ONLY ONE GETS FED

"There are many scholars who have read the Bible for information but have never entered into a fellowship with Jesus Christ. That reminds me of the difference between a woman who memorizes a menu at a restaurant and a woman who enjoys the food. Only one gets fed!”

Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God By Sharon Jaynes p. 16

I have obviously gotten behind on this blog—not for lack of ideas or for lack of great hints from others who spend time in God’s Word.

Sometimes life happens.

And sometimes, discipline doesn't.

But I couldn't let this passage slip by without sharing it. It reminds me of a young man whose parents told him to read a menu from right to left--prices first. His "enjoying the food" was somewhat limited. Not so with God's Word. We can enjoy it all!

What are you reading these days? Old Testament or New? Are you following a particular theme or working through a Bible Study? Are you finding yourself more informed, or transformed? Memorizing the menu, or being fed?

Ever Growing,
Lonnie

We Remember What We Ponder

"If you write down a verse or a passage that challenges or encourages you, and reflect on it often for a week or more, you will find it beginning to affect your motives and actions. We forget quickly what we read once; we remember what we ponder."

If you've never purchased a LifeChange Bible study by Navpress, treat yourself. The Bible study hints are worth the price.

The above hint is one Ray follows and follows well. Me? Not so much. Sitting still and quiet doesn't work for me. But I have found that when I tape Scripture verses to my bathroom mirror, they seem to find their way into my prayers. And I also find that when I get frustrated with, say, a co-worker, the Holy Spirit brings the verse to my rememberance.

I'm likely, in future blogs, to share some other hints from LifeChange. What hints for Bible study or Devotion times have you read about and hope to try? Or what have you tried that worked? Or didn't work?

Are you growing? Me, too?
Lonnie

LifeChange Series: Isaiah p.7

Impatient Gardener

" . . . the Word is a seed. Seeds are small and may be long dormant; seeds have to be hidden; and when they sprout, they are of slow growth.

"Because the action of God's Word is hidden and unobserved, we do not believe in its power. . . The Word I study . . . will work in me all I need, and all the Father asks." Andrew Murray*

When I plant a garden, I plant radishes for two reasons: 1) My husbands enjoys them. 2) They sprout and bear fruit quickly. Squash? That's a different story! I have to water, weed, and watch for 3 months. When I don't see edible fruit after 2 months, do I give up and pull out the plants? No. I wait . . . a little longer.

When it seems like our quiet times add nothing to our days; when we don't see changes in ourselves or in the world around us, we need to keep planting. We need to keep reading, praying and watching. God is working in ways we may not see.

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and WAIT IN EXPECTATION." (emphasis mine) Psalm 5:3 NIV

Always Needy--Ever Growing,
Lonnie

*Daily Experience With God
Andrew Murray (p.35-6)

Old Writers' Trick

Sometimes using Bible studies for my quiet times frustrates more than helps. I don't understand the author's question, let alone know how to answer it. And I wonder, if the point she is trying to make is important, why I can't get it. How does feeling dumb help me connect to, or feel closer to God? It doesn't.

Other times, I choose a book of the Bible to read from beginning to end. In doing so, I encounter nations far from my familiarity or people whose names I can't pronounce. And then, some Bible characters have 2 names. One day they are Jacob, another day Israel. One day Saul and the next day Paul. And isn't Saul the king that was trying to kill David? And isn't Paul my brother?

It feels like I'm trying to untangle a skein of yarn that's been through the spin cylce. HELP!

The last couple mornings, I've been in one of those places. This morning, I rejoiced to read questions that seemed to require straight-forward answers, and others that seemed to actually apply to my life.

So . . .

I determined to try an old writers' trick. I saved them.

Writers often sit down at their computer only to be overwhelmed with a blank screen. Where do I start? What was it I wanted to say? It's so easy to give up and walk away. But books and articles don't get written that way.

What some do is to stop mid-sentence the day before, or mid-paragraph, or in the middle of intense action. When they sit down the next day, they only need to continue.

This morning, I stopped at a question that I'll enjoy thinking about tomorrow. When I sit down, I won't face the "dumber than a bucket of rocks" feeling.

How do you get past boring? Difficult? Tired?
Share with the rest of us.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Lonnie

Time With God: Does It Change Your Day?

"Nowhere in the Bible do I get the idea that living life with Jesus is about a segment of my day.
"However, I have found that segment of my day [tent of meeting/focused time with God] to be critical. It fixes my focus on God and sets me up to spend the rest of my day with him."
Vince Antonucci*

Do you have time with God that fixes your focus for the day?

I wish I could say that I leave my quiet time with a Scripture verse to guide my actions and attitudes through the day. But, by the time I eat breakfast, get dressed, fix my lunch, and leave for work, most of what I've read or learned from my Bible Study is barely retrievable. And yet -- I feel different. I am a different person.

The crisis of oversleeping, for me, wouldn't be arriving late for work. It would be missing my fellowship with God.

When we go out of town, my #1 consideration is where and when I can have some morning time alone with God and His Word. Time in His Word satisfies, gives hope, and enables me to better cope with the demands and the people in my day. My quiet time helps me feel "connected" to the One who holds the galaxies in one hand and a newborn in His other hand.

Does having a Quiet Time (or not) make a difference in your day?
Enjoying God,
Lonnie

*I Became A Christian And All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt"
by Vince Antonucci

What's Working? What Isn't?

I expected a challenge, but . . . this week, I've just plain struggled! I get irritated with myself when I don't understand the deep principles that Beth Moore is trying to teach about the Tabernacle. I feel dumb . . . not a feeling I'm prone to enjoy.

But, I turned my quiet time around with this determination:

It doesn't matter if "I get" what Beth Moore is trying to say. It matters that "I get" what God is trying to say." God's Word . . . accomplishes what He desires. (Isaiah 55:11)

This morning, Christian radio became my invitation into God's presence. I often listen to music while I do my Bible study. However, it's usually distracting and I have to turn it off. This morning, I listened and worshiped along a few minutes "before" I began reading. What a difference!

What's working, and what isn't, in your quiet times? Let's encourage one another.

Ever Growing,
Lonnie

Any Suggestions?

My morning Bible study required that I read two chapters over again. Ugh!

I love God's Word. Why is that an issue? Because . . . it slows my pace. I'm goal oriented--all about completing. And I love learning. When I finish this study, I can start another one. And "that's" what a quiet time is about?

Though I'd kicked myself for buying another book, I became convinced that God had put this one by Andrew Murray in my path. Murray's words echoed the ones I'd been hearing in my heart.

"Christian, there is a terrible danger to which you stand exposed in your inner chamber of prayer. You are in danger of sustituting prayer and Bible study for living fellowship with God."

It's so hard for me to "settle in." I enjoy God's Word. He wants me to enjoy Him.

Any suggestions?

Ever Growing,
Lonnie

* Daily Experience With God
Andrew Murray (p.13)

What Do You Call Your Time With God?

One morning, a co-worker spotted me at the coffee shop. With books, journal, and Bible sprawled over the table, she asked, "Whatcha up to?" When I told her I was having a Quiet Time, she smiled. It had been a long time since she'd heard that term.

What do you call your time with God?

I think many, today, call their Bible reading time "devotions." Andrew Murray, in Daily Experience With God, shares other possibilities:

Quiet Hour
Still Hour
Quiet Time
Morning Watch

I love the last one. "Watch," to me, speaks of anticipation.

Do you come to your Quiet Time with anticipation?

I have to say, I struggle every single morning to rise before the rest of the family to have a "quiet" time. But once the coffee's hot and the Bible is open, I come with expectancy. What will God reveal of Himself? How will He speak to me of current circumstances?

I'm so looking forward to hearing from you. Share your struggles. Share your questions. Share your successes. Let's help each other.

Ever Growing,
Lonnie

Keep My Children Safe, Lord

My children's safety. I pray for it "daily." Mat rides bike every day -- rain, snow, ice, heat, and even on those occasional Minnesota-best-for-riding-bike-type days. April leaves home about 3:30 a.m. and let's just say, (and she would agree) we have different driving styles.

I still pray for their safety but my attitude is changing along with my prayers.

Jim Daly in "Stronger" writes about recording artist Danny Oertli. One night, Danny prayed for his adopted son Jack: "Lord, put a bubble around him and let nothing ever happen to this kid. Keep him safe emotionally and physically and spiritually."

One night, however, God caused Danny to remember struggles in his life -- times when Danny had nowhere else to turn but to God. In his memory, those are sacred times. "Danny realized," writes Jim Daly, "that he didn't want Jack to be safe. He wanted Jack to love Jesus."

If you had to choose, would you have your children safe or loving Jesus? That is SO tough!

God,
You know that, if it were possible, I'd spare my children every pain I could -- be it physical, emotional, financial, or relational. But God, like Danny Oertil, one of the times I felt You closest and one of the times Your voice seemed the clearest was when I was so broken I didn't know where to find the pieces. So God, I place the hearts and lives of my children in Your hands. There is no safer place for them to be. When they struggle and hurt and when confusion overwhelms, give them a heart to run to You. And let me, as a parent trust You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

How do "you" pray for your children? Marge shared that she prays for her chldren to forever walk with the Lord. Wow! That's a great place to start. Thanks Marge.

Forever Growing,
Lonnie

** Stronger by Jim Daly with James Lund (p. 99-100); David C. Cook Publishing 2010

Life Changing Gratitude

Did you know that a "Habit" of Gratitude . . .
1. Increases your natural antibodies
2. Is associated with healthier blood pressure and heart rate
3. Speeds healing for recipients of donated organs.
* Debbie Macomber (One Simple Act) quoting Stephan Post (Why Good Things Happen To Good People)

That's just a sampling of benefits and they're all physical. But they were enough to open my eyes and make my heart receptive to other possibilities.

"I just can't help but share," writes Ann Voscamp, "how life changing this gratitude experiment has been." (One Thousand Gifts p. 133)

Life Changing? That's what I needed. I determined to sweeten my spirit by beginning my own gratitude list. Voscamp began by listing 1000. I'm slightly past 500.

1. Working furnace . . .
30. Health . . .
45. Full Cupboards . . .
63. Faithful Husband . . .
64. Talented and Compassionate Children . . .
72. Wind. I Love the Wind! . . .
84. God's Word and Freedom to Read It . . .
92. Laughter . . .
101. Comfortable bed . . .
189. Cute (I mean Cute!) Grandchildren . . .
203. Friends . . .
225. Coffee Shops . . . and the neat people who work there . . .
300. Nature Trails . . .
350. Hugs . . .
375. Smiles . . .
538. (One of today's) Handwritten letters or notes, delivered by a mail person.

Life Changing?
I picture richer relationships,
deeper intimacy with God,
emotional healing,
melting bitterness and
changed environments at home and at work.
Can you think of other benefits? Have you witnessed some in your own life or in the lives of others?

I began seeing books on gratitude everywhere, and hearing radio programs with similar messages. One morning, I listened to an audio book about living a life of giving thanks. Besides sprinkling words like blessing and grace throughout the text, the author used research and scientific evidence to convince her audience that thanks-giving held great value. About three chapters in, she introduced chanting and meditation.

Like thanksgiving, meditation is a Biblical word and concept. But as this blog positions itself, discernment is needed.

To whom do we give thanks? James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from God.

On what do we meditate? Biblical meditation is not “emptying” our minds -- Biblical meditation is “filling” our minds. Psalms encourages us to meditate on God’s unfailing love, His works, His law, His wonders and on His promises. Now there, my friend, is something to lower your blood pressure, compliment your health and increase your sense of well-being.


Longing for a Sweeter Spirit and More of God,
Lonnie

P.S.
First Thessalonians 5 encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances, because it is God’s will for us. (Hmm. Thanks-giving isn’t always a response to what we already have; apparently it’s also an expression of trust.)

I Can't Do This Alone!

"'I can't do this alone,'" Lori cried out to God. "'It's too hard. If You're really there, then show me, and I will trust You.'

"Lori sensed an answer in the stillness.

"'Trust Me first--then I will show you.'"

(Strong by Jim Daly, p. 30)

This anecdote, even without your knowing Lori's circumstances, can stand all by itself. No Lonnie-comments needed.

I'd love, however, to read of a time when "you" knew you couldn't do it alone. Did you see first, then trust? Or trust and then see?

Immanuel: God With Us,
Lonnie

Holding God's Hand

"One of the joys of being with kids is holding their hands. We do it to keep them safe while crossing the street, or to keep them from getting lost in a crowd. And whenever they stumble and lose their footing, we grab their little hands tighter to keep them from falling.

"That's what God does for us . . . " (Joe Stowell/Our Daily Bread Journal/November 25)

The picture is beautiful . . . but the premise of my blog prompts me to ask, "Is it Scriptural?"

Let's begin with the "qualifier." Are we children? Children of God? We certainly have the opportunity to be so. You'll find an invitation in John 1:12:

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

"Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Romans 8:14

Are you a child of God?

You've been with people who answer a question with another question. Likewise, God's invitation asks us to respond with an invitation. We are to invite Him into our hearts and lives -- in doing so, we invite Him to call the shots. That can be scary, but we will never find a more loving Father, nor one who knows and acts upon what is the very best for us.

So, what about the hand-holding part? Does God keep us from falling? Can He really keep me from being consumed by covetousness, self-pity, or self-righteousness? When He sees me falling, will He grab my hand and hold tighter?

Scripture says, Yes, but . . . I have to let Him.

1 Corinthians 10:13 promises that "God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will provide a way out . . . " (a way of escape NAS).

"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy. . . " Jude 24

God, when you reach out to hold our hand. When it almost hurts because You are holding so tight, help us trust. Help us cooperate. Help us, Lord, to receive your Father-love.

Friend, if you need to see your Father smile, look up. He is.

Holding His Hand,
Lonnie

* All Scripture references NIV unless noted otherwise

Anchors or Rudders?

“You cannot change the past, but the past can change you; either for better or for worse . . . the past can be a rudder that guides you or an anchor that hinders you.”
Warren Wiersbe

Make a list of events and circumstances throughout your life. Then mark each one with A for anchor or R for rudder. You will see where God has already worked and where work still needs to be done.

My list might include: living on welfare, rejected articles, date rape, death of parents, spiritual abuse, not going to college or being able to send my children to college.

Your list will include different things: maybe child abuse or divorce; maybe alcoholism or a demotion; maybe job loss or foreclosure.

Allow me to highlight one of my experiences that has been both an anchor and a rudder. Welfare checks, low income housing and food stamps trashed my self-esteem, ended some relationships and prevented others. It certainly made self-pity the Lord of my life.

Once out of welfare, fear of that trial being repeated sat like a wrecking ball in my heart. I, at times, feared acknowledging a blessing or provision for fear that the very claiming of it would cause me to lose it.

On the other hand -- I've grown in compassion. I've come to enjoy gentle and intimate walks with God along man-made paths in the midst of God-made beauty. I've learned to "use" coupons, not let them use me to buy what I don't need. I'm relearning generosity, gratitude, and though slowly, I'm learning how to dream . . . to expect that God still has good (maybe even exciting) plans for my life.

Does Warren Wiersbe's quote from Chapter by Chapter (page 258) line up with God's Word? I think so. Joseph is an obvious example.

"And now don't be worried or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life . . . to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance." (Genesis 45:4-7 CSB)

Sorry for taking the easy one, but can you cite any other examples? If so, please share.

God, the miracle worker and heart changer, can turn any anchor into a rudder.

Being Changed By Him,
Lonnie

One Sentence!

"The thing I loved about Nadine was that I never felt like she was selling anything. She would talk about God as if she knew Him, as if she had talked to Him on the phone that day. She was never ashamed, which is the thing with some Christians I encounted. They felt like they had to sell God, as if He were soap or a vacuum cleaner, and it's like they really weren't listening to me; they didn't care, they just wanted me to buy their product." Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz p. 52

This week a woman shared, with tears in her eyes, how God used her polio stricken husband. When a man entered their church one Sunday, her husband asked the man if he came because he was curious or because he wanted to learn about Jesus. Fifteen years later, they received a letter. Because of the question the man had been asked on that Sunday, a future day found him accepting Jesus as his Saviour.

One sentence!

On our first visit to a church, the worship leader addressed the congregation as "Beloved." We've attended that church, now, for several months. And several times since, he has again addressed us as "Beloved." Every time, it brings healing to my heart.

One Word!

Imagine what God might be doing with the sincere words you speak!

What, in God's Word, encourages you to share Jesus in your most natural and genuine way? And to trust Him with the results?


Beloved and Growing -- How about you?
Lonnie

Judging The Needy

In Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller shares an eye-opening moment at a Safeway grocery store. When a lady in front of him pulled out food stamps, he was surprised. They looked more like money than stamps. Donald felt awkward and witnessed a similar awkwardness between the clerk and the woman. He wished he could buy her groceries, but was afraid that would cause even more embarrassment.

"The woman never lifted her head" Miller wrote,"as she organized her bags of groceries and set them in her cart. She walked away from the checkout stand in the sort of stiff movements a person uses when they know they are being watched."

Watched? You better know it. Are they spending "government money" (our tax dollars) appropriately?

I can still see myself standing in line with a cart of groceries, our new baby, and . . . food stamps. I can feel the eyes watching as my roast moved down the belt. "A roast on government money?" I imagined anyone nearby thinking. But that roast was my coping mechanism. I put it in the freezer to eat toward the end of the month when funds ran low. Welfare stinks! The roast gave me something to look forward to.

"I had come to believe that because a person is in need," Miller continued, "they are candidates for sympathy, not just charity. It was not that I wanted to buy her groceries, the government was already doing that. I wanted to buy her dignity. And yet, by judging her, I was the one taking her dignity away." (Blue Like Jazz p. 89-90)


There are people who "use" the system: People who have another baby or get divorced and still live together so the dependent mother can collect a check.

There are some who are homeless because they do drugs. And there are those who do drugs because they are homeless. That's how they cope.

Here's my question? Can we, by any means, give someone dignity? Or take it away? If so, how?

Was Donald "judging" this woman by wanting to buy her groceries? Or was he moved by compassion?

Would love to hear/see your thoughts.

Because . . .

I'm Forever Growing,
Lonnie

Secret Choices

One of my greatest hurts is when I've grown and no one noticed. In fact, when I've been rebuked in the very area I've grown in. I may have stretched mightily to engage in something social. I may have chosen to not be hurt so easily. I may have learned to rejoice with those who rejoice -- when envy or covetousness would have been my previous response. I might have learned to do those ugly tasks (home or work) without grumbling, judging or feeling sorry for myself.

Much of that hard work is done in the closet of our heart. That place where only God sees.

I've been on both sides of this problem. My daughter has made incredible progress in an area of her life and "I" have been the one to rebuke her when she slipped up.

You've been there. I know. It hurts, doesn't it?

Linda Dillow, in Calm My Anxious Heart, writes something she heard God saying to her: "Linda, make secret choices that will honor Me. Though no one sees your choices or knows how difficult they are, make them for Me." (p. 32)

What secret choices have "you" made? Have you been corrected when you felt you should have been complimented? Know this: God Sees.

Others do too. Sometimes, when we get new glasses or change our hair style, others know something is different but just can't put their finger on it. So it is with your growth and mine.

When you experience a victory in one of those tough areas, share with a friend so that you have someone to celebrate with. And keep on making those "secret choices" that "will" honor God.

Growing Along With You,
Lonnie

But . . . We Get There

Having taken a day trip, my husband and I parked on a college campus to sneak a nap before our walk along the river. It was Labor Day and we wondered if every student had been given a pre-assignment to jog. We watched as some ran solo and some in pairs. Groups of eight or more blocked the path as they chattered and ran en masse.

One trio of girls lumbered down the blacktop path, looking as though they’d never run before. They just didn’t look comfortable in their own shoes.

Guys, especially, ran so fluidly that their strenuous exercise seemed effortless.

While some runners lifted their legs high, others sloughed along, their feet barely leaving the pavement.

Each runner possessed his own style, but they all got there. They all left point A and arrived at point B . . . some exhausted and fighting for breath—others barely challenged.

BUT THEY GOT THERE.
As the Body of Christ, we do things differently, too . . . whether it’s the way we share our faith, worship, fast, teach or study our Bible. We serve differently, too—even when the ministry could be called by the same name. Some practice hospitality “in” the church, greeting regulars and welcoming newcomers. Some families take others home for lemonade or lunch. Coffee-lovers may meet body-members at a java-joint, or at a favorite restaurant. And still others invite conversation via a walk or some other activity.

WE ALL DO IT DIFFERENTLY, BUT . . . WE GET THERE.Can we learn from others? Absolutely! Do we need to imitate others to be effective? No.

We’ll be most effective by being ourselves and by growing in the way God created us to be.

Enjoy the Lord. He enjoys you.

Lonnie

Purses and Personalities

“The truth be told,” Patsy Clairmont writes, “ I’ve fallen on stage more than once (the last time it was in front of sixteen thousand people, I might add), and do you know what happened? I got up again.”

And so it is with this blog. Life happens and I lose my discipline, but I’m not giving up.

I’ve heard it said that you can tell a lot about a woman by the contents of her purse. Well, a few people sipping dark roasts or lattes became privy to my personality. For my purse, not my brew, spilt all over the floor. Money didn’t roll. Nor did feminine products spill forth (Age “has” its advantages.) What rolled across the aisle, preventing people from getting to their chosen table, were pens – at least a dozen with various ink colors. My personality was exposed: I write. I must have pens. What if the first three I try don’t work? Besides, I am easily bored; I need variety.

My Bible could have thumped to the floor, but I’d already taken it out and was using it. “Don’t break your arm,” I hear my mother say, “from patting yourself on the back.”

Speaking of mothers, there was a day in high school when Mom told me I needed to be careful what I carried in my purse. “You could be embarrassed,” she warned. Indeed! It sounded like someone had already evaluated the contents for me . . . letters to and from classmates, poems about my latest crush. The true me, exposed in living-blush.

More recently, a backpack served as my purse. I hung it over my shoulder while I checked my baggage at the airport. “Oh, no. My I.D. is in my suitcase.”

“You won’t need it,” the clerk assured me.

Right I didn’t need it. That’s why I was publicly frisked. That’s why they swabbed the inside of my pack and emptied it of everything within.

“You’re going to hate yourself,” the full-figured woman in official uniform told me.

The contents of my bag flashed before my imagination. I don’t do drugs. I don’t pack firearms. What could she possibly have found?

She lifted a small card from an outside pocket – my driver’s license – my needed I.D.!

So what’s in your purse? Backpack? Computer? Glove box? Car trunk? Lunch?

If it spilt out, would you be embarrassed? Would your personality come marching out in blush tones? Or would the contents surprise no one? Would someone lightheartedly say, "That's the person I know. I'd expect nothing different than a collection of coffee shop loyalty cards . . . a New Testament . . . a pack of credit cards . . . a complete make-up kit . . . pictures of her husband and children . . . three kinds of gum and a chocolate bar."

The Bible tells us that our mouth speaks from what our heart is full of. What does it say of purses?

Is The Bible Enough?

I'm reading plenty of books, but the most facinating is The Bible. Lonnie

I asked my husband recently, "Is the Bible enough? Should we need any more than that to understand God's instructions to us?"

For a week (or more) I've been in Titus. Not the whole book, mind you. Only the first five verses. I don't know about you, but I usually slide past introductions to get right into the meat -- the real lesson. Not this time. Circled P's in my Bible and journal indicate prayer. This morning, my circled P was followed by, "I'm curious God. Is there a reason that You have me here?

I tried to gain what I could via cross-references and rereading. When I finally succumbed to commentaries, I asked, "Why didn't I see that?"

"Titus, like Timothy," says HarperCollins Bible Commentary," is described as a 'loyal' child, in deliberate contrast to the rebellious people disrupting the church." I'd read the description of Titus and of the Cretans, but I didn't catch the contrast.

Likewise, the Life Application Bible helped me see why Paul, in the first verses of Titus, tells his readers that God does not lie. A few verses later he writes that Cretans are well-practiced in lying. Again, I missed the contrast, but was grateful that someone brought it to my attention. Paul wanted his audience (then and now) to know that the Word of God is absolute truth, and not to be taken lightly.

So, I have to ask again: Is The Bible Enough?

Several thoughts are flashing through my head. Please add yours to mine.

The Bible. . . plus the Holy Spirit. (He teaches and counsels. John 14:26)
Bible . . . plus the Body of Christ. (He has given us teachers and pastors . . . some write; some speak and many do both. Ephesians 4:11)

" . . . the Bible is meant to be interpreted within the context and accountability of faithful community."
Forgotten God by Francis Chan, p.29


If the Bible is all we have, it will be enough. Having pastors and study helps is a tremendous blessing AND a tremendous responsibility. Men are fallable and opinionated. Sometimes people (even educated ones) are WRONG. We must discern.

A pastor told us once, that anything beyond the text is man's thoughts. Commentary is below the line, and while helpful, it is not inspired.

My thought is that the root word of commentary is "comments."

But . . .

the final Word is this: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Ever Growing,
Lonnie

Glory and Compliments to Whom?

"Is it possible for us to do incredible things for the kingdom yet have people give the glory to God rather than to us? Has this ever happened to you? Or do people praise you for your good works?

"When the Holy Spirit truly moves, God is the one praised."

This quote from Francis Chan takes me back to my first years as a Christian, and yet travels across 40 years to today.

In my early twenties, I read, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 KJV) With all the enthusiasm of a new Christian, who wanted everyone to know the Lord, I began to engage in good works. It wasn't until years later that I realized I'd missed half the verse . . . the most important half. Being thoughtful and generous might cause people to think well of me. But without the light, they wouldn't see God. It was unlikely that anyone would come to a saving knowledge of the Lord.

I began to let the presence of Jesus show in my life. I used words like God, prayer, church or blessing. If friends, family, or co-workers saw peace, hope, or generosity in my life, I wanted them to know Who the source was.

I've since become a writer. Editors hold certain requirements for writers who desire to be published. Should I 'desire' to be published, or is that pride? The audience of a magazine is more than I, alone, could encourage to seek God or read their Bible. But . . . do you see the conflict? How do I pursue excellence without slipping into pride? How do I accept the gift without accepting the glory and compliments along with it? How does a pastor, teacher, worship leader, or Christian musician?

My only solution, so far, is to pray for dependence on God.

An editor, who had accepted one of my stories, asked me to consider a list of stories she still needed written. I was so honored! It felt like a confirmation of my calling to write. I was excited -- and scared. What if I disappointed her? What if she sent the dreaded rejection? Would she ever ask again?

I had to put it all in God's hands. I had to trust He would help me write. I had to trust that a rejection from an editor was not a recall of the gift God had given me. Dependence would be a constant reminder of where the glory belonged, but I hated it! I hated reaching that point in my story when I didn't think it was possible for the pieces to come together. I hated rereading and rewriting and thinking it was the dumbest idea, dumbest story ever. I'd tell God, "I can do this with you. I cannot do it without You. Please help me to go forward or help me to lay it down."

I had four stories accepted that year. Sometimes, the editors printed it just as I sent it. Other times, they changed fairly large portions. One time, they totally rejected the story. Their reasons were absolutely right.

In all honesty, I read some of my published articles and stories, only to check my original copy. Sometimes, I can't believe I wrote them. And, while I enjoy the compliments and praise of men, I love that Almighty God has used my hand to reach others.

I continue to pray for myself and other wordsmiths: "God help us pursue excellence without slipping into pride."

What has God called "you" to do? What do you do to make sure you have enough encouragement to go on and yet still allow God to receive all the glory due Him?

Still Growing. How about you?
Lonnie

* Forgotten God
by Francis Chan and Danae Yankowski
David C. Cook, 2009
p.87