In chapter three of Dancing with my Father, the author discusses letting go of ideals, dreams, etc. we hold onto in order to take God's hand. What makes it interesting is that the idea of "Letting go" follows chapter 2's topic of celebrating God's presence. I believe there is a reason for the order. Without the presence of God in our lives, it would be impossible to let go of some things the Father asks us of us.
On Tuesday we put Lawren on the plane to leave for six months for Berlin. As I sat at the airport I recalled bringing Lawren home from Kansas through the same airport some eighteen years earlier. The memory of watching her walk through security and head back to her gate still brings tears to my eyes this morning.
Letting go requires trusting. Letting go for me says, "God, I know you are for me. I know you are our protector and I know you love my kids more than I ever could."Furthermore, letting go declares my belief that nothing can come into our lives that doesn't first sift through the hands of God." Knowing that Lawren walks in these truths as well, spread some comfort in the pain of her absence.
Why is letting go so hard? I believe we live in a society that says "Be all you can be...you can do anything you want....the sky is the limit....but rarely is God included in these ideals. We go to school and maybe onto college, we start a career, maybe a family, and look outward for what makes success. We look for tangible evidence of our identity...a paycheck, organizations we belong to, social recognition, awards we receive,etc. When actually, God is much more interested in our heart.
We want these nice little lives...cookie cutter..where all our houses look the same or we compete for who has the best this or that...we want these highly intelligent kids who make it better than your neighbor's kids do....we want the best houses, the best cars, and fifty yard line tickets to every home game for the Tide or the Tigers. Oh, and Lord don't make us suffer any...that's ugly.
But those dreams are futile. They don't impress God. He loves us through our pettiness and affords opportunities for us to let go of our petty dreams, which we thought so grand, and grab hold of the Almighty God's dreams. They are dreams we often can't see immediately, which require an act of faith on our part. But holding God's hand as we let go of all we hold onto vertically in this world speaks volumes to those around us. Trusting God for the dance of life says, I really don't know where all this is going, but I know it's going to be good.
I believe there are times that the Lord allows some angst to transpire where we question our beliefs about life....maybe a hardship in marriage, problems with our kids, loss of a job, etc. The suffering forces us to reach down deep in our soul to answer the problems we face day to day in a less than perfect world. When things don't go down as we planned or dreamed there is great disappointment and often discouragement.
Many people take the quickest, fastest way to ease their pain....they file for divorce, lash out at their kids, blame their boss, etc. However, the reality is often, when you belong to God, He is pressing in wanting us to let go of our dreams in order to see a bigger and better plan He has for us.
It is a day to day and often moment to moment process for me. I battle taking the reigns back to control all I can in my little corner of the world. But He is gentle with me as He reminds me, "Daughter, I got this one. This one is a little too big for you. Take my hand. I will lead. I love you."
May I never get over how in love the Father is with me in spite of how often I run ahead or forget to take his hand. I would love to hear from any of you studying with us online through your posts as to how God is teaching you.
The author's prayer,
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you that you have my best in mind when you direct my life in the difficult places. Open the eyes of my heart that I may see your love in the midst of my suffering. Help me to see clearly the blessings that you have brought from these lessons in the past. I want to relinquish all the earthly things I have been depending on for joy, and ask you to fill me with the joy that comes from holding your hand and knowing you are with me every step of my life. In Jesus name I come to you. Amen.
Chapter 3 Questions:
1.Read Matthew 6:19-21...What are the treasures on earth that you have looked to for happiness or fulfillment? What do you think the treasures of heaven are?How do you look for these treasures.
2. Read Matthew 6:33...What does it mean practically, and in your heart, to seek first the kingdom of God? Name five ways that God wants you to do this.
3. Read Hebrews 12:10..In what areas has God disciplined you? How is he disciplining you now? What does God promise will be the result of your submission to his discipline? (See Hebrews 12:11 for help)
Friday 24 September 2010
Saturday 18 September 2010
"First Supper Send Off"
Last night was the first of a series of celebrations to send Lawren, my oldest daughter, off to Berlin, Germany on Tuesday. During a mission trip to Katawice, Poland several years ago, the Lord began stirring her heart for Europe. There is no other way to explain a lot about Lawren than to say her heart turned toward all that God was doing in Europe a long time ago. She drives a Jetta, dresses different than anyone else in the family, skypes regularly with missionary friends in Poland, and has been pursuing Europe for three years literally counting the days til graduation.
So, as the time nears we all are celebrating and blessing Lawren as she embarks on this new journey and enters into this new season of life.
When I first began planning last night's dinner, I considered calling it a "Last Supper" as Jesus had with his disciples just before the cross. The night Jesus washed their feet teaching them to love and serve others. But I thought that sounded quite morbid. However, as I pondered that last supper I realized that supper in history is actually why we were celebrating last night with Lawren.
Had Jesus not instructed his disciples to "wash one another's feet" and gone on to experience death on the cross then Lawren would have no heartfelt purpose for going and serving those unknown to her. It is the realization of all that Christ has done for us that propels each of us to greatness through loving and serving those around us...near and afar. Christ came to save all....those near and far.
Never again in scripture do we see a foot washing. In bible times, sandals were worn and there were no roads. So feet were filthy from hours and hours of walking. Jesus washing the disciples feet (only recorded in John) was a picture of how far one should go to practice servant leadership. There is no task too dirty or small for our Lord and neither is there for us who belong to him.
Not only did they have a foot washing at the Last Supper but they took the Lord's supper as well. Of course the disciples did not understand what they were doing because Jesus was yet to die. But Christ took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
Realizing what Christ has done for myself as well as my family, we celebrated with the Lord's supper last night, praying over Lawren and blessing her. Our little group was small but that group with Christ was small. Yet, what happened that night followed quickly by the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ catapulted Christianity with the birth of the church... Christ followers.
As a momma, it is with joy that I bless Lawren's journey and challenge each of you...
What is the event of the cross propelling each of you to do...who is the Father calling you to love and serve. How far is He asking you to go....how small or great a task, or how dirty a job does he have before you.
So, as the time nears we all are celebrating and blessing Lawren as she embarks on this new journey and enters into this new season of life.
When I first began planning last night's dinner, I considered calling it a "Last Supper" as Jesus had with his disciples just before the cross. The night Jesus washed their feet teaching them to love and serve others. But I thought that sounded quite morbid. However, as I pondered that last supper I realized that supper in history is actually why we were celebrating last night with Lawren.
Had Jesus not instructed his disciples to "wash one another's feet" and gone on to experience death on the cross then Lawren would have no heartfelt purpose for going and serving those unknown to her. It is the realization of all that Christ has done for us that propels each of us to greatness through loving and serving those around us...near and afar. Christ came to save all....those near and far.
Never again in scripture do we see a foot washing. In bible times, sandals were worn and there were no roads. So feet were filthy from hours and hours of walking. Jesus washing the disciples feet (only recorded in John) was a picture of how far one should go to practice servant leadership. There is no task too dirty or small for our Lord and neither is there for us who belong to him.
Not only did they have a foot washing at the Last Supper but they took the Lord's supper as well. Of course the disciples did not understand what they were doing because Jesus was yet to die. But Christ took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
Realizing what Christ has done for myself as well as my family, we celebrated with the Lord's supper last night, praying over Lawren and blessing her. Our little group was small but that group with Christ was small. Yet, what happened that night followed quickly by the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ catapulted Christianity with the birth of the church... Christ followers.
As a momma, it is with joy that I bless Lawren's journey and challenge each of you...
Friday 17 September 2010
A Heart that Dances to Celebrate God's Presence
My oldest daughter leaves in five days for Berlin, Germany for six months. Lawren will be attending a discipleship training school with YWAM: Youth With A Mission. This adventure has been on her heart for the last three years and is finally coming to be.
It is with great joy that these final days together are days of celebration. Tomorrow night is a "First Supper Send Off" here in our home for those who have influenced Lawren in her decision to go and make disciples in all nations (Matthew28:19). Saturday night is our family gathering to celebrate Lawren's venture. Finally, Sunday, we end with a come and go after church here at the river for people to wish her well, give her one last hug for a while, and enjoy food and fellowship.
If I did not know my heavenly Father was omnipresent: present everywhere all the time I can't imagine feeling joyful about Lawren leaving. Just last week we talked about the presence of sin all around us in a less than perfect world. Sending your first born off without momma is not something easily done in the natural realm. But the realization that God loves her more than I ever could and promises to never leave her or forsake her (Hebrews 13:5) eases my soul. And the delight that she has heard from God and is trusting Him in this huge way at such an early age is actually enough to make a momma dance.
Today I worked all day, left to make two deliveries, squeezed in a record's check for my high school daughter who still home schools, returned to work, then loaded and left for a catering job. When done, I stopped for groceries, came home, and got the kids to bed who were still up. I woke up around 1:30 am and began prepping the food for tonight's dinner. Hopefully, pictures will be forthcoming. Anyway, I worked on the food until now 4:18 am. The only downfall was I couldn't turn the music on because all the kids were asleep but I still felt like dancing.
I don't include you in the busyness of my life to impress you or to pump myself up but to encourage you that the Father brings great joy when our hearts are turned to Him and in His presence is fullness of joy.(Psalm 16:11)
As David experienced a miracle in the fight with the giant Goliath, we too experience miracles in the presence of God. David came to the fight against the giant with only a slingshot and five smooth stones. Likewise, we come to battle, whatever the battle is, tired, discouraged, frustrated, overworked, underpaid, under appreciated, etc. But the battle is the Lords, as was David's. David needed a miracle. He was outnumbered and outsized. We need a miracle. As moms there is more work than possible to complete in a day...lives to change, diapers to change, spills to pick up, children and friends that are depending on us to inspire them to greatness. A friend once said, "To experience a miracle, one must live in a place of "need".
"Blessed are the poor in spirit because theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3) "Poor in spirit" indicates we are in need and that we are. We are desperately in need of a savior, a rescuer. Last week in class, I mentioned James Dobson's book Emotions Can You Trust Them. I told the group that Dobson's basically spends 300+ pages and answers this question with a resounding "NO". Likewise, our study, Dancing with the Father, in a nutshell will point to one way to have joy....a vertical relationship with your heavenly father. If there is a problem with your relationship with God....don't expect joy. You will look horizontally to your kids, your husband, your work, your relationships, your social status, etc to bring you joy only to end up empty handed or temporarily happy.....a big difference from joy.
But hang on. Through the course of the book, we will unpack specifics of helping us to remain focused upward while enjoying all the Father has for us outward. So whether you are wrestling with toddlers or sending off your first born, may you have fullness of joy in His presence.
The author's prayer:
"Dear Heavenly Father,
I long to live freely in your joy. I want to love you with all my heart, for all the days of my life. Please meet me at my present point of need. Show me your reality and heal my heart of any wrong ideas about you. Take away the burden of striving, so that I may enjoy each day, really knowing the reality of your presence. I love you Lord, Amen."
Please feel free to post comments on what questions inspire you or challenge you or minister to you. I look forward to your comments.
Chapter 2 questions:
1. Psalm 16:11 says, "You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever." David found strength and great joy in knowing God in the midst of his difficulties. He was not a perfect man; he made mistakes just like you and I do. But that didn't affect his confidence in his relationship with his God.
Write down the adjectives that describe what you find in your heart's relationship with God (fear, disillusionment, condemnation, contentment, doubt, happiness.)
What specific obstacles prevent you from experiencing God's love and joy?
Where does this passage tell us we will find joy? What does that mean to you?
2. James 4:4 says, "You adultersses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility to God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
What does this passage say are the consequences of being a friend with the world?
3. Saul had ruled by his own thoughts, will and prowess and led the people into spiritual devastation. David wanted to consecrate his kingship on the understanding that he was merely a servant of God and that only when God was exalted in their midst would Israel be blessed. You might say that Saul was a picture of following the world and David was a picture of following God. These men reflected two different kinds of heart allegiance: one leading the people to vanity, one leading the people to God and life.
What style of living do you see more of yourself in, Saul's or David's?
What could you change to bring your life more in line with how David lived his life?
It is with great joy that these final days together are days of celebration. Tomorrow night is a "First Supper Send Off" here in our home for those who have influenced Lawren in her decision to go and make disciples in all nations (Matthew28:19). Saturday night is our family gathering to celebrate Lawren's venture. Finally, Sunday, we end with a come and go after church here at the river for people to wish her well, give her one last hug for a while, and enjoy food and fellowship.
If I did not know my heavenly Father was omnipresent: present everywhere all the time I can't imagine feeling joyful about Lawren leaving. Just last week we talked about the presence of sin all around us in a less than perfect world. Sending your first born off without momma is not something easily done in the natural realm. But the realization that God loves her more than I ever could and promises to never leave her or forsake her (Hebrews 13:5) eases my soul. And the delight that she has heard from God and is trusting Him in this huge way at such an early age is actually enough to make a momma dance.
Today I worked all day, left to make two deliveries, squeezed in a record's check for my high school daughter who still home schools, returned to work, then loaded and left for a catering job. When done, I stopped for groceries, came home, and got the kids to bed who were still up. I woke up around 1:30 am and began prepping the food for tonight's dinner. Hopefully, pictures will be forthcoming. Anyway, I worked on the food until now 4:18 am. The only downfall was I couldn't turn the music on because all the kids were asleep but I still felt like dancing.
I don't include you in the busyness of my life to impress you or to pump myself up but to encourage you that the Father brings great joy when our hearts are turned to Him and in His presence is fullness of joy.(Psalm 16:11)
As David experienced a miracle in the fight with the giant Goliath, we too experience miracles in the presence of God. David came to the fight against the giant with only a slingshot and five smooth stones. Likewise, we come to battle, whatever the battle is, tired, discouraged, frustrated, overworked, underpaid, under appreciated, etc. But the battle is the Lords, as was David's. David needed a miracle. He was outnumbered and outsized. We need a miracle. As moms there is more work than possible to complete in a day...lives to change, diapers to change, spills to pick up, children and friends that are depending on us to inspire them to greatness. A friend once said, "To experience a miracle, one must live in a place of "need".
"Blessed are the poor in spirit because theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3) "Poor in spirit" indicates we are in need and that we are. We are desperately in need of a savior, a rescuer. Last week in class, I mentioned James Dobson's book Emotions Can You Trust Them. I told the group that Dobson's basically spends 300+ pages and answers this question with a resounding "NO". Likewise, our study, Dancing with the Father, in a nutshell will point to one way to have joy....a vertical relationship with your heavenly father. If there is a problem with your relationship with God....don't expect joy. You will look horizontally to your kids, your husband, your work, your relationships, your social status, etc to bring you joy only to end up empty handed or temporarily happy.....a big difference from joy.
But hang on. Through the course of the book, we will unpack specifics of helping us to remain focused upward while enjoying all the Father has for us outward. So whether you are wrestling with toddlers or sending off your first born, may you have fullness of joy in His presence.
The author's prayer:
"Dear Heavenly Father,
I long to live freely in your joy. I want to love you with all my heart, for all the days of my life. Please meet me at my present point of need. Show me your reality and heal my heart of any wrong ideas about you. Take away the burden of striving, so that I may enjoy each day, really knowing the reality of your presence. I love you Lord, Amen."
Please feel free to post comments on what questions inspire you or challenge you or minister to you. I look forward to your comments.
Chapter 2 questions:
1. Psalm 16:11 says, "You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever." David found strength and great joy in knowing God in the midst of his difficulties. He was not a perfect man; he made mistakes just like you and I do. But that didn't affect his confidence in his relationship with his God.
Write down the adjectives that describe what you find in your heart's relationship with God (fear, disillusionment, condemnation, contentment, doubt, happiness.)
What specific obstacles prevent you from experiencing God's love and joy?
Where does this passage tell us we will find joy? What does that mean to you?
2. James 4:4 says, "You adultersses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility to God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
What does this passage say are the consequences of being a friend with the world?
3. Saul had ruled by his own thoughts, will and prowess and led the people into spiritual devastation. David wanted to consecrate his kingship on the understanding that he was merely a servant of God and that only when God was exalted in their midst would Israel be blessed. You might say that Saul was a picture of following the world and David was a picture of following God. These men reflected two different kinds of heart allegiance: one leading the people to vanity, one leading the people to God and life.
What style of living do you see more of yourself in, Saul's or David's?
What could you change to bring your life more in line with how David lived his life?
Friday 10 September 2010
The Search for Joy in a Less Than Perfect World
Today we begin MomHeart, a small group emphasizing the biblical design of motherhood and celebrating our roles as moms. This online study is a means for women to participate who work or can't make the small group at the Y.
When we become moms there is no guide book that comes with each child. Of course we can consume ourselves with the unending flow of information available but it often is information that is contradictory depending on whom you are reading. Confusion results coupled with frustration as we try to get inside the heads of these little ones entrusted to us by God. Furthermore, the moment we find ourselves with some rhythm in the parenting journey, something changes to disturb that rhythm only for the process of discovery to begin again as kids and life constantly change.
Because MomHeart is biblically based, it is freeing to know I only need to go to one source for direction and encouragement in my parenting. It is with great joy I seek the Father, the one who entrusted these five children to me anyway for wisdom to parent them in such a way that honors God.
Because we are the object of God's love...He made us, He loves us, He cares for us...is faithful to us, etc., it is a privilege to defer to His call to walk in joy. In John chapter 15, Christ tells us in verse 11, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete."But we find ourselves surrounded by less than joyful circumstances in life as a result of living in a fallen world. Here are these precious little ones in our fold and we are surrounded by pornography, adultery, sickness, pain, crime, abuse, and divorce. The list is endless.
Often surrounded by such ugliness, one seeks to find joy through less than perfect means: social status, our children's achievements, drinking, partying, relationships, excessive spending. Again, the list goes on and on. It begins a vicious cycle that spirals down leaving us with empty hands and empty hearts.
Furthermore, when we find Christ and begin to journey with Him, we often become disillusioned by the suffering that comes from walking with Christ....suffering in our jobs, hardships in marriage, kids with special needs...another unending list. We begin to do what we know to be right like being still, listening to God, seeking Him, but the circumstances don't change. So, to embrace joy in a less than perfect world, one begins with simply belief...belief that God is for me and wants me to walk in His joy.
If you often find yourself, like me, in a less than joyful state, may we be encouraged to "right" our thinking regarding joy. In First Peter chapter one we read, "we receive an inheritance in Christ..that can never perish, spoil, or fade which brings us great joy although for a little while we will suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, honor, and glory when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Peter wrote this at a time in history when Christians were scattered all over the earth and suffering severe persecution...some even thrown to lions as partying Romans looked on and laughed literally in a sports arena. Yet, Peter encourages them to hold on to what they know to be truth....Christ and Christ in them..the hope of glory. Likewise, we live in an arena of lions where darts of misinformation, struggles, discouragement, and disillusionment bombard us moment by moment as technology flows through every aspect of our lives. Still, we too are encouraged to hold on to our faith...that which stands the test of time and trials of life.
I look forward to your comments to this week's questions as you read chapter one and reflect on what God is saying to each of you.
1. What hinders me from "feeling His joy"?
2, What is the most prominent feeling about life I have? Where did it come from?
3. What is my greatest area of disillusionment or circumstances that most often robs me of joy?
4. What do my attitudes say about God's character? Are there any areas in which I have subtly believed God is not concerned about my personal needs? What are the unanswered prayers in my life that I am still waiting for him to answer?
The author's prayer...
"Dear heavenly Father,
Please move in my heart. Teach me to live in the fullness of your joy. Show me through your Word and by your Holy Spirit how I might learn to dance my life with you as my lead, following your steps, listening to the rhythm of your love. Take my burdens into your hands and lighten my load as I seek you in the deep places of my heart. Amen."
When we become moms there is no guide book that comes with each child. Of course we can consume ourselves with the unending flow of information available but it often is information that is contradictory depending on whom you are reading. Confusion results coupled with frustration as we try to get inside the heads of these little ones entrusted to us by God. Furthermore, the moment we find ourselves with some rhythm in the parenting journey, something changes to disturb that rhythm only for the process of discovery to begin again as kids and life constantly change.
Because MomHeart is biblically based, it is freeing to know I only need to go to one source for direction and encouragement in my parenting. It is with great joy I seek the Father, the one who entrusted these five children to me anyway for wisdom to parent them in such a way that honors God.
Because we are the object of God's love...He made us, He loves us, He cares for us...is faithful to us, etc., it is a privilege to defer to His call to walk in joy. In John chapter 15, Christ tells us in verse 11, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete."But we find ourselves surrounded by less than joyful circumstances in life as a result of living in a fallen world. Here are these precious little ones in our fold and we are surrounded by pornography, adultery, sickness, pain, crime, abuse, and divorce. The list is endless.
Often surrounded by such ugliness, one seeks to find joy through less than perfect means: social status, our children's achievements, drinking, partying, relationships, excessive spending. Again, the list goes on and on. It begins a vicious cycle that spirals down leaving us with empty hands and empty hearts.
Furthermore, when we find Christ and begin to journey with Him, we often become disillusioned by the suffering that comes from walking with Christ....suffering in our jobs, hardships in marriage, kids with special needs...another unending list. We begin to do what we know to be right like being still, listening to God, seeking Him, but the circumstances don't change. So, to embrace joy in a less than perfect world, one begins with simply belief...belief that God is for me and wants me to walk in His joy.
If you often find yourself, like me, in a less than joyful state, may we be encouraged to "right" our thinking regarding joy. In First Peter chapter one we read, "we receive an inheritance in Christ..that can never perish, spoil, or fade which brings us great joy although for a little while we will suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, honor, and glory when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Peter wrote this at a time in history when Christians were scattered all over the earth and suffering severe persecution...some even thrown to lions as partying Romans looked on and laughed literally in a sports arena. Yet, Peter encourages them to hold on to what they know to be truth....Christ and Christ in them..the hope of glory. Likewise, we live in an arena of lions where darts of misinformation, struggles, discouragement, and disillusionment bombard us moment by moment as technology flows through every aspect of our lives. Still, we too are encouraged to hold on to our faith...that which stands the test of time and trials of life.
I look forward to your comments to this week's questions as you read chapter one and reflect on what God is saying to each of you.
1. What hinders me from "feeling His joy"?
2, What is the most prominent feeling about life I have? Where did it come from?
3. What is my greatest area of disillusionment or circumstances that most often robs me of joy?
4. What do my attitudes say about God's character? Are there any areas in which I have subtly believed God is not concerned about my personal needs? What are the unanswered prayers in my life that I am still waiting for him to answer?
The author's prayer...
"Dear heavenly Father,
Please move in my heart. Teach me to live in the fullness of your joy. Show me through your Word and by your Holy Spirit how I might learn to dance my life with you as my lead, following your steps, listening to the rhythm of your love. Take my burdens into your hands and lighten my load as I seek you in the deep places of my heart. Amen."
Tuesday 7 September 2010
River of life lesson: We are not made to be alone.
Today begins a series of posts I plan to write expounding on community. We happen to attend a church with a small group structure. Hence, we are not program driven. We only meet corporately on Sunday morning to celebrate and learn together. But the remainder of time we are to flesh out our walk with others through the community of believers we are walking through life with.
But what exactly is community? What does it look like? How does it feel? These series of posts will share my heart on this idea of community.
God has never been alone. Since creation in the first chapter of Genesis God has always been in community with the two other parts of His being...the Spirit and his Son. In Genesis 1:2 the word says the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Again in verse 26 of the same chapter, God says, "Let us make man in our image.." In John chapter one we see that "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.(John1:14)...that 'He' is who we know as Jesus.
Because God has never been alone and we are made in His image, I believe it is His desire that we are never alone as well. Yes, we always have His presence with us as believers but after his ascension, he was clear that we are to walk together through life through intimate relationships with other people who call us to greatness, hold us accountable, love us unconditionally, and stick through life, no matter what the circumstances, to hold up our arms in the life battles we constantly face.
There are many passages to support this way of thinking but two of my favorite are:Galatians 6:2 "Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ". "Carry" in this passage is synonymous with "support". Again in Hebrews 10:24-25, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another...."
When we choose to walk alone through life, we are placing ourselves in a place of vulnerability to attack. It makes it easy to fall into wrong thinking which makes us prey to a victim mentality, and a 'whoa is me' mindset. We miss receiving the blessing of others or being a blessing to those in need. It is a selfish and self centered mindset.
However, community is a foreign concept to most. Society has taught the cultural norm that it is weak and immature to admit any weaknesses or share your struggle. But this is directly contrary to God's instruction to us to meet together, spur one another on and share one another's burdens.
In future posts, there will be practical ways we explore to further understand community. But for today, at least consider the command to walk through life in relationship with God and others. If you are already walking in community, ask God who can you bless today or look for who is a blessing to you. Then tell them how much they meant to you. It is so encouraging.
But what exactly is community? What does it look like? How does it feel? These series of posts will share my heart on this idea of community.
God has never been alone. Since creation in the first chapter of Genesis God has always been in community with the two other parts of His being...the Spirit and his Son. In Genesis 1:2 the word says the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Again in verse 26 of the same chapter, God says, "Let us make man in our image.." In John chapter one we see that "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.(John1:14)...that 'He' is who we know as Jesus.
Because God has never been alone and we are made in His image, I believe it is His desire that we are never alone as well. Yes, we always have His presence with us as believers but after his ascension, he was clear that we are to walk together through life through intimate relationships with other people who call us to greatness, hold us accountable, love us unconditionally, and stick through life, no matter what the circumstances, to hold up our arms in the life battles we constantly face.
There are many passages to support this way of thinking but two of my favorite are:Galatians 6:2 "Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ". "Carry" in this passage is synonymous with "support". Again in Hebrews 10:24-25, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another...."
When we choose to walk alone through life, we are placing ourselves in a place of vulnerability to attack. It makes it easy to fall into wrong thinking which makes us prey to a victim mentality, and a 'whoa is me' mindset. We miss receiving the blessing of others or being a blessing to those in need. It is a selfish and self centered mindset.
However, community is a foreign concept to most. Society has taught the cultural norm that it is weak and immature to admit any weaknesses or share your struggle. But this is directly contrary to God's instruction to us to meet together, spur one another on and share one another's burdens.
In future posts, there will be practical ways we explore to further understand community. But for today, at least consider the command to walk through life in relationship with God and others. If you are already walking in community, ask God who can you bless today or look for who is a blessing to you. Then tell them how much they meant to you. It is so encouraging.
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