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Worship Part 1: Giving My Best

Posted in Spiritual Growth, tagged , , , on March 13, 2013| 2 Comments »

When I started studying the book of Malachi at a women’s Bible study, my understanding of “worship” went to a whole new level.  Worship is based on who I am in Christ, what I do on a day to day basis, a lifestyle.

 

After one session, a precious lady asked to describe worship because they did not have a Spanish word for the description presented in the video.  I gave the pat answer, “It’s a lifestyle.  I hate laundry but worship is saying ‘Thank you Lord that I have laundry to do.’ instead of complaining.”

 

In the first chapter of Malachi, God confronted the Israelites with the fact that their sacrifices were defective and therefore unacceptable to Him.  They were also told two chapters later that they were robbing God by not bringing the tithe. Seeing this caused me to be unsatisfied with my response.

 

The next morning I prayed, “Father, what does a life of worship look like?  I don’t see how their sacrifices relate to me in the here and now.”  Immediately Romans chapter twelve came to mind.  It says:

 

“Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.”  Romans 12:1 (NIV 1984)

 

When I compared my life to the Israelites sacrifices I cringed.  My life can be just as defective.  When I don’t give God my best whether in doing my household chores, parenting, in ministry and even with time management everything becomes unacceptable.  And if it’s not acceptable to Him, it should not be acceptable to me.

 

There is a need to be careful, it does not mean He won’t accept me.  He will always accept me for who I am because I am His child.  But it’s similar to a parent who loves their child.  The love is unconditional but if the child is not doing their best whether it be grades or chores it’s unacceptable to the parent and changes need to be made.

 

After I made this connection the question became,  what is to be done to make changes?  I believe the next verse gives the answer:

 

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  Romans 12:2

 

It’s a matter of priorities.  Change comes “by the renewing of your mind.”  When I’m reading the Bible  my perspective changes.  The need to do everything God’s way becomes the priority.  I find activities are dropped in order to put God’s priorities and desires ahead of mine.  The chores and ministry duties are done with my whole heart.  I give it my all,because I am doing it for Him.  This is my spiritual act of worship.

 

How about you?  Do you find the temptation to do the everyday things with minimal whatever you do effort or to do them because you have to?  Have you lost the joy in ministry?

 

Perhaps you have lost some perspective on why you do them.  Start with renewing your mind by reading His word.  Ask Him to direct you on how He wants you to spend the day.

 

The way you live your life is your living sacrifice, your spiritual act of worship.

“And, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, Giving tanks to God The Father through him.” 

Colossians 3:17 (NIV 1984)

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What’s Your Identity?

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on January 14, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Each of us, if we are of driving age, has a driver’s license, to identify who we are, what our age is and where we live. Even our schools provide each student with a number and ID card so the schools (here in my county it starts from elementary school up) know whose grades belong to whom and which student belong to which school.

Many people today, if not most, carry other identities, such as lawyer, accountant, manager, or even bus driver. These identities become their success, what makes them important, in the eyes of the world.

I have always struggled with my identity from the time elementary school through middle and high school into college. It didn’t help that I had to overcome a learning disability in elementary school. I had to be and do something to be important. So I tried everything. I think I changed my degree four or five times in college and then only received a two year degree.

I use to tell God “I need to go back to school to get my degree.” The reason is, if something happened to Mike the only job I could get was a minimum wage one. There is no way I can do anything without a degree. I don’t know how many times I looked at friends, even my husband, and was jealous because they got a degree. I saw myself as a failure for most of my life.

This transferred to my relationship with God. The more I did for Him, the more important I was, and the more He loved me. So I thought. My life got to the point that I was involved in four ministries at once, not to mention the one at home to my family. That was okay, because I was doing God’s work and He was going to accept me and think I was important.

In reality, I burned out. I didn’t know who I was anymore than before, due to being pulled in so many directions. I lost sight of who I truly was. Looking back, there has always been desire to find my niche. The longing to find something I really enjoyed doing, was so strong, I couldn’t say no to anything. I needed to find it.

God is patient. It took me a long time to understand where my true identity and success comes from. He had to take me out of everything to learn one simple thing; I am important, and my identity is that I am His child. I show I belong to Him by obeying His word and being an example to those around me.

Incidentally, through one of those ministries, I did find something I loved to do. I put together newsletters for our church’s MOPS (Mother of Preschools) program, writing articles to encourage those who I ministered to. I love putting words together to encourage others in their spiritual walk as well as facilitating Bible studies. But I do still have to be cautious that writing or teaching doesn’t become my sole identity. I wouldn’t be able to do this if it weren’t for God. I have also learned to take breaks and say “no” and my number one priority is my family.

Do you struggle to know who you are? Do you find that your job, hobby or even your family have become your identity? If those were taken from you today, who would you be?

If you’re one of God’s children, that is who you are. There is nothing more important than that. If the activities and “things, you use to form your identity were taken away, you would still be His child and be important to Him.

Ask Him today to make Himself real to you and to see who you really are in Him. He longs for you to know exactly that.

Place your name in the blank.

For you                       did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you                  received the Spirit of sonship/daughtership*. And by him we cry “Abba Father.  The Spirit himself testisfies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Now if                           is his child, then                       is an heir – an heir of God,  and co-heir with Christ…”  Romans 8: 15-17a (NIV)

*added for emphasis

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Resolutions

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, tagged , , , , , on January 6, 2013| 2 Comments »

It’s that time of year again.  If you’re anything like me I have good intentions to keep my resolutions only to find myself in December making the same ones because I didn’t follow through the year before.

 

In 2013 I want to be different.  Where have I heard that before?  But this year I have only two things on my list so it should be easy.  Right?

 

First, is the number one resolution most people make, lose weight.  As I get older I am realizing the importance of eating well, exercising and keeping my weight down.

 

The second is to love the Lord with all my heart, all my soul, with all my mind and with all my strength.  When I do this everything else in my life will line up.  It will affect me as a parent, wife, individual, ministry worker, and writer.  It will literally touch every aspect of life because I will be obedient to God and recognize His voice.

 

In the book of Deuteronomy chapter 6, Moses told the Israelites, that one loves the Lord completely by obeying the Law.  He told them to write it and place it on the foreheads, and arms.  Even today some sects of Judaism still tie little black boxes on their foreheads and arms that contained the law.  It was to go with them as a reminder of who they belonged to.

 

I heard Beth Moore address this very idea in her Bible study on “Deuteronomy”; I said to myself “We don’t tie little black boxes to our bodies today, so what do both of these have to do with me?”  And as if she read my mind, Beth mentioned those t-shirts or jewelry we wear with Biblical thoughts or verses.  You know the ones.  They sell in them on-line and in Christian bookstores.  They’re knock offs of the current movie, or social status pages.

 

But then she asked a pivotal question.  “Do we really believe what we wear?” Moses was telling them to take it deeper.    It wasn’t the letter of the law they were to follow (tying the boxes to the forehead or arm)  but it was the heart of the law, don’t just learn the Word but believe and live it out.   Do I really believe what one cross pendant I have says, “With God all things are possible”?  When my Father tells me to do something that seems impossible do I say “Sorry I can’t do that” or do I say, “Okay I will trust You and step out of my comfort zone.” Sadly it seems to be more of the first, than the second.

 

I’m tired of good intentions.  I want to follow through, not just to become like Christ, but to point others to Him.  Change comes by meeting with Him on a daily basis, memorizing His word, applying it and praying.  It won’t be easy, but it is doable with the Holy Spirit’s help.

 

How about you?  Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?  Are you tired of the way you life is going and want to live in a Christ like way in 2013?

 

Seek Him out.  Change starts with a relationship with Him.  Ask Him to show you what loving Him so completely looks like. Loving, trusting and being obedient to God is not a one size fits all deal. Each person is unique.

 

If you have never come into a relationship with Him, I encourage you to go to the page “An Invitation” (tap is at the top of the screen).  The page will walk you through what it means to do just that.

“Love the Lord your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be written upon your heart.”

Deuteronomy 6:5-6 (NIV 1984)

 

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Our Children’s Future

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, tagged , , , , , on October 26, 2012| Leave a Comment »

The other morning I was moving a picture screen full of pictures from my dining room to the living room. As I looked over the pictures, I couldn’t help but wonder where the time had gone. My girls are 14, 13, and 8 now.

At times I struggle, with the  concern that my girls will just rely on the faith of their parents and not make it their own or flat out reject God.

When I took my fear to God, He impressed on my heart four things I could do as a parent.

1. I can set the example

Even though my girls may not sit with me while I do my quiet times with God, the time I spend in the Word influences the way I go through my day as well as how I react.  We also make it a point to have dinner together as a family every night and have devotions together afterwards.

2. Pray for them

I have a desire to see them want to have a quiet time and prayer time on their own, so I pray that they will have a hunger for God and His word.

It’s not only important to pray for the present but also for our children’s future (who they marry, schooling, career and their spiritual lives).

3. Pray with them

When one of my girls has an issue with a friend or has to make a difficult decision, I try to make a point of praying with her over the situation. By doing this she will see how important is to bring their requests to God – no matter how small or large they are. Then when the answer comes, they will experience God answering prayers.

4. I can pray for moments when I can bring God and His word to the forefront.

There have been times we were out at the store or riding in the car and within the conversation I have been able to say, “This is what God says in His word about the situation and a reason why it’s wrong to do this activity.”

To be honest though, these steps don’t guarantee that they will go the way of the Lord. As parents we can only do what we can and then leave everything to God. We must learn to lean on the promise “…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire…” (Isaiah 55:11)

This gives me hope for my children’s future. God’s in control. I need to let Him have His way.

“I have no greater joy, than to hear that my children are walking in the truth“

(3 John 1:4 NIV 1984).

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Focus, Focus, Focus

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, tagged , , on October 9, 2012| 2 Comments »

Lately, my life has been a blur. Not because of going too fast but because there is no motivation just a desire to do mind numbing things. This is not a fulfilling way to live.

One day I was working on a writing project, when something popped out at me on the computer screen. I found a title of a piece I had no memory of writing. Even worse , I discovered that it was listed in a book proposal that was submitted almost two months ago. The problem? I never wrote it.

I panicked and called my prayer partner. Her response was not what I expected.

She said, “Christine, when I prayed for you this morning, I felt God was telling me, ‘Pray for her to focus on Me.’ So that’s what I did.”

I was going to argue that I did focus on God, until I stopped to think about it. That’s what He had been telling me for the past month and a half and I chose not to listen. My focus had not been on Him, and because of that there was no direction for my days. So I took her words to heart.

It’s been three weeks since that conversation and it’s been a struggle. However, as I have refocused and genuinely sought Him out for direction, I’m slowly getting back on track. It will take time to catch up to where I was, but that’s ok, because it will be worth it. My house will be in order, and all the accomplishments (big and small) will be celebrated and God will receive the glory.

Are you days lacking direction and in disarray? Have you lost motivation to get things done? Maybe you have just taken your focus off of God.

Ask God to show you the source of the problem. But before you do, check your heart and make sure you’re ready to hear what He has to say.

“Unless the LORD builds the house (the day*), its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.”
Psalm 127:1 (NIV1984)

*added for emphasis

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The Juror

Posted in Spiritual Growth, tagged , , on September 5, 2012| 2 Comments »

It was my turn to be called up for jury duty. I thought it would be: go, be called, and serve.  That was until the introduction video was played. Over and over it was stressed, because of being an American it was a privilege to serve, and that we had been given great power, to hear the evidence, and rule a person to be innocent or guilty, even the power to condemn to death.  At that very moment I became panicked and humbled simultaniously. That is power. To be honest I didn’t want that power. “What if I make a mistake and convict an innocent person or set a guilty person free?”  I thought.

I had to pray over it. I didn’t want to do it but if it was God’s will, He needed to give me the ability to hear and understand the evidence presented and make a fair decision.

As I was typing this out it dawned on me, I do this everyday. Most of the time without all the evidence. In this “case” I’m not just the jury, but also the lawyer, and judge. The evidence presented – a person’s personality, appearance, choice of words and even actions.

In James chapter three he states:

“If you really keep the royal law found in scripture, ‘Love your neighbor,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism you are convicted by the law as law breakers.”

One day I was doing car line duty and a woman was dropping her child off in an non- designated area. When I told her she couldn’t, she proceeded to shove her son out the door, all the while telling me her excuses.

My first reaction was ‘Yeah right you just don’t want to go through the line.” Of course I didn’t say it to her. I Just mumbled and complained to myself.

The next day I saw her coming and I was ready with a come back. To my surprise she slowed, rolled down the window, and apologized saying she was on empty and had a bad morning. Over the next few weeks she waved at me as she went by.

Many times I judge without knowing the background. It makes me wonder if I would be less critical if I knew their story. God has called me to act toward others with love. What I need to tell myself is 1. There could be something deeper going on 2. how would God want me to handle this?

I don’t have the right to be the lawyer, juror or Judge. There is only one judge and He knows the heart of every person. My responsibility is to listen and depend on Him to move me in such a way that shows His love.  I felt such relief when I was passed over as a juror.  I pray that I will become more consistent in looking at others as God sees them.

Are you quick to judge or make assumptions?  Ask God for forgiveness and ask Him to change your heart.

“There is only one Lawgiver and judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:12 (NIV 1984)

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The Art of Pruning

Posted in Spiritual Growth, tagged , , , on August 27, 2012| 2 Comments »

I am not much of a gardener. In fact I don’t like to garden. I have two rose bushes on our back patio. Roses are my favorite flower. When the coral bush first started, I was surprised by how many blossoms there were. The bush produced two clumps of three and four flowers. It was beautiful. I was so proud of it (the fact I hadn’t killed it yet).

Before

Then several weeks later it seemed to have suddenly died. I thought maybe if I pruned off the dead branches it would grow again. Two weeks later nothing wanted to grow. I gave up. My husband on the other hand, didn’t. He chopped more off to the point there were only bear stems.

One day I walked out and noticed green sprouts and today there are more blossoms then I had at first.
It reminds me of the passage in John fifteen which talks about the vine and branches. When I became one of God’s children I made a decision to be a part of Christ and His work. In order for me to grow in my walk and faith I must eat and drink (prayer and read the word) so that I can grow.

But there are times when life seems to be stale and growth is little or non-existent. Those are the times I must be vulnerable to the perfect Gardener.   He needs to prune me. He will show me the things in my life that are dead and non effective. Growth may be inhibited by a habit, doubt, fear or something I don’t even know exists. He wants to cut it off to allow new growth. He also uses hardships in my life to prune me as well so I can see myself and the area I require trust.

Other times He will prune “good” things out of my life in order for the best to occur. There were some branches of the rose bush I left because there was still some green leaves, but that didn’t help. It wasn’t until my husband cut the bush down to almost nothing did the new growth occur.

After Pruning

I have been involved in ministries or projects that were good but I had not listened to God’s prompting to stop. It wasn’t until I listened and allowed God to cut those activities off when my growth, and focus took off. Did it hurt? More than anyone can know. I wasn’t happy but I did have peace and I was able to bloom.

Are there areas of your life God is asking to cut off? Is there resistance on your part? Why?

Ask Him today to give you the strength to allow Him to prune you. If  He is allowed, it may hurt but the beauty that will come through the process is nothing compared to what you had.

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes  so that it will be even more fruitful.”    (John 15:2  NIV 1984)

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Discontented

Posted in Spiritual Growth, tagged , , on May 29, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Lately, God has brought to mind areas where I find I’m really discontent; my appearance, organization, and especially in the areas of writing. I want to lose the weight, I want to write eight hours a day and publish more. I want my house to be neat twenty – four seven.

I looked up what discontentment is and Webster’s puts it this way: it is dissatisfaction with ones situation. Some of the synonyms gave me a better understanding: unease, restlessness, disgruntled and unhappy were the ones that stood out the most.

One afternoon a tragic accident happened in which one of my husband’s co-workers was killed on the job. I looked back on my wants and realized all the above are frivolous. In truth, many times the discontentment comes from comparing myself with others. But God says in His word:

“We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

If my most important ministry, my family, is neglected then everything else is meaningless.  If I get all that I want and desire, yet miss making an impact for God in others lives or doing what He has planned for me, my focus is in the wrong place.

God impressed on my heart that those things I am discontent about, many times become all consuming, which then turn into idols. Does it mean those things aren’t good? Not at all. I need to lose the weight for health reasons. Writing is what God has called me to do but is it still a ministry or has it become more than that?   Have these desires become obsessions?

I need to be content in all circumstances. For discontentment reaps misery. Contentment reaps joy.

Are there areas in your life where you are discontent?

Take them to the Lord. Let Him replace the discontentment with His peace and contentment. For His word encourages us:

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” I Timothy 6:6-8

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