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

Weary Conscience

"A gardener who works in an evangelical conference center tells how, during the first two or three days of a conference, Christians are keen to obey the signs that say, 'Do not drop litter.' They go out of their way to carry unwanted paper to the litter bins. After four or five days have passed, however, he finds that people get tired of looking for the bins and hide their unwanted paper under the bushes. They have enough conscience to hide the paper, but not enough to get rid of it." *

OUCH!

I can't help but think of a night in my retail days. Two clerks to watch three shop-lifters created a challenge. One young girl engaged my co-worker in looking at jewelry pieces in a glass case. Two other preteens took off in different directions. I tailed one, until she turned and asked, "Are you following me?"

"Experience tells me I need to."

"Experience? Who's that?" :-)

The young girl knew she was doing something wrong or she wouldn't have checked behind her to see who was watching. She had apparently been told that stealing was wrong. I wonder how many times.

I wonder how many times we've been told via God's Word, a sermon, a friend, or someone in leadership that we need to take care in what we watch, read, eat, do, or talk about. I Timothy 4:1 speaks of a seared conscience, one that's been rendered ineffective or disabled. If I were to paraphrase, I'd define a seared conscience as one that's been persistent to a point of weariness and finally given up. But who wants to be hassled by persistent conviction?

When I'm angry and enjoying my anger, or when I'm prone to entertain bitterness rather than forgive . . . when returning hurt for hurt seems the "right" way to go, one thing and only one thing edges me toward repentance.

I need God.

His Word says that He doesn't hear our prayers when we regard wickedness in our heart (Psalm 66:18). While the priveledge of prayer is important, missing fellowship with God is painful. I, soon, grow lonely for Him.

For that reason, I'll accept the persistent conscience or, more accurately, the ministry of the Holy Spirit. For He not only convicts, He gives the grace needed to overcome the sin that so easily entangles us (Hebrews 12:1). A good jump-start for a weary conscience is God's Word. Although we need it "before the fact." We need regular time in His Word and instead of hiding sin, we need to hide Bible verses in our heart; ones that address frequent temptations. Another tremendous help is a friend who risks telling us that they recognize pride, self-pity, or covetousness in our life. Is there someone you can invite to do so?

We need to remind ourselves that God's conviction is always wrapped in love. If it feels like worthlessness, hopelessness, or condemnation, that is not God. That's Satan. He is the accuser of the Brethren, of Christians. (Revelations 12:10) Satan's motivation is to kill, steal, and destroy. God's motivation is to restore . . . health to our lives, and intimacy in our relationship with Him.

"The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but he whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy." Proverbs 28:13 CSB

The more paper you hide under a bush, the more likely it will become visable to every passer-by. The more sin we hide, well . . . I suspect the same thing happens.

Sometimes Growing . . . Just Isn't Fun!
Lonnie




* Water For The Soul
by Selwyn Huges
Broadman and Holman 1998

Book Fast #3

Good Morning.

This won't be a Polished Post (Hey. There's a future title.) Tell me, what should it be about?

I won't be including any quotes, today, as I'm fasting from books. This is my third week (one day per week), when I've set aside Christian growth books, commentaries, and novels in order to give myself completely to the Bible. I missed my 10-15 minute bed and book time this morning, but I'm excited about what God is doing in my life.

This morning, I eyed the cantaloupe on my kitchen counter, hoping I'd chosen an aromatic, sweet, and juicy (but crisp) fruit. It made me think of my book fast. After a season of eating "stored" apples, or oranges, or shipped from who-knows-where melons, the taste of rippened-on-the vine, in-season fruit is incredible! I'm finding, that after long seasons of reading man's (woman's) interpretation of God's Word, the "real thing" is absolutely refreshing and nourishing. I find myself wanting more. And more. That's a good thing, right?

I read God's Word daily. It just seems that the concerted effort of reading "nothing-but" is awakening my hunger. I feel a communion with God growing and I find myself longing for an even deeper communion.

Well friends, not polished, but hopefully motivating. I've a few minutes before work to hang out with Jeremiah or to return to my devotional Scriptures.

Who have you been hanging out with lately? Paul? Peter? Hosea? Joyce Meyer? Anne Graham Lotz? Jim Cymbala?

I am so thankful for men and women that God has gifted with teaching. I'm grateful that He has allowed me to write. But, I pray today that God causes the Body of Christ to hunger and thirst for His Word.

Ever Growing,
Lonnie

Book Hog Fasts From Books

Challenged by Ruth Graham to compare the time I spent reading God's Word to the time I spent reading books, I took a day to fast from books. That's no small challenge for a book hog. I intentionally chose my day off. Fasting any other day would be like giving up iceberg lettuce for lent . . . not much sacrifice, and offering few benefits.

I hung out with Jeremiah for the day. With 3 translations available, I could read any or all, but no commentaries. In Jeremiah? What was I thinking? What I found profoundly interesting was how many times I ran across verses like, "The Word of the Lord has become a reproach to them -- they have not listened to My Words -- they rejected the Word of the Lord."

I could sigh with relief because "I," indeed was making a concerted effort to be in God's Word . . .

Or . . .

I could receive the conviction due me: Lonnie, it's not just about spending more "time" reading Scripture. Time speaks of priority.

As I ponder my day of fasting and ponder Jeremiah's words, I realize that priority isn't all about clock-time. It isn't about how long I read or how much I read of God's Word. That does little more than give birth to pride and self-righteousness.

Priority also speaks of heart-time. I wondered what that looked like. Asking myself, "Why?" helped me to see. Why should I spend more time in God's Word? The beginning of my list looks like this:

To know God
To understand His expectations and promises
To keep my armor in functioning condition -- to counteract the lies and discouragement that the world hands me every day
For comfort -- to realize that I'm not alone. Paul tells us that any temptation we face is common to man
To see how God deals with sin
To discover how God blesses the obedient
To know what's coming

Spending time in God's Word is a way to commune with Him. It's a place and time to feel His heart; to receive His instruction and encouragement.

Not unlike a retired smoker who misses his cigarette after a meal, I missed "my books" at bedtime. I told myself that I'd done well and that reading a book before going to sleep would be no big deal. Then I caught this verse running through my head: "Could you not keep watch with me for one hour? (Matt. 26:40 NIV)" I know there is no real connection, but it got my attention.

Good grief. I've made it through the day. What's 10 or 20 minutes more? I put my book down and picked up Jeremiah. And . . . the next night, I picked up Jeremiah again. I've, since, found myself reading Jeremiah during some of my breaks. God had whet my appetite and it felt good. He'd raised my curiosity. That felt good, too. He is working. I want to cooperate.

I'm considering a weekly fast, a day to read only God's Word. David tells us in the Psalms that God's Word is a lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path. May it be so for me. May God's Word become such a natural part of my thoughts, that It guides me step by step by step.

What part does God's Word play in your life? What could you add to my list? Have you fasted from books? From T.V.? The internet? Share your experience.

Loving God; Loving His Word,
Lonnie

Too Many Books

Too many booksales. Too may books. And once again, I'm reading too many at one time.

Please, someone, tell me you can relate.

I become aware, with my overindulgence, that I need to discern between what's truth and what's embellishment . . . between what is over-emphasized and what is under-emphasized. I need a greater knowledge of God's Word. I need to cherish His Word above those of man. For that reason, I often think I'll fast from books . . . from man's thoughts, in order to read more of the Bible . . . God's thoughts.

But . . .

I stumble the very first morning. I lay my Bible on the table, and right next to it, my devotion book. "Does that count?" I ask myself. Then I give up.

I guess my heart and mind need primed like an old-time water pump. The pumps needed a taste of water in order to give more water. My devotion books work that way. They, and their prescribed Scriptures, give me direction and sort of tune me in to God.

So while I'm entertaining these notions of a book fast, I read this: (in a book, of course) "Compare the amount of time you invest in reading books with the time you spend reading God's Word." *

I love studying the Bible, but compared to books, do I give it equal time? Not even close! So, I began to pray about how to actually fulfill my resolution of a book fast.

"How about one day at a time? Or two?"

Maybe that "is" the problem. I always determine to fast from books for a week, or a month. Frankly, that overwhelms.

I love to learn.

I can't sleep without reading.

I can't drink coffee without reading.

I can't eat without reading.

And yes, I keep reading material in the bathroom.

But, "a" day, with only the Bible? I could do that. And, I won't slap my hand for pulling out a devotion book; but that's the only allowance I'll give myself.

How about you? Will you accept the challenge with me? If so, let me know how it goes? What was hard? What was good?

Within the next week, I'm going to try "a" day. I'm excited to see what God has to teach me.

Ever Reading,
Lonnie

* Fear Not Tomorrow, God Is Already There by Ruth Graham, p. 26

Fully Present

"How true it is that unless we are involved with Jesus Christ in a loving and adoring relationship, we have nothing of eternal value to offer to a needy world . . . our worship of God must take priority over our work for God . . . In the atmosphere of worship we see more clearly what we should do and our work becomes a daily joy instead of a daily grind." (Light For The Path by Selwyn Hughes p. 359)

Hughes' devotion and Luke 10:42 took me back to the Mary-Martha challenge. Who am I?

In my journal, I claimed to have more Mary tendencies, more of a tendency to sit at Jesus feet. "Right! And the whole time you are sitting there, you are worrying about whether you're displeasing God and/or people by not "doing."

"Excuse me. Who's there? Who's speaking? God is that You?"

The picture is absolutely accurate. I love my morning quiet times, my times in the Scripture and learning from God. I enjoy times spent studying for and writing articles. But I also worry (lots) about what people think. My dad equated sitting with laziness. And understandably so; he grew up on a farm.

So, the Scriptures and I talked back and forth for a while.

"God, what are you trying to teach me?

"I know that I can't leave all the work to others.

"However, Scripture doesn't say that Mary never helped out. Martha doesn't even say that."

A couple of things come to mind: an anecdote where a young boy says, "I may be sitting down on the outside, but I'm standing up on the inside!" Trying to be Mary and Martha at the same time doesn't work.

And then there's the man James talks about who is double-minded and unstable in all his ways. Ouch! Don't much care for that. But doesn't that, too, describe me?

My pastor teaches us that, when with people, we need to be fully present. We need to listen, to give that person our attention, rather than thinking about what we want to say or thinking about the next task on our list. Perhaps, that's what God is asking of me. "When you're with Me, I'd like you to be fully present."

I believe Mary was fully present. And that, Jesus said, He would not take away from her.

I'm excited with Hughes' thoughts: that in my worship I will discover what God would have me to do and I will receive joy (the right heart) to do it.

I've much more to learn, and I'm excited to see where God will take me with this. Please, share your thoughts. When you're with God, are you fully present? Isn't it cool that when God's with us -- no matter when, no matter where -- HE IS FULLY PRESENT.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

My Books Are Noisy

"in this modern age people seem to find it difficult to sit quietly for long. They must have a radio blaring or something else to drown the silence."

"The quiet time," writes Selwyn Hughes, "is where the soul grows receptive."

I want to be receptive -- to God's directions, His conviction, His comfort, His companionship. So, I determined to plan at least 10 minutes of quiet time into my days. Mind you, I consider it a fast when I leave the radio off driving five miles to and from work.

My First Attempt Failed! A coffee shop with dark roast and a fire. Hmmm. I could just sit, entertain silence, listen for God, and enjoy. Right? I lasted One Minute! That's when I found out that my books are noisy. They interrupt my silence.

I am a self-proclaimed Book Hog. If I must sit, and I can't have t.v. or music, then I MUST have a book, magazine -- something! When my husband and I eat out (McD's or Applebees; it doesn't matter) I take a book along. No, I'm not so rude as to read during our "date." But . . . if he goes to the bathroom, I pull out my reading material. And, oh, when I walk nature paths, I take a book or Bible and a pencil and notecards. You never know; bird song, waves lapping against the shore, and immeasurable beauty might not hold my attention for an hour. Good grief! Apparently silence and I have a couple issues.

"Our lives," writes Anne Graham Lotz, "can be like that radio dial. We can be so jammed with signals coming from every direction that even when we tune in to the voice of God, He can be drowned out by other voices crowding in. If we are to hear Him clearly and loudly, there must be times of quietness built into our daily lives."

God created me with an insatiable desire to learn and with a love of discovery. He understands. But . . . the story is yours from here. What do you think? Are "quiet" times important? Are "your" books noisy? How are "you" at sitting still?

I suspect I'm missing some peace, joy and incredible blessings by not taking a few minutes each day to just "hang out with God." What do you think? Any suggestions for pulling it off?

About to try 5 minutes,
Lonnie