Conditioning, Part 2

Sep23

Sow righteousness for yourselves,
    reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
    for it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.

Hosea 10:12

The Chaplain’s Corner devotional last week on conditioning used a couple of analogies to describe the process of growing in discipleship, focusing on Bible study and prayer. The analogies were working out (exercise), and farming. Today I will take up the analogy of farming to add another discipline, that of confession and repentance.

Have you ever seen a plant try to grow in a parched piece of ground? Back in 2005 I went on a mission trip to Tecate, Mexico. Our group built a house for a family on a slab of rock. They had been living in a shanty made of corrugated metal and cardboard and cloth, and I recall that they had a single tomato plant that was struggling in the hot sun. It was limp, didn’t have any blooms, and I’m surprised it grew at all. They would water it from time to time, and some water got in through a crack, but most of it just ran off. It looked something like this:

Our hearts are in the same condition as this parched ground until we break them up, plow them into a condition that is receptive to instruction and God’s leadership. Our human reaction to teaching is often negative: resentment, bitterness, anger, argumentative, refusal. Who are “they” to tell me anything?  The life-giving water just runs off, wasted on us. The problem is that our resistance to the truth also makes us unable to absorb it. The truth is unrecognizable to us. We need it, but we can’t receive it, much like this poor plant in the picture.

The solution is as follows, with diligent, daily practice:

  1. Pray to God to soften our hearts, to make us receptive to the Word of God so that when we hear it, it can work on us. “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26). When we pray, we also ask for wisdom and discernment so that we don’t get confused by teaching that might sound good but is in reality not biblical.  Otherwise, we might just find ourselves going in circles and not making any real progress. “Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together” (Deuteronomy 22:10).
  • When we are receptive and God’s Word can begin working on us, we can then confess our sins. “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.” (Proverbs 28:13-14).  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”1 John 1:9).
  • And with confession add repentance, resolving to turn away from sin. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…” “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you” (James 1:21).

When we dedicate ourselves to being obedient and walking in truth, then we can be confident that we are in line with the one true God. As Micah prophesied in Micah 2:12-13 to both Israel and Judah regarding God’s promise of deliverance, once we allow our hearts to be plowed, broken up and softened, He will lead us into the abundant life we have been destined for:

“I will surely gather all of you, Jacob;
    I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel.
I will bring them together like sheep in a pen,
    like a flock in its pasture;
    the place will throng with people.
The One who breaks open the way will go up before them;
    they will break through the gate and go out.
Their King will pass through before them,
    the Lord at their head.”

Let us resolve to seek life in Christ through diligent prayer, confession, and repentance, opening our hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

In Christ,

Judy

Note: Many of the scripture references and analogies have been shamelessly taken from Pastor Spencer Barnard’s sermon series on Farm Facts.

Chaplain’s Corner – Conditioning

Sep16

“I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

I’ve recently pondered the term “conditioning,” as in (per Webster) the process of training to become physically fit by a regimen of exercise, diet, and rest. One fitness center described sports conditioning as “an all-year round commitment for athletes that usually includes pre-season, in-season, post-season, and off-season. … Once the athlete is in the right fitness state, they can start doing advanced exercises to help improve performance in their specific sport.” Okay, that’s a bit intense and over my head, but I think I get the general concept.

The reason this term has interested me is because I believe it to be a key to strengthening my relationship with Jesus. I’m sure that is what Paul had in mind when he wrote the verse above as part of a letter to the Corinthians.

In the Parable of the Sower, Luke 8 (which we just studied in the Thursday Bible Study), Jesus explains that the key to understanding this teaching is that the seed is the Word of God, and the key to its effectiveness is the condition of the soil for the seed and the condition of our hearts for the Word of God.

I am a gardener, and I very regularly work in my garden, conditioning it to keep it as productive as possible.  I keep the soil worked up, fertilized, watered, and mulched so that it can produce strong roots and plants. I remove the weeds as they make their appearance so that they don’t steal precious nutrients from my vegetables and choke them out. I am on the lookout for critters – hornworms, squash beetles, birds, deer, and squirrels – that want to devour my plants and vegetables. As a gardener, I love Jesus’ use of agricultural metaphors to explain his biblical principles. I can really relate. I know that if I don’t constantly work on my garden, and my heart, it will quickly revert to its natural state. It might look okay, but it will not be productive.

The same concept is true of physical fitness. I ran a marathon twenty years ago. I had been a runner, but it was a big jump to go from 3 miles a day to 26.2 miles. In fact, it took me nine months in a consistent conditioning regimen including running and cross-training to prepare. I was faithful to my training plan, and I met my marathon goals. However, I haven’t run much since, and I imagine it would take more work and time to prepare again than before because I haven’t kept up. Conditioning implies a concerted effort to gain strength, stamina, and/or knowledge. One of my sons played football. A commentator attributed their team’s success (they won the state championship for his high school division) to their conditioning and strength training. My son lifted weights, but he didn’t start with the heaviest weight; he had to build up to it. We can’t do it all at once, or even on a schedule that is convenient to our own whims. We can’t pick and choose activities because we like them more than others; we must choose activities that are designed to help us grow in our intended areas.

We know it takes appropriate and consistent conditioning to stay in shape and to improve our performance. We know it takes constant awareness to keep enemies at bay, whether it be crows or the opposing football team.  Our spiritual health is no different. We need to commit to a plan that is designed to help us meet our objectives of a deeper relationship with Christ. Here are some conditioning tips:

  1. Start with the basics: reading and meditating on the Scriptures and prayer. David said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Paul included the Bible as part of our offensive and defensive strategy when describing the armor of God: “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). We must read and medicate on the Scriptures. Jesus prayed regularly.  “Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer.“ (Mark 1:35). “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18). There are additional spiritual disciplines; however, the Bible and prayer are foundational. Let’s start here.
  2. Set aside a place and time to devote to your spiritual exercises. I have dedicated garden space. I have a gym membership and a schedule for doing workouts. And I have a space at home that I use for my Bible study and prayer time. It’s easier for me to get my mind and body prepared when I am in my space and on my schedule. I try not to be “religious” about it, but I do try to be faithful. I find that my phone is my biggest enemy, so I try to leave it in another room.
  3. Start small and manageable. If you are planting a garden, start small and increase your space a little every year. Likewise, start at your current fitness level and gradually increase your time, distance, and weight. If you try to read your Bible and pray for an hour a day, you may get discouraged and off track. Start with five minutes and add five minutes every couple of weeks. As you are increasing your “stamina” you are also solidifying a habit. People who work out and run regularly can really feel it if they miss a day. It’s the same with prayer and Bible reading.
  4. Look for ways to engage others and share the harvest. The Parable of the Sower leads into the Section called A Lamp On A Stand which is the passage in the Bible that tells us not to hide our lamp under the bed. This passage tells us to consider how we listen; that if we share what we hear, our spiritual blessings will increase, but if we keep it to ourselves, our spiritual blessings will decrease. “Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”
  5. Lastly, be obedient to what you learn from your prayer and Bible study. For anything to be long-lasting, we must be changed, transformed. When Jesus was told that his mother and brothers were waiting for him, “He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice” (Luke 8:21). When Jesus raised people from the dead, they got up and walked.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

In Christ,

Judy

Chaplain’s Corner – Foolish Talk

Sep9

Chaplain’s Corner – Foolish Talk

So then, be very careful how you live. Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people. Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants. (Ephesians 5:15-17 GW).

At the Thursday morning Bible study awhile back, we read through Ephesians 5 and had a great discussion (I recommend this gathering to anyone who can attend). We see in this passage that we are told to live like wise people and to not be foolish. Beginning with the Chaplain’s Corner on January 28, we had five weeks of devotions devoted to wisdom. Now we see another reference to wisdom in a letter written by Paul to the church as Ephesus. This letter contains so many clear and practical lessons on how to grow in our Christian walk. For example, Ephesians 5:3-4 (GW) advises:

“Don’t let sexual sin, perversion of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you. This is not appropriate behavior for God’s holy people. It’s not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks to God.”

Most of that passage seems to be very clear; however, I did wonder about “foolish talk.” What exactly does that mean? It’s ranks right there with dirty stories and obscene jokes as “what not to say” if we want to be wise rather than foolish.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “foolish” as “having or showing a lack of good sense, judgment, or discretion.” The Christian website Got Questions? defines it similarly: “Foolishness is the result of a person misusing the intelligence God has given him.”

That’s still a bit general. What are some specifics? If we include Ephesians chapter 4, we can begin to develop a list of specific things that would be considered “foolish talk.” For example:

  1. Lying. Instead: “So then, get rid of lies. Speak the truth to each other, because we are all members of the same body” (Ephesians 4:25).
  2. Unwholesome or hurtful talk. Instead: “Don’t say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you” (Ephesians 4:29).
  3. Bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander. Instead: “Get rid of your bitterness, hot tempers, anger, loud quarreling, cursing, and hatred. Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other as God has forgiven you through Christ. Ephesians 4:31-32).
  4. Obsenity, foolish talk, coarse joking. Instead: “It’s not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks to God” (Ephesians 5:4).

This is not a conclusive list of what is considered foolish talk. Probably the best way to determine what is foolish talk is to consider again what is wise talk, and to make it our goal to say nothing unless it is:

  • Truthful (Ephesians 4:25), and
  • Good and Helpful (Ephesians 4:29), and
  • Kind, sympathetic, and forgiving (Ephesians 4:31-32), and
  • Thankful (Ephesians 5:4).

My sweet Mama was fond of saying, “If you can’t say something nice, then just don’t say anything at all.” She was right. If our words (including our tone and nonverbal speech) are not truthful, good, helpful, kind, sympathetic, forgiving, and/or thankful , then they are better not spoken.

In Christ, Judy

Chaplain’s Corner – Storms

Sep2

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house…” (Matthew 7:25a).

As I write this, it’s Thursday, and Hurricane Laura is bearing down on Texas and Louisiana. The storm surge is possibly “unsurvivable.” This is more than catastrophic; this is in the “we need a miracle” category. Several of our staff have family and/or friends in the “bulls-eye” of this storm. One of my high school friends announced to us that she had gone to Dallas to escape, and I was so thankful. Some of you are still worried about family who are trying to ride out the storm. (Since this writing, the storm is passed, and my friend is safe and her home is standing although she has damage to her home and all her trees and shrubs were destroyed.)

We reflect that sometimes storms and calamities come in threes, but honestly, this year it seems like they are coming in multiples of threes. Some storms affect all of us, like the tornado earlier in the year; the ongoing pandemic and its effect on health, jobs, school, economy, travel, availability of needed items; even the heat wave and humidity that make everything else insufferable if not dangerous. Other storms of life affect us individually such as health, family concerns, housing, car trouble, family members out of work, etc. The list goes on and it can be overwhelming. The least thing can seem to tip us over the edge.  

What do you do when it seems like there is nothing that can be done? Here are some ideas that have helped me in the past (not in any particular order):

  1. Remember there is always hope. Dwell on the scripture: “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
  2. Be thankful. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).Talk it over with someone that you respect. If you think there is no one to talk to, then remember that as your Chaplain this is what I am here for. I am available and willing to be a listening ear and sounding board. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5).
  3. Talk it over with someone that you respect. If you think there is no one to talk to, then remember that as your Chaplain this is what I am here for. I am available and willing to be a listening ear and sounding board. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5).
  4. Honestly examine your role in your problems. Ask God to convict you. If there is anything that you have done to contribute to them, confess, repent and ask for forgiveness. That means change. Even if your repentance, seeking forgiveness, and change cannot impact the consequences you are now dealing with, it will make you right with God and that is more important than earthly thing. “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:19-20).
  5. If your circumstances have been brought about by or worsened by the actions of another, pray for them. “After the Lord had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has. So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.” So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the Lord told them; and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer. After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:7-10).*
  6. Do what you can, with God’s guidance. List the problems you are dealing with. Think through logically what your options are and the priorities. While there may be much that you cannot do, there is likely something that you can do. Maybe it’s a budgeting issue and there is something you can change to free up funds for another more pressing need. Maybe you can trade or barter for goods or services. Again, having a sounding board might help. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3); “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5).
  7. Cry out to Jesus. “Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”  He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”” (Matthew 8:23-27)
  8. Meditate on God’s Word. Some scriptures to meditate on are below:

“When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path” (Psalm 142:3).

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming” (1 Peter 1:13).

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:10-11).

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

*If you want to be truly awe-inspired, read what God told Job, leading up to Job 42:7, starting with Chapter 38, which begins, “Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm.” (Job 38-42).

Remember there is always hope. Our God not only created the winds and waves, he also created the rainbow. Our God is ever-present, all-knowing, and all-powerful, and He loves you.

In Christ,

Judy

Chaplain’s Corner – Amazement

Aug26

I Stand Amazed

As a grandmother, I often exclaim to my grandchildren “that’s amazing”” over one of their many accomplishments (such as first steps, first words and sentences, using the potty (anytime), riding a bicycle, drawing a picture, you get the idea…).  It is truly wonderful, but probably not really amazing. In fact, it’s just what is supposed to happen as they grow up.

But did you know that it is reported twice in the Bible that Jesus himself was amazed? What could possibly amaze Jesus?

“He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.” (Mark 6:5-6). After he had started his ministry travels, Jesus went back home to preach in Nazareth. He didn’t accomplish much there, however, because the people who had watched him grow up rejected him. Even his own brothers and sisters thought he was a joke. We learn from Peter (in the gospel of Mark) that Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. Even though they had watched him grow up from a child, they failed to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. That’s amazing!

“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” (Matthew 8:10).  Jesus was also amazed at the Roman soldier who requested that Jesus heal his son and who knew that He could do it without even coming into the house where his son was.Even though this Centurion was stationed in Palestine to impose Roman authority over the Jews, he recognized Jesus as the Son of God. That’s amazing!

It has always been amazing to me that the Jewish leaders failed to see Jesus for who He was. They were blinded by their own self-interest and didn’t want to diminish their own authority and prestige by admitting that Jesus was the Messiah, as prophesied in their own Holy Scriptures. And it has always been amazing to me that Jesus chose people of humble status to be his chosen apostles to carry on after He ascended to Heaven. These mostly unlearned men were able to know the truth and state with confidence, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16). And on the truth of this statement by Peter, Jesus established the Church.

God is actively at work in the world; Jesus is reigning on his heavenly throne as His Son. The Holy Spirit is alive and is available to each of us. We must call on God daily to open our hearts and minds to His sovereignty, His leadership, and allow Him to rule and reign over our lives. If He is to be amazed, I pray that it will be amazement at our belief and our obedience, rather than our rejection and disobedience (and note that there is no in-between).  And I firmly believe that the more aware we are of the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, the more we will see Him at work displaying His amazing power.

In Christ,

Judy

Chaplain’s Corner – It Knows!

Aug19

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).

I love to read, and usually read or listen to books on my phone that I have checked out from the library (using the Kindle or Overdrive app). Sometimes I don’t finish a book before it is automatically returned, so I must check it out again. Miraculously (it seems to me) when I resume reading, IT KNOWS where I left off. The book actually starts right at the right place. How does it know?

This also happens to me when I’m driving. On workdays, my GPS will tell me how far and how long it will take for me to get to work. On Sundays, my GPS will tell me how far and how long it will take me to get to church (or at least it did when we were meeting in person). How does IT KNOW? And of course, we have all probably experienced that weird Big Brother feeling when we look for something online, only to see it show up in our Facebook ads. I was just looking at air fryers on Amazon, and guess what, I now have Google and Facebook ads for air fryers. IT KNOWS! How can an “IT” know anything? That just doesn’t make sense.

This kind of reminds me of something I used to do as a child. I walked alone to school when I was in elementary school; and while I walked, I would make up stories, usually about people and houses along the way. My stories would usually begin ominously with the phrase “Little did she know….” For example: “Little did she know that a mad dog was lurking behind the chain link fence, ready to pounce.” Weird, right?

This sense that my actions were being observed–that I was part of a bigger story–was not paranoia on my part or any inflated sense of ego, despite what you might think. I believe it was a real ongoing realization that God was always present. I had such a beautiful, child-like, trusting faith in God and his presence. I knew that He accompanied me everywhere and that He watched me and watched over me. And at least subconsciously even at my young age, I knew that God was in charge, working out His plan of reconciliation for the world, and that I was part of His plan.

We know that our electronic devices are constantly watching us. “IT KNOWS” is a real thing in our lives today, and we don’t really know all the consequences of that knowledge. But even more real is the fact that GOD KNOWS, and we do know what the ultimate outcome will be. I pray that we will grow in our awareness of God’s sovereignty and His providence, and that we will take comfort in His presence.

“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8).

In Christ,

Judy

Chaplain’s Corner – Submit to One Another

Aug12

I Surrender All

This “one-another” is a really tough one for me. Sometimes I think I’m generally being submissive, but then I get in a hurry to get somewhere and I believe that it’s my God-ordained right to be in my lane going fast and that everyone needs to get out of my way. Maybe it doesn’t count if you know you will never see these people again?? However, you can’t be guaranteed of that. Years ago I was on I-440, running late for a meeting on West End, and I was on the tail of the car in front of me “urging” it to go on (you know what I’m talking about), only to find out that the person in the car in front of me was who I would be meeting with. True story—I’m not kidding! And you know what she said to me when I arrived, just behind her? “You were in kind of a hurry, weren’t you?” She had noticed it was me. Boy was I ever embarrassed!!!

I’m really trying to do better. I will let a car merge in front of me, especially if I see an exit or lane change coming up and think they might need to get off. But don’t you just hate it when there’s a lane closure and someone stays in the lane that’s closed until the last minute and then tries to scoot in in front of you? I used to be that person, but not anymore, so I am honestly trying to do better.

Perhaps the word “yield” is easier for us to consider. Maybe that’s because we are so used to those road signs. We know we are supposed to submit to God, and we probably understand that the Bible tells us to submit to authority, but why submit to anyone else? As believers, it should make sense to love one another, forgive one another, be kind to one another, encourage one another, and serve one another. But why submit? Perhaps submission is rooted in some of the other “One Another’s,” such as or “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5) or “Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10) or “In humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

Because of my shortcomings, I really needed to dig into this command, and what I learned is that it comes from the fact that as believers, we are all one body, one team. The body, or team, works more effectively if every part–or every person–has respect for each other. We are to imitate Christ by being selfless. We should think of others first, and not be self-seeking. In fact, can you imagine just how wonderful life would be if we were to all treat each other– not stopping with the Golden Rule treating others as we would like to be treated—rather, in humility, considering others better than ourselves? I believe that Heaven will be like this, and who wouldn’t want a little Heaven on earth?

Any why? Simply because God has commanded it. Once we surrender ourselves to Jesus, then we do this out of reverence for Christ and a desire to be obedient. So, let’s encourage one another in this very important endeavor of submitting, or yielding, to each other.

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21)

In Christ,

Judy

Chaplain’s Corner – Encourage One Another

Aug5

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

We began a series on the biblical “One Another’s” last week, starting with “Love One Another.” The example was the Good Samaritan, showing us who to love, and how to love. We learn from this that love is a verb; it is something we do, not just something we feel. In fact, I imagine most of you express your love by your actions and perhaps seldom feel what we think love is supposed to feel like (hope that made sense). Regardless of your feelings, you are expressing love. All the “One Another’s” are like that—they are actions.

Five times* in the Bible we are commanded to “encourage one another.” Encouragement comes from a Latin word “hortatorious” and means “encouraging, cheering, exhorting, urging, inciting, instigating.” This definition suggests the passage about Barnabas from Acts 11:21-26:

“And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” 

Barnabas was known as the “son of encouragement” because he was constantly encouraging those around him. He was already a believer at the time of Saul’s conversion, and he stood up for Saul/Paul after his conversion until Saul/Paul was accepted by the church. He traveled often with Paul on missionary trips, and then split with Paul in order to continue to mentor his cousin John Mark (against Paul’s wishes).

I really like how the writer of Hebrews puts it: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

What are some ways that we can bless others with encouragement; how can we spur one another on toward love and good deeds?

Level 1:  Consider each other. Take a personal interest in each other by asking about them, really listening, praying for each other. Build relationship.

Level 2:  Be proactive in acknowledging what each other does well, focusing on the positives rather than the negatives, to reinforce good behavior. Build each other up.

Level 3: Pray for discernment to understand each other’s needs, particularly spiritually, and then to know how to speak life into that person, to know what to say to be able to exhort them to grow specifically, remembering as always to “speak the truth in love.” Christians are urged “look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.” For example, in the above passage from Acts, Barnabas, meeting with new believers, “exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.” We should encourage each other in our faithful attendance to worship services and to use our spiritual gifts for the glory of God.

Maybe you know the song “Home on the Range,” where “seldom is heard a discouraging word.” I hope you have had a home and work environment where this is the case, but many of us can’t claim that experience. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t foster this environment in our homes and workplace today and going forward. Biblical encouragement is such a great way for us to grow and disciple each other. When God’s people lovingly “encourage one another” with Christ-exalting words and deeds, the gospel message is not only clarified but amplified, and God is glorified. I am praying that we can build a home and workplace “where seldom is heard a discouraging word.”

In Christ,

Judy

*1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11; Hebrews 3:13, 10:24, 10:25.

Chaplain’s Corner – Love One Another

Jul29

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35).

The Bible gives us 59 “one another” commands. Notice I didn’t say suggestions. These “one another’s” are stated in imperative form, which means they are not optional to a believer. We can’t even be choosy about who we love. Jesus told us we must even love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Radical!  Therefore, it is essential for us to know what these commands are and how to obey.

Sixteen of the commands are some version of “love one another.”

1 John 4:8 tells us that “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Since God is love, then when we love one another we are doing what we can to be the hands and feet of God in whatever the circumstance. This is a powerful charge He has given to us, and one that is impossible to carry out fully and consistently without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. And truly, loving one another is our most effective testimony. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35).

It just seems like there is so much discord and hate right now in our world. I’m sure that there have been times in history to rival these—times of war and strife—but without question it is bad right now. We experience different approaches to dealing with the discord and hate, from ignoring it hoping it will go away to being on the forefront of the fight, and everything in between. Many of us are trying to learn and understand what the causes are and what the solutions might be. Many of us are trying to understand our own role in the problem and our own role in the solution.

In the Women’s Campus Bible Study, we are studying the book of Esther, and Mordecai’s response to her in Esther 4:14 “you have come to your position for such a time as this” probably rings true for many of us. But what can we do? I know that many intelligent and compassionate and passionate people have given their lives to this question. I don’t have all the answers, or hardly any. But I know we cannot go wrong by remembering what the Bible has to say about love in action. We can’t interact with one other in truly healthy ways without loving each other. And we can’t love each other without always being proactive to reach out, walk with, encourage, protect, and support our fellow man. It takes bearing with one another and standing up for one another.

For example, the Good Samaritan went out of his way to rescue the Jewish traveler who was robbed and beaten by thieves. A Priest and a Levite had already passed by. You might not think the Priest and Levite were bad people. After all, they didn’t beat or rob the traveler. They just didn’t want to get involved. Maybe they had reasons—maybe they were late for a church meeting, or maybe they forgot their money belt, so they didn’t have a way to help. Maybe they feared stopping thinking the robbers might return. Whatever the reason, they hurriedly passed on by, leaving the traveler where he lay.

Jesus told this parable to answer the question of who to love. The Jewish leaders had challenged Jesus to identify the greatest commandment, and Jesus, in Matthew 22:37-39 quoted from Deuteronomy 6:5 to tell them that loving God was the greatest commandment, but the close second (from Leviticus 19:18) was to love your neighbor as yourself. The leaders then wanted an exact definition of “neighbor.” So, by telling this parable, Jesus explained that “who to love” is anyone we come in proximity with, regardless of whether they are in our circle of family and friends. In fact, Jesus made a point of using an example of people who were not family and friends because they were from ethnically different with a history of animosity toward each other.

However, I propose that this story also tells us how to love. The Good Samaritan went out of his way to see to this injured stranger; he cared for this stranger with all diligence and urgency, just like he would have cared for his own family, and just like he would have wanted to be cared for himself.

Jesus himself was our role model for how to love. He loved with humility and compassion. He was accessible. His words were healing, they were edifying, full of truth and grace.

As a Mission employee, you have taken the proactive step of loving your neighbor by serving the people who seek the ministries of Nashville Rescue Mission. While there will always be room for improvement, I believe we are like-minded in our pursuit of the mission of the Mission: “Providing hope for today, hope for tomorrow, and hope for eternity to the hungry, hurting, and homeless” by loving our neighbors, especially those who are destitute, poor, and needy.

In the weeks to come, we will look at some of the other “one another” commands, but in a way, every other “one another” command is derived from Jesus’ basic command: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” It’s as simple, and as life-changing, as that.

In Christ,

Judy

Chaplain’s Corner – Accepting and Receiving

Jul22

Most of us have many acquaintances—those people who acknowledge us, who are friendly, who might even help or go to bat for us. It’s nice to have acquaintances. Most of us have fewer friends. You know the difference, although it might be difficult to put into words because it’s typically individualized. It’s typically something that is experienced. It’s that person who really does pray for you, and who then follows up to see how you are doing and what they can do, and you know they genuinely care. It’s that person who wants to know how that trip turned out, how that dreaded interaction turned out, who wants to share their life with you and assumes you are as interested in them as they are in you. In fact, you know that their actions are out of a genuine love and concern for you rather than how it makes them look in yours or anyone else’s eyes. A friend is someone who has accepted you into their life, and you know how that feels. It feels like family, or how we think family ought to feel. Honestly, I can’t think of many better things than that feeling of being accepted. I hope that when you read this, you will reflect on those relationships, whether it be family, friends, or coworkers, with whom you have that sense of acceptance.

There’s another element to the friendship relationship—receiving. It’s not true friendship unless both receive each other’s expressions of friendship. Relationship is a two-way street.  It’s a sharing of hearts and it is love. It’s a wonderful thing that God has given us—these relationships with people with whom we share life. It’s a wonderful thing that God has given us—to be accepted, and to receive that acceptance. Receiving is not casual, it is not passive. Receiving is an active expression and reciprocation of friendship, love, compassion, and life together. We don’t do these things in order to gain friendship, but because we are friends.

I say all this to then compare it to our relationship with Christ. Christ has accepted you. He loves you and me and cares for each of us in the way that is most appropriate for each of us personally. However, the relationship does not work unless we receive what he has to offer.

The Bible has much to say about receiving what Christ has to offer. For example, in the parable of the sower in Mark 4:1-20, what sets the four soils apart is their receptivity. The first three soils do not produce a harvest because they did not truly receive the seed, or message.  “But the ones sown on good ground are those who hear the word, welcome it, and produce a crop: 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown” (Mark 1:20).

This parable reminds me of a story I once heard:

“A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, and somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man’s name embossed in gold. Angry, he rose his voice to his father and said “with all your money, you give me a Bible?” and stormed out of the house.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.

When he arrived at his father’s house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father’s important papers and saw the still gift-wrapped Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt. 7:11, “And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father which is in Heaven, give to those who ask Him?” As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer’s name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.”

“We have also received an inheritance in Him, predestined according to the purpose of the One who works out everything in agreement with the decision of His will….” (Ephesians 1:11).

“Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).

“For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:8).

“But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name….” (John 1:12).

So many of us are givers, and as givers, we have difficulty receiving. We say, “No, you don’t have to do that.” Or, “No, it’s not necessary, I don’t need anything.” Or “Here, let me do that for you instead.” We have been taught that it’s better to give than to receive. Well, that is biblical, but it doesn’t apply to our relationship with Christ. He is the giver of all good gifts, but those gifts are only good if we receive them. We must receive them to be in relationship with Him.

You have been accepted by Christ. He is offering us good gifts. It might not look like it, but what He has to offer is more lavish, beautiful, generous, and awe-inspiring that we can even imagine. That is what takes faith—to overcome our limited earthly knowledge and experiences to believe what He has promised, and to believe that it is abundantly more and better than we could ever imagine. You are so loved!!! Just open the door, just say “yes” to receive Him, and then live like you believe it.

In Christ,

Judy