For many years, I have contemplated whether or not the Lord would have me speak and/or write for women. This potential area of ministry goes waaay back to my senior year of high school. I did not think of myself as a good speaker or writer back then - it was a stretch for me to come up with interesting content and delivery methods for my English classes. In addition, I had incredibly creative and funny classmates who entertained quite effectively! Two events truly changed my life towards the end of high school: 1) My senior English teacher praised my first term paper and suggested I submit it for publication (what???), and 2) I was appointed by the school faculty to present a short speech at my high school graduation. Evidently all I needed was a little encouragement!
During college I had many opportunities for public speaking, and each time I felt the power of the Holy Spirit directing my thoughts. I have this picture in my mind from those days to now: I am typing a presentation while the Holy Spirit sits on my shoulder whispering the words into my ear. These college experiences were inspirational and powerful for my personal growth. In my twenties, I faced a dry spell as I tried to figure how to live life in the real world. Opportunities to minister via the written or spoken word were not handed to me on a silver platter like they had been in high school and college.
As I entered my thirties, the doors for inspirational speaking and writing opened again. I have thoroughly enjoyed speaking at women's events on a causal basis. Most recently, I have begun writing this blog which, in and of itself, is a definite "God-thing." At the same time, I have no desire to push the idea of speaking and writing for women beyond the bounds of what God intends for me. My desire is to be obedient in the moment and wait for Him to open and close doors of ministry opportunity.
2 Timothy 1:6-8 stands out to me as I consider the phases of growth the Lord has brought me through:
"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.... With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of the Good News" (New Living Translation).
My purpose for writing this particular blog entry is for a submission in a blog contest - for those of you who are new to the bloggy world, I know this may sound a bit strange. Lysa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries, writes a daily blog that I read. She also hosts an annual conference called She Speaks. I have known of this conference since its inception, but it has never fit into my budget to attend. Lysa announced a contest this week to promote She Speaks and to offer a scholarship for the event.
The She Speaks Conference is intended for Christian speakers, writers (even bloggers), and women's ministries leaders. In Lysa's invitation to attend she writes, "If you are like me, we share a passion to step out with messages God has placed on our hearts. Do you ever feel this way? Do you long to connect with women and bring them closer to the Heart of God?" My response to these questions is a resounding, "Yes!"
I am a women's ministries leader, a speaker, and a writer. I know the experience of not being able to stop the flow of God's Word coming from the Holy Spirit (i.e., sitting on my shoulder, whispering in my ear). I know the passion of leading women to the feet of Jesus. More than ever in my life, I feel an intense burn to fan the flames of the spiritual gifts God has given me. The world NEEDS Jesus; women NEED Jesus to find His Truth within our deceptive culture.
She Speaks offers sessions for attendees to learn the basics in preparing a message, as well as advanced marketing plans and publishing tips. Trends in women's ministry and clothing one's self in prayer are also covered. The event includes peer critique and evaluation. All in all, She Speaks sounds like a wonderful conference to test God's call and to learn valuable information about speaking, writing, and women's ministries. Whether or not I win a scholarship for 2009, I hope to attend this conference some day. It would be a tremendous blessing to attend She Speaks 2009 on a scholarship! Thank you for the opportunity to share a portion of my testimony.
For my regular reader's, it is Friday of Spring Break week and Steve's birthday, so we have some partying to prepare for in the Tracht household. Thank you for your encouragement during these last two weeks of craziness relating to retreat planning and Tyler's surgery. The Lord has brought healing to Tyler's body and my spirit. Thank You, Jesus!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
How Do I Know God is at Work?
When it comes to being a wife and mother, I do not feel like I am a particularly strong example. I am adequate, but I make lots of mistakes and I have some regrets. This weekend at the retreat, Shaunti Feldhahn spoke about the differences between males and females, as well as how our culture impacts those differences in all types of relationships. Marriage is clearly the most intense relationship between man and woman, but male/female relationships in parenting and work are also important to consider. Because I was coordinating the event, I did not have the energy to take notes during the sessions - I just sat back and absorbed all that I could at the time. I plan on re-reading Shaunti's books because I believe they are packed with God's Truth, and I believe they closely relate with the journey He is taking me on right now.
As I was decompressing from the weekend's activities and processing the weekend's message, I came across several internet commentaries of people who are against Shaunti's message. This is certainly not surprising because (1) her message is extremely counter-cultural, and (2) it is Biblically based. Additionally, Shaunti's message is founded on strong scientific research. In my academic studies, I have found numerous counter-cultural messages that are scientifically based, yet these are not the studies one hears about in the mainstream media. I find that interesting and disturbing, but not completely surprising. As I feel led, I may have opportunities to share some examples of this on the blog.
On Sunday, Pastor Glenn referenced the following scripture in Acts. It is ahead of where I am currently reading, but it fits perfectly with the weekend's processing.... Acts17:16 reads that Paul "was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city" (NLT). Idols are in many things. The most obvious relate to material possessions, but all we have to do is take a close look at our very own priorities to identify potential idols. Sometimes my desire to be right or be understood is an idol in my life; sometimes comfort is an idol for me; and sometimes simply having my own way is an idol. Without even knowing it, our beliefs about what we need or deserve, based on cultural shaping, are our idols.
As I read the comments of others in regards to why they thought Shaunti's message was wrong, I was amazed by how people misread her message. Yet, again and again, I am struck by the realization that in order to know Truth, we must be in relationship with Truth. Without a focused relationship with Christ that earnestly seeks Truth, the power of our culture will overpower our understanding of Truth.
This is Spring Break week, so the boys and I are home hanging out together just like the good old days prior to Kindergarten. I feel like I do not get enough opportunities to share my faith with them in words or lessons, though I pray my daily actions and lifestyle will speak Truth into their lives. I am sometimes concerned for their spiritual growth because we do not often have in depth conversations about Jesus. While I occasionally see glimples of spiritual fruit in their lives, it is not often enough for me. This morning while they were creating clay army tanks and bombs, I asked them if I could recite some of my memory verses to them for practice sake. They hesitantly agreed and it lead to some great dialogue.
The first verse I shared was 2 Timothy 1:6-8:
"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gifts God gave you when I laid my hands upon you. God did not give us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.... With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclaimation of the Good News" (NLT).
Even as the phrase, "be ready to suffer with me," came out of my mouth, I knew Tanner would ask about its meaning. As a result, I had the wonderful opportunity to share about why Christians must be prepared to suffer. We talked a bit about end times and the need to know Jesus and scripture with more fervance than our culture (in their language, of course). We talked about the antichrist and the triumph of Truth - all while they were building tanks and bombs out of clay.... When the brief conversation concluded, I thanked God for the opportunity to connect with my sons on a spiritual level. All of this was a result of my commitment to memorize some scripture in 2009. Hmmm - This is how I know God is at work.
As I was decompressing from the weekend's activities and processing the weekend's message, I came across several internet commentaries of people who are against Shaunti's message. This is certainly not surprising because (1) her message is extremely counter-cultural, and (2) it is Biblically based. Additionally, Shaunti's message is founded on strong scientific research. In my academic studies, I have found numerous counter-cultural messages that are scientifically based, yet these are not the studies one hears about in the mainstream media. I find that interesting and disturbing, but not completely surprising. As I feel led, I may have opportunities to share some examples of this on the blog.
On Sunday, Pastor Glenn referenced the following scripture in Acts. It is ahead of where I am currently reading, but it fits perfectly with the weekend's processing.... Acts17:16 reads that Paul "was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city" (NLT). Idols are in many things. The most obvious relate to material possessions, but all we have to do is take a close look at our very own priorities to identify potential idols. Sometimes my desire to be right or be understood is an idol in my life; sometimes comfort is an idol for me; and sometimes simply having my own way is an idol. Without even knowing it, our beliefs about what we need or deserve, based on cultural shaping, are our idols.
As I read the comments of others in regards to why they thought Shaunti's message was wrong, I was amazed by how people misread her message. Yet, again and again, I am struck by the realization that in order to know Truth, we must be in relationship with Truth. Without a focused relationship with Christ that earnestly seeks Truth, the power of our culture will overpower our understanding of Truth.
This is Spring Break week, so the boys and I are home hanging out together just like the good old days prior to Kindergarten. I feel like I do not get enough opportunities to share my faith with them in words or lessons, though I pray my daily actions and lifestyle will speak Truth into their lives. I am sometimes concerned for their spiritual growth because we do not often have in depth conversations about Jesus. While I occasionally see glimples of spiritual fruit in their lives, it is not often enough for me. This morning while they were creating clay army tanks and bombs, I asked them if I could recite some of my memory verses to them for practice sake. They hesitantly agreed and it lead to some great dialogue.
The first verse I shared was 2 Timothy 1:6-8:
"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gifts God gave you when I laid my hands upon you. God did not give us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.... With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclaimation of the Good News" (NLT).
Even as the phrase, "be ready to suffer with me," came out of my mouth, I knew Tanner would ask about its meaning. As a result, I had the wonderful opportunity to share about why Christians must be prepared to suffer. We talked a bit about end times and the need to know Jesus and scripture with more fervance than our culture (in their language, of course). We talked about the antichrist and the triumph of Truth - all while they were building tanks and bombs out of clay.... When the brief conversation concluded, I thanked God for the opportunity to connect with my sons on a spiritual level. All of this was a result of my commitment to memorize some scripture in 2009. Hmmm - This is how I know God is at work.
Monday, March 23, 2009
When Pearls Act Like Pebbles
My grandparents have had quite a stressful March. Though they are both in their 90’s, and though they are both rather fragile, it is still difficult to consider losing either one of them. I am most concerned about their loss of one another; they are truly soul mates. Grandpa and Grandma have been married for 68 years. Many of those years were spent in pastoral ministry.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Truth + Culture = ???
My heart is full to overflowing today! Shaunti Feldhahn spoke at the women's event I coordinated this weekend - I absorbed some transformational information! It was a tremendous occasion that I will not soon forget. Wow - it will take me some time to process everything! Hmmm, where to start....
I guess I will start with how Shaunti's writings influenced me prior to the conference this weekend. I read For Women Only several years ago and found it interesting; later I completed the Bible study based on the book. At the time, I thought it was great information and I've attempted to apply part of the guidance in my marriage. I read Shaunti's two fiction books last summer. These titles are The Lights on 10th Street and The Veritas Conflict. Interestingly enough, the fictional books had an enormous impact on my thinking - particularly The Veritas Conflict.
I started reading Veritas about the same time I started my graduate ethics course for psychology. Among other things, I learned about the philosophical foundations of professional ethics. Normative ethics is one area of study which can be further delineated to three major ethical theories: utilitarianism, deontological, and natural law. "Each of these theories explicates a unique method that people can follow to determine how they ought to act in a given situation" (Lloyd & Hansen, 2003, p. 28). Ethics are rooted in a philosophy (or more than one); and it is necessary to understand one's philosophy prior to making ethical judgments.
Since most of you are neither looking for a lecture on ethics nor philosophy, and since I'm not an expert in either, I am going to cut to the chase here and focus on the theory of natural law. Natural law ethics considers God as Creator of the earth and God as the One with a plan. In a nutshell, God provides a basis for right and wrong; humans need God to know right and wrong; and humans need Godly motivation and guidance to choose right. I choose to make judgment calls on situations I face based on a personal relationship with Christ and the revelation He provides within this intimate relationship. To do this, I must believe Him and receive Him all the time.
Back to Veritas, the main character is a young woman entering college for the first time. As a believer, she is faced with rigid opposition to her faith in God for the first time. The novel chronicles her experiences in the classroom and how she learns to effective apply her Godly philosophy in a secular environment. Also, the novel is a spiritual thriller in that it incorporates the idea of how the spirit-world may be interacting with real people in real time. Anyway, I was mesmerized by the process Shaunti presented for engaging in a debate. After dining with Shaunti Thursday night, I asked her permission to share this process.
Believers in Christ receive revelation from God in relationship with Him. Truth is unknown and is misunderstood by those who are not seeking God and not in relationship with Him.
Enter culture.
Culture is all that is around us influencing our belief systems; our interpretations of what is normal, acceptable, and ethical. The application of God's Truth in every day living has always been counter-culture; however, because the USA was founded on Christian values, and because these values have slowly eroded, many Christians in America have been lulled to sleep. They have ceased seeking God's Truth falsely thinking it is unnecessary, and/or they have mixed God's Truth with cultural relevance creating a new version of truth that is not reflective of God's Truth.
Shaunti Feldhahn applies this phenomenon to the differences between how men and women think and act. Shaunti is an analyst - not a psychologist or counselor. She is bringing practical applications of credible scientific research to the average person in laymen's terms. Let me tell you: Shaunti's message is extremely counter cultural. This weekend my eyes were further opened to the deceit of our culture and its impact on me and my family. The deceit is evident at every turn - from the home to the church to business, media, and education.
The deception of the devil should come as no surprise. Our response to it should be the focus here. If we ignore the deceit, then our homes, marriages, families, and children will continue to be destroyed. Jesus instructed believers to always be ready for His second coming. To ignore the deceit our culture is engaging in is to leave people unprepared for Jesus' arrival.
How should we respond? We must first voraciously seek God's Truth. Then, we must know God's Truth better than our culture. And finally, we must apply God's Truth in relationship with one another. This weekend inspired me to do this first and foremost in my home with my husband and my sons. I must also seek, know, and apply God's Truth in my work among college students. And, I can not stop the flood of words and ideas pouring from my mind. The enemy and his deception is much closer than we often believe, but the enemy does not seek to be recognized as such, so we must be actively vigilent. Keep seeking, my friends!
"You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31b-32, NLT).
I guess I will start with how Shaunti's writings influenced me prior to the conference this weekend. I read For Women Only several years ago and found it interesting; later I completed the Bible study based on the book. At the time, I thought it was great information and I've attempted to apply part of the guidance in my marriage. I read Shaunti's two fiction books last summer. These titles are The Lights on 10th Street and The Veritas Conflict. Interestingly enough, the fictional books had an enormous impact on my thinking - particularly The Veritas Conflict.
I started reading Veritas about the same time I started my graduate ethics course for psychology. Among other things, I learned about the philosophical foundations of professional ethics. Normative ethics is one area of study which can be further delineated to three major ethical theories: utilitarianism, deontological, and natural law. "Each of these theories explicates a unique method that people can follow to determine how they ought to act in a given situation" (Lloyd & Hansen, 2003, p. 28). Ethics are rooted in a philosophy (or more than one); and it is necessary to understand one's philosophy prior to making ethical judgments.
Since most of you are neither looking for a lecture on ethics nor philosophy, and since I'm not an expert in either, I am going to cut to the chase here and focus on the theory of natural law. Natural law ethics considers God as Creator of the earth and God as the One with a plan. In a nutshell, God provides a basis for right and wrong; humans need God to know right and wrong; and humans need Godly motivation and guidance to choose right. I choose to make judgment calls on situations I face based on a personal relationship with Christ and the revelation He provides within this intimate relationship. To do this, I must believe Him and receive Him all the time.
Back to Veritas, the main character is a young woman entering college for the first time. As a believer, she is faced with rigid opposition to her faith in God for the first time. The novel chronicles her experiences in the classroom and how she learns to effective apply her Godly philosophy in a secular environment. Also, the novel is a spiritual thriller in that it incorporates the idea of how the spirit-world may be interacting with real people in real time. Anyway, I was mesmerized by the process Shaunti presented for engaging in a debate. After dining with Shaunti Thursday night, I asked her permission to share this process.
- Get analytical and determine the assumptions behind the statement or question (these may be spoken or unspoken). Do not answer the question until you know the assumption.
- Question the assumption by working backwards to find an intellectual inconsistency.
- Provide a logical, yet ridiculously extreme conclusion.
- Always speak the Truth in love.
Believers in Christ receive revelation from God in relationship with Him. Truth is unknown and is misunderstood by those who are not seeking God and not in relationship with Him.
Enter culture.
Culture is all that is around us influencing our belief systems; our interpretations of what is normal, acceptable, and ethical. The application of God's Truth in every day living has always been counter-culture; however, because the USA was founded on Christian values, and because these values have slowly eroded, many Christians in America have been lulled to sleep. They have ceased seeking God's Truth falsely thinking it is unnecessary, and/or they have mixed God's Truth with cultural relevance creating a new version of truth that is not reflective of God's Truth.
Shaunti Feldhahn applies this phenomenon to the differences between how men and women think and act. Shaunti is an analyst - not a psychologist or counselor. She is bringing practical applications of credible scientific research to the average person in laymen's terms. Let me tell you: Shaunti's message is extremely counter cultural. This weekend my eyes were further opened to the deceit of our culture and its impact on me and my family. The deceit is evident at every turn - from the home to the church to business, media, and education.
The deception of the devil should come as no surprise. Our response to it should be the focus here. If we ignore the deceit, then our homes, marriages, families, and children will continue to be destroyed. Jesus instructed believers to always be ready for His second coming. To ignore the deceit our culture is engaging in is to leave people unprepared for Jesus' arrival.
How should we respond? We must first voraciously seek God's Truth. Then, we must know God's Truth better than our culture. And finally, we must apply God's Truth in relationship with one another. This weekend inspired me to do this first and foremost in my home with my husband and my sons. I must also seek, know, and apply God's Truth in my work among college students. And, I can not stop the flood of words and ideas pouring from my mind. The enemy and his deception is much closer than we often believe, but the enemy does not seek to be recognized as such, so we must be actively vigilent. Keep seeking, my friends!
"You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31b-32, NLT).
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Worms or Blessings in Leadership
As 2009 began, my thoughts centered around my plea to the Lord to just get me through June 13th. I really don't like to live this way, but the first half of 2009 promised to be extremely busy - a good kind of busy. In January, I started my 12th (out of 13) master's course in the process of earning a degree in Educational Psychology. In February, I started teaching at MVNU for the first time: University Success Strategies and Reading Success Strategies. In the meantime, the first of each year means heavy duty planning for an annual women's event at MVNU that I coordinate. All of this is on top of being a wife, mother, and my other "3/4-time" job at MVNU. Somewhere in there we had a doctor's appointment for Tyler that led us to schedule surgery for him on March 23.
My class ended last Friday - PTL! The retreat begins this Friday. Oh, and Tyler turns 9 on Friday, I turn 39 on Sunday, and Steve turns 42 next week. Next week is Spring Break for me and the boys. Because Tyler will be recovering from surgery, we will spend the whole break laying low at home - ahhhh. I will start my "final integrative project" at the beginning of April, complete my teaching responsibilities in mid-May, and (hopefully) submit my project by mid-June (which equals GRADUATION!).
Clearly I have not been seeking for things to fill my time - which makes writing this blog all the more odd. I did not decide one day to write a blog. I had been reading several blogs for a few months. During that time, I wondered whether I had anything to blog about. Then, without my seeking it, I believe the Lord just started filling my head and heart with stuff - His stuff. It had to go somewhere... so why not a blog? At first, I responded to the Lord with, "I'll know this is from you if you provide a name for this blog." He gave me Acts 6:7 which led to "Pebbles, Ripples, Circles."
Sometimes I wonder if this is my blog or God's blog - I am seeking for it to be God's blog. I have this fear that my pride or my ego may get in the way of God's plans. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds me that God knows my intentions, or my heart:
"The Lord said to Samuel, 'Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions" (NLT).
I wrote on Sunday that I planned on keeping my March 1-15 verse for March 16-31. I may do that, or I may memorize 1 Samuel 16:7. Somewhere in my past people have judged me for receiving attention, so I get a little paranoid about taking such an outward position like that of writing a blog. It is safer to fly under the radar, but God doesn't appear to desire that for me. The Lord doesn't make decisions like people... He knows the heart. There is freedom in God's plan rather than man's plan!
God does address the human ego. In Acts 12, Herod Agrippa I is featured. From his example, we know that there is great danger in accepting praise that belongs to God. When Herod Agrippa I accepted the adoration of some Jews who were trying to make peace with him, the Lord punished the leader with an awful death. Herod Agrippa I died from worms that ate him from the inside out - that is simply disgusting!
Tomorrow afternoon I will head to the airport to pick-up our event speaker: Shaunti Feldhahn. From that point on, I will be swimming in details, people, and responsibilities. Pray for me - that the Lord will strengthen me under pressure, that He will be glorified in all things, and that I will give Him all the praise and honor through my thoughts, words, and actions.
My class ended last Friday - PTL! The retreat begins this Friday. Oh, and Tyler turns 9 on Friday, I turn 39 on Sunday, and Steve turns 42 next week. Next week is Spring Break for me and the boys. Because Tyler will be recovering from surgery, we will spend the whole break laying low at home - ahhhh. I will start my "final integrative project" at the beginning of April, complete my teaching responsibilities in mid-May, and (hopefully) submit my project by mid-June (which equals GRADUATION!).
Clearly I have not been seeking for things to fill my time - which makes writing this blog all the more odd. I did not decide one day to write a blog. I had been reading several blogs for a few months. During that time, I wondered whether I had anything to blog about. Then, without my seeking it, I believe the Lord just started filling my head and heart with stuff - His stuff. It had to go somewhere... so why not a blog? At first, I responded to the Lord with, "I'll know this is from you if you provide a name for this blog." He gave me Acts 6:7 which led to "Pebbles, Ripples, Circles."
Sometimes I wonder if this is my blog or God's blog - I am seeking for it to be God's blog. I have this fear that my pride or my ego may get in the way of God's plans. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds me that God knows my intentions, or my heart:
"The Lord said to Samuel, 'Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions" (NLT).
I wrote on Sunday that I planned on keeping my March 1-15 verse for March 16-31. I may do that, or I may memorize 1 Samuel 16:7. Somewhere in my past people have judged me for receiving attention, so I get a little paranoid about taking such an outward position like that of writing a blog. It is safer to fly under the radar, but God doesn't appear to desire that for me. The Lord doesn't make decisions like people... He knows the heart. There is freedom in God's plan rather than man's plan!
God does address the human ego. In Acts 12, Herod Agrippa I is featured. From his example, we know that there is great danger in accepting praise that belongs to God. When Herod Agrippa I accepted the adoration of some Jews who were trying to make peace with him, the Lord punished the leader with an awful death. Herod Agrippa I died from worms that ate him from the inside out - that is simply disgusting!
Tomorrow afternoon I will head to the airport to pick-up our event speaker: Shaunti Feldhahn. From that point on, I will be swimming in details, people, and responsibilities. Pray for me - that the Lord will strengthen me under pressure, that He will be glorified in all things, and that I will give Him all the praise and honor through my thoughts, words, and actions.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
To live, or not to live... in a box.
Before I write anything, I must point you toward Beth Moore's blog in regards to the Scripture Memory Challenge. For all the folks who complete the challenge, Living Proof Ministries is going to host a free event in Houston (well, "free" if you don't count travel, accommodations, and food - ha!). Go read about it, if you're interested.... I just may go - if I complete the challenge. Houston in January sounds mighty nice for an Ohioan! Oh, and by the way, I am sticking with 2 Timothy 1:6-8 for March 15-31 because I need more time and this is not a legalistic kind of thing....
Back to Cornelius....
The Jews thought salvation and the Holy Spirit were only for them. Gentiles were considered anyone who was not a Jew. In Acts 10, God spoke to Cornelius (a Gentile; a Roman army officer, no less) and Peter (a Jew and an apostle) in some sort of separate vision or dream. God told Peter to include the Gentiles in preaching the Gospel. God told Cornelius to send some guys to find Peter and bring him to Cornelius' house.
This series of events is quite out of the box for both men! Under Jewish law, Peter was not allowed to be in relationship with Cornelius, a Gentile. Act 10:28 (NLT) reads, "Peter told them, 'You know it is against the Jewish laws for me to come into a Gentile home like this. But God has shown me that I should never think of anyone as impure.'" In spite of their differences, Cornelius and Peter both obeyed God and personally related with one another - though Peter needed some divine prodding.
I love this verse of divine prodding: "If God says something is acceptable, don't say it isn't." Acts 10:15 (NLT).
A party at Cornelius' house most likely included eating impure food and rubbing shoulders with impure people - by Jewish standards. Peter preached a simple sermon and many Gentiles were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter experienced these Gentile conversions first hand - in relationship with them. This was very significant for Peter because, prior to this event, he did not know that Gentiles could be saved and filled with Holy Spirit.
Acts 10: 15 is repeated in Acts 11:9, "If God says something is acceptable, don't say it isn't."
As I look at this verse, I see two assumptions:
Peter obeyed God and overcame his cultural understanding of impurity. God sent Peter to Cornelius because Cornelius was sincerely seeking God and Truth. God did not deny Cornelius the opportunity to know Him - He sent Peter to help. Peter needed to know and experience the fact that God had salvation and the Holy Spirit in mind for the Gentiles, as well as the Jews. Like most of us, Peter had to see it with his own eyes to believe it. All of this was possible because Peter and Cornelius obeyed God and entered into a relationship with one another. Peter and Cornelius needed each other to understand God's larger plan.
Obeying God may mean getting out of the cultural box we are so familiar with in 2009. I do not write these words with ease - such moves are hard for me. Am I willing? Yes. Will God guide me? Yes. I believe that through simple willingness, God will accomplish great things outside of the box.
Back to Cornelius....
The Jews thought salvation and the Holy Spirit were only for them. Gentiles were considered anyone who was not a Jew. In Acts 10, God spoke to Cornelius (a Gentile; a Roman army officer, no less) and Peter (a Jew and an apostle) in some sort of separate vision or dream. God told Peter to include the Gentiles in preaching the Gospel. God told Cornelius to send some guys to find Peter and bring him to Cornelius' house.
This series of events is quite out of the box for both men! Under Jewish law, Peter was not allowed to be in relationship with Cornelius, a Gentile. Act 10:28 (NLT) reads, "Peter told them, 'You know it is against the Jewish laws for me to come into a Gentile home like this. But God has shown me that I should never think of anyone as impure.'" In spite of their differences, Cornelius and Peter both obeyed God and personally related with one another - though Peter needed some divine prodding.
I love this verse of divine prodding: "If God says something is acceptable, don't say it isn't." Acts 10:15 (NLT).
A party at Cornelius' house most likely included eating impure food and rubbing shoulders with impure people - by Jewish standards. Peter preached a simple sermon and many Gentiles were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter experienced these Gentile conversions first hand - in relationship with them. This was very significant for Peter because, prior to this event, he did not know that Gentiles could be saved and filled with Holy Spirit.
Acts 10: 15 is repeated in Acts 11:9, "If God says something is acceptable, don't say it isn't."
As I look at this verse, I see two assumptions:
- If some things are acceptable, then there are some things that are not acceptable. In our relativitic culture, where people believe they are free to come up with their own versions of right and wrong, it is a good reminder to know that God does have some ultimate guidelines set up with our best interests in mind.
- God is not all about telling us what not to do (this is a double negative, I know). Many unbelievers are turned off by Christians and their rules. As a parent, I have a much deeper appreciation for "rules." My rules are enforced for the purpose of protecting my children. At 2 years of age, they don't understand that when cars hit children, children die. At 6 years of age, they don't know what molest means and that it can happen in the bathroom at McDonalds. At 10 years of age, they don't know what pornagraphy is; that it is addictive and that it can ruin relationships for a lifetime. Someone has to guide kids through these life issues. Such issues are a very real part of life for all of one's life.
Peter obeyed God and overcame his cultural understanding of impurity. God sent Peter to Cornelius because Cornelius was sincerely seeking God and Truth. God did not deny Cornelius the opportunity to know Him - He sent Peter to help. Peter needed to know and experience the fact that God had salvation and the Holy Spirit in mind for the Gentiles, as well as the Jews. Like most of us, Peter had to see it with his own eyes to believe it. All of this was possible because Peter and Cornelius obeyed God and entered into a relationship with one another. Peter and Cornelius needed each other to understand God's larger plan.
Obeying God may mean getting out of the cultural box we are so familiar with in 2009. I do not write these words with ease - such moves are hard for me. Am I willing? Yes. Will God guide me? Yes. I believe that through simple willingness, God will accomplish great things outside of the box.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Why me.... Why now?
In Acts 9:36-41, Peter raises Tabitha from the dead. Tabitha is not a well known woman of the Bible, yet she receives some attention in Acts. Verse 36b reads, "She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor." As a result of her kindness, "the room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing (Peter) the coats and other garments Dorcas (i.e., Tabitha) had made for them" (Act 6:39b, NLT). These verses stand out to me today in light of the current verse I am memorizing (and I must say this one has been a bit harder for me):
"This is why I remind you to fan into flame the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hand on you. God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.... With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of the Good News" (2 Timothy 1:6-8, NLT).
Tabitha/Dorcas had the gift of helping through making clothes for needy people. In using her gift, she became known for it and people paid her respect. God used her to illustrate his power over death in the Book of Acts. I think this is fairly simple, yet it can be quite difficult.
"Fan into flame the spiritual gift God gave you...." I have taught spiritual gifts classes on several occasions. According to the assessments, my gifts are clearly leadership, administration, and wisdom. For several years, I just left off the wisdom gift because I really did not understand it (scholarly of me, huh?). I have known of these gifts in me for a long, long time - late elementary school - though I could not articulate them until my early 20's. I had many opportunities to fan these flames throughout my years in school, but following college the opportunities dramatically decreased. I experienced a number of incredibly disheartening work scenarios between 22 and 27 years of age - ultimately leading me to give up trying to serve in a professional capacity. Tanner was born in 1997 and I devoted the next 8 years to being at home with my boys and volunteering for my church. It was a season of life I am very thankful for now.
"God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline...." During that time following college, I lived in fear and timidity. Rather than seeking out opportunities to use the spiritual gifts God gave me, I sat back and I wondered why I was so unfulfilled. I wanted to serve God in an official ministry capacity, but the doors were closed. As I moved on to motherhood, I found fulfillment in leading and administrating at home and at church. The Lord used those opportunities to re-light the fire within me. Then, through another seriously disheartening life-event, my fire to serve was nearly extinguished. I have spent the last three years focusing on pursuits other than ministry - family, work, and graduate school. I would characterize this time as peaceful, challenging, and rewarding. As I approach the end of my master's degree, I feel the Lord re-lighting the fire within me. I suppose it was never completely gone.
I really have no clear idea what the Lord has in mind for this rekindled fire, but the next phrase of my memory verse states this:
"You must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord...."
Why is it so hard to share Christ with others? When I take my Bible in public places, like the local coffee shop, I feel self-conscious. Why is that? I am tired of feeling this way, and I think that maybe Christ is strengthening me for "such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). Without the ever-present reality of Christ in my life, I would be absolutely nothing! He has revealed in me a Truth that is eternally powerful and purposeful. He is the only part of my world that equals satisfaction guaranteed. How do I know this? I know this because the longer I seek God, the more of Himself He reveals to me and the more I believe Him to be The Truth. Do I have perfect understanding of all thing? No way. Am I always comfortable and happy? No. Is there a burning sense of purpose in the depths of my being? Yes! And, nothing, NOTHING, except for God can touch those places within me.
Is there something special about me? Well, it depends on who you ask.... But truly, I am more similar to you than different. You and I are equally special in God's eyes (as a parent with two boys, that truth is more real to me now). What He did for Tabitha/Dorcas, for Mary, for ______, He will do for you and for me. There is a deep place in every human being that was created by God, and it is a place only He can fill. For some people, that place is empty and they are searching to fill it with something. For some believing people, that place is half-full because there is just so much to do in a day/week/month/year.
I think God wants that place to have a fire in it - where His Presence can fill it completely. God doesn't struggle with making fire, like the folks on Survivor. All He needs is the desirous heart of a person seeking Him. Need an example? Stay tuned to hear about Cornelius, or better yet, read Acts 10 & 11 to prepare. Also, March 15 is tomorrow.... I need a new verse.
"This is why I remind you to fan into flame the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hand on you. God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.... With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of the Good News" (2 Timothy 1:6-8, NLT).
Tabitha/Dorcas had the gift of helping through making clothes for needy people. In using her gift, she became known for it and people paid her respect. God used her to illustrate his power over death in the Book of Acts. I think this is fairly simple, yet it can be quite difficult.
"Fan into flame the spiritual gift God gave you...." I have taught spiritual gifts classes on several occasions. According to the assessments, my gifts are clearly leadership, administration, and wisdom. For several years, I just left off the wisdom gift because I really did not understand it (scholarly of me, huh?). I have known of these gifts in me for a long, long time - late elementary school - though I could not articulate them until my early 20's. I had many opportunities to fan these flames throughout my years in school, but following college the opportunities dramatically decreased. I experienced a number of incredibly disheartening work scenarios between 22 and 27 years of age - ultimately leading me to give up trying to serve in a professional capacity. Tanner was born in 1997 and I devoted the next 8 years to being at home with my boys and volunteering for my church. It was a season of life I am very thankful for now.
"God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline...." During that time following college, I lived in fear and timidity. Rather than seeking out opportunities to use the spiritual gifts God gave me, I sat back and I wondered why I was so unfulfilled. I wanted to serve God in an official ministry capacity, but the doors were closed. As I moved on to motherhood, I found fulfillment in leading and administrating at home and at church. The Lord used those opportunities to re-light the fire within me. Then, through another seriously disheartening life-event, my fire to serve was nearly extinguished. I have spent the last three years focusing on pursuits other than ministry - family, work, and graduate school. I would characterize this time as peaceful, challenging, and rewarding. As I approach the end of my master's degree, I feel the Lord re-lighting the fire within me. I suppose it was never completely gone.
I really have no clear idea what the Lord has in mind for this rekindled fire, but the next phrase of my memory verse states this:
"You must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord...."
Why is it so hard to share Christ with others? When I take my Bible in public places, like the local coffee shop, I feel self-conscious. Why is that? I am tired of feeling this way, and I think that maybe Christ is strengthening me for "such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). Without the ever-present reality of Christ in my life, I would be absolutely nothing! He has revealed in me a Truth that is eternally powerful and purposeful. He is the only part of my world that equals satisfaction guaranteed. How do I know this? I know this because the longer I seek God, the more of Himself He reveals to me and the more I believe Him to be The Truth. Do I have perfect understanding of all thing? No way. Am I always comfortable and happy? No. Is there a burning sense of purpose in the depths of my being? Yes! And, nothing, NOTHING, except for God can touch those places within me.
Is there something special about me? Well, it depends on who you ask.... But truly, I am more similar to you than different. You and I are equally special in God's eyes (as a parent with two boys, that truth is more real to me now). What He did for Tabitha/Dorcas, for Mary, for ______, He will do for you and for me. There is a deep place in every human being that was created by God, and it is a place only He can fill. For some people, that place is empty and they are searching to fill it with something. For some believing people, that place is half-full because there is just so much to do in a day/week/month/year.
I think God wants that place to have a fire in it - where His Presence can fill it completely. God doesn't struggle with making fire, like the folks on Survivor. All He needs is the desirous heart of a person seeking Him. Need an example? Stay tuned to hear about Cornelius, or better yet, read Acts 10 & 11 to prepare. Also, March 15 is tomorrow.... I need a new verse.
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