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Archive for the ‘Spiritual Growth’ Category

His Strength vs. My Weakness

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on March 24, 2014| 2 Comments »

“My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV 1984) If you have gone to church for any length of time, you have probably heard this statement at least once, maybe more.  Recently, my understanding of this verse grew.

I had just finished a book project entitled The Father’s Study last year.  It was a set of forty parables about the relationship between the Heavenly Father and His child.   My thought was, now I can work on this other project The Rose of Calaria a Christian fantasy/suspense novel.  This was the second time I started writing this novel.

Three years prior, I had deleted the whole manuscript, based on the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Now I thought it was okay to start once again, since the Father’s Study was complete.  For seven months I worked on it and wrote about ten chapters,  However, there was a problem.   I wanted God’s blessing as I wrote it.

The more I wrote the more the Holy Spirit nudged me to stop.  I wouldn’t listen.  The prodding was so strong, but my disobedience bordered on and then turned into rebellion. My quiet times were hindered, and I would push the Bible and the study workbook away.

I argued with God about it for a few days.  “Why can’t I write this?”  The answer He impressed on my heart was that it not only interfered with our relationship but it interfered with what He had for me.  It became an idol.

When I finally gave up the story, a desire to take the The Father’s Study in a new direction welled up within me.  Immediately I responded, “I can’t do that.  I don’t have a theology degree, so who would listen?”

Then as if I the light bulb over my head turned on, this thought came to mind, “Precisely.  You can’t, but I can through you.  You can write the fantasy piece but those were your ideas, thoughts, and desires – not mine.  If I allow you to write it, you would definitely take the glory. However if you do what I ask, you can do it because I will give you the ability to do it.”

Isn’t that an awesome thought?  How many times do we not do what God asks us to, because it means getting out of our comfort zones, or beyond our talents? Or better yet doing something we have no skill in.

He wants us to rely on Him.  Take Gideon, for example.  The angel of the Lord came to him and told him he would defeat the Midian army.  He addressed Gideon as a “mighty warrior”.  Gideon was a farmer – not a soldier.  However, through him, God was glorified.

What about the novel?  I wiped it out completely – hard copies and all.  Although, taking that step was difficult, I had peace.

How about you?  Is there something God has called you to do, and you have not obeyed due to insecurity?  Oh loved one, take the risk and step out of the comfort zone you have set up.  Let God show Himself to you and work through you.  You will be amazed and even surprised at the results.

 

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having

 all sufficiency in all things at all times you may abound in every good work.”

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV)

 

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A Thankful Heart

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on February 11, 2014| Leave a Comment »

There is a book that came out several years ago entitled One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  To be honest I couldn’t get through the entire book due to the style of writing.  However, the underlining message, so I have been told, is to be thankful for even the small things in life for they are God’s gifts to us.  Our co-teacher for  Sunday school started writing down 7 things he was thankful for every morning.  He said by doing so, he started his day in a positive way.

Lately, thankfulness has been put on the shelf.  Not that I haven’t thanked God throughout the day or week, but it hasn’t been a priority.  Sure I have been thankful as I have seen God work in the lives of my family and friends.  For myself though, thankfulness has been few and far between.

I have taken up the challenge to start writing two things every morning that I am thankful for:

Day 1

  • Friends  who love me for who I am and pray for me
  • The writer’s group I attend. Who with godly love and encouragement they critique and share the talents God has given them
  • My daughter Emily and her sweet nature
  • That my ipod didn’t lose its charge while I was doing car line duty.  The warning  “low battery”, came on at the beginning of a 45 minute job of directing cars out of the local elementary school

Day 2

  • A God who is creative
  • The wonder and uniqueness of imaginations
  • An answer to death
  • For scientists who are not afraid to say that they believe in a God who created the world and universe in which we live.
  • The student I mentor who God is now using to stretch me as a person

As you can see the list didn’t stop with just two a day.  He wants us to have a thankful heart.  The amazing part is what happens when I write down the things I’m thankful for;  the smallest item puts a smile on my face and reminds me that God is at work in all areas of my life.

I would like to challenge you to purchase a small notebook, for a month  write down at least two things you are thankful for everyday.  If it’s small enough you can take it with you  and write items down throughout your day.  Don’t disregard the “small stuff’ like my ipod situation.  When those rough days come, re-read what you have written and let your heart soar.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances

For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV 1984)

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Why or Why Not?

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on January 19, 2014| 2 Comments »

Why or Why Not?

I am a “why” person.  I need to know the whys and wherefores, the details.   This is especially applicable in my spiritual life, and God’s answers to prayer requests.

The other month I sent a letter out to an individual to ask them to write an endorsement for a manuscript.  For two years God impressed on my heart to send it to this individual.  I have to admit, fear ruled me; however, I finally pushed through the fear and sent her a copy with peace in my heart.

A month later the manuscript was sent back to me with a letter of regret.  Disappointment was definitely my reaction but their reasons were understandable, and sound.  God’s reasons were not understandable.  To be more precise, I didn’t know what His reasons were.  By the way, this is all part of the writer’s life, so I wasn’t surprised.

With tears streaming down my face, and looking to Heaven I said, “For two years You asked me to send the manuscript to her? So I did, and “regrets” is Your answer?  This is the second time you “nagged” me to send this devotional to specific people and in return I receive a rejection or regrets. Why did You want me to do this in the first place?  I was afraid this would happen.”  Nothing. No answer came.

The doubts started to creep in,  “Maybe I wasn’t being faithful in doing what He called me to do, not writing enough, or writing the wrong thing.” or  ‘I didn’t have enough faith that God could do it.”  Even as I write this, “Maybe the reason was because I didn’t send the manuscript two years ago,” comes to mind.

Several friends who had been praying on my behalf, responded this way, “He may not tell you the reason, Christine.  Maybe this was a lesson in obedience and trust.  Don’t be hard on yourself.  Yes, be disappointed but don’t second guess yourself or let Satan in to wreak havoc.” Not what I wanted to hear.  I needed reasons.

After getting over my snit I thought about what was said.  “Trust” could be the reason.  Trusting without an explanation could be the area that needs to be grown.

The next day one of those friends sent me a devotional confirming what they had been saying.  God is good. Although, I did have one other problem, I covered my feelings of disappointment and rejection with “It wasn’t God’s will” or “God is good”.  These statements are true and I believe them, but I thought they made me sound strong and spiritual, when in fact, I was hurting and confused even angry.  Until I took my true feelings of hurt and rejection to God, the emotions controlled my life

Sometimes He gives us reasons, and other times He doesn’t and wants us to trust Him.  It could be that I wasn’t ready yet to receive another endorsement.  Maybe the lesson was pushing through fear to obey.  I don’t know.  And to be honest, this concept will be a struggle for me.  To move the idea of not receiving an answer from my head to my heart will not be easy. But what I do know is that He is good and wants the best for me like any good father.  What better reason could there be?

How about you?  Are you a “why” person like me?  Is God withholding His reasons?  Sit back knowing that He is the sovereign God and wants the best for you.  He doesn’t shrink from our true feelings but wants to love us through them.  I can attest that not knowing is not easy, but He has something better in mind.  Trust Him with whatever the situation is in your life.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,

the conviction of things not seen.”

 

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)

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The Greatest Gift – Honor

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , on January 5, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Christmas is over, the new year has begun. Usually, I have a let down the days that follow. Not because of the lack of gifts or not getting what I want, but it’s over so fast. There is so much anticipation, and preparation,  and in it’s over in one day.

This time is different in many respects, my emotions have been through a lot of ups and downs, but this has also been the best Christmas ever. Not because of the gifts received but because of the one gift that was given to my parents.

My husband has been doing a series in our Sunday school about being biblical care givers to our parents. For two weeks we talked about honoring them. We looked at the Ten Commandments and smack dab in the middle of all the “do nots” is number five, “Honor your father and mother”. Later on scripture says “so that it may go well with you”.  Strange? With all the “big” commandments, God holds honoring our parents with the same importance. Honoring is not a choice but a command.

My husband and I decided that on Christmas we would present my parents with a certificate that honored their fifty years of service to the body of Christ.  It was awesome to sit down and think of all the ways they ministered to the church body through volunteering. The tears rolled down my cheeks as I remembered not only what they do now, but what they did when I was growing up and even before I was born.

The question could be asked, “What about those who have a lousy parent or parents?” I thought about that too, for I know of a few and you can read about those parents in the paper. Maybe you’re one who had an abusive parent. I’ll be honest with you; I can’t answer that question only God can. Perhaps it’s just the simple fact that they gave you life instead of terminating the pregnancy (You are very special to God and He has great plans for you) but again only God can give you the way(s) you can honor that parent.

My husband’s parents are both gone so in his case how could he honor them?  Back in Biblical days there were no last names but you were known by your father’s name. For example: My husband would be known as Mike son of Gerald. So the way they lived, reflected back to their father.  I feel my husband does bring honor to his parents by the way he lives his life.

Mind you our parents are not and were not perfect. They have flaws and even handed down bad habits, but they also have handed down wonderful, God honoring traits that are worthy of honoring.

How about you? Do you find yourself focusing on the negative things your parents did? Maybe they were short tempered or displayed some other “negative” issue. Seek God. Ask Him to show you ways that you can honor your parents in the new year. Through honoring them, you are obeying God. You will be glad you did. I am still overwhelmed  that God led us to honor them in the way we did.

“Honor your father and mother –which is the first commandment with a promise – that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:3 (NIV 1984)

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Doing What is Right

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on October 1, 2013| Leave a Comment »

“They’re not coming, mommy.”  My daughter sat in the car sobbing.

“Why not, honey?” I had never seen my daughter so upset.  It was her ninth birthday and her year to have a party.

“They are not coming to my birthday party if Georgia is invited.  No one likes her and they told me to un-invite her or else they won’t come.”

“What did you tell them?” my heart ached.  How rude of her friends to put her in that position.

“I told them I couldn’t do that.  Then she would feel left out if everyone else was invited and she would be un-invited.”

“I know that it was a hard decision for you, but it was the right one.  Remember what happened to Jesus when he went to the house of the tax collector Matthew?  The religious leaders criticized Jesus for eating with those who were not liked.  Jesus told them that he came to reach out to those who needed Him and extend the love they were not receiving from them.  Matthew eventually became a disciple of Jesus.  You may be the only “Jesus” Georgia will ever see.  You are treating her just like Jesus would and your friends are acting like the Pharisees.  I am proud of you.  Keep taking that stand and if your friends don’t come because of it, it will be their lost.”

I have thought about that conversation in relation to myself and other adults.  I have caught myself saying “I don’t want her at my table because she seems weird.”  In ministry people have come up to me and said “I will go in any group you put me in but if so and so is in it place me in another group.”  Most of the time for me the issue is a personality conflict, the person rubs me the wrong way.  But God doesn’t see them any differently than He sees me.  Christ loves me, a sinner, so I am not in a place to judge their hearts.  He created them also, and just as I told my daughter, I may be “Jesus” to them.  I may show His love in ways I never thought I could.

My daughter continued to stand for what was right.  No one from her class including Georgia attended, only two friends from church.  But she had a great time with them and her parents who thanked God for her courage.

How about you?  Do you treat others differently because their personalities cause you to cringe?

It can be hard to love them as Christ loves them.  However, God doesn’t play favorites and neither should we.

“My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12 (NIV 1984)

*reprint of an article I wrote in May 2010 for Purpose Sunday School Periodical.

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The Flowered Fork

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on August 15, 2013| Leave a Comment »

“Move in the back.” My ten year old’s voice was agitated.

“No it’s my turn in the front,” answered my niece with much determination.

“Then get out so I can get in the back.”

“No!”

Listening to the tension, heightened my aggravation already present from a day full of stress.  The muscles in my neck flexed, and my eyes narrowed.  “Why the pettiness?  Who cares who sits in the front?”   I said.

I turned to lock the front door as the words continued to come.  “Why did we fight over such stupid stuff?  Like who sat behind mom or who used the flowered fork for dinner.  Oh especially that fork.  No wonder my mom was annoyed with us.”

“Mommy, we don’t have a flowered fork,” chimed in my oldest and most observant eleven year old.

A big smile formed on my face. “I wasn’t talking about us, but your Aunt Stacey and me.  Growing up our family had one fork that had etched flowers on the handle.  I used it one night and your aunt had it the next.  But every night there was an argument on whose turn it was to have the fork, similar to the fight about who gets to sit in the front.”  Looking back, what a waste of time. What selfishness, arguing over an insignificant item that in the grand scheme of things didn’t really make a difference in our lives.  “I guess we thought it made us important or special.”  I decided.  My girls looked at me then continued on with their disagreement.  All I could do was shake my head.

As an adult I laugh, but ask the question that must be asked, “Have things really changed?” I get upset over the dishwasher loaded “wrong” or the Christmas tree not decorated “right”.  Do these things really matter? Will the dishwasher loaded neatly, influence godly character.  Will the Christmas tree decorated “right” bring others to know the Savior?

The problem is it doesn’t seem to stop with the dishwashers or decorations.  I have heard of churches bickering over the color of the rug or what version of the Bible to use or the type of music to use in the worship services.  Or others complaining about how another accomplishes his/her tasks in ministry.  Should our worship or fellowship really be based on these things?  How sad if it is.

Sometimes I think God cringes at the pettiness.  We are supposed to be family, and united on the basics: Who Christ is, what He did on the Cross, and the free gift of Salvation.  He cares more about His relationship with His children then what color the carpet is, or how special we think we are because we use a flowered fork.

The Father wants our hearts, and then desires us to extend love to others.  We are special because God made us and loves us.  When people see the disunity, then they see a lack of love.  We are called to oneness and to love others, no matter what.  We are to make compromises on the small stuff but stand firm in His word and to love the sinner.

I resolved not to make a big deal over the dishwasher, even the Christmas tree that had spots crowded with ornaments.  After all, the tree is about working together as a family and having fun, and as for the dishes, they are getting clean.

What about the girl’s fight?  Well, I made the suggestion that each time we go some where they take turns sitting in the front.  I haven’t heard the bickering about it since.

How about you?  Do you yourself being petty about the little things in life, or with certain people? Ask God to give you a spirit of peace and love.  If your irritation is concerning big issues or those that are clearly right or wrong, ask God to give you wisdom to work through them with love, patience and self control.

“Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.  Never be wise in your own sight.  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible  so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

Romans 12:16-18 (ESV)

 

 

 

*Due to being on vacation, I would like to share this  article I wrote in 2010.

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Mistake, Love and Forgiveness

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on May 13, 2013| Leave a Comment »

We all make mistakes. Sorry, but that’s the truth.

If you are anything like me, some mistakes wreak havoc with my emotions and my relationship with God. They can even zap my energy to get things done. I found myself in this exact situation recently.

My motives were great at first, however the choice led to guilt and questions like  “I am so unworthy to talk to Him, and read His word how can I call myself a Christian or even go to my local place of worship?” Let me say this before I continue, we are not worthy but have been made worthy when we have accepted Christ as our Savior.

I am a recovering “Perfectionist”.  By the way there is only One perfect and that is Christ. With that said, when the mess up is big in my eyes, perfectionism attacks with power. Instead of focusing on what can I learn from the mistake, I beat myself up sometimes until I’m sick.

Enter the two “safe” people in my life, my husband and my mentor/accountability/prayer partner.

Mike is a wonderful man who I am grateful God gave to me. As I confessed to him my mistake, he talked without condemnation and best of all, showed me the positives that could come out of it.

JoAnn is wonderful, godly woman. As I poured my heart out to her she also listened while I sobbed. She gave this input; “Christine, you must get back into the Word. The only way to find relief and release from the guilt, which by the way is not of God but Satan himself, is to allow God to battle for you through His Word. Read verses that talk about His love for you. It will be amazing what you will learn.”

So I did. I talked to Mike about what I had been learning through my Bible reading and a book I was reading. Surprise appeared on his face.

“You still feel guilt over this?”

“Yes.” I cried.

“Honey I’ve got just the verse for you that I have memorized. By the way, guilt is not of God.”

Hmmm, where did I here that before? Here is what he shared with me:

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on  to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet
to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.   I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:12-14 *

I realized how easily I forget His promises that He has given me. Promises like:

Romans 8:1  – There is no condemnation for those of us who have accepted Christ
Deuteronomy 7:7-9 –  He doesn’t love me because I’m important or perfect but because I am His
Psalm Psalms 66:20 –  He will not hold back His love from me
Psalm 17:8  – I am the apple of His eye
Psalm 94:12-19 –  He won’t reject me but uses the mistakes to teach me
Zephaniah 3:17  – He is with me, mighty to save me, delights in me, quiets me with His love and rejoices over me.

But one of the neatest things is His love is all encompassing:

Psalm 36:5  It reaches to the heavens (it’s above me)

Psalms 23:6 – His love follows me (It’s behind me)

Psalms 26:3 – His love is before me (it’s in front of me)

Psalms 139 –He knows me and hems me in

Ephesians 3:17b-19 His love is wide, long, deep and high

Now close your eyes and picture yourself.  Place a red heart where these verses say God’s love is.  We as His children are totally surrounded by His love.

I wish I could say that the guilt is totally gone. It’s not, but it has diminished, as I have called out to God. I’m better then I was 5 days ago and better than yesterday. The worse thing I can do is runaway from the Father. During these times I should be running toward Him.

I have been forgiven by God.

Let me say this, fear can come into play with some of our mistakes. This can be a good thing for it becomes a warning flag that we are heading in the wrong direction and change is needed. But take heart forgiveness is waiting with open arms. Brokeness admits the wrong , leaves it as God’s feet and allows  Him to restore  and help us move on.

How about you today? Do you have a hard time fighting the guilt or embarrassment over your mistakes ?

Don’t run from your Heavenly Father.  Read His Word, leave your mistakes with Him and allow Him to restore you.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”

Romans 8:1

*Please note all verses quoted and listed are from the NIV 1984 version of the Bible.

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The Phantom of the Church

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , on April 20, 2013| 2 Comments »

One of my favorite musicals is the Phantom of the Opera. A man wears a mask because of his disfigured face, and falls in love with a young singer that he tutors. His thinking is that since he “gave her” the voice to sing, she would love him all the more. By the end of it you feel sorry for him. Here is a man who will never experience love because he tries to intimidate someone into loving him instead of being honest about who he really is.

It made me think about us as Christians. Many times we wear masks so others will not see the real us. We wear them to cover pain, insecurities and flaws. We fear that if others see who we really are we won’t be accepted.

God created us for a relationship with Himself. But He also knew we would need others. It bothers me when people say to me they don’t want to tell others of their prayer needs. They fear people will think of them as Christians without faith, or they don’t want to ask for help because it is a sign of weakness.

I have learned that is exactly what the body of Christ is for. Verses like, “Where two or more are gathered in my name, I am with them.” Or “Bear one another’s burdens” come to mind.

At one time my family was going through a dark time. My husband’s mother was dying and I became a temporary single mother of three children ages 9, 8, and 3. This was because he would leave the house at 6 in the morning for work and not get home until 10 at night from the hospital. I was so tired I couldn’t even work the microwave. One Sunday in our Sunday school I broke down crying and asked for prayer that God would give me strength to make it through the day. What I received was four days of dinners. Those dinners gave relief from the stress and renewed energy for the days ahead. I had to remove the mask of the “good Christian” who could handle anything, and show my true struggles, which in turn released the burden emotionally as well as physically.

The church was meant to come together not only to worship God, but also to help each other. Of course there was a risk of being vulnerable. There always is. However, if I wasn’t transparent two things would have happened. First, people would not know the real me and the ways they could intercede on my behalf. Secondly, not only would I have cheated myself out seeing God’s provision, I would have hindered others from receiving the blessing that comes from serving.

The Phantom in the musical chose to hide and to become feared instead of loved. But I wonder, if he had taken the risk of removing his mask and being vulnerable, people would perhaps have become more compassionate and loving. He may have even been freed from his prison of loneliness.

As Christians God asks us to remove the masks and live in the freedom of allowing other to see who we are and to risking the exposure of our flaws so that He may work in our lives through those around us.

Do you risk coming out from behind your masks and show others who you really are and the struggles you face? When fellowshipping with other believers, do they feel comfortable sharing themselves with you?

Who knows by taking that risk we may help others take their masks off also.

 

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:2 (NIV 1984)

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Do Something – Live Sent

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on April 5, 2013| 3 Comments »

Have you noticed the news lately? There seems to be no end to the troubled teens, high crime rates, teen pregnancy, school dropouts, poverty and a lack of morality in this country not to mention the world.

Over the past few years I have cried out to God much like the prophet Habakkuk, “Why aren’t you doing anything about this? Why are you allowing those of us who truly follow you suffer the consequences of those who don’t? (Not to say that we are perfect)

The pastor of my church just finished a series entitled “Live Sent”. He challenged us to prayer walk our neighborhoods asking God to show us how we could reach our neighbors. He had the audacity to tell me I needed to do more, by getting out of my house and meet new people and share God’s love.

He was nuts. He was right. I needed to come out of my hiding places (the walls of my home and out from the written word) and become “Jesus” to those around me. And dare I say it, move outward from my neighborhood into the community. I wasn’t to be a Bible thumper but show love and build relationships. One neighbor, ended up in the Bible Study group I had been in three weeks later.

A month and a half ago I was called by someone at my daughter’s middle school and asked if I would like to become a mentor. I went to the training session just to see what it was all about. I walked out saying “It’s not my thing.” Why should I give a half an hour a week to some one who probably was not there on their own accord and rebellious to the core?

God gently reminded me that even a middle school student needed His love. I felt ashamed especially when I looked at my own daughters. They aren’t perfect or have the perfect parents. What they do have are parents who try to live as an example of Christ. If I can give another middle school student a little hope and godly love, it would be worth it. That is what it’s all about, being available to what God has for me. I can’t wait to meet the middle school student I am going to mentor.

What about you? Will you live sent and do something with the pain, hurt or need you see around you? Maybe He is waiting for you to say “yes, I will go.” Maybe it will be the local pregnancy center as a counselor, or Big Brothers Big Sisters, or feed the homeless. It could simply be getting to know your neighbors next door.

WARNING: Don’t ask unless you are willing to get out of your comfort zone, because He will answer.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!
As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:21 (NIV 1984)

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Worship – Part 2 – I Must Decrease

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , on March 28, 2013| Leave a Comment »

I started reading a book recommended by our local Christian radio morning show that dealt with removing the excess from our lives.*  What caught my attention was a verse from the gospel of John:

 

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 (KJV)

The author made the point of saying that when she decreased the “stuff” in her life, God was able to come in and increase His work in her.

 

Immediately, the word “worship” came to mind.  The second part of worship is possibly the most important, yet works hand in hand with the first (giving God our very best).  It’s the excess of self, meaning the attitudes and motives of why I do what I do.

 

It is hard to have a wrong motive in doing household chores but, a grumbling attitude can certainly crop up.  Even attending church can bring about a complacent attitude.  For crying out loud, I have been going to church for 43 years.

 

The Israelites lost their “awe” of God and the reason why they were to do things a certain way.  Even the tithe or lack thereof was selfishness.  They wanted to keep the best maybe out of fear of not having enough.

 

I find myself, at times, losing the same “awe” struck wonder in worshiping God. I go because  it’s what I do (habit), not because I have joy to go and worship God with fellow believers.

 

In the book of Acts, Ananias and Sapphira saw tons of people selling everything they had for the spread of the gospel.  They thought “Well let’s sell all we have, but they don’t need all of it. We will give most so we can look good but keep some for ourselves.  Besides no one will know.” (Christine’s edition)

 

Problem was God knew, and He wasn’t pleased.  He didn’t care if they kept some, but it was the deceit of their hearts.  They wanted to look like holy people but their hearts were full of pride and lies (the excess of self) that it killed them, literally.

 

As a writer or Bible study facilitator it’s easy for self to increase and become puffed up, if I’m not careful. Even as a parent, comparing myself to others can allow haughtiness to grow.  “I would never let me child to that!” or “My children don’t act that way.  It must be the way I raise them.”

 

There is another side of me that can turn to excess of self and that is affirmation. I have a great need to be affirmed.  Words of affirmation are my “love” language.* But it can also go to the extreme. What once was an outpouring of love from another can quickly turn into pride in my heart.

 

When I take self out of the equation– whether it be desires, or motives–my heart says, “Yes Lord, take control, do what You will.” He becomes more visible to those around me and I become invisible.  My lifestyle of worship will be acceptable to Him.

 

When I decrease (my attitudes, my motives, my desires), God will certainly increase and that is the way it should be.

 

How about you?  What motives and attitudes do you have when doing everyday activities? Work?  Ministry? Or going to a church service?

 

Ask God to show you any hidden motives that are hindering Him working in and through  you. Then ask Him for the strength to get rid of self so others can see Jesus.

 

 

“All a man’s ways seem innocent to him,

But motives are weighted by the LORD.”

Proverbs 16:2 (NIV 1984)

*Jen Hatmaker “7: An Experimetnal Mutiny Against Excess”  

*Gary Chapman “The Five Love Languages”

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