I long to cut away every character flaw that is not of God until I am the person He created me to be, a reflection of His Son. But I know it is a work of the Spirit, and takes time. It’s the chiseling process, similar to a sculptor with a chunk of marble creating a work of art.
Renaissance artist Michelangelo worked on his sculpture of David from 1501-1504.
The word of God is the chisel.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 ESV
As I write today, the Holy Spirit is chiseling at my tendency to become frustrated, an expression of distress and annoyance that is triggered when plans are foiled and all my efforts have no impact. According to yahoo.com people are especially vulnerable to frustration when they lack the ability to change or achieve something. This description is very fitting, for frustration does kick in when I struggle to change or achieve an outcome.
Recently, I tried to join a scheduled Zoom meeting but had difficulty getting in because the web address in the email message wasn’t set up to allow automatic access. When I pasted it into the location bar, it didn’t work. I typed the problem into the Zoom chat and followed their instructions, but wasn’t successful. Finally, I was told to try a different browser which solved the problem, but I joined the meeting about 20 minutes late.
Did this experience activate that feeling of frustration? Yes! My thoughts toward the person who had organized the meeting were less than kind.
The Holy Spirit began the chiseling process with a question posed in a Bible study I am doing with other women in my church. Which command is burdensome, or difficult, I was asked. Immediately, the Spirit reminded me of “the way of love” described in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. There are only two words which describe what love is… patient and kind.
The Spirit’s message to me was simple, “love is patient and kind” (1 Cor. 13:4a) The agitation that results from frustration is neither patient nor kind.
In the space allowed for the answer I wrote: “If I am easily frustrated, I am not patient. Therefore, I am not acting in a loving manner.”
There was a second part to the question—“What does this reveal about your understanding of the loving fatherhood of God?”
I realized that my loving Father does not get frustrated with me, but patiently teaches. If I am to reflect my heavenly Father to others, I will show patience.
Does this knowledge instantaneously correct my behavior? Most likely not. But now that I am aware of my behavior, I can recognize situations that cause frustration and determine to exercise patience. It will need to be developed but we are told to practice righteousness in 1 John 3:7 and I know mastery comes with practice. I learned how to ride a bicycle by practicing. I learned how to type by practicing. I learned how to drive by practicing.
And thus, I will learn patience with practice. Collecting all the Scriptures that teach this virtue, studying and memorizing them so the Holy Spirit can chisel away all that is not of God and hone me into Christ’s image.
Let’s Talk:
1-Is there something the Holy Spirit is chiseling at the moment? What is emerging?
2-Looking back over your walk with Christ, what characteristics of His have you developed that you didn’t have before you knew Him as Lord and Savior?
Michael has come a little early to church and is sitting alone. It seems he is listening to the worship team as they warmup. I start to pass by on my way to the foyer to greet people as they arrive for the service but stop. Instead, I sit next to him and begin a conversation. He is very receptive.
He’s not quite 13 and his family doesn’t attend church, but he comes faithfully. Would I be comfortable walking into church by myself at age 12? Most adults don’t even like to come alone, especially if they have trouble interacting with people. It can be difficult to break into conversations when people are linked by their history with one another.
Once when I was new to a church, I tried to approach small groups after the service but most had no room for me. Knowing how uncomfortable it is to be on the outside, I look for those who might need to know they are welcome and wanted.
Our negative experiences can have a positive effect on our behavior. They help us to walk out the scriptures. This has been true for me while learning to walk out Luke 6:31–“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
When I first read this passage of scripture, I really didn’t know how to implement it. I thought perhaps this might apply to picking up the lunch check at a restaurant, or allowing someone to easily merge onto the freeway and change lanes, or not talking during a movie at a public theater. These were all behaviors I appreciated.
Yet a deeper, more profound meaning began to emerge as I examined the scars I have, which are evidence I live in a fallen world. The scars are a result of being wounded.
For example, when I was about 19 years old, I worked at a summer resort as a busgirl in the restaurant. For some reason, I am not sure why, my boss did not like me. He was critical of my work and nothing I did to improve pleased him. He was an authority figure, and instead of training, helping, and advising he was demeaning and belittling. I dreaded work and cried in private. However, since I didn’t have much of a resume, I was afraid to quit not knowing if I could find other employment. I needed to save money for college.
This experience has given me a better understanding of how to treat others. Especially if I am in a position of authority. Although it happened years ago, it left a scar as a reminder.
Scars can develop when we are wounded. They can happen anytime occurring when we are a child, a teen, a young adult and into our senior years. Also, they can be left by the hand of anyone. Sometimes we know and love the person who wounds, while at other times it is a passing interaction, someone we barely know.
Has anyone ever had a difficult conversation with a physician who was condescending? What about a teacher who made you feel stupid rather than looking for ways to help you understand the curriculum being taught?
Scars can be left by both words and actions.
Words that are demeaning, sarcastic, critical, or unkind might scar. They are often a result of not being well thought out. Sometimes it is best to remain silent, until we know how to deliver a message in a way that builds up rather than tears down.
Of course, we are told actions “speak” louder than words. We can say we care about someone but unless we show it as well, our comments seem disingenuous.
I encourage you to think about your scars. Remember how you obtained them. Then use these experiences to guide your interactions with others. This is practicing “do to others as you wish them to do to you.”
The second week of April was a check list week. A calendar filled with tasks that must be done.
Scheduling an imaging appointment made the list. My oncologist needs the results of a CT scan before my next follow-up.
Getting a blood draw required before the scan was also on the list. A lengthy process, it includes a half hour drive to my local hospital and a wait to register for the procedure before being sent to the lab. There is no lab draw appointments, therefore anyone with an appointment for imaging and other tests can be called to the registrar’s desk ahead of me.
And a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles for the second time in a week was added to the list. Online registration for the used pickup truck I just purchased was kicked back for some reason.
Yes, these chores have a purpose, but seeds of resentment began to sprout in my heart. They are the treadmill moments of life, thieves that steal time.
I am reminded of the list of chores I had to do when I was a child if I wanted my allowance. There was a chart on the wall with assignments for the week. Sometimes it was dusting furniture, other times vacuuming, but always there was doing the dinner dishes a couple nights. My siblings and I rotated through the tasks.
The most difficult for me were the dishes on a summer night when the sun set late so playtime melted into bedtime. I cherished the times my mom would take the dishrag from my hand, releasing me from my duties.
Words like duty sound harsh. According to merriam-webster.com the definition for this word is “Obligatory. Tasks, conduct, service, or functions that arise from one’s position (as in life or in a group).”
An obligation, something I must do and my flesh cries out.
My husband once brought to my attention my tendency to use the term “have to” when going over my schedule for the day. There’s a difference, he says, in having to do something and getting to do something.
So, I look once again at the things on my calendar. They seem like “have to” tasks, but do I have the right perspective?
The pickup was one of those great deals you just can’t miss being a blessing from the Lord. It was owned by an elderly person who didn’t drive it much so although it is an older model it has low mileage and is like new. I get to register my “new” truck.
The lab work and imaging appointment I have been completing every six months for three years now. This means, I will reach the milestone of three years cancer free. What a blessing to be cured of cancer!
I get to live in a day and time when there are tests to uncover cancer and treatments that eradicate the cells of many types. I get to follow-up to monitor my health and make sure the cancer is caught early should it return. And each day for three years I have lived cancer free.
My perspective shifts from a “have to” mentality to a “get to” mentality. Obligations can be the result of a blessing.
If you have been blessed with children, you are obligated to support them. If you have been blessed with a home, you are obligated to maintain it.
These are all things we get to do because of God’s love, goodness, kindness, provision, grace, and mercy. We can give thanks for these duties that arise from the positions God has given us in life. I am a cancer survivor and the owner of a “new” truck.
1-What chores do you have to do? See if you might turn them from drudgery to joy by shifting them from “have to” to “get to.” Please share the results in the comment section!
2-Think of a few things that might be a duty because of your position in life or in a group. How might these obligations be a blessing?
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ESV
I am very familiar with this Scripture referred to as “the great commission.” It is usually taught as a call to missions… the emphasis on “go.” But recently I came to a slightly different point of view. We are told to make disciples, which is generally defined as learners of Christ. [See notes at the end of this manuscript for a more in-depth definition.]
This was clarified in a commentary by Chuck Smith who wrote:
“The primary purpose of the Church isn’t to convert sinners to Christianity, but to “perfect” (complete and mature) the saints for the ministry and edification of the Body.” [Ephesians 4:12]1
While living in Sacramento, California a few decades ago I had the chance to serve at a Billy Graham Crusade. Billy Graham was a gifted evangelist and during his crusades he taught the gospel message and many people professed faith in Jesus Christ.
Each person new to the faith received a pamphlet that contained the teaching of the book of John from the Bible. However, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association knew the importance of discipleship and connected with churches throughout the region to conduct follow-up. In this way those who came forward during the altar call had opportunity for further instruction and guidance to become mature saints fit for ministry and the edification of the Body.
So how might we make disciples, help the saints become complete and mature?
Here are three ways I have identified.
–Remember the proper use of Scripture.
2 Tim 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. ESV
To mature in Christ for the work of the ministry and edification of the body we learn Scripture for it is the tool we need to teach, reproof, correct, and train in righteousness.
As we each grow and mature, we can help those who are a few steps behind us in their spiritual growth.
–Practice exhortation.
Heb 3:13
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. ESV
To exhort is emphatically urging someone to a particular action. As a Christian, we urge brothers and sisters in Christ to follow Scripture and to stay alert for deceptive teaching. In deceit we begin following the ways of the world and soon our heart is hardened to the ways of God. Our thinking is skewed. We believe man rather than God, which is unbelief.
–Use words that build up
Eph 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ESV
If your mom was like my mom, she told you to think before you speak. This Scripture is a little like that only you need to have your thought process transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).
In his commentary, Tony Evans writes: “When God has all of us, and when the world has none of us, God does the work of renewing our confused minds. He brings our thoughts in line with his own so that we think God’s thoughts after him. We are given the mind of Christ so we can receive God’s instruction and perspective. (1 Cor 2:16)2
In this way we can use our words to build up rather than tear down, give wise counsel, and speak in a way that is beneficial to all within earshot.
I appreciate the work of the Spirit in expanding our thinking. Helping us to grasp a more complete picture of a concept, such as the great commission.
Let’s Talk:
1-In what ways do you make disciples? How are you involved in the edification of the body of Christ?
2-What has helped you grow and mature as a Christian?
References:
1-New Testament Study Guide by Chuck Smith published by The Word for Today in Costa Mesa, California.
2-The Tony Evans Bible Commentary by Tony Evans published by Holman Bible Publishers in Nashville, Tennessee.
Some Scriptures have step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. Philippians 4:6-7 is one.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ESV
A couple years ago, while undergoing chemotherapy, I would take my anxious thoughts to God in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, letting my requests be made known to Him. This was usually around 2 a.m., but the anxiety that kept me awake at night was soon gone as I poured my heart out to God. I experienced the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
“Be anxious for nothing.” These words read in isolation sound like a command. Yet I find that I cannot avoid anxiety. It sweeps in and dominates. Am I in disobedience? I think not. God is simply saying there is no need to be anxious when we can come to Him with our deepest needs. He is not there to chastise. Just as a mother comforts an anxious child, He will wrap His arms around us and hold us tight until our anxiety subsides.
I can struggle, trying to fight off unwanted emotions. Yet the answers to my problems are right before me. Written in the Word of God.
Recently I came upon another example where the instructions seem so simple, but the problem is so tough we somehow miss them and continue to struggle. To counter our weaknesses, we search for self-improvement techniques. We work on all areas where we fall short. Yet does God’s Word hold the simple action?
During a Bible study I came across these instructions: “acknowledge our weakness and confess our dependence upon Jesus.”1
2 Cor 12:9
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” ESV
Name the weakness and ask God to pour out His power to help us in our time of need, the Bible study author instructed.
These simple, actionable steps reminded me of the Scripture I used to find the peace I needed to sleep. Sometimes practicing what we read in the Bible is just that simple. We can clearly see the actions to be taken. To gain peace make a request through prayer, supplication, thanksgiving. To address a weakness acknowledge it and ask for God’s power.
Of course, not all Scripture is easy to implement. At these times we must seek insight from the Holy Spirit asking Him to show us what is expected. My husband did this when trying to understand the command to become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. [Matthew 18:1-4] He was told to “watch children” and thus he noted their trust, their dependence, their adoration, their delight and much more.
But let’s make note of those instructional passages for recurring problems where easy to follow steps or directions are provided. I will continue to grow my list and for those of you who are an email subscriber expect to receive these step-by-step instructions sometime soon as one of my monthly resource sheets.
Let’s Talk: [Comment below!]
1-What passage of Scripture do you use as a step-by-step guide and how did you uncover it?
2-If you have come across any Scriptures you find difficult to implement share them in the comments so others may provide their insight.
References:
1-“For His Glory: Living as God’s Masterpiece” by Marian Jordan Ellis. Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN.
My tomato plant has not been very prolific. Although it is the end of August, I have harvested only two tomatoes. Its growth was stunted early this summer when the temperature dropped overnight freezing parts of the vine. I cut away the damaged vine but lost a lot of flowers which would have eventually become tomatoes.
Although it is a little late in the season, I did some research on successfully growing tomatoes and read: “Harvesting a very large tomato yield means that I did a lot of things right during the growing season.” 1
This leads me to believe I may have done a lot of things wrong. I uncover a few. Tomatoes are nutrient hungry and must be fed correctly. Also, the right amount of water is key, and tomatoes should only be watered when they need it. I have not fertilized my plant, nor do I check to see if the soil has dried out before watering. My routine is to water nightly.
Just as haphazard gardening does not make a tomato plant prolific, an arbitrary approach to Christian growth will not make us fruitful either. How do we grow as a Christian? Here are five Christian disciplines, four of which I know well and one I am learning.
1-Read through the Bible
I always read the Bible, but I did not always read through the Bible. I find I understand Scripture better if I have the full counsel of God, not just bits and pieces. I once saw a social media post where the author stated she had learned so much more by studying books of the Bible throughout the year rather than reading through the Bible. I think both are important.
The best way I have found to read through the Bible is to choose a reading system that breaks the Bible into sections allowing you to read parts of the Old Testament and New Testament as well as the Psalms and/or Proverbs daily.
You can buy a One Year Bible with the breakout sections grouped together or find a plan, many Christian organizations and churches make them available. The Navigators, for example, have a reading plan that features four separate places in the Scripture every day. Another plan breaks the Bible into a book at a time. (You will find these at navigaors.org.)
2-Complete Bible studies
One year the church I attended announced the start of a men’s and women’s Bible studies. We would meet for teaching and then break into small groups to discuss the answers we had written to the questions in our workbook about the book of the Bible we studied. The first book we studied was Nehemiah and when the study ended, we would start anew on another book.
Digging deep into Nehemiah changed me. I became a servant of the Lord through this study. Thereafter, every study I have completed has changed me in some way shaping me into the image of Christ.
3-Allow time for prayer
I love the verse in the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” that states “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.”
Here’s a simple definition of prayer from GotQuestions.org: “Prayer is “talking to God.” It is not meditation or passive reflection; it is direct address to God. It is the communication of the human soul with the Lord who created the soul. Prayer is the primary way for the believer in Jesus Christ to communicate his emotions and desires with God and to fellowship with God.”
I discuss everything with God. My work, my service, the relationships I have with people, emotional and physical issues, and my desire for the proper application of His Word. Also, I intercede on behalf of others.
Years ago, I created a prayer journal which is broken into five sections: Praise, Admit, Requests, Listening, and Thanks.
Praise acknowledges God for his character. I like to focus on the names of God and created a little flip chart by laminating each name and hooking it to mini aluminum carabiner, those clips you use on backpacks which are found in the camping section of stores. The names read thus: Living God, El Chay. He alone is the source of our life. We live because he lives.
Other people read through the Psalms or read praise devotionals.
Admit is asking the Holy Spirit to help us recall anything that is not of God so we can address it before it takes root in our heart, such as bitterness and unforgiveness. Psalm 139:23-24 are good verses to bring to God in prayer for insight and revelation.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” [NLT]
Requests are those prayer needs that come to us regularly though prayer chains, friends, church, social media etc. Write them down and pray over them until there is resolution.
Listening is the portion of prayer when we take time to hear God speak. Frequently He will speak through Scripture so we need to be listening for answers to prayer during our time of Bible reading.
Thanks is just that, remembering to be grateful for the answers God gives which are often unexpected.
4-Memorize Scripture
Knowing Scripture is beneficial in all areas of life. It helps with relationships, gives direction, provides strength, envelopes us in comfort, takes away anxiety, removes shame, and humbles us when we need it.
I wish I had more Scripture written on my heart, but I do thank God for Google for when I can’t remember an exact verse a few key words delivered to this search engine often helps me find it.
These tips come from Samaritan’s Purse. 1-Read the verse out loud. 2-Think of illustrations or practical examples applicable to the verse. 3-Say the verse several times. 4-Review the verse on the day it is learned and several times throughout the week.
5-Meditate on Scripture
This is the new discipline I have begun to study, and you are invited to join me. I will be emailing a verse to meditate upon every Monday morning to subscribers [fill in the form at the end of this blog to become a subscriber] along with an informational sheet that you can download. The first sheet defines Biblical meditation.
I did not know very much about God or have much Biblical knowledge when my heart opened to Jesus Christ and I walked into His presence. It probably wouldn’t have made much difference if I had known more because I did not have the Holy Spirit to provide the insight and understanding. I had not yet experienced spiritual birth, only physical birth, therefore I was not born again.
However, once I was born again, I found the church where I belonged and attended regularly. Not just the church service but the Bible studies offered where I could grow in knowledge and application.
God is faithful. He knows what we need and when we need it and continues to help us grow. It is a never-ending process and I think it will continue into eternity.
Let’s Talk:
1-In what ways has God helped you grow since Jesus Christ became your Lord and Savior?
2-What is your best Bible reading method? Do you read the Bible through every year, if so, what plan do you use?
References:
1-All About Gardening, “15 Tips for Growing Great Garden Tomatoes” by Merideth Cohrs. Allaboutgardening.com.
NOTE: If you would like to explore Biblical meditation with me subscribe to this blog so you will receive my emails.
One thing. This week my pastor encouraged us to consider our focus, or “one thing.” What is the Holy Spirit currently prompting us to focus on? While our focus may look different at any point in time, the goal of that focus seems always to be a closer relationship with God.
While in a prison cell in Rome, the Apostle Paul wrote the one thing he did was continue to press forward with the goal of becoming all Christ had created him to be. To mature in Christ, he let go of the past and focused on the future, or the upward call of God.
Phil 3:12-14—”Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. NKJV
To satisfy his desire to be closer to the Lord, David determined the one thing he could do was dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life. For David, the temple was the place to have intimate fellowship with the Lord. Following Christ’s resurrection those who follow Him have opportunity for this intimate fellowship because we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. When we seek this close relationship, we see the beauty of the Lord and have conversation with Him.
Ps 27:4—”One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.” NKJV
When Martha and her sister Mary had an opportunity to host Jesus and his disciples, Mary sat at His feet to hear all He said while Martha was distracted by dinner preparations. Jesus told Martha the one thing she needed to do was sit down and listen to his teaching rather than catch a bit here and there as she completed her “to do” list.
Luke 10:41-42—And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” NKJV
The rich young ruler in the book of Mark did not yet have a relationship with God, but he desired one. So he asked Jesus what he was missing? Jesus told him he had built treasure on earth rather than in heaven and his love of money was keeping him from loving God.
Mark 10:21–Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” NKJV
To grow closer to Jesus look for that “one thing” that is required to accomplish this intimacy. Is our past getting in the way? Are we forgetting the Holy Spirit indwells us? Is our “to do” list so full we are not spending time in God’s Word? Have we allowed an idol to split our loyalty?
Each day let’s look for that “one thing” needed to remain close to God, walking and talking with Him, and growing in understanding of His ways.
Contemplate Your Ways:
1-What is the “one thing” you need to do today to grow closer to God?
2-Which of the Scriptural examples in this blog did you most identify with and why?
