It seems like so many of us learn as children to ask things of God as though He were our Heavenly Santa Claus. Maybe it is a cultural thing, or maybe it is because we are such a rich nation with so much readily available to us. Something else that is easy to do, is to run down a list of things we would like God to do for us, without ever considering what He might have in mind... We hear or read those verses like John 14:14, "You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it." and we think, "Eureka! That's all there is too it! I'll make a list, fold it up nice and neat, and send it angel-mail to the Father!" Then over the years that follow, when we don't get the Easy Bake Oven or a pony... Or when not everyone at school likes us... Or if the perfect Prince Charming doesn't come to sweep us off our feet... We get discouraged and wonder why God doesn't hear. We may even begin to doubt the power of prayer and God Himself, and start to question this whole religion thing. Church and all that is included becomes just another expected but undesirable tradition, like Aunt Sally's annual Fruitcake. What's missing?
It is easy to trick ourselves into believing that we have a Holy Genie in a Lamp, that we can pull out for picking lottery ticket numbers or when things don't go our way. I was guilty of this for a long time, until I realized it doesn't work to simply pick and choose a verse to suit every whim and desire. Yes, Jesus DOES say ask anything, but then, that is NOT all He and the Word say about prayer. Take a moment with me to put into context that famous verse of Jesus'. Who was He talking to? He was talking to His Disciples, not perfect people by any stretch of the imagination, but people none-the-less who had given up their very lives and livelihoods to follow Him! Jesus knew the desire of their hearts was not to fulfill their fantasies, their whims, their wants... Their desire was to know HIM, love HIM, serve HIM, and glorify HIM! Their hearts and motives were right and in check. Jesus was also speaking about what was to come after He would return to heaven. The Disciples would soon be indwelled with the Holy Spirit, and led by the Spirit to pray for things on the heart of God.
Ask yourself, "What is my motive behind my prayer or request. Do I want this thing, problem solved, or person healed for my own comfort or benefit? Or, is my heart looking for the Glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom?" James 4: 3 says, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." Ask God to reveal to you by His Holy Spirit and His truth, what is right motive in your heart and what is not. He will be faithful to do it, and when He does, thank Him for it. If He shows you wrong motive, simply ask Him to forgive you, and to redirect your heart according to His desire for your life and those around you. The Bible tells us that His plan for us is perfect! WHY would we want anything less than what He knows is right and perfect for our lives? Simple, we think we know better. Time to put that silly idea down. Just ask Him, Sister! Ask Him to align your heart with His, so that the desires of your heart would reflect His own. Then you will see Him answer in far greater ways than our finite minds could ever think or imagine. He WILL answer, in His way and in His time with the promise that He will use it all for your good! What a blessing!
So, you might then ask yourself... "If God is going to put on my heart what to ask for, and then do it.... Why include me at all? Why not just take care of it? After all, He is God, He doesn't need me." If that were the case, you would be missing sooo much! God desires to show you how REAL He is in our lives! How important you and every little detail of your life is to Him, and how much He loves you! He wants you to experience His work first hand and see how He is moving, so that you might rejoice and be encouraged! What a faith builder! What a privilege!
Not for a second am I suggesting that you stop talking to God about the things on your heart, or letting Him know what you think you need. I would be lost if I couldn't carry on a dialogue with Him throughout the day. However, if I talk to Him about these things in the context of wanting His way and His Glory, or even admitting that I am having trouble wanting His way and His Glory, He is so faithful to give my heart rest and peace and show me a far better direction of thought and action. Remember too, the Word says in Romans 8:34 that Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us! And in Roman 8:26-27 we read that we don't know what we should pray for, but the Holy Spirit "Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." WOW! Who better to take our needs and lives before the Living God and submit requests on our behalf! Remember, Jesus and the Holy Spirit ARE God, so when they come before the Father for us, Sister, it is done! All we need to do is continue seeking Him to know Him better and better, and in return we receive far greater blessings than we could ever imagine or ask for!
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Matthew 7:7-11 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him?"
John 15:7-8 "If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
WWJD About Depression?
Recently, on the radio, I was listening to a speaker talk about the effects of volunteer work on symptoms of depression. This grabbed my attention for a number of reasons. Primarily, because I have seen the effects depression can have, both in my life and in the lives of family members and friends.
The speaker reviewed a study that looked at patients with diagnosed depression and the effects that volunteering had on them and their symptoms. To everyone's surprise, patients who volunteered time consistently, had better or equal effects as those patients who were taking anti-depressants for their depression and/or used other forms of therapy. I suppose one could surmise that a combination of these things could be very helpful. I did some research on my own online and found the reported results to be very positive.
I suppose that as Christians, we shouldn't surprised by this data. What did Jesus demonstrate over and over again? Servant-hood! He cared for others in need - both spiritually and physically. Even when Jesus knew that He would be betrayed and killed (can you imagine the weight of that knowledge?) he chose to serve. John 13:1 tells us that even with all this on His mind and heart he chose to, "show them the full extent of His love." He washed the disciples feet. What an example!
I guess it all makes sense. I have found that helping others who are in need, truly takes my mind off of the things that are getting me down or the stress I feel. I can't help but feel joy and satisfaction when I can help someone who is hurting or needs a hand - and slowly, I begin to realize that those things that I have allowed to bring my heart to low places, just aren't so weighty any longer.
I was just on the phone with a girlfriend who has suffered debilitating depression for years, spending much of her time isolated and in bed. I asked her what she thought of volunteering in relation to depression. She was right on board, saying that she feels "soooo good, a hundred times better" when she is volunteering her time to those in need. While she still maintains the medical and emotional therapies prescribed, she is convinced that time helping others has been the best medicine.
As God works through us to love and help others, He shows us that ALL things are possible though Him. Then we are better able to see how He is working through difficulty in our own lives. He can use ALL things for our good, because we love Him! And when He brings us through on the other side, we are able to say to our Sisters, "I understand what you are going through, I will help you shoulder the burden and walk this with you." That is just what we want to do, isn't it?! So, my mind goes back to the book of James and that we are to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds... YES! JOY!! There is joy there in the depths dear Sister, even if it is hard to believe. Choose it! One of the best ways to find it, is to give it away to others who need our help, who need a Savior... Watch God give to others through you, and see Him simultaneously begin to fill you up! He is ABLE!
In no way do I intend to diminish the seriousness of depression and its effects. I believe that this scientific revelation is so timely, and lines up exactly with the teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What could be better and more satisfying than the privilege of being the hands and feet of Jesus?
What do you think? What has been your experience? Do you think this is worth a shot, to see if it would help? I would love to know your thoughts!
1 Peter 4 :7-19
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Thessalonians 5:16
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
The speaker reviewed a study that looked at patients with diagnosed depression and the effects that volunteering had on them and their symptoms. To everyone's surprise, patients who volunteered time consistently, had better or equal effects as those patients who were taking anti-depressants for their depression and/or used other forms of therapy. I suppose one could surmise that a combination of these things could be very helpful. I did some research on my own online and found the reported results to be very positive.
I suppose that as Christians, we shouldn't surprised by this data. What did Jesus demonstrate over and over again? Servant-hood! He cared for others in need - both spiritually and physically. Even when Jesus knew that He would be betrayed and killed (can you imagine the weight of that knowledge?) he chose to serve. John 13:1 tells us that even with all this on His mind and heart he chose to, "show them the full extent of His love." He washed the disciples feet. What an example!
I guess it all makes sense. I have found that helping others who are in need, truly takes my mind off of the things that are getting me down or the stress I feel. I can't help but feel joy and satisfaction when I can help someone who is hurting or needs a hand - and slowly, I begin to realize that those things that I have allowed to bring my heart to low places, just aren't so weighty any longer.
I was just on the phone with a girlfriend who has suffered debilitating depression for years, spending much of her time isolated and in bed. I asked her what she thought of volunteering in relation to depression. She was right on board, saying that she feels "soooo good, a hundred times better" when she is volunteering her time to those in need. While she still maintains the medical and emotional therapies prescribed, she is convinced that time helping others has been the best medicine.
As God works through us to love and help others, He shows us that ALL things are possible though Him. Then we are better able to see how He is working through difficulty in our own lives. He can use ALL things for our good, because we love Him! And when He brings us through on the other side, we are able to say to our Sisters, "I understand what you are going through, I will help you shoulder the burden and walk this with you." That is just what we want to do, isn't it?! So, my mind goes back to the book of James and that we are to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds... YES! JOY!! There is joy there in the depths dear Sister, even if it is hard to believe. Choose it! One of the best ways to find it, is to give it away to others who need our help, who need a Savior... Watch God give to others through you, and see Him simultaneously begin to fill you up! He is ABLE!
In no way do I intend to diminish the seriousness of depression and its effects. I believe that this scientific revelation is so timely, and lines up exactly with the teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What could be better and more satisfying than the privilege of being the hands and feet of Jesus?
What do you think? What has been your experience? Do you think this is worth a shot, to see if it would help? I would love to know your thoughts!
1 Peter 4 :7-19
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Thessalonians 5:16
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
It Is Well With My Soul
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Horatio Spafford
This guy Horatio suffered greatly... He lost his only son, a fire ruined him financially... then all his daughters (4 of them) were killed at sea. These tragedies and all he had to hang onto - his faith - were the inspiration for this song. Hope, he had hope that only Jesus can give. I pray that you receive the same, and that He will whisper His peace to your soul - peace that passes all understanding to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Horatio Spafford
This guy Horatio suffered greatly... He lost his only son, a fire ruined him financially... then all his daughters (4 of them) were killed at sea. These tragedies and all he had to hang onto - his faith - were the inspiration for this song. Hope, he had hope that only Jesus can give. I pray that you receive the same, and that He will whisper His peace to your soul - peace that passes all understanding to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Buena Muerte/Good Death
I am a nurse. I had always thought I wanted to work in Labor and Delivery. What a blessing to see life begin with all the hopes and promises. Even in the worst of situations, a birth lends beauty and a breath of heaven. Tiny fingers, brand new sounds and cries, babes who make quirky movements and gestures as they learn to live outside of their warm, watery womb. The almost instantaneous change in some moms and dads as they look upon their child's face for the first time, and realize that living life is about serving someone other than themselves. Awesome. I did get to witness a number of such blessings, but it wasn't the call God had for my life and career.
Instead, and quite by surprise, I wound up in a 40 bed ICU/CCU that encompassed a Level 1 trauma center, open heart, neuro specialties, and more. I was shell-shocked for two straight years as I cared for these patients, and fell in love with their families, and fell apart for their families. Shift after shift I watched as some patients fought to live and others surrendered to death. Some fought fiercely even angrily, while others strained fearfully to the bitter end, in agony and despair... Still others with similar diagnosis or injury, left this world with joy and peace, in total rest. The dichotomy was blinding. It wasn't just evident to me, something I alone was perceiving and privy to. It was a frequent but also taboo topic of conversation amongst the staff, whispers at the desks, small gatherings at the medication counter. What was the difference? Why were some endings so gut wrenching and even horrific, while other endings were such a wonderful privilege to watch, you almost felt as though you were witnessing a birth?
The answer is Jesus. Plain and simply, Jesus. Even those medical staff that had come into that unit as atheists and agnostics had to admit that something spiritual was happening in each of those deaths, whether good or bad. It was just too much to ignore.
The more I experienced the more overwhelmed I felt by the desire to share Jesus with patients. In the beginning I was afraid of being reprimanded or even disciplined for what I did, but I didn't want to be responsible for withholding a person's last opportunity to know Him. At one point I even began to worry about whether or not I should share with all the patients I possibly could while at work. How could I get alone time with each of them? It was then that I was blessed with a conversation with a good friend of ours, a Navy Chaplain. I asked him, "Don't you feel guilty, or bad, with all these people walking by in everyday life, in the grocery store or on the street who certainly don't know the Lord? How do you deal with that? How do you live without feeling like you have to tell every person you run into, the good news of the Gospel... or do you?" He didn't linger in his answer, it was right there, as though God had spoken it to him just minutes before. I will repeat it to the best of my recollection, he said, "I don't feel guilty. I am not responsible for telling everyone around me, God is. People are responsible for their response when He makes Himself known to them. I am only responsible when God lays it on my heart to share with someone. If I don't, then I am guilty, I am choosing for them in a way. So, when He tells me to share, I do and know that He will give me the words. If I don't, then I suppose their blood is on my hands, and that is heavy. If they receive it, great! If they don't, I just assume it is another seed God is planting." WOW! What a relief that was to me! At the same time, it was sobering to think about the obedience required of our leaders and teachers, their need and desire to stay tuned in and sensitive to the leading of the Spirt.
So, after that, I waited on the Lord to show me who needed Him. I am sure I made mistakes, but God is gracious, He knows our hearts... and He rejoiced with me in moments when people made decisions for Him, His warmth and love so tangible at times I could hardly contain myself. Some folks I shared with were even in comas. After praying with even these "incoherent" people, there would often be an overwhelming sense of joy in me from head to toe, and I believe God was working. I believe that the spirits of people are alive and sharp well beyond the age of the body in many cases, and I believe God made it possible for those people to participate in prayer through His Spirit and theirs. The evidence of a persons awareness even in those situations is there, and I could rattle on forever about it, but I won't keep you. God can impress it on your heart as He has mine, without a list of my clinical experiences.
I work in a much smaller, low-key ICU these days. Although the medical acuity of these patients is no where near as great, the spiritual acuity is just as severe. I pray and ask God to provide me with the patients He wants me to care for, and show me if there is a way I can minister to them. I ask Him to bring me patients that need Him or would enjoy a nurse who can celebrate their relationship with Him. He is faithful. I know the Charge Nurses think they are making out the patient assignments, but I know that it is really God who is doing it. Numerous times, I have had patients who express fear of death... what a privilege to share a prayer of salvation with them, and what a miracle to behold as the peace that passes all understanding washes over them and surrounds them through their last breath. No less incredible is to share in such an event with a faith focused family and listen to them as they reminisce about or with the person that is in their last moments. I have to confess, I think it is me that is blessed beyond words in those moments, what an amazing opportunity to see God work.
Having Jesus in death is full of comfort, peace, joy and expectancy. What a privilege to see people pass from death to life, it is better than birth a hundred times over. I want that. I have that! I hope you have that, too.
Acts 16:31 ..."Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household."
Roman 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 John 5:5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Instead, and quite by surprise, I wound up in a 40 bed ICU/CCU that encompassed a Level 1 trauma center, open heart, neuro specialties, and more. I was shell-shocked for two straight years as I cared for these patients, and fell in love with their families, and fell apart for their families. Shift after shift I watched as some patients fought to live and others surrendered to death. Some fought fiercely even angrily, while others strained fearfully to the bitter end, in agony and despair... Still others with similar diagnosis or injury, left this world with joy and peace, in total rest. The dichotomy was blinding. It wasn't just evident to me, something I alone was perceiving and privy to. It was a frequent but also taboo topic of conversation amongst the staff, whispers at the desks, small gatherings at the medication counter. What was the difference? Why were some endings so gut wrenching and even horrific, while other endings were such a wonderful privilege to watch, you almost felt as though you were witnessing a birth?
The answer is Jesus. Plain and simply, Jesus. Even those medical staff that had come into that unit as atheists and agnostics had to admit that something spiritual was happening in each of those deaths, whether good or bad. It was just too much to ignore.
The more I experienced the more overwhelmed I felt by the desire to share Jesus with patients. In the beginning I was afraid of being reprimanded or even disciplined for what I did, but I didn't want to be responsible for withholding a person's last opportunity to know Him. At one point I even began to worry about whether or not I should share with all the patients I possibly could while at work. How could I get alone time with each of them? It was then that I was blessed with a conversation with a good friend of ours, a Navy Chaplain. I asked him, "Don't you feel guilty, or bad, with all these people walking by in everyday life, in the grocery store or on the street who certainly don't know the Lord? How do you deal with that? How do you live without feeling like you have to tell every person you run into, the good news of the Gospel... or do you?" He didn't linger in his answer, it was right there, as though God had spoken it to him just minutes before. I will repeat it to the best of my recollection, he said, "I don't feel guilty. I am not responsible for telling everyone around me, God is. People are responsible for their response when He makes Himself known to them. I am only responsible when God lays it on my heart to share with someone. If I don't, then I am guilty, I am choosing for them in a way. So, when He tells me to share, I do and know that He will give me the words. If I don't, then I suppose their blood is on my hands, and that is heavy. If they receive it, great! If they don't, I just assume it is another seed God is planting." WOW! What a relief that was to me! At the same time, it was sobering to think about the obedience required of our leaders and teachers, their need and desire to stay tuned in and sensitive to the leading of the Spirt.
So, after that, I waited on the Lord to show me who needed Him. I am sure I made mistakes, but God is gracious, He knows our hearts... and He rejoiced with me in moments when people made decisions for Him, His warmth and love so tangible at times I could hardly contain myself. Some folks I shared with were even in comas. After praying with even these "incoherent" people, there would often be an overwhelming sense of joy in me from head to toe, and I believe God was working. I believe that the spirits of people are alive and sharp well beyond the age of the body in many cases, and I believe God made it possible for those people to participate in prayer through His Spirit and theirs. The evidence of a persons awareness even in those situations is there, and I could rattle on forever about it, but I won't keep you. God can impress it on your heart as He has mine, without a list of my clinical experiences.
I work in a much smaller, low-key ICU these days. Although the medical acuity of these patients is no where near as great, the spiritual acuity is just as severe. I pray and ask God to provide me with the patients He wants me to care for, and show me if there is a way I can minister to them. I ask Him to bring me patients that need Him or would enjoy a nurse who can celebrate their relationship with Him. He is faithful. I know the Charge Nurses think they are making out the patient assignments, but I know that it is really God who is doing it. Numerous times, I have had patients who express fear of death... what a privilege to share a prayer of salvation with them, and what a miracle to behold as the peace that passes all understanding washes over them and surrounds them through their last breath. No less incredible is to share in such an event with a faith focused family and listen to them as they reminisce about or with the person that is in their last moments. I have to confess, I think it is me that is blessed beyond words in those moments, what an amazing opportunity to see God work.
Having Jesus in death is full of comfort, peace, joy and expectancy. What a privilege to see people pass from death to life, it is better than birth a hundred times over. I want that. I have that! I hope you have that, too.
Acts 16:31 ..."Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household."
Roman 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 John 5:5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Monday, April 12, 2010
God Picked Them For You
I have been reading some blogs lately, and have found that people are struggling with their relationships with family - parents and siblings. Especially, when just starting out on their own, or thinking about leaving the nest. It can be hard to find the definition of your own identity sometimes without feeling like your are turning your back on or rejecting what you think your parents stand for, or what they taught you growing up. I guess I am talking mostly about people who are Christians, who also are beginning to flesh out their own faith instead of riding on the coat tails of mom and dad's relationship with Christ. This isn't a bad thing, it is a necessary thing - to make your relationship with Christ your own. As long as you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and maintain your focus on Him, He will help you find your own course. You will make mistakes, but He will be there to lift you up time and time again. Your path is not the same as your parents, just as your tastes and thoughts are not identical either. You have good friends who don't think exactly the same and don't have the same needs or weaknesses in their walk, but you don't feel guilty about that... So, why feel guilty about being your own person, God's person, in your faith, separate from your parents? Just remember to temper your differences with respect, God placed your parents as authority in your life for a reason... but still, let your heart examine all that God wants to do in and through YOU, all that He wants to change and transform into His likeness.
There may be difficulty though, when a grown child feels or knows that they have been taught distortions of God's truth. This can be gut wrenching... You know that your parents only wanted the best for you, but you wish you could share what God has revealed to your heart. The unrest it brings to your heart can lead you to want to get away from your parents or put distance between you and them and find new people who share your views.
The beautiful thing about knowing the Lord Jesus, is that with Him comes His body, our true family! We begin to find Sisters and Brothers that we will share eternity with for the Glory of God, and that can bring incredible depth to relationship. We ask, and the Lord gladly puts authority in our lives filled with His wisdom, to help guide us - but above all we have the Holy Spirit, who if we surrender to, will lead us through His perfect plan for our lives. I believe that includes learning to love and forgive our biological families. The ones that brought us into this world may not always be exactly what we think they ought to be, but then, God chose them for us. He loves them just as much as He loves us, and He may have placed you in their lives so that they may get a glimpse of Him and His love and truth. Try to lend them the grace God has given you, reminding yourself that tragedy, hardships, or misleading by others can can create misconceptions, fear and other problems. Healthy boundaries and even distance are good if there have been abuses, but ask God to love your family through you with His love. Prayer is the best gift you can give, along with leading a God focused life. He will surely bless you in ways that you may not expect.
There may be difficulty though, when a grown child feels or knows that they have been taught distortions of God's truth. This can be gut wrenching... You know that your parents only wanted the best for you, but you wish you could share what God has revealed to your heart. The unrest it brings to your heart can lead you to want to get away from your parents or put distance between you and them and find new people who share your views.
The beautiful thing about knowing the Lord Jesus, is that with Him comes His body, our true family! We begin to find Sisters and Brothers that we will share eternity with for the Glory of God, and that can bring incredible depth to relationship. We ask, and the Lord gladly puts authority in our lives filled with His wisdom, to help guide us - but above all we have the Holy Spirit, who if we surrender to, will lead us through His perfect plan for our lives. I believe that includes learning to love and forgive our biological families. The ones that brought us into this world may not always be exactly what we think they ought to be, but then, God chose them for us. He loves them just as much as He loves us, and He may have placed you in their lives so that they may get a glimpse of Him and His love and truth. Try to lend them the grace God has given you, reminding yourself that tragedy, hardships, or misleading by others can can create misconceptions, fear and other problems. Healthy boundaries and even distance are good if there have been abuses, but ask God to love your family through you with His love. Prayer is the best gift you can give, along with leading a God focused life. He will surely bless you in ways that you may not expect.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Forgiveness-An Act of Worship
Forgiveness-An Act of Worship
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Luke 23:34, NIV
If Jesus forgave those who nailed Him to the Cross, and if God forgives you and me, how can you withhold your forgiveness from someone else? How can you withhold your forgiveness from yourself? If God says, "I forgive you," who are you to say, "Thank You, God, but I can't forgive myself"? Are your standards higher than His? Are you more righteous than He is? If God says, "I forgive you," then the only appropriate response is to say, "God, thank You. I don't deserve it, but I accept it. And to express my gratitude, I, in turn, forgive that person who has sinned against me."
We forgive others, not because they deserve it, but because He deserves it! The only reason we have to forgive is that He commands us to, and our obedience gives us opportunity to say to Him, "Thank You for forgiving me. I love You." Our forgiveness of others then becomes an act of worship that we would not enter into except for Who He is and for the overwhelming debt of love we owe Him.
Blessings,
Anne Graham Lotz
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Luke 23:34, NIV
If Jesus forgave those who nailed Him to the Cross, and if God forgives you and me, how can you withhold your forgiveness from someone else? How can you withhold your forgiveness from yourself? If God says, "I forgive you," who are you to say, "Thank You, God, but I can't forgive myself"? Are your standards higher than His? Are you more righteous than He is? If God says, "I forgive you," then the only appropriate response is to say, "God, thank You. I don't deserve it, but I accept it. And to express my gratitude, I, in turn, forgive that person who has sinned against me."
We forgive others, not because they deserve it, but because He deserves it! The only reason we have to forgive is that He commands us to, and our obedience gives us opportunity to say to Him, "Thank You for forgiving me. I love You." Our forgiveness of others then becomes an act of worship that we would not enter into except for Who He is and for the overwhelming debt of love we owe Him.
Blessings,
Anne Graham Lotz
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
My 95 year old Grandpa sends me pictures to remind me of home :) I love his perspective and thoughtfulness.