Wisdom through Fear?

Fear is a real, personal struggle for me.  Not the jump-out-at-me-and-make-me-scream type of fear, but the daily fight with anxiety that multiplies within me until it becomes full blown fear. Because of my ongoing struggle, it was difficult to wrap my mind around the distinction between my unhealthy fears and the healthy fear that we are instructed to have toward the Lord.  I’ve wrestled a lot with this notion.  Maybe you have too. 

What, exactly, does it mean to fear the Lord?  Bible scholars teach that it means holding Him in a position of reverence.  That’s a solid start to be sure, but I believe fearing the Lord involves more than revering Him.  

Recently, I completed a word study on the word “fear” as used in the Psalms and Proverbs where it states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  While “reverence” is, indeed, a part of its definition, the term also carries the meaning that we’d expect as we use it in other contexts, such as, “I fear the worst will happen.” Or “What I fear most is _____.” 

According to the NAS Old Testament Hebrew Lexicon, the term fear as used in Psalm 111:10 means:  

fear, terror, fearing, awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear), fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety, revered.

Keeping that definition in mind, if we fear the Lord are we to be frightened of Him?  Or are we to revere Him?  The answer to both questions is yes!  

The Lord provided a comforting revelation and helped me reconcile the two thoughts that seem to oppose each other.  I considered how I “feared” my earthly father while he was alive, and it brought a blurry concept into focus.

I was a daddy’s girl until the day the Lord took him to heaven. My dad taught me a lot about life, and he expected me to obey him – always and immediately.  When he told me to do something, he expected that I’d move to action before he took his next breath.  I’m certain that his dad expected the same from him.

I loved to spend time with my dad and would rather build a shed with him than play with friends or toys.   He taught me how to ride a horse, how to train a dog, which type of screwdriver to choose, how to use it, and where it belonged when I was finished.  He taught me to finish what I started, and to think before speaking. He taught me that God works everything together for good.  Dad helped me know that he was my biggest fan.  He was for me.  Always.  And he wanted the best for me.  I had great respect for my dad and I still do. He was one of the greatest men I ever had the honor of meeting.

However, my dad had a quick temper. When he was angry, he’d explode like a stick of dynamite with a short fuse.  As mad as I’d make him sometimes I never feared for my physical safety, but I was frightened of his terrifying anger.  I feared the loud volume that filled the air like an explosion. I feared the consequences of my mistake. I knew he could make my life miserable by adding chores or taking away privileges. I was afraid of being out of his good graces, even for a moment, and I dreaded disappointing him. It broke my heart when I knew he was upset with me because I had a strong desire to please him.  It made me happy to bring a smile to his face. 

In some measure, I feared my dad in the way that God’s Word commands us to fear the Lord.  While I did not worship my dad, I do worship the Lord, and I offer Him my reverence.  I have a great fear of disappointing the Lord and know that He will allow consequence in my life any time I am out of step with His Spirit.   He will allow my life to be miserable if I am hardheaded enough to require it (and I am sometimes), but He will work all things together for my good because He loves me (even more than dear old dad), and has called me according to His purpose.  He is for me.  Always.  He will not repay evil for good, and I can trust that He will supply all of my needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 

To fear the Lord means to love, revere and obey Him.  To fear Him involves a reluctance to disappoint Him and a strong desire to please Him.  When we fear the Lord, we are frightened of the wrath suffered by those who reject Him, and the consequences of those who disobey.  Fearing Him causes us to strive to do what is right in His eyes.

May our fear of God our Father bring the beginning of wisdom and the promises of Scripture.

The fear of the LORD is

the beginning of wisdom;

all who follow His instructions

have good insight.

His praise endures forever.

Psalm 111:10 (HCSB)

Your Turn:

Have you struggled with the thought of fearing the Lord?  

How is the Lord moving you toward greater reverence toward Him and a desire to please Him?

Thanks for sharing your stories!

Be strengthened today, by His Word,

Cathy

Psalm 119:28

3 Things I Didn't See Coming: Blessings of Obedience

We’ve all felt “the nudge.” The gentle nudge God uses to let us know He has Kingdom work for us. Maybe we’ve acknowledged it but handed God a rain check saying, “When circumstances settle down, I’ll get to it.” Sometimes we feel the nudge but dismiss it as a great idea… for someday. It’s possible that we’ve felt the nudge and thought, “There’s no way the Lord wants me to do that! I couldn’t possibly pull it off!” Yeah, Moses felt that way, too.

No matter how we’ve handled God’s nudges in the past, consider this a challenge to take them seriously from now on. How? We can write them down. Pray over them, and ask the Lord for confirmation. If truly from Him, He’ll confirm it through a stirring in our hearts, a friend that makes a similar suggestion, insight from His Word, or repeated messages heard from sermons, podcasts, blogs, and other unexpected sources. Most of all, let's get to work and act on what the Lord is prompting us to do. We won't be sorry!

The short version of the story about when the Lord nudged me to write Finding Joy in the Journey: Savoring the Fruit of the Spirit, goes like this:   

·         My pastor suggested what I thought was a crazy idea and I said, “no way!”

·         I sensed the Lord had more to say on the matter (the “nudge”) and took it to prayer.

·         I took a few baby steps.

·         God’s people confirmed the project.

·         I dove in and went all the way.

When we move in obedience, blessings follow. That’s not what drives us to move, but I submit that it’s impossible to lean on God and His strength through a project and not receive blessings. I’ll share three blessings of obedience in my "nudge" to write that I simply did not see coming:

1)      Some in my circles disregard the project. And yes, that’s a blessing.

A few of my closest friends (whom I’d hoped would be wildly supportive) declined invitations to read the book, or hear me speak, or get involved on my Facebook page, or read this blog. One or two have quietly pulled away from the fellowship we once shared. After a period of hurt feelings and imagining every reason my friends might provide, God drew me to surrender. 

While I didn’t see it coming, this, too, was part of God’s confirmation. Looking to Scripture, Jesus’ friends and close acquaintances didn’t want to learn from Him, either (see Matthew 13:54-58). If the Lord, Himself, experienced rejection in His hometown, why should I be surprised when I face something similar? 

I believe the Lord is strengthening my muscles – providing tougher skin, greater endurance, and stronger perseverance in me. He is making me stronger so that I can face future, more difficult situations. That’s not exactly something I’m excited about, but I’ll walk in confidence knowing He’s prepared me well. 

2)      Many others warmly embrace my work.

Unexpected encouragement from my church family inspired me to press on in the early stages, without knowing the fuel they provided. As I’ve delivered the message to women’s conferences around the country, I’ve heard comments about the book like, “This is one of the best studies I’ve ever read. ” I don’t share that to toot my own horn, but to demonstrate the ways that the Lord confirms His calling. I never dreamed I’d hear such words. I didn’t see it coming.  To realize the Lord is using the work He’s done through me is a blessing that is extraordinary and extremely humbling.

3)      The book has inspired at least one eight-year-old girl to get into God’s Word.

Madison is a lovely young lady whose mom works alongside me in our church office two mornings a week. I consider them both dear friends. This fall, she asked her mom if they could read Finding Joy together.

There is a chapter where I share my morning quiet time routine. If my feet hit the floor before I open God’s Word, it’s likely I’ll miss my quiet time that day. The Lord blesses us in our obedience and when my sweet husband noticed my routine, He started delivering coffee to my bedside.

Here’s how the story went in Madison’s house after reading that chapter:

Maddy:         That hits me, Mom.

Mom:            How so?

Maddy:         Well, you tell me every morning to read some of my Bible, but I should want to do that on my own. So when I get up in the morning I want to read my Bible and you don’t have to tell me.

Mom:            Would you like me to bring you hot tea?

Maddy:         Yes, please! 

It’s precious. In my wildest imagination, I never dreamed that words I penned could help deepen a young lady’s desire for time with the Lord. I didn’t see that coming. 

When we do what God asks, He will use our work in ways that only He can orchestrate. Our role is to do what He calls us to do, and the rest is up to Him. Let's step out in faith and DO what God has called us to do. He has a plan for all of us. Through you and me, He will touch lives, inspire others, and minister to lost souls.  Let's walk in obedience, step out with purpose, confidence, and determination, and then enjoy the blessings that come.

Be doers of the word and not hearers only

James 1:22 (HCSB)

Your turn:

What do you feel the Lord prompting you to do?

Share a time when the Lord used your obedience in unexpected ways.

I’d love to hear your story. Please share your comments!
(If you received this post via e-mail, comment by clicking here.)

Find strength today, by the Word, 

 Cathy

Psalm 119:28

How Do You Know God Loves You?

I fell into a spiritual slump not long after the Lord led me through a profound area of repentance.  I’d made some life-changing confessions to others and myself and I was free at last!  But the enemy didn't want me to feel comfortable in this fresh feeling of freedom. Underlying doubt played on continuous loop in my mind. I knew God could, and had, forgiven me but I sensed uneasiness in my spirit and had a hard time making the pieces of the forgiveness puzzle fit together.   

A business trip took me to Dallas, close to where a dear married couple of spiritual giants lived, a great Aunt and Uncle of my husband’s. When I refer to them as “great”, I mean that literally and genealogically. These two souls lived, breathed and loved Jesus Christ.  They made their home close to us in Colorado for a number of years and I’d known them since before we married, but I’d stayed in the background at most of our family gatherings.  I admired them from afar but didn't feel that I had much of a personal relationship with them.  At this crucial moment in my life, I had an important question that I not only wanted - but needed - to ask them.  

They thought it somewhat surprising when I called and asked if I could stop and see them during my trip to Texas, but they were most obliging and extended the famous southern hospitality. As my anxious heart pounded in my chest, we spent an afternoon and evening together talking about their new life in Texas, what church they attended, how they spent their days as retirees, giving updates on family members, and what brought me to the area. Finally, our discussions turned to spiritual matters and I heard the remarkable stories of when their hearts caught on fire for the Lord. They captured my full attention and at the right moment, I blurted out the question I’d come such a long way to ask,

“How do you know God loves you?”

I referred to myself, of course. I needed to know how God could love me after all I’d done. For me, this was the missing piece of the forgiveness puzzle and I needed an answer to silence my plaguing doubts.

He looked me straight in the eye and said, “Because God tells us in His Word.” And at that moment, I received one of the most profound, life changing gifts I've ever received.  This dear couple took my heart by its spiritual hand and showed me two passages in Scripture that I’ll forever call my own.   They encouraged me to read them, and not just read but devour, and not just devour, but to meditate and allow them to penetrate. For when we meditate on God’s Word, it can penetrate the deepest places of our heart.    

That’s the day I discovered my two favorite chapters in all of God’s word:  Psalm 139 and Ephesians 1. They've become personal love letters to me from a God Who asks that I cast my cares upon Him because He cares for me. I continually cast, and He responds with grace, mercy, and most of all, love. Not just in my moments of need, but also in times of rejoicing. The more I cast, the more He responds, and the more I'm filled with His love.

God speaks to us through His inerrant Word.  When He tells me He loves me I make a choice to believe Him, even when I don’t feel lovable. He knows more about me than I know myself and through the blood of Christ He sees me as holy, blameless and without blemish. I don’t have to understand it, for it is a mystery. My role is to accept it as truth. Embracing that truth has changed my doubting heart into one of strengthened faith. I pray the love of Christ brings life change for you as well.   

For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!  Romans 8:38-39 (HCSB)

Your turn:

What are your go-to passages of scripture and why are they important to you?

Did you discover the passages by yourself or did someone share them with you?

How have they helped you through a spiritual slump?

I’d love to hear your story. Please share your comments!

Find strength today, by the Word, 

 Cathy

Psalm 119:28

Walking in Confidence

I'm struck this week by the words of Hebrews 10.

"Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.  For you have need of great endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised."  (Verses 35-36)

I don't know about you, but when wearniess sets in, I quickly lose my confidence, my focus, and often lose sight of the vision that God provides for my calling.  I daydream about quitting and retiring somwhere oceanside where I can succomb to my introverted personality.   I often feel weary when trials set in, or when work piles up, or when I've disappointed someone. And yes, as Hebrews 10:36 says, I have need of great endurance to do the will of God.  When that endurance doesn't come immediately (and it rarely does), I long to crawl under the covers and bury my head in the pillows.  God can do His work without me, after all, so the temptation to simply go back to bed is strong.  

But I read on in Hebrews 10 and see that, "in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay.  But My righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him."  (Verses 37-38). 

While our time of earthly service to the Lord seems long and sometimes exhausting, it is truly no more than the blink of an eye.  Before we know it, Christ will either return or call us home.  Will I be one who presses on toward the goal?  Or will I be one who shrinks back?  Will I be one who counts all there is to lose or one who sees how much there is to gain? 

Lord Jesus, fill me with Your power and strength and ensure that I am not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.  (Hebrews 10:39).  You don't call the equipped, You equip the called  - so may I walk in confidence knowing that I never walk alone.

Feel Like You've Lost Your Joy?

Sometimes we all feel that way!  Circumstances can blind us to the joy that the Lord provides through His Spirit.   Today I share a video which reveals a little of my testimony and the vision behind the Bible study:  Finding Joy in the Journey: Savoring the Fruit of the Spirit.

I pray this blesses you today!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23 NASB

An Unexpected Bout with Doubt

Faith is one of my most prominent spiritual gifts, so it is usually easy for me to believe that which I can’t necessarily see.  But recently, as I began to ponder why certain things happen, especially after periods of fervent prayer, I found myself in a pickle.  Brutal honesty brought a hard realization:  I experienced some doubts about the power of prayer.

The details don’t matter, and I’m thrilled to report that I’m on the mend.  I don’t believe myself completely cured, but praise the Lord I have turned in the right direction again.  Here’s how the Lord got me there:  

First, He met me in my time of need when I cried out to Him for help.  Like the father whose son was thrown into the fire by a demonic spirit, I cried out to the Lord, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”  (Mark 9:24 NASB).   Never has this statement, seemingly so contradictory to itself, made so much sense.  I do believe that God is in control, sovereign, and kind.  At the same time, my heart is broken over the disappointment of matters given Him in prayer that do not look anything like I had hoped.

He has helped my unbelief and bolstered my faith by helping me recall “memorial stones” – the times in my life when His faithfulness and sovereignty were overwhelming.  As I lead a group of women through the book, Finding Joy in the Journey: Savoring the Fruit of the Spirit (available here), I re-read my own words:  “Even when what I see looks different from what I expect, I know who is in charge and surrender my cares to Him.”  This is a significant and very encouraging look at a personal memorial stone; it reminded me that this is not the first time life turned in directions I did not expect.  God was faithful then, and He will show His faithfulness now.  

Next, He showed me those in the Bible who struggled with doubt.  “Doubting Thomas,” walked alongside our Savior as His disciple, yet doubted His resurrection and asked for proof.  John the Baptist also had questions and asked that the Lord confirm whether Jesus was the One for whom John was sent to prepare the way.  If these two mighty men of God had periods of doubt, it’s reasonable to expect that I will face uncertainties too.  

Through His Word, the Lord reminded me that He does not condemn us for our doubt, but rather comforts us when we seek Him in spite of it. He gently and gracefully handles our questions and reservations.   Thomas and John both went directly to Jesus, the source of Truth, with their questions. To Thomas, He showed His nail-pierced hands.  To John, He quoted Scripture and presented fulfillment of prophecy.   He scolded neither, but lovingly gave each what he needed to cast his doubts aside. 

His love for me, even in my period of struggle, reached through a sermon from our pastor who knew nothing about my internal battle.  Through the sermon the Holy Spirit reminded me that God works ALL things together for the good of those called according to His purpose.  ALL things include matters that we might expect to look a particular way even when they end up looking almost completely opposite.   He works them ALL together for good.

Lord, thank You for loving us so fully and for showing Your grace even when our faith falters.  Thank You for showing me that in the life of spiritual giants and even in my own meager existence, You handle our questions and misgivings with care and tenderness.  I’m grateful that You are entirely trustworthy, whether or not I understand the things I see.  I believe.  Continue to help my unbelief!

“I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.” Mark 11:23 CSB

Overcoming Shame

The ugliness of shame makes me shudder.  It is a covering of darkness thrown over us by the enemy as a tool to take us captive.  With it, Satan blinds us to the rock-solid truth of Christ’s love, thereby stealing our joy and carrying us away as though a spoil of war.

I believe that all of us carry some measure of shame.  Often it stems from sin or other past events that we choose to keep hidden.  We’d simply rather not discuss it.  Shame is a secret.   It is far different from guilt, which says, “I made a mistake.”  Shame says, “I am a mistake.”  There is no part of life that is unaffected by the burden of the shame that we carry. 

This week marks 40 years of legalized abortion in America through Roe v. Wade, and it is recorded that 1.5 million abortions are performed each year.  Millions of women struggle with shame over this issue and carry deep hurt and regret.  Shame also comes from sources of…

Adultery                 Addictions                      Sin                         

Debt                      Condemnation                Eating Disorders

Incest                    Obesity                            Crime

Rape                      Anger                             Abandonment

I could go on for hours with such a list.  Whether I’ve named your particular source of shame or not, you know what I’m talking about.  Satan makes us feel alone, as if we are the only one in the world with such an ugly past.  Remember that Satan is a liar and regardless of your source of shame, you are not alone!

There is forgiveness, redemption and healing at the Cross!  Confessing our past to Him and sharing our heartfelt regret and sorrow (as David did in Psalm 51), brings freedom and helps us accept the healing that Christ offers.

“Imagine yourself captive in a jail cell.  You are weeping and lamenting because prison is awful.  Jesus stands at the jail cell, waiting for you.  He wants to set you free and says, ‘Give yourself to me and come out!’  He has already paid the bond, overcome the enemy, and unlocked the door to the jail cell so that you are free to leave.  All you must do is make a choice to leave the prison, decide to open the door, and follow Him to accept your freedom.

Many times, we choose to stay in the jail cell.  We believe that we have finally done or experienced the one thing that is too big for the redemptive work of the cross.  The role of victim is comfortable and we feel safe in our chains of captivity.  Jesus provides for our freedom, but we lack the willingness to move forward toward Him.   You may have heard stories of those incarcerated for many years that lose confidence to function outside of the prison walls.  The thought of freedom is terrifying to them because they have forgotten how to navigate life on their own.  Conversely, when Christ offers freedom, He lives it out with us!

He does not scorn us, turn His back on us, nor leave us in our shameful state.  Isn’t it time you joined Him beyond the cell of your shame and enjoyed your freedom with Him and His people?” *

Confess it.  Receive His unending forgiveness.  Move in confidence toward the joy set before you and delight in His goodness with unhindered celebration!

Isaiah 54:4a  

Fear not, for you will not be put to shame; 

Neither feel humiliated, for you will not be disgraced; 

But you will forget the shame of your youth

* Excerpt from Finding Joy in the Journey: Savoring the Fruit of the Spirit (available here).

Spinning Plates

A sweet friend recently texted, “praying for you and the massive amount of plates you are spinning.”  My reply:  “Thanks SO much for prayers.  I thought it was just my head that was spinning!”

You’ve heard the saying: if you want something done and done well, ask a busy person.  While there’s some truth to that, we – especially we women –must take care in how often we say yes.  We want to show ourselves productive.  We long to help others and feel needed (I believe that’s part of our DNA).  We certainly want to do our fair share of the work, especially in ministry.  But when is enough too much?

The parable of the sower in Luke 8 has been much on my mind these days.  First of all, in perhaps my 27^th reading of these particular words of Jesus, I honed in on four separate types of ground on which the seed fell.  Honestly up until now, I would have told the story and included only three types of soil.  (I’ve said for years that I have a Swiss-cheese memory.  This is proof.)

Which type of soil was I overlooking?  The type that applies to me, of course.  In Luke 8:14, Jesus said, “The seed which fell among the thorns, those are the ones who have heard and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.”  As I meditate on these words, I identify some obvious distractions that choke my fruitfulness, but other “distractions” are from very good things.  For example, I gain great pleasure from serving the Lord in ministry, but when I say yes to things that He never intended for me, even those good things choke out my calling.  Those are plates I should not try to spin as they take time that could be dedicated to what produces the mature fruit He desires from me. 

What it boils down to is this:  Distractions - both the good things and the bad – can overwhelm us to the point where we “bring no fruit to maturity.”  What seems urgent can make me lose sight of my calling.  Time spent on the good rather than on the goal hinders the production of mature fruit. 

I’m learning, Lord.  Yes, I’m learning.  Take each moment in my day and make it Your own.  Help me in each moment to focus on Your priorities, on Your best interests and help me to serve You in undistracted ways to Your honor and glory.  Help me serve You with all I have, after all, there is much work to be done in this lost world.  But direct my steps and give me laser focus on Your specific calling for me.   May I receive Your Word with an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.  (Luke 8:15).

I’d love to hear from you…   To what has God called you?  How do you know you’re called to that particular area?  What’s keeping you from pursuing that goal with reckless abandon?   What distractions (either good or bad) are in your way?

Asking WHY?

It’s the first full week of January, 2013 and if you’re like me, a few of those New Year’s resolutions already bit the dust.   It’s easy to set a goal, but a goal is nothing more than a good intention until we take action and turn it into reality.  For me, the fuel that helps me “press on to reach the goal,” boils down to the reason WHY I want to reach the goal at all.  With an inspiring WHY behind my resolutions, I’ll achieve them more often than not.  Without one, I often set myself up for failure.  

Years ago, a friend shared his WHY as it related to his healthy eating choices and disciplined exercise routine.  He’d watched parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents on both sides of his family struggle with and finally succumb to heart disease at very young ages.  Our friend’s motivation was to someday see his future children grow up and to live long enough to be part of their lives.  That’s an extremely motivating WHY, wouldn’t you say? 

When he desired a slice of cheesecake, instead of thinking of the enjoyable taste, he thought of his unborn children and found the self-control to resist the temptation.  After a late night when he might prefer to sleep in he imagined future high school graduations and weddings, which motivated him to get out of bed and head to the gym.  His WHY kept him moving in the right direction because his WHY was much larger than the daily temptations which could cause him to fail. 

Throughout his writings, the Apostle Paul provided many examples of having a strong WHY in pursuing a life worthy of his calling.   As he taught and encouraged fellow believers, he used the term “so that” over 200 times in his writings and often used  terms like, “because”, “ therefore”, and “for this reason.”   Not only did Paul know his WHY, but he shared it often and kept it in the forefront of his teachings.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, it continues to keep believers inspired and moving toward action 2000 years later.

The first week of the New Year is a great time to get out those resolutions (I hope you wrote them down) and ask yourself WHY you would like to accomplish each of them.  What’s you’re driving force?  What keeps you motivated?  Allow your WHY to help you “press on toward the goal” and turn those intentions into realities!

“But one thing I do: 

forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 

I press on toward the goal

for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. “  

Philippians 3:13b-14 (NASB)

“For I am confident of this very thing, 

that He who began a good work in you 

will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  

Philippians 1:6

I'd love to hear the WHY behind some of the changes you'd like to make this year.  Please share them in the comments.  Chances are, you'll inspire us all!

Finding Joy Beyond Christmas

I wanted to share a article that I wrote.  It was published today by Mentoring Moments for Christian Women.  I pray it will bless you this New Year!

Click here to read Joy Beyond Christmas