Do the Math: Belief + Action = Your Version of Truth

We attended Easter services at the Free Methodist Church in Galion, Ohio where Steve's family regularly attends. It is a GREAT church, in my opinion - I love visiting their services. This year they hosted an Easter Service for the community at the local high school. The church's care for the community was clear throughout the Easter Sunday experience. They set a wonderful example for how to put others ahead of yourself in being an active community church.

An issue I have been processing for six months or more involves the vast differences between the beliefs among Christians in America (since I do not have much experience with Christians outside of America, I know my perspective is limited). Interestingly enough, it is the Internet social networking phenomena that has created this dilemma inside of me. People share their thoughts and beliefs much more freely on the Internet - which I think is good, for the most part. I enjoy reading the thoughts and beliefs of those I trust and admire, yet it is also internally troubling when these beliefs are so different from my own. You see, I don't really like conflict, and great differences of opinion represent conflict to me. At the same time, I am not naive enough to believe that everyone will espouse the same belief system. It is just interesting to me, and oftentimes troubling to me, when seemingly similar people have such different beliefs about extremely important topics. I have been deeply pondering these differences and seeking God for guidance - hence my pursuit of Truth.

At the Easter Service a phrase from the pastor's sermon added some enlightenment to this pursuit. Pastor Paul Walters said, "What you believe to be true changes the way you think and ultimately changes the way you live" (personal communication, April 12, 2009). As I type this statement right now, it comes across very simple, yet as I have been pondering and praying about Truth, I find this statement quite complex.

I believe one's values, morals, and ethics are foundational for all things important in life. I also believe we are constantly bombarded with cultural messages that influence our values, morals, and ethics more profoundly than the Word of God, and our personal relationships with God. We look to these cultural messages to make sense of the evil we personal encounter rather than looking to God for guidance and healing. Our personal experiences, through the lens of our culture, lead us to all sorts of different truths that we espouse with great passion. I am of the belief that there is One Truth, though Jesus Christ.

Just as I am passionate about the One Truth of Jesus Christ, I am also just as passionate about expressing it in and through love at all times. First, we have to accept Christ's love for us; and then, we have to seek His Truth more passionately than any other drive in our lives. His Truth sets people free! Cultural truth enslaves its victims and strangles them to death; it causes confusion, chaos, and destruction.

Though my processing goes much deeper than the example I will share, I am not personally ready to share more controversial examples of my personal beliefs in the pursuit of Truth.

When Shaunti Feldhahn spoke at the recent MVNU Women's Auxiliary Retreat, she spoke of how differently the male and female brain is wired. Shaunti did not speak from only an antedoctal point of view, but she spoke from a scientific point of view - specifically, a point of view based on up-to-date brain science and credible, nationally represented scientific research. Based on these foundations, we know that men typically respond differently to revealing clothing on women than women respond to revealing clothing on men. In a sentence, Shaunti found that men watching a professional presentation led by a woman wearing a revealing, professional suit actually heard and retained less information than the men watching the same presentation led my a woman wearing a modest suit.

How do you respond to this? Many women respond with, "He needs to get over it and control his mind, for Pete's sake!" I must admit that, at one time, I would have responded like this, too. But, if I am going to claim to be a critical thinker, basing my thoughts, beliefs, and actions on God and science (which I believe, when it is credible, will eventually lead mankind to Godly beliefs), then I must take another look at my personal beliefs about dress and how it affects men. To ignore the scientific facts, or to rely on unsubstantiated "facts," is to be led by a lie, or our cultural chains of bondage. As a women, when I have something to share, I want to be heard, so this research impacts me. It only takes a few minutes of viewing how girls and women dress, however, to realize that our culture is valued much more than God or science.

Will you take some time today to pray with me in response to Pastor Paul's statement and its relevance in your life?

"What you believe to be true changes the way you think and ultimately changes the way you live"

(personal communication, Pastor Paul Walter, April 12, 2009).

Acts 17 + A Trip to Gameworks = A 21st Century Application

"As Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by the all the idols he saw everywhere in the city...."

Lord, I am deeply troubled by the idols I see everywhere around me and within me. These are some of the idols I see and experience:

1. Fear of standing out; embarrassment; offending another - even for the sake of Truth
2. Comfort; safety; entertainment; luxury in body, mind, and spirit
3. Freedom and tolerance in spite of Godly boundaries
4. Work, career, identity, approval
5. Power, control, status, success
6. Fitting in with worldly culture

My parents are visiting from Oregon for two weeks, so Thursday afternoon we packed up, drove to Columbus, and stayed the night in a hotel. Friday we took the kids to Gameworks at Easton. The purpose of Gameworks was 100% for the entertainment of the kids. Such establishments give me a headache - I really DO NOT like gaming. This was our first visit as a family and we were unfamiliar with how to purchase a game card. Upon learning the details, we knew this adventure was going to cost more than we had planned, so we ended up purchasing less game time. This option also required the boys to share a card (heaven forbid!). They pouted, complained, and generally frustrated me with their attitudes.

As they went on to play their games with grandma in tow, I set up a table for me to study. Since my quiet time has been lacking the last week, I decided to review my memory work first. The verses in Acts 17 took on a whole new meaning:

"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens,"
While I was waiting for Tanner and Tyler to play at Gameworks....

"he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city."
I was disturbed by the extreme draw my kids experience towards gaming, electronics, and technology; by the way they idolize the experience; by their complete lack of understanding towards those less fortunate (i.e., their extreme selfishness).

"It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas."
I have read that some of the Athenians represented in this group of philosophers were Epicureans. The focus of their lives was pleasure and happiness, like that of modern day materialists and hedonists. As I "fully experienced" the atmosphere and purpose of Gameworks, I felt so sad thinking of the materialistic pleasures on which my children depend.

"Men of Athens, I notice you are very religious, for as I was walking along, I saw your many alters...."
Later today, Tanner asked why he was not paid money for doing a good deed. I responded by asking him why I am not paid for doing nice things.... He said, "I should be paid to go to school...." To which I responded with something along the lines of, "Someday you will be paid as a result of your commitment to learn." Tanner wasn't impressed!

Paul was able to speak with the philosophers and leaders of his day in Athens because he was well-schooled. He had a broad base of knowledge; he was well-spoken and persuasive; he spent his life thinking and reasoning about the Scriptures. As Christians, education is important because we must be able to reason and relate with many kinds of people. We must be able to think critically about complex topics. We must understand, evaluate, and synthesize a variety of viewpoints to create Christlike responses in ways that our intended audiences will hear and respond.

Today, the focus of my critical thinking is related to how I should respond to my children; how I might influence their self-centered thinking; how I might guide them away from their addiction to entertainment and technology. Applying Christlikeness to daily living is difficult and sooooo counter-cultural. Oh my Lord, how is this possible? I need your guidance, strength, and power!

Something to Prepare Your Heart for Easter!

Find a quiet place to be still and acknowledge God. Pray and seek the Holy Spirit. Close your eyes, listen, and absorb all that Christ has already accomplished on your behalf.

"In Christ Alone" sung by Travis Cottrell

Thank You, Jesus! May Your power be made perfect through Your beloved children.

A Goal for 2009 - April 1-15

I thought it might be good at this juncture to list each verse in the order that I have been memorizing them. It is interesting to search for themes in how God is working. I will start with my newest verses for April 1-15 and work backwards:

• "While Paul was waiting for them in Athen, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city...." Paul said, "Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious, for when I was walking along I saw your many alters. One of them had this inscription on it -- 'To an Unknown God.' You have been worshiping him without knowing who he is, and now I wish to tell you about him" (Acts 17:16, 22-23, NLT).
• The Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance of 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" (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT).
• "This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands upon 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).
• "So my advise is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God" (Acts 5:38-39, NLT).
• Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done in love" (I Corinthians 16:13-14, NLT).
• Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to him; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn; the justice of your cause like the noon day sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes" (Psalm 37:3-7).
• "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13, NIV).

I have heard from at least one person who is also working on memorizing scripture. Shoot me an email, or respond on either this blog or Facebook to let me know what you are working on these days. I am certain the Lord loves it when His children meditate on His Word - Let's be a fragrant offering before Him!

132nd Verse - Same as the 1st

Sometimes I wonder if people (myself included) are talking just for the sake of talking.... Such a phenomenon can be annoying at times. Well, yesterday I feel like I was writing just to write; writing just because I thought I needed to create a blog entry. It did not feel natural like I have been feeling.... So, this morning I re-read portions of Acts to consider what I was missing.

"One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work I have for them.' So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way" (Acts 13:2-3).

P & B were set apart for a special work. In our day, I believe this equals those called to be pastors, teachers, missionaries, etc. At the same time, though, I believe every believer is set apart to serve as God empowers and guides. We must not allow humans to discourage our God-gifted guidance to contribute to His plan for His glory. Think of the most Godly, vivacious person you know and seek to serve with that kind of focus.

I allowed my passion to be deflated by mere humans. On one hand, they believed I lacked a specific calling worthy of my being "set apart." This may be true.... On the other hand, their compassion-less directive left me feeling rejected without further guidance and encouragement. Looking back I am thankful for the closed door, but I wish it had not been so impersonally slammed in my face. The experience hurt and created a wound requiring healing.

I am thankful God knows just what to do with wounds that need attention. It has taken me awhile to find my balance again, but God has been faithful; He has renewed my heart again. Wounds always provide fertile soil for growth.... I continue to ponder the following thoughts:

• It takes focused attention on God alone to distinguish between God's authority and man's interpretation of that authority. Humans, even church leaders, are not always correct in their judgments. I must not be like a sponge soaking up another's words as truth. I must be dependent on my personal relationship with Christ to determine His Truth.
• Humans can be very disappointing, but God overcomes and cleans up the messes men create.
• While denominations may achieve large scale advances for the sake of the Kingdom, denominational pride is a serious problem that must be addressed before God - particularly in the USA.
• Reliance on positions, titles, power, education, knowledge, etc. is dangerous. God speaks through many people, in unique circumstances whether throngs of followers are listening or not. In many cases, God uses ordinary people in common circumstances to have the most significant impacts.

The Lord is certainly not done with me yet! I still have this desire within me for some kind of man made status that signifies I have received some level of achievement or approval from man. Again and again the Lord reminds me that human approval is not necessary for effective ministry - sometimes it even impedes effective ministry. I am growing accustomed to how this lesson feels within my soul, so I catch God's message a little faster each time. Thank you, Jesus, for your patience! I am so grateful that You never give up on Your beloved children.

What's the Point? "Snip-its" from Acts

I have a little catching up to do in Acts. It seems as if I have a bunch of little lessons to share, but we'll see how they come together in this blog, and maybe the next one, too.

I believe we left off at Acts 13. It is here that Saul and Barnabas were dedicated for a specific work that the Holy Spirit had planned for them (verse 2). I like reading about such things in the Word of God because I know God loves me and you just as much as Saul and Barnabas. He has a unique place of service for each one of us! Pray with me for revelation from Jesus to reveal His plans in His time - and He WILL do it as you invest in your relationship with Him!

In Acts 13:9-12, Saul (from now on called Paul) confronts a sorcerer. Two things stand out to me here: 1) sorcery is real (i.e., it should not be carelessly considered), and 2) confrontation of sin is directed by God. Paul faced the sorcerer with boldness and confidence. In recognizing the difference between Truth and lies, in hearing from God, and in obeying God, Paul glorified God in his response! To this end, Paul's rock-solid relationship with God is a great example for us to follow.

Acts 13:44-52. Some Jewish leaders did not like the attention Paul and Barnabas were receiving as they preached the Gospel among Jews and Gentiles. So, how did the Jewish leaders respond? They created controversy among community leaders! Hmmm - I find this interesting. This scenario reminds me to always be cautious of the people whose impressions influence my thinking. Religious leaders are not immune from being controlled by factors outside of God's plan. I must place my deepest trust in relationship with God ahead of relationships with people.

Dependence on man versus God is also addressed in Acts 14:8-20. As a human, there is a natural draw to seek the approval of other people, but as is evident in these verses, people change their minds rather easily. It is valuable to gain understanding of the people around us, but only God deserves our ultimate allegiance as we are in relationship with Him.

Acts 14:1-7. I have often wondered whether or not the unbelievers in my life would turn to Jesus if they witnessed more of His miracles. It is clear through scripture that miraculous signs and powers are not enough to bring people to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the One who draws people, and people have a definitive choice as to their response. The same principle applies to all the flashy church stuff we create "for the glory of God." The Holy Spirit is capable of working with or without our flash - we must be willing and sensitive to act in communion with what the Holy Spirit is already doing in our midst. Such a response requires an active relationship with Christ.

Acts 15 takes a powerful turn for me, so I am going to end this entry here.... As I re-read these snip-its from Acts, I noted the common theme of relationship with Jesus. Hmmm - this is clearly a key idea; the point we need to internalize before moving on in scripture.

She Speaks Conference

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!