Ignoring My Feelings

I think that doing what is right in spite of how I feel is the biggest challenge facing us as Christians. Of course we all face this challenge Christian or not, but for the believer in Christ it seems to be a particular struggle.

We have these two natures at war within us every moment of the day! Scripture says they fight with each other-

For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. Galatians 5:17 (NASB)

This brings a particular dilemma to us. We are once again presented with a choice to obey the Lord or do what we want to do in spite of what we know is right.

This choice is presented not only in what we do but the attitude that we bring to obedience. If you are at all like me, you have an easier time doing what is right with a bad attitude than doing what is right with a submissive and obedient attitude before the Lord. Those pesky feelings always get in the way of my (self) righteousness! In a way, I enjoy this battle within myself because it reminds me of my never ending need for Him and for the cross. That Holy Spirit reminder that comes in the gentle tug at my heart and mind bringing before me who I am in Christ and what is required of me is welcomed in my life.

I so often engage in this battle of obedience, and more so as the changes in my life continue to challenge me. I have no doubt that returning to the working world for the past 2 years (and no longer being exclusively in ministry) has brought many new challenges to my spiritual growth. I also have no doubt that these changes are God-ordained and intentional! I admit, I really fought those changes in my inner man for the first year. I look forward to returning to my hearts desire; serving God and the church through teaching the Word, counseling, instructing in righteousness, and helping others grow and change. 

There are times that doing what is right doesn't feel good at all. And yet, I am called to obey and not only to obey but to do so with the attitude of a servant. I am a servant of the most powerful King the world has ever known. He is my Lord and Master and I am His loving servant.

Doing what is right when I don't want to requires keeping this thought at the forefront of my thoughts: It is the chief end of man to glorify God. In ways I don't understand right now obeying God in even when things don't appear to make sense glorifies Him. More than just by my obedience, God uses me wherever He plants me in the lives of the people that surround me!

Do I know who I will influence for Christ? Do I know whose life I will impact? Do I know the spiritual condition of the people I will see on any given day? Of course not! God does and it is His will that I go forth in faith and submissive obedience to His will in each circumstance I am presented with.

You see the results of my obedience (and my disobedience) reflected in this blog each day... Life is an adventure in sanctification. I hope to be an example others will follow in heart-felt obedience toward God, in spite of how they feel.

Milestones and Memories

My son, if your heart is wise, My own heart also will be glad; And my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. Proverbs 23:15-16

It seems only yesterday I began this journey of motherhood. I was a young and foolish woman without God yet I wanted to raise my son's right.  "Right" meant to be a good person, live a good life, follow the Golden Rule, don't steal or cheat.  I was regenerated when the oldest was a baby but I had no idea then what it meant to truly raise my son's in righteousness. 

Our youngest turns 19 today... my how time has flown. It seems that only yesterday he was an infant in my arms. I must have blinked a little too long, because now he joins his brothers in adulthood. On this important day in our family, I look back on how I did as a Mother. What did I get right and what did I get wrong over these past 26 years as I helped raise these 3 boys into men. 

Why spend the time to evaluate this on my blog you ask? Because many of you are just starting out; you have babes in arms and you want to hear from someone who has been there and done that so you can avoid the errors I made. 

If I had to go back and change anything, it would be (hands down) how I talked to my children about Jesus.  Yes, they learned Bible verses and went to Vacation Bible School, and Awana but that wasn't really talking about Jesus. I did not talk enough about His sufficiency, sovereignty or supremacy. I would have taught them to depend on Him more, trust Him more, cry out to Him more. I would have taught them from the moment they were able to understand that He is enough. 

I would have taught them about what biblical salvation is. It is not "pray a prayer and ask Jesus into your heart." It is not walking an aisle, raising a hand, or "getting saved."  I would have made sure they understood Ephesians 1 and 2. I would have taught them more about sin; specifically their sin. From that foundation I would have taught them about God's marvelous grace. 

I never would have pushed any of them to pray a prayer or be baptized. I would not have acted as the Holy Spirit in their lives. I would have trusted God more and worried less about their spiritual condition. 

In spite of my failings, God has been faithful to do what He has intended to do in the lives of His children. 

I think I did plenty of things right along the way, and this is by His grace! I home schooled them, investing in their lives every day. Those are years that I cherish in my heart. They were by no means easy years, but I do not regret keeping them home and teaching them myself. 

Once I learned that it was biblical to do so, I began admitting to my kids when I sinned against them and learned to humble myself by asking their forgiveness. 

Our children talked to us, and we listened to them. There was no subject off limits and no question too silly to be asked. 

I cooked dinner nearly every night of the week. Going out to eat was a luxury, not a way of life. This was an important thing for our children; they learned the value of family around the dinner table. They knew Mom was always there, and they grew up with a biblical model of family life. 

As I think back on all these things I have to say that my heart is full. I am a woman richly blessed by God with a fantastic husband, and wonderful sons. God has added to our family beautiful daughters-in-law and I suspect some day soon there will be more little children in our lives. 

Take the time to live the simple life ladies. Cherish each day, raise your children with love and guidance and an understanding of who God truly is. I promise you will not regret it. Oh...and don't blink too long, before you know it they are gone. 

Redeemed and Ransomed

knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NASB)

Many of those we help through counseling and discipleship are slaves in deep and oppressive bondage. They come to us knowing they are in trouble of some sort, and have tried everything else (in most cases) and they are truly desperate for help.

Maybe you clicked on this blog today because you googled words like "sexual immorality" or "gambling," or "alcoholism." You have been told you have Intermittent Explosive Disorder, or Rageaholism, or any number of other things people are being "diagnosed" with these days. Maybe you eat too much, or maybe not at all;  Are you too distraught to get out of bed each day? Are you paralyzed by your emotions?

What I am describing are various forms of physical and emotional bondage that we can find ourselves in. Very few wake up one day and say, "Hey! I am going to be an alcoholic!" It usually is a slow and desceptive transition as we sell ourselves into various forms of slavery to these substances and vices.

Make no mistake, it is slavery. You started out controlling it, but it has taken you it's captive now. No longer do you believe you can just walk away, no matter how much you try and it is terrifying.

For the idolater (which is what our slavery truly is) there is a way out of the cycle. It is called repentance. Repentance is not too popular in our it's-all-about-me culture because, after all, if you are hurt or suffer because of something I did it is your problem not mine. Repentance also comes with the idea of accountability- another thing most people run away from. To be accountable to someone means I cannot be my own boss or make my own decisions about what I want to do, thus ruining the "all about me" way of life.

Thank God Jesus Christ did not have such an attitude! Jesus continually subjected Himself to with wishes and desires of the Father. He clearly says He came to do the will of the Father (John 6:38) and He carried it out to the point of death.

Because of His obedience you and I have hope of freedom from the slavery that comes with idolatry. Scripture says we have been ransomed or redeemed by the powerful blood of Christ. 

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:10

The blood of Christ is powerful enough to cleans us from the kinds of sins listed in 1 Cor. 6:10.  Because of the blood of Christ we have blessings and spiritual benefits. We can count being brought near to the Father (Eph 2:13) as one of those blessings. Without that shed blood of the perfect Lamb of God we would have remained enemies of God (Eph 2:1)! That same blood cleanses and purifies our hearts and our consciences to make us fit servants of the King, and furthermore we have been made righteous before God so we will face no judgement at our death.

If the blood of Christ can do all these things, why do people doubt it's ability to overcome drugs or alcohol or any other form of slavery? Is it because we really don't think it is "real" yet? Are we waiting to see something spectacular happen as the Pharasee's did? Are we looking for a sign or wonder to behold that will tell us all this is true? If that is the case for you, you had better check your heart condition. You may be lacking faith, and faith is what brings us to salvation.

To be blunt, if as a Christian you are still sitting in your "addictions" whatever they may be- it is a choice. On some level you love and cherish those things because you have to fight with the Spirit of God to get them. There is no "devil made me do it" anymore for the Christian. He who is in you is greater than the Devil or any anti-christ you can prop up. Addiction in the believer is a decision of the heart that wants to continue to worship some aspect of self. Now I know physical cravings and dependence develop over time; but obviously feeding the dragon is not going to help get rid of him, is it?

Christian, you have been ransomed and set free by the blood of Christ. Take hold of it today, and seek your freedom!

But As For You...

But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. Titus 2:1-5 

In Titus 2 men and women are told to be "sound in faith." This means our faith is to be uncorrupted and our theology should be sound. How do you know if your theology is sound? First you have to know what you believe and why you believe it! If you are Reformed, then know Reformed Theology. If you are Covenant, than know Covenant Theology. You have to know what you believe and your belief system must check out as correct with the totality of Scripture.

How sound is your faith? How sound is your theology?

I think one of the best ways to self-test your answer is to see how you respond to the things life throws at you. How you respond to those things is a great indicator of how much good theology you know and apply. We are are practicing some sort of theology all the time; the question is; is our theology good or bad?

Some examples of bad theology you may be familiar with are:

• God wants me to be happy
• God told me...
• I can't go on
• It (the Bible, Jesus) is not enough
• Some people are beyond forgiveness
• I want peace
• God has nothing to do with this ______

When I hear these kinds of statements I know there is an underlying theological issue out of whack. Every counseling problem is a theological issue on some level!

A woman who tells me, "God wants me to be happy" does not understand her purpose in life. She does not understand she is not on this earth to be happy; she is here to love, serve and glorify the living God!

The woman that says "God told me" does not have the correct theology on the sufficiency of Scripture nor does she understand that the canon is closed. We do not hear from God in that way at this point in church history. Oh I know some of you may really object to that, you think or feel God told you something. But I would challenge you to tell me how God told you! Was it in the wind? Was it over the TV? Did you just feeel it? I am not mocking those of you who think God is speaking to them, I am challenging your theology. There is so much spooky mysticism in some denominations that there are women walking around thinking there is something wrong with them because God is not speaking in their ear.

A woman with sound theology knows her trials may be hard and that there will be bad times. In spite of bad times and in the midst of them she knows she can go on (press on!) and that she can glorify God through how she handles what life is bringing her.

Good theology understands the sovereignty of God and that His is directing your path, and He is allowing things to take place because He is growing and changing you! Your trials are about sanctification and being conformed to the image and likeness of Christ.

When a woman tells me "there is no hope" I have to remind her that theologically that is untrue. God is the God of hope. God never fails. He always accomplishes what He sets out to do. There is hope just in that statement alone!

There is hope because there is no new sin and Jesus was the provision for all the sin there has ever been or ever will be! That is hope giving! The only place there is no hope is in hell and until a person leaves this earth, there is always hope. To say there is no hope in a given situation means God is not on the throne. It means He is surprised at what you are going through. We know, because He is omniscient. He is all knowing. He knows the end from the beginning and nothing ever catches Him off guard.

A woman who says "it (the Bible, Jesus) is not enough" clearly demonstrates a lack of understanding about who God is. There is a lack of theological understanding about the sufficiency of Christ and His Word.Somewhere along the way she was taught that while Jesus is enough to get you saved, you have to maintain it by doing good, working hard, and being perfect. That is works theology and that is wrong!

Those who believe "I can't be forgiven" or that some are beyond forgiveness don't understand forgiveness, reconciliation, or justification. These terms by the way are not taught in most churches anymore so few understand the weight they carry. So many of the women I see in the counseling office are overwhelmed by the weight of guilt and pain. Their heads are full of ideas of penance and suffering for their sins. They do not understand that the suffering and death of Christ was completely sufficient for their forgiveness. There is nothing to be added, nothing else is expected and frankly, nothing else will due. If there was something other than the death would lead to our forgiveness, that Jesus was duped. He went to that cross believing that His personal sacrifice was the only thing needed.

"I want peace." This is living life for the pursuit of peace and happiness and is nothing more than idolatry. It places the focus on self, and attempts to push out anything that God is doing in a trial.

Do you see the importance of being sound in faith? You won't become wise and knowledgeable only by attending Sunday service - you have to seek to learn and grow in these things. May I encourage you to press on toward this goal this year? Begin to become sound in your faith through the study of God's Word.

The Devastation of Deception

Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Ephesians 4:25

It has been said that the church would be a great place if it weren't for the people. I smile when I write that because of how true and how silly that statement is at the same time.

Being members of one another means we are in a relationship; we are joined with each other and to each other through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12


For the body is not one member, but many. 1 Corinthians 12:14

When deception occurs in our church relationships it is hurtful and fractures the fellowship we have with that person until confession and repentance takes place. We may tend to trust that person less with important and personal issues, because they have not shown themselves to be worthy of our confidence and trust. Distance grows between the two people and very often despite everyone's best efforts, the friendship is never the same again.

When our children were growing up, we explained to them that they each started out with a full account in our  Bank of Trust. When their words were proved to be true they made a deposit that increased our faith and confidence in their integrity. When they were found to be dishonest or not reliable they made a withdrawal from their trust account with us.  Over time, they were always given opportunity to regain the trust they lost. This was a good system for us and it worked well.

When a member of your immediate family lies to you, the schism that results can be devastating.

What cannot be denied is that some people are just very good liars and are able to deceive for extended periods of time. This brings great sorrow into the relationship and eliminates all trust that has been placed in that person.  In such a case, one never knows if truth or lie is being spoken and every word becomes suspect.

The character of the individual is also in question at this point. Who is such a person who can tell you they care for you, or love you but will lie right to your face? Can anything they say be believed? Lying creates an unhappy merry-go-round in a relationship, placing one person in the role of a detective who must check and verify everything they are told. The Liar adds layer upon layer of deception because sin hates exposure and if one shred of truth comes out, their whole story unravels and they are exposed.

The resulting heartache and pain can be unimaginable as the truth comes out and you learn that your loved one is not at all who you thought they were or who they claimed to be. This is the devastation of deception. Lying destroys relationships.

Deception comes in several forms, and does not have to be bald-faced lies. Partial truths, half truths, omission of details, and vague responses, are all ways of deceiving someone. Embellishing a story, exaggerating details to make ourselves look good or better are also methods of lying.

Sometimes a person will say they lied because to tell the truth would be hurtful to someone they love. Motives are questionable in this case because you have to wonder who they really trying to protect?  Can you trust the stated motive of a liar?

This is why Jesus said, “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or’No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil. (Matthew 5:37). Any attempt to shade the truth, skirt the truth, embellish the facts or to speak anything less than "truth" is ungodly and must be repented of. A lifestyle of deception calls into serious question the validity of the salvation testimony of a person. 

Meek At Heart

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am meek and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29.

Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness. It is represented as being something women do not want to "be" because those who portray meekness do so poorly. A meek woman is actually very strong, and knows what she is about. She understands her position in Christ and her place in the Body.

Meekness is strength under the submitted control of the Holy Spirit.

I find meekness to be lacking in many women these days. We seem to have become argumentative, spiteful, and vengeful. Many women are this way in the home and workplace and even in the church. We tend to show our true selves to those who are the closest to us, and unfortunately the place where our Christ-likeness is to be demonstrated the clearest - we fail the most.

We have been enabled by the Lord Jesus Christ to demonstrate strength under control by the power of Holy Spirit. We are able to lovingly, joyfully, humbly serve those God has placed in our lives. Meekness is a part of what Peter was driving at in 1 Peter 3:4 when he said:

"Let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."

This is true beauty and goes beyond hair and make-up. There is a settled quietness about a woman who understands meekness. She is strong beyond words and yet she finds little need to exert that strength when under pressure. She accepts God's dealings with her as good and so there is little reason to resist God or try and fight with Him about how her life is ordered. This brings an aura of peace to her world.

Peace comes from her heart because her confidence is in Christ. She trusts Him to be her Advocate before God and man, even when the situation is unjust or she is insulted. She finds she does not have to rant and rage because in Christ she is complete. A meek woman is content in her circumstances.

This is possible even if she has a difficult husband or working relationship. By the grace of God she can respond to those who persecute her and make life difficult for her with love and compassion. Many of those who cause us such grief are those who desperately need Christ and have no peace or contentment and so they resent ours!

Seeing these people through Godly eyes helps a lot. Realize that those who don't have Christ are only acting out of the only nature they have, they literally can't help themselves!

As we demonstrate meekness we are also demonstrating faith and confidence that we have God's leading and directing of our lives. Learn your Lord. Learn about Him and who you are in Him and because of Him. God is always at work, even when we cannot see it. Have hope!

Overcoming A Prideful Heart

We have been looking at the heart of pride, its destructive nature and attitudes.

To begin to overcome pride you must begin to practice humility, which is a denial of self. It is considering others better than you and requires an examination through the Word of God of the actions and attitudes of daily life.

Then he (Jesus) said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose or forfeit your own soul in the process?”
Luke 9:23-25 (NLT)

Jesus displayed the ultimate in humility when He condescended to come to earth as a human being. He denied Himself and deprived Himself of heaven and all its glory for 33 years for you and me.

Because our goal is to become like Jesus in character and attitude, we are to practice how Jesus lived His life. Jesus was described as “meek and lowly.” Meekness is an internal quality that comes with humility. As a heart attitude, it is the opposite of pride. The one meek in heart is not concerned about self and readily puts the interest of others before his or her interests.

You should be known for the beauty that comes from (the hidden person of the heart), the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:4 (NLT, emphasis added)

Being meek does not mean weak; in fact, it means just the opposite. It takes great strength to be humble before God and others. This really goes against the grain of the sinful nature. It is possible, however, for even the most prideful person to become humble. Humility is a fruit of the Spirit, and God joyfully responds to those who desire it.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:3 (NIV)

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:16 (NIV)

Pride begins to change to humility when we understand how despicable we actually are without Christ. Humility comes when we internalize the truth that nothing in the life of a Christian is to be about “me.” It is all about Jesus Christ and Him only. You cannot possibly dwell on “what I want” or “what I think is better or right,” and be able to serve others or ask what would bring God glory.

Heart change begins to take place when we practice the principles in the verse below:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

Here are some suggestions to begin to serve others:

• Do one thing a day for someone you ordinarily would avoid.

• Go out of your way to help another person.

• Give up something you want to do for the sake of another’s pleasure.

• Consider the opinion of a person you think is “beneath you” and follow his or her suggestion.

After practicing these suggestions, you will find joy returning to your life. Your world will open up to others as your heart opens up. As you continue to place others above yourself, your desire to serve them will grow, and life will become full of joy.

The Deceptive Heart of Pride

Pride is something we all struggle with, and I do not know one single person who is exempt! If you think you don't struggle with pride it is a sure sign you do!

We finished up last time understanding that God opposes the proud and He gives grace to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5)

The prideful person is self-deceived.

For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Galatians 6:3 (NKJV)

Often prideful people are mistakenly diagnosed with “low self-esteem” because their actions and attitudes appear to be self-depreciating. Low self-esteem is defined as “a person’s belief regarding the degree to which he is worthy of praise.” 

The prideful person already thinks very highly of himself or herself! People infected by pride typically think so much of themselves that they believe the world should revolve around them. The only thing important to prideful people is getting their needs filled. It may be an emotional need, a desire for attention, or a resistance to conform to social norms in order to be seen as an individual. Prideful people struggle with bitterness, revenge, conceit, self-pity, a competitive nature, gossip, slander, and vanity. They display a desire to be noticed, which is disguised as shyness. They typically have a lust for attention, approval, and praise. Those who attempt to build them up psychologically only assist them in further self-indulgence.

Prideful women typically have a desire for power and control. They believe that no one can do a certain thing as well as they can, and will exhaust themselves being in leadership positions on numerous committees. They are also never wrong and can produce a list longer than your arm about why they are never wrong.

Prideful people are also very perfectionistic. Everything they are involved in must be done by the book with no variations and "good" is never good enough! They have little tolerance for fallible human beings and their arrogance tends to drive people away. Prideful people are very lonely.

That heart of pride is so focused on "me" and looking good and being perfect that they have no interest in others except to use them to accomplish their goals. When they are denied their way anger is the immediate response.

So what can I do to help a person who I can see is struggling with pride? What do I do if I realize that I am a prideful person?

What is the cure for the prideful heart? Begin by confessing, or admitting, to God that you struggle with the sin of pride. Confession is agreeing with God that what you have done is wrong.

The next step is to begin to practice humility, a denial of self. It is considering others better than yourself and requires an examination through the Word of God of the actions and attitudes of daily life.

The Sinful Heart of Pride

Have you ever found yourself really digging your heels in? Have you ever just had to be “right” even when it really didn’t matter? Have you ever fought to have your own way to the point that you no longer cared about others? If so, than you have battled pride.

Pride is an ugly word that carries even uglier connotations. I don’t know a person who does not struggle with this very human and very sinful heart attitude. It is so important that we understand how this sin affects us and how desperate we ought to be to change this sinful attitude of the heart.

Pride is a heart-attitude sin that overflows into a person’s motivation, decision-making, and activities. Pride is at the root of nearly every problem we struggle with in life and in counseling!

The heart of pride is focused on “self.” Prideful people believe they deserve better than what life has brought them. They become sorrowful, resentful, and even jealous of other people and their successes. Pride breeds self-pity, which is a major component in depression. Typically, people who struggle with pride will live life based on how they feel and expect everyone else to accommodate them and adapt to their moods.

Two key characteristics of pride are independence and rebellion. It should not be too difficult for us to understand why this is so. The truth is we all want our own way about things, and we usually will do almost anything to have it our way. The sinful nature leads us to desire independence, and we rebel at the thought of being under anyone’s control or authority.

In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. Psalm 10:4 (NIV)

In our hearts we say as Pharaoh did, “Who is the Lord that I should obey Him?” (Exodus 5:2)

WE CANNOT REMAIN FULL OF PRIDE BECAUSE GOD HATES IT.

All who fear the LORD will hate evil. That is why I hate pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech. Proverbs 8:13 (NLT)

The heart of pride brings devastating consequences that God ordains: a hardened heart and consequences of this sin.

Scripture shows us the results of pride through the examples of two kings: King Nebuchadnezzar and King Herod. They both became prideful and consequently were humbled by God.

But when [Nebuchadnezzar’s] heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like cattle; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes. Daniel 5:20-21 (NIV)

King Nebuchadnezzar lived like an animal until he came to his senses and repented of his sin. God then restored the kingdom to him.

On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 12:2-23 (NIV)

In your life, pride will cause your heart to harden toward God. Consequently, God will not allow you to prosper. He will bring you dishonor, which is the last thing a prideful person wants.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)

Pride brings opposition from God. He will not share His glory with anyone or anything. God will never share His glory with anyone or anything- how often do you demand God share with you what belongs to Him? Is your heart hard? Are you being convicted by these things I have written? If so, this is the hour to repent.

A fool says in his heart that he is void of all pride. Be wise today.

Conformed Through Pain

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, Romans 8:29 (NASB)

It is said that Christians are the only army in the world that shoots their own soldiers. If you have ever been a person to put your life out on Front Street as a teacher, mentor, counselor or even on a blog like this you may know what I mean.

When you lay it out there, you are going to get blasted from time to time. I do believe that God has a purpose and plan for everything that comes my way in life. It is all for the goal of conforming me to the image and likeness of Christ. So, I sit up and take notice of when someone makes a negative comment to me. However, it does not make it hurt any less.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 1 Peter 5:6 (NASB)

I think God uses many avenues to remind us to be humble, including negativity and criticism. 

Criticism causes me to check my motives, and to think about being more cautious in what I say and how I say things so as not to poorly represent Jesus Christ. It also leads me to examine my heart in the light of Scripture and brings me back to my dependence on the finished cross-work of Jesus Christ.

There have been so many Christian leaders who have fallen because they stopped being willing to consider criticism and they failed to ask themselves if there was any truth to the negative things that were said about them. Hardness of heart sets them up as being beyond reproach in their own minds and to stop preaching the gospel to themselves. They essentially forget they need the cross as much as the next guy.

I never wish to be such a person, I want to be an authentic Christian, and I believe I am. I am who and what I am by the grace of God and I make no apologies for it." I need the cross. I need God's grace. I need God's mercy because I remain a sinner. I am in progress and not yet perfected.

Being humbled before God means I must evaluate what is said to me about what I say, how I act and how I say things in light of God's truth and His Word. A person would have to be a fool not to do so especially if they wish to serve the Lord.

My response to the silly or malicious criticism of Believers and Unbelievers must be gracious. 

The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.  2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NASB)

May we glorify Him in our humble response to criticism!

Smashing the High Places

I heard this quote the other day, “Don’t let people be the determiner of your reputation.”


My thoughts have always been focused on being authentic and I have strived to be real in every respect when dealing with people. This has its up side and downside as it opens me up for frequent criticism from people who don’t much like what they see. Being a leader of women I am in various settings where protocol determines what I wear or how I react. For example, to show up to a ladies luncheon in cut off jean shorts and a t-shirt would not be a good idea no matter how I feel about it. If someone disagrees with me about something I must be cautious in my reply both in verbal and non-verbal communication.

Being a leader also means people observe and scrutinize my actions and words and evaluate through their own perceptive grid what they see. An important thing to realize is that our perceptions are our reality, so even if I may think a particular thing is no big deal another person may hold it in a place of great importance. These things can cause women who are in leadership positions or aspire to be in leadership to have pause or to become frustrated with the frequent introspection that is required.

Sadly, our introspection can be motivated by the wrong things. When I am criticized I can choose to change the behavior because it will please others and cause them to think well of me. This is man-centered change for the purpose of improving my reputation before man. Or those around us can be great signposts that direct us to look to the heart of the matter.

I see within myself a desire to look good to others and yet I want to remain comfortable with inner sin. It is the fleshly desire to have all the right actions, correct protocols and wear the right “church face” and yet not care how my heart looks to God. Perhaps to say “not care how my heart looks to God” is incorrect. More accurately I could say that I have more of an emphasis on what people think than what God thinks. I doubt if I am alone in this desire… Maybe you are seeing that within yourself too as you ponder these words of mine.

The other aspect of my heart longs to be glorifying to God in all respects. I desire to die completely in my daily life to the sin that so easily entangles me. I want to break free from old sinful thought patterns that lead me still to these dead end places of self exaltation. I wish to knock the idols down and crush them under my feet and smash the altars of my heart- the high places- where I worship one other than God; where I worship me.

This is the part of me that says I will fight the desires of my flesh that want to remain comfortable. This part of me says that I have been a Christian too long to still be dealing with some of these same old things and to have my heart unaffected for change. It asks, “What is wrong with me that these things remain?” That answer is simple: my heart is unyielding and hardened toward change in these areas. These “pet” sins that I love so dearly mean much more to me than my desire to honor the Lord and I have ignored the Holy Spirit for so long that in these areas He is very quiet to my ears.

Can there be any other explanation for these ongoing sinful desires and habits of the heart? Is there any other reasonable discussion to be had on this topic? I think not. Oh this is not flagellation or self beat-up, it is a part of the reality of every Christian as the flesh battles against the Spirit and the Spirit fights against the flesh (Galatians 5: 15)

The next question is “now what?”

You are on this journey with me friend. You are along for the ride and by God’s grace we will see true change from the heart as time goes on and we walk this journey in His steps.

Peeking Behind the Curtain of the Soul

I want to open with a few questions for you-


Does it ever amaze you that you continue to experience the grace and mercy of God in spite of your sin and shortcomings? Does that realization cause you to worship Him or run from Him?


The more I grow and change, and the more I begin to peek behind the curtain of my own heart, the more I begin to experience the glory of God.


My sin magnifies God’s glory.


When I said that recently to a friend, she said that sentence was a mind-blower. She is right. It is a mind-blower that the more I sin the greater God looks! Paul understood that when he wrote Romans 6. The worse I am the more amazing God’s love and grace appears because the more amazing it is! Paul said,


For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8


Sadly, in most cases I am familiar with sin makes them run from God. They view trials and difficulties of life as punishment and chastisement from God for their sin. This is incorrect theology dear reading friends! As has been said before there are always consequences for sin, and they can be steep and costly in many ways however, they are never “punishment” from God.


The reason we have trials and difficulties is because we live in a sin cursed world! Even then, God is sovereign! In the midst of every trial there is an opportunity for growth and change and a chance to glorify God.


This is the difference between looking at life and our troubles from a punitive viewpoint or a grace based viewpoint. We prefer punitive. For some reason we would rather think we are being punished and earn our forgiveness through suffering for our wrongs. That completely flies in the face of grace and the cross. It is the difference between law and grace. We have been so brainwashed to think that punishment is where it is at- and in truth punishment was where it was at, but someone else took it for us.


He made us clean and whole and spotless, and we have nothing to do but believe. It seems too easy for us…because He made it easy for us. And you and I, well, we have to get to a point where because of what Christ did we are in such utter awe of it that we want nothing to do with the life dominating sin we haul around with us.


And I know there are those who say that this teaching leads us to continue to want to sin, to maintain the lifestyle of the prodigal knowing that when we have had our fill of the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and pride of life that we can come back home again. This is an abuse of grace, and I maintain that a Spirit-filled believer will not do such a thing on a continuum. Of course, every believer has areas of the flesh that die harder than others and yet wanton abandon to sin in many or all areas will not be their lifestyle.


There are some things we just idolize so deeply that we don’t want to give them up as fast as others. God is patiently waiting for us to know these things in the heart and to desire Him above it all. The more we resist… the greater the idolatry.


Painful stuff... it is painful stuff to look behind the curtain of the soul.

Pressing On Toward the Goal

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Scripture tell us to press on toward the goal, the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. What on earth does that mean? How can such a thing be made practical for you and I apply to our daily lives?

Pressing on toward holiness. That will evoke a vast difference of thoughts for each person reading this today. Holiness is God's standard for us, it is what He has made us in Christ. He desires we become. This is a positional statement, it is a state of being. We have been chosen to "be" holy as much as we have been chosen to "be" women. It is something God determined we would be before time began (Ephesians 1).

Since we have been chosen and have been made holy in Christ the outflow of that reality is that we live as though it is true. "Be holy as I am holy" the Scriptures say (1 Peter 1:15,16). To live holy I may have to eliminate things that are not going to reflect the truth about me. It could mean that I have to clean up my language or not watch certain programs or movies anymore because they lead me away from holiness. It could mean starting things like Bible reading and prayer if these have not been a consistent part of my life because these things will lead me to respond as one who is practicing holiness.

Pressing on toward righteousness. Each Christian has been made righteous through Christ who is our righteousness. (2 Cor. 5:21) "Christ our righteousness" This is a positional truth and it means that when God looks on you and me He does not see our unrighteousness, He does not see the works we do in our vain attempts to be righteous without Him. What He sees is the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ as though it covered us like a robe. That is the positional part of being righteous. The other aspect of righteousness is what we do as a person who has been clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ.

How do we live? Do we present ourselves as "righteous?" Not self-righteous but as people who understand that we are not bound to the sinful chains of the past when were non pase non pecare (not able not to sin) when all that we were was sin, and we were completely helpless against the pull and urges of the sinful nature.  Do we live as people of freedom who are conscious of the great responsibility we bear of carrying the righteousness of Christ?

Pressing on toward faithfulness. God has given the Christian the ability to be faithful in all things. This again is due to our being in Christ. Without this union you and I are helpless to be faithful to God. The Bible vividly describes unfaithful people in the Old Testament and how God dealt with them. The Bible also describes those who were faithful; such as Moses, Abraham and others who are listed for us in the Hall of Faith in the book of Hebrews. They were considered righteous because of their faith!

Is your faith visible in your life? When trials befall you are you strengthened by your faith in God? Do you really believe that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love God? (Romans 8:28) Times of trial is when our faith tends to wane the most. We struggle to understand that trials are faith builders not faith eliminators. Remaining true to your word for service to others at church and home is difficult but it certainly can and ought to be done. Being faithful reveals your belief that God is sovereign, and that He has your particular circumstances well in hand. It shows those around you that you trust God enough with all the details to keep going daily in spite of your hardships.

Think on these things for today, ask the Lord how you are doing in applying the truth of these few things: holiness, righteousness, and faithfulness. If you are not doing so hot in these things, ask the Lord's help in growing more in each of these areas and be prepared for His answer! He desires that you grow more and more and He will be sure and present you with opportunities for practicing holiness, righteousness, and faithfulness.

Prayers for Dismal Days

On dark, rainy, dismal days the temptation is to be like the weather. When I know I am headed in that direction I begin to pray that God would help me to glorify Him in my words and actions. I pray that I would speak kindly to my husband and family and those I come in contact with throughout the day.

In those times I know complete dependence upon Him. I long for conversation with the Lord. I am anxious to hear His voice in the wilderness in which I find myself.  I want to hear His truth and walk in His way. I want Him to know He truly is my life and my all.

As I begin to meet my daily obligations I pray He will help me to keep my focus on Him. I ask Him to help me not to fear or fret. Help me to trust in You, my Rock and my Salvation!

If my plans for the day do not pan out I trust God has the answer, He has the plan. There are times on these wilderness journeys that it is as though we are in the position of mining out His will. It does not appear obvious, it appears shrouded and obscure and obtuse. It is hidden behind the clouds. We hunt and peck away at different things seeking if we are to open Door #1, Door #2, Door #3.

Obviously I am struggling more with the potential realities of life's situations on those days than at other times. I listen to sermons, do my work out and fulfill my daily responsibilities. Even though I struggle doing it.

 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not of ourselves; we are afflicted in every (many) way; but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken' struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in you. 2 Corinthians 4:7

Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to life the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.1 Peter 4:1

The Word of God is helpful to my soul. It is balm to my heart and mind. I love its riches and completeness. It ministers to me as only God could.

No, my trials are not the end of the world, but they are sometimes life changing and affect more than only me. That is the hurtful part, as we see our difficulties affecting our kids and our friends who care so deeply about us to shed tears on our behalf.

I continue to call out to You, oh Lord.

When the Battle Rages

I was recently chatting with a friend and in complete frustration she asked if I ever find I am in a place where (for lack of a better way to say it) I try to disqualify myself from ministry service. 

My answer was, "Yes, every time I get a glimpse of my sinful, disgusting heart."  I went on to qualify that statement by telling her it is every time I see my deficits, and every time God gives me a good hefty dose of "You ain't all that!"  It amounts to about 7 times every day, or every hour, or every minute...or every second... depending on the day.

I think there are times we all need to be encouraged and to hear the message, "Don't faint!" Paul knew there would be times of great discouragement in ministry and also in our individual spiritual growth.


Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:9


The problem my friend had was that she had tied herself into emotional and theological knots. In doing so she had lost heart, and she needed to hear a strong message of encouragement and truth.  Maybe this describes you too today.


When you are discouraged over an area of spiritual growth it is critical you review truth regarding the sovereignty of God. Our Father is a perfect Potter and in His capable hands the clay is formed and smashed according to His decreed design. The impurities are removed one speck at a time. It is painstaking work for the Potter and the clay. 

His work cannot be hurried along. Our instant society leads us to believe the changes should be immediate. We tend not to like the process of change because it takes so long and demands so much attention from us. We get weary of fighting our flesh, sometimes winning and sometimes losing the battle.

Herein lies the discouragement for us. We get tied up in emotional knots over our failings because there is a part of our heart that does not want to sin. The part of the heart that desires to glorify God wars with the part that wants to be gratified and when we succumb to the lust of the flesh (whatever it may be) we desire an escape from the consequences.

When the battle is the hottest and you long for an escape remember that God does what He does in his timing and no sooner or later; He is always on time. It is important you know that you will become what God has decreed you will be - in spite of how you see yourself right now or the number of times you have failed.

God is completely aware of your struggle, He has a plan for you to overcome, and He is in charge of the timing. Be encouraged!