Potential

Have you ever had a love/hate relationship with someone, where you are extremely thankful for them one day and it seems like the very next day, they do something that causes you to get incredibly frustrated with them? I’m sure we can all agree that there are times this happens to us, and maybe some of us more than we care to admit. Our ministry to the Liberians very much so has these times. This got me thinking about Jesus and how he sees us and those around us.

I find it interesting that Jesus  had the complete capability to raise up a mega church while He was here on earth, after all, He is the Messiah! What better leader could there possibly be then Jesus Himself? But Jesus didn’t do that. He didn’t cater to the masses, even though there were times that the crowds followed. He didn’t run to the synagogues or try to take over the Jewish temple. He didn’t chase after the mega church mentality of having hundreds and thousands of followers. No, Jesus chose 12. Jesus  saw great potential in this small intimate group. He knew that after He returned to heaven, they would be the ones who would literally spread the gospel around the world. The masses wouldn’t do that. The masses would move on to the next “messiah.” But these men would be touched so deeply that moving on only meant they were going to the next town to share about the fire burning within them. In fact, these men were so radical about their relationship with Christ that 10 out of the 12 of them were killed for their faith. The two exceptions: Judas Iscariot who had taken his own life and John who died of natural causes in his old age, of course he died while exile in Patmos. 

The disciples probably earned their fair share of frustration points with Jesus. They doubted, questioned, argued, and even betrayed Him. But not one of these things negated the potential that Christ saw in each of these men. It is amazing to me how Christ could continue to keep His focus on the end result when the disciples were constantly tripping over their own two feet. Yet, this is how we are called to work with others. We are called to see the Christ like potential in them, to foster that potential and help it to grow, even when they do not see it themselves. Christ did not give these men material possessions, but he fostered their relationship with Him. He watched that relationship grow, until the day came that these men could stand on their own two feet and have the ability to see the potential in others. That is what spreads the gospel, walking with people as they learn to walk with Christ. No more no less. 

How about us? Do we see the potential in those around us, or are we too busy getting frustrated with the little they “don’t know,” or  they “can’t do” to foster their God given gifts and abilities to be the next disciples for Jesus Christ who will take the gospel to the world?

Who are your 12? In other words, God is not calling us to the masses. He calls us to influence a small group of those around us. This has been a breath of fresh air to our family while on the mission field. It is so easy to get caught up in seeing all of the needs. But God is not calling us to ALL the needs, or for that matter, He is not calling us to All of the people either. He is calling us to our 12. We have had to ask ourselves who is the small intimate group of people God is calling us to see the potential in, to walk with, as they learn to walk with Christ?

For related reading: Holding Up The Hands of Others, Training Others in Kingdom Living, Call to One Another Living 

Dear Lord Jesus, I thank you for your example. I thank you that you have modeled working with a small group  to empower them to become strong in you. What a relief it is to know that we do not need to feel the pressure or responsibility of shepherding hundreds, because truly that is just a bit intimidating. Thank you for giving us small chunks. Help us to see the potential in others, to walk with them as they learn to walk with you. We pray this in your precious name.
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Do you love me?

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
John 21: 15-17

I find it interesting in this passage of scripture that Jesus would ask Peter three times in a row if he loved Him. As you study out the original Greek and Hebrew of this word love you realize why. In the English language we just have one word for love, but many definitions, or expressions of the word love. However, in the Greek, there are six different words for love with six very distinct meanings and expressions. In the Hebrew, they have three different words for love, each conveying a very different weight and connotation to it. I feel like the original language does a better job of helping us to see into the heart of Peter in this passage better than our current English translation can. 

The original Greek
I wanted to take some time and examine the Greek words used in this passage. When Jesus asks Peter the first time if he loves Him (vs 15). That word love in the Greek is agape. This word carries a unique weight to it because it is the word used in scripture time and time again to describe the way God loves. Agape love is an all-consuming passion for the well being of the one being loved. It is a love that esteems, elevates, prizes, and delights in others expecting nothing in return. It keeps loving when the love is not reciprocated when the one being loved is unkind, unlovable, unworthy and rejecting the love being given. It is an unconditional love that only desires the best for the one being loved and nothing less. Doesn’t that just sound like our Heavenly Father? Agape love is God. That is the very definition of who He is. Agape love is how He loves us! 

Now that we understand the weight associated with this word agape, let’s return to Peter. When Jesus asks “do you agape me?” I can just picture Peter squirming a bit and somewhat getting defensive as he answers… “you know I love you.” But here is where it gets interesting. Peter does not respond with the word agape. He responds with a completely different word for love and he says... “you know I “philos” you Lord.” 

This word philos has an entirely different meaning and carries a much lighter weight than the word agape. It is a word that means brotherly love, a friendship kind of love. It is a fondness or a liking for another person. I read one definition that actually went as far as to say that this type of love can collapse in times of crisis. When I read this it made me stop and wonder if Peter was unknowingly foreshadowing his coming denial of knowing Jesus (Luke 22:54-71) when he said... of course I philos you, Lord. 

If we keep reading Jesus asks Peter a second time “do you truly agape me?” Again, I can picture Peter still squirming and feeling a bit perturbed with Jesus’ questioning… “Yes, Lord, you know that I philo you.” Now, for a second time in a row, Peter did not answer with the same word. I wonder if that word agape had such weight in the original Greek that it was too much for Peter to even speak? 

Finally, Jesus asked Peter a third time if he loved Him, but this time instead of agape He used philo, love of the friendship variety, a brotherly kind of love. Peter again replied with… “you know that I philo you.” Finally, Peter’s answer was lining up with Jesus’ question!

I don’t believe Jesus was trying to exasperate Peter here by repeating the same question over and over again, but I do believe Jesus was trying to make a point. We serve a God that loves us with an all-consuming kind of love, a love that cannot be broken, weakened or taken away. What Christ was showing here is His desire for us to love Him with that level of passion. As I studied this out I found myself asking...Do I really agape the Lord? Do I really love Christ in the manner He desires for me to love Him? God desires an all in composing, all-consuming kind of agape love. Do I even remotely give that type of love to Him or is it more of the friendship variety?
Just like Peter, I can honestly say that I absolutely philo the Lord, but agape Him is a whole new dimension, one that I wonder if I have remotely come close to.  

Call to action
How about you? Do you love the Lord with the weight of an agape kind of love, or does it lean more towards the philo or friendship type? I know there are some of us out there who can honestly answer that we love the Lord in an all-encompassing, all-consuming agape type of love. But for those of us whose love for the Lord leans more towards the philos variety, we have some work to do.  I wish I could say I have answers for moving from one level of love to another, but I do not. I will be seeking the Lord to reveal to my heart how to make that transition. I am just thankful that the Lord brought me to a place where I noticed there was a difference. 

To read more on the topic of love visit the series on love.

Father, thank you for showing me the difference between the agape love that you shower upon me and the philos love that I end up returning. My heart’s prayer is that you bring me to a place where I can love you and others with an agape love, one that does not have expectations involved. I pray for anyone reading this post that may need to make a change in their level of love for you, that you deal with their hearts compassionately and gently. Lead them to a greater understanding of agape love. Show us, Lord, how to love like you! Show us how to agape others!

Seeking Counsel

Have you ever made a decision only to regret it within moments after you made it? How about a major life decision only to have things fall apart? Have you made a decision and wished you had spent more time researching and asking questions before you made the decision that you made? I think we have all been through these situations a time or two. God’s word has a built-in prevention for us in order to keep us from making decisions we will inevitably regret, it’s called seeking counsel.  

Seeking counsel

I feel like we as Americans often times do not utilize the concept of seeking counsel, and when we do, we approach it with a skewed understanding of what “seeking counsel” is in the Biblical sense. Seeking counsel is not us making our minds up about something and then convincing a whole bunch of our best friends why we should do that thing. Getting people to agree with our decision is not counsel, that is manipulation! Seeking counsel is not going to others who will only tell us the things we want to hear. You will never get sound Biblical direction from a “yes” man or woman! Doing what we want and reaping the consequences of our decision before seeking counsel is not really seeking counsel either. When we have a decision that we are facing, it is always better to seek counsel before we act. Often times, by seeking counsel we will see the situation we are facing in an entirely different light then we would have just left to our own perspective.

When we seek counsel, it should always be based on scripture. If Jesus would not tell you to do that thing, then it is not Biblical counsel! Seek out those who will “speak the truth in love,” (Ephesians 4:15) even if the truth hurts. It is always better to be cut open by the loving sword of the spirit, then by the cutting words of human flesh. And yes, there is a difference! When Godly counsel is speaking the truth in love, it will still hurt, but it will bring healing to the heart. It will bring clarity and peace. When the council is bringing you cutting words of human flesh, it will leave a wound that not only hurts, but it keeps bleeding. There will be no healing that comes, only continued bleeding. The peace of God will not accompany these words because God’s spirit of peace will not rest in something that did not originate with Him. We will often time be left with feelings of confusion and condemnation in these types of situations. The Bible clearly states that “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). If we find ourselves in a situation where counsel is condemning us, it’s not Godly counsel!  “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17). Godly counsel should approach us with meekness and humility, with love and compassion, not a pointing finger and condemnation.

Why does God’s word tell us to surround ourselves with a multitude of counselors?

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14 (KJV)

First and foremost, seeking counsel is a safety net for us. Christ does not want to see us in situations where we are getting hurt. He desires to keep us from harm. “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) He longs to keep us in the protection of his wings. This is why seeking counsel is so very important. It can protect us from unforeseen harm. This is just the way we need to look at the concept of “seeking counsel,” through the lens of safety. When we view it this way we are more apt to seek counsel because we all have blind spots.

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice” Proverbs 12:15

As I just mentioned we all have blind spots. We all have things in our lives we just can’t see until we get someone else’s perspective on the situation and then we can see more clearly what we have been missing. We like to think we are right until we see it from a different angle and realize we were wrong the whole time.

“Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel.” Proverbs 13:10 (The Message)

I don’t usually refer to The Message, but for this particular scripture, I felt like it was brought out so clearly. So often the reason we don’t seek counsel is that of our pride gets in the way. We think we know better. We think we can handle it on our own without any help. We don’t want to be a bother to anyone. Whatever the excuse, our pride definitely gets in the way of us seeking counsel.

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end, you will be counted among the wise.” Proverbs 19:20

We are considered wise when we seek and heed the advice of counsel we are counted as wise. The Lord desires for us to learn and grow. And seeking counsel is one way to grow. Seek counsel so that you can be wise.

Lord, thank you for giving us the safety net of counsel. We know that it is for our own protection that you gave us that safety valve. Help us to lay down our pride and set aside our fears to seek out Godly counsel when difficult situations arise. Help us to be a humble compassionate servant in those moments when others come to us for counsel. We desire to do things with a right spirit. We ask this in your precious name.

Prayer

Our trip to Liberia was filled with impromptu prayer sessions. We prayed for a lame man, a blind man, we prayed for parents, children, leaders, teachers, and families. With our experience in Liberia, we found that there was never a bad time to pray. We would be visiting a church, and the next thing we knew the church members had gathered around and we were laying their needs at the feet of Jesus Christ. These moments truly were powerful experiences. This is something I feel like we don’t take advantage of near enough of here in the States. The Librarians seem to have come to a place of realizing that it’s either God or death. There is no other choice for them. Here in the United States we have packed away a nest egg for emergencies and extra food in the pantry for when the next storm hits. We don’t really have a reason to rely on God like those who have nothing. When we get sick we have the ease of mind of knowing that help is just a phone call away, or a short trip to the doctor’s office. In the third world, if there is a doctor even available they are fortunate! Most of the time the doctor is not even an option and for many of them even if the doctor was available, they would never be able to begin to pay any of the bills from their visit. So, the only hope that they have is in the Lord! Here in the States we have a tendency to rely so heavily on ourselves that we can push God right out of the picture. For many of us, we are not in a position where we have no other options left. We are not desperate enough. This is so disheartening because the Lord desires for us to long for Him, to need Him and to desire Him to move in our lives!

God has given us so much and yet we can have a tendency do so little. In Liberia, we saw people with so little doing so much for the Lord. It truly humbled our hearts to know that out of their nothingness God was moving among them! We heard stories of God’s supernatural healing, provision and moving flowing from the testimonies of their lips. They were so thankful and grateful to the Lord for moving on their behalf. This is entirely different than here in the States. When we see God move we can be quick to justify it away because our medicine is advanced, funds are usually available and we have friends with influence. We rob God of the joy of even trying to move supernaturally in our lives because we are too busy taking care of the situation ourselves instead of relying on God to move on our behalf. And when we are faced with a situation that we have no other choice but the Lord, we approach God in a prayer mixed with doubt. We come to the Lord hoping that he will move on our behalf rather than believing by faith that He will! Oh we of little faith! I share this because I too am guilty of allowing doubt to rob God of the ability to move. Scripture is very clear about what we can expect from the Lord when we mix doubt with our prayers:

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” James 1:6-8

God is not a liar

We should not pray Lord, “if” but rather Lord, “your word says…” We need to hold God to His word! The Lord is an unchanging God and what He says He will do, HE WILL DO! God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). He does not say one thing and do the complete opposite. So why do we pray as if He is a liar? Why are our prayers riddled with seeds of doubtful thinking, wishful thinking, and hopeful thinking? Why do we have such little faith? Is it because the miracles that we read about in scripture have not transpired before our very eyes? Is it because we have not actually prayed for a lame person and saw them get up and walk with our very own eyes? Let’s just be real here for a moment shall we? Jesus walked with the 12 disciples and made the lame walk, the mute talk and the blind see right before their eyes and yet they still doubted. So what makes us think our minds will change by seeing these things transpire in front of our own eyes when the 12 lived it everyday and yet still doubted? Our faith does not come from seeing. Our faith comes from hearing.

Faith comes by hearing

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17

When we hear the word of God, not just with our physical ears, because we all know that things can go in one ear and out the other, but with our spiritual ears then faith is truly imparted! May I be so bold as to say that when we pray with doubt it is because we are lacking faith. We are lacking the faith that comes from hearing the word of God with our spiritual ears. In other words, if we truly had faith, we would have no problem praying for the lame, mute, deaf and blind. It’s when we hesitate that we can truly see our level of faith. Sobering isn’t it! I have to admit, I have shied away from many moments of prayer because the voice of doubt was greater than the voice of faith.

Let me give you an example of how bad that voice of doubt has influenced my prayers or stopped me from praying altogether. When we were in Liberia I met a man who had survived a stroke, just like I had. The difference was that his stroke had left some very apparent outward evidences where mine had not. You would think I would have been gung-ho about the opportunity to pray for someone whose shoes I have walked in and understand oh so well. But instead of jumping at the opportunity, I let fear and doubt be my companion in this situation. The fear and doubt flooded my mind as I thought, “look how much worse off he is than you were. God may have been able to heal you, but he certainly can’t heal this man.” At this I should have looked fear and doubt right in the face and reminded them both of the fact that just a few short years ago I was just like him and no different! I should have shouted at my fear that if God can do this for me surely, He can do this for someone else! The Lord is no respecter of persons! (Acts 10:34 and Romans 2:11) But instead of building myself up with faith I simply let fear and doubt have their way that day and to this day am kicking myself for not taking the opportunity that was placed before me.

Our prayers truly have the power to open the floodgates of heaven. We do not need to see physical evidence of God’s power to have faith. Our faith does not come from physical evidence, our faith comes from hearing the word with our spiritual ears. So, let’s open our spiritual ears so that we do not miss out on hearing the word. This may mean we need to close our natural eyes for a little while and forget about what we see going on around us. Seeing is not believing. Hearing is believing.

For more on how God answers prayers and is still working miracles see: "Miracle Working God."

Lord, we  can be so full of doubt sometimes. Help us to be hearers of your word in such a way that it builds in us a faith that destroys all doubt and fear. Help us to rehearse the promises found in your word so that in those moments of prayer we will know how to pray because we are able to pray out your promises. We know fear and doubt is not from you. We know that the enemy is trying to keep us from praying for others by filling us with thoughts of doubt. Fill us with your spirit in those moments that we can overcome the enemy and pray for those who need a touch of your spirit. Help us not to shy away from those situations that seem impossible. We know that nothing is impossible with you! We pray this in the precious name of Jesus Christ.

The Father's Heart

Our Heavenly Father’s heart is filled up with so many truly amazing and wonderful things. I sometimes find myself wondering why it is that He desires so deeply to pass those things on to us. Yet in His infinite wisdom He so liberally shares of His heart. This is the beauty of our Heavenly Father. His deepest desire is for us to grow, to prosper and to expand His kingdom. Our Lord is not stingy. He does not withhold from us the things we need to know to further His kingdom. Since this is our Father’s heart for us then shouldn’t we have that same desire for those who come behind us? Shouldn’t we desire to train others up in kingdom living? Shouldn't it be our heart’s desire to train others in kingdom expansion?

As I find myself asking these questions I also have to ask, “Am I preparing the next generation to take over for me when I’m gone?” How about you? Are you training up anyone to take over for you?  It is so important that we have the type of heart that is preparing the next generation to take our place. Far too often in our competitive, capitalistic society we keep the next generation at arms length rather than training them to know everything we know in hopes that they will exceed us and do a far better job than we ever could. We push our young people aside just so we ourselves can get ahead, and for what? We can not take our jobs, houses, money, cars, or even the physical things we did here on earth to further the kingdom with us. All of those things we leave behind for the next generation to carry on. Rather than leaving them to fend for themselves, we should be training them up to take over the family business. What is the family business you ask? The family business is simply “kingdom expansion.” Are we training others to expand the kingdom? Are we training the next generation of believers to grow the kingdom or are we carrying this load all on our own?

When I look at fathers in the Bible who trained up their children in the family business Paul is my most favorite example. Now, as far as I know Paul did not have any natural children of his own, but that does not mean he did not raise up others to take over the family business once he left this earth. Paul poured into so many lives during his ministry, but the one life Paul poured into which stands out for me, is Timothy. Paul didn’t simply look after Timothy. Paul made opportunities for Timothy to grow, practice, and live out the very things he himself was doing. Paul gave Timothy a chance to see what Paul did, do what Paul did, and put into practice what Paul was doing both right along side Paul, as well as sending Timothy out to practice on his own without Paul being physically present. (To read more on this concept click here.) Paul knew and understood the importance of training up the next generation in kingdom expansion.

“If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. No one, then should refuse to accept him. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.” 1 Corinthians 16:10-11

I love that Paul trusted Timothy enough to send him out on various missions. Paul trusted the time and energy he had invested into the heart of Timothy. Paul trusted the fruit that Timothy was producing and therefore had no problem with sending him out to carry on the family business. It is so important that we invest deeply in the lives of other believers so that they will carry on the torch of spreading the gospel. We can not carry the gospel to the ends of the earth on our own. We need others to help carry the load. God has designed His kingdom for us to pass along to others the things we have learned. The wisdom that has been imparted to our hearts is not meant for us to hoard away in the recesses of our hearts and minds. The wisdom that God has given us has been placed in our possession for the short time it takes for us to grow from it and then it is our responsibility to pass it along to the next person or people who are in need of that very slice of wisdom that has enabled us to overcome our obstacles. God’s kingdom is designed around the principle that “freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

Paul also made certain that others understood that Timothy was carrying on the work of the Lord just as Paul himself was doing. Paul spelled it out in black and white that they were to receive Timothy as if they were receiving Paul himself. How many of us as parents would want others to accept our children in the same way they would accept us? If I poured out my heart soul, mind and strength into the spiritual upbringing that Paul poured into Timothy, you better believe I would want people treating them with a certain level of respect. So, that is exactly what Paul was doing. He was telling the Corinthian church “Hey look, I have trained this young man up myself and I have full confidence in him. So, because I have complete confidence in his ability I would like you to treat him with the utmost respect. He has my personal stamp of approval upon him. If you do not accept him as you would me, I will come and deal with you directly!” Paul meant business and rightfully so. If we spent the amount of time and energy pouring into Timothy that Paul did we would react the same way. I’d like to think that as Paul was sending Timothy out, he was having a “proud daddy” moment. He was probably so proud of the man that Timothy was becoming that he just could not wait to watch Timothy get his wings under him and start to soar. Paul was launching Timothy into the tremendous responsibilities of ministry and he was excited and proud to have the privilege of doing so.

This is exactly how we should be with other believers. We should be so excited about their moments of soaring. We should be proud of them for stepping out in faith and going about the Father’s business. Like Paul, we should want to bring others up in the family business and watch them bloom. God desires for us to encourage and strengthen one another in this way, to hold up each other’s hands and fight the good fight of faith together. We can not do it on our own. We must be willing to adopt the Father’s heart and bring others along with us, while at the same time allowing others to bring us along side them. We can learn and grow from one another.

Lord, help us to have your heart for others. Help us to shower upon others the gifts that we have so freely received. Help us not to hide away the lessons we have learned on our walk with you. Show us what it looks like to teach one another with all wisdom (Colossians 3:16). Keep us from wanting to make advancements in the kingdom on our own, but rather bring others along with us so we can learn from them and we can aid in raising them up. We need help from our brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep our hearts from getting a superiority complex because we know that there is no room for a proud spirit in your kingdom. Thank you for the example of Paul who so diligently raised up others in kingdom living. Give us the kind of faith that expands the kingdom like never before. In Jesus precious name. Amen.

4 Things We Need To Administer Correction

“A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (Amplified)

There have been many times in my life that I have needed spiritual correction. I am grateful for the times of correction because I know that it is always for the my growth and maturity in kingdom principles. I have found that there are different methods of delivering such spiritual correction. Some methods I respond to much better than others. The method in which my heart seems to respond to the best is when correction comes in the form of a gentle and thoughtful word. When a word of correction comes from a humbled heart, I can not help but respond quickly with a humble and repentant heart in return. This is the way God works. He will often speak to us in a still small voice, with a little nudge, or a small prodding helping us to keep on the straight and narrow. I am so appreciative of this because the gentleness of my Heavenly Father teaches me how to respond gently to others. Sadly I still have a long way to go in mastering the soft, gentle and thoughtful answer, but I praise God that He is so patient with me in my moments of mishaps.

There have been times in my life when correction or rebuke has been given and it was not given with a spirit of humility. Unfortunately, some of those moments have scared me for life. As deep of a scare that these moments have left, I am grateful for them because I have seen what a harsh, painful and careless word looks like, sounds like and feels like. These moments have made me more aware of my own words and just how quickly they can turn a rebuke into a scar in someone’s heart. Having gone through those moments have made me more conscious of how I approach correction in the lives of others.

“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20

We should not ignore the blatant disobedience of our brothers and sisters in Christ. When correction is needed it should be given because it will save them from death and the potential of more sin being piled on top of what is already in existence. Now, I am not talking about pointing a finger here. I am talking about lovingly restoring someone back to the feet of Jesus so that they can be in right relationship with their Heavenly Father. It should break our hearts when our brothers and sisters are willingly choosing sin over their relationship with the Lord. If it does not break our hearts that we really should take a look at our own heart because we might have something blocking up our relationship with the Lord.

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently…” Galatians 6:1

Scripture does not call us to be our brothers and sisters judge. That is not our job. That job belongs to God and God alone. We are, however, called to be our brothers and sisters keeper. We have a responsibility to watch over the doors of their hearts, but along with that responsibility comes a greater responsibility and that is to restore them back to the family of faith gently. But what does that look like exactly? What must we have in our hearts in order to administer correction to a brother or sister in Christ?

Four things we need to administer correction to someone’s heart

1.We need a  heart of humility.

I think one of the greatest things we can remember in moments when we need to restore a brother or sister in the faith, is this, we are no less guilty of sin then they are. When we remember that we are just as much a sinner in need of a savior as they are, it keeps our hearts in a place of humility. Only in humility is it a good time to approach someone to bring rebuke or correction. If we have any form of judgmental thoughts or feelings or think we are better off than they are, we have no business bringing any form of correction. When we approach others with a wrong spirit all that does is drive a wedge between our relationship with that person as well as drive a wedge into their relationship with their Heavenly Father. Our thoughts should always be focused on Romans 3:23. It is in this verse that we can remember that we are very much a part of that ALL that has fallen short of the glory of God.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23

2. We need to be filled with kindness and compassion.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

We absolutely must approach others with a heart full and overflowing with kindness and compassion. If our hearts are not full of these things, it is going to be virtually impossible to deliver a rebuke with a gentle word. I must repeat myself here, we must have the right spirit in order for a gentle word to be delivered. If not, it will inevitably backfire right in our faces. I can not think of a single instance from my life where rebuke was delivered with kindness and compassion and I did not respond with a broken and contrite heart before the Lord. Kindness and compassion will make all the difference in being able to bring someone to the feet of Jesus with a repentant heart.

3. We need to speak in love.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:15-16

When our words are spoken in love they become a support to others in the body, in other words, our loving words build up. This is the business God is in. God is building His kingdom in love and when we refuse to speak in love then our harsh, critical, and destructive words destroy God’s strategically placed infrastructure. We become nothing more than a pawn in the hands of the enemy at this point because we are in direct opposition to what the Lord is trying to do. The Lord is building in love and so should we.

4. We need the wisdom from the Lord.

We are never going to face every situation of correction with all of the answers. We need God’s supernatural wisdom. We need the kind of wisdom that we would never have unless the Lord so lovingly and graciously places it before us. So how do you get this type of wisdom in the moments when it is needed most?  James 1:5 tells us very clearly the answer to this question.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

Our Lord gives generously. He doesn’t make excuses or give us 101 reasons why we can’t be given His abundant wisdom. He just gives generously to ALL. I love this because it means in those moments when we find ourselves backed up into a corner and unsure how to bring correction in a loving, kind and gentle way. The Lord will pour out His unending wisdom. All we have to do is simply ask! How awesome is this? Our God makes our most complex and baffling situations so simple. All we have to do is ask.

In the moments that we are faced with needing to bring correction, we can feel as if we are caught between a rock and a hard place. But we serve a God who has given us the tools we need to bring correction with humility, kindness, compassion, love and with His abundant wisdom.  Our God is never going to fail us. His word promises to be an “ever-present help in times of trouble.” (Psalms 46:1)

Lord, I thank you that you promise to be with us in those moments when correction needs to be given to a brother or sister. Help our hearts to stay in a place of humility, full and overflowing with kindness, compassion, and love. Fill us with your infinite wisdom when we truly don’t know what to do or to say in those difficult moments. We thank you that you are always available for us to run to. You never abandon us in our times of need. Thank you for being the God of all wisdom who gives generously to all without finding fault.

For more on Godly discipline and correction visit: A God Of Consequence

"Shooting" The Wounded

There is an old saying that states: “Only Christians shoot their wounded.”

Have you ever been “shot” by a fellow Christian? The interesting thing about this is that when we get “shot” by someone outside of the four walls of the church we can brush it off and justify it by saying “since they don’t know Christ, they don’t know any better.” It seems to be easier to forgive and move on. But when we are “shot” by a fellow brother or sister in Christ brushing it off proves to be a bit more challenging. We have a tendency to hold our brothers and sisters in Christ to a higher standard, and rightfully so. But, when we are “shot” by one of them it can make the pain that much harder to take. I recently had a situation happen in my life that caused such disappointment in my heart I didn’t even know what to do with it. All I wanted to do was justify myself, but the Holy Spirit would not allow me to walk down that path at all, I just needed to keep quiet on the subject matter and allow the Lord to work out “all things for the good” (Romans 8:28). In light of this, I was forced to do some searching. “God, what should I do? How do I respond?” I was reminded of Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5:39 “to turn the other cheek.” Along with this verse, the Lord reminded me of a previous post I had written entitled “Our Defense Mechanisms.” Yet again, the Lord is bringing me back around to test me at my words. In that post, I had challenged you all to copy that list down, know it and then when a situation arose you would know what to do. I was faced with one of two choices, I could take this list and apply it to my disappointed heart and crushed spirit, or I could throw out all that God had taught me. Somehow, sticking to the word of God seemed like the better of the two choices here. So, I found myself pulling out that list “How to treat those who hurt us” and doing some warfare with it. In light of this particular situation, I found my list was missing one key element that I needed for healing to take place in my heart in this particular situation. Now, I realize that this list was written in light of our enemies, but it really can be applied to any situation in which we are hurt by someone, be it a fellow Christian or not.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

• Respond with forgiveness

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians of the church of Ephesus. He is not addressing how we should treat the nonbeliever. There are many other portions of scripture that address forgiveness where the target of our forgiveness is not so specific, in other words, we are called to forgive the sinner as well as the saint. But in this particular case Paul is clearly addressing Christians so we can see that our responsibility to our brothers and sisters is kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. What a challenge forgiveness can be sometimes, especially when part of us wants the other person to “feel our pain.” Forgiveness can often be a huge exercise in the area of faith. We are called to forgive even in the face of being “shot” by other Christians. We are to forgive in those moments of disappointments. We are to forgive when our brothers and sisters do not act like Christ. We are to forgive when it hurts. We are to forgive in those times when we feel justified for holding onto our grudge. We are to forgive when we want the other person to “pay.” What it all boils down to is this... We can not control the behavior of others, but we can control the way we respond to them, and our response should be the way Christ would respond, with forgiveness.

The other area of forgiveness that we must also take into consideration is not just in the area of forgiving others, but we must also forgive ourselves. We mess up, miss the mark, and fall short of the glory of God each and every day. We can choose to hold those mess-ups over our own heads and allow them to weigh us down or we can choose to lay those things at the foot of the cross and extend the hand of forgiveness to our own heart. I don’t know about you, but I personally find it harder at times to forgive myself than to forgive others. I have a tendency to carry around my shame and guilt and much like a broken record, I keep replaying these moments of mishaps. The Lord desires forgiveness for our hearts just as much as He desires forgiveness for the hearts of others. He wants us to walk around in freedom, not under an umbrella of condemnation. Forgiving ourselves is one of the keys to walking a victorious life in Christ.

I choose this day to rehearse the things on the list, “How to treat those who hurt us,” and I choose to walk in forgiveness both for the one who did the “shooting” and for myself. I do not know the outcome of the situation, but I know that when I do my part the Lord is ALWAYS faithful to fulfill his part at the perfect time. He is never late. And whatever the circumstance He will work all things for the good (Romans 8:28).

Lord, I thank you that you are in control of all things. I thank you that the situations we find ourselves in you knew about long before we ever saw them coming our way. You know how to work out all things for the good. Your word says that you know the plans you have for us. You have plans to give us a hope and a future. I thank you that whatever “wounds” we may acquire on this walk with you that they are not meant for our harm. You desire to work in us a Christ-like character, and in order to become more like Christ, we have to walk through the tough things of life. Help us in this area of forgiveness. It can be so hard at times, but we know that when we walk in forgiveness we are becoming more like Christ. Help us not to rehearse those moments we mess up. Help us to forgive ourselves just as freely as you forgive us. Thank you for being patient with us as we learn to walk in your ways each and every day.  

Related Posts: "Our Defense Mechanism," "Hurts," "Extending The Hand Of Forgiveness," "Testing My Words," and "Echoing The Heartbeat Of God"

Holding Up The Hands Of Others

“The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” Exodus 17:8-13

By the word of the Lord, Moses had commanded Joshua to go and fight the Amalekites. Moses promised Joshua that he would stand at the top of the hill with his staff and hands raised to the Almighty God. When Moses had his hands lifted, the Israelites were winning, but the very second Moses grew tired and lowered his hands, the Amalekites began to win. When Aaron and Hur saw that Moses was struggling to hold his hands up any longer, they came, one one each side and held up his hands steady till sunset, until a complete victory over the Amalekites had taken place.

We are no different then Aaron and Hur. We are all called to come alongside those in need and hold up their hands in those challenging moments. More than likely we are not going to be on top of a literal hill holding up the hands of a brother or sister in Christ. So how does this translate to us and our world today? There are several things we need to take into consideration. First, we must recognize that there is a need. Next, we must be available for that person. Lastly, we must be willing to hold up their hands and as long as it takes to see the hand of God move.

Recognize the need

We need to recognize those times when others need  us to come alongside them with our love, devotion and support. Scripture does not say if Moses asked Aaron and Hur to join him in this task of seeking the Lord on this mountain. It just states that they went. I would like to think that they recognized that Moses was in deep distress over the impending battle that they decided to join him for spiritual, emotional and moral support on their own without Moses asking. It is also likely that Moses asked his closest companions in the faith to join him on the mountain because he knew it would be a time that when two or three are gathered in the name of the Lord so He will be there also (Matthew 18:20). Whatever the scenario was, Aaron and Hur recognized the deep need that Moses had in having others surrounding him in this time of vigilant prayer and petitioning before the Lord. We too need to recognize in others those times of need. We must be careful not to assume that their silence means they don’t need others around to hold up their hands. Just because someone does not openly ask for help does not necessarily mean that they are capable of doing it on their own. If it had not been for Aaron and Hur, Moses would have surely lowered his hands in exhaustion and the battle would have been a complete loss for the Israelites. Can we see the importance of needing others in the body of Christ to help hold up our hands from time to time? God sometimes calls us to do the impossible, but He does not call us to do it alone.

Be available

Along with recognizing the need, also comes being available when the need arises. The outcome would have been totally different if Aaron and Hur would have told Moses, “look, we are just too busy to go with you right now, can we take a rain check for next week?” Victory would have never been the portion of the Israelites if Aaron and Hur would have been “too busy.” We need to make sure we are not too busy when the needs of others arise. We need to be available when God is moving and not make excuses for why we can’t hold up the hands of others.

Be willing

We need to be willing to hold up the hands of others for as long as it takes to see the hand of God move in their particular situation. For Aaron and Hur it was all day (until sunset). Please note that not all situations get resolved in one day. It can sometimes take months and even years of holding up the hands of others until we see the Lord move. The key is to not get off the mountain and grow weary in the time of waiting. In the case of Aaron and Hur, they were literally holding up the hands of Moses. More than likely we will not find ourselves on the top of a mountain physically holding up the hands of others toward heaven. (Although, don’t count it out, anything is possible with the Lord.) So, what is this more than likely going to look like for us? The holding up of hands can take on so many different forms. I want to touch on just a couple ways we can hold up the hands of others toward heaven.  

Prayer

Prayer is quite possibly the number one way we can hold up the hands of others. This can take place in a number of different ways. It can be done by ourselves in our prayer closets with no one else around. (Matthew 6:6) It can be done in a group of other believers. (Matthew 18:20) Not everyone feels comfortable sharing their needs to a group. So, we need to also be ready to hold the hands of others up when they just come to us with their needs and begin to share their heart. (James 5:16) So in these moments, embrace them and lead them to the feet of the father in prayer.

Biblical Encouragement

Good old fashioned Biblical encouragement is another area in which we can hold up the hands of others (Hebrews 3:13). We all know what it feels like to walk in a place of discouragement. How many of us would be so grateful for an encouraging word in those moments? I sure would! The people we find ourselves placed around are in no less need of an encouraging word then we are in our times of discouragement. So, what does Biblical encouragement look like, and how do we encourage others? First of all, Biblical encouragement is not simply saying nice things to or about someone (AKA - flattery). It does not merely point out a person’s strengths. Biblical encouragement does not focus on the person and how they are going to get through their situation. Here is what Biblical encouragement does. It points out God’s strengths. It points the person to the nature and character of God the Father. Biblical encouragement focuses on God and His faithfulness. It takes the focus off of the person and their trials and puts their focus on God and His faithfulness. Our job of encouraging is not to make the other person feel better. Our job of encouraging is to put their eyes back on the one who is the author and perfecter of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). Biblical encouragement does not preach at them, it simply refocuses their attentions to where it truly belongs, on Jesus.    

Support

Sometimes Biblical encouragement says nothing at all. Romans 12:15 tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. We can hold up the hands of others by simply being a support to them in their times of deep joy and sorrow. We do not need to have all the answers and right words to say. We just need to point others to the one who does have all the answers, who is able to bring comfort to the deepest sorrows and hurts,  our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Serving with love and compassion

Serving others with the love and compassion of Jesus Christ is yet another way we can hold up the hands of others. Jesus Christ is our ultimate example of a servant. He did not come to this earth to be served, but to serve, and to give up His life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45) Just as He came to serve. He is calling us to do the same. The Lord desires that we serve out of a love and compassion for the other person’s heart, not merely because we feel sorry for them, but because we care for them and because God cares for them. That is where our motivation for service needs to come from, straight from the heart of Jesus Christ Himself!

Dear Lord, I thank you for your example of Aaron and Hur who held up the hands of Moses in his time of need. Help us to be the just like that, to come alongside others and hold up their hands in their times of deep need. Help us to be observant and not miss the times when others need us to hold up their hands. Put a burden in our heart for those around us who need some spiritual support. Help us to persevere with holding up the hands of others for as long as it takes to see you move on their behalf. Help us not to grow weary and frustrated in the time of waiting, but to be an encouragement to those we are trying to support.

For more about this subject see my blog post entitled “Carrying One Another’s Burdens”.