Category: Holy Spirit

Faithfulness and Fruitfulness

Moses opens the book of Exodus saying, “the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.” (Exodus 1:7, NIV) The language he chooses echoes phrases sprinkled throughout Genesis starting with the Lord’s words to Adam and Eve: “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number.’” (Genesis 1:28a, NIV) This same command with a promise repeats nine times in Genesis as God speaks to Noah (9:1), Abraham (17:2,6 & 22:17), Isaac (26:4), Jacob (28:14 & 35:11) and Joseph (48:4). 

The Lord reveals His faithfulness by blessing His people with fruitfulness. Jacob’s family arrives in Egypt from Canaan with about 70 family members. Over 400 years later, they return to Canaan as a nation of two million.

Just as physical intimacy between a man and a woman bears the fruit of children, intimacy with the Lord brings fruitfulness to our lives in the Kingdom of God.  Jesus explains this saying, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing…This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:5 & 8, NIV)

I’ve been marveling at God’s faithfulness and fruitfulness lately thinking about a person He dropped into my life nine months ago. Over the Christmas holidays I was inspired to pray that the Lord would lead me to a younger woman who wanted mentoring and discipling. Little did I know that there was a 20-year-old girl who, at the same time, was praying God would save her from loneliness and show her His goodness.  

In January, I received an e-mail from the daughter of an old friend from Bible study. She was looking to connect with other believers and wanted information about a women’s Bible study at my church. The next day, she showed up with her Bible in hand, undeterred by the significant age gap between the rest of the group and her. As our meeting wrapped up for the day, I invited her to have coffee with me. 

We clutched paper coffee cups that January afternoon sitting at a table outside in the weak sunlight. It didn’t take long for the conversation to go deep–she was an old soul with wisdom beyond her years. I could see that she had first-hand experience with God’s faithfulness and was eager to grow in her knowledge of His Word and to connect with Christian community. Feeling prompted by the Holy Spirit, I said, “This may sound weird, but I think you’re the answer to something I’ve been praying about lately. Would you be up for meeting with me weekly to talk, pray, and study the Bible?” Without hesitation, she said yes.

I’m still in awe of how God showed His faithfulness and produced incredible fruit in our friendship. As we studied the pages of Scripture together, the Lord used His Word to teach us the way of Jesus. We prayed together, grappled with hard passages, and talked about how to apply what we were reading to real life. Sometimes I asked questions or challenged her to think differently. I also encouraged her to try new things that felt a little scary—like joining a small group of young women and attending an interest meeting to serve on the worship team at church. She was tentative and reserved, but willing to risk. With each new person she met and activity she tried, I watched her bloom like a flower, one petal at a time. 

Tijuana, Mexico

The pace of her blossoming increased when she agreed to join me on our church’s annual trip to build homes in Mexico. On the first evening there, she was hesitant and fearful to lead nightly discussions in her tent, so we prayed together that God would give her confidence and wisdom. And He did. As the week unfolded, I watched the Lord use her to connect with and inspire others. Her tender heart, warm smile, and ability to see beauty in everything and everyone drew people to her. It wasn’t surprising when the students begged her to become a leader at youth group.

Two months later, we lead students together on our church’s annual houseboat trip. She barely resembled the tentative, shy, and lonely young woman I’d shared coffee with six months earlier. I listened with amazement as she spoke words of wisdom and grace to the girls on our boat during small group discussions. Each night, she also sang with the worship band; her passion for Jesus and openness to the Holy Spirit were palpable as she led. It was as if everyone at camp was transported to the throne room of heaven as we sang at the water’s edge.

Our weekly coffee dates have continued, only now she’s fitting them in between time ministering to students, leading worship, and sharing life with others. A few weeks ago, I stood beaming with joy listening to her give her testimony to over 130 students at a public high school. They were riveted. She explained her transformation in a post on Instagram, “I will be honest and say that at the beginning of this year I let loneliness blanket hope. I cried out to the Lord that He would save me, because He has before. I didn’t know how or really fully believe that He could. I prayed prayers I couldn’t imagine He would answer so beautifully, and then I watched Him turn my life around. ‘Taste and see that the Lord is Good.’ The Lord is so good to me. A taste, just a glimmer, and my heart is on fire for Jesus. He keeps His promises.”1

Her words highlight God’s unfaltering faithfulness; abiding in Him produces fruit in our lives. He empowers us to do what Jesus said in Matthew 28:19- “Go and make disciples.” I’ve seen His fruit as I’ve poured into her and walked alongside her. Paul’s prayer in Colossians captures our journey: “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 1:9-12, NIV). We have experienced the Spirit’s fruit of love, joy, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness in abundance. (Galatians 5:22- 23) It’s all come from abiding with Jesus and inviting the Holy Spirit to have His way in our lives. 

Soon, my sweet friend will be leaving for discipleship training school with Youth with a Mission. I’ll miss her like crazy, but I can’t wait to see what else God has in store for her. Our simple prayers before we met opened the door for the Lord to give each of us joy and fulfillment far beyond what we could have asked or imagined. (Ephesians 3:20) God can do the same in you. Will you commit to walking closely beside Him? Invite Him to use you and watch the fruit He’ll produce in your life as you follow His leading.

The Lord’s faithfulness enables our fruitfulness so that every person can know Him and receive deliverance from sin. Cain’s song “The Commission” is a beautiful rendition of the Great Commission from Matthew 28:19. Click here to listen.

1. Breezy Bochenek, Instagram post 9-14-22. To learn more about Breezy’s story, click here to visit her website.

Post inspired by Week 2 in Jen Wilkin’s God of Deliverance: A Study of Exodus 1-18, Lifeway Press, 2021.

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Your Body Matters to God

There’s a lot of talk in the world today about our bodies. Controversies about what we can and can’t do with them, how we can alter them, and how to handle our sexuality dominate news headlines, social media posts, and personal conversations. They are confusing and deeply personal subjects. Many of us struggle silently, wondering where to find answers. The internet abounds with advice, but how do we know what we can trust? For those who follow Jesus, there’s one obvious place we can look to find answers: the Bible. As the designer of our bodies, God has deep wisdom to offer us on some of the most confusing issues today. Let’s explore a few key points Scripture makes regarding our bodies and how they relate to our identity.

1. Your Body is a Dwelling Place for the Holy Spirit

Accepting Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sin opens the door for us to have a relationship with God. This isn’t only great news for life after death, it also means the Holy Spirit comes to live within us: “Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them…All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.’” (John 14:23,25-26, NIV)

It’s amazing to realize that the Spirit of God resides within us when we surrender our lives to Christ. He teaches us God’s ways and reminds us what Jesus taught in the Scriptures. What a gift it is to have access to His wisdom and guidance any time we ask. How often are you tapping into this incredible power inside of you?

2. Your Body is a Temple

With the Holy Spirit living inside of us, it makes sense that God sees our bodies as His temple: “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”  (1 Cor 3:16, NIV)

God cherishes us, so the way we treat our bodies matters to Him. The way others treat our bodies also matters to the Lord. Just as buildings with spiritual significance deserve honor and reverence, the Lord has a high view of our bodies and calls us to treat them with dignity and respect. Do we treat them like we believe that’s true?

3. You Are Made in God’s Image

Humans have the distinct honor of being made in God’s image. Unlike animals, we are visual representations of God—much in the same way children resemble their parents: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NIV)

Just as we see similarities between parents and children in appearance, personality, giftedness, and character, we have correlating characteristics with God. We are His offspring and reflect His glory. He’s given us gifts, talents, and skills that bless others and make the world a better place. Our acts of goodness, love, and beauty point back to our Creator and reveal His character. The Bible gives us operating instructions for life–are we looking to it to form our characters and guide our choices?

4. You Are Known by God

Not only did the Lord make us in His image, He also knows us intimately, both body and soul. David’s eloquent words capture this beautifully:

“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely…

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book   before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:1-4, 13-16, NIV)

God knows us better than we know ourselves. So, if we’re His children, our Heavenly Father should be the one we turn to for answers to hard questions. He is trustworthy and good; filtering the challenging topics of our time through His Word leads us to His unchanging truth. When we come across perspectives in the Bible that differ from the prevailing views of our society, we need to grapple with the Lord in prayer and seek the wisdom of godly people with biblical knowledge. If we’re floating with the tide of popular opinion or following the loudest voices, we’re missing out on the rock-solid truth found in the Bible.

God loves you and wants what’s best for you. He designed your body and has good plans for you. He is trustworthy and faithful. It’s just that simple. Will you prioritize seeking His wisdom over believing the confusing messages in our world today?

If you’re ready for a deeper dive into related topics, scroll down for some suggestions on podcasts, books and articles. 

No matter where you stand, be comforted by the truth that God knows and loves you fully. Let that sink in by listening to “Known” by Tauren Wells.

Podcasts: 

God & Sexuality by John Mark Comer and Jon Tyson

Live No Lies Podcast Episode 4: John Mark Comer & Dr. Nancy Pearcy on gender, abortion, sex and more

Books: 

Live No Lies by John Mark Comer 

Love Thy Body by Dr. Nancy Pearcy

Articles:

got questions.org is an excellent resource to find answers from the Bible to many different questions.

How is the Sexual Revolution Affecting Women and Girls Today?

Spirit Come Down

I’ve had the same worship song playing on repeat in my mind for several weeks—ever since I got home from serving as a leader at our church’s annual houseboat trip for high school students. Living on a boat with thirteen teenage girls and another adult leader alongside 23 other houseboats was both exhausting and exhilarating. There’s something awe-inspiring about staking boats to a piece of land, setting up camp, and creating a vibrant, Christ-centered community.

Spending a week away from the world not only provided respite from normal responsibilities, it also freed us to connect with one another and the Lord. Without many of the distractions of regular life at home, we had time to play outside, enjoy creation, worship God, pray together, and learn from the Bible. Perhaps most impactful were the times we gathered by the water’s edge nightly to sing worship songs and listen to a teaching from Scripture. 

We started the week by inviting the Holy Spirit to move among us, and He didn’t disappoint. Sitting on the shoreline looking out at the lake, I thought of the words in the opening lines of Genesis: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (Genesis 1:1-2, NIV)

That same Spirit that hovered over the waters at creation transformed hearts and lives on a rocky shoreline at Lake Shasta. But long before students set foot on the boats or dipped their toes into the water, the prayers of many people laid the groundwork for that week at camp. Some of us gathered as a group to pray, many of us also prayed on our own. The day before students arrived, I felt prompted to pray for specific kids by name. At the end of the week, I brushed tears out of my eyes as some of those students professed their faith in Jesus before being immersed in the waters of baptism. Many others saw similar answers to prayer as they listened to students share about their lives being transformed.

Since returning home, I’ve thought a lot about how the Spirit moved at camp. Being away from daily routines, having time and space to enjoy creation, and focusing on spiritual growth opened the floodgates for the Holy Spirit to work. Although the camp experience was powerful, the same Spirit who hovered over the waters there is with us always. Jesus made this clear in His teaching: “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17, NIV)

So, while it’s easier to focus on the Spirit when we’re surrounded by the beauty of creation with our days scheduled around worship, prayer, and spiritual conversations, we can still find Him in regular life too. The Bible assures us: “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.” (1 John 4:12-15, NIV)

This year I’ve been praying God would make me more aware of His presence on a daily basis. I’m beginning to notice not just the obvious places where He reveals Himself (like on the shores of Lake Shasta while singing worship songs), but in the subtle ways He answers simple prayers, reassures me with encouraging words, or prompts me to show love to others.

The Holy Spirit lives within every follower of Jesus, but we can invite Him to fill us and spill out from us in increasing measure each day. The experience on Houseboats was inspiring, but God’s presence isn’t only in places of beauty and respite. If, like me, you want to see more of the Holy Spirit in your life, invite Him to pour Himself out on you, to lead you, and to prompt you every day. 

Ever since singing it on Houseboats, I can’t get the words of “Rest on Us” out of my head. Enjoy this short video clip from our week at Lake Shasta:

Or, listen to the full length version by  Maverick City Music and let it become your ongoing prayer. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qryRCbNYro

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Small Beginnings

Tearing out the sheet of binder paper, I wrote a bullet-pointed list of discussion questions based on a Bible passage I’d been studying. Each week I’d take my hand-written questions and photocopy them in my sorority’s study lounge, known as “The Pit” because of its location in the basement of our house. Climbing the steps to the expansive living room, I’d sit on the floor near the fireplace glancing regularly at my watch, waiting to see if anyone would come.

Inviting girls in my house to join a Bible study had been a stunning leap of faith for me as a sophomore in college. Before God had emboldened me, I’d always been someone that craved approval and validation from others. I liked fitting in, not creating a stir. This venture launched me way past the limits of my comfort zone. Not everyone cheered on my efforts. As you might imagine, Bible study veered beyond the typical activities for girls at my secular university. Some weeks ten of my sorority sisters would show up, others no one would come. 

I didn’t know that God was preparing me for many other opportunities to write, lead, teach, mentor, and serve. Looking back, I see how the Lord used that time to equip and prepare me to walk alongside others growing in faith. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of pouring into a variety of women at different seasons in my life. Usually it’s only a few, but over time this has added up to a lot of lives.

That’s what I thought of when I read this passage: “Do not despise these small beginnings for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10a, NLT)

So often when God prompts us to act, we expect big, splashy results immediately. When we don’t get them, we become discouraged and want to quit. Or, we get distracted and lose our focus, as the Jews re-building the temple did in the book of Haggai.

Jennifer Rothschild encourages us saying, “You may feel small, insignificant, thinking who you are or where you are is unimportant compared to the seemingly big significance of others’ lives and situations. But no one and nothing is really small and insignificant. The big impact of small things can be overlooked if we aren’t careful… God does know your name. He doesn’t overlook you just because somebody has a bigger problem, a bigger project, or a bigger personality. No matter how big the world is and no matter how small you may feel, God has called you to take courage and finish the work He has called you to…Let His voice be louder than the outside voice of opposition and that nagging inner voice that tries to convince you that you are too small for your call.”1 

Recently, I returned from IF:Gathering—a conference attended by thousands of women in person and online all over the world. Sitting in the audience with 4000 other women, I watched as one gifted speaker after another took the stage. Their teaching energized me and spurred on my faith. But, if I’m honest, there were moments that I also felt a little angsty and cynical. I’m not proud to admit that I slipped into comparison mode a few times. As soon as I did this, joy drained out of me. Listening to accomplished speakers with multiple published books and thousands of followers made my own efforts to impact others for Jesus seem small by comparison.  For a few moments I bounced between envy and self-doubt, until the Holy Spirit reminded me of truth. 

I couldn’t stay in a negative mindset for long when I remembered the good things God has done in and through me. The fact that friends had accepted my invitation to spend time and money flying 1500 miles to attend IF:Gathering was cause for celebration. My “small beginning” with my traveling companions started almost 9 years ago when I invited them to join a Bible study to explore the Christian faith. Seeing how much they’ve grown is a testament to the way God uses small beginnings to bring big results. But this takes time; typically we don’t get the instant gratification we crave when it comes to matters of faith.

I wonder if you can relate to my feelings. Are you ever tempted to dismiss or discount a work of the Lord in your life? Do you ever feel like the part you play isn’t big or important enough? Some small beginnings lead to big things that are large in size—like Jennie Allen’s vision to start IF:Gathering. But other small beginnings lead to things that are big in value—like journeying alongside a few people consistently and helping them to grow spiritually over time. Taking the step of faith to respond to God’s prompting matters more than the size of what He’s calling you to do.

Is there something you’ve begun that’s stalling right now? Do you need to re-engage with that small group Bible study you’ve stopped attending? Or, is it time to reach out again to that neighbor you’ve been meaning to invite for coffee? Do you sense God stirring in you to mentor someone? Or is it time to ask a more mature believer to mentor you? What about starting that Bible study with your neighbors that you’ve been talking about for years? Or is it time to say “yes” to that invitation into leadership that seems like a big stretch for you?

Let this song we sang at IF:Gathering inspire you. Click here to listen to “God of Revival” by Phil Wickham.

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  1. Jennifer Rothschild, Take Courage: A Study of Haggai, Lifeway Press 2020, 60-61.

Bold and Gentle

Weaving through the crowd on my way to class was always an adventure in college. As I walked through the heart of campus, people milling on the main pathway peppered passersby with a barrage of requests. They called out asking us to sign petitions, offering tickets to movie screenings, and handing out pamphlets espousing political agendas. Some of them were annoying or aggressive, others were intriguing. But there was one person that always made my heart hammer with anger and embarrassment when he visited campus. He would stand on a stairway to the side of the walkway holding a hand-made sign that read: “Sinners: Repent or burn in hell!” As if that wasn’t jarring enough, he would shout harsh judgements at us based on Bible verses taken out of context. There was never a trace of love in his words.

Sometimes students would stop and engage in animated conversations with him; often they escalated into shouting matches. For me, as a follower of Jesus trying to be a light on my dark campus, this man’s presence was devastating. I feared people who knew I was a believer would lump me in the same bucket with him and that any chance of sharing the gospel would be ruined. His boldness and passion to share his faith lacked the balance of love and grace.

I thought of the importance of that symmetry when I read Priscilla Shirer’s words this week: “BE UNASHAMED—public and bold in your allegiance to Him.”1 Being bold, public, and unashamed doesn’t imply that we have license to be rude or aggressive as we show allegiance to Jesus. Peter explains: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16, NIV italics added) We need to engage others with respect no matter how strongly we disagree with their stances, especially in matters of faith. If we bait others or lash out with hurtful words, it’s unlikely they’ll be open to hearing anything we say. How we treat people matters as much as the words we say.

Imagine throwing a rubber ball against a wall. The harder you throw it, the more forcefully it bounces back at you. The same is true with our words. When our passionate feelings lead us to speak with anger, judgement, or harshness, it’s likely that’s what we’ll get in return. In the book of Romans, Paul tells us that God’s kindness is intended to lead to repentance (Romans 2:4). When we’re bold with our kindness to others, it’s more likely to soften the tone of their responses to us. It might even open the door for more genuine conversations about our faith.

In another one of his letters Paul says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6, NIV) We need to think carefully before we speak, text, or post comments about sensitive topics. “Our words should impact our conversations for the better as we bring a different ‘flavor’ to our interactions, build others up, and share as well as defend the gospel.”2 The world already has an atmosphere that’s divisive and contentious. It doesn’t need harsh words from Christians making things worse. It’s important to consider others’ perspectives and not to stoke bitterness or animosity on purpose. Sarcasm and insensitive humor often alienate and marginalize. So, let’s demonstrate allegiance to Christ in a manner that is empathetic and filled with grace. 

Strong opinions and feelings often stem from personal experiences. If someone riles you with a viewpoint that you know opposes Scripture, take a deep breath and pray instead of reacting immediately. Anger and harshness often cover pain and hurt. Instead of responding with indignation, take the wisdom of James to heart: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20, NIV) 

Our world gravitates toward quick reactions and sharp retorts, but meaningful conversations that explore differing viewpoints rarely occur in this environment. It takes love, patience, and perseverance to show allegiance to Jesus in a way that will draw others to Him. 

If we want to be bold, we need to start by cultivating our relationship with the Holy Spirit “until His presence overflows in our actions, attitudes, and ambitions. His fruit and His gifts become outworked through our lives…His fire is what we need if we expect to live up to our calling and experience the freedom of serving others with selfless joy and real power.”3

What do others experience when they interact with you? What tone do you project as you speak, text, or post online? How do you treat people as you go about your day? Click here and listen to “Relate” by For King and Country and let it inspire you to be bold with your love but gentle and empathetic as you encounter those who think differently.

  1. Priscilla Shirer, Elijah, Lifeway Press, 2020, 175   
  2. GotQuestions.org, “Why are we told to ‘let your words be seasoned with salt’ (Colossians 4:6)?”
  3. Priscilla Shirer, Elijah, Lifeway Press, 2020, 183

Photo Credit: pixabay.com

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Stop the Frenzy 

Reading aloud to my sons was one of my favorite activities when they were little. It was a sweet way for us to slow down and enjoy time together with undivided attention. One of my boys’ favorite books was Jennifer and Josephine by Bill Peet. Completing a portion of Priscilla Shirer’s Elijah Bible study entitled “Stop the Frenzy” reminded me of it recently.

The opening scene depicts a junkyard with a rusted-out car named Jennifer. A stray cat named Josephine spends her days lounging in Jennifer’s backseat. Then, one day, the sleeping cat unwittingly becomes a stowaway when a traveling salesman buys Jennifer.

After riding in the backseat for a few miles, Josephine nicknames the salesman “Mr. Frenzy,” highlighting his constant rush to get from one place to the next. She describes him as a pushy, rude bully who drives Jennifer quickly and carelessly over winding country roads. Mr. Frenzy takes one risk after another, not heeding other drivers or the property that he destroys along the way.1

Mr. Frenzy’s frantic demeanor seems to echo Priscilla Shirer’s comments about the prophets of Baal in her Elijah Bible study: “A frenzied life is not a faith-filled life. Whether it’s God’s people not staying firmly tied to Him, or godless people tying their hopes to godless pursuits, it invariably leads to an empty, hollow, unsatisfying conclusion, even after all the time and energy, after all that work and effort.”2

There are times when I could be nicknamed “Mrs. Frenzy.” As I cram more into my schedule, I’m less sensitive to those around me. Leaving no margin in my time causes me to be thoughtless, impatient, and irritable. Anything that stands in the way of accomplishing my agenda becomes an annoying obstacle. (And being fueled by caffeine only exacerbates the situation.) In my frenzied state, I’m not open to being interrupted by people who need my help or attention. And most important of all, my frantic pace causes me to feel impatient even when I’m trying to spend time with God.

Have you ever felt that way? For me, it’s a warning sign that I need to slow down and seek the Lord first before jumping into a frenzied day. As I pump the brakes and refocus on Him, He puts everything back into the right perspective. I accomplish exactly what I need to do and discover that some tasks that felt urgent really weren’t. I guess that’s a picture of Jesus’ words:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)   I love how the Message version paraphrases the last part: “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”3

The “yoke” Jesus mentions is a tool used for plowing a field. It is a curved piece of wood with two slots fitted over a pair of oxen. Imagine how unbalanced it would be to have one animal trying to carry a yoke meant for two. Similarly, when we try to carry our burdens on our own, we feel weary and beaten down. The added weight often causes us to feel frenzied and overwhelmed. However, when we yoke ourselves to Jesus, He gives us the strength we need because we are walking in step with Him. There is no need to be frantic when the Maker of the earth and stars walks beside us and shares the load.

One of my favorite verses sums it up: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10, NIV) Another translation says: “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (NASB- italics added for emphasis) Our striving is a vain attempt to be in control of our lives that depletes and exhausts us. When we stop our frantic activity to be still, God reminds us He is Lord and we are not. Quieting our souls prompts us to return God to His proper place in our lives.

You can’t put gas in a car while it’s running. Similarly, it’s difficult to let the Holy Spirit fill you when you’re constantly on the go. Stopping to let Him rejuvenate and refresh you gives you a new perspective and enables you to be a restful presence for others.

Priscilla Shirer encourages us: “You have not been called to an exhausting spiritual life—wavering, weaving, overworking, selfishly wanting. You are His beloved [child]. Heir to a great inheritance. You can live in settled confidence. You can adjust from folly to faith. You can apply the hard-learned lessons of the process and rest in His sure provision.”4

Writing this was a convicting reminder for me. If you feel the same, then consider praying something like this: Lord, I confess that I can be like those frenzied idol worshipers Elijah mocked on Mt. Carmel. I want to repent of the areas where I’ve stopped trusting You and have traded faith for doubt, panic, and fear. Please empower me with your Spirit so that I can live in a way that’s clearly distinct from those who don’t know You. Remind me of the favor and approval I can claim because of my relationship with You through Jesus. Teach me to rest and live in step with the rhythm of your grace. In Jesus name, amen.

Slow down and let Johnny Diaz’s song “Breathe” help you gain perspective on your frenzied life. Click here to listen.

  1. Bill Peet, Jennifer and Josephine, Houghton Mifflin, 1967.
  2. Priscilla Shirer, Elijah, Lifeway Press, 2020, 145.
  3. Eugene H. Peterson, The Message, Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018.
  4. Priscilla Shirer, Elijah, Lifeway Press, 2020, 147.

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Thanksgiving Bonus

Studying the prayers of people in Scripture over the past few months has shown us the importance of slowing down to thank God. In our culture, we’re prone to filling up those moments meant for pausing with way too much activity. Thanksgiving is almost here but, before you start shopping, cooking, baking, hosting, or eating, take some time to put on the brakes and do what the holiday was designed for: giving thanks. 

While I have many things that I’m thankful for this year, I want to turn my attention to just a few. Will you join me in drawing near to God and thanking Him for some of these rich blessings?

1. The Gift of God’s Faithfulness: “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24, NIV) In April of 2020, God blessed me with the opportunity to write Extraordinary Prayer. At the time I agreed to do it, I had plenty of time to write due to the COVID lockdown. However, three months later, my mom was diagnosed with cancer and put on hospice. Before I finished writing it, she went home to heaven. Words can’t express my gratefulness to God for enabling me to balance caring for my mom with writing the study and bringing it to completion. And on top of that, He’s given me tremendous joy as I’ve taught through different sessions and studied it with others this fall.

2. The Hope of Eternity with God: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17, NIV) These verses have become so familiar that we may have lost sight of their significance. I’m thankful that God showed us mercy by sending His son to pay the price for our sins so that we can be with Him forever. It’s comforting knowing God’s plan isn’t to condemn us, but to save us. Attending to two funerals recently and having both my parents deceased makes me even more aware of how fleeting our time on earth is. I’m truly grateful that this life isn’t the end of the story.

3. The Gift of the Holy Spirit: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be  in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you… But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:16-18, 26, NIV) I’m grateful for God’s continual presence in my life through the gift of the Holy Spirit. What a comfort it is knowing I have a counselor and guide who gives me access to God’s power at all times. Although my earthly parents are now in heaven, I thank God that He doesn’t leave me as an orphan.

4. The Gift of Peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV) In a world filled with chaos and discord, I’m grateful for peace that isn’t dependent upon circumstances. Because God is faithful and trustworthy, I can have peace that defies logic. I am confident of His goodness and know that He wants only what is good for me. So even when I don’t understand why He’s allowing hardships or difficulties, I can find peace in Him. That’s a rare gift in our world today.

5. The Gift of Christian Fellowship: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6, NIV) What an incredible gift and blessing it is to walk beside others in faith. Over the past year I’ve experienced numerous hard, sad, difficult moments, but I’ve also received an abundance of love, support, and encouragement from godly friends and family. In addition to that, I’ve had the joy of serving with some incredible people who have sharpened my faith and helped me to continue growing in my walk with Jesus. God surrounded me with amazing support as I wrote Extraordinary Prayer. If you have a copy of the book, you can see many of their names written in the acknowledgements.

What fills you with gratitude right now? Don’t let the bustle of the holiday cause you to miss what it’s really all about. Take five minutes and tell God how you feel. Let Rend Collective’s “Counting Every Blessing” put words to your prayer. Click here to listen.

Session 1: Help for Our Prayers

The acrid odor of chemicals flooded my nostrils as I entered the classroom. Dusty beakers and a jumble of lab tools littered the black soapstone counter near a stained sink. Scanning the room on the first day of class, I hunted for an empty seat near a friendly face. Fifth period chemistry was pure misery for me my junior year in high school. The only bright spot in an otherwise dismal class was my lab partner. Although I barely knew her, we forged a friendship that year as we trudged through the dreaded subject together. Without her help, I’m not sure I would’ve passed the class. 

Maybe you didn’t hate chemistry, but you can probably agree that having a companion makes most things in life better. A good partner provides comfort, wisdom, and encouragement in so many different contexts. But even the most loyal and trustworthy people can’t always be there for us. Thankfully, God has provided us with the perfect partner who will never leave us or fail us.

Jesus explained this to His disciples just before He left earth and returned to His Father in heaven: “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:25-27, NIV) 

God provided the Holy Spirit as His ongoing presence with us. Through Him, we can experience peace that isn’t dependent on our circumstances, but on trusting His sovereignty in all things. Scripture explains how we can be assured the Spirit lives within us: “This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.” (1 John 4:13-15, NIV) Any person who accepts Jesus as their Savior receives His Holy Spirit. This means God literally dwells within those who believe in Jesus.

The Holy Spirit provides us with a wealth of spiritual resources that equip us to walk with the Lord while on earth, including helping us in our prayers. Knowing how and what to pray feels daunting at times—but in the book of Romans, Paul explains, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27, NIV). We can be confident that the Holy Spirit labors beside us in our prayers and guides us to pursue the Lord’s will.

Paul continues in Romans 8 with another reassurance, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34:b, NIV). So this means “we pray to the Father through the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit. All three actively participate in our prayers.”1 Joining the Trinity in the fellowship of prayer is an incredible gift and privilege. However, many people see it only as an opportunity to ask God for personal needs and wants. A quote in Extraordinary Prayer challenges this notion by explaining, “We pray to get God, not to get stuff from God.”2 With the Holy Spirit’s intercession, our prayers align with the Lord’s will. And as we cultivate a relationship with God through prayer, we learn to trust Him for our needs so we can pray beyond them.

Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13, NIV) Why not invite the Holy Spirit to fall afresh on you today? Pray that He’ll increase your desire for deeper communication with Him and show you how to make time for it consistently.

Thank the Lord for providing a faithful partner and commit to drawing near to Him this week. Let Natalie Grant’s song “More Than Anything” remind you to seek the Lord for Himself, not just for what you want Him to do for you.

1. https://www.gotquestions.org/pray-Father-Son-Spirit.html

2. Marybeth McCullum, Extraordinary Prayer: Using God’s Word to Expand Your Prayer Life, 2020, 17

The GOAT Part 11: Ask, Seek, Knock

Heading into our eleventh week of THE GOAT, the Greatest Sermon of All Time, Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing God with bold prayers: 

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-11, NIV)

I love that Jesus invites us to pray boldly and persistently, but if I’m honest, waiting for God to act can get tiring. And sometimes the Lord’s answers look different than I expect or come more slowly than I want. Can you relate?

Author and Bible teacher Priscilla Shirer explains, “Whether God moves is a question of His sovereignty, not His ability.  What He does is His business.  Believing that He can is our business.”1 Praying expectantly is hard work when we try to do it on our own strength.  Below are a six keys I’ve learned over the years that will help you persevere:

1. Keep Your Eyes on God Instead of the Answer You Seek: It’s natural to fixate on the outcome we want. However, praising the Lord shouldn’t be dependent on our circumstances–He deserves our worship regardless. Focusing on all Jesus has done for you brings peace that isn’t dependent upon your situation or a particular answer you’re seeking.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV)

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:3-4, NIV)

2. Maintain an Eternal Perspective: Sometimes we forget this world is not our permanent home. That’s why it’s helpful to take a step back and see your situation from a broader perspective when you’re feeling discouraged. As followers of Jesus, we’re just passing through here on our way to being with God forever. Take a look at the content of your prayers and ask yourself “In the light of eternity, how much does this really matter?” The answer to this question may change the focus of your requests.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV)

3. Remember that God Does Things His Way, Not Ours: It’s easy to focus so much on the outcome we want that we miss the ways God is already at work in our lives. Instead of praying for Him to perform according to our expectations, let’s remember God is sovereign and give Him room to work in the way He sees best. 

 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.“  (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)

4. Focus on Gratitude: When we’re praying about a specific situation, we tend to forget all the things God has done or is doing in our lives.  It builds our faith and trust in the Lord to thank Him for what He’s already done. We can even thank God for how He is working behind the scenes while we wait.  In all circumstances, there is something for which we can thank God.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6, NIV)

5. Pray for Strength and Confidence as You Wait: It’s ok to be honest in prayer and admit that we’re struggling or weary. Instead of giving up, ask the Lord to restore your strength, confidence, and hope in Him. Beyond this, we can pray He’ll show us what He wants us to learn while we wait. 

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14, NIV)

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-4, NIV)

6. Let Others Encourage You: It’s easier to wait when we have company. Ask a trusted friend to pray with you. Inviting others to join us in prayer keeps us from getting bitter and helps us to stay hopeful.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25, NIV)

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. (Hebrews 3:12-14, NIV)

Which one of these keys would benefit you most right now? Is there someone else you know that could be encouraged by this post? How about sharing it? And if you’re looking for a place to get plugged in, I’ll be studying my new book Extraordinary Prayer with women at CPC Danville this fall. I’d love to see you there. Click here for more information.

Need some encouragement as you wait? Let Lauren Daigle’s song “Trust in You” help you regain your focus. Click here to watch.

1. Faithful, Abundant, True Bible Study, by Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer & Lori Looney, Lifeway Press, 2010, (p.94). 

This post complements Tyler Scott’s sermon “The GOAT Part 11” at CPC Danville. Click here to view.

The GOAT Part 2b “Light”

Descending down the paved path, our kids skipped beside us, giddy with anticipation.   We were on vacation with two other families and the fourteen of us had decided to explore a cave we’d seen advertised on a roadside sign. As we neared the entrance, a park ranger stationed at a booth nearby called out to us, “Do you folks have some flashlights? The cave is a mile long and it gets mighty dark and cold in there.”

We held up a few puny flashlights we’d planned to share among the group. He smiled in a way that let us know how pathetic we were. “It’s up to you, but I’d suggest renting a few lanterns. You’re going to want to keep close tabs on those little ones.” He gestured to the gaggle of kids surrounding us. Pooling together all the cash we had, we rented three lanterns and walked toward the adventure awaiting us at the mouth of the cave.

Within minutes, our previously boisterous kids sidled close to the adults carrying the lanterns. We left the last rays of sunlight and moved into the depths of the darkness. Between the 42-degree air and the utter blackness all around us, no one wanted to stray far from the group or the light. Without the lanterns to guide our way, it would have been a frightening (and probably very short) trek into the cave.

Although this adventure happened many years ago, I remembered it vividly as I listened to the sermon at CPC Danville on Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

Put simply, Jesus calls us to be lights that lead people towards Him in a world of spiritual darkness. Jesus says that our lights shine when we do good deeds, which in turn bring glory to God. While non-believers may not always affirm or recognize the light Christians bring into the world, they would definitely notice if it were absent.

It is important to keep in mind that our actions often speak more loudly than our words. We can’t always recall what others have said to us, but few of us forget how another person made us feel. Consistency of character shows over the long haul. The impression we leave on others opens or closes doors for future opportunities to share our faith.

It can take people a lot longer to recognize they are in spiritual darkness than physical darkness. Our world is full of distractions that comfort or anesthetize individuals into believing they don’t need God. Often it’s not until someone experiences deep pain or hardship that they begin to do some soul searching and seek spiritual wisdom. If you’ve been there for them all along, they may finally realize the value of the lifeline you’re offering through Jesus.

So how can you be a light today?

  1. Be intentional about connecting with Jesus and keeping Him in the forefront of your mind throughout the day. Apply His teaching from John 15:4-5: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
  2. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
  3. Invite the Lord to show you where you can shine the light of His love and grace. Sometimes it may involve words, other times it will only be through your actions. Maybe it’s as simple as smiling at someone or holding a door open for them. Perhaps it’s offering a word of encouragement or affirmation. Maybe it’s meeting a need, offering a listening ear, or speaking a kind word. Each interaction we have with others provides a chance to make their world a little better and to shine our lights a little brighter.

Let’s consider my story about the cave in the context of our spiritual lives: Imagine that upon accepting Christ, each new believer receives a lantern to carry out into the world where spiritual darkness prevails. When we love people with our actions it creates opportunities to share the truth of God’s Word. We are like the people in the cave holding the lantern. Those fumbling in the dark are drawn to the light and find comfort in its presence. Our world is struggling in spiritual darkness; we have the privilege of holding the lantern and leading them into the light every day, one step at a time.

Let Kari Jobe’s “We Are” inspire you to shine the light of Jesus today:

*Updated from my “Shining God’s Light in the Darkness” 2015 posts.