Exciting News!

Dear readers,

It is with utmost excitement to make the announcement that I have moved this blog to a new server: https://wildheartsgypsysoulshoofbeats.wordpress.com/. Please continue to join me on my journey at this new link.

Grace & peace,
Kingdom Peasant, aka. Carolina Song

What I Found Was Freedom

We humans like to fit sin into a box –a box that makes sense to us, a box that fits our agendas, our feelings, or our own sense of right and wrong. It’s hard for us to comprehend what exactly God’s holiness entails and how it should impact our view of ourselves…and of sin and salvation.

Recently, I began attending a women’s Bible study group with the sole purpose of diving more into the Word of God, challenging my “Bible knowledge,” and developing relationships with more mature women. Little did I know that my menial motivations would be surpassed by the Lord’s grand desire to transform me and provide for me exactly the truth I needed for this time in my life.  While His way in this is nothing out of the ordinary for Him and is only a small sample of His plan and work, I stand amazed that it offers a picture of how He teaches and prepares us for just what we need in His most perfect, beautiful timing.

The focus of our Bible study this semester was the book of Galatians. Before we began, I knew it was one of Paul’s letters and I could reference a few notes I had previously made in the margins of my Bible there. But the depth of its truths and its meaningful applications to my life boggled my mind –and I know we have yet only scratched the surface.

I am sure we each discovered direct significance very specific to our lives.
What I found was freedom.

Overall a people-pleaser and rule-follower while growing up, I have many times made decisions on what people in my life would think of me. My view of myself and even of others was determined by what I or others determined acceptable. Of course, we are to embrace and consider wisdom and advice that is shared with us, though often too freely. But our utmost desire should be to seek the wisdom of the Lord, yearn for a closer walk with Him, and make Him known to others more and more, finding peace, confidence, and security in the knowledge that He has already made us approved and worthy before God in Jesus’ name. Nothing else should matter. Anything else is only temporary with no lasting significance. Anything else only belongs to this world. Anything else leads to slavery and a continual cycle of sin.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, I am not called to any form of bondage. Galatians makes this concept very clear and defined. “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1). I think most of us would agree that sin places us into slavery and that once saved, we should run from the things that enslave us. Why would we mock Christ and His sacrifice on the cross by only returning to bonds? But what I had to realize is that there are many forms of possible slavery for the Christian. In my achievement-driven mind, the only form of slavery a Christian could be vulnerable to fall to is what I considered the “real sins,” like some of those mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21: sexual immorality, sorcery, jealousy, to name a few. These were obvious. These were at times pointed out by society and definitely always by churches.

But I was in bondage to another slavery Paul also mentions in Galatians 5. In fact, it is the first that he mentions in this chapter: having a spirit of legalism. The entire book of Galatians revolves around this specific church’s struggle with the false teachers who were pushing for the following of certain rules in order to prove, justify, or gratify salvation. One’s identity was in standards, laws, and fitting in with a certain status quo determined by tradition. The Galatians’ specific struggle was with circumcision. Of course, in our culture, this topic is no longer an issue! However, there are many others today, and I am sure you have already begun to fill in the blank very quickly. These are the ones that divide us, that sever our churches, that tear apart families, that push away unbelievers, and most importantly that rob us from the true Gospel and a flourishing relationship with Christ.

What I have begun to learn is that it is just as sinful to adopt any form of legalism as it is to remain in those sins we typically think of. The spirit of legalism is not just choosing to adopt rules because one believes it will make them a better Christian, though we are so guilty of this; it also involves imposing personal standards on other people, judging them if they do not, afraid to analyze the issue Biblically and in prayer. The spirit of legalism enslaves because it imposes unimportant limitations in decision-making and in the leading of the Holy Spirit, and blinds us to recognizing some gray areas. “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love” (Gal. 5:6).

Am I telling you to rid your life of all convictions and standards? No! Of course not! “Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh” (Gal. 5:13). We are to run from sin! I have come to believe, however, that we should be careful on how we set our standards: rather than through fear of popular word or sets of tradition, we should carefully determine them by the leading of the Spirit and the reading of His unfailing Word: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16). Through His earthly ministry, Jesus respected tradition but did not live limited by it. The same went for those who followed Him. In fact, there are countless examples throughout the Gospels! When we set our standards, we should seek our hearts for our motives: are we simply following tradition or hoping to make ourselves feel or look better or accepted...or out of Spirit-filled love?

We have already been accepted by GOD if we have believed in Jesus Christ and begun a relationship with Him. When God looks at us, He sees Christ –no blame, shame, or any tint of sin: just holiness. Once we are saved, we should desire more and more to experience the transformation of the Holy Spirit; but there is absolutely nothing we can do to make God love or accept us more or less. It is done. It is finished. The struggle is gone. And so should our slavery, in whatever shape or form it can still entrap us while still in this world. “But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?” (Gal. 4:9)

So be free. Allow yourself to be free. Jesus has already made you so. 

Rock of My Gypsy Soul

As I near the peak of a mountain again, I can only reflect once more on the faithfulness of the Lord. All the way He has led me, proving me even more strongly that when He calls He provides, He transforms, and He never leaves. He reinforces my stronghold, making my feet like hinds’ feet, and directing my heart. He has shown me again that He is the Solid Rock to this gypsy soul of mine. He woos my restless spirit and secures my wild heart. Some of you may know about the drastic educational path change I took about two years ago now. While it sounded so foreign from the way I started, I can state with confidence that no, He hasn’t really changed my calling, nor has He kept me from being who I really am. Rather, he has freed my true identity, entrusting me only more firmly with my calling.

When I first started this graduate degree, I worried because I didn’t really want to do it, and its assumed target career was not necessarily the path I would have gladly chosen. I didn’t know why God was calling me to this endeavor. I only pursued it because I knew firmly that was the next step God wanted me to take –I also knew that if just a closer walk with Him was my reward from the many hours of study and sacrifice, I would have reaped the full benefits of obedience. Just knowing Him more would make this part of the journey worth it –because that’s what life is really about.

Oh, dear reader, I still do not fully know the plan, the next step, or my life course…and I am about to graduate in a month! But I know now that knowing everything is not the goal of life. Daily dedicating to knowing God and making Him known to others more and more is. I also now rest secure that God IS in charge of every piece of my life puzzle, planning to use every bit how and when He sees fit. HE is Creator, Author, Painter –and ALL His work is perfect and beautiful –even through my imperfections, impatience, and doubts, or those of other people that may all try to stand in the way of His sovereignty. But that’s the thing about His sovereignty: nothing can oppose it. I now know better than ever before that I can rest and let my heart, mind, and soul be quiet, though I don’t always choose too. As I write this, I am reminded of Paul’s words, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own” (Phil. 3:12).

I stand grateful for my fellow mountain climbers because blessed is this gypsy soul who has them to push me to fall back on my Solid Rock. I also stand amazed at how the Lord answers prayers, though certainly not always in the ways we think: yet His provided pieces of the puzzle fit so perfectly. He provides. He secures. He transforms. Yes, He leads me to the Rock that is higher than I am (Psalm 61:2). What I learned through this degree is more than just a piece of paper but exactly what my heart truly desired: a closer walk with Him, nearer to Him than before, more breath-taken by His nature and more confident of His truth, plan, and faithfulness. 

The Proverbs 31 Mystery (Part 2)

After identifying yesterday as Christ being the center of Proverbs 31, what then can He turn us into if we surrender daily our hearts, minds, and souls to Him?

He makes us trustworthy.

The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so that he will have no need of spoil (Proverbs 31:11). I dare say that trustworthiness is a direct result of being worth far above rubies –of being virtuous. Those who are virtuous are trustworthy. I would even say all of the other verses of Proverbs 31 are examples of this trustworthiness that results from this virtue. Humbling thought, isn’t it?

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life (v. 12).

When we turn to the Lord and let Him renew our minds, He turns conniving deceivers and lie-believers of daughters of Eve into trustworthy, virtuous, confident inheritors of the King. People begin to trust us because Jesus works in and through us, becoming blessings to those around us. [Jesus makes us] perfect in every good work to do His will, working in [us] that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (Heb. 13:21).

There are countless applications to Proverbs 31:11-12! From being a helpmeet to a husband, to turning the world to hope in the Gospel to building up girls in their identity in Christ, our advice and leadership is trustworthy, especially when out of a quiet heart (I Peter 3:4). My French Bible version uses the words “s’assure en elle,” which means the husband finds “assurance” in his Proverbs 31 wife. Believing women bring assurance and affirm others. They choose to “speak the truth in love” (Ephe. 4:15).

He gives us a reliable work ethic.

Regardless of her position, this Proverbs 31 woman transformed by the power of God does what needs to be done. Why? Because now her work is about bringing glory to God (Col. 3:22-24), and her sure reward comes from Him. What she has been given, she is responsible for before God. It has been given to her by God to use, in His grace and strength for His Kingdom (Matt. 25:14-30). Whatever she does, single or married, she has become a manager of it before God.

She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships: she brings her food from afar. She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard (Prov. 31: 13-16).

She finds and looks for ways to take better care of what is under her responsibility. Going out of her way, she is a good steward, becomes generous, and can be trusted to make decisions that impact others. In this passage, it says the woman bought a field and made the decision about it. Clearly her husband trusted her to make that choice and gave her that freedom. This woman was trustworthy.

A Proverbs 31 woman is a dedicated hard worker, and what she doesn’t know how to do, she figures out how…and does it. She is clever, resourceful –characteristics which I think impact tremendously her generosity. She knows that if she were to give away “too much,” she could work to replace what she gave away. In some ways, she works to give away. She is of course only this way because Jesus is transforming her and giving her grace and strength as she renews her mind. Wherefore…give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you will never fall (II Pet. 1:10).

He supplies joie de vivre.

Proverbs 17-22 are very much related to verses 13-16 and seem to work hand-in-hand: She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night. She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Because Jesus is making her more and more into a trustworthy hard worker, He is also filling her more and more with a pure and true enjoyment of life, regardless of her situation. She is constantly trying to make the most of it, being filled more and more by His joy and hope. This does not mean things are always easy for her; neither does it mean she is frivolous, careless, and wasteful. No. Because she is a hard worker, she knows she can “afford” to be generous and enjoy giving; she also knows she can “pamper” her own accordingly, wisely within her means. She can truly enjoy her life, regardless of her situation, rich or poor, in sickness or in health, in abundance or in famine (see I Tim. 6:6 and Jer. 29:1-14). She can claim the following with more confidence year by year: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:11-13).

He moves others to respect her.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honor are her clothing; and she will rejoice in time to come…Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her (Proverbs 31: 23-25).

Because of her behavior and view of herself in Christ, she is respected throughout the community. Respect is often extended to those who associate with her directly, such as her husband, who can’t help but be impacted by her if he isn’t respectable himself. She supports him and brings out the best of him, giving him respect. In some ways, one has to respect to be respected. Those who dislike you will be blown away by the respect you give. This concept makes me think of Proverbs 16:7: When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. A woman filled with Christ may not always be liked for her stands and God-glorifying choices and decisions, but Christ will ensure she is respected one way or another eventually. People will remember her for her Christlikeness.

He creates in her a pure heart.

According to Proverbs 31:26-27 & 29, she reflects purity in heart…because to have lasting and impacting actions and words as described in these verses, Christ will have been transforming her heart into a pure one (Matt. 15:18). Of course, this brings us back to Romans 12:1-2: it takes Jesus to transform us from the inside out when we commit to letting Him renew our minds. After studying the Beatitudes for a couple weeks, I was able to distinguish a link between Proverbs 31 and Matthew 5:8: no wonder this woman of God is called blessed in Proverbs 31:28 –because “blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). That is respectable. That brings true “joie de vivre.” That encourages a strong, God-centered work ethic –because everything becomes for the glory of God. That creates a trustworthy woman. That results in a virtuous woman worth far more than rubies. Yeah!

So we want to be Proverbs 31 women? Let us dedicate ourselves to spending time at Jesus’ feet, developing our relationship with Him, engulfing every Word from Him, and letting His power transform us. We will never be the same.

The Proverbs 31 Mystery

How many of you ever felt overwhelmed when reading the famous Proverbs 31 passage on the description of a godly woman? How many of you lost confidence in your abilities and felt ashamed of your heart? How many of you just suddenly felt very sinful?

Well, let me argue that Proverbs 31:10-31 is not really about you and me.

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies…Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her own works praise her in the gates (Prov. 31: 10, 30-31).

Virtue is the true measure of a woman. A virtuous woman is priceless and timeless. Her impact lasts and reaches into eternity, and her goals and her heart live for and rest in the unseen, motivated by Christ, His love, and the pursuit of His truth and its spreading. But a woman cannot be virtuous on her own: it is impossible and goes against her very own sin nature. Romans 3:9-18 is pretty strong about this: NO ONE is righteous –not one. Ecclesiastes 7:20 and Isaiah 64:6 point that anything “good” we attempt is still flawed, imperfect, and of no eternal worth.

So where is a woman’s hope if she desires to be truly virtuous, eternally impacting the lives of others?

IN JESUS CHRIST ALONE

Jesus Christ makes her virtuous. Even the famous “Proverbs 31” passage points us directly to the heart of the Gospel: humanity’s depravity and Jesus Christ’ reconciliation and transformation of us. All Scripture points to the Gospel, even a woman’s desire for virtue and eternal impact –and even a woman’s lack of ability and accomplishment in this department.

NO ONE can find a virtuous woman apart from Christ.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

It can be easy to be overwhelmed by this “Proverbs 31 list”…because it IS impossible to be this woman without faith in Jesus Christ. But as we let Him renew our minds (Romans 12:2), we can become her. In fact, we can become more: we can become like Christ.

If the life of a “Proverbs 31 woman” could be summarized, I would say one accurate way would be that she lives for the unseen. While other people may see her work and its immediate fruit at times, her heart and its goals lie in the unseen. Rather than focusing on wordly favor and beauty so much, she pursues the Lord, and she is motivated by this relationship she has with Him. He transforms her mind so that she works with this in ambition: her true treasure is in heaven…and this is what she will be known and praised for, if not here on earth, definitely in heaven. Even when everything seems to be crumbling around her, she has hope, joy, and strength because she is focused on the unseen (II Cor. 4:8-18). While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (II Cor. 4:18).

Therefore we are always confident (II Cor. 5:6).

And this throws us right back to faith in Jesus Christ (Heb. 11:11). Matthew 6:19-34 only reinforces this: our treasure should be in heaven, and the secret to accomplishing that goal is to seek God first (v. 33). He has now become our number one priority –in everything. That is the secret to a “Proverbs 31 woman,” who really is just the sanctification work of Christ in her life as she responds to His daily call to follow and pursue Him. John Piper puts it this way: “Keep your hearts in heaven.” This is how Proverbs 31:25 can go so far to say in some translations: she laughs without fear of the future –not in carelessness but in full confidence in the Lord of her heart –and of her eternity.

No, you see: Proverbs 31:10-31 is not really about you and me. Rather, it is about Christ’s power in and through us. It’s about who we can become in His name as we let His truth fill us daily. So, gentlemen, encourage a woman to pursue Christ if you want her to be virtuous! And, ladies, let us rise to the challenge and give Jesus Christ room to work!

Abiding -Lord, Help Our Unbelief

“I am restless until I rest in You.” These words by St. Augustine firmly tie in much of the truths I have been hearing in church recently and challenging the very core of my life: the secret to life in Christ is truly resting and abiding in Him. As believers in and followers of Jesus Christ, we know we are promised eternal security, and this truth gives us peace towards the outcome of our lives. Yet, sometimes, it can be easy to feel restless in the today, in the here and now, and in the seemingly small, yet so tedious things we must do today. In our restlessness, we become so vulnerable to discontentment and we start running to anything, hoping and looking in them for peace, joy, and rest that only Christ can bring. We become so susceptible to attacks from the world, Satan, and our own selves.

We aren’t resting in Jesus.

Grounding every part of our hearts, minds, and souls in Christ on a daily basis sets the foundation for abiding in Christ and enjoying His rest we are promised every minute of our sometimes boring lives, regardless of our situation or position. While it is okay to look forward to the seasons we hope to come in our lives, we must also realize that part of fully trusting Jesus is waiting with a thankful heart. Charles Spurgeon explains this balance with the following: “[Those in Christ] have a laudable desire to make sure of [their] God-given talents and to find for [themselves] a position in which [they] may do more good to [their] fellowmen, but [they are] not unrestful, anxious, fretful, grieving, or grasping. [They are] contented and thankful.” There is joy in embracing the current season and position we are in because we know that God wants to use us wherever we are –and, as pointed out in church this past Sunday, there is absolutely no substitute for His joy. It is easy to daydream about the next season we hope to come; but it is just as easy to try to find comfort and satisfaction in this vision. Yet our preferred future should not and cannot provide us with the rest we long for. Without abiding in Christ today, our plans are but feeble attempts to feed our hungry souls, grasping for anything that can quench our longings and try to make ourselves feel better. Soon we realize that even in the things we love most, we absolutely need Jesus.

Only Christ can satisfy.

Dear readers, I don’t know what you are facing today. But I want you to remember that no matter how fierce the temptation, trials, or lies you face, you are truly called, uniquely beloved, and completely kept only by Jesus Christ (Jude 1:1). Just as you can only find eternal security in Him, you can only find rest, peace, and joy in this life through Him. John 15, straight from the mouth and heart of Christ, challenges us: “Abide in [Christ]…As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in [Christ]…for without [Christ], you can do nothing.”

For without Christ, you can do nothing.

Try all you want, it’s true. I've tried it. And I know you have too.

How then, shall we find rest and the answers we truly need?

The secret is abiding in Christ. This beautiful phrase means we are spending time with the Lord, letting Him renew our minds by reading His Word, and leaving all our burdens to Him through prayer. As He begins to transform our hearts and minds, we are able to fight off the lies that attack us constantly either from other people or our own selves -from negativity, to hopelessness, to sin, to false teaching. Jesus begins to truly become our everything, enabling us to “take every thought captive” (II Cor. 10:5), becoming “more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37), lighting the world with our testimony (Matt. 5:14-16), and truly, purely, joyfully abiding in Jesus (John 15:1-11). This is rest. This is His promise.

Lord, we believe, help our unbelief (Mark 9:24).

That I Should Choose

Pretty quickly in life we start realizing that we all have choices to make –and we better make good ones, because they all have consequences. When I worked at camp, our leadership always sent us off on our free week-ends with the slogan, “Make good choices! Remember whom you represent!”  But how can we do just that, make good choices?

I just wrapped up a study on weight loss and exercise through a Biblical perspective, and I was amazed by how many lessons could be applied to life in general. One of these was on decision-making. In the study’s context, decision-making revolved around food choices. But in life, decision-making revolves around…everything. So I put together a little “discernment test” from my study and reflection that we can apply to just that: everything.

• ·         Develop a habit of continually renewing your mind

Romans 12:1-2 is pretty clear on that: how do we become more like Christ? We fill our minds with His Words which are found in Scripture. The more we become like Christ, the more we think as He should and in accordance to His will. In other words, it will become easier to discern wisely in decision-making. Roy Disney once said that “It’s not hard to make decisions once you know what your values are.” This is true, but we all know how quickly Satan likes to have us forget what our values are! One way to fight him in this area is to renew our minds daily because part of renewing your mind is discovering who you are in Christ now. As we discover this new identity, we become filled with a desire to protect it, motivating us for wholesome choices.

• ·         Ask yourself if this decision is beneficial

When faced with a decision, we should honestly ask ourselves if it will benefit us, our testimony, or even the spreading of the Gospel  -rather than if it is “lawful” to us. We have freedom in Christ (Gal. 5:1), and we so quickly like to claim this liberty! But we also forget that we are not to abuse this liberty or use it to damage Christ’s name or others’ outlook towards the Gospel (I Peter 2:16). One way to test if it is truly beneficial is to consider if it is placing us into another kind of bondage (I Cor. 6:12). For example, will giving in to this food temptation only lead to my slavery to it?

• ·         Love God and love people

Matthew 22:36-40 explains that the greatest commandment is love for God and love for people, so does this decision reflect that love? Is it purely, sincerely motivated by this love? We are to exemplify Christ in all we do –and Christ was “obedient unto death” (Phil. 2:8) because He loved His heavenly Father and He loved people. Our decisions should reflect that kind of love –and we cannot love like that without His help and without renewing our minds.

“Trusting in the Lord means every decision you make is done with Him in mind.” Bernita Weston’s words echo loudly as I finish this post. Our decisions should reflect our trust in Jesus! Rather than motivated by legalism or personal achievement, our hearts can now reach for prayerful choices led by the Holy Spirit and His Word. Finally, we should remember and find encouraging comfort in the truth that He PROMISES that He will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is focused on Him (Isaiah 26:3), even in the midst of tough, fog-immersed decision-making.

Another Opportunity to Grow

Big or small, the things that challenge us are allowed in our lives for probably more reasons than we can imagine or even will know about until glory. We don’t say for nothing that “God works in mysterious ways.” In our twenty-first century Western World, many of us enjoy mostly carefree childhoods without much awareness of the word “trial.” However, sooner or later, and sooner for some, suddenly our visions of perfect worlds and fairy-tales are shattered by the hard truth of life: trials happen –and they shake everyone. For some, financial distress rocks their boat while others face mind-blowing illness or tragedy. Many face seasons of life they do not particularly like: a job they need but detest; seemingly endless lack of friendships; sacrifices for diligence in a career, degree, family, or goal. Anything can be a trial for someone under the right circumstances –and trials vary from person to person and have different appearances. Yet, all can be for the glory of God and can serve as opportunities to know Him more, become more like Him, and spread His Word.

How shall we then approach this life reality that like a vicious, merciless disease, affects us all at one point or another? 

As believers, we should view trials as opportunities –not as get-rich-quick-schemes but as beautiful stories of redemption and victory by the blood and name of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:1-15 is just one passage from God’s Word that illuminates us on this reaction to trials.

Lay aside every weight and sin (v.1) –we don’t often realize how out of shape we are unless we start exercising or preparing for a physical goal of any kind; only then we begin more diligently eliminating certain negative dietary practices. I believe the same concept in life applies too: we do not necessarily notice our lack of spiritual endurance or discipline until trials come our way. A major part of seeing trials as opportunities is recognizing our need to cast some things out of our lives or adopt new ones. I find it interesting that the writer of Hebrews seemed to make a distinction between a “weight” and a “sin.” This suggested separation leads me to believe that a “weight” is probably typically not a sin –just something bogging us down in growth or endurance in our faith. Weights can be difficult to admit or give up…

Run with patience (v. 1) –oh, patience, the “mother of all virtues,” no wonder! One of my best friends and I often clamor about how easily patience has become a mother.
When we think of a patient person, we often envision a very positive, emotionally strong individual, full of grace and joy. That’s who we are supposed to be, even in trials. A definition I found on patience included the following: “state of endurance.” This description brings to mind a need to pace ourselves, to train –and to be sacrificial. Ouch. Maybe that’s why we struggle so much with patience!

Looking unto Jesus (v. 2) –this is one of my favorite parts of this passage. Verse 2 calls Him the “author and finisher” of my faith. This is so powerful: He is not only the One who has saved me from my sinful nature and destructive self –but He is also going to accompany me during the rest of my journey, transforming me one trial at a time. After all, “I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). I AM SURE. He is absolutely faithful when He calls (I Thess. 5:24). Not only is He our Author and Finisher, but He is also our ultimate example for perseverance through trials: He endured even the cross (Heb. 12: 2-3) because He had the long-term, eternal goal and reward in mind (Phil. 2:8).

Remember who you are: a child of God (v. 4-10) –He punishes and refines those who belong TO HIM. Whether your trials are your punishment or not, they are always there for your refinement (v. 11-15). Only, you have to choose to let them be just that. You can literally become better (more like Jesus) or bitter (v. 15). This reassurance reminds me a lot of Jeremiah 29 where the Jews were in captivity because of their sin; yet God encouraged them to continue LIVING, while they waited for their deliverance. This same concept still applies: make the most of every season, even those of trial, called or uncalled for. Our trials can yield to great transformation but we must look to Jesus for this (James 1:2-5). In fact, we can even GLORY in them because of how God can use them in our lives (Rom. 5:3-5) –and because even just going through them brings us closer to the One who went through the cross (Rom. 5:6; Heb. 12:2-3; Matt. 16:24; Phil. 2:5-6; etc.). We will thus be in the will of God (Rom. 12:2), which is “more important than life itself” (B. Hughes), as displayed so powerfully in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross to offer eternal deliverance and immediate joy (Matt. 26:36-46).

So I leave you with this:

“Lay aside every weight, and the sin that does so easily trip us, and let us run with patience the race that is before us, looking unto Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1-2). 

Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité

Some of you may know that I take frequent trips to France. Every journey is different: even if I visit the same places, they always hold different observations, challenges, and perks. Yet, they usually never fail to bring a more enlightened view of the Gospel and its impact on life. Frances J. Roberts explains this phenomenon so warmly in Come Away My Beloved: “[God] deepens you in the furnace of affliction, and purifies your soul in the fires of pain.” It amazes me how He similarly also speaks too through the more mundane instances of life or even the small joys. He reveals so much when we are looking for it and letting Him speak.

Perhaps strolling through France reminded me of scenes from Les Miserables; or the movies I had been watching with family were emphasizing similar social strives. But while walking along the beach yesterday, I kept thinking about a famous historical phrase: “Liberté, égalité, fraternité.” This philosophical and political motto invigorated France so powerfully for years, decades, and maybe even a couple centuries. But why was it so captivating? Why in countless countries around the world do people strive for these words or similar mantras?

Because we were created for freedom -we were created to crave liberty, equality, and fraternity.

I love to study politics, especially as an attempt to understand their philosophical foundations, their human justifications, and their results on society. However, in this post, I am not going to dive into the contradicting thoughts and opposing factions of eighteenth century France. What I want to focus on is our innate desire to be free, to embrace equality, and to live with others as a family.

I attended a Catholic Christmas mass about a week ago or so and was stricken by how many people seemed to be there simply by tradition, hoping that somehow fulfilling this festive practice would make their year conclude better and bring about a fortunate new one. Communion was welcomed, something to be done for a blessing, a reminder of days of old, or a warmth in a dark, cold world. The partakers seemed to look towards each other with a hope for brotherhood, a yearning for unity. They were all looking for the same thing: freedom from the awfulness of year 2014 and the worry towards 2015; freedom from the burdens they were carrying; freedom for their souls full of strife, mistakes, and pain. They wanted all to be equal in this unfair world, equal, loved, and free.

Because that’s what they were created for.

Last Sunday, I visited a local evangelical church for the first time in the area. When the service concluded, I was left with joy, reminded that I had what so many across France and the entire world craved and yearned for: freedom, equality, and fraternity. My freedom comes from my salvation in Jesus Christ. Because I believe, He frees me from everything unholy and daily renews my heart, mind, and soul when I turn to Him. I stand equal before God, as any other human being does because He has created us all in His image and is ready to accept any of us into His kingdom of sons and daughters if only we believe. Finally, I can experience a beautiful family experience with all other believers. Constantly the book of Acts opens my eyes to what the Church should really be: one big united family in the truth of the Gospel.

Dear France, dear world –you can have Liberté, égalité, et fraternité. You were created for it. You were created for Jesus Christ.

Just a Typical Girl

This morning, I finished a little study on ten different women mentioned in the Bible. None of these ten had what we would consider “perfect lives.” They were all going through a typical woman’s life: child-bearing problems and fears; war; emotional abuse or suffering; widowhood and the care of bitter elderly; death of a loved one; national crisis; family threat; tough choices; tests of faith and lessons of letting go; consequences from sin or poor choices. Their imperfections and weaknesses, along with the world’s sinful impact on them, brought them to places of lowness and fear, senses of failure and abandonment, and temptations to despair and to bid farewell to dreams or their promises from God.

My dear reader, do you recognize yourself yet?

These events all sound like typical things we women still go through today. These Bible characters were clearly all typical women. They were like you and me.

Yet what made them different was their faith –faith that the Lord is Sovereign God, faith that Jesus and His plan are enough, and faith that He is faithful, Keeper of His promises. What made them different was what they believed and their resulting choices. What made them worthy was their intentional decision to believe; and what gave them their lasting legacy was taking a stand for what they believed. This is the Gospel. Nothing worthy or outstanding comes from ourselves, but everything falls together beautifully in the name of Jesus when we respond to the desire He puts in us to crave and follow Him.

Because He loved us first. 

Sarah. Deborah. Hannah. Ruth. Mary. Esther. Miriam. Rahab. Jochebed. The woman at the well. They were all typical, dream-filled girls who turned into typical women struggling and fighting for those dreams. But these typical girls discovered a radical truth and experienced the God Who held everything they could truly delight in forever: His Word, His plan, and even His nature. Simply, they could delight in Him.

So, ladies, I don’t have to tell you twice that we are not worthy and that our sandcastles are quickly washed away by the clock. You already know that. Sin and the effects of time are no strangers to you; we have all quickly become acquainted to them. 

But the hope that comes from Christmas can last the entire year once you realize that God turns typical girls into worthy dream fulfillers and conquerors of His plan upon realization that He is the true delight of our hungry hearts.

Boldness for Joy: She Waited for Him

“Beauty is often displayed through sacrifice and bravery through acts of humility.” This is how Rachel Wojo describes Mary of Bethany, the woman who is now famous for anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. Not only did Mary sacrifice financially, but she also faced heavy criticism from those around her. Taking this risk for Jesus made her beautiful. But where did this courage come from? It seems so easy to fear, to stay locked in our old ways, to yield to bitterness, especially when those around us have tasted the poison and so readily share it. Where did she find this boldness for joy?

John 11:20 reveals two different reactions between the two sisters. Martha ran to Jesus, and Mary sat. The Bible does not make very clear statements to describe Mary’s thought processes at this point, but my commentary suggests she was meditating on His already proven goodness and power: “You keep [her] in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because [she] trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock” (Isaiah 26:3-4). Knowing Mary’s track record up to this event (Luke 10:39), this thought choice is highly possible for her.

Regardless of her state of mind in reaction to Lazarus’s death, John 11:28-29 stands out to me: “The Master is come, and calls for you. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto Him.” You didn’t need to tell Mary twice. She might wait on the Lord, but she was always ready to go when He called.  She would soak in all she could from Him and worship, risking being accused of being lazy, of wasting time, of not serving enough –the list can go on; we are so familiar with it…the attacks come daily. Mary knew what the most important part of the journey was and so can we. In order to properly serve, she needed His bread first. She needed His energy, His insight, His strength, His light. Without that, she would burn out. But when she heard His call, she was up on her feet, energized and ready to go.

She waited for Him, even in His seeming silence and absence. And when He came, she fell down at His feet, broken-hearted, yet revealing her child-like faith that was still limited by a human heart and mindset: “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:32). Then Jesus showed her in a whole new way just how His ways are not comparable to ours. He rose Lazarus from the dead.

Spending time with Jesus is essential to combat a woman’s typical struggles. Sitting at His feet is crucial for service…and for life. It is the very breath of joy (Neh. 8:10) and of a gentle and quiet spirit (I Peter 3:4) that does not meddle (I Pet. 4:15), gossip (Prov. 20:19), worry (Matt. 6:25-34), or control (Ps. 55:22 & Rom. 12:19 –see previous post on Sarah). He makes us free from this world and makes us beautiful and brave. 

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:12-13).

So Let Us Laugh

 Blessed is the [woman] who remains steadfast under trial (James 1:12).

In Genesis 18, we see the narration of life –a woman given a promise from God, one that is extremely laugh-worthy (like most dreams from God) yet that motivates her to try to make it happen in her own way (ex. Genesis 16). She is a typical woman: she worries about her ability (Genesis 18:12) perhaps because she had already tried to rely on it to attempt to control God’s plan by “helping Him out.” We women like to fall to the lie that God needs our help. Of course, we are to do our part –but we would benefit greatly if only we learned to discern between doing our part and usurping God’s place (Let It Go, K. Ehman). Yet, despite her error, God reiterates His promise in Genesis 18. Maybe that’s why Sarah laughed. Why would God still choose to use her to create a nation?

It’s not until Genesis 21 that the promise has begun to be fulfilled. Somehow, between Genesis 18 and 21, God changed Sarah’s heart. He filled it with faith, perhaps rekindling a faith she used to have. After all, she had accompanied Abraham throughout his whole journey, valleys and mountain tops. She had followed when he left all behind to pursue the one true God; and she had watched her husband deny their marital bond yet discover God protect her fully –not once, but twice (Genesis 12 and 20). She had come to know a God who remains faithful, good, and sovereign. Because of what God had allowed in her life, she could only conclude God’s steadfastness.

And isn’t that the goal for us all?

This is the story of the redeemed woman: God transforming a control-freak, conniving, doubtful soul of a woman into a mountain-building, dream-believing, nation-establishing giant featured in the “faith hall of fame” of Hebrews 11. God is faithful: He changes our hearts and fulfills His promises. “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and whole, wanting nothing” (James 1:3). Jesus and His work are everything –that’s what a woman should realize as she waits, as she endures, as she perseveres. It’s all about the heart change as He works because our story should be about how He gets us from Genesis 18 to Hebrews 11: “that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tried by fire, might be found unto praise and glory and honor at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:7). 

Not just Sarah's heart changed; her laughter was transformed too. Once touched by the redemption of God, her mocking snicker turned into a victorious, confident chuckle because "strength and dignity [became] her clothing, and she laugh[ed] without fear of the future" (Proverbs 31:25). Her God was faithful. And He still is. 

So let us laugh.

*verse outline & connection between Gen. 18 & Heb. 11 from Women of the Bible -Beautiful and Brave by Rachel Wojo

Seeing. Waiting. Worshiping.

Seeing.
“Open up my eyes to the things unseen…Break my heart for what breaks yours.” So goes an often relied on song for today’s contemporary worship services. God wants us to see the world as He sees it: a group of individual lives all in need of a Savior –in need of salt. Throughout Colossians, Paul reminds his readers of this calling: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt…” (Col. 4:5-6). Our ministry –the fulfilling of God’s call for us- is everywhere around us. It is where God places us. He may choose to move us at any time, and we must follow, keeping in mind that every role and season is significant and brings Him praise and glory. From translating the Word to another language to fulfilling the gift of motherhood to moving to the next season of life with grace and praise, we are to see our ministry around us –or move to where it is. Every role is necessary in the work of the Lord –and each is just as glorifying to Him if embraced with the right attitude.

Waiting.
A lot of times we see the need before we hear the calling. Especially those eager to embrace the sorrow of the world and attempt to provide the solution must be careful to remember their specific call must come straight from the heart of God. Colossians 4:17 states that this ministry is received…IN THE LORD. One of my friends in foreign missions could not stress enough how important it is to “wait on His call and His leading for ministry,” to quote her exact words. “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the one who brings wicked things to pass” (Psalm 37:7-9). Waiting can be just as glorifying to God as going. God can have us see a need in the world for a variety of reasons and still ask us to wait to serve it. So we must seek Him carefully.

Worshiping.
When Jesus asked Peter to walk on water, Peter’s mistake was to focus on the task rather than the One who had called him. How guilty am I of this… When I walked by the harbor this morning, I was reminded of Peter’s brutal awakening to this struggle so frequent in a believer’s life. In Matthew 14:28-31, Peter begged Jesus to let him come to this place of faith: walking on water right alongside Jesus. Jesus indeed called Peter to this, but then Peter focused on “the wind boisterous”…and was swelled by fear. Whenever we realize the depth and danger of our call, our hearts, minds, and souls should return to and remain in the One we so eagerly rushed to and begged to give us His call initially. We are called to worship –to solely, completely, purely focus on Him alone. As poignantly stated by Oswald Sanders, “Paul could afford to take lightly the comments and criticism of others, for his heart was owned by God.” So should be said about you and me. Our HEARTS are OWNED by our GOD. 

Norfolk Notes

We like to think that we can’t live without something, and as a result, we put restrictions on the will of God for our lives because we don’t think we could be in a certain place or without a specific convenience. I remember beginning to explore this falsehood and its opposing truth almost two years ago now (see December 2012 posts), but God thought it crucial to remind me this morning in a new, refreshing way.

On a business trip to Norfolk, VA, I had a few minutes for some leisure time. Of course, my sense of adventure refused to lock me in my room and encouraged my legs to take my heart to follow its pursuit: exploring the down-town waterside harbor. Engulfing the morning wind and eaves-dropping on the conversation of seagulls, my soul soared, reflecting on the words I had read earlier in the morning: “let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer everyone” (Col. 4:6). That I may KNOW –so much confidence and power in that five letter word! Whatever conversation I would be placed in during this trip, my key to success would be consistently filling myself with His truth and trusting Him to speak for me if I let Him. And the same promise would apply to any future trips.

As I continued to walk along the wooden paneled dock, the fresh air revived me. It’s so easy to become confused and conflicted in this world, its cares, its pressures and expectations, and thus forget the Source of life. My mission here is not to be comfortable or within my limits; and it may not consist of always choosing whom or how I serve. Sure, God places preferences on my heart but I cannot let those dictate where I go. He, and He alone, must lead. And as He leads and I follow, He provides my soul with what it truly needs. If I commit to be fed by Him, He will provide my soul the refreshment it needs. Cities can overwhelm a country spirit like mine; yet Norfolk’s treasures show me that God provides me with what I need to find my solace.

Walking back to my hotel, I realized not only I had found the fresh air my body craved but so my soul had been refreshed too, grown closer to my faithful Leader and providing Creator.