The evil "J" word!

The "J" word is unfortunately a word I know all too well. Since I was young, I have found myself getting jealous. This jealousy comes from comparing my life to others.

I was thinking about the comparison trap. I am so easily locked into this. I don't really know why, but I'm guessing it's because of discontentment at times. I love my life, I love my husband and my children and I love being a stay at home-homeschooling mom. Yet, every once in a while, I see or hear about someone living their dream and I start to become jealous and compare what I think about their life with the hardest parts of my own.

And that is the problem, I don't know what their life is really like behind the front door. I can only see and speculate as to what I think it is like. The reality is we all have difficulties. One of this weeks memory verses is Galatians 6:4-5 "Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load."

The Lord doesn't want us to fret over someone else, He wants us to look to Him and to follow what He has called us to do. We are all created differently with different gifts. My gifts do no look like someone else's gifts and neither do my difficulties.

In John 21:21-22 After Jesus had restored Peter from his denial, Peter asks Jesus "But Lord, what about that man?" (referring to another disciple) and Jesus said to him "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow me." I think we all need to remember this. God has a purpose and a plan for our lives that is uniquely designed for us. He doesn't make mistakes. He wants our focus to be on Him and what He has for us to do.

I had an opportunity to share this with my daughter recently. Our church has a play every year at Christmas time. It is a big deal and tryouts start in September. It is open to children from 2nd to 6th grade and this is her last year. She was hoping to get a main part with lots of lines. She practiced her singing (she has an amazing voice) and her acting. Tryouts came and she was encouraged. But the day they revealed the parts, she didn't get the one she hoped for. Instead, a friend of hers did.

She was disappointed. She came to me and we talked about it. She shared how she really wanted a lot of lines and that she really wanted the big solo! I could feel her pain! I prayed about how to best help her and God gave me the words. First I told her how I understood her disappointment. I understood what it was like to not get what you want and to see someone else get it.

And then I began to teach her how to keep from letting the disappointment turn into jealousy. I told her to remember that the play wasn't about her, it was about glorifying God. The whole point was to have fun and to share the Gospel. I reminded her that every part was important, not just the one with the most lines. The play couldn't happen unless every one participated. I helped her to see how she, and everyone else, has a very important role. And then I asked her to think of things she did have, things she was thankful for. I was hoping that by focusing on the blessings in her life, the disappointment wouldn't fade. She started making her list and became happy for her friend and excited about her part. She began to talk about how much she was going to practice so she could do the best job ever!

An amazing thing happened in my heart. God whispered, "That's what I want YOU to do as well. Focus on your blessings. Work on what I have for you to do in your life." It's amazing how a lesson that I am teaching to my daughter speaks so much to me.

In my walk with the Lord, I am learning to be content. As Paul says in Philippians 4:11 "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." This has been a stretching process for me. It doesn't come natural but thankfully God is working in me!

So lets remember: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefor, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:9-10.

Lord,
Thank You for this wonderful morning, a new chance to walk with You. Thank You that You have a plan for each one of s. Thank You that You created us with unique gifts. Lord, today I pray that we will look to You for what we should be doing in our lives. I pray that when we start to look at others and compare that we would remember to simply 'Follow You'. I pray that we would bring love to others and not grow weary in the work You have. Thank You Lord that You continue to work in us.
In Jesus Name,

Amen

My Unglued Procedure Manual

Lysa Terkeurst shares her procedure manual in chapter 7 of Unglued. I used some of her ideas and personalized them for my own.

1. Remember who I am and whom I belong to. God! I have told my children this for as long as I can remember. We are redeemed (Eph 1:7), accepted (Eph 1:6) and blessed (Eph 1:3) by God and created by Him for good works. (Eph 2:10).When we focus on the fact that we are children of God, created for good things, molded and shaped by Him, we can walk in those truths and it will affect the way we react.
2. Refocus on what's really important. One question to ask is: 'In the light of eternity, does this really matter?' (2 Chronicles 20:29-30, Acts 26:16))
3. Move out of the way - let God work. He is much better at it anyway. I think a lot of my unglued moments come from me wanting to control the situation or having an expectation of how something should be. In reality, I can only see what is right in front of me. However, God sees the big picture and He has a plan. (Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Chronicles 20:15b)
4. Gratitude - plan and simple. Thank God for what He has done and is doing! (Psalm 100:4, Psalm 147:7, Colossians 4:2)
5. Consider my legacy. How do I want to be remembered? Do I want people to fear me coming unglued or do I want to be remembered as a self-controlled woman of God? Proverbs 31 comes to mind here!

Lord,
Thank You for saving me and loving me. I need Your help to stay focused on the important things. Help me to see You in every situation. Help me to move out of the way and let You do Your mighty work in and through me. Thank You for Your love, provision and growth in my life. I pray that I can be a quiet spirit today as You work in me. I pray that I will hold my tongue and stay controlled and 'glued'. 
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Our real enemy

Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

When faced with a potential conflict or situation that can make me come unglued, I need to remind myself who the real enemy is. The person or people or situation that seems to be making my blood pressure rise isn't really my enemy, Satan is. He prowls around the world seeking to destroy. He wants to destroy people and relationships. He wants us to believe that we are doomed to stay the way we are and that we can't change. He is excited when we explode on people or stuff our feelings which in turn produces more conflict and damaged relationships. Satan can sit back and relax and watch it all come down.

Unless we choose how we will react in advance. If we make a conscious choice to react in an honest, peacemaking, Godly way, we can help minimize the damage. We win, God wins. Conflict doesn't have to destroy a relationship, it can make it stronger but it takes work. It takes forethought and planning. It takes self-control. 

1 Peter 5:8 "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

As one of the fruits of the spirit, self-control is not an automatic. You must work to achieve it. Self-control comes from knowing God, knowing His word, and choosing to react according to it. It takes time with God, reflecting on and memorizing His word and His promises and His truth. We will also learn to know who our enemy is and the result will be that we will not be devoured by the enemy but we will shut him down.

I'm loving the book Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst. I am seeing some 'imperfect' progress already and looking forward to the continued work He is doing in my life!

Prisoner...set free!

Some of my thoughts and reflections on Chapter 3 of Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst 

"You are so mean!" "You are controlling and bossy!" These are some labels others have given me that I have allowed to stick to me in my life. I think to myself and shout in my mind, "I'm not trying to be mean, sarcasm is my defense when I feel threatened. I'm not trying to be bossy or controlling, I just want to help!" And then I come unglued and show others that I really am those things!


Then there are the labels I put on myself; you are disorganized, you aren't a good cook, you are easily distracted, you are always late! I have been a prisoner to these labels.

Slowly, God is showing me that I don't have to be.
  
2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

I am a new creation, old things have passed away! I don't have to replay the comments in my head or relive the mistakes I've made. I can remind myself who God says I am! After all, He created me for great things! He is my maker and He is chiseling away to make me a masterpiece!~ 

With this new mindset, I am set free! I'm not perfect, it's imperfect progress. Thankfully the Lord isn't finished with me yet!!

On going effects of grief....

Dan and I, along with a couple ladies at our church, are facilitating a GriefShare group. I am honored to be able to bring this ministry to my church and to walk with hurting people who need comfort and love at a very difficult time.

We 'trained' for months, beginning in the Spring and watched all the videos and prepared ourselves. I even read all the blog posts and leader tips and such. I knew it would be emotionally trying, especially the first few sessions as everyone is sharing their loss. However, I don't think I was fully prepared for the resurfacing of so many memories and feelings. If I don't keep in prayer about it, I could easily become overwhelmed. I guess I thought that after so many years, it would be easier.

I am thankful for the Lord and the continual comfort He has provided. I'm thankful for my co-facilitators, especially Dan, who I can pray for and with and I know pray for me. I'm thankful for our church which supports us and encourages us. And I'm thankful the the license to share with hurting people. I have walked a similar road. It isn't easy yet I hope that I can be a source of encouragement in a time of need.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

One Another

Monday September 10, 2012

Good morning everyone!

This morning (and all last night for that matter!) God was placing on my heart some of the things He has in store for our family.  Some of these things I wrestled within my heart, He never said this life would be easy.  In the end God confirmed the work that He is working inside of me.

"So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." Romans 12:5 NASB

Committed followers of Jesus are called to community not seclusion. Jesus had His disciples, Paul had the church, even monks have brothers in the monastery and nuns have sisters in the nunnery. Men and women of faith are not islands of isolation, but a beautiful Body of Christ intricately woven together by God's grace. Just like a physical body relies on a variety of organs and appendages, so the spiritual body is interdependent.  Every believer is a unique work in Christ, tempered by the interaction of the Holy Spirit and providence of God's Holy Word.  Every believer is uniquely qualified to fill the place that Jesus intends them to fill within the body of the Church.

Christ calls us to one another. We need one another. Yes, we are complete in Christ, but we are incomplete without a Christ-centered community. When Christ called us, He called us to Himself and to His body of believers. Spiritual growth slows absent engagement with other sincere souls. We are part of a worldwide movement of faith and good works initiated by the Spirit through the Church of Jesus Christ and His disciples. Our vision radically expands when we are part of a mission much bigger than ourselves. Rely on the Holy Spirit to direct and grow you, not the 'wisdom' gained that belongs this world.
 
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common." Acts 2:42-44

United by faith we flourish by faith. What the enemy seeks to divide, Jesus Christ unifies. Together we align around the God's agenda: share the gospel, feed the poor, plant churches, heal the sick, make disciples, educate, preach, teach and care for widows and orphans. Christians who serve together have no time for the sideways energy of irrelevant arguments. We need one another-like an army we cover each other's back.  Encourage your brothers and sisters in the gifts that God has ordained within them and recognize their uniqueness in Jesus Christ instead of disapproving of their differences.  If Christ is ultimately glorified and His Word is spread then our purpose as a Church is fulfilled.  In doing so, you have seized an opportunity to honor Christ.

We need one another for prayer and perspective. We need one another for protection and encouragement. We need one another because we are in a spiritual war. We need one another because we are weak and vulnerable. We need one another because we are strong and proud. We need one another to protect us from ourselves. We need one another to know one another and to be known. We need one another because God says we do.  Allow acceptance in your heart for those who hold different opinions than yours, so long as they glorify Christ and honor His Word.  God will use these people to help grow your own faith in Him to better equip you for the work He intends you to perform to further God's kingdom.

Religion is not solitary with your Savior Jesus. When you are with other followers of Christ you are encouraged, prayed for, and held accountable. Yes, you can worship in private, but when you gather for public worship you experience the diversity of God's children. The energy and education you receive when you engage other brothers and sisters in Christ is necessary for spiritual growth. If you had a bad church experience, prayerfully participate in a new place of worship. Go where you can better know God.

"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 10:24-25

Please pray for my family and I over the next few weeks.  We will be taking the final steps to pursue the chaplaincy as our primary ministry.  Among the tasks ahead are the administrative requirements that must be completed through our church, my endorser, and the Navy.  Crissi and I would greatly appreciate your prayers and encouragement as we continue take care of these tasks ahead of us in furthering Christ's kingdom for His glory.


Blessings,


Daniel Robinson

Secure - Not Shaken

Dan has been writing and sending out devotions to a group of people each week. This one really spoke to me and I realized that I should be sharing these on our blog! So, when he sends them out each week, I will be sharing them here!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Hello everyone!  There are some issues that have been on my mind lately and security came to mind.  I'm sure that the LORD has brought some things to your own attention in your life.

When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. Psalm 30:6-7

Security rests in our Savior, not our stuff. Stuff comes and goes. It is by nature insecure. But when Jesus Christ comes to dwell in our hearts, He remains. He has promised that He will never leave us. Because He is secure we can be secure. But we must beware lest we believe that security resides anywhere else other than the Lord. God has set His seal of ownership on all who believe. He has put His Spirit in our hearts guaranteeing what is to come (2 Corinthians 1:22). We have an escrow account in eternity. God is the guarantor of our eternal security. Because of this, we are secure in Jesus. Our security is not based on feelings, but faith. If our security depends on feeling secure, we are men and women most miserable. The security found in the world is a fleeting falsehood. Feelings of security fade in the face of trouble when placed in the stuff not of God.

If our confidence is based on pleasant circumstances, then we become careless with Christ. Our life becomes nothing more than a roller coaster of reactive responses. If we feel good, we are secure. If we feel bad, we are insecure. If people like us, we are secure. If they do not like us, we are insecure. If we have money, we are secure. If we lack money, we are insecure. If we are healthy, we are secure. If we are unhealthy, we are insecure. If our job is certain, we are secure. If our job is uncertain, we are insecure. If our children are obedient, we are secure. If our children are disobedient, we are insecure. If things go our way, we are secure. If things don't go our way, we are insecure. We eventually grow weary and wither under the whiplash of insecure living.

Do not place your security in success or failure. The fumes of success can smother your faith as fast as failure can extinguish your hope. Do not allow your material gains to become a substitute for your security in Christ. Stuff is at the top of insecurity's heap. It is the security we find in Jesus that never changes. He is our rock and our refuge. He never moves. He is not shaken. Critics could not rattle Christ with their mockery and meanness. He stood firm in His faith in His heavenly Father. Physical abuse did not drive Him to abandon the Almighty's call on His life. Rather, it emboldened Him. Adversity did not make Him compromise His moral purity. Indeed, suffering became His launching pad for secure and pure behavior. Hope warmed His heart with security.

If left to our own devices, we are insecure people. Anytime we seek security outside of Christ we become insecure. It is ironic that the search for security results in insecurity when we marginalize our Master. He is not our Lord for the last minute. He is our "go to" God first. Secure people wrap everything about themselves around Jesus. Relationships come and go, but your relationship with Jesus remains secure. You grow smarter and wiser with learned experience, but you shun intellectual snobbery and stay humbly secure in Christ. Your balance sheet balloons with net worth, but you keep your ego from inflating by remaining secure in Christ alone. Generous givers are secure. Insecurity arises when we add something to our faith in Christ. Therefore, be secure in your fidelity to faith. You are secure because your security is eternal. Shun earthly securities and embrace heaven's security. Faith needs no help when it is placed in Christ. Above all else, the faithful are secure, not shaken.


Blessings,


Daniel Robinson