Loving Others to Life

In our last blog we talked about the importance of investing into others for the purpose of life transformation.

Concepts such as “discipleship” and “mentoring” have been buzzing around for awhile. Programs are developed; resources are produced; ministries are created – all in an effort to somehow reproduce favorable results.

Yet reality proves that people are different. No matter what “formula” we use to make discipleship “neat and effective” – we find that what works for one person doesn’t necessarily bring the same resultsin another.

If we turn to programs or formulas, rather than seek God’s personalized wisdom, we can miss tremendous opportunities to impact lives on profound levels.

The questions before us remain:

·        “Can I be a vessel God uses to love someone into their next stage of growth?”

·        “What does this person truly need to see about God; about themselves; about life in general in order to thrive in his/her current situation?”

·        “How can I ‘encourage them daily’ toward the goal of reaching their destiny in Christ?”

The level of personal sacrifice required to love someoneinto growth isn’t something we can package in a “one size fits all” program.

It takes deep intention to get to know them; to seek God on their behalf; to speak both words of comfort and words of challenge when appropriate. It takes endurance. It takes vision. It takes personalization.

It requires that the heart of God for that person be formed in us. In Galatians 4:19 Paul compares his passion for their growth to labor pains. It is no easy task, but the fruit is well worth the effort.

If the Kingdom of God resides in the hearts of man – it is only by releasing someone into the fullness of their destiny that we expand the Kingdom. It is all about fruit born in relationships not “programs”.

So who are you loving into their destiny? Can you identify those in whom God has called you to invest? If so, what is your vision for that relationship? How will you intentionally pour the life of Christ in you into that other person? Are you willing to pay the price? How will thiscause YOU to grow and develop along the way?

Less "How to" Books and More "How to" People

With countless resources available concerning personal growth, emotional health and spiritual development, we should be the strongest, healthiest, most empowered generation of all time. If ever the church should be walking in the fullness of the power and likeness of God – it would be now.

Yet, looking around, it seems people are just as unhealthy and “in bondage” as ever. Relationships are marked with strife instead of love. Lifestyles reflect worldly priorities instead of a Kingdom agenda. Many within the Body of Christ lack a passion for the things of God. Few have an accurate picture of who God wants to be for them, in them, and through them.

Could it be that information alone does little to ensure the transformation necessary to live out our destinies in Christ Jesus?

Paul writes, ^“After all, though you should have ten thousand teachers (guides to direct you) in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the glad tidings (the Gospel). So I urge you and implore you, be imitators of me” (1 Cor. 4:15 Amp.).

It seems we too abound in teachers but lack the fathers (and mothers) who willingly model Christ to us at an intimate level. Unlike teachers, who can easily tell us WHAT to do, fathers and mothers show us. They get into the trenches of our lives to help us define vision, work through obstacles, nurture us in times of struggle, and hold us accountable for our choices.

While Jesus himself taught to the masses, it is no accident that He invested the bulk of His energies into a small group of people who were willing to be shaped by Him. He was intentional to build strong connections with this group – allowing Him to freely speak into their lives. They were known by Him – and privileged to know Him at a much deeper level than the masses.

Today, we seem to have “ministry” backwards. We’d rather speak to the crowd – teach the masses. As a result we have a small impact on the many we lead.

Such a focus prevents us from making the kind of deep impact that will bring true transformation into the lives of others.  Transforming lives takes intention and commitment away from “ministry goals” and places them instead into “people development”.

While we cry out for revival in our land, we have forgotten that it is the fruit of our love that will reveal to the world that we belong to God. If our love is cold, if we neglect pouring our lives into one another – not programs – then we are missing the mark needed to spark revival.

I encourage you to be a “how to” person. Take time to intimately invest in the lives of those around you. Live in such a way others would want to imitate you as you imitate Christ.

 

Pursuing the Life You Desire

“Do you want to get well?” It must have been an awkward question to hear Jesus ask the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda (see John 5). After all, this man had been paralyzed for thirty eight long years. Who would want to stay in such a miserable condition?

Yet Jesus asks, “Do you want to get well?” The man explains why he isn't well. No one will help him into the pool. He is unable to overcome the obstacles of his circumstance. He is a victim of an unfortunate situation.

Surely he wanted to be well - after all, he had been waiting at the pool where the stirring waters could heal him. Yet, Jesus asks him all the same. Perhaps Jesus saw beyond what was presented. Did this man truly want a different life?

And so it is with us! We say we want a life that is somehow better than the one we are currently experiencing. We want a stronger relationship with God. We long for greater intimacy in relationships. We want a better career, more opportunities. We desire to have a greater impact on our children. We hope to make positive contributions to the world around us – and so on.

There are many situations we wish were different. Yet while we long for our circumstances to be changed, we refuse to deal with the one constant in all of them – ourselves. Just like the paralytic at the pool, as long as our solutions remain outside our control, we have plenty of reasons to settle for life as we know it while maintaining the pretense that we want something better.

For the paralytic to suddenly become well, he would have to be willing to face a whole new way of life. He would no longer be known as a helpless man. He would enter a world of new responsibilities. Even his relationships with others would be radically changed.

Likewise, if we hunger for the abundant life Christ promised, we’d better be willing to deal with the mindsets that keep us from becoming emotionally healthy and spiritually mature. We better plan to “work” at changing some behaviors that keep us in bondage. We’re going to need courage to confront our self-imposed limitations and excuses. There is a cost to be paid. It is here that many disciples turn back and settle for a life far below God’s intended plan. It is here that YOU must answer “do I want to be well?”  

So where are you on the journey to wellness and abundant living? Do you have a plan to create a different future? Or, are you wandering aimlessly through life simply “hoping” a magic genie will appear and make things better?

 

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.

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)

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!