Less Is More

"A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even tempered. Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent." Proverbs 17:27-28

"That's just how I am. If I'm thinking it--I'm going to say it!" How many times have we heard that remark or perhaps said it ourselves? Sounds very assertive, self-confident and independent doesn't it? According to the scripture though, that is an unwise attitude and one that can often get us in trouble. Proverbs 10:19 says, "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."

As we recently talked about at Women's Bible Study, we've all said things impulsively and the second the words left our mouths we knew we shouldn't have said them. How many marriages have been deeply damaged by thoughtless words spoken during times of pressure or frustration? How many friendships have been forever altered by gossip or hurtful remarks made as a result of misunderstanding? How many parent/child relationships have been scarred by angry accusations made during times of stress or struggle?

James 1:19-20 tells us, "...Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."

I'm still learning that my tongue so often has a mind of it's own and that I need to continually bring it under the authority of Christ. The good news is that the same tongue that can cause so much pain and heartache can also be a messenger of healing and restoration if we humbly lay it on the altar of surrender and brokenness. Proverbs 15:4a says, "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life..."

Some of the sweetest words the tongue can utter are, "I'm so sorry" and "I forgive you". It's never too late to allow God to fix situations and people who have been damaged by the tongue.

What A Job Description!

"But it is actually best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Counselor won't come. If I do go away, he will come because I will send him to you."
John 16:7

I love John chapter 16 because Jesus is showing himself to be exactly who he is--the loving shepherd, forever looking out for his sheep. He is about to step onto the most horrendous path that any of us could imagine. He is on his way to the cross--and he knows it. Being fully aware of that mission and preparing himself for all that will be asked of him, he wants to be sure his sheep are taken care of. He is telling and teaching his disciples (and us) about the wonderful yet mysterious Holy Spirit that he is sending in his place.

Beginning in verse 8 he begins to outline the job description, if you will, of the Holy Spirit. Let's briefly take a look:

1) He will convince the world of sin and of God's righteousness
and the coming judgment
2) He will guide us into all truth (vs. 13)
3) He will tell us what He has heard
4) He will tell us the future
5) He will bring glory to Jesus by revealing to us
whatever He receives from Jesus (vs. 14)

The Holy Spirit has been sent for our benefit. He is God in Spirit and He is with us and in us if we know Christ as our Savior. All of the things listed in His job description are the things He came to do for you.

Are you asking for the wisdom and direction of the Holy Spirit in all you do? He is here for you.

Retreat Reflections III - 4 Questions God Will Ask

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." 2 Chronicles 16:9a

This blog entry is the last in a brief series highlighting some of the issues we touched on at our Spring Women's Retreat. The last entry mentioned 4 questions God will never ask. This time we will briefly touch on 4 questions God will and does ask of each of us at different times:

1) Do you love me? (John 21:15-17)
2) Do you believe? (Mark 9:24)
3) Is this really what you want? (Proverbs 14:12)
4) Are you ready to let go? (Matthew 10:39)

As a student in high school, I discovered that my favorite teacher was an American History teacher who was always asking questions. I learned the most from him because he made me think and search and explore and ask why!

As one who enjoys teaching now, I often find the most effective way to get a point across is to ask questions and cause those I am teaching to search for the truth. When it comes to the issues of life and purpose and reality, there is only one truth - His name is Jesus. He said in John 10:10, " I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but through me." He never forced himself on anyone when he walked this earth. The same is still true today--God will never force himself on you. But he will ask you some very pointed questions in order to get you to think and search and explore. He doesn't even mind if we ask "why" but the answers may not always come when we think we need them. Psalm 18:30 says that His ways are perfect.

God is looking for committed hearts. Look at the 4 questions above and allow Him to ask them of you.

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim Elliot

Retreat Reflections II - 4 Questions God Never Asks

"My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." Isaiah 55:8-9

For those of you who did not get a chance to go on our Spring Retreat, we talked at one point about 4 questions that God never asks. Let me outline them to you briefly:

1) Are you comfortable?
2) What can I do to make you like me?
3) When would you like this trial to end?
4) Is this a good time to talk?

We all chuckled to ourselves as these were read but our laughter turned to reflection pretty quickly. Perhaps because we have all grown up in this western "me centered" society, we forget that God isn't concerned about our comfort, our wants and our priorities. He loves us too much to be distracted by such things. His main goal for all of us is that we would be made more like his Son Jesus. That can only happen as we allow Him to totally change the way we think. Romans 12:2 says, " Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is."

Next post we will look at some questions that God does ask us and how to look for the answers.

Retreat Reflections

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

What a wonderful week-end we had at our retreat! For those of you who could not make it and for others who read this blog, I would like to take the next couple of entries to highlight some of what we talked about regarding the fruit of the Spirit.

First, let me remind us that the wording in Galatians is "fruit" of the Spirit and not "fruits" of the Spirit. God's Holy Spirit actually blesses us with one giant "fruit" if you will, with many parts. We often think of getting some fruits and not others, but actually the Lord give us the whole package when we surrender ourselves to the working of His Holy Spirit. Some parts of the fruit, however, are more evident than others at certain times in our lives.

I believe that love is the first part of the fruit that is mentioned here for a reason. Love must be the foundation for all of the other parts of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that without love--we are nothing. Once we truly grasp just how much our Father loves us and receive that love from Him and others in the body of Christ, we are then in a position to be able to surrender and allow the rest of the fruit to work its way into our hearts.

If you sense you are missing peace--go back and check your love. If you aren't walking in joy--go back and check your love. If gentleness isn't evident in your walk--go back and check your love. 1 John 4:10 says,"...this is love, not that we loved Him but that He loved us and sent His Son... As we daily set aside time with God we are keeping that line of communication open that helps us receive all that He has for us and continually confirms to us how much He loves us. That's why the enemy fights so hard to keep us from spending time with the Lord. He knows what can happen when we know who we are in Christ and walk in His love.

Set aside that time today. Even if it's just 5 minutes it will be the best 5 minutes you spend all day.

No Cost Refi?

"...For I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing..."
2 Samuel 24:24

My husband have been considering taking advantage of the low interest rate offers for refinancing our home. After some considerable research, we came across a product that sounds pretty enticing. It's called a "No Cost Refi". Wow! Who could pass that up? No cost--really? Well, actually it does cost, just not up front. Still in all though, not a bad idea.

As often as I can, I try to see if there are any parallels to what is going on in the natural in my life to what God may be doing in the spiritual. So I asked myself, "What about a 'No Cost Refi' in my spiritual life"? Do I find myself "shopping" for the spiritual relationship that doesn't cost me much or for the church that doesn't ask much? Is bargain hunting a wise idea when it comes to spiritual things? Do I often approach my relationship with Christ like I do other areas in my life? Am I always looking for the best deal?

King David was a man after God's heart, not because he was perfect but because his heart was humble before God. He received correction, he desired to know God's will and maybe more than anything--he understood the meaning of sacrifice. In this passage, David was building an altar to the Lord in order to sacrifice and stop the plague on the people of Israel which his own sin had caused. Araunah the Jebusite not only sold David his threshing floor on which the altar could be built but also offered to give David the sacrifice as well. David knew this could not be. He could not make a sacrifice to the Lord which didn't cost him anything. You see, a sacrifice is not a sacrifice if it doesn't cost us something!

How expensive is your walk with Christ?

If Christ Did Not Rise

"...And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain." I Corinthinas 15:14

Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen! This traditional orthodox greeting will be heard in millions of churches around the world this Easter Sunday. It is known as the "Paschal Greeting" taken from the Latanized spelling of the Hebrew word "Pesach" or "Passover".

Many times we shrink back at the mention of the word tradition and quite honestly many traditions unfortunately become meaningless half-hearted attempts at going through the motions of some long forgotten ritual. But many others are timeless and powerful. The Paschal Greeting seems to be at the top of that list.

I love the directness of the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 15:14. He is basically telling those struggling Corinthian christians, "Listen up folks! If Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead, then my preaching is a waste of time and, by the way, your faith is a waste of time as well."

The resurrection is central to all that we are and proclaim to be as believers. It is the focal point for everything that we are and believe and do--it defines us!

Sadly, I must confess that I am so often defined by pride, worry, concern and frustration. This is an obvious sign that my focal point is so often--me. Forgive me, Lord. As a follower I am to reflect You to this hurting world.

There is beautiful old chorus that our church often sings at our Sunrise Service each Easter:

I live, I live because You have risen
I live, I live to worship You
Thank you, Jesus
Thank you, Jesus
Because You're alive, because You're alive
Because You're alive--I live.

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!