Category: Obedience to God

Forgiving Our Debtors

Pulling up to the curb, the bus parked in front of an odd-looking building. I was tired and unenthused; all of the churches and historic sites in England were starting to blend together. Jet lag and being constantly on the move were starting to wear on me and I was tempted to skip this stop and just stay on the bus. Thankfully, I didn’t.

Stepping onto the sidewalk, I was confused by the building that stood before me. One half looked like a 1950’s era cinderblock church, the other half was the shell of a 14th century gothic cathedral. The two didn’t match at all and the cynical part of me assumed someone with poor taste had designed this strange site.

An enthusiastic tour guide welcomed our group and ushered us inside the newer half of Coventry Cathedral. From the moment he began to speak, I knew this wasn’t going to be a typical tour. Everything in the building had been designed to point visitors to different truths about God, His Word, and what it meant to be an authentic follower of Christ. I could have lingered in that massive building all afternoon contemplating the significance of each symbolic object and space. 

Continuing on, I wasn’t prepared for the most profound part of the tour as the guide led us out of the modern building and into the old gothic cathedral. Although the exterior walls were intact, German bombs had obliterated the roof and interior during World War II. The tour guide explained that shortly after it was destroyed, the cathedral stonemason discovered that two charred medieval roof timbers had fallen in the shape of a cross. He set them up in the ruins and eventually they were placed on the altar amidst the rubble. The words “Father Forgive” were later inscribed on the wall behind the cross.

Seeing the blackened cross and the words behind it brought a lump to my throat. The people of Coventry Cathedral had grasped the magnitude of God’s love when He allowed His son to die on the cross so that the sins of the world could be forgiven. They knew their only option was to offer forgiveness to the very enemies who had destroyed their cathedral.

Their choice to forgive perfectly captures one line in Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Matthew’s gospel: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” This is the only portion of the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus expands on further: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:12, 14-15, NIV) There are some powerful lessons we can learn from the example of forgiveness set by the people of Coventry Cathedral.

Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling: The morning after the cathedral was bombed on November 14, 1940, the decision was made to rebuild a new cathedral that would lead the people of Coventry away from bitterness and hatred. My guess is that if they had waited until they “felt” like forgiving the Germans, the church would still be in ruins both spiritually and physically.

Forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event: It took over a decade for the new cathedral to be constructed. The rebuilding process enabled the people to examine their hearts and create a new structure that was a physical manifestation of God’s grace and forgiveness. The second church was built at a perpendicular angle to the original one so that the two buildings form the shape of a cross when viewed from above.

Forgiveness allows God to work in you and others: The bombing of the cathedral ultimately led the congregation to begin a ministry of peace and reconciliation that continues to provide spiritual and practical support in areas of conflict throughout the world. Forgiving their enemies brought emotional and spiritual healing that freed them to help others on their own journeys of forgiveness.

Forgiveness doesn’t require an apology first: The decision to rebuild the cathedral and to use it as a symbol of God’s forgiveness was made while the war raged on with the Germans. The people of Coventry didn’t wait in defiant pride until restitution was paid. They didn’t demand to have the atrocity committed against them be rectified before they forgave. They chose to forgive, and they trusted God to bring justice in His perfect timing.

While Coventry Cathedral provides tangible examples about the keys to forgiveness, the four points I’ve listed come from my personal experiences. I know first-hand how hard it is. I’ve spent much time wrestling with God and His Word as I’ve worked through my pain in the process of forgiving others. If forgiveness were easy, we wouldn’t have needed Jesus to die on the cross to make it possible. Because He did that, we have no choice but to follow His example. 

How could we ever withhold from others the forgiveness that God so freely gives to us?

Click on the link to hear further wisdom on this topic with Matthew West’s song “Forgiveness.” Below the link you’ll find other helpful resources on forgiveness.

For further reading on forgiveness, I highly recommend Lewis Smedes’ book Forgive and Forget.

To learn more about Coventry Cathedral, click on the link:

http://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/wpsite/

Forgive Us Our Debts

It was a brisk fall evening when the sport utility vehicle sped down our street, lost control around a curve, and mowed down our neighbors’ mailbox. After flattening the wooden post, it was still going fast enough to plow through a hedge and hit our parked SUV, spinning it backwards before slamming it into our garage. The speeding car finally came to a stop on our front lawn. Despite the sturdiness of the vehicle, its front end was a crumpled mass of metal. The sixteen-year-old driver emerged from the mangled car without a scratch. He had been racing his buddies down our street and misjudged the turn in the dark.

As the teenage boys sat on the curb waiting for the driver’s parents and the police, they discussed the incident with great enthusiasm, seeming to revel in the excitement of having totaled not one, but two, eight-passenger vehicles. Although this incident happened many years ago, I’ll never forget the behavior of the driver and his friends; their lack of remorse was stunning. At the time of the accident, my own boys were only six and four. I can remember making them study the smashed cars carefully so that they’d remember the incident when they were old enough to drive.

A few minutes later, the driver’s father arrived on the scene. We exchanged insurance information and he muttered, “I’m sorry this happened.” He never prompted his son look us in the eye and apologize. The boy didn’t return the next day to help clean up the mess in our yard or to replace our neighbor’s mailbox. I’m not sure if he learned any valuable lessons from that incident.

I was reminded of that event as I read the fourth phrase in the Lord’s Prayer this week: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12, NIV) Some faith traditions use the terms “trespasses” instead of “debts,” but the concept is the same. In this part of the prayer, Jesus models the importance of identifying and confessing our sins. 

 This isn’t a popular topic in today’s culture. It seems we’ve become a society averse to accepting responsibility for our wrongdoing, let alone labeling it as sin and seeking forgiveness. We shift blame whenever possible. Or even worse, we try to rationalize why the wrong things we’re doing are actually justified. Many in our culture want to excuse or even condone sinful behavior altogether.

To clarify: Sin comes in all forms and includes anything that misses the mark of God’s perfection. Many of us recognize “big” sins like murder, but we don’t realize that God is just as offended by “small” sins that may go unnoticed. As we read the Bible, the Lord convicts us of wrongdoing so we can confess, repent, and return to a right relationship with Him. If you’re not sure how to identify sin, check out Ephesians 5:1-20, Galatians 5:13-26, and James 2:8-17 for a sampling of actions and attitudes that do and don’t please God. This may feel awkward and uncomfortable, but read them prayerfully and be open to what the Lord reveals to you.

No one likes to admit they’re wrong, but for those who call themselves followers of Jesus, this needs to be something we do regularly. When we humble ourselves, admit our sins and seek God’s forgiveness, He offers it freely. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV) Here’s the catch: we can’t be forgiven personally if we don’t acknowledge our sin.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the value of godly sorrow and true repentance. Following up on a previous letter he sent that rebuked them for some sinful behaviors, he says: “Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:8-10, NIV)

Godly sorrow involves repenting–turning away from our sins and going in a different direction. It is grief over the wickedness of our sins. It expresses sadness, understanding the hurt we cause our heavenly Father when we engage in sin. Coming to God with a contrite heart enables us to experience the tremendous grace and forgiveness He offers us through the blood of Jesus.

Conversely, worldly sorrow is self-centered. It is focused on the painful consequences of sin, not on the offense it is to God. It is sorry the situation happened, but it accepts no blame and has no intention of changing. (Sounds like my opening story, doesn’t it?) Worldly sorrow is an apology with words with the goal of placating the offended party, but with no remorse behind it.

It’s easy to get swept up in the attitude of our culture—to want to avoid responsibility for wrongdoing or to explain it away. We receive this message subtly, but constantly. If we follow Jesus, we must be on our guards lest we get lured into this way of thinking.

When was the last time you came before God with a contrite heart, deeply troubled by the hurt you’d caused Him through your sin? It’s never too late to pray and humbly ask for forgiveness. God has so much more to offer us than the world does. The first step to discovering that is our humble repentance.

Cody Carnes’ song “Run to the Father” paints a beautiful picture of the mercy and grace that await us when we confess our sin and seek the Lord’s forgiveness. Jesus already paid the price for it, don’t let your pride hold you back from receiving it.

Not OK with OMG

Remember the first time you read an abbreviation in a text message? Maybe it was “LOL” (laughing out loud) or “FYI “(for your information) or “BTW” (by the way). Once you learned what the different abbreviations meant, you probably saw them as quick and easy ways to communicate simple sentiments. I’ve incorporated several into my texting vocabulary, but there’s one that I’ve never added and never will: OMG (oh my God). Even writing it here makes me cringe a little. 

From the time I was a child, my parents were emphatic about their kids not saying, “Oh my God.” For them, it was on par with using forbidden swear words. This confused me because I heard other kids use the phrase regularly with no reaction from adults. My parents had a similar stance about using “Jesus Christ” to express frustration, anger, or disgust—it was definitely not ok, ever. I followed these rules without thinking much about them, mostly because I didn’t want to get in trouble.

As I grew older those two phrases became more and more common among my peers, in popular culture, movies, and TV shows. Even people I knew and respected used them. But as I studied the Bible more, my negative reaction to hearing God’s name misused began to match my parents’ feelings about it.

Two of the most well-known places in Scripture that show why this matters are the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament and the Lord’s Prayer in the New Testament. Let’s start with the Old Testament when Moses delivers the Ten Commandments to the Israelites. Since they were newly freed slaves, these laws helped them to establish their own society. The commandments were applicable then and still are now. The first three explain the relationship between God and His people. The Lord starts off by commanding us not to have any gods before Him and not to make or worship idols. In the third commandment He says, “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” (Exodus 20:7, NIV)

 One commentary explains: “The third of the Ten Commandments forbids taking or using the Lord’s name in an irreverent manner because that would indicate a lack of respect for God Himself…The name of the Lord is holy, as He is holy. The name of the Lord is a representation of His glory, His majesty, and His supreme deity. We are to esteem and honor His name as we revere and glorify God Himself. To do any less is to take His name in vain.”

In the New Testament, Jesus models the most fitting way to treat God’s name in the opening lines of the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9b, KJV) The word “hallowed” here is a transliteration of the Greek “hagiazó” meaning “to make holy, consecrate, sanctify.” When a name is hallowed, it’s set apart as holy and treated with special honor and care. 

In Scripture, God’s name represents His nature, attributes, and entire being. His name reflects His glory and commands awe, wonder, and praise, as we see in these psalms:

 “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.” (Psalm 8:1, NIV)

“He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever–holy and awesome is his name.” (Psalm 111:9, NIV)

By hallowing His Father’s name in the opening 0f the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus shows us that honoring and praising God should be the first thing we do when we engage Him in prayer.  One commentary explains, “Too often we barge into God’s presence with presumptuous ‘to-do lists’ for Him, without being mindful of His holiness, His awesomeness, and the vast chasm that separates our nature from His. That we are even allowed to come before His throne is due only to His gracious, merciful love for His own (Hebrews 4:16). We must never take that grace for granted.”

Like God the Father, the name of Jesus also deserves to be handled with reverence and awe. Between the book of Acts and Revelation, the New Testament invokes the name of Jesus thirty times to bless and heal people. Using Jesus’ name enabled His disciples to perform miracles and to speak with authority. One of the best New Testament passages that shows the power of His name comes from Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”(Philippians 2:9-11, NIV)

Knowing that all people will one day bow at the mention of Jesus’ name should cause us to feel humility and awe. How could we ever debase it by using it as a cuss word? And why would we want to use the name of His Father carelessly in conversation or a text message?

If “Oh my God” or “Jesus Christ” are phrases you use, please don’t feel judged or criticized, but do consider asking the Lord if you’re showing Him the reverence He deserves. If you’re feeling convicted, confess it and ask Him to tame your tongue (and your typing fingers). Desiring to give God the honor and respect He deserves is a prayer that aligns perfectly with His will.

Take some time to reflect on the power of Jesus’ name by listening to Natalie Grant’s “Your Great Name.”

Commentary quotations from:  https://www.gotquestions.org/Lords-name-vain.html

A Guide for Saying “Yes”

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’” (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)

How will we discover the adventure of trusting God’s plans for us if we’re never willing to try something new? Maybe you’ve been pondering and praying about that as you’re wrapping up studying Megan Fate Marshman’s Meant for Good. And perhaps you’re feeling a bit confused or unsure about saying “yes” to new opportunities. If so, I’d love to share some questions that have helped me with decision making. Over the years, I’ve used them to process the pros and cons of getting involved in new ventures. 

Saying “yes” creates an exciting opportunity for the Lord to work in and through you. It is important, however, to evaluate your options carefully. Before you decide, read the questions and verses that follow and pray for God to give you clarity. Consider inviting someone you trust and respect to be praying and checking in with you for a set period of time (I suggest one week). 

1.  Does what I’m hearing line up with Scripture?

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

“I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8, NIV

2.  Is what I’m hearing consistent with God’s character?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23, NET Bible

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31, NIV

3.  Is what I’m hearing being confirmed through other messages? Do people with godly wisdom affirm this decision to say “yes”?

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21, NIV

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22, NIV

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”  Psalm 32:8, NIV

4.  Is what I’m hearing beyond me? Is this something that will require me to rely on God’s strength, wisdom, and guidance rather than just my own skills or gifts?

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” First Thessalonians 5:24, NIV

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26, NIV

“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 14:26, NIV

5. Would what I’m hearing please God?

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”  Philippians 1:9-10, NIV

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” First Corinthians 10:31, NIV

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matthew 25:21, NIV

Once you’ve sorted out the biblical reasons for saying “yes,” it’s time to ask yourself about practical aspects of your current life situation:

  • Can I handle this request along with my current responsibilities?
  • How would this commitment affect my marriage, family, and/ or other important relationships?
  • How will this “yes” mean saying “no” to other things? Is there something else filling my time that it’s time to let go?
  • Do I have the time and mental space to add this onto my plate right now?
  • Do I have emotional bandwidth for this commitment in my life right now?
  • What’s holding me back from saying “yes”? 
  • What positive things could happen if I say “yes”?

Experiencing the adventures God has in store starts with giving your best “yes.” Processing and praying through these questions will enable you to make a decision with confidence and peace.

Above all else, remember that anything God calls you to do is for your good and His glory; He will equip you with exactly what you need! He loves you and wants to bless you in amazing ways as you serve Him. May you discover incredible joy as He leads you to the opportunities He’s prepared just for you! Let “God Who Listens” by Chris Tomlin and Thomas Rhett remind you of His intimate and personal love for you.

*First five questions adapted from What Happens When Women Say ‘Yes’ to God by Lysa TerKeurst, Harvest House Publishers, 2011.

Megan Fate Marshman, Meant for God: The Adventure of Trusting God’s Plans for You, Zondervan 2020.

A Faithful Man and A Good God

Joseph’s story in Genesis 37-50 has always been one of my favorites. Studying it through Kelly Minter’s Finding God Faithful only made me appreciate it more. His story illustrates so many spiritual truths that it’s hard to decide which ones to highlight. Read on for just a few of the many inspiring aspects of Joseph’s journey from prison to palace.

The Lord was with Joseph

You probably remember that Joseph’s charmed life as Jacob’s favorite son made an abrupt shift when his resentful brothers sold him to slave traders who carried him off to Egypt. 

Despite his dire circumstances, Scripture reminds us four times in one chapter that “The Lord was with Joseph.” (39:2, 3, 21 & 23) Because of this, God’s favor rested upon him and those he served, “the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field.” (Genesis 39:5, ESV)

Note that the blessing upon Joseph and the anguish of being enslaved were happening simultaneously. It’s not unusual for good and hard situations to coexist in our lives. In fact, Jesus promises us, “In this world you will have trouble.” Thankfully, He finishes that statement with a word of encouragement, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV) Like Joseph, we can rest in the knowledge that God is with us: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).” (Matthew 1:23, NIV) What a comfort this should be to us!

Unfortunately, we often struggle living in the tension of knowing that life is hard, but God is with us. Is it difficult for you to trust the Lord and serve Him faithfully in challenging times? Are you tempted to get bitter or to wallow in self-pity when everything isn’t going your way? Perhaps it’s time to re-focus your attention on the truth that God is with you all the time. Can you believe Jesus and take heart knowing He has overcome the world, even when you can’t see how He’s working things out? These are convicting questions, but they might help to re-align your perspective if you’re in a difficult season.

Joseph’s Character Shines Through

No matter where Joseph found himself, his character remained consistent. His leadership skills and integrity always seemed to rise to the top like cream in a pail of milk. Consider these instances:

-Serving as a slave: “The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.” (Genesis 39:5-6, NIV)

-Behind bars: “So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.” (Genesis 39:22-23, NIV)

-In Pharaoh’s court: “So Pharaoh asked [his officials], ‘Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?’…Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.’” (Genesis 41:38, 40-41, NIV)

Despite receiving unfair treatment, being punished for false accusations, and living as a slave for 13 years, Joseph’s consistency of character continued to be recognized and respected. He used his gifts to bless others and in every situation, he proved his trustworthiness.

I’m inspired when I consider this. So often it’s natural to compartmentalize our lives and to show certain parts of our characters to select people.  We might be kind and friendly at church, but pull into our garages without acknowledging our neighbors. Or maybe we gladly sign up for service projects, but feel annoyed when someone who needs help interrupts our schedules. Perhaps we’re good at being like Jesus when people behave the way we want and don’t inconvenience us too much. Maybe we could learn a thing or two from Joseph and let the gifts God’s given us bless others wherever we find ourselves, whether it’s a place we’ve chosen or a place we’re forced to be.

Joseph Honors God Boldly

One of the most striking aspects of Joseph’s story is the reverence he showed to the Lord. He honored God with his behavior and pointed others back to Him. Joseph chose not to fall to the temptation of Potiphar’s wife saying, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9, NIV). Each time he interpreted a dream, he gave God the credit “‘I cannot [interpret your dream],’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.’” (Genesis 41:15-16, NIV) Later, when the Lord blessed him with children, Joseph chose names that honored Him and pointed to His faithfulness. His older son’s name meant, “God has made me forget all my trouble” and his younger son’s meant “God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” (Genesis 41:51-52, NIV)

Joseph was the only follower of the one true God while he was in Egypt, yet he spoke about the Lord and gave Him the credit for everything. His boldness and humility are convicting, but also inspiring. How apt am I to speak of God’s goodness to unbelievers? How often do I admit that it’s Him working through me when I have a positive impact on others?  It seems that Joseph’s quickness to acknowledge the Lord drew respect from everyone. Perhaps it’s time to pray for more confidence in this area. Do you need to do the same?

Through studying the life of Joseph, we found God to be faithful. Let Ellie Holcomb’s song “He Will” remind you that just as the Lord was with Joseph, He’s there for you in every situation too.

Kelly Minter, Finding God Faithful: A Study on the Life of Genesis, Lifeway Press, 2019.

Patterns through Generations

The large trunks sat untouched in the attic for years, gathering dust in a dark corner. Sometimes one of my boys or their cousins would ask if they could rummage inside them on a rainy day. And although my mom was usually a pushover for her grandkids’ requests, the answer about opening the trunks was always the same: No. She didn’t have an interest in being reminded of her painful childhood. 

Recently my brothers opened those trunks and found a treasure trove of old photos and other mementos dating back over 100 years. Among our favorite finds were dozens of pictures of our mom’s mother—the grandmother we never had. She contracted tuberculosis when my mom was six and eventually moved to a sanitarium in hopes of recovering there. Because TB is airborne, my grandmother couldn’t hug my mom or even hold her on her lap. They had to remain on opposites sides of the room during her brief, infrequent visits home. Three years later, my grandmother died in the sanitarium at age 32, leaving behind a grieving, young husband and a nine-year-old daughter. For my mom, the trunks were filled with reminders of what could have been.

With the newly discovered photos, we pieced together parts of our grandmother’s life we’d never known. There were pictures of her on high school sports teams, clowning around with friends, on a trip to see relatives in Europe, and on dates with my grandpa at the Jersey shore. This woman who had always been such a mystery came to life for us. She seemed funny, energetic, fashionable, and just a bit mischievous. We were surprised and delighted to discover the many interests we shared with her—sports, travel, friends, and the beach, to name a few.

The generations that go before us pass down their genetic code, but they also lay foundations and patterns in our lives, both good and bad. We often follow in the footsteps of those who have preceded us, whether we mean to or not. We see this regularly in the Bible, where God’s people follow familiar paths from one generation to the next.

Take, Abraham, for example. Before becoming the father of the Israelites, the Lord called him to leave his home and travel to a different land. He was 75 when he obeyed God by taking his wife, nephew, servants, and belongings to make a new start in the land of Canaan (described in Genesis 12).

In the opening session of Finding God Faithful: A Study on the Life of Joseph, author and teacher Kelly Minter paints a picture of Abraham’s life. She describes his faithfulness to the Lord that laid the foundation for his great grandson, Joseph, who is the topic of her study. Minter highlights five key aspects of Abraham’s life that proved to be true in Joseph’s life as well. Abraham’s and Joseph’s obedience led to an outpouring of blessing for their descendants and for the entire world, including us. 

Here are the key points from Kelly Minter’s first video teaching:

1) When God sets you apart it’s an invitation to relationship with Him.

The call of Abram in Genesis 12:3 showed that God intended to use Him to bless the entire world: “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” This is the beginning of the good news stated in Galatians 3:8-9: “Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”

2) Being set apart will always be in keeping with God’s grand plan of redemption. Joseph was set apart for the blessing of others. Blessing moves through us to bless others.

3) When God sets you apart for a task, He shoulders the responsibility for its outcome. When we respond with obedience, there’s no limit to what He can do.

4) Being set apart is initiated by God but carried out through our obedience.

5) Neither your history nor heritage has to be unblemished for God to set you apart.

Joseph’s story is one of redemption filled with practical wisdom. Through the lens of his life we’ll examine how to deal with difficult family issues and mend broken relationships. We’ll learn how to choose forgiveness and respond with wisdom amidst unexpected challenges and disappointments. Joseph will show us how to give mercy and kindness to the undeserving. And he’ll reveal how a good God and suffering can co-exist. 

I’m excited to learn how these truths played out in Joseph’s life and to see how I can apply them in mine as well. Join me on this journey and let God’s faithfulness breathe new hope into whatever you’re facing.

Abraham established a foundation of faith that we’re still benefiting from today. Let Pat Barrett’s song “Build My Life” remind you of the importance of building your life on the solid ground of Jesus’ love.

Kelly Minter, Finding God Faithful: A Study on the Life of Joseph, Lifeway Press, 2019.

What Would You Say?

My college roommates and I have an annual tradition of meeting for a weekend away together. Over time, we’ve embraced certain rituals like enjoying leisurely meals and staying up late talking. Another tradition we love is choosing a favorite item to bring and share as a gift to the others. Last year I couldn’t wait to give them a book that impacted me significantly. As they scanned the table of contents, I was giddy sharing about all the ways I’d benefited from what I learned.

Maybe you’ve experienced a similar dynamic. When you find something beneficial to you, you’re enthusiastic about passing it along to others. Why is it, though, that we don’t always have the same exuberance when it comes to telling people about the good news of Jesus? There are many explanations, but I think one is that we just don’t know what to say.

In her Bible study 20/20. Seen. Chosen. Sent., Christine Caine highlights this by asking, “Could you walk someone through the truth of the gospel?” (page 151) She goes on to explain, “If the sole purpose of salvation is to go to heaven when we die, then wouldn’t it be more merciful of Jesus if, after He saved us, He took us home immediately? But we have a purpose to fulfill here on earth. We are the sent ones commissioned to go into all the world and proclaim His good news.” (page 152)

Her words echo Jesus’ teaching known as the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 18:19-20, NIV)

This reminds me of a young businessman named Bill Bright who heard the message of the gospel and began a personal relationship with Jesus. As his faith grew, he couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. Jesus’ words in the Great Commission compelled Bright to tell the good news to anyone who would listen. Eventually, he dedicated his life to sharing the gospel and to training others to do the same by founding Campus Crusade for Christ International in 1951. Now known simply as “Cru,” the ministry focuses on sharing the good news about Jesus on college campuses around the world.

Soon after founding Cru, Bill Bright realized that many believers were unable to communicate the gospel succinctly. So, using skills he’d acquired in the business world, he set out to write a clear and simple explanation of the good news that others could learn to share. As a lover of science, Bright decided to make a comparison between physical laws that govern the universe (such as the law of gravity), and spiritual laws that govern our relationship with God. He created a simple document called The Four Spiritual Laws that helped to communicate the gospel to non-believers. It also gave Christians a roadmap for sharing the good news of Jesus with others. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right words for sharing the hope of Jesus, Bright’s tool might be helpful for you to learn. Here’s an overview of it:

Law 1: God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. 

“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.” John 3:16

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10b

Law 2: People are sinful and separated from God. Therefore, we can’t experience God’s love and plan for our lives.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Law 3: Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for our sin. Through Him you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life.

-He died in our place, paying the penalty for our sin: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

-He rose from death: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-6

-He is the only way to God: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6

Law 4: We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives.

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—” John 1:12

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Every person can receive Christ by faith by saying a simple prayer like this:

Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You and my Savior and Lord. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.

Bill Bright’s passion led him to share the gospel, disciple, and train thousands of people. Today, Cru has ministries in 5300 locations on college campuses in addition to ministries reaching a variety of other people groups worldwide.

Will you follow Bill Bright’s example and learn to share the gospel so you can participate in fulfilling the Great Commission? Ask the Holy Spirit to empower and lead you to others who are hungry for the hope found in Jesus.

For a deeper dive into understanding the Four Spiritual Laws, check out these four posts in my “Faith Foundations” series:  

God Loves You

The Problem of Sin

Jesus is the Only Way

Accept Jesus Personally

For more information on Cru visit their website.

For more inspiration, check out Bill Bright’s biography Amazing Faith

Christine Caine, 20/20. Seen. Chosen. Sent., Lifeway Press, 2019.

How Do You Smell?

Unlocking the front door, the pungent scent of ripe litter boxes greeted my nostrils. I’d agreed to care for a family member’s cats while she was on vacation, more out of love for her than for her two feline companions. She’d gone “nose blind” not long after adopting them and had no idea how strong their smell was in her house.

She’d instructed me to rake the litter, remove the largest clumps, and simply spray the plastic scooper with Lysol before stowing it in a bag. The combination of disinfectant and cat urine created a powerful, acrid odor that didn’t mask the smell effectively. I couldn’t bring myself to pour fresh litter on top of what was left in the boxes. Nor could I leave without getting to the root of the issue. So, holding my breath, I poured the remaining contents into a garbage bag before lugging the boxes and scooper outside to be hosed and scrubbed with bleach. I like to think the cats’ toileting experience went from the level of an unsavory gas station on a busy highway to an elite, five-star spa at the finest resort. As much as I didn’t enjoy the process, knowing the litter boxes were clean and that the source of the smell had been eliminated made me feel better (at least until the next time I cared for the cats).

I know it may sound strange, but I remembered that experience as I worked through Christine Caine’s 20/20 Bible study this week. How could I not think of strong fragrances when she emphasizes them in a detailed look at 2 Corinthians 2:14-16?

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?”

Caine emphasizes, “Yes, we absolutely want to be in the world, rubbing elbows with the people God brings across our path, but we also want to ensure that the aroma of Christ in us overpowers the aroma of the world around us.” (p.110-11) Later, she asks a penetrating question, “How do you smell?”

As I thought about this, I realized that much like those litter boxes, I’m prone to covering over the foul aromas coming from me rather than cleansing them at the source. I’m talking about my attitudes, behaviors, and thoughts here. For example, on the outside, I may be trying to exude a calm, unruffled demeanor while inside I’m seething with frustration and impatience. This happens most often when I try to muster the right attitude on my own instead of being still before God and asking the Holy Spirit to renew my mind. Basically I’m spraying metaphorical Lysol on behaviors and attitudes that need deep cleaning. It’s my attempt at taking a shortcut to getting the positive results I need. At the root, I’m attempting to cover over sin with human effort instead of confessing it and letting Jesus cleanse me. 

What’s convicting me lately is that my true aroma is most obvious to those closest to me. It’s like I’m “nose blind” to my unpleasant fragrances around the people who know me best: my family. When I add in emotional baggage and negative assumptions that those relationships include, I realize it’s much easier for me to spread the aroma of Christ around people I’m not related to. Hopefully I’m not the only one who finds it easier to be patient, gracious, and uncritical around individuals who don’t share my DNA.

God seems to have placed me in a season that’s forcing me to confront my “nose blindness” and to let Him clean out my spiritual litter box. For me, the last few months have been intense and have included more time around extended family as we walk through a crisis together. It’s been unpleasant to acknowledge my foul- smelling thoughts and actions. But, the Lord has convicted me that it’s time to deal with root issues causing the putrid aromas flavoring my interactions with family. It’s hard, painful work, but so worth it.

One thing gives me the strength to continue: spending time with Jesus. I love the passage in Acts that describes what the synagogue rulers realized about Peter and John: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13, NIV) Being with Jesus changed the disciples then and changes us now. Reading God’s Word and spending time in His presence transforms us to be more like Him. Jesus cleanses our putrid attitudes and behaviors and fills us with the Holy Spirit so His aroma flows out of us. 

Research reveals that “Of the five senses, smell is one of the most powerful when it comes to evoking memories. A simple odor can unleash a cascade of feelings, the aroma of coffee, the smell of wet grass, the fragrance of perfume.”* So, what aroma do people remember after they’ve spent time around you? What about your spouse, children, step-children, in-laws, grandchildren, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins? Consider adopting the mindset of Bible teacher, Jennie Allen: “I want my private life to have been more eternally significant than my public life. Because that seems to be what God cares about most.”**

If you want to emit the aroma of Christ, start by inviting Him to show you where you’ve gone nose blind. Commit to spending time with Him consistently so that He can cleanse and change you. Take Christine Caine’s words to heart: “The more we allow God to transform us from the inside out, the more we will emit the aroma of Christ,” (p. 117)

Sidewalk Prophets’ song “Live Like That” paints a beautiful picture of a life that emits the aroma of Christ. Listen and make it your prayer today.

Christine Caine, 20/20. Seen. Chosen. Sent., Lifeway Press, 2019.

*www.exploringyourmind.com

**Jennie Allen, Instagram Post, October 6, 2020.

Photo courtesy of www.pixabay.com

Learn with a Humble Heart

Sitting in front of the TV, I watched in dismay as footage of angry mobs rioting and looting flashed across the screen. It was April of 1992 and I was finishing my last quarter at UCLA. Four police officers had just been acquitted for usage of excessive force in the arrest and beating of an African American man named Rodney King. Although the riots were several miles away, the smell of smoke from burning buildings wafted into the window on that warm, spring evening. Living in huge, multi-ethnic city like Los Angeles had been an eye-opening experience for a suburban girl like me. It had been both exhilarating and exhausting. 

Less than a year later, I found myself driving into one of the neighborhoods where the looting and rioting had been severe. Charred buildings and boarded up storefronts still punctuated the city blocks as the neighborhood struggled to rebuild. Now in graduate school, I’d been assigned to do my student teaching at a large high school in the heart of this neighborhood. Pulling in that first day, a guard at the school’s entrance rolled back the chain-link fence to let me into the parking lot. As I walked on campus, the color of my light skin seemed to draw the attention of many eyes.  A few of the other student teachers, faculty and staff members shared my ethnicity, but not a single student on campus did.

My semester teaching at that high school was one of the most intense seasons in my life. Not only was I learning how to manage classrooms of students while teaching 10th grade English and 12th grade Writing Composition, I was also encountering hard truths about racial tension and inequality. Issues that had created shocking news stories on TV a few months earlier became personally relevant as I got to know my students and saw the reality of their lives.

After mornings of teaching, afternoons of graduate classes, and evenings of lesson planning, I would lie in bed at night with a clenched jaw. I wrestled with feelings of frustration, helplessness, and discouragement. It was a struggle to find ways to get students to come to class consistently, let alone do their assignments. The more I got to know them, the more I began to see how tangled and complicated their situations were. I felt powerless in the face of the broader social issues that plagued my students, but I did my best to connect with them and teach them how to read critically and to write thoughtfully. Some students warmed up to me, others remained at a cool distance. In those months, I learned how to teach, but I also gained a new understanding and sensitivity for people of color with struggles and challenges that I’d never experienced personally.

Memories of that time have been at the forefront of my mind as protests and riots fueled by racial injustice and senseless deaths have dominated the news recently. Those old feelings of frustration, helplessness, and discouragement have resurfaced. The tangled and complicated situations I saw as a student teacher haven’t gotten any better. It’s so overwhelming and exhausting, I’m tempted to disengage. However, as a committed follower of Jesus, I don’t have the luxury of tuning out.

This week I’ve been studying Philippians 2:3-4, which includes these challenging words: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (NIV) I don’t see anything in there that gives permission to turn a blind eye to the racial injustices that have plagued our nation and reached a boiling point. It’s a delicate and uncomfortable topic that can no longer be avoided. This isn’t a Black problem, it’s an issue we need to care about as a nation, and especially as followers of Jesus.

I wish I had a simple solution or action point, but I don’t. Here’s what I do know: Jesus is the answer to every problem we face. He is the cure to the sin that is manifesting itself in so many ugly ways in our nation right now. I keep coming back to a quote by A.W. Tozer: “As God is exalted to the right place in our lives, a thousand problems are solved all at once.” And that leads me to the two greatest commandments in Scripture: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27, NIV) Imagine what our world would look like if loving God was our highest priority and loving our neighbors (which means all people) was how we showed this. 

If, like me, you’re struggling with how to respond in this time of unrest and tension, may I humbly and respectfully offer some starting points?

  • Seek wisdom from godly, biblical leaders rather than relying on news headlines (see my suggestions at the end of this post). Commit to listening and learning before reacting. And keep pursuing knowledge and understanding even when upsetting headlines no longer dominate the news cycle.
  • Ask trustworthy people to dialogue with you about what you’re learning and how you’re being challenged.
  • Process your thoughts and feelings with God. Share with Him honestly. Invite Him to speak to you through His Word to show you how to respond in your attitude and actions.

Here are passages from Scripture that have been shaping my prayers recently:

Psalm 139: 23-24: “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.” We can tell God what is on our hearts and identify anxious thoughts in our minds related to current events. Be bold and ask Him to show you any blind spots you have that are hurtful towards others– especially regarding race. Confess anything He shows you. Thank Him for helping you to see what needs changing so that you can grow closer to Him and be an agent of reconciliation with others.

2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Once we’ve humbled ourselves and confessed our sin, we’re ready to pray for our community, our nation, and our world. Pray for others who need to humble themselves, seek God’s face, and turn from evil. Pray that people will desire to surrender their sin to God and that they will look to Him to heal the hurts in our nation and world. Whenenver you see gut-wrenching headlines, let them prompt you to pray for the people involved.

Luke 6:37, 41-42:“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven…Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Ask God to show you where you’re judging others and magnifying their faults—especially those who have differing opinions and reactions. Pray for a forgiving heart. Pray that God would be at work in others to help them examine themselves and turn from sinful attitudes and behaviors. Pray for people in our nation to have hearts willing to forgive and heal.

 Daniel 9:18-19 “Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.” Let’s pray for God to show His mercy and to intervene in the midst of racial strife. Our real enemy isn’t social injustice, police brutality, racism, poverty, or violence. Those are merely tools the devil uses to cause chaos, hatred, division, and distress in our world. Let’s ask the Lord to forgive us and to bring hope, peace, healing, and reconciliation to our hurting nation for the sake of His glory.

Invite the Lord to speak to you through these passages and to show you how to respond. Consider using some of the resources below to help you listen and learn. Just start with one. Praying, educating yourself, and sharing with others are simple actions that have powerful consequences.

Watch or Listen: 

  • Pause. Listen. Pray. CPC Pastor Tyler Scott, Earl Smith & Miles McPherson. Click here to watch now.
  • IF:TV. Jennie Allen’s conversation about racial reconciliation with LaTasha Morrison and Mike Kelsey on Wed. June 10. Click here for more information and to find additional resources.
  • Fuller Seminary President, Mark Labberton’s candid conversation with Dr. Dwight Radcliff. Click here to watch now.

Read:

  • The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation by Miles McPherson and Drew Brees
  • Under Our Skin: Getting Real about Race. Getting Free from the Fears and Frustrations that Divide Us. by Benjamin Watson and Ken Petersen

Tying a Bow on Genesis

The book of Hebrews tells us that God’s Word is alive and active. Having just finished studying Genesis for the third time, I can attest to the truth of this statement. I’ve delved into the stories of Abraham & Sarah, Isaac & Rebekah, Jacob, Leah, Rachel, Joseph, Judah, and Tamar at different seasons in my life; although the tales remain the same, the truth I glean from them continues to expand.

Here are a few of the things that stood out to me in my most recent journey through Genesis:

  1. God is sovereign.  He possesses supreme and ultimate power. He gives us free will and doesn’t force us to follow His ways, but He is still the One who is ultimately in control. Because of this, I’m better off trusting Him than trying to do things my own way.
  2. God keeps His promises. It may take a long time, but He does come through in the end. (Think of Sarah, who waited 25 years to get pregnant with the child promised by God.) This means He’s trustworthy and I can rest in that knowledge even when I don’t see how He’s working in the moment.
  3. God is faithful. He remains true to us even when we doubt Him, make poor choices, or disobey. Seeing the Lord’s faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants despite their many blunders encourages me. Even when we fail, God’s plans prevail. We are fickle, but He is faithful.
  4. God is worthy. He deserves our honor, praise, and obedience. Seeing how He accomplishes His plans despite the ways people try thwart them (intentionally or unintentionally) inspires me to yield to Him as Lord of my life.

Knowing these truths, I’d be wiser to exert my energy trusting God than trying to control things using my own strength and wisdom. I’m striving to be less anxious when I don’t see or understand what the Lord is doing. My goal is to trust Him as I wait for answers, clarity, or direction. Rather than concerning myself with how events unfold, I want to focus more on what God is teaching me and how He wants to use me with the people and circumstances I encounter. I want to be less focused on why He’s allowed certain things in my life and more attuned to how He can use them to deepen my faith and impact others.

Reading the stories of Sarah and Rebekah has convicted me of my tendency to take matters into my own hands instead of trusting God. I overthink many things and try to play out scenarios multiple steps ahead of where I am. Rather than trusting God with how a situation will unfold, I try to anticipate each option and make contingency plans for it. My knack for being capable and productive doesn’t always leave room for God to work in His way and His timing. Realizing this is humbling and convicting.

The story of Joseph provides powerful examples for training me in righteousness. Seeing his faithfulness to God in difficult times while surrounded by unbelievers inspires me to be true to God and His ways. Like Joseph, I want to be honest and authentic about the Lord’s presence in my life instead of downplaying it in certain company. I’m also inspired to follow Joseph’s example by using my gifts to bless others in every setting, not just ones where people already love and honor God. I don’t want to be timid about pointing others to the solid foundation He provides.

Studying Genesis also bolsters my faith in the consistency of God’s Word from Old Testament to New. It always delights me to recognize the many elements that point us toward Christ. The lives of Joseph and Judah include many examples that I’ve discussed in other posts. During this season of studying Genesis, I was also struck by Jacob’s dream in Genesis 28:

“He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the Lord, and he said: ‘I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.  I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.’” (Genesis 28:12-15, NIV)

Until Jen Wilkin’s teaching in God of Covenant, I’d never understood that the stairway between heaven and earth is Christ Himself. When we reach toward Jesus to intercede for us, we stand at the gate of heaven. He is the mediator between God and humans—the One who makes it possible for us to access the Almighty.

The ten weeks of studying the book of beginnings have come to an end. The “seed plot of the Bible” has provided rich soil for digging into relevant topics for our lives today. The stories and people in Genesis are messy and complicated, but God used them for His redemptive purposes, just as He does with us. Some situations make us scratch our heads in confusion or blush at sordid details; we wonder how a sacred book could be filled with such broken and sinful people. And yet, it’s these unsanitized stories and flawed characters that show Scripture’s authenticity. They give us hope that no one is disqualified from being accepted by God or used to advance His kingdom.

Understanding these truths prompts me to pause for a moment of worship. “King of Kings” by Hillsong Worship beautifully shares the story of the gospel. Listen now and be in awe of our sovereign, faithful God who keeps His promises and is worthy of our praise.

Jen Wilkin, God of Covenant: A Study of Genesis 12-50, Lifeway Press 2018.

The phrase “seed plot of the Bible” was originally coined by Arthur W. Pink in Gleanings in Genesis.