How much of our lack of health is our own fault? In class this week, we explored the issue of personal responsibility. We tend to arrive at the conclusion that a large portion of our health is our own culpability. We say, "If you are willing, you can be made well." I feel like we apply the same principle when considering healing - if we are willing and have the faith, we will be made well.
Therein lies the problem. The Bible says, "If You are willing, Lord, You can make me well." [Luke 5:12]. Healing depends on God's willingness. I am certain that it requires faith on our part. But God's will has to be to restore us then and there. That is what makes it glorious. His favor in our lives is precious. Luke 7:11-15 tells the story of a widow who's son had passed away. Verse 13 says that Jesus had compassion on her and restored her son's life in front of not one, but two large crowds. This was totally not Jesus's modus operandi, but He was compelled by His compassion. Truly His intervention in our life is precious.
This is Back to Basics Lesson 4: Be Thankful. It is so important to offer our thanks whenever we can, acknowledging that it is really His grace that keeps us from a car accident, that we have a meal before, that we survive another day of school and/or work, that we have a school and/or job to attend. There are so many other things to be grateful for, but the important thing is to be grateful genuinely. Routine tends to diminish sincerity, so if we need to, we should change up how we offer our thanks, but do please be sincere.
Philippians 4 advises us to rejoice for what He's done for us in the past instead of focusing on the problems of the future. Recall Peter turning his eyes away from the miracle of water-walking to the waves, causing him to sink. [Matthew 14:25-32]. In thanks, we ought to offer up our supplications to God. Don't be afraid to try it. It makes it easier for us to believe when we ask for something while simultaneously thanking God for the last time He helped us. When spoken with thanks, God's peace will reign. We studied previously of God's sovereignty. His peace will reign through the problems, guarding our hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. As Jesus's focus was constantly on His Father, offering up thanks will refocus us on the God of heaven, knowing that it is truly His will to shepherd us. [Psalm 79:13] Praise comes naturally when we remind ourselves of God's goodness. Take the time now to remember His provision and be blessed.
God bless,
Alisha
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Confession: It's all in His Hands
*Scriptures provided by Biblegateway.com
There is a common saying that confession is good for soul. God has shown this to be so true in my own life. Often times, for me at least, it is the point of confession taht is hardest for me. I struggle with trusting that God will forgive me yet again when I put shame to the cross by stumbling over the same sin. It is at these times that I turn to 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." It is so reassuring to know that it is the faithfulness of God, and not my own faithfulness to Him, that ultimately matters. If my relationship was wholly based on myself ... well, I would fail from the very onset. But it doesn't, praise be to God! I'm like the wounded man on the road to Jerusalem. Jesus is my Good Samaritan who shows me kindness, bandaging my wounds, placing me on His donkey as he endures the treacherous road, and then places me at comfortable inn at His expense. He has done all the work on the cross. There is no more need for me to do anything else but to surrender.
And to surrender I must confess, because confession is the very gate transporting me from my place of sin to the place of forgiveness. There are other advantages in confession besides my own forgiveness. In confession, I realize my frailty and God's sovereignty; admitting to fault keeps me decreasing whilst He increases [John 3:30]. Thus, I gain perspective on our relationship to Him. I also, in acknowledging my fault, find it easier to forgive others, knowing that they, like I, are not perfect. And we know that if we forgive men their trespasses, so our heavenly Father will forgive our sins [Matthew 6:14]. Amazing, isn't it, how everything is intertwined?
Now, I must impress on you all the importance of confessing everything, even the "small sins." It is imperative because a total confession correlates to total surrender. I know that as I escalate in my relationship with Christ, I want to be increasing wholly (and no, this isn't a misspelling). I want to learn to be wholly His, trusting that He takes care of me and knowing that He set up this system of confession not to embarrass me with my shameful thoughts/actions, but to bring about the forgiveness that will strengthen me to do better tomorrow.
For me, this often means confessing that I don't know where God is leading me and am tempted to despair. But God has shown me a very useful analogy, and I hope it encourages you all. We learned as a child that God's "got the whole world in His hands." I mean, everything in the universe, physically and metaphysically speaking, is in His hands. That includes myself. Now there are certain things in my life that are in my hands - my study habits, my decisions, my choice of words, etc. But as I get older I find there are much bigger things that I try to control but I really just can't. They are too big to fit in my hands. Here I am, struggling to hold them but finding that they're so overwhelming. Confession is my letting go. And as I let go, I am reassured and find peace. Why? Because I, along with everything else, am in His hands. The problems and trials remain in His hands, even as they slip through my own.
I know for a fact that there are women of all different stages of life in this group. Many of us are older; some have children. And I'm sure some of those children, brothers, sisters, etc. are not where they should be in life. We hurt to see that that way. But I encourage you ladies to let go; it's in His hands. Some of us thing about our loans that are wracking up to the thousands, maybe tens of thousands. Let it go; it's in His hands. Some of us are facing the loss of our jobs, homes, cars ... let it go; it's in His hands. I don't know what each of you are facing, but I can tell you that you are not facing it alone. He is more than with you; He is holding you.
God bless,
Alisha
There is a common saying that confession is good for soul. God has shown this to be so true in my own life. Often times, for me at least, it is the point of confession taht is hardest for me. I struggle with trusting that God will forgive me yet again when I put shame to the cross by stumbling over the same sin. It is at these times that I turn to 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." It is so reassuring to know that it is the faithfulness of God, and not my own faithfulness to Him, that ultimately matters. If my relationship was wholly based on myself ... well, I would fail from the very onset. But it doesn't, praise be to God! I'm like the wounded man on the road to Jerusalem. Jesus is my Good Samaritan who shows me kindness, bandaging my wounds, placing me on His donkey as he endures the treacherous road, and then places me at comfortable inn at His expense. He has done all the work on the cross. There is no more need for me to do anything else but to surrender.
And to surrender I must confess, because confession is the very gate transporting me from my place of sin to the place of forgiveness. There are other advantages in confession besides my own forgiveness. In confession, I realize my frailty and God's sovereignty; admitting to fault keeps me decreasing whilst He increases [John 3:30]. Thus, I gain perspective on our relationship to Him. I also, in acknowledging my fault, find it easier to forgive others, knowing that they, like I, are not perfect. And we know that if we forgive men their trespasses, so our heavenly Father will forgive our sins [Matthew 6:14]. Amazing, isn't it, how everything is intertwined?
Now, I must impress on you all the importance of confessing everything, even the "small sins." It is imperative because a total confession correlates to total surrender. I know that as I escalate in my relationship with Christ, I want to be increasing wholly (and no, this isn't a misspelling). I want to learn to be wholly His, trusting that He takes care of me and knowing that He set up this system of confession not to embarrass me with my shameful thoughts/actions, but to bring about the forgiveness that will strengthen me to do better tomorrow.
For me, this often means confessing that I don't know where God is leading me and am tempted to despair. But God has shown me a very useful analogy, and I hope it encourages you all. We learned as a child that God's "got the whole world in His hands." I mean, everything in the universe, physically and metaphysically speaking, is in His hands. That includes myself. Now there are certain things in my life that are in my hands - my study habits, my decisions, my choice of words, etc. But as I get older I find there are much bigger things that I try to control but I really just can't. They are too big to fit in my hands. Here I am, struggling to hold them but finding that they're so overwhelming. Confession is my letting go. And as I let go, I am reassured and find peace. Why? Because I, along with everything else, am in His hands. The problems and trials remain in His hands, even as they slip through my own.
I know for a fact that there are women of all different stages of life in this group. Many of us are older; some have children. And I'm sure some of those children, brothers, sisters, etc. are not where they should be in life. We hurt to see that that way. But I encourage you ladies to let go; it's in His hands. Some of us thing about our loans that are wracking up to the thousands, maybe tens of thousands. Let it go; it's in His hands. Some of us are facing the loss of our jobs, homes, cars ... let it go; it's in His hands. I don't know what each of you are facing, but I can tell you that you are not facing it alone. He is more than with you; He is holding you.
God bless,
Alisha
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Supreme Law of the Land
*Scriptures provided by Biblegateway.com
Last week we celebrated July 4th, and I promise I thought of the title before the holiday hit. It comes from the U.S. Constitution, and essentially says that no matter what state laws may say, whatever is written in this document has to be followed. It has greater power because it holds greater authority. It is supreme.
That's how I've learned to view the Bible. Its authority is supreme, defying even physical principles at times. I'll put it this way - Back to Basics Lesson 2: God's Word is Sovereign. His Word carries the very weight of the King of kings, like a decree would carry the weight of the government official who declared it.
It's easy enough to put on paper, but what about in everyday life? How can this been seen as a fundamental Christian principle and not as a deep theological mystical property? We know God's Word serves a purpose, as shown in 2 Timothy 3:16. This verse tells of the disciplining power of the Bible, and we must be mindful that the law did not make us imperfect but rather revealed our state of imperfection. This law was fulfilled by Jesus (recall Reconcilation of the Law) and established a new covenant, or New Testament, with us. But the promises of old remain as well as some new ones: "I will never leave you," "I will never forsake you," "When you pass through the waters ... they will not overflow you." [Isaiah 43:2, Hebrews 13:2]
That's okay when all is well. It's easy to believe that God is with us when we have His favor. But remember that's just what it is - favor. An irregular, undeserved period of grace. And when it removed, it doesn't mean God has left. His "favor" may, but He does not. As Regina Spektor sings, we treat Him like a genie or Santa Claus who grants us wishes. The true Christian, the strong Christian woman who understands Lesson 2 must see that God's Word is still true during moments when His grace is less evident to us. It's there and still all-sufficient, but we have to look deeper to see it.
It's then that I have to contemplate God's character and recall Lesson 1 - He loves us. It makes me sigh with deep resignation. I quit fighting it anymore; I accept the fact that He loves. And, knowing this because I know Him, I agree with the song by Third Day, that "nothing compares to the greatness of knowing You, Lord." [Based on Philippians 3:8]. I am amazed by His love, the most fundamental truth of all, and, knowing Him and knowing His love for me, I can trust (yes trust) that all His promisses are yes and amen. [2 Corinthians 1:20].
Ladies, here I make an appeal to you. I know for a fact that all of you know someone is going through/has gone through some terrible things, things that are/were unfair and tempt/ed her to doubt God. (That girl may even be yourself). It has caused her to become a pessimist (or "realist" in her terms). I've experienced that. But I urge you to appeal to that woman. Tell her God's Word is still sovereign; His promises are still true. Romans 5:5 tells us that His love gives us the right and authority to hope. It's okay, I repeat, it's okay to hope. Hope comes from character which developed from pereservance built up during our tribulations [verses 3 and 4]. His grace will always enable us to stand thorugh the storm [verse 2] In this we can rejoice. In this we can rejoice. You are allowed to hope, my sister. You can trust in Him. [Psalm 34:8] He is good.
God bless,
Alisha
Last week we celebrated July 4th, and I promise I thought of the title before the holiday hit. It comes from the U.S. Constitution, and essentially says that no matter what state laws may say, whatever is written in this document has to be followed. It has greater power because it holds greater authority. It is supreme.
That's how I've learned to view the Bible. Its authority is supreme, defying even physical principles at times. I'll put it this way - Back to Basics Lesson 2: God's Word is Sovereign. His Word carries the very weight of the King of kings, like a decree would carry the weight of the government official who declared it.
It's easy enough to put on paper, but what about in everyday life? How can this been seen as a fundamental Christian principle and not as a deep theological mystical property? We know God's Word serves a purpose, as shown in 2 Timothy 3:16. This verse tells of the disciplining power of the Bible, and we must be mindful that the law did not make us imperfect but rather revealed our state of imperfection. This law was fulfilled by Jesus (recall Reconcilation of the Law) and established a new covenant, or New Testament, with us. But the promises of old remain as well as some new ones: "I will never leave you," "I will never forsake you," "When you pass through the waters ... they will not overflow you." [Isaiah 43:2, Hebrews 13:2]
That's okay when all is well. It's easy to believe that God is with us when we have His favor. But remember that's just what it is - favor. An irregular, undeserved period of grace. And when it removed, it doesn't mean God has left. His "favor" may, but He does not. As Regina Spektor sings, we treat Him like a genie or Santa Claus who grants us wishes. The true Christian, the strong Christian woman who understands Lesson 2 must see that God's Word is still true during moments when His grace is less evident to us. It's there and still all-sufficient, but we have to look deeper to see it.
It's then that I have to contemplate God's character and recall Lesson 1 - He loves us. It makes me sigh with deep resignation. I quit fighting it anymore; I accept the fact that He loves. And, knowing this because I know Him, I agree with the song by Third Day, that "nothing compares to the greatness of knowing You, Lord." [Based on Philippians 3:8]. I am amazed by His love, the most fundamental truth of all, and, knowing Him and knowing His love for me, I can trust (yes trust) that all His promisses are yes and amen. [2 Corinthians 1:20].
Ladies, here I make an appeal to you. I know for a fact that all of you know someone is going through/has gone through some terrible things, things that are/were unfair and tempt/ed her to doubt God. (That girl may even be yourself). It has caused her to become a pessimist (or "realist" in her terms). I've experienced that. But I urge you to appeal to that woman. Tell her God's Word is still sovereign; His promises are still true. Romans 5:5 tells us that His love gives us the right and authority to hope. It's okay, I repeat, it's okay to hope. Hope comes from character which developed from pereservance built up during our tribulations [verses 3 and 4]. His grace will always enable us to stand thorugh the storm [verse 2] In this we can rejoice. In this we can rejoice. You are allowed to hope, my sister. You can trust in Him. [Psalm 34:8] He is good.
God bless,
Alisha
Friday, June 26, 2009
Vested Interest
*Scriptures provided by Biblegateway.com
There is a thought that seems to have gotten lost along the path that begins when I first became a Christian and continues on to heaven. Or maybe, because I've lost this notion, I'm not on the path anymore, but rather I've lost my way by meandering as I seasonally do. The thought is this: God loves me.
I knew it when I accepted Christ. Why else would He send His Son? Why else would He die? I knew He loved me to save me. But I got caught up in legalism in my strive to acquire "holiness," forgetting that true holiness is only found in Christ. I forgot that it is my love for God that should compel me to obey, not that I had to obey for Him to love me. I had it backwards. For that matter, I had it backwards from the beginning. He didn't have to love me to save me; He had to save me because He loved me. I mean, of course, it took nothing short of love to endure what He did, but that's only an angle, not the whole picture. Ultimately, He saved me because He loved me so much that He couldn't bear to see my life in ruins without Him.
Proof. In this divorce-ridden world, we want proof of love. Let us turn to His love letter. For brevity's sake, I'll list it:
1 John 3:1 - God shows His love by making us His children.
1 John 3:5 - Jesus manifested Himself to take away our sin.
1 John 3:16 - Because He laid down His life for us, we know love.
1 John 3:20 - If our hearts condemn us, God's love is greater than our heart.
1 John 4:9 - Jesus was sent into the world so that we may live through Him.
1 John 4:17, 18 - His love perfects us, and this perfect love casts out fear.
1 John 5:3 - His commandments unto us are not burdensome.
Notice all these promises come from just one book. Imagine in the entire Bible! Each of these points can serve as a devotional by themselves. I could go into excruciating detail of how much work goes into each of the afore-mentioned actions that God undertook for our sake. But I fear that in the narrowing of the topic, I'll have lost the purpose of this devotional series - Back to Basics. Trust me. God's love took work. He invested in you.
Hence the title. He has a vested interest in you. When an American sugar company hears news of insurgency in the land where its plantation lies, it doesn't scrap the whole thing, ignoring the problem because it's not in the United States. It convinces American government to talk to the plantation's government to solve things peaceably in order to protect their investment. God has invested His most precious treasure in you when He turned over His Son. The price He paid was just too great for Him to give up on you now.
So all you ladies who thnk God has shut heaven, don't worry. He's just having a metting with the Board of Directors. He cannot afford to let you go. So don't you let go of Him.
God bless,
Alisha
There is a thought that seems to have gotten lost along the path that begins when I first became a Christian and continues on to heaven. Or maybe, because I've lost this notion, I'm not on the path anymore, but rather I've lost my way by meandering as I seasonally do. The thought is this: God loves me.
I knew it when I accepted Christ. Why else would He send His Son? Why else would He die? I knew He loved me to save me. But I got caught up in legalism in my strive to acquire "holiness," forgetting that true holiness is only found in Christ. I forgot that it is my love for God that should compel me to obey, not that I had to obey for Him to love me. I had it backwards. For that matter, I had it backwards from the beginning. He didn't have to love me to save me; He had to save me because He loved me. I mean, of course, it took nothing short of love to endure what He did, but that's only an angle, not the whole picture. Ultimately, He saved me because He loved me so much that He couldn't bear to see my life in ruins without Him.
Proof. In this divorce-ridden world, we want proof of love. Let us turn to His love letter. For brevity's sake, I'll list it:
1 John 3:1 - God shows His love by making us His children.
1 John 3:5 - Jesus manifested Himself to take away our sin.
1 John 3:16 - Because He laid down His life for us, we know love.
1 John 3:20 - If our hearts condemn us, God's love is greater than our heart.
1 John 4:9 - Jesus was sent into the world so that we may live through Him.
1 John 4:17, 18 - His love perfects us, and this perfect love casts out fear.
1 John 5:3 - His commandments unto us are not burdensome.
Notice all these promises come from just one book. Imagine in the entire Bible! Each of these points can serve as a devotional by themselves. I could go into excruciating detail of how much work goes into each of the afore-mentioned actions that God undertook for our sake. But I fear that in the narrowing of the topic, I'll have lost the purpose of this devotional series - Back to Basics. Trust me. God's love took work. He invested in you.
Hence the title. He has a vested interest in you. When an American sugar company hears news of insurgency in the land where its plantation lies, it doesn't scrap the whole thing, ignoring the problem because it's not in the United States. It convinces American government to talk to the plantation's government to solve things peaceably in order to protect their investment. God has invested His most precious treasure in you when He turned over His Son. The price He paid was just too great for Him to give up on you now.
So all you ladies who thnk God has shut heaven, don't worry. He's just having a metting with the Board of Directors. He cannot afford to let you go. So don't you let go of Him.
God bless,
Alisha
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
What Do You Believe?
A lot of us who grew up in church have heard hundreds, maybe thousands, of sermons, and in the process grown much in the Word. However, I worry that we have learned so much of the intricacies that we have forgotten the very basic truths.
Join me as I personally dive into the unshakeable truths of Christian belief. Should we waver in our faith, should we blur the lines for our own convenience, we place ourselves in a most precarious position, one that the enemy is sure to use to its advantage.
Don't worry. This is not an attempt to "dogmatize" anyone. I'm talking about addressing the points that Jesus Christ Himself always emphasized, the very points that drew all of us to Him - His love, His life, His purity, and His dedication to His Father's work.
I pray you will all be blessed.
Join me as I personally dive into the unshakeable truths of Christian belief. Should we waver in our faith, should we blur the lines for our own convenience, we place ourselves in a most precarious position, one that the enemy is sure to use to its advantage.
Don't worry. This is not an attempt to "dogmatize" anyone. I'm talking about addressing the points that Jesus Christ Himself always emphasized, the very points that drew all of us to Him - His love, His life, His purity, and His dedication to His Father's work.
I pray you will all be blessed.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Heart/Mind
I was debating whether or not this could be considered stewardship. After all, if we're responsible for our heart and mind, isn't it because this is really ours? Don't we "own" our heart, and are not just stewards of it?
My confirmation to write this devotional came when a minister reminded his audience that we are a spirit, and that we have a soul. A soul is what I mean by "heart/mind." The soul is source of our emotions and contemplative thoughts, and I suppose I can see how that can be confused with one's spirit. Realize this, though - the soul does not continue into eternity; it is the spirit that lives on. That is a somber reminder that we should endeavor to do more to feed and train our spirits than our souls.
Nevertheless, the soul is with us while we are here on earth, and thus we have the responsibility to take care of it. It reminds me of a story I read by Joshua Harris, called "The Room." With powerful and convicting imagery, he describes the depth of God's love for us, and the grotesque nature of the sin that somehow does not limit it in the slightest. After reading this story, I personally understood that my sins break the heart of my Father, and wanted to henceforth be a good steward of my soul. Soul stewardship can be remembered like this:
1. Watch what comes in.
"The lamp of the body is the eye." [Matthew 6:22, 23] Jesus warned us long ago to be careful what we see. Casting Crowns' song "Slow Fade" reminds us that it is just that, a slow fade that dissolves our relationship with Christ. I do believe that every person is given different levels of tolerance in different areas. Some people need to separate themselves from worldly music because the suggestive lyrics will run through their mind without their permission. Others choose to not watch movies with explicit scenes, knowing that the worst parts will be replayed late at night when no one can judge them. Still others separate themselves from individuals who have destructive, pessimistic thoughts that induce worries in all their peers. Some need all three. Sometimes, our sanity requires the our minds' sanctity. Sanctification is separation for a holy purpose. Separating ourselves from what we know will defile us can help serve as our defense for holiness. If you want to "love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind ..." [Mark 12:30], then you will make this small sacrifice. Remember that the liberty we find in Christ is greater than the slavery of sin.
2. Watch what stays in.
What if something is already in our hearts? Unforgiveness certainly falls into this category. I know so many stories of people who let past wrongs sit down and fester in their souls, allowing them to spiritually decay from the inside out. I understand that there are some emotional pains that make the most excruciating physical pain seem like a paper cut. My heart breaks for those who suffer, and I know unforgiveness is an impossibility. Fortunately, we serve a God of the impossible. He has sent a Helper to counsel us, enabling us to let go. Unforgiveness is one of the most deceiving sins. We think that we're hurting that person, but ultimately who we're really hurting are ourselves. We also hurt those we care about, because hatred sucks the love out of us like a black hole sucks out light. Only Jesus can make us whole again, and He desires that we forgive not just for the sake our relationship with that individual, but also for our relationship with Him. "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." [Matthew 6:14, 15] Be careful what you let sit in your heart. Make sure there's always room for God's love.
3. Watch what comes out.
Have you ever had a "Freudian slip"? It's when what we say reveals something we unconsciously desire. It's a misnomer, however, because Freud did not invent this idea. Jesus said, "... Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." [Luke 6:45]. I use these slips of the tongue to monitor my heart. I'm grateful for them, because I think we can deceive ourselves into thinking a matter is settled when it is not. This often happens when we have head knowledge, and not heart knowledge on the matter. What I mean is that often times, for some more often than others, it takes a while for something we know in our minds to be acknowledged by our hearts. For example, when I really caught grasp of the meaning of grace, it still took a while before I would go to God to ask for forgiveness. Oswald Chambers tells of a God who waits arms-open at the back of the wall of the world, "and every man driven there is driven into the arms of God." Even though I knew God to be this loving Father, I still was reluctant, seeing instead a drill sergeant waiting to reprimand me. Over time, and with much prayer, my heart has slowly changed. Prayer is key. When we see a matter is not resolved, we should take it to the Lord in prayer. The song is right; it truly is a privilege of which we should take greater advantage.
The Bible warns us that "the heart is deceitful above all things." [Jeremiah 17:9] That's why it's imperative that we learn to not let our heart govern us, but rather to be strong enough to govern our hearts. Ultimately, we cannot do it in our own strength. Really, we require divine wisdom, for it is the Lord who searches the heart and tests the mind [Jeremiah 17:10]. Pray that God grants us the ability to know when our hearts and minds are leading us astray. Let the Word of God be our guiding light. As David prayed,
Direct my steps by Your word,
And let no iniquity have dominion over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of man,
That I may keep Your precepts. [Psalm 119:133, 134]
God bless,
Alisha
My confirmation to write this devotional came when a minister reminded his audience that we are a spirit, and that we have a soul. A soul is what I mean by "heart/mind." The soul is source of our emotions and contemplative thoughts, and I suppose I can see how that can be confused with one's spirit. Realize this, though - the soul does not continue into eternity; it is the spirit that lives on. That is a somber reminder that we should endeavor to do more to feed and train our spirits than our souls.
Nevertheless, the soul is with us while we are here on earth, and thus we have the responsibility to take care of it. It reminds me of a story I read by Joshua Harris, called "The Room." With powerful and convicting imagery, he describes the depth of God's love for us, and the grotesque nature of the sin that somehow does not limit it in the slightest. After reading this story, I personally understood that my sins break the heart of my Father, and wanted to henceforth be a good steward of my soul. Soul stewardship can be remembered like this:
1. Watch what comes in.
"The lamp of the body is the eye." [Matthew 6:22, 23] Jesus warned us long ago to be careful what we see. Casting Crowns' song "Slow Fade" reminds us that it is just that, a slow fade that dissolves our relationship with Christ. I do believe that every person is given different levels of tolerance in different areas. Some people need to separate themselves from worldly music because the suggestive lyrics will run through their mind without their permission. Others choose to not watch movies with explicit scenes, knowing that the worst parts will be replayed late at night when no one can judge them. Still others separate themselves from individuals who have destructive, pessimistic thoughts that induce worries in all their peers. Some need all three. Sometimes, our sanity requires the our minds' sanctity. Sanctification is separation for a holy purpose. Separating ourselves from what we know will defile us can help serve as our defense for holiness. If you want to "love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind ..." [Mark 12:30], then you will make this small sacrifice. Remember that the liberty we find in Christ is greater than the slavery of sin.
2. Watch what stays in.
What if something is already in our hearts? Unforgiveness certainly falls into this category. I know so many stories of people who let past wrongs sit down and fester in their souls, allowing them to spiritually decay from the inside out. I understand that there are some emotional pains that make the most excruciating physical pain seem like a paper cut. My heart breaks for those who suffer, and I know unforgiveness is an impossibility. Fortunately, we serve a God of the impossible. He has sent a Helper to counsel us, enabling us to let go. Unforgiveness is one of the most deceiving sins. We think that we're hurting that person, but ultimately who we're really hurting are ourselves. We also hurt those we care about, because hatred sucks the love out of us like a black hole sucks out light. Only Jesus can make us whole again, and He desires that we forgive not just for the sake our relationship with that individual, but also for our relationship with Him. "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." [Matthew 6:14, 15] Be careful what you let sit in your heart. Make sure there's always room for God's love.
3. Watch what comes out.
Have you ever had a "Freudian slip"? It's when what we say reveals something we unconsciously desire. It's a misnomer, however, because Freud did not invent this idea. Jesus said, "... Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." [Luke 6:45]. I use these slips of the tongue to monitor my heart. I'm grateful for them, because I think we can deceive ourselves into thinking a matter is settled when it is not. This often happens when we have head knowledge, and not heart knowledge on the matter. What I mean is that often times, for some more often than others, it takes a while for something we know in our minds to be acknowledged by our hearts. For example, when I really caught grasp of the meaning of grace, it still took a while before I would go to God to ask for forgiveness. Oswald Chambers tells of a God who waits arms-open at the back of the wall of the world, "and every man driven there is driven into the arms of God." Even though I knew God to be this loving Father, I still was reluctant, seeing instead a drill sergeant waiting to reprimand me. Over time, and with much prayer, my heart has slowly changed. Prayer is key. When we see a matter is not resolved, we should take it to the Lord in prayer. The song is right; it truly is a privilege of which we should take greater advantage.
The Bible warns us that "the heart is deceitful above all things." [Jeremiah 17:9] That's why it's imperative that we learn to not let our heart govern us, but rather to be strong enough to govern our hearts. Ultimately, we cannot do it in our own strength. Really, we require divine wisdom, for it is the Lord who searches the heart and tests the mind [Jeremiah 17:10]. Pray that God grants us the ability to know when our hearts and minds are leading us astray. Let the Word of God be our guiding light. As David prayed,
Direct my steps by Your word,
And let no iniquity have dominion over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of man,
That I may keep Your precepts. [Psalm 119:133, 134]
God bless,
Alisha
Friday, April 10, 2009
Family
* Scriptures taken from Biblegateway.com
As the Easter season is upon us, I think about the joy I get from spending time with my both my biological family and my spiritual one. At the same time, I cannot help but think about my friends who will be unable to celebrate Easter with their family, those who carry the burden of desperately wanting to see their family members come to Christ. I understand.
Lately, God has been showing me a lot about families and why He instituted it. Family was the basic structural unit from the beginning. "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." [Genesis 2:24] Family begins with marriage and continues on until death. At death, we join our spiritual family. It is important to realize this, because sometimes I think people are under the impression that when a family member passes, they continue their role in the family. For example, if a grandfather passes, some feel they can pray to the grandfather and continue to request his guidance. Jesus addresses this issue when speaking to the Sadducees in Matthew 22:23-33. This sect questioned Jesus about a woman who had been married to a man with seven brothers. The man passed before an heir was produced, so according to Jewish law it was the duty of the brothers to produce an heir for him, so that his inheritance may not be lost. They asked Jesus to whom would the wife be married at resurrection. Jesus answered, "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven." Now if there is no marriage when we leave this world (save for the marriage of the Lamb) and marriage is the foundation of a family, then there can be no family unit (except for the universal church family). That is what makes it stewardship; we are responsible to our families but for a time, because ultimately they are God's.
The family on earth originally was meant to consist of a man, his wife, and their children. The children were to grow up and leave their home to start their own families, so that they could "be fruitful and multiply ... fill the earth and subdue it." [Genesis 1:28] Of course today the structure of the family unit is not as simple as a nuclear family. There are one-parent homes, no parent homes, and homes with various members of extended family. The show "Full House" comes to mind. Are these families in disobedience to God by not having His original setup? I think we know the answer is no. But certainly God instituted the structure for a reason, and when positions are lacking we try to fill the void with the "next best thing." Some of us do not use the best discretion in choosing with what we fill the hole, and are left embittered and more broken-hearted than before. I understand.
That's why I have a special prayer this Easter. I pray that all of you are able to have for yourself family figures: a father, mother, brother, and sister. A "father" can teach us women the role men should play in society, and also show us love as Christ has loved us. A "mother" can show by example how to be submissive (not subjected) to her husband. A "brother" offers practice, showing us how to deal with men when the generational gap with our fathers raises questions. And a "sister" so that we can learn fellowship, and not the harsh cat-like behavior shown when media portrays female relationships. Certainly, we will be able to receive much from these kinships.
I cannot, however, stress enough that we are required to give much as well. As I am writing this devotional, I lie in my grandmother's bedroom, the site of countless prayers offered daily. And as I said my nightly prayer yesterday, I realized that one day I would have to take up the reign and intercede for my family as she has for so many years. Prayer is, after all, the best thing you can do for a family member, for I promise you that it truly works miracles. I tried something new; I prayed for each family member by name and asked God to make me a better daughter/granddaughter/sister/neice/cousin.
As I did so, I knew what I was really asking - the humility to learn what that relationship would entail. For those older than me, it would mean I'd have to learn how to give proper respect in exchange for being taken care of, i.e. learning to be submissive. We can consider this relationship as a type for our relationship with our heavenly Father. He takes care of us and nurtures us, and in exchange we offer our humble gratitude and utmost respect. I know personally of a few rebellious teens whose improvement in their relationship with God was simultaneous with an improvement in their familial relationships. I don't think this a mere coincidence. For those younger than me, it requires me to be less selfish and more giving. This duty parallels that of an minister, to give sound counsel and lead by example. If any of you be 'elders' in your household, understand your God-given position of authority that is coupled with responsibility.
Many of these ideals are embraced in traditional ethnic communities, so for some of you it is nothing new, and for others it will sound too conservative (and I'm sure some fall into both categories). These things are hard to swallow, especially when we're in a point in our lives where ethnic traditions interfere with our pursuit of self-actualization. Separating ourselves from our families for the sake of personal growth is important, but it does not relinquish us from our obligation to care for our family members. That's another thing family teaches us - obligatory love. No matter how deeply a family member hurts us, if they apologize, then there is something inside of us that has to forgive. Whether or not we want to, it just has to forgive- because in the end, we're family. It's probably the closest thing to grace we can experience on human terms. Anyone who has not felt this kind of love in their family, know that I am truly sorry. But Christ is calling you to step out of your harsh upbringing so that the generational curse of conditional love would end here and now. Make the decision to be the person who forgives mercifully.
We all should make the decision to be better family members. It's difficult to be submissive and it's hard to be responsible. Again, I understand. But as I think about the resurrection and ascenscion of Christ, the day when heaven's Family was reunited in part and longs for the day when we're reunited in whole, I long to have a family that is at least a glimpse of the glory to come. And I know I want to do whatever I can to make it so.
God bless,
Alisha
As the Easter season is upon us, I think about the joy I get from spending time with my both my biological family and my spiritual one. At the same time, I cannot help but think about my friends who will be unable to celebrate Easter with their family, those who carry the burden of desperately wanting to see their family members come to Christ. I understand.
Lately, God has been showing me a lot about families and why He instituted it. Family was the basic structural unit from the beginning. "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." [Genesis 2:24] Family begins with marriage and continues on until death. At death, we join our spiritual family. It is important to realize this, because sometimes I think people are under the impression that when a family member passes, they continue their role in the family. For example, if a grandfather passes, some feel they can pray to the grandfather and continue to request his guidance. Jesus addresses this issue when speaking to the Sadducees in Matthew 22:23-33. This sect questioned Jesus about a woman who had been married to a man with seven brothers. The man passed before an heir was produced, so according to Jewish law it was the duty of the brothers to produce an heir for him, so that his inheritance may not be lost. They asked Jesus to whom would the wife be married at resurrection. Jesus answered, "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven." Now if there is no marriage when we leave this world (save for the marriage of the Lamb) and marriage is the foundation of a family, then there can be no family unit (except for the universal church family). That is what makes it stewardship; we are responsible to our families but for a time, because ultimately they are God's.
The family on earth originally was meant to consist of a man, his wife, and their children. The children were to grow up and leave their home to start their own families, so that they could "be fruitful and multiply ... fill the earth and subdue it." [Genesis 1:28] Of course today the structure of the family unit is not as simple as a nuclear family. There are one-parent homes, no parent homes, and homes with various members of extended family. The show "Full House" comes to mind. Are these families in disobedience to God by not having His original setup? I think we know the answer is no. But certainly God instituted the structure for a reason, and when positions are lacking we try to fill the void with the "next best thing." Some of us do not use the best discretion in choosing with what we fill the hole, and are left embittered and more broken-hearted than before. I understand.
That's why I have a special prayer this Easter. I pray that all of you are able to have for yourself family figures: a father, mother, brother, and sister. A "father" can teach us women the role men should play in society, and also show us love as Christ has loved us. A "mother" can show by example how to be submissive (not subjected) to her husband. A "brother" offers practice, showing us how to deal with men when the generational gap with our fathers raises questions. And a "sister" so that we can learn fellowship, and not the harsh cat-like behavior shown when media portrays female relationships. Certainly, we will be able to receive much from these kinships.
I cannot, however, stress enough that we are required to give much as well. As I am writing this devotional, I lie in my grandmother's bedroom, the site of countless prayers offered daily. And as I said my nightly prayer yesterday, I realized that one day I would have to take up the reign and intercede for my family as she has for so many years. Prayer is, after all, the best thing you can do for a family member, for I promise you that it truly works miracles. I tried something new; I prayed for each family member by name and asked God to make me a better daughter/granddaughter/sister/neice/cousin.
As I did so, I knew what I was really asking - the humility to learn what that relationship would entail. For those older than me, it would mean I'd have to learn how to give proper respect in exchange for being taken care of, i.e. learning to be submissive. We can consider this relationship as a type for our relationship with our heavenly Father. He takes care of us and nurtures us, and in exchange we offer our humble gratitude and utmost respect. I know personally of a few rebellious teens whose improvement in their relationship with God was simultaneous with an improvement in their familial relationships. I don't think this a mere coincidence. For those younger than me, it requires me to be less selfish and more giving. This duty parallels that of an minister, to give sound counsel and lead by example. If any of you be 'elders' in your household, understand your God-given position of authority that is coupled with responsibility.
Many of these ideals are embraced in traditional ethnic communities, so for some of you it is nothing new, and for others it will sound too conservative (and I'm sure some fall into both categories). These things are hard to swallow, especially when we're in a point in our lives where ethnic traditions interfere with our pursuit of self-actualization. Separating ourselves from our families for the sake of personal growth is important, but it does not relinquish us from our obligation to care for our family members. That's another thing family teaches us - obligatory love. No matter how deeply a family member hurts us, if they apologize, then there is something inside of us that has to forgive. Whether or not we want to, it just has to forgive- because in the end, we're family. It's probably the closest thing to grace we can experience on human terms. Anyone who has not felt this kind of love in their family, know that I am truly sorry. But Christ is calling you to step out of your harsh upbringing so that the generational curse of conditional love would end here and now. Make the decision to be the person who forgives mercifully.
We all should make the decision to be better family members. It's difficult to be submissive and it's hard to be responsible. Again, I understand. But as I think about the resurrection and ascenscion of Christ, the day when heaven's Family was reunited in part and longs for the day when we're reunited in whole, I long to have a family that is at least a glimpse of the glory to come. And I know I want to do whatever I can to make it so.
God bless,
Alisha
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