcerted by where they saw this going, clearly the jar was not full.
Then he added the pebbles, and they filled up the top of the lemonade, and almost all the way to the top of the jar. This time he just looked at his students, saying nothing.
Then he pulled out the golf balls. There was room only for one of the many golf balls which had fit in the other jar. In fact, by putting in even the single golf ball some of the pebbles were knocked out of the jar.
"This jar is your life, remember," the professor said. "If you start with the unimportant things, or prioritize fun above the important things, your life will never feel full, just like the jar was not full before the important things were added, and when you finally get to adding the important things, you will find there is no longer any room for them. Think about it, in what order do you want to fill your life?"
The teacher went into the class with a large, empty, bulk mayonnaise jar. The professor had eight silver bowls sitting on his desk. From the first bowl he poured golf balls into the jar until he reached the top.
He then asked his students, "is the jar full?" They replied yes. From the next bowl he then poured pebbles into the jar, shaking it until the pebbles settled into the spaces between the golf balls, and adding all the pebbles until they reached the top.
"Now is it full?" he asked. They replied yes again. From the next bowl he poured in sand, shaking, and pouring until all the sand was gone, filling in the cracks between the pebbles, and the sand reached the top of the jar.
"Is the jar full now?" he asked. Chuckling now, the class replied that, yes, it was.
From the last bowl on his right he picked up a glass pitcher of lemonade. He poured the lemonade into the jar, filling up all the spaces between the sand grains.
"How about now?" he asked. Laughing, and fairly certain this time they were right, they said yes.
"This jar is your life," the professor said, "The golfballs represent the important things, God, your spouse, your kids, your family, the things that are so important that even if we have nothing else in our lives, our life is full. The pebbles represent the material things that are also very important, your house, your job, your car. The sand represents everything else in your life, the unimportant things."
A girl in the third row asked, "What does the lemonade represent?"
"I'm glad you asked, it shows that when your priorities are right, there is always time left to fill with having a cool drink with friends on a hot day."
"Ok, let's do this again." He removed the empty bowls, shifted the jar to his right, and picked another equally large jar up from under his desk.
This time he picked up the lemonade first, and poured it into the jar.
"Is the jar full?" he asked.
Because it was the same amount of lemonade as the first time, it didn't fill the jar. He then added the sand. It sunk into the lemonade and was a little less than the top of the lemonade. But it still only filled the jar about halfway.
"Is the jar full?" The students murmured, disconcerted by where they saw this going, clearly the jar was not full.
Then he added the pebbles, and they filled up the top of the lemonade, and almost all the way to the top of the jar. This time he just looked at his students, saying nothing.
Then he pulled out the golf balls. There was room only for one of the many golf balls which had fit in the other jar. In fact, by putting in even the single golf ball some of the pebbles were knocked out of the jar.
"This jar is your life, remember," the professor said. "If you start with the unimportant things, or prioritize fun above the important things, your life will never feel full, just like the jar was not full before the important things were added, and when you finally get to adding the important things, you will find there is no longer any room for them. Think about it, in what order do you want to fill your life?"
Monday, November 11, 2013
Self-Sabotage
Have you ever noticed how often someone can tell us something a hundred times one way, and all it takes is someone saying it another way for it to click. I know so many times in my life, I have told a friend or a sibling (*cough* Nate) something over and over and over. Suddenly they come running to me, telling me someone told them something amazing... and it was what I told them. Even more amazing is oftentimes they don’t even realize this is what I have been saying the whole time.
I also know that this often affects parents. They find that something they have told their children dozens of times has more impact coming from someone else. Ironic since parents are probably the best source of solid advice someone can have. Not every parent, I suppose. Mine certainly were.
For me, this topic was self-sabotage. The sad truth is that we often wish most to blame people who have no real impact on whether or not we succeed at whatever task we have attempted. And often the main reason for our lack of success is ourselves. I am going to start off with a list of warning signs. I also found another list on iBloom, which was surprisingly similar, so the symptoms of self-sabotage are pretty universal.
Honestly, I believe even answering yes to as few as two of these questions means you may be struggling with at least some degree of self-sabotage. In my mind there are two main types of self-sabotage: Deprecating Self-Sabotage, and Repudiating Self-Sabotage.
To repudiate means to deny the validity or truth of something. Repudiating Self-Saboteurs tend to blame circumstances, other people, events, their upbringing, anything but themselves they can possibly blame in order to remove the responsibility for failure from their own shoulders. Repudiating Self-Saboteurs tend to answer yes to F and G as well as other questions.
To deprecate means to belittle or depreciate something. Deprecating Self-Saboteurs tend to blame themselves for what goes wrong in their life so much that they begin to second-guess themselves and ultimately refrain from acting in the first place, ultimately stagnating. Deprecating Self-Saboteurs tend to answer yest to H, I, J, or E, as well as other questions.
Of course, these two categories do not fit everyone directly, there are shades of self-sabotage. For example, I myself fall somewhere in between the two. I have a tendency to regret, and I question my decisions constantly. I have a hard time even making decisions in order to avoid the chance that I might make the wrong one. I acknowledge now that my subconscious has been telling me I am not good enough for years. and in some aspects of my life, I even listened. But I also have the tendency to want to place blame on others or circumstances outside of my control. I like to think that I usually take responsibility for my actions, but I also know that sometimes I do not.
Understand that these questions are guidelines. Saying yes to one, or even two might just be a coincidence. Most human beings on earth tend to blame others for things and most tend to blame themselves occasionally and berate themselves when they don't need to. The difference is the "automatically". Most of us have a very complicated process of what psychologists call "attribution." This means that we tend to have methods by which we categorize things as being the result of someone's behavior. We attribute fault and responsibility and the glory of tasks well done according to patterns which we almost always follow. If we "automatically" always blame ourselves or always blame others, these patterns have been over-written, and this is a sign of self-sabotage.
Finding the root of your self-sabotage can be helpful, (perhaps you were over-criticized in your formative years or you failed at a task which was important to you and have deemed yourself a failure ever since) but remember not to allow this to become another form of self-sabotage. Don't use the reason for your self-sabotage as an excuse to continue in this behavior. Use it to encourage you to break that habit and set a new set of habits.
Breaking self-sabotage isn't easy. We self-sabotage in many ways. The cure for self-sabotage is different for each person. For Deprecating Self-Saboteurs it is about constantly encouraging yourself. Constantly choosing to believe that you are good enough, that you can do this. As a Christian, it is even easier. because we know that we can handle even the things we could not handle on our own through God. 1 Corinthians 10:13b "And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (NIV) Just keep reminding yourself that through Him you can do anything.
Some great ways to encourage yourself are to memorize Bible verses, to hide encouraging statements where you will find them when you need them, to have a friend or someone you trust prepared to take a call when you need encouragement. Set a goal, and then if you accomplish it, reward yourself. Remember not to fall into self-deprecating thought patterns, remember to think I can whenever you want to think I can't. Sometimes there are things we simply cannot do, come up with a couple things you can do which will move you toward the same goal or a different goal. And always remember Philippians 4:13 which says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (NKJV)
For Repudiating Self-Saboteurs we are facing an entirely different beast. Please, still remember that God will always provide you a way, in any situation that seems impossible, as we say in 1 Corinthians a moment ago. But also remember that its time to stop blaming others, and start taking responsibility for your actions; including failures, yes, but also successes. Galatians 6:4-5 says "Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct." (NLT) We are to look to our own load, and complete our own load, and take the satisfaction from completing our own task.
Whenever you are in a situation where something has gone wrong, make sure to stop any trains of thought that resemble "Well, he did this..." or "If she hadn't...." or "I would have gotten it if x hadn't happened." Own up to the parts that were your own fault, and accept the things you couldn't change. But also remember not to be too negative or down on yourself. Remember that every failure is a chance for future successes. Remember when Thomas Alba Edison was asked about the many unsuccessful attempts to make a light bulb which preceded his success, he said "If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward" As we know, quotes often get bandied about, and so here is another version of the self-same quote (from another source, both fairly reputable) "I have not failed 700 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 700 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work."
Regardless, the point is the same. Remember to take responsibility for your actions as God asks of you, and also remember to keep trying to move forward. Unlearning habits is a long process. Don't get too discouraged. I'm trying my best not to do so. We will keep moving forward together. I wish I had a step-by-step process for you, like in Reviving the Romance but this is a bit of a different story. Good luck, and God Bless. I hope you will update me on how you are doing. Let me know if you want any prayer.
I also know that this often affects parents. They find that something they have told their children dozens of times has more impact coming from someone else. Ironic since parents are probably the best source of solid advice someone can have. Not every parent, I suppose. Mine certainly were.
For me, this topic was self-sabotage. The sad truth is that we often wish most to blame people who have no real impact on whether or not we succeed at whatever task we have attempted. And often the main reason for our lack of success is ourselves. I am going to start off with a list of warning signs. I also found another list on iBloom, which was surprisingly similar, so the symptoms of self-sabotage are pretty universal.
- Do you start many projects, but find you finish far fewer, or even none?
- Does the completion of a project sometimes occur months, or even years after the task is begun?
- Do new project ideas or plans often keep you from completing current projects instead of completing both?
- Do you find yourself enthusiastic at the beginning of a task but drag toward the end?
- Do you find yourself focusing on regret? Or do things that went wrong, or even minor wrong choices leave you second-guessing?
- Do you automatically blame others or circumstances when things go wrong?
- Do you often think others are luckier, more blessed, or more fortunate than you? Does it often seem others have been dealt a better "hand" than you in life?
- Do you often think others are more intelligent, more capable, or more deserving than you?
- Do you find yourself chastising yourself often?
- Do you automatically blame yourself when things go wrong?
Honestly, I believe even answering yes to as few as two of these questions means you may be struggling with at least some degree of self-sabotage. In my mind there are two main types of self-sabotage: Deprecating Self-Sabotage, and Repudiating Self-Sabotage.
To repudiate means to deny the validity or truth of something. Repudiating Self-Saboteurs tend to blame circumstances, other people, events, their upbringing, anything but themselves they can possibly blame in order to remove the responsibility for failure from their own shoulders. Repudiating Self-Saboteurs tend to answer yes to F and G as well as other questions.
To deprecate means to belittle or depreciate something. Deprecating Self-Saboteurs tend to blame themselves for what goes wrong in their life so much that they begin to second-guess themselves and ultimately refrain from acting in the first place, ultimately stagnating. Deprecating Self-Saboteurs tend to answer yest to H, I, J, or E, as well as other questions.
Of course, these two categories do not fit everyone directly, there are shades of self-sabotage. For example, I myself fall somewhere in between the two. I have a tendency to regret, and I question my decisions constantly. I have a hard time even making decisions in order to avoid the chance that I might make the wrong one. I acknowledge now that my subconscious has been telling me I am not good enough for years. and in some aspects of my life, I even listened. But I also have the tendency to want to place blame on others or circumstances outside of my control. I like to think that I usually take responsibility for my actions, but I also know that sometimes I do not.
Understand that these questions are guidelines. Saying yes to one, or even two might just be a coincidence. Most human beings on earth tend to blame others for things and most tend to blame themselves occasionally and berate themselves when they don't need to. The difference is the "automatically". Most of us have a very complicated process of what psychologists call "attribution." This means that we tend to have methods by which we categorize things as being the result of someone's behavior. We attribute fault and responsibility and the glory of tasks well done according to patterns which we almost always follow. If we "automatically" always blame ourselves or always blame others, these patterns have been over-written, and this is a sign of self-sabotage.
Finding the root of your self-sabotage can be helpful, (perhaps you were over-criticized in your formative years or you failed at a task which was important to you and have deemed yourself a failure ever since) but remember not to allow this to become another form of self-sabotage. Don't use the reason for your self-sabotage as an excuse to continue in this behavior. Use it to encourage you to break that habit and set a new set of habits.
Breaking self-sabotage isn't easy. We self-sabotage in many ways. The cure for self-sabotage is different for each person. For Deprecating Self-Saboteurs it is about constantly encouraging yourself. Constantly choosing to believe that you are good enough, that you can do this. As a Christian, it is even easier. because we know that we can handle even the things we could not handle on our own through God. 1 Corinthians 10:13b "And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (NIV) Just keep reminding yourself that through Him you can do anything.
Some great ways to encourage yourself are to memorize Bible verses, to hide encouraging statements where you will find them when you need them, to have a friend or someone you trust prepared to take a call when you need encouragement. Set a goal, and then if you accomplish it, reward yourself. Remember not to fall into self-deprecating thought patterns, remember to think I can whenever you want to think I can't. Sometimes there are things we simply cannot do, come up with a couple things you can do which will move you toward the same goal or a different goal. And always remember Philippians 4:13 which says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (NKJV)
For Repudiating Self-Saboteurs we are facing an entirely different beast. Please, still remember that God will always provide you a way, in any situation that seems impossible, as we say in 1 Corinthians a moment ago. But also remember that its time to stop blaming others, and start taking responsibility for your actions; including failures, yes, but also successes. Galatians 6:4-5 says "Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct." (NLT) We are to look to our own load, and complete our own load, and take the satisfaction from completing our own task.
Whenever you are in a situation where something has gone wrong, make sure to stop any trains of thought that resemble "Well, he did this..." or "If she hadn't...." or "I would have gotten it if x hadn't happened." Own up to the parts that were your own fault, and accept the things you couldn't change. But also remember not to be too negative or down on yourself. Remember that every failure is a chance for future successes. Remember when Thomas Alba Edison was asked about the many unsuccessful attempts to make a light bulb which preceded his success, he said "If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward" As we know, quotes often get bandied about, and so here is another version of the self-same quote (from another source, both fairly reputable) "I have not failed 700 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 700 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work."
Regardless, the point is the same. Remember to take responsibility for your actions as God asks of you, and also remember to keep trying to move forward. Unlearning habits is a long process. Don't get too discouraged. I'm trying my best not to do so. We will keep moving forward together. I wish I had a step-by-step process for you, like in Reviving the Romance but this is a bit of a different story. Good luck, and God Bless. I hope you will update me on how you are doing. Let me know if you want any prayer.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Reviving the Romance: Part 2 of From Spark to Flame
My last post was a discussion about the relationship between you and your significant other here on earth, but I think you maybe already saw the parallels between that and the relationship between you and God.
The relationship between God and man is described as a romance throughout scripture, not just in the New Testament descriptions of the bride and the bridegroom. The nation of Israel is described as a wife throughout the Old Testament, particularly in descriptions of how Israel strayed like an adulteress wife, and how she should be treated under the law for doing so. Psalm 19 has a reference to God as a bridegroom, Isaiah 62:5 says "As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." Joel, Jeremiah, Exodus all contain references as well as several other books. Hosea contains many such references, as God called him to be a living example of God's forgiveness for a cheating bride.
There are also many such references in the New Testament. Mark 2:19-20, Luke 9:34-35, and Matthew 9:15 tell the same story "Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast." This was a parallel for Jesus and his death.
There is an amazing song sung by Lauren Talley called "Will You Marry Me?" which describes the relationship between God and man as a bridegroom relationship. This song is Biblically sound, I spent some time confirming so before I posted it.
A young man left his homeland on a search so grand and far
A mission of compassion, a journey of the heart.
Looking for the treasure that would make his love complete.
Then at last he found her down a dark, deserted street.
Her eyes were sad and empty, her face had lost it's glow.
Her spirit tired and needy, for sin was all she'd known.
Lying in the gutter, she could not understand
Why he was kneeling down beside her, holding out a nail-scarred hand.
And he said...
Will you marry me? Will you be my bride?
Will you marry me? I can change your life.
I have looked beyond your failures and I see you washed
As white as white can be.
So I ask, will you marry me?
We were the woman lying in the street
A prisoner of the gutter with no chance to ever leave.
But now we are the bride of Christ, the redeemed from the fall.
Not because we've earned the right, but we've answered the call.
The call when He says....
Will you marry me? Will you be my bride?
Will you marry me? Let me change your life.
I have looked beyond your failures and I see you washed
As white as white can be.
So I ask, will you marry me?
I have looked beyond your failures
And I see you washed as white as white can be.
So I ask, will you marry me?
And the truth is, that our relationship with God is like a romance, isn't it? When we first meet Him, we are all on fire for Him, burning brightly. Just like a fire, and just like how I described a romance. But if we don't give that fire enough fuel (a good foundation, scripture, study, prayer, worship) it can sputter out. Or sometimes when it has burning a long time, we just let it go and it burns down a little bit (business, inattention, lack of focus). Ultimately we want a strong fire, with a steady burn, not a little spark or a low flame. But how do we keep that romance with Christ alive?
Answer: the same way we keep our other relationships alive. Yesterday I gave you guys seven steps to Revitalize your Relationship. Today we are going to apply those to your relationship with God.
STEP ONE:
Yesterday I called this small gestures, but today I am going to call it, Stepping Up. This is your first line of communication. Instead of remembering to show the person you love that you love them with small gestures, keep God in your mind through prayer and the reading of scripture.
STEP TWO:
Put them first. Being a blazing fire takes time and work. Put God first, set time aside for Him. I said love is an action not a feeling. Don't feel love, show love.Matthew 6:33 (ESV) says "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Put God first and He will start to reveal Himself to you. Romans 8:5 says "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." Set your mind on God. Spend time with the creator. Make sure he is on your mind every step of the way. This is one of those things that is easier said than done, I know. But just remember, its a process. Its a fire, not a lightswitch. You have to build it.
STEP THREE:
This was God time before, now it is Fellowship Time. Spend time with other believers, remembering to keep God on your mind. Share your faith together, worship together, pray together, learn together. Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) says "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Being in a group of other believers can really help you get that fire going, lean on one another and encourage one another.
STEP FOUR:
Do the things you did before. This is a little like the other steps. But basically, do whatever you did when you were still on fire for Christ. If you went to an extra church service every week just to hear His word one more time, do that. If you went to bible study for more Christian Fellowship, do that. If you listened to worship music in the car so that you could praise Him on the way to work, do that. Do whatever you did the last time you were really on fire for God.
STEP FIVE:
Get rid of physical distractions. If you are spending too much time focusing on something other than God, get it out of your way. If you spend more time doing something than reading the Bible, trade out some of that time. Remember Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Make sure you are focusing on God first. Anything you think about more than God, anything you spend more time on than God, anything that gets between you and God, it needs to go.
STEP SIX:
Communicate. I know, I sound like a broken record, but God still speaks to us. Sometimes (rarely in my personal experience) its a literal still small voice. But often its that nagging thought we get because we immersed ourselves in prayer (speaking and listening to Him), worship (speaking to Him), and reading the Bible (listening to Him). Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." If we listen to what God is telling us, He will direct us back to Him.
STEP SEVEN:
Stick with it. The reason we probably let our fire die down a little is because we didn't stick with it. We didn't keep doing all the things we did to see more of Him. So don't make this another thing you do and then quit after it works. "I need to keep the bookshelf clean" (tries new swiffer duster) "that worked! It's clean," (stops doing it). (Two weeks later) "Why is this bookshelf dirty again?" Answer: because you didn't keep doing the thing that worked. This is a trite and obvious answer of course, but we tend to think that once we get something right, we can stop. The reality is that once we get something right, we should keep doing it the same way. Don't let anything get between you and God again, and continue to put Him first.
Thanks for joining me in From Spark to Flame. If you have any ideas for steps or great verses that would help clarify, please let me know!
The relationship between God and man is described as a romance throughout scripture, not just in the New Testament descriptions of the bride and the bridegroom. The nation of Israel is described as a wife throughout the Old Testament, particularly in descriptions of how Israel strayed like an adulteress wife, and how she should be treated under the law for doing so. Psalm 19 has a reference to God as a bridegroom, Isaiah 62:5 says "As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." Joel, Jeremiah, Exodus all contain references as well as several other books. Hosea contains many such references, as God called him to be a living example of God's forgiveness for a cheating bride.
There are also many such references in the New Testament. Mark 2:19-20, Luke 9:34-35, and Matthew 9:15 tell the same story "Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast." This was a parallel for Jesus and his death.
There is an amazing song sung by Lauren Talley called "Will You Marry Me?" which describes the relationship between God and man as a bridegroom relationship. This song is Biblically sound, I spent some time confirming so before I posted it.
A young man left his homeland on a search so grand and far
A mission of compassion, a journey of the heart.
Looking for the treasure that would make his love complete.
Then at last he found her down a dark, deserted street.
Her eyes were sad and empty, her face had lost it's glow.
Her spirit tired and needy, for sin was all she'd known.
Lying in the gutter, she could not understand
Why he was kneeling down beside her, holding out a nail-scarred hand.
And he said...
Will you marry me? Will you be my bride?
Will you marry me? I can change your life.
I have looked beyond your failures and I see you washed
As white as white can be.
So I ask, will you marry me?
We were the woman lying in the street
A prisoner of the gutter with no chance to ever leave.
But now we are the bride of Christ, the redeemed from the fall.
Not because we've earned the right, but we've answered the call.
The call when He says....
Will you marry me? Will you be my bride?
Will you marry me? Let me change your life.
I have looked beyond your failures and I see you washed
As white as white can be.
So I ask, will you marry me?
I have looked beyond your failures
And I see you washed as white as white can be.
So I ask, will you marry me?
And the truth is, that our relationship with God is like a romance, isn't it? When we first meet Him, we are all on fire for Him, burning brightly. Just like a fire, and just like how I described a romance. But if we don't give that fire enough fuel (a good foundation, scripture, study, prayer, worship) it can sputter out. Or sometimes when it has burning a long time, we just let it go and it burns down a little bit (business, inattention, lack of focus). Ultimately we want a strong fire, with a steady burn, not a little spark or a low flame. But how do we keep that romance with Christ alive?
Answer: the same way we keep our other relationships alive. Yesterday I gave you guys seven steps to Revitalize your Relationship. Today we are going to apply those to your relationship with God.
STEP ONE:
Yesterday I called this small gestures, but today I am going to call it, Stepping Up. This is your first line of communication. Instead of remembering to show the person you love that you love them with small gestures, keep God in your mind through prayer and the reading of scripture.
STEP TWO:
Put them first. Being a blazing fire takes time and work. Put God first, set time aside for Him. I said love is an action not a feeling. Don't feel love, show love.Matthew 6:33 (ESV) says "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Put God first and He will start to reveal Himself to you. Romans 8:5 says "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." Set your mind on God. Spend time with the creator. Make sure he is on your mind every step of the way. This is one of those things that is easier said than done, I know. But just remember, its a process. Its a fire, not a lightswitch. You have to build it.
STEP THREE:
This was God time before, now it is Fellowship Time. Spend time with other believers, remembering to keep God on your mind. Share your faith together, worship together, pray together, learn together. Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) says "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Being in a group of other believers can really help you get that fire going, lean on one another and encourage one another.
STEP FOUR:
Do the things you did before. This is a little like the other steps. But basically, do whatever you did when you were still on fire for Christ. If you went to an extra church service every week just to hear His word one more time, do that. If you went to bible study for more Christian Fellowship, do that. If you listened to worship music in the car so that you could praise Him on the way to work, do that. Do whatever you did the last time you were really on fire for God.
STEP FIVE:
Get rid of physical distractions. If you are spending too much time focusing on something other than God, get it out of your way. If you spend more time doing something than reading the Bible, trade out some of that time. Remember Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Make sure you are focusing on God first. Anything you think about more than God, anything you spend more time on than God, anything that gets between you and God, it needs to go.
STEP SIX:
Communicate. I know, I sound like a broken record, but God still speaks to us. Sometimes (rarely in my personal experience) its a literal still small voice. But often its that nagging thought we get because we immersed ourselves in prayer (speaking and listening to Him), worship (speaking to Him), and reading the Bible (listening to Him). Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." If we listen to what God is telling us, He will direct us back to Him.
STEP SEVEN:
Stick with it. The reason we probably let our fire die down a little is because we didn't stick with it. We didn't keep doing all the things we did to see more of Him. So don't make this another thing you do and then quit after it works. "I need to keep the bookshelf clean" (tries new swiffer duster) "that worked! It's clean," (stops doing it). (Two weeks later) "Why is this bookshelf dirty again?" Answer: because you didn't keep doing the thing that worked. This is a trite and obvious answer of course, but we tend to think that once we get something right, we can stop. The reality is that once we get something right, we should keep doing it the same way. Don't let anything get between you and God again, and continue to put Him first.
Thanks for joining me in From Spark to Flame. If you have any ideas for steps or great verses that would help clarify, please let me know!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Revitalizing Your Relationship: Part 1 of from Spark to Flame
I have this theory that relationships are like fire. Sometimes when you first meet someone, its like dry kindling, there's a spark, and it blazes up instantaneously. Sometimes you're driftwood, and it takes you a while to dry out, but suddenly there's a spark subtly turning to flame. However it was kindled, your relationship then burns brighter and hotter as you get to know each other. Your spark turns into a flame. Eventually it turns into a bonfire, and blazes bright and strong. One day the fire will blaze down, but it is still hot, the coals are almost blue. Then eventually it burns down to the coals and the coals burn merrily and hot, and even if you bury them or try to put them out, they just won't burn out. Love is just like a fire.
I have an amazing boyfriend. We both share a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. We share the same mores and values, and we agree on all the vital matters of faith. And we have had a very strong foundation in our relationship. We haven't been together that long numerically, we're just now pushing a year. But we've already been through a lot.
Recently, Mac went through a tough time. I am not going to go into the details, but the point is Mac was struggling to get his ducks in a row, and despite the best intentions our relationship got back-burnered. We drifted apart a little bit. Now, a lot of times in relationships under a year that start to drift apart, it may be a sign you need to rethink your relationship, but I knew that wasn't the case with Mac. The reason we drifted apart wasn't because God didn't mean for us to be together but because we let circumstances get in the way.
So I made it my mission to be there for Mac in his hard time. At first it was hard, he was a little cranky, a lot forgetful, and incredibly busy. We spent time "together" but not really together. But I started with small gestures. When I was attending college out of state, Mac and I mailed letters back and forth. I mailed Mac a letter or a card almost five days a week. Often I received two from him in return (an impressive feat for a young man). Our relationship was vibrant and alive. So I started sending him notes again, cards, letters. I hid envelopes in his sweatshirts and wallets, just letting him know how much I loved him, that God loved him, and that we were both there for him.
That was just the first step, and I took a few others and have had some more recommended to me by friends. The Christian's guide to revitalizing romance at any step in your relationship.
STEP ONE:
Small gestures. The first step is doing little things to remind your significant other how you feel. Make sure that every second of the day they are reminded about how much they mean to you, and how much you are there for them.
STEP TWO:
Put them first. Don't be upset when they are cranky or grumpy or don't make time for you. Just smile and reschedule. They need your time right now. They need your forgiveness and sensitivity. Don't expect repayment for your kindness and attention right away. This is not a barter system. This is love, its an action, not a feeling. You don't feel it, you do it. You say I love him; you can't say I happy him, I sad him. Love is a verb, feelings are a direct object. I AM happy, I AM sad. I LOVE you.
STEP THREE:
God time. Mac and I started attending a second church service designed specifically for our age bracket. We picked back up the couple's devotional that we had neglected. I hadn't told him yet what all this was about, just that I felt God could really help him in his time of need, as always. God is always there for us when we need him, and true love only comes from God. 1 John 4:8 says "Everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God. The person who doesn't love doesn't know God, because God is love." God is love, and God is the author of love.
STEP FOUR:
Do things you did before. Start subtly, but then get your significant other in on it. Do activities you did when you were first dating, or whenever it was when you were on fire for each other. When you first had that spark or that flame. If you bowled early on, go bowling. If you took the time out to go OUT to dinner instead of staying in, do that! Spend time together, give attention to one another, focus on the other person.
STEP FIVE:
A friend pointed out to me that every Christian couple has a PDA and any physical affection line. I will not go on a tirade about what the Bible says that line is. I know many people interpret it differently (right or wrong). This same friend said that if you want to rekindle your romance, DO NOT make the mistake of moving that line in the wrong direction. Take it back two steps. However you define those steps. Consider staying at that back step for a LONG time, or for the rest of your relationship. If you can handle staying there, why not? You will find that the little things seem way more romantic this way. Go back to kisses on the cheek, or just holding hands. Do what you need to do. She says it is tough at first, but it really makes a world of difference.
STEP SIX: Communication. Now, this isn't sixth because it is the sixth most important step. It is sixth, because this is, in my mind, a good time in the process to amp this up even more. Now that your significant other is in on the fact you are trying to get your relationship to back where it was, and you are already communicating more through your letters and devotionals, bring this to the forefront. Communication isn't really about talking though, its about listening and encouraging other's to talk. If you are the one who initiated these steps, it is most likely what you really need to be doing is encouraging THEM to communicate. Do so.
STEP SEVEN:
Stick with it. This isn't something you do and then quit. Don't go "Oh that worked" and then stop doing it (which isn't that so often what we do?). Revitalization is a process. Just continue to show your love and support. Don't let anything get in between you again, and continue to put God first. When you are close to God, you can be a funnel for his love to flow through you.
Tune in tomorrow for Reviving the Romance, applying the same principles to your relationship with God.
I have an amazing boyfriend. We both share a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. We share the same mores and values, and we agree on all the vital matters of faith. And we have had a very strong foundation in our relationship. We haven't been together that long numerically, we're just now pushing a year. But we've already been through a lot.
Recently, Mac went through a tough time. I am not going to go into the details, but the point is Mac was struggling to get his ducks in a row, and despite the best intentions our relationship got back-burnered. We drifted apart a little bit. Now, a lot of times in relationships under a year that start to drift apart, it may be a sign you need to rethink your relationship, but I knew that wasn't the case with Mac. The reason we drifted apart wasn't because God didn't mean for us to be together but because we let circumstances get in the way.
So I made it my mission to be there for Mac in his hard time. At first it was hard, he was a little cranky, a lot forgetful, and incredibly busy. We spent time "together" but not really together. But I started with small gestures. When I was attending college out of state, Mac and I mailed letters back and forth. I mailed Mac a letter or a card almost five days a week. Often I received two from him in return (an impressive feat for a young man). Our relationship was vibrant and alive. So I started sending him notes again, cards, letters. I hid envelopes in his sweatshirts and wallets, just letting him know how much I loved him, that God loved him, and that we were both there for him.
That was just the first step, and I took a few others and have had some more recommended to me by friends. The Christian's guide to revitalizing romance at any step in your relationship.
STEP ONE:
Small gestures. The first step is doing little things to remind your significant other how you feel. Make sure that every second of the day they are reminded about how much they mean to you, and how much you are there for them.
STEP TWO:
Put them first. Don't be upset when they are cranky or grumpy or don't make time for you. Just smile and reschedule. They need your time right now. They need your forgiveness and sensitivity. Don't expect repayment for your kindness and attention right away. This is not a barter system. This is love, its an action, not a feeling. You don't feel it, you do it. You say I love him; you can't say I happy him, I sad him. Love is a verb, feelings are a direct object. I AM happy, I AM sad. I LOVE you.
STEP THREE:
God time. Mac and I started attending a second church service designed specifically for our age bracket. We picked back up the couple's devotional that we had neglected. I hadn't told him yet what all this was about, just that I felt God could really help him in his time of need, as always. God is always there for us when we need him, and true love only comes from God. 1 John 4:8 says "Everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God. The person who doesn't love doesn't know God, because God is love." God is love, and God is the author of love.
STEP FOUR:
Do things you did before. Start subtly, but then get your significant other in on it. Do activities you did when you were first dating, or whenever it was when you were on fire for each other. When you first had that spark or that flame. If you bowled early on, go bowling. If you took the time out to go OUT to dinner instead of staying in, do that! Spend time together, give attention to one another, focus on the other person.
STEP FIVE:
A friend pointed out to me that every Christian couple has a PDA and any physical affection line. I will not go on a tirade about what the Bible says that line is. I know many people interpret it differently (right or wrong). This same friend said that if you want to rekindle your romance, DO NOT make the mistake of moving that line in the wrong direction. Take it back two steps. However you define those steps. Consider staying at that back step for a LONG time, or for the rest of your relationship. If you can handle staying there, why not? You will find that the little things seem way more romantic this way. Go back to kisses on the cheek, or just holding hands. Do what you need to do. She says it is tough at first, but it really makes a world of difference.
STEP SIX: Communication. Now, this isn't sixth because it is the sixth most important step. It is sixth, because this is, in my mind, a good time in the process to amp this up even more. Now that your significant other is in on the fact you are trying to get your relationship to back where it was, and you are already communicating more through your letters and devotionals, bring this to the forefront. Communication isn't really about talking though, its about listening and encouraging other's to talk. If you are the one who initiated these steps, it is most likely what you really need to be doing is encouraging THEM to communicate. Do so.
STEP SEVEN:
Stick with it. This isn't something you do and then quit. Don't go "Oh that worked" and then stop doing it (which isn't that so often what we do?). Revitalization is a process. Just continue to show your love and support. Don't let anything get in between you again, and continue to put God first. When you are close to God, you can be a funnel for his love to flow through you.
Tune in tomorrow for Reviving the Romance, applying the same principles to your relationship with God.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Our Physical Parent and our Paradisaical Parent
I'm currently reading a book called God Girl by Hayley DiMarco. Gentlemen, her husband wrote the accompanying book God Guy for you. While the book seems to be geared toward high school and college students, I found much of it applied to me and it seems to be a very solid read. (disclaimer, they hold a different view on once saved always saved than I do, so if you encounter that after I recommended the book I can say I warned you).
Chapter One of God Girl (and God Guy, Mac tells me) is on Love. DiMarco covers every type of love, but the part that really really stuck with me was her discussion on how our earthly father is "your shot at a quick look at the original Father." She said that each of us in our hearts "carries a blueprint that points us directly to a pure, untainted love from a father who will never disappoint." She said that God is the "reality that a father on earth should be a reflection of." (Misuse of a preposition her's not mine).
This got me thinking to my parents. I have been blessed with truly amazing and remarkable parents who were a really good "quick look at the original Father." My parents weren't and aren't perfect. I have had conflict with them both. Especially my mother, with whom I had a great deal of conflict. I always felt closer to my father. Now that my relationship with my mother is healed, I find that ironic, since I know now that she was my rock. I relied on her for everything, and she always delivered. I now realize the conflict I always thought was because we were so different, was only half because we were so different, and half because of the ways we were so alike. But I digress.
My father has always been an amazing example of faith, and he has been a very good "sneak peek," so to speak, of the heavenly Father. My father is patient and kind, he is loving, and he wanted to be the first authority in our lives along with my mother (in a good way). He was slow to anger, and usually right. My dad looks out for the people around him, all of them, whether he likes them or not...he loves them all. He is bad at saying no, always putting others first. I'm really grateful that I was blessed with such amazing parents who had it right, and who constantly pointed the way toward the true source of love.
And we are to show our parents respect and honor in return, the same way we are supposed to show honor to our heavenly Father. Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you."
I know you've read Ephesians 6:2 which talks about honoring your father and mother as well, but Ephesians 6:4 also talks about the parent's responsibility saying "fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." My dad got one of these right, haha. But seriously, he got both right. Our fathers are not only supposed to be an innate reflection of God, but to directly point the way to Him.
God is referred to as the Father throughout scripture, although more in the New Testament than in the Old Testament. Deuteronomy 32:6 says "Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?" If our earthly father is deserving of respect, how much more is our heavenly father deserving of respect?
One of the blessings in Romans goes as follows:"To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 1:7 The Heavenly Father is the source of grace, of peace, of love, and he deserves our love in return. If our earthly father is meant to be good, kind, a teacher, loving, gentle, determined, an authority figure, a role model, a hero; how much more is God?
Chapter One of God Girl (and God Guy, Mac tells me) is on Love. DiMarco covers every type of love, but the part that really really stuck with me was her discussion on how our earthly father is "your shot at a quick look at the original Father." She said that each of us in our hearts "carries a blueprint that points us directly to a pure, untainted love from a father who will never disappoint." She said that God is the "reality that a father on earth should be a reflection of." (Misuse of a preposition her's not mine).
This got me thinking to my parents. I have been blessed with truly amazing and remarkable parents who were a really good "quick look at the original Father." My parents weren't and aren't perfect. I have had conflict with them both. Especially my mother, with whom I had a great deal of conflict. I always felt closer to my father. Now that my relationship with my mother is healed, I find that ironic, since I know now that she was my rock. I relied on her for everything, and she always delivered. I now realize the conflict I always thought was because we were so different, was only half because we were so different, and half because of the ways we were so alike. But I digress.
My father has always been an amazing example of faith, and he has been a very good "sneak peek," so to speak, of the heavenly Father. My father is patient and kind, he is loving, and he wanted to be the first authority in our lives along with my mother (in a good way). He was slow to anger, and usually right. My dad looks out for the people around him, all of them, whether he likes them or not...he loves them all. He is bad at saying no, always putting others first. I'm really grateful that I was blessed with such amazing parents who had it right, and who constantly pointed the way toward the true source of love.
And we are to show our parents respect and honor in return, the same way we are supposed to show honor to our heavenly Father. Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you."
I know you've read Ephesians 6:2 which talks about honoring your father and mother as well, but Ephesians 6:4 also talks about the parent's responsibility saying "fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." My dad got one of these right, haha. But seriously, he got both right. Our fathers are not only supposed to be an innate reflection of God, but to directly point the way to Him.
God is referred to as the Father throughout scripture, although more in the New Testament than in the Old Testament. Deuteronomy 32:6 says "Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?" If our earthly father is deserving of respect, how much more is our heavenly father deserving of respect?
One of the blessings in Romans goes as follows:"To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 1:7 The Heavenly Father is the source of grace, of peace, of love, and he deserves our love in return. If our earthly father is meant to be good, kind, a teacher, loving, gentle, determined, an authority figure, a role model, a hero; how much more is God?
Sunday, October 13, 2013
The Boy Believer's Prayer Posse
Hello, and welcome to the grand re-launch!
I have so much I want to share and discuss, but sadly, I can only work through one thought at a time, or history tells me I end up with a story that seems similar to the combination of the script for an M. Night Shyamalan movie and a Dr. Seuss book.
But I digress, just this past Thursday I was at a local...mission...for lack of a better word, a ministry, called SwingInfusion. This is a place which has the purpose of providing a pressure-free, wholesome environment for teens, which is open to young adults and even adults, through swing-dancing. The group started small, but now there are clubs in 7 towns and cities (some of them more than one) and there have been offshoots in other states.
I still go to SwingInfusion in three of those locations, three times a week, if at all possible. For me it is a great environment for Christian Fellowship and making wholesome friends, and its also fun exercise. I really picked it up quickly and the instructors are amazing, I really recommend it. For more information, shoot me an email at hopelovesliberty@outlook.com. This environment is the one in which I found my boyfriend. I had rarely made it past a couple dates before, deep down I knew I couldn't build a lasting relationship with someone who didn't share my most deep-seated beliefs and morals. Mac and I will have been together a year in November. And that is because we share a faith in a God who wants the best for us.
So my point is that this ministry is a gathering place for truly amazing people... remarkable, god-filled people opening their arms to believer and unbeliever alike, creating an environment that shines out God's love and has been the staging point for all kinds of great evangelism.
But like any ministry it has its fits and starts, and there's a constant effort to ensure the ministry focuses on its main mission. One of the locations had a influx of less desirable behaviorisms for a short period of time, which was rectified through the careful planning of the leader of that club (an impressive piece of work if I may say).
So all this rambling is to lead up to a single point. I went to swing this past Thursday. About an hour in, I saw a group of young men standing in a circle. I thought it looked like a prayer circle. Unfortunately, my optimistic thoughts quickly turned sour. So used to any cluster of young men in the city where I attended school being a group lighting up something to smoke or something equally unfortunate. I turned to Mac, hopefully, "It would be really cool if that was a prayer group."
Mac and I keep walking, and we're headed back to my car, which is past the group of young men. As we get closer, I begin to hear murmuring, and Mac says "I think it IS a prayer group." When we get along side the young men, I find myself incredibly impressed, it was in fact, a prayer group. There were maybe 8 young men who looked to be between 15 and 20, gathered in a circle on a Thursday night, praying over one of their friends.
Now, on one hand, in an ideal world this shouldn't be so shocking. I wish that every single human being was on fire for Christ. But in reality, this is not the case. In fact, sometimes Christians aren't so much on fire, but lukewarm, which the Bible warns us about. Revelation 3:15-16 says “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth."(NKJV) A wise man told me just this saturday that if you set yourself on fire, people will come to watch you burn.
The sad truth is, that many of the teens and young adults from my generation are more focused on appearances and the things of this world than on God and the things eternal. " In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world," John 16:33b (NIV)
But these young men had seen the solution for their friend's problem, not in the things of this earth, but in the things eternal. Matthew 6:20-21 says "But store up your treasures in heaven.....For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." I personally believe this refers to where you put your focus, your time, your energy. These young men knew that prayer would have the greatest impact on their friend, that prayer would bring their friend hope and peace, and if it was God's will, whatever they were asking for.
1 Timothy 4:12 (ISV) is a verse often used. You probably know it. It says "Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for other believers in your speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and purity." We all most likely know this verse by heart, but in reality, many believers do look down on the faith of the young, and many youth, instead of rising to the challenge, live simply to the meager expectations placed on them, rather than living up to a high standard. To God's standard.
While those in authority in the church do have a responsibility, in my opinion, to listen to God's voice if He calls them to allow a young person in a position of authority, the main responsibility in this verse is for a young person to set such a high standard that it is clear that they are an example for ALL believers. I believe stepping out of a fun event on a Thursday night to pray for your friend does just that.
I have so much I want to share and discuss, but sadly, I can only work through one thought at a time, or history tells me I end up with a story that seems similar to the combination of the script for an M. Night Shyamalan movie and a Dr. Seuss book.
But I digress, just this past Thursday I was at a local...mission...for lack of a better word, a ministry, called SwingInfusion. This is a place which has the purpose of providing a pressure-free, wholesome environment for teens, which is open to young adults and even adults, through swing-dancing. The group started small, but now there are clubs in 7 towns and cities (some of them more than one) and there have been offshoots in other states.
I still go to SwingInfusion in three of those locations, three times a week, if at all possible. For me it is a great environment for Christian Fellowship and making wholesome friends, and its also fun exercise. I really picked it up quickly and the instructors are amazing, I really recommend it. For more information, shoot me an email at hopelovesliberty@outlook.com. This environment is the one in which I found my boyfriend. I had rarely made it past a couple dates before, deep down I knew I couldn't build a lasting relationship with someone who didn't share my most deep-seated beliefs and morals. Mac and I will have been together a year in November. And that is because we share a faith in a God who wants the best for us.
So my point is that this ministry is a gathering place for truly amazing people... remarkable, god-filled people opening their arms to believer and unbeliever alike, creating an environment that shines out God's love and has been the staging point for all kinds of great evangelism.
But like any ministry it has its fits and starts, and there's a constant effort to ensure the ministry focuses on its main mission. One of the locations had a influx of less desirable behaviorisms for a short period of time, which was rectified through the careful planning of the leader of that club (an impressive piece of work if I may say).
So all this rambling is to lead up to a single point. I went to swing this past Thursday. About an hour in, I saw a group of young men standing in a circle. I thought it looked like a prayer circle. Unfortunately, my optimistic thoughts quickly turned sour. So used to any cluster of young men in the city where I attended school being a group lighting up something to smoke or something equally unfortunate. I turned to Mac, hopefully, "It would be really cool if that was a prayer group."
Mac and I keep walking, and we're headed back to my car, which is past the group of young men. As we get closer, I begin to hear murmuring, and Mac says "I think it IS a prayer group." When we get along side the young men, I find myself incredibly impressed, it was in fact, a prayer group. There were maybe 8 young men who looked to be between 15 and 20, gathered in a circle on a Thursday night, praying over one of their friends.
Now, on one hand, in an ideal world this shouldn't be so shocking. I wish that every single human being was on fire for Christ. But in reality, this is not the case. In fact, sometimes Christians aren't so much on fire, but lukewarm, which the Bible warns us about. Revelation 3:15-16 says “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth."(NKJV) A wise man told me just this saturday that if you set yourself on fire, people will come to watch you burn.
The sad truth is, that many of the teens and young adults from my generation are more focused on appearances and the things of this world than on God and the things eternal. " In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world," John 16:33b (NIV)
But these young men had seen the solution for their friend's problem, not in the things of this earth, but in the things eternal. Matthew 6:20-21 says "But store up your treasures in heaven.....For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." I personally believe this refers to where you put your focus, your time, your energy. These young men knew that prayer would have the greatest impact on their friend, that prayer would bring their friend hope and peace, and if it was God's will, whatever they were asking for.
1 Timothy 4:12 (ISV) is a verse often used. You probably know it. It says "Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for other believers in your speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and purity." We all most likely know this verse by heart, but in reality, many believers do look down on the faith of the young, and many youth, instead of rising to the challenge, live simply to the meager expectations placed on them, rather than living up to a high standard. To God's standard.
While those in authority in the church do have a responsibility, in my opinion, to listen to God's voice if He calls them to allow a young person in a position of authority, the main responsibility in this verse is for a young person to set such a high standard that it is clear that they are an example for ALL believers. I believe stepping out of a fun event on a Thursday night to pray for your friend does just that.
Monday, October 07, 2013
GRAND RE-LAUNCH!!!
Hi everyone, This is a temporary post which will remain at the head of this blog until my Grand Re-Launch Sunday, October 13.
The blog will be moving to a new domain name coming soon. www.hopelovesliberty.com, so if you can't find it, that's why! Just head over to the new domain!
I am currently re-writing my old posts for grammar, content, and biblical reference addition. I have already completed almost all of the posts, so if you would like to see what you are going to be in for, scroll on down to the bottom!
I have a new sub-blog about to be launched by two guest authors, Nathaniel LaPeer and Mark Monte called "That's Not a Thing" which is a comic debunking of silly things we do and say in the church that have no biblical backing. This should be launched by the end of October.
I also have some great guest-blogger posts coming in under a topic heading I call Controversy and Conviction. Two of these will include a three-author treatise on Wealth and Poverty, including the responsibilities of Christians in each position; and a two author controversy arguing both sides of Once Saved Always Saved. At least one "set" of these should be in by October 20th.
I look forward to responses and comments.
Hopefully November will see the launch of my new advice column, please, you are welcome to submit your letters by e-mail to lifelibertyandgodswill@hopelovesliberty.com or to hopelovesliberty@outlook.com
The blog will be moving to a new domain name coming soon. www.hopelovesliberty.com, so if you can't find it, that's why! Just head over to the new domain!
I am currently re-writing my old posts for grammar, content, and biblical reference addition. I have already completed almost all of the posts, so if you would like to see what you are going to be in for, scroll on down to the bottom!
I have a new sub-blog about to be launched by two guest authors, Nathaniel LaPeer and Mark Monte called "That's Not a Thing" which is a comic debunking of silly things we do and say in the church that have no biblical backing. This should be launched by the end of October.
I also have some great guest-blogger posts coming in under a topic heading I call Controversy and Conviction. Two of these will include a three-author treatise on Wealth and Poverty, including the responsibilities of Christians in each position; and a two author controversy arguing both sides of Once Saved Always Saved. At least one "set" of these should be in by October 20th.
I look forward to responses and comments.
Hopefully November will see the launch of my new advice column, please, you are welcome to submit your letters by e-mail to lifelibertyandgodswill@hopelovesliberty.com or to hopelovesliberty@outlook.com
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