"I designed you to live in union with Me." (Jesus Calling, September 16)
That sentence struck a chord deep within me today. I'm convicted that perhaps I should read these entries in the morning instead of evening. Perhaps the words would bounce around in my head during the day, encouraging me to strive to live more near Him.
It also reminding me of War of Words when I realized that until the original sin, Adam and Eve lived in communion with God. They worshiped with Him. They talked with Him, heard His voice, felt His love as easily as each others'.
I often feel like Adam and Eve. In my heart, I desire an intimate, loving relationship with Christ, but I am so ashamed of my sin. I wear my sin like a shield, telling myself that God cannot really love such a sinner. I am ashamed to stand before God, I want to hide my face from him. How can I face such goodness, such perfection, when I am soiled? When I have done such terrible things? Hurt people so badly? I see the brokenness in this relationship. I see the veil my sin has created, how it is preventing me from living with Christ, near Christ, clinging to Him, allowing Him to fully work in my life, fulfilling me.
The entry today was more about allowing God to work in us and through us. However, I find my sin to be my stumbling block in allowing that. I love the sentences "If you follow Me wholeheartedly, you will discover facets of yourself that were previously hidden. I know you intimately--far better than you know yourself. In union with Me, you are complete. In closeness to Me, you are transformed more and more into the one I designed you to be." I know the sentence "I know you intimately--far better than you know yourself" should be comforting to me, but my face burns with shame. I can not hide my sin from Him. I can not hide who I really am. Yet, in union with Him, I am complete. He forgives my sin. He paid for my sin. How can I look upon the face that bore the shame, that suffered the consequence, that paid the price for me? How can I accept such an offering of love? There are moments when I struggle so much with the weight of who I truly am that I can not find the gospel or the grace that is offered. He has found me. Despite all that I am, all that I fall short, He has chosen me. Sometimes I simply cannot accept His offering. I simply am not worthy.
Perhaps instead of writing this entire post, I could have just typed these lyrics:
My Lord, I did not choose You,
For that could never be;
My heart would still refuse You,
Had You not chosen me.
You took the sin that stained me,
You cleansed me, made me new;
Of old You have ordained me,
That I should live in You.
Unless Your grace had called me
And taught my op’ning mind,
The world would have enthralled me,
To heav’nly glories blind.
My heart knows none above You;
For Your rich grace I thirst;
I know that if I love You,
You must have loved me first.
Every day I live in the lines: My Lord, I did not chose you, for that could never be. My heart would still refuse you, had you not chosen me.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Pruning The Vines
My precious spouse and I have recently joined a small home group to strengthen our individual relationships with Christ and to deepen our relationships with other believers. It's been a breath of fresh air for us as we've struggled through some things in the past year or so, individually, as a couple, and as members in corporate worship. These struggles have produced some fruit and some continue to cause some chafing as we are pruned and are doing some pruning ourselves.
H wasn't able to attend small group last night. I went alone and it was surely a blessing to me. We talked about the vineyard. This passage from Proverbs, specifically:
Proverbs 24: 30-34
30I went past the field of the sluggard,
past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
31thorns had come up everywhere,
the ground was covered with weeds,
and the stone wall was in ruins.
32I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
34and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.a
What does it mean to tend the vineyard? How long does "a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest" take to destroy the vineyard? One day? One slip up? One month?
At the beginning of the discussion, we talked about the marks of a healthy church. One commentary says that the only way to measure the health of the church is by the spirituality of each member: is each member growing in Christ, becoming more sanctified?
As a group, we talked about how this applied to believers. How do we ensure we are keeping the vineyard (our lives) so that we are fruitful in spirit? Are we growing in Christ or are we resting, slumbering, not working at keeping the vineyard fruitful?
The host of small group encouraged us to choose one small thing to work on this week to draw us closer, to tend the vineyard more diligently.
Several weeks ago, I purchased Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. As is often the case, I've read every fiction book I bought the same day, but left this book in the bag in a chair. I've debated about what I wanted to commit to doing for one week. Several ideas bounced around, but I've continued to come back to reading The Word more this week, to spend 15 minutes each day quietly reading my Bible. On the way upstairs to bathe my daughter, I grabbed Jesus Calling, thinking it would be a good diving board for my reading tonight. As M soaked, I read the introduction, to gain an understanding of the author and why she wrote this book (Do you find that as helpful as I do? I do that in most texts.). Then I opened to the entry for today.
The very first sentence for today convicted me, "Worship Me (God) by living close to Me."
Deep breath. Tears filled my eyes. Okay, Lord...speak a little more clearly to me, please. How better to tend the vineyard than to LIVE CLOSE TO GOD? The entry goes on to remind us that God's original design for His people was that His people would live near Him, commune with Him, worship in accord with Him.
One of my favorite parts in this entry is: "Although you may feel as if you are going nowhere in this world, your spiritual journey is another matter altogether, taking you along steep, treacherous paths of adventure. That is why walking in Light of My Presence is essential to keep you from stumbling." Or is essential to maintain the vineyard.
This past year has been a year of challenging pruning for me. Last summer, the Lord and I had wonderful communion together as we wrestled through some of my issues. Instead of continuing the struggle to grow closer, I took time for a little sleep, a little slumber, some folding of the hands as I chose to rest. My vineyard is full of thistles and thorns. It is not a beautiful place in which I cherish my time with the Lord. It's time to tended to the vineyard so that I can bear fruit for the Lord.
H wasn't able to attend small group last night. I went alone and it was surely a blessing to me. We talked about the vineyard. This passage from Proverbs, specifically:
Proverbs 24: 30-34
30I went past the field of the sluggard,
past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
31thorns had come up everywhere,
the ground was covered with weeds,
and the stone wall was in ruins.
32I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
34and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.a
What does it mean to tend the vineyard? How long does "a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest" take to destroy the vineyard? One day? One slip up? One month?
At the beginning of the discussion, we talked about the marks of a healthy church. One commentary says that the only way to measure the health of the church is by the spirituality of each member: is each member growing in Christ, becoming more sanctified?
As a group, we talked about how this applied to believers. How do we ensure we are keeping the vineyard (our lives) so that we are fruitful in spirit? Are we growing in Christ or are we resting, slumbering, not working at keeping the vineyard fruitful?
The host of small group encouraged us to choose one small thing to work on this week to draw us closer, to tend the vineyard more diligently.
Several weeks ago, I purchased Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. As is often the case, I've read every fiction book I bought the same day, but left this book in the bag in a chair. I've debated about what I wanted to commit to doing for one week. Several ideas bounced around, but I've continued to come back to reading The Word more this week, to spend 15 minutes each day quietly reading my Bible. On the way upstairs to bathe my daughter, I grabbed Jesus Calling, thinking it would be a good diving board for my reading tonight. As M soaked, I read the introduction, to gain an understanding of the author and why she wrote this book (Do you find that as helpful as I do? I do that in most texts.). Then I opened to the entry for today.
The very first sentence for today convicted me, "Worship Me (God) by living close to Me."
Deep breath. Tears filled my eyes. Okay, Lord...speak a little more clearly to me, please. How better to tend the vineyard than to LIVE CLOSE TO GOD? The entry goes on to remind us that God's original design for His people was that His people would live near Him, commune with Him, worship in accord with Him.
One of my favorite parts in this entry is: "Although you may feel as if you are going nowhere in this world, your spiritual journey is another matter altogether, taking you along steep, treacherous paths of adventure. That is why walking in Light of My Presence is essential to keep you from stumbling." Or is essential to maintain the vineyard.
This past year has been a year of challenging pruning for me. Last summer, the Lord and I had wonderful communion together as we wrestled through some of my issues. Instead of continuing the struggle to grow closer, I took time for a little sleep, a little slumber, some folding of the hands as I chose to rest. My vineyard is full of thistles and thorns. It is not a beautiful place in which I cherish my time with the Lord. It's time to tended to the vineyard so that I can bear fruit for the Lord.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
So long?
Brothers and Sisters,
I'm so sorry I haven't faithfully kept this blog up-to-date! My entire Christian walk is like that: on fire for a while, then cool off for a while. These next few weeks are busy around our house, but I will begin anew in November focusing on War of Words. Over the past few months, my collection of Christian literature was grown exponentially, so I'd love to work through War of Words and then move on to another title. I pray you'll hang around and walk with me.
I have a few prayer request for you.
1.) My daughter turned three this month. We're hosting her b'day party at our home next weekend. Please pray for beautiful weather, fun fellowship, and safe travel for those that will be coming into town for the festivity. Also, please pray that I can manage my time well so that I can accomplish all that needs to get done.
2.) On October 28th, my daughter has an appt with her foot doctor that will tell us if her corrective shoes have fixed the problem with her club foot or if we will need surgery again. When we saw him in July, surgery seemed inevitable, but perhaps God is working a miracle with her foot. We accept His will, surgery or not. Please pray for us as we travel to her appt and for her doctor as he makes the best medical decision for our little girl. I will update when we know more after the appointment.
I would love to pray for you. Please leave any prayer request you have in a comment or e-mail me directly at nataliebenson at cox dot net . It is an honor and a privilege to pray for you.
I'll meet you back here in early November. Grab yourself a cup of hot chocolate and something to snuggle in. We've got some catching up to do!
In Christ,
Natalie
I'm so sorry I haven't faithfully kept this blog up-to-date! My entire Christian walk is like that: on fire for a while, then cool off for a while. These next few weeks are busy around our house, but I will begin anew in November focusing on War of Words. Over the past few months, my collection of Christian literature was grown exponentially, so I'd love to work through War of Words and then move on to another title. I pray you'll hang around and walk with me.
I have a few prayer request for you.
1.) My daughter turned three this month. We're hosting her b'day party at our home next weekend. Please pray for beautiful weather, fun fellowship, and safe travel for those that will be coming into town for the festivity. Also, please pray that I can manage my time well so that I can accomplish all that needs to get done.
2.) On October 28th, my daughter has an appt with her foot doctor that will tell us if her corrective shoes have fixed the problem with her club foot or if we will need surgery again. When we saw him in July, surgery seemed inevitable, but perhaps God is working a miracle with her foot. We accept His will, surgery or not. Please pray for us as we travel to her appt and for her doctor as he makes the best medical decision for our little girl. I will update when we know more after the appointment.
I would love to pray for you. Please leave any prayer request you have in a comment or e-mail me directly at nataliebenson at cox dot net . It is an honor and a privilege to pray for you.
I'll meet you back here in early November. Grab yourself a cup of hot chocolate and something to snuggle in. We've got some catching up to do!
In Christ,
Natalie
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Word in the Flesh, Part 1
I come to this place with my head hung. I can not possibly believe that two weeks have passed since I last posted here. I knew maintaining two blogs would be difficult, but that is not the only reason I've been tardy in posting. Quite honestly, these past two weeks have been a blur of end-of-summer activities at our household. The next ten days don't look much better!
I have been praying for you. I've been praying for this place. I've been reading some great material lately and reflecting on it as the Lord is doing great works in me. He is changing me. I feel it inside my heart and inside my head. What a glorious feeling that is. I can't believe this is the first time in my life I've TRULY felt changed, called the study his Holy Word, to learn more. There is a yearning inside of me that can't be quenched.
Chapter Three in the War of Words is SO intense that I know I will need to reflect on it in two, if not three, posts. In this chapter, Tripp begins to teach the gospel. What a beautiful story it is.
Here are a few of my notes to myself from the margins that I scrawled as I read along:
**Oh, poor H--how I hurt him over his new clothes without even realizing how much! I must apologize.
**Jesus is the light; we are the darkness, and yet we STILL do not understand
**I feel so hopeless as I realize how short I fall
**That's it exactly!
I underline, starred, highlighted one line that Tripp wrote, "How deep is our need!" (pg. 35) In chapter three, Tripp gets right to the heart of the matter. That our need is so great, so vast, so deep, that there is only one way it can be met: On the cross.
God does not set a standard expecting us to meet it in our own human strength. He sends his son and the Word became flesh.
I was so struck by the passage from James 3: 7-8
"All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."
Tripp says, "The tongue is humanly untameable!" So, this blog is adequately named.
Our war of words is not a struggle of flesh and blood. God would not have sent his Son if it were. Our war is a deeply spiritual one--it is a problem with the human heart.
The next portion of the text is so profound that I want to honor it with a separate post.
I have a few prayer requests. I come to you completely transparent in my need for prayer tonight. However, I realize that this a very public forum. I want to honor those that I am asking prayer for by not sharing their identities and protecting their privacy.
1.) A young man and his wife are expecting their first child very soon. Please pray for peace as the day comes closer for the arrival of their precious child.
2.) A young man is searching for his place in this fallen world. Please pray that the Lord would move in his heart and give him clarity.
3.) My sweet girl has a doctor's appt tomorrow. I know what I want the results to be. Please pray that we love the new doctor and that God works through him.
4.) I have three friends who are pregnant. Two more of us are trying. Please pray that the Lord's will is done for all of us.
5.) A family is grieving the loss of a mother and grandmother right now who was unexpectedly called home. Please pray for comfort that only the Lord can provide.
6.) Please pray for rest for me as school resumes next week. The thought of returning to work is overwhelming and exhausting. I find full-time mothering so rewarding, yet it is not the Lord's plan for our family right now. I need peace as I prepare to return to work.
I am praying for you, my silent readers. You are loved and covered in prayer.
Dear Lord,
Our need is SO deep. We live in a fallen world. We are sinners. We struggle when we communicate with each other, with you, with ourselves. Please, Lord, work through us so that others will see Your Glory in our lives. Let us whisper the gospel with every task we attempt. Thank you for sending your precious Son to bear our sins on the cross, for without that sacrifice, we would continue to live separated from you. I pray for every person that comes to this place. That I might point them to You. That Paul David Tripp's message will speak to their hearts and create a yearning to strong in them to know You more and to love You more deeply.
In Christ I pray,
Amen
I have been praying for you. I've been praying for this place. I've been reading some great material lately and reflecting on it as the Lord is doing great works in me. He is changing me. I feel it inside my heart and inside my head. What a glorious feeling that is. I can't believe this is the first time in my life I've TRULY felt changed, called the study his Holy Word, to learn more. There is a yearning inside of me that can't be quenched.
Chapter Three in the War of Words is SO intense that I know I will need to reflect on it in two, if not three, posts. In this chapter, Tripp begins to teach the gospel. What a beautiful story it is.
Here are a few of my notes to myself from the margins that I scrawled as I read along:
**Oh, poor H--how I hurt him over his new clothes without even realizing how much! I must apologize.
**Jesus is the light; we are the darkness, and yet we STILL do not understand
**I feel so hopeless as I realize how short I fall
**That's it exactly!
I underline, starred, highlighted one line that Tripp wrote, "How deep is our need!" (pg. 35) In chapter three, Tripp gets right to the heart of the matter. That our need is so great, so vast, so deep, that there is only one way it can be met: On the cross.
God does not set a standard expecting us to meet it in our own human strength. He sends his son and the Word became flesh.
I was so struck by the passage from James 3: 7-8
"All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."
Tripp says, "The tongue is humanly untameable!" So, this blog is adequately named.
Our war of words is not a struggle of flesh and blood. God would not have sent his Son if it were. Our war is a deeply spiritual one--it is a problem with the human heart.
The next portion of the text is so profound that I want to honor it with a separate post.
I have a few prayer requests. I come to you completely transparent in my need for prayer tonight. However, I realize that this a very public forum. I want to honor those that I am asking prayer for by not sharing their identities and protecting their privacy.
1.) A young man and his wife are expecting their first child very soon. Please pray for peace as the day comes closer for the arrival of their precious child.
2.) A young man is searching for his place in this fallen world. Please pray that the Lord would move in his heart and give him clarity.
3.) My sweet girl has a doctor's appt tomorrow. I know what I want the results to be. Please pray that we love the new doctor and that God works through him.
4.) I have three friends who are pregnant. Two more of us are trying. Please pray that the Lord's will is done for all of us.
5.) A family is grieving the loss of a mother and grandmother right now who was unexpectedly called home. Please pray for comfort that only the Lord can provide.
6.) Please pray for rest for me as school resumes next week. The thought of returning to work is overwhelming and exhausting. I find full-time mothering so rewarding, yet it is not the Lord's plan for our family right now. I need peace as I prepare to return to work.
I am praying for you, my silent readers. You are loved and covered in prayer.
Dear Lord,
Our need is SO deep. We live in a fallen world. We are sinners. We struggle when we communicate with each other, with you, with ourselves. Please, Lord, work through us so that others will see Your Glory in our lives. Let us whisper the gospel with every task we attempt. Thank you for sending your precious Son to bear our sins on the cross, for without that sacrifice, we would continue to live separated from you. I pray for every person that comes to this place. That I might point them to You. That Paul David Tripp's message will speak to their hearts and create a yearning to strong in them to know You more and to love You more deeply.
In Christ I pray,
Amen
Monday, July 7, 2008
Satan Speaks, Round 2
Here we are again, in the middle of Chapter 2 of War of Words.
I feel as if I should have some reservation in continuing with this particular chapter because the scripture speaks so clearly to my own sinful heart.
Oh, speaking of scripture, my brother recommended a Study Bible and I ordered it today. I can't wait for to arrive so I can really get into The Word.
Back to Satan Speaks. Tripp provides SO. MANY scripture references here that it is overwhelming. I want to give you just a few. That is one reason I so love this book. Tripp's experiences and his work is so very, very grounded in the Word of God.
Tripp quotes a portion of James 3. I want to give you my favorite portion of this section:
"All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."
Brothers and sisters, let us think quietly about that for just a moment.
Isn't that so true? Lions and tigers are tamed for circus acts, horses are broken so they can be ridden, dolphins are contained so we can swim with them. Yet we can not control the very words that come from our own lips. A single part of our own bodies are beyond our control. My heart aches with this admission.
Tripp also gives many examples from Proverbs that shows so clearly "the war of words that is so much a part of life in our fallen world." (pg. 26)
I could reprint every single reference and give a specific example of how it relates to my own experiences, but I'll just list a few. Think about them. What do they say to you? Let's talk about them.
If you have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth,
then do this, my son, to free yourself,
since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands:
Go and humble yourself;
press your plea with your neighbor! (Proverbs 6:2-3)
There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (Proverbs 6: 16-19)
A truthful witness gives honest testimony,
but a false witness tells lies.
Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. (Proverbs 12:17-19)
He who loves a quarrel loves sin;
he who builds a high gate invites destruction. (Proverbs 17:19)
And my personal favorite:
Better to live on the corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. (Proverbs 21:9)
Talk about conviction! Tripp says, "With our talk, either we are imaging our Creator and Lord, or we are imaging the Serpent, Satan." (pg. 26) There is no gray area. Either we are speaking truth and love, honoring our Father, or we are dishonoring our Father and speaking lies.
"We often have descended to the standard of the Father of Lies, the one who deceives, divides, and destroys--Satan himself." (pg. 29) I teach the 2 and 3 year old Sunday School class. Just this past Sunday, IN THE LORD'S HOUSE, I did this very thing. A grandparent of one of my student's asked if we enjoyed something she gave us. Instead of truthfully admitting that we had not used it yet, I replied, "Oh, yes. Thank you very much." As a culture, we accept those little white lies. However, once that little lie has been spoken, the next one is easier, and the next one easier after that. Suddenly, I find myself dismissing truth and allowing myself to use a little deception here, a little over there. I just sprinkle it around.
On page 29, Tripp makes the following statements. I asked myself if I was guilty of each statement. I'm sure you can guess the response.
We have laid traps with our mouths. (Have you?)
We have seduced with our words. (Have you?)
Our talk has stirred up dissension. (Has it?)
We have said too much and spoken in haste. (Have you?)
Our words have been reckless. (Has yours?)
We have given in to gossip and in our anger our words have been malicious. (Have you?)
We have been quarrelsome. (Have you?)
At times, we have delighted to air our own opinions. (Have you?)
We have given in to mocking humor. (Have you?)
We have betrayed the confidence of others with our words. (Have you?)
So now that we realize that our words are not only rooted in goodness, do not always glorify God, but are also rooted in sin, in the way of the Serpent, what do we do? How do we shun the lie and accept the truth? Tripp says that we must confess that our "communication struggle is not primarily a struggle of technique, but a struggle of the heart. Our war of words is not with our people; it is a battle within." (pg. 30)
Since beginning this book study, I am becoming so aware of this battle within myself. I find that when I snap at my husband or speak harshly to my child, I realize immediately that I am not honoring God. That I am abusing my parental authority, that I am dividing, destroying, not supporting, helping, changing.
Tripp closes this chapter with a delightful verse of grace. There is hope for us!
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Praise God! Isn't He so good to us??
Tripp provides some reflective questions at the end of each chapter. Do you want me to provide some for your reflection? (Ahem...I'm trying to prompt you to leave me a little comment.)
I think 56 of you have stopped by. You are choosing not to comment and I certainly respect that. But know that I continue to pray for you. My prayer today covers all of you. I'm asking the Lord to expose your communication struggles to you. Are you destroying, dividing, causing dissension? I want the Lord to make you painfully aware. I want the Lord to make me painfully aware. I want us to go to the Cross together, asking the Lord to change us: to change our hearts so that we might make this place more holy, so that our families are more peaceful, so that we change the face of our homes, our workplaces, our friendships.
I'm also going to ask Him to give you a little nudge so that I know who you are...go ahead, click the comment button, push a few buttons. Tell me you were here.
In Christ,
Natalie
I feel as if I should have some reservation in continuing with this particular chapter because the scripture speaks so clearly to my own sinful heart.
Oh, speaking of scripture, my brother recommended a Study Bible and I ordered it today. I can't wait for to arrive so I can really get into The Word.
Back to Satan Speaks. Tripp provides SO. MANY scripture references here that it is overwhelming. I want to give you just a few. That is one reason I so love this book. Tripp's experiences and his work is so very, very grounded in the Word of God.
Tripp quotes a portion of James 3. I want to give you my favorite portion of this section:
"All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."
Brothers and sisters, let us think quietly about that for just a moment.
Isn't that so true? Lions and tigers are tamed for circus acts, horses are broken so they can be ridden, dolphins are contained so we can swim with them. Yet we can not control the very words that come from our own lips. A single part of our own bodies are beyond our control. My heart aches with this admission.
Tripp also gives many examples from Proverbs that shows so clearly "the war of words that is so much a part of life in our fallen world." (pg. 26)
I could reprint every single reference and give a specific example of how it relates to my own experiences, but I'll just list a few. Think about them. What do they say to you? Let's talk about them.
If you have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth,
then do this, my son, to free yourself,
since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands:
Go and humble yourself;
press your plea with your neighbor! (Proverbs 6:2-3)
There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (Proverbs 6: 16-19)
A truthful witness gives honest testimony,
but a false witness tells lies.
Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. (Proverbs 12:17-19)
He who loves a quarrel loves sin;
he who builds a high gate invites destruction. (Proverbs 17:19)
And my personal favorite:
Better to live on the corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. (Proverbs 21:9)
Talk about conviction! Tripp says, "With our talk, either we are imaging our Creator and Lord, or we are imaging the Serpent, Satan." (pg. 26) There is no gray area. Either we are speaking truth and love, honoring our Father, or we are dishonoring our Father and speaking lies.
"We often have descended to the standard of the Father of Lies, the one who deceives, divides, and destroys--Satan himself." (pg. 29) I teach the 2 and 3 year old Sunday School class. Just this past Sunday, IN THE LORD'S HOUSE, I did this very thing. A grandparent of one of my student's asked if we enjoyed something she gave us. Instead of truthfully admitting that we had not used it yet, I replied, "Oh, yes. Thank you very much." As a culture, we accept those little white lies. However, once that little lie has been spoken, the next one is easier, and the next one easier after that. Suddenly, I find myself dismissing truth and allowing myself to use a little deception here, a little over there. I just sprinkle it around.
On page 29, Tripp makes the following statements. I asked myself if I was guilty of each statement. I'm sure you can guess the response.
We have laid traps with our mouths. (Have you?)
We have seduced with our words. (Have you?)
Our talk has stirred up dissension. (Has it?)
We have said too much and spoken in haste. (Have you?)
Our words have been reckless. (Has yours?)
We have given in to gossip and in our anger our words have been malicious. (Have you?)
We have been quarrelsome. (Have you?)
At times, we have delighted to air our own opinions. (Have you?)
We have given in to mocking humor. (Have you?)
We have betrayed the confidence of others with our words. (Have you?)
So now that we realize that our words are not only rooted in goodness, do not always glorify God, but are also rooted in sin, in the way of the Serpent, what do we do? How do we shun the lie and accept the truth? Tripp says that we must confess that our "communication struggle is not primarily a struggle of technique, but a struggle of the heart. Our war of words is not with our people; it is a battle within." (pg. 30)
Since beginning this book study, I am becoming so aware of this battle within myself. I find that when I snap at my husband or speak harshly to my child, I realize immediately that I am not honoring God. That I am abusing my parental authority, that I am dividing, destroying, not supporting, helping, changing.
Tripp closes this chapter with a delightful verse of grace. There is hope for us!
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Praise God! Isn't He so good to us??
Tripp provides some reflective questions at the end of each chapter. Do you want me to provide some for your reflection? (Ahem...I'm trying to prompt you to leave me a little comment.)
I think 56 of you have stopped by. You are choosing not to comment and I certainly respect that. But know that I continue to pray for you. My prayer today covers all of you. I'm asking the Lord to expose your communication struggles to you. Are you destroying, dividing, causing dissension? I want the Lord to make you painfully aware. I want the Lord to make me painfully aware. I want us to go to the Cross together, asking the Lord to change us: to change our hearts so that we might make this place more holy, so that our families are more peaceful, so that we change the face of our homes, our workplaces, our friendships.
I'm also going to ask Him to give you a little nudge so that I know who you are...go ahead, click the comment button, push a few buttons. Tell me you were here.
In Christ,
Natalie
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Home again
We returned safely from our trip. What a special time we had together as a family. We plan to return several times during the next twelve months--our special little hide away.
My sister-in-law, her boys, and I "survived" the funeral last Thursday without incident. God was merciful to our needs and protected us from any type of confrontation. In fact, there was not even an opportunity for any type of communication. The gossip in me would really like to give you all the mean, gory, unkind details of why these relationships are so strained, but I will not.
While we were away, I was just so aware of our great country and the men and women who sacrifice so that we can live in freedom. We were so fortunate to be in a place with at least 40,000 people who enjoyed a wonderful 4th of July show together. During one point, the national anthem was played. As far as my eyes could see, every single person stood with respect for our nation. The family next to us was Hispanic. I did not hear them speak any English to each other, but they stood during the national anthem with their hands on their hearts.
There are people on this earth, brothers and sisters in Christ, who can not openly worship. They are persecuted and jailed or mocked and beaten for serving the same Lord that I serve. Despite all the problems of our nation, we live in a very special place. And I am so thankful.
Alright, all 52 visitors. I'm praying for you. Please know that tomorrow when I am corporate worship with my church family, I will be praying for this place and for you. I will prepare the second post on Chapter 2 for Monday. Let me know if you stop by between now and then. Just a little hi is good enough!
Happy 4th of July...a day late.
In Christ,
Natalie
My sister-in-law, her boys, and I "survived" the funeral last Thursday without incident. God was merciful to our needs and protected us from any type of confrontation. In fact, there was not even an opportunity for any type of communication. The gossip in me would really like to give you all the mean, gory, unkind details of why these relationships are so strained, but I will not.
While we were away, I was just so aware of our great country and the men and women who sacrifice so that we can live in freedom. We were so fortunate to be in a place with at least 40,000 people who enjoyed a wonderful 4th of July show together. During one point, the national anthem was played. As far as my eyes could see, every single person stood with respect for our nation. The family next to us was Hispanic. I did not hear them speak any English to each other, but they stood during the national anthem with their hands on their hearts.
There are people on this earth, brothers and sisters in Christ, who can not openly worship. They are persecuted and jailed or mocked and beaten for serving the same Lord that I serve. Despite all the problems of our nation, we live in a very special place. And I am so thankful.
Alright, all 52 visitors. I'm praying for you. Please know that tomorrow when I am corporate worship with my church family, I will be praying for this place and for you. I will prepare the second post on Chapter 2 for Monday. Let me know if you stop by between now and then. Just a little hi is good enough!
Happy 4th of July...a day late.
In Christ,
Natalie
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