Benefits of Believing Romans 8:28

We say we believe Romans 8:28, one of the most familiar promises in the Bible.  But a question then comes to mind:  if I truly believe this promise, would I allow my mind to stay in worry and/or fear?  How would it help us believe this promise more fully by pondering the benefits that come when we do? 

This is a list complied as we met to mine the nuggets of truth found in Romans 8:28.  It is by no means an exhaustive list and it would be great to add more so feel free to add your insights. 

What will happen if I believe that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him?

      1.       It will free me from the temptation to blame/condemn someone or something else.

2.       It gives me an opportunity to praise God as I look back to see what He did.

3.       It provides an opportunity to share with others what He has done; whether a witness to the unbeliever or an encouragement to the believer.

4.       It reveals God’s power and sovereignty.

5.       It provides a training opportunity for our children.

6.       It prevents or overcomes bitterness.

7.       It strengthens my faith as I trust Him.  “Look at your life situation.  Then look at your powerful and redemptive God and the promise of Romans 8:28.  When you do, you have another decision to make – a decision of faith – to put your trust in God and believe that the end will be good regardless of how life looks or feels in the present.”  Elizabeth George in Loving God with All your Mind. 

8.       We have peace and hope.

9.       We can move forward in boldness and confidence.

10.   God uses it to develop godly character as He conforms us to the image of His Son.

11.   Guides us into acceptance of the situation.

The testimony of the prolific hymn writer, Fanny Crosby, demonstrates her belief in this promise.  This is what she said regarding the doctor who caused her blindness.  “Although it may have been a blunder on the physicians’ part, it was no mistake on God’s.  I verily believe it was His intention that I should live my days in physical darkness, so as to be better prepared to sing His praises and incite others to do so.”

We can see many of these benefits demonstrated in the life of Fanny in reading her testimony.  It challenges me to walk by faith (in this promise) and not by sight, (what the situations looks like). 

Two heads (or more than two) are better than one! Question for open discussion

The discussion that rose from our last TLC meeting about what it means to be a "Pollyanna" and the appropriate level of an optimistic outlook on trials and challenges was thought-provoking, rich, and meaningful, and thoroughly enjoying!

So when a question began percolating in my mind the other morning after reading a devotional, I thought, I know just the group of ladies to ask for insight and explanation!  Please allow me to pick your brain, and please, comment freely!

The classic daily devotional, Streams in the Desert, says (and I have heard it phrased slightly differently and other variations of the thought many other times):

 "We all know how impossible it is to rescue a drowning man who tries to help his rescuer, and it is equally impossible for the Lord to fight our battles for us when we insist upon trying to fight them ourselves.  It is not that He will not, but He cannot.  Our interference hinders his working."

Why would a Christian ever say that we hinder God in any manner?  Can man ever hinder God or be in His way?  What are we saying when we say things like that?  Surely we're not saying anything is impossible for God, or that He cannot do something.   It would be like saying that the tiniest black sugar ant in my kitchen hinders me from doing the dishes.

 

Ladies, what do we really mean when we say that God can't work without our cooperation, or that we are in His way?

Does God want me to be a Pollyanna?

We're familiar with the verse, For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NASB)  But as we explored, discussed and dissected this verse, many principles were shared, words defined and questions asked.  Indeed, the discussion was lively.  Because of the truth that God's plans are good, and He has given us a wonderful future and secure hope, the question was presented, "Do I speak of the future pessimistically or optimistically?  This lead to, "How do I respond to the doom and gloom naysayer?" Or on the other hand, "What about the accusation that someone is just a Pollyanna, viewing life unrealistically?"  Here are the thoughts that Joyce jotted down afterwards that she gave permission to share here.

I often drive home from TLC pondering the things that were shared. Last night I was thinking about what was said about being "Pollyannaish" (thanks, Jan for the thought provoking question). I began wondering if I really understood what that meant, so I Googled it (when I got home, not while I was driving!). I felt compelled to write down the thoughts that came to me. Here they are if anyone is interested in my ramblings:

Pollyannaish

From Wikipedia.com
1) someone who seems always to be able to find something to be "glad" about no matter what circumstances arise
2) someone whose optimism is excessive to the point of naïveté or refusing to accept the facts of an unfortunate situation

From UrbanDictionary.com
3) Belittling and often insulting term for being absurdly optimistic and good-hearted, believing in a good world where everything works out for the best all the time. Often in combination with being God-fearing and perceiving oneself standing on a higher moral ground than others

If we are considering definition #1, then I agree that we should, like Pam said, "be Pollyannaish about God" (thanks for sharing that Pam). We can always find something to be thankful for and should strive to focus on God's goodness no matter what circumstances arise. I agree with that wholeheartedly. I said last night that "No one would ever accuse me of being a Pollyanna," but that's not really true. One example is when one of my sister's was diagnosed with cancer I was saddened by the news, but not devastated because I was thankful that she is a Christian and I knew that God would use her and the situation for His glory (and He did). One family member did not share my view and accused me of being unconcerned and uncaring. There wasn't much I could say to change her perspective, and I didn't allow her to change mine. I did try to let her know that I really did share her love and concern for my sister.

It was something more like definition #2 and #3 that sparked my initial response as that has been more my experience. I have been both the offender of and the one offended by the attitude that is described in Proverbs 25:20, Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart

For many years I perceived myself standing on a higher moral ground than others, judging others as not being God-fearing because they were struggling with a circumstance in their life that saddened them or concerned them. Instead of coming alongside and "sorrowing with those who sorrow" I poured vinegar on their wounds with my patronizing words disguised as encouragement. God used my struggle with infertility to reveal this in myself, and He's still working on me.

Let me just add, so there's no misunderstanding, I'm not saying that we should condone any sinful attitudes or behaviors in others or ourselves. One missionary told me once that there is no excuse for bad behavior, but there's almost always an explanation. I'm grateful for the women who have come along side me, listened, got to know me and helped me understand why I struggled with certain areas so that I could replace the wrong thinking that was triggering them with truth. I thank the Lord for how He has progressed me; it's only by His grace. Still a long way to go though...

So, if someone was to "accuse me of being a Pollyanna" I would have to examine whether it is because they do not share my eternal perspective of hope in God, or is it because they are sensing that I do not care enough about them to allow them to share their perspective.

I appreciate all of you and how God made each one of us different. I am thankful for how God is using each of you in my life.

Joyce

What's Got You Worried?

Matt. 6:25-34   Our desire in this study is to understand that worry prevents us from seeking to advance His Kingdom.

I.                    Results of Worry

A.      Accomplishes nothing! (except stress, negative effect on health,  strained relationships)   V. 27 What positive or productive thing has ever been accomplished by my worries?

B.      Demonstrates lack of faith because we don’t believe what God says or we don’t trust Him.  V. 30 

C.      Shows us acting like the world which in turn affects our testimony to others.  V. 32.  Does my conversation reveal to others an attitude of worry or of trust?

 

II.                  Reasons not to Worry - What is the truth in this situation? (Phil 4:8)

A.      God is our provider (28-30) How has God provided for me recently?

B.      God knows what we need because He is omniscient.  (32)  What do you know that God doesn’t know?

C.      God is righteous (33) He will give us what is right in every sense of the word.  His way is correct.

D.     God is our Sovereign God, ruler, King (33).  What He decrees happens, what He decides comes to pass.

E.      God is our heavenly Father who loves and cares for His children.

Which attribute will help me most to meditate on in this situation that has me worried?

III.                Replacement for Worry – Instead of worrying, we are to seek His kingdom and righteousness.  (33)  How do we do that? 

How do we seek (strive for, aim for His rule)  His kingdom? 

A.       Submit to His rule and reign in our own heart.  I.e. instead of worrying about ________ I yield it to God’s desire and plan.  Elizabeth George emphasizes the importance of time alone with God in prayer to get his perspective and ordering of the day.  Her summary of verses 33 is “deal with today” in order to help us win over worry.  She gives 5 keys to winning over worry:  Prepare, Plan, Pray, Proceed and Trust God to Provide.  She shares how she used these steps in battle worry as she faced the possibility of her husband going oversees in the Persian Gulf War.  She has another chapter on how these 5 keys can help in dealing with today when you face ongoing suffering on a daily basis. (From the book, Love the Lord with All Your Mind)

B.      Desire to see His rule in the lives of others.  I.e. it might be to pray for ____ to follow God’s direction.  In other situations it might be to teach and encourage a friend to follow God’s (the King’s) way.

C.      Participation in the growth of God’s Kingdom.  I.e. personal witness (share with others how God was worthy of my trust and how He alone could meet my needs.)  Is there a way God wants me to get involved in being part of solution instead of worrying about it. 

How do we seek His righteousness? God’s righteousness is a moral correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting

A.    Correct thinking – Phil 4:8; Finally, brethren, whatever is true, ….dwell on these things.      Correct feeling – Heb. 1:9, “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness above Your companions.”                                                                                                         Correct acting – Heb. 11:33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions…

B.      Be trained in it through His Word –II Tim 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

C.      Practice it – I John 2:29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.

Another quote by Mrs. George:  “When you being to live out the command of Matt 6:33, Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then you begin to realize the promise of Matthew 6:33, the promise of God’s provision of all that you need… the truth that make it possible for you to win over worry- and all these things shall be added to you.”

Will I worry or will I use it as an opportunity to seek the advancement His Kingdom and righteousness?

In what situation in your life right now is God giving you that choice?

 

 

 

It's What We Think that Matters

The following is the way the Holy Spirit worked in my heart when preparing for the most recent TLC Bible study.  I hope it blesses you the way the study blessed me.  Joy Wade

Philippians 4:8&9 NASB95 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

The Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Philippi.  In these selected scriptures, Paul appears to be finishing up a thought, “Finally”.  What follows is a list of adjectives which are the boundaries for what one’s mind should be focused upon. In other words, if a thought or line of thinking cannot be described by one or more of these adjectives, then a believer is NOT to dwell on that.  In contrast Paul says purposefully choose to focus on thoughts that fall into these categories, letting your thinking dwell, or “live” in that place.

Obviously this is not a new concept to the Philippians.  Paul says he taught these principles to them, they understood them and they saw him practice this type of focus while in their presence. He further commands them to practice this kind of thinking. The result is that God’s peace is with the believer who chooses to dwell on this kind of thinking.  

God knows what kind of thinking will keep the believer at peace with Him and in their hearts.  He led the apostle Paul to give us a list to follow.

The parameters Paul is giving are to help me guard my thoughts so that they are in line with the thinking of Christ.  Thoughts that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, contain excellence or worthy of praise are to be those parameters.  This is a practice I must choose to come back to when I find my thinking in dark, critical, judgmental, malicious, deceitful, depressing, untrue, fearful, lustful, evil or just plain lousy places.  If I am struggling to be obedient to this, I am to throw myself on the mercy of the throne of grace (Heb.4:16) and ask God to help me to have the strength to think on things He approves of.  Christ understands my weaknesses.  It’s not how many times I fail that God focuses on; it’s how many times I look to Him to pull me out of the pit I’ve fallen (or jumped) into.   

Once I’ve found victory over my thinking and am focused on Christ’s type of thinking, I need to let my mind stay there.  I dwell in a house; when the weather got so cold, the wind was blowing and the snow was falling, I chose to stay inside my house and not leave it.  Likewise, I need to keep my thinking inside the safe, warm “house” of the mind of Christ. This means keeping the door of my thinking closed to the outside influences If the thinking of the world, my sin nature or Satan tries to squeeze through the cracks, I must discipline my mind to turn my attention to thoughts that meet this criteria. There are times when I must honestly admit this is extremely difficult to do.  It is in those times that I just cry out to the Lord to change my heart and my thinking.

Paul told the Philippians to think about the example he set for them in practicing this kind of thinking when he was with them.  So therefore I must choose to be around people and learn from people who practice this in their life. Praise the Lord that He gave me just such a man as my husband, but also, I need friends who are willing to gently correct my thinking if they judge it to be distorting of God’s position. I must be willing to hear a gentle correction. (If I won’t listen to the gentle correction then I may find myself facing a harsh correction.)  I find when I seek to learn from and be around the person who practices godliness, I can be convicted where I am going astray and encouraged to follow their example of Christ centered thinking.  This takes me to Paul’s next commandment of “practicing”.

Something that must be practiced is something that is a learned habit, not a natural one.  Thus it doesn’t come naturally to the believer to think in this manner. If this is a new concept, then I’ve got to practice it. I mustn’t fool myself or allow myself to be lulled into a false sense of having “attained” it.  Satan, the world and my own sin nature never take a vacation.  They are always finding new ways to try to lead me astray in my thinking and actions. I need to often go back to the “text” book in order examine if my thinking lines up.  I need to ask the Holy Spirit to convict me of thinking that isn’t led by Him.  I need to find time to quietly listen to His leadings and convictions.  I must be willing to obey when I find Him trying to lead my thinking to the acceptable place as described by Paul.

Lack of peace, unrest, fear, grumpiness, critical “harsh” thinking, dissatisfaction with others, depression, lingering self-pity, indecisiveness on moral issues, feeling pushed, confused, discouraged, worried, obsessed or condemned are all “red flags” that my thinking is not lined up with God’s thinking.  I am in the throes of living without God’s perspective, which is tantamount to being without the peace of God.  However, the practice of this kind of thinking is going to produce in me the Peace of God and that is the peace that passes all understanding. 

These are questions for applying what I’ve learned and keeping myself accountable.

1.      Is this True?
            Honorable?
            Right?
            Pure?
            Lovely?
            Of good repute? (promoting the good reputation of my Savior)
            Excellent
            Worthy of Praise?

2.      Whose voice does it reflect?

God’s Voice   vs.  Satan’s Voice

Stills you              Rushes you

Leads                    Pushes

Reassures           Frightens

Enlightens           Confuses

Encourages         Discourages

Comforts             Worries

Calms                    Obsesses

Convicts               Condemns

3.       Am I at peace, content, courageous, assured, calm?

 

The Greatest Commandment

Mark 12:28-34

Using the 3 Question Method, here are some possible ways the responses to the questions could look.  It is not the only way or the “right way”, but it may be helpful.

1. Who:  a scribe (lawyer) and Jesus
    What:  the scribe asked Jesus a question
    When:  in the midst of arguments
    Where:  in a group of religious leaders
    Why:  the scribe had an apparent genuine question for Jesus

Or if you were to put it in summary form, it might read:  Amidst many arguments among religious leaders, a scribe questioned Jesus.   Jesus commended the scribe’s response to His answer.

2. Command:  Jesus repeated the Old Testament command to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  (Deut. 6:5) 

Examples to follow:  scribe stated that striving to love God is more important than “doing things” for God out of duty.  Jesus example:  giving an encouraging, loving response to one seriously seeking. 

Main truth:  Jesus affirms the O.T. command that to love God with our whole being is the most important commandment of all.

What the passage reveals about God: 
            God welcomes sincere questioners who see truth.
            God is wise, supreme, truth, our authority, an encourager, King (refers to His kingdom)
            God cares about relationships:  ours with Him and ours with others.
            God wants all of us.
                
Other lessons/truths:
            Not everyone is in the kingdom of God.
            God’s kingdom is a spiritual realm.

 3. Application questions:

    What hinders me from loving God with my total being? 

 

    How can I love God more today?

    What things do I do “for God” out of duty or ritual rather than out of love?  How could I change that?

    What do I do about the questions I have about living for God?  Do I seek answers or just put them aside?

    How does my life show that God is my authority?

    Is it possible to love God without loving my neighbor?  Why or why not?

    In what relationship do I most need to show love?

    Who can I encourage in their spiritual search for truth?

    What am I doing to advance God’s kingdom on earth?  Or do I spend more time trying to advance my own kingdom than His?   

 

 

 

 

Three Question Bible Study Method

This method can be used whether you have 10 minutes or 10 hours! Determine the amount of scripture you will cover based on the amount of time you have.  The intent is not a deep scholarly study, but devotional in nature.  But it certainly can be a springboard for deeper study!

Begin by praying and asking the Holy Spirit to lead your study time and to open your spiritual eyes and ears so He can teach you what you need to learn through the passage you are about to study.

Read the passage.
 

Write down your responses to the following three questions.

 1.  What are the core facts in this passage?

            Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? (All of these may not be answered in the passage.)

 

            In Summary:  Write down the facts OR a brief summary of the facts of the passage.

 

2.  What are the life lessons I can learn from this passage?

            Look for a warning, a command, or a promise.

            Is there an example to follow or not to follow?

            What is the main truth or principle of the passage?

            What does the passage reveal about the character of God? (His attributes, ways of relating to people, emotions, views about something, reasons to love Him more, etc.)

            Not all of the above examples will be in every passage. These are only suggestions to help you get started.

             In Summary:  Write down the lessons/truths that you find in the passage.

 

3.       What are some application questions that will help me apply these lessons?

Look back at the facts(Q1) and the lessons (Q2).

Write down any application questions that help you apply this lesson to your life,   NOT yes/no questions. 

 
           Write down your response to the questions.

 

What you have observed and the lessons learned lead to and flow beautifully into prayers of praise, thanksgiving, confessions and intercession.

 

 

 

 

New Year's Resolution With Eternal Value

"The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become - because He made us. He invented us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be. . .It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own."
C.S. Lewis 

My New Year's Resolution, which I'm starting this week  , is to find out more about who I am in Christ, just how valuable I am to God, and why I am just the way God intended me to be. After all, if I have a willing heart it's God's job to refine me. Let's all make it a point to spend more time learning and focusing on our worth in Christ and less time comparing ourselves to the world's standards.

Remember the work He's already accomplished in us, His Word calls it good! That's coming from God, who knows what some thing good is. The work He still needs to accomplish in us, He is full of grace and patience to do so...He gives us a whole life time. Keep your eyes on that truth and not the lies Satan throws at us that we're not valuable.

Philippians 1:6 (NASB95)
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

He Had No Beauty

"He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him" (Isaiah 53:2) Hundreds of years before the birth of our Savior, the prophet Isaiah described him as average looking, "nothing in his appearance that we should desire him." I never thought about the fact that Jesus experienced the same rejections for his appearance that most every woman has felt. (And many men as well). Along with all the other lies Satan tries to defeat us with, He also accuses us of not looking good enough: that 20 pounds I need to lose, the big age spot on my right cheek, the pudgy tummy that has never been flat...and the list goes on and on. However, we are to take heart in following Jesus' example. The thousands didn't flock to him because of his dashing, good looks. NO they came because he offered them the Living Water and the Living Word. He gave them love, compassion and understanding. He found His fulfillment not in personal gain and standing but in obeying the Father's plan. So remember that feeling inadequate because of ANY earthly standard, such as appearance, wealth, or achievement, is but another lie from our Enemy designed to keep us from being the beautiful Women of God we are designed to be. Jesus gave clear instructions on how to avoid that trap in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."(NASB95) The most beautiful people in my life are not by the world's standards the most perfect looking. They are the people who share the love of Christ and seek to be His example to the world.

I've Confessed The Bitterness But My Heart Still Hurts

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,  bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Col. 3:12-14 (ESV)

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Eph. 4:32 (NASB)

In these two passages, Paul issued forth quite a tall order.  Forgive just as God forgives us. Continue to treat others with kindness, humility, patience, etc. These are commands dealing with how we as Christians should treat each other.  Those two passages have often convicted me of harboring bitterness and withholding forgiveness.  I have been on a journey of about 5 years of learning what forgiveness really is.  What does it really look like?

I find it easy to let go of and forgive strangers who cut in front of me on the interstate or even a simple aquatint who makes a rude comment. But the real trial has come when people I deeply care about have said or done things that rip my heart out and wound me to the core.  I've spent countless hours pouring out my heartache to others, including my husband, only to come to the realization that I’d never receive an apology.  I’d never hear “I’m sorry I hurt you; I was being thoughtless.”

I've read several books addressing the topic of forgiveness, been convicted shamefully that I often fell back into bitterness and came to the conclusion that this command was one I just couldn't obey in my own strength.

I’d confess my bitterness, I’d ask God to change my heart yet still the ripped open wound of my heart just would not heal.  The sadness and emptiness of these relationships burdened my heart...until recently. It’s only been in the past month that true forgiveness and healing has taken place.  And just so you’ll know, there have still been no apologies.  So what changed?  

James 5:16 (NASB95)

¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

I began asking for prayers for healing of relationships.  I confessed to some trusted friends the rift in my relationships and how it grieved me. When I began to solicit the prayers of others on my behalf, changes began to take place.

I began to mature and come to the realization that I’d have to meet the other party where they were, not where I thought they should be.  That is with God’s help, my expectations changed as to what our relationship was going to look like.  I had to let go of expecting more maturity than was there. 

But the most significant changes took place due to God’s magnificent grace. Prayer changes things.  God supernaturally brought about circumstances that opened the door for mutual need of each other and common ground for conversation and fellowship.  The more I really needed them in my life, the greater the healing became.  So what did supernatural forgiveness look like?  God poured out in my heart a love and appreciation for the other individuals involved that was not of my own.  I have been able to give love without the hurts of the past even crossing my mind.  There is no other explanation for this kind of forgiveness other than the prayers of others and God’s miraculous changing power.

I know in some broken relationships, reconciliation never takes place.  However, in my case I’ve been blessed that God, prompted by the prayers of others for me, made changes in my heart as well as in the hearts of the other people.  He used the fact that I needed them and expressed that need in humility to bring about changes in the hearts of the others.   In addition to confessing to God my bitterness and repenting of it, I needed the prayers of others who didn't condemn and I needed God supernatural interventions. 

Referring back to the scriptural commands to forgive, I want to add that the commands to confess to one another and pray for one another go hand in hand with forgiveness. (and any other sin one may be struggling to find victory over) In the relationships that are dearest to us, the hurt can go so deep that we just don’t have the strength to completely forgive. We need outside help. Some earthly relationships won’t be reconciled but that doesn’t mean your heart can’t be healed and forgiveness granted.   “You have not because you ask not”. Ask God and ask for prayers from others repeatedly until the forgiveness takes root and blooms in your heart.  

Halloween Is For Posers

As I came home last night after TLC Book Discussion/Bible study, I  noticed in our neighborhood, there were a few straggling youngsters in bizarre costumes, yelling out Happy Halloween as they were loading into cars ending a night of “Trick-o-Treating”. I had been out all evening so I missed out on the Disney Princesses, Power Rangers, Blue Men, Zombies, Vampires, and other assorted costumers all out celebrating Halloween.  As I sat down this morning to read my notes from our discussion and write my thoughts on Chapter 6, in light of the Halloween mayhem from the night before, one particular passage jumped out at me from our study.

In Idol Lies (by Dee Brestin) Chapter 6 discussion questions, Day 5, Number 9A, we were asked to describe what happened on earth at the moment when Jesus died on the cross.

Matthew 27:50–54 (NASB95)

⁵⁰ And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. ⁵¹ And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. ⁵² The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; ⁵³ and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many. ⁵⁴ Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Halloween decorations around my neighborhood and across the country are made up of fake plastic tombstones, polyester spider webs, mannequins with sunken eyes, dark gaunt faces with fake blood, missing limbs, torn clothes and fake injuries depicting the “walking dead” or zombies, and other man created phony attempts of creating fear. I couldn't help but think how these phonies are designed by Satan or the world or both, to make people scared of the unknown and in a ghoulish way put out the idea that we may not really die.  In contrast we see from this passage above that when God chose to bring people back from the grave, the purpose was not terror for the sake of fear itself.  No, He was getting the attention of the whole world concerning the death of His son on the behalf of all mankind and declaring His unlimited power over earth and death.   

Hollywood, Halloween and man-made attempts of showing the dead coming back to earth are designed to strike fear, give unwholesome thrills and leave the viewers with unanswered questions that seem to point to an unavoidable doom.  However, when God tore the veil of the temple in two, SHOOK the earth, split boulders, ripped open tombs and brought saints (believing ones) back to life in whole recognizable bodies so that they walked around and appeared to people in Jerusalem, there was no question as to Who was in Charge, and what the answer was and is to the real fear that this kind of power display provokes.  The centurion and others with him proclaimed the answer, “Truly this was the Son of God!” 

Even the most realistic horror film of Hollywood can never duplicate the amazing power God has over death. So I say Halloween is for Posers; when someone is truly brought back to life, only God can do it and He does it perfectly: no missing parts!

John 3:16 (NASB95) ¹⁶ “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Idol Lies by Dee Brestin-The Role of Music Making our Hearts ready

Dee advised to each day prepare our hearts for study through music and prayer.

I always equated music as a distraction to study but I tried it today. I went to Pandora free radio and picked hymns for praise.  It truly did a better job of preparing my heart than than through prayer alone. How? It caused me to focus my emotions and heart to praise and worship God and that's the best place to start for God to work in our hearts.  This is the hymn that expresses what I'm asking the Lord to do in my life through this study.

1. Open my eyes, that I may see
   Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
   Place in my hands the wonderful key
   That shall unclasp and set me free.
    
   • Refrain 1:
     Silently now I wait for Thee,
     Ready my God, Thy will to see,
     Open my eyes, illumine me,
     Spirit divine!
2. Open my ears, that I may hear
   Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
   And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
   Everything false will disappear.
    
   • Refrain 2:
     Silently now I wait for Thee,
     Ready my God, Thy will to see,
     Open my ears, illumine me,
     Spirit divine!
3. Open my mouth, and let me bear,
   Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
   Open my heart and let me prepare
   Love with Thy children thus to share.
    
   • Refrain 3:
     Silently now I wait for Thee,
     Ready my God, Thy will to see,
     Open my heart, illumine me,
     Spirit divine!

Indiana Jones and the Idol of Dionysus (the god of indulgence)

(The terrifying adventure of finding and excavating the idol worshipped for centuries)

Day 1

“In other words, before I became aware of my idolatry, I became aware of the symptoms telling me that something was not right.”

Dee (2012-09-11). Idol Lies (p. 4). Worthy Publishing. Kindle Edition.

“Every believer needs to be set free, and it begins with getting past our denial, with seeing what we really idolize, and admitting this to God and to others.”

Dee (2012-09-11). Idol Lies (p. 6). Worthy Publishing. Kindle Edition.

When I step on my bathroom scales, I see the evidence of sin.  Being diagnosed as clinically obese and skyrocketing blood pressure was a wakeup call.  I have worshipped comfort and security and pleasure enough times to put my health at risk and abuse the body God has given me.  And it’s not just food: it’s that comfy couch that I can’t seem to get up from. IT’s that mindless television show that I watch reruns of for hours. It’s a quick fix for the frustration of being in pain and unable to actively join in life with others.   I’ve lost 20 pounds and am now classified as just overweight, (still stings when I say it to myself) yet I still know that idol of pleasure draws me in and has me bowing before it more times than I would like.  I’ve know this for 8 years…but how do I overcome this sin? Counting calories?  Exercise that leaves me hurting and chronically tired? How can I faithfully exercise when I’m in pain and or sick SO much of the times? Are those just excuses? Am I really lying to myself when I stop after 15 minutes, afraid that my hip will hurt so much I won’t be able to sleep that night?  Why can’t I stop this? Why can’t I lose this weight? What’s missing from me? What is wrong with me?

Now what? I don’t indulge as much as I did before, but it’s still lurking in the shadows ready to jump in front of me; it promises fulfillment and excitement, even a quick fix to whatever but never delivers. How do I keep those God given pleasures in their proper place in my life?

Proverbs 28:13 (NASB95)

¹³He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.

Father, I’m confessing this before you and to any who read this blog; I am seeking to forsake it. I need your help and enlightenment. (My sisters in Christ, I need your help too.  Please pray for me. Pray for one another.  We are all struggling with something.)

Wanting to obey but feeling discouraged because “want to” doesn’t translate to “did it”. My own self-control just doesn’t work.

Yet a voice in my heart calls out to me to not lose hope, not give up.

Matthew 7:7–8 (NASB95)

⁷“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

1 John 5:14–15 (NASB95)

¹⁴This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. ¹⁵And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”

Father, I it is Your will that I worship, serve, praise and focus on You and You alone.  I’m asking you to open my eyes to where I fail to do that. In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Help me to love you with all my heart, my soul and my mind. I pray this too for any who read this, that you would illuminate them to what they put ahead of you and where obedience to you alone can bring the fulfillment they seek in the idols that surround us every day.

When Things Don't Turn Out Like We Hoped

     Not being much of a gardener, tomato plants in a pot on my deck seemed like a idea.  So with the weather warming and the calendar saying it was safe to plant, in they went. But as the weeks progressed, the growth was not promising and the blossoms scarce.  Someone suggested that maybe they were root bound so I separated them, and put them in the ground.  By now it was well into June but I still had hope.  Then one day upon examining the plants closer, I noticed that something had been enjoying my transplanted tomato plants for a late night or early morning snack.  Hope was dwindling but I decided to give them one last chance - deer repellent spray and fertilizer - before leaving on vacation for two weeks plus.  Fast forward to the end of July.  Upon our return the plants were markedly bigger and tomatoes markedly absent.  So where did I go?  The Internet, of  course! What did I learn?  I had used the wrong type of fertilizer which gave great plant growth but no fruit. By now, most of you have gotten a good chuckle at my gardening challenged skills.  But guess what I noticed a couple weeks ago?  Many blossoms, and now some small tomatoes have appeared!  Have you noticed that God never wants to waste any experience?   Let's look for some spiritual lessons and ask some questions. Despite our mistakes, setbacks, ignorance, or circumstances over which we have no control, God can still bring fruit from our lives.  It may not be in the timing we want or the way we expect but we can trust the Master Gardener to do His work.  For what do you need to wait on God?  What is happening in your life right now that you didn't expect?  How are you responding? Are you tempted to give up on something or someone?  Do what God shows you to do and then watch the Gardener as He works tenderly, skillfully, and patiently.
What other applications do you see?  Share them with us.

Consider the Lilies

...God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; (Romans 4:17b NKJV)

     Between 15 and 20 years ago, I planted some flowers that I had never grown before, with high hopes of enjoying annual color.  But, alas, that did not happen - until this summer!  So what was different this year than previous years?  Last summer, we had some trees taken down and one was very close to these flowers.  I didn't want the trees taken down because of the loss of shade and foliage, but the surgery took place, despite my misgivings and complaints.  (The trees did need to come down knowing the potential breakage of weak pine limbs stressed by Georgia ice storms and windy thunderstorms.)  The result - a delicate beauty more glorious than what was there previously!  Apparently, with the tree gone, the competition for moisture was gone and now the direct sunlight rays bathe the flowers many hours a day.  These aren't lilies (in fact, I am not sure what they are!), but I am "considering" them.  What do I need to willing let God remove from my life so that there is no competition for the beauty He wants to display?  Will I let Him?  What difference would it make in my life if I let the rays of His Son shine in my heart to a greater extent?  What else is competing for the soaking water of His word with which He desires to saturate my life?  “...Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow..."(Matthew 6:28 NKJV)