Ten Lepers – Discovering the Difference

What made the one leper different?

If you’re familiar with the record of Jesus healing the ten lepers, you’re already thinking, “One leper returned to thank Christ for healing him.”

This is true, but there is another distinction.

As Jesus traveled between Samaria and Galilee, ten men with leprosy called to him from a distance, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

To all of them, Jesus said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” (According to the Mosaic law, the lepers had to remain outside the city a certain number of days and if they appeared clean, go show themselves to the priests for further instruction as to when/how they may reenter the city.)

And as they went, they were cleansed.  

When the one returns, falling at Jesus’s feet with praise and thanks, Jesus says, “Were not all ten cleansed? …..Rise and go; your faith has made you whole”  (see Luke 17:11 – 19, KJV). 

Do you see the other distinction?

Yes, the one leper was different. He alone went to praise and thank God. His heart stood apart from the rest.

The other distinction is what Jesus told him. Whole. Your faith has made you whole.

So what’s the difference between clean and whole?

Could it be a glimpse of this truth–Christ was born to all, Christ died for all, yet only some surrender to praise Him as Lord and become a servant?

Lord, please make me your true servant. Let me not raise my hand to receive what you give me without falling at your feet to praise and serve. This Christmas, may I not celebrate the fact that you came without using my life here to follow.

Same Thing, Just Different

There’s a saying in my family, created by my Daddy. Okay, so he invented many sayings in our home, but the one I’m thinking of today is, “Same thing, just different.” It’s one of my personal favorites. Both my husband and I have used it in our own household on many occasions over the years, particularly when the kids were splitting hairs on an issue. Now, they, too, pipe in with the phrase sometimes. I’m thinking of making some t-shirts to sell.  

Earlier this week on the blog for girls, we began a study on the names/descriptions of Jesus found in the gospel of John. The first name is Word. (See John 1:1-2, John 1:14 and Rev 19:13). In these verses, the original Greek is “logos” which can be described as the entirety of God’s declaration. I think of it as all encompassing.

But, the Greeks had lots of words which we often translate into the same English word.  One example is the “word” Jesus quoted  (originally from Deuteronomy) during his temptation by the devil in the desert.

“…Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”  (Matthew 4:4 NIV).

The original Greek for “word” Jesus spoke in the desert is not logos but “rhema.” Vines defines it as an utterance, a speech, a discourse. I think of it as a specific utterance rather than the entirety of God’s word.

Obviously, God’s word is his word, whether it be a smaller passage or the scriptures as a whole.  

So why are the original words different in the Greek?

Have you ever been in a desperate place, with a terrific need for a specific word of encouragement or hope from God? Something that would keep you going?

You had faith. You knew Christ as your Saviour, yet you needed something specific to get through a storm?

That’s rhema. We live on the very word of God. We need it daily, in digestible pieces. It sustains us, grows us. We don’t need only the knowledge of the gospel and the salvation Christ offers for the end of our lives, we need the Word to live — day by day. 

So, my favorite Daddy phrase applies. “Same thing, just different” — and all good!

What’s Biggest Today?

“…we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek”  Hebrews 6:18b-20. 

What’s biggest in your life today? A problem. A need. A hurt.

Even something good can feel like the biggest thing. A surprise. An accomplishment. An opportunity. 

But our LORD is the greatest of all. Nothing is bigger, nothing more powerful. Nothing can stand against Him or rise above Him.

I’m in the midst of a wild storm, clinging to the One and Only Living God and His Word to me. May my hands and heart be blistered from gripping His anchor which never fails.

So if you’re tired or hurt today, God is greater than that hurt.

If you’re thrilled about something, it still can’t compete with the fullness and everlasting joy of our God.

Click on the song link below and worship Him right now. Tell Him He is above all things.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca1EEYayu4M

Do You Avoid Bumps?

A few years ago, my middle child said, “Mommy, do you know how I walk with my eyes closed and still get there?”

He squeezed his eyes shut and gave a play-by-play demonstration.  “I head in that direction -even though I can’t see it – and just bump into things until I get there!”   His voice and smile showed nothing but sheer delight.

Are you willing to be okay with the bumps as you move?

Growth requires movement.  You may not be sure where you are heading exactly.  It may be necessary to bump, adjust, bump adjust.  Without that, you stand still instead of moving where it is you feel compelled to go.

If your destination feels uncertain, but the urge to get moving is strong, be willing to hit the bumps and keep on adjusting. Be willing to move even before you can see the final destination.

Consider this.  You can be caught up in the same place, doing the same things, knowing you are meant to do more.  Or, you can forge a new, unknown exploration, trusting God to transform you along the way.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

For we live by faith, not by sight.

I’m moving, bumps and all.

What’s Your Mile Marker?

Sharing my journey from Good Girl to God’s Girl has me celebrating. And what a thing that is, as many of my loved ones are sick and battling serious situations today. 

A heart that’s able to be joyful in my relationship with God while pouring out the prayers of great need for my loved ones — all at the same time– that’s what turning myself over to Him has done. Let’s keep going, Lord!

A heart in transition; that’s what I want to share with you today. This is a poem from my journal. It’s a mile marker to me as I reflect on it now, a marker of how God began to empty my heart of the old stuff and transform it into a pure heart for Him. It’s a daily process by the way. 

Here’s my journal entry as I wrote it,  back when I first started this journey. A journey of becoming fully and purposefully His instead of routinely His.

 Lord, Be Exalted in My Heart 

God, I believe in who you are

Shaper of moon, earth and stars

Show me how and where to start

So you can rule inside my heart

 

Jesus, You saved me from eternal death

This earth won’t hold my last true breath

To work and play and church I go

Your hymns, commands, and truths I know

 

But God, my prayers are so routine

My do’s and don’ts can’t make me clean

What good comes from this outward game

If in my heart, I’m still the same

 

I try so hard to do what’s right

Performing, working, holding tight

But in my heart You do not see

Yourself exalted, only me

 

Wanting purpose and security

To be known and feel free

I think that now I finally see

I must search for You, not for me

 

At last to find all that I need

Your plan holds my identity

Only faith counts as righteousness

This, my Lord, You will bless

 

Your words are life, Your works are great

On You alone, my Lord, I wait

You are the God of the patriarchs

Lord, be exalted in my heart

Get Real or Stay Stuck – Series Post #4

Know how when you’re on a diet–ahem, or making a lifestyle change–you’re often advised to list everything you eat? It makes you get real about what you are putting into your body.

My food journal often looks great the first half of the day. Boiled egg whites, whole wheat bread, grapefuit. Perhaps there’s grilled chicken over salad or tuna at lunch. Early afternoon snack is  an apple and light cheesestick. 

But, around 4:00 o’clock, things often take a turn. And the food journal stays incomplete the rest of the day.     Who wants to put they ate 3 cookies and a stack of Pringles in their diet log?

A food journal also shows you what you aren’t eating. Enough fruits, veggies, fiber — the good stuff.

On my good girl to God’s girl journey, I had to get real about my diet. Eating great on Sunday morning church and being spoon-fed on a weekday morning study group was about like my food log. I wasn’t getting anywhere, my spiritual diet had me stuck in the same place for years.

This is when I got real and prayed to God. “Make me want to read your word on my own. Make it jump off the page at me, teach me what you want me to learn, show me what you want me to see. Give me a craving for it!”

Maturity requires a healthy diet. Maturity brings rewards and responsibilities. 

Take a few minutes to read this great blog post by Waylon Bailey, a pastor in Louisiana.  What’s your diet missing?

http://waylonbailey.com/2011/08/a-checklist-for-taking-the-next-step/

Linking up with

Damaging Detour – “Good Girl” Series Post 3

Welcome back to post #3 from the “Good Girl to God’s Girl” series.

Last time I shared my mantra, “Being Right Is Not Who I Am.” 

God had revealed my true condition:  Much of my identity was rooted in myself, in what I did or didn’t do. That’d been my main problem.

Think of it this way. Even within the heart of a true believer, vast detours can take place.

Self-centered living drives the Good Girl.

Christ-centered living drives God’s Girl.

So how could I do the 180 degree turn and shift my thoughts and heart away from self and to my God?

I couldn’t. But God could.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

The first thing I needed to do was pray to God and admit the pride in my heart, and ask for His forgiveness and His renewal.

Here are some personal notes from my journal during that time.

God, you can see my good motives and genuine care for people. But, you can also see my selfishness, the laziness in my approach to you. My desire to be in control and produce immediate results. I believe you created me with special care, giving me abilities to be used for your kingdom. I do not want to lose you in the middle of obedient routines. I believe you can teach me and show me how to be fulfilled and submitted all at the same time. Only you have what I need.

Another key verse became my earnest prayer.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting  Psalm 139: 23 – 24  (NIV).

What might God reveal to you about your own identity? We can always go further, releasing more of us to be filled with more of Him.

Leave a comment, what’s one thing you sense God asking you to let go of to move closer in relationship to Him?

Afraid of the Ball?

Our dog is totally nuts over a tennis ball.

She trots throughout the house, ball in mouth. If no one’s willing to toss it, she’ll play alone. She might chew on it, pretend to bury it in her bed, or nose it around on the floor. She naps with it under her chin, barks with it in her mouth, and paces when it’s stuck under the furniture. Even when she’s in full sleep, one bounce of that ball bolts her into action. 

Shaka’s ball is her favorite thing. It’s who she is.

Yet, any ball larger than she is appears to be a source of terror. Volleyball, basketball, beachball. Doesn’t matter. She becomes paralyzed.

Now I know Shaka can’t play with these other balls the same way, and maybe I spend too much time alone with this dog during the day. But, she gives me glimpses of human behavior sometimes. The things we are passionate about can often be the things we’re afraid of doing in a bigger way.

Consider the one who loves to play with children, but is hesitant to commit as a mentor. Someone who’s talented in art, poetry, writing, but doesn’t want anyone else to see their work–it may not be good enough. The one who loves to study, but won’t commit to teach. A person who sings, but never in public.

Passions and abilities are woven into each of us with a plan in mind.

For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you
   when I was made in the secret place,
   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be  Psalms 139: 13 – 16 (NIV).

What might we be missing out on if we’re afraid to do the things that seem too big for us? 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do     Ephesians 2:10 (NIV).

Leave a Comment. Can you share an experience when you acted in faith to overcome fear? You might just encourage one of us. Or, tell us what thing you feel compelled to do yet overwhelmed to try? Let us encourage you.

 

Putting Out Fire

Ever end a day feeling like you ran around putting out fires all day long? You never get to the things planned, because something else interrupted you and demanded your attention. It leaves you drained and frustated.

Consider the one type of fire we should never put out. It is the source of energy, guidance and wisdom.

“Do not put out the Spirit’s fire” (1 Thessalonians 5:19   NIV).

This verse is part of a letter from Paul and his co-missionaries, Timothy and Silas. It’s written to a church they’d visited. In preceeding verses, they instruct the people to actively encourage each other and appreciate their leaders (see 5:12 – 18). This is necessary and something widely neglected. Prayer and verbalized encouragement fans the fire of God within the people working for his purpose.

But, in reading this passage, I also started to consider the ways we smother the Holy Spirit within ourselves.

Insecurity, unbelief, self-involvement. Focus on our own needs/plans. Failure to pray, read and meditate on scripture. The choice not to gather with other believers to sharpen one another. Looking at our overwhelm instead of our God.

And a big one for me, over-analyzing plans or decisions. The desire for plans to make perfect sense on paper, be logical and feel secure before we’ll do them transfers confidence from God to self. It sucks out the energy the fire of God creates.

So send that note of encouragement to someone. Stop and pray to God about your priorities and welcome his interruptions and press on his plans. Toss the pros and cons list into the fire.

It’s your turn. What can you do to fan the fire in yourself or someone else?

The most important thing?

This morning, I read the following sentence in a journal with a quoted scripture. It read, “Nothing is more important than our obedience to God.”  The verse offered was Luke 11:28: He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

I opened my Bible to Luke 11 to get the context. The scripture noted was Christ’s response to a woman’s declaration after witnessing Jesus cast out a demon from a mute man.

 ²⁷As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”

 ²⁸ He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”    Luke 11:27 – 28 NIV

The first few words of verse 28 reminded me of the beatitude verses we’ve been studying. Today, we come to the following.

Matthew 5:7 – 8  (NIV)

Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy. 
Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God.

Heart is the connector for me on all of these verses. I believe Jesus’s response in Luke 11:28 urges us to see we are not blessed based on birth, family position, or position in society. Rather, a person is blessed if they will hear the word of God and be changed by it. A true change creates resulting actions.

Mercy is an act of compassion. Compassion comes from the heart.

Mercy, compassion, pureness of heart — they all come from a willingness to hear the word of God and be changed by it. A willing heart. A heart with faith.

The faith-filled heart is a foundation to all things of importance. This too, is a gift from God.

Lord, fill us with renewed faith today. Overcome our doubts, and our unbelief, our grief. Faith releases us to obey  Your promptings. I praise you, Jesus, as the author and perfector of my faith. (see Hebrews 12:2)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c24En0r-lXg  Let Faith Arise, by Chris Tomlin.