Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 79
April 6, 2012
The Perfection Illusion
But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power
is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly
about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. ~2
Corinthians 12:9
I've been a perfectionist for as long as I
can remember (though now I like to refer to myself as a recovering
perfectionist). Perfectionism is a great hindrance to our spiritual
growth, affecting many areas in our lives.
Spiritual Pride
First
of all, perfectionism leads to spiritual pride. After all, if we do
everything perfectly, that gives us a one-up on everyone around us who
can't. We begin to see ourselves as superior to others.
Legalism
The
next step in the ladder is legalism. We perfectionists are good
rule-keepers (especially when others are watching). We're the ones who
drive the speed limit. We're upstanding citizens. We've got our masks
firmly glued in place and our chins held high.
Jesus had a word for us: hypocrites.
In Our Own Strength
Another problem with being a perfectionist is that we become proficient at doing things in our own strength. We're over-achievers on steroids.
Help For Recovering Perfectionists
God's Word has much to say to those of us in recovery to the illusion of perfection.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ~1 John 1:8
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes... ~Proverbs 6:16-17a
There is no one righteous, not even one... ~Romans 3:10
...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... ~Romans 3:23
The
sin problem has been around since the beginning. God is more than aware
of the sin problem, and has already done everything needed to correct
the problem. We can't "fix it" ourselves. All we can do is face our
imperfection and then lay it humbly at the foot of the cross, pleading
for His mercy, grace and forgiveness.
I recently noticed something I'd never noticed before in this passage from James 1:2:
Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.
All
of us will face trials and temptations. None of us are exempt. And
though we may successfully sidestep many of these difficulties, none of
us are capable of missing them all.
In other words, we're all gonna fall sometimes.
Ouch!
That hurts! Perfectionists especially don't want to hear this. But
praise be to God, the story doesn't end with our failures! In fact, it's
just a starting point. Once we recognize our tendency to fall and fail,
we also recognize our sinful condition and our need for a Savior. At
that precise moment, God's grace is ours for the taking...
The
law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin
increased, grace increased all the more... ~Romans 5:20
Thank
You, Lord Jesus, that in Your economy, even our mess-ups and flubs have
meaning, because of Your work of grace on behalf of all of us. Help us
recovering perfectionists. Help us recognize perfectionism for the
illusion it is. Help us see how the enemy uses it in our lives. More
than anything, Father, help us to turn to You in the midst of our mess.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
P.S. This is the topic of the novel I'm currently working on, appropriately titled The Way of Grace.
I think one reason I've struggled so much with the writing of this book
is because the main character is more like me than I care to admit. But
God is so good! He's used this story to bring the illusion of
perfection in my own life into sharper focus, which in turn has made me
more grateful than ever for His amazing grace. I covet your prayers as I
work through my perfectionist problem in the writing of this book.
Much love,
Cathy
is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly
about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. ~2
Corinthians 12:9
I've been a perfectionist for as long as I
can remember (though now I like to refer to myself as a recovering
perfectionist). Perfectionism is a great hindrance to our spiritual
growth, affecting many areas in our lives.
Spiritual Pride
First
of all, perfectionism leads to spiritual pride. After all, if we do
everything perfectly, that gives us a one-up on everyone around us who
can't. We begin to see ourselves as superior to others.
Legalism
The
next step in the ladder is legalism. We perfectionists are good
rule-keepers (especially when others are watching). We're the ones who
drive the speed limit. We're upstanding citizens. We've got our masks
firmly glued in place and our chins held high.
Jesus had a word for us: hypocrites.
In Our Own Strength
Another problem with being a perfectionist is that we become proficient at doing things in our own strength. We're over-achievers on steroids.
Help For Recovering Perfectionists
God's Word has much to say to those of us in recovery to the illusion of perfection.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ~1 John 1:8
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes... ~Proverbs 6:16-17a
There is no one righteous, not even one... ~Romans 3:10
...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... ~Romans 3:23
The
sin problem has been around since the beginning. God is more than aware
of the sin problem, and has already done everything needed to correct
the problem. We can't "fix it" ourselves. All we can do is face our
imperfection and then lay it humbly at the foot of the cross, pleading
for His mercy, grace and forgiveness.
I recently noticed something I'd never noticed before in this passage from James 1:2:
Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.
All
of us will face trials and temptations. None of us are exempt. And
though we may successfully sidestep many of these difficulties, none of
us are capable of missing them all.
In other words, we're all gonna fall sometimes.
Ouch!
That hurts! Perfectionists especially don't want to hear this. But
praise be to God, the story doesn't end with our failures! In fact, it's
just a starting point. Once we recognize our tendency to fall and fail,
we also recognize our sinful condition and our need for a Savior. At
that precise moment, God's grace is ours for the taking...
The
law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin
increased, grace increased all the more... ~Romans 5:20
Thank
You, Lord Jesus, that in Your economy, even our mess-ups and flubs have
meaning, because of Your work of grace on behalf of all of us. Help us
recovering perfectionists. Help us recognize perfectionism for the
illusion it is. Help us see how the enemy uses it in our lives. More
than anything, Father, help us to turn to You in the midst of our mess.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
P.S. This is the topic of the novel I'm currently working on, appropriately titled The Way of Grace.
I think one reason I've struggled so much with the writing of this book
is because the main character is more like me than I care to admit. But
God is so good! He's used this story to bring the illusion of
perfection in my own life into sharper focus, which in turn has made me
more grateful than ever for His amazing grace. I covet your prayers as I
work through my perfectionist problem in the writing of this book.
Much love,
Cathy
March 30, 2012
Knowing God's Will
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's
mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to
God—this is your true and proper worship. 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 12:1-2 (NIV)
Have you ever struggled to know God's will? I have.
But we don't have to.
God
doesn't try to hide His will from us. As our loving Father, He wants us
to know His will--"His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Then why do we struggle so hard to know it? Lots of reasons.
Self-Service
I've
heard it said that the only thing wrong with a living sacrifice is its
tendency to crawl off the altar. We may start off our day with the
intention of living for God, but at some point in the day (for me,
sometimes as soon as I put one toe on the floor!) we often yield to the
demands of our selfish self.
Conforming to the World
If
we really stop to consider our lives (and what we allow in our lives),
we conform to the world in numerous ways every day. What we watch on
television and movie screens, what we read for entertainment, what we
wear, what we buy, what we eat, what we say...the list could go on
infinitely.
God says "DO NOT!"
Religious Semantics
Ever
heard the phrase "in the center of God's will?" I have. Sadly to say,
I've even used it. Next question. Ever read it in the Bible?
The truth is there is no such thing as the center of God's will. We're either doing God's will or not!
In
our human tendency to make things more complicated than they ever have
to be, we've made knowing and being in His will some mystical thing we
feel we have to search for. Wrong! According to scripture, we simply
have to renew our minds and align them with God's way of doing things
(which is clearly revealed in scripture), and we will know His will.
Asking the Wrong Question
To put it all in a nutshell, I've been asking the
wrong question. Perhaps you have, too. Instead of asking, "What is
God's will for my life?" from now on I'm going to ask: "Am I seeking God
and following Him the way His Word instructs me to?"
If the answer is yes, then everything--including God's will being made known to me--falls into place.
Father,
thank You that we don't have to constantly worry and wonder about being
in Your will. It's never been Your intention or Your pattern to hide
Your will from us. Thank You that knowing Your will is as simple as
following You. Amen.
mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to
God—this is your true and proper worship. 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 12:1-2 (NIV)
Have you ever struggled to know God's will? I have.
But we don't have to.
God
doesn't try to hide His will from us. As our loving Father, He wants us
to know His will--"His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Then why do we struggle so hard to know it? Lots of reasons.
Self-Service
I've
heard it said that the only thing wrong with a living sacrifice is its
tendency to crawl off the altar. We may start off our day with the
intention of living for God, but at some point in the day (for me,
sometimes as soon as I put one toe on the floor!) we often yield to the
demands of our selfish self.
Conforming to the World
If
we really stop to consider our lives (and what we allow in our lives),
we conform to the world in numerous ways every day. What we watch on
television and movie screens, what we read for entertainment, what we
wear, what we buy, what we eat, what we say...the list could go on
infinitely.
God says "DO NOT!"
Religious Semantics
Ever
heard the phrase "in the center of God's will?" I have. Sadly to say,
I've even used it. Next question. Ever read it in the Bible?
The truth is there is no such thing as the center of God's will. We're either doing God's will or not!
In
our human tendency to make things more complicated than they ever have
to be, we've made knowing and being in His will some mystical thing we
feel we have to search for. Wrong! According to scripture, we simply
have to renew our minds and align them with God's way of doing things
(which is clearly revealed in scripture), and we will know His will.
Asking the Wrong Question
To put it all in a nutshell, I've been asking the
wrong question. Perhaps you have, too. Instead of asking, "What is
God's will for my life?" from now on I'm going to ask: "Am I seeking God
and following Him the way His Word instructs me to?"
If the answer is yes, then everything--including God's will being made known to me--falls into place.
Father,
thank You that we don't have to constantly worry and wonder about being
in Your will. It's never been Your intention or Your pattern to hide
Your will from us. Thank You that knowing Your will is as simple as
following You. Amen.
March 29, 2012
BOOK REVIEW: Open Your Hymnal by Denise K. Loock
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Do you ever catch yourself singing a song in church without paying attention to the words? Open Your Hymnal is a collection of thirty devotions that transport the wisdom of classic hymns and gospel songs into the twenty-first century. Introduce yourself to the rich spiritual heritage that hymnals contain or gain a new perspective on songs you've sung since childhood. Whether you sing in the choir loft, the worship team, or the pew, the refreshing biblical insights in this book will enhance your appreciation of the words you sing every time you open a hymnal.
From the Foreword:
"Through witty, insightful, and sometimes poignant writing, Denise draws on the richness of the doctrine and the personal nature of these hymns to encourage us in our Christian faith. Whether or not hymns are a part of your worship tradition, you will find the timeless truths expressed in these meditations a blessing and encouragement to your soul."
Mark Hahn, Minister of Music,
Montgomery Evangelical Free Church, Belle Mead, NJ
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denise Kelso Loock's devotions and stories appear in best-selling books and magazines. She teaches a women's Bible study, writes meditations for her church choir, and posts biweekly devotions on her website: digdeeperdevotions.com.
Other than teaching and studying the Bible, her favorite activities are gardening, rooting for the Yankees, watching the antics of her two cats, reading, and taking leisurely walks.
She lives in Central New Jersey with her husband, son, and daughter.
You can contact her through her website: www.digdeeperdevotions.com
MY REVIEW:
I received this book through a free book promotion via Amazon. The book features several devotionals that are tied in to the classic hymns of our faith. I was greatly blessed by the author's insight into the scripture and the hymns, and highly recommend this book to all Christians. Five stars out of five for this one!
March 23, 2012
First Things First
As relief house parents at a boys' ranch, my husband and I are
constantly packing up to move to one of our two "homes away from home."
On one such occasion, I was trying, without much success, to squeeze six
different vitamins in the small compartments of my pill-a-day
container.
After much struggle, I finally succeeded. I had to
completely empty the containers, place the largest vitamins in first,
and then add the smaller ones.
As I did this, it reminded me that
our lives are much the same. We have too many things to squeeze into
twenty-four hours. Our best chance at success is to stop long enough to
realize that we must take the time for the most important things first.
If we don't, our entire lives will be spent on the trivial and mundane,
and those things that should take priority will be shuffled to the side.
As usual, God's Word expresses it best: But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ~Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Father God, as we hurry through yet another day, keep us mindful of the importance of putting You and Your kingdom first. Amen.
constantly packing up to move to one of our two "homes away from home."
On one such occasion, I was trying, without much success, to squeeze six
different vitamins in the small compartments of my pill-a-day
container.
After much struggle, I finally succeeded. I had to
completely empty the containers, place the largest vitamins in first,
and then add the smaller ones.
As I did this, it reminded me that
our lives are much the same. We have too many things to squeeze into
twenty-four hours. Our best chance at success is to stop long enough to
realize that we must take the time for the most important things first.
If we don't, our entire lives will be spent on the trivial and mundane,
and those things that should take priority will be shuffled to the side.
As usual, God's Word expresses it best: But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ~Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Father God, as we hurry through yet another day, keep us mindful of the importance of putting You and Your kingdom first. Amen.
March 16, 2012
Would You Mind....?
Just wanted to type a quick post asking for your help. I've enrolled my first book, TEXAS ROADS (Book 1 in the Miller's Creek series), in a special program on Amazon. During the ninety-day program, I have five days where I can give the eBook of TEXAS ROADS away for free.
One of those days is Saturday, March 17th (St. Patrick's Day). (Since I have substantial Irish blood, I thought it was fitting. With surnames like O'Clark, Duffee, and Dunn, I can prove it!) =)
Anyway, if you have a chance can you please help spread the word? I would so appreciate it, and even if you don't know someone who has an eReader, your friends might. (Also, Amazon has a free Kindle app for computers and smart phones. You can find out more here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_pc_mkt_lnd?docId=1000426311).
So, if you don't mind, please let your Facebook friends, Twitter followers, blog buddies and e-mail contacts know about the giveaway! Here's the link, and it will be good through midnight on Saturday, March 17th: http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Roads-Millers-Creek-ebook/dp/B00480OH1G/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1331955316&sr=1-1
Thanks so much for your help!
God's Gardening
I love to garden. There's something life-affirming about being able
to tuck a tiny seed in the dirt and watch it sprout into a plant that
either flowers or produces food or both.
All throughout God's
Word, there are references and metaphors that deal with the gardening
process. One verse that particularly stood out to me recently was Hosea
10:12: Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing
love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the
LORD, until He comes and showers righteousness on you. (NIV)
Sow for yourselves righteousness
How can we do this? The Bible clearly states that "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6) and that none of us are righteous (Romans 3:10). There is only one way for us to be righteous.
God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. ~2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
Only in Christ can our righteousness be achieved.
However,
humans still have a responsibility. We can't sit passively by, living
any way we want. We have to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness
(Matthew 6:33). We have to do our best to live the right way and to
pursue righteousness (1 John 3:7; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22). It's
also important to remember that righteousness doesn't necessarily equate
itself with sinlessness. ...for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again... ~Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)
Reap the fruit of unfailing love
Again...how
can we do this? Ultimately, the love of God is the only unfailing love,
and because of Christ's atoning sacrifice we can reap that fruit.
But
love is also one of the fruits of the Spirit that becomes ours when He
indwells us (Galatians 5:22-23). Love is the most excellent way and to
be desired above all gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31). It's our
responsibility as Christ's followers to share His love with others, to
fulfill His mission of seeking out the lost and His great commission of
bringing the world into a relationship with Him.
Break up your unplowed ground
If
you've ever gardened, you know the importance of this step in the
process. If you don't break up the ground which has been compacted by
traffic and hardened by sun and hot weather, the seeds you plant don't
have much chance.
Our hearts are the same. It's all too easy for
us to harden our hearts, and throughout the Bible we're warned about
this. Instead, we need to discipline ourselves into softening our
hearts--to keep them plowable for God Spirit's to work.
For it is time to seek the LORD
It's always a good time to seek the Lord.
Seek the LORD while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near. ~Isaiah 55:6 (NLT)
And it's not like playing hide and seek. God wants to us to find Him.
You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. ~Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
In fact, He is the one who seeks us, urging us to seek Him in return.
Until He comes and showers righteousness on you
The
book of Hosea was written before Christ came to earth, so this part of
the verse is a Messianic promise, fulfilled during the time of Jesus.
With His blood He showered righteousness on us.
One day He will return again. May we be readying ourselves by sowing righteousness, reaping unfailing love and seeking Him.
to tuck a tiny seed in the dirt and watch it sprout into a plant that
either flowers or produces food or both.
All throughout God's
Word, there are references and metaphors that deal with the gardening
process. One verse that particularly stood out to me recently was Hosea
10:12: Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing
love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the
LORD, until He comes and showers righteousness on you. (NIV)
Sow for yourselves righteousness
How can we do this? The Bible clearly states that "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6) and that none of us are righteous (Romans 3:10). There is only one way for us to be righteous.
God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. ~2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
Only in Christ can our righteousness be achieved.
However,
humans still have a responsibility. We can't sit passively by, living
any way we want. We have to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness
(Matthew 6:33). We have to do our best to live the right way and to
pursue righteousness (1 John 3:7; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22). It's
also important to remember that righteousness doesn't necessarily equate
itself with sinlessness. ...for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again... ~Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)
Reap the fruit of unfailing love
Again...how
can we do this? Ultimately, the love of God is the only unfailing love,
and because of Christ's atoning sacrifice we can reap that fruit.
But
love is also one of the fruits of the Spirit that becomes ours when He
indwells us (Galatians 5:22-23). Love is the most excellent way and to
be desired above all gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31). It's our
responsibility as Christ's followers to share His love with others, to
fulfill His mission of seeking out the lost and His great commission of
bringing the world into a relationship with Him.
Break up your unplowed ground
If
you've ever gardened, you know the importance of this step in the
process. If you don't break up the ground which has been compacted by
traffic and hardened by sun and hot weather, the seeds you plant don't
have much chance.
Our hearts are the same. It's all too easy for
us to harden our hearts, and throughout the Bible we're warned about
this. Instead, we need to discipline ourselves into softening our
hearts--to keep them plowable for God Spirit's to work.
For it is time to seek the LORD
It's always a good time to seek the Lord.
Seek the LORD while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near. ~Isaiah 55:6 (NLT)
And it's not like playing hide and seek. God wants to us to find Him.
You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. ~Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
In fact, He is the one who seeks us, urging us to seek Him in return.
Until He comes and showers righteousness on you
The
book of Hosea was written before Christ came to earth, so this part of
the verse is a Messianic promise, fulfilled during the time of Jesus.
With His blood He showered righteousness on us.
One day He will return again. May we be readying ourselves by sowing righteousness, reaping unfailing love and seeking Him.
March 9, 2012
Fear Not!
What do you fear most?
Certainly there is much to fear:
financial ruin, bad decisions, loss of a loved one or a job, loss of
health...the list could go on and on.
But for those of us who
profess Christ as Lord and Savior, there is truly nothing to fear. All
through the Bible, God commands His people to "Fear not!" Moses, Joshua,
Daniel, Mary and Joseph, Gehazi, the disciples, the women at the tomb,
Paul, etc. were told not to be afraid.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Imagine
walking through a pitch-black night, when a familiar and trusted voice
calls out: "I'm right here." Imagine the comfort, the peace, the joy in
knowing that you are not alone.
It is the same with our heavenly
Father. The journey through this life is often akin to walking through
dark and fearful circumstances. But our God has promised to be with us.
Because of His presence and His power, we have nothing to fear.
The cure for fear is total trust in the One who loves us, who made us, who redeemed us. He will hold us up by His righteous right hand, so "Fear not!"
Father
God, what comfort and assurance there is in You. Thank You for Your
promise to always be with us and to hold us up. May we slay Satan and
his tool of fear with that promise. Amen.
Certainly there is much to fear:
financial ruin, bad decisions, loss of a loved one or a job, loss of
health...the list could go on and on.
But for those of us who
profess Christ as Lord and Savior, there is truly nothing to fear. All
through the Bible, God commands His people to "Fear not!" Moses, Joshua,
Daniel, Mary and Joseph, Gehazi, the disciples, the women at the tomb,
Paul, etc. were told not to be afraid.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Imagine
walking through a pitch-black night, when a familiar and trusted voice
calls out: "I'm right here." Imagine the comfort, the peace, the joy in
knowing that you are not alone.
It is the same with our heavenly
Father. The journey through this life is often akin to walking through
dark and fearful circumstances. But our God has promised to be with us.
Because of His presence and His power, we have nothing to fear.
The cure for fear is total trust in the One who loves us, who made us, who redeemed us. He will hold us up by His righteous right hand, so "Fear not!"
Father
God, what comfort and assurance there is in You. Thank You for Your
promise to always be with us and to hold us up. May we slay Satan and
his tool of fear with that promise. Amen.
March 2, 2012
Make His Word Known
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love
the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with
all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on
your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall
talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way,
and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign
on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You
shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
~Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (ESV)
A holy hush blankets my hectic heart when I read these words.
Hear - Listen! This is important! Pay attention! Get ready for total obedience!
O Israel
- God's chosen people. As followers in faith, we are Abraham's
children, the new Israel. These words were spoken for us, too! Remember
who you are and Whose you are!
The LORD our God, the LORD is one
- He's the One and Only True God and there is no other. God the Father,
God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, three in one--this is the God we
serve. His presence brings productive and positive change in our lives.
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might
- Love equals obedience. Jesus said if we love Him, we'll obey Him
(John 14:15). We're to love, obey, and serve Him with all that we
are--heart (emotions and will), soul (spirit), might (strength and
power).
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart
- His Word needs to be such a part of our lives that it's engraved on
our hearts. He calls us to reflect and meditate upon His Word (Psalm
1:2). We need to move His Word from our heads to our hearts.
You
shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them
when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you
lie down, and when you rise - In other words, ALL THE TIME! Our
Lord's Word should flow out of us constantly, especially with the
children God has placed in our lives. Notice how we're to teach: diligently. We need to impress the importance of God's Word on the tender hearts of our children.
You
shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets
between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house
and on your gates. - We need to surround ourselves with God's
Word, so that we never miss an opportunity to hear and apply His
teaching to our lives.
Lord God, how we praise You for
Who You are--the One and Only True God, three in one. Thank You that we
are Your chosen people. Help us to love, obey and serve You
wholeheartedly, with all that we are. May we constantly speak Your Words
to others, especially to the children in our care. Help us to surround
ourselves with Your Word so that it flows out of us and splashes onto
those around us. Give us the ability to apply Your Word to our lives, so
that we not only hear them, but also live them. Amen.
the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with
all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on
your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall
talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way,
and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign
on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You
shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
~Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (ESV)
A holy hush blankets my hectic heart when I read these words.
Hear - Listen! This is important! Pay attention! Get ready for total obedience!
O Israel
- God's chosen people. As followers in faith, we are Abraham's
children, the new Israel. These words were spoken for us, too! Remember
who you are and Whose you are!
The LORD our God, the LORD is one
- He's the One and Only True God and there is no other. God the Father,
God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, three in one--this is the God we
serve. His presence brings productive and positive change in our lives.
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might
- Love equals obedience. Jesus said if we love Him, we'll obey Him
(John 14:15). We're to love, obey, and serve Him with all that we
are--heart (emotions and will), soul (spirit), might (strength and
power).
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart
- His Word needs to be such a part of our lives that it's engraved on
our hearts. He calls us to reflect and meditate upon His Word (Psalm
1:2). We need to move His Word from our heads to our hearts.
You
shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them
when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you
lie down, and when you rise - In other words, ALL THE TIME! Our
Lord's Word should flow out of us constantly, especially with the
children God has placed in our lives. Notice how we're to teach: diligently. We need to impress the importance of God's Word on the tender hearts of our children.
You
shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets
between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house
and on your gates. - We need to surround ourselves with God's
Word, so that we never miss an opportunity to hear and apply His
teaching to our lives.
Lord God, how we praise You for
Who You are--the One and Only True God, three in one. Thank You that we
are Your chosen people. Help us to love, obey and serve You
wholeheartedly, with all that we are. May we constantly speak Your Words
to others, especially to the children in our care. Help us to surround
ourselves with Your Word so that it flows out of us and splashes onto
those around us. Give us the ability to apply Your Word to our lives, so
that we not only hear them, but also live them. Amen.
February 28, 2012
BOOK REVIEW: "Small Church, Big Impact" by Brandon J. O'Brien
Amazon recently offered a free e-book short entitled "Small Church, Big Impact" that I snatched up to read. Through a series of incidents, I've come to be a big proponent of small churches, so the title intrigued me.
For those of you who don't know what an e-book short is, it's a few chapters of a book designed to give the reader a sample taste. This taste left me hungry for more.
With clear, concise writing, Mr. O'Brien gives the merits of small churches. And in the day of the mega church, he makes a convincing case. In the three chapters in this e-book short, he discusses the authentic church, the equipping church, and the intergenerational church.
I hope to get the opportunity to read the rest of this book some day, because I thoroughly enjoyed (and agreed with) the author's optimistic take on small churches. Based on the three chapters I read, I would highly recommend this book for church leaders and members alike. Small churches are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of both believers and unbelievers, and thus fulfill the work God would have us do.
(NOTE: This review is my honest opinion. I received no remuneration for my review.)
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Blessed Are the Small
Our culture's infatuation with
bigness--bigger cars, bigger houses, bigger businesses--has infiltrated
the church. But smaller doesn't equal second-rate. Leadership Journal
editor and former pastor Brandon O'Brien shows how small churches are
uniquely equipped for success in today's culture.
O'Brien
celebrates churches that are taking full advantage of their small size
and analyzes how other churches can learn from their strategies. For
example, strategically small churches:
facilitate a higher level of commitment from laypeople
focus attention on fewer programs, increasing effectiveness
nurture close relationships across age and life-experience barriers
But perhaps most important, O'Brien asks churches to rethink what it means to be successful. Sometimes small is just right.
"Kudos
to Brandon O'Brien for reshaping the small-church brand. Using
real-life examples of 'small' as an intentional ministry strategy,
O'Brien gives hope to small churches everywhere. A must-read for church
leaders!" Chuck Warnock, Author of Confessions of a Small-Church Pastor
"Every page paints a picture of the strategic potential for kingdom ministry that flows from smaller churches." Kara E. Powell, PhD, Executive Director, Fuller Youth Institute
Fuller Theological Seminary
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Brandon O'Brien is editor at large for Leadership journal and a freelance writer and editor. He has written articles, interviews, and reviews for Leadership, Christianity Today, Relevant, and the Out of Ur blog.
Brandon earned his B. A. in English literature and Biblical studies at Ouachita Baptist University and his M. A. in Religion in American Life from Wheaton College Graduate School. He is now a doctoral student in historical theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Brandon is married to the beautiful and talented Amy O'Brien. Together they are preparing for their first child–they are in the waiting stage of the adoption process. When he isn't writing, editing, or studying, Brandon enjoys reading fiction (at the moment, 20th century Catholic fiction is the favorite) and trying futilely to grow vegetables on his deck. His first book, The Strategically Small Church released in August 2010.
February 24, 2012
Sit Here
Sientese aqui.
As a young teacher with students who
spoke no English, these were some of the first Spanish words I learned
to say. It's a good thing I learned them, too, because the kids would
never have been still long enough for me to teach.
We live in a
world of constant motion. We subscribe to the motto: "Don't just stand
there, do something!" and become people of action. But I wonder, through
our constant motion and action, if we miss God.
Don't get me
wrong. I'm not advocating that we park in one place, inactive and
apathetic. But I am proclaiming my belief that we're sometimes so busy,
we end up far away from our Father.
As Jesus and His disciples
were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha
opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said.
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.
She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left
me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha,"
the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few
things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better,
and it will not be taken away from her." ~Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
In
the hurry and scurry of life, only one thing is truly needed--and that
is to sit at our Master's feet and listen to Him. Our Teacher has
something to teach us, but He can't if we don't still ourselves long
enough to hear what He has to say.
Lord Jesus, forgive our busy-ness. Sometimes even our
work for You becomes a hindrance to our spiritual lives. Teach us to be
still, to know that You are God. Help us sit at Your feet long enough
to soak up what You have to say. Amen.
As a young teacher with students who
spoke no English, these were some of the first Spanish words I learned
to say. It's a good thing I learned them, too, because the kids would
never have been still long enough for me to teach.
We live in a
world of constant motion. We subscribe to the motto: "Don't just stand
there, do something!" and become people of action. But I wonder, through
our constant motion and action, if we miss God.
Don't get me
wrong. I'm not advocating that we park in one place, inactive and
apathetic. But I am proclaiming my belief that we're sometimes so busy,
we end up far away from our Father.
As Jesus and His disciples
were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha
opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said.
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.
She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left
me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha,"
the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few
things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better,
and it will not be taken away from her." ~Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
In
the hurry and scurry of life, only one thing is truly needed--and that
is to sit at our Master's feet and listen to Him. Our Teacher has
something to teach us, but He can't if we don't still ourselves long
enough to hear what He has to say.
Lord Jesus, forgive our busy-ness. Sometimes even our
work for You becomes a hindrance to our spiritual lives. Teach us to be
still, to know that You are God. Help us sit at Your feet long enough
to soak up what You have to say. Amen.
CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog
FREE digital copy of A PATH LESS TRAVELED (2nd stand-alone book in the Miller's Creek novels and an Amazon Kindle Best-Seller) when you subscribe to Cathy's FROM MY FRONT PORCH newsletter. On my blog
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