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Showing posts from November, 2019

Journal Entry ~ 11/30/19

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. - Romans 8:18 In order to trust in what this verse is telling us, we need a deep seated belief that God is good. If you don't believe this in your very core, then you will struggle to trust Him in the most difficult moments. The strongest, most faithful Christians I know, who have walked through the most heart breaking trials with the courage of a lion, are those who have an unwavering trust in His goodness.  He is good. What He is doing in your life may not make sense, but He has a plan and it is good. I've struggled through enough challenging trials, and been blown away as I've gotten to the other side to see what His plan was all along, to know I can trust in Him in all things. He is good, all the time. He works in ways we can't even fathom, and He works to answer our prayers.  We want our loved ones to come to know Jesus, so when

Journal Entry ~ 11/29/19

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. - Romans 8:18 This verse does not mean to minimize our trials or say they our trivial - our trials are real. The heartache we endure as we live in this broken world can be overwhelming, the physical or emotional pain can be almost unbearable. Paul is not trying to say our sufferings are not important or intense, instead He is trying to put them in perspective. The This life is but a fleeting moment as compared to the eternity we have promised to us. We have an incomparable glory in front of us, greater than anything we know here on earth. A day is coming when all the the hurt and heartache and injustice and weakness and suffering of our present experience will be explained and justified and will result in a time of incredible blessing upon the earth. We can look forward to being in the presence of His glory for all of eternity, where there will be no tea

Journal Entry ~ 11/28/19

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. - Romans 8:18 The beauty of our trials is that they are making us new. Some of the most empathetic, loving and most compassionate people I know have been through deep valleys of heartache. Our struggles have the power to change our perspective on life, on other people, on ourselves. It changes what and who we value. We let go of our desires for the things of the world, and long for the eternal.  One of my dear friends brought me to tears the other day with her kind words. She reminded me God chooses people He knows can shine His light through difficult trials so others can see His glory. My deepest desire is to shine His light for others to see as I walk through trials.   That desire rubs up against the world all the time, and I can get trapped in trying to resolve difficult situations according to the world standards. As much as I desire to bring Hi

Journal Entry ~ 11/27/19

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. - Romans 8:18 As we were created in His image, our very foundation demands justice, but the justice that our hearts so deeply desire isn't always ours to hold.  The reality is we don't have all the facts, we cannot see the whole picture, and we're not even aware of all the people being impacted by our sufferings.  But He does. He is our judge and jury. As a child doesn't always understand the discipline of a parent, we cannot possibly understand all the reasons why He will specifically allow suffering into our lives.  But we do know some things about Him that help us to understand a seemingly pointless, but heartbreaking trial in our lives.  God's first priority is the salvation of the lost. He desires that all should come to know Him. He allows suffering to enter our lives for the purpose of saving the lost - by bringing a lost s

Journal Entry ~ 11/26/19

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. - Romans 8:18 When we encounter suffering in our lives, it is natural for us to deny or resist, or to look for a quick way out. We may cry out in anger or deep sadness because of the injustice of it all. We were created in the image of the Maker of the universe, who by His very nature, defines perfect justice, so it is only natural for us to demand justice. It's in our core.  The problem is that this instinct can cause our minds to turn dark if we allow it. We can become bitter at the unfairness of our lives, we can seek revenge, or turn our backs on God in anger. It is so important to guard our hearts when walking through difficult trials, my friends.  We all know bitter people in our lives - their hearts have been calloused and the spirit has such a difficult time penetrating the hardness. The words in this verse are perfect for battling the gr

Journal Entry ~ 11/25/19

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18 So if our charge is to open the eyes of people who don't see in our lives, why aren't we doing more of that?  Most people, including myself, would say they feel inadequate to share the gospel. We don't feel we know enough, or we can say it eloquently enough, so we stay quiet. We worry that we may be challenged and not know the answer, so we don't even open the can of worms.  Sadly, that is such self-focused thinking. Worrying about what to say means we want the glory, it means we want the knowledge or we think that we have it takes to open the eyes of those people. How very arrogant of us!  We do not have the power to save. That's not how God designed the plan - He made us clay pots so that He would get the glory.  If we look back to 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 again, the very next verse explains this truth. But we have this

Journal Entry ~ 11/24/19

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18 Even with a better understanding of the unbelievers in my life, the reality of this verse is still difficult to swallow at times.  To acknowledge our loved ones perishing, or to live in close contact with those challenging people who represent everything about this broken world we live in, or to struggle with professed believers who do not seem to be acting in accordance with His will, it can all be so heart breaking.  We have to remember that we "are being saved" as this verse tells us, we are still a work in process. We wouldn't have those unbelievers in our lives if it wasn't a part of His plan, and we wouldn’t have to rub up against those difficult people in our lives if it wasn't for our good as we are "being saved". He is refining us and growing us for our good in all of those interactions.  We need

Journal Entry ~ 11/23/19

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18 Even with a better understanding of the unbelievers in my life, the reality of this verse is still difficult to swallow at times.  To acknowledge our loved ones perishing, or to live in close contact with those challenging people who represent everything about this broken world we live in, or to struggle with professed believers who do not seem to be acting in accordance with His will, it can all be so heart breaking.  We have to remember that we "are being saved" as this verse tells us, we are still a work in process. We wouldn't have those unbelievers in our lives if it wasn't a part of His plan, and we wouldn’t have to rub up against those difficult people in our lives if it wasn't for our good as we are "being saved". He is refining us and growing us for our good in all of those interactions.  We need

Journal Entry ~ 11/22/19

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18 Studying this verse has actually brought me peace and understanding about the unbelievers in my life. It doesn't make me any happier about their situation, my heart still grieves for their loss, but it has brought me peace because it has lifted the burden from my shoulders. You see, I have a tendency to take responsibility for the unbelief of my loved ones.  We all know unbelievers. There are people in our lives who think the Word of God is folly, and when those people are close to us, this difference can become a point of contention. We so desperately want them to know the love of Christ, but sharing the Gospel with these people can often begin arguments. They think we’re foolish, and we just want them to see the light.  I have a tendency - especially with my sons - to take ownership of their unbelief, like somehow I caused it or I&

Journal Entry ~ 11/21/19

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18 People of this world think it is folly for us to put our faith in a Creator because we can't see Him.  They think it is foolish for us to believe in things that are yet to come because our Savior has promised them to us, yet they put their faith in future things all the time. They put their faith in their careers, or their ability to solve their problems. They put their faith in people, or their bank accounts.  But here’s the interesting dichotomy - people of this world are filled with fear. Fear itself is just another form of faith - only it's faith in the wrong thing. Fear believes in things that are yet to come, it just chooses to believe in trials and tragedies. Fear defined is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Fear is driven by the faith that som

Journal Entry ~ 11/20/19

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18 When Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians, He was speaking to a broken church that was arguing and debating about many issues, most of which stemmed from superior knowledge or wisdom. Paul reminds the church in this passage that it is the cross itself - the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus - that is God's saving event. At that time, when people were looking for a regal King, many Jews refused to worship a crucified Messiah. It didn't make sense that their King would die such a gruesome death at the hands of the people the Jews expected Him to defeat. They wanted a man of power that would put an end to the oppression of the Roman Empire.  But, in Jesus, God turns the worlds standards of power upside down and shows us the way of forgiveness and love. But this truth was folly to many - they could not see the truth because the

Journal Entry ~ 11/19/19

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18 The world screams at us that our beliefs are folly, that our faith is foolishness. We need to be reminded again and again of His presence and His power for our faith to remain strong. We understand why when we read this verse - the world is blind.  As I read these verses, I am reminded of our need for corporate worship, of our need to gather for church and small group. He calls us to corporate worship because He knows we need the humble reminder to be thankful for the amazing gift He has given us. He knows we need to encouragement from one another to continue to fight the good fight.  When we gather together, His presence is tangible and undeniable...but when we get out into the world, the darkness can take over. It's awesome that He designed a plan to draw us together to remind us of His love and His mercy when the world is mocking

Journal Entry ~ 11/18/19

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12, 13 NIV) One of the often overlooked looked phrases in these verses is “have learned”, but those two little words are essential to understanding this verse at its core. Paul *learned* how to be content.  Learned is a verb - it is acquiring an understanding through experience or study. It doesn’t just happen instantaneously, learning takes time and repetition. As a teacher, I can tell you learning takes perseverance and a determination to understand. It doesn’t just happen. There is always a lesson before the learning happens.  Now, I’ve know true stories of people who were supernaturally healed from a physical ailment or who set free from a controlling sin issue in an instant. God can heal and God ca

Journal Entry ~ 11/17/19

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:11-13 Learning how to be content in any situation is incredibly challenging living in this broken world. To be able to say “it is well” no matter our heartache, to be able to say He is still good even when He doesn’t answer our prayers in the way we want Him to answer, we must have a deep rooted belief that God is good.  Every generation of believers learns this truth eventually - God is good, and He wants us to know it.  His goodness flows to us as steadfast love and faithfulness, and it is present in everything He does.  There are days we may question His goodness because life's circumstances can be overwhelming. But we can rest ass

Journal Entry ~ 11/16/19

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:11-13 Yet another place we hide discontent is “who I’m with”. Great misery comes when we live a life believing our joy will come when a significant person in our life changes. We may have a husband who doesn’t love us the way we believe we should be loved, a boss who doesn’t treat us the way we should be treated, a parent who doesn’t care for us the way we should be cared for, a child who doesn’t respect us the way we should be respected, so we pray diligently for a change in that person.  The praying isn’t wrong, but the complaining about that person is. That complaining spreads your discontent all over people.  I think it’s important to

Journal Entry ~ 11/14/19

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:11-13 Contentment is a sneaky emotion. Our hearts tend to live in the current emotion, and that’s what dictates our level of contentment. In other words, if things are currently going well, then we feel fairly content. But discontent can hide in the corners of our heart, appearing only when pressed down upon, and then it wreaks havoc on our emotions. So it’s important we regularly think about our hearts and where we may be feeling unsatisfied with our lives. We need to be intentional as we dig the discontent out.  When evaluating contentment in our lives, we should be thinking about four different places our hearts may hide discontent: wh

Journal Entry ~ 11/13/19

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:11-13 It is by no mistake that these words were penned in the same breath as the well known verses about anxiety.  4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:4-7 He tells us not to be anxious about everything, but to be thankful. In the verses in between, Paul tells us to dwell on the goo

Journal Entry ~ 11/12/19

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:11-13 Contentment is often misunderstood in the Christian world. Some read these verses and think they need to be happy with every aspect of their lives. Contentment is not happiness. It’s not celebrating the wrongs we encounter on a daily basis, it’s not being joyful over the brokenness that exists it the world. It’s accepting it.  Our hearts feel discontent because we were made for a different world. Our deepest desire is that we would know the beauty of a sinless world and the unconditional love of a Heavenly Father. The problem enters when we try to place our contentment in the things of this world. These things were never meant to sa

Journal Entry ~ 11/11/19

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:11-13 God wants us to learn how to be content and trust Him in every circumstance, but this training is challenging and requires us to endure many hardships. On some days, I am pretty content, and on others, I cry out to Him and He comforts me. Knowing that He hears and encourages me strengthens my peace and contentment, allowing me to continue through the day.   By definition, contentment means to be completely satisfied with our circumstances. When we are content, we do not want for anything, but simply accept things as they are. This means we accept our current financial situations, our relationships, our jobs or careers. It doesn’t me

Journal Entry ~ 11/10/19

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:11-13 As we mature in our spiritual walk, we learn the valuable lesson:  we can't live to meet all our "needs" and live to serve Christ at the same time. We place so many things in the “needs” category that we really don't need for life. We have a tendency to place those things that we "must have in order to be happy” in the same category as needs. Those things may be sweet blessings from God, but they are not necessary for life.  The problem enters when we start naming our must haves as needs - I need to be respected, for example, or I need to have a husband who is walking with Christ. I need to be successful, I ne

Journal Entry ~ 11/9/19

9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.  - Psalm 25:9-10 Humility is a word who's connotation has gotten taken over by the world. The world would have us think that humility is putting ourselves down or thinking less of ourselves. But that definition is still very "me" focused.  When we are truly humble, we think of ourselves less and others more. Being humble means placing others in a position of authority over ourselves. When we've been slighted or overlooked, when we're being taken for granted, when we're misunderstood, a loving response would be to humbly let it go. We are humbled when we recognize the only reason we're upset is because we think we're more important than we really are.  Our flesh will rise up constantly and tell us our views are right, that our opinions are best, and tha

Journal Entry ~ 11/08/19

9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.  - Psalm 25:9-10 Humility is such a hard thing to get our heads around, so let’s define it well:  A humble attitude is the opposite of an anxious attitude. They cannot co-exist. As I mentioned earlier this week, anxiety about the future is a form of pride, and it's in direct disobedience to our King when we struggle with fear. The Lord is the one who comforts us, who promises to take care of us. So our fear means that we do not trust Him. Trust He has you exactly where He wants you right now so that He can lead you and teach you His ways.  I remember the first time I learned this - that the Lord disciplines the ones He loves - it forever changed my perspective of trials. When life is hard, it’s for a purpose. Trials and difficult times in the life of a Christian are an opportunity

Journal Entry ~ 11/07/19

9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.  - Psalm 25:9-10 God’s love for us is relentless in its pursuit for us, and His faithfulness is constant, but His love is a perfecting love, not a papering love. Many walking through trials question the goodness of God or His love for us because we have an false understanding of His love. We think when we give our lives to Christ, He will bless us by making everything easier in our lives, He will remove all injustices we experience and cover our lives with joy.  But that’s not what scripture says. Scripture reminds us we live in a broken world, full of broken people.  Living in a broken world means you’re going to run into struggles from time to time. God’s plan for this world is that He would heal the brokenness though His love. But His love is a perfecting love, not a pampering love. 

Journal Entry ~ 11/06/19

9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.  - Psalm 25:9-10 We’ve spent a lot of time this week meditating on His love and His faithfulness, but it’s important to also spend some time on the second part - the paths of those who keep His commands are full of love and faithfulness. So the question we should be asking ourselves is about our path. Is our walk full of love and faithfulness, or is it broken and difficult? Some read these verses and believe that the Lord is not loving and faithful at all because they’re walking down a difficult and painful road. Their understanding is that the Lord is sovereign over everything, so He must have picked the road.  And if He picked this road, there’s no way He could be loving or faithful.  There’s a deep theological flaw in that thinking. God is sovereign over everything, and He is sovere