God’s Soveriegnty and Our Response

On By Heart, Mind and Soul CareIn Godliness, Personal GrowthLeave a comment

God'sSoverign Recently, I read part of a book that deals with doctrine. I’ve run into some confusion at times between the study of God’s character and nature (theology) and the teaching of theology (doctrine). There seems to be a disconnect with all of us between our understanding of God, and how we communicate our understanding of God.

Frankly, the biggest misunderstanding of God is how we feel about what we know. God commands right feeling, not just right knowing. But this is another topic.

It seems the simplest way to understand the topic of sovereignty is in this way, “God’s sovereignty means He is both in charge and in control“.

I read an article that articulates three responses we can have in regard to God’s sovereignty. Because God is sovereign:

1.) Let us stand in awe of the sovereign authority and freedom and wisdom and power of God.

2.) And let us never trifle with life as though it were a small or light affair.

3.) Let us marvel at our own salvation—that God bought it and wrought it with sovereign power, and we are not our own.

4.) Let us groan over the God-belittling man-centeredness of our culture and much of the church.

5.) Let us be bold at the throne of grace, knowing that our prayers for the most difficult things can be answered. Nothing is too hard for God.

6.) Let us rejoice that our evangelism will not be in vain because there is no sinner so hard the sovereign grace of God cannot break through.

7.) Let us be thrilled and calm in these days of great upheaval because victory belongs to God, and no purposes that he wills to accomplish can be stopped.

(John Piper. Doctrine Matters (Kindle Locations 1054-1062). John Piper.)

Personal Boundaries While Loving Others

On By Heart, Mind and Soul CareIn Boundaries and LoveLeave a comment

creating-healthy-boundaries

I have a lot of respect for Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend. Together they have written a large variety of books that have empowered people to be able to walk out the life God created for them in integrity as well as expressing the love of God through a healthy life.

Their recent article is very helpful. Wounded people wound people; so how do we know when we are walking in love or reacting to past soul wounds? Cloud & Townsend help to clarify the need to react in order to create a space where an individual may heal. However, this is not the place one must live; it is only a place in their journey where they should exist for a short time while they heal. As they heal, the must learn to respond, not react, out of a heart full of God’s love and grace.

Here is their article:
Matthew 5:38 – 42: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

Many of us have known people who, after years of being passive and compliant, suddenly stop acting like a victim. This reactive phase of boundary creation is a first step to get a person out of the powerless, victimized place in which they may have been forced by physical or sexual abuse, or by emotional blackmail or manipulation. We are happy that they are no longer victims. But when is enough reacting enough?

Reaction phases are not the same as maturity; they are necessary but not sufficient for the establishment of boundaries. Even though in finding our boundaries, we might find ourselves reacting. Eventually, we establish connections as respectful equals. This is the beginning of establishing proactive, instead of reactive, boundaries.

In Matthew 5:38–39, Jesus compared reactive persons to those who are freely and proactively setting their own boundaries. Through his teaching, we see that power is not something we demand or deserve; it is something we express. How does withholding a counterstrike after we’ve been harmed show our power? The ultimate expression of power is love. Proactive people are able to love their neighbors as themselves (see Mark 12:31) and respect others (see 1 Peter 2:17). They are able to die to self (see 1 Peter 2:24) and not repay evil for evil (see Romans 12:17). They have gotten past the reactive stance of the law — “eye for eye, and tooth for tooth” — and are able to love rather than react.

When we truly have the power of self-control, another person’s evil does not mean that we “have to” get revenge. We are free to do something more redemptive and more constructive. In that way, we have power to turn bad situations into good ones and not be dragged down into the mire of bad behavior.

May God’s healing love and grace overflow in your life to others.

Motivation For Personal Growth

On By Heart, Mind and Soul CareIn Personal GrowthLeave a comment

growth

As I was reading through some articles others have written this morning, I came across one that deals with the feeling of personal stagnation. Most leaders, at some point, feel stuck at various levels.

Perhaps one feels stuck in their personal gift mix and strengths, and the challenges they face are greater than their ability to face them. Others feel caught in a cycle of negative emotions. Still others feel the best God has for them is what God had for them in the past; they daydream of experiences with God and wish for a personal renewal, perhaps even revival.

The opportunities for personal growth are varied and endless. This particular article listed four ways to keep growing. I felt they were encouraging, and offered hope.

• Define what success really means to you. To sustain success, you have to be clear about your personal definition of that word. What elements of your current success—the big job, the beautiful house, the family—are essential to your definition of success? What’s missing? What’s optional? What do you want to see when you look back at 50? Paint a picture of the future and create a clear, long-term vision.

• Identify your values. To understand what will make you happy in the long run, you have to be clear about your values. Knowing your values also helps when you reach crossroad choice points, because you can choose what matters most to you. So—what is most important to you about your beautiful house? Is it the prestige of the address or is it the spaciousness it affords you and your family? How about your big job? Is it that you get to be challenged and leverage your strengths or is it that you have status and power? Values can shift as you move into new periods of your life, so it is a good idea to re-examine them regularly.

• Focus on personal sustainability. Next you will want to get serious about how you sustain your own health and well being – literally, your personal sustainability. The concept of life/work balance can seem like just another goal you are failing at. But you need to make sure you hold up over the long haul. Investing time in taking care of yourself will help ensure that no matter what happens, you will be healthy and clear-minded enough to make the best choices for yourself and the people you care about. Decide what your standards are for self care and stick to them tenaciously.

• Never compare.As your toddler gets to be school age, you will be rubbing elbows with other moms and have the experience of being judged and found wanting by what I have come to refer to as the Mommy Police. And as harsh as the Mommy Police may be, they won’t hold a candle to the way you judge yourself. At the same time, at work, you will feel the competitive pressure of young whippersnappers just like yourself who can put in the hours without feeling the Mommy guilt. Notice whatever impulse you have to compare yourself to others – any others, ever – and immediately counter it with a mantra that goes something like: “I am paying attention to what is most important to me and what other people are doing is not relevant right now.” Also helpful is Judy Ford’s “your opinion of me is none of my business.” Decide whose opinion actually does matter and listen to only those people. Decide what your priorities are, based

A Good Dashboard For Success

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I found this new blog. The site is http://www.lifehack.org. The topic was “20 Signs You’re Succeeding In Life Even If You Don’t Feel Like You Are”. I think there was some keen insight into these and I wanted to share them.

success-sign

  1. Your relationships are less dramatic than they used to be.
  2. You are not afraid to ask for help and support any more.
  3. You have raised your standards.
  4. You let go of things that don’t make you feel good.
  5. You have moments where you appreciate who you see in the mirror.
  6. You have learned that setbacks and failure are part of self-growth.
  7. You have a support system that includes people who would do anything for you.
  8. You don’t complain much.
  9. You can celebrate others’ successes.
  10. You have passions that you pursue.
  11. You have things to look forward to.
  12. You have goals that have come true.
  13. You have empathy for others.
  14. You love deeply and open yourself up to be loved by others.
  15. You refuse to be be a victim.
  16. You don’t care what other people think.
  17. You always look on the bright side.
  18. You accept what you can’t change.
  19. You change what you can.
  20. You are happy.

What would you add? I believe it is good for us to take a look in the mirror at times in our lives, to assess how we are doing, how we are feeling. The contemplative side of me wants to use language such as this: we need to assess the interior movements of our soul to find out what is going on and why we are experiencing what we are.

Today I journaled these twenty aspects of a successfull life, and I put them up against the grid of what I consider to be success, both in my professional and personal life. I am coming along, but also have some work to do.

I hope these encourage and inspire. And by the way, here is the link if you would like to read more about this. (http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/20-signs-youre-succeeding-life-even-you-dont-feel-you-are.html)

Blessings.

Christian Meditation in the Scriptures: Lectio Divina

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lectio-webAn ancient practice the church has used in regard to reading the sacred Scriptures is what is called lectio divina. In this practice of reading the bible, there are four movements. 1.) Lectio: simply reading the text of Scripture 2.) Meditatio: meditation on what is being read 3.) Oratio: the response to what is being read back to God, commonly known as prayer 4.) Contemplatio: this is resting in the Word of God while contemplating, or thinking about, the text.

Lectio (Reading) Acquaintanceship

  • Read the Scripture
  • Gather the facts
  • “Listen” to God’s word
  • What word/phrase speaks to you?
    (allow 1-2 min quiet time)

Meditatio (Meditation) Friendliness

  • Read the Scripture again
  • Let Jesus speak to you
  • Reflect on the message
  • What is God saying to you?
    (allow 3-4 min quiet time)

Oratio (Prayer) Friendship

  • Read the Scripture again
  • Let you heart respond to God
  • Trust God enough to become emotionally involved
  • What do you want to say to God?
    (allow 4-5 min quiet time)

Contemplatio (Contemplation) Union of Life

  • Read the Scripture a final time
  • Surrender to God’s presence
  • Rest in God beyond concepts
  • Feelings and particular acts
    (allow 5-10 min quiet time)

While there may be differences in teaching and practice at this website from what you are used to, there is also some great articles to bless you and encourage you in your journey with Jesus. Check it out: http://oblatesosbbelmont.org/

4 Principles for Prayer

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glacier

John Calvin, a 16th century pastor/theologian, wrote on the subject of prayer in his Institutes for the Christian Religion. In Book 3, ch. 20, there can be four principles to guide our prayer life with God.

1.) a heartfelt sense of reverence
2.) a heartfelt sense of need and repentance.
3.) a heartfelt sense of humility and trust in God.
4.) a heartfelt sense of confident hope.

I have taken these four principles and have added excerpts from his writing for two of the principles, as well as two passages of Scripture from the Psalms to guide one in prayer. The idea is to help one to move into a posture, or frame of mind, to engage their relationship with God, as well as to then use the Psalms as a prayer guide to prayer.

Throughout church history the Psalms have long been used as a worship hymnal and prayer guide. Perhaps they can aid you as you enter into a contemplative prayer practice with Abba Father, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit our Comforter.

1.) a heartfelt sense of reverence

Let the first rule of right prayer then be, to have our heart and mind framed as becomes those who are entering into converse with God. This we shall accomplish in regard to the mind, if, laying aside carnal thoughts and cares which might interfere with the direct and pure contemplation of God, it not only be wholly intent on prayer, but also, as far as possible, be borne and raised above itself. I do not here insist on a mind so disengaged as to feel none of the gnawings of anxiety; on the contrary, it is by much anxiety that the fervour of prayer is inflamed. Thus we see that the holy servants of God betray great anguish, not to say solicitude, when they cause the voice of complaint to ascend to the Lord from the deep abyss and the jaws of death. What I say is, that all foreign and extraneous cares must be dispelled by which the mind might be driven to and fro in vague suspense, be drawn down from heaven, and kept grovelling on the earth. When I say it must be raised above itself, I mean that it must not bring into the presence of God any of those things which our blind and stupid reason is wont to devise, nor keep itself confined within the little measure of its own vanity, but rise to a purity worthy of God.

2.) a heartfelt sense of need and repentance.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:1-12 ESV)

3.) a heartfelt sense of humility and trust in God.

The third rule to be added is: that he who comes into the presence of God to pray must divest himself of all vainglorious thoughts, lay aside all idea of worth; in short, discard all self-confidence, humbly giving God the whole glory, lest by arrogating anything, however little, to himself, vain pride cause him to turn away his face. Of this submission, which casts down all haughtiness, we have numerous examples in the servants of God. The holier they are, the more humbly they prostrate themselves when they come into the presence of the Lord.

4.) a heartfelt sense of confident hope.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. (Psalm 103:1-11 ESV)

Colorado Schools, Shooters, and the Peace of God

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The phone call was full of static and the voice was almost inaudible. Of the few phrases that could be understood, one pierced my soul and rattled me, “We’re on lockdown! The whole school is on lockdown!” Flashes of past Colorado school trauma ran through my mind. It is hard to pinpoint the emotions felt: anxious, nervous, angry, scared . . . there were probably more.

The police arrested a person who was sitting in the school parking lot. In his truck there was at least one high-powered rifle as well as an assortment of other things. Was he going to go into the school? Was he just getting ready to go hunting? With all Colorado has faced why sit in a school parking lot with that kind of paraphernalia? What was his agenda?

Colossians 3:15 exhorts the reader to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”. When emotions scream louder than the verse on the page it is difficult to let peace reign in one’s heart; unless the peace of Christ is more than just an emotion. The Greek word for peace (εἰρήνη) occurs 48 times. It literally means peace of mind. It carries with it the sense of  wholeness, i.e. when all essential parts are joined together.(www.biblos.com) I forget that because I am in union with Christ, I am not only positionally at peace with God but I can also experience his peace in my life because I am poised to walk in the kind of life in which he enables me to walk.Part of the origin of the Greek word peace means “to join” . . . because we are joined with God through Jesus Christ we can experience His peace in unique ways and under any kind of duress.

Image

God’s peace does have emotional impact, but it goes further than that. God’s peace is present no matter the circumstance because my whole person is in union with Him, including my emotions. I can experience anxiety, anger, fear, etc. but these emotions do not have to rule my life. I am able to turn to God in that moment of anxiety due to trauma or impending tragedy and receive from Him the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7.) It is the only way for me to be whole is to be in union with God through Jesus Christ.

My wife and my children are safe. They are back outside enjoying the spring day. And I am grateful. Grateful for their protection, grateful for God’s peace, and I am grateful for all the teachers who work so hard to protect our families.

Acts 1:8 & Serving in Our Vocational Identity

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 ImageThe author of the biblical book of Acts wrote in his letter the words of Jesus, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV) It is interesting how Luke then proceeds to write how the Words of Christ are worked out in the rest of his book. You can see the details of the movement of God through His people in sending them first to Jerusalem, then to Judea and Samaria, then to the end of the earth throughout Acts.

 

Text

Region Named

Narrative of Ministry There

Acts 1:8: you will be my witnesses

in Jerusalem

Acts 1–7

in all Judea and Samaria

Acts 8–12

to the end of the earth

Acts 13–28

 

            I may or may not (probably not) go to the ends of the earth as a missionary for God. Most likely there will be no literal Judea or Samaria for me to go to, although I can understand and apply the authors intent and go to my own Judea & Samaria. In the same way my Jerusalem is Littleton, CO.

It makes me wonder how Acts 1:8 applies to vocational identity. Jesus, as he speaks to the disciples in Acts 1:8 tells them that they will receive power. This power that comes when the Holy Spirit has come upon you applies to all of us who receive Holy Spirit power at our salvific new birth experience. Our experience may look different than the apostle’s experience on the day of Pentecost, but Holy Spirit power is available for us to do what God has called us to do.

So what is it you and I are called, uniquely, to do in Holy Spirit power?

How can I be a witness for Christ in Littleton, CO? Or greater Denver (Judea?) Or Colorado (Samaria?) And so forth. How can you be a witness in your area?

What platform can you use that closely aligns with God’s unique gifting, passion, and skill set for your life? Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus that we are God’s workmanship, created to do good works. There is intentionality, there is craftsmanship, and there is design in the new believer to serve God in unique ways.

If we are seeking the Christ-Centered life together, what is the Christ-Centered life you and I are called to live and lead? We are not all created with the same gift mix. 1 Corinthians 12, 14; Romans 12 and Ephesians 4 all describe a gift mix from the Holy Spirit that differs from person to person in order to make up the whole body of Christ. I wonder, how do you use your gifts to be a witness for Christ in fulfilling the Great Commission in the power of the Holy Spirit?

Identify your vocational calling. Look for opportunities to be used by God. And respond to Him when He opens doors.

While we wait for opportunities to live in our vocational calling, allow our vocation to inform our identity (not create our identity, but to inform it.) If God has called you to pastoral ministry, but you do not have a pastoral position, then interact in a pastoral fashion with others. If God has wired you as an artist, then allow your creative juices to flow in and out of your ministry with and to others. There is immense joy and pleasure to be found in serving the kingdom of God in the way God has designed us to serve.

Life Questions

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“Jesus’ questions focused almost entirely on living faithfully in response to the gospel now.” Marc Cortez makes a great point.

 

Here are some questions Jesus asked:

Do you really think it’s that impressive if you’re nice to people who are just like you?

Why are you anxious about little things like clothing?

Why do you spend so much time considering the flaws of other people and ignoring your own?

Why are you afraid?

Why do you think about evil things all the time?

Do you believe that I can do this?

Who is truly a part of my family?

Why did you doubt?

Who do people say that I am?

What could you possibly give in exchange for your life?

Can you endure what I will have to endure?

What do you want me to do for you?

 

Is it true, I wonder, if religious-minded folks can get so focused on the future (after-this-life) that they miss out on the present?

 

The gospel, as much as it is for life beyond now, is very much for life right now.

 

We must live in the present (there really is no other reality in which to live.) Soak in healthy relationships. Slow down enough to notice what is going on around us. Find activities we enjoy doing and friends with whom we enjoy doing those activities.

 

Take the questions Jesus asked others, and turn the questioning mirror a bit to our own lives. Which questions seems to resonate with you right now? Journal how you would answer some of those questions. I wonder what gifts are in store as we contemplate the answers.

Praying the Psalms

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The spiritual practice of praying the Psalms has a long line of history to it in the Church. The Book of Psalms has long been thought of as the Church’s prayer book. It provides rich, deep material for our souls to linger and savor as we approach the throne of God in prayer. Read the passages slowly, linger silently in your spirit as you form your own prayers around the words of the Psalm you pray through.

 

Psalm 43 is a good place to start. Try praying with your Bible in front of you and your journal close by to capture any prayers you want to return to, to record any thoughts about God you feel are strong in your spirit, or to just allow you to slow down as you write out the Psalm as you’re praying.

 

 

 

Send Out Your Light and Your Truth

 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
  against an ungodly people,
 from the deceitful and unjust man
  deliver me!
 For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
  why have you rejected me?
 Why do I go about mourning
  because of the oppression of the enemy?
 
 Send out your light and your truth;
  let them lead me;
 let them bring me to your holy hill
  and to your dwelling!
 Then I will go to the altar of God,
  to God my exceeding joy,
 and I will praise you with the lyre,
  O God, my God.
 
 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
  and why are you in turmoil within me?
 Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
  my salvation and my God.

(Psalm 43 ESV)