#2 Blogging for Books: Legalism vs. Rightousness

First of all, I would encourage any new readers to check out the 1st Blogging for Books entry prior to reading this one. I am planning a progression, of sorts.

I am not revealing the titles of my books, yet, for an important reason. I have some heart-issues to address. These issues revolve around the difference between legalism and righteousness.

"Our righteousness does not earn for us God's intervention, but God's intervention in our lives prompts in us a desire to live as one rightly related to Him - righteous, as one who truly trusts in Him" (Rothschild, 2003, p. 18).

I have been legalistic in my life - mostly as a younger person. Legalism is not rooted in Christ; it is not Christlike. The source of legalism is evil, and the outcome of "Christian legalism" is people who despise Christians, and avoid Christ. In other words, legalism neither attracts others to Christ nor glorifies Christ. This is the polar opposite of Christ's intention for His followers.

To counteract legalism, I focus on growing in discernment. I am sure my choices appear legalistic to some, but that is not my intention. The choices I make are outcomes of discernment that Christ develops within me. As a result, I feel freedom from rules. The choices I make that have the appearance of legalism provide me freedom from unnecessary harm, and wisdom to overcome evil because I trust God to guide me. So often, in avoiding discernment, people entangle themselves in bondage, addictions, and pain. Discernment involves living in the world without being of the world. I believe that sitting on the fence gives evil opportunity to simmer until our senses are dull and we slowly cooked to death.

Here are some examples to consider: I don't drink much alcohol. It is not inherently evil to drink alcohol, but my life experience points to the hurt alcohol causes in the lives of people. Even so, social drinking is becoming more commonplace among Christians. Some are calling for various denominations to lift the restrictions on it. In response to these proposed changes, a friend of mine gave me a different perspective. She wonders if the Christian folks who are pushing for the acceptance of social drinking have experienced alcoholism up close and personal. This dear friend has experienced it - she grew up in a home with an alcoholic father. She has many personal and heart-breaking examples of the hurt caused by alcoholism. Discernment leads me to put more weight on the destruction caused by alcohol than on my freedom to socially drink.

One day I heard a young man explain how he started smoking. A couple of his friends smoked occasionally "for the fun of it." Before he knew what was happening to him, this young man was addicted to nicotine. He regretted his choices. I am glad I am not one of those friends who introduced the guy to an "occasional smoke for fun." Personal choices impact others.

In high school, a boy who was raised in home similar to my own commented on the mystery and fun of a Ouija board. The mystery and intrigue of such a "toy" is no game. Evil in this world is very real. It may appear legalistic to draw firm lines, but discernment protects, provides, and promotes a kind of living that ushers in life rather than pain. It is called righteousness. Though righteousness has a negative connotation in our current culture, its meaning is very different from Christ's perspective.

One of the reasons I hesitated to read and blog about the books I chose is that I fear appearing legalistic. At the same time, I love people and I seek to tangibly exemplify the beauty of life in Christ. Our culture blocks pure devotion to Christ and righteous living that brings about real life. The question is: How should you and I respond? Do we draw firm lines between living in the world and living of the world? Do we focus on fitting in thereby straddling the cultural fence? Do we talk ourselves into believing some things really are not that dangerous; that no harm is done in controlled indulgences? Are all choices relative?

The books I will blog about are sure to step on some toes. Some may label me legalistic. Read on with an open mind. If you are a Christ-follower, seek Him for the answers. The issues of our present culture are serious, as they have been for all previous generations. Careful evaluation is wise. Wisdom and discernment are tools of Christ that advance righteous choices and real living.


Rothschild, J. (2003). Walking by faith: Lessons learned in the dark. Nashville: Lifeway Press.

Blogging for Books: It's a New World!

A few months ago I volunteered to do something new and interesting…. I responded to an invitation from Waterbrook Press to read books and write about the books on my blog. I love to read, I love to write, and I love evaluating the two. Plus, the company provides the books free of charge. It sounded like a good deal at the time….

I waited to jump on board until they offered a title that jumped out at me. Several weeks ago, two book summaries accomplished the feat of intrigue, and I ordered the titles to critique. As time passed, I did not pick up the books and I regretted my choice as the requirements began to feel like work, and I am tired of assignments with deadlines. This is the week of the blogging tour I signed up for, so last Friday I was forced to pick up the books and quickly complete them. Well, guess what, I am totally enthralled with the assignment now. In fact, I plan to write several blogs this week about the titles.

Check back soon…. Be prepared to hear about Truth in darkness.

A New Day!

Today was a new day; the day I began a new study! I love completing Bible studies, and I love beginning a new Bible study.... Today I did both - it was a new day and a good day!

A week ago, I searched Jennifer Rothschild's website in pursuit of my next study. "Walking By Faith: Lessons Learned in the Dark" clearly stood out to me as the study I needed. This promo touched my heart and mind:

"Walking by Faith: Lessons Learned in the Dark contrasts the evidences of walking by faith and walking by sight and encourages participants to take risks, give God control, persevere through hardship, receive God's gifts, be guided by the Truth rather than feelings, and seek God."

When I opened the study for the first time this morning, one of my 2009 memory verses was listed on Day 1:

"When my foot is slipping, your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul" (Psalm 94:18-19, NIV).

This discovery gave me chills! The Lord knows and cares for me - an amazing realization! Further along, I read:

"All these people (the faith-walkers in Hebrews 11) were still walking by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that were aliens and strangers on earth" (Hebrews 11:13, NIV).

Oh, how I feel like an alien and a stranger on this earth. I always have.... Rothschild (2003) writes, "Unless we trade our fear for fight, we may never find the treasures hidden in the dark" (p. 11).

Day 1 of this study, led me to my next memory verse, and it speaks to the core of my journey this year. I'll share it within my next entry.... Until then:

"Call out for insight, and
cry aloud for understanding....
Look for it as for silver,
and search for it as for hidden treasure.
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
and find the knowledge of God"
(Proverbs 2:3-5, NIV).

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood....

It is a B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L day in Ohio, friends!! The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and I really do not need a coat to be comfortable (I am warm-blooded, though). As a sat in the sunshine this morning, I wrote:

Lord, I want to bathe in Your Word as one would soak in a luxurious tub. "Your Word is Life to Me," and I intend to choose life daily!

"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" (Deuteronomy 30:18-20, NIV).

We've been battling a few things, haven't we? I don't know and understand all the things happening around me, but You Know! Lord, be my commander in battle. Fill me with love and grace to endure as Your daughter -- a princess.

"Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14, NIV).

"This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15, NIV).

In response, I felt the Lord impress on my heart:

Carnal desires and needs are upsetting you, Heidi. Look to me for fulfillment and purpose because I define you!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity" (Jeremiah 29:11-14, NIV).

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Colossians 3:2, NIV).

With this, my whole outlook changed - Thank You, Jesus!

Defining Moments

"Few of us live in the proactive understanding of the imperative nature of now.
This is your defining moment!"

(Personal Communication, Dan Scarrow, November 8, 2009)

Goal 2009 - Verse 20 out of 24

"If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God" (Proverbs 2:3-5, NIV).

I heard a few minutes of Chuck Swindoll's radio broadcast today. He used a great analogy for God as our Guide:

Just as a camping lantern only enlightens the path for one or two steps ahead, so does God guide His children step by step.

Godly knowledge and understanding are similar. As humans, we do not have the privilege of complete knowledge and understanding. We have just what is necessary for the present time. For me, this is all the reasoning I need to depend on God for the development of my belief system. The ramifications of decisions made today are far-reaching; beyond our abilities to know and understand.

Which Way to Turn - Right or Left?

I know Isaiah 30:21 doesn't refer to U.S. political terminology, but the connection is thought provoking to me.

God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit is neither "right" nor "left" from a political perspective. I believe God cares about issues that both sides represent. As a Christ follower, I believe the Holy Spirit places in my mind specific, individual causes that lead to my passions. These passions often either match my current giftings and influences, or they facilitate new gifts and influences. For the Christ follower, each cause, each passion, each gifting, and each influence -- regardless of where they lie on the U.S. political spectrum -- must always be addressed from a Godly perspective. For me, this means:

• I fear God above all other fears - He is The One who knows and understands all things.
• I obey God above all other directives - His is the ultimate Truth.
• I love others above self - All people are worthy of love.
• I earnestly seek Godly knowledge and understanding - He is the Source.
• I openly accept His wisdom and revelation - Regardless of the earthly consequences.

I am not perfect; there will always be more personal growth to pursue, but the aforementioned points reflect the direction I seek via the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left,
your ears will hear a voice behind you saying,
"This is the way; walk in it"
(Isaiah 30:21, NIV).