James 1:19, 20 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Human anger is different from the anger of God…just like everything between God and man (Romans 11:33 (NLT), Isaiah 55:8 (NLT)) God’s anger always arose out of people disobeying and sinning against His children and turning from His love.
A friend once said, “anger is a motivation word – it drives you to do something to change a situation or behavior.” When we are angry, we can sin against others (in ways they have sinned against us) and perpetuate a hurtful and unhealthy cycle or we can express our anger in ways that results in a change for us and in us…regardless of what the other person changes. Anger can drive us toward a solution or drive us away. We can express Godly anger at sin (which will probably drive you to want to change something that isn’t right with the world or your life) or we can express human anger which, in my experience, only causes more pain and hurt for everyone. Followers and children of God get to choose if they will let God lead and be part of the solution or part of the problem.
In my humanity, I express anger in the following ways:
• hurtfully sarcastic remarks
• yelling
• slamming cabinets/doors
• cry (I HATE this reaction because it can be seen as manipulative or weak – when in reality, I am weak when I don’t depend on Holy Spirit to renew my mind and emotions back to His righteousness and what is best for me)
• throw things
• pace/walk quickly around with no real aim.
In Christ, I express anger in the following ways:
• Take an intentional walk to think and pray about the situation (sometimes stepping away for 30 minutes helps me put things in perspective and know how to change the situation for the good of everyone…or at least have the heart to try)
• Take deep breaths before I speak
• Share observable facts about why I’m angry instead of saying personal attacks (Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.)
• Use “I” statements (e.g. I felt angry when you…, I felt )…talk about feeling more than thoughts. Feelings are good ways to start a conversation that moves a situation forward…I’ve learned I don’t have to stay in a feeling but expressing it honestly at least lets the other person say whether they intended me to feel that or if there was a misunderstanding. Also, I know how to take my feelings to scripture and seek God…He talks about healthy, beneficial ways to express EVERY feeling.
I saw this link today as I was getting ready to write this post. Author Paul David Tripp says that we get angry when good things become too important in our life. In this series, Paul shows you how to avoid sinning out of anger by leading you in an examination of your heart. Revive Our Hearts Radio Broadcast about Making things more important than People and How our human anger is a result
Human anger – anger not driven by God - makes wars, kills and destroys what is good and pure; Godly anger kills what is evil and hurtful to us and our well being…which anger will we let drive us and our life?
Ephesians 4:26, 27, 29-32 (NIV) In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Marriage of 3
Ephesians 5:25-33(NIV) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
The only people who don’t have marriage issues are single people. I have said this many times throughout the years as friends and others have shared with me their hearts and sorrow when working to overcome marital concerns. a song that calls me to reconnect
Marriage takes time, commitment, patience, humor…tenacity. “Wait,” you might say, “you didn’t list love.” “Love, yeah, marriage definitely takes love, but, what do you believe love is,” I might reply. Is love a feeling that can be experienced and unexperienced – can you fall in and out of love? The dictionary defines love as both a noun and a verb. So a gut check question always is “how do I view love?”
Love is the only thing that endures (1 Corinthians 13). When everything in this world falls apart and ends…love will be the only thing left…what does it mean and look like then? In the thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, love is defined as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not self-seeking, not easily angered, doesn’t keep a record of wrong, does not delight in evil but is joyful in truth, protective, trusting, hopeful, persevering, never failing (noun and verb together always). So, another gut question…what kind of “love” are we making and extending to others? If these are the definitions of love, I have fallen short…everyday. Not without a hope of another chance to get it right, but, in all honesty, I fall short in genuinely and completely loving those around me. 1 John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. a song that reminds me what true love looks like
Back to marriage…the real topic of this particular post (although, “Love Making” sounds like a catchy blog post too – and I’m sure God will teach me some things to share).
While reading “Thriving Family” magazine (free I might add from Focus on the Family), there was an article about how to get “Closer to God and Each Other" by Dr. David Clarke. It reminded me of how I have described our marriage as “a marriage of 3.” (there are actually wall plaques and such with this sentiment too now) When Christians marry, they are representing Christ and His church. We represent the love, care and honor that Christ shows and His church is supposed to reciprocate. This article really clearly articulated ways to cherish, love and nurture a strong relationship with your spouse and God.
I’m simply going to paraphrase and share the wisdom:
1. Share Your Spiritual Lives: 30 minute couple talk times: share what God is doing in your life through His word, experiences with others, daily quiet times, etc. How you are applying scripture in your life – spiritual set-backs and victories.
2. Pray Together Regularly: jot down praises and prayers requests. List all kinds of things as you need: your marriage, children, friends, family, church, physical problems, job concerns, ministries/charities you love and want to support, finances, missionaries, people in your life who don’t know Jesus, neighbors – like other prayer times, list those things with which you want God to intercede, change and grow…all the while praising Him for the work He’s going to do and has done. (Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.) Prayer deepens conversation and leads you to a greater level of intimacy. It will be awkward and weird and difficult at first – like any new habit you are trying to make stick…this will be worth overcoming the awkwardness.
3. Depend on God in tough times: life is painful and overwhelming at times…isn’t that one of the reasons you got married, so you wouldn’t have to walk this journey of life alone? Ask God to show you what He is teaching you through these moments/experiences. I would add, don’t forget to write down important turning points in the journey with God during these difficult moments– this helps to give you confidence and build your faith in God and one another during the next difficult time you get to endure together.
As you depend on God in these tough times, the three of you (God, husband and wife) will be strengthened and encouraged for the highs of life too. You will be 3 individuals working together and united as ONE. the commitment, a song of unity
Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
The only people who don’t have marriage issues are single people. I have said this many times throughout the years as friends and others have shared with me their hearts and sorrow when working to overcome marital concerns. a song that calls me to reconnect
Marriage takes time, commitment, patience, humor…tenacity. “Wait,” you might say, “you didn’t list love.” “Love, yeah, marriage definitely takes love, but, what do you believe love is,” I might reply. Is love a feeling that can be experienced and unexperienced – can you fall in and out of love? The dictionary defines love as both a noun and a verb. So a gut check question always is “how do I view love?”
Love is the only thing that endures (1 Corinthians 13). When everything in this world falls apart and ends…love will be the only thing left…what does it mean and look like then? In the thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, love is defined as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not self-seeking, not easily angered, doesn’t keep a record of wrong, does not delight in evil but is joyful in truth, protective, trusting, hopeful, persevering, never failing (noun and verb together always). So, another gut question…what kind of “love” are we making and extending to others? If these are the definitions of love, I have fallen short…everyday. Not without a hope of another chance to get it right, but, in all honesty, I fall short in genuinely and completely loving those around me. 1 John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. a song that reminds me what true love looks like
Back to marriage…the real topic of this particular post (although, “Love Making” sounds like a catchy blog post too – and I’m sure God will teach me some things to share).
While reading “Thriving Family” magazine (free I might add from Focus on the Family), there was an article about how to get “Closer to God and Each Other" by Dr. David Clarke. It reminded me of how I have described our marriage as “a marriage of 3.” (there are actually wall plaques and such with this sentiment too now) When Christians marry, they are representing Christ and His church. We represent the love, care and honor that Christ shows and His church is supposed to reciprocate. This article really clearly articulated ways to cherish, love and nurture a strong relationship with your spouse and God.
I’m simply going to paraphrase and share the wisdom:
1. Share Your Spiritual Lives: 30 minute couple talk times: share what God is doing in your life through His word, experiences with others, daily quiet times, etc. How you are applying scripture in your life – spiritual set-backs and victories.
2. Pray Together Regularly: jot down praises and prayers requests. List all kinds of things as you need: your marriage, children, friends, family, church, physical problems, job concerns, ministries/charities you love and want to support, finances, missionaries, people in your life who don’t know Jesus, neighbors – like other prayer times, list those things with which you want God to intercede, change and grow…all the while praising Him for the work He’s going to do and has done. (Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.) Prayer deepens conversation and leads you to a greater level of intimacy. It will be awkward and weird and difficult at first – like any new habit you are trying to make stick…this will be worth overcoming the awkwardness.
3. Depend on God in tough times: life is painful and overwhelming at times…isn’t that one of the reasons you got married, so you wouldn’t have to walk this journey of life alone? Ask God to show you what He is teaching you through these moments/experiences. I would add, don’t forget to write down important turning points in the journey with God during these difficult moments– this helps to give you confidence and build your faith in God and one another during the next difficult time you get to endure together.
As you depend on God in these tough times, the three of you (God, husband and wife) will be strengthened and encouraged for the highs of life too. You will be 3 individuals working together and united as ONE. the commitment, a song of unity
Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Eternal Friendships
Galatians 5:22, 23 (NLT) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against these things!
These verses are used in a variety of ways. They pretty clearly spell out the heart and action attitude of every believer and follower of Jesus Christ. If our lives do not reflect these attributes, there is refining work to submit to!
I’m going to reflect on these verses in how our relationships with friends can glorify our overall Kingdom work.
First, a prayer for all of us: Heavenly Father, pour into us Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Give each of us spiritual wisdom and understanding so we will grow in maturity, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ (Ephesians 4:13 (NLT). I pray our hearts will be flooded with light so we can understand the wonderful future You have promised us and the glorious inheritance You have called us to accept and pass on each day. Allow us to understand the great power, which raised Christ from the dead, that You have given each of us who believe You and Your son. Thank You for your authority over heaven and earth which You gave Your Son Jesus Christ for our benefit; that we as the whole Church body would pass on to benefit Your Kingdom. It is in Jesus’ name, who fills everything everywhere with His presence that we praise You. Amen.
When we keep to ourselves, we allow satan to gain a foothold to our lives. In godly friendships, we can safely bare our weaknesses, be strengthened and refined (Proverbs 27:17, NLT - As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend). Our primary Godly friendship is with God Himself – in that relationship, we are made complete and perfect while becoming perfected (Matthew 5:48, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Hebrews 10:14). He gives us all the equipping we need each time we meet and listen to Him.
After we are refreshed in our daily relationship with God, we can accurately reflect and share our Creator, Savior and Eternal Friend to our earthly friends both christian and non-christian. Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) states that if we walk with the wise we become wise but a companion of fools suffers harm. This does not mean that we cannot have friends who are unbelievers but our friends who have the most eternal potential and influence are people who strive to live and encourage us to live God’s way. We don’t need nor should we have friends who use us, wear us down, are jealous, talk disrespectfully or insult us or others, gossips about others or tries to get close to your spouse. If your friendship is godly, it will bear the fruit of Holy Spirit – He guides each of us to all truth (John 16:13-15).
Godly friends build you up, enrich your life and allow you to do the same for them. Trustworthy and faithful companions to talk to, pray with and offer help with small and big issues. Most importantly, a godly friendship will continually point you back to the standard of Christ and encourage you in ways to seek Him in all you do. The Power We Have As Friends, Friends Are Friends Forever - oldie but goodie
Galatians 6:2 (NIV) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV) I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
These verses are used in a variety of ways. They pretty clearly spell out the heart and action attitude of every believer and follower of Jesus Christ. If our lives do not reflect these attributes, there is refining work to submit to!
I’m going to reflect on these verses in how our relationships with friends can glorify our overall Kingdom work.
First, a prayer for all of us: Heavenly Father, pour into us Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Give each of us spiritual wisdom and understanding so we will grow in maturity, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ (Ephesians 4:13 (NLT). I pray our hearts will be flooded with light so we can understand the wonderful future You have promised us and the glorious inheritance You have called us to accept and pass on each day. Allow us to understand the great power, which raised Christ from the dead, that You have given each of us who believe You and Your son. Thank You for your authority over heaven and earth which You gave Your Son Jesus Christ for our benefit; that we as the whole Church body would pass on to benefit Your Kingdom. It is in Jesus’ name, who fills everything everywhere with His presence that we praise You. Amen.
When we keep to ourselves, we allow satan to gain a foothold to our lives. In godly friendships, we can safely bare our weaknesses, be strengthened and refined (Proverbs 27:17, NLT - As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend). Our primary Godly friendship is with God Himself – in that relationship, we are made complete and perfect while becoming perfected (Matthew 5:48, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Hebrews 10:14). He gives us all the equipping we need each time we meet and listen to Him.
After we are refreshed in our daily relationship with God, we can accurately reflect and share our Creator, Savior and Eternal Friend to our earthly friends both christian and non-christian. Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) states that if we walk with the wise we become wise but a companion of fools suffers harm. This does not mean that we cannot have friends who are unbelievers but our friends who have the most eternal potential and influence are people who strive to live and encourage us to live God’s way. We don’t need nor should we have friends who use us, wear us down, are jealous, talk disrespectfully or insult us or others, gossips about others or tries to get close to your spouse. If your friendship is godly, it will bear the fruit of Holy Spirit – He guides each of us to all truth (John 16:13-15).
Godly friends build you up, enrich your life and allow you to do the same for them. Trustworthy and faithful companions to talk to, pray with and offer help with small and big issues. Most importantly, a godly friendship will continually point you back to the standard of Christ and encourage you in ways to seek Him in all you do. The Power We Have As Friends, Friends Are Friends Forever - oldie but goodie
Galatians 6:2 (NIV) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV) I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
My body, My choice
1 Corinthians 6:18-20, (NLT) Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Every day, we have the choice to live for ourselves or live for Christ. "My body, My choice" and the ideas this phrase conveys is something I’m going back and forth on currently. I do believe that once you are a Christian – your life and body is no longer your own (and in truth, it never was). However, there are areas in this fallen world where it is necessary to have “ownership” of our bodies; to have the choice of what happens to us physically.
*I don’t know if it is so much back and forth as refining my conviction of the choices with which we really have control.
When this phrase is used to legitimize abortion, I have to admit, it doesn’t make sense to me. Anyone who has been pregnant can tell you that pregnancy – FROM THE BEGINNING – takes away your body being your own. Immediately, you do not feel yourself, your body is changing in chemical and physical ways to sustain the OTHER body within you and you are acutely aware that nothing about your body and life is for YOU ALONE for a long while (and in truth, will never be just about you ever again). This is not to undermine a girl's/woman's frustrations, fears and MANY other complications (compounded by the immediate surge of pregnancy hormones) that contribute to the whirlwind existence of an unplanned, unwanted pregnancy. I just don’t understand this phrase as a reason to take a life. If you have had an abortion, I am deeply sorry for your loss and everything you have lost that put you in the position to have to make such a wounding and life altering (yours and the baby’s) decision…this is not meant to heap more guilt or wound you further.
Flip it now…someone initiates touch and/or actions toward your body that are not wanted. Do you have a choice? Yes, you have a choice. As the caretaker of the temple of the Holy Spirit, you have the choice to keep your body safe, holy and set apart for God. I say safe – only as much as you have control over that. I know the wounding and shame of not being able to keep God’s temple “holy” and pure because of evil acts and sexual sins forced upon your/my body. I will repeat to you what I have to repeat to myself...it is not your fault that someone has abused you...just because you have the choice to say "no" does not mean you are to blame if someone doesn't listen or that you may have been too afraid to say "no" in the first place - evil does not get a pass just because you could not say "no" for any reason. However, that does not legitimize or rationalize any continued evil or impure acts I participate in by choice.
Further reflection, do we have choice over every day, healthy and normal touch? Again, I say yes. I say this because God created You (and me) wonderfully and fearfully in His image (Psalm 139:14 (NIV), Genesis 1:27 (NIV)) The bible says we are His handiwork and masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10, NIV & NLT). So again, I say, in ways our body is handled and cared for by ourselves and others is our CHOICE and we are given the privilege and responsibility to say (in some way) to others, “You may not touch me or treat me in ways that grieve the Holy Spirit or undermine God’s intention for my body and life.” We are also free to say, “I am not comfortable with what you are doing right now.” It is not “loving” to you or anyone else to allow your needs to be neglected or devalued. God’s temple – YOU and I – have the right to be cared for and loved in ways that God reveals is loving for us. Things may look normal for others but if you and I are uncomfortable, we can listen to God’s voice and share our feelings about what we want to happen to us. Anyone who loves you, will care about your feelings and help you heal from ways in which you might be uncomfortable with things that should be "healthy and normal."
No matter what ways that you (and I) have used or have been used that would grieve the Holy Spirit (and probably grieve you), Jesus has given a way of healing…a way back to the wholeness and purity He has always desired for every person He created. Jesus paid a great price to give us that privilege. He endured great evil (like many of us) in order to grant us power and choice over our bodies – so that they may be treated holy, special and be cherished, as the temple of our Creator.
Isaiah 53:5, (NLT) But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
*editorial note: I am still in the midst of a struggle over many of the ideas in this post…I probably have not said everything exactly the way I desire. Feel free to refine any where I have misunderstood scripture or life in general…this post hits close to home for many reasons. Feel free also to message me if I can pray for you if this post hits you in the gut like it has me. Song of a Hero, Song of Reminder from God
Every day, we have the choice to live for ourselves or live for Christ. "My body, My choice" and the ideas this phrase conveys is something I’m going back and forth on currently. I do believe that once you are a Christian – your life and body is no longer your own (and in truth, it never was). However, there are areas in this fallen world where it is necessary to have “ownership” of our bodies; to have the choice of what happens to us physically.
*I don’t know if it is so much back and forth as refining my conviction of the choices with which we really have control.
When this phrase is used to legitimize abortion, I have to admit, it doesn’t make sense to me. Anyone who has been pregnant can tell you that pregnancy – FROM THE BEGINNING – takes away your body being your own. Immediately, you do not feel yourself, your body is changing in chemical and physical ways to sustain the OTHER body within you and you are acutely aware that nothing about your body and life is for YOU ALONE for a long while (and in truth, will never be just about you ever again). This is not to undermine a girl's/woman's frustrations, fears and MANY other complications (compounded by the immediate surge of pregnancy hormones) that contribute to the whirlwind existence of an unplanned, unwanted pregnancy. I just don’t understand this phrase as a reason to take a life. If you have had an abortion, I am deeply sorry for your loss and everything you have lost that put you in the position to have to make such a wounding and life altering (yours and the baby’s) decision…this is not meant to heap more guilt or wound you further.
Flip it now…someone initiates touch and/or actions toward your body that are not wanted. Do you have a choice? Yes, you have a choice. As the caretaker of the temple of the Holy Spirit, you have the choice to keep your body safe, holy and set apart for God. I say safe – only as much as you have control over that. I know the wounding and shame of not being able to keep God’s temple “holy” and pure because of evil acts and sexual sins forced upon your/my body. I will repeat to you what I have to repeat to myself...it is not your fault that someone has abused you...just because you have the choice to say "no" does not mean you are to blame if someone doesn't listen or that you may have been too afraid to say "no" in the first place - evil does not get a pass just because you could not say "no" for any reason. However, that does not legitimize or rationalize any continued evil or impure acts I participate in by choice.
Further reflection, do we have choice over every day, healthy and normal touch? Again, I say yes. I say this because God created You (and me) wonderfully and fearfully in His image (Psalm 139:14 (NIV), Genesis 1:27 (NIV)) The bible says we are His handiwork and masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10, NIV & NLT). So again, I say, in ways our body is handled and cared for by ourselves and others is our CHOICE and we are given the privilege and responsibility to say (in some way) to others, “You may not touch me or treat me in ways that grieve the Holy Spirit or undermine God’s intention for my body and life.” We are also free to say, “I am not comfortable with what you are doing right now.” It is not “loving” to you or anyone else to allow your needs to be neglected or devalued. God’s temple – YOU and I – have the right to be cared for and loved in ways that God reveals is loving for us. Things may look normal for others but if you and I are uncomfortable, we can listen to God’s voice and share our feelings about what we want to happen to us. Anyone who loves you, will care about your feelings and help you heal from ways in which you might be uncomfortable with things that should be "healthy and normal."
No matter what ways that you (and I) have used or have been used that would grieve the Holy Spirit (and probably grieve you), Jesus has given a way of healing…a way back to the wholeness and purity He has always desired for every person He created. Jesus paid a great price to give us that privilege. He endured great evil (like many of us) in order to grant us power and choice over our bodies – so that they may be treated holy, special and be cherished, as the temple of our Creator.
Isaiah 53:5, (NLT) But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
*editorial note: I am still in the midst of a struggle over many of the ideas in this post…I probably have not said everything exactly the way I desire. Feel free to refine any where I have misunderstood scripture or life in general…this post hits close to home for many reasons. Feel free also to message me if I can pray for you if this post hits you in the gut like it has me. Song of a Hero, Song of Reminder from God
Monday, April 1, 2013
The Right Kind Of Sorrow
2 Corinthians 7:10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
Worldly sorrow also lacks the knowledge of love that Godly sorrow knows how to experience.
We recently have read the book of Jonah with the girls (per request). We did not read a glossy, picture filled version (of which we have a couple I think), we read the 4 chapters straight from the old testament. I LOVE that the girls are requesting to read the stories they have heard about in Sunday School and VBS and the glossy picture books straight from the Bible – going to the source is such a better way to get your information. They definitely remember the pictures from the glossy children’s books and like to compare the story with the pictures they remember (so there is a definite benefit to them). But it is fun that they are at an age they no longer need them and we get to go deeper with the story of how God used all the things that happened to Jonah for not only Ninevah’s salvation but Jonah’s as well (and, Mia noted, the men on the boat with Jonah).
No discipline or training should come without the knowledge of love and how to repent and avoid sin and its consequences in the future. Because of Jonah’s disobedience to the take the news of salvation to the people of Ninevah, the Lord allowed him to experience the full consequence of his decision (along with a lesson in how God’s love, discipline and salvation really works). He brought Jonah near death then saved him. The experiences in our life that look like the darkest and worst are sometimes God’s way of saving us from complete death and separation from Him. He might even let us get right at death’s door, only to show us the way back and display His love and care for us. (Read Jonah’s Prayer in Chapter 2). Praise In The Storm
No matter how “Godly” we think we are, we are only as “godly” as we are humble. We must be fully aware of our total dependence on God to fulfill our purpose, work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12, NLT) and be fueled by His grace and redemption to keep us from the sorrow of the past. He allows us to walk in the new joy of our presence with Him – He reveals to us (probably something we already knew but weren’t living) that He alone is God and that He alone has the power over death and life.
Like Jonah, we blatantly disobey and decide to act in defiance of God’s good and wise instruction. Jonah’s job was a prophet and he had become so proud that he forgot he was a human who could still sin, disobey and fall short of the glory of God. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of the God’s glorious standard (Romans 3:23, NLT). While Jonah was judging Ninevah for their sin and disobedience, God humbled him and opened his eyes to his own sin, brought him to a deep sorrow and revealed his continued need for salvation and redemption. Then, because of the redemption and salvation he received, he joyously shared the grace of God with others (this is what our response could be too if we allow).
In opening our eyes to our sins, God allows us to experience a sorrow that lifts us and brings us out of the death of sin and into life – were His joy, love and patience reside. A Song of Declaration
1 Corinthians 11:32 (NLT) Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.
Hebrews 12:8, 10b-13 (NLT) If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. …God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
Worldly sorrow also lacks the knowledge of love that Godly sorrow knows how to experience.
We recently have read the book of Jonah with the girls (per request). We did not read a glossy, picture filled version (of which we have a couple I think), we read the 4 chapters straight from the old testament. I LOVE that the girls are requesting to read the stories they have heard about in Sunday School and VBS and the glossy picture books straight from the Bible – going to the source is such a better way to get your information. They definitely remember the pictures from the glossy children’s books and like to compare the story with the pictures they remember (so there is a definite benefit to them). But it is fun that they are at an age they no longer need them and we get to go deeper with the story of how God used all the things that happened to Jonah for not only Ninevah’s salvation but Jonah’s as well (and, Mia noted, the men on the boat with Jonah).
No discipline or training should come without the knowledge of love and how to repent and avoid sin and its consequences in the future. Because of Jonah’s disobedience to the take the news of salvation to the people of Ninevah, the Lord allowed him to experience the full consequence of his decision (along with a lesson in how God’s love, discipline and salvation really works). He brought Jonah near death then saved him. The experiences in our life that look like the darkest and worst are sometimes God’s way of saving us from complete death and separation from Him. He might even let us get right at death’s door, only to show us the way back and display His love and care for us. (Read Jonah’s Prayer in Chapter 2). Praise In The Storm
No matter how “Godly” we think we are, we are only as “godly” as we are humble. We must be fully aware of our total dependence on God to fulfill our purpose, work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12, NLT) and be fueled by His grace and redemption to keep us from the sorrow of the past. He allows us to walk in the new joy of our presence with Him – He reveals to us (probably something we already knew but weren’t living) that He alone is God and that He alone has the power over death and life.
Like Jonah, we blatantly disobey and decide to act in defiance of God’s good and wise instruction. Jonah’s job was a prophet and he had become so proud that he forgot he was a human who could still sin, disobey and fall short of the glory of God. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of the God’s glorious standard (Romans 3:23, NLT). While Jonah was judging Ninevah for their sin and disobedience, God humbled him and opened his eyes to his own sin, brought him to a deep sorrow and revealed his continued need for salvation and redemption. Then, because of the redemption and salvation he received, he joyously shared the grace of God with others (this is what our response could be too if we allow).
In opening our eyes to our sins, God allows us to experience a sorrow that lifts us and brings us out of the death of sin and into life – were His joy, love and patience reside. A Song of Declaration
1 Corinthians 11:32 (NLT) Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.
Hebrews 12:8, 10b-13 (NLT) If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. …God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
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