Category: Committment

Five Ways to Stay Plugged In

Recently I returned from a mission trip in Mexico. The week away from the normal comforts of home was both inspiring and exhausting. Our group adapted well to riding on bumpy local buses to and from our worksites, doing manual labor without power tools, camping in tents, attempting to bathe with water slowly draining from a plastic “sun shower,” and even using port-a-potties with a rather pungent aroma. But there was one comfort of home that most people couldn’t do without: cell phones. While they were used mostly for taking photos and communicating with family back home, they appeared to be the one convenience that was indispensable.

The first year I went on the trip my eyes widened as I observed students clamoring for any outlet they could find to charge their phones. Every plug at the fast-food restaurants where we stopped on the way would be charging phones from the moment we arrived until the moment we left. Some creative students even hung phones from ceiling outlets.

My first year on the trip, I was fortunate enough to be on a worksite with a foreman who had a truck and a phone charger. I never had to jockey for position at a power strip in camp during the few hours the generators were running. Every year since then, I’ve relied on my first foreman to be my power source and he has graciously obliged. On our most recent trip, I scurried to his truck before program one evening and plugged in my phone. When I returned later, I was disappointed to see that it hadn’t charged at all. A quick investigation revealed that the cord had been unplugged from the lighter to make room for a different type of charger. I just hadn’t noticed in my haste. No matter how long my phone remained plugged into that cord, it was worthless without a power source.

And what is true for our all-important technology is even more essential in our spiritual lives. We simply can’t function well when we’re not consistently connected with our Power Source, God. Maybe this is the twenty-first century equivalent of abiding with the vine that Jesus describes in John 15.

I’ve been mulling over another passage on this theme written by Paul and Timothy:

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. (Colossians 1:9b-12, NIV)

The prayers offered by Paul and Timothy in this passage show the value and necessity of staying plugged into God for the source of our power. As we do that, we receive wisdom and understanding from the Spirit so that we bear fruit and grow, continually strengthened with His power so that we have endurance, patience and joy.

As summer approaches, most of us look forward to a break from our regular routines. We anticipate the ease of a relaxing vacation at the beach or the excitement of traveling abroad. Leisurely days reading a book by the pool or finally tackling a project on our to-do lists sound inviting after the rigors of the year.

What is unfortunate, however, is that for many of us a break from gathering for a large-group Bible study also equates with a break from our spiritual lives altogether. This is like hoping the charge on your phone will last throughout the summer without bothering to plug it in. It won’t.

So before you kick up your feet and revel in the newly opened places in your schedule, why not plan how you’ll stay connected to your Power Source during the break from your usual Bible study? Need some suggestions? Well, I’m glad you asked…

  1. Choose a new devotional to read daily. Take the time to do the suggested activities and to read and study the Scriptures included. Instead of rushing through it, make the time to absorb what it says.  Here are several I’d recommend:
  • Embraced: 100 Devotionals to Know God is Holding You Close by Lysa TerKeurst
  • Awaken by Priscilla Shirer
  • Encouragement for Today by the Proverbs 31 Ministry Team

2. Choose a book of the Bible and keep a journal. After each chapter, stop and answer these four questions:

  • What does this teach me about God
  • What does this teach me about myself?
  • What do I need to do as a result of reading this passage?
  • What character qualities do I see in God displayed in this passage? (Questions adapted from Day 5 lessons in Finding I Am by Lysa TerKeurst)

3. Choose a Bible study to go through or finish a Bible study workbook that you didn’t complete during the year. Invite a few friends to do it with you.  Take the time to let the lessons sink in and then apply them to your life. Schedule times when you can meet during the summer to discuss what you’re learning. Text or e-mail each other in between meetings so you can hold one another accountable.  Here are several I’d recommend:

  •  The Quest by Beth Moore
  • Becoming a Vessel God Can Use by Donna Partow
  • Women of the Word: The Family Tree of Jesus by Marybeth McCullum (I’ve revised and updated this since it was done at Focused Living in 2015-16) Click here for more information

4. Read a book to gain deeper insight on a topic you want to learn about. Get some biblical perspective from a trusted Christian author.  Here are a few I’d recommend:

  • Love Does by Bob Goff
  • Chasing God by Roger Huang (founder of SF City Impact and SF City Academy)
  • I Give You Authority by Charles Kraft
  • Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi
  • Flourish by Natalie Maki (An author from CPC Danville!!)
  • The Peacemaker by Ken Sande
  • Fervant by Priscilla Shirer
  • Forgive and Forget by Lewis Smedes
  • The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns (revised and updated)
  • Surprised by Hope by NT Wright

5. Subscribe to an online study or devotional from one of your favorite Christian authors. You can start by subscribing to this blog if you don’t already. I’ll be posting throughout the summer.  Scroll back to the top of this post, look at the right side of the screen and you’ll see the heading “Subscribe to Blog Via E-mail.” Just fill in your e-mail address and click the blue “subscribe” button. Be sure to confirm your subscription the first time you receive an e-mail from this site. You might also check out the offerings at Proverbs 31.org. (The ministry founded by Lysa TerKeurst.)

Whatever ideas you decide to try, make it a priority to continue engaging your faith. My prayer is that you’ll connect to your spiritual Power Source during the summer months with the same consistency that you charge your electronic devices. Happy summer!

Finishing Well

Sitting in the auditorium with other incoming freshmen, I listened with dismay as the orientation advisor spouted harsh realities: “Look to your left. Now look to your right. Statistically speaking, at least one of the three of you will not graduate from this institution.” The room was filled with bright-eyed, ambitious high school graduates and we gasped at this disconcerting fact. It was the summer of 1988 and I was experiencing my first cold splash of reality visiting the university where I would start classes in the fall.

The words of that orientation advisor echoed in my mind many times during the subsequent four years.  Each time I heard about someone who failed out, transferred, or chose to leave school for other pursuits I would think about that statistic. I was determined to persevere– especially my first year when I was adjusting to demanding classes, challenging living conditions, and severe homesickness. Putting on my cap and gown for graduation four years later felt like a true accomplishment. It wasn’t just a rite of passage, but a moment to celebrate a hard-won degree. Not only had I fulfilled the academic requirements, I’d persevered through a variety of personal challenges. I was leaving college with a diploma, confidence, maturity, and a much deeper faith

But the challenges I surmounted to finish well seem insignificant in comparison with Paul’s final words to Timothy: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV)

Throughout his years of sharing the gospel, Paul never lost his focus, no matter how difficult the journey became. Earlier in his ministry he’d explained, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:10-14, NIV)

Paul pressed on through an amazing array of challenges. In his second letter to the church at Corinth, he explained, “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.” (2 Corinthians 11:23-31, NIV)

Paul’s faithfulness to his call despite the hardships he faced inspires me. The lengths he went to for the sake of the gospel humble me and motivate me to persevere in my faith even when it’s not easy. His words to the church in Rome sum it up well: “We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3b-5, NIV)

Paul poured himself out like a drink offering so that others could know Christ. In turn, those believers persevered and shared their faith with still more people. Over the years, the good news passed from one generation to the next until it arrived in our lives. Just like Paul, Timothy, and countless others after them, we’ve received the gospel and the gifting to share it with others. Being reminded of that throughout studying Beth Moore’s Entrusted renews my enthusiasm to press on in the faith, to persevere in hardships, and to share the love of Christ with others who will be blessed by Him as well. It’s a lifelong pursuit until the day we meet Jesus face to face and hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Whether the idea of being entrusted with the gospel exhilarates or intimidates you, the most important part is to lean into Jesus. We weren’t meant to share Him on our own strength and wisdom, but only through His. Listen to “Jesus I Believe” and make it your prayer today.

Beth Moore, Entrusted: A Study of 2 Timothy, Lifeway Press, 2016.

The Value of a Vertical Focus

The blank wall in our backyard was unremarkable for years. We had ideas for how to spruce it up, but never seemed to find the time. And then one spring afternoon, my husband got inspired. Returning from a trip to the hardware store, he set to work installing small bolts up the wall at evenly spaced intervals. Once he finished, he uncoiled a spool of wire and wound it around each bolt. By the time he was finished, we had a perfect grid ready for a vine.

Strategically digging holes at the base of the latticework, we nestled tiny plants into them. After a few months, they began to grow tall enough for my husband to wind the small tendrils around the wire, training them to attach to it and grow upwards. At first the latticework looked a little lonely and bare, but over time the lush foliage filled in. Now, five years later, the once bare wall is the most noteworthy aspect of our yard. Getting it to look that way took time, patience, and discipline (for which I can take no credit whatsoever).

Every few weeks, new growth and foliage need to be pulled from the wall and either trimmed off or wound around the wire to continue the upward growth. Without human intervention, the wall would be a messy jumble of shoots and leaves with no pattern. It would be unruly and undisciplined.

For some reason, a picture of our latticework wall came to mind as I read a question in Beth Moore’s Entrusted Bible study this week. At the close of Week 1, Day 1, she asks readers “What brings you to your side of this page”?  In other words, why are you doing this study?

If my life was that vine growing up our wall, then God’s Word is what keeps me tethered to the wire when I want to stray out on my own. It helps me to keep a vertical focus so that my worldview, actions and attitudes come from God and not from the standards of our ever-changing culture. Consistently engaging in Bible study for most of my life has allowed healthy patterns to emerge and God’s handiwork to show in my life. His Word grounds me in truth when the world bombards me with lies. It is a firm foundation in unsteady times. It is a plumb line that keeps my thoughts and perspectives aligned with God’s ways instead of the world’s. It is the mirror that shows me my true identity as God’s beloved child when I’m tempted to measure myself by the fickle standards of the world.

When I’m not fighting against Him; when I’m patient over the long haul; when I trust Him even when I don’t understand why He’s allowing a certain hardship– He can do beautiful things in and through me. He sees the whole picture where I see only a small part. He has laid out plans for me, intentionally going before me to stretch out the wires on the wall that beckon me to grow to heights I could never achieve on my own. As I allow His loving hands to wind the tendrils of my life around His latticework, I see that His ways are higher and better than mine.

For me, completing a study guide isn’t a task to be checked off a to do list. We call it “homework” at Bible study, but in reality it’s the gateway to life transformation and the thing that continually keeps my focus exactly where it belongs: on God. And that is what brings me back year after year.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)

“Word of Life” by Jeremy Camp is a song that celebrates Jesus as the Word that became flesh and the truth found in God’s Word. Click on the link to hear it.

 

 

Faith Foundations #10: Choose Your Path Wisely

We’d been on the trail many times before and I assumed my friend knew the way back to the car.  But as we approached the final fork in the road, I realized I was wrong. Veering left on the wide trail that looked like the obvious choice, she looked at me quizzically as I pointed her in the other direction.  The narrow path to our right looked less worn and more treacherous, but I knew it was the fastest way back to the car. She laughed at her poor sense of direction and turned to join me.

The timing seemed uncanny.  All summer I’d been anticipating sending my son to college and we’d had many conversations about the choices that he’d face once he got there. My husband and I had been encouraging him to “pre-decide” what he’d do in potentially compromising or awkward situations. We wanted him to know which path he’d choose when he came to a fork in the road of life choices. The term “pre-decide,” originally coined by author and Bible teacher Lysa TerKeurst, echoes Jesus’ sentiments in Matthew 7:13-14:

  “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Often the ways of the world are like that wide path my friend was heading down without thinking—the route seems obvious, easy and comfortable. The wide road leads in the direction most people seem to be going; it’s the path of least resistance.  If we don’t “pre-decide,” it’s the way we’ll end up taking by default.

The narrow path, on the other hand, isn’t the obvious choice, but it’s the best one. Sometimes we’ll find ourselves walking alone as others abandon us for less challenging journeys.  But if we’re wise, we’ll heed Jesus’ advice to avoid the destruction that awaits us at the end of the wide and easy road.

I’ve spent most of my adult life choosing the narrow path. Sometimes others have joined me or cheered me on, other times they’ve mocked me or distanced themselves from me.  But I’ve never regretted choosing it, whether it’s been popular with others or not. And along the way, I’ve been deeply blessed by those who have joined me on it.

Maybe you’re wondering what it looks like to choose the narrow path in daily life. If so, I hope one of these examples brings clarity:

We choose the narrow path when we care more about honoring God than we do about fitting in with others.

We choose the narrow path when we make the hard choice to do the right thing, even when it puts us at a disadvantage.

We choose the narrow path when we say “yes” to an opportunity that’s going to stretch and challenge us beyond our comfort zone.

We choose the narrow path when we refuse to allow someone to convince us that a sin is “harmless” or “no big deal.”

We choose the narrow path when doing things God’s way costs us more time or money or when it inconveniences us in some way.

We choose the narrow path when we opt to spend time alone rather than being with people who are going to pressure us to compromise our faith, values, or morals.

We choose the narrow path when we stand up for what’s right even when no one else seems to care or notice.

We choose the narrow path when we give without expecting anything in return.

We choose the narrow path when we favor humility over self-glorification.

We choose the narrow path when we forgive instead of seeking revenge or nursing a grudge.

We choose the narrow path when we care more about blessing others than creating comfort for ourselves.

The narrow path may feel daunting at times, but Jesus promises it’s always the way to life. I’d rather trust the One who died for me than take the easy way following the crowd.

“Hard Love” by NeedtoBreathe is a great song to motivate you as you walk the narrow road. Click on the link and let it inspire you.

 

Facing Our Fear of Commitment

The sign hangs on the wall in our house as a reminder.  It reads, “Here I am, send me!” It’s a simple statement from Isaiah 6:8 that reminds us that whenever we leave home, we are being sent out by God to be His ambassadors. It expresses a willingness to be used by Him, wherever and whenever He chooses. Whether we are headed to an obviously “Christian” activity or not, our desire is to be a blessing and encouragement to those we encounter. Sometimes this happens informally, other times it means getting involved and making an ongoing commitment to serve in a ministry.

The word “commitment” is a scary one for many people. We’re intrigued by the idea that  God uses us to accomplish His purposes, but signing on to do it regularly sometimes feels daunting. I think these fears can be addressed and alleviated with some clarification from Scripture. With a change in focus, committing to serve becomes thrilling instead of frightening.

Fear #1: I’m Not Ready Yet

Look back at that verse from Isaiah quoted above. Only three verses earlier in Isaiah 6:5, Isaiah is lamenting that he is unclean and unworthy of being in God’s presence. Yet a few verses later, he enthusiastically agrees to be God’s message-bearer to the people after the Lord cleanses and equips him.  Isaiah’s willingness qualified him for the job.

Many of us sit on the sidelines missing out on what God wants to do in and through us because we don’t think we have what it takes.  We forget that the Lord will give us exactly what we need to serve Him, He won’t leave us hanging. God equips the called, He doesn’t call the equipped. But we have to make first step by being willing to commit.

Fear #2: I Don’t Have the Time

We live in a culture that celebrates busyness. For many of us, we find value and meaning from keeping a packed schedule.  We rarely take time to stop, pause, and make intentional decisions about where we do and don’t say “yes.” Because of this, we feel frantic and often miss opportunities to invest our time in the places that would most benefit ourselves, others, and our relationship with God.  However, when we make commitments based on God’s agenda instead of ours, we can feel confident about where we say “yes” and “no.” And just to be clear, this doesn’t mean only commitments with overtly “churchy” connections. God also uses secular commitments to help us grow, to connect with others, or to prepare us for future opportunities.

God never ceases to amaze me with the ways He multiplies my time when I ask Him (which is pretty often). He also helps me to recognize where my priorities are out of order.  Sometimes I make things important that really aren’t. When my agenda aligns with God’s, He gives me the time to serve Him and to accomplish the other things I need to get done.

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (2 Peter 3:8, NIV)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34, NIV)

Fear #3: I Don’t Know Enough

With the encouragement of a trusted mentor, I started leading my first Bible study at the ripe-old age of nineteen. I’d had exposure to the Bible throughout my childhood, but was hardly confident planning lessons and leading others in discussions. But I was willing and I had some godly people who were further along in their faith to guide me.

One of the best parts about agreeing to serve in a pre-existing ministry is that there is a built-in support system for you. No one expects you to be a Bible scholar. Most ministries are looking for willing people and gladly provide the training and support you need to thrive.

For a biblical example, look at the story of Apollos in Acts 18. He was teaching and preaching the Scriptures accurately, but with an incomplete knowledge. Then a godly couple named Priscilla and Aquila pulled him aside and “explained the way of God more adequately.” Afterwards, he was a great help to the disciples in spreading the gospel. Like him, we can take what we know and let God use it. In addition, we can submit ourselves to the wisdom and teaching of those ahead of us on the journey.

Reject Fear, Reap a Harvest

Every follower of Jesus is called to share the gospel and to love and serve others. It’s up to us to determine where and how we’ll do that. Once you get beyond your fears, you’ll discover the thrill of being used by God. You’ll experience a sense of joy and fulfillment that will rejuvenate your spirit and cause your faith to grow exponentially.

All around me, I see ministries desperate for more help. I see Women’s Ministries groups longing to serve more women but being limited because they don’t have enough help in key leadership roles.  I see Children’s Ministries staff that would love to welcome more kids into their midst but are hindered by not having enough volunteers.  I see Student Ministries teams eager for more adults to pour into the spiritually hungry teens streaming through their doors. Each of these things reminds me of a familiar passage about Jesus in the gospels:

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”  (Matthew 9:36-38, NIV)

Will you become one of the few workers in the field that experiences the joy of reaping a great harvest? If the idea of committing to serve feels way beyond you, then you’re in the right place. The sooner we learn it’s not about us and start depending on God, the more we can be used by Him. Click on the link and be inspired by TobyMac’s song “Beyond Me.” Then, pray and ask where God might be calling you to commit.