Please Pray

Please pray for my friend, Daniel. He and his family got some really hard news yesterday that his cancer has spread to his hip. The doctors have been forthright that they are just aiming to give him comfort from his pain. My heart goes out to him and to the Father on his behalf. If you have not checked out his blog, you will want to. He is a light for the glory of God as he is consistently and lovingly sharing the gospel and hope of Christ with those in waiting rooms and those giving him care. My heart is sad, but I hope in the ONE hope that we have, Jesus Christ. I know that Daniel is living that hope in the ONE more than I can even imagine.

Small Group Exchange

Check out a new site that is created to equip small group leaders. I have an icebreaker that I have used that is featured on the exchange this week. Small group pastors and leaders from all walks of life and backgrounds are on this site in order to equip leaders with articles, reviews, etc. I have written several reviews (on books I have suggested on this blog), but the material I reviewed is not on the site as of yet. There are several really good articles to check out about leading and the importance of small groups.

What we leave behind…

This week there has been a theme in my life–what you leave behind.  Today and tomorrow, I am helping some friends with an estate sale.  As I looked around at all the stuff-some cool, some personal, some not, I realized it is all so important to us for a time and then we are gone.  We work to accumulate that new couch or gadget or paint color or house or fashion, and in a moment it is dated and simply our “junk” that means nothing to anyone else.  All the things that we want to make our identity and what do we have to show for it in the end?  For those who know me, I am a thinker.  Sometimes I drive myself crazy fast forwarding my life.  I look at older people and think “they were my age a day ago and now they are struggling through new things–deaths of spouses, friends, careers, and independence.”  Yet, we all live like we are promised a long tomorrow.

      This week, a friend and co-worker of ours, Jeff Hill, spent some time ministering and loving on the staff at Fellowship as he faces his death from colon cancer.  His goal has been to die well for the glory of God and the gospel of Christ.  As I watched as people emptied the room from being with him, I saw a treasure to leave behind.  I saw lives that had been touched that day and in the past from prayers lifted up by Jeff and from encouragements spoken to them by Jeff.  I witnessed as he encouraged my husband to be bold with teaching and proclaiming the truth of Christ in God’s word.  I thought back on multitudes of Sundays where I witnessed Jeff praying for the people coming into Fellowship Church to worship.  I remembered smiles and conversations when Jeff lovingly and purposefully took time to really find out what was going on with me and others in order to pray and speak of the Lord.  I thought of how much God has blessed our congregation with Jeff’s presence.  He is an integral part of our body–one that will be really missed.  He has treasured Christ and honored him in his life–he has lived it out.  That is a legacy.  That is a life.  Trinkets that come and go–moth and rust destroy and thieves steal, but a life given away consistently for the cause of the gospel of Christ and lived in the love of Christ–that is what it is about.

Defining each day of life in the frame of eternity will cause us to live differently.  May I leave behind investments of time, energy, love, prayer to treasure Jesus Christ and his good news.  May I not settle for a treasure of things here on earth.

Olympic Discipline

I just finished watching the finals of the Women’s individual gymnastics competition. It is hard for any of us to imagine training with such discipline and fervor for anything. Most of us probably feel a safety in thinking “yeah, I might be able to do X if I put my all into it.” But, I beg the question, do we ever really put our all into anything? There is a sense of fear in putting everything we have –all the strength, discipline, love and energy into something and failing. Look at the rate of marriages that fall apart. Do we enter those with unwavering commitment when we have never practiced unwavering commitment? Simply a question to ponder.
I have been thinking on discipline throughout the Olympics. In 1 Timothy, Paul calls Timothy to discipline/train himself for godliness. He is using the vocabulary that speaks of physical training. (Picture going to the gym and practicing over and over–building up your strength through repetition and commitment over time.) Several times in the Bible, we are called to be holy or perfect as our heavenly Father is holy/perfect. I think the majority of the modern church looks at those commands and says…”well, that is not possible–that’s just calling you to commitment–it doesn’t really mean that…I do not have the time to train or do you know my life?” We trade the call to godliness with the lie of the culture of our day–keeping up with the Jones. By keeping up with the Jones, I mean being as holy as those around us. We let the culture we are in set the bar instead of realizing God’s word sets the bar. Each of us, in Christ, is called to the standard that we are watching on our screen every night in the Olympics. We are called, by the Spirit, to put to death the flesh and live in the fruit of Christ. We are called to love the LORD our God with ALL of our heart, soul, mind and strength. What does that mean for me and you? That means going to him daily–fervently studying his word, praying for strength and awareness of sin, repentance, humility. It means hard work. It does not mean hard work to be “accepted” by God, but hard work to follow after him in obedience and rid ourselves of the sin that so easily entangles. It does not mean legalism because that is mere outward “work,” but it means examining your heart and clinging to him and making steps to put off the old self and put on the new self by the Spirit.
The temptation for us is to want to skip all the training time and go for the competition where we get the glory. What we do not see is the lives of these Olympic athletes for years as they eat, sleep, train, dream, relate all with the thought of going toward the prize. They have given their lives in the pursuit of the gold. That is the very imagery Paul gives as he tells us to run as to win the prize. If you are reading this thinking–well, that doesn’t mean me. UH, yes it does. We like to believe the lie of life being for our comfort–for our convenience. I find myself training hard in the word and prayer and relationships somedays and then thinking–I really need some time off just to “rest” for me. My obedience muscles go limp because I check out needing time to refuel in me. It may even be really subtle–I am going to do this activity “for” God but I do not have time to spend “with” him. In those moments, I have forgotten the very essence of everything I have trained for. I cannot afford to forget that disciplining myself for godliness is about remaining in him and that apart from him I can do nothing. When we have an enemy that is on the prowl seeking to steal, kill and destroy, there is NO room for laziness. None.
With all of this talk of discipline, it is easy to get into a works mindset or guilt mindset. In the midst of all of this, we have to look to the whole counsel of God. We have to walk in the reality of the gospel’s power for today in our lives. Our righteousness is in Christ. Our forgiveness is in Christ. Our sin in punished in Christ. We are made new because of Christ. Our hope is in Christ. We are covered in grace through Christ. We are crucified in Christ and we no longer live but he lives in us. This is not a self-discipline issue to prove ourselves. This is a discipline issue to depend and study and move and live and examine and obey in him and for his glory.
It is living for the goal in the end to glorify him regardless of the opinion of our families, friends, the world and hear “well done, good and faithful servant.”

Sermons

As I walk through life, sometimes I will hear something that I think–”wow, what a good resource and reminder.” In the process of life, I forget or do not have complete information for others when I try to tell them about it. So, I have created a new page on the blog dedicated to pointing people toward truth through sermons that I want to share with you. Please take a look. I have heard the sermon by Greg on Romans 3:21-26 five times this year in different venues and it NEVER gets old because it is the pure truth of the gospel. We can NEVER be reminded of this truth enough. I hope to sharpen you in the journey as I have been sharpened!

The strength of God’s faithfulness in pain

If you have some time today, please view this interview of Steven Curtis Chapman and his family as they speak of grieving and living on as they have lost their youngest child. It is a testimony to God’s faithfulness to them and their faith and hope in Him as the source of all things. The interview is real and honest, and we are shown the reality of living life in trust and faithfulness and pain and hope.

Update on Ministry

Yesterday, Greg and I met with a lawyer that is helping us form the non-profit ministry, Women’s Discipleship Concepts. It was an encouraging meeting, and I could feel the prayers of those who have been so faithful to lift this venture to the Father.
Right now, I am in the midst of registering the non-profit with the state, and then we will go through applying to the IRS for 501 (c)(3) status. Another blessing of God was providing a lawyer who shared with us that he wanted to help us without cost. We did not know that going in–God is so faithful.
Women have come together graciously to be on the board, and I am excited to walk with them. God has been so faithful in the midst of the formation of this ministry. And, I ask that you continue to pray.
I just met with a girl this morning who has been a Christian for a little over a year. We have been meeting this year, and she expressed interest in pouring into a younger Christian girl in college. I praise God for fruit he brings through his word and his Spirit and fellowship within the body of Christ. It is in moments like those of the last few days when I smile knowing hard work has gone into this, but he is the one who grows and stretches. And, I pray that ultimately not me but God get the glory for all that comes because it is from his hand. I pray for fruit that continues well beyond the bounds of Knoxville–fruit that passes from generation to generation.
Just an aside: I have prayed consistently over the summer for board members, an attorney, girls for the next year, women for the next year, and curriculum (as well as the young women I meet with). I have seen God answer prayers—not fancy prayers, but consistent ones. I believe in my whole heart that God is sovereign over all things, and he also asks us to come before him in prayer. I thank him for leading me to consistency in the asking. So many other times in my life, I have prayed a couple of times for something only to be sidetracked or overwhelmed, and I thank him for teaching me a little more about prayer in our personal lives with Greg’s health and this ministry venture and in the sickness of dear friends.
I will keep you updated!

The battle of the mind

A few days ago, I was refreshed and ready for the fall. I had energy and was ready for the somewhat exhausting days that I knew were ahead. Yesterday, however, I felt like I had been hit with a ton of bricks. Something I had been looking forward to happening did not. I was reminded of a several of my failures all at the same time. Then, I began questioning everything I was doing–if I was equipped, if I had been simply fooling myself. Ever have a day or moment like that? Maybe your whole life seems to be filled with those thoughts.
By the time bed time came last night, I felt utterly defeated. I spoke some of it out loud, and Greg in his loving brevity squelched it a little bit. He basically said (in fewer words) “If you handled something poorly, what can you do but say you are sorry and move on?” Oh yeah.
I then, began to take charge of my thoughts a little bit. I began to examine what I am about to embark on: launching a ministry that will help the discipleship of women in Knoxville. It is not flashy, but it is a necessary part of the life in Christ–discipleship. It is commanded of all of us in Matthew 28:19-20. When you are dealing with the inner life of others and challenging and teaching them them to be dependent upon and grow in Christ, there will be push back and hard times and sometimes avoided phone calls. I have lived it many times this past year. Sometimes when you are the one who is helping someone challenge the deep seated sin in their life, you are not the first one they want to call. You are not running for Miss Popularity. In my flesh, I would always like to run for Miss Popularity in that I want to be loved and appreciated. However, I know that many times the greatest love for others is not always well appreciated because the greatest love points them toward Christ who is the only hope and not toward me making someone feel good in the moment. I know in my own life, I have loved the deep growth I have had in Christ and the freedom in the gospel more than feeling good about my comfort for the moment. So, to love others as myself, I have to move beyond my own self-protection and point them to Christ.
Last night, I realized that the enemy (who loves to steal, kill and destroy) was on the attack–he was accusing me (which is what Satan means–accuser). And, I was buying in hook, line and sinker. In the book I was just reading, the author encouraged the reader to take charge of their thought life. When you have daydream time, he said to put your mind on scripture and truth. I then, began to try that–remembering Philippians 4:8–think on things that are true, noble, good, excellent, praiseworthy, right, honorable, etc. I remembered the gospel–that I am no longer condemned, that I am set free and declared righteous because of Christ’s blood.
Many times the battle is in the mind, and when the stakes are high, the battle intensifies. Please pray for me as I move forward in meeting with the lawyer tomorrow. Please pray that my mind be upon truth and not indulging in the accusations and living in defeat. And, pray to be aware of areas in your life where the battle is hot. It may be accusations of guilt that you are not a good mother or wife or boss. It may be a failed relationship that you are defeated and scared about. It may be fear that plagues you from being obedient to what God is calling you to do. If I were my enemy, fear is where I would strike every time.
The truth about me is that I will fail at some things this year. I will struggle. I will not handle everything perfectly. I will see opportunity to act in sin grow. I must cling to the truth of the gospel and so must you. I must be quick to admit wrong and let go of pride. And, I must humbly ask for forgiveness of God and others as I continue to walk. I must meditate on his truth daily and praise him for all things. I must remember daily Romans 8:1–”Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Book Recommendation: The Discipline of Grace

This summer, I have been reading The Discipline of Grace with several of the young women I have been meeting with. I finally finished it this week, and I HIGHLY recommend it. It is written by Jerry Bridges…yes, the author in which I quote all the time talking about Respectable Sins. The poor girls I meet with are getting beaten down with me bringing it up in every conversation:).
The book goes into reminding us of the truth of the gospel and the need for God’s grace daily. For many, we struggle with trying to earn God’s favor after being justified by his grace…or we live in such guilt that we are imprisoned or live in self-righteousness as we compare ourselves to others. This book teaches and reminds how to apply the gospel to one’s life daily. Theologically, it is very sound and steeped in the word. It addresses the nature of sin and atonement. It also calls us to live and walk forward in holiness always stressing God’s grace in the gospel. The spiritual disciplines are addressed as the path for spiritual growth in grace. He touches on things such as prayer, Bible study, scripture memory and meditation, commitment, etc. all in the reminder that we must be reminded of the gospel and it’s power in the pursuit instead of simply our own willpower. He uses the phrase “dependant discipline” or also “dependant responsibility.” In our growth, there are two wings–dependence on the Spirit and discipline in growth. Just like an airplane, we cannot fly with merely one wing.
I think so much of this book, that I have decided to use it with all girls that I meet with and the women’s group I am going to lead to equip women to disciple other women. Again, do not pick this book up if you do not want to be challenged! It will challenge your habits and your thinking patterns. It will also hold a mirror up to your heart and the secret sins and habits that are there. Once that truth is revealed, there is a response that has to come. This book is great for a new Christian and a seasoned one.

Hiatus

Okay, so this was my last hiatus from blogging before the fall kicks off. Our last few weeks have been a little crazy. The last full week in July, we were in Panama City for Sonburn camp with our friends at Central Baptist Bearden. It was an awesome week where the gospel was proclaimed and fellowship was really sweet. One of my favorite parts was the cyclone–picture 35 or more people in a small pool walking round and round for several minutes and then “riding” the wave. It was hilarious!
After we got back into town, I thought it was life as normal. I was shopping in Walmart (my favorite:(), and my mom called me. She was at the beach (my aunt’s place in South Carolina) with some friends. She told me I should come down. So, I called Greg, and a few hours later I was off to the beach for 3 days. It is definitely the most spontaneous thing I have done in a long time. I threw stuff in the car and listened to podcasts on the way down. I also stayed on the beach all day long and studied, made a budget for the new ministry, studied some more and enjoyed beautiful weather in my favorite place on earth.
I drove back on Sunday at 7 am and got back in time to turn around for an hour and pack the car to go to the lake for about two days with Greg. Our 7 year anniversary was Monday. My favorite part to relive was reinacting all the things the older ladies said to Greg during our reception:). We discovered we did not have cell service at the lake, so it was a bit refreshing. However, it was not refreshing for my nephew, Andrew, who was keeping our dog, Bailey. He accidentally got locked out, and from what I hear, it was a panicky scene. Our future nephew-in-law, Ben–otherwise penned by himself as the new “Macgyver”, got in by shimmying the lock.
I got a lot of work done while I was away with no distractions from laundry, internet, phone calls, cleaning, errands, etc. I am looking forward to the fall with anticipation. It is funny, though, how it does not take much to bring anxiety back around when you spend too much time catching up on the computer!
Tomorrow I meet with a lawyer to move forward legally on the nonprofit ministry. Then, next week, I meet with an accountant. I am excited that women have responded to go forward and be on the board. Things are coming together! Pray for all of us! Unless something weird happens in life, I am here to stay in Knoxville for the fall!