Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 88

I did it to myself. I chose the wrong path. I saw the sign with the little black diamond and thought I could handle it. “After all, I’m a decent skier.” (If you aren’t laughing yet, you should be.)

After just a few yards, I realized I had made a terribly dangerous decision. The hard-packed snow felt slick as ice. If I fell, I wouldn’t stop until I hit bottom. I had visions of my body lying broken and bleeding at the bottom of this precipitous slope. So, I did the only thing I could. I carefully – and prayerfully – sidestepped back up to the top of the run. I didn’t care what people around me thought. My life was at stake!

Warning about the world and its ways

The apostle Paul knew that sin, like that black diamond ski run, is a slippery, dangerous slope. In his letter to the Christians in Ephesus, he warned them about the danger:

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph 4:17-24, NIV

Most of the Christians in Ephesus were Gentiles. They had indulged in immorality and gave themselves to sexual excess. But then Jesus saved them and God called them to turn away from their former way of life and embrace a new life in Christ – a life of righteousness and holiness.

We become desensitized to sin

Paul warned the Ephesian believers about the great danger of returning again to worldly behavior. Sin is a slippery slope. The more we give ourselves to immorality, the easier it is to yield to it. Our hearts grow insensitive and hard. Our thinking becomes darkened and futile. We move deeper and deeper into sin and farther and farther away from God.

We see this biblical truth played out in the world around us. As people become desensitized to the current level of sin and immorality the culture must sink to a new low in order to shock and titillate. Then when people have accepted that as normal the culture takes another step down.

Our enemy wants to sweep believers along with the world. Satan helps us rationalize participating in popular culture. “It’s not as bad as…” “It’s only fiction…” “I need to know what everyone is talking about…” Then when we become desensitized to that, he tempts us to take another step away from holiness.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” is a symptom of a deeper problem

Last week, I posted a blog asking why Christians are reading the best-selling, erotica novel “Fifty Shades of Grey.” I had many comments on the post, on Facebook, and Twitter. Most took a stand on the side of holiness. Many admitted that their Christian friends or family were reading it and raving about it. And a few said we shouldn’t judge. (By the way, I feel strongly that speaking out against what God calls sin is not judging. Watch for a post about this topic on Wednesday.)

Christians must actively pursue the holiness God desires. We must purposefully and continually choose to reject our old, sinful ways of the world and obediently follow Christ. Reading this book or welcoming other immoral ideas into our minds is like standing at the top of a black diamond ski run. It could be the beginning of a dangerous journey.

We must carefully guard our hearts and minds because the world constantly clamors for our attention and devotion. If we don’t we just may end up at the bottom of the slope.

In what ways can we actively pursue holiness? What precautions can we take to guard our hearts and minds against sin and immorality?

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Recently two Christian women (one middle-aged like me and one a young mom) passionately shared with me their confusion over why so many of their Christian friends are devouring the New York Times best-selling novel “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Honestly, I have the same question.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” should be black and white to Christians.

Just in case you have no idea what I’m talking about, let me quickly fill you in. “Fifty Shades of Grey,” the first in a trilogy, is the debut novel by British author E.L. James released this April. Here’s a quick summary of the book I copied from Mary Kassian’s blog (I provide a link to her post below):

The books in question are erotica that explicitly describe sexual bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism (BDSM). The story follows an unfolding affair between a recent college graduate, the virgin Anastasia Steele, and handsome young billionaire entrepreneur, Christian Grey, whose childhood abuse left him a deeply damaged individual, and who enlists her to share his secret sexual proclivities. Steele is required by Grey to sign a contract allowing him complete control over her. Because of her fascination and budding love for him, she consents to a kinky sexual relationship that includes being slapped, spanked, handcuffed, and whipped with a leather riding crop in his “Red Room of Pain.”

I just checked Amazon’s stats. “Shades of Grey” was number one in books. Oddly enough, the book received some harsh reader reviews regarding the quality of the writing. So, how did the trilogy grab spots one, two, and three on the New York Times bestsellers list? Sex does indeed “sell.” Unfortunately, sex sells to Christians too.

“Shades” is classified as “erotica,” which by definition means “sexually explicit literature or art.” Let’s stop right here. Honestly, based on the book description and the dictionary definition of “erotica,” Christian women have no business reading this book. But they are.

Holiness and obedience is a choice we all make

I will honestly tell you that I have read books and watched movies that I later regretted because the content was inconsistent with my faith. Either the language or behavior mocked God or directly contradicted His holiness. Sometimes I turned off the television, left the theater, or threw away the book. But not always.

However, I believe I can honestly say that in recent years I have not picked up a book or bought a ticket or tuned into a program knowing in advance that the “entertainment” would defy God’s standards of morality and truth. And I do not have to read “Fifty Shades of Grey” to know it glorifies what God clearly says is wrong.

I’ve heard the arguments. It’s just fantasy. I’m not participating, I’m just reading fiction. I need to know how to speak to the culture. If you are considering reading this book, please, please read these articles I’ve listed below first. These posts were written by Christian women in ministry who know what they’re talking about. They explain how this written word affects our thinking and harms our relationships with our husbands and future husbands. How it fosters a change in behavior. How it desensitizes us to sexual immorality. Check these out:

On the True Woman blog Dannah Gresh gives biblical and sound scientific evidence why reading this kind of material is harmful to women and our marriages.
Crystal Renaud on her site for Dirty Girls Ministries. Crystal offers help, hope, and healing for women and girls with pornography and sexual addiction.
Author and Bible teacher, Mary Kassian on her blog Girls Gone Wise. Mary gives 7 solid reasons why a Christian woman – or any woman for that matter – should not read this book.
Lest you think this is just the opinion of “ministers,” check out this blog by Dana Suggs. She is a mom, photographer, and Christian blogger writing from the perspective of an average Christian woman who loves to read.
Here’s one more honest and entertaining view by Christian mommy blogger Melissa Jenna.

As long as I’m on my soapbox, I might as well work up a good lather and mention one other popular, but very worldly item Christian women are gobbling up – the movie. “Magic Mike.” “Plugged In” describes this film as “pornographically minded.” But should we expect anything different from a movie about male strippers? Yet believers are paying money to see it.

What does holiness look like?

Here’s what I want all of us – you and me, too – to think about: What does holiness look like?

God calls us to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Jesus said we are to be in the world as His sanctified ambassadors, but we are not to be products of the world (John 17:15-18).
Paul tells us to “Flee from sexual immorality” because we are not our own, we’ve bought and paid for with the blood of Christ (1 Cor 6:18-20).
Jesus clearly told us that lustful thoughts are the same as adultery (Matt 5:28).

God’s Word is black and white. So why do we keep trying to blend God’s truth. Holiness is not grey – not any shade of grey.

I know today’s post may sound harsh to you, but this topic is heavy on my heart. I really want to hear your thoughts. And I would love for you to share this post.Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Shooting in Colorado Movie Theater – Where was God?

Where was God last Friday at midnight when a disturbed young man opened fire in an Aurora movie theater? Did God care when suspect James Holmes killed twelve and wounded dozens more in this shooting spree?

Tragedies like this one always raise these kinds of difficult questions. Yes, we live in a fallen world where evil is prevalent. And although I believe God is able to prevent these horrific acts of evil, sometimes He doesn’t.

Why does God allow evil?

I certainly don’t have all the answers. In fact, only God does. However, the Bible teaches many truths about God we can cling to in times like these. For instance, God has the power and authority to act. He is involved in His creation. He knows and cares about every aspect of our lives. I know these things are true and accept them even when I still have questions.

About a year ago, I wrote a serious of blogs about why God allows difficulties in the lives of believers and how He uses them. These biblical truths also apply to the question of why God allows evil.

Why, Oh Why?

Here’s a quick summary and link to each post.

The Bible clearly teaches that God’s faithful children will experience trials and difficulties. Why, Oh Why Introduction

God promises and is able to bring good out of difficulty in the lives of those who love Him.   Why, Oh Why Part 2

God can and will use our pain and trials for His greater purpose. Why, Oh Why 3

God uses the pain, grief, and difficulty He allows into our life to purify and strengthen our faith.  Why, Oh Why 4

Even when we can’t see the reason for our sufferings we can still stand on the character, power, and love of God and place our trust in Him. Why, Oh Why final

Pray for Colorado Victims

Let’s continue to pray for the victims and the families of the Aurora shooting. May God comfort, strengthen, and fill them with the peace only He can give.

I’d love to see the comments full of prayers for these that are hurting. Will you add your prayers for them below.Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Distractions surround me. Facebook lures when I’m writing. The sun through the window beckons me outside when I should be cleaning house. And Steinmart seems to block my path when I’m out running errands.

Gospel Distractions

Unfortunately, many things also distract believers from what should be our primary focus. Church tradition, programs, and committees sometimes complicate the simple truth of the Gospel message. We get sidetracked from the issue of “first importance.”

This happened to the Christians in Corinth too. Full of sin and fractured by factions, this body of believers argued over which spiritual gifts were the greatest and too the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner. They had allowed many things to distract them from the most important thing, so Paul reminded them:

Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Cor 15:1-4, NIV

Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus

Jesus on the cross

This is the heart of our faith and our only hope: Jesus crucified, buried, and resurrected. Without this message there is no need for church buildings, youth camp, or women’s ministry. If Jesus did not die for our sins and defeat death through resurrection, we might as well lock up the church doors and fire the pastor.

But, – praise God – we have a crucified and risen Savior! Everything we say, do, and live for should center on this truth of “first importance.”

What distracts you from the Gospel? How can we keep our focus on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ?Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

This is the fifth in a series of lessons from Galatians 5:16-26 on the Fruit of the Spirit. You may view the entire lesson here or download it in Word or a PDF.

I know what you’re thinking. Images of horror movies and the undead have probably crept into your mind. Just for fun, I Googled “The Walking Dead,” the title of today’s lesson. Did you know there’s a TV series with the same name? This drama on AMC tells the story of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a zombie epidemic.

Thankfully, our fifth lesson in the “Fruit of the Spirit” has nothing to do with zombies. But we do need to talk about death – our own, in fact.

Plant: We can’t produce the fruit of the Spirit

Here’s the truth of it: We cannot produce the fruit of the Spirit. We cannot – with any consistency – live a life characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control.

You may be able to muster up a loving act now and again. I might work up enough will-power to control my fleshly desires in one instance today. But our lives will never abundantly exhibit the characteristics of Christ by our own strength and works. In today’s lesson we will explore how a life full of the Spirit’s fruit is possible.

Read Galatians 5:22-25. Are we told to produce the Fruit of the Spirit? (Circle one)  Yes   No

In lesson two, “What is Fruit?” we learned that “fruit” is the natural by-product of the Holy Spirit. Only the Spirit can produce these characteristics in our lives. As we allow Him to take control, His life will be manifested in ours.

Cultivate: We must die to self

Identify two things in the passage we should be doing.

Paul used the “active” voice in verse 24 when he wrote “have crucified the sinful nature.” This signifies an act that a believer has done and must continue to do to herself.

What do you think “crucifying our sinful nature” looks like in everyday life?

Remember this is something we can do. We can choose to turn away from our sinful desires. Because of the presence of the Holy Spirit, we have the power to resist temptation and choose the way out God provides (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Before we take a closer look at the second thing we should be doing, read Romans 8:11-14. According to this passage, what “obligation” do we have as believers? Check all that apply.

___ To  follow our sinful nature and submit to its desires

___ To turn away from the deeds of our sinful nature

___ To submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit

Grow: Walk by the Spirit

According to Romans 8:11, why do we have this obligation?

Paul reinforces this reasoning in Galatians 5:25. Since the Holy Spirit has given new life to our sin-dead souls, we are obligated to follow His lead. This is the second thing we should be doing. Depending on your translation, you may read “keep in step with,” “follow the Spirit’s leading,” or “let us walk by.” Here’s how Strong’s Greek and Hebrew Dictionary defines the Greek word  stoicheo, that is translated in these various ways:

1) To proceed in a row as the march of a soldier, go in order; metaph. to go on prosperously, to turn out well

2) To walk; to direct one’s life, to live

Considering the definition of “walk,” what does it mean to “walk by” or “keep in step with” the Spirit?

Read Galatians 2:20 below from the New Living Translation:

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

How does this verse help us understand what it means to “walk by the Spirit.”

On my own, I would produce nothing but sinful works. Even my “good fruit” would be rotten. My flesh is too weak and sinful and to produce the characteristics of Christ. Kathy must “die.” I have to get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit live Christ’s life through me. It’s the appropriate response to the One who saved my life. And my eternal hope.

Let’s talk: What is the hardest thing for you about following the Spirit? What helps you submit to His leadership?Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

When we began this study, I mentioned my lemon tree. How it budded and bloomed. How the little lemons began to grow. Six weeks later the lemons aren’t ready to harvest. The fruit is still growing; the lemons still green. Fruit production takes time. But I will drink lemonade!

Like physical fruit needs time to grow, the fruit of the Spirit will not ripen in our lives overnight. We must work consistently to crucify the old nature. We must continually refuse to give in to our fleshly desires and yield our will to the Spirit’s. We can say “no” to our sinful nature, accept the “way out” God provides, and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.

As we grow, the characteristics of Christ – fruit of the Spirit – will be manifested in our lives. As the Spirit transforms us more and more into the image of Christ, we will produce a beautiful, bountiful fruit harvest!

Plant: Knowing the Fruit

In Week Two, we discussed the meaning of “fruit.” The Greek word “karpos” refers to the natural product of the Holy Spirit, who lives inside every believer. The word is singular, signifying that “fruit” is a unified whole. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary suggests we think of the fruit as a “bunch of grapes instead of separate pieces of fruit.” As we grow in Christ-likeness we will produce all the characteristics of His nature.

If you memorized Galatians 5:22-23, then you know the 9 characteristics of the Spirit’s fruit. List them below. If you didn’t memorize the passage, read it now, then list them.

Let’s consider the meaning of each characteristic. Place the letter of a definition in the blank before the correct characteristic. (To double-check, the answer key is at the end of the lesson!)

___ 1. Love

Cultivate: Find out More

Let’s take a quick look at an example of each characteristic in action. Read the following Scripture passages. Make observations on the operation of these characteristics.

Galatians 5:13-14 (love):
John 16:22 (joy):
Romans 5:1 (peace):
2 Timothy 4:2 (patience):
Titus 3:4 (kindness):
Romans 15:14 (goodness):
2 Thessalonians 1:4 (faithfulness/faith):
2 Timothy 2:24-25 (gentleness/gentle):
2 Peter 1:5-6 (self-control):

Grow: Ready for a Harvest

We’ve talked facts and definitions. Now, let’s get personal. It’s time to do a fruit check. This is between each of us and God. Spend some quiet time with Him now and reflect on each characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit.

Ask God to show you the quality of the Spirit’s fruit in your life. Think about some recent circumstances. In the space below, jot down times you feel the Spirit’s character was manifested and times you allowed your natural, sinful character to take over.

Although we will battle our fleshly nature for the rest of our lives, we become more sensitive to the Spirit’s leading as we mature and learn to recognize His voice. As we end our study together, I pray God will encourage, strengthen, and grow you in the days ahead!

Let’s talk: What did you learn in this study that has encouraged or challenged you the most?

 

Fruit of the Spirit definition answer key. 1c, 2f, 3h, 4a, 5g, 6b, 7d, 8i, 9eShare and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Do you need a miracle?

You may have a health problem, a financial need, or a troubled relationship. Maybe you’ve lost hope. Don’t know where to turn. Feel like giving up.

Do you believe miracles are possible?

God is a God of miracles. But we forget. We believe in the miraculous events of the Bible, yet we fail to expect God to work powerfully in our lives today. Why is that?

“When You Need a Miracle: How to Ask God for the Impossible”

In her powerful new book, “When You Need a Miracle,” Linda Evans Shepherd reminds us of several important truths we sometimes seem to forget:

God loves us.
God cares about every aspect of our lives.
God hears our prayers and answers them.
Nothing is too hard for God.

Believer, God still performs miracles today! We can ask our Father to act on our behalf. In “When You Need a Miracle,” Linda explains how to reach out to God and ask for a miracle. Through solid biblical teaching and real-life stories of answered prayer, Linda walks with readers on a journey to renewed hope in God and His activity in our lives.

Linda also highlights the truth that God is not a spiritual vending machine. We cannot control Him or how He answers our prayers. He will work to bring about His saving purposes in the world and in ways that bring His best to the lives of His children. Therefore, God’s miracles may not come packaged in the ways we would expect, but they do come in ways that will transform our lives.

“When You Need a Miracle” shows readers how to approach God and ask for the impossible in a way consistent with Scripture. If life’s circumstances have left you discouraged and hopeless, this book is for you. Linda brings God’s truth about prayer, His love for us, and His power together in a way that will encourage your heart, strengthen your faith, and renew your hope in miracles.

Praise for “When You Need a Miracle”

“I’m a woman who needs a God-sized miracle in a family situation. Linda’s book gave me all of the tools for asking, waiting, and receiving extraordinary answers to prayer–not always in the way I was expecting–but with life-changing, transformational results. Read this book and you will agree that miracles still happen.”–Carol Kent, speaker and author of Between a Rock and a Grace Place

Buy “When You Need a Miracle” at Amazon now!

Linda Evans Shepherd

Linda Evans Shepherd is the author of over thirty books including and the co-author of the popular series the Potluck Club and the Potluck Catering Club. Linda is an international speaker, media personality and leader of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She’s married and has two children. Learn more about Linda, her speaking, and her ministries.Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Over the years I’ve felt mostly support as I’ve taught God’s Word, ministered to women, and served in the church. I wrote “mostly” because there have been a few minor occasions when individuals objected to a certain aspect of ministry or a specific action. While none of them were serious, it did give me a sense of what strong opposition by another believer might feel like.

Support or Opposition?

I thought of this recently when I read about the friendship between David and Jonathan during my daily quiet time. As always, Jonathan’s loyalty struck me. But this time through 1 Samuel, what stood out even more was how Jonathan’s support of David sharply contrasted with Saul’s opposition.

19 Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David 2 and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. 3 I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I’ll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out.” 4 Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. 5 He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The LORD won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?”

1 Samuel 19:1-5, NIV

Jonathan recognized God was working through David to accomplish His purposes (vs 5). Therefore, Jonathan supported David and refused to side with his father. Saul opposed David because of jealousy. David’s success drew attention and Saul sought his own glory instead of God’s. Jonathan was David’s friend, but his father Saul was David’s foe.

Unity among believers

Jealousy is only one of many reasons believers oppose each other. Tradition, misunderstanding, personality clashes, hurt feelings, and more all work to pit believer against believer. God calls believers to unity (1 Corinthians 12:25). He wants us to strengthen, encourage, and help each other as we carry out the work He has for us.

God uses many wonderful Christian friends to spur me on in ministry and service. In fact there have been a few times that I might have given up on a task had not one of them “intervened” with encouragement. I thank God for every one of them.

I also want to support other believers. I want to be a friend and not a foe as they serve God and minister to His people.

In what ways have other believers supported and encouraged you? Is there someone in your life now that needs your support? How can you do that in practical ways?

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This is the fourth in a series of lessons from Galatians 5:16-26 on the Fruit of the Spirit. You may view the entire lesson here or download it in Word or a PDF.

 

If you’ve had any experience with a GPS or use a navigation system for driving directions then you are familiar with the following phrases:

Recalculating

Make a legal u-turn as soon as possible

My anxiety level rises dramatically when I hear that little computerized voice. In layman’s terms, “recalculating” means “You aren’t following my directions!” And the command to make a u-turn means, “You’re going the wrong way! Turn around immediately and go the other way!”

Plant: What does fleshly fruit look like?

Like these GPS warnings to drivers, there are certain things that should raise a red flag in our faith if they are present in our lives. In Galatians, Paul refers to these signs as “acts of the sinful nature.” These attitudes and behaviors are contrary to the Spirit and what He wants to produce in our lives.

Read Galatians 5:19-21 from the New Living Translation below.

19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.  Galatians 5:19-21, NLT

Grow: Is our life growing any fruit of the flesh?

Circle any fruit of the sinful nature in the passage above that sometimes pop up in your life.

This list in Galatians is not exhaustive. Paul merely gave the believers in Galatia a sample of the fruit of the flesh. And everyone will struggle with different things. Let’s read two more passages from Paul’s letters to broaden our understanding of “the acts of the sinful nature.”

Read the following passages (maybe in more than one translation) and list any attitudes or behaviors that your sinful nature tends to produce.

Ephesians 4:22-32 and 5:1-7:

Colossians 3:5-10:

The presence of these attitudes and behaviors reveal that sometimes we allow our sinful nature to win a spiritual battle. If you’re like most Christians – including me – your life does produce some fleshly fruit from time to time. We still occasionally choose our own way over God’s and reject the “way out” He promises to provide when we’re tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Cultivate: What can we do to get rid of the bad fruit?

Believer, whether our lives have produced a handful of fleshly fruit or an abundant crop, God’s desire for us is less “acts of the sinful nature” and more “fruit of the Spirit.” In the remainder of this lesson we are going to prepare our lives for the Spirit’s harvest by weeding out the bad fruit and tilling our heart for the Spirit’s work.

Read James 4:1-10.

Jesus’ brother James wrote to Christians caught in a cycle of sin. They had proudly rejected the leadership of the Spirit and chosen their own way. Distance from God, difficult relationships with God’s people, and a harvest of fleshly fruit were the result. But James commanded a remedy. I can hear him saying, “Make a legal u-turn as soon as possible!”

List phrases and words (vs 1-4) that describe their relationship with God and other believers.

Look back through verses 6-10 and list all the verbs you can spot that describe the actions a Christian should take when we’ve chosen our own way over God’s (I spotted 10).

These actions characterize true repentance. Sometimes Christians merely give lip service to repentance. But until we humble ourselves before God, grieve over our sin, and turn away from it we have not experienced real repentance. We must make a u-turn!

Read 1 John 1:9. How does God promise to respond to our repentance?

Today’s lesson has been very personal – and maybe even painful. We all have bad fruit in our lives. But, praise God, He does indeed allow u-turns! Take some time this week to sit quietly with God and work through getting rid of the fleshly fruit. In the meantime, let’s talk more about the process of repentance:

Let’s talk: Was there anything in James 4:6-10 about repentance that surprised you? Maybe an attitude God calls us to adopt or an action you previously have not considered part of repentance.Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Last week I visited the 911 Memorial at Ground Zero in Manhattan. The memorial is a beautiful tribute to the almost 3,000 men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 when terrorists flew planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. The towers fell and many died while America and the rest of the world watched.

Visit to the 911 Memorial

Now, ten years later, two massive reflecting pools occupy the spaces where the two towers once stood. Water cascades down the sides of the pools and runs into the seemingly bottomless holes in the centers. The bronze ledges surrounding the pools are engraved with the names of the victims. Each name representing a life lived.

South Reflecting Pool at 911 Memorial

More than 400 swamp white oak trees now grow in the plaza, dotting the landscape with life. But one tree – the “Survivor” tree – stands out from the rest. This Callery pear grew on the original World Trade Center Plaza for three decades. After the attack, workers found the eight foot stump of the damaged tree in the debris. It was taken to a city park and nursed back to health. Now more than 30 feet tall, this tree represents the 911 spirit of survival and resilience.

The Survivor Tree

A strong mix of emotions hit me as I walked the new plaza. Anger, grief, patriotism, and hope each took its turn at the forefront of my feelings. So much loss. So many left to mourn. Countless families torn apart. Yet even as our nation grieved, hope rose. Stories of courage, strength, and faith began to be told and shared. Like the heroes of Flight 93 who gave their lives to save many others.

One World Trade Center

The rebuilding confirms our declarations of hope. When I visited the memorial, One World Trade Center – the new building being erected near the pools – was nearing completion. It will be the tallest building in America and a visual reminder of America’s perseverance and commitment to freedom. We have grieved, but we continue to move forward.

Believers can grieve with hope

Believers have a unique ability to grieve with hope. Paul clearly declared this hope to the Christians in Thessalonica.

13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15, NLT

Yes, we experience loss and we will mourn those losses. But we do not have to grieve like those without Christ. They grieve without hope of reunion. We know our loss will be restored. When Christ returns, we will be united with those believers who have gone before us. Our loss is temporary. Our hope, eternal.

How does the eternal hope of a believer temper our grief? Who have you lost that you know you will see again when Christ comes?

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