Strange...this year has not taken any time to get used to...you know how it usually takes a week or two to condition yourself to writing the new year? Maybe it's just me, but I always have; this year's different. Was I just ready for it? I look outside and see houses...houses, buildings, cars, businesses; they cover the blocks, and I feel stiffled. All I can think about is Saskatchewan and how open it is!! I miss the fresh, clean air of the northwest; we had snow one morning in December, but I haven't sat in it, rolled it into a snowball or glided down a mountain in 2 years. I miss it.
Healing is never easy, but the time it's taking is unbearable at times; I've found strength growing in my back but my release from physical therapy has brought fear. I don't want to be governed by fear. This morning a shining a light appeared in my dining room...school is starting. My brother calls me a nerd...okay...I'll be a nerd; I love my classes, every one of them. My class this semester was the only one of 27 I wasn't looking forward to, and it's timing is perfect! I'm SO excited to learn and study and write papers that I would probably take any class :) See how my Jesus works...I can't wait to take this course; I may start today :)
I'm so glad my Jesus never sleeps, never stops working FOR me. I came home from working through the holidays, having a house full of wonderful family and then working through final travelers headed home and was burnt out...ready to collapse and happy never to make coffee again...no joke, and that's serious for me. I was tired of smiling and serving people who complained and pushed and frowned at me all day. I spent the evening in my backyard...it was freezing...but the stars, the still, quiet voice of the wind and the vast expanse of the rich, dark sky was like the breath of God breathing into my soul new life and a fresh will to continue. "I look to the mountains, where does my help come from. My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
An excerpt from a recent paper:
IMPRECATORY PSALM 69
“...Let their own table before them become a snare; and when they are at peace, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see, and make their loins tremble continually. Pour out your indignation upon them, and let your burning anger overtake them. May their camp be a desolation; let no one dwell in their tents. Add to them punishment upon punishment; may they have no acquittal from you. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous...” (Psalm 69:22-28).
The humanity in the psalms encourages and affirms the release of emotion and expression of anger, fear and even doubt before God. The psalmist was unafraid to present himself raw before God, “I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God”. David admitted his faults and clearly had nothing hidden from the Lord. As a young shepherd, David probably spent countless hours alone in relationship with God. The intimacy David shared with the Lord, demonstrated in his openness in the psalm, is an invitation for all of us to bear our hearts open before the Lord. “Hide not your face from your servant; for I am in distress; make haste to answer me. Draw near to my soul, redeem me; ransom me because of my enemies!”
These words in Psalm 69 put a voice to the desperation and heartache felt by David in his current state. The honesty expressed in the lines above functioned as a release for the heaviness in the psalmist’s heart. The acknowledgement of discontent, fear and impatience was an act of holiness in that David laid himself bare before the Lord. The release of emotion allowed for the release of responsibility as well. After expressing his heartache and feelings of oppression, David turned his heart to the Lord, accepted God’s timing and laid himself in the steadfast love of the father.
C.S. Lewis attributed the imprecatory psalms to a justified indignation about the problem of sin. Without honest emotions, we may never tap into the honest abhorrence of evil, for it takes a righteous vigilance to come against the forces of evil and to abhor is to feel deep and agonizing discomfort for the thing that is fixated upon. There is no doubt that human beings will learn to hate, but where and how we spend our time will determine what it is that we hate most. We are capable of much emotion and that emotion not surrendered to the righteousness of God is a dangerous and volatile thing, but healthy emotions weighted with the truth will fight for justice, abhor evil and stand firm where the two intersect.
God is not afraid of our emotion, as he demonstrated in his responses to Job, David and many others who shake their fists at the air. Instead, he seeks to engage us in those emotions, drawing out the truth and bringing about the freedom and righteousness he desires for us. David freely expressed his fear and distaste for those rising up against him and the house of God: “For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me”. David’s anger was kindled against those who were challenging the house of God; his lament expressed his belief that the suffering he endured was a suffering for the sake of God’s house.
The number of times that David approached God with anger and distaste for the situations he encountered and the lack of fear to openly express those emotions should inspire readers to explore the rage we feel against sin. For it is “the glory of God [that] demands the destruction of evil”. For David, those prayers were more a renunciation of retaliation than an attempt to achieve vengeance, for they were not followed by violence but strict acceptance and confidence in the power of God to exercise right judgment. “You who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. Let heaven and earth praise him. For God will save Zion”.
Praying a curse on the enemies of God is an act of submission to God; we no longer have freedom to take revenge. Rather, freedom to express emotion in the presence of the Lord allows us the courage to walk away satisfied with God and his exercise of judgment. David’s ability to leave Saul unharmed in the cave leads us to believe David must have been satisfied with God’s timing and vengeance. Such confidence can only come from a life of experiencing God’s justice and a willingness to engage God in honest conversation.
Although such righteous anger is obviously condoned in the scriptures, C.S. Lewis warns the danger of such righteous anger is how close we get to jumping off the ledge; “those who are readiest to die for a cause may easily become those who are readiest to kill for it”. Lewis argues in his reflections that the psalmist could easily become carried away with vengeance in the name of the Lord and lose sight of the cause altogether. Humanity will always fall short of the necessary righteousness to engage sin, yet the lack of attempt to pursue righteous anger is equivalent to a mother that stands aside while her child is eaten by wolves.
As believers we must function in the attitude of war; David prayed from an attitude of war. God anointed David to fulfill the covenant he made with Israel, so David’s enemies became God’s enemies in his sovereign plan for Israel’s dominance. David was unafraid to call upon God to exercise judgment on his enemies because of his “trust in God’s commitment to the covenant”. These were cries of pain accompanied by full and complete faith and trust in the sovereignty of God. As such, David had every right to call down curses on those who opposed the workings and anointed of Yahweh. This imprecatory psalm was a righteous act against God’s enemies.
Righteous anger is not an act of personal vengeance; it fights for a cause beyond the individual, protecting and often demanding an offensive reaction against the enemy. An imprecatory psalm “is our way of coming before the Lord and throwing the sword to him”. David was not calling down curses on the poor and the needy who engaged in wickedness; he cursed those who, in their power, refused to repent and chose to use that power to come against the Lord’s anointed. “Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them. For God will save Zion and build up the cities of Judah, and people shall dwell there and possess it; the offspring of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall dwell in it.” (Psalm 69:34-36).
IMPRECATORY PSALM 69
“...Let their own table before them become a snare; and when they are at peace, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see, and make their loins tremble continually. Pour out your indignation upon them, and let your burning anger overtake them. May their camp be a desolation; let no one dwell in their tents. Add to them punishment upon punishment; may they have no acquittal from you. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous...” (Psalm 69:22-28).
The humanity in the psalms encourages and affirms the release of emotion and expression of anger, fear and even doubt before God. The psalmist was unafraid to present himself raw before God, “I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God”. David admitted his faults and clearly had nothing hidden from the Lord. As a young shepherd, David probably spent countless hours alone in relationship with God. The intimacy David shared with the Lord, demonstrated in his openness in the psalm, is an invitation for all of us to bear our hearts open before the Lord. “Hide not your face from your servant; for I am in distress; make haste to answer me. Draw near to my soul, redeem me; ransom me because of my enemies!”
These words in Psalm 69 put a voice to the desperation and heartache felt by David in his current state. The honesty expressed in the lines above functioned as a release for the heaviness in the psalmist’s heart. The acknowledgement of discontent, fear and impatience was an act of holiness in that David laid himself bare before the Lord. The release of emotion allowed for the release of responsibility as well. After expressing his heartache and feelings of oppression, David turned his heart to the Lord, accepted God’s timing and laid himself in the steadfast love of the father.
C.S. Lewis attributed the imprecatory psalms to a justified indignation about the problem of sin. Without honest emotions, we may never tap into the honest abhorrence of evil, for it takes a righteous vigilance to come against the forces of evil and to abhor is to feel deep and agonizing discomfort for the thing that is fixated upon. There is no doubt that human beings will learn to hate, but where and how we spend our time will determine what it is that we hate most. We are capable of much emotion and that emotion not surrendered to the righteousness of God is a dangerous and volatile thing, but healthy emotions weighted with the truth will fight for justice, abhor evil and stand firm where the two intersect.
God is not afraid of our emotion, as he demonstrated in his responses to Job, David and many others who shake their fists at the air. Instead, he seeks to engage us in those emotions, drawing out the truth and bringing about the freedom and righteousness he desires for us. David freely expressed his fear and distaste for those rising up against him and the house of God: “For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me”. David’s anger was kindled against those who were challenging the house of God; his lament expressed his belief that the suffering he endured was a suffering for the sake of God’s house.
The number of times that David approached God with anger and distaste for the situations he encountered and the lack of fear to openly express those emotions should inspire readers to explore the rage we feel against sin. For it is “the glory of God [that] demands the destruction of evil”. For David, those prayers were more a renunciation of retaliation than an attempt to achieve vengeance, for they were not followed by violence but strict acceptance and confidence in the power of God to exercise right judgment. “You who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. Let heaven and earth praise him. For God will save Zion”.
Praying a curse on the enemies of God is an act of submission to God; we no longer have freedom to take revenge. Rather, freedom to express emotion in the presence of the Lord allows us the courage to walk away satisfied with God and his exercise of judgment. David’s ability to leave Saul unharmed in the cave leads us to believe David must have been satisfied with God’s timing and vengeance. Such confidence can only come from a life of experiencing God’s justice and a willingness to engage God in honest conversation.
Although such righteous anger is obviously condoned in the scriptures, C.S. Lewis warns the danger of such righteous anger is how close we get to jumping off the ledge; “those who are readiest to die for a cause may easily become those who are readiest to kill for it”. Lewis argues in his reflections that the psalmist could easily become carried away with vengeance in the name of the Lord and lose sight of the cause altogether. Humanity will always fall short of the necessary righteousness to engage sin, yet the lack of attempt to pursue righteous anger is equivalent to a mother that stands aside while her child is eaten by wolves.
As believers we must function in the attitude of war; David prayed from an attitude of war. God anointed David to fulfill the covenant he made with Israel, so David’s enemies became God’s enemies in his sovereign plan for Israel’s dominance. David was unafraid to call upon God to exercise judgment on his enemies because of his “trust in God’s commitment to the covenant”. These were cries of pain accompanied by full and complete faith and trust in the sovereignty of God. As such, David had every right to call down curses on those who opposed the workings and anointed of Yahweh. This imprecatory psalm was a righteous act against God’s enemies.
Righteous anger is not an act of personal vengeance; it fights for a cause beyond the individual, protecting and often demanding an offensive reaction against the enemy. An imprecatory psalm “is our way of coming before the Lord and throwing the sword to him”. David was not calling down curses on the poor and the needy who engaged in wickedness; he cursed those who, in their power, refused to repent and chose to use that power to come against the Lord’s anointed. “Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them. For God will save Zion and build up the cities of Judah, and people shall dwell there and possess it; the offspring of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall dwell in it.” (Psalm 69:34-36).
Friday, June 15, 2012
Treasure Hunt Anyone??
For centuries mankind has been increasingly willing to endure whatever hardship, hassle or inconvenience that befell them (even to the point of death) to discover those things most valued in this world. Job 28 describes man's search for the treasures of this earth, deep inside the core where "eagles can't see." The California Gold rush in the 1800s drew men from all over the country out west either with their families or alone in search of the precious metal that could change their lives. Its value was and is reflected in the willingness of man to search for it. I have been thinking about wisdom?
Do I search for wisdom the way I search for wealth? Do I know where to find wisdom, how to obtain it or even what the cost may be to approach it? Am I willing to endure hardship, pain, and here it comes..suffering..in order to find what the Bible says is more valuable than gems, pearls or gold?
Why is the book of Job a part of wisdom literature? We all know the story of Job; we know he suffered, but do I understand what he gained through that suffering? Do I want to know? Dallas Willard said, "People only know what they want to know." How badly do I want to know the Truth? I'm not just talking about the gospel, although that is the Truth. What about the Truth in my own life? Am I willing to face reality? Am I willing to face my own sin? I mean really face it, not in a "let's accept and move on" sort of way but with a grievous and repentant heart? Is it possible that accepting the losses that make up reality can lead us into wisdom? Is suffering necessary to obtain what the Bible deems so valuable?
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Pray
Hello friends,
Perhaps you have noticed that I stink at keeping this things updated...I would like to do better, yet find myself writing so much more in a journal instead of here. Perhaps you have long since stopped checking as I never post, who knows, but thought I would write anyway as it came to mind today.
God has chosen this time to dig deep into my heart and pull out the wounded heart of a young girl and bring healing. I have felt often as though I were sinking, yet see more that His hand is deeper in this than I once thought. Praise the Lord.
My family is hurting; more than I every saw before. We are so captured by pain and wounded hearts that is blinding our need for each other and wounding further in the process. I do not wish what I have encountered on the rest of my family, yet something must break so we can be reconciled. Eyes need to be opened. Please pray. Pray this comes out in the next two years. That we would see each other wounded, offer forgiveness and allow the Lord to bring healing to our own hearts and relinquish our grip on control and harboring of pain.
Love your sister,
Amanda
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Fun in the Sun!
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It wasn't long ago that three of us ladies journeyed to a distant land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean...okay maybe not too distant, but distant enough!! Hawaii!! What a blast we had girls! Floating on the beach, driving a mustang, watching a Luau and eating ice cream. We had way too much fun, but what a blessing this time was for all of us. The Lord gave such joy in different ways as we enjoyed the sunshine and ate wonderful food! (We may have splurged a bit on the good food!!) Enjoy the pics!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Stand in Glory
I cannot wait to stand in glory, where we will meet Him face to face and be unable to stand for the glory that surrounds us. What a sight...I long for it with so much of my heart. Nothing on this earth can satisfy; not even the greatest pleasure here compares to the greatness of knowing and being known by the King of Kings.
How long do we continue here? How long until His return? It nears with every hour, and I long to be at home with Him, finally able to worship in perfection and with adequate hearts. Be still and wait, for though the time is near, many are yet to come. Prolong your return, O Lord, for the sake of those not in the Kingdom.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Merry Christmas!!
May the Spirit of the Living God overshadow you and bring you peace. Remember His inexpressible gift that comes through the Incarnation of His Son. He became human, walked among us, Immanuel, and died that we might have life. We celebrate Christmas because He came to die. May this drive you to surrender. Remember if the devil can keep us out of the Word and off our knees, he is more powerful, but the minute we drop to our knees and open the Word, the power of the Living God moves in us and blots out the lies and deception and destruction of the enemy. May His strength be yours. Deny the push to walk away from the Word; force yourself to focus in prayer, for it is through obedience that joy and blessing will come. Obedience pounds out the weakness of the flesh. Praise the Lord!!
Many blessings as you celebrate this season! Celebrate the Lord's Incarnation and becoming Immanuel, God With Us!!
Amanda
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Friends...
Where would we be without the incredible people that the Lord blesses us with? I can't begin to express the joy in my heart as I look around me and discover the most wonderful people surrounding me. Every day as I work away in the office, I see face after face that I love so very much. These people are so dear to me. Who am I, Lord, that you would bless me so? Who am I that you would surround me with those that support and love and embolden me? May the Father remind you of those He has given you to do life with...right here, right now.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
A Time for Family
One of the greatest joys of the sabbatical the Lord gave to me last year was the time I spent with family. Looking back I realized not only the wonderful time I spent with my brother and sister-in-law, but also how God had orchestrated time with every member of my immediate family...and alone time...wow. Spending time living with my brother and his family was priceless...I cannot put words to my joy at watching the Lord build such beautiful ties there and incredible foundations for so much more. The depth that He is bringing in building off that time amazes me and I am beyond blessed! Following that time, I spent the summer with my dad...such great time, precious time. And then in the fall as I headed for Redding, I was able to spend a wonderful three months living 5 minutes away from my incredible mother! What a gift and a treasure she is!
In the past couple months and even more so in the last week, I have heard countless stories of God drawing His people to their families to restore, renew, rebuild, and transform relationships. Praise Him! So many of my friends right now are pursuing the call of the Lord on their life to be with family. What is coming that we are drawn to this now? What is the Lord stirring...what work is He doing that so many of us right now are called to restoration in family?
In the past couple months and even more so in the last week, I have heard countless stories of God drawing His people to their families to restore, renew, rebuild, and transform relationships. Praise Him! So many of my friends right now are pursuing the call of the Lord on their life to be with family. What is coming that we are drawn to this now? What is the Lord stirring...what work is He doing that so many of us right now are called to restoration in family?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
"Clean Your Sword"
As spoken by one of our incredible staff here at Qwanoes..."it's a great day for a war!" We began our last week of Summer 2009 with this in our minds...and war it has been, but not just one week; we've been at war all summer. So many battles fought; so many victories for the Kingdom of Heaven. Our staff are challenged and changed. May the God of peace bring foundation in those changes; that each of us would walk away with more than experience...with foundation that God will continue to build on.
As we finished on Sunday, my wonderful sister Nicki reminded us to "clean our swords." I was reminded of this yesterday as I walked along the beach. It has been a wonderful summer and one that took me repeatedly to my knees for the staff. Our great God has accomplished so much in our hearts, and He is the one to honor and glorify in this. Cleaning my sword means offering praise and worship to the King of Kings for what He accomplished this summer. Lifting my hands in worship and awe at what we saw Him do so powerfully before our eyes. Praise God for the wonderful works He has done! Psalm 105 says, "Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done..." We must remember to clean our sword and prepare for the next battle...
As we finished on Sunday, my wonderful sister Nicki reminded us to "clean our swords." I was reminded of this yesterday as I walked along the beach. It has been a wonderful summer and one that took me repeatedly to my knees for the staff. Our great God has accomplished so much in our hearts, and He is the one to honor and glorify in this. Cleaning my sword means offering praise and worship to the King of Kings for what He accomplished this summer. Lifting my hands in worship and awe at what we saw Him do so powerfully before our eyes. Praise God for the wonderful works He has done! Psalm 105 says, "Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done..." We must remember to clean our sword and prepare for the next battle...
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Disciples
I can't believe it's been this long...my apologies to those of you who read this regularly. I have been so overcome by all that the Lord has been doing throughout this summer. What a season for change. We have seen the hand of God so powerfully at work in the hearts of our staff here at Qwanoes; it is astounding. I cannot express the joy that my heart has known this summer, nor the elation at the privilege to be part of it. God has moved in such incredible ways to challenge His followers here to more than what they came with. So many lives are being transformed through the ministry of this summer. Children are hearing and experiencing truth...there is no question of that...but my heart is no doubt shifted to the staff the Lord has brought to us this summer. We have come so far since we began to form in April as we have seen God purge so much from us and prepare us to receive challenge and transformation. There is a hunger and thirst for the Word of God that His spirit has brought about in the last couple months. There is a passionate pursuit of these kids that is changing the hearts of our counselors. So many of our staff are experiencing their lives being literally transformed before their own eyes as God works in them to bring about the men and women that He desires them to be. We are a fallen and fallible people that the Lord has and is using to accomplish His divine will. Praise Him for that! This is a summer about change...about foundation...about establishing a life of discipleship and following after our Saviour. The Lord is moving us from decisions to disciples; followers of Jesus; those who long to know Him, serve Him, become like Him and invite others to do the same. As we are discipling the staff team this summer, our prayer is that they in turn will disciple their kids and establish the true calling of God on our lives that does not involve a one-time decision, but a lifetime of following the Saviour.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
"Be Holy For I Am Holy"
How many of us still strive for holiness? Can you honestly say that you are striving for holiness? Why does the Lord ask this of us? Isn't it impossible for us to attain holiness while still living in a sinful world? Is that reason to fall into complacency? Never.
The Lord calls us to be holy, and so we must strive for holiness in all we do! We must never be satisfied with the state of our hearts but always looking to become more like our Saviour. God does not ask anything of us that He does not intend to walk through with us.
The more of this world that we release and let go of, the more room we make to invite the things of God into our lives. Purify your heart. You were made to reflect the Lord, the God of all creation, and you cannot reflect Him when your life is full of the world.
The Lord calls us to be holy, and so we must strive for holiness in all we do! We must never be satisfied with the state of our hearts but always looking to become more like our Saviour. God does not ask anything of us that He does not intend to walk through with us.
The more of this world that we release and let go of, the more room we make to invite the things of God into our lives. Purify your heart. You were made to reflect the Lord, the God of all creation, and you cannot reflect Him when your life is full of the world.
Friday, April 3, 2009
A New Beginning
I've known Leila for a little more than 4 years and had the privilege of witnessing the work of the Holy Spirit in her life as God has tested and challenged her. She was a student this past year with the Kaleo Program and coming in half way through and seeing how she has softened and how God has pulled her out of her former way of life has been such a joy! It has been amazing to see her wrestle these past years and come to a point this year where she realized her need to lay her old life down, forsaking it, burying it and allow her spirit to be reborn.
Leila and I went into the water on Saturday and were able to show those that attended in a physical way what the Lord had accomplished in her life. He has made her a new creation; she has chosen to be raised to a new life! Praise the Lord
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Discipleship
“Go into all the nations and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Are we inviting people into a lifelong journey of following Christ or offering them a ticket into eternity? The decisions made by adults, young children or young adults to say a prayer of penance often leaves them with the impression that there is nothing more to being a Christian. In this, we have failed to communicate the message of grace and hope that Jesus brought. It’s not that we simply need to explain better what people are committing to, we need to do a better job of making disciples instead of converts.
Take Jesus’ example: He came alongside twelve men for three years, using every part of life to impart on them the way they are called to live. He taught through his life, the community around them and the environments they were in whether city or rural. Jesus called people to “follow Him” literally, where He went as well as how he lived. Today, our call as disciples is much the same: to walk as Jesus did, teaching those around us through our life and situation how to be followers of Jesus.
There’s nothing wrong with encouraging a commitment, but that commitment is a springboard into a life of following Christ; it’s not the final moment. Unfortunately our society, in pushing for decisions, has encouraged neglect of a new believer once they have made a decision and leaves a hungry child starving for the pure milk of the Word. As believers, we have been commissioned to “disciple” those we are doing life with. We ought never to assume that our job is over because they have made a commitment through prayer. That person is an infant of faith. What would happen to a newborn child if they were left to fend for themselves immediately after entering this world? What were the purposes of Paul’s letters if not to disciple the churches of Galatia, Ephesus, Corinth and so on? He did not simply leave them with the message of hope, he discipled them. True, you may not have opportunity to disciple all whom you are privileged to introduce to Christ, but in sharing the gospel, communicate that this decision is one to follow Christ for the rest of their life; introduce them to a “full life” in Christ, one that comes through being discipled and grown in one’s faith. Do not leave them to starve for faith and hope. Upon introducing someone to faith, give him or her the tools to continue in their faith and become a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Take Jesus’ example: He came alongside twelve men for three years, using every part of life to impart on them the way they are called to live. He taught through his life, the community around them and the environments they were in whether city or rural. Jesus called people to “follow Him” literally, where He went as well as how he lived. Today, our call as disciples is much the same: to walk as Jesus did, teaching those around us through our life and situation how to be followers of Jesus.
There’s nothing wrong with encouraging a commitment, but that commitment is a springboard into a life of following Christ; it’s not the final moment. Unfortunately our society, in pushing for decisions, has encouraged neglect of a new believer once they have made a decision and leaves a hungry child starving for the pure milk of the Word. As believers, we have been commissioned to “disciple” those we are doing life with. We ought never to assume that our job is over because they have made a commitment through prayer. That person is an infant of faith. What would happen to a newborn child if they were left to fend for themselves immediately after entering this world? What were the purposes of Paul’s letters if not to disciple the churches of Galatia, Ephesus, Corinth and so on? He did not simply leave them with the message of hope, he discipled them. True, you may not have opportunity to disciple all whom you are privileged to introduce to Christ, but in sharing the gospel, communicate that this decision is one to follow Christ for the rest of their life; introduce them to a “full life” in Christ, one that comes through being discipled and grown in one’s faith. Do not leave them to starve for faith and hope. Upon introducing someone to faith, give him or her the tools to continue in their faith and become a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Freedom
Freedom that comes from a life with Christ exalts the God who gave it to you. If you cannot live in freedom from what he has saved you from, others cannot see the greatness of God. It is in witnessing the transforming power of Jesus Christ in a sinner’s life that others will seek to follow. When you take pride in the work of Christ in your life, you exalt Christ. Praise him for the work he has done to set you free from the sin in your life; do not hold onto the chains that bind you but instead embrace the mercy of God and stand on him rejoicing in who you have become because of him! You are a new creation, the old has gone!! The new has come!! Walk in that truth! Embrace that promise! To ignore this is to stomp on the gift of grace in your life. Jesus died that you might be free! Not so that you could continue to feel sorry for how awful you are! Take hold of what God is extending to you and live in such a way that exalts God for his gift!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Exhortation
Where is the balance in a fervent attempt to compel people to completely turn from the corruption of sin and the compassion to do it in a way that they will respond with open and willing hearts? This has been an all too familiar struggle in my life and unfortunately one that has flared disruption and even contempt from some of those I have been responsible for raising up in the truth. A zealous and fervent spirit can quickly offend to the point of hurt or anger and it is not the desire of our Father for us to bring about this emotion in people. In fact, this situation can very possibly do more damage than good. Raising an awareness of the effects of sin in our lives is essential to a life devoted to abiding with and becoming more like Christ (Phil.2:5-11). As teachers and leaders it is vital that we invoke this searching of the heart in a compassionate form that exemplifies the heart of Jesus in our own lives. It is better neither to ignore the effects of sin nor to highlight them to the point of damage, for neither the former nor the latter will result in a deeper relationship with the Lord for the man/woman we are guiding. We must allow ourselves to burn with fervency for the changing of hearts and lives while harnessing that passion into compassion and love to see that person overtaken by the truth of the freedom that comes from a “full life” (John 10:10b) in Christ. The fervency and zealous passion that we feel towards the need to turn and run from sin needs to be harnessed into prayer; our emotions can overflow before the Lord as we break for the state of those we know and even those we do not know. Righteous anger will pour out of our mouths and as the tears begin to flow, we must release these emotions before the Lord that He may receive the brokenness that we feel for those in our path. Most importantly, the anger we feel must not be revealed to those we are broken for unless the Lord opens that door. Love draws people to the Lord and anger, even righteous anger, can easily be perceived as judgment. Although we are not responsible for the perceived emotion that others feel, we are responsible for acting in a way that glorifies the Father who sent us and who empowers us. We have no right to address any issues except by the authority that has been given us through Jesus Christ. Although you may see the truth of a situation, you may not be the one chosen to communicate that truth. Beware of your own ambition! And do not think of yourself so highly that you forget whom it is that you serve.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Canada...again??
Although I assumed my leaving last April was for good, the Lord showed me this past summer that the time to return would come and here it is. I know not for how long only that I am committed until the end of this summer. The Lord has been gracious in calling me back up here for this season, and He has already unveiled some of His reasons for calling me to this place once again. I am thrilled at the opportunities that the Lord has placed in front of me and look forward to this time. I have the great privilege of working with the staffing team to prepare and hire the staff for this summer and then will move into the Head Counseling position once again for the summer. The Lord has been quite specific in His design for me here, and I believe He has a specific place for me this fall as well. I will be excited to embark on that journey as the time draws near.
For now I am in a place of contented peace, knowing that my Lord has drawn me up here for this time and will complete in and through me the work that He has set forth for me to do. I would appreciate your prayers for wisdom as I seek a place to live over the next few months. For now, the Badkes have opened up their home to me, and I have been so blessed to be here. Although I am unsure where the right place is for me the next few months, I trust that the Lord has a place that will suit and ask that you would uphold me in prayer as I seek that out.
Many blessings!
For now I am in a place of contented peace, knowing that my Lord has drawn me up here for this time and will complete in and through me the work that He has set forth for me to do. I would appreciate your prayers for wisdom as I seek a place to live over the next few months. For now, the Badkes have opened up their home to me, and I have been so blessed to be here. Although I am unsure where the right place is for me the next few months, I trust that the Lord has a place that will suit and ask that you would uphold me in prayer as I seek that out.
Many blessings!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
"Forget About Your Worries, Mandie!"
One of my favorite quotes from my nephew, Carson. He's taken to shouting this throughout the house at times and reminds us all of the carefree, worry free life of a child in a good home. It's a great reminder to the adults of the world that our God is bigger than the worries in our lives. The enemy works hard to make this life more difficult than it needs to be. Trust in the one who gave you your life...release your doubt and fear and worry and put absolute trust in the Saviour of the world. Matthew 6:25-33 "Do not be anxious about your life...but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
We got snow this weekend, and it was Brady's first experience!! Check it out!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Heading North!
I really didn't expect last night to be as hard as it was. We had our end of the season banquet last night, and I said goodbye to all of the girls. They were so bummed to hear that I was leaving...I was so blessed by that. I think I got a little more attached than I realized (I tend to get attached pretty easily).
I think God accomplished much more than I could put into words. I have been praying and desiring the opportunity to minister to those who do not know the Lord, and here in Redding God gave me that chance. I have had some wonderful conversations and know that the Lord has used me in ways I probably will never know. I went down to LA last weekend with one of the players and the Head Coach to watch the state tournament and go to Six Flags, Magic Mountain. We had such a blast! And the best part of the whole weekend was the conversations I was able to have. I so enjoyed talking with Sarah and hearing her dreams and being able to challenge her and love her in that. Last night reminded me how hard it can be to say goodbye, because although I've done it many times before, I've always said goodbye to people I will see in eternity. This was different...I said goodbye to girls that I may not see again.
I've struggled a lot with the decision to move back to Washington and really have no idea how long I will be there. I anticipate it will be for December only, yet I do not know God's plan. I am praying for courage to take steps toward what is next and faithfulness to serve God in the places I find myself. If you would join me in those prayers I would appreciate it.
I think God accomplished much more than I could put into words. I have been praying and desiring the opportunity to minister to those who do not know the Lord, and here in Redding God gave me that chance. I have had some wonderful conversations and know that the Lord has used me in ways I probably will never know. I went down to LA last weekend with one of the players and the Head Coach to watch the state tournament and go to Six Flags, Magic Mountain. We had such a blast! And the best part of the whole weekend was the conversations I was able to have. I so enjoyed talking with Sarah and hearing her dreams and being able to challenge her and love her in that. Last night reminded me how hard it can be to say goodbye, because although I've done it many times before, I've always said goodbye to people I will see in eternity. This was different...I said goodbye to girls that I may not see again.
I've struggled a lot with the decision to move back to Washington and really have no idea how long I will be there. I anticipate it will be for December only, yet I do not know God's plan. I am praying for courage to take steps toward what is next and faithfulness to serve God in the places I find myself. If you would join me in those prayers I would appreciate it.
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