Religion or Relationship?

Jesus never called us to be good people. When we attempt to live a life good enough to be worthy of the calling of Jesus (or, more detrimental, when we attempt to be good enough to earn our salvation) we are like the rich young man who was so close, but missed eternal life because he thought it depended on his actions.

We are also telling Jesus that He is not enough. His living a perfect life is not enough. His sacrificial death on the cross taking the full punishment for our sins is not enough. His resurrection revealing the power and glory of God is not enough. His free offering of grace, mercy, and forgiveness is not enough. His fulfilled promise of indwelling us with the very Spirit of the Lord, Creator, and Sustainer of the universe is not enough.

It sounds good to say that we are good. That we follow the rules. However, this causes some major problems (other than the main problem of essentially slapping Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection in the face).

One of those problems is rebellion. Remember, some people embrace rules. Others fight them with every ounce of energy they have. They rebel, run, and live reckless lives because rules are not enough. The church trying to be perceived as good and reigning down judgment on those perceived as bad have kept many, many people away from the kingdom.

Another problem that’s created is an atmosphere of “how much can I get away with.” When rules are clear and people believe they just have to follow the rules, there are going to be many who want to know how far they can go and still stay within the technicalities of the rule. They will push boundaries and limits just far enough to still be “good.” This mentality is dangerous because if something isn’t found on the list of rules, it must be okay. Or it’ll be okay until someone decides otherwise and I’ll still be “good” because I didn’t break a “rule.”

I’m reminded of when a certain artificial sweetener was released. This is the mentality I had. It was a great replacement for those other artificial sweeteners that studies had shown could have adverse effects. I’d use it until they found something wrong with it. And they eventually did. I’ll never know how much damage I did to my body by ingesting that substance for a period of years in ignorance.

A rules oriented way of thinking lead to the same problem. We will still be looking out for our own interests and changing our actions only, not our hearts.

So, if God’s desire isn’t for us to be good, as we’ve seen in scripture and other examples, then what does He want from us?

The answer is much, much more difficult than a black and white list of do’s and don’t.

What God wants is for us to be totally and completely surrender our very life and every aspect of it.

#transformed

Repost - Beginning the Journey - Still on the Journey

Today is not really the first day I've attempted at surrendered living, but it is the day I've dedicated to starting the journey publicly.

Today is my 36th birthday, the first day of the 37th year of my life. Looking back, I wonder how much of those years I've wasted. I don't think on it too long, because I know at least the better part of the first twenty were wasted. And seven of those were after I met Christ, but long before I truly began living for Him. Who didn't squander away the first two decades of their life, you might ask. I don't know. A lot of that era was me becoming who I am now. But a lot of that time also created a person in desperate need of God, His forgiveness, and His guidance.

For the last decade and a half, I've steadily drawn closer to God, and increased my desire for Him, to do His will and live for His glory. But submission and surrender don't come naturally to me. Not even close. My flesh fights it every day, and many days I give in. It's so much easier to live a comfortable, complacent life. To turn on the TV instead of open the Bible. To roll over and go back to sleep instead of spend time in prayer. To try harder instead of lean more. And messages we're assaulted with every day tell us we can do it: we can do it all, have it all and be it all, if we simply try harder or get the right tools. But God wants more.

He wants more for me.

He wants more for you.

I read biographies of men and women of great faith and am awed at what God does in their lives. They're blessed beyond measure, but often not in financial or other worldly ways. They're blessed in many other ways, more eternal way. The most important blessing, however, is the presence, guidance, and fulfillment of the Holy Spirit. That's what I want. That's what I want to want.

Now, I simply have to get myself to cooperate.

So today I began. I didn't completely succeed, but gratefully, God has taught me this is a journey. I only have to take a few more steps each day. My goal is to completely surrender every aspect of my life to Him. Everything. What I watch on TV. What I listen to on my ipod. What books I read. How much time I spend doing these things. The words that come out of my mouth. The thoughts I let stick around in my head. The things I write, cook, eat, play. Am I really willing to surrender these minute details to God's direction?

I want to be.

And that's what this journey's about. I invite you to join me, share with me, and (I'm always open to) encourage me.

I step through this door knowing that things won't suddenly be easy. My flesh will not suddenly give way and let my desires win out. But I also know that what God has in store for me is greater than I could ever work towards or even imagine myself.

Here I go.

Update: And I'm still going! I wish I could say the journey's been a delight and I've stayed focused on it. However, as anything in this life is, the road has been bumpy. One thing I'm even more sure of today than before is that God is always with me and He is always faithful. He has led me to tough places, but places I've needed to go to surrender more fully to Him. Place where I can recognize who He is and experience His great love.

Battling the Flesh

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. 
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 26:41

At times, it seems like these words written over 2000 years ago were written just for me. Why is it that I so desire to live in God's will and be obedient to Him  I let my flesh rule so often? The answer is found right here: the flesh is weak.

I know I'm not the only one struggling with a weak flesh, evidenced by the conversation I had with a good friend this morning. She shared her own struggles of the flesh.

While it seems like this verse was written just for me, the truth is we all struggle against a weak flesh. What the exact item that trips us up doesn't really matter. 

I've been on a journey to living surrendered for a while now, and I've experienced times of victory and times of defeat. Sometimes those fluctuations are a result of changing circumstances, but more often than not it's when I'm not faithful in my time with the Lord.

There's a reason Jesus told His disciples to engage in the battle of the flesh with prayer. It is the strongest weapon we have against giving into our desires. Prayer engages the Holy Spirit and wells His power within us. Prayer refocuses us on the eternal instead of the temporal. And prayer reminds us to praise God for the things He has given us already instead of the things we want.

Battling the flesh is a day by day, sometimes moment by moment fight. We will never win it on our own, but already have victory in our Savior. To live in that victory we have to be willing to fight. To ignore the flesh. To redirect it. To beat it into submission.

Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians 9:27 - But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

We've been convinced that depriving ourselves of something is bad. That hard work is bad. That discipline is a negative thing. But biblically, these are all to our benefit.

Yet, even though I know this, my flesh tells me the opposite. For for this decision, this day, I will double down in prayer and seek God for His strength to build up self-control in me to I can resist the flesh. It won't be easy. There may even be tears. But, when I have victory, oh how sweet it will be! Won't you join me?

God uses Steadfast Obedience

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Today's post is a blessing from our guest blogger, Angie Seal.

What an amazing God we serve. All throughout the bible God used obedience.

We forget these days that God cares more about obedience than perfection and think "I'm a good person" or "I''m a good church goer," but we aren't committed to being obedient. 

I learned about being committed to obedience about 4 years ago and it has changed my life forever. 

My mom and my mother in law both passed away within a 4 month span. I was devastated to say the least. My sister became very angry at everyone including God. Despite my own pain, or maybe because of it, God put it on my heart to start sending her encouraging text messages. So every night I sent her a text with a scripture, a thought on how to apply it in today's world, and a prayer. 

4 years later the nightly text to her has grown to 65 people, 1 email list, and 3 Facebook pages, EVERY NIGHT. It has also led to a daily devotional book. By the grace of God, I haven't missed one night. 

Through those text God has revealed to me soo many things, but one of the most important things I needed to learn was to be committed to obedience. I stand firm knowing that "today is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2) and my "Hope is in His word." (Psalm 130:5) 

I choose to seek Him on purpose in my daily life and I desire to live a life that glorifies God's holy name and I invite you to do the same. You'll be blessed more than you could ever imagine.

Angie Seal

https://www.facebook.com/Seekinggodonpurpose/

https://twitter.com/seeking_god_

https://www.instagram.com/patnangieseal/

The Lord is Always Working

Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.
Habakkuk 1:5

I have been living in a holding pattern for almost two yeasr now. The details are unimportant, because they change from month to month, year to year, and person to person. What doesn't change is God.

The Lord continues to use the situation I'm in to lean into my faith in Him, His goodness, and His plans.

One morning when I woke up, I heard the Lord direct me to the book of Habakkuk. As I lay in bed starting to wake up I listened to the words of this prophet and the Lord's response. And He spoke to me.

My situation is not one of violence, iniquity, and destruction, but it is one of things not getting done as they should (or as I'd like them). The similarity is others are not doing what they should and I'm being affected.

As Habakkuk did, I have cried out to the Lord. I have begged, pleaded, and quite frankly, whined. 

In His great graciousness He has not chastised me. Neither, however, has He given me what I want when I want it. What He has done is say almost the same thing He said to Habakkuk:

"Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded.

For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told."

It is a reminder that the Lord is always working. Even when things don't go our way. Even when they don't seem just or fair. Even when we can't see Him working. He is. Always.

And I am so grateful. Because He knows so much more than me. And is so much more good and righteous than me.


I may get frustrated and impatient at times, but then I will choose to trust in the Lord and His plan. That is true surrendered living.

A Desirable Reputation

And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead.
1 Thessalonians 1:10a

When reading this verse in the middle of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, which is full of exultation and encouragement, I was struck by the question:
"Do people speak of how I look forward to Jesus' return?"

Am I even known for loving Jesus? Spreading His Good News and love to people?

I hope so, but just as Paul encourages the church in much of this letter to the Thessalonians, I need to keep growing and serving and loving more.

Each day is an opportunity to make progress in our relationship with the Lord. We will always fall short, never reaching perfection, but as long as we keep moving forward in the path He's set out for us, we will be rewarded with His most abundant gifts - His power, His presence, and the fruit of His Spirit.

These are the things that enable us to go from the place we are today to the next place tomorrow. They are also the benefits of making the choice to live obediently to God.

And as I live surrendered to Him, His light will shine. I don't have to strive to have a reputation as a lover of Jesus looking forward to His return. I simply have to live obediently in what God's called me to do today. People will then just notice.

This leaves us examining ourselves as to whether we're known for our relationship with Jesus, but the goal isn't to change our reputation, but to grow in the Lord faithfully and our reputation will take care of itself.

Lord God, let me be faithful in loving, following, and obeying you so that in my words and works people wont' see what I can do, but will see your power, glory, and love. Amen.

Obedience or Obstinance

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" Luke 6:46

I wonder how many times I've professed myself a Christian, claiming Jesus is Lord, and turned around and done something completely against His character. I shutter at the thought.

In many different ways and at different times we are told in scripture that if we love the Lord we will obey Him. However, many of our lives fall short of even trying to obey Him. We know that we are all sinners, not a one of us good within ourselves, and that no matter how much effort we put in we will fall short of God's glory, but does that mean we shouldn't try?

Paul answers this resoundly in Romans: Let it not be!

If we love the Lord and trust Him, trust His word, trust who He says He is, we will obey Him.

We will draw close to Him and realize that in our own effort we fall short, but that in relying on Him, we obey Him.

Some commandments are pretty clear and are not a challenge for us. Others, are great challenges. Some we don't even know are important to God. Or, we don't want to recognize that they're important to Him.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Luke 6:27

Did you know that envy is listed along with murder as a sin? How about disobeying your parents? Being arrogant and boastful? Who hasn't fallen to these?

But, thanks be to God, He's provided us a rescue! However, we are to take hold of that rescue like a lifeline and stubbornly hold to Him and His promises.

We are all stubborn. At one time I obstinantly held onto my own way of doing things and frequently made a mess of things. Now, I stubbornly hold onto my God and let Him lead me through any mess that comes my way - of my doing or not.

Obedience is not always an easy course to choose, after all, it is the narrow way. But the rewards are so great that we could never count them. God's grace, mercy, peace, and joy are more than we could ever work for and grasp for ourselves in our own power. They are the blessings that count, and the ones that come with stubborn obedience to God's way rather than the world's way.

More on the Wise Men

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:12

Does God every change your planned course? He's done it to me more times than I can count. When I was nineteen, He pulled the rug out from under my plans on who I intended to marry and the college I planned to go to attend until graduation. He moved me across the country, within a year also changed what degree I aimed for, and introduced me to a wonderful man about a week after I swore off dating(who, by the way, is now my husband of almost 9 years.)

He had me wait way longer to get married than I desired, called me to stay at home full time after having my second child (after having earned a Master's Degree and starting my career, which I never planned to leave,) and gave me a whole new career path just before I turned thirty.

Those are only a sampling of the big things in which God's changed my planned course. There have been many small things along the way, also.

The wise men listened to God about changing their planned course. Having found and honored the Christ child, they packed up to head home. However, God had made it clear to them in a dream that Herod wasn't the trustworthy, honoring God type of guy and they needed to avoid him like the plague. It's like the wasp's nest that makes me go around the fort outside, instead of underneath it.

We don't know exactly how long the Wise Men's journey was, but most think it took them quite a while. Surely they had come the most direct route and, to avoid Herod, had to take a much longer route home. Sometimes, that's how God has me do things, too.

I'd much rather accomplish things the quick and easy way, but He knows me best and has greater rewards in store for me when I take His route. I learn more along the way. I appreciate the hard work and challenges that others face. And, I'm sure, a time or two, I've avoided a situation that could have been detrimental to me or someone else.

I don't always like to change course. I used to dig my heels in and resist change with all my might. God has taught me (you tell me whether I'm a fast or slow learner from the many examples above) that if I'm leaving Him in the driver's seat, the destination will be well worth the trip getting there. Now, I only get my feathers ruffled temporarily before moving on. I hope one day, I can fully submit, and be completely willing to travel whatever route God calls me to. Even if it's different than the one I had planned.

Receiving Nothing From God

That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. James 1:7-8

The first verse is scary to me. When I recognize everything God has given me, I abhor the idea of Him removing His favor and gifts. I'm not talking material things, although He also provides those, but the times He's moved in my life and brought me to places I couldn't have imagined. The peace, the joy of His presence, small (in my sight,they're all small to the creator of the world) miracles. If I got to a place where I didn't expect to receive anything from God, I'd be hopeless indeed.

This verse comes on the heals of "when you ask, believe and do not doubt." It's doubt that often keeps us from receiving the things God has in store for us. The already gift-wrapped packages we refuse when we don't believe Him.

Recently, I experienced a moment of doubt. Not in God, but in what He was going to do. I said I trusted Him, I encouraged others to trust Him, but I still tried to work out a few details on my own. Fortunately, God showed me very quickly that He is in charge and would take care of things His way. He might even have a better plan than mine. I stepped out of the way. I'd rather have what He has in store.

My desire is to be the opposite of double-minded and unstable. I want to believe God and walk on the firm footing of the path He's prepared for me. Sometimes I stumble, but I refocus my eyes on Him and pray for Him to help my unbelief, and He gently nudges me back on His path.

Wisdom for Moms

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

If there were any one verse that offered comfort to moms, this is it. Since we constantly face new challenges and situations that are unique to us, we are in great need of wisdom. The world offers us unlimited information and advice, but it's easy to see that it offers us very little in the way of wisdom.

Parenting books and programs are available in abundance, and being an avid reader and researcher, I've read my fair share. However, very few of them have I found to make a positive impact. There are two reasons for this.

First, many of them are based on a feel-good or sloppy approach to parenting. They are child-centered instead of God-centered. They may have some good recommendations (and usually some bad ones, too), but the premise and philosophy are off base.

How do I know that? Because they're not Biblical. And because I've seen them fail time and time again.

There are also some great books out there for parents. Parenting by the Book, by John Rosemond. Dare to Discipline, by Dr. James Dobson. Shepherding a Child's Heart, by Tedd Tripp. So why aren't this more effective?

Because wisdom means putting the good things you learn into practice. And doing what's wise is a lot harder than knowing what's wise. It's hard to discipline children. It hurts a mom's heart to make her child uncomfortable or hurt (even emotionally.) We don't want them to do without (or scream about it for half an hour, or half a minute, for that matter.) But, wisdom knows that paying in the short term is often best for positive long term results.

God offers that wisdom (and limitless parenting advice in His Word) freely. All we need to do is ask. That doesn't mean that we ask and then sit and wait for the answers to fall on us and take effect. It means that we seek Him, read His Word, and obey His instructions. Isn't that what we want our children to do?

He is faithful. And if we ask, He will provide everything we need according to the glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Consider Joy

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” James 1:2

How would you feel if you called a friend to lament the trials you were dealing with in your life and she responded this way: ‘consider it pure joy’? I’m not sure I’d respond to well. My reaction would me something like this: (yelling in a frustrated tone) “Have you heard a word I said? Things suck right now. I’m in pain. Nothing is going right. I’m lonely/hurt/angry/poor/wronged/troubled/depressed/emotional/etc. Can’t you just sympathize with me?”

After all, in our culture we have come to believe that the world and it’s other inhabitants were put here to make our lives comfortable/peaceful/fun/financially prosperous/wanted/etc. We have come to enjoy more comforts and ease in life than any previous society or generation. We are spoiled. So, when the trials come (and it says when they come, not if) we feel slighted. We want relief. We want the thorn removed. However, sometimes it’s in our best interest to learn to be joyful despite our circumstances.

Actually, this scripture tells us to consider it a joy when we face trials. Be joyful because you are in a trial. To us it sounds like craziness. But from God’s perspective, it is exactly what we need, or He wouldn’t allow it.

Think back to previous trials you’ve been through. When you held fast to God and walked through it with Him in trust and obedience did you come out on the other side somehow better? Did He use that trial to work out something in you or bring you to greater things in life? Those memories and His promises are what He wants us to hold on to when we go through trials. It is one thing that will help us consider our trials as a joyful event. Not an easy thing, but possible with God.

Secret to Prosperity

The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness. Deuteronomy 6:24-25

The secret to prosperity is obedience. No, I'm not talking about financial prosperity, I'm talking about being prosperous in the truly important things in life: mindset, relationships, contentment, joy, Holy Spirit power, God's presence - all the riches according to Christ Jesus. God has promised to supply all of our needs according to the glory of His Son, but we often are looking for our wants. We tend to compare ourselves to others and what they have that we don't. I know that I'm guilty of this.

However, when I turn my eyes away from the flesh and look upwards, I am reminded of the multitude of blessings that God has already poured out on me. This reminds me to be obedient in this: "in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6)

God doesn't tell us to do things, does not give us laws and boundaries for His good, but for our own. To approach everything with thanksgiving is a gift to us. It helps open us to the joy, contentment and positive relationships that God desires to give us. The things we often seek, thinking they will give us these things always disappoint.

This is a lesson - the importance of obedience - is one I am constantly trying to teach my children. I'll admit, even though I know how important it is, I often fall short in reinforcing immediate, respectful, cheerful obedience in my children. I also resist being completely obedient to God, making myself a good role model, despite my prayer to be radically obedient.

Lately, I have recommitted to reinforcing obedience in my children. They, like me, will not simply choose to be obedient because it's the best path. While some are naturally more obedient than others, none of them will choose it all the time. Therefore, it is my job to teach them through modeling, verbalizing, and consequencing. When I don't, I sell them short. I rob them of a life that will lead to the prosperity God has offered them.

We all want the best for our children, but the secret is not to give them everything they want, but to teach them to joyfully obey God's law, the first of which for our children is to "Obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise." Ephesians 6:1-2