I just finished reading Forgotten God Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit. I borrowed this book from the library since I have been on a quest to know more about the Holy Spirit after reading through Acts awhile ago. While this book wasn't exactly what I was looking for as far as answering my questions, it was a good book. Since it was on loan from the library I couldn't mark my favorite sections to remember later....bummer!
This is the first Francis Chan book I've read after being 'introduced' when a friend shared a you tube video of Francis preaching. I guess just by my personality I always 'test' an author to make sure that I'm not being deceived before I'm really comfortable reading their work. I did not come across anything that I did not agree with....so he 'passed the test'. (Of course, that's not to say that we don't each need to 'test' anything we read or hear to ensure that it lines up with the Word of God-including anything you read here!)
In reading the book I came across a a few themes God is working on in my life now-and has been for awhile. 1. Expectation 2. Motivation 3. Comparing 4. Grace vs Works 5. Relationship
1. Expectation (Trust)
On page 47 Francis writes about a common fear-What if God doesn't come through? One concern that I've often heard (and felt) is, what if I pray for the Holy Spirit and nothing happens? What if I ask for more of the Spirit's fruit in my life and don't see any apparent "results"? It's scary to pray boldly for change or freedom from sin, because if nothing happens, then doesn't that mean God failed? Doesn't that mean His Spirit isn't all we've been told He is? I think the fear of God failing us leads us to "cover for God." This means we ask for less, expect less, and are satisfied with less because we are afraid to ask for or expect more. (read Luke 11:13)
Do you believe that God in heaven gives His Spirit to those who ask? Do you REALLY believe it? This truth and what it means is so incredible that no one who actually believes it could then fail to ask for the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:28 is where we see that we receive the Holy Spirit when we begin to follow Christ)
It really comes down to trust. Do you trust God that when He says no or "not in this way" to you, you still believe that He is good and doing what is best?
Um...yea, tough questions, huh? It's easy to answer the questions the way they should be answered, but I had to reassess the easy answer and make sure my life lines up with what I say I believe.
2. Motivation
Chapter 4 asks: Why do you Want Him? While we may have our own purposes for desiring the Spirit's presence and power in our lives, so does God! Yep...this theme keeps showing up in almost every area of my life...what's my motivation? Do I want to bring glory to myself or to my God?
3. Comparing
One of the things I enjoyed reading in the book was the profiles at the end of each chapter of a person (or couple) that Francis describes as being Spirit filled. Their stories were amazing and inspiring to see the fruit produced by Christ living in them! Since you know I have some comparison issues, at first these were tough for me because I tried to compare where I am now in my life with these people-and wanting my life to look like theirs. Of course the Holy Spirit reminded me that He has a plan for my life that won't look like anyone else's but will be just as significant in it's own way. I was reminded that Jesus is the author and perfecter of my faith and it is not my responsibility to 'produce fruit'. My responsibility is to trust in and rely on the power of the God working in me to will and to act according to his good purpose.
On Page 130, Francis asks the reader to think of people in their life who walk with the Spirit daily so much that it's evident in the graciousness and peace they exude. But Francis is quick to point out that in doing so it would be easy to compare ourselves with others in this area and that is NOT our job. Instead he encourages the reader to examine their own life.
4. Grace vs Works
Pages 131-133 is a discussion of who's job is it. Is it God's work or my work? Francis uses Galatians 3:3
and Philippians 2:12-13 in the discussion. Pages146-149 discuss the fruit of the Spirit and how as believers we often try to produce it on our lives. Francis encourages us with this reminder- Instead of mustering up more willpower, let's focus our energies and time on asking for help from the One who has the power to change us. Let's take the time to ask God to put the fruit of His Spirit into our lives. And lets spend time with the One we want to be more like.
5. Relationship
Throughout the whole book were reminders that it's all about a relationship with God...not religion or rules and regulations. The last sentence of the paragraph above reminds us to spend time in communion with our God-have a relationship! Another quote stuck out to me: Our lack of intimacy often is due to our refusal to unplug and shut off communication from all others so we can be alone with Him. (Uh...is that a BIG ouch to anyone else? I was hit hard with this because I am usually so quick to 'comminicate' with the world through facebook-and was convicted that I sometimes do that more than run to Him throughout the day!) One last thing on relationship that came at the end of the book: You would think that learning more ABOUT God would be a good thing....but when we gain knowledge ABOUT God without responding TO Him or assimilating His truth into our lives, then it is not a good thing. I needed this reminder as I am always seeking to know more-just need to make sure that I spend time with the One I am seeking to know more about!
My favorite quote from the book is on page 142:
I don't want my life to be explainable without the Holy Spirit. I want people to look at my life and know that I couldn't be doing this by my own power. I want to live in such a way that I am desperate for Him to come through. That if He doesn't come through, I am screwed. ( I probably shouldn't write that word here, but it's how I truly feel about this.) I like this paragraph so much because it is my desire as well...and I literally laughed out loud at Francis' honesty and choice of words.
So, if you are a reader I would reccomend this book-or any other by Franics Chan, since I like his wrting style...just like he was chatting with his reader. If you have read the book would love you to post here anything you got from it! (Also...don't know legal ramifications about posting quotes from a book on a blog-for a complimentary review. But, note that all italicized words are dorect quotes from the book and I put page numbers with most of them.)
Showing posts with label desires. Show all posts
Showing posts with label desires. Show all posts
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Unstoppable and Unshakeable
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31
Yesterday I left you thinking on boldness. I have been thinking more on Acts 4:31 and read this portion of a commentary and had to share:
"In answer to their prayer and in fulfillment of his promise (Lk 11:13), the place is shaken, and all--not just the apostles--are filled with the Holy Spirit (2:4; 4:8). They speak (literally, were speaking--continuous action at intervals) the word of God (God's great good news of salvation; 11:19; 13:46; 14:25) with boldness. The messengers are unstoppable. The mission continues with divine momentum. As Chrysostom observed about the place being shaken: "and that made them the more unshaken" (Homily on the Acts of the Apostles 11).
Yesterday I left you thinking on boldness. I have been thinking more on Acts 4:31 and read this portion of a commentary and had to share:
"In answer to their prayer and in fulfillment of his promise (Lk 11:13), the place is shaken, and all--not just the apostles--are filled with the Holy Spirit (2:4; 4:8). They speak (literally, were speaking--continuous action at intervals) the word of God (God's great good news of salvation; 11:19; 13:46; 14:25) with boldness. The messengers are unstoppable. The mission continues with divine momentum. As Chrysostom observed about the place being shaken: "and that made them the more unshaken" (Homily on the Acts of the Apostles 11).
So according to this verse and commentary, it wasn't just Paul or the apostles who spoke the word of God boldly! That means there is no qualification to being bold other than believing what the word says (Prov 28:1...the righteous are as bold as a lion) and experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit. I want to be unshakeable and unstopable in this life...whether it is in proclaiming God's word or being a godly wife, or raising my children, or encouraging a friend, etc... I beleive this promise for boldness with the filling of the Spirit! There are corageous people described in the Bible. Let's see what we can discover by reading their stories.
What about David? He said to Goliath "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty...All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (You can read the whole story in 1 Samuel 17.) That's pretty bold!!! In 1 Samuel 16:13 we read that the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power. So David wasn't bold and corageous on his own. We can't be effectively bold on our own either- it is the Spirit of God working in us to make us bold!!
Dear Lord, renew our minds to the truth of your word. Fill us with your Spirit so that we can live life to bring glory to you. Make us bold where we need to be bold...make us sensitive where we need to be sensitive. Guide us in your love this day. In Jesus' name....amen!
Come back tomorrow and we'll check out some other courageous people :)
Monday, April 4, 2011
Bold and Brave
I've never thought of myself as bold or brave. A few months ago I was reading through Proverbs and studying what the Word says about the righteous. Since I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21) what His word says about the righteous is true about me (not because of me). Proverbs 28:1 stood out to me:
Since that time a few other verses have also become alive to me about boldness. Think on these today as you find time and let God's word become alive and active in every area of your life. He is renewing my mind as I trust the Holy Spirit to make me more bold!
The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Hmmm....bold as a lion, interesting, but me? really? This will take some faith and the renewal of my mind. I could name a bold person- Paul was bold...it's recorded several time in Acts (9:28, 13:46, 14:3, 19:8) Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 28:31
Also in Acts we read that it wasn't just Paul-
....And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31 I think I will need to write more about this tomorrow! Since that time a few other verses have also become alive to me about boldness. Think on these today as you find time and let God's word become alive and active in every area of your life. He is renewing my mind as I trust the Holy Spirit to make me more bold!
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 2 Corinthians 3:12
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted. Psalm 138:3
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Opinions
Wow, that really got me! If I value other people's opinions of me more than God's I will never truly believe and trust him. If I am always people pleasing, then I won't make time to seek Him and find His will for me. Here is the same verse in a few more ways...see if one of these gets you.
How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God John 5:44 NIV
John 5:41-44 (The Message)
"I'm not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God's love, is not on your working agenda. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?
Dear Lord, help us to seek praise only from you. Let us give our lives to bring you praise and honor and glory, even when it's uncomfortable to our flesh. Your word says "blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods (Psalm 40:4) I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart (Psalm 40:8)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Desire versus Time
I desire to share what God is doing in my life in hopes that it may encourage just one person. I have struggled to find the time to blog and determine if it's really something I should do, if it has eternal significance. I believe it will be significant, that if God has given me the desire He will make it successful. I believe that as I trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways acknowledge him, and he will make my paths straight (Proverb3:5-6).
This morning after reading several blogs, I have been encouraged...so if God can use someone's blog to bring me encouragement-He will be able to use mine to encourage someone else!! A post from 'she will sing there' blog, Compelled by Love really captures how I feel about blogging. Another one I read this morning from the 'passionate homemaking' blog What Kind of Shoes Do You Wear? encouraged me that blogging does use the gifts He has given me. This is the confirmation I have been seeking as I've felt led to update my blog and spend some time writing the things He is teaching me. So...in the next while, I will continue to 're-do' the blog and attempt to put some of the things in my mind on the screen! I want to make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5) and follow the Spirit as He guides me into balance in all areas of my life!
Lord, I commit to you whatever I do and believe that my plans will succeed (Prov 16:3) Teach me how to live to please you, because you're my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland (Psalm 143:10) Help me to not just keep my priorities straight, but to continually straighten them out according to your will for my life. Help me not to be foolish, but to understand what your will is (Ephesians 5:17). Jesus, I know it is in YOU that I find out who I am and what I'm living for (Ephesians 1:11). Guide me and my friends, family and readers in finding more of you and your love each day. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12) May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17) AMEN!
This morning after reading several blogs, I have been encouraged...so if God can use someone's blog to bring me encouragement-He will be able to use mine to encourage someone else!! A post from 'she will sing there' blog, Compelled by Love really captures how I feel about blogging. Another one I read this morning from the 'passionate homemaking' blog What Kind of Shoes Do You Wear? encouraged me that blogging does use the gifts He has given me. This is the confirmation I have been seeking as I've felt led to update my blog and spend some time writing the things He is teaching me. So...in the next while, I will continue to 're-do' the blog and attempt to put some of the things in my mind on the screen! I want to make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5) and follow the Spirit as He guides me into balance in all areas of my life!
Lord, I commit to you whatever I do and believe that my plans will succeed (Prov 16:3) Teach me how to live to please you, because you're my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland (Psalm 143:10) Help me to not just keep my priorities straight, but to continually straighten them out according to your will for my life. Help me not to be foolish, but to understand what your will is (Ephesians 5:17). Jesus, I know it is in YOU that I find out who I am and what I'm living for (Ephesians 1:11). Guide me and my friends, family and readers in finding more of you and your love each day. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12) May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17) AMEN!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Mom
Today we would have celebrated momma's 69th birthday. I wonder what she would look like, what she would act like, what she would dress like (lol) now. I'm sure she would enjoy my girls and all her grandchildren. I know she must be just having a grand time in heaven, but it feels like she missed out on so much here in MY life (yes, I sense the selfishness there:)) She missed my college graduation, wedding, married life, childbirth, child rearing...all the things you want a momma to be there for and answer your questions and tell you she's proud of you. I know relationships aren't perfect, but it seems like you could trust a mom more than anyone when dealing with marriage or child rearing issues...that she would listen (not judge) and give sound advice. Of course, I am just imagining this, I have no knowledge by experience.
I won't experience having a relationship with my mom as an adult because twelve years ago last month, my momma died. I won't get to hear the answers to my questions about her life or mine (and I won't get the sometimes unwanted advice that some of you may deal with). For some reason this year it hit me hard...I almost broke down when I went grocery shopping and saw the poinsettias. That was the last thing I gave momma...I went to her apartment the week before she died and tried to cheer her up and decorate for Christmas with flowers. This December, I disliked poinsettias and struggled to keep my joy all Christmas season. Then, God reminded me that His plans are to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me hope and a future(Jeremiah 29:11) He reminded me of His promise in Psalm 126 that those who sow with tears will reap in songs of joy. He showed me that He wants to satisfy me with His love that I may sing for joy and be glad all my days!!(Psalm 90:14-15)
So I got my joy back, but still wondered how God planned to meet my desire to have a momma. Last year God walked me through the whole daddy thing...that He is my daddy since I don't have on on earth. But when I brought this momma thing to Him, I was surprised at what he showed me. When I complained about all things I wanted a momma for, He showed me that He meets all those needs!
One of the things I wanted in a mom was the unconditional love-the always thinking of you kind of love...God showed me Isaiah 49:15-16 Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Wow....He's even better than a momma! He may not "call on the phone" to check on me several times a day like I would expect momma to do...but He is even closer than a phone call!
Another thing I desired in a momma relationship was comfort. As a momma to small girls I love that they can just crawl up in my lap and snuggle for comfort when they have a rough time...I wanted that comfort too! God showed me Isaiah 66:10-13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. Wow! Isn't God good!!
One of the things I 've wished I had in a mother is one to go to for advice and wisdom, someone who's been there, done that! Proverbs 2:6 says For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. I want MOMMY wisdom in these areas:
M anage-how to manage my time
O bey-how to live out obedience to God's plan
M oney-how to be a good steward of God's provision
M arriage-how to enjoy life with my husband
Y oung'uns :)-how to raise children for God's glory
God brought to my mind James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Colossians 2:3 tells me that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ. Proverbs 9:10 tells us that The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. So, again God has given immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine!! He has way more wisdom to offer than even the wisest momma out there!
I have always tried to be so independent....but I need others, especially without a momma. I have searched for a person (or people) to fill the 'momma' desires I have- for wisdom, comfort, love...thinking they could all be filled by one person (or several) in the absence of my mother. What I am discovering is that God can meet all my needs and desires! When I abide in Christ, he will fill all the needs of my heart. Of course He is good and has also given me other believers to encourage me in this life(Hebrews 10:24-25). Usually when I really need them, that's when I reject and push them away, but we're working on it (that's for another post:). He has blessed me with wonderful family, friends, mentors and spiritual mommas...and I know there will be more! But I will remember that HE IS ALL I NEED!!!!
I won't experience having a relationship with my mom as an adult because twelve years ago last month, my momma died. I won't get to hear the answers to my questions about her life or mine (and I won't get the sometimes unwanted advice that some of you may deal with). For some reason this year it hit me hard...I almost broke down when I went grocery shopping and saw the poinsettias. That was the last thing I gave momma...I went to her apartment the week before she died and tried to cheer her up and decorate for Christmas with flowers. This December, I disliked poinsettias and struggled to keep my joy all Christmas season. Then, God reminded me that His plans are to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me hope and a future(Jeremiah 29:11) He reminded me of His promise in Psalm 126 that those who sow with tears will reap in songs of joy. He showed me that He wants to satisfy me with His love that I may sing for joy and be glad all my days!!(Psalm 90:14-15)
So I got my joy back, but still wondered how God planned to meet my desire to have a momma. Last year God walked me through the whole daddy thing...that He is my daddy since I don't have on on earth. But when I brought this momma thing to Him, I was surprised at what he showed me. When I complained about all things I wanted a momma for, He showed me that He meets all those needs!
One of the things I wanted in a mom was the unconditional love-the always thinking of you kind of love...God showed me Isaiah 49:15-16 Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Wow....He's even better than a momma! He may not "call on the phone" to check on me several times a day like I would expect momma to do...but He is even closer than a phone call!
Another thing I desired in a momma relationship was comfort. As a momma to small girls I love that they can just crawl up in my lap and snuggle for comfort when they have a rough time...I wanted that comfort too! God showed me Isaiah 66:10-13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. Wow! Isn't God good!!
One of the things I 've wished I had in a mother is one to go to for advice and wisdom, someone who's been there, done that! Proverbs 2:6 says For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. I want MOMMY wisdom in these areas:
M anage-how to manage my time
O bey-how to live out obedience to God's plan
M oney-how to be a good steward of God's provision
M arriage-how to enjoy life with my husband
Y oung'uns :)-how to raise children for God's glory
God brought to my mind James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Colossians 2:3 tells me that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ. Proverbs 9:10 tells us that The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. So, again God has given immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine!! He has way more wisdom to offer than even the wisest momma out there!
I have always tried to be so independent....but I need others, especially without a momma. I have searched for a person (or people) to fill the 'momma' desires I have- for wisdom, comfort, love...thinking they could all be filled by one person (or several) in the absence of my mother. What I am discovering is that God can meet all my needs and desires! When I abide in Christ, he will fill all the needs of my heart. Of course He is good and has also given me other believers to encourage me in this life(Hebrews 10:24-25). Usually when I really need them, that's when I reject and push them away, but we're working on it (that's for another post:). He has blessed me with wonderful family, friends, mentors and spiritual mommas...and I know there will be more! But I will remember that HE IS ALL I NEED!!!!
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