Perspectives – Page 3 – Deep Thoughts & Little Happenings

June 17, 2021June 16, 2021

Learning From Baseball: Be Alert to the Second D

Key Verse:

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25 (NLT)

Today I’m going to share a thought I had about running the bases. We often see runners get tagged or forced out because they’re watching the ball while running. Runners do not need to watch the ball. The batter is supposed to run as hard and fast as he can toward first base, and as soon as he hits the ball. There’s no need to watch the ball. Why?

Right next to the first base is a First Base Coach. He’s there to make sure the batter knows whether to round the bag toward second or run through the base and stay on first (first base is the only base you can run past without getting tagged out). First Base Coach also gives the homerun signal which allows the batter to slow it down while running all the bases home.

There’s a Third Base Coach too. He’s there to make sure the base runners know whether to round second or third or hold up.

Watching the ball can mean the difference between reaching base, taking an additional base, making a run, or being out.

Watching the ball will distract and slow down even the fastest base runners.

Jesus-followers also have two coaches.

One is God’s written word, the Bible.

The other is Holy Spirit. Our spiritual life begins when the Spirit comes into our lives and seals us in Jesus. But our new life doesn’t just begin with Holy Spirit, following His guidance enables us to live fruitful lives.

There are many things in this life that can distract Jesus-followers, but I think the most insidious for me are the worries and cares of this world. Those little everyday worries that clog my mind with the “what-ifs” I can’t control (and may never even happen). Or those things I “need” to do, “should” do, or “have” to do.

Yes, those are the things I find myself struggling to turn my mind’s eye away from so I can just look for and follow Holy Spirit’s lead.

My worries reveal the places where I’m distracted by my own understanding.

Why do I get distracted? Although I would never say, “I don’t trust God’s word,” or “I don’t trust Holy Spirit,” I’m learning many of my distractions reveal a lack of trust.

My struggle to live in obedience to God’s word reveals where I don’t trust what He says is right. Times when I’m tempted to trust my perspective instead of His.

I want to be alert instead of distracted.

Alert to places where I’m in danger of trusting my own understanding.

Alert to times when I’m in danger of not trusting Holy Spirit’s lead.

Distracted is not who I want to be!

Take A Moment…

1 Pray. Ask Holy Spirit to help you be alert to what distracts you and hinders your ability to see and follow His lead.

2 While reading your Bible this week, be alert to verses you can claim, memorize, and remember when you find yourself distracted by the things of this world.

3 Be intentional. Be alert. Watch for Holy Spirit’s signals and don’t hesitate to follow His lead.

Digging Deeper:

Psalm 25:15, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 6:33-34, Mark 4:18-20, Luke 12:24-26, John 3:5-8, Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:6-8, Philippians 6:8, Hebrews 12:2 & 1 Peter 5:7

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

One more thing: Holy Spirit can be trusted. He will never signal us to do anything contrary to God’s written word. So, if you’re not sure, you can always do like the Bereans and check the Scriptures for confirmation. Acts 17:11

June 10, 2021June 13, 2021

Learning From Baseball: Alert to The First D

Key Verse:

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

Outfielders are not close to the action and their minds can wander while they wait for the batter to hit the ball. Sometimes it takes a while. Not only do some pitchers take a longer amount of time between pitches, but some batters foul off a lot of pitches. The pitcher may have to make eight or nine pitches before the batter hits. Then the batter might strike out and another batter must come to the plate before the ball is ever hit. Sometimes the batters hit only to the infield. This leaves the outfielders in a place of waiting.

That’s when staying alert is extra important. If the mind wanders even a little bit, the crack of the bat hitting the ball will draw his mind back into focus, but the ball is already in play. Missing that moment when the ball comes off the bat means the difference between his ability to read the play, interpret its direction, and be there to either catch or field it cleanly.

The same is true for Jesus-followers. We must be alert at all times. If we let our minds wander, we will be caught off guard and in danger of misreading, misinterpreting, and not being where we need to be and doing what we need to do.

That’s how our opponent works. He lulls us into a place of complacency and then strikes. If we aren’t alert, we can be deceived and we won’t be ready for what’s coming our way.

Okay, there are a lot of ways Jesus-followers can be deceived, but we’re going to focus on one very basic and crucial truth. A truth our enemy does NOT want us to understand; a truth he wants us to misinterpret so our response is off and we create all sorts of hurt for ourselves and others. What is that truth?

God puts us in places of waiting to strengthen us.

Our enemy wants us to doubt the LORD’s love for us. He wants us to feel forgotten and forsaken. He wants to rob us of our confidence in the position we have in Christ Jesus our LORD.

Outfielders have a lot more ground to cover. The gaps between left field, center, and right are big. The gaps between the infield and outfield, and between outfield and the fence are big. He’s not there because he’s of no value to the team. On the contrary! He’s there because his manager knows he is able to accurately interpret the trajectory of the ball’s path, he’s quick enough to cover the ground, and he’s strong enough to return the ball with accuracy to the right location. His manager trusts him to be alert even while he waits.

This week…

1 Read Ephesians 6:1-18 and ask Holy Spirit to help you recognize any places where you have become complacent about the enemy’s desire to deceive you. Practice putting on every piece of armor. Notice the portion of your body each piece protects.

2 Read Isaiah 40:31. What is promised to those who trust in the LORD? Do you really believe those promises? Knowing your answer is crucial during times of waiting. Ask Jesus to show you the places where you struggle to trust.

3 Be alert! Pay attention to your thoughts during times of waiting and/or hardship. Do you struggle with feeling useless and/or forgotten in the outfield of life? Read Romans 8 (yes, the entire chapter). Pay particular attention to all the promises given to those who are in Christ Jesus. Choose one to memorize.

Digging Deeper:

Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 40:31, Jeremiah 29:11-13, John 10:10, Ephesians 6:1-18

June 3, 2021June 3, 2021

Learning from Baseball: An Introduction to the Three D’s

Key Verse:

Stay alert and be clearheaded. 1 Thessalonians 5:6b (NLT)

Last week we looked at the importance of muscle memory. Remember, using our muscle memory doesn’t require thought. But, wait! Every baseball player deliberately develops good muscle memory so he can be alert.

For example, let’s say there is a runner on first and the batter hits a ground ball between first and second. The second baseman will field the ball and throw it to the shortstop who will tag second before throwing the batter out at first.

The shortstop isn’t thinking; watch the ball, run to second base, raise my glove, open my glove, be sure the ball goes into the pocket of the glove, close the glove, avoid the runner, transfer the ball from the glove to my throwing hand, pivot towards first base, spot the first baseman, step in his direction, bring my throwing hand up, release the ball.

No! All of that is done using muscle memory; freeing him to carry out the mechanics of his position while staying alert!

Before the first pitch of every play, the minds of the players on the field are already engaged. They’re aware of their opponents and their locations on the field and they’re already thinking about how they need to respond if the ball comes their way.

Not everyone on the field of play is an active participant in every play.

Look back at the example, the only ones involved in the double play are second base, shortstop, and first base. Excluding the pitcher and catcher who are part of every play, there are four other players on the field who are not an active part of this play.

They still have to be alert. They don’t know where the ball will go until it’s hit. Once hit, they must make split second decisions based on training and experience.

What if the pitcher tips the ball with his glove as it passes by? Or the ball takes a bad hop? Or someone makes an error? That’s when everyone knowing and doing their part prevents a bad situation from becoming worse.

What if the second baseman doesn’t field the ball cleanly and it gets by him? If the right fielder is coming in as soon as the ball is hit, he’s able to field the ball, hold the runner at second, or possibly throw the batter out at first.

Maybe the throw from second baseman to shortstop is missed. Who’s his backup? And who’s supposed to backup the first baseman if the shortstop’s throw goes wide? You get the picture, right?!

Everyone on the field must be alert…

–before the play,
–during the play, and
–until the play is complete.

As soon as one play is over, it’s time to think about the next play.

There is never a time when a player on the field doesn’t need to be alert and clearheaded!

So, what does any of this have to do with being a Jesus-follower?

There is never a time when we don’t need to be alert and clearheaded!

We have an opponent. He’s known by several names; Satan, the devil, the accuser, and the deceiver are just a few. He has an agenda and it’s not for our good. He uses every trick in the book to defeat us. Trickery (deception) is one of his favorites. Distraction is another favorite, but undermining our confidence in Jesus, each other, and our position in Christ is always his goal.

He wants to get into our heads.

He wants to deceive, distract, and disable us.

God’s word renews our mind and exposes the enemy and his tactics, and is one of the reasons reading our Bible is so important.

The longer we’ve been a Jesus-follower, the quicker we will see our opponent, recognize what he’s doing, and remember the correct response. Our previous training and experience help us practice good muscle memory which allows us to be alert to make right decisions no matter what our opponent puts into play.

Over the next three weeks, we’re going to discover ways to recognize and be alert to the three D’s.

Between Then and Now…

1 Notice the way you respond to the unexpected in your life. Are your responses based on what you know or what you feel? Talk to Jesus about what you learn and ask Him to help you be alert.

2 Use your Bible. Look up verses using the word alert. Notice the many different times and life situations we’re told to be alert. Watch for those same times and situations in your own life.

3 Be prepared. Learning new things requires practice, so be alert to the opportunities to practice making right responses to the situations you face this week.

Digging Deeper:

John 3:16-17, Romans 8:1-2, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 1:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, & 1 Peter 5:8

Reminder: Our enemy has already lost the game; he just refuses to admit it. Those who belong to Jesus can never be taken from Him (we’re permanently part of His team’s roster). Holy Spirit has sealed us in Christ (picture yourself being put inside an envelope and sealed inside with stamped wax). Our identity in Jesus and our eternal relationship with Him is secure!

May 27, 2021May 26, 2021

Learning from Baseball: Training to be Thoughtless?

Key Verse:

“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)

I first heard the words muscle memory when I played handbells. But muscle memory isn’t just for musicians.

muscle memory NOUN
the ability to reproduce a particular movement without conscious thought, acquired as a result of frequent repetition of that movement.
Oxford Dictionaries · Cortana · Bing Translator

Trea Turner is the starting short stop (SS) for the Washington Nationals and was first called up from their Triple-A team back in 2015. Trea was already a great SS, but his muscle memory included what’s known in baseball as a double clutch.

double clutch
When a fielder – usually an infielder or a catcher – draws his arm back twice before throwing he’s said to “double clutch”. This hesitation often leads to a delayed or late throw, allowing runners to advance a base. The term is borrowed from a method of shifting gears on an automotive vehicle.
Glossary of baseball (D) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A double clutch can mean the difference between success and failure. Yikes! Trea was told he needed to stop double clutching his throws.

Remember, muscle memory is “the ability to reproduce a movement without conscious thought.”

Trea could no longer throw a ball without thinking or he would double clutch.

He had to unlearn the old muscle memory WHILE making a new muscle memory.

How? By paying attention and being intentional every time he threw a ball.

What does this have to do with Jesus-followers? A lot!

I’m learning there is a direct connection between my muscle memories and my ability to follow Jesus. I’ve been shocked by how much I say or do by muscle memory (without conscious thought). And I’ve discovered something else.

By pinpointing my muscle memories and their results, I’m able to draw a line between the two and see where I need to make new muscle memories.

So, if repetition creates muscle memory, you and I (we) must pay attention to the things we do repeatedly.

Practice only brings benefit when we practice doing things the right way. Does that mean we shouldn’t try if we can’t do something right the first time? Absolutely not!

Each time we practice something new, we increase our repetitions and strengthen our new memory muscles.

AND…

Each time we practice something new, we let go of (unlearn) a little bit more of the old.

This week…

1 Intentionally notice the things you do using muscle memory (those things you do without thinking). Begin drawing a line between your muscle memories and their results.

2 What muscle memory do you need to stop practicing. Ask Jesus to help you see what new muscle memory He wants you to begin practicing instead.

3 Share with another Jesus-follower. Ask them to pray for you to persevere as you practice. Yes, I realize this is scary to do, but do it anyway. You’ll be glad (later).

Digging Deeper:

Romans 12:2, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 3:13-14

In case you’re wondering, Trea no longer throws with a double clutch.

May 20, 2021May 20, 2021

Learning from Baseball: Practice Makes Perfect, Or Does it?

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Every Major League Baseball team has a Field Manager. Every Manager has several specialized Assistant Coaches. Each assistant coach is responsible for helping the Manager train the team’s players. The Manager has other responsibilities, but we’re only looking at the relationship between training and practice today.

MLB players begin training in the spring of each year and they practice throughout the entire season and right on through until the last playoff game is played. They practice with one another and they practice during games. They never stop using what they learn or they lose their skills. They understand using what they learn wins games. They also know they will never be named Most Valuable Player of the game, series or year, they will not earn the Golden Glove Award, the Cy Young Award, or be inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame if they do not practice what they learn.

Training happens when there’s a teacher and a learner.

training – NOUN
the action of teaching a person or animal a particular skill or type of behavior.
Oxford Dictionaries · Bing Translator

Effective training involves both learning (understanding with the mind) and practice (use of what is learned).

learning – NOUN
the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study, or by being taught.
Oxford Dictionaries · Bing Translator

practice – NOUN
the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method as opposed to theories about such application or use.
repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it.
Oxford Dictionaries · Bing Translator

Training requires practice.

What’s the spiritual parallel?

Jesus gives all of His followers Holy Spirit to teach us truth. Holy Spirit is like our Field Manager. And Holy Spirit has many assistant coaches to help Him train us in righteousness. Those assistant coaches are pastors, teachers, and other spiritually mature Jesus-followers. They can also be circumstances, challenges, and complete strangers. But…

We must be willing learners.

What does it look like when Jesus-followers are willing learners? We read our Bibles, pray, participate in worship (whether in person or on-line), and intentionally spend time with other Jesus-followers. We seek to know God’s truth. We do not turn our eyes away, change, or ignore truth. But knowledge is only half of the equation.

We must practice what we learn!

The early days of practicing something new will often result in errors.

Think about a baby who’s learning to eat. Babies see others eating. They know what to do, but making their eyes and hands cooperate is no easy feat. Take eating Cheerios. It usually goes something like this…

Someone puts two or three Cheerios on the highchair tray.

The baby knows he needs to pick it up, but his struggle is real. Cheerios are bumped and scattered around the tray and onto the floor as he tries to guide his hand to the Cheerio and open and close his fingers around it.

Once a Cheerio is in hand, his hand struggles to find his mouth. It waves all around in front of him while his head bobs and weaves trying to make the connection between hand and mouth.

Practice is not a once and done scenario. Just like the baby with the Cheerio, the process is repeated multiple times and for many days (or years) before success comes.

Patient perseverance when we practice brings success.

Later, that same baby will eat Cheerios off his highchair tray without having to think about it at all. One day, he will feed himself with a fork while enjoying a meal with friends.

The same is true for us when it comes to practicing what we’ve learned. Knowing what to do and doing it are two separate things. Perseverance and practice will bring success. But the only way to practice is to get on the field of play. Some of our practice will be done with other Jesus-followers and some of our practice will involve those who are not followers of Jesus. Both are crucial times of practice. Learning with and practicing alongside other Jesus-followers allows us safe opportunities for correction. Practicing with those who are not Jesus-followers allows us opportunities to share what we’re learning with them.

Repetition definitely creates muscle memory, but let’s save that for next time.

Between Then and Now…

1 Be an intentional learner. Spend time reading God’s word, the bible, every day. Start by asking Holy Spirit to teach you and protect you from misunderstanding or taking what you read out of context.

2 Practice what you learn. Ask Jesus to help you be alert to opportunities to apply what you are learning. Ask Him for boldness to practice what He’s teaching you. Do not allow your fear of making mistakes keep you from doing what you know is right.

3 Be gentle with yourself and don’t give up! Persevere with patience. You’ll never do those good things God’s created you to do in Jesus if you don’t practice. It may take time, but you will get your Cheerio if you don’t give up first.

Digging Deeper:

Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 15:14, John 8:31-32, John 14:23-26, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:8-10, 2 Timothy 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, Hebrews 5:11-6:3, James 1:22 & James 4:17

April 22, 2021April 22, 2021

Learning from Baseball: Who’s in Charge?

Key Verse:

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 (NLT)

Today I’m sharing another spiritual parallel baseball season has me remembering. It is not a new truth, but it is a foundational truth for all Jesus-followers.

There are four umpires in each Major League Baseball (MLB) game. Home Plate Umpire is the one “in charge” of the game. The other three are called Base Umpires and are stationed near the bases. Home Plate Umpire says when play begins and ends. He’s the one who decides if a pitcher throws a ball or a strike or balks. He decides whether a batter checked his swing, foul tips, or is hit by a pitch. He’s also the one who calls the runner safe at home. **

Umpires know how the game is supposed to be played. They know the rules of baseball, and they’re the ones who determine whether the players are safe, out, have or have not committed an infraction, and everything in-between.

Okay, I’m guessing you’ve already recognized the spiritual parallel.

God is the creator of all life. The Bible is His written word, and He is the final authority on what is right and what is wrong. God is the only One who can say whether or not we have met the requirements to safely enter the Kingdom of Heaven (His home).

No worries! He’s made a way. Yes! He’s provided all we need to be on His team and get safely Home.

The way is Jesus!

But what about all the living we do between becoming a part of the team and going home? It’s right there in the middle of living where we learn and practice.

The middle of living is also where we are most susceptible to the danger of forgetting who’s “in charge” and has final authority.

We get distracted by our own point of view. In our daily relationships, conversations, challenges, praises, heartbreaks, surprises, and responsibilities, we forget to remember.

I’m definitely on Team Jesus. I have no worries about going Home. But…

Sometimes I resemble the batter who swings too late or too early and either misses the ball completely or makes a bad connection and pops up, flies out, or hits into a double play. Other times I’m like the batter who gets called out watching.

Either scenario puts me at a crossroad.

Will I argue or accept the call?

I’ve gotten better, but there are times I still catch myself trying to convince the LORD my thoughts, words, or actions (or lack thereof) were right.

Yes, I know this is the same as saying God’s wrong!

Yes! I know I’m not trusting Him or His thoughts and ways.

Yes! I know I struggle against His authority because I’m trusting my own understanding of the situation and focused on my own Point of View.

Maybe that’s why 1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:1 are two of my favorite verses. They’re filled with promise and hope for those of us who forget.

And God is faithful. He always keeps His promises!

Next week we’re going to look at getting the call to be on Team Jesus.

Between Then and Now…

1 Practice daily the disciplines of reading your Bible (listening to God) and praying (talking to God).

2 Take some time to think about the situations when you are most prone to argue your point of view.

3 Ask Jesus to show you what you’re not seeing, what you’re missing, and how to correct the problem and get a hit.

Digging Deeper:

Proverbs 3:5-6, John 3:16, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 8:1, 1 John 1:9,

Fun Fact: In 2014, the Instant Replay Review System was implemented – MLB Coaches are now allowed to challenge some calls of the umpire. Reviews are examined by umpires at the Replay Command Center in New York City who have the final decision on whether to uphold or overturn the initial call. ***

** Umpire (Baseball) – Wikipedia

*** Instant Replay in Major League Baseball – Wikipedia

April 15, 2021April 21, 2021

Learning From Baseball: Influence and Impact

Today’s Scripture Passage:

1 Corinthians 12

Key Verse:

If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 (NLT)

If you don’t follow baseball, you might not know the Washington Nationals did not get to play the first four games of this year’s season.

Why? Because four team members tested positive for Covid. And five more players, plus a staff member, were quarantined due to contact tracing.

That’s right! The disease created a rippling effect of impact on the entire team. And it didn’t stop there. It also affected the other teams they were scheduled to play.

Now please don’t misunderstand the point of this. I’m not implying Covid is the result of sin, and I have no idea if the team members’ choices played a part in them contracting Covid. That’s not my intent!

But…

I am thinking about how insidious sin is. Yes! Jesus-followers are not immune. We’re freed from sin and forgiven for our sin, but we must never allow ourselves to forget the dangers of practicing sin.

Sin will infiltrate every fiber of our lives and impact all those around us. Just like Covid infected one member of the team and spread to others. Our sin is like an infection in the body of Christ.

Jesus cautioned His disciples about the “yeast” of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

But Jesus also said the Kingdom of Heaven is like a little “yeast” that spreads throughout an entire batch of dough.

All I want us to think about and remember today is…

We are responsible for our choices and our choices determine what type of influence we are in every one of our relationships.

Are we going to be like the bad company that corrupts good character?

Or are we going to be the faithful companion whose life helps others rise up and become both healthy and beneficial members of the body of Christ?

Digging Deeper:

Psalm 101, Matthew 13:33, Mathew 16:5-12, 1 Corinthians 5, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Galatians 5 & 1 John 1:9

1 Pray before reading this week’s Digging Deeper verses. Ask Holy Spirit to help you understand what you’re reading and how each applies to your life.

2 Who are the people who influence your choices? Are they bad company or faithful companions? What about you? What permeates the lives of those around you?

3 Is there something you need to confess? If so, talk to Jesus about it today. Don’t wait! Forgiveness and cleansing are promised to all who confess their sins.

April 1, 2021April 1, 2021

How to Keep Yourself from Being Taken for a Ride

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Proverbs 15:1-2 & Proverbs 16: 21 & 23-24

Key Verse:

Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)

I recently received a gift from a friend which included a note about a conversation we were part of several years ago. The words of the note took me back in time and I once again felt the impact of truth shared that day. I felt the joy the conversation created in me all over again.

This was a timely reminder of something I needed to remember.

My thoughts influence my words!

Yes! All of my words! That’s a BIG reminder, right?!

The gift and note reminded me of a time when the words spoken were a blessing. But what about times when critical or careless words are spoken?

Have you ever been wounded by words?

Why? Because words reveal the thoughts of the speaker.

Have you ever wounded someone with your words?

I’m guilty! I too often find my mind returning to the same train of thought. I hop on and allow it to take me for a ride. Before I even realize it, I’m far from where I want to be. The train I’m on is affecting both my words and choices and bringing anything BUT benefit to me or those around me.

“insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results.”
This “definition of insanity” first appeared in 1981, in a document published by Narcotics Anonymous.

We must make different choices if we want different results!

Easy to know, but harder to do.

I have every intention of NEVER letting my thoughts return to the same old train, but I often find myself hopping back on and going for another ride.

But how do I stop? I’m learning I must…

1-Be alert to my train of thought and which direction it’s taking me!

2-Be ready to jump on another train of thought – immediately, without hesitation! This requires me to know which thought train I want to ride.

I don’t know about you, but I want my thoughts going in a direction that helps me speak words of life and healing to all who hear them!

We all live a life of influence, but …

What kind of influence are we?

Jesus Journaling:

1 Be aware which train your thoughts are riding.

2 Read Philippians 4:8. Begin memorizing one Bible verse at a time. Use those verses to redirect your thoughts when you find them going in the wrong direction.

3 Read Psalm 19:14. Make these words a daily prayer. Be alert to how the LORD uses your prayers to bring sweetness and healing into your relationships.

FYI: Although I know these truths, I still get on the wrong train of thought and allow my words to deliver hurt instead of healing. I’m praying the words of Psalm 19:14 for myself right alongside you!

March 25, 2021March 25, 2021

How to Be Part of a Controlled Burn

Today’s Scripture Passage:

James 3:1-12

Key Verse:

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:29-30 (NASB)

Two weeks ago, we were at Deep Cut Trailhead in the Manassas Battlefield National Park (MNBP). It was a beautiful day, but we hadn’t even gotten to the low-lying sections when we found ourselves squishing and sinking with every step. We decided to turn around and come back another day.

One week later, we returned to find something entirely different. The trail was no longer surrounded by fields covered with golden windblown grasses. The gold was now a blackened scar lining each side of the trail and stretching out in all directions. The change was startling.

This was no haphazard burning.

The burns smoothly outlined both sides of the trail.

We were witnessing the aftermath of a controlled burn!

This week we were on another MBNP trail when we saw a Park Ranger and stopped to chat. He asked if we’d been to Deep Cut since the burn.

Turns out he was one of the rangers who watched from afar. He was still excited about seeing professionals from all over the state use their knowledge and equipment the day of the burn. He was also eager to share his experience.

Did you know the MBNP does a controlled burn twice a year? They do! He explained the benefits. He talked about all the time and effort required to plan and execute such a precise burn. He shared the months of planning and coordination required between the park and the one who would eventually oversee and be held responsible for the results of the burn.

He told us those assisting with the burn must be qualified fire fighters. They must also be unwavering in their commitment to follow instructions throughout the entire process.

I was barely walking away before I was hit with the spiritual parallel.

There is a big difference between burning a field and a controlled burn.

The timing and conditions must be exact. Those doing the planning must know the importance of both. They must also know how to keep track of them. Delays and cancellations of a burn are sometimes necessary. Burns are not done unless all conditions are right. Burns are not done if the timing is not exact.

To burn at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions can bring destruction instead of benefits!

It is much better to cancel a burn than to burn at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions!

So, what’s the parallel? The Bible (God’s written word) tells us…

Our God is a consuming fire; He uses fire to refine our faith and test our works. God lives in all those who have been saved by faith in Jesus and are sealed with His Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit baptizes us by fire at the time of our salvation. This is the fire God uses to test and refine our faith.

The Bible is also very clear about the fire in our tongues. Yes! What James wrote about the tongue was written to those who were already Jesus-followers.

So, who’s the expert on a controlled burn? Holy Spirit!

Holy Spirit uses our tongue (words) when we are completely committed to following His instructions. Using the right words at the right time and in the exact right conditions will bring benefit to those who hear them.

Even the right words at the wrong time or in the wrong conditions can do damage and grieve Holy Spirit.

Read today’s verses again…

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

I do not believe it’s an accident these verses were written to us in back-to-back order.

Our words are supposed to give grace to those who hear them.

BUT

We grieve Holy Spirit whenever our words do not give grace to the hearer.

I think words that grieve Holy Spirit must be the careless words Jesus was talking about in Matthew 12:36. Look at what He said, “But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m all too often guilty of using careless words!

And since my words originate in my thoughts, I can only assume when my words grieve Holy Spirit, my thoughts grieve Holy Spirit too!

“May the words of my mouth
and the thoughts of my heart
be acceptable in your presence,
Adonai, my Rock and Redeemer.” Psalm 19:15 (CJB)

For the curious…

There is already new growth at Deep Cut (we went to look). That’s Right! The controlled burn removed what was not healthy and made room for new growth. How’s that for exciting?!

Jesus Journaling:

1 Take some time to remember the most encouraging words others have spoken to you. What was it about those conversations that influenced you to make wise choices that were pleasing to the LORD?

2 Spend some time thinking about your conversations during this past week. How many of your words were spoken (or written) carelessly? Ask Jesus to make you sensitive to His timing and conditions in every conversation.

3 Talk to Jesus about learning a new way of thinking, so your words will give grace to the hearers and won’t grieve Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper:

Matthew 3:11, Acts 2:3, 1st Corinthians 3:12-14, Hebrews 12:28-29, & 1st Peter 1:6-8

March 18, 2021March 18, 2021

Receiving the Renewable Energy of Trusting Jesus

Key Verse:

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

Photo taken by George Coulson at Manassas National Battlefield Park, November 24, 2020.

I sat on the porch and marveled at all the colors the LORD was using to paint the morning skies. I listened as songbirds sang a chorus of praises and marveled at the grace of the larger birds soaring overhead.

Those large birds are birds of prey and have captured my attention a lot lately. I’ve pointed them out to George and together we’ve watched and marveled over their ability to stay aloft without ever moving their wings. They appear to just rest on the air, pivoting and tilting, rising and swooping down only to rise again, slowly moving closer and further away until they are only a dot on the horizon.

Those birds are part of the path the LORD’s been leading me to follow for a while now. It started with The Joy Challenge last Thanksgiving and continued with an in-depth look into Matthew 11:28-30 as we welcomed in this New Year.

Through it all, the LORD was opening me up to a place of new understanding. Revealing more of the relationship between joy and trust, and obedience and rest. I began asking questions.

How is it possible to live a life of wholehearted obedience and still be rested.

How is it possible to live in full tilt faithfulness to Jesus without becoming weary in my walk or work?

His answer came yesterday morning. I was reading what King David wrote in Psalm 23:3 when the connection finally came like a spark of electricity running straight to my heart.

I was seeing the same paradox Isaiah wrote about in today’s key verse, and I realized something new and wonderful. Read what Isaiah wrote…

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Now look at what David wrote about the LORD…

He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

My strength is renewed as the LORD leads me along right paths!

Renewed strength comes while I live my life trusting Jesus.

Trusting is following wherever He leads.

Trusting is doing what it is right in His sight!

It is in the trusting enough to follow that you and I are refreshed and our strength is renewed!

The LORD’s strength is like renewable energy!

I quickly looked up renewable energy.

Renewable Energy is energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power. (Oxford Dictionaries – Cortana)

This led me to look up what Jesus said in Acts 1:8 about the power we receive from Holy Spirit. Read what He said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Holy Spirit is the source of our power and His power will never be depleted. No matter how much Holy Spirit power we use, there is an endless source of Holy Spirit power at our disposal.

Holy Spirit power is the original renewable energy!

I finished by reading what Paul wrote in Galatians 5:25. “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

I know, none of this is new information, and yet…

I’m beginning to realize just how much more there is to experience as a Jesus-follower.

I feel like the child who knows she’s supposed to catch the ball in her glove but can’t seem to make her body obey what her brain tells it to do. That’s why opportunities to practice what we know is such a big part of learning.

I definitely need a lot more practice when it comes to living a life of joy, trust, obedience, and renewed strength in Jesus. I don’t want to settle for knowing about it. I want to experience it – ALL of it! Don’t you?!

Jesus Journaling:

1 Be on the lookout for any of those big birds soaring high overhead. Notice how they allow the air to determine their direction. Talk to Jesus about the areas of your life where you are weary. Ask Him if it’s possible you’re so weary because you’re fighting the direction He’s taking you. Ask Him to help you find a place of renewed strength.

2 Is there something you have a desire to do but are struggling to begin? Talk to Jesus about your struggle. Maybe it’s because you’re not sure it’s a desire He’s given you, or you’re not sure how to start, or maybe it’s something else entirely. Whatever your reason, be honest with Him. Expect Him to hear you and respond!

3 Write down one thing you’re going to do as an act of trust and obedience and begin practicing it. Stick close to Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead you AND renew your energy as you trust and follow.