Amazing Grace

I saw the movie "Amazing Grace," recounting the life of William Wilberforce and his tireless work in Parliament to see slavery abolished in England, decades before the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in America. I highly recommend the movie, but only if you bring a supply of tissues, and only if you come prepared to face some challenging questions, such as:

• what is my purpose here? what do I live for?
• how does injustice, sin and suffering affect me? does it affect me?
• when I pray "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," do I think about what that looks like? do I believe it can actually happen? am I willing to do anything, something, to make my world better?
• if I "resolved" to love my Lord, my God, with all my heart, soul, mind, strength, how would my world, my community, my relationships, my family, be different?

As horrific as slavery is (and yes, I know it still exists and it's a terrible thing), child abuse is ravaging; domestic violence is terrible; abortion; divorce; sexual promiscuity and abuse; addictions; pornography; these sinful, awful realities destroy people, kill relationships, sorely wound souls.

John Piper made a statement on Sanctity of Life Sunday that I still think of often. He said, " I pray that someday the idea of abortion will be as abhorrent to us as the idea of slavery is now."

And Gary Thomas proposed this weekend, and I paraphrase, 'what if our influence for godly families caused fewer divorces?'

What if our lives as believers displayed a hope that would offer more than any synthetic relief drugs or alcohol could provide?

What if we really believed that God is Who He says He is, and that He can do what He says He can do, and that His Word is alive and active in me? (thank you, Beth Moore, and "Believing God.")

". . . You [God] have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame,having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. " Psalm 119:4-6

That is my prayer. Will it be yours?

Where is my heart?

Ok, so this is written a week after Valentine's Day, but my timing has never been "normal" (just ask my family members). . .
As I've already confessed, I'm meditating on/memorizing Psalm 119. So far I haven't made it beyond the first sixteen verses (or the first two stanzas, for those poetry buffs out there). I imagine the psalmist composing, singing, musing, writing. . . and the central theme is the Word of God.
He says that "blessed are those. . .who seek Him [God] with their whole heart. . .I will praise You [God] with an upright heart . . .with my whole heart I seek You. . .I have stored up Your word in my heart . . ."
There's a focus here. I don't want to have my heart (my emotions and will) segmented into so many different areas. If my heart is segmented, divided, unfocused. . .then where I am headed? What's the point?
I desperately need direction, and I've found it in God's Word. Lord, I want my ways to be steadfast (not fickle or wavering) in keeping Your statutes (those laws for all people because God said so), because then I will not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I want to praise You with an upright (consistently honest) heart when I learn Your righteous rules (rules settled by God for guidance and direction). Lord, keep me focused! When I need direction, I run to You; when I need comfort, I run to You; when I am afraid, I run to You; when I need physical companionship, You will direct me; when I need wise and godly counsel, You will show me who to consult. Lord, I need to make You be first. I want my heart to be safe in Your hand.

Babylon . . . rising?

Yes, I did read the "Left Behind" series, but that is not the subject of this post. It's just a phrase that came to mind this week as I began a study on the book of Daniel (if you are interested, I highly recommend the studies on this book written by Beth Moore and/or Kay Arthur).

Yes, I had read of Babylon before, of the Chaldeans (another term for Babylon), even that the plain of Shinar is where the tower of Babel was built, and Ur of the Chaldees (i.e. Chaldeans) was where Abraham was called out of by God, to begin the Israelite identity.

But this week's study has gotten me thinking . . .where do I see Babylon in my world? Should I care? Why does God have me studying this particular book at this particular time?

A most striking insight on Babylon is found in the book of Isaiah, chapter 47, where God is speaking to Babylon ". . .you lover of pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, 'I am, and there is no one besides me'. . . you felt secure in your wickedness, you said, 'No one sees me;' your wisdom and knowledge led you astray. . . "

Where do I see Babylon? Where do I NOT see Babylon?? Does anyone else have the struggle that I do to fight against indulging in whatever I WANT just because I can? Without giving a thought to whether or not it's what God wants for me?
How secure do we feel, day by day, in our car alarms, our deadbolts, our guard dogs, our preparedness, rather than give credit to God, who is my true refuge and safety?
Does anyone else battle the "what about me? when is it my turn?"
How often do I remember that the "no one really sees; I'm not really hurting anyone" is a lie straight from the pit of hell, and that hypocrisy really doesn't fool anyone?
Do I trust more in my wisdom and knowledge of this world, this culture, than I trust the God who created this world and even this culture that I live in, to teach me His Ways and how He wants to reach this world?

Just one chapter over (Isaiah 46) God speaks to His people. . .
"Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors,
remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose,'. . .I have spoken and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.
Listen to Me, you stubborn of heart [I so don't want to be that person, but so often am] you who are far from righteousness: I bring near My righteousness, it is not far off, and My salvation will not delay; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel, My glory."

I read that passage, and the whole "Babylon mentality" fades dramatically. I'm certain the young Daniel and his friends remembered this about God while they were being transported from their comfortable homes and families (remember, they were not peasants and beggars, but royalty and nobility of Judah) to a place and people completely unknown to them. Only this confidence and confirmed knowledge of God could give Daniel the resolve to live righteously and disciplined in an extremely unrighteous and undisciplined culture.
Oh, great and mighty God! teach me Your ways, guide me in Your truth, and teach me. Give me the strength and the resolve to not be absorbed by my Babylon.

Challenge update, week one

For those of you who accepted "the challenge" in last week's post, how's it going? What has God showed you about you?

Because of a miscommunication, I happened to make dinner for a crowd (about 12 people) only to find that I didn't need to make dinner; someone else was taking care of the meal. Now, in the past, I must admit that the resulting scenario would have more than likely included pouting, noisy pots and pans, sullen looks, and emphatic feelings of entitlement.

However, this time, I put the lid on the pot of "moose steak pottage," turned off the stove, and quietly said, "I guess this means I'm all set for dinner tomorrow." Tod apologized for the mis-communication, but the amazing thing (to me) was that he didn't even NEED to apologize. I wasn't mad;
didn't feel "entitled;"
felt no need to pout or point out how much time I'd spent;
didn't even need to "process" my feelings to get around to a sweet spirit.

Truly, I realized that I don't have to cook tomorrow. There's meals in the freezer now for when I'm really tired and it's a "high pain day" and I just can't find the energy to cook. I also have soup to share. I don't have the stress of being angry and ugly, and my husband is not walking on eggs (though, I must say he has promised to be more careful about telling me about small group dinner plans when I'm unable to attend said small group).

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in [me] will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. from Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

Isn't it wonderful to be a work in progress?!

Lord, Keep me Sweet

I found this prayer near the end of a book I recently read (kudos to Joanna Weaver, for yet another great read that made me think and challenged me "Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us from the Inside Out" ISBN 978-1-4000-7247-7). Now, why this post at this time? Well, I learned from Psalm 142 that I can cry to the Lord anytime; I can bring my complaint to Him anytime. He will restore my hope by His Word and His Ways; thus giving me the freedom to not bring ALL my complaints to everyone all the time.

Am I saying, "put on a happy face and don't be real?" Absolutely not!!! But where do I go first? Must I get a team of people on "my side" before I can feel better? Am I so busy rehearsing my miseries I cannot see the needs of others?

Am I content to truly let God be God in my life, or do I want Him to give me a list of options to consider, and then I will choose my own path?

"Oh, that my ways may be steadfast in keeping Your statutes. Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all Your commandments. . ." Psalm 119:5,6

Prayer of an unknown Nun of the 17th Century
Lord, you know better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old.
Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from having to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but, you know, Lord, I want a few friends in the end.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of other's pains, but help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cock-sureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet. I do not want to be a saint - some of them are so hard to live with, but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil.
Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And give me, Lord, the grace to tell them so. AMEN

Psalm 142, Part 2

"When my spirit faints within me, You know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul."
(Psalm 142:3,4 ESV)

Haven't we all been there at one time or another? Is your hand in the air, crying, "that's me!! Nobody sees where I am; nobody knows how much life hurts right now; there's nowhere safe to hide; NOBODY cares. . ."
I don't know about anyone else, but when I am emotionally exhausted, in lots of physical pain, I tend to get the "me" syndrome. . . I forget that when I'm crying out to God in pain, that I am actually crying out to God, and He is there. . . so I may be visually and physically standing alone, but I'm not alone. There is a refuge; Someone does care for my soul.
I'm so glad the psalmist "let us in" on his emotional journey. . .

"I cry to you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.' Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to Your name! The righteous will surround me, for You will deal bountifully with me." (Psalm 142:5,6 ESV)

I have HOPE, for I know my God . . . the circumstances may not change, but after being with my God, I am changed. I know that I'm not strong enough to handle "all that life throws at me," but I can throw myself on God's mercy. And, instead of a "nobody cares" attitude, I can open my mouth and give praise to a God who truly does deliver!

Will you Accept the Challenge?

I promise, I will get back to Psalm 142 (I only walked through verse 2, after all), but life can be full of interruptions. . .
My husband and I will be attending a marriage retreat at the end of this month (our 2nd in 27 years, and last year was the first!) Gary Thomas, who wrote "Sacred Marriage" (among other works) will be the speaker; I'm really excited to go! I asked God last week, "how do You want me to get ready for this retreat time? Is there anything specific?" I don't know about you, but whenever I ask God about what He wants to do in me to change ME, He answers quite quickly :)
In 2005 I embarked on a "30 Day Challenge for Wives to Encourage their Husbands" (you will find the link here www.reviveourhearts.com/challenge) and what an eye-opener it was! I thought I had learned to be an encouraging person (God did lots of "chiseling" on that area in the '90s) but this 30-day adventure taught me that I wasn't sharing the encouragement as much as I should be. Here's a thought . . .how can you really encourage someone if they don't even realize that you are encouraging them because you never open your mouth and say anything????
It's now 2 years later; my husband has noticed the changes; the challenge was difficult at times (replacing old bad habits with new good ones is seldom easy) but I've noticed that God has opened my eyes to encourage others, and not just my husband. Anyway, I'm repeating the "challenge" and I'm inviting any others who are not "faint of heart" to join me.

Can you imagine what God can do with a band of followers who have decided that, by God's amazing grace, "let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29 ESV)

What would our families look like if mom didn't nag and belittle and criticize? If dad didn't demand and criticize, if he remembered to say "thank you?"
If teenagers remembered that "trash talk" belongs in the garbage can; that they don't have to have a verbal opinion on every subject at all times?

What would our churches look like if we consistently used our words to build others up instead of knocking them down? If we considered the timing of our "instruction" as well as the content? If we were as committed to dealing with our own personal sin as we are to pointing out the sins of others? If we remembered that the best way to learn a new skill (insert = get rid of a sinful habit) is to a) be shown how to do it (get out God's Word and use it!)
b) be given time to practice
c) receive encouragement along the way

What would our communities look like if we actually were nice to "undeserving" people?

Psalm 142, Part 1

"With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before Him; I tell my trouble before Him . . ."
(Psalm 142:1,2 ESV)
Today's a day when that's just what I want to do, and just what I NEED to do. My daughter is scheduled to be deployed with the Air Force May 10 (no return date as yet) and she is understandably sad (among other emotions) even in her understanding of God's sovereignty. She will be leaving just 11 days before her 3rd wedding anniversary. She's 24 years old, proud to have the opportunity to serve her country and her God; but she's already missing her husband, her friends, her Sunday School and Awana 'kiddos'; and I'm already missing her . . .

Lord, I am crying to You with my voice; I desperately NEED Your mercy to be the mother that Diana and Mark need through this time. I thought I knew what this was like when my husband was deployed in the "first gulf" of 1990; but this is different. . . this is my baby. I'm pouring out my tears; I'm telling You my trouble. I can't tell You, God, how grateful I am that You allow me this freedom. . .

Lest this post be too long for anyone to possibly read, there will be more posts as I work my way (and pray my way) through this Psalm that God led me to at the right time when I NEED His comfort and closeness.

A New Venture

John Piper's doing it . . .
Henry Blackaby's doing it . . .
Beth Moore's doing it. . .
friends of mine (and even some family members) are doing it . . .
This "ole' girl" has decided to jump on the blogging bandwagon, and explore this new method of journaling and communication!
I hope that you will visit, and allow me to share what God is teaching me in daily life, as well as any other items that come to mind . . .