What a Little Bird Told Me

I'm going to springboard off Robin's post having to do with birds and God's care for His creation. I thought it was interesting that Robin was the one who posted about birds because you see, my favorite bird is the robin. And, I have always liked the feminine use of the name Robin. So, today I'm going to post about robins, for your encouragement.

Maybe one reason I like robins is because I grew up in Maine where the winters are long and cold. It used to be fun to see who was the first to spot a robin in late March for this was to us the harbinger of spring. Another reason I like robins is because their eggs are tiny and oh so pretty. Robin's egg blue. Another reason is because I think a robin is fun to watch as it labors to pull up a juicy worm out of the defrosting earth. I would sit and watch as the robin, after succeeding to loosen its meal from the ground lifted its head triumphantly and let that worm slide down its throat. Then the robin would begin again, only this time instead of swallowing the worm, it flew off with worm dangling between its beak happy to bring dinner home to the family. And finally, I love the robin's song. It goes something like this "cheerUP!, cheer, cheer, cheer, cheerUP!!"

In His word God uses nature to bring illustration to the truth about Himself, ourselves, our world, sin, etc. (Isn't that kind of God-to reveal His truth in such a way as to connect to our every day lives?) So, following God's example I'm using Mr. and Mrs. Robin Redbreast and what these birds can teach us about God and about ourselves.

As Robin told us in her post, God provides for all creatures, even those without souls. How much more must He care for us, His image bearers and His redeemed ones? God provides for all our needs. Usually that provision comes through giving us healthy bodies and alert minds to do labor. We often take that for granted. We are quick to thank God when we bow our head for our food (and well we should), but how quick are we to thank Him for our labor? For our job? For our husband's job? When the alarm goes off on a Monday morning it isn't easy to give thanks for having to get up and go to work is it? But that is exactly how God is providing for our needs. As a woman do you find it easy to grumble and complain about our work in providing meals for our families (the food shopping, the lines, the traffic, the expense, the effort to prepare the meals, the routine of it all)? But this is exactly how God ordained to provide for our daily bread - through our labors.

Just as the robin does not stay in its nest waiting for food to fall out of the sky but is seen at the first light of day (the early bird gets the worm), so should we rise early and thank God for the ability to work which is His provision for our families.* Usually in our house when someone gives thanks for a meal, they include in that prayer a mention of thanks for the "hands that prepared it." When it is my turn to give thanks I often include in my prayer a word of thanks for my husband who works hard to provide for our family and in our case I thank God for the church who faithfully supports us. I believe this pleases God, honors my husband and teaches our children how God has graciously provided for our needs; from His heart through their father, through the church.

We aren't always thankful for labor. Labor is what it is: work. But when we can enjoy the fruits of our labors, whether it be a studio apartment, a home, a meal, a bed to sleep in, we can always give thanks to the One who gives us the strength to work. So, instead of grumbling why not adopt the robin's song, and "cheerUp, cheer, cheer, cheer, CheerUP!!" and be truly thankful for the work God has called you to (Ecclesiastes 2:24,25).

*if you are a woman whose husband is out of work, or you are single and struggling to make ends meet, or your health is preventing you from working, please re-read Robin's post from yesterday. God cares for you.

Four and Twenty Blackbirds...

Something rather unusual happened at my house on Tuesday. I was standing next to the sliding glass doors which overlook my backyard when something caught my eye.

As I looked into my backyard, I watched in amazement as hundreds of blackbirds swarmed over every tree branch, every lawn chair, every space!

The noise was eerie, as these creatures swept over the neighborhood. Curious to see my front yard, I went to the living room and looked out the window. The flock of birds swarming around my bird feeder reminded me of a school of starving piranhas greedily stripping its latest victim of every ounce of flesh--I had never seen such aggressive birds before!

Within ten minutes, the birds had ravaged my lawn and the lawns of the surrounding houses, and so they moved on to another neighborhood in search of their next meal. I was left giving thanks to the Lord for allowing me to witness such a fascinating showcase of His creation.

Our God gives life to every bird, every fish, every bug (although why bugs, I'll never understand!!!) on this planet. Not only that, He provides for them until the day He has ordained to be their last. He does this...for soulless creatures.

Are we not infinitely more beloved by God than mere birds? How do we ever doubt His provision when we see it exampled in all of His creation day after day?! If we had faith the size of a mustard seed...you know.

I was much encouraged by how great and good a God we serve. I am so glad that we worship a Sovereign, all-powerful, purposeful God Who accomplishes all that He pleases!

freedom to worship

I had the opportunity to go to a Newsboys concert last night in Wildwood. We had a great time. The music was loud--my ears are still buzzing. The lady next to me could have been my grandma, but she was rockin out, arms in the air and dancing. They played a couple of their goofier songs, but mostly the songs were Gospel-packed, Christ-centered songs of worship and praise.

The topic of worship has been on my mind a lot lately. This concert was just another tool that God is using to lead me further into Biblical worship. I'll explain that with several observations.

1. Having instruments, energy, and vocal powers doesn't lead to worship.
One of the opening bands, whom I affectionately think of as the Hobo Faeries, were obviously gifted musicians. They could play well, sing well, and jump around the stage with a lot more energy than I could ever muster. All of that did not lead to worship. It was just a show.

2. Listening to another person worship doesn't mean that I am worshiping.
There was another opening band that was actually really good. Their lyrics were solid and God-exalting. But I didn't know the words, and there was a lot going on in the building to distract me. So with the ears I listened to them sing their hearts out, and with the other senses I paid attention to everything else going on in the building.

3. True worship doesn't need instruments, energetic shenanigans, vocal talent, or even other worshipers, because it is a one-on-one vertical exchange between me and God.
I'll be honest. I went there to see the Newsboys. And somehow I spent half the concert with my eyes closed. How did this happen? Well, they started playing "Blessed Be Your Name." You know the song: Blessed be Your name / in the land that is plentiful / where Your streams of abundance flow / blessed be Your name.

They followed that with "He Reigns." It's all God's children singing "Glory, glory! Hallelujah! He reigns! He reigns!

And they followed that with "In the Hands of God." In the hands of God / we stand tall / hands that are mighty to deliver / givin us freedom / You're amazing! You're amazing / You are! / And we praise You / Lord, for what Your hands have done!

There came a point where all distractions had to be shut out. The musicians, while leading the singing with their instruments and voices, had to be visually shut out, lest while my heart worshiped God, my eyes worshiped men. The people around me had to be shut out, lest my worship become a competition to see who is more earnest or emotionally stirred. This kind of worship had nothing to do with the things around me, but everything to do with God the Creator of the heavens and earth and striving to please Him!

Thankfully, at church we don't need to worry about our worship leaders putting on a mere show. But I know my heart, and I know that I can listen to and sing a song while paying attention to every little detail around me. God is so gracious and kind to give me such a wonderful practicum on worship these last several weeks, and to culminate it with the concert I went to last night. It's the difference between knowing something and really getting it so that now it can be applied and practiced.

The last song of the set was the song "I am Free," which is about the freedom we have because of Christ. By the time we got to that song, I really could sing with all my heart, Through You the blind will see / Through You the mute will sing/ Through You the dead will rise / Through You all hearts will praise / Through You the darkness flees / Because of You my heart screams / I am free / I am free / I am free to run / I am free to dance / I am free to live for You / I am free!

What I'm a Part of

From my point of view I've never thought of myself as very significant. I'm not especially gifted. There isn't one single thing in my life that I can say I'm really, really good at. My life verse could very easily be, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:31). I sometimes wonder if the reason God saved me was to have someone to showcase as living proof of His choosing the foolish things of this world. This isn't false humility. This isn't even humility. This is just the way it is.

Having said that, I do know that I do have a part to play however small and that is because, "He is the source of my life in Christ Jesus, whom God made my wisdom and my righteousness and sanctification and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30). Therefore, I am a part of something BIG.

Take this week for example. In a very real sense I took the Gospel to Mexico. I took the Gospel to Uganda. I helped to build up the work of God in Taiwan. WOW. Hmmm. Let me think some more. Maybe the hospitality I extended to a hurting couple, the clean clothes and meals for the senior pastor (along with more than a few displays of affection), the babysitting, the homeschooling, the prayers offered, the conversations I shared, were more than tiny pieces to a puzzle. They were God-ordained opportunities to contribute to His Kingdom expansion. I will not know until Heaven what each of those meant in the big scheme of things. But Tim's message today was an encouragement to my timid heart that I am a part of something HUGE and no matter how little my part is, or if I'm laid aside in prison like Paul I can rejoice for Christ is proclaimed.

So, this week, with all the seemingly insignificant parts I play I am going to be glad that God saw fit to save the likes of me. He desires to use me for His Kingdom purposes. There's nothing insignificant in that.

Saturday Dinner ( a recipe if you don't know what to fix tonight)

I have this terrible habit of trying out new recipes when we have guests. Usually it turns out ok, but there have been some flops.

This past Tues. we had a couple in for a quick dinner before they went on their way to care group. I'd had a full day and was trying to find something quick and easy, but nice. I thought I'd share this recipe with you because I know how busy you all are, and if you are like me you can always use another way to prepare chicken. This comes from one of those "tried and true" church recipe books (this one from the SG church in Pittsburgh - thank you Bethany).

Easy Ranch Chicken

6 chicken breasts
1 cup ranch dressing
4 Tbs. flour
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Mix ranch dressing and flour together
2. Coat chicken breasts with mixture and sprinkle with cheddar cheese
3. Bake for 20 minutes at 375

** Now here's the thing: I always improvise a bit. I didn't have prepared ranch dressing, so I stirred together some dry ranch dressing mix and the flour. It tasted great. I have a 16 oz. container of the dressing that I bought at BJs. It is a good staple to have in the pantry. The powdered dressing has no fat, so you really are eating a low-fat version of the recipe. You probably only need a 1/2 cup of the dry Ranch.
** I didn't have chedder cheese on hand so I used a little shredded provolone. The chicken turned a golden brown.

Enjoy!

Mortadella and God?!?!

I was slicing mortadella, a really gross lunchmeat (sorry if you're Italian and love the stuff), for about the millionth time at work earlier this week...and I have to say, I was feeling just a tad insignificant.

The day had been trying--grumpy customers, grouchy coworkers, angry boss, the list goes on. Before I knew it, a full-blown pity-party was taking place in my head.

I was angry that I had to work this "meaningless," thankless job (just a little pride there, don't you think???). I wasn't getting what I crave--approval from others (totally misplaced value). And I, lofty college grad that I am, had to *gasp* SERVE other people all day long!

The Lord lovingly flooded me with the grace to discern my heart. It is truly astounding how the Spirit can knock you flat on your face before you even know what happened! One second, your flesh is wholly enjoying the release of venting about 'whatever,' and the next instant, you are left trembling with the fear of the Holy One.

So, all of this is happening in my mind and in my heart while I'm slicing half of a pound of a smelly, fatty lunchmeat. The irony of this reality hit me full force--I am simultaneously performing a menial little task and crying out to the Sovereign Creator of all things (my Father, nonetheless!!!).

I am talking to G-O-D...

Such immense joy hit me that I laughed out loud. What sweet fellowship comes when the proper balance is restored--God is ultimate...I am pen-ultimate. Okay! This is right. Now what would He have me do--honor Him by *gulp* slicing mortadella for His glory.

Such moments happen, for me at any rate, about a hundred times a day. It is the constant struggle of the Christian life--living in the spirit, not the flesh.

I'm going to end with a rather lengthy excerpt from the book The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer because it's just too good not to share. I encourage you to read it and let it sink in.

"A spiritual kingdom lies all about us, enclosing us, embracing us, altogether within reach of our inner selves, waiting for us to recognize it...our trouble is that we have established bad thought habits. We habitually think of the visible world as real and doubt the reality of any other. We do not deny the existence of the spiritual world but we doubt that it is real in the accepted meaning of the word...sin has so clouded the lenses of our hearts that we cannot see that other reality, the City of God, shining around us. The world of sense triumphs. The visible becomes the enemy of the invisible, the temporal, of the eternal...we must shift our interest from the seen to the unseen. For the great unseen Reality is God...if we truly want to follow God, we must seek to be other-worldly...the "other world," which is the object of this world's disdain and the subject of the drunkard's mocking song, is our carefully chosen goal and the object of our holiest longing. But we must avoid the common fault of pushing the "other world" into the future. It is not future, but present...as we begin to focus upon God, the things of the spirit will take shape before our inner eyes...a new God-consciousness will seize upon us and we shall begin to taste and hear and inwardly feel God, who is our life and our all....more and more, as our faculties grow sharper and more sure, God will become to us the great All, and His presence the glory and wonder of our lives...make heaven more real to me than earthly thing has ever been."

I Want to Dance

Lexi, my 2-year-old granddaughter, had a seriously bad case of the flu this week. For three days she did not eat, she barely allowed a sip of liquid between her lips and she remained on the couch not able to do a thing. Elliot and Kate were naturally very concerned and stayed in close communication with their doctor. On the fourth day the doctor advised taking her to the hospital. She was given medication to treat the nausea and sent home. Elliot and Kate knew she was feeling better the next morning when the first thing she said as her feet hit the floor was, "I want to dance!"

Today as I share with you some of what I find helpful for worship may I suggest we have the same enthusiasm as Lexi? I realize you may not be ready to dance but if you are reading today's post you probably have at least a spark of desire to grow in your worship of God. I appreciate that.

The first thing we have to remember is that we cannot whoop up that enthusiasm in the car on the way to church. In order to fully enter into worship on Sunday, we need to be living Coram Deo (in God's presence) during the week. We need to be experiencing the joy of our salvation, and the wonder of His grace every day in order to wake up on a Sunday saying, “I want to dance!” But, even if that is not the case, even if we've had a week that has been stained with sin, or in the press of life you have failed to commune with God, there is mercy and grace through the cross. That by itself could open a floodgate of emotion!!

I offer the following only as suggestions. No law here. Many of you may not yet be ready for this. That is OK, so long as you keep your heart open to God's will revealed in His Word, and cultivate a willingness to grow. Wherever you are in your worship of God, give it your whole heart to the glory of God.

I think I have it a bit easier than most folks because I sit in the front row where the distractions are fewer. But distractions are used by the enemy no matter where we sit. Even though I am in the front where I cannot see much of what is going on behind me, I can be distracted by wondering what others will be thinking of me. So, before anything begins I cry out to God to help me to stay focused on Him who gave me a heart to worship in the first place.

When the music begins I close my eyes as much as is possible. This helps with my fear of man issues. But this is only possible if I know the words to the lyrics. If I do not know the them, I fix my eyes on the words and my heart on the Savior.

Going from toe-tapping to hand-clapping can be a big leap for some. I started timidly. I tapped my leg. I clapped with hands down low. It wasn’t long as I focused on the truth being sung, as I was overwhelmed by God's love poured out for me on the cross, and as I sang of His kindness and grace, I found within my being the physical connecting to my spirit and I was set free.

When a song speaks of offering praise, or offering my life in devotion to Him, I lift my hands with palms held up as if to show God that I am coming to him with a gift; a gift that He gave to me in the first place.

When a song speaks of God's rule, or gives Him praise as in: "Hallelujah, What a Savior", my hands turn upward as one does for greeting, or cheering an important person. (You may be more comfortable letting your hand only go as high as your shoulder but watch out, it may not be long before you wish your hands were high enough to reach through the ceiling, beyond the clouds into the very presence of God.)

When a song speaks of receiving something from God (“You give and take away, You give and take away”) I lift my hands above my head with palms facing each other with my face toward the sky as if to literally receive His blessing as it falls into my arms.

When a song speaks of bowing in His presence I like to bow my head, or I bow from the waist. It is difficult to sing while lying prostrate on the floor, or kneeling at my chair. Not impossible, but difficult I will admit.

During prayer, occasionally my heart may tell me to bow. This is when it is easier to lie prostrate in the aisle, or kneel by my chair. Here again, I have to remind myself to focus on God, not on others.

Sisters, we are told to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our mind and with all our strength. We are body, mind and spirit. I think in our church we've always done well in worshiping God with our mind and in our hearts. But I believe the Lord is showing us that He wants our whole person, body and spirit as well as mind and heart to be engaged in worshiping Him.

We read in scripture that Jesus received people's physical expressions of worship. He let Mary wash his feet with her tears. He allowed for Hosannas to be given, with palm branches being waved. I cannot imagine this being done with no jumping or shouting. Jesus could have shut down all the excitement. He could have said, "Be still! I do not approve of such expressiveness," but He did not. He let the people respond physically to their emotional connection with Him.

I often hear people say that women are emotional beings. I believe that to be true. I also believe men are emotional beings. That is how we were created. It occurred to me years ago how I would get excited about good news, an athletic victory, and seeing someone I love. But when it came time for me to worship my Savior my emotions were left outside the church building. As TW showed us from scripture, David danced in the very presence of God without a veil between him and the Ark of the Covenant. Now, through the work of Christ on the Cross, I have been given access to God. I am told to come boldly, but only through Jesus.

I hope and pray that my testimony might help you, my sisters, to find your way into more of the kind of worship God calls us to – even if it is with a joyful toe-tapping. It will be for the strengthening of your soul and for your joy in Christ. May this encourage you the next time you prepare to meet Him in our gathering of believers. And please remember, we'll never worship perfectly until we worship in heaven. But the One we worship is perfect. All glory be to Him!

Worship

Last night I had a chance to listen to Warren's message. As is my custom for blogging I like to follow up on the Sunday's message with how I am applying it to my life. As it turns out I am going to focus on a minor point (though an important one) of his message to connect to TW's message a couple of weeks ago. What you will read below is a post I began that week but never finished.

As I listened to Warren give testimony to his experience stepping into the worship of God at a Sovereign Grace church, it reminded me of TW's message. He mentioned how hard it was for him to make the stylistic switch to newer music. Over the next couple of days, I want to add to Warren’s testimony my own experience, and then share with you something that I have never done or plan to do again. Please read on as I give you my musings from two weeks ago:

A week ago my husband, Tim, gave us an inside peek into his devotional time in his FreeTruth post. This was an unusual thing for Tim to do but many were blessed and helped by it. Today and tomorrow I am doing something similar. I am going to share how I worship and how the Lord has graciously led me into this.

I do not do this to draw attention to myself. I do not do this so others will think (erroneously) how great I am, or what a spiritual person I am (again--erroneously), or what a great worshiper I am (again--erroneously). I fear my God who judges every thought and intention of my heart. I dare not try to pull a fast one and try to photo-edit an image of myself that is far more flattering than I really am. Also, I want to be sure to add that I am not writing this to place judgment on those that struggle with these things. I am simply desiring to serve you as you consider how to apply TW's message.

 
I know many who relate to Warren's initial struggle to worship God with music that has the kind of rhythm that promotes clapping, dancing, and even the joyful shouting which the God’s word speaks of. I am thankful for those among us who though they struggle as Warren did, still come. Thank you.

It is important to say before anything else that our worship is all about God, the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is only by His amazing grace that we live and breathe. It is only by His extreme love that we have been given hearts to love and worship Him. Our sins have been forgiven!! Christ took the penalty for our sin upon Himself!! When we worship, we worship with the righteousness of Christ: “we come with your righteousness on, our humble offerings to bring” (A Debtor to Mercy from the album Upward).  It is only through the activity of the Holy Spirit that we have hearts that desire to worship!! It is all about Him!!

But there's more: we have also been given freedom to gather to worship; we have been given a building to worship in; we have pastors and musicians and other believers to lead us and to share in this experience. We are very blessed women indeed.

When we gather to worship we are telling God we love Him, and we are telling those around us we love Him. I remember many years ago having a conversation with a dear friend about my experience of worship, in which I said, "There has to be more!" I was referring to the experience of what felt to me like "going through the motions." At that time it was: stand (very still), sing, pray, sit. Stand, sing, sit. Offering, stand and sing, pray. Now, that may be fine and very joy-giving for some but for me I felt like there had to be more. It wasn't that I was looking for an "experience;" I was looking for a way to release what was in my heart for God. I felt constricted.

Then our church was introduced to some Messianic Christian music (Up To Zion). In this I found a way to worship God with my mind, soul and strength. The clapping, the cheering, and the dancing released my long pent up emotion over the work of Christ on the cross for me.

Worship was no longer (to my ears and heart) just a sober and subdued reflection but a celebration. Christ did it all! I don't need to do a thing! It is finished! I am forgiven! I wanted to celebrate!!

After finding a treasure in those Messianic songs, we found more treasure!! I remember singing a medley, "Under the Blood" by Integrity Music. What I had long felt in my heart, was now given to me to sing by a skillful songwriter. How could he have known my heart?? My joy was expressed in a singable and danceable melody and to this day I get a bounce in my step whenever that medley comes to mind.

Then someone in the church discovered Sovereign Grace Music (PDI at the time). Here like never before (in my experience) was a combination of Christ-exalting lyrics and music that allows for physical expression in worship. What a gift!

When I am given a gift I give thanks for it and I use it. So, tomorrow I will share with you how I use the gift of celebratory worship music to move me closer into an intimate connection with Jesus, my Savior and King, and the Lover of my Soul..

leftovers (pt.2)

                                           
In my real world this Joyous Journey is a trek with the church. It doesn’t always feel joyous but my joy is not found in how I am feeling, or in my circumstances. Paul says, "rejoice in the Lord always; and I say rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

The key words in that verse are “in the Lord”. When my thoughts are centered in “the Lord” especially as He is described in Philippians 2:5-10 it will not matter if partnering in ministry is testing my ability to abound in love. All that will matter is that Christ is exalted. My desire will be to see many bowing their knees before Jesus on that Great Day and confessing Him to be Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2 :10). I am learning that my love will abound more and more in knowledge and discernment as I study my Savior and His humble, suffering servant love.

I am so thankful for the women who model this in our church. I’m thinking of the many women who for the sake of the gospel surrender their desire to sit in on the worship of a Sunday morning to be in the nursery and/or children’s ministry. They give so that others can receive. I’m thinking of the women who come early to provide childcare so parents can go through membership classes. And I’m thinking of the women who give up their Thurs. evenings to provide meals and/or childcare for our Christianity Explored classes (Philippians 1:21).

I have women approaching me with eagerness to serve the church in any way they can. “Whatever you need” is their motto. I am blown away by their “standing firm in one (cheerful) spirit with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians1:27).

I will not forget the women who serve our dear sister Nancy. Nancy’s needs are many and women of all ages are making sure these needs are met. Young moms with young children, women with many children, singles, working women and women with their own physical weakness are humbly pouring themselves out for the cause of Christ. I am confident that God is being glorified where Nancy lives because of you (Philippians 3:17, 20, 21, 4:1).

How about the Lydia Ladies who once a month meet to do service projects for those in need? Blankets for nursing homes, caring for our missionaries, sending care packages to college students, and providing meals for a mother who is sick or a woman who just needs a helping hand is what these dear women do. Ladies you are placing others’ needs over your own. God sees and God is pleased (Philippians 4:14).

There are the mothers who stay home to be the primary influence in her children’s life. She has skills that could be used in the workplace to bring a second income into the home but she humbly chooses to “be a keeper at home”. She does not consider her equality a thing to be grasped (Philippians 2:5). Titus 2 says, that the word of God is not reviled when this is done for the Christ’s sake. Titus 2:3

I am in awe of the women who come to church prepared to worship enthusiastically even though they are almost old enough to be my grandmother. These dear women show me how to be “in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).

There are a couple of women who release their husbands every Sunday morning at 6:30 so their men can drive an hour and be at the church in time to practice music for leading worship. Speaking of worship, how about the women who leave their families early so they can practice before the service? These women surrender a cozy, comfortable weekend breakfast with husband and family. I believe God receives your ministry as “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18)

I could go on. There are women who give up a Sat. to cut hair for the Kingdom. Women who volunteer in the office, women who mentor young women, visit the sick, provide for the needy, serve with their husbands as care group leaders, clean the kitchen, prepare meals, handle power-point, clean the building, welcome guests, weed gardens, decorate the building, wash cars, etc. And last but not least of which – women who pray for the Gospel advancement through TFC and elsewhere.

Ladies, Paul would be proud. I know your pastors are. I know I am. But let us not rest. Let our love abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment. Let us be careful to not be like Euodia and Syntyche who could not agree with each other.
Let us rejoice in the Lord. Let us be reasonable. Let us pray for one another and let us think on the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. If there is anything worthy of praise (in a person) let us think about these things (Philippians 4:8,9).

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Philippians 4:23).

Leftovers

I’m chewing on the leftovers from Sunday's dinner. “…that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:9).

Hardly table scraps.

As a woman giving thought to the application of scripture I try to think through my various callings and relationships:the church, my marriage, my children, my family and friends, and the unsaved. So, as I am chewing (meditating) on the message given to us on Sunday I am asking myself how do I abound more and more in love with knowledge and all discernment in my real world?

I proceed very cautiously here because I am not a theologian. But before I’m through I’ll be running this by my favorite theologian to make sure I’m not in error. The thing I’m noticing about Philippians is this: there is a whole lot in these four short chapters about relationships. But unlike Ephesians and Colossians there isn’t specific mention to family relationships. The emphasis in this book is on relationships in the church for partnering in the Gospel. So, as I read that my love is to abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment, I have to think about my relationship with you my church, my sisters, my partners in the Gospel.

In Philippians 1:12-18, we read that Paul who was in prison because of labors for the Gospel knew some individuals who felt emboldened to preach because of his imprisonment.  Paul says that some of them were doing this out of envy and rivalry.  But Paul rejoiced anyway as long as Christ was proclaimed.  It’s not that envy and rivalry were okay, it’s just that in this case God was overruling their envy to further the gospel.  In Philippians, what Paul seems most concerned about is the envy and rivalry within the church that hinders the progress of the gospel.

The letter contains many references to what love isn’t.  Paul not only speaks of envy and rivalry but also about grumbling and complaining.  Paul refers to people who seek their own interest.  Paul tells the Philippians to look out for legalist (he calls them dogs, and evildoers).  He speaks of “enemies of the cross Christ” (people who are most concerned about their own physical and material desires).   Paul then hits close to home and addresses specific individuals (women):   “I entreat Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord.”

Alongside those references of what love is not are striking statements of what love does.  Love for Christ partners with others for the Gospel.  It is a selfless act of living for the progress and joy of Christ in others.  It is as Paul says in 1:27:  “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ… standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving side by side.”  In chapter 2 Paul tells us to have the same mind, the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Again he says not to do anything out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than oneself.  He tells us to “look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Then we are given the example of Christ to follow.

Then we are given two other examples to follow:  Timothy and Epaphroditus. 

Then we are given the example of Paul to follow. 

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Phil. 3:17).  Paul did not have anything good to say about those who were putting more emphasis on outward performance than on the righteousness of Christ.  Paul knew the great temptation for all of us to fall into that trap.  We can so easily get sidetracked into legalism; which usually leads into self-righteousness and sinful judgment.  Therefore, Paul encourages us in love to stand firm in the Lord and His righteousness (Phil. 3:9, 4:1).

Then we are given two negative examples.  Euodia and Syntyche were evidently not abounding in love more and more.  They needed help.  And so I wonder if most of chapter 4 is Paul’s counsel to these women and to the church.  Is Paul telling us even if there is disagreement we still need to rejoice and be reasonable (Phil. 4:5)?  Is there anxiety born from disagreement?   Paul tells us to pray with thanksgiving.  Is the peace of God in verse 7 meant to replace feelings of turmoil in relationships that are stressed?  Is the list of things to think about in verse 8 the counsel for those who are trapped in sinful thoughts towards others in the church?

What we have learned and received and heard and seen in Paul we are to practice (verse 9).  I think Paul in his letter to the Philippians is teaching us what abounding love combined with knowledge and discernment looks like.  In chapter 4, verse 9, we are given a wonderful promise:  if we do practice these things, the God of peace will be with us, in our hearts, in our lives, in our church.

Tomorrow I’ll bring some practical application from these thoughts.  Until then, I pray: “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” especially as you interact with your partners in the Gospel today.  

think on these things

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

This verse is revolutionary. The day that I understood this verse was the day that I began in earnest to pursue a virtuous thought life.

The first thing to realize is that there is a command in this verse. It seems almost hidden, coming in at the end as it does, but the command is to "think on these things." This is a non-negotiable command. It's not a suggestion.

Think on what things? Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. What helps me here is seeing this list as a complete package. I'm not allowed to pick one criteria out of the list and forget the others. My thoughts have to meet each requirement. Each of the adjectives should describe the others. Something that is true is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Something that is honorable is true, just, pure, lovely... and so on.

For example, it's not good enough to stop at "whatever is true." How many of us look in the mirror and aren't satisfied with what we see? I have a best friend who is often disappointed with her appearance, and she argues that it's not wrong for her to be consumed with these thoughts because they are, in fact, true. Well, there are a lot of "truths" floating around out there that are definitely not pure or praiseworthy, which means I do not need to be thinking and meditating on them. It's also not good enough to have lovely thoughts. I'll tell you, I have some grand dreams for the future. They're beautiful. But are they true? So I need to stop daydreaming and start meditating on truth.

So far in my life, I have only found one topic that meets all the requirements. Jesus is the Truth (Jn. 14:6). God is just (Rom. 3:26). The commandment of the Lord is pure (Ps. 19:8). The Lord's dwelling place is lovely (Ps. 84:1). God's works are commended by one generation to another (Ps. 145:4). God has called us to the knowledge of His own excellence (2 Pet. 1:3). God is worthy to be praised (Ps. 18:3). Only thoughts of God satisfy the command that Paul gave us.

This raises two dilemmas. First, I have to be able to meditate on God all the time, which means away from my Bible. Second, functioning in this earthly life requires me to also think about other things.

The first dilemma I have only been able to solve by memorizing Scripture. There is no way around it. Scripture is our weapon (Eph. 6:17), and we need to be using it. I can't carry around a Bible at work, so I need it in my mind. I need to have God on my mind so that I don't laugh when someone makes a "funny" joke that is not honorable. I need to be meditating on God so that I tremble at His purity when someone wants to gossip (even when what they're saying is, strictly speaking, true). A simple list of attributes, while helpful, doesn't occupy me for eight hours at a time. One passage of Scripture, however, can provide hours' and hours' worth of spiritual food. Ps. 1:1-2

The second dilemma will not be solved until I go home to meet my Savior. It is one of sin's curses that we are incapable of completely fixing our minds on God, and it will be Heaven's joy that our only topic of thought for all of eternity will be God. For now, in my very limited capacity, I need to be diligent in praying that God will keep my thoughts directed on Him, even when I in myself am incapable of doing so. Ps. 19:13-14

Sunday dinner

When I was growing up Sunday dinner was often the high point of the week.  I haven't kept up with that tradition in our home.  Sadly, in our home there are pretty "slim pickins" on Sundays.  But today I had a feast that satisfies better than any meal my mother could have ever prepared.

First we were given a refreshing drink through singing worship.  I think we all came to church thirsty for God after a week of severe trial.  Singing "My Savior My God"  reminded us that though we do not know the reasons for life's trials, we do know that there stands at God's right hand One who is our Savior; and the God who was, and the God who is, is the God who's always "gonna be."  The joyful praise of Psalm 150 and bowing down at His feet both prepared me for the rest of the banquet.   

Following the singing we were served several appetizers.  We were led to the cross through the Lord's Supper.  How sweet that was for me as once again I could remember my Savior who's broken body and poured out blood paid the penalty for my sin. Thank you, thank you Lord.

Then we had a bit of an Acts 12 experience.   We saw and heard a brother stand and give testimony of his "prison-like deliverance".  We all had been praying fervently for this brother, his wife and family all week, and much to our surprise he shows up at our door of worship.  He wanted to be where he knew his fellow believers were.  He wanted to testify of God's gracious and powerful activity in his life and in the lives of his family and friends.  WOW.

But that wasn't all.  Not even close!! The good food kept coming.  Next we had the privilege of praying for 19 of our people who leave for Mexico on a missions trip this week.  We heard testimony of how God provided a way for two more men to go on the trip at the last minute.  The sound of a dozen or more prayers being offered up at the same time sounded sweeter to me than a family's happy chatter at a holiday meal.

The next "course" was the welcoming of new members.   Adding new members to the body of Christ is like eating our vegetables.  Without them the church weakens, shrivels and dies.   Welcome Amy and Sue and Marjie (and you men).  We happily add a leaf to our family table for you. 

Then we were given the word of God.  I need more time to chew on the main course.   But one thing I know for sure:  by God's grace and with the help of the Holy Spirit I want my love to "abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment" and I want to bear fruits of righteousness brought about through the righteousness of Christ.  I brought a doggie bag home for continued feasting on that meat.  

After the message we had dessert.  I love dessert.  We witnessed four baptisms.  That is the icing and the cake for church life.  Does it get any better?

But for me  there was more.  The morning began and ended with a conversation that had the potential to be difficult and divisive.  Due to the kindness of  God poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit each one began and concluded with prayer and a warm embrace.   God poured out His blessing of love and truth, understanding,  and forgiveness.  Rather than spoil my appetite for worship, the first conversation just whetted my appetite.  And the conversation that I had after worship makes me look forward to the feast that will be waiting for me next week.  

God has fed me.  I pray that the strength I receive from such a feeding will be used to bring Him glory in my life, in my home, in my neighborhood, in my care group and in my relationship with you my sisters.  

This morning's experience makes me think of Colossians 3:12-17.

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.  And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.  And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Satan's Saturday night Sabotage

I'm wondering if there are others like me who find that the "enemy within" and the "enemy without" wage a full scale attack the night before worship and the morning of; preventing us from entering into worship with joy in our hearts?  As a woman are you often either distracted by the busyness of the morning, or a feeling condemnation (bad guilt) from an angry or impatient exchange with husband or children, or are you just plain tired from a sleepless night?

I cannot recount the times when on Saturday I have been eagerly anticipating the next day of  worship, when the enemy invasion begins.  Why is it that if one of my babies was going to have a sleepless night it had to be a Saturday night?  Why was it if a child would get sick it was most often on a Saturday night?  Why was it on a Sunday morning I couldn't find the all important hairbrush, pair of socks or someone's shoes?  Why would I wake up in a "mood" on a Sunday morning, when I had gone to bed joyful in the Lord and happy in life?  Why on a Sunday morning do I find myself frittering away precious time, and end up rushing out the door unprepared for worship?

Can you relate?  

One of the answers to these questions is simple:  "We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against the cosmic powers over the present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). 

If Satan physically showed up at my door on a Saturday night or Sunday morning demanding entrance, I wouldn't let him in.  Yet, he is very present and actively engaging in combat for my soul in my home.  This is especially true when I "want to do right" (Romans 7:21).  The only answer is: "...I must take up the whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:13).  I've been reading again the Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent.  In this he says, "As long as I am inside the gospel, I experience all the protection I need from the powers of evil that rage against me.  It is for this reason that the Bible tells me to 'take up' and 'put on' the whole armor of God; and the pieces of armor it tells me to put on are all merely synonyms for the gospel.  Translated literally from the Greek, they are: '...the salvation...the justification... the truth...the gospel of peace...the faith...[and the]...word of God.'  What are all these expressions but various ways of describing the gospel?  Therefore, if I wish to stand victorious in Jesus, I must do as the songwriter suggests and 'put on the gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer'" (from "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus," by George Duffield, Jr.).

We do not have control over viruses that become full blown illnesses on Saturday night but we can put on the armor of the Gospel to fight off Satan's attacks toward anger, self-pity, grumbling and complaining.  How do we do this at 2 a.m.?  By simply crying out to God, in the name of Jesus who intercedes for you and who sympathizes with your weakness (Hebrews 4:14-16).  He will draw near to you as you (even weakly and with great fatigue) draw near to Him (James 4:8).  

We may not be able to control viruses but we can control the use of our time on a Sunday morning. One thing Tim and I found helpful (though we were often inconsistent) when the kids were little was to have all clothes and Bibles ready to go the night before.  Saturday night was the time for looking for that stray shoe.  Not Sunday morning.

Sunday morning was not a sleep-in time for us.  Being the most important day of the week, we didn't want to miss any of it, or go into it feeling like we were "one step behind."  For those of you who have husbands that work the other 6 days, this may be his only time to sleep in.  If this is the case, maybe you could serve your husband by rising earlier than him and quietly getting things going before he awakens.

Keep it simple.  Ask yourself, ask your husband, what do we put into our Saturday evening and Sunday morning that may be adding to our stress?  Is it preparing for a big Sunday breakfast?  Or is it staying up late Saturday watching a movie?  Or could it be from scrambling to clean house before guests come for Sunday dinner?  Sometimes the answer is more obvious than we are willing to admit.  Sometimes the stress that occurs on a Sunday a.m. is the result of  poor prioritizing of the other six days of the week.  

I'd love to hear from you what you have learned over the years what works or doesn't work for you and your family.  Would you email them to me?  Perhaps we can post them for the benefit of all.

foot-tapping in worship?

You must understand that when I tap my foot in church, I usually feel like I'm living dangerously. I am really getting into the spirit of the thing. I'm celebrating. I went to a Christian college, where emotion during worship just was Not Done. One of my roommates got demerits once for singing too loudly and joyfully. We did not toe-tap, we did not clap, we did not sway, jump, dance, shout, or smile. So let me tell you, I feel a little liberal with my tapping.

School policy required that I wear a skirt. But do I wear one now? School policy required me to only go off campus in groups of three. School policy required me to be in bed by 11pm and out of bed by 7am. School policy required that I do/don't do legion of things. But I graduated. School policy means nothing to me any more.

School policy required me to be solemn and unemotional during worship, never ever forgetting that "you wouldn't behave that way in the White House, so you better not behave like that God's house!" And you know what, my flesh is perfectly happy with that. School policy sounds real good to the old flesh.

What I'm realizing is that this is a sin issue. The flesh does not want to make a fool of herself in front of others. I'll sing out loud and clap when I'm alone in my car, but as soon as there are people around, I just want to be rigid and unnoticed. I am so afraid of man that I would rather not worship my God as He demands and deserves. I wouldn't dance and shout in the White House, but the President is not my father, nor does he care for me. But you know what, I think that the President's daughters probably run through the halls of their home, laughing, singing, and shouting. If I am God's daughter--and I am--then how should I behave when coming before Him in adoration?

As Tim so clearly showed on Sunday, worship is a serious matter. I, for one, with all my "seriousness" about it, was not taking it seriously. God has commanded us to worship Him in specific ways. Standing coldly with my hands shoved in my pockets is not one of those ways. I was saying, "God, my pride is more important than Your commands. I'll worship You in my way. And aren't You proud of me for tapping my foot" How arrogant, how presumptuous! Thank God that He forgives those sins and is loving and kind enough to send His servants to rebuke us!

It's going to be hard. Mortification always is. But when God reveals His will, how can I but follow?

The Music Guy

Yesterday our church received wonderful teaching on worship.  I wasn't there to hear it live but I did just download and listen to it.  I was encouraged and I was convicted. Here's how I was convicted:

If you read Brooke's post last week about following,  you'll be able to track with me.  

Even though yesterday's speaker referred to himself as "the music guy", he is Trinity's worship leader, who has been called and gifted by God and recognized by our pastors as having Christian character and grace.  As such I am responsible to follow him.  Even though he was once my baby boy,  he is now my leader.  Even though I would never be caught dead wearing a tattoo (even with Christian symbols like he has - don't get me wrong I don't have anything against them - I just wouldn't want one), he is my leader.   And I need to ask myself, "how am I following my leader?"  I need to ask him, "how am I following?"

I plan to ask the music guy that question.  But I already know in my heart part of the answer.  I've known it for a while.  There have been times when the worship leader has encouraged a particular form of expression and I have not followed.  Bowing.  There have been times in worship when on my own I've been so overwhelmed by God's grace I've wanted to express my love to God in this way but for the fear of man I have not.   Why have I not responded physically to the impulse of my heart and mind?  Fear of man.  

I know in heaven there will be lots of joyous singing accompanied with loud instruments, dancing and clapping.  After all, we'll be singing the song of Moses to which Miriam danced with joy (Exodus 15:1-21; Revelation 15:3,4).  Our deliverance from the penalty of sin is greater than the deliverance Moses experienced at the Red Sea.  When I cross the river of death and enter the eternal promised land prepared for me through the death of Christ, I will be free from the enemy within my heart, and the great enemy Satan and his hosts.  And you can be sure of this:   I will be celebrating big time!!!!  

Part of that celebrating will be bowing down.  If I have a crown, I will cast it down before the Lamb.  I will not be like Isaiah who was undone because of his sinfulness in the presence of a Holy God.  I will be crying out with tears of thankfulness to the One who is Worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for He was slain, and by His blood I was ransomed from out of all the people in the world and He has made me to be a priest to my God and I will reign with Him on the earth (Revelation 5:9,10).

So, why do I not bow now?  I am left without excuse.  From now on, if I am tempted to wonder what other people will think, I want to pray to God and ask that if other people notice, they will be encouraged to worship God all the more.  After that, it'll only be about HIM.

So, why don't you ask yourself (and maybe even the music guy) "how am I following"?