Archives for January 2011

In Christian circles, there are some clichés that are like punches to my gut.

“Let go and let God!” is at the top of my Please Don’t Say That List.  I’d rather hear you quote the worry verses (Matthew 6:27) before “Let go and let God” crosses your lips.

Another tired expression that is borderline annoying, but probably more biblically grounded, is “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”  People who say that usually don’t know what else to say, and I’d bet their intentions are generally good.  So although not my favorite, I can stomach this one far better than “Let go…”  (I can’t even bring myself to put it in black and white again).

So does God operate within boundaries, keeping a pile of she-can’t-handle-that scenarios over in the corner?

The Bible is clear that our God has the right to govern our universe as He pleases (Psalm 115:3).  He stirs hearts and moves people to action (Ezra 1:1).  He institutes our earthly authorities (Romans 13:1-2).  He makes possible what humans consider impossible (Matthew 19:26).

That doesn’t seem like a God of boundaries.

But over in the book of Job, God is approached by Satan after he’s been roaming the earth (scary, isn’t he?), and gives him permission to test Job.  God is very clear, however, on what the adversary is allowed to do, and what he may not do, in his approach.  “Everything he has is in your hands,” God says, “but on the man himself don’t lay a finger” (Job 1:12).

Restrictions.  God is giving Satan his limitations on how he can deal with Job.  He sees the opportunity for Job to have his faith strengthened, but He will authorize the test only under the condition of protection.  His boundaries are protective of His children.

God expects us to operate within boundaries, too.  Unfortunately to a lot of people, those limitations are perceived as a never-ending list of “do nots” that make a believer’s life boring, and well, restricted.

I don’t know about you, but I’m willing to embrace God’s boundaries for me, knowing He’s simultaneously confining the devil for my protection.

Let’s be glad that the devil is operating within God’s boundaries, and not the other way around!

RLF

 

I was so excited this past Sunday when our pastor, Calvin Kelley, did a sermon on our spiritual journey and how it’s critical that we devote time each day to reading God’s word. I was afraid if I screamed, “Amen!” my Southern-Baptist roots would start to show, so I fought the urge. Instead, I did the new-tradition of head bobbing with a “That’s right” whispered under my breath. But oh, how I wanted to shout, “Amen!”

Part of Calvin’s sermon focused on journaling and how it can enhance your walk with God. I couldn’t agree more.

I can sit down and read a passage of scripture, and technically, I’ve spent time in God’s presence, but until I actually put pen to paper and write out what I observe; until I take the time to reflect on what He’s trying to tell me, it’s doesn’t get past my head and into my heart.

This blog is somewhat of a journal, and I started it last year to share my spiritual journey with you: to share what God is doing in my life; to pass along the secrets He whispers to me; to paint a picture of the glimpses that I catch of Him; and to hopefully provide you with ideas and tools to help you on your spiritual journey. I want people to know that you don’t have to be a scholar or be super-spiritual to be changed by God. He can change anyone.

And He WILL change you…
piece by piece
verse by verse
moment by moment
He will change you, not into who you want to be, but into who He wants you to be. He will change you into the image of His son.

I saw a note the other day in one of my journals: “You have to submit in order to be rescued.” So…

Will you submit to Him?
Will you take time to be alone with Him and listen?
Will you let him get inside you? Not just below the surface, but deep down inside – where all those empty, dark and broken places are?
Will you let him heal you?
Will you let him change you?

He will. If you let Him.

Resolve.  It’s a seemingly insignificant word.  Not one frequently used (unless you have to clean your carpet a lot).  It’s just two syllables. A mere seven letters. But yet, it is a mighty word for in it determines the success or failure of an endeavor.

I learned about this “resolve” characteristic last year in a study of Daniel.  Daniel and his pals – now they had some resolve!

Did they defile their bodies with tasty food?  “Nope.  Pass the fruits and vegetables, please.” (Daniel 1:8)

Bow to a statue?  “Over our dead bodies!” (Daniel 3:17-18)

Resolve.

Resolve requires you to make a decision before a decision.  It requires planning, discipline – and truth be told – good old fashioned stubbornness.

Stubbornness kind of gets a bad rap.  It gets thrown into the “character flaw” category a bit too often.  You’re more likely to hear someone say, “Would you PLEASE quit being so stubborn?” than you are to hear, “I love your stubbornness.  I wish I could be like that.”

Some people like to use sissy-words like, “determined” or “persistent,” but in my opinion, those are all just poodle-like synonyms for the great dane that is stubbornness.

Yep. Stubbornness needs a new image.   Stubbornness needs to take perseverance by the horns and show it who’s boss!

So, how can we give stubbornness a face lift? We can use our powers for good and not evil. We can use it to complete those resolutions we’ve set for the new year.

So, what have I resolved to do this year? What’s my passion? Well, this year, with the help of my awesomely cool and fabulous accountability group, we are reading through the Bible chronologically.

So, are you game? Come on! You know you want to roll up those sleeves of stubbornness and do it. All it takes is a little resolve.