Archive for June, 2010

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“The Twilight Saga”: What’s the Big Deal?

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

It looks like yesterday’s release of the movie “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” will be a runaway success. What’s the big deal about teenage vampires? And how should we, as believers, respond to its content?

I’m hardwired as a black-and-white thinker so I’ll respond to the latter question with another question: What does Scripture say about what we’re to put into our minds? According to Philippians 4:8, the content should be true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise. If it doesn’t measure up, then don’t put it there.

That sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it sounds. My black-and-white brain says society’s influence has infiltrated not just our media, but our minds as well. We too easily listen to the majority’s voice rather than examine what it’s saying and where it’s taking us. As a result, we can’t even tell the difference between wrong and right in some cases.

2 Kings 17 says that God warned His people repeatedly to keep their hearts and minds focused only on Him and His regulations for their lives, to worship Him alone and not follow false gods. How did they respond? “They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they despised all his warnings. They worshiped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves. They followed the example of the nations around them, disobeying the LORD’s command not to imitate them” (v. 15).

Our society and culture beckon us to follow. Problem is, they often lead us down a path contrary to God’s best. Before we follow the majority and buy our tickets for “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” let’s think seriously about the message it conveys and whether or not we can agree with it. One author says vampirism is the anti-thesis of Christianity: “Both Christ and Dracula deal with blood and eternal life…Whereas Christ shed his blood so that his followers could have eternal life, Dracula shed his followers’ blood so that he could have eternal life.” If that’s the case, do we really want to spend time and money on this? Do we really want to fill our minds with the values this movie presents?

Here’s a link to an interesting article that takes a closer look at what this movie represents: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/jun/10062912.html Take a moment to read and ponder it. And then ask the Lord to show you how to respond.

Any thoughts?

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Unwanted Advice

Monday, June 28th, 2010

We all like to hear things that make us feel good, right? Few want news or advice that dampens our day even though it might be for our best. King Ahab of Israel was no different.

Ahab had proposed partnership with King Jehoshaphat of Judah to do battle. Jehoshaphat agreed but added, “First let’s find out what the LORD says.” So Ahab called for 400 prophets and asked their advice. “Should we go to battle or not?” he said. The prophets all replied, “Yes, go right ahead! The Lord will give the king victory.” That’s the answer he wanted to hear. (1 Kings 22:1-28)

But Jehoshaphat of Judah wasn’t convinced. “Is there not also a prophet of the LORD here? We should ask him the same questions.”

Ahab gave a classic response. “There is one more man who could consult the LORD for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me.”

Ahab would make an interesting study in human psychology. He was willing to take advice that tickled his ears even though it ultimately led to his defeat and death. Anyone with insight could have told him that he’d fare better by listening to the counsel of someone who spoke truth. He may not have wanted to hear the words spoken by the prophet of the Lord, but listening to them instead of the stuff that made him feel good could have spared him a lot of grief.

I can understand Ahab’s attitude because I’ve struggled with it, too. Especially as a teenager. People looking out for my best warned me about dating unbelievers but I didn’t want to listen. Instead, I sought affirmation for those relationships from peers who saw nothing wrong with them.

The longer I live, the more I recognize the value of godly advice – even when it’s contrary to what I want to hear. I might need time to digest and appreciate counsel given, but when it’s truly from the Lord, it’s imperative that I listen.

Can you relate? Have you ever found yourself in a situation that could have been avoided if you’d listened to tough advice?

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Master of Deceit and Fraud

Friday, June 25th, 2010

It’s no joke that Satan is our enemy and that his mission is to steal, kill and destroy. Sometimes he uses blatant means to accomplish his goal. Other times he’s more subtle.

Paul pegged it when, on one occasion, he looked a sorcerer in the eye and said, “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:9,10)

Satan is a master of deceit and fraud. He loves to take what God deems good and then pervert it for his purposes. This is especially true for sex. God designed it as an intimate gift to be shared between husband and wife. But Satan – the enemy of all that’s good – has perverted it. He’s twisted it into sexual abuse, addictions, adultery, and more. He deceives men and women into believing that lust is actually love, and that they have a right to fulfill their sexual needs whenever they wish and with anyone they desire.

What happens? Chances are good that they’ll pick up a physical disease. But they’ll also experience emotional and spiritual sickness – guilt, shame, fear, a hardened conscience, and distance from the God who loves them and wants the best for them. Presto! Satan has achieved his goal.

Satan’s also a master of deceit in the financial department. While God deems work a good thing and has promised to provide for our needs, Satan feeds lies about financial insecurity. Men and women believe those lies and work harder to save more (or to pay off the credit debt that they’ve incurred after believing the lies about needing more stuff). Before long, their work consumes them. They have neither time nor energy for their families or for God. They neglect prayer, Bible reading, reflective time and fellowshipping with other believers. And they sure can’t afford to tithe! Voila. Mission accomplished.

How can we detect this master of deceit and fraud? By being filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 12:9 says that Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit when he looked that sorcerer in the eye and exposed him for what he was. The deeper our walk with God, the more sensitive we’ll become to evil and the less likely we’ll be deceived by the enemy. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

In what other areas of life does the enemy pervert the true ways of the Lord?

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Who’s in Control, Anyway?

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

A recurring theme has brought me huge encouragement over the past couple of weeks. It’s all about God’s sovereignty in the lives of His kids. I’ve been pondering this truth…meditating on it…mulling over it. The result? I think I’m beginning to understand what it means to be still, to cease striving, and to know that He is God. And with that understanding comes rest, peace, and confidence.

Peter recognized this truth at work in his life, too. It happened after King Herod Agrippa had arrested and imprisoned him. The night before he was to be placed on trial, an angel rescued him from his cell. At first Peter thought the angel was a vision and his escape was only a dream. But Acts 12:11 says, “Peter finally came to his senses. ‘It’s really true!’ he said. ‘The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!’”

In Peter’s aha moment, he acknowledged that God was in control of his life. The Jewish leaders had planned to do him harm, but God had plans of a different kind and He had the resources to fulfill them. Guess who won?

When we’re walking in right relationship with the living God, we can rest assured that everything’s under control – His control. Psalm 138:8 says, “The LORD will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”

This theme of God’s ultimate sovereignty is especially meaningful to me today. I’ve written a study guide for Moving From Fear to Freedom and am awaiting a decision about a grant application that would provide the funds to publish it and produce a corresponding 7-part teaching DVD. Today, this potential product is being presented at the U.S. headquarters of an international women’s ministry. If it’s accepted there, then the grant will likely be approved and the book and DVD can be produced as an evangelism tool for women’s groups.

I’m excited at the prospect. I’ve seen many details come together to bring this concept to this point. But I’m also aware of the what-ifs – What if the U.S. staff say no? What if the grant isn’t approved? I’ve worked on this project for weeks, I’ve booked a venue and a videographer for the live teaching sessions that will take place this fall, I’ve figured out a budget and filled out a grant application, and the list goes on. My challenge now lies in trusting God’s sovereignty. Do I really believe that the Lord will work out His plans for my life as He promises?

I’m pondering this truth, meditating on it, mulling over it…and I’m experiencing rest, peace and confidence (most of the time!). Would you pray with me for God to accomplish His purposes in this situation?

 What situation in your life calls you to trust God’s control?

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Dealing with Discouragement

Monday, June 21st, 2010

What do you do when you feel discouraged?

(a)   Devour a bowlful (nay, a gallon) of your favorite ice cream

(b)  Take a long walk

(c)   Unload on a friend

(d)  Crank up your favorite praise and worship music

(e)   Take a nap

(f)   All of the above

(g)  None of the above

Our means of dealing with discouragement varies because we’re all different. As for me, I’ll go for a walk to clear my brain. I may even treat myself to a Tim Horton’s iced cappuccino. But more often than not, I’ll pray something like, “God, you know how I’m feeling right now. Thank You that I’m not alone. You’re with me and will give me the wisdom and where-with-all to get through this situation. Keep my eyes focused on You and Your promises rather than on my cause for discouragement.” Then I “pull up my big girl pants” and forge ahead.

Different people do different things when discouragement strikes. Take a look at Elijah’s story in 1 Kings 19. He’d just experienced a landslide victory over the false god Baal. You’d think he’d feel like a world-conqueror now, but not so. His victory triggered a death threat from Queen Jezebel, and fear overwhelmed him. Personally, I think the guy was emotionally and physically spent from the battle with Baal’s false prophets; he couldn’t even think clearly at this point.

Elijah allowed Queen Jezebel’s threat to intimidate him. His discouragement level soared, and he ran away to who-knows-where. At one point he parted company with his servant and continued the journey alone. Verse 4 says, “Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, LORD,’ he said. ‘Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.’”

Elijah’s discouragement topped the scale. What might he have done to prevent that from happening? Here are my thoughts…

  • He might have refused to let Jezebel’s threat paralyze him by choosing to recall God’s mighty display of power in the battle against Baal.
  • He might have kept company with his servant rather than isolating himself.
  • He might have rested rather than traveling all day in the wilderness.
  • He might have changed his prayer from “I’ve had enough, Lord. Take my life,” to “I’ve had enough, Lord. Please take over because I don’t feel I can go on.”

I realize it’s easy for me to analyze Elijah’s situation and say what he should or should not have done. While I don’t mean to pronounce judgment on him, I believe there are some good principles to learn from his experience. Like…when circumstances discourage us, let’s choose not to focus on them but on the character of God, the Overcomer. Let’s refuse to isolate ourselves. Let’s care for our well-being though proper rest, nutrition, and exercise (how often does discouragement set in because we’re run down?). And let’s tell God exactly how we feel but not stop there – let’s always turn our focus back to Him and His ability to see us through.

How about you? What do you do when you feel discouraged?

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Risks and Rewards

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Without a doubt, risks can feel scary but they can reap huge rewards. Take parachuting, for instance. I’ve not done it (yet), but those who have rave about free-falling through the atmosphere until their parachute opens and wafts them to the earth.

I ride a Gold Wing motorbike. Risky? Yes. But nothing beats the unobstructed connection with the great outdoors and the rush of air past my face. Besides, riding allows me time alone with my husband and an escape from my office.

Grace and hubby with Gold Wing

Parachuting and motorbiking are physical risks. But what about God-given risks? You know, the ones that call us to “do it afraid” and trust whatever He’s telling us to do. They’re scary, too, but they also carry rewards. 1 Kings 17 tells about a widow who experienced this firsthand.

This woman was at her wits’ end. Her cupboards were empty save for a handful of flour and a little cooking oil. When the prophet Elijah found her, she was gathering sticks for a fire. She told him that she was planning to cook one last meal, and then she and her son would die (v. 12). Elijah listened for a moment, acknowledged her feelings, and then presented her with a challenge:

“Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the LORD sends rain and the crops grow again!”

Risky? Yes. Human logic would say that making bread for this man would leave her with nothing for herself and her son. But this challenge came with a promise of God’s provision. If she did what the man said, God would supply her physical needs. Could she trust that promise? Would she trust that promise?

The widow made her choice to do as Elijah said. She took a God-given risk and reaped the reward. “She and Elijah and her son continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the LORD had promised through Elijah” (vv. 15,16).

I’ve experienced similar situations. They’ve not involved flour and oil, but they’ve required steps of faith taken with knocking knees. Launching International Messengers Canada, for instance, meant leaving behind the security of provided housing in our previous ministry and trusting God to supply financially so we could buy a home in the city where we moved. Was that scary? Oh yes, but taking the risk meant reaping the reward of seeing God provide each month to pay the mortgage on the townhouse we bought.

Frankly, I like life when it’s predictable and cozy, but that’s not where personal and spiritual growth happens. Predictable and cozy causes me to trust in my own abilities and become complacent. I lose my passion for and my awareness of my dependency on God. But risk-taking changes that. It keeps my faith alive and vibrant. It drives me into the Word and forces me to cling to God’s promises. It makes me aware of my dependency on God for absolutely everything. And I’m good with that. Obviously the widow was, too. She took the risk presented to her and she reaped the reward of seeing God provide.

What insights do you have about taking God-given risks? Any stories to tell?

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The Importance of Setting a Positive Example

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Who, would you say, has set a positive example for your life? Who has set a negative example?

Personally, I can think of many positive role models. There was a single missionary gal who was my camp counselor for a week ‘way back when I was in sixth grade. She inspired me to memorize Scripture and planted the seed of foreign missions in my heart. Then there was Granny Maude – the little ol’ lady who weeded the flower beds alongside our church when we lived in Washington state. And Sally, a pastor’s wife and good friend who encouraged me to develop and use my musical abilities.

I can also recall negative role models. Take the woman with whom I traveled for business several times, for example. Her lips lied and complained to hotel clerks and waitresses. And how about the worship leader who left his wife to marry someone else? And the lady who used gossip to split a church?

So long as we’re warm and breathing, we carry the potential to set either a positive or a negative example for those within our sphere of influence. Woe to us if our balance falls on the negative side of the teeter-totter.

The book of 1 Kings tells of rulers with a reputation for evil influence. Jeroboam, for instance, led Israel to commit sins. King Baasha did the same. His son Elah followed suite (1 Kings 15:34, 16:2,13,19). Rather than serving God, these men worshiped idols, and their example encouraged others to do the same. God was not pleased. “You have provoked my anger by causing my people Israel to sin,” He said (16:2).

God’s attitude towards those who negatively influence others causes me to seriously consider my ways. Do my words plant seeds of discontent, criticism or judgment in the minds of others? Does my behavior lead anyone to do anything inappropriate? Bottom line – does my example draw people closer to Jesus or cause them to turn away from Him? If my attitudes and actions cause anyone to sin, then God will hold me accountable.

Take a few moments to ponder God’s words to King Baasha in 1 Kings 16:2 – “You have provoked my anger by causing my people Israel to sin.” Ask Him to show you if there’s any way you’ve caused someone to sin. If He brings something to mind, then confess that to Him. Next, go to the person. Ask his forgiveness for leading him astray and encourage him to follow God wholeheartedly.

However wide our sphere of influence, let’s do our best to make it positive. Through our attitudes and actions, let’s strive to point others to Jesus rather than away from Him.

Any thoughts? What positive role model do you recall?

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A Healthy Church

Monday, June 14th, 2010

What’s the secret to optimum spiritual health in the lives of individual believers and ultimately the Church? It’s simple, really.

Optimum spiritual health both individually and corporately happens when we live in the fear of the Lord. What does that mean? It means we possess a reverential awe for who God is – holy, compassionate, forgiving, generous, powerful, sovereign and all-wise. That respect for Him transforms our attitudes and actions so that we reflect Christ to a watching world. Here’s what that looks like in real life:

  • A woman grows tired of her listless marriage. She’s tempted to find her emotional needs met by flirting online. No one will ever know, she reasons. But she understands that God cannot be fooled therefore she chooses not to follow her feelings. She opts to be faithful to her husband and pours her energies into making her marriage last.
  • Another woman is wounded by a coworker’s gossip. She’s tempted to retaliate but she cannot shake God’s command to pray for those who persecute you. And so she chooses to pray for the good of her coworker rather than spread unkind words about her throughout the office.
  • Yet another woman receives news of a loved one’s tragic death. Despair and anger overwhelm her and she’s tempted to shake her fist at God for sleeping on the job. But then she recalls that God is sovereign. Even when bad things happen, He’s able to turn them into something good. Remembering these truths changes her perspective and brings hope that causes an unbelieving friend to ask probing questions about her faith.

The fear of the Lord takes precedence over emotions, and decisions are made based on what honors Him rather than what makes us feel good. That’s the life that God honors.

Acts 9:31 says that the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. It didn’t say the church became stronger when the pastors preached better sermons or people gave bigger donations or more programs were implemented. Rather, it became stronger as individual believers lived in the fear of God. They walked in obedience to His Word. They lived according to His ways. They did what He said, and everything else fell into place.

If we want healthy churches, let’s do our part. Let’s walk in the fear of the Lord. Imagine what our churches would look like today if every believer did so. We’d turn the world upside down for Jesus Christ!

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He’s a Big, Big God

Friday, June 11th, 2010

I recently purchased a DVD set called “The Heart of Passion.” In all honesty, these are the first DVDs I’ve purchased, mostly because I don’t have space for clutter. But this purchase was a must. The messages, presented by Louie Giglio, challenge and encourage me to my core.

So far, I’ve watched two of the four programs. Both have presented mind-boggling facts and pictures about the heavens with its stars and galaxies. The messages leave me in awe at the greatness of this God who is powerful enough to speak the heavens into existence and to call the stars by name. The mere thought of what He’s done staggers my imagination. And it leaves me humbled, wondering why I worry about the little things in my life when this God promises to care for me.

In 1 Kings 8:23, Solomon began his prayer with these words: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.” His prayer echoes my sentiments after watching these DVDs.

Truly there is no God like the Creator of heaven and earth. No one so strong, so majestic, so holy and compassionate. No one so willing to lavish His love on those who place their trust in Him. No one so worthy of our praise and obedience.

I think I’m going to memorize 1 Kings 8:23 and repeat it each morning before I roll out of bed. I can’t imagine a better focus with which to face the day’s challenges than to remember who God is and whose I am. When I’m resting in the hands of this big, big God, there’s nothing I cannot do or face.

The same is true for you, my friend. Do you want to memorize the verse with me?

Have a great weekend!

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Behind the Scenes

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

My last blog talked about God’s active involvement in our lives. Personally, I find huge encouragement in knowing He’s at work behind the visible scenes and is in control of every detail. My challenge comes in remembering (and appreciating) that truth when life seems topsy-turvy.

I wonder if that’s how Joseph felt when he was sold into slavery by his own brothers and then imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. As he sat in stocks and chains, did he feel like God had abandoned him? Did he feel forgotten? Abused? Perhaps. But even so, his emotions and doubts could not alter the truth of God’s presence in, and control over, his life.

Acts 7: 9,10 say, “But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. And God gave him favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace.” Circumstances might have caused Joseph to wonder if God truly cared about him or if He even existed. But Scripture leaves no doubt – God was at work behind the visible scenes. He was present in every moment, and His purposes could not be thwarted.

How’s your life lookin’ today? A wee bit topsy-turvy? If so, remember the truth and cling to it. God is at work behind the scenes. He’s with you and is in control over every detail. Nothing escapes His notice. He’s dealing with an eternal timeline, and His perspective is far beyond our finite understanding.

How have you seen this truth at work in your life?

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