A CONUNDRUM

"The church is to be in the world as a ship is in the ocean; but when the ocean seeps into the ship, the ship is in trouble."

Erwin W. Lutzer
Who Are You To Judge?
Moody Publishers  2002

Allow me to continue this quote:

"We have bought into the world's values; into its entertainment, its morals, its attitudes. We have also bought into its tolerance, it's insistence that we should never challenge the private beliefs of individuals, whether outside the church or within it. In the face of cultural pressures, we have found ourselves confused, hesitant to act, unable to give a loving but convincing witness to the world."
p. 14-15

I confess; I'm caught in this conundrum. While trying to share the Gospel, yet ever worried about how easily I can offend; I'm afraid I share rather ineffectively.

StillGrowing,
Lonnie

LEADERS, ROCKS, AND RIVERS

" . . . the prophet is speaking primarily about leaders in the kingdom. They should be both rocks and rivers, providing security and sufficiency. Rocks do not move or change, while rivers are ever moving and changing. Leaders must be both consistent and adaptable, combining faithfulness of the rock with the fruitfulness of the river."

Warren W. Wiersbe
Chapter-By-Chapter Bible Commentary
Thomas Nelson Publishers  1991
p 470

I would love your thoughts.

Wiersbe's comments about Isaiah 32 provide a great picture of balance, strength, and security. I can "feel" the security. But what does it look like? Do you know a leader with the qualities Wiersbe speaks of? Or how would you expect those qualities to be played out in leadership? 

EverLearning,
Lonnie  

WHO SAYS I HAVE TO GROW UP?

"C.S. Lewis once commented, 'that we who will still enjoy fairy tales have less reason to wish actual childhood back. We have kept its pleasures and added some grown-up ones as well."

Gladys Hunt
Honey For A Child's Heart
Zondervan  1989
p. 34

Enough said.

Enjoying Picture Books AND Adult Ones,
Lonnie

WISH I HAD MY CHILDREN BACK

"The fear of contamination has led people to believe that only what someone else has clearly labeled Christian is safe."

Gladys Hunt
Honey For A Child's Heart
Zondervan Publishing  1969, 1978, 1989
p. 17

How I wish I had my kids back! We would read more Suess and silly authors, for sure. We'd read books about Varooming trucks and courageous girls. We'd read books with incredible art; my goodness, they abound!

Where did I, a first-generation Christian, get the idea that everything (I mean everything!) had to be coloured, framed, and saturated with Jesus? Maybe because Jesus wasn't really a part of my life until my early twenties; and I so wanted my children to know Him sooner. Maybe because, as a young Christian, I and so many others were sure Jesus would return for His Bride any day! Maybe even before my children went to half-day kindergarten. 

I lived in a generation, or an environment, where satan was more interested in our children; and evidently more powerful than the God who created them. How ridiculous is that? Discernment is not overrated. Fear--a whole 'nother matter.

We had fun times with our children, but oh how I wish I had them back to read fun stories to.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

FROM REMNANTS TO MASTERPIECES

"The people who are in danger of missing life's great meaning are the people of ordinary capacity and opportunity, and who say to themselves, 'There is so little I can do that I will not try to do anything.

"One of the finest windows in Europe was made from the remnants an apprentice boy collected from the cuttings of his master's work."

A.B. Simpson (1843-1919)
Days of Heaven Upon Earth
p. 23/Nook

I could so easily fall into the trap of thinking my "one talent" isn't worth much. But in doing so, how much richness of life would I miss?

This young man made a masterpiece from remnants. I've seen stunning quilts made from scraps. And Jesus told the disciples to gather the leftovers after He'd fed the thousands. My friend, whatever you have--IT MATTERS! Use it for your joy and God's glory.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

THANKS-GIVING

"When we are willing to give thanks to God in all things, not just some things--to consciously thank Him even when we don't feel grateful--something in us begins to shift. We begin to see life as Christ sees it, full of opportunities rather than obstacles. (emphasis mine) And when we view life through eyes of faith, fear just has to flee."

Joanna Weaver
Having A Mary Heart In A Martha World
Waterbrook Press  2007
p. 41

Everything I read, for going on a second year, seems to at least "mention" thanks-giving. Like fads of coffee shops, health clubs, and massage salons, a Christian or church sometimes initiates a theme or discipline and everyone else jumps on.

I remember in my early Christian days Merlin Carothers encouraging us to Praise The Lord for "everything!" For a dropped pencil, a new job, a car wreck . . . and I did. "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" The idea, as I recall, was more about God working all things together for good. But honestly, I "worked it" more like a superstition. If I do this--God will do that.

I don't think what I'm experiencing, now, is a fad. I believe God is planting a truth; in me, maybe in you--maybe in the Body of Christ. I'm seeing how connected thanks-giving and faith are. No, I'm not thanking Him "for" war, child prostitution, or even a difficult person. Thanks-giving is not so much the words I say as much as the attitude that's building in my heart.

It looks a lot like trust--like believing in God's unfathomable love even when . . .

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

PROBLEM? NOT OUR BEHAVIOR

"The problem is not in our behavior; the problem is in us. Jesus said, 'For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, stander' (Matthew 15:19) We don't need an upgrade. We need transformation. We need a miracle."
(emphasis, mine)

John Eldredge
Waking The Dead
Thomas Nelson Publishers  2003
p. 59

How like me, to try to change my behavior; and honestly that works--for a while. Behavior changes only last when God does a deep work in the heart.

I'm struggling with someone in my life these days; to make matters worse, this person is a Christian--albeit one that I can neither respect nor trust. I can't fake good behavior. I can't fake kindness. I can't even fake tolerance. I need a change of heart. "I" need a miracle. Fortunately for me, when I ask, God says, "I can." and "I will."  

This other person may need heart changes as well. But -- I'm only responsible for mine.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie