Have you ever been repelling? Sometimes stepping out in faith feels much like that first step backward over the cliff. Once you take it, you find the strength of the rope, but until you take it, that strength isn't available to you.
Do you have examples of God asking you to do something and you coming up with all sorts of reasons why you shouldn't, or an example of obeying and finding Him faithful? I had an instance a year or so back where I knew without a doubt that I needed to go to someone and ask their forgiveness. Because of the circumstances, it was excruciatingly difficult (it made stepping off a cliff look simple). However, once I set out to obey, I felt God's presence throughout and my overall faith increased.
I think the final sentence from today's reading is going to go into my quote box... "We act like pagans in a crisis, only one out of a crowd is daring enough to bank his faith in the character of God."
May 29 - Undisturbed Relationship
It's true that people mistakenly try to use Jesus' name as a magic wand instead of seeking that ever-abiding relationship with Him. When we're seeking or desiring someTHING instead of HIM, and using prayer as a means to get what we want, we'll be disappointed each time.
But, these are profound concepts expressed in the reading. Do you identify and fully relate to what O.C. is saying? How does one make the transition from wanting things to wanting only Him?
But, these are profound concepts expressed in the reading. Do you identify and fully relate to what O.C. is saying? How does one make the transition from wanting things to wanting only Him?
May 28 - Unquestioned Revelation
I think this is a hard reading to grasp. In our culture, if something doesn't square with our "logic" or "reasoning", we are inclined to dismiss it. I think that the sentence "if anything is a mystery to you and it is coming in between you and God, never look for the explanation in your intellect, look for it in your disposition, it is that which is wrong" is an uncomfortable proposition.
Often, for me at least, the issue is deeper than the presenting issue -- it is often just a matter of not wanting to submit to the Lord. If I can intentionally submit, He often provides the answer that I was trying to reason out on my own. Eph. 4:17-18 and this quote by Brother Lawrence come to mind "We can reason laboriously for many years, but fuller far and deep is the knowledge of the things of faith and of Himself, which He flashes as light into the heart of the humble."
How, practically speaking, do you "look" for the explanation in your disposition? In other words, when you think something is coming between you and God, how do you discern what is the core of the problem?
Often, for me at least, the issue is deeper than the presenting issue -- it is often just a matter of not wanting to submit to the Lord. If I can intentionally submit, He often provides the answer that I was trying to reason out on my own. Eph. 4:17-18 and this quote by Brother Lawrence come to mind "We can reason laboriously for many years, but fuller far and deep is the knowledge of the things of faith and of Himself, which He flashes as light into the heart of the humble."
How, practically speaking, do you "look" for the explanation in your disposition? In other words, when you think something is coming between you and God, how do you discern what is the core of the problem?
May 26 - Think As Jesus Taught
"God answers prayer in the best way, not sometimes, but every time, although the immediate manifestation of the answer in the domain in which we want it may not always follow."
I missed that italicized part when I first read today's devotional. Then, when I read back through it, it jumped out at me. For years and years, I would pray about stuff and then when it didn't happen 1) in my way and 2) on my timetable, I would conclude that God had not answered. What shame I felt when, by His grace, He allowed me a glimpse back over myriad instances in my life, where He had absolutely answered my prayers; however, in almost every case it was in a different manner and on a different timetable than I had desired.
I missed that italicized part when I first read today's devotional. Then, when I read back through it, it jumped out at me. For years and years, I would pray about stuff and then when it didn't happen 1) in my way and 2) on my timetable, I would conclude that God had not answered. What shame I felt when, by His grace, He allowed me a glimpse back over myriad instances in my life, where He had absolutely answered my prayers; however, in almost every case it was in a different manner and on a different timetable than I had desired.
May 25 - The Test of Self-Interest
"The good is always the enemy of the best." When I first heard that expression years ago, I thought it was a strange concept. Afterall, you can't sit around and twiddle your thumbs waiting for the "best" to drop in your lap. And what does it mean to "leave God to choose for you?" MOst of us would like nothing better!! We'd all love to get an email or phone call from God telling us just what the next step should be in our lives or in a decision we're making.
Just recently, however, I've had a situation that kind of exemplifies this idea and I'll share it as I think it fits here. J.Wade will be in school this fall, so I would like to find a job to occupy myself and bring in some income. I have been diligent about looking, but not had any success yet. Through an interesting series of events, my old boss called and offered me a job - working from home, full benefits, a great paycheck, etc. etc. The only catch was that I'd have to travel 3 weeks every quarter. I thought about it and thought that I do have the "right" to take that job. It would be fulfilling to me and financially fruitful for the family -- in other words it would be "good". However, it was very, very clear that the 3 weeks I'd have to travel would be a nightmare for everyone in the family and in that way it would be the "enemy of the best". I turned the job down and am waiting on another door to open up.
Just recently, however, I've had a situation that kind of exemplifies this idea and I'll share it as I think it fits here. J.Wade will be in school this fall, so I would like to find a job to occupy myself and bring in some income. I have been diligent about looking, but not had any success yet. Through an interesting series of events, my old boss called and offered me a job - working from home, full benefits, a great paycheck, etc. etc. The only catch was that I'd have to travel 3 weeks every quarter. I thought about it and thought that I do have the "right" to take that job. It would be fulfilling to me and financially fruitful for the family -- in other words it would be "good". However, it was very, very clear that the 3 weeks I'd have to travel would be a nightmare for everyone in the family and in that way it would be the "enemy of the best". I turned the job down and am waiting on another door to open up.
May23 - Careful Infidelity
Wow, this was a good reading for me today! When I think of worry over the little things as an afront to God, it changes my perspective entirely. "...worrying means that we do not think that God can look after the practical details of our lives." I think it can be a combination of not trusting God to look after the details, and thinking that the details are so trifling that we shouldn't bother God about them. If and when I realize that He wants the trifling things and He can be trusted with those things, I am freed up to be available to Him. I blew it in this area, just last night, letting worries and trifles overwhelm me. I'm thankful that His mercies are new this morning and I can give it another try!!
May 22- Now This Explains It
"The purpose of God is not to answer our prayers, but by our prayers we come to discern the mind of God..." Once this concept is in one's soul, the Christian life and the promises of God begins to make sense in a whole new way. When we can get to the place (by prayer, submission and sheer willpower) to say "Thy will be done" or "God, please be glorified in this situation" --especially when it is said in a situation that is to our apparent detriment-- then we know we're really trusting and surrendering to Him.
I'd love to hear some real practical examples of how this has played out in a life situation -- either in a small or a big way.
I'd love to hear some real practical examples of how this has played out in a life situation -- either in a small or a big way.
May 21 - Divine Reasonings of Faith
These are my husband's absolute favorite verses. I like the way that O.C. explains these verses. I've heard people debate whether or not people should save money for retirement based on these verses. I think O.C.'s assertion that "Jesus is saying that the great care of the life is to put the relationship to God first, and everthing else second" is right on.
I'd love thoughts on the last paragraph, where it speaks of the "severest disciplines" of the Christian life is being brought into harmony with these verses.
I'd love thoughts on the last paragraph, where it speaks of the "severest disciplines" of the Christian life is being brought into harmony with these verses.
May 20 - The Realm of the Real
"Many of us stay at the threshold of the Christian life instead of going on to construct a sould in accordance with the new life God has put within." I agree with this. We can spend years on that threshold. My question is why do so many of us hang out on that threshold for so long? Is it lack of proper discipleship? Lack of enough examples of fully committed Christians? Fear of plunging full into a relationship with God? The hold the world has on us? Ultimately, God is faithful to complete what He has begun in each one of us and for that we can be thankful!!!
Now, some thoughts about moods. I disagree just a bit about the claim that "moods never go by praying, moods go by kicking." My experience is that it's sometimes hard to recognize that what we're battling is just a mood and not reality. The first thing that has to occur is recognizing that it is a mood. Then, asking God for help in overcoming that mood is often paramount. Once we have made the decision to "take ourselves by the scruff of the neck and shake ourselves" with respect to a mood, God will pour out His grace to help us. A dozen push ups or a jog around the block are also extremely helpful in getting past a "mood".
Now, some thoughts about moods. I disagree just a bit about the claim that "moods never go by praying, moods go by kicking." My experience is that it's sometimes hard to recognize that what we're battling is just a mood and not reality. The first thing that has to occur is recognizing that it is a mood. Then, asking God for help in overcoming that mood is often paramount. Once we have made the decision to "take ourselves by the scruff of the neck and shake ourselves" with respect to a mood, God will pour out His grace to help us. A dozen push ups or a jog around the block are also extremely helpful in getting past a "mood".
May 19 - Out of the Wreck I Rise
I grew up in a PCA church. However, for years, I believed that if I had trouble in my life, then I was doing something wrong with respect to my walk with God. I had this crazy image of God as a trigger happy sheriff ready to take a shot at me if I got out of line. Through much prayer and time in His word, He released me from this faulty thought paradigm. However, I worry that many women operate (consciously or not) with such a view. Just this weekend, I was in a ladies' restroom and overheard a woman (who was struggling with her young daughter) lament, in all seriousness, "why does God torture me this way"?
I think the Biblical paradigm is more along the lines of what is expressed in this reading... "God does not keep a woman immune from trouble; He says - "I will be with her in trouble." If we can lay hold of that truth, then the reality of Romans 8:35 can begin to be grasped.
I think the Biblical paradigm is more along the lines of what is expressed in this reading... "God does not keep a woman immune from trouble; He says - "I will be with her in trouble." If we can lay hold of that truth, then the reality of Romans 8:35 can begin to be grasped.
May 16 - The Habit of Wealth
"If we give way to self-pity and indulge in the luxury of misery, we banish God's riches from our own lives and hinder others from entering into His provision." Pastor John once said from the pulpit that the only true power Satan has is the power to deceive. I think one of Satan's greatest devises is to deceive us into thinking that our self pity is justified. People who are not naturally optimistic are particularly susceptible to this. It takes renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2) and the Holy Spirit to lift the fog of deceit and reveal the truth - that Christ is sufficient.
I was a little confused in this reading if Oswald was using physical (monetary) blessing/wealth as a metaphor for spiritual blessing/wealth, or if he was actually talking about both. Thoughts?
I was a little confused in this reading if Oswald was using physical (monetary) blessing/wealth as a metaphor for spiritual blessing/wealth, or if he was actually talking about both. Thoughts?
May 15 - The Habit of Rising to the Occasion
This is one of my favorite readings in the book. There is so much to chew on. I'm pretty sure that I'm not always full of "spiritual pluck and athleticism", but I love the image that those words convey! They remind me of Hebrews 12:1-3.
I'd love to get thoughts/ insight on the second paragraph which begins "You cannot do anything for your salvation, but you must do something to manifest it, you must work out what God has worked in." How is this done? What Scripture verses relate? Is obedience to God's commands sufficient? How do the spiritual disciplines play a part (e.g., prayer, fasting, scripture memorization,solitude and silence)?
I'd love to get thoughts/ insight on the second paragraph which begins "You cannot do anything for your salvation, but you must do something to manifest it, you must work out what God has worked in." How is this done? What Scripture verses relate? Is obedience to God's commands sufficient? How do the spiritual disciplines play a part (e.g., prayer, fasting, scripture memorization,solitude and silence)?
May 14 - The Habit of Enjoying the Disagreeable
"...it is the disagreeable things which make us exhibit whether or not we are manifesting His life." I can completely relate to this. I often find myself cruising along and then something disagreeable pops up -- something that I don't readily want to do, but I know should be done. My reaction is an indication of where I am, right then, spiritually. For me, the underlying issue is humility vs. pride. Am I feeling 'too important' for this task? Do I think I'm 'above' doing this? Or, do I react as if my original plan (i.e, what I was doing before this disagreeable thing came up) is sacrosanct? If those are my immediate responses, I can tell that I'm operating out of pride and not humility.
I like the last line of today's reading: "Never live on memories; let the word of God be always living and active in you!!"
P.S. Help needed: I'm trying to remember a quote I first heard in college. I think it is from Elizabeth Elliott. It has to do with a wine glass being tipped and what spills out (either bitter or sweet) is what had been in the glass all along. The meaning is that our response to trials, etc. reveals what is inside us. Today's reading reminded me of this quote, but then I couldn't find it.
I like the last line of today's reading: "Never live on memories; let the word of God be always living and active in you!!"
P.S. Help needed: I'm trying to remember a quote I first heard in college. I think it is from Elizabeth Elliott. It has to do with a wine glass being tipped and what spills out (either bitter or sweet) is what had been in the glass all along. The meaning is that our response to trials, etc. reveals what is inside us. Today's reading reminded me of this quote, but then I couldn't find it.
May 13 - The Habit of a Good Conscience
"If I am in the habit of steadily facing myself with God, my conscience will always introduce God's perfect law and indicate what I should do." For me, a key to keeping my conscience square with God is to keep very short accounts with Him and then accept His forgiveness and grace. In other words, the minute I recognize my sin, to confess it and then MOVE ON. If I dwell on it, I become so inward focused that I am of no use.
What are your thoughts on the quote: "His voice is so gentle that it is easy to ignore it"?
What are your thoughts on the quote: "His voice is so gentle that it is easy to ignore it"?
May 12 - Make a Habit of Having No Habits
At first this reading seems confusing to me. Aren't godly habits a good thing? However, I think I know what O.C. is driving at. As a matter of fact, I had an example of it just this morning. I always try to get up before the kids do so that I can have some quiet time with the Lord before everything gets going. Today, one of the kids woke me up at 5:45. My first feeling was frustration, because their being up was messing with "my" time. I was clearly coveting my hour with my habit. I should have recognized that the Lord was with me during this "disruption". I could trust Him to help me love and care for my child and still have time with Him, albeit, on a slightly different schedule than I had planned. For me, when I have some set expectation about how something should go down, I find that I leave little room for God to work.
May 9 - Grasp Without Reach
My "vision" (at this stage of my life) hinges on the Immanuel principle that God is with us and available to us if only we will bring Him in to each situation. The month of May (with all of its busyness)is a great test of this vision. I continuously have to check myself to determine if I am acting on my own initiative or relying on Him. For me, the biggest indicator is whether I am maintaing an attitude of prayer/trust or am I lapsing into "urgent" mode. The latter is a sure sign (for me) of loosing the vision.
What's your vision?
What's your vision?
May 8 - The Patience of Faith
"Faith" is defined in the Merriam-Webster's dictionary as "belief and trust in and loyalty to God; something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs". I think the definition in this reading is more effective in conveying true Christian faith. "Faith is...robust vigorous confidence built on the fact that God is holy love."
In our fairly "normal" lives, how many opportunities do we actually have each day to "fling (our)selves in reckless confidence on God"?
In our fairly "normal" lives, how many opportunities do we actually have each day to "fling (our)selves in reckless confidence on God"?
May 7 - Building for Eternity
Two things stick out to me from today's reading. The first is how reassuring it is to know that He has chosen us to participate with Him. The second thing that strikes me is the need for a prayerful gut check. Am I going about my own plans in His name? Ideally, if my focus is on remaining rightly related to Him, then His plans become mine. In life, though, I seem to walk in the "grey area" a little more than desireable. Does that make sense? How is that overcome?
May 6 - Liberty on the Abyss of the Gospel
Wow. This reading is so important. When I look back at my life as a Christian, the people who had the most impact were those who served as sign posts pointing to Jesus. They didn't impose a lot of requirements on me as far as what the Christian life should "look like", they just focused on Christ. Obviously, we should testify as to what God is doing and has done in our own lives, but this reading is a good reminder not to make an idol of our own experience with the Lord. If I am "careful to see that I(you) never bind a yoke on others that is not placed by Jesus Christ", then perhaps more people will find true Christ's statement in Matthew 11:30 that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
What do you think of Oswald's use of the John 5:39-40 scripture here?
What do you think of Oswald's use of the John 5:39-40 scripture here?
May 5 - Judgment on the Abyss of Love
If salvation is about God -- His love, His mercy and His grace, why is it so often spoken of in terms of an experience or a transaction? I think this reading is a good reminder of where the focus must remain, especially as we talk to others about God. We're not responsible for selling the benefits of God or of salvation, but to "present the truth of God that the Spirit of God will show what is wrong". It kind of takes the pressure off of us when viewed from that perspective.
Today, I wanted to get your thoughts on how God's judgment is the sign of His love. This thought is stated in today's reading and was also a theme from last night's sermon. I'd to get your insight on that concept.
Today, I wanted to get your thoughts on how God's judgment is the sign of His love. This thought is stated in today's reading and was also a theme from last night's sermon. I'd to get your insight on that concept.
May 2 - The Passion of Patience
Patience, patience, patience. Ugh! I am not a patient person. It took 40 years and finally taking up gardening as a hobby before God began growing the first ounce of patience in me. Right now in my life, I'm having to exercise a lot of patience and it is difficult. "Patience conveys the idea of an immensely strong rock withstanding all onslaughts." That does not mean just gritting ones teeth and enduring until the waiting is over. A Joyce Meyer quote comes to mind "patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting."
Wade was commenting to me yesterday that in Isaiah 40:31 ("Yet those who wait for the LORDWill gain new strength;They will mount up with wings like eagles,They will run and not get tired,They will walk and not become weary") the promise of not becoming weary is given in relation to the "walking". In other words, the daily walking and waiting part of life is where we need God's help most in not becoming weary.
What do you think about Oswald's comment "It is a bad thing to be satisfied spiritually"? All through the scriptures it speaks of being satisfied in the Lord. Just curious as to your thoughts...
Wade was commenting to me yesterday that in Isaiah 40:31 ("Yet those who wait for the LORDWill gain new strength;They will mount up with wings like eagles,They will run and not get tired,They will walk and not become weary") the promise of not becoming weary is given in relation to the "walking". In other words, the daily walking and waiting part of life is where we need God's help most in not becoming weary.
What do you think about Oswald's comment "It is a bad thing to be satisfied spiritually"? All through the scriptures it speaks of being satisfied in the Lord. Just curious as to your thoughts...
May 1 - Insight Not Emotion
For years,I kept waiting for that golden halo to come down and fix itself just above my head. I knew when halo arrived and the glow permeated my being, the "work" for the Lord would begin. Despite my efforts to be perfect, the halo never arrived and I finally began prayerfully rethinking my expectations of the Christian life. God revealed to me that He is glorified when we bring Him in to full involvement in the ordinary, every day circumstances of life. As this reading says, "we are here as men and women, not as half-fledged angels, to do the work of the world, and to do it with an infinitely greater power to stand the turmoil because we have been born from above."
For me, the flip side of this revelation was that no one else around me was going to have the halo landing / glow emerging experience either. So, instead of criticizing others for where they fall short, I realized I must embrace my fellow Christians right where they and know that God is glorified in our weaknesses when we look to Him for our strength.
For me, the flip side of this revelation was that no one else around me was going to have the halo landing / glow emerging experience either. So, instead of criticizing others for where they fall short, I realized I must embrace my fellow Christians right where they and know that God is glorified in our weaknesses when we look to Him for our strength.
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