The New Normal

2 Timothy 4:3-4
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."

It's interesting to me when the Bible starts pointing fingers.  Not necessarily at us, but at "them".  "They", them, *their*, not you, me, or I, of course.  It's like putting us on notice in a 'round about, passive aggressive type of way... I like to think of it as conviction.

Today's passage, my lovelies, is an ominous revelation into what has become our present society.  Our dear Paul is mentoring Timothy in the ways of the Lord and on how to lead his people. Paul is commanding and encouraging Timothy to preach the word - to "convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching" 2 Timothy 4:2b - and not to dilute it or stray from it.  Should be simple: unroll the scrolls or pull down the tablets from the bookshelf and tell the congregation what they say. Easy peasy, right?!

Well in a perfect, sinless, heavenly world it might be that easy (key word: might).  But you and I both know that A&E (Adam & Eve) changed the game and put an end to sinless perfection.  So here is Timothy in a town with a church that needs some guidance.  And there is Paul, in jail for preaching the gospel of Christ and sticking to his convictions.  If that were you and there was some dude or lady in prison calling you (collect more than likely...), telling you how to be a leader, how would you feel about it?  Maybe a little sceptical about what they were saying?  Maybe just a little.

The challenge that we face as believers, spiritual mentors, and individuals in today's society is that it becomes easy to boost up the people and ideas that conform to our way of life and way of thinking.  If I am an over eater and indulge my cravings for food with reckless abandon, I am inclined to ascribe to a doctrine that allows for my indulgences.  Likewise, if I am tired of my husband and am ready to peace-out, I am inclined to ascribe to a doctrine that allows for me to leave my spouse.  We are prone to link ourselves to the ideologies that are in accordance with the way we want to live.  We would rather support a lie that allows for us to live in comfort than adhere to God's rules that bring us closer to perfection.  This is what Paul was getting at when he sent this message to Timothy.

"According to their own desires...they will turn their ears away from the truth..."

And just to be clear, Paul's "they" and "their" is talking about us, that's you and me. FYI.

As believers we have to be mindful to adhere to the gospel. Even if what we read in the Bible or hear in a biblical message convicts us about an area that needs improvement we must comply.  Don't be "turned aside by fables" which is bible talk for "don't believe the hype" or "don't fall for the lie".  The devil is crafty and he will plant seeds of disobedience and rebellion in your heart that will cause your mind to regard sin as acceptable.  Sin is unavoidable - but it is also not to be touted as an acceptable way of life.  The bar has been set so low for levels of acceptable behavior, attire, and speech that it is hard to follow Godly guidance instead of the ungodly.  Spiritually discern and analyze with scripture any leader, mentor, or general guidance you receive.  God has given us a measuring stick - The Bible!  Use it as your baseline and you will gain God's perspective and not the world's.

2 Timothy 3:16-17  "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." NKJV

Stay Fly Girls! And Happy New Year ;-)

The Called. The Chosen.

"For many are called, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14

 

And He made from one [common origin, one source, one blood] all nations of men to settle on the face of the earth, having definitely determined [their] allotted periods of time and the fixed boundaries of their habitation (their settlements, lands, andabodes),  So that they should seek God,in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him, although He is not far from each one of us.

Acts 17: 26-27 (AMP)

 
Judas.  We all know that name right?  He was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, during His life he was considered one of the strong men of God, one of the followers of Christ; walking with Him, learning from Him, watching Him perform miracles and transform lives.  Judas was right there - one of the elect - he was in the crew, part of the entourage!  If we were there when Jesus was on earth we could have looked to Judas for guidance and counsel, thinking that because he was so close to Jesus he must have the answers.  You know how our minds work, if we see someone close to the boss we look at them as being in the direct favor of the boss.  Although we now know that Judas was the original sell-out, we wouldn't have known it then.  But Jesus knew. God knew.

 

In John 17:12 Jesus is speaking to God regarding the twelve disciples, "During my time here, I have kept them safe.  I guarded them so that no one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the scriptures foretold." (NLT)  Also, in John 6:39 Jesus says "And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those He has given me, but that I should raise them to eternal life at the last day." Jesus makes a clear distinction: "Those He has given me."

You see, God made a choice before the Earth began who were the chosen, who were the select.  Judas walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus, he even had a powerful support team.  Imagine if your closest friends and co-workers (yup, them too...) were all Christ following, God believing individuals.  If you were in that position you would do everything right, right?  Clearly not...  And not to mention Judas was the treasurer!  He was the money guy, the accountant for the group.  The person everyone trusted to hold their cash... Seriously Judas?!  How could he cross over to the dark side?  Why did he lose focus and get off track.  He was called, but he was not chosen.

Judas may have been in the clique but his heart wasn't where it should have been.  Had we been there at the time we may not have known this, but God knew.  Jesus made a commitment to God not to lose anyone he had been given.  He keeps that promise - "I have not lost a single one of those you gave me." John 18:9 NLT. Jesus keeps His promises.  He will guide/ love/ motivate/ save those whom God has given to Him. Those whom God has chosen. 

 

If you have been called to redemption through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior you must search your heart for the source of your existence.  Dig down deep in your heart and soul for the glimmer of light that God has placed in each of His creatures.  Dig down, through the mistakes, the hurt, the bitterness, anger, pride, hatred, envy, and even the shame.  Give all of that up and turn it over to God.  

 
You may associate with the right crowd of believers but you may also have the heart of Judas.  You may have been called; but have you been chosen?  Do you want the status of being 'with' the Jesus crowd or do you want the salvation of a clean heart?  Dig down deep girls...ask God to do the miraculous work in you that will purify your heart and renew your mind and spirit.  God has big plans for you my dear!

"Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me, so they can see my glory.  You gave me the glory because you loved me even before the world began!"

John 17:24
 
How about that for a promise from God?  Stay fly girls!

Stay in Your Lane - Part 1

Romans 12:4-21

I used to work with a girl who was a powerhouse at work.  We were in sales, and I don't know how she did it but everyone she worked with she seemed to get a sale from.  Now I always thought I was good, but she was making me feel pretty inferior.  You see from my perspective, if she was in sales and I was in sales we had to pull the same numbers in order for me to feel valuable.  That makes sense right?  Not so much...

As I was doing my devotions and bible reading I came across Romans 12:6a "God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well."  In the context of this passage, this verse can be such a huge relief to most of us.  One woman who seems to keep her house clean and her life in order (all while in her sleep) may not have the ability to connect and relate to people the way another woman can.  Neither is inferior to the other - they simply have different God given abilities.

Romans12:4-5 "Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body.  We are all parts of His one body, and we all belong to each other, each of us has different work to do.  And since we are all one body in Christ, we each belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others."

We all know how disastrous it can be to start comparing ourselves to others!  If your hands start looking at your feet and think "Wow, look at those nice shoes.  And sheesh, she doesn't soak us in those nice baths and get us massaged like that.  She must love them more than us..."  Then the hands are envious; they want to be feet and do footly things.  They don't feel their position is good enough so they stop being good hands because they are trying to be feet!  Now I know this may be an awkward analogy but you get the picture.  The moral of the story is - be a great hand instead of an awkward foot - Stay in your lane!  The kingdom of God needs hands and feet and all the other parts!

As you do all that you can, in the best way that you can, you will begin to see the areas where God has given you a special function to bless others - at work, at school, at church, and in the world.  If you are a great organizer help your local soup kitchen streamline their programs.  If you are a great encourager help motivate the people around you when you see they are down.  If you are a great cook come to my house and put your gifts to good service.  No really... Use your "special function" to benefit the kingdom.  God has a function for you, and your function may be different than those you work with or those in your inner circle or family.  "And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others." Romans 12:5b 

Don't forsake your function; it is your assignment from God.  He has done a great work in you, now its time for you to work for Him with a renewed spirit. Amen.

Stay fly girls!

Truth in the Translation

"And this is what he says to all humanity: 'The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.'" 
Job 28:28 NLT

KJV. NIV. NLT. NKJV. The Message.

In my women's discipleship class we would have frequent discussions referencing various scripture (naturally...) and the ladies would quote a passage that meant something to them.  Frequently I would hear two particular ladies say a passage from the bible then say "The Message".  Now me, a bit slow at times, was thinking "What on earth?..." But after hearing it a  few times I got it: The Message was the Bible translation they were reading from.

Now I was always a King James Version kind of girl - enjoying the olde world feel and sound of it.  I would think of the Bible figures with their sandals and robes on, sitting on a big stone in the wilderness and such, holding a tablet of rough hewn rock speaking to the people. (How's that for imagery?)  I was drifting in darkness because I couldn't really follow the meaning of what God had to say to me through His word.  I was not reading my bible daily, nor was I taking classes or going to bible study regularly to gain a better understanding of God's truths.  So in 2000 I bought a People's Parallel Edition Bible in King James Version & New Living Translation.  I still kept reading the KJV though because the NLT seemed watered-down and not quite 'holy' enough for me.  Well, one day I was reading and praying and came across Galatians 2:20 and I was so moved by what God was saying to me that I cried. 

"I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  So I live my life in the earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." NLT

To me this passage so awesomely details the walk that we face daily.  Having life and having it more abundantly is God's gift to us as believers through Christ Jesus.  I promise you that I have read that passage before, but it had not resonated with me the same way.  Then I understood why: it's all in the translation!  I read the same scripture in KJV - a little heart prick.  Then in the NKJV - eh, maybe a pinch that time.  Then again in NLT - there it is! Light bulb moment!

Each of us has to find a Bible translation that works best for us.  The Bible can't show you the path that God has for your life if you can't clearly understand it.  You may have an electronic device or other item at home that you don't use to the fullest potential because you haven't figured out how to work it properly.  God forbid you read the manual, right? (no pun intended)  If you don't already have a Bible that you can read and understand, go out and get one.  Plenty of Christian book stores and churches in the area that sell a number of options.  Take it from me girls, read the Lord's manual for your life.  It will make your walk as a Christian so much stronger.  Amen!

So you've given your life to Christ... Now what?

John 15:5-8 NLT "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.  Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers.  Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.  But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like and it will be granted!  My true disciples produce much fruit.  This brings great glory to my Father."

 

Here is the Sunday morning routine:  Wake up.  Turn on the radio or TV to a gospel or preached word station.  Turn on the coffee pot or tea kettle.  Stand in the closet thinking about what to wear to church.  Take a shower, coif the hair, get dressed.  Start heading out the door.  "Ooops!" you think, "What do I need to bring with me so I can do the "other stuff" I want to do after church?"  Bring a change of clothes/ shoes/ etc. so that I won't go through the mall/ brunch/ dinner/ movies looking like I just left church... Could this be you? (*me: hand raised, looking at the floor in shame)

You've given your life to Christ, but are you living for Him?

Many of us shuttle through life desiring to put a check in each box:

• good job - check
• degree - check
• more degrees - check, check
• nice house - check
• nice car - check
• find a man - check (another topic for another time)
• go to church - check

We have a perceived sense of security in knowing that we have given our lives to Christ by being saved, going to church, maybe even going to bible study during the week.  We really feel secure if we are tithing, let me tell you!  Paying your weekly installment to get on the list, huh?  Not quite ladies.  Having things to do AC (after church) is not the problem; but living for all of the other things and not for God is.  You must ask yourself "Am I living for Christ?"  Do you live and breathe the fire God has placed in your heart or are you on auto-pilot?  Have you recognized yet that God has planted in you a seed that he wants to cultivate, till, and prune so that you will bear much fruit?  We are reminded of this in John 15:5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing."

Let's be clear and honest here, "remaining" in God can be a struggle.  Everyday it is work - staying in touch with God and keeping the lines of communication open so that he stays in touch with you - not always easy.  But is gets easier every day.  You pray to God, you listen to what He is saying to you, and you look out for what He is showing you.  He will show you how to live your life better by living for Him.  As you accomplish your goals and set out through life you will begin to take advantage of the opportunities God gives you to witness for Him; whether it's at work, at school, in your social circles, or with your family.  Be joyous and helpful in God's army!  Smile at the lady in your office that is snippy to you.  Wave every day to your neighbor who pretends not to see you.  Forgive. Open your hand to give.  Reach out to others.  Allow the power of God's grace to work in you so that others will see and experience His goodness.

God, through Jesus Christ and with the power of the Holy Spirit, gives us assurance and purpose.  Profess your faith ladies, you have nothing to be ashamed of!

The Wellspring of Life

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23

Going through adolescence in the 80's was major!  Coming of age during this era, I was exposed to all types of visual and mental influences by way of television and radio. (no Internet back then, can you imagine...)  One song that I remember clearly was by our dear old friend Madonna: "Open your heart to me, baby. I'll give you love if you hold the key.  Open your heart to me, darling. I'll give you love if you, you turn the key."  Now, besides the fact that Madonna is wrong on so many levels, I enjoyed her music back then.  This one song in particular speaks volumes about the culture and mindset that was dominant at the time and still is today - an open heart.

Many times we see women who are love sick, or love crazy, because they have let a man into their heart and he didn't know what to do with the prize he had been given.  We have all been there!  Thinking that if we open our heart and show a man how great we are inside that he will fall madly in love, stay in love, and put us on the queens' throne in his life.  Then we wake up from our dream with swollen eyes, a heavy heart, tear soaked pillows and soggy tissues all over the bed.  God built us to love and to be loved.  The issue is not whether to love, it is rather who we receive love from and who we give our love to. 

I was reading the book "Every Woman's Battle" by Shannon Ethridge, and in it she gives such a clear understanding of the magnitude of our heart's capacity to love and what that means is God's eyes.
"I believe the answer is in he word wellspring, which can also be interpreted as 'source'.  The heart is the source of life.  When God created us, He made our hearts central to our being - physically, spiritually, and emotionally." 
Would you give someone your power source?  Especially if they haven't proven worthy to have it?  Many of us would need several sets of hands to count the men we have had a physical connection with.  Maybe only one hand to count those with whom we had an emotional connection.  But when is comes to a spiritual connection...silence, crickets, no comment. (If you can't say Amen, just say ouch. Ouch!)  Why then would we open our heart to a man who is not our husband, or one who is not hearing from God as the focus and center of his life?

Your ability to guard your heart is paramount to preserving the precious, life giving gift that God has blessed you with.  God knows your need and desire to be brought to the throne of grace.  He is ready to give you the desires of your heart!  But He wants you to guard your heart, leaving it open and accessible to Him first.  When we guard our hearts against the tricks and schemes of the devil we allow access to our Saviour Jesus Christ.  He loves us without conditions.  He loves us eternally.

Don't use this as a rationale for blocking any and all interest or advance from a man - you are too fly to become a bitter spinster!  But be discerning, be vigilant, be wise in your decisions regarding who to spend your precious time and interest with.  A spring is eternal, ever bubbling and refreshing; a well is purposed to make the bounty from the spring accessible.  Protect your eternal refreshment ladies, keep it accessible to God.  Guard your heart girls, above all else!  Amen.

The Struggle Continues...

Romans 14:4 "Who are you to condemn God's servants?  They are responsible to the Lord, so let Him tell them whether they are right or wrong.  The Lords power will help them do as they should."

Now is the time of year when many of us have either forgotten our New Year Resolutions or are acting as though we have forgotten them. As the Lenten season is upon us, we may have taken on a whole new task, or thing, to stay away from as we draw closer to God at this time. Raise your hand if you are struggling right now... OK, hands down. That was a lot of you! (yes, my hand was up too.)

As we roll along in our day-to-day lives many of us struggle in the area of criticism/ judgement/ condemnation. This struggle is often masked in different ways...
It could be a thought: "What is the world is he doing?"
It could be what is said: "I don't know what in the world she was thinking when she did that."
Or it could be an action: "I'm just going to move these over here because he doesn't know what in the world he is doing and I can't have him ruining my stuff!"

Truth be told, if we could count the times we think, say , or do something in a judgmental manner we would be ashamed of the number. During a recent trip I found myself judging everything from how long the person in front of me took to move out of the fast lane, to the tone of voice one of my lunch mates took with our waitress. It seemed like the only time I wasn't being critical was when I looked outside at the pretty sky and marveled at God's handy work.  I am ashamed of myself.  We should be ashamed of ourselves. 

Romans 14: 10 reads "Why do you condemn your brother?  Why do you look down on your brother?  Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgement seat of God."  Verse 12 continues, "Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God."  These verses are profound because they confirm our personal testimony to God.  Trust and believe, you will not be called to the witness stand to testify against your friend' flaws and faults.  Nor will I be called upon to give my personal account of all the errors I think others have made in their lives.  God is not interested in my take on the behaviors/ words/ deeds of everyone else .  But on the flip side, no one will be called to testify against me either.  My life, my words, and definitely my actions, will be my testimony.  The impact I have made on others, both positive and negative, will bear witness for me.  The people who we may have condemned in our mind will not be called to the stand.  Those who we have talked about or looked down upon will not be called to the stand.  God has not put us here to be the sideline commentators for the missteps of others.  Instead, He graciously convicts us to do better and be better towards our fellow man.

"So don't condemn each other anymore.  Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another brothers path."  Romans 14:13

Now go ahead and pull out your list of New Year's Resolutions and write down one more: No Condemnation!  If there is one resolution that we should keep it should be this one.  Now the one about not eating cupcakes...you have permission to cross that one off your list ;-)

Stay fly girls!