Reason #9 not to sin....
Because others, including my family, suffer consequences due to my sin.
This. one. is. hard. Just keeping it real here, but I struggled through this at a particularly rebellious point in my life several years ago. I was actually living in the delusion that I was operating in a bubble. Then, I remember when it hit me like a ton of bricks: "Jeffrey, Maggie, Jack and Ali are the ones who will suffer because of your selfishness and sin." It was no small feat and required the intervention of the Holy Spirit and a huge season of brokenness. Much like my teenage fear of disappointing my father, the thought that I might harm my husband or children through sin is excruciatingly painful.
In thinking about this reason, I googled this question and got a great answer. There's no need to try and figure out a creative way to restate what I found, so here it is. Would love your thoughts as always on this subject.
Question: "How does my personal, private sin affect others?"
Answer: If you lived isolated on an island in the middle of the sea, then perhaps your private sin would not affect anyone but yourself. However, since the maxim is "no man is an island," there is a good chance that you have a family or at the least friends and acquaintances that you come into contact with on a continual basis. All of them will be affected in some way by sin because sin has consequences (Romans 6:23). That is a principle that follows the pattern laid down at the creation. Everything created has a seed from which it propagates itself after its "kind" (Genesis 1:11, 21,25). In other words, you do not plant corn and expect to harvest beets. You cannot “plant” sin—even in private—and not expect to reap a harvest of consequences. And consequences have a way of spilling out over everyone and anyone that comes into contact with us because of another principle called "association." This means that those around you can be blessed or hurt by association with you and the choices and actions you make, both privately and publicly.
One needs only to look at the recent scandals involving famous evangelical leaders to see the effects on others of “private” sins. Once they are discovered—and the Bible tells us to “be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23)—families, friends, congregations, and the Christian community at large will be harmed. Worse still, the cause of Christ will be damaged as unbelievers scoff and sneer at us and blaspheme His name. It may seem that people sin without visible consequences, but what is secret will one day be made manifest. "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open" (Luke 8:17). Can you honestly say that there is no one that would then be affected by your secret sins if they should become known?
Sin that is kept secret produces guilt, and guilt has a way of changing us. Others see those changes and are affected by them.
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Ugh. This is the last kind of effect I want to have on anyone. Instead, I want to affect them for Christ and the joy of surrendering to Him.
peace.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
reason #8 on the lent list...
Reason #8 not to sin.......
Because my sin always makes me less than what I could be.
This is my current issue to be sure. I'm not who I want to be. I know who I want to be, and I know that it will require changes, refinement and surrender. I've been in a pretty aggressive refining process over the last few years it would seem. There have been some highs and some very painful lows. I know, however, that none of those things touched me without first being sifted through the hand of God.
What I'm also learning is how much sin short-circuits that refining process. There are several things that I just wish I could get rid of once and for all. I don't want to struggle with them any longer. I don't want to war against my flesh. I want to just be rid of them. I'm not referring to anything heinous or "big" by today's definitions, and I'm not even saying that there are sins that I'm purposely harboring or holding onto. But, there are sins that are constant areas of struggle and oh how weary I am of them.
I'm weary because they make me less than what I could be. What they can't do, however, is change my standing. I'm still redeemed, declared righteous and covered by grace. I never want to harbor even "little" sins and disqualify myself from being all that He has planned for me.
peace.
Because my sin always makes me less than what I could be.
This is my current issue to be sure. I'm not who I want to be. I know who I want to be, and I know that it will require changes, refinement and surrender. I've been in a pretty aggressive refining process over the last few years it would seem. There have been some highs and some very painful lows. I know, however, that none of those things touched me without first being sifted through the hand of God.
What I'm also learning is how much sin short-circuits that refining process. There are several things that I just wish I could get rid of once and for all. I don't want to struggle with them any longer. I don't want to war against my flesh. I want to just be rid of them. I'm not referring to anything heinous or "big" by today's definitions, and I'm not even saying that there are sins that I'm purposely harboring or holding onto. But, there are sins that are constant areas of struggle and oh how weary I am of them.
I'm weary because they make me less than what I could be. What they can't do, however, is change my standing. I'm still redeemed, declared righteous and covered by grace. I never want to harbor even "little" sins and disqualify myself from being all that He has planned for me.
peace.
Friday, March 25, 2011
reason #7 on the lent list...
Reason #7 not to sin.......
Because I am doing what I do not have to do.
Today was a full day of birthday celebrating for my Maggie who turned 9 years old. As we celebrated, on and off through the day, I pondered this reason. I do not have to sin. I am not a slave. I have the power that raised Christ from the dead available to me. I have the Holy Spirit of God. I have an ocean of grace available to me and new mercies every morning completely sufficient for that day. When I sin, I am doing what I do not have to do. Why would I do it? It definitely means that I can't coast through this life because my struggle against sin will continue until I enter His presence and I'm no match for it without His power. But WITH His power, I can overcome it. I'm tired of struggling with it. I want to overcome it.
peace.
Because I am doing what I do not have to do.
Today was a full day of birthday celebrating for my Maggie who turned 9 years old. As we celebrated, on and off through the day, I pondered this reason. I do not have to sin. I am not a slave. I have the power that raised Christ from the dead available to me. I have the Holy Spirit of God. I have an ocean of grace available to me and new mercies every morning completely sufficient for that day. When I sin, I am doing what I do not have to do. Why would I do it? It definitely means that I can't coast through this life because my struggle against sin will continue until I enter His presence and I'm no match for it without His power. But WITH His power, I can overcome it. I'm tired of struggling with it. I want to overcome it.
peace.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
reason #6 on the lent list...
Reason #6 not to sin.......
Because in time my sin always brings heaviness to my heart.
Surely I can't be the only person who's experienced this. The urban dictionary defines a heavy heart like this: "When your heart is weighted down by sorrow." I wonder if oftentimes the reason we stay so busy is because if we pause too long and are too still, our true heaviness of heart will be revealed. Sometimes we operate at such a helter-skelter pace that even where there's no sin involved, we become a bit numb. We can certainly become spiritually numb and begin to court sin and realize that in time, our hearts have grown heavy with the weight and sorrow of it. This is why confession, repentance and forsaking are so critical to the health of our hearts. As if there was any doubt about why we wouldn't want heaviness of heart, I've included several scriptures below that point to the amount of emphasis God puts on the condition of our hearts.
Proverbs 4:23 "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
1 Samuel 16:7 "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
Because in time my sin always brings heaviness to my heart.
Surely I can't be the only person who's experienced this. The urban dictionary defines a heavy heart like this: "When your heart is weighted down by sorrow." I wonder if oftentimes the reason we stay so busy is because if we pause too long and are too still, our true heaviness of heart will be revealed. Sometimes we operate at such a helter-skelter pace that even where there's no sin involved, we become a bit numb. We can certainly become spiritually numb and begin to court sin and realize that in time, our hearts have grown heavy with the weight and sorrow of it. This is why confession, repentance and forsaking are so critical to the health of our hearts. As if there was any doubt about why we wouldn't want heaviness of heart, I've included several scriptures below that point to the amount of emphasis God puts on the condition of our hearts.
Proverbs 4:23 "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
1 Samuel 16:7 "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
reason #5 on the lent list...
Reason #5 not to sin.....
Because my sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders.
A great example of this would be Achan's sin in the Old Testament. I found a great commentary by RC Sproul on this particular subject.....
Following the fall of Jericho, Joshua sent a force of around 3,000 men to attack the city of Ai, but the Israelite army was soundly defeated and thirty-six fighters were killed (Josh. 7:2-5). This prompted Joshua to cry out to the Lord in great anguish, for how could He have brought the people so far only to see them lose the battle at Ai (vv. 6–9)?
What Joshua did not know but what we understood as soon as we read verse 1 is that there was a specific reason why the people failed to take the city of Ai just as they had conquered Jericho. Instead of leaving all of the devoted things of the city of Jericho for the Lord, Achan (of the kingly tribe of Judah no less) kept some of them for himself (v. 1). Once our Creator explained this to Joshua, everything began to make sense (vv. 10–12). This sin would have to be dealt with as an illustration of God’s holiness and Israel’s responsibility, and Joshua was ordered to tell the people why they had been judged at Ai and what they should do about it (vv. 13–15).
This initial warning to the people should have made Achan come forward on his own and repent of his sin. Unfortunately, this is not what occurred. Instead, he waited for God to identify him before he confessed his sin (vv. 16–21). Lest we think the Lord unjust to destroy Achan and his household even after they “repented” (vv. 22–26), we should note how Achan’s failure to confess on his own and the failure of his family to do the same reveals a lack of true contrition. John Calvin comments that Achan gave no “sure indication of repentance; being, as it were, overcome with terror, he openly divulged what he would willingly have concealed.” God always forgives the penitent, but the absence of true repentance will ultimately bring condemnation.
The thought of being a spiritual liability to others and especially to spiritual leaders over me is terrifying. Because of Achan's selfishness, shortsightedness and SIN, the Israelites were defeated in battle and their leader was left wondering why. Most of us would say we'd never purposely put our leaders in that position, but are we intentionally remembering that any sin we harbor is a burden on them and could irrevocably alter the landscape of the ministry? Do we really think about the position that we put them in? Or......do we rationalize what we're doing as inconsequential? Do we assume no one will ever find out and that we're sinning in a vacuum? Many of us can point to one story after another of a person's very public and very messy "fall from grace" in ministry. Do we shake our heads and wonder "what were they thinking?" or "how did this happen?"
It happened because they stopped being intentional about putting to death "little" and "inconsequential" sins along the way and it can just as easily happen to us. We are always one sin away from burdening our spiritual leaders in a way we'd never see coming.
God save us from rationalizing sin away and assuming it doesn't matter. May we never be a spiritual burden or liability to those whose leadership You've placed us under. Keep our hearts sensitive and our feet quick to run from evil and to repentance.
peace.
Because my sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders.
A great example of this would be Achan's sin in the Old Testament. I found a great commentary by RC Sproul on this particular subject.....
Following the fall of Jericho, Joshua sent a force of around 3,000 men to attack the city of Ai, but the Israelite army was soundly defeated and thirty-six fighters were killed (Josh. 7:2-5). This prompted Joshua to cry out to the Lord in great anguish, for how could He have brought the people so far only to see them lose the battle at Ai (vv. 6–9)?
What Joshua did not know but what we understood as soon as we read verse 1 is that there was a specific reason why the people failed to take the city of Ai just as they had conquered Jericho. Instead of leaving all of the devoted things of the city of Jericho for the Lord, Achan (of the kingly tribe of Judah no less) kept some of them for himself (v. 1). Once our Creator explained this to Joshua, everything began to make sense (vv. 10–12). This sin would have to be dealt with as an illustration of God’s holiness and Israel’s responsibility, and Joshua was ordered to tell the people why they had been judged at Ai and what they should do about it (vv. 13–15).
This initial warning to the people should have made Achan come forward on his own and repent of his sin. Unfortunately, this is not what occurred. Instead, he waited for God to identify him before he confessed his sin (vv. 16–21). Lest we think the Lord unjust to destroy Achan and his household even after they “repented” (vv. 22–26), we should note how Achan’s failure to confess on his own and the failure of his family to do the same reveals a lack of true contrition. John Calvin comments that Achan gave no “sure indication of repentance; being, as it were, overcome with terror, he openly divulged what he would willingly have concealed.” God always forgives the penitent, but the absence of true repentance will ultimately bring condemnation.
The thought of being a spiritual liability to others and especially to spiritual leaders over me is terrifying. Because of Achan's selfishness, shortsightedness and SIN, the Israelites were defeated in battle and their leader was left wondering why. Most of us would say we'd never purposely put our leaders in that position, but are we intentionally remembering that any sin we harbor is a burden on them and could irrevocably alter the landscape of the ministry? Do we really think about the position that we put them in? Or......do we rationalize what we're doing as inconsequential? Do we assume no one will ever find out and that we're sinning in a vacuum? Many of us can point to one story after another of a person's very public and very messy "fall from grace" in ministry. Do we shake our heads and wonder "what were they thinking?" or "how did this happen?"
It happened because they stopped being intentional about putting to death "little" and "inconsequential" sins along the way and it can just as easily happen to us. We are always one sin away from burdening our spiritual leaders in a way we'd never see coming.
God save us from rationalizing sin away and assuming it doesn't matter. May we never be a spiritual burden or liability to those whose leadership You've placed us under. Keep our hearts sensitive and our feet quick to run from evil and to repentance.
peace.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
reason #4 on the lent list...
Reason #4 not to sin.....
Because my sin never pleases but always grieves God who loves me.
It would take quite a hardened heart not to be moved by the thought that the Spirit of God is literally grieved by my sin. But, what if it doesn't necessarily have to be a hard heart? What if it's enough to simply be unaware and unconcerned about the true ramifications of my sin? I would NEVER purposely grieve the Spirit of God. Or would I? I'm just keeping it real here, but sometimes I want to do what I want to do and I want to do it when I want to do it.......and so I do. I'm sure it's just me.
When I was a teenager and there was the chance to do something wrong, I could pretty well ensure that if I just thought for ONE SECOND, I would quickly realize that the thought of disappointing my father was an effective deterrent. I was saved from many a poor choice by the grace of God and because I revered my father so highly. In retrospect, the times that I did disobey and disregard what he'd told me, the sting of the discipline wore off long before the regret of hurting and grieving him.
These days I'm pondering the merit of stopping for just ONE SECOND before sin to consider how it will grieve my heavenly Father. I want to caution against any temptation to use the "Jesus already died for all my sins and I'm covered by grace" argument here. It cheapens His death entirely. Most people would probably even say that sin sneaks up and happens before we have a chance to consider it. I would say that we have the chance not to sin. We have the chance not to grieve God. The enemy would love nothing more than to have us so desensitized and so tolerant that it actually does seem that sin sneaks in without warning. The truth is, there's always warning and there's always a way of a escape. Don't believe me? That gut feeling you get when a conversation is headed the way of gossip and slander? That's your chance to get out. The slow boil that begins when your husband or children has done that thing that annoys you once too often today and you're about to spew? That's your chance to change. Knowing full well that if you talk with him or her, it will lead somewhere that it most certainly shouldn't? There's your opportunity. It means being aware, being concerned and being intentional. It means being in conversation and communion with the Holy Spirit. It means being as in tune with His desires and will for me as I am with facebook, twitter or my favorite tv show. It means relying on the unending stream of grace from God (which is new every day and is never used up) and appropriating it for the killing of sin. Am I going to be successful 100% of the time? Absolutely not. It's by no means strictly human effort, but it is also by no means going to happen by osmosis. This is not about works-based faith, but about working out our salvation. It WILL require work on my part and it WILL require diligence. But wow......when the alternative is grieving the Holy Spirit of God by Whom I've been sealed? It is worth it. I want to hear what you think. I'll end today with some more John Piper. He wrote a blog post not too long ago on this very subject.
One of the poems I wrote during my leave of absence grew out of my sorrows over grieving the Holy Spirit. It is bad enough to know that God is dishonored by my sin. But to hear Paul connect my particular sins with grieving the Holy Spirit was even more painful.
This he does in Ephesians 4:30-32. He says, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” And then he names my sins: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
There are mysteries in the self-sufficient Spirit being grieved. And there are many sorrows in saints who do it. And there is a day coming when it will be done no more.
This he does in Ephesians 4:30-32. He says, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” And then he names my sins: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
There are mysteries in the self-sufficient Spirit being grieved. And there are many sorrows in saints who do it. And there is a day coming when it will be done no more.
Doubly Relieved
My patient Comforter, my God,peace.
My Life, my Breath, my holy Zeal,
My soul is doubly sorrowful:
That I still sin against your Seal,
And sinning cause my Sovereign grief.
I know it is your holy way
To make your grief serve perfect joy,
But I still pray, O bring the day
When, in the twinkling of an eye,
My soul will doubly be relieved:
I will not ever sin again,
And you will nevermore be grieved.
Monday, March 21, 2011
reason #3 on the lent list...
Reason #3 not to sin.......
Because the time spent in my sin is forever wasted.
This one is particularly hard to swallow if, like me, you're a person that takes a measure of pride in your time management and organizational skills. I love having a to-do list and then structuring my day so as to accomplish the things on the list and get all of the little boxes checked. When that occurs, I feel quite satisfied that I've made good use of the time for that day. Conversely, when I feel like the day didn't go as planned, or that nothing substantial was accomplished, I have a saying....."well that's time I'll never get back!" It's supposed to be tongue in cheek and is usually funny and agreed with by all around because we've just all seen the same ridiculous disappointment of a movie, or participated in something laborious and boring.
But, when I realize that the time I've spent in sin, and believe me there are some sins that I've clung to for months or years at a time, is forever wasted and unable to be retrieved, it produces godly sorrow and a desire NEVER to let my sin become so front and center again.
Scripture has a host of things to say about the value of the time we've been given. I have such a desire to learn to number my days and to spend them operating in light of eternity instead of wasting them on sinful fleshly desires and wasted moments and days. I view the time spent with my husband and children differently, I view my job differently, I view my worship differently and I view my leisure differently when I have eternity in view.
Does this principle impact anyone else?
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. - Psalm 90:12
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5:15-16
Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. - Psalm 39:4-5
Because the time spent in my sin is forever wasted.
This one is particularly hard to swallow if, like me, you're a person that takes a measure of pride in your time management and organizational skills. I love having a to-do list and then structuring my day so as to accomplish the things on the list and get all of the little boxes checked. When that occurs, I feel quite satisfied that I've made good use of the time for that day. Conversely, when I feel like the day didn't go as planned, or that nothing substantial was accomplished, I have a saying....."well that's time I'll never get back!" It's supposed to be tongue in cheek and is usually funny and agreed with by all around because we've just all seen the same ridiculous disappointment of a movie, or participated in something laborious and boring.
But, when I realize that the time I've spent in sin, and believe me there are some sins that I've clung to for months or years at a time, is forever wasted and unable to be retrieved, it produces godly sorrow and a desire NEVER to let my sin become so front and center again.
Scripture has a host of things to say about the value of the time we've been given. I have such a desire to learn to number my days and to spend them operating in light of eternity instead of wasting them on sinful fleshly desires and wasted moments and days. I view the time spent with my husband and children differently, I view my job differently, I view my worship differently and I view my leisure differently when I have eternity in view.
Does this principle impact anyone else?
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. - Psalm 90:12
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5:15-16
Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. - Psalm 39:4-5
Sunday, March 20, 2011
reason #2 on the lent list...
Reason #2 not to sin.......
Because my sin invites the discipline of God.
As a parent I can totally relate to this one from a human perspective. I give my kids choices all the time. We teach them about consequences and let them know what they can expect for violating whatever we've said to do. When they do inevitably violate something, discipline always follows. The degree of discipline certainly varies depending on the offense, but there is discipline nonetheless. It's not all that different a subject when we're talking about the discipline of God. I do think it's important to make a very important distinction right now.
For a believer, the discipline of God is very different from the wrath of God. As believers, we will never experience the wrath of God. Every single bit of wrath He had toward us because of our sin was poured out on His Son. He has no more wrath for us. This should be an extremely comforting thought for you and for me. He does, however, have wrath left for those who have rejected Him. They will spend eternity experiencing the full measure of that wrath separated from Him and experiencing an eternity of spiritual death. The wages of sin = death. Every time. Glory to God, Jesus died the death that was meant for me. God's wrath toward me has been satisfied in Him. So, since my sin invites God's discipline and not His wrath, what's the purpose of the discipline?
I loved this article on the discipline of God and the verses cited:
In all honesty, I believe I'm guilty of minimizing the severity of the sins in my life because I view them as small. My sin invites the discipline of God, plainly and simply. God is conforming me to the image of His Son and He can have nothing to do with my sin. He must purge it from me.....polishing what is of Him while eradicating what is of me. It truly is a refiner's fire of discipline.
"He is a refiner's fire, and that makes all the difference. A refiner's fire does not destroy indiscriminately like a forest fire. A refiner's fire does not consume completely like the fire of an incinerator. A refiner's fire refines. It purifies. It melts down the bar of silver or gold, separates out the impurities that ruin its value, burns them up, and leaves the silver and gold intact. He is like a refiner's fire.
It does say FIRE. And therefore purity and holiness will always be a dreadful thing. There will always be a proper "fear and trembling" in the process of becoming pure. We learn if from the time we are little children: never play with fire! And it's a good lesson! Therefore, Christianity is never a play thing. And the passion for purity is never flippant. He is like fire and fire is serious. You don't fool around with it.
But it does say, he is like a REFINER'S fire. And therefore this is not merely a word of warning, but a tremendous word of hope. The furnace of affliction in the family of God is always for refinement, never for destruction." - John Piper (on Malachi 3:2)
Oh God, give me the grace not to invite Your discipline upon me with willful sin. Keep me sensitive to Your Spirit as You lead me to repentance.
peace.
Because my sin invites the discipline of God.
As a parent I can totally relate to this one from a human perspective. I give my kids choices all the time. We teach them about consequences and let them know what they can expect for violating whatever we've said to do. When they do inevitably violate something, discipline always follows. The degree of discipline certainly varies depending on the offense, but there is discipline nonetheless. It's not all that different a subject when we're talking about the discipline of God. I do think it's important to make a very important distinction right now.
For a believer, the discipline of God is very different from the wrath of God. As believers, we will never experience the wrath of God. Every single bit of wrath He had toward us because of our sin was poured out on His Son. He has no more wrath for us. This should be an extremely comforting thought for you and for me. He does, however, have wrath left for those who have rejected Him. They will spend eternity experiencing the full measure of that wrath separated from Him and experiencing an eternity of spiritual death. The wages of sin = death. Every time. Glory to God, Jesus died the death that was meant for me. God's wrath toward me has been satisfied in Him. So, since my sin invites God's discipline and not His wrath, what's the purpose of the discipline?
I loved this article on the discipline of God and the verses cited:
"God uses discipline as a last resort. If all God needed to justify mankind to himself was a bigger cattle-prod, then Christ died for nothing! No, God's plan for the earth is love first, discipline last. To get us to listen and repent, he will use deep conviction, the rebuke of friends, "coincident" sermons, the quickening of Scripture, and every other means before disciplining us. But if we resist God's Spirit of mercy, we are promised the rod of correction. When God disciplines, the punishment fits the crime. Time and again, we realize that we cannot get away with unrepentant sin. God is sculpting us into holy vessels, and the process can be painful."
Job 5:17-18 (NIV) "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal."
Prov 20:30 (NIV) Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost being.
Rev 3:19 (NIV) [Jesus] "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent."
Rom 11:22 (Jer) Do not forget that God can be severe as well as kind...
Heb 10:31 (NIV) It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Rom 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
"Those who are able to consistently sin and not be rebuked by God are not His children. Those who have been born again are seized by deep conviction when they sin, and if they do not repent they are always "spanked" by God for it. Is this true in your life? Do you pass the family test?"
In all honesty, I believe I'm guilty of minimizing the severity of the sins in my life because I view them as small. My sin invites the discipline of God, plainly and simply. God is conforming me to the image of His Son and He can have nothing to do with my sin. He must purge it from me.....polishing what is of Him while eradicating what is of me. It truly is a refiner's fire of discipline.
"He is a refiner's fire, and that makes all the difference. A refiner's fire does not destroy indiscriminately like a forest fire. A refiner's fire does not consume completely like the fire of an incinerator. A refiner's fire refines. It purifies. It melts down the bar of silver or gold, separates out the impurities that ruin its value, burns them up, and leaves the silver and gold intact. He is like a refiner's fire.
It does say FIRE. And therefore purity and holiness will always be a dreadful thing. There will always be a proper "fear and trembling" in the process of becoming pure. We learn if from the time we are little children: never play with fire! And it's a good lesson! Therefore, Christianity is never a play thing. And the passion for purity is never flippant. He is like fire and fire is serious. You don't fool around with it.
But it does say, he is like a REFINER'S fire. And therefore this is not merely a word of warning, but a tremendous word of hope. The furnace of affliction in the family of God is always for refinement, never for destruction." - John Piper (on Malachi 3:2)
Oh God, give me the grace not to invite Your discipline upon me with willful sin. Keep me sensitive to Your Spirit as You lead me to repentance.
peace.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
reason #1 on the lent list...
God, in your grace, please give us fresh eyes over the next 35 days as we journey toward the celebration of your glorious Son's resurrection. Jesus, please impact us with the weight of what our sin cost you and protect us from minimizing and explaining in an attempt to soften the blows. Holy Spirit, bring these reasons to our remembrance throughout the day and may they be more than words on a screen. We are pursuing a lifestyle that magnifies the Son...
Reason #1 Not To Sin......
Because a little sin leads to more sin.
When I was a high school student, I had Andy Stanley as my youth pastor. If you're unaware or have been living under some sort of rock, he has been enormously gifted by God as a teacher and communicator of truth. As a high schooler, I had the benefit of sitting under his teaching for four years. In a particularly uncomfortable and eye-opening series called "How Far Is Too Far?" Andy talked about the perils of sexual immorality and how to avoid making mistakes that would mark us forever. We had laminated cards to remember the points and long before the "WWJD" movement of a few years later, there were several hundred high school students who were newly empowered with their laminated cards and commitment to sexual purity.
There were two points on that little card that are relevant to our reason here today.
1. The further you go, the faster you go.
2. The further you go, the harder it is to go back.
I have certainly found that no matter how "little" the sin or how infrequent, if left unchecked, my appetite will be for more. It is a WITHOUT FAIL principle. Whenever there is sin, if I do not repent of it (ie: agree with God that I am sinning and lifting up myself against Him) and turn away from it, it will always lead to more. It will always lead to more...............
gossip
slander
lying
cheating
complaining
grumbling
pride
critical spirit
critical speech
sexual sin
......and all other sins. The list is endless. I have found that this is a point that I'd like to argue and explain away. I mean, if I ask the Holy Spirit to be faithful to prick my heart any time that I am sinning, it seems to be an endless pricking session akin to some sort of spiritual acupuncture. I find myself saying "well, I mean everyone sins. Nobody's perfect! This is why we live under grace and not the law......." Though all of those statements are true, none of them requires me to take the responsibility that is indeed mine to "throw off" the sin that so easily entangles. I believe one of the first steps though is to reclassify things as sin that our christian culture has begun to accept and tolerate and in some cases, embrace. We classify gossip as "concern", critical spirits as "constructive"......and so on. Once we've begun to explain away these "little" sins, before we know it, we're knee deep in sin and wondering how we got there. How? Because a little sin always leads to more sin.
How have you seen this principle prove true?
What other sins have we begun to explain away and classify?
What safeguards can we have in place so we don't find ourselves being led into more sin?
thoughts?
peace.
Reason #1 Not To Sin......
Because a little sin leads to more sin.
When I was a high school student, I had Andy Stanley as my youth pastor. If you're unaware or have been living under some sort of rock, he has been enormously gifted by God as a teacher and communicator of truth. As a high schooler, I had the benefit of sitting under his teaching for four years. In a particularly uncomfortable and eye-opening series called "How Far Is Too Far?" Andy talked about the perils of sexual immorality and how to avoid making mistakes that would mark us forever. We had laminated cards to remember the points and long before the "WWJD" movement of a few years later, there were several hundred high school students who were newly empowered with their laminated cards and commitment to sexual purity.
There were two points on that little card that are relevant to our reason here today.
1. The further you go, the faster you go.
2. The further you go, the harder it is to go back.
I have certainly found that no matter how "little" the sin or how infrequent, if left unchecked, my appetite will be for more. It is a WITHOUT FAIL principle. Whenever there is sin, if I do not repent of it (ie: agree with God that I am sinning and lifting up myself against Him) and turn away from it, it will always lead to more. It will always lead to more...............
gossip
slander
lying
cheating
complaining
grumbling
pride
critical spirit
critical speech
sexual sin
......and all other sins. The list is endless. I have found that this is a point that I'd like to argue and explain away. I mean, if I ask the Holy Spirit to be faithful to prick my heart any time that I am sinning, it seems to be an endless pricking session akin to some sort of spiritual acupuncture. I find myself saying "well, I mean everyone sins. Nobody's perfect! This is why we live under grace and not the law......." Though all of those statements are true, none of them requires me to take the responsibility that is indeed mine to "throw off" the sin that so easily entangles. I believe one of the first steps though is to reclassify things as sin that our christian culture has begun to accept and tolerate and in some cases, embrace. We classify gossip as "concern", critical spirits as "constructive"......and so on. Once we've begun to explain away these "little" sins, before we know it, we're knee deep in sin and wondering how we got there. How? Because a little sin always leads to more sin.
How have you seen this principle prove true?
What other sins have we begun to explain away and classify?
What safeguards can we have in place so we don't find ourselves being led into more sin?
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers." James 1:12-16
thoughts?
peace.
Friday, March 18, 2011
the lent list...
I'm always intrigued each time we approach the 40 days before Easter by all the things that I hear people are giving up for Lent. I'm intrigued by it because historically "Lent is a season of grief that necessarily ends with a great celebration of Easter. It is known in Eastern Orthodox circles as the season of "Bright Sadness."" It's also a time when things are to be given up, instituted and given away (ie: giving up a personal vice, praying more and giving to charities.)
Now, this is not intended to be some sort of theological treatise on the validity of Lent today or its many different and varied applications in today's religions and denominations. It is merely something that has always intrigued me. It is supposed to be a great season of grief and sadness over sin and what led Christ to the cross. Regardless of whether or not you believe it should still be observed today, the premise is solid: true grief over sin should mark any believer. A realization of what it cost Christ and His Father to buy my freedom should remain at the forefront of my pursuit of holiness. A proper perspective of myself in light of the cross leads me to a proper perspective of my Savior. With that said, a mere 40 day deprivation of tv, facebook, twitter, some food or drink or anything else does not check off a box in eternity and earn us anything. Those 40 days of deprivation without a new perspective and change going forward from there have not really done anything for us either. I'm not saying that people don't go on amazing spiritual journeys during Lent because I'm certain that they probably do. I'm not saying that this suggested pondering of Christ's sacrifice and our sin as the catalyst will necessarily be life-changing for you either. But...any amount of considering our sin, considering it's ramifications, considering it's cost and considering the cross can and SHOULD mark us forever in a way that nothing else comes close to.
Now, I've heard it said over and over "if you're focusing on holiness, your focus is in the wrong place, it should be on God" and "focusing on God's holiness will automatically make you holy" and "grace covers everything and God knows our limitations and that we can't be holy on this side of heaven" and "pursuing holiness is just works and legalism and I live under grace" and frankly, it's disturbing me. The fact of the matter is that parts of those statements are certainly true. But, the other parts are cop outs for getting to live how we want to live, talk how we want to talk and do what we want to do because "we're covered." I'm not buying. Scripture is clear that we're to "be holy" in all we "do." (1 Peter 1:15) and that we're to "BE holy" because He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). So, by the grace of God alone and through no goodness of my own, I'm pursuing holiness. I'm straining for it and it's uncomfortable. It informs everything I say and do and how I think..... and I fail regularly. I mean, seriously.......ALL the time. But that's where the grace part comes in! The very process of sanctifying something or making it holy means that it's to be "set apart" and "separate" from defilement. Sin is what defiles us. Sin is what we struggle with. But with every chance to sin, there's the chance not to by the grace of God. The amazing thing about God is that He has put my sin behind His back and has removed it as far as the east is from the west. Sin lost its power over us when Christ bought us who are believers. Sure, I can choose to let sin get victory, or I can choose to systematically put it to death, forsake it and kill it in my life. Make no mistake......this is not about good works, or not sinning so I'll feel better or earn something or even any delusion that this can be accomplished apart from the grace of God. But, it IS about appropriating the grace that is given to us FREELY by the Spirit of God, the power that is available to us.....the same power that RAISED CHRIST from the dead and appropriating that grace and power for defeating sin. So...for the next 35 days leading up to Easter weekend, I'll blog one reason not to sin each day and it'll be the Lent List....because it's catchy and this is the season of Lent. They are from a list I came upon several years ago called "35 Reasons Not To Sin" and they're amazing and convicting.
I don't know if you're giving something up, or purposely not giving something up because everyone else is, or are unsure about the whole giving up process...but rather than specifically giving something up together, I'd love for us to dive in together. Will you go on this journey with me? It will involve commenting from personal experience and/or study and pondering and hopefully won't take you too long each day. I'm not interested in debating and I want it to be uplifting and refining. Iron sharpens iron and we've got a community of believers here and the beauty of social networking to shrink the miles between us. Won't you join me? Can we head toward Easter together by taking a few minutes each day to chew over something and soak in it as we go about our days? I have no doubt God would meet each one of us specifically along the way. I may go all alone, but I'm going nonetheless. I'd love it if you'd come...and bring a friend!
"The pursuit of holiness is a joint venture between God and the Christian. No one can attain any degree of holiness without God working in his life, but just as surely no one will attain it without effort on his own part. God has made it possible for us to walk in holiness. But He has given to us the responsibility of doing the walking; He does not do that for us." - Jerry Bridges
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12:1-3
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1
"But as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; because it is written, Be holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16
See you tomorrow...
peace.
Now, this is not intended to be some sort of theological treatise on the validity of Lent today or its many different and varied applications in today's religions and denominations. It is merely something that has always intrigued me. It is supposed to be a great season of grief and sadness over sin and what led Christ to the cross. Regardless of whether or not you believe it should still be observed today, the premise is solid: true grief over sin should mark any believer. A realization of what it cost Christ and His Father to buy my freedom should remain at the forefront of my pursuit of holiness. A proper perspective of myself in light of the cross leads me to a proper perspective of my Savior. With that said, a mere 40 day deprivation of tv, facebook, twitter, some food or drink or anything else does not check off a box in eternity and earn us anything. Those 40 days of deprivation without a new perspective and change going forward from there have not really done anything for us either. I'm not saying that people don't go on amazing spiritual journeys during Lent because I'm certain that they probably do. I'm not saying that this suggested pondering of Christ's sacrifice and our sin as the catalyst will necessarily be life-changing for you either. But...any amount of considering our sin, considering it's ramifications, considering it's cost and considering the cross can and SHOULD mark us forever in a way that nothing else comes close to.
Now, I've heard it said over and over "if you're focusing on holiness, your focus is in the wrong place, it should be on God" and "focusing on God's holiness will automatically make you holy" and "grace covers everything and God knows our limitations and that we can't be holy on this side of heaven" and "pursuing holiness is just works and legalism and I live under grace" and frankly, it's disturbing me. The fact of the matter is that parts of those statements are certainly true. But, the other parts are cop outs for getting to live how we want to live, talk how we want to talk and do what we want to do because "we're covered." I'm not buying. Scripture is clear that we're to "be holy" in all we "do." (1 Peter 1:15) and that we're to "BE holy" because He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). So, by the grace of God alone and through no goodness of my own, I'm pursuing holiness. I'm straining for it and it's uncomfortable. It informs everything I say and do and how I think..... and I fail regularly. I mean, seriously.......ALL the time. But that's where the grace part comes in! The very process of sanctifying something or making it holy means that it's to be "set apart" and "separate" from defilement. Sin is what defiles us. Sin is what we struggle with. But with every chance to sin, there's the chance not to by the grace of God. The amazing thing about God is that He has put my sin behind His back and has removed it as far as the east is from the west. Sin lost its power over us when Christ bought us who are believers. Sure, I can choose to let sin get victory, or I can choose to systematically put it to death, forsake it and kill it in my life. Make no mistake......this is not about good works, or not sinning so I'll feel better or earn something or even any delusion that this can be accomplished apart from the grace of God. But, it IS about appropriating the grace that is given to us FREELY by the Spirit of God, the power that is available to us.....the same power that RAISED CHRIST from the dead and appropriating that grace and power for defeating sin. So...for the next 35 days leading up to Easter weekend, I'll blog one reason not to sin each day and it'll be the Lent List....because it's catchy and this is the season of Lent. They are from a list I came upon several years ago called "35 Reasons Not To Sin" and they're amazing and convicting.
I don't know if you're giving something up, or purposely not giving something up because everyone else is, or are unsure about the whole giving up process...but rather than specifically giving something up together, I'd love for us to dive in together. Will you go on this journey with me? It will involve commenting from personal experience and/or study and pondering and hopefully won't take you too long each day. I'm not interested in debating and I want it to be uplifting and refining. Iron sharpens iron and we've got a community of believers here and the beauty of social networking to shrink the miles between us. Won't you join me? Can we head toward Easter together by taking a few minutes each day to chew over something and soak in it as we go about our days? I have no doubt God would meet each one of us specifically along the way. I may go all alone, but I'm going nonetheless. I'd love it if you'd come...and bring a friend!
"The pursuit of holiness is a joint venture between God and the Christian. No one can attain any degree of holiness without God working in his life, but just as surely no one will attain it without effort on his own part. God has made it possible for us to walk in holiness. But He has given to us the responsibility of doing the walking; He does not do that for us." - Jerry Bridges
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12:1-3
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1
"But as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; because it is written, Be holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16
See you tomorrow...
peace.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
new beginnings & blank pages...
Ever since our decision to move from California to Atlanta about two months ago, I've been saying : "This is the blankest our pages have ever been." And it's true. We didn't have some master plan and we didn't leave California to come here for a job, nor had we been promised anything. We just knew that we were supposed to step out in faith and that God would write on our pages as He saw fit. The truth is, we've never had an assurance of any of the plans we've made and in that case, it's always been a blank page of sorts. But, before this move, we always had some sort of plan and an idea of how to get it accomplished.
I've loved this blank page journey. It's meant a change of relationships, a redefining of values in our family and our lives, a refocusing of passions and dreams and an increased realization of our total and complete need for the grace and guidance of God upon our lives. We find ourselves actively depending on it every day and clinging to Him (sometimes with a more white-knuckled grip than others) because He's the only constant in an otherwise unknown future.
Here lately, God's graciously written on a few of our pages with the provision of my new position as Director of Passion Kids for Passion City Church. We're so excited! I've loved ministering to kids in all its aspects for many years and have had the privilege of working in several great ministries. One of my favorite parts of the interview process for PCC was when Shelley said to me. "It's rare that people get to start with a completely blank page, and that's what you'll have the opportunity to do here with Passion Kids." And a blank page it is! The building is still under construction and I got to go walk through all of the spaces today. I had chills, watery eyes and excitement as I looked at all of the newness and the places that would soon inhabit the most precious of God's creations. Blank pages. Chances to do something new, something creative, something extraordinary. Chances to dream big, reach high and expect much. Chances to impact, care, invest and love.
My second favorite part of the interview was listening to Louie and Shelley as they cast their vision for Passion Kids. Quite simply, mine is the same. We want kids to meet Jesus. We want to carry the Name to them and in turn, have them surrender their lives to Him and live to carry the Name to others. We want them to learn that it's all about Jesus. We want them to learn about worship and its relationship to justice and we want them to be globally minded. We want to be intentional. In the sense of ministry to children, we're not doing something new and unheard of. We're not in uncharted territory and we're not trying to corner the market on ministry. But, we've got a blank page and we want to be faithful.
All this talk of blank pages is such a reminder to me of another blank page I've been granted and that's the one I've been given in Christ. It's unfathomable to me that the whole reason I'm even getting the opportunity to participate in ministering to children, or to anyone else for that matter, is because I've been counted righteous and been given a completely blank page and clean slate. God looks at me and sees me the very same way He sees His Son. All of His wrath toward my sin was spent when He put His Son through hell on my behalf. He has no wrath left for me and that frees me to serve Him and labor with eternity in mind. I'm grateful that the things I struggle with each day are not counted against me and are covered. I'm exceedingly mindful of the short accounts afforded me by consistent repentance and intentional forsaking of those same things. I'm learning more each day what it means to walk in the grace of that clean record.........that blank page.
I'm looking forward to the day that the kids come in and fill those blank rooms. I'm excited about the opportunity that we will have to invest in them. I'm grateful for the hearts that the Holy Spirit will draw unto Himself. Mostly, I'm grateful for these days of the blank pages. I'm learning that what was once so scary and uncomfortable really just may be some of the best days of all.
peace.
I've loved this blank page journey. It's meant a change of relationships, a redefining of values in our family and our lives, a refocusing of passions and dreams and an increased realization of our total and complete need for the grace and guidance of God upon our lives. We find ourselves actively depending on it every day and clinging to Him (sometimes with a more white-knuckled grip than others) because He's the only constant in an otherwise unknown future.
Here lately, God's graciously written on a few of our pages with the provision of my new position as Director of Passion Kids for Passion City Church. We're so excited! I've loved ministering to kids in all its aspects for many years and have had the privilege of working in several great ministries. One of my favorite parts of the interview process for PCC was when Shelley said to me. "It's rare that people get to start with a completely blank page, and that's what you'll have the opportunity to do here with Passion Kids." And a blank page it is! The building is still under construction and I got to go walk through all of the spaces today. I had chills, watery eyes and excitement as I looked at all of the newness and the places that would soon inhabit the most precious of God's creations. Blank pages. Chances to do something new, something creative, something extraordinary. Chances to dream big, reach high and expect much. Chances to impact, care, invest and love.
My second favorite part of the interview was listening to Louie and Shelley as they cast their vision for Passion Kids. Quite simply, mine is the same. We want kids to meet Jesus. We want to carry the Name to them and in turn, have them surrender their lives to Him and live to carry the Name to others. We want them to learn that it's all about Jesus. We want them to learn about worship and its relationship to justice and we want them to be globally minded. We want to be intentional. In the sense of ministry to children, we're not doing something new and unheard of. We're not in uncharted territory and we're not trying to corner the market on ministry. But, we've got a blank page and we want to be faithful.
All this talk of blank pages is such a reminder to me of another blank page I've been granted and that's the one I've been given in Christ. It's unfathomable to me that the whole reason I'm even getting the opportunity to participate in ministering to children, or to anyone else for that matter, is because I've been counted righteous and been given a completely blank page and clean slate. God looks at me and sees me the very same way He sees His Son. All of His wrath toward my sin was spent when He put His Son through hell on my behalf. He has no wrath left for me and that frees me to serve Him and labor with eternity in mind. I'm grateful that the things I struggle with each day are not counted against me and are covered. I'm exceedingly mindful of the short accounts afforded me by consistent repentance and intentional forsaking of those same things. I'm learning more each day what it means to walk in the grace of that clean record.........that blank page.
I'm looking forward to the day that the kids come in and fill those blank rooms. I'm excited about the opportunity that we will have to invest in them. I'm grateful for the hearts that the Holy Spirit will draw unto Himself. Mostly, I'm grateful for these days of the blank pages. I'm learning that what was once so scary and uncomfortable really just may be some of the best days of all.
peace.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
vacuum tracks & reality checks...
This morning, I was up before the sun. I had reached my breaking point with the insane amount of junk and mess that comes with three kids, busy schedules and lots of people living in one house. I happen to have tons of work in front of me for Passion this week. We've got registration deadlines, cancellation deadlines, price increases and the like. We are one month away from the Fort Worth conference, today, and with that comes a large amount of computer work for me. But I could not put off the cleaning for one more moment. I get unsettled in my soul when I'm unsettled in my home. Now, I'm not a psycho about it or anything - Jeffrey might disagree :) but I do have to have order so that I'm not overwhelmed by stress and becoming unnerved by the most ridiculous things. Even more than usual, the fact that we've picked up and moved across the country in faith and are now living with my parents makes for an absolute blast of adventure, but is still fraught with a measure of uncertainty and "NOW WHAT?"
As I set about the task of picking up after three children, I found myself doing what I always do:
"what made them think THIS was the place for this to go?"
"I should just throw all of these away.........that would teach them not to leave them lying around!"
"I'm going to donate all this to Goodwill! They'd at least appreciate the hard work........unlike some people I know.........
"close quarters.........grrrrrrr.......if only we could spread out more!"
"i had so much more room in my house in California........"
As I was sweating and sorting and shaking and stripping and making and fluffing and placing and folding, it was very tempting to view these things as chores, irritations and interruptions. It was tempting to view these unknown days as unfair. The pity party was looking like a place I wanted to be. Right about the time I was obsessing over my perfect vacuum tracks, I had one of those little thoughts that I get. It went something like this.........
"You wouldn't have to do ANY of these things if I hadn't given you a husband and three children to begin with...and remember....you took a step of faith in making this move. Faith doesn't mean things will necessarily be easy. This is where you get to decide if you actually trust me or if that was all for show." Ugh. It's so true. It didn't take me but 3 seconds to change my attitude from one of self-pity and exaggerated sighing to one of humility and gratitude that God has chosen to glorify Himself by giving me this family and this journey.
I have a husband who adores me and our children and I have three precious children who just last night gathered around me giggling and eyes shining as I told them my made up story of Her Royal Highness Margarita Freshonia, Princess Alicia Farquite and Lord Jacksonian. These days of close quarters and shared spaces are actually precious time we have to invest in our children whose hearts are so tender toward the Lord. The annoyances of lice and ear infections, runny noses and asthma are chances we have to care for them and praise God for the fact that it's nothing more serious. Our blank pages, uncertainty and the unknown are the first time in our lives that we get to pray through every single, solitary decision, consider our course and watch God direct our steps. We can be intentional and we enjoy knowing that.
As I began to ponder more, I was struck by the thought that there are so many moms battling terminal illnesses with their children who would be grateful to have my little annoyances of sicknesses or messy rooms, many women who cannot have children of their own would give anything for piles of childrens laundry and toys everywhere. I know many women who would give anything for a husband as wonderful as mine. Needless to say...pondering turned to conviction, which turned to repentance for my selfishness and self-involvement. The reality check of the blessings God has poured out over me shook me quickly from the little pity party I'd wanted to so vehemently attend a few moments earlier.
I know it will sadly be all too soon before I'm lamenting my plight once again, but for today, I'm grateful for the reality check. I'm looking forward to picking up my children from school, running mundane errands with their chatter and singing in the background, creating more adventures for Her Royal Highness Margarita, Princess Alicia and Lord Jacksonian, and reading more of Pilgrim's Progress (their current favorite) to them this evening.
I know one mom who would probably change places with me were it not for her unshakable faith in God's plan. Her name is Holly McRae and her precious daughter, Kate, is battling brain cancer. Together, Holly, her husband Aaron, and their other 2 children are walking a road many of us will never fathom. If you've not yet joined them on their journey, I urge you to do so. You'll receive a reality check of your own, but more than that, you'll have the privilege of interceding for them, supporting them and encouraging them. I do not know the McRaes personally, but the beautiful thing about the family of faith is that I don't have to. I'm a mother and I have a child Kate's age. I can put myself there in a heartbeat. I've included their information below. Please take time to join their journey.
For now, I'm off to relish my family and the responsibilities that come with it. It's how God gets His glory in my life. Ali just walked in with an ice cold Diet Dr. Pepper and announced "oh mommmmmyyyyyyy..........look what I've got for youuuuuuuuuuu!!!!" in her little sing-songy voice. I could just eat her up :)
peace.
http://www.prayforkate.com
As I set about the task of picking up after three children, I found myself doing what I always do:
"what made them think THIS was the place for this to go?"
"I should just throw all of these away.........that would teach them not to leave them lying around!"
"I'm going to donate all this to Goodwill! They'd at least appreciate the hard work........unlike some people I know.........
"close quarters.........grrrrrrr.......if only we could spread out more!"
"i had so much more room in my house in California........"
As I was sweating and sorting and shaking and stripping and making and fluffing and placing and folding, it was very tempting to view these things as chores, irritations and interruptions. It was tempting to view these unknown days as unfair. The pity party was looking like a place I wanted to be. Right about the time I was obsessing over my perfect vacuum tracks, I had one of those little thoughts that I get. It went something like this.........
"You wouldn't have to do ANY of these things if I hadn't given you a husband and three children to begin with...and remember....you took a step of faith in making this move. Faith doesn't mean things will necessarily be easy. This is where you get to decide if you actually trust me or if that was all for show." Ugh. It's so true. It didn't take me but 3 seconds to change my attitude from one of self-pity and exaggerated sighing to one of humility and gratitude that God has chosen to glorify Himself by giving me this family and this journey.
I have a husband who adores me and our children and I have three precious children who just last night gathered around me giggling and eyes shining as I told them my made up story of Her Royal Highness Margarita Freshonia, Princess Alicia Farquite and Lord Jacksonian. These days of close quarters and shared spaces are actually precious time we have to invest in our children whose hearts are so tender toward the Lord. The annoyances of lice and ear infections, runny noses and asthma are chances we have to care for them and praise God for the fact that it's nothing more serious. Our blank pages, uncertainty and the unknown are the first time in our lives that we get to pray through every single, solitary decision, consider our course and watch God direct our steps. We can be intentional and we enjoy knowing that.
As I began to ponder more, I was struck by the thought that there are so many moms battling terminal illnesses with their children who would be grateful to have my little annoyances of sicknesses or messy rooms, many women who cannot have children of their own would give anything for piles of childrens laundry and toys everywhere. I know many women who would give anything for a husband as wonderful as mine. Needless to say...pondering turned to conviction, which turned to repentance for my selfishness and self-involvement. The reality check of the blessings God has poured out over me shook me quickly from the little pity party I'd wanted to so vehemently attend a few moments earlier.
I know it will sadly be all too soon before I'm lamenting my plight once again, but for today, I'm grateful for the reality check. I'm looking forward to picking up my children from school, running mundane errands with their chatter and singing in the background, creating more adventures for Her Royal Highness Margarita, Princess Alicia and Lord Jacksonian, and reading more of Pilgrim's Progress (their current favorite) to them this evening.
I know one mom who would probably change places with me were it not for her unshakable faith in God's plan. Her name is Holly McRae and her precious daughter, Kate, is battling brain cancer. Together, Holly, her husband Aaron, and their other 2 children are walking a road many of us will never fathom. If you've not yet joined them on their journey, I urge you to do so. You'll receive a reality check of your own, but more than that, you'll have the privilege of interceding for them, supporting them and encouraging them. I do not know the McRaes personally, but the beautiful thing about the family of faith is that I don't have to. I'm a mother and I have a child Kate's age. I can put myself there in a heartbeat. I've included their information below. Please take time to join their journey.
For now, I'm off to relish my family and the responsibilities that come with it. It's how God gets His glory in my life. Ali just walked in with an ice cold Diet Dr. Pepper and announced "oh mommmmmyyyyyyy..........look what I've got for youuuuuuuuuuu!!!!" in her little sing-songy voice. I could just eat her up :)
peace.
http://www.prayforkate.com
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