What is True Christianity?

We have made Christianity a religion that says “follow Jesus and you will find a life of comfort, convenience and worldly blessings”. This is NOT the gospel of the Kingdom. In fact, Jesus makes it clear that there is nothing comfortable about following the Way.

Do you truly desire intimate fellowship with the Living God? We are quick to say “yes”, but even Jesus tells us in Luke chapter 14 to count the cost. He warns us that “those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples” (v33). Realize He is not just referring to our willingness to give up material possessions. He includes relationships, positions of respect and power, even our very “reputation”.

Again, do you really desire intimate fellowship with the Living God? Are you willing to let Him examine the depths of your soul and reveal to you those “things” you still value more than Him? Are you willing to let Him strip you naked of those competing interests?

These “things” aren’t necessarily evil in and of themselves. It could be your desire for a healthy marriage, a meaningful job, enough income to make ends meet, a strong relationship with your children, respect from your colleagues, respect in your church, or physical well-being and safety. Yet any one of these desires can hold a higher position in your heart than fellowship with God.

At times, we want to “use” our relationship with Jesus as a possible means to get these desires. We think, if I pray more; if I am more faithful in giving and service; if I read the Bible more, then maybe God will “grant me the desires of my heart”.

The only way to loosen the hold these “desires” have over our hearts and motivations is to walk the way of the Cross. By willingly surrendering our lives to the One who loves us beyond measure, we experience true victory. This victory is not a deliverance from circumstances - it’s the delight in our soul that remains despite the circumstances. This only happens when our greatest delight, our highest goal, our “pearl of great price” is communion with God.

Again, victory is not deliverance from our circumstances, its deliverance from our condition - the state of our flesh that values the “blessings of God” above communion with God.

When you value any of these things more than God Himself, you will not allow Him to be Lord over the outcomes - you will wrestle for control. You will become a slave to the lesser things of this life.

Jesus makes it clear, to be His disciple you must be willing to surrender it all. It is the only way these desires will lose their power over you. We must be willing to leave the cares of this world behind and enter into ever-increasing communion with Him - allowing Him to truly be God over every circumstance in our lives. That is the Way to abundant life. It’s costly, it’s messy, it’s even painful at times, but it is worth it!

Finding Joy that Lasts

"Joy" is a powerful fruit of the spirit. In fact, the joy of the Lord is our strength.  When our joy is rooted in relationship with Christ (not our circumstances), we overcome life's difficulties by remaining confident in God’s heart to work all things for good.

So how do we cultivate the fruit of lasting joy? Joy is produced in the soil of gratitude and praise. Thanksgiving and worship are keys to joy. We manifest a joyful spirit when our primary focus is God and His blessings.

The trouble is few of us take time to reflect on the "goodness" of the Lord. We fail to let his praise be continually on our lips.  Instead, we are too busy complaining about everything we don't like. This produces the fruits of bitterness, depression and negativity - not joy!

No matter what we are going through in life, there is always a reason for thanksgiving. Everyday offers a multitude of opportunities to thank God and praise Him for His goodness. If we look for them, we will find them.

The following exercises can help you cultivate "an attitude of gratitude and praise". Have a trusted family member, friend, or leader hold you accountable for your progress. Soon you will find it natural to live in unshakeable joy.

1. For one week - track the number of times you complain, whine or argue with God about your circumstances. This will help you see just how much negativity influences you. Repent and make a decision to praise God instead.

2. Train yourself to speak praise to God when tempted to complain instead. Invite Him to open your eyes to see things from a new perspective.

3. Create a "thanksgiving list". Every night journal a minimum of 10 things you are thankful for - do not repeat anything on your list.

4. Practice expressing gratitude to others throughout the day. Do not take another’s kindness for granted.

5. Think about 3 people who have had a positive impact on your life - write them each a detailed letter of appreciation.

6. Reflect upon a difficult circumstance in your past - journal how God has been able to bring good about as a result.

7. Tape up poster board in a common area of your home - invite others to write something they are thankful for on the board. See how many you can list as a family.

8. Share a personal testimony of God's goodness with others.

9. Write a song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.

10. Memorize and meditate on Scriptures concerning thanksgiving and praise.

The Fine Art of Communication

Ah, communication – that vital ingredient in all relationships. Done well, it can form bonds of greater union and cooperation. Done poorly it becomes a destructive weapon that can rip apart relationships and the very soul of another human being.

Communication is a tricky venture. While we often think of communication as speaking, words only account for about 7% of our “communication”. In fact, non-verbal clues such as body language, eye contact and tone “say” much more than our words. If body language conflicts with verbal language, the receiver is more likely to believe the non-verbal message. Thus eye contact, leaning into a conversation and an occasional attentive nod of understanding are important tools when communicating.

Another potential for frustration in the communication process stems from the simple fact that we all process words and their meanings through personal filters. We assume the receiver should understand our message exactly as we meant it, but this is rarely the case. The receiver processes your words and non-verbal clues through his or her own personal filter. That filter is based on similar experiences in his/her past. As a result, he or she may conclude that you meant something that you actually didn’t say. This is especially true when the receiver assigns feelings and motives to a message sent by the communicator.

Because communication has the potential to be so “messy”, skills such as active listening, reflection, and clarification are crucial when seeking to increase understanding, intimacy and cooperation.

Active listening requires us to give the sender our undivided attention. It means laying aside our own desire to formulate a response, assume we understand, or shut down the communication process. Authentic active listening can be one of the greatest demonstrations of love. It shows the other person that you care about their heart and their thoughts. It suggests a desire to genuinely “know” them.

Reflection refers to the ability of the receiver to speak back what s/he heard. The goal is to make certain that the correct message was received. In a sense, it is like mirroring back what you have heard said. The emphasis is on content of the message, but it is here that the receiver may also seek to identify the feelings and motives of the communication. (What was the intent and/or desired outcome?)

Finally, clarification allows the receiver to follow up with any relevant questions to ensure s/he has heard both the content and the intent behind the communicator’s message. This requires patience on the part of both parties, particularly in emotionally intimate relationships. Often we hear the words, but not necessarily the heart, behind them. In order to provide a “safe environment” for vulnerable communication, we need to refrain from judging, attacking, assuming, and belittling while working toward understanding, appreciation and ultimately love.

Learn more about other ways you may be sabotaging your communication.

Trained to Handle God's Word

 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” - 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV).

 “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth” - 2 Timothy 2:15 (Amplified).

If Paul is encouraging Timothy to correctly handle the word of truth, then there must be incorrect ways to handle it as well. In fact, Paul mentions one wrong approach in verse 14 where he tells Timothy to warn believers against quarreling over words.

Sadly, many American believers are not even equipped with a “basic training” level when it comes to observing, interpreting and applying the word of truth. Few are genuinely familiar with Scripture. Instead, they settle to be spoon fed by leaders they follow. Rarely is there an emphasis on training disciples how to encounter God through the Word for themselves? Who wants to take the time to do that! It’s much easier to let someone else tell us what to believe, why, and how to apply it.

Of course, we have our favorite verses and our pet doctrines. We may even be quite skilled out spouting out verses that support our positions and refute “the opposition” (usually other denominations within His body). It doesn’t matter how these verses fit within their original context or the whole counsel of God. We just use them to argue against those “false teachers” we are convinced “do the devil’s works” and lead people astray. (Funny, that’s what Jesus was accused of doing in His day)!

The word of truth was never meant to be a weapon against other believers. It is only meant as a weapon against demonic forces – those powers that would have us believe and live contrary to God’s revealed truth. The Word must always be coupled with the Spirit which operates from pure motives and sincere love. It then confronts the true enemy of God’s people. I can’t help but wonder what would happen if we spent more time “battling in the heavenlies” instead of arguing or knit-picking with each other!

“But what about deception,” you might ask, “isn’t there a place to speak up”? Oh, absolutely. Bringing correction and even rebuking has its place, but it also has its methods, motivations and discernments!  We must have confidence that, although we are warned about many false teacher, false prophets, false shepherds, etc., God is extremely capable of keeping His own. Those who genuinely want to know truth will find it because they are seeking HIM with all their hearts! Therefore, when we do speak, let it be God ordained and backed with His power!

For believers, God’s word is a surgical instrument – piercing and cutting away “the flesh” that is yet to be submitted to His Lordship. It is a lamp, guiding us into his truth. It is a beacon, calling us into times of fellowship where we can learn of Him when our hearts are truly open to know Him more.

In closing, keep in mind that even the demonic realm is aware of God’s word. Satan is seen misquoting and twisting Scripture. Furthermore, the religious leaders in Jesus’ day “searched the Scriptures” but missed the Savior whom those very Scriptures discussed. It is my hopes that as disciples, we will begin to hunger for the word of God like never before in my generation.

I pray we will get trained to accurately handle the word of truth. I hope that we will grow from dependence on church leadership and learn to feed from God directly. May our leaders train us how to discover God through His Word, may it become foundational within our churches. 

NOTE: Coaching and training services offered through The Soul Care Center can help you grow in your ability to encounter God through Scripture study, prayer, journaling, service, etc. Our passion is to equip the Body of Christ!

Knowing Who You Are In Christ

Bold, Powerful “I Am” Statements from the Word of God

1. I am wonderfully and fearfully made by a Holy God. (Ps. 139:14; Is. 17:7)

2. I am God’s workmanship – His masterpiece. (Eph. 2:10)

3. I am made in the image of God Himself – Christ, the hope of glory, dwells in me. (Gen. 1:26; Gen. 9:6; Col. 1:27)

4. I am thoroughly and completely forgiven. I stand clean and innocent before my God. (Acts 10:42-43; 1 John 1:9; Is 43:25-26; Ps. 103:12)

5. I am redeemed by God – called by name (Eph. 1:5-8; Is. 43:1)

6. I am a new creation - the old life is gone! I am being renewed and becoming like my creator. (2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 3:10)

7. I am greatly loved by God. I am His child. (1 John 3:1-2; Rom. 8:14-15)

8. I am an heir of God and co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17; Gal. 3:29)

9. I am one of God’s people, a member of His family. (Eph. 2:19-20;       Eph. 3:15)

10. I am blessed in the heavenly realm with every spiritual blessing. I am chosen to be part of a royal priesthood, a holy nation set apart for God.     (1 Peter 2:9; Rev. 5:10; Eph. 1:3-4)

11. I am God’s - I belong to Him. I am committed to do good works (Rom. 1:6; Titus 2:11-14

12. I am His treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5-6; 2 Cor. 4:7)

13. I am chosen by God and sealed by His Spirit. (Eph. 1:11-14; 2 Thes. 2:13-14)

14. I am the apple of His eye – He delights in me! (Ps. 17:8; Deut. 32:10)

15. I am precious to God. I am being built into a spiritual house. (1 Peter 2:4-5; 2 Cor. 5:12)

16. I am a temple of the living God. (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16)

17. I am a participant of the divine nature – God lives in me. (2 Peter 1:3-4; 1 John 4:12)

18. I am full and complete - lacking nothing. (Col. 2:9-10; 2 Peter 1:3)

19. I am the righteousness of God. I am His ambassador. (2 Cor. 5:18-21; Heb. 11:7)

20. I am free. (Jn. 8:36; Gal. 5:1; Rom. 8:2)

21. I am healed, whole and sound. (1 Pet. 2:24; Mk. 10:52; Act 3:16)

22. I am more than a conqueror. I am led forth in victory. (Rom. 8:37; 1 Cor. 15:57)

23. I am a trained soldier, a warrior for Christ. (2 Tim. 2:3-4; 1 Cor. 9:7; Ps. 18:32-42)

24. I am the fragrance of Christ. (2 Cor. 2:14-15)

25. I am a member of His body. I am wanted and I am significant. (1 Cor. 12:27; Rom. 12:4-5)

26. I am a citizen of God’s Kingdom. (Heb. 12:28; Phil. 3:20)

27. I am sent by God. (Jn. 20:20-23; Rom. 10:15; Mt. 29:16-19)

28. I am light in the darkness. (Mt. 5:13-16; Eph. 5:8)

29. I am a friend of God, chosen by Him and appointed to bear good fruit that lasts. (Jn. 15:15-16)

30. I am His radiant bride. I am without spot or wrinkle. (Eph. 5:25-32;        2 Cor. 11:2)

Stop Selling Sex to My Children

Parents, what are we doing? Why do we sit back and silently watch our kids be bombarded with unhealthy images of sexuality? No place is safe.

It comes through the television, the internet and the movies. We couldn’t even take our kids to see “Courageous” without exposing them to previews with explicit sexual content.

Drive down the road and, unless you blindfold your children, they will encounter billboards and signs emphasizing sexuality. Whether in pictures or in words, advertisers try to persuade us (and our children) that we should covet a sexy appearance.

But perhaps the most irritating location for all this demonic garbage is the grocery checkout line!

This mom happens to have two daughters and a son. Now there is already a lot being said about young girls and body image. Girls flaunt their sexuality at a much younger age. Our culture sells them on the idea that their value depends on how much a man wants them. There is something very wrong with this picture.

Why would we ever want to encourage our daughter to “take pride” in being a sexual prize? Decades ago women with this type of focus would have received at least a measure of scorn and disapproval. Today, it’s not only acceptable, it’s glorified.

As a result, I have spent many a night telling my girls how important it is to remain modest in dress and appearance. I am all for a fit body and a desire to look nice. However, when it crosses the line of flaunting sexuality, it’s time to speak up.

Surprisingly, however, I am equally disgusted by the impact this exposure has on my son. When he was as young as five he would point at magazine covers and say it was wrong for the woman to be so – well, undressed.

Now that he is older, I worry about him glancing over and reading some of the article titles that cover a wide array of sexual content.

Perhaps the issue really hit home when he came to me stating his new favorite bible verse was  Ps 119:9 “How can a young man keep his way pure”. This boy is only eight. But the truth is, our whole culture is dead-set against our men keeping their way pure. We set them up for failure, and generations suffer the consequences.

As parents, we must take an active stand against the pollution that seeks to harm and ultimately destroy our children.

We may not be able to change industry trends, at least not overnight. But there are practical steps each one of us can take to begin to turn the tide against the promotion of impurity and immorality. Parents please, step up and do all you can to protect your children. We cannot afford to remain passive.

The Kids Are Gone - It's Time to Get Stuff Done!

I have this love/hate relationship with writing blogs. I truly enjoy writing, at least when it flows without much effort. But putting an expectation that I write on a regular basis – well, that just feels like plain work!

You see, as a mom, I have a very narrow window of time to sit down and put my thoughts “on paper”. Needless to say, the moment the kids are gone the first thing I find myself asking is “what do I need to do” or “what should I get done”? It is usually then that I tell myself to write. Talk about pressure.

Today, the Lord challenged me. He asked me what made me think that I was supposed to “do” anything. Maybe all He wanted was for me to sit still for a few moments and be with Him: undistracted; un-hurried; with no agenda but to love Him.

Well, wouldn’t you know that within moments my phone went off? Seems a dear sister was having a similar struggle. She wasn’t sure she could just be still. (Don’t you love confirmation?)

We often forget that our first ministry is TO Him. This is not to be confused with ministry FOR Him. God hungers for relationship with you. He doesn’t seek you so you will do stuff for Him. He seeks you so you will experience His love and pour it back to Him in humble adoration.

He longs to know you as you share your heart. He longs for you to know His.

How easy it is to get caught up in a flurry of activity? Yet if we have surrendered our lives to Him, this also means He gets to set the priority of how we spend our time.

This is not to say that there is never a time to “do” for the Lord, for our families, etc.

 But Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom”! This only happens when we set our hearts on a pilgrimage to meet with God.

Before you fill your schedule with “to do” lists; goals; and activities – determine if you are really surrendered to God’s will. Is it okay if He calls you to “be still” and just sit with Him instead?

His delight is already in you – you don’t need to perform. You don’t need to be anxious about what does or doesn’t get done.

You simply need to be with Him, and then walk in obedience. He is a capable leader!

One action that originates from abiding in His will is worth more than a million actions done from your own effort!