Tag: love god

bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

A Girl Transformed

krisshetter

My youngest daughter is a poster child for God’s transformation.  When she was a toddler, she constantly begged me to buy her bright and shiny things she saw advertised on tv then displayed on the grocery shelves. I left the grocery store many times during one of her meltdowns.  As she got older, I heard on a daily basis of her “needs.”  “I need more shorts (from the expensive store).”  “I need more pants.”  “I need a new straightener.”  “I need a new (fill in the blank).”  And then there were the social status issues: “Olivia’s mom gets her those, why can’t I have that?”  We started calling her the family princess.  My older daughter, who to almost frustration, never asks for anything.  My prayer life was filled with asking for patience.  This beautiful, smart, vivacious, talented, young girl acted like a spoiled brat.  Thankfully, she reserved all the negative behavior for her home life.  Away from home her teachers, coaches, and friends all loved her.  But they didn’t have to live with her.  My husband and I decided enough was enough.  He started planning frequent mission projects for the two of them to participate in.  She taught vacation Bible School.  She got a job.  We knuckled down on all those “needs.”  And then we sent her off to college, waiting for her to start begging us for money each week.

Dad gives her one last hug

James first starts in chapter 1 that we should consider it pure joy whenever we face trials (James 1:2).  I loved my daughter immensely during those younger years.  I enjoyed her humor, her ability to make any situation into a song.  She was a fierce, talented competitor on the field.  She would burst into the house after school and shower me with love.  That’s what I would thank God for, not for when things went off the rails.  Without the hard stuff I might not have fully appreciated the good stuff.  So, when I sent her off almost 2,000 miles away for college my house felt quiet, too quiet.  And for her, she came to realize how good she had it at home.  She faced terrible roommates, crazy coaches, and bored, lazy professors.  But she also was led to a relationship with Jesus, thanks to being invited to attend an Athletes In Action meeting.  Her “needs” became a need to live in God’s love – not the world of earthly desires.  She surrendered herself fully and in turn, found what really matters in life – an eternal love plus the love and friendships that make us better.  Now when she asks, she asks with the right motives.  She asks for God’s will – not her’s.

This amazing, transformed, daughter of Christ has plans.  But they’re God’s plans.  Her creative mind and her earthly tendency to “want stuff” is still there.  It’s amazing to watch her pull it back in.  You can tell that peace dwells more frequently in her.  Before they got married about a year ago, she and her husband went through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace program.  Having the desire to do it in the first place showed their spiritual maturity.  They both have great jobs after having graduated college.  And they could have a lot of “stuff.”  But they made a plan with God in mind.  My little girl who demanded so much is now so incredibly disciplined.  And yes, she has thanked my husband and I many times over for instilling so many morals and values in her.  But it’s God’s work that fully planted those in her heart.  I truly believe the trials she went through while in college gave her a choice – to go down the earthly path or to turn and surrender to God.

James 4 was a message to my daughter.  

“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.” (v3)

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?” (v4)

“Submit yourselves, then to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (v7)

“Instead, you ought to say, if it’s the Lord’s will we will live and do this or that.” (v15)

James 4 is a message to all of us who struggle day in and day out with trying to control our lives.  Trying to get all our “needs and wants” satisfied.  It’s a message to all of us who have put “Self” in front of God.  It’s also a message of hope that when we do what we ought to do, when we submit and surrender everything to God, He will draw near to us.  We have a role to play and unless we take our required steps, God cannot finish the work in us. How many of us who struggle with money are willing to spend the next few months going through Financial Peace University?”

And lest we think “those people” are the ones that need to hear this message, the work God had to do in me with my relationship with my daughter was huge.  When I finally surrendered her over to him, when I finally threw up my hands and said, “Ok, I’ve failed, I’ll try it your way,” I could start mending our relationship.  When I started praying His will, and not mine, great things happened.   The planning of her wedding was God’s gift to both of us.  Had she been the “girl before God” she would’ve demanded expensive, well, everything.  Instead she and her fiancé put together a tight budget.  We made decorations.  We eliminated needless activities.  God sent them people who would make a cake for $60, a free videographer, an inexpensive caterer.  They wanted the focus to be on Jesus.  It was so darn fun.  

God’s gifts to me, my two beautiful daughters, are just that – His gifts.  And like my finances, and my marriage, and my home, I need to be a good steward of His gifts.  So, I pray for His will be done.  And may the devil flee. 

bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Though My Feet May Stumble

krisshetter

About 10 years ago my husband and I were asked to lead a church Bible study.  As these things go it wasn’t because we were so knowledgeable, it was because we were warm bodies.  They said we weren’t to be teachers of the study, just facilitators.  They always say that.  But you and I both know a good Bible study group has a leader that can dig deeper, draw people out into discussions, and glean insight in topics.  True to my character, I jumped in with both feet attempting to educate myself better on each topic that arose.  I found the key, however, when in these situations was to 1) identify the people in the group who were more knowledgeable and 2) know when to say “I have no idea.”  Fast forward to today.  Even right now, as I write this, I fear saying the wrong thing because I realize I’m no “esteemed theologian.”  But I do know I have the mind of Christ (2Cor 2:16).

As usual for my morning routine I got up that morning the first of July, did a couple devotionals, and took my dog for a walk.  We were about four months into the Covid lockdown. I was leading a small Bible study with friends, and in the midst of a Boldness Challenge in which I had invited about 20 people to participate.  The challenge was coming to an end in a few weeks.  As I listened to my Christian music on my walk and doing some silent praying, I heard Him speak.  “Go home right now and start a blog.”  Seriously.  Starting a blog hadn’t been on my radar.  I enjoyed just conversing with folks in my small sphere.  But, feeling challenged by God, I walked in the door, sat down at my computer and typed, “best platforms to start a blog.”  Within the hour I had created Emboldened.  I invited all my Bold Challenge buddies and a few more to follow the blog.  I started praying to the Almighty about what He wanted me to say.  In these situations, I typically find myself praying, “Whelp, this was your idea.  Now what?”

When I hit 200 visitors from about 10 different countries, I had a revelation.  “Oh crud. I have just opened myself up to judgement on a whole new scale.”   I told my Bible study girls that while it was cool it was also terrifying.    Cool because I’m using a number of my God-given gifts to reach people around the world.  Terrifying because I might slip up in my theology and harsh words will rain down. 

“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

James 3:1

I wonder if that’s why so many of us are fearful about speaking up when talking about our faith?  Maybe we will be questioned and won’t know the answer.  Or worse yet, we might get something wrong and be harshly judged?  But God.  That’s what a fellow blogger wrote in one of my comments last week.  But God.  That statement works so well in so many situations.  We were talking about God’s mercy.  But if I truly trust God and the direction He has set in front of me, He will guide my words to be His Words.  He will take my failings and trials and make them good.  I don’t believe James is discouraging us to be teachers.  He’s letting us know we need to be prepared to speak the truth of God’s Word and in doing so we will face opposition, sometimes very cruel opposition.

“We all stumble in many ways.  Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”

James 3:2

There’s only one person that was perfect – Jesus.  I find comfort in knowing that every single person from C.S Lewis to Charles Spurgeon and Peter to Paul and Joyce Meyer to Rick Warren stumble.  We all stumble.  But think of stumbling this way – it is a result of walking forward and not watching where we are going.  James 3 is about stumbling and refocusing our eyes on God.  When we don’t watch our tongue, when we envy others we stumble.  But when we re-focus on God we find ourselves making peace with the most unlikely people and submitting ourselves fully.

I’m glad you are on this journey with me.  When I stumble help me up and I will help you too.  No judgement, just a loving hand.

bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Love+Mercy=Deeds

krisshetter

When my youngest daughter began her college search 6 years ago she was determined to go somewhere far away from home.  Her preference was to play field hockey on the east coast.  After visiting six states and six colleges in the course of five days we still didn’t land on the perfect place.  And then out of the blue she got a call from a school in Missouri who wanted to recruit her.  Her reaction, “no way am I going to school in the Midwest.”  After a solo visit to the school and the team she changed her mind.  She loved it.  Set on the banks of the Missouri river, just 20 minutes from St. Louis is St. Charles.  It’s a quaint town mostly known for being the starting point for Lewis and Clark.  The school, Lindenwood University, fit all our requirements.  It also was a Presbyterian founded school.  Sitting on the board was the pastor for the large, local Presbyterian church.

The weekend she moved in I took a trip over to that local Presbyterian church.  It shared a fence with the university.  I asked to speak with the pastor and see what programs they had in conjunction with the school.  As I spoke with his secretary, he could see me from his open office door.  He could hear me speaking to her.  He never got up from his desk.  In fact, the answer to my question about the partnership with the university students brought a blank stare.  I asked what mission projects they do in St. Louis, and again I got a blank stare.  My heart broke.  Here was a large church, founded in 1818, and 1952 it formed a partnership with the college.  About 68 years later it has failed the thousands of students that pass through the college each year.

Lindenwood University was my daughter’s home away from home for 3 1/2 years

Why tell this tale?  James admonishes us to love our neighbors, not pass judgement without mercy, and to show our faith with deeds.  And yet this large church found it difficult to do all of these.  They were stuck in the success they already had and lost focus on their purpose – to always be bringing new people to Christ.  Like so many churches they waited to see who would show up for church.  The secretary told me they had once tried a Sunday evening worship designed for the students but hardly anyone came.  So, they gave up.  I asked her, “Did you try going to them?”  Another blank stare.

James 1 and 2 are all about shaking us awake.  Pleading with us to be “doing Christians” rather than pew-sitting Christians.  Real justification – a saved life – leads to a changed life.  He reminds us that serving our Lord may make us uncomfortable when we invite the poor or unknown to sit next to us.  He also points out that the rich or those we show favoritism to frequently are the ones that treat us the worst.

“Is it not the rich that are exploiting you?  Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?  Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him whom you belong”

James 2:6

A poor, lonely college student would jump at the chance for a free meal at a campus BBQ or an invite to dinner into someone’s home. They don’t have much to offer us, except their company.  They might not look like us, talk like us, or believe exactly like us.  They probably won’t find their way to a church by themselves.  The mere act of reaching outward and being a friendly face to those who don’t feel comfortable walking into our church doors shows them mercy.  Think about the last time you were at a social gathering and didn’t know anyone.  Finally, someone comes up to you and strikes up a conversation.  You are filled with relief that you are no longer alone. 

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

1 Peter 4:10

When we stand in front of the gates of heaven, expressing our thankfulness for the gift of salvation we will be judged.  Jesus may stand there smiling that gentle smile back at us.  And then say with sadness, “Why didn’t you ever open and use my gift?”  We beg for God’s grace, mercy, love and forgiveness.  And when we are bestowed all those, do we open them up for all the world to see?  I once asked my husband for a fancy mixer.  It could whip, grind, shred and all manner of cooking/baking related activities.  But if he had given me exactly what I wanted and I thanked him profusely yet never opened the box and used that mixer, wouldn’t my husband think I didn’t truly appreciate it?

Open, open, open

When we don’t judge people for their age, what they wear, how they talk, what their background is, their politics, etc., and just accept people as we encounter them, they are open to our love and our message of God’s love.  Imagine that church in St. Charles holding a first weekend BBQ for anyone who wanted a free hotdog and an invite to a worship service.  Or,  a helpful church team assisting parents and students moving into the dorms along with a care package with a card welcoming them.  A contact number to call if they need help.   And each month having an outreach event to just say, “we are here and we love you.”

You see, when we accept the challenge of loving our neighbors and showing them mercy, God opens the doors to all the best deeds.  And even if just one person responds, that’s one more person on God’s side of the ledger.  We should all be praying regularly for opportunities like this to be placed in front of us.  When you become God’s co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9) you lose count of all the blessings that unfold.   As for my daughter, the Christ-centered group Athletes In Action met regularly on campus and another student invited her to come.  It saved her in so many ways.  She eventually become a leader and a speaker who told her testimony to many other student-athletes.  She also met her future husband through the organization.  As a parent living almost 2,000 miles away, I still remain ever thankful there were Christians who took up James’ challenge.

If you know a Christian athlete who is in college, encourage them to look up Athletes In Action

Will you take up James’ challenge this weekend?  Pray for your eyes to be opened to opportunities to show your faith by your deeds, love and mercy. Click on the photo and listen to this song by Danny Gokey and Mandisa called “Tell Somebody.” It’s a great song about opening up that gift!

bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Army of Love

krisshetter

I look at the current news and wonder what part we Christians have played in allowing the destruction and violence that has permeated our society. There’s the climate change activists who burn down car dealerships. Antifa groups who want to destroy basic societal norms. Abortion rights, LGBTQ, and BLM protestors who scream in other people’s faces. And on and on. The amount of hate that exudes from our tvs and cell phones is almost unbearable. But how do Christians play a part in any of this?

James reminds us of Jesus’ second most important commandment He gave to the disciples before His death.

Love your neighbor as yourself, and you are doing right

James 2:8

You notice it doesn’t say that whatever your neighbor does is ok and we should agree that it is good and right? And yet so many of us think we either need to agree or deny the truths of our faith in order to love our neighbors. Our fear of man, rather than God can lead us to stand on the wrong side of the room. Just as Peter did when the disciples all were called back to Jerusalem to discuss the issue of circumcision and whether Gentiles must first become Jews before accepting Christ. After having lived as a Gentile and bringing Gentiles to Christ without the requirement of circumcision, Peter took one look at the disapproving traditional Jews at the meeting and caved. He separated himself from the Gentiles. Paul had to admonish him for his hypocrisy.

When I saw that they (Peter and Barnabas) were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said, to Cephas (Peter) in front of them all, “You are a Jew yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it then that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?

Galatians 2:14

Peter is many of us. We fear discord. We fear disagreement. We fear being judged. And at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion Peter feared physical harm. So instead of standing firm knowing God is by our side when interacting with our neighbors, loved ones or strangers, we sometimes, if not frequently, cave.

It’s almost as though our church leaders have failed to teach us one of the most important lessons that Jesus lived out — how to sit and dine with sinners while remaining faithful to God.  In a recent Bible study session, we asked the question, “What does it mean to allow Christ to live through you and is there anything specific that you should be doing?”  One person said we should guard our hearts and avoid situations where there is temptation to sin.  I had to laugh and say that would mean I would never go to the grocery store.  They knew what I meant – I struggle with being annoyed by all manner of behavior by other people.  If I could just not be around other people I don’t think I would sin at all!  I’ve come to realize that God puts these tests in front of me each day, waiting for me to finally “get it” – love my neighbors, show grace and give mercy.  And yes, even when I disagree with them.

Jesus himself sat among the sinners as the Ambassador to Heaven.  Instead of the dread of facing people who disagreed with him he seemed to enter those situations with hopeful anticipation.  So, when my Bible study group discussed the idea of avoiding people or places that give us open avenues to sin we looked at each and pointed out the areas we individually would need to always avoid.  In other words, raise the white flag and retreat from the full life for which we are called.  But we are called to be Ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20.)

How does this relate to strife in our society? As Christians, so many of us have flown the white flag high in hopes we won’t be hated. In hopes we wouldn’t have to face disagreement. We accept the sin of “almost right” laws and the non-Christian definition of what loving our neighbors mean. Loving and accepting others is not the same as agreeing and going along with them. Satan is always looking for ways to drip like water on a stone onto our commitment to the Almighty God. Phrases such as “Love is Love,” “All Science is Real,” and “Women’s Rights are Human Rights,” hide the true meaning behind each. We get lost in arguments about “why shouldn’t everyone be allowed to marry whom they want” or “well, if you don’t adopt a baby yourself then you shouldn’t decide about abortion.” So, we vote for laws that go directly against our core Christian beliefs. We agree that there shouldn’t be time for prayer in school, much less allow a student to read the Bible as their reading assignment. We agree that marriage doesn’t need a man and a woman and children can do without a parent. And we watch our moral society slowly chip away. We miss opportunities to share God’s messages of love, grace and forgiveness by being afraid of the disagreement. But Jesus’ behavior throughout His time on Earth was not one of retreat or agreement with sinners.

Pro-abortionist don’t realize every child is wanted and loved by God

It’s interesting to realize that Jesus didn’t preach to “fellow” Christians.  They didn’t exist.  He preached to people who didn’t know what being saved by grace meant.  He preached to people who may have been living as Jews but in name only.  He preached to High Priests who broke Mosaic Law on a regular basis.  He spoke to us — sinners. And when He commissioned the disciples, He sent them knowing full well the people they encountered may not even believe in a monotheistic God.  So, the argument made that we, as Christians, shouldn’t “impose” our ways on non-Christians falls flat.  If what we believe and the life we are called to live out is so amazing, so marvelous, then why wouldn’t we want to see everyone live in that same grace? God didn’t give us the gift of justification to hoard it. He gave it to share with the rest of His people.

I recently found an article by a pastor who was raised by two lesbian women.  He defines them as activists in the LGBTQ community.  He came to Christ one night when he attended a Christian meeting, fully loaded to disagree and fight against everything being preached.  Instead he walked away saved.

“I lived in the tension of accepting my parents that I dearly loved, but not theologically agreeing with their choice to be in same-sex relationships.”

Caleb Kaltenbach, Pastor, City on A Hill Church

He calls this “living in the tension” when we find ourselves in disagreement with our non-Christian neighbors and loved ones.  His family kicked him out for a short while.  But his work as a Christian brought them back into a loving relationship.  One that requires work to maintain.  He goes on to say, 

“Don’t settle for cheap love based merely on agreement. Pursue priceless love that accepts the person (no matter who or where they are) with the understanding that while you can’t “fix” them— God can.”

He acknowledges this is a two-way street for a successful relationship.  But when the other party doesn’t do their part it doesn’t give us license to then act non-Christian.  We are always called to love and accept people for who they are at that moment.  Love of others that is based on acceptance instead of agreement can reunite relationships, heal families, save lives, and even change eternal destinations.  And that’s the message we so infrequently hear at church.  There’s a fear of discussing the big issues facing us as we live in the new Babylon.  But we need to practice and be reminded how to show love and while “living in the tension.”  And remembering our job as Ambassadors is to ACT like Christians, as defined by Jesus, not Pharisees.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31

The next time you hear condemnation coming from a group or a person of which you disagree with their morals and values stop for a moment and pray.  Listen to God’s voice.  Rest in the fact that as Christians we don’t need to fear man.  Jesus saw everyone as a potential person to bring to eternal life and so should we.  And the life God wants for all His people is good.  It’s time to stop retreating, stop waving the white flag.  It’s time to step up in confidence with the love from God leading the way.  Our neighbors, our communities, our children, need us to spread His message.  We are his soldiers in His Army of Love. 

Is there someone that lives a life against Christian morals that you need to give up to God?  Let Him solve that problem.  Your job is to just love them.  

bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

The Law of Love

krisshetter

Even though I can pretty much talk to anyone at anytime I don’t particularly like to talk to people when I’m coming home on an airplane from visiting my daughter.  I only get to see her about 4 times a year and when I leave her, I’m sad and contemplative.  I prefer to put my headphones on and read a book.  On one trip home, I sat next to a man who immediately started talking to me.  I’m not sure how we got on the subject of God, the Bible and faith but he was prepped.  He was ready to make sure I knew how much he knew about the “truth” of the Bible.  He could quote any scripture that would back up his point of view.  The trinity was false, according to him, because it promoted multi-theism.  And on and on he went.  When I would disagree, gently, he peppered me with more questions for which he already had answers.  He was looking for ways to “catch” me with improper theology.  It didn’t bother me.  I’m always interested to hear more about the Bible.  And I’m sure he wasn’t completely wrong.  He just seemed to be taking scripture out of context.  Towards the end, he started telling me about his church journey.  He jumped from church to church based on obscure theological differences.  He went from a large church, to a medium one, to a small gathering.  He finally landed on his perfect church – the church of one.  He called himself a “sabbathist.”  He didn’t practice the sabbath on Sunday.  It had to be Friday through Saturday.  So, if you were thinking you could join his group of one, you’d better make sure you worshipped and followed the rules on the right day.  

When we arrived in San Diego and exited the plane, I had one thought.  I had just met a real life, modern day Pharisee.  I had one regret.  I realized, squeezed into that packed airplane there had to have been multiple people hearing our conversation (or at least him talking since he did most of it).  The opportunity I missed was to stop talking doctrine and scripture and ask him the most important question, “But do you love Jesus?”    In that 3 ½ hours on the plane he never spoke of being a true disciple of Jesus.  He only spoke of following the Mosaic law.  I missed the chance to introduce him to the Royal Law – the Law of Love.

Pharisees cared more about strictly following Mosaic rules than they did about the idea behind God’s Word

This week James takes us through additional, difficult subjects: favoritism (yes, we all do it), loving our neighbor (even the gay couple), mercy (we all want it), and deeds (without being a “church lady”).  He recognizes that when we try to live by Mosaic Law alone, it’s like playing a game of “whack-a-mole.”  When we stop doing one thing another sin pops up.  We can never feel fully successful at living a sin-less life.  But what we can do is love one another.

Warren Wiersbe says this about James 2 and the steps we are to take to go from being a “baby Christian” to a mature Christian:

“Immature people talk about their beliefs, but the mature person lives his faith.  Hearing God’s Word and talking about God’s Word can never substitute for doing God’s word.”

Warren Wiersbe, New Testament Bible Commentary

Each of last week’s topics — trials, wisdom, listening, and living a clean life — were the personal building blocks for what James calls us to this week.  Without faith that God is ever present in our trials, without wisdom to discern what God calls us to, when we don’t listen to God, and when we give into immoral situations we continue to live by this world’s standards. 

“Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith BY my deeds.”

James 2:18

James tells us we are called for something better.  We need to be living outside the box, not trapped inside.  First up tomorrow we will delve deeper into what following Jesus’s Law of Love looks like when we treat people like God does – equally.

Have you ever met a modern-day Pharisee?  What was your reaction?  Do you find yourself trying to adhere to scripture but forget that one of the most important commandments is loving others?

bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Oh, To Be Wise

krisshetter

They kept begging me to run for PTA president.  Having served on a PTA nominating committee I know how difficult it can be to fill two key positions – president and treasurer.  At least the treasurer can hide from people, but the president must stand in front of rooms filled with either at best bored or at worst annoyed parents.  My children attended an elementary school with almost 1,300 students K-5.  We put on large community events.  And our parents and teachers were very demanding.  On top of this, our school was about to go through a few major changes.  I told them “no.”  Actually, what I told them was: “You don’t want me to be your president.  You won’t like how I will clean up the ‘old boys’ way of doing things.”   But they kept asking. 

Eventually I caved.  I recall clearly after I said yes, I finally prayed for the first time.  “Lord, help this not to have been a mistake.”   I did that a lot many years ago.  You know, make a decision and then beg God to make it turn out ok.  I’m pretty sure King Solomon didn’t write a proverb saying, “Decide, then pray for your will be done.”

I should’ve watched Harper Valley PTA before I said, “Yes.

As I moved along on my Christian spiritual growth chart, I realized that order of things was a bit backward.  With each switching up of the order of prayer vs. action, I was getting closer to the concept in Ephesians 5: 15-16, “Be careful then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. 

James 1: 5-8 challenges believers to wise decision making.  He gives us the action we must take (asking God for wisdom) and the result of not accepting and acting on that wisdom (double mindedness).

‘’If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you;  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

James 1: 5-8

You see, had I prayed to God in the midst of being asked to take on such a large role as PTA president I would’ve acted in God’s name, not mine.  If he told me to do it, I would know I had His strength to aid me in difficult times because it was His will not mine.  If I was told to not do it then I would’ve been able to clearly and confidently say, “no thank you.” And importantly – not feel guilty about it.

There are two ways to seek wisdom – spiritually and earthly.  While we can take both paths together, if we only use earthly knowledge, we live without an anchor to truly define what is “right” and “good.”  That is the Humanists’ approach.  They make decisions more based on what feels right or good or what society deems worthy or correct.  But God is immovable.  His Word never changes.  When we use that as a touchstone for our lives, we know we start our wisdom journey on solid ground.  God has all the solutions — while we can usually only see them in a narrow, protective framework.  

Charles Spurgeon once said, “How foolish would the believer be who would lay up his treasure anywhere except heaven?”  In other words, you only have one life to live.   It’s precious and what you create, such as children, are precious.  Why would you ask the world how to live your life, raise your kids, invest your money, use your time, instead of God?   He went on to say, “Change is written on the forehead of nature so don’t put your trust in earthly things.”  This reminded me of a friend I had at an old job.  She had her kids in the 1970s.  With her first child she was told by the nurses to absolutely not breastfeed her child.  It was imperative that women not be tied down to a child and instead be free to do whatever she pleased.  When her second child came along the winds had shifted.  She was encouraged to breastfeed.  She cried as she told me what she realized she missed out on with her first child – the bonding and loving moments breastfeeding affords.  She was angry she had let a nurse decide for her what was right and good. 

Warren Wiersbe defines God-given wisdom this way, “Wisdom keeps us in harmony with the principals and purposes that the Lord has built into His world so that as we obey God, everything works for us and not against us.”  I don’t know about you but I’d like to know more about how to get things to work for me and not against me!  

Step 1 for gaining that sort of wisdom – praying.  

But not just any praying.  Praying for His will to be done, not ours.  Praying for wisdom and good discernment means asking God to light the way for us.  He alone knows ALL the possible solutions and outcomes.  We can only know a limited number of solutions, based on our limited knowledge and emotions.  We can’t possibly know the outcomes.  When we pray to God for our will we need to be careful He might just give us what we keep asking for – and that can frequently be exactly what we don’t need.  God tailors our teaching based on where we are in our spiritual growth.  He might give us a little leeway or He might admonish us.  But we will definitely learn a lesson if we listen and pay attention.

Step 2 in our wisdom growth is listening.  

James 1: 19 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this, we should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”  After we’ve prayed, we need to shut up and listen.  He will speak to you.  But if we keep yammering on to him, our friends, people we don’t even know on social media, we will assuredly miss His voice.  We need to be like Jesus – slow down and hear from God.  Instead we frequently start worrying and researching and talking and fretting and more worrying.  In my study group we asked the question: “What are some challenges that come with obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit?”  We all agreed that discerning whether it is God or our own voice (or worse, Satan) speaking is the greatest challenge.  The solution is knowing the character of God.  Thankfully, there’s a complete autobiography about God at our fingertips – the Bible.

Step 3 is reading His word.  

I’ve heard people call Christians “sheep.”  The assumption is that we don’t need to think for ourselves once we turn our lives over to Christ.  But we don’t put our minds on a shelf and stop thinking.  In fact, we must turn our lives to more active thinking and discernment when we become Christians.  One of my BSGs (Bible Study Girls) and I were talking the other day and she told me she was glad the Bible can be read at different understanding levels.  She says she has always had a more difficult time delving deeper and between the lines – not just when it comes to reading the Bible but any literature.  She appreciates those of us that have that skill.  That is the beauty of the Bible and God’s gifts.  One friend of mine sent out a text that said, “The Bible is the only book that as you read it, it reads you.”  Amen to that! 

There are a few books in the Bible considered “wisdom books” but the most recognizable is Proverbs.  The words “wise” or “wisdom” are used 125 in this book.  Its wise words are made to be memorized since the people of that time didn’t have access to books.  One liners can be easily remembered such as:

“Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it, resist them.” 28:4

“Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy.” 29:1

“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.” 21:9

“Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting and strife.” 17:1

Then there’s longer, deeper instruction such as Proverb 1: 32-33

“For the waywardness of the simple will kill them and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me (wisdom/God) will live in safety and be at ease without fear or harm.”

And Proverb 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all ways submit to Him and he will make your path straight.”

I wish I had read that one before deciding to be a PTA president.  From day 1 the bickering and strife and lies and hurts I faced were almost unbearable.  I cried to the Lord for help.  His help came in the form of wisdom – how to pray first, listen second, and read His Word third and then act.  

In my Bible study library I now have Bible commentaries, devotionals, books about prayer, apologetics books and more.  When I read a passage in the Bible that either seems confusing or sounds like a message I really need to hear, I pull out various other tools to help guide me, in addition to praying over the verse.  This has expanded my study time from about 15 minutes to about an hour.  It centers me for the day ahead and places my feet on His path.

Praying, listening, reading.   These steps help us to gain God’s wisdom.  Without taking these steps it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish God’s plan for us.  I love what Proverbs 8 says, speaking as God’s Wisdom:

“Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.  All the words of mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.  To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge.  Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”

I am issuing a challenge today.  Take Proverbs and create a “Wise Words” list.  Create categories that each 1 liner falls into and place it in its category.  Some of the proverbs are repeated so you don’t need to write them again – but you might put a tick mark by the verse to show how many times it is mentioned.

For comments today, let us know a time that either 1) you didn’t pray and got yourself into a mess or 2) you heeded God’s word and realized what a blessing it was!

bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Message Received

krisshetter

I’ve long found it fascinating when I hear people say they’ve never heard from God.  In a previous church Bible Study, where the majority of the women were over 70, it actually saddened me to listen to woman after woman say she loved God but never really felt His presence or heard Him speak.  As I delve into a deeper relationship with our Lord, I keep hearing the same message from Him – you can walk up an aisle, stand when called, or raise your hand when asked if you want to receive Jesus, but until we seek out a personal relationship with Him our faith remains unfulfilled. 

I recently was reading about a centurion man named Cornelius in Acts 10.  He was not a Jew yet was devout to God.  His family was considered “God-fearing.”  He gave generously and prayed regularly.  But He did not know Jesus was His savior.  The Holy Spirit came to him one day.

“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.  Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.”

Acts 10: 4-5

He immediately obeyed.  What was to unfold was discipleship at its finest.  Trusting God’s word, obeying even though it seemed unreasonable.  In the end, thanks to the actions of many, Cornelius and his family became the first gentile Christians – paving the way to you and me.

If you have ever watched the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” you will surely get the message of our interconnectedness.  We so often think we are small and insignificant, while strangely also thinking everyone needs to know our opinions.  But it is the actions we take – led by the Holy Spirit – that cause ripples of which only God truly knows the effects.  My current Bible Study Girls are studying Charles Stanley’s, “30 Life Principles.”  We’ve started to joke about if all Mr. Stanley wrote were the words, “obey God,” the book could’ve been much shorter!  In fact, five of the 30 principles specifically use the word “obey.”  Many of the others are really just variations of the idea.

To obey something is to first know what that something is or wants.  Which means listening.  Which means paying attention.  I’ve challenged many friends and Bible study participants to take my “Coincidence Challenge.”  For 30 days, every time you hear just the right song, see a sign that says the right thing at the right time, or a friend calls when you need to hear a friendly voice, don’t call it a coincidence.  Call it God. When you do, you’ll find he isn’t silent.  In fact, He is babbling away at you, desperately trying to get your attention.  

The Book of James calls us to that personal relationship of listening and obeying God.  His message is to those of us who already call ourselves Christians.  It would be unfair to hold anyone else to the standards of which he writes.  Many of these standards are difficult and challenging.  And we are unable to meet these standards without a faith in God.  God alone is our strength to keep us on the narrow path.  At times it seems James is shaking us out of our Christian sleepiness.  Calling us to wake up, pay attention and serve God with all our heart, mind and soul.  James is the proverbial “bad cop.”  But sometimes we need admonishment.  We need correction.  

I was having lunch with a good friend the other day and she said she needs friends who can call her on her “stuff.”  If we are surrounded by “yes men” we struggle to improve our lives.  It can lead us down destructive paths when the standards held by the majority of whom we associate with are “almost right” or just plain anti-Biblical.  But when we have people who love us, want the best for us, and call us on our “stuff” based on Jesus’ standards, we grow to be our better selves.  James is that friend.  More importantly, James reminds us that God is that same friend.

“You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

John 15: 14-15

This week we will be talking about James 1.  Trials, temptations, wisdom, listening, and action are on the plate.  So, buckle up.  We are about to strip down to some hard truths.  But remember too, that God is a merciful, loving and thankfully forgiving God.  That same friend who said she needs friends to call her on her “stuff” also said she’s worried that a study in James will be painfully convicting.  Let’s right now agree that if God shines a light on an area that needs work in our lives He does so out of love.  He wants more for us.  He knows what the future can bring us.  So, we need to lean in to the stripping away of our old selves so that we can live in His plans for us fully.  

Do you regularly hear from God? Tell us of a time you were asked to obey and it seemed unreasonable yet you took action.   If not take the “Coincidence Challenge!”

bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement

Proof of Love

krisshetter

“With our tongue we praise the Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings who have been made in God’s likeness.” James 3:9

Sound familiar?

Join me starting September 7 on a five week journey through the Book of James. Follow to receive your daily emails!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

God the Recycler

krisshetter

So here we are — Day 30 of 30 Days of Praise! And although my daily prayer praise of the Almighty doesn’t end with today, my challenge to find different ways to write about God’s amazing characteristics is complete. When I started this more than 30 days ago I was on a journey to help me learn a new way of praying. I felt comfortable with thanking God, asking God for help, and asking Him for forgiveness. But praising God seemed so strange and uncomfortable to me. True to His character He placed a challenge on my heart and mind to help me grow.

I heard a great comment about God’s character yesterday. “God never allows us to fail a test, he just gives us the test over and over until we pass.” It goes right along with Charles Stanley’s Life Principle #7:

The dark moments of our life will last only so long as necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us.

Charles Stanley, 30 Life Principles

God Allows Us to Be Reduced to Brokenness

You see, I didn’t start my journey of learning how to praise God 30 days ago. I started the day God spoke to me in my bedroom a few years ago. While I sat enjoying my little pity party God said, “Enough is enough.” He shook me with the simple statement: “What have you really done?” You see I was whining about being such a “good Christian” and yet my life felt like a mess. He spoke those words loudly again, “Yes, what have you really done?” He had been letting me do things my own way for a long time. But He loves us too much to let us continue down destructive paths for too long. That day started my training. And it was intense. He taught me that the secret to a peace-filled life was a lot simpler than what I imagined. I didn’t need to be “doing” so much. I just needed to obey Him — no matter the consequences, no matter how outlandish the request sounded. 1 John 2:25 says:

But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them.

1 John 2:25

Not only was I reduced to brokenness but God was right there to put me back together as a much more simple, faithful Christian with one goal: Obey.

God Re-Uses Lessons To Get Us to Listen

Throughout my continuing journey I have experienced many times when the same lesson pops up over and over. It’s when I give in and say, “ok, ok, I get it!” that He finally moves on. From podcasts, to daily devotionals, and songs on the radio to a Bible study, His Word weaves its way seamlessly throughout our lives. On August 1, I started with my devotional, “New Day, New You” by Joyce Meyer. The day’s lesson? “Simple, Believing Prayer” based on Matthew 6:7. “And when you pray, do not heap phrases as the gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking.” Good start as I then turn to my “30 Life Principles” Bible study lesson for the day: “Listening to God is essential to walking with God.” In it the question was asked, “What does Jesus say about the use of many words?” Based on, guess….. Matthew 6:7. I saw a message forming here. I then decided to read a bit of my “Spurgeon on Prayer & Spiritual Warfare.” I don’t read it everyday but I felt led to that day. And lo and behold, the topic was approaching God with reverence, joy, submission, confidence and sincerity. Not babbling on with useless words intended to make myself sound “christian-like.” Point taken.

What if through this odd little coincidence, or answered prayer, He’s sending you–you… out of all of those billions of people–a direct personal message of reassurance? To stop worrying? To keep the faith? That everything will be all right? 

Squire Rushnell, Godwink stories

God Takes Trash and Makes It Into Something Beautiful

Each Sunday we would see him. A man in about his 40s dressed to the 9s. Not just full suits but “zoot” suits. Big shoulder pads, double breasted suits. But what was most impressive was his hair. I dated a guy back in the 80s who played in a 60s throwback band with that same hair — pumped up, rockabilly pompadour. He stood out among the mostly white, upper class 60-80 year olds. It came to pass we ended up in the same membership class. I told him how I enjoyed seeing what cool and interesting outfits he was going to show up in each week. And, I was definitely impressed with his hair. Both being named Chris/Kris we of course, hit it off. When it came time to tell our testimony I realized what a blessing it was that God put me in the same group as Chris. He told us how his family growing up were Christians. But he rebelled. He wanted long hair, hard rock and a free spirited life. One day when he was 15 his father came to him and said, “We are going to Africa to be missionaries. You have two choices, you can cut your hair and come with us or you stay here in California and find your own way.” He chose to keep his hair. He also decided that Los Angeles was the place to become a rock star. He played bass and guitar. He ended up on the streets, homeless. And he turned to drugs which eventually led to heroin. He told us he should’ve died at least 10 times. But God was not done with him. He pulled him from the fire after yet another devastating drug-fueled, car accident. And led him on the path to recovery. He now goes all over the country speaking on the perils of heroin and his faith in God. He jumped in to help mentor middle school and high school kids at our church. He’s one cool cat. Chris was like the trash that rolls along our city streets, finding its way into doorways. Crumpled up and seemingly useless. God transformed him into a true follower of Christ — a thing of beauty. His transformation story gives me hope for my, much smaller problems.

I praise God today for all the work He has done and will do in our lives. He whispers to us. He shouts at us. He shakes us and he nudges us. He will never force us to follow Him. And He will never fully let us go. Click on the photo below to enjoy the song, “Raise a Hallelujah” by Bethel Music — but here’s a hint, play it loud and raise your hands high!! I look forward to having you join me on my next challenge — “His Works Project”– coming soon!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

The Strong, Silent Type

krisshetter

When I think of shepherds, the farmer in the movie “Babe” comes to mind.  He had complete control over his flock with simple grunts, murmurs, or hand motions.  The farm animals look at him like a god.  But then there was Babe, the pig.  He wanted more.  As a pig he was supposed to simply eat and get fat.  His future was the dinner table.  But he wanted to be a shepherd.  Why? Because shepherds protect.  They lead.  They have a love for their flock.  At first, Farmer Hoggett resisted.  And Babe persisted.  What followed was a beautiful story of the Shepherd teaching and guiding another to become a shepherd as well.  I love the little song Farmer Hoggett sings to Babe:

Can’t you just imagine Jesus quietly singing these words as he walked with the disciples along the Sea of Galilee?  Or around the campfire in the Garden of Gethsemane before the soldiers came?  Yes, Jesus was quite a force when it came to speaking to Pharisees and Sadducees but throughout His ministry, I sense a quiet force.  With just a nod, a whisper, a few well-placed words He touched thousands. 

God spoke to Jeremiah about the coming of Jesus and His trained shepherds: “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. Jer 3:15.  He also warned of shepherds that would come against the people of God.  Shepherds who “set traps to catch people.”  Ones whose evil deeds have no limit.  Shepherds who do not have the spiritual health of their flock in mind.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, stands as the touchstone for our spiritual shepherds.  As his sheep, we listen only to His voice, his murmurs.  When he gestures for us to come and follow we turn from the distractions and place our eyes only on him.

 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 

John 10:14-16

Jesus leads us out of danger.  He leads us to pastures that will sustain us.  He brings us safely home to our Father.  He loves us with His own life.  He is the gatekeeper for our eternal salvation.  Thank you, great Shepherd.

Do you have a favorite movie that has hidden meanings about God and His Kingdom?  Share it in the comments below along with your praise for our Good Shepherd!