The Value of Emotions

Feelings are good things–even when the feelings are bad.  It has taken me a lot of years to truly understand that truth in my heart.  The only comic strip I have ever cut out was a Lockhorn comic on feelings:  the grumpy husband said, “I am in touch my feelings.  I just don’t happen to like them.”  I related to him…and I know many others do as well.  We risk damaging ourselves with that approach though.

We need to value emotions as a gift from God.  Mixed Emotions by robom8

If you have struggled with emotions, you may find it hard to even label what you feel.  Extra ‘feeling’ help is available in this blog piece that highlights The Feeling Wheel. 

Why do I have to feel them instead of just manage them?

Emotions are ‘real things.’  They are movements of energy in our mind.  Limiting hard emotions also limits good emotions.  Control cannot be exercised on just the negative side.  We limit our lives by controlling instead of feeling emotions.  God is wise and kind.  Emotions have peaks (or valleys); they will subside.  And Jesus controls the life of the believer…one sweet quote that a friend uses is:  “I will feel it, because Jesus will heal it.”

Scripture admonishes us to take control of thoughts.  In fact, it says take them captive to Christ.  (2 Corinthians 10:5)  What that means it that we intentionally consider what thoughts are in our mind and determine if they line up with what Christ tells us.  Thoughts come from our beliefs…thoughts based on TRUTH bring health.  Thoughts based on LIES deliver death–literal physical ill-health comes when our thoughts run amok.

Two other aspects of ‘Thoughts’ worthy of mention.  Thoughts can also originate in the Spirit World.  The Holy Spirit gives thoughts, but so does the enemy.  ALWAYS ask yourself, ‘Does this sound like my loving Father?’  God is LOVE; He does not shame, criticize or belittle.  He does convict through the Holy Spirit.  Conviction is pure sorrow and sadness for having hurt our Lord.  The devil produces shame and guilt with his prods.  Learn the difference and enjoy the mind of Christ we have received!

The chemicals produced by emotions have direct physical impact on our bodies.  God wired us to be at peace.  When we walk outside of His will–or when we let our minds wander there–we suffer.  Dr. Caroline Leaf, a brain neurosurgeon, has incredible resources on the biological impact of emotions on the brain.  I highly recommend her materials.  A wide array of Dr. Leaf’s resources on Thoughts and Emotions is available here.

Just to Know Him…

The calendar is fresh and new.  I’m not a resolution person, but I do love to take time at the start of a year to re-evaluate my discipleship.  God gives us responsibility for how we live:  I want to live to please Him; all of us who have seen Him desire that.  We all have ways we can please Him more!

The first three Gospels record Jesus saying those who follow Him must deny self and carry our cross.  A discipleship plan helps me see Him–and me more clearly.  Be sure to understand, though:  There is nothing we do to earn the love of God or make a way to heaven.  But this life is our opportunity to show our reverence and thankfulness for all the Father, Son and Spirit do for us!

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.  Romans 13:14

Christ in us is our hope of glory.  Christ on us reveals Him to others and builds the Kingdom.  Designing a discipleship plan is very personal.  We must know our weaknesses and be willing to sacrifice our personal desires in exchange for the will of God.  It is what Jesus did and what He calls us to do.  He will guide and direct when we ask how we can know Him more.

Over a decade ago a speaker offered a plan that has blessed me, and I wanted to share it with you today.  It is simple, yet profound.

Set aside some time to prayerfully consider your future.   Jot down some notes of likely happenings in the next year…the next five years…the next ten years…and 20 years.  As you look at that list, consider what you will need of the Lord to walk through such changes victoriously.   Now, take the list and broadly categorize the needs into three-five areas.

At the time I took this challenge, it was clear our children would be going through school, our parents would be declining in health and probably passing on.  The decade-plus has proved all that true–and much more besides.  Specifics are unnecessary; broad generalities suffice to give a glimpse of our heart needs in the coming years.

I heard God calling me to deepen my understanding in five specific areas:

  • What agape love looked like: His for me…for each of us.
  • His trustworthiness.
  • His promises of guidance.
  • How to speak life-giving words.
  • What fruitful living looked like.

Taking a five-subject notebook, I set out to gather Biblical instruction in those areas.  That notebook is a treasure!  And the fruit of it beyond my true understanding.

That is just an idea for you to consider.  You are uniquely designed by God, and He alone knows the way He has designed for you to grow in grace and knowledge.  Seek Him and He will show you.

Perhaps you would share below and inspire another to ask God if there path might look like that?

Jesus Christ is all we need.  We already have all that is needed to walk in victory.  Find the framework that fits you, and press in to know Him more.

Click here for a free tool to assess your spiritual fruit.

Fresh Start

I actually love the week in-between the Christmas and New Year celebrations.   The emphasis on true love–agape, sacrificial love–is the perfect backdrop for the New Year.  And the New Year doesn’t feel like starting over…it feels like a fresh start.  And it is!  The truth is every day is fresh and new.

We don’t need the calendar to move us forward…but it sure does help focus eyes on the future, doesn’t it?

Today–the last day of the year–is the perfect time to put everything at the foot of the Cross.  2482236610_4c2d16c398_z (283x267)

Box it all up! The good and the bad and put it at the foot of the cross.Box it all up! The good and the bad and put it at the foot of the cross.

AND REMEMBER WHAT THE CROSS GIVES IN RETURN!

Ephesians 1:7 is a great verse to go to for that reminder!  IN HIM, we have forgiveness of sins and redemption through His blood according to the riches of God’s Grace.  

Think about what that means.  In Christ, we are secure and significant.  We are citizens of heaven.  We have a spirit of power and love.  We have all the grace and mercy we need–just for the asking!  God chose us!  He is at work completing what He began in us!  doesn’t that make you excited for the new year…and for each new day in it?

May you shine for Him in incredible new ways in the coming year!  He has equipped you…use what He has given and rejoice in Him!

Come back tomorrow for one of my favorite tips on growing in faith!

Fresh Look at the Past

Just like the important individuals in our lives, circumstances and traumatic events of life shape us.  What one finds traumatic, another may not; this is personal feeling and is not right or wrong.  Healing comes by spilled milkplacing the past in the hands of Jesus.  There are folks who do that easily–but truly letting Jesus into the memories enlarges your capacity and understanding of His presence.  We cannot give to others what we have not received.  The more we accept of His love in the details–the more we have to give to others.

Current medical research finds that ‘unhealed’ childhood traumas surface in a vast array of medical issues.  In fact, studies indicate that 80-95% of all medical and psychological illnesses originate from unresolved trauma.  Christ still heals and He is the Mighty Counselor.  You can trust His love to re-frame anything you have, do or will face!  Consider which of the influences have impacted your life in the past (or in the present):

Poverty
Family Fighting/Divorce
Alcohol/Drug Abuse
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse/Rape
Prejudice
Prison
Illicit Sexual Activity (promiscuity, homosexuality)
Abortion
Rape
Death of a loved one
Other addictions:  gambling, food, pornography
Abandonment (including adoption grief)
Other trauma:  fire, accident, major illness/injury etc

There is often fear involved with even looking at difficult things of the past.  That spirit of fear is a tool the enemy uses to hold you captive.  Discipleship Coaching aids in finding the treasures buried in the dark times; God never allows what cannot be transformed.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.  (1 John 4:18)

As you look at the INFLUENCES, write a list of the top three stressful influences in your life.  Prayerfully consider the following questions as you journey toward God in those areas.

  • What feelings rise up for each…list specific words as best you can.  If you need help with identifying (or being persuaded to feel emotions), visit:  Discipleship Coaching:  Emotions.
  • How did/does each experience influence how I see myself?
  • How does this experience influence how I relate to others?
  • How did/does this experience influence how I see God?

Finally, assess (on a scale of 1-10) how ‘healed’ do you feel from these experiences.  0 being “I feel the pain as sharply today as then”, 5 being “I survive” and 10 being “God is using this for great glory in my life.”
Life does not happen without hard, painful things.  In fact, the greatest opportunities lie in those dark times.  However, a barrier to blessing is unforgiveness.  True forgiveness is rare–and incredibly difficult.  It does not excuse wrong behavior but it does not use wrong behavior against another.  Forgiveness is the foundation of the Christian faith and such a major topic, it demands focused attention in its own right.

The forgiveness of Christ gives us life; our forgiveness of others is also life-giving.

What’s Your Family Story?

Do you know the history in your own family?  It is a great holiday project to interview the older generation.  You probably know the old saying:

‘Life is a gift from God.  What we do with that life is our gift to Him.’

It is also said that ‘life happens while you are making other plans.’  Great stories exist in our own families…but those stories get lost.  Don’t let that be your heritage!

I believe every life matters…every life reveals the very glory of the Maker.  Within our families, we have tremendous treasures.  Do we see those treasures?  Do we celebrate them?  My wish for you is exactly that:  wherever you are, whomever you are with…may you see and savor their unique beauty!

With that thought, I offer you this little booklet to help you see and share your own story.  Perhaps it will inspire you to give it to others in the family and help them reveal the glories of God deposited in their lives too!

God is present in our every day…active in our hearts, relationships and circumstances. Taking time to treasure your Family Heritage is one way to notice God!  Too often we fail to see Him.  We do not acknowledge Him or treasure His presence.  Don’t wait…today is the day. Send a note and ask for the Family Heritage Booklet.

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Divinely Designed & Equipped

 I recognize alternative teachings can be dangerous; this will stress some and bless others.  I do not take the Scriptures lightly; I ask you to read, pray and ask what if any of the alternate view God would have you embrace.  Tradition spiritual gifts assessments clump all of these passages–and leave some discouraged or confused. I find clarity in looking at the passages with the specificity of the Givers.

Clearly the instructions given in the passage are to the children of God (the redeemed who trust in Christ). However, overall the letter is in the context of the love God that covers all. Not all are children of God but all are created by Him. Paul was speaking to the Church…and we should use our design for Kingdom purposes! This view does not negate that concept; it enhances it!

Romans 11:29 says God calls and gifts without repentance–meaning He seeks us and blesses us long before we ever acknowledge it. To God be great honor and glory!

With all that and the scriptures below, I offer this with a prayer of blessing for any who read.  Individual entries for each of the ‘Designs’ can be explored by clicking the links.

Gifts from the Father

Design
Sin to Battle
Victory to win
Scriptural Examples
Name of God to Meditate On
Idol of control
Fullness of Relationships!
John the Baptist, Miriam, Naomi
Jehovah Jireh
Idol of peace
Finding value in God’s eyes!
Joseph (father of Jesus), Barnabas, Timothy
Jehovah Rophe
Idol of being right
Live Truth not just know it!
Luke, Isaiah, Samuel
Jehovah Nissi
Idol of comfortable
Embracing hard times for joy set before you!
Paul, Jeremiah, Moses
Jehovah Shalom
Idol of materialism
Excellent stewardship of God’s resources!
Matthew, Abraham, Job
Jehovah Rohi
Idol of me
Leadership that blesses masses!
Joseph (coat of many colors), Nehemiah, Noah
Jehovah Tsidkenu
Idol of my way
Intimacy with God that delivers holiness!
John (son of Thunder), Ruth, David
Jehovah Shammah
Jesus fully portrayed every aspect of these designs. We are designed to grow into His image…to grow into all of these areas, but we have a default design that God gave us.

But what about….

Looking at the Romans 12 gifts as individual design leaves us with many other scriptural gifts, doesn’t it? But mushing all of those gifts together in one spiritual assessment is not the answer. In Ephesians 4, we see that Jesus, the Son, gives gifts to the Church. These are often called the Five-Fold Ministry Gifts or Equipping Gifts. Not every believer receives these gifts…Christ gives what His Beloved Church needs. Every Church body has the gifts within that it needs to grow and flourish.

The gifts to the Church are the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastor/Shepherds and Teachers. The individual designed as a ‘teacher’ may or may not be a Teacher for the Church. God may use a Prophet as the Teacher in an individual body of believers. The Gifts of the Son are to the Church based on the needs of the Church.

Gifts of the Spirit

Perhaps the most well known list of spiritual gifts is found in First Corinthians. It is the preface to the ‘love chapter’ for Paul said NOTHING is of use without love. These gifts are also called manifestation gifts…because they manifest (or make visible) God!

These amazing gifts are available to every believer as needed…when the believer is walking in the spirit. Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, discernment and tongues are among the gifts given by the Holy Spirit.

The gifts of the spirit are all about ministry. When you are face-to-face with a hurting soul, the Spirit longs to meet that wounded soul with a touch. Quiet your own soul and listen to the Spirit; He will provide the gift needed at just the right time!

Further Reading you may desire

Growing Up in Christ

Growing up spiritually takes a plan.  When I accepted Christ as Lord–as opposed to receiving a ticket out of hell–I had trouble finding folks who could articulate the Way.  They told me ‘read the Bible,’ ‘do this’ and ‘do that.’  They were not wrong, but I needed more.  It is always my heart to offer that ‘more’ to others who are on this glorious path!

Throughout this website and in my materials you will find resources for ‘more.’  Soul Training in the Barn is a basic study to move believers on in their faith journey.  BUT the bottom line is this:

We cannot “DO” to be…but when we “BE DISCIPLES” we will surely do the works God plans for us!

so, here are some BEs to do!

  • RELATIONAL – Discipleship demands relationship with the Holy Spirit. Become best friends with the Holy Spirit; distinguish His voice; and increase your responsiveness.
    • Be Spirit-led. Be Spirit-loved. Be Reverent.
    • Isaiah 30:21; John 14:26; Galatians 5:16
  • BIBLICALLY LITERATE – Study the Scriptures to know the King, the Kingdom and the Way.
    • Be Students of the Word. Be Faithful.
    • Psalm 119:9-11; Joshua 1:8; Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy 2:15
  • TRANSFORMED – What you learn as you study, must be practiced. Live the Word you read.
    • Be the Word. Be Growing.  Be Eternal. Be Obedient.
    • Proverbs 4:20-1; John 14:15; James 1:23-25
  • TRANSPARENT – Be honest and allow the Spirit total access to your heart, mind and will.
    • Be Teachable. Be Humble.  Be Hospitable (invite people to know the real you!).
    • Proverbs 12:1; Luke 18:17; Hebrews 12:6
  • FAMILY – Produce spiritual children, care for one another.
    • Be Leaders. Be Encouragers. Be in Fellowship.  Be Peacemakers.
    • 1 Corinthians 12:12; Romans 14:13; Colossians 3:13
  • LOVE – Live the Word that others will see it and long for it.
    • Be Christ-like. Be Unselfish.  Be Eternal.
    • Proverbs 10:12; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 1 John 4:7, 18-19

Spiritual Journaling

There are many ways to keep a ‘spiritual journal.’  Each has its own merit; recently I have had the joy of exploring a particular method with a small group of ladies.  I am overjoyed with the potential.  I have kept prayer journals, Scripture insight journals, diary journals, photo journals—and various combinations of all those.  This

Would you like to explore the tool of spiritual journaling for yourself?  

You don’t have to be a writer!  You simply have to want to hear from God!

f601f-hubpicThis style of journaling offers a powerful tool for becoming aware of the presence of God.  It doesn’t ‘bring’ God to your life—He is already there!  It opens your eyes that you can exclaim like Jacob:

Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!”  Genesis 28:15

The type of journaling we will explore is ‘real people telling stories of real life.’ It has several powerful potential outcomes:

  • Helps us viewing weaknesses, flaws and failures as a necessary part of growing.
  • Aids us in taking the details of life and connecting them to beautiful—but abstract—principles of faith like: love and truth, sin and salvation, atonement and holiness.
  • Exposes and eliminates the pretentious habit of using ‘laws’ as a spiritual girdle to create god-shaped lives.
  • Allows us to celebrate the powerful uniqueness of individual lives…lives that are scarred, blemished and sometimes even embarrassing. Lives that tell a story of redemption by a loving heavenly Father.

Journaling takes us beyond our perceptions to God’s view of our lives.  We know at the core of our being that we are not always correct with what we think…but we live as if we are always on target.  Journaling helps us pause so we can recognize wrong thinking, because it is vital that you:

DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK!

Journaling helps us hit the pause button and truly evaluate our perceptions.  Not everything we think is correct.  Not everything we believe is correct.

Beliefs can be TRUE or FALSE!  Much of the time, we don’t stop long enough to figure out what our actions actually reveal about our beliefs!

 BELIEFS ⇒  THOUGHTS  ⇒  EMOTIONS  ⇒  ACTIONS

The Word of God is the only source of Truth.  Journaling helps us quiet the noise of the world and ourselves and expose the lies that threaten to destroy us!

If you are interested in being a part of an upcoming group, please complete the form below.

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Growing Spiritual Fruit

 

Character is described aptly as ‘who you are when no one is looking.’  Christianity is no a self-improvement project but we represent Christ.  In fact, we are being transformed into His image.  Knowing what HE looks like, helps us as we take responsibility for the things that are ours to do.

Let’s take a look at some important Christian Character attributes.  Using a scale of 0-10, consider whether you never (0) exhibit the trait or you consistently (10) demonstrate that trait.

Loving (accepting & available)

Forgiving (not holding grudges)

Respectful (honors others and self)

Trustworthy (count on their promises)

Humble (puts others first)

Honest (transparent, truthful)

Patient (willing to wait w/o complaint)

Peaceful (quiet confidence in good)

Joyful/Hopeful (expects good to come)

Self-controlled (vs. addiction-controlled)

Do any of those traits cause you dismay?  There is good news:  these are by-products of a Spirit-filled life.  We do not transform ourselves; the Holy Spirit is our power source.

Developing these flavors in our lives is the goal of Discipleship Coaching.  Take time now, to list—in order of priority, the three things from above that you most desire to develop.

1.

2.

3.

Our history is part of us; it need not define us or limit us.  However, when we stuff it away without understanding, negative stuff can simmer deep within.  Living fully in the freedom of Christ requires bringing even the past into the Light of His love. As you consider the character traits that trouble you, you may find lingering resentment about negative deposits in your character bank.  Forgiveness sets you free…ask the Holy Spirit if there is anything limiting your fruit.  If you feel resentment in your heart, please visit Discipleship Coaching – Forgiveness.

Growing in Unity

This piece was written for and published by Christian Light Education.  Here is the unedited version offered to help us all grow toward greater unity in Christ.

Brotherhood…it’s been a concept fraught with desperate need for God since the beginning of time.  The first brothers, Cain, Abel and Seth, show us both the desperation and the hope inherent in brotherhood.  The lessons they offer could transform our world!  (Genesis 4:1-2)

The names of our Scriptural ancestors offer great instruction.  The Hebrew words related to Cain speak of a spear and mourning.  Knowing the story, we intuitively understand how his name reflects truth.  Cain became a tiller of the ground; he served and worshipped what he could produce through his work.

His younger brother, Abel, opened the way to better living.  His name implies emptiness and transition; not that his life was empty but he became the way for God to show His true desire.  Abel became a steward of what God gave; he took dominion over what God entrusted to him—just as God originally instructed before the fall of man.

Then, we meet Seth; Eve understood that God offered a replacement in this child.  Having revealed the only way to Himself with Cain and Abel, Seth came on the scene—and we read that men began calling on the name of the Lord!  (Genesis 4:25-26)

So, what does this have to do with brotherhood in our lives today?  Everything!  The instruction to Cain is ours:  “Do well and I will receive you; you will be in my presence.  Do not do well, and you will be in the presence of sin.  It will crouch at your door to devour you.”  (Genesis 4:7) We live in a world of devoured lives.  Too often, we follow the example of Cain, relying on ourselves, promoting our efforts and preferences.  The results he produced are ours:  the destruction of others and us.

Sin escalates negative behaviors.  God told Cain that the very ground cried out against him.  (Genesis 4:10-11) Made of the earth, his very essence rejected the path he chose.  The curse of unrest within himself—and conflict with all around him—becomes a life as a vagabond and fugitive.  There is no brotherhood in that.

Cain asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”  (Genesis 4:9)  The apostle Paul emphatically taught that we are far more than that:  we belong to one another; we are part of one another.  (Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:25; Ephesians 4:25) Abel revealed what we all need to be—stewards of what God entrusts to us, open vessels for the purposes of God.  We must die to our selfish nature and determine to follow the way of Seth:  calling upon the name of the Lord.

The presence of God is the only way we enjoy brotherhood.  The spirit of God: compassion, meekness, humility, forgiveness and patience produces unity.  Our flesh generates division.  The passion of Jesus Christ flows forth in his prayer for us in John 17; unity is the heartbeat of our Savior.  (John 17:21-23)  Unity with the Father and the Son allows brotherhood.  May we long for it as we long for fellowship with the LORD.