Friday, August 14, 2009

Believe. Follow. Serve.

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galations 1:10, ESV

I was thinking about this while Pastor Seth was preaching on Sunday. (Again, probably not what he preached on, but I'm sure it was related!) I "found" this verse a while ago, and have been thinking on it for months. Unfortunately, it relates to a lot of things in my life, and one thing in particular. I've been forming this post in my head for a while, it seems to be one of those things that just needs to get out of me in some form.

While I was in bible school, God showed me something about spiritual gifts, and mine in particular. It remains one of two times I've heard God speak to me with such clarity that I had no doubt of it's source. I shared with one of my teachers this great revelation, and was immediately shot down and told that it was probably not God talking to me, and that I should think and pray for a long time before sharing with anyone else. Knowing without a doubt that I had heard from God, but caring far too much about how others thought of me, I did keep it to myself. I've never told another soul on this earth, and eventually managed to keep it from popping into my mind every day.

As soon as I read this verse, however, it popped back into my head with the same clarity that it did ten years ago. Even though I've probably read that verse a hundred times since then, God picked a time to show me something through it. And what an amazing thing to know that God doesn't forget what He told you, even if you've tried your best to forget. So even though I still haven't told anyone what God showed me, I'm not in the place where I'm ready to do so, I am ready to start pursuing God in the way he deserves to be pursued. And like my mother often says, if we truly believe God, why don't we act like we believe everything He says is true?

So Believe. (with a capital "B") Then follow what He says. Then you will have the privilege of being called His servant.

Monday, July 6, 2009

The Loose Tooth

My son has his first loose tooth. Not remembering how old I was when I lost my first tooth, I scoured the internet to make sure that he was the right age for this. Satisfied that he was not too young, I started prepping him for the situation. (Caleb is a logical kid, and likes to be advised of all possible outcomes to any scenario so that he's not surprised when anything happens)

Mommy: Caleb, your tooth is going to fall out pretty soon.
Caleb: But I need my tooth. (He says this while he's wiggling it with his finger)
Mommy: Well, you'll get a new, bigger one in a month or two. (Caleb is satisfied with this answer. Mommy, however, is concerned at Caleb's lack of concern)
Caleb: So what do you think the Tooth Fairy is going to bring me? How does she know what I like?
Mommy: I'm pretty sure she'll bring you money so that you can get whatever you want. But you don't get anything if you swallow the tooth. (Caleb is unfazed by this)
Caleb: I won't swallow it. (Mommy is not convinced)
Mommy: Do you want me to help you pull it out to make sure?
Caleb: No thank you. I think I'll just wait for it to fall out on its own.

He goes to play after this and leaves me thinking. We always talk about how impatient kids are, but really we're the impatient ones. Caleb has no issue with waiting for this tooth, even when he knows that there is a reward at the end. Also, he knows that it will probably be a little painful if he would pull it out before it's ready.
There's a spiritual lesson to be learned here. How often are we so impatient with God that we are even willing to endure a little pain to get the results faster? Don't you think that God has a reason for waiting? Showing a little patience can probably save a little pain, as well.
Remember, He knows best.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The Shack

I bought the book "The Shack" a while ago, but hadn't started reading it until this past weekend.

WOW.

I'm halfway through, and have had to stop to process what I've read so far. Things that I've thought about God for a long time, things that I thought were biblically founded, are really just religion.

What an eye opener. I REALLY recommend this book for anyone, it doesn't matter what stage you are on your spiritual walk. I have a feeling that I'm going to have to read this book a few times to really let things sink in. The book really talks about our religion vs. a real relationship with God. It also focuses on the relationship of the Trinity, and the way that God loves you. And it's well written, which really makes a difference.

More reading to do!!!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Conversations with Reece

As I was lounging in the bathtub the other night I heard Reece yelling at Caleb downstairs. The kind of yelling where it's not about content, but all about volume. I heard Shawn send Reece to his room. So of course I hear the pitter-patter of little feet. (or if you know Reece, more like an elephant lumbering down the hallway) The little feet stop at my bathroom door and I hear a sad voice, and can picture the pout on his face.
Reece: Mommmmy.
Mommy: Yes, Reece?
Reece: Daddy telled me I go a my woom. (room)
Mommy: I heard you yelling at Caleb.
Reece: I yell at Daddy, choo. (too)
Mommy: Well, then you should go to your room.
I heard the sigh from the other side of the door.
Reece: 'kay.

And the little feet pitter-pattered off to his room. I had a good laugh over his need to "tell on Daddy" for sending him to his room, but was also pretty impressed that he understood why he was being sent there. So some things do actually sink in!

Friday, June 5, 2009

Goals

I work in the financial industry, and we do a lot of retirement planning where we talk about a client's goals, and how they are going to get there. Something clicked in me at homegroup this week (again, Pastor Seth, this is probably not what you were trying to teach!) and I realized that the principals also apply to faith. There are four questions to ask yourself.
Where are you at? - what you have and what you have learned
Where do you want to be? - something you are believing God for.
Can you get there? - you need to see the light at the end of the tunnel!
How are you going to get there? - you need a plan!

Faith is not a walk down a random path in the wilderness. Faith is a calculated, focused quest with a defined goal. If you can't pinpoint a goal, you need to get one! Whether it is something specific you are believing for, or looking for a revelation, faith demands a focal point. If your faith is focused you won't question where God leads you in the process.

Revival Fire

We've been talking lots about revival in church and homegroup lately, and for the first time ever, things are starting to sink in. We often use the words revival and fire to mean different things, but really they are one. I'm an avid watcher of all things CSI, so I know that fire requires three things: Something to burn (either substance or accelerant), a spark to start the fire, and oxygen to keep it burning. Apply spiritual principals, and you have:

Something to burn - This is your foundation in the Word. Without this, you can get all excited about something, but the excitement quickly dissipates when there is nothing for it to grasp onto.

A spark - This is prayer. Whether it be in the Spirit, or with your understanding, prayer is what gets your fire going. I heard someone say once that you can measure a person's spiritual life by their prayer habits.

Oxygen - This is your faith. Without applied faith, Word is just words and prayer is just talking to yourself.

No fire will burn without these three components - they are the basis of revival. And they start in you. You are responsible for your own fire - and it can be contagious and "spark" someone else's.

Another point: Revival and revelation go hand in hand. They are inseparable. If you believe that you are part of the revival but are not seeing new things revealed to you in the Word of God, then you are only along for the ride and missing the revival.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Conversations with Caleb

I'm learning the logic of five year olds. I'm also learning that they have no concept of time. (as in years.....) We were driving home from school earlier this week and talking about Mother's Day. Caleb, as always, had questions.

Caleb: So how did you learn to be a mommy?

Me: From my mommy. (Caleb nods)

Caleb: You mean Namma.

Me: Yes. (Caleb is quiet for a minute while he thinks about this)

Caleb: Well, how could Namma teach you if she didn't have any kids of her own? (I'm starting to laugh at this point)

Me: Caleb, Namma had four kids. (As I look at my son in the rearview mirror, I can see that he's starting to get upset)

Caleb: But what happened to them?

He was very upset, and we had to explain that his aunts and uncle were once babies. I realized that kids have no concept of growing up, and no concept that adults were once children.
Out of the mouths of babes....