Yesterday, as I was raking leaves, I discovered a worm snake. It was small (less than a foot long), and not poisonous. Probably relatively harmless.
But I absolutely killed that thing.
I killed it DEAD. It was chopped up in to bits less than an inch long (praise Jesus for machetes and generous friends!)
The Lord taught me a valuable lesson as I killed that snake. I was recently reading in Judges about how the Israelites would enslave the conquered lands, but they failed to drive them out. Additionally, we see in Genesis how Eve talks to the snake and engages it in conversation, thus leading to her being deceived. Both of these narratives remind me of how to deal with sin. We must put it to death, not entertain it or “master it.” We’re not quite as capable as we would like to think.
Israel fell in to idolatry for generations by failing to kill the conquered peoples and their idols. Adam and Eve led mankind to fall in to sin due to entertaining a seemingly harmless conversation with a serpent. But God is clear- we are to crucify our flesh and its desires, and flee from any sin that may entangle us.
Which is (oddly) what came to mind as I chopped up this rogue reptile slithering through my yard. The snake wasn’t the problem- it was what it could lead to.
First, I thought the snake was a baby. I don’t want to find an even bigger snake next spring! So I killed it when it was small.
Second, I couldn’t see its head, so I didn’t know if it was poisonous or not- I’m not taking any chances. Let it be known: Catoe don’t play.
Third- my roommates have made it abundantly clear that they do not like snakes. For peace of mind, this thing had to go.
You guys, the same is true for our sin!
I must put it to death when it is smaller and manageable (a baby sin, if you will); if I wait until it has taken root, the battle will be much more difficult. I will still have victory in Christ, but why make a battle more difficult than it needs to be? Scripture instructs us to put to death the sin that lies within us, to lay aside any thing that may entangle us. That means kill it ASAP.
The devil has been observing humanity much longer than I have- I don’t know what sins will prove to be venomous in my life. Oftentimes, when I think I am not susceptible to a certain sin, I am placed directly in the cross hairs for it. I am never “too good” for sin- only Jesus is. I am sinful to the very core of my nature; without the saving power of Christ, I am dead in my sin. So I need to kill my sin, mercilessly- because it may seem “harmless” today- but it may not be tomorrow. And I’m not willing to risk it.
Also, God hates sin! Out of respect for Him, I need to kill it! Even if I don’t care if it is dangerous, if it is small, if it can kill- I love and respect the Lord too much to let it stay in my life. It is a beautiful way to love and honor the Lord, but abstaining from the things He abhors and seeking after the things He desires.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
I love and hate when Jesus makes me cry.
I am not a very emotional person. Well, that’s a lie….we’re all emotional people, we just express emotions differently. I’m not a person that is very outwardly expressive with my emotions. I don’t process them in the typical feminine way- I don’t cry much, and I hate just sitting around to talk about “how I feel.” Gross.
However, I think it would be in poor judgment to deny that I have feelings and emotions. I often want to go against the typical female persona by asserting my lack of emotional response and hatred of all things pink and chick-flicky. But that does a huge disservice to femininity. My womanhood is defined by Christ, not culture. So I need to not only admit that I have emotions, but also strive to redeem them.
As I began to strive to redeem my emotions and reactions, one question kept coming to mind: What does that look like?
Good question, right?
First, it means that my attitude, my hormones, my moodiness, my “bad days”: those don’t get to determine my behavior and thought pattern for the day. I must fight to take every thought captive to the glory of God- that includes thoughts about others, thoughts about myself, and my thoughts about God. I must know the God of the Bible, not the God of my perception. I also must particularly fight against the enemy’s lies and idols.
It also means that my thoughts and affections should be influenced by one thing, and one thing only: Christ. He should be the only thing that gets to impact my thoughts, moods, emotions, and behaviors. Not friends, not work, not relationships, not boys, not girls, not children, not my situation. Just Christ.
This opens me up to a whole new realm of emotional response. My heart becomes broken over different things. When I truly begin to place Christ at the center, I am less focused on my own will and more in tune with His. I am less concerned about glorifying myself, and more concerned about glorifying Him.
This means that my heartbreak is not over a silly boy and whether or not he pays attention to me that day, or if he thinks I’m pretty. “Charm is fleeting and beauty is deceptive, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31).
You know what will begin to break my heart instead? The same thing that grieves the Lord’s heart.
The lost.
The broken.
The needy.
I begin to experience the truth of Romans 8:22-25: “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience”
When was the last time you missed Jesus. Like, REALLY missed Him? I get to spend time with Him, talk with Him, but there’s some days where I see how easily my sin entangles me, and I just yearn to be with Him. I hate the separation! It feels like a long distance relationship some days. I long for the day when He comes back to get us. It’s one of the divine tensions about living in the “already, but not yet.”
So we wait, and we hope, and we boldly preach and share the Gospel. And you know what happens in this process? My heart begins to change. My emotional expression begins to change. As my affection for Christ consumes my thoughts and feelings, He begins to move me in new and scary ways.
I hate crying. Like, really hate it. But I have cried more in the past year than ever before because the Lord has burdened me with a heart for the lost…and also because some days I just miss Jesus! It sucks not being with Him, and some days I feel the weight of that more heavily than others. Seems a little silly saying that; but at the same time, I’m glad that the Lord would let me empathize with Him in this way.
He has a heart for the lost. He has a yearning to be with us and draw us near to Him. As I dwell on those aspects of God’s emotions, it begins to move my heart and create a response in me that I know doesn’t come from myself. But it also makes His Word come alive, and allows me to feel the weight behind His words. I begin to empathize with Him as I feel the tension in my desire for everyone to know the Lord versus my desire to go and be with Him as soon as possible. But the Lord is patient. And He is gracious enough to allow me to experience even a shadow of His heart.
However, I think it would be in poor judgment to deny that I have feelings and emotions. I often want to go against the typical female persona by asserting my lack of emotional response and hatred of all things pink and chick-flicky. But that does a huge disservice to femininity. My womanhood is defined by Christ, not culture. So I need to not only admit that I have emotions, but also strive to redeem them.
As I began to strive to redeem my emotions and reactions, one question kept coming to mind: What does that look like?
Good question, right?
First, it means that my attitude, my hormones, my moodiness, my “bad days”: those don’t get to determine my behavior and thought pattern for the day. I must fight to take every thought captive to the glory of God- that includes thoughts about others, thoughts about myself, and my thoughts about God. I must know the God of the Bible, not the God of my perception. I also must particularly fight against the enemy’s lies and idols.
It also means that my thoughts and affections should be influenced by one thing, and one thing only: Christ. He should be the only thing that gets to impact my thoughts, moods, emotions, and behaviors. Not friends, not work, not relationships, not boys, not girls, not children, not my situation. Just Christ.
This opens me up to a whole new realm of emotional response. My heart becomes broken over different things. When I truly begin to place Christ at the center, I am less focused on my own will and more in tune with His. I am less concerned about glorifying myself, and more concerned about glorifying Him.
This means that my heartbreak is not over a silly boy and whether or not he pays attention to me that day, or if he thinks I’m pretty. “Charm is fleeting and beauty is deceptive, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31).
You know what will begin to break my heart instead? The same thing that grieves the Lord’s heart.
The lost.
The broken.
The needy.
I begin to experience the truth of Romans 8:22-25: “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience”
When was the last time you missed Jesus. Like, REALLY missed Him? I get to spend time with Him, talk with Him, but there’s some days where I see how easily my sin entangles me, and I just yearn to be with Him. I hate the separation! It feels like a long distance relationship some days. I long for the day when He comes back to get us. It’s one of the divine tensions about living in the “already, but not yet.”
So we wait, and we hope, and we boldly preach and share the Gospel. And you know what happens in this process? My heart begins to change. My emotional expression begins to change. As my affection for Christ consumes my thoughts and feelings, He begins to move me in new and scary ways.
I hate crying. Like, really hate it. But I have cried more in the past year than ever before because the Lord has burdened me with a heart for the lost…and also because some days I just miss Jesus! It sucks not being with Him, and some days I feel the weight of that more heavily than others. Seems a little silly saying that; but at the same time, I’m glad that the Lord would let me empathize with Him in this way.
He has a heart for the lost. He has a yearning to be with us and draw us near to Him. As I dwell on those aspects of God’s emotions, it begins to move my heart and create a response in me that I know doesn’t come from myself. But it also makes His Word come alive, and allows me to feel the weight behind His words. I begin to empathize with Him as I feel the tension in my desire for everyone to know the Lord versus my desire to go and be with Him as soon as possible. But the Lord is patient. And He is gracious enough to allow me to experience even a shadow of His heart.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
God > Hormones
Confession: this week, I’ve had a BAD attitude. Some call it cranky, sleepy, irritable- but let’s be real. My emotions shouldn’t control me, so I have to stop using euphemisms for my sin. I have been fighting against a bad attitude for almost a full week now. It has affected my mood, my demeanor, my thoughts, and my motives. I have had to frequently just leave the room disengage from a conversation simply because my attitude was preventing me from contributing to a situation- anything that I would have said would have been discouraging.
That is not how the Lord instructs us to live. His Word tells us to have the same attitude as Christ (Phil. 2:5). That has been a convicting verse for me this week. I have NOT had the attitude of Jesus; my attitude has been closer to the enemy’s- out to steal, kill, and destroy. You know what I’m talking about- those days where you are just cranky and out to bring the world down with you? Your thoughts are not Christ-exalting, encouraging, edifying, or beneficial; they are hateful, hurtful, and focused on me.
So today, I had a long over-due Jesus moment. I got to work early, so I parked in a random neighborhood, turned on the Christmas music, and got in to the Word. The Lord graciously provided 2 Corinthians 4 and 5 for me to chew on this morning. This passage reminds us that we have treasures (the Good News) stored in a jar of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us (4:7). I had been frustrated all morning with my attitude. I wanted to get over it and joyfully serve the Lord and encourage His people with all sincerity. I’ve been serving still, but my heart has not been as encouraged by it. It was quickly becoming a to-do list instead of ministering to me and overflowing from affection for the Lord.
Then I stumbled upon this verse. Frustrated in my own weakness, the Lord reminded me that this body- these hormones that so frequently alter my mood and attitude for the day- is merely a jar of clay. It’s a common vessel. But in those days, the most priceless treasures were hidden in common vessels, where you would least expect it. I have this treasure. Yet my jar is plain, and it is fragile. Yet in its fragility, it points to the strength of the Lord. I would break under the strain if it weren’t for the sustaining power and affection of the Lord! Paul says it best when he states “it is in my weakness that the power of Christ is made perfect; therefore I will BOAST all the more gladly in my weaknesses.”
I am susceptible to sin. Often, I still behave as though I’m enslaved to it. But I have been set free by a Mighty Redeemer- and His blood is more powerful than my emotions. When I don’t want to trust the God I feel, I must trust the God I know.
That is not how the Lord instructs us to live. His Word tells us to have the same attitude as Christ (Phil. 2:5). That has been a convicting verse for me this week. I have NOT had the attitude of Jesus; my attitude has been closer to the enemy’s- out to steal, kill, and destroy. You know what I’m talking about- those days where you are just cranky and out to bring the world down with you? Your thoughts are not Christ-exalting, encouraging, edifying, or beneficial; they are hateful, hurtful, and focused on me.
So today, I had a long over-due Jesus moment. I got to work early, so I parked in a random neighborhood, turned on the Christmas music, and got in to the Word. The Lord graciously provided 2 Corinthians 4 and 5 for me to chew on this morning. This passage reminds us that we have treasures (the Good News) stored in a jar of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us (4:7). I had been frustrated all morning with my attitude. I wanted to get over it and joyfully serve the Lord and encourage His people with all sincerity. I’ve been serving still, but my heart has not been as encouraged by it. It was quickly becoming a to-do list instead of ministering to me and overflowing from affection for the Lord.
Then I stumbled upon this verse. Frustrated in my own weakness, the Lord reminded me that this body- these hormones that so frequently alter my mood and attitude for the day- is merely a jar of clay. It’s a common vessel. But in those days, the most priceless treasures were hidden in common vessels, where you would least expect it. I have this treasure. Yet my jar is plain, and it is fragile. Yet in its fragility, it points to the strength of the Lord. I would break under the strain if it weren’t for the sustaining power and affection of the Lord! Paul says it best when he states “it is in my weakness that the power of Christ is made perfect; therefore I will BOAST all the more gladly in my weaknesses.”
I am susceptible to sin. Often, I still behave as though I’m enslaved to it. But I have been set free by a Mighty Redeemer- and His blood is more powerful than my emotions. When I don’t want to trust the God I feel, I must trust the God I know.
God's Love Languages
You may have heard of a book that was written a few years ago called “The Five Love Languages.” I haven’t read it yet, but from the summaries I have heard, the book explains that people communicate and receive love in five major ways: acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, and physical touch. I must admit, at first I hated the concept of this book. Mostly because it seems super cheesy to ask people “What’s your love language.” Ick. It just sounds so- therapeutic and emotional. I just can’t hang with that type of diction. It’s a personal problem.
However, over the years, the concept has grown on me. As much as I hate the cheesy-ness of it, the five love languages do seem to be a quick and accurate way to discover a deeper truth or issue in relationships. It is super helpful in resolving conflicts, especially among roommates and (I would assume) couples.
As I looked more in to the idea of these “love languages,” the more it began to stick out to me: These are absolutely true of God as well! It’s a reasonable assumption, right? Scripture tells us we are made in the image of God, so it would follow logically that we would express and receive love in a similar fashion.
Still want convincing? (The answer should be yes!) Let’s look at each one.
Acts of service: The Word tells us that faith without deeds is dead (James2:14, 17), those who love the Lord will love His people (Matthew 25:31-46) , and even states that to love the Lord and love His people are the two most important commandments, supporting all the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:37-40)! God additionally spends countless verses admonishing believers in both the OT and NT to take care of the orphans and widows, and all those less fortunate than us. Jesus also set the perfect example for this in washing the disciples feet.
Words of affirmation: For God, words of affirmation are ESSENTIAL. First, this is the heart of worship! We are affirming God’s character. We are speaking well of Him. It is also an essential part of prayer. We must start by realizing Who it is we are talking to. If you don’t think this is a key part of God’s heart, read through the Psalms and check out the songs being sung around the throne in Revelation 4:8, 5:9, 11:17-18, 15:3-4, 16:16:7, 19:1-4, etc. Then look at how Jesus spoke of the Father! He always spoke highly of God, and he communed with Him frequently.
Quality time: Jesus made sure to make time to be with God. He would often even stay up all night just to go to a hilltop isolated from the crowds and talk to God. In the Garden of Gesthemene, He used His last moments as a “free man” to commune with God the Father. He could have fled; instead He prayed to God and submitted to His will. It is the same with us! We must spend time with God; we are told to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and to “seek His face continually” (Psalm 105:4; 1 Chronicles 16:11). Spend time with Him- not just a Sunday morning.
Gifts: God asks for our tithes and offerings! He wants to invite us to partake in advancing the Kingdom financially, but it is also a way to express our love and affection for God. Scripture tells us that “the Lord loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Jesus displayed this by cleansing the temple (a house of prayer, not a den of robbers- they were misappropriating the funds!), as well as commending sacrificial givers like the poor widow in Luke 21:1-4.
Physical Touch: As you may be thinking, it is hard to express love for a Spiritual Being in terms of physical touch. However, for this expression, we must look to the life of Christ. Throughout His ministry, He performed a lot of healings. If you notice, He would often touch people as He healed them. This didn’t seem like a big deal to me until I realized that many of these people hadn’t been touched in years. They were considered unclean! The Lord cares enough about physical affection (and how that expresses love) that He healed by touching lepers. That is mind-blowing.
Not only can we see how God instructs us to love Him through these “Five Love Languages,” but we also see how He is the perfect example of each one! He knew His people and how to love them well. However, knowing this information about God and how He “receives love” (for lack of a better phrase- we know that God doesn’t need our love, but we’re privileged to give Him our affections), it spurs me on to love Him well.
I don’t like singing, but I know that the Lord loves to be serenaded. So I sing hard! It isn’t always easy to give financially, but I must make it a priority. Sometime, I want to take a nap instead of serve the needy, but I need to get over my prioritization of my own comfort. It may not be easy for me to wake up early and have a quiet time, but I can’t idolize sleep over my time with the Lord. When I see people hurting and dirty and in need, I may prefer to merely sympathize with their need, but I need to experience it; to touch and feel their life, not remain removed from it.
Do you see how we can choose to love the Lord well? How it is expressed in the love languages? In our lives?
This has radically altered how I love the Lord. It spurs me on to deeper exploration of new ways to express my affection for Christ. It also encourages me to be more “God-focused” in my relationship with the Lord. Sounds silly, right? But I’ve realized I’m so focused on how I feel loved by the Lord that I fail to consider how I can be a blessing to the Lord. It’s easy for me to think of ways to encourage other believers- but do I ever consider how I can encourage the Lord? How I can love Him better?
However, over the years, the concept has grown on me. As much as I hate the cheesy-ness of it, the five love languages do seem to be a quick and accurate way to discover a deeper truth or issue in relationships. It is super helpful in resolving conflicts, especially among roommates and (I would assume) couples.
As I looked more in to the idea of these “love languages,” the more it began to stick out to me: These are absolutely true of God as well! It’s a reasonable assumption, right? Scripture tells us we are made in the image of God, so it would follow logically that we would express and receive love in a similar fashion.
Still want convincing? (The answer should be yes!) Let’s look at each one.
Acts of service: The Word tells us that faith without deeds is dead (James2:14, 17), those who love the Lord will love His people (Matthew 25:31-46) , and even states that to love the Lord and love His people are the two most important commandments, supporting all the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:37-40)! God additionally spends countless verses admonishing believers in both the OT and NT to take care of the orphans and widows, and all those less fortunate than us. Jesus also set the perfect example for this in washing the disciples feet.
Words of affirmation: For God, words of affirmation are ESSENTIAL. First, this is the heart of worship! We are affirming God’s character. We are speaking well of Him. It is also an essential part of prayer. We must start by realizing Who it is we are talking to. If you don’t think this is a key part of God’s heart, read through the Psalms and check out the songs being sung around the throne in Revelation 4:8, 5:9, 11:17-18, 15:3-4, 16:16:7, 19:1-4, etc. Then look at how Jesus spoke of the Father! He always spoke highly of God, and he communed with Him frequently.
Quality time: Jesus made sure to make time to be with God. He would often even stay up all night just to go to a hilltop isolated from the crowds and talk to God. In the Garden of Gesthemene, He used His last moments as a “free man” to commune with God the Father. He could have fled; instead He prayed to God and submitted to His will. It is the same with us! We must spend time with God; we are told to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and to “seek His face continually” (Psalm 105:4; 1 Chronicles 16:11). Spend time with Him- not just a Sunday morning.
Gifts: God asks for our tithes and offerings! He wants to invite us to partake in advancing the Kingdom financially, but it is also a way to express our love and affection for God. Scripture tells us that “the Lord loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Jesus displayed this by cleansing the temple (a house of prayer, not a den of robbers- they were misappropriating the funds!), as well as commending sacrificial givers like the poor widow in Luke 21:1-4.
Physical Touch: As you may be thinking, it is hard to express love for a Spiritual Being in terms of physical touch. However, for this expression, we must look to the life of Christ. Throughout His ministry, He performed a lot of healings. If you notice, He would often touch people as He healed them. This didn’t seem like a big deal to me until I realized that many of these people hadn’t been touched in years. They were considered unclean! The Lord cares enough about physical affection (and how that expresses love) that He healed by touching lepers. That is mind-blowing.
Not only can we see how God instructs us to love Him through these “Five Love Languages,” but we also see how He is the perfect example of each one! He knew His people and how to love them well. However, knowing this information about God and how He “receives love” (for lack of a better phrase- we know that God doesn’t need our love, but we’re privileged to give Him our affections), it spurs me on to love Him well.
I don’t like singing, but I know that the Lord loves to be serenaded. So I sing hard! It isn’t always easy to give financially, but I must make it a priority. Sometime, I want to take a nap instead of serve the needy, but I need to get over my prioritization of my own comfort. It may not be easy for me to wake up early and have a quiet time, but I can’t idolize sleep over my time with the Lord. When I see people hurting and dirty and in need, I may prefer to merely sympathize with their need, but I need to experience it; to touch and feel their life, not remain removed from it.
Do you see how we can choose to love the Lord well? How it is expressed in the love languages? In our lives?
This has radically altered how I love the Lord. It spurs me on to deeper exploration of new ways to express my affection for Christ. It also encourages me to be more “God-focused” in my relationship with the Lord. Sounds silly, right? But I’ve realized I’m so focused on how I feel loved by the Lord that I fail to consider how I can be a blessing to the Lord. It’s easy for me to think of ways to encourage other believers- but do I ever consider how I can encourage the Lord? How I can love Him better?
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