I am reading a book titled, When a Woman Lets Go of Her Fears written by Cheryl Brodersen. It's been a great read and Cheryl has a knack for making her points in a simple way. She offers a list of seven that state what is true about God. As I read the list I really began to evaluate how much I believe each one and how the unbelief affects other aspects of my life. I will share with you her list than share my thoughts on each one.
1. God is
2. God is able
3. God is good
4. God will work
5. God loves you
6. God's ways are perfect
7. God's timing is perfect
It might be helpful to take a few minutes to meditate on her list and see how your belief system matches us. If it does than do your actions and thoughts match what you think you belief.
1. God is.
Hebrews 11:6) Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is.
Psalm 11:4) The fool says in his heart there is no God.
The Bible never makes the argument that God exists. It is a given and is obvious. His design is in everything. Recently I had blood work done and was so amazed by the wealth of information contained in those viles of blood. It reinforced my belief that God is.
2. God is able.
Ephesians 3:20) Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask for imagine, according to His power that is at work with us...
Paul is offering wonderful praise (something I need to do more of). My problem is life-consuming right now, but that is because I only see the human perspective of it. I have wondered before if my problem is so small to God why can't He just fix it real quick like. Again, I don't see the whole parade just my float. He is able to work it all out for His glory and my good. He has an endless imagination. As I thought about God being able I came to the conclusion that I believe deep to my core that He is able to do anything.
3. God is good.
Psalm 107:1) Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.
I think of the Chris Tomlin song here! It is important to believe this in order to trust Him. A fundamental to faith is trust so you ee how critical it is to believe He is good. I do not struggle with His plan of salvation and His immeasurable good in that plan. I admit I have an issue with the concept of God being good in all areas of my life. I know that He would not be good if He provided everything I wanted exactly when I wanted it. I would not be a good parent to Eli if I did that with him. So you can see my battle...I go back and forth which is because I am too dependant on my feelings. I often talk to God about my struggle. I REALLY struggle releasing my situation to Him.
4. God will work.
Romans 8:28) 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.
This verse reminds me that He will work in all things and not just some. "God allows the circumstances to get way beyond our control at times before He does His work," Cheryl Brodersen. The above quote really hit home with me in a personal way. I would even add to the end by saying...in the open. I believe He is working on my situation all the time, but I cannot see it yet. Believe me when I tell you I feel totally helpless and out of control over my situation. I remind myself consistently that He is working.
Think of the story of the parting of the Red Sea. It was the 11th hour for the Israelites. You can read the story in Exodus 14. I think God has a dramatic side to Him. He is often so simple yet so dramatic at the same time. Look at the amazing aspects in nature. Dave and I love the mountains! Our dream house is in the mountains overlooking a beautiful lake. The Mountains are dramatic! Interestingly enough the closer I become to God the more intense my battles are. I believe Satan knows when a person is authentic about their quest. "Sometimes when we pray and ask God to work, the circumstances will intensify, but God is at work even in the building pressure. He is increasing the drama to draw attention to the glory of what He is about to do," Cheryel Broderen. This speaks to me because my situation is as bad now as ever. I found no relief from my old treatment and feel lost on what to do now. The circumstances appear and feel unrelenting. I believe God knows my discouragement and frustraton because here is a quote from my Joyce Meyer daily devotion yesterday. "You may not see Him coming, but you will certainly know wen He has been there."
5. God loves me.
Romans 8:38-39) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There is nothing too bad for God to forgive. His love is available to all, but can only be experienced when it is accepted. There are some parts of God I do not understand. What I do understand is the love He showed humanity by sending Jesus to die on the cross. I get that. What I do not get is why some children are raped. I don't get why my mom had to suffer such an awful death. I do not know and will probably never know, but decided long ago I was going to stop demanding to understand. I believe we aren't supposed to understand it all. I believe the Bible is true and it says He loves us.
6. God's ways are perfect.
Psalm 18:30) As for God, His ways are perfect.
Proverbs 3:5-6) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 are two of my favorite passages in the Bible. I have recited it to myself time and time again. I firmly believe it has kept me sane during the hardest time of my life. If I lean on my own view of this I will feel completely hopeless. Actually I have found myself wallowing in my understanding and because of this any oune of confident expectation flees. Trust plays a big roll here. Without trust it is impossible to believe His ways are perfect. We have to trust His plan for us in order to live in that peace the Bible mentions.
7. God's timing is perfect.
Eccliastes 3:1-12) There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.
Are you thinking of "The Byrds" song now?! Man I loved that Forrest Gump soundtrack! My mom used to say she was excited for heaven because there would be no time there. We are all about time and things being quick. Joyce Meyer reminds her listeners often that bad things do not last forever nor do good. What is needed is trust in that God will provide what you need just when you need it.
We all have an impatient nature. The other night I was talking to Dave on the phone. We were talking about our next step in trying to find relief for me. It was an intense conversation. Whenever I am upset Eli gets me Floppy to hug. After I hung up with Dave Eli asked what was wrong. I don't allow Eli to see every in and out of this situation, but do try to use what I can for teaching him a lesson. I told him I was just very tired of waiting on God to bring me through to the other side of this. I told him I get discouraged waiting for my health and wellness to come. I explained that we have to keep praying over the situation. Eli says this to me, "usually God doesn't take this long to do something." Again thinking how I could use this to teach him some Biblical principle I explained to him what Biblical patience was. It is waiting with a positive attitude. We also talked about how God is still working even when it doesn't appear so.
Truth is when we pray we want immediate results and when that doesn't happen we auomatically assume, 1. God must not care, 2. He's just plain mean, 3. we will be stuck forever where we are at. These are all lies and must be faced head on with God's truth. God is intentional and His delays have purpose.
I hope that I have given you something to think about. The best thing to do is be honest and tell God which of these you need help with an authentic manner. He will help!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
What is Faith?
I will come out and say I have had an extraordinarily difficult week which is why there has been gap in my blog entries. My personal studies have been interesting since my appointment last week. It did not go as I had hoped. Actually, it was the most disappointing doctor's appointment I have ever had. On the upside God still had some great lessons for me in my pain. I still knew He had told me to go and know it was part of my journey...and I found out I am VERY deficient in Vitamin D. Huh, who knew?! Anyway, on to my study.
People toss around the word "faith" very often, but what really is it? Our faith is only as good as what we have faith in. Faith in ourselves or other people is flawed at it's core because we and others are flawed at the core.
Hebrews 11:1) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
If you are anything like me this verse makes no sense. It's okay to admit that. I believe the Bible was written in a way that it requires more of us than simply reading it. We are to study it in detail. I have a fantastic Bible commentary by Warren Wiersbe. Here are some things I learned by reading the entry for the above verse. Biblical faith is not a "hope so" or being superstitious. Genuine faith obeys God in spite of circumstances and consequences. It adheres to God's hand when everyone and everything is trying to rip your hand out of His. You see, my appointment was awful yet I KNOW God is using all things for my good because I love Him and have been called according to His purpose. I have faith that God will take my heartbreak and turn it for good. Granted I'm tired of waiting, but I know it will happen. When I have faith it is God's assurance to me that what He has promised will come true. The word confidence used in the verse can be translated to support. Of course faith isn't faith if we can see it.
Here are more of my thoughts on the topic. Genuine faith admits when it has no strength left to believe. Let me tell you, given how my appointment went last Tuesday I really contemplated quitting my quest for health. In times of great frustration I have wondered if this condition is not my lot in life. There remains an intense fire within me though that refuses to accept that. I believe it is the Holy Spirit's way of edging me on. Genuine faith knows God cannot be manipulated by hours spent reading the Bible, the memorization of verses, praying fancy prayers, or talking in a religious manner. It believes God is "I Am," God loves them and is able. He will work and is working on our problems. It believes His timing is perfect. He never provides too late...or too early for that matter.
Genuine faith has faith in God and His promises and not in itself. I think many people, myself included at times, have faith in faith. It isn't the belief in faith that heals them, sets them free from bondage, or repairs broken hearts. Remember our faith is only as good as the subject. The dictionary says that faith is the confidence or trust in a person or thing especially without logical proof. In my case there really isn't anything that says I am getting better or will get better yet I know God is working it out to my benefit. Now the key for me is trusting what He thinks is for my benefit really is. Often the person we are to have faith in is forgotten about. To have faith in faith means to have faith in ourselves and what we can do or in others and what they can do. Trusting myself or other people in essence is unbelief. It takes the reins out of God's hands. Trusting in God is belief.
I firmly believe that when someones life gets really bad their true faith is exposed. I know that has been true in my own life. Anyone can say all the right things when life is smooth or on auto-pilot. Picture the scene...a woman is laying in a portable hospital bed in her oldest daughter's old bedroom. She is swollen because of high doses of medication and her hair is gone. Her chest is rising and falling with sounds of fluid in her lungs. The nurse calls this the "death rattle." Her leg is burned because a week ago she dumped hot chocolate all over. She is naked under the blanket because "that is how I came in and it's how I'm goin' out." In the midst of her misery she utters "Christ...now." I believe with all my heart that she could see Him. I believe she was mostly home at that point. That is genuine faith because on the surface it looked like this woman who followed God nearly 40 nears was being ruthlessly betrayed by this man. I remember my mom being too sick to get out of her bed and right on her nightstand was that worn Bible I have mentioned in other entries. I inspire to have that substance inside me.
Genuine faith recognizes who God is. It bows before His power, holiness, will, and ability. "If I only do XYZ He will do this for me," we think. It doesn't work that way. Faith, again, is having trust and confidence in God. It is critical to spend time with the Person (or the object) we are supposed to be trusting and confiding in. The only way to do that is to study Scripture. That is how we get to know Him and I want to know Him in a close way. He knows my heart. He knows my intentions and why I am spending time with Him. There have been times when I have thought if I prayed a certain way with certain words my miracle would come. When I have that attitude my faith is greatly damaged when my miracle does not come.
Genuine faith is not phony, but rather authentic. It speaks out loud the promises of God yet is real when doubt comes.
Mark 9:24) Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
This comment is in response to a questioned posed by Jesus Himself. The boy in reference is possessed by an evil spirit that is trying to kill him. Here we have a desperate father looking for deliverance for his boy. I think this father had genuine faith because he knew when he was struggling and was honest with Jesus. Sometimes God gives us something tangible to help us overcome unbelief, but most of the time He does not. He knows our hearts anyway so let's just be honest and tell Him when we don't believe Him. They key is to not have pride, but rather an authentic desire to believe His promises.
Our focus cannot be on faith and what it can provide (think of all the people who were healed in the Bible), but needs to be on the One who can heal.
Matthew 9:20-22) Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the edge of His cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.
This woman's faith was active, bold, and courageous. 12 years! Many sources say she had a menstrual disorder. In those days a menstruating woman was deemed "unclean." Talk about labeling someone! Because of her condition she more than likely had no friends, was deserted by her family, could earn no money, and lived a life of complete solitude. To say she was desperate would be a grave understatement. She suffered for 12 years yet she kept on. She sought Jesus. Who knows how many times her hopes were dashed. She spent all her money on treatment. She got up that morning and decided she was going to go for it. To me that is another act of genuine faith. No matter how many times its knocked down it gets back up and reaches out to touch the hem of His cloak.
People toss around the word "faith" very often, but what really is it? Our faith is only as good as what we have faith in. Faith in ourselves or other people is flawed at it's core because we and others are flawed at the core.
Hebrews 11:1) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
If you are anything like me this verse makes no sense. It's okay to admit that. I believe the Bible was written in a way that it requires more of us than simply reading it. We are to study it in detail. I have a fantastic Bible commentary by Warren Wiersbe. Here are some things I learned by reading the entry for the above verse. Biblical faith is not a "hope so" or being superstitious. Genuine faith obeys God in spite of circumstances and consequences. It adheres to God's hand when everyone and everything is trying to rip your hand out of His. You see, my appointment was awful yet I KNOW God is using all things for my good because I love Him and have been called according to His purpose. I have faith that God will take my heartbreak and turn it for good. Granted I'm tired of waiting, but I know it will happen. When I have faith it is God's assurance to me that what He has promised will come true. The word confidence used in the verse can be translated to support. Of course faith isn't faith if we can see it.
Here are more of my thoughts on the topic. Genuine faith admits when it has no strength left to believe. Let me tell you, given how my appointment went last Tuesday I really contemplated quitting my quest for health. In times of great frustration I have wondered if this condition is not my lot in life. There remains an intense fire within me though that refuses to accept that. I believe it is the Holy Spirit's way of edging me on. Genuine faith knows God cannot be manipulated by hours spent reading the Bible, the memorization of verses, praying fancy prayers, or talking in a religious manner. It believes God is "I Am," God loves them and is able. He will work and is working on our problems. It believes His timing is perfect. He never provides too late...or too early for that matter.
Genuine faith has faith in God and His promises and not in itself. I think many people, myself included at times, have faith in faith. It isn't the belief in faith that heals them, sets them free from bondage, or repairs broken hearts. Remember our faith is only as good as the subject. The dictionary says that faith is the confidence or trust in a person or thing especially without logical proof. In my case there really isn't anything that says I am getting better or will get better yet I know God is working it out to my benefit. Now the key for me is trusting what He thinks is for my benefit really is. Often the person we are to have faith in is forgotten about. To have faith in faith means to have faith in ourselves and what we can do or in others and what they can do. Trusting myself or other people in essence is unbelief. It takes the reins out of God's hands. Trusting in God is belief.
I firmly believe that when someones life gets really bad their true faith is exposed. I know that has been true in my own life. Anyone can say all the right things when life is smooth or on auto-pilot. Picture the scene...a woman is laying in a portable hospital bed in her oldest daughter's old bedroom. She is swollen because of high doses of medication and her hair is gone. Her chest is rising and falling with sounds of fluid in her lungs. The nurse calls this the "death rattle." Her leg is burned because a week ago she dumped hot chocolate all over. She is naked under the blanket because "that is how I came in and it's how I'm goin' out." In the midst of her misery she utters "Christ...now." I believe with all my heart that she could see Him. I believe she was mostly home at that point. That is genuine faith because on the surface it looked like this woman who followed God nearly 40 nears was being ruthlessly betrayed by this man. I remember my mom being too sick to get out of her bed and right on her nightstand was that worn Bible I have mentioned in other entries. I inspire to have that substance inside me.
Genuine faith recognizes who God is. It bows before His power, holiness, will, and ability. "If I only do XYZ He will do this for me," we think. It doesn't work that way. Faith, again, is having trust and confidence in God. It is critical to spend time with the Person (or the object) we are supposed to be trusting and confiding in. The only way to do that is to study Scripture. That is how we get to know Him and I want to know Him in a close way. He knows my heart. He knows my intentions and why I am spending time with Him. There have been times when I have thought if I prayed a certain way with certain words my miracle would come. When I have that attitude my faith is greatly damaged when my miracle does not come.
Genuine faith is not phony, but rather authentic. It speaks out loud the promises of God yet is real when doubt comes.
Mark 9:24) Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
This comment is in response to a questioned posed by Jesus Himself. The boy in reference is possessed by an evil spirit that is trying to kill him. Here we have a desperate father looking for deliverance for his boy. I think this father had genuine faith because he knew when he was struggling and was honest with Jesus. Sometimes God gives us something tangible to help us overcome unbelief, but most of the time He does not. He knows our hearts anyway so let's just be honest and tell Him when we don't believe Him. They key is to not have pride, but rather an authentic desire to believe His promises.
Our focus cannot be on faith and what it can provide (think of all the people who were healed in the Bible), but needs to be on the One who can heal.
Matthew 9:20-22) Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the edge of His cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.
This woman's faith was active, bold, and courageous. 12 years! Many sources say she had a menstrual disorder. In those days a menstruating woman was deemed "unclean." Talk about labeling someone! Because of her condition she more than likely had no friends, was deserted by her family, could earn no money, and lived a life of complete solitude. To say she was desperate would be a grave understatement. She suffered for 12 years yet she kept on. She sought Jesus. Who knows how many times her hopes were dashed. She spent all her money on treatment. She got up that morning and decided she was going to go for it. To me that is another act of genuine faith. No matter how many times its knocked down it gets back up and reaches out to touch the hem of His cloak.
Monday, June 18, 2012
What's On Your Mind?
I want to start off by asking for forgiveness. The blog entry I am about to type out is pretty much for me, by me, to me. Please forgive me for making this one all about me. You see tomorrow is a big day for me. I am taking a huge leap of faith and seeing a new specialist in Atlanta tomorrow. A few days ago I wrote an entry about taking risks. I asked God a simple question, "should I stay where I am at or go?"
Anyway, I like going to new doctors as much as I like well...having Novocaine shots with much, much more anxiety added in. I do not like it. I don't like going to doctors that I have seen for years. I don't like doctor appointments. Don't I sound like a Cat In The Hat book?! My experience with new doctors is I sit down, they look at my foot tall file and give me this look like, "okay, how do I make her think I know what I am talking about without actually saying that because if I say it I would totally be lying?" Okay, so maybe I have over thought this a bit, but my point is...I don't like seeing new doctors, old doctors, blue ones, green ones, funny ones, kind ones, grouchy ones, etc. As soon as I get myself into a fit over going to the doctor God reminds me of few things. As much history as I have with poor medical care I am reminded that it has been part of a tremendous journey for me. It has been part of a God-ordained process that has created in me a new heart. I am also reminded that I can afford to go to a doctor. That's a pretty big deal in this day and age. I am reminded how thankful I am to live in America where I don't have to wait for some bureaucrat to decide if I should be able to go to the doctor. Okay, that was a bit political...moving on.
Philippians 4:8-9) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace with be with you.
I am reading a great book that discusses fear. The chapter I just finished is about what goes on in our minds. This book fits perfectly into my current devotion book by Joyce Meyer about the battlefield of the mind. Here is a list from my book of thought patterns that explains where fear and bad thinking can stem from.
1. Perfectionism- Allowing our mind to be obsessed with being perfect and flawless. Perfectionists are afraid to try anything new or take a risk because the process may not be perfect and the end results could be different (and in our minds less perfect) than flawless. We are also very hard on others who are not perfect according to us. Or we think we are the only ones who aren't perfect.
2. Negativity- This frame of mind is concerned about the worse-case scenario. Again, this way of thinking makes venturing out impossible. Why should I try something because I know it will fail?! With this way of thinking we love to hear negative things about other people.
3. Assumption Making- We have all jumped to conclusions. The issue with this type of thinking is that it can get us all worked up for usually nothing. We assume someone is angry with us because a tone of text or an E-mail. We assume our friend is mad at us because she is quiet one day. You see my point. Imagination can get the best of us.
4. Lack of Perspective- The lie in this type of thinking is that we see our problem as the hugest problem in the world and one that is far too big even for God. Our problems block God and our focus is on them and not God and His ability.
5. Labeling- This problematic thinking can cause all kinds of problems. It makes us appear judgmental because we think we know someone after talking to them for five minutes. If we label someone we don't have to deal with them. The problem is we are usually wrong in our label. We also wrongly label ourselves.
6. Legalism- This one also touches on being judgmental. A legalistic person judges others by their actions and usually overlooks their own faulty behaviors. It is also dangerous to be legalistic of ourselves. For example, I miss a workout and I immediately think of myself as lazy and feel overwhelmed by guilt.
So do any of these strike a nerve with you? I struggle with negativity and lack of perspective. Like I said this entry is like a study to me by me. With the day I have ahead of me tomorrow I am REALLY battling these two poor ways of thinking. I have had my hopes up so much with going to new doctors and allowing them to change my hormones this way and that way and adding this and that. Because of my history I find it very difficult to not be negative. I keep thinking, "this new doctor won't be able to help and I will forever feel rotten." I have repented from that thought many, many times over the last week. Having a negative way of thinking also keeps me frozen. It makes me afraid to try a new doctor and keep trying until I find relief. A negative mind-set restricts the power of God I am allowing to work in my life.
Loss of perspective...YEP! Honestly, there have been times where my condition has appeared insurmountable. I can only see it. I can only feel it. I believe that God can change it, but that He won't because it's just too big of a deal and He wants me to keep struggling. Not only is my perspective of my condition wrong, but so is my perspective of God. My perspective of Him has been that He wants everything really hard for me. He isn't interested in the small, simple pleasures in life that I soooooo desire right now. When those thoughts come into the mind we must replace them with God's truth.
So what is one thought you really fight with? Mine is this...I will NEVER find relief from my condition...I will NEVER be well. Let's match up this thought to the verse above. Our thoughts are to be true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. My thought is not ultimately true because I don't know if this is the case or not...how can I say never? Just because it has been 8+ years? So I can't say that the subject of my thought is true. Is it noble? Noble means distinguished, bold, determined, etc. Saying "never" is a cop out and is not bold. Is dwelling on never getting better lovely? Not so much. Actually it is rather depressing. I think admirable and excellent are similar in meaning. In essence they both mean good, superior, or extraordinary. My thought is definitely not good! My thought is surely not praiseworthy because it does not result in a greater understanding of God and what He is capable of. It puts Him in a box of inability and coldness. It paints Him in a light of not wanting to give me a good gift. My thought makes Him small and therefore, unworthy of praise.
My rotten thought did not pass the litmus test of Philippians 4:8-9. I am hugely affected by my thought. It wears me down and quite frankly, I am completely worn down already physically. At times I do not care what I am thinking about because I'm frustrated and discouraged. In those times I have to decide to do the right thing and the right thing is to think right. I know deep down to not quit seeking wellness or right thinking. I do not want Satan to win.
1 Corinthians 10:4-6) The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
This verse is basically saying that Satan works on our minds. Our battle is not with people. Only God's power can overcome our areas of bondage. To beat the lies of Satan we have to take hold of every thought and compare it to the Word of God. Living in this manner is living in obedience to God. When we obey evil loses. Taking thoughts captive is hard work and there is no room for apathy. It is crucial to care what we are thinking about. Joyce Meyer always says we don't have to think about whatever drops into our heads. Comparing my thoughts to what God says is how I break down lies that bind me up.
I bet when Dave reads this he will advise me to print it out and read it to myself over and over and over...:-)
Anyway, I like going to new doctors as much as I like well...having Novocaine shots with much, much more anxiety added in. I do not like it. I don't like going to doctors that I have seen for years. I don't like doctor appointments. Don't I sound like a Cat In The Hat book?! My experience with new doctors is I sit down, they look at my foot tall file and give me this look like, "okay, how do I make her think I know what I am talking about without actually saying that because if I say it I would totally be lying?" Okay, so maybe I have over thought this a bit, but my point is...I don't like seeing new doctors, old doctors, blue ones, green ones, funny ones, kind ones, grouchy ones, etc. As soon as I get myself into a fit over going to the doctor God reminds me of few things. As much history as I have with poor medical care I am reminded that it has been part of a tremendous journey for me. It has been part of a God-ordained process that has created in me a new heart. I am also reminded that I can afford to go to a doctor. That's a pretty big deal in this day and age. I am reminded how thankful I am to live in America where I don't have to wait for some bureaucrat to decide if I should be able to go to the doctor. Okay, that was a bit political...moving on.
Philippians 4:8-9) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace with be with you.
I am reading a great book that discusses fear. The chapter I just finished is about what goes on in our minds. This book fits perfectly into my current devotion book by Joyce Meyer about the battlefield of the mind. Here is a list from my book of thought patterns that explains where fear and bad thinking can stem from.
1. Perfectionism- Allowing our mind to be obsessed with being perfect and flawless. Perfectionists are afraid to try anything new or take a risk because the process may not be perfect and the end results could be different (and in our minds less perfect) than flawless. We are also very hard on others who are not perfect according to us. Or we think we are the only ones who aren't perfect.
2. Negativity- This frame of mind is concerned about the worse-case scenario. Again, this way of thinking makes venturing out impossible. Why should I try something because I know it will fail?! With this way of thinking we love to hear negative things about other people.
3. Assumption Making- We have all jumped to conclusions. The issue with this type of thinking is that it can get us all worked up for usually nothing. We assume someone is angry with us because a tone of text or an E-mail. We assume our friend is mad at us because she is quiet one day. You see my point. Imagination can get the best of us.
4. Lack of Perspective- The lie in this type of thinking is that we see our problem as the hugest problem in the world and one that is far too big even for God. Our problems block God and our focus is on them and not God and His ability.
5. Labeling- This problematic thinking can cause all kinds of problems. It makes us appear judgmental because we think we know someone after talking to them for five minutes. If we label someone we don't have to deal with them. The problem is we are usually wrong in our label. We also wrongly label ourselves.
6. Legalism- This one also touches on being judgmental. A legalistic person judges others by their actions and usually overlooks their own faulty behaviors. It is also dangerous to be legalistic of ourselves. For example, I miss a workout and I immediately think of myself as lazy and feel overwhelmed by guilt.
So do any of these strike a nerve with you? I struggle with negativity and lack of perspective. Like I said this entry is like a study to me by me. With the day I have ahead of me tomorrow I am REALLY battling these two poor ways of thinking. I have had my hopes up so much with going to new doctors and allowing them to change my hormones this way and that way and adding this and that. Because of my history I find it very difficult to not be negative. I keep thinking, "this new doctor won't be able to help and I will forever feel rotten." I have repented from that thought many, many times over the last week. Having a negative way of thinking also keeps me frozen. It makes me afraid to try a new doctor and keep trying until I find relief. A negative mind-set restricts the power of God I am allowing to work in my life.
Loss of perspective...YEP! Honestly, there have been times where my condition has appeared insurmountable. I can only see it. I can only feel it. I believe that God can change it, but that He won't because it's just too big of a deal and He wants me to keep struggling. Not only is my perspective of my condition wrong, but so is my perspective of God. My perspective of Him has been that He wants everything really hard for me. He isn't interested in the small, simple pleasures in life that I soooooo desire right now. When those thoughts come into the mind we must replace them with God's truth.
So what is one thought you really fight with? Mine is this...I will NEVER find relief from my condition...I will NEVER be well. Let's match up this thought to the verse above. Our thoughts are to be true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. My thought is not ultimately true because I don't know if this is the case or not...how can I say never? Just because it has been 8+ years? So I can't say that the subject of my thought is true. Is it noble? Noble means distinguished, bold, determined, etc. Saying "never" is a cop out and is not bold. Is dwelling on never getting better lovely? Not so much. Actually it is rather depressing. I think admirable and excellent are similar in meaning. In essence they both mean good, superior, or extraordinary. My thought is definitely not good! My thought is surely not praiseworthy because it does not result in a greater understanding of God and what He is capable of. It puts Him in a box of inability and coldness. It paints Him in a light of not wanting to give me a good gift. My thought makes Him small and therefore, unworthy of praise.
My rotten thought did not pass the litmus test of Philippians 4:8-9. I am hugely affected by my thought. It wears me down and quite frankly, I am completely worn down already physically. At times I do not care what I am thinking about because I'm frustrated and discouraged. In those times I have to decide to do the right thing and the right thing is to think right. I know deep down to not quit seeking wellness or right thinking. I do not want Satan to win.
1 Corinthians 10:4-6) The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
This verse is basically saying that Satan works on our minds. Our battle is not with people. Only God's power can overcome our areas of bondage. To beat the lies of Satan we have to take hold of every thought and compare it to the Word of God. Living in this manner is living in obedience to God. When we obey evil loses. Taking thoughts captive is hard work and there is no room for apathy. It is crucial to care what we are thinking about. Joyce Meyer always says we don't have to think about whatever drops into our heads. Comparing my thoughts to what God says is how I break down lies that bind me up.
I bet when Dave reads this he will advise me to print it out and read it to myself over and over and over...:-)
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Horse Shows...Hold Life Lessons!
I hope my title was an inviting one to all those horse people out there! Last Saturday morning was a cool, sunny morning. My dad was visiting and we were sitting out on our deck. I couldn't help but think of my mom. It was mornings like this that she and I were up early getting my horse loaded into the trailer to head to a horse show. She was always so game and always woke me with such gusto in those early morning hours. My belly was usually a little nervous, but she always insisted on a good healthy breakfast before we started out on our adventure. I wonder what horse shows are like in heaven?! Anyway, on to my study.
John 16:7) But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
In my own life Satan has a few areas that he knows are my weaknesses. I am going to share something personal with you. I can be a pessimist. I REALLY battle this now! A fancy word for pessimist is a realist. Being a realist sounds much better. I just see things for what they really are! What is the harm there?! Here is the problem with that ideology. My senses are human. They are faulty. Just because I don't see something happening or feel it doesn't mean it isn't happening. So I am voicing a perspective on only what my human senses can attain. God moves beyond me senses and his promises transcend anything I can humanly feel.
I am a pessimist, uh I mean realist, because I like to be safe. If I anticipate a negative outcome I won't be disappointed. If I don't put myself out there chances are I won't be let down. Realist are not dreamers or maybe they do dream, but are too afraid to take aim at the star and shoot.
I am going to give you an example of a time when I played it safe. The last year I showed Sox I had a chance to qualify for the AQHA World Championship Show. I had brought Sox out of retirement to show one last season. For years I had wanted to show him at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and I decided it was now or never which, by the way, was a huge risk for Miss Safe Anna. So after a few months of showing we learned there was a chance I could attain enough points to qualify. We had hauled Sox to a show in Pennsylvania than had him hauled back to a show in Ohio. The plan was for me to travel back to the Ohio show in a few days. The Ohio show historically had very strong over fence numbers meaning that if I had solid rounds and the judges liked me I could win a lot of points. Some unforeseen adversity arose and showing would have been inconvenient so I went to the show grounds to pick Sox up and bring him home. On the drive home I remember feeling relieved. Why? Because I don't like risks. I would have really put myself (and Sox) out there. I could have spent a lot of money and gotten my hopes up and not gotten those hard to attain perfect rounds or landed judges that hated forward moving sorrel Working Hunter horses! The pessimistic side of me just knew those two scenarios would take place. That was 11 years ago and I still think about it and often think what could have been. I believe some of the most important life lessons happened for me on the back of a horse.
I believe God doesn't want us playing it safe in our walk with Him. For me taking risks means living out my faith. It means trusting Him. It means doing something that makes me uncomfortable. He has called His children to be brave and courageous.
A few days ago I decided to make an extremely bold move. God had allowed a series of events to occur that I could not ignore. I asked Him a simple question, should I stay put or should I go? He said, "go." Don't worry I am not leaving Dave! When He said "go" I got scared and began to doubt what I heard. That was not the safe thing to do and it probably wouldn't work out anyway, right?! I have told that pessimistic devil on my shoulder to shut up about 100 times since then and I will continue to do so.
How does our key verse factor into my study? I desperately need help to not be a pessimist. The experiences I have had with my health have made being negative that much easier. The leap of faith that I feel called to take goes against everything I feel. Remember what I said before? Feelings aren't necessarily based on truth. I am choosing to do what God is leading me to do regardless of what has not worked in my past.
I cannot change my thinking on my own. Satan will continue to try and break me down. The Advocate is whom I need. He is my Counselor, Helper, Comforter, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby. I must be honest with Him and admit my weaknesses. I have told Him. "God, the thought of taking this leap pretty much makes me wanna puke...or curl into a ball. I NEED YOUR HELP." He keeps sending reassurance and is helping me to take it minute by minute. I promise He will do the same for you if you admit your weakness and rely solely on Him.
John 16:7) But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
In my own life Satan has a few areas that he knows are my weaknesses. I am going to share something personal with you. I can be a pessimist. I REALLY battle this now! A fancy word for pessimist is a realist. Being a realist sounds much better. I just see things for what they really are! What is the harm there?! Here is the problem with that ideology. My senses are human. They are faulty. Just because I don't see something happening or feel it doesn't mean it isn't happening. So I am voicing a perspective on only what my human senses can attain. God moves beyond me senses and his promises transcend anything I can humanly feel.
I am a pessimist, uh I mean realist, because I like to be safe. If I anticipate a negative outcome I won't be disappointed. If I don't put myself out there chances are I won't be let down. Realist are not dreamers or maybe they do dream, but are too afraid to take aim at the star and shoot.
I am going to give you an example of a time when I played it safe. The last year I showed Sox I had a chance to qualify for the AQHA World Championship Show. I had brought Sox out of retirement to show one last season. For years I had wanted to show him at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and I decided it was now or never which, by the way, was a huge risk for Miss Safe Anna. So after a few months of showing we learned there was a chance I could attain enough points to qualify. We had hauled Sox to a show in Pennsylvania than had him hauled back to a show in Ohio. The plan was for me to travel back to the Ohio show in a few days. The Ohio show historically had very strong over fence numbers meaning that if I had solid rounds and the judges liked me I could win a lot of points. Some unforeseen adversity arose and showing would have been inconvenient so I went to the show grounds to pick Sox up and bring him home. On the drive home I remember feeling relieved. Why? Because I don't like risks. I would have really put myself (and Sox) out there. I could have spent a lot of money and gotten my hopes up and not gotten those hard to attain perfect rounds or landed judges that hated forward moving sorrel Working Hunter horses! The pessimistic side of me just knew those two scenarios would take place. That was 11 years ago and I still think about it and often think what could have been. I believe some of the most important life lessons happened for me on the back of a horse.
I believe God doesn't want us playing it safe in our walk with Him. For me taking risks means living out my faith. It means trusting Him. It means doing something that makes me uncomfortable. He has called His children to be brave and courageous.
A few days ago I decided to make an extremely bold move. God had allowed a series of events to occur that I could not ignore. I asked Him a simple question, should I stay put or should I go? He said, "go." Don't worry I am not leaving Dave! When He said "go" I got scared and began to doubt what I heard. That was not the safe thing to do and it probably wouldn't work out anyway, right?! I have told that pessimistic devil on my shoulder to shut up about 100 times since then and I will continue to do so.
How does our key verse factor into my study? I desperately need help to not be a pessimist. The experiences I have had with my health have made being negative that much easier. The leap of faith that I feel called to take goes against everything I feel. Remember what I said before? Feelings aren't necessarily based on truth. I am choosing to do what God is leading me to do regardless of what has not worked in my past.
I cannot change my thinking on my own. Satan will continue to try and break me down. The Advocate is whom I need. He is my Counselor, Helper, Comforter, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby. I must be honest with Him and admit my weaknesses. I have told Him. "God, the thought of taking this leap pretty much makes me wanna puke...or curl into a ball. I NEED YOUR HELP." He keeps sending reassurance and is helping me to take it minute by minute. I promise He will do the same for you if you admit your weakness and rely solely on Him.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Romans 8:28, Part 2
I'm excited to see what God gives me today regarding Romans 8:28 so I can share it with you all. Let's review the verse from the NIV of the Bible.
Romans 8:28) 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.
In the course of my study I learned something important about the verse and I feel it is crucial to share. The "good" mentioned is a specific kind. The good mentioned in Romans 8:28 is a good that does my soul good. It is a good that makes me more Christ-like, less attached to sin, and nearer to God. This good is preparing me and fitting me for heaven. I like the word "fitted" because it reminds me of fitting a racehorse or show horse. Their bodies and minds need prepared to compete at the highest level. The same goes for us humans except we have another element, a soul, that needs shaped into something holy. So let's keep the right definition of what the "good" really is. This is true good and good in every sense of the word. The word is derived from two Greek words. One meaning good for the inside and the other meaning good for the outside. It is a complete and comprehensive good.
Yesterday we looked at what it means to love God. Those who are called according to His purpose also love Him. It seems to me that the two go hand in hand. Again, I feel there is a sense of action here. Followers of Christ have a purpose here on earth. One purpose is to bring Him glory and another is to be His witness to all the ends of the earth. He wants us DOING something for Him. He wants our faith to have feet because truly loving Him is doing something. I don't mean senseless service that we do begrudgingly, but rather living out our faith in our everyday actions. I do not think one day I will find this grand purpose for my life. I believe that purpose is exposed in each decision I make either for God or against Him. Little by little as we are obedient to God He shows us a little more of our purpose.
What if Romans 8:28 read "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to our purpose?" That really changes the meaning. His purpose is so beyond anything I could fathom that it is a total waste to put my focus on my purpose. I didn't say it was easy to take the focus of my purpose and put it on His. Loving God desires His purpose above my own. By saying "His purpose" the priority is taken off temporal, earthy things and readjusted to face heaven. God is all about heaven and humans are all about now. Isiah 55:8 has been my battle cry ever since my mom was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer on March 26, 2008 (yep, that was Eli's 1st birthday). It became even more poignant as I watched her be destroyed by cancer. It has also been my crutch in the depths of my frustrations over my own health condition. It reads, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and neither are your ways my ways', declares the Lord." The good I describe earlier in my post comes to those who have their hearts faced towards heaven.
A version I used of the verse yesterday used the term "divinely-summoned." The dictionary says that summon means to "to call upon to do something specific." I like that because Christians are here to do something specific. Acts 1:8 says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Jesus is giving instructions to his Apostles here, but I think it is appropriate for us modern day Christians also. We are called to show others the love of Christ and to bring a broken, sin-infested world eternal hope. The summons in this version of Romans 8:28 has divine attributes.
You see, God has a purpose for all of us individually. He challenges us, stretches us, bends us, and often times allows us to be broken so we become more like Jesus. The good that comes from each and every trial is what makes us more like Him. Loving God is also loving who and what He loves. Followers of Jesus have a divinely-inspired call and we are to be living out that call each and every day. When He knows we have His best interest at heart every struggle and every pain will work for our good.
I do not only think our trials and tribulations work for our good if we are followers of Christ, but also our mountain top experiences and our successes. I have battled the thought that God really doesn't want good things to happen to me and when they do, well I feel guilty. No! Romans 8:28 doesn't just say the bad things work for our good, but ALL things. It also doesn't say just the big bad/good things, but ALL things. We have an opportunity to give God the glory in the wonderful successes in life, but also in the struggles because they ALL work for our good.
Romans 8:28) 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.
In the course of my study I learned something important about the verse and I feel it is crucial to share. The "good" mentioned is a specific kind. The good mentioned in Romans 8:28 is a good that does my soul good. It is a good that makes me more Christ-like, less attached to sin, and nearer to God. This good is preparing me and fitting me for heaven. I like the word "fitted" because it reminds me of fitting a racehorse or show horse. Their bodies and minds need prepared to compete at the highest level. The same goes for us humans except we have another element, a soul, that needs shaped into something holy. So let's keep the right definition of what the "good" really is. This is true good and good in every sense of the word. The word is derived from two Greek words. One meaning good for the inside and the other meaning good for the outside. It is a complete and comprehensive good.
Yesterday we looked at what it means to love God. Those who are called according to His purpose also love Him. It seems to me that the two go hand in hand. Again, I feel there is a sense of action here. Followers of Christ have a purpose here on earth. One purpose is to bring Him glory and another is to be His witness to all the ends of the earth. He wants us DOING something for Him. He wants our faith to have feet because truly loving Him is doing something. I don't mean senseless service that we do begrudgingly, but rather living out our faith in our everyday actions. I do not think one day I will find this grand purpose for my life. I believe that purpose is exposed in each decision I make either for God or against Him. Little by little as we are obedient to God He shows us a little more of our purpose.
What if Romans 8:28 read "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to our purpose?" That really changes the meaning. His purpose is so beyond anything I could fathom that it is a total waste to put my focus on my purpose. I didn't say it was easy to take the focus of my purpose and put it on His. Loving God desires His purpose above my own. By saying "His purpose" the priority is taken off temporal, earthy things and readjusted to face heaven. God is all about heaven and humans are all about now. Isiah 55:8 has been my battle cry ever since my mom was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer on March 26, 2008 (yep, that was Eli's 1st birthday). It became even more poignant as I watched her be destroyed by cancer. It has also been my crutch in the depths of my frustrations over my own health condition. It reads, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and neither are your ways my ways', declares the Lord." The good I describe earlier in my post comes to those who have their hearts faced towards heaven.
A version I used of the verse yesterday used the term "divinely-summoned." The dictionary says that summon means to "to call upon to do something specific." I like that because Christians are here to do something specific. Acts 1:8 says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Jesus is giving instructions to his Apostles here, but I think it is appropriate for us modern day Christians also. We are called to show others the love of Christ and to bring a broken, sin-infested world eternal hope. The summons in this version of Romans 8:28 has divine attributes.
You see, God has a purpose for all of us individually. He challenges us, stretches us, bends us, and often times allows us to be broken so we become more like Jesus. The good that comes from each and every trial is what makes us more like Him. Loving God is also loving who and what He loves. Followers of Jesus have a divinely-inspired call and we are to be living out that call each and every day. When He knows we have His best interest at heart every struggle and every pain will work for our good.
I do not only think our trials and tribulations work for our good if we are followers of Christ, but also our mountain top experiences and our successes. I have battled the thought that God really doesn't want good things to happen to me and when they do, well I feel guilty. No! Romans 8:28 doesn't just say the bad things work for our good, but ALL things. It also doesn't say just the big bad/good things, but ALL things. We have an opportunity to give God the glory in the wonderful successes in life, but also in the struggles because they ALL work for our good.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Really This Time...Romans 8:28!
I promised yesterday a study on Romans 8:28 so here it is. Yesterday I shared the verse from two versions of the Bible, 1. the NIV, and 2. The Amplified. Let's take a minute to look at the verse from a few other versions.
Phillips (published by Tyndale)
Romans 8:28) Moreover we know that those who love God, who are called according to His plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good.
Wuest
Romans 8:28) And we know with absolute knowledge that for those who are loving God, all things are working together resulting in good, for those who are divinely-summoned ones according to His purpose.
The Message
Romans 8:28) That's why we can be sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
I love reading different versions of the Bible because a greater insight is gained. Before we can look at verse 28 let's take a minute to look at verse 27. Below I included the verse from the NIV. The Message simply states in verse 27 that He knows us far better than we know ourselves and keeps us present before God.
Romans 8:27) And he who searches our heart knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.
So because of verse 27 we have the promises of verse 28. So what exactly does it mean to love God. God offers us free gifts, but there is always responsibility on our parts to do something. That something is to grab hold of the gift. For example, the gift of salvation is free. Nothing we can do makes us good enough to deserve it. The only catch is we must accept the free gift. The evidence comes in our actions after we accept the gift. Our lives must change once we accept His free gift of salvation. How does that relate to Romans 8:28? Let's keep digging.
The action called for in verse 28 is to love God. Okay, how? I remember as a little girl I would usually wake up early in the morning. My mom was also an early-riser. Every morning I would walk into the kitchen and she would always be doing one of two things. She would either be sitting at the kitchen table reading her Bible or she would be standing at the counter cooking breakfast. If she was cooking it meant she had already read her Bible. You see, she took the time to study that Bible. That is a way to love God. We must use our time to open the Bible and read it. It was her way of loving God. I have been back to Ohio twice since she passed away and each time I walk into the kitchen I get a big lump in my throat. I can still see her sitting at the kitchen table reading her Bible. The things you take for granted...
Speaking of my mom here is another thought on the topic of loving God. She used to say, "Anna, I just love Him so much." As a young girl and even a young adult I never got what she meant by that and wondered how she loved someone she couldn't see or audibly hear. It took me a long time to really understand what she meant and more so, how to do it. I believe what she was saying was, in essence, she loved who He was. She loved His attributes. Her loving and celebrating His character was her act of worship. I believe that is another way to love God, by celebrating just who He is. As I progressed on my journey of faith I began to understand how she could love someone she couldn't see or audibly hear. I am beginning to really love just who He is because I have personally experienced His grace, mercy, compassion, strength, patience, etc.
I believe loving God means obeying Him. It is really where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. Do I obey even when I don't want to or do I obey only when it's easy and convenient? Do I only obey when it is the socially acceptable thing to do? Do I obey when it will benefit me or my agenda? These are all important questions to ask yourself. Reading the Bible isn't enough. We must choose to apply it to our lives. He wants to be a part of every aspect of our lives. He wants included in all our decisions. I think the more time we spend studying God the more readily His principles come to us. They become a part of us and rise up more and more each time we are faced with decisions. Because our flesh is active and strong we can never stop studying God's Word. On this side of heaven we never stop needing fresh doses of God's truth. It is incredible how He will guide us if we just simply ask and wait for an answer. So another way to love God is to obey Him.
I am going to throw one of those "church-y" phrases at you right now. We love God by fearing Him. I have heard stories of people being raised in homes that taught of a hellfire and brimstone God. I have also heard of churches that preach this type of message. Personally I have never been to one of those churches. God is not someone to be scared of. I will tell you what I am scared of. I am scared of being distanced from God due to my own pride, unconfessed and unrepentant sin. I have thought this scenario in my head before. Bear with me for a minute here. Okay, so I die. The Bible says we will ALL face judgment (2 Timothy 4:1, 1 Peter 4:5, Romans 14:10). So I am standing before God and He says, "okay, you are Anna...let me see here. Give me a second while I open this book...hhhhmmm, nope I don't see the name Anna Michelle Limbird..." The Bible says if our names are not written in the Lambs Book of Life we will be condemned (Revelation 14:15). Now THAT is scary. For an unbeliever fearing Him is like the picture I painted a few sentences ago, fear of eternal damnation. I don't understand everything there is to understand about the whole God, Bible, Heaven, Hell thing, but this I do know...I do not desire to chance it. For a believer fearing God means to grasp His ability to judge us when it's all said and done. I fear His discipline during this life for disobedience. Even as a dumb college kid there was something instilled in me that feared God. I think that healthy fear kept me out of a lot of trouble! As a believer I can never be separated from His love (Romans 8:38-39) so there is nothing to be scared of. I love the definition of reverence from the dictionary. It reads, "a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe."
We love God by desiring what He wants above what we want. Yeah, this one is pretty hard too. Loving God ain't so easy, huh?! It is much easier to just say we do. The faith mentioned in the Bible is an active faith. True faith is doing something. I read an incredibly interesting article about this concept of seeking God's will. It stated that just seeking His will is a waste of time. Instead we should seek God Himself and by doing so His will is revealed to us through that intimate relationship. Psalm 37:4 says that if we delight ourselves in the Lord He will give us the desires of our heart. When I simply desire God my heart changes. When my heart changes my desires change. His will becomes my will. To love God is to delight in Him. To delight is to find great enjoyment in Him.
Phew...maybe I should save the second part of Romans 8:28 for another blog entry! Come back next time to learn how to be called according to His purpose. I think we all would like to be divinely-summoned, right?! If you can think of another way to love God please let me know. Discussions are a good thing.
Phillips (published by Tyndale)
Romans 8:28) Moreover we know that those who love God, who are called according to His plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good.
Wuest
Romans 8:28) And we know with absolute knowledge that for those who are loving God, all things are working together resulting in good, for those who are divinely-summoned ones according to His purpose.
The Message
Romans 8:28) That's why we can be sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
I love reading different versions of the Bible because a greater insight is gained. Before we can look at verse 28 let's take a minute to look at verse 27. Below I included the verse from the NIV. The Message simply states in verse 27 that He knows us far better than we know ourselves and keeps us present before God.
Romans 8:27) And he who searches our heart knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.
So because of verse 27 we have the promises of verse 28. So what exactly does it mean to love God. God offers us free gifts, but there is always responsibility on our parts to do something. That something is to grab hold of the gift. For example, the gift of salvation is free. Nothing we can do makes us good enough to deserve it. The only catch is we must accept the free gift. The evidence comes in our actions after we accept the gift. Our lives must change once we accept His free gift of salvation. How does that relate to Romans 8:28? Let's keep digging.
The action called for in verse 28 is to love God. Okay, how? I remember as a little girl I would usually wake up early in the morning. My mom was also an early-riser. Every morning I would walk into the kitchen and she would always be doing one of two things. She would either be sitting at the kitchen table reading her Bible or she would be standing at the counter cooking breakfast. If she was cooking it meant she had already read her Bible. You see, she took the time to study that Bible. That is a way to love God. We must use our time to open the Bible and read it. It was her way of loving God. I have been back to Ohio twice since she passed away and each time I walk into the kitchen I get a big lump in my throat. I can still see her sitting at the kitchen table reading her Bible. The things you take for granted...
Speaking of my mom here is another thought on the topic of loving God. She used to say, "Anna, I just love Him so much." As a young girl and even a young adult I never got what she meant by that and wondered how she loved someone she couldn't see or audibly hear. It took me a long time to really understand what she meant and more so, how to do it. I believe what she was saying was, in essence, she loved who He was. She loved His attributes. Her loving and celebrating His character was her act of worship. I believe that is another way to love God, by celebrating just who He is. As I progressed on my journey of faith I began to understand how she could love someone she couldn't see or audibly hear. I am beginning to really love just who He is because I have personally experienced His grace, mercy, compassion, strength, patience, etc.
I believe loving God means obeying Him. It is really where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. Do I obey even when I don't want to or do I obey only when it's easy and convenient? Do I only obey when it is the socially acceptable thing to do? Do I obey when it will benefit me or my agenda? These are all important questions to ask yourself. Reading the Bible isn't enough. We must choose to apply it to our lives. He wants to be a part of every aspect of our lives. He wants included in all our decisions. I think the more time we spend studying God the more readily His principles come to us. They become a part of us and rise up more and more each time we are faced with decisions. Because our flesh is active and strong we can never stop studying God's Word. On this side of heaven we never stop needing fresh doses of God's truth. It is incredible how He will guide us if we just simply ask and wait for an answer. So another way to love God is to obey Him.
I am going to throw one of those "church-y" phrases at you right now. We love God by fearing Him. I have heard stories of people being raised in homes that taught of a hellfire and brimstone God. I have also heard of churches that preach this type of message. Personally I have never been to one of those churches. God is not someone to be scared of. I will tell you what I am scared of. I am scared of being distanced from God due to my own pride, unconfessed and unrepentant sin. I have thought this scenario in my head before. Bear with me for a minute here. Okay, so I die. The Bible says we will ALL face judgment (2 Timothy 4:1, 1 Peter 4:5, Romans 14:10). So I am standing before God and He says, "okay, you are Anna...let me see here. Give me a second while I open this book...hhhhmmm, nope I don't see the name Anna Michelle Limbird..." The Bible says if our names are not written in the Lambs Book of Life we will be condemned (Revelation 14:15). Now THAT is scary. For an unbeliever fearing Him is like the picture I painted a few sentences ago, fear of eternal damnation. I don't understand everything there is to understand about the whole God, Bible, Heaven, Hell thing, but this I do know...I do not desire to chance it. For a believer fearing God means to grasp His ability to judge us when it's all said and done. I fear His discipline during this life for disobedience. Even as a dumb college kid there was something instilled in me that feared God. I think that healthy fear kept me out of a lot of trouble! As a believer I can never be separated from His love (Romans 8:38-39) so there is nothing to be scared of. I love the definition of reverence from the dictionary. It reads, "a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe."
We love God by desiring what He wants above what we want. Yeah, this one is pretty hard too. Loving God ain't so easy, huh?! It is much easier to just say we do. The faith mentioned in the Bible is an active faith. True faith is doing something. I read an incredibly interesting article about this concept of seeking God's will. It stated that just seeking His will is a waste of time. Instead we should seek God Himself and by doing so His will is revealed to us through that intimate relationship. Psalm 37:4 says that if we delight ourselves in the Lord He will give us the desires of our heart. When I simply desire God my heart changes. When my heart changes my desires change. His will becomes my will. To love God is to delight in Him. To delight is to find great enjoyment in Him.
Phew...maybe I should save the second part of Romans 8:28 for another blog entry! Come back next time to learn how to be called according to His purpose. I think we all would like to be divinely-summoned, right?! If you can think of another way to love God please let me know. Discussions are a good thing.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Romans 8:28
Hi everyone! It's been nearly a week since my last entry. I apologize for that. Y'all should know me by now and know I have a whole head and notebook full of potential blog information! I have been faithful on my studies and reading, but had a wonderful house guest for the week/weekend. My dad was visiting and we stayed busy doing well...nothing. It was wonderful to have him! Back to the point though. It was a HUGE week/weekend for me personally. I can't really say why now, but God was REALLY speaking to me on a big question I had asked Him.
Each time I felt He was laying something on my heart regarding my question I wrote it down. I believe in times like that it is important to take note of His messages. We forget His faithfulness so easily and if we are able to flip back in a journal and read them we are encouraged. It has been interesting to see just how God has answered me. He has answered with FB posts from friends, in my personal devotion time, in the time I sit quietly at =His feet, at church through Pastor Bobby's message (that was on a completely different topic), and in another person's blog entry. He has spoken though the love and encouragement of my husband and close friends also.
I have a blog brewing right now based on Romans 8:28. Read it below. The first verse comes out of the NIV. The second comes from the Amplified Bible.
Romans 8:28) 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.
Romans 8:28) We are assured and know that (God being a partner in their labor) all things work together and are (fitting into a plan) for good to and for those who love God and are called according to (His) design and purpose.
This verse is one of those famous verses, but I am going to dig in and dissect it and see what God is telling us here. I want to know what it really means to love Him and how I can be called according to His purpose. I often remind myself that there is good IN all things. Pastor Bobby did an incredible sermon this past Sunday on reconciliation in relationships and read the story of Joseph and his brothers. I have gotten great solace from that story as I navigate the waters of my health condition.
What is so incredibly amazing about God is that He can take a sermon on he reconciliation of relationships and speak to me in a way that is personal to me. This has nothing to do with relationships for me. Romans 8:28 factored into Bobby's sermon and into what God has laid on my heart to blog about.
Aaaaanywho, today's blog really isn't about anything, but I am confident that God can use it for something special.
Each time I felt He was laying something on my heart regarding my question I wrote it down. I believe in times like that it is important to take note of His messages. We forget His faithfulness so easily and if we are able to flip back in a journal and read them we are encouraged. It has been interesting to see just how God has answered me. He has answered with FB posts from friends, in my personal devotion time, in the time I sit quietly at =His feet, at church through Pastor Bobby's message (that was on a completely different topic), and in another person's blog entry. He has spoken though the love and encouragement of my husband and close friends also.
I have a blog brewing right now based on Romans 8:28. Read it below. The first verse comes out of the NIV. The second comes from the Amplified Bible.
Romans 8:28) 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.
Romans 8:28) We are assured and know that (God being a partner in their labor) all things work together and are (fitting into a plan) for good to and for those who love God and are called according to (His) design and purpose.
This verse is one of those famous verses, but I am going to dig in and dissect it and see what God is telling us here. I want to know what it really means to love Him and how I can be called according to His purpose. I often remind myself that there is good IN all things. Pastor Bobby did an incredible sermon this past Sunday on reconciliation in relationships and read the story of Joseph and his brothers. I have gotten great solace from that story as I navigate the waters of my health condition.
What is so incredibly amazing about God is that He can take a sermon on he reconciliation of relationships and speak to me in a way that is personal to me. This has nothing to do with relationships for me. Romans 8:28 factored into Bobby's sermon and into what God has laid on my heart to blog about.
Aaaaanywho, today's blog really isn't about anything, but I am confident that God can use it for something special.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Suffering Leads to Thanksgiving
1 Peter 5:10) And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Here are my thoughts on the topic of suffering and how if we allow it can lead to thanksgiving.
1. Without suffering we can never appreciate the good things. In my suffering I have learned to appreciate simplicity. It has changed my focus and slowed me down. I have also realized there is a much greater plan than my agenda. I am grateful for God's simple pleasures. I take much less for granted now.
2. We are able to see God at work in our own lives in very personal and intimate ways. I have also been privileged enough to see how my testimony has affected friends and family. That is a very humbling experience. I am very thankful others draw strength and encouragement from my story. I do not believe this blog would exist if I had not experienced the suffering I have through my mom's death, father's cancer, and my own health struggles.
3. I am thankful for the boldness I now have. I am no longer shy about my faith. I desire to be righteous in God's eyes more than to be liked by my fellow man. My goal is that people know exactly where I stand and whom I stand with. During a recent Bible study on a day where I was really struggling God gave me something special. Here is what the Holy Spirit gave me. How I handle myself during this season of suffering is and will be my testimony. That is a serious task for me because some days I want to hide under the covers and be a real witch! :-)
4. In my suffering I have chosen to draw to God. Even though I get extremely frustrated with God at times I know He is what I need. I can reach through my frustration and fear to grab His hand. The very Person I get the most angry at is the Person I desperately need the most. I have learned to not stuff my feelings and to be honest with God. He helps us through ill emotions that are even directed at Him. I have my moments of anger and frustration. I did say that and so can you. I have learned that I cannot use my anger as leverage against my Heavenly Father. He cannot and will not be manipulated. I often have conversations like this with God. Me, "God, I really am thankful for all the amazing things I have learned (many too personal to share with other people at this time). Through this You have made me a compassionate person, one who truly cares for other's sufferings. I PROMISE to stay on top of my Bible studies even if I am well. I will not forget You on the mountain top. I really think I have learned everything there is to learn here God. Let's say we all move on!" God, "Anna, just hang with Me here. Your story with this is not over...yet." My point here is that sharing your every thought with someone is drawing near to them. God and I go back and forth and that is what is supposed to happen. He waits for us. He knows how we feel anyway and can help me deal with my ever-so-human emotions. I have drawn strength from Job. If you aren't familiar with him I encourage you to read his story in the Bible.
Here are some things that happened to Job. Talk about trials and tribulations! Good grief!
- His oxen and donkeys are killed as were the servants tending them (livestock was a pretty big deal back then).
- His sheep and tending servants were struck by lightening.
- Foreigners killed his camels and tending servants.
- Ten children were eating dinner together when a wind storm came and caused the house to fall on them. Everyone died.
- His entire body was covered in hideous boils.
- His wife and supposed three best friends spoke against him. Here is what Job's wife told him in the midst of his pain and suffering, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"
Job had his week moments. I believe he wrestled with God at times. He may have even had angry moments. Job was just a man. I can picture the tears streaming down his face as he got word of the death of his children. Can you see the look on his face as his wife scolded him to curse God and drop dead?
Job fought through his emotions and refused to let Satan attack his mind. The Bible never said Job understood why these atrocities were happening to him. He had a firm belief that God never left him and was doing something greater. I want to have the strength to say like Job, "though He slay me, yet will I wait for and trust Him.' Read Job for what happens next. It is incredibly encouraging and pretty exciting.
So you may ask how the story of Job has helped me to be thankful. I am thankful that, through my suffering, God has revealed to me just what I am made of. Job learned what he was made of and so did all those around him. What a testimony he had! Before I endured some awful things (some of which I am still in the midst of) I would have never EVER thought I could take so much. I am made of some serious stuff. Again, I am grateful this has been revealed to me.
5. Jesus suffered while He as on earth. The Bible says He was tempted in every way and, therefore, can empathize in our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). The saints that surrounded Jesus all suffered. No one could accuse Paul of having an easy road. Characters from the Old Testament to the New Testament suffered trials. Modern day Christians have suffered and are suffering. Not all of us suffer the same things and we can't judge another person's battles. I am thankful to share in the journey. Shared pain bonds people together in tremendous ways.
I admit I don't want to suffer. I like things nice and easy just like the next person. God knows I dislike being uncomfortable yet wants me to obey and trust Him. I repent my rotten attitude and ask that He help me to see past my current struggles. He will provide you what you need to be thankful in all circumstances.
Here are my thoughts on the topic of suffering and how if we allow it can lead to thanksgiving.
1. Without suffering we can never appreciate the good things. In my suffering I have learned to appreciate simplicity. It has changed my focus and slowed me down. I have also realized there is a much greater plan than my agenda. I am grateful for God's simple pleasures. I take much less for granted now.
2. We are able to see God at work in our own lives in very personal and intimate ways. I have also been privileged enough to see how my testimony has affected friends and family. That is a very humbling experience. I am very thankful others draw strength and encouragement from my story. I do not believe this blog would exist if I had not experienced the suffering I have through my mom's death, father's cancer, and my own health struggles.
3. I am thankful for the boldness I now have. I am no longer shy about my faith. I desire to be righteous in God's eyes more than to be liked by my fellow man. My goal is that people know exactly where I stand and whom I stand with. During a recent Bible study on a day where I was really struggling God gave me something special. Here is what the Holy Spirit gave me. How I handle myself during this season of suffering is and will be my testimony. That is a serious task for me because some days I want to hide under the covers and be a real witch! :-)
4. In my suffering I have chosen to draw to God. Even though I get extremely frustrated with God at times I know He is what I need. I can reach through my frustration and fear to grab His hand. The very Person I get the most angry at is the Person I desperately need the most. I have learned to not stuff my feelings and to be honest with God. He helps us through ill emotions that are even directed at Him. I have my moments of anger and frustration. I did say that and so can you. I have learned that I cannot use my anger as leverage against my Heavenly Father. He cannot and will not be manipulated. I often have conversations like this with God. Me, "God, I really am thankful for all the amazing things I have learned (many too personal to share with other people at this time). Through this You have made me a compassionate person, one who truly cares for other's sufferings. I PROMISE to stay on top of my Bible studies even if I am well. I will not forget You on the mountain top. I really think I have learned everything there is to learn here God. Let's say we all move on!" God, "Anna, just hang with Me here. Your story with this is not over...yet." My point here is that sharing your every thought with someone is drawing near to them. God and I go back and forth and that is what is supposed to happen. He waits for us. He knows how we feel anyway and can help me deal with my ever-so-human emotions. I have drawn strength from Job. If you aren't familiar with him I encourage you to read his story in the Bible.
Here are some things that happened to Job. Talk about trials and tribulations! Good grief!
- His oxen and donkeys are killed as were the servants tending them (livestock was a pretty big deal back then).
- His sheep and tending servants were struck by lightening.
- Foreigners killed his camels and tending servants.
- Ten children were eating dinner together when a wind storm came and caused the house to fall on them. Everyone died.
- His entire body was covered in hideous boils.
- His wife and supposed three best friends spoke against him. Here is what Job's wife told him in the midst of his pain and suffering, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"
Job had his week moments. I believe he wrestled with God at times. He may have even had angry moments. Job was just a man. I can picture the tears streaming down his face as he got word of the death of his children. Can you see the look on his face as his wife scolded him to curse God and drop dead?
Job fought through his emotions and refused to let Satan attack his mind. The Bible never said Job understood why these atrocities were happening to him. He had a firm belief that God never left him and was doing something greater. I want to have the strength to say like Job, "though He slay me, yet will I wait for and trust Him.' Read Job for what happens next. It is incredibly encouraging and pretty exciting.
So you may ask how the story of Job has helped me to be thankful. I am thankful that, through my suffering, God has revealed to me just what I am made of. Job learned what he was made of and so did all those around him. What a testimony he had! Before I endured some awful things (some of which I am still in the midst of) I would have never EVER thought I could take so much. I am made of some serious stuff. Again, I am grateful this has been revealed to me.
5. Jesus suffered while He as on earth. The Bible says He was tempted in every way and, therefore, can empathize in our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). The saints that surrounded Jesus all suffered. No one could accuse Paul of having an easy road. Characters from the Old Testament to the New Testament suffered trials. Modern day Christians have suffered and are suffering. Not all of us suffer the same things and we can't judge another person's battles. I am thankful to share in the journey. Shared pain bonds people together in tremendous ways.
I admit I don't want to suffer. I like things nice and easy just like the next person. God knows I dislike being uncomfortable yet wants me to obey and trust Him. I repent my rotten attitude and ask that He help me to see past my current struggles. He will provide you what you need to be thankful in all circumstances.
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