Lori Stanley Roeleveld's Blog, page 4

Ashamed of the Gospel

You know what bothers me?

I mean, a lot of things, I know. I’m like a living spiritual version of the Princess and the Pea fairy tale. There are just not enough mattresses in the world to cushion all the irritants to my soul. But, right now I mean, do you know what bothers me when I read John 13 and consider Jesus’s last supper with the twelve?

When Jesus told them that one of them would betray Him, they didn’t all immediately look at Judas. They didn’t avert their gaze and side-eye him, either. It was like they were truly confused about which one of them it might be.

Here’s what it says in the NASB: “When Jesus had said these things, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. Lying back on Jesus’ chest was one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. So Simon Peter nodded to this disciple and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” He then simply leaned back on Jesus’ chest and said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” John 13:21-25.

The exchange between Peter and John is telling because they were two of the three in Jesus’s inner inner circle. Like if Jesus had Facebook, their posts would rise to the top in His newsfeed because the algorithms would totally notice the connection. But even they didn’t know. So, clearly, in the aftermath of the Transfiguration, they didn’t sit around the olive grove talking about why the other nine hadn’t been included. That’s not how Jesus rolls.

We can’t tell from the outside which Jesus followers have hearts that are fertile soil, the kind that bears fruit or which ones have the kind of dirt that only allows for rapid growth, shallow roots, and faith that fails when trouble and persecution come. We don’t know.  Although, on this side of the cross, we are better equipped with the Holy Spirit within us, still, we find ourselves surprised.

I’ll confess that I’m weary of losing Christian friends to deconstruction or denunciation or exvangelicalism or whatever term we’re using this week for those who walk away from the faith. Some make a clean break with both the church and Jesus. Others initially hang all the blame on the church, organized religion, evangelicals, or labels of any kind and insist they’re still cool with Jesus. They’re just seeking a purer form of relationship over religion which sounds pretty beautiful, especially to a girl who came up in the ’60’s and 70’s. I mean, sign me up for stripping the faith down to its essentials and worshipping only Jesus. Radical to the max.

Except it doesn’t take long for most of them to morph their story into “spiritual but not religious.” And then to espouse that there are more ways to faith than Jesus and then, well, we’re just a bridge too far apart.

It’s important to ask questions. I adore questions. I ask hard ones all the time. There are many passages of Scripture that make me wonder all at once if I have ever really understood any passage of Scripture. I can be cruising along in my month of daily readings when suddenly I hit wind shear and a passage flings me sideways. My prayers are full of hard questions and so are my conversations with my pastor, believing friends, and the margin notes of well-researched books on Christian living.

It’s problematic for me when people take their questions to the “wisdom” of social media and try to convince me they’re serious about finding answers. It’s like hanging out in a scrapyard telling me your searching for a new car.

I don’t like the way many public Christians behave (or the way many Christians behave in public–works either way). As I scroll through social media or my news apps, the thought bubbles appearing above my head read “Too strident.” “Too judgy.” “Loosey-goosey theology.” “Have you ever even opened a Bible?” “Eye-roll.” “Doesn’t sound like the Jesus I know.” Then, all those bubbles pop when I see them in the mirror of God’s Word and wonder how I’m supposed to navigate this life without becoming exactly like the people I judge? He always whispers the same answer – Jesus, only Jesus.

And that’s where this Judas thought process lands me every time. Staring into the mirror asking, “Lord, who is it?”  You see, I’m not trying to discover a betrayer-detector. I’m trying to figure out how I keep the soil of my own heart cultivated so I avoid a spiritual landslide and find myself selling Jesus out for some coin of the realm.

This led me to consider the role of shame in our spiritual journey.  

The moment sin entered the world, it’s cousin shame dropped his dirty duffle on our doorstep as well. Shame is a sneaky thug and for some us, he has a continuing cameo in our lives like Inspector Clouseau’s Cato leaping out of closets and dark alleys when least expected. Except Cato’s role was to keep Clouseau sharp. Shame’s sole purpose is to discourage, demoralize, sideline, and silence.

There are times I’m uncomfortable and embarrassed about periods of church history, patterns of sinful behavior tolerated in some segments of the faith, or even individual followers who have acted unconscionably and famously. This shame doesn’t lead me to want to part with Jesus because a) I don’t own it, b) the visible church isn’t the same as the true church, and c) the Bible warned there would be wolves among the sheep and those who would fall into sin.

Instead, this shame inspires me to live close to Him and to be sure I’m following teachers who teach the biblical truth.  It’s part of what inspired me to write The Art of Hard Conversations to help people speak with one another about uncomfortable topics that can lead to these atrocities. It gives me courage and impetus to speak up even when I don’t want to. This is a shame I can navigate.

The shame I ask God to watch and keep in check is the shame that arises when people I respect or who are in power speak scornfully about Christians and mock our faith in Jesus, the power of the gospel, and the hope of His return. Any hint of that shame and I am hitting my knees asking God for what Paul had when he wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:15 NASB

Timothy knew the struggle but I am bolstered by his words as well, “For this reason I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to protect what I have entrusted to Him until that day. Hold on to the example of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:12-13 NASB

When questions arise, I don’t brush them off, I ask them and seek the answers.

When fears appear, I speak honestly of them to Jesus and apply God’s Word to quell or contain them.

When I’m tempted to doubt, I look doubt square in the face and read the works of others who faced similar doubts but who found Jesus even in the doubting.

When shame appears, I confess anew my desire to please men, my trepidations at other’s opinions of me, and my inclination to compromise to keep the peace or to make myself appear reasonable, acceptable, and unthreatening. I don’t know what Judas faced but he allowed Satan a foothold and so when I see a crack in my spiritual armor, I bring it immediately in for repair.

This is a big topic and I see I’ve gone on too long. Kudos for reading this far! Tell me your thoughts on the insidious work of shame in sidelining and silencing our testimony in these times. How do you battle it in your life?

I respond to every comment and reply to every email. We can be followers and not betrayers. There are some who walk away but I pray for a better story for all of you and for myself.

Let us trust in the words of Jesus who said, “My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29 NASB May we all be the sheep of His pasture.

Ashamed of the gospel and where that leads . . . https://t.co/7xtyCNzQhK #Jesus #gospel

— Lori Roeleveld (@lorisroeleveld) November 14, 2023

The Power You’re Hoarding

Do what you can, not what you can’t.It’s common during times of war, global upheaval, and domestic conflict to become so overwhelmed we feel powerless. It’s also well-known that truth is the first casualty of war. We’re seeing that firsthand these days.As people who know THE truth, the way, and the life, we have a responsibility now more than ever to not hoard the truth, especially when it is in such short supply.Beyond the bombs falling in the Mid-East and the division growing in our own streets, there is a war that is greater still and that is the war for souls. As the fiery arrows of deception land all around us, we must raise up the shield of faith and speak clearly the Words of Truth.This is what we can do and so we must do it. Silence–whether it is the silence of fear, shame, cowardice, or confusion–aids and abets the enemy if the enemy’s chief weapons are lies.Yesterday, I spoke with a group of moms about seven ways to prepare our children and young people for hard conversations. God reminded me of the power we have–the power we too often hoard. That is the power of words.We follow the Living Word. We are people of the Word, those who know the location of truth for life is in the Bible. These are days when we often feel powerless but the truth is, we are not. One activity I recommend for families is one I’m going to do myself again through November and I invite you to join me over on Facebook or on your own.Each day of November, I’m going to take a Bible verse about how we are to speak and apply it throughout the day. Each day, I’ll add another verse and try to continue applying the earlier verse even as I practice the new one.What we contribute to the world through our words (written, spoken, posted online) has significant impact. Like the tiny voices of the Whos in Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss, we may feel our individual voices have no effect on the world but when we join them and speak as one, we will see they have immeasurable effect.Today’s verse is Philippians 2:14 NASB: “Do all things without complaining or arguments” Imagine a world where Jesus-followers did not complain or argue! Imagine just one day of NOT complaining or arguing. If you join me and apply this verse, comment below about how it goes!Tomorrow’s verse is James 1:19 NASB: “You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;”Of course, we can’t accomplish this without the power of Jesus.Paul (who wrote the letter to the Philippians) pointed to the humility of Jesus, “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11If you follow me on Facebook, you’ll see each daily verse I post. If not, that’s fine. This is a do-it-yourself kind of exercise. Take 30 index cards or scraps of paper on write one Bible verse about how to speak, the tongue, etc. on each slip of paper. Then, apply one each day to your conversation.Don’t believe the lies flying through the airwaves. Our lives do have impact whether we choose to acknowledge that or not. We make a difference. Make a difference for Christ with your words. You can change the culture of your home, school, church, community, or even the world simply by how you speak.Ready, set, go!Reach out to me. I respond to every comment and reply to every email! (Sometimes I’m slow, but I do make it!)

The Power You're Hoarding – https://t.co/fN9ELclHHg via @Shareaholic You have more power than you realize and we need you to release it! #Bible #wordsofpeace

— Lori Roeleveld (@lorisroeleveld) November 1, 2023

5 Ways to Guard Your Heart During the War

If you’re not experiencing a heightened level of concern about the world right now, you’re not paying attention.

War is hell, not a mini-series to livestream on all our devices.

We weren’t designed for violence, escalating conflict, or death. Our sin introduced these elements into life. Anyone who knows the Bible knows we have much more to endure before we see the new heaven and new earth when we will be free from these distresses.

The division in our own government and in our streets serves to demoralize us even more. When our faith in humanity is stretched beyond capacity, it can lead to questioning our faith in the One who is always faithful.

How do we survive the here and now?

I’m like many of you. I feel responsible to remain connected, to understand what’s happening, to be a witness, and to use my voice when I can. 

Still, what I know about myself is as the first-born adult child of dysfunction, I tend to feel responsible for everything. I’m only a couple of breaking news reports away from Satan convincing me I may be responsible for the world. (Not really, but you know what I mean. You and I, we take too much on ourselves. We carry more than we need to on our shoulders. We create our own emotional, mental, spiritual overload so when the world is misfiring at this level, we’re truly at risk of losing our minds, our hearts, even our faith.)

This weekend, I’m preparing to travel for three days. God was showing me, as I prepared, how I put myself under greater pressure than is necessary. I can’t just pack and go. No, I need to pack as if they hand out free tickets for the most efficient, prepared, organized traveler. I have to be sure my laundry is done, my frig is clean, there are documents for my family “just in case,” my work is up-to-date, and since I have to turn around and travel again two days after I return, I’ve pushed myself to pre-pack for that, too. On top of that, I’m pre-planning for Thanksgiving.

Yeah, I’m wound pretty tight.

God’s voice has been gentle and kind (unlike my own self-talk) as He has reminded me of what He’s reminded me about many, many times. God cares about me and wants my eyes on Him. “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary” Luke 10:41-42 ESV.

He is my “one thing,” Jesus. And He is yours. Above all else, we need to create even more space to do the things that keep our eyes on Him right now.

So, let me offer 5 Ways to Guard Our Hearts during the War:

Keep your eyes on Jesus. He is the one thing necessary. Read the Bible. Sit in silence. Pray without ceasing. Intercede for everyone in the headlines. Worship with others. Worship alone. Listen to ONLY wise, biblical teaching (not the one screaming loudest). Spend MORE time with Jesus than you do with the news, newsletters, or social media. The more we know Him, the more we trust Him. Live in the peace He provides.”He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.  For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,  and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:15-20 ESVDo your job and only your job. Ask yourself if you need to be as informed as Israel’s high command or as the top political operatives or even as a soldier on the ground. Right now, there are soldiers being told exactly that- just do your job. Are you a pastor or ministry leader? Tend your flock. Are you a parent? Lead your family. Are you a prayer warrior? Pray. Are you a concerned citizen? Write letters to congress or speak up for the truth in conversations with neighbors but stay in your lane. Unless you’re a presidential advisor or army commander, you don’t need minute-by-minute updates.  In football, in the military, on the roads, and in life emergencies in general, situations run more smoothly when people do their jobs, stay in their lanes, and maintain contact with the one in charge–that would be Jesus.”O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.  O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 131 ESVKeep the peace you can keep.  Conflict spills over into our daily lives so we must do what we can to be at peace, as much as it depends on us. Be certain of God’s truth but deliver it with gentleness and humility. Listen to others more than you speak. If your anger is not in check, return to #1. “Be at peace among yourselves” 1 Thessalonians 5:13 ESV. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” Matthew 5:9 ESV.Do what you can, not what you can’t. Care for others. Check in with those older than you are, with those younger than you are, and with people who live alone. Be a support. Be a light. Don’t spread fear, spread faith. Give to help victims. Send cards with Scripture verses in them. Speak God’s Word to others. Open it together. Go for walks. Be in nature. Volunteer. Do good. Show up at church. Be God’s people.  “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone,” 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 ESV.Abscond with Joy, Be Intentionally Grateful.  It serves no one for us to be emotionally overwrought. In the midst of conflict, we must look for moments of joy that feed our souls and be thankful for every small thing to feed our minds. Of course we feel sadness, grief, anger, confusion, conflict, fear, anxiety, pain, and fatigue. There is no need to tell anyone to feel these emotions. But God tells us to tend our souls with joy, prayer, and gratitude. Feast on truth. Find joy. Thank God for everything at all times. Don’t allow the enemy to rewire your brain-yield your heart and mind to God alone. This is the true resistance.

The Bible says to guard your heart. “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life,” Proverbs 4:23 ESV.

I knew of a woman who, during the COVID lockdown, refused everyone’s advice and kept the news running in her home 24-hours a day. One morning, her teenage daughter found her dead from a stroke in her chair in front of the TV screen. Death can come to us in more than physical ways. We can become numb emotionally, overwhelmed mentally, and like the walking dead spiritually.

The war happens on any fronts. One of those fronts is our own minds, hearts, and souls.

If you need prayer, please comment below. Share wisdom. Share truth. Share Scriptures that comfort and guide. I respond to every comment and reply to every email. You are loved and you are NOT alone.

Five ways to Guard Your Heart During the War https://t.co/Ls4AUcJHmW #Jesus #PrayForIsrael

— Lori Roeleveld (@lorisroeleveld) October 21, 2023

When the World is on Fire: Stop, Drop, and Scroll

One of my grandsons is almost 3.

Much of his parents’ day is spent teaching him to fear the right things and not to fear the wrong things.

He has no fear of playing near the road, of approaching strangers, or of large dogs they don’t know. He is, however, sometimes afraid of going to sleep in his own bed, unfamiliar foods, or shirts that go on tight over his head.

Fear appears like check engine warnings on the dashboard of our emotional life. It’s wise not to ignore the warning, but we should ask what is causing it and address that, not just live with our check engine light blinking at all times.

When we are afraid, we should Stop, Drop, and Scroll. Stop where we are. Drop what we’re doing to pray. Turn to His Word, the sixty-six scrolls that speak truth to our hearts and minds. In this way, we may experience fear without choosing to live in or nurture fear. This is the first step in refusing to incite fear in others.

While we all know God has written at least 366 Bible verses warning us not to fear, there are warnings of what is wise to fear.

Luke records Jesus saying this: “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!” (Luke 12:4-5)

Solomon advised us in Proverbs 1:7 that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” And, he warns that the danger of not fearing the Lord is this:

“Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
    they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
 Because they hated knowledge
    and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
 would have none of my counsel
    and despised all my reproof,
therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
    and have their fill of their own devices.
For the simple are killed by their turning away,
    and the complacency of fools destroys them;
 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
    and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” Proverbs 1:28-33 ESV

The war in Israel is tripping check engine lights around the globe.

It’s completely counter-intuitive to imagine that we will not experience fear when we see the horrors occurring near Gaza and hear the threats of further horrors promised in the coming days. We need to heed this warning light and bring our questions to God for a diagnosis and guidance on exactly what we should fear and what we shouldn’t.

One of our prayers today should be, “Lord, we renounce foolish fears and put our eyes on You. Direct our fears so that we fear only You. Give us wisdom to fear eternal dangers, courage to face the realities of war on earth, and peace in every circumstance. Make us quick to obey, bold to speak about the hope we have in our Messiah, and careful not to aid the enemy through fearmongering. We live for You alone. Show us how to order our days to reflect that. We pray for peace in Israel and your protection over all the innocents in that region. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

These next days, weeks, months call for wisdom.

Before you watch another hour of news, ask yourself what benefits the people of the Mid-East more-your hours spent watching repetitive reports or your extended time in intercessory prayer. (Psalm 122, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24)Before you open your mouth about what is happening, ask yourself if what you are about to share will spread fear or incite it in others. Even when it is necessary to share fearful things, we can also speak of the hope of Christ, the sovereignty of God, and the reality of eternal life for those who place their trust in Jesus. (Philippians 4:5-9, James 1:26, Exodus 23:1)Before you go to Google search or social media feed, ask yourself if images of horrific torture, terrorism, and execution are beneficial for you to store in your mind. We are witnesses and it’s important to know what people in that region are experiencing but we can get that information through written reports at specific times of day–minus the art. (Matthew 6:22-23, Proverbs 4:23, Psalm 101:3)Before you watch the news, if you are a sensitive soul or if you have started having trouble sleeping, do not watch alone. Gather with others to watch the news or call a friend and watch together. Then, read God’s Word and pray together over what you have seen and heard. Then, turn it off.Before you speak around children or teens, even if they don’t appear to be listening, modify your tone and use care when you speak. At days’ end, ask young people what they have heard or if there is anything troubling them about what is happening in the world. Help them learn a habit of taking their fears to God by praying with them and over them.

Chicken Little Christians spread warnings without wisdom, panic without peace, fear without faith in the One who is our peace.

When we pray for peace, we must pray not only that those in the Mid-East might know peace now but that they would come to the One, Jesus, who give eternal peace.

And if we represent the God of peace, how do we represent Him well in these times? Not by spreading fear, not by sharing half-prophecies and rumors and frightening reports.

No, we speak truth. We take our fears and concerns to prayer morning, noon, and night so that He maintains our internal peace. We intercede for Jerusalem, for the church in this region, for innocents caught in the conflict on both sides, for Israel’s survival, for peace in the United States, and for truth to reign.

We pray for and seek opportunities to boldly proclaim the gospel. We devote more time to telling stories of survival and of God’s intervention, stories of Israel’s long history of trouble and yet God’s deliverance, stories of Jesus who will return. We spend more time telling these stories than repeating the horrors of war.

And, we keep our eyes on Him.

Mitch Glaser, a Jewish believer in Christ and founder of Chosen People Ministries, recorded this counsel over a year ago on five reasons to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Know that I am praying for you, my friends, God’s loved ones. Let me know what prayer you need.

I will leave you with his words:

I respond to every comment and reply to every email. May God’s peace be on Jerusalem and on your soul.

All the Names I’ve Been Called

I’ve been called a lot of names through the years.

You don’t need to hear and I don’t need to remember the ugly ones.

Names carry weight with us humans. Maybe because it was one of our first activities with our Father. Adam named the animals and in naming each one, it became clear that it wouldn’t be good for Adam to be alone. (Genesis 2:19-20) When God created a woman to be with Adam, his first act was to give her a name. (Genesis 2:22-24)

There is power in a name, if we yield power to it. My grandfather called me Useless and I gave that name power for decades after he had died. A Greater Name broke that power but that’s a story I’ve told before. This post is about stories I haven’t shared until now.

Along with many of you, I’m wrestling with names right now. Names I’m being called. Names to call myself. What name would Jesus have me use?

One part of my soul shrugs it off, like who cares? Isn’t there serious work to be done? Call me whatever you like. Remember the comic, Bill Saluga? “You can call me Ray, or you can call me Jay . . .”  Why can’t that be our story and we just move on? Maybe it can. But . . .

In the sixties, I was just a Christian. I loved Jesus. I believed the Bible. I was baptized and attended church. I was a Christian.

In the seventies, people would ask if I was a “born-again” Christian. This seemed an important modifier to them. Apparently, I thought, some Christians are not born-again. I wasn’t sure how that worked but I’d read my Bible and I’d read Jesus’s conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, so sure, I was a born-again Christian, if that helped them distinguish me in some way, but I began to be wary of litmus tests because of it.

That was also the decade where I considered myself a Jesus freak. I lived on the opposite coast of all that was happening with the Jesus movement and, being afraid of my own shadow, I wasn’t likely to hitch a ride in that direction but I could identify with the flower children who loved Jesus.

In front of older, more serious Christians, I called myself a born-again Christian but to my friends, I was a Jesus freak. There were so few ways I was cool as a teenager and following Jesus didn’t help. But, when we made the cover of Time magazine, I happily called myself a Jesus girl and that worked for a long time.

In the nineties, I was past the age where it was cute to call myself a “girl” so I returned to being a Christian. I dropped the born-again because the writer in me resists redundancy. Plus, as a young mom, I didn’t have time for nonsense.

I was in my early thirties before anyone told me I was an evangelical. I’d followed Jesus for at least thirty years without that information but the man who informed me of my status had great authority to do so.

He just happened to be my seatmate on a connector flight across country and he just happened to work for Billy Graham. We were flying to the same conference and I received an education en route. I’d come to accept Jesus at the age of 4 when I heard Rev. Graham’s altar call during a televised crusade. This man explained that I was an evangelical and filled me in on many powerful and inspiring stories of what he’d witnessed following Rev. Graham around the world.

I didn’t have much call back in Rhode Island to announce that I was evangelical and didn’t use it as an introduction because, again, the redundancy factor but when people on the news were talking about evangelicals, I knew they meant people like me. During the first decade of the century, I began to see clearer why people needed to distinguish Christians from other Christians. I had a growing awareness that not every quacking bird was a genuine duck, so I often introduced myself as a Jesus follower.

This was a time when it became popular to explain we didn’t follow a religion, we had a relationship with Jesus. This made it awkward to check off any box on forms like at the hospital. Many of us crossed off RELIGION and penned in RELATIONSHIP: JESUS. I can’t imagine this did more than cause some eye-rolls in record-keeping.

Does the name matter? I don’t know but I think the conversation about the name matters very much. The conversation is about explaining what is so different about living life following Jesus. It’s not a message that fits inside one name except His.

How quickly life changed from 2011 to 2021! At the start of that decade, I explained to a state worker that a family in my care was evangelical Christian. The worker guffawed. “What kind of whacko, fringe-group is that?” he asked. Later that day, I received his emailed apology.

2016, I’m in an interview for a job I’m considering when the interviewer says, “I notice you’re a Christian writer. Are you evangelical Christian?” I nod. “How do you plan to keep your faith from affecting your work here?” I know what he’s asking but I don’t subscribe to that narrative so I reply: “Are you planning to ask me to commit fraud or lie? My faith will definitely interfere with that.” I don’t take that job.

Flash forward to 2021. I’m sitting in a room with someone who informs me I should have recused myself from overseeing people because just knowing I’m an evangelical Christian struck fear in people. “It really didn’t,” I reply, but my reply isn’t necessary because my situation was determined without my input. You know, based on me being evangelical and all. I’m supposed to understand the complete horror that name implies. I know what I’ve heard in the headlines but when I replace that with the faces of fellow Jesus-followers, I believe the faces, not the media, hungry for viewers and clicks.

Another writer calls and tells me she’s probably not an evangelical any longer. “Have you lost faith in Jesus?” I ask. “No. I’ve lost faith in people who are happy being evangelical right now,” she replies, “So, I’m making an announcement.”

“Is that necessary? That’s getting weird like gender reveal reels, isn’t it?”

“It’s important.”

“I’m not sure that it’s going to offer you the protection you’re hoping for.”

“Whatever.”

My friend Doug calls himself a “radical affirmationist” based on 2 Corinthians 19-20 and suggests I do the same but I think that’s a long way to go to introduce myself to a seatmate on a plane. I revert to Jesus-follower. But the conversation hasn’t ended, has it?

What’s in a name? Does it matter? Does it matter in Somalia? In China? In North Korea? In Uganda? We’re not the center of the universe. Does what we call ourselves matter? It does. It doesn’t. It does.

The name of Jesus matters. Following Him matters. Living a life that reflects Jesus matters. What we call that? What are your thoughts?

Maybe it’s good to move away from the short-hand of a quick name or title to explain everything. Maybe it’s better to take the long way into a deeper conversation. Maybe we take ourselves less seriously but take Jesus more seriously than ever because let me tell you, I’ve sat in a room knowing I was viewed as a danger, an enemy, someone to be dispensed with, someone to be avoided association with at all costs because of my faith. I lost stuff in that room. Quietly. Behind closed doors.

Whatever I am called, I stand with Jesus. Whatever comes with that is not my call. At the end of the day, He’s the only one who gets to name me because I’m His. He calls me friend. He calls me daughter. He calls me redeemed. He calls me to follow. Jesus follower, I am.

What do we call ourselves now? What's in the name Christian anyway? https://t.co/TB8mnNt5pA #Jesus #EvangelicalChristian

— Lori Roeleveld (@lorisroeleveld) September 19, 2023

Not My Message to Muddle

Where are you hurting in relation to your faith ?

I’ve been quiet lately, not just here but in real time. Feeling every pain point of my own faith journey. Too ready to hurl words at the sources of my strife and trying to determine which rant to post until it’s no longer a rant but a book or series or an encyclopedia of ravings so expansive, I realize I’m off course.

When I feel I have too much to say, it’s usually wise to stay quiet and sort through it with God.

Still sorting.

By that I mean, I’ve done a lot of sitting in the rocker on my porch listening to the wind in the trees, letting my body and mind soak in the calm God provides through His creation.

There’s a tree on my front yard, a catalpa, that was struck by lightning in its youth. It bears the long, thick, ugly scar but it survived. I feel a kinship.

 

Now, its lush branches provide me with shelter and shade. Cardinals, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, robins, sparrows, an occasional goldfinch, two magnificent red-shouldered hawks, and a titmouse find food, shelter, perches, and nesting material in its branches. I learn from the perseverance story God tells through this survivor.

 

It abides. And God reminds me to abide with Him.

This tree is a settling place for my soul. A gift from my loving Father. My spirit is quieted so I can hear Him above the din of my frustrations.

Then, I open His Word. I read and listen. Offer prayers of thanks for salvation in Jesus, the gift of the Holy Spirit, the wonder of His Word in my own language. And I remember His love, I recount what I know of His nature. I apply all this to my pain, absorbing God’s presence like a balm.

I listen to others. To proven and tested teachers of His Word. To the voices of the hurting, to those who disagree or disbelieve, to those close to me. I listen and still, I don’t speak. I wait.

Where are you hurting in relation to your faith? 

Are you frustrated with the busy-ness you allow to keep you from praying, studying, worshipping with others, or serving?

Are you secretly harboring questions and doubts silently driving your drift incrementally further from Him?

Is your pain the unbelief of aging parents, the pushback from prodigals you raised to know the truth, the resistance of a spouse to maturing in faith, or the disappointment of another leader fallen from grace?

Is your pain the loss of your first love for Christ? the joy of your salvation?

Or, do you suffer from disorientation and distraction in a society you once knew now so foreign to foundational truths of your faith? Do you agonize over the deterioration of public conversation around the name of Jesus and all related things?

Have you become the target of someone’s misdirected hatred for the faith because of the church you attend, the truth you promote, the name by which you identify, the news you watch, or your lack of support for their sinful choices?

Do you lament the lack of love and humility from those who speak in Jesus’ name?

Feel free to check “all of the above” and know I will resonate with your pain.

Where do you hurt in relation to your faith and where are you seeking remedy? I really want to know.

For me, it’s the division.

As friends deconstruct or self-destruct or drift or dabble in wandering from truth, I feel the grief of loss. I agree with the mess we’ve made of things. I disagree with their solution.

Weighed down knowing I could create my own unity with compromise or a willingness to accept their judgements without question or a silence just to get along, but at the end of the day, it’s not my message to muddle.

If mine were a faith created by human hands, adjustments might be made, updates required, alterations, accommodations, and edits to appease. But, God is the One who created both the message, me, and those who reject all. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He is the Way, the Truth, the Life. He is the great Shepherd and me, I’m just a sheep resting here beside the still waters.

So, I must lay down the idol of “unity at all costs” knowing that unity in Christ is something other than that wooden lifeless carving that can provide neither guidance, nor light, nor peace. I cannot declare peace when there is none.

God is not like me.

He is not afraid to separate. At the very start of creation, He began to name and to discern. He spoke light into being in Genesis 1:3 and by verse 4, He distinguished light from darkness. “And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.”

God is not afraid to divide. Jesus talked much about the unity of believers but He also warned them, ““Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34

The God who created multiplication also invented division. Hebrews 4:12-13, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

There is purpose in the pain.

In John 6, following the feeding of the 5000 when great crowds were gathering to hear Him, Jesus made statements that inspired many, many disciples to walk away. (John 6:66). Jesus watched them go. The weight of all those souls, weight He would bear, but He didn’t chase them down or alter His Word.

I feel the pain of division when others cannot abide relationship with me any longer or with Christ. I love them and love them still, but I wouldn’t send my son to die for them. That’s the love Jesus has for those who walk away. I couldn’t bear it.

I seek peace. I offer love. I want to remain in relationship even with those who disagree, who question, who argue, or who doubt. I want to keep the lines open even when what comes at me through those lines is name-calling, hatred, or disdain. Still, I would hold on for the sake of the gospel and for love.

But, they’ve declared me part of the problem. They’ve labeled me, boxed me, and now, they’ve shelved me along with other items from the past they no longer find useful as their lives progress, as their faith evolves, as they lose their religion and throw babies out with the baptism water.

It’s not my message to muddle.

So, lean on Christ who knows this pain more intimately than I do, and He will bear it.

I find comfort in Christ through His Word, through the Holy Spirit, through His Creation, and through His people.

Where are you hurting in relation to your faith? Where do you find remedy for your pain? How can I help? I really want to know.

Not my message to muddle. The pain when others deconstruct. https://t.co/i4gY5e8ZlE #deconstruct #Jesus

— Lori Roeleveld (@lorisroeleveld) August 22, 2023

The Sacred Topics I Don’t Write about and Why

You can tell a lot about a writer from what he or she writes.

And, by what they don’t write.

We writers usually write from our experience, expertise, or extreme interest. Most of us avoid writing from our distresses, dilemmas, and doubts.

So, bear with me.

Because, I’m not just a writer. I’m a Christian writer.

And I’m not just a Christian writer. I’m a woman who is a Christian who is a writer. So, what I’m not writing these days would fill volumes, Bunky, simply volumes.

I am not writing about women and ministry. women and the church. women and gender roles. women and #metoo. same-sex attraction. same-sex marriage. women competing with transgender women. transgender women being named “woman of the year” or “Miss Universe.” the women’s vote. women in politics. women’s anything, really.

But why?

There are a host of reasons. Choose any of these and I’d agree:

I already get enough hate mail. (received one just this week)

Plenty of Christians are already covering these topics pretty loudly and thoroughly.

I’m usually in the minority of the minority on these issues. (Seriously, I’m strange that way.)

I’m not sure I’m skilled enough as a writer to say all I want to say succinctly and eloquently.

Over the decades, I’ve skinned my knees enough times on the pavement of these topics. I’ll take a hard pass on more healing scabs.

But, there’s another reason. A bigger one. The real one.

You see, all my life, I’ve listened to preachers and teachers, pontificators and legislators talk about women and God. A handful did it well. Fewer, if I’m honest.

The rest, even ones with whom I agree, speakers of both genders, were so busy explaining the correctness of their position (which was, of course, God’s position, too) they usually forgot they were talking about the lives of actual humans actually wrestling with these issues in real time.

So, from the platform and face-to-face, I’ve heard statements like:

“Well, are you sure you didn’t do anything to invite the inappropriate (fill-in-the-blank). I mean, have you examined your own heart?”

“You know, some women lie about things like that because they need attention.”

“Wow, you write like a man. I mean that as a high compliment.”

“Wow, you write like a man. That’s a problem. Are you trying to write like a man?” (What does it even MEAN to “write like a man?”)

“It’s such a waste for a woman to have the gifts you have.” (Take that up with Chief Designer, Bunky.)

“Have you ever wondered if you were actually intended to be a man?”

“You’re not like other women. It’s so refreshing.” (from both men and women)

“How can you be a woman and even think that way?” (from both men and women)

“You’re grieving the Holy Spirit if you don’t maximize your gifts and go into the pastorate.”

“You’re grieving the Holy Spirit if you try to go into the pastorate.”

We all spout so much nonsense sometimes.

As a writer who has had readers misunderstand or misinterpret what I’ve carefully crafted or twisted it to mean something it isn’t, I can testify to the fact that God’s patience is unrivaled in the Universe. I don’t understand how He doesn’t live in a perpetual palm plant when He listens to us speak on His behalf.

So, yeah, I have opinions about women and the church, gender, marriage, transgender, #metoo, and a host of related topics but the world wide web isn’t always (isn’t usually/isn’t ever) the best venue for conversations about what is sacred.

Gender, relationships, and sex are sacred topics, in my humble opinion. Reading the biblical language around these issues is like standing before a burning bush.

Genesis 1:27 indicates that God made integral to our design a message about what He is like. We can make a mess of His message but when we do, we miss a glimpse of what is holy, of what is Him. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” NASB

Ephesians 5:31-32 speaks of the profound mystery of the marriage relationship, “‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.” NASB

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states that our bodies are temples, and we all know to demonstrate reverence and humility in temples made by human hands, never mind those created by God. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” NASB

But the Bible also clearly characterizes wisdom and Christ-like behavior as gentle, meek, humble, and kind. So much rhetoric I’ve experienced is absolutely none of these and so the delivery often discredits the one delivering and shrouds their entire message with doubt.

“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.” James 3:13 NASB

“Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5 NASB

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29

Humans, through our individual and our corporate sins, have mangled and marred so much of the sanctity of what God has created from creation itself to how we use the words He gave us to talk about holy matters like our struggles with gender, sex, and relationships. This is why.

This is why I hesitate to jump into the fray. To what end? I have no expertise except in my own struggles to be the woman He created in relationship with those I’ve encountered using the gifts He’s provided for me to benefit the Body of Christ. And even in my own life, I throw my hands up daily asking Him to help me undo another mess I’ve created without any help from all of you.

Have others hurt me? Yes. That’s the nature of this world. That fact doesn’t testify against a gender as much as it validates God’s point about the power of sin on this outpost of glory. It underscores our need for a Savior who became one of us but lived perfectly, sinlessly, and humbly laid down His life because that was the ONLY WAY any of us will be redeemed.

I’ve hurt others with my words, my attitudes, my careless, selfish, ambitious, self-centered strivings to get what I’ve felt I’ve needed in this life. I’m no one to judge.

And on this blog, I have all the power, to write and publish whatever I want to share and if I choose, to censor any dissent. When we speak here, you have no face and you’re not sitting beside me, the pain of your wrestling, questions, dilemmas, struggles, and failures etched on your face and coloring your tone of voice. It’s too easy for me to speak to the entire crowd and crush you in the process. I know this because I’ve been steamrolled in Jesus’s name, too.

What is holy, what is sacred, what is central to our core identities deserves more than to be discussed through memes, tweets, captions, and headlines. We should face one another. We should wrestle honestly, authentically together with our ugly internal deceptions and His beautiful transforming truth.

So, find me. Reach out. We can talk but we’ll create the space, the time, the relational fortitude, and the commitment to gentleness required for these conversations if any of us is to have hope of healing, of hearing, of heading into a richer understanding of us with God, us with one another, and us alone.

This post probably didn’t help you, which makes my point about why I don’t write about these things.

But, maybe if you see my distress, my dilemma,  and my doubt, you’ll find courage in not being alone. And maybe, you’ll reach out to one other person following Jesus and have an honest, quiet conversation about holy and human things.

It’s really better that way, loved ones. Just try it and tell me I’m wrong.

I would love to hear from you. I reply to every comment and respond to each email. I’ll work to picture your face before I do.

The Sacred Topics I Don’t Write about and Why https://t.co/0k0S7vMlda #Jesus #women

— Lori Roeleveld (@lorisroeleveld) July 18, 2023

Dear World, You Make Me So Uncomfortable!

Dear World,

I have a confession to make.

Many of you people make me uncomfortable.

It’s true. But, I try hard to hide it for a million reasons.

Reason one: I don’t see Jesus ever being uncomfortable – ever. Read the gospels. He walked through this world like He owned it. (Okay, He did, but still.)

I don’t ever see Him dodge a situation, or stumble over words, or mumble an answer. He just related to other people. All kinds. Sinners and would-be saints. He loved them AND He said hard things to them without ever skipping a beat. That, alone, is enough reason to want to be like Him.

Since I represent Him, I figure I shouldn’t be uncomfortable either, but I’m still in process of becoming like Him.

 

So, sometimes, I am living and speaking from the new growth part of my soul; but other times, I’m sticking up a cardboard likeness of Jesus between myself and others hoping that will hold up until I can figure out what He would say or do in this situation. It’s not really working for me or the others in my conversations, so I must find a way of not doing that.

Reason two: It’s not okay to be uncomfortable in these times. We’re all supposed to know what to say to everyone all the time. If you don’t know what to say, hesitate a heartbeat too long, it’s a signal that you are suspect (of whatever is worst to be at any given time).

It’s especially bad from someone who works with words for a living. Of all people, I ought to have the patter down. But, you know, I just don’t.

And, it’s not for lack of trying. My goodness, I’m in my Bible every day. I watch the news (more than one station). I view Ted Talks and read writers who think differently than I do as well as heroes of my faith.

I’m honestly trying to be open to people who think and live in ways that I don’t, but still represent the bold truth of the Bible. I have to tell you, one thing I’m truly looking forward to in Heaven is a long, long nap.

I study people who articulate well the truth I live, and try to do what they do. But, it’s a lot harder in the lunchroom at work than it is from a stage surrounded by people who already agree with what you’re saying.

I listen hard to people who reject this truth and try to love them with my ears, with my attention, with my attempts at empathy, knowing full well that we may connect while I listen, but the moment I open my mouth to voice what I believe, they’re just as likely to feel that all my listening was a sham, a smokescreen, a baited hook, (and are they that wrong? for I am, after all, a fisher of men – make that men and women. Make that humans. Make that . . . never mind. You know what I’m trying to say.)

But, it’s not about catching fish to eat them, but about fishing people out of the drink, so they can be safe on deck when the storm comes because you want to be in Jesus’ boat as the lightning strikes.

You get this, right? I mean, I didn’t expect this struggle. I was always the kid in class with my hand up, the one who volunteered for the speaking parts, the girl most likely to have something to say,

but more and more I’m resembling a bad mime doing an imitation of a fish drowning in water. (Wonder if that’s the symbol I should have on my rear bumper? I mean, truth in advertising, right?)

Reason three: (Okay you knew there was a third because there’s nothing a Christian loves more than truth that comes in threes.) This reason is hard to say because you’re not likely to believe it, but it’s about the fact that I really love you.

You don’t believe that because there are so many things on which we don’t agree. And in these times, to disagree apparently means we must wish each other dead or into non-existence, but that’s not where I’m coming from, as ancient and archaic and retro as that makes me.

I love you and want you to live. I want you to live forever, in fact, but the only way I know for you to do that is through Jesus Christ and with Jesus comes this narrow road, hard truths, and transformation from the way we are to the way He is and that means change – not just for you, I’m changing, too, but I already know His love so it’s a different story, isn’t it? (When I get nervous, I forget to punctuate, I know, but bear with me.)

I think, for all our sakes, I’m going to have to just move this cardboard Jesus-poster I’ve been lugging around, own up to my own humanity, and start entering conversations like this:

“Hey, it makes me wildly uncomfortable to engage in this conversation, because I know just from listening to you that my views aren’t likely to make us friends, but I feel like I’m being dishonest under this cover of silence.”

Or, if I have more time and some Holy Spirit gumption:

“Look, I want us to be at peace. I respect you and the boldness with which you share your views. I’m not looking to judge you or add to the challenges in your life, but you and I see things differently. I hold to ancient truths that have been shared by Bible-believing Jesus-followers for centuries, and I’m not ashamed of them. I’ve been quiet because I don’t want to hurt you (and I admit, I don’t want you to hurt me), but while times are changing, these truths have not. I’ve been building a closet of silence for my own protection, if I’m honest. But for your sake, it’s important for me to come out as a Jesus-loving, Bible believing, modern-day sinner saved by grace. You may choose not to share my views and I will still love you and want to live in peace. You may not feel the same about me.”

Or, you know, maybe I’ll come up with a shorter version.

Either way. This silence isn’t working for me. And there will come a day when you’ll realize my silence was no kindness to you, either.

 

Thank you for listening. I hope you’re still around after I start talking,

Love, The Jesus-follower in your life.

“If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.” Jeremiah 20:9

**I would love to hear your thoughts! I reply to every comment and email. Let’s make this a conversation!

Dear World, You Make Me So Uncomfortable! – https://t.co/eFJ0vBtraP #Jesus #Gospel

— Lori Roeleveld (@lorisroeleveld) July 3, 2023

Energy Management for Christians (Part 5 in Third Chapter Spiritual Disciplines)

Have you ever thought about how your energy has changed as you’ve gotten older?

I’m only 62, but a few years back, I began to realize my energy was not the same as it was in my twenties.

No longer could I plan to deep clean the entire house in one day.  No longer was it a guarantee that I could effectively pull an all-nighter. No longer was I easily writing long into the evening.

Suddenly, all the wisdom about caring for my sleep, health, mental acuity, and emotional stamina came home to roost. I realized I couldn’t skate through life any longer on my youth but had to carefully steward my energy.

As I was meditating on Philippians these last few weeks, God directed my attention to another type of energy. This led me to add another spiritual discipline for our third chapter: Stewarding Energy.

But, this isn’t about the energy to mow the lawn, stay up past 9, or keep up with grandchildren.

This is about the energy we need for ministry and warfare.

God began to direct my thinking during a discussion about Philippians 2:14 where Paul tells us to do everything without arguing and complaining.

The primary side-effect of this unpleasant habit (or being around those who engage in these activities) is that it drains energy.

Experienced athletes know, before a major competition, to refrain from any energy-draining activity.

Veteran soldiers also know to conserve energy before (and during) a battle.

Life-long farmers know to pace themselves during planting, harvesting, and all the days between.

Likewise, mature believers understand two energy-drainers are sin and relying on our own strength.

As if we needed another reason to eliminate sin from our lives, Paul spells out its energy-draining side-effect in Hebrews 12:1

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Sin and sinful attitudes weigh us down. We can’t afford that. We need all our energy for kingdom prayers, kingdom work, and kingdom relationships.

Just prior to this in Philippians 2:12-13, Paul talks about “work.”

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Here’s the cool thing. The Hebrew word for work in “God who works in you” is energeo. (Told you it was cool.)

As we work (katergazomai) through our salvation (Phil.2:12), God’s energy is in us and works through us.

So, a wise third chapter discipline is to a) release sin from our lives and b) rely on God’s work in us to release His energy through us.

Stewarding energy isn’t about some mystical, new age, crystal-fueled concept unavailable only to the initiated. It’s about understanding the gospel and applying it to our lives.

We are saved through the work done by Jesus Christ on the cross and then God’s energy (energeo) is the work of sanctification that continues by His Holy Spirit.

As we cooperate with Him by refraining from sin, reading His Word, praying and obeying, we wisely steward energy for the battle that is life on this outpost of glory.

This fits neatly with the second verse of Hebrews 12 which completes the thought begun in verse 1: “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

We know that for centuries, believers have practiced the spiritual disciplines of Bible study/reading, prayer, solitude, fasting, worship, simplicity, giving, and remembrance.

Who am I to suggest there is more but as I explore the advantages of aging in the Lord, I do see these specific disciplines for older (third chapter) believers, that can help us finish the race well.

So far, I’ve explored Stewarding Energy, Whatever is True, Embrace New Ways, People, Experiences, and Intentional Community.

What are your thoughts? What role have spiritual disciplines or practices played in your life? How have they changed as you’ve matured or aged? Have you considered any of these Third Chapter Disciplines?

I reply to every comment and each email! Let me hear from you!

BTW, for those of you who like getting the scoop first, my upcoming book published by Our Daily Bread Publishers, Graceful Influence: Making a Lasting Impact through Lessons from Women of the Bible is available for preorder at Amazon.

Energy Management for #Christians. https://t.co/bQUgXyxLPi #spiritualdisciplines

— Lori Roeleveld (@lorisroeleveld) June 21, 2023

Whatever Is True (Post 4 in the Third Chapter Spiritual Disciplines Series)

Now in my sixties, there are many habits I wish I’d established (or improved) earlier in life.

Routine weight training.

Saving money.

Daily sunscreen.

Learning another language.

Watching the BBC network.

But, I have to thank all the cantankerous older Christians in my life for being anti-role models of this next Third Chapter Spiritual Discipline. What I saw in their spirits served as a cautionary tale I’ve taken to heart.

I remember calling my best friend after an exchange with one bitter, fretful older woman and saying, “Let’s agree we’re not going to let bitterness, anger, and worry take over as we age. We’d better start conditioning NOW to keep mindsets that don’t shrivel like dried fruit.”

So began for me, somewhere in my forties, the spiritual discipline of “Whatever is True.”

This comes, of course, from these five verses Paul penned to the Philippians in Philippians 4:4-9:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Words that should be mandatory memorization for everyone over 40. We should have Silver Sneakers classes designed to stretch THESE muscles daily:

Laughter. Joy. Celebration and rejoicing.

Reasonableness.

The capture of anxious thoughts.

Prayer in all things.

Gratitude.

Mental focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.

Wouldn’t that be an amazing group of senior saints who gathered two or three times a week to exercise those practices? What lights we would be in our homes and communities if these spiritual muscles were toned!

This is a serious battle. The older we get, the more we see, the more we know, the more there is to worry us, create fear and anxiety, or tempt us toward bitterness, anger, and regret. 

Somehow I imagined that my children reaching adulthood would be some sort of finish line where I could stop worrying. Instead, they began to make adult decisions with adult consequences. They began to expand the number of loved ones in my world through marriage and children and in-laws. Instead of having fewer opportunities for fretfulness, my opportunities multiplied!

And, of course, the world has gone mad. So, there’s that.

My friend, Dr. Johnny Parker, says, “We don’t bump into better. We don’t wander into wellness.” With the state of the world, the sin nature in us and our loved ones, and the challenges of getting older, we are MORE likely to let our minds fill with worry, fear, regret, anxiety, and anger unless we’re intentional about replacing those thoughts with godly concerns.

God tells us where to actively place our thinking – Rejoicing. Reasonableness. Prayer. Gratitude. Examining and confronting anxious thoughts. Mental focus on whatever is true.

It’s never too early to make this spiritual discipline a habit. There is no downside to these mental activities. And here’s the outcome. Thoughts inspire feelings that incite actions.

Wouldn’t you rather experience feelings and initiate actions from a mind grounded in joy, reasoning, gratitude, prayer and truth than from fear, anxiety, deception, regret, and anger? I agree.

So, start today. 

Make a daily choice to celebrate something in your world. Invite others to celebrate with you.

Spend time in God’s Word and with teachers who preach with reasonableness.

Invite Jesus to help you examine your anxious thoughts and then pray about each of them.

Write three gratitude statements every day.

Search each day for what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Then, tell others what you’ve found.

Honestly, this practice will change your heart, your mind, and the very culture of your home. Invite others to join you and you may just impact the culture of your church or community. I don’t offer many guarantees, but I guarantee this one.

We are sinners in need of saving and we cannot save ourselves, even through acts of goodness or spiritual disciplines. The truth is that Jesus has saved us completely through is death and resurrection. There’s nothing more we need to do but believe with our hearts and confess with our tongues this truth.

Spiritual disciplines don’t save us but they help us be available to God for His work in our hearts, minds, and souls.  I’ve loved exploring spiritual disciplines all my life but as I grow older, I find there are some I need to add. I wrote about that in Third Chapter Spiritual Disciplines. I then explored Intentional Community and Embrace New Ways, People, and Experiences.

What are your thoughts? I respond to every comment and reply to every email. Are there spiritual disciplines you’d like to add? How are other spiritual disciplines changing for you? Are fasting and solitude easier? Are there new barriers to reading God’s Word or to prayer? Is living simply easier but giving harder? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

30-day challenge: Try the five suggestions in this post for the next 30-days and PLEASE let me know its impact on you. I’m going to try the challenge as well! Let’s explore a more godly mindset together. 

Are you looking for a pathway out of anxiety, fear, anger, worry, and regret? Here it is! https://t.co/5Wv9HUaNPU #Jesus #Bible

— Lori Roeleveld (@lorisroeleveld) May 25, 2023