I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27
Have you ever though about the fact that self-discipline doesn’t happen on its own? That to do the right thing consistently isn’t natural in the flesh? God knows this about us, and has given us the answer to submit to His will. Part of that answer is to discipline our bodies.
Discipline and training take practice. I means making the right choice over and over and over again. It means doing what needs to be done instead of what we feel like doing. It means not giving up when we mess up. And it means continuing to do it and being willing to step up to an even higher level of discipline once we’ve completed another. That’s what athletes do – they train consistently and are always moving to another lever.
Sound daunting? To me it does. To know that I have hard work ahead of me, and when I complete that, I’ll be faced with even harder work. As busy moms, that can make us tired just thinking about it. But, it’s what we’re called to do. But why? The second part of the verse answers that question. We don’t want to be disqualified. As moms, that means we don’t want to be disqualified from receiving respect, love, and the obedience of our children.
While it’s difficult to do what we know we should do (laundry, cleaning, quiet time with the Lord, straightening up – again) instead of what we want to do (read a book, check email, sit with a quiet cup of coffee and a chick flick), the rewards for doing the right things are endless. When our actions match up with our priorities, peace and joy will follow. One of those benefits is having our children see us as genuine. If they know that we mean what we say and say what we mean, they will love us, have respect for us, and be more likely to obey us.
But, most of all, they will give credibility to what we teach them about God – then we will not be disqualified after preaching the gospel to them.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Faith
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:6
When we ask God for something, do we really believe? Or do I doubt?
Want the blatant truth? If you are worried about your children, you are not believing God. If you worry about your spouse, you are not believing God. If you worry about your finances, you are not believing God. And if you worry, you will be blown and tossed like a wave in the wind. Not too comfortable, huh?
"But, I'm in charge of my kids! My husband is out in the world everyday where anything could happen! The numbers don't add up! It's my job to worry. It's my nature to worry. I can't help it."
I've heard these statements numerous times, but they are lies. We do not have to worry. As a matter of fact, worrying (and unfounded fear, which is generally the root of worry) is a sin. Why? Because it's unbelief. Worry means we don't trust God to work things out for the best. It means that if He allows something bad to happen, we don't believe He know better than we do.
I know we're not supposed to worry, because God's word tells us not to. He also tells us that "everything that does not come from faith is sin." {Romans 14:23}
So, how do we have faith about everything? How do we continually believe God to do best when there's so much out of our control.
First, we study, meditate on, and believe God's Word. Fill your mind with His promises. Replace your worry thoughts with scripture.
Second, we ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 says that God will give us wisdom, if we ask. We parent according to His guidelines and seek Him for what we dont' know. He may answer directly, or give us resources to help, but He will always answer.
Third, we make sure we're doing our job. I'm not going to worry about my children if they're in my fenced in back yard, but I'm not sending them to cruise around the neighborhood by themselves at their young ages. I'm not going to worry about their safety when they're at a friend's house whose parents I know well, but I'm not going to send them to a house sight unseen and parents unheard from. I'm going to place appropriate boundaries around them, and believe God to protect them from outside harm.
Fourth and Finally, we believe God. He is always faithful and promises never to leave us. If we seek Him, listen to Him, and obey Him He will hold us tightly in His hands. That doesn't mean that everything will be perfect or nothing bad will happen, but that He will be with us and carry us through anything that comes our way.
James 1:6
When we ask God for something, do we really believe? Or do I doubt?
Want the blatant truth? If you are worried about your children, you are not believing God. If you worry about your spouse, you are not believing God. If you worry about your finances, you are not believing God. And if you worry, you will be blown and tossed like a wave in the wind. Not too comfortable, huh?
"But, I'm in charge of my kids! My husband is out in the world everyday where anything could happen! The numbers don't add up! It's my job to worry. It's my nature to worry. I can't help it."
I've heard these statements numerous times, but they are lies. We do not have to worry. As a matter of fact, worrying (and unfounded fear, which is generally the root of worry) is a sin. Why? Because it's unbelief. Worry means we don't trust God to work things out for the best. It means that if He allows something bad to happen, we don't believe He know better than we do.
I know we're not supposed to worry, because God's word tells us not to. He also tells us that "everything that does not come from faith is sin." {Romans 14:23}
So, how do we have faith about everything? How do we continually believe God to do best when there's so much out of our control.
First, we study, meditate on, and believe God's Word. Fill your mind with His promises. Replace your worry thoughts with scripture.
Second, we ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 says that God will give us wisdom, if we ask. We parent according to His guidelines and seek Him for what we dont' know. He may answer directly, or give us resources to help, but He will always answer.
Third, we make sure we're doing our job. I'm not going to worry about my children if they're in my fenced in back yard, but I'm not sending them to cruise around the neighborhood by themselves at their young ages. I'm not going to worry about their safety when they're at a friend's house whose parents I know well, but I'm not going to send them to a house sight unseen and parents unheard from. I'm going to place appropriate boundaries around them, and believe God to protect them from outside harm.
Fourth and Finally, we believe God. He is always faithful and promises never to leave us. If we seek Him, listen to Him, and obey Him He will hold us tightly in His hands. That doesn't mean that everything will be perfect or nothing bad will happen, but that He will be with us and carry us through anything that comes our way.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Being Complete
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4
This verse comes on the heals of James telling us to shout with joy when difficulties come (my paraphrase.) None of us wishes to go through difficult times. As a matter of fact, most of us don't like to see someone else go through difficulties.
Right now, I am witnessing great pain and trials in the lives of several people around me. It is painful to watch, but no where near as painful as it is for them to be going through it. These people are on my prayer list, they're on many prayer lists, as well as others who are dealing with illnesses, surgeries, job losses, separations, etc. My tendency, as is I hear with others, is to pray away these trials.
However, James is telling us to pray through them. In 2 Corinthians, Paul gives us a glimpse of a thorn in his life: To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (vs. 12:7-9a)
There are four reasons trials come - our own sin, someone else's sin, being a part of a fallen world, and God doing a work in us. Our response, though, should always be the same - to seek Him. Whether we need to receive forgiveness, give forgiveness, or learn a lesson, it will come from Him. Keeping on trusting and believing Him helps us to persevere. The result is that He guides us to a more mature faith and completes in us what is lacking in our natural self. If we look to God and His will in everything, then we will recognize that we have everything we could ever need.
This verse comes on the heals of James telling us to shout with joy when difficulties come (my paraphrase.) None of us wishes to go through difficult times. As a matter of fact, most of us don't like to see someone else go through difficulties.
Right now, I am witnessing great pain and trials in the lives of several people around me. It is painful to watch, but no where near as painful as it is for them to be going through it. These people are on my prayer list, they're on many prayer lists, as well as others who are dealing with illnesses, surgeries, job losses, separations, etc. My tendency, as is I hear with others, is to pray away these trials.
However, James is telling us to pray through them. In 2 Corinthians, Paul gives us a glimpse of a thorn in his life: To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (vs. 12:7-9a)
There are four reasons trials come - our own sin, someone else's sin, being a part of a fallen world, and God doing a work in us. Our response, though, should always be the same - to seek Him. Whether we need to receive forgiveness, give forgiveness, or learn a lesson, it will come from Him. Keeping on trusting and believing Him helps us to persevere. The result is that He guides us to a more mature faith and completes in us what is lacking in our natural self. If we look to God and His will in everything, then we will recognize that we have everything we could ever need.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Growing Perseverance
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3
We all want perseverance, but none of us want trials and testing of our faith. What James is giving us here is the second part of the reason behind why we can remain joyful during trials. One of the results of walking through trials while holding the hand of God is perseverance.
Some synonyms to perseverance are: firmness, insistency, resolve and determination. When we are standing on the right foundation, these qualities are of great benefit. When we become firm in our faith, refusing to move in what we know is the Truth, we become a vessel for the Word of God. When we are insistent in our obedience to that Word, we live a life that shows others the love of God. When we resolve not to give up when our flesh feels like it, we learn the peace of living in obedience to God.
What does it mean to test our faith? It could mean facing difficulties that we don’t understand. It could mean not getting the answer we want. It could mean watching someone we love suffer.
The Bible says that God does not tempt us, but that He does bring and allow trials in our lives. Job is the most famous example of God allowing trials to let him stand as an example of perseverance to faith. Job questioned God and put of with discouraging friends and family, but he never lost faith.
Most likely, none of us will go through the losses and illness that Job did, and if we had our druthers we’d choose an easy, worry-free life. However, we live in a sinful world and self-pleasing flesh. We are going to face difficult times. It’s a given. We are going to be tested in our faith. Those difficulties and tests will either crush us (when we attempt to stand on our own) or they will allow us to learn to be joyful in all circumstances and develop perseverance (when we rely on, trust in, and lean on God.)
We all want perseverance, but none of us want trials and testing of our faith. What James is giving us here is the second part of the reason behind why we can remain joyful during trials. One of the results of walking through trials while holding the hand of God is perseverance.
Some synonyms to perseverance are: firmness, insistency, resolve and determination. When we are standing on the right foundation, these qualities are of great benefit. When we become firm in our faith, refusing to move in what we know is the Truth, we become a vessel for the Word of God. When we are insistent in our obedience to that Word, we live a life that shows others the love of God. When we resolve not to give up when our flesh feels like it, we learn the peace of living in obedience to God.
What does it mean to test our faith? It could mean facing difficulties that we don’t understand. It could mean not getting the answer we want. It could mean watching someone we love suffer.
The Bible says that God does not tempt us, but that He does bring and allow trials in our lives. Job is the most famous example of God allowing trials to let him stand as an example of perseverance to faith. Job questioned God and put of with discouraging friends and family, but he never lost faith.
Most likely, none of us will go through the losses and illness that Job did, and if we had our druthers we’d choose an easy, worry-free life. However, we live in a sinful world and self-pleasing flesh. We are going to face difficult times. It’s a given. We are going to be tested in our faith. Those difficulties and tests will either crush us (when we attempt to stand on our own) or they will allow us to learn to be joyful in all circumstances and develop perseverance (when we rely on, trust in, and lean on God.)
Monday, September 27, 2010
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.
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.
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