A Tree Not-So-Firmly Planted

This view along the Virginia Creeper Trail was strikingly beautiful. I found the leaning tree, whose stand of roots had been washed away by the stream, very poignant in the midst of perfection. (Psalm 1:1-3)

Many years ago when I was very active in my church, I struggled with the question of whether or not God frowned upon women taking leadership roles in ministry. Personal circumstances inclined me to think that Paul had good reason to "suffer not a woman to teach." (1 Timothy 2:12) Yet, I was asked to do so and seemed equipped to do so.

I spent a lot of time in my own personal research of the issue, reading from articles by Robert L. Saucy, A. Duane Litfin, and H. Wayne House, as well as the Broadman Bible Commentary and other sources. For a period, declining specifically to teach men served more than one purpose, even though I felt I was forfeiting gifts and blessings along the way. I saw that Jesus empowered women, but I couldn't argue against the seemingly obvious instruction of Paul's words.

One of the strangest influences in my eventual realization was Dennis Covington's book, Salvation on Sand Mountain, a true story about a preacher convicted of attempting to murder his wife with rattlesnakes. If you read the book, you must also listen to Kate Campbell's haunting song, "Signs Following," which is related to the same story. Near the end of the book, Covington writes about a message he delivered at a snake-handling church:

I knew I was in the Word now. It was close to the feeling I'd had when I'd handled. "Mary Magdalene was the first person to spread the news of the risen Christ!" I shouted. "She was the first evangelist, and the men didn't even believe her! So when we start talking about a woman's place, we better add that a woman's place is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ! In Him there is no male or female, no Greek or Jew!" and I spun on Carl. "Am I in the Word?"
"No," Carl said. "You're not in the Word."
"Are you telling me I'm out of the Word?"
"Yes, you're out of the Word." He smiled. It was a smile of enormous satisfaction and relief. At last, we had reached the end of our story, his eyes seemed to say.

About that same time, I read Nancy Ammerman's collection of articles, Southern Baptists Observed. Let's just say a lot of things came into focus for me.

On Wednesday nights, I'm now attending a class that's discussing, "What the Bible Doesn't Say about Women." Still seems to me that we work too hard to climb over Paul's words. Look at how Priscilla taught Apollos in Acts 18:26. Now, about that leaning tree....

Seeing and Knowing Fully

Today I rode the Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus, VA, and the day was perfect. The air was just cool enough to be invigorating, and the sky was a beautiful October blue. My favorite parts of the trail were the spots where the aromatic pine needles scented the air and where the fall colors were reflected in the streams and looked like Monet paintings.

At a particular spot where we stopped to take photos of little waterfalls, I noticed this wonderful leaf in the water, light reflecting in places, the details muted and vibrant at the same time.

I used to look for concrete answers in life and think that I could actually find them. I found it pretty unsettling to consider that things might not be quite so easily determined. I looked to others who could help me interpret God's Word and tell me exactly what it meant. However, I've come to believe that one reason that the Bible is as relevant to today's world as it was when its words were penned is that it reveals to us what we require to meet the day's needs. No matter how many times I might read a passage, I can still find something new. To me, God's word is truly living, and as I've grown, I've learned that the more I come to understand, the less I seem to know for certain, and I'm OK with that. I can now say, "I'm not sure," and it doesn't bother me. God is big enough to handle my questions, and He's not offended by my quest, as long as I'm still seeking and desire to draw closer to Him through the process. People who think they have all the answers now scare me.

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12

Boundaries

Turn the other cheek. (Matt. 5:39)
Keep no record of wrongs. (I Cor. 13:5)
Forgive seventy times seven. (Matt. 18:21-22)
If someone takes what's yours, don't ask for it back. (Luke 6:30)
Control your anger. (Eph. 4:26)
Love your enemies and pray for them. (Matt. 5:44)

I gotta admit, I used to think that the fruit of the Spirit described as self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) was all about the things I wasn't supposed to do in response to other people. And then I read the book called Boundaries, by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend, and realized that Jesus did not intend for us to be doormats. That certainly was not His example.

He overturned the tables in the temple. He rebuked. He cursed the fig tree. And even though He came to die for us, He didn't allow the mob to throw Him off the cliff before it was His time to die.

The fruit of the Spirit called self-control is not only about keeping yourself from climbing over other people's fences but also about keeping others on the other side of your fence when necessary as well. It takes wisdom and discernment to know when and how to do that, but to be a doormat is not only unhealthy, it does not honor God.

"... your tormentors, who have said to you, 'Lie down that we may walk over you.' You have even made your back like the ground. And like the street for those who walk over it. Awake, awake! Clothe yourself in your strength..." Isaiah 51:23 - 52:1

Pocket Treasure

Our church is focusing on commitments to give, and we've been looking at the related joys of giving. This all reminds me of a particular Sunday when my son was just a little fellow.

One of the most stoic pillars of our former church was passing the offering plate down the aisle. I honestly do not remember having ever seen this quiet, gentle giant smile before. He came to our pew, where my son had scooted beyond my reach to the end nearest the man. When the somber gentleman presented the offering plate, my son began to methodically empty his little-boy-pocket of its contents onto the seat. One by one, out came all the treasures: a crayon, a matchbox car, a string, etc.

As his mom, I was getting a little nervous, knowing the serious nature of the man who still stood holding the outstretched plate. I looked up to see the man almost chuckling! He was deeply enjoying the process with great patience, and his eyes sparkled with true delight.

I've looked back on that moment many times down through the years as I've thought about the process of giving. What does God watch us empty from our pockets? Is he amused by our struggle to sort through our treasures and find what we want to give?

Transitions

OK, enough of that. For 12 years, I wrote from the heart for my church's newsletter, but I can now submit so few of them here. Some of them were "event specific," like the one I wrote in response to the Los Angeles street riot in 1992 or the troops going to Kuwait in 1991. Others were related to holidays or special activities like Vacation Bible School or the National Day of Prayer. Maybe I'll still work some of those in when it's appropriate to the calendar. However, most of the ones I feel uncomfortable sharing now are about thoughts and feelings that seem foreign to who I am today, even more so than many of the ones I've already posted!

As a young adult, my naiveté and idealism were even more pronounced than they are now! It was easier to see my world in black and white, and life's issues seemed simpler. But I've lived a little while since then, and I've found things a lot more complicated than I had anticipated! It's been about 15 years since I wrote for the newsletter, and let's just say that the Janni Journey has taken some twists and turns. Somehow, the mushroom seems just right.

Here begins a new chapter of posts.

Battles lost and won

Do you ever wonder why Satan manages to outsmart and overpower you even when you know you're trying to do God's will? Perhaps we are trying to obey God under our own strength, fighting spiritual battles with our human resources instead of God's. Are we ignoring the Holy Spirit and living as though Pentecost never happened?

The executor of a "last will and testament" is someone who has been appointed to carry our the wishes of the person who wrote the will. In this same way, the Holy Spirit has been given to each follower of Christ to see that God's will is done. Only through the Spirit can we become all God wants us to be, and only through the Spirit can our work for the Lord be blessed, successful and fruitful. As Christians, we each have the Holy Spirit within us, so why aren't the battles won and why aren't our efforts bearing fruit?

Having the Holy Spirit within us and being filled with the Spirit are two different things. We receive the Spirit when we accept Christ as Savior (Romans 8:16-17), but we are filled with the Spirit as we allow Christ to be Lord of everything in our life. Ephesians 5:18 tells us to "Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." While most of us are quick to agree that we should not be drunk, few emphasize the fact that we are supposed to be FILLED with the Spirit. Being filled is a continual process.

How do we know whether we are filled with the Spirit? We shouldn't have to ask! If we are merely witnessing and doing good deeds because God's Word says we should, we probably aren't being very effective. Are we motivated by God's command or by the Holy Spirit? To accomplish God's mission, we must utilize God's power. Is the Holy Spirit an influence we possess, or is it a person who possesses us?

Christians and Politics

Some would argue that as Christians, we have no place in the world of secular politics. For some, the "separation of church and state" seems to imply a two-way barrier that should never be crossed.

Unfortunately, many history books seem to support that theory. In reality, many of our nation's founding fathers were Christians whose ideas and principles were directly quoted from or credited to the Bible as they formed the shape of our government. "Separation of church and state" is actually a phrase coined only within recent history. Those three key words don't even appear in the Amendments. Originally, the intent was to protect the church from the government, not the government from the church. Our nation seems to have lost sight of some things.

It's true that often it's much easier to build a new wall where none stood before, than to rebuild among the ruins of a former one. However, Nehemiah, through God's direction, showed us how it can be done. As Christians, we must take concern for and participate in the process allowed us. Once God had placed the burden in his heart, Nehemiah spent days in prayer and fasting in preparation. The task was not easy, and it was met with opposition. As the people worked, they labored with one hand and held a weapon with the other. At one point, Nehemiah writes, "When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: "Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses." Nehemiah 4:14

I suggest that our task is to rebuild foundations, and as we labor (become informed, vote, and be vocal and active) the weapon we hold with our other hand is prayer.

God's Resume

Have you ever considered what God's qualities might mean to you personally? Here are a few to consider:

CREATOR: Lord, You created me and each member of my family. You created or allowed the circumstances that we are in now: our jobs, home, teachers, friends, and opportunities. You have created or allowed our resources: financial, spiritual, material, emotional, and mental.

EVER-PRESENT: You are with each of us when we are otherwise alone, as well as when we are together with others. You are at school, at work, at home, on the road, and anywhere we might visit. You're not just here now, but you are present in the future. I cannot go anywhere without you. I need not send my family anywhere without you -- today or in the future. You will be there when I cannot. You are here with me and there with my loved ones when I fail You and them.

ALL-KNOWING: You know my thoughts and the thoughts of others. You know our tendencies, weaknesses, strengths, and limitations. You know our desires, attitudes, motives, and concerns. You know our fears, doubts, and lack of faith. You know every word spoken and every decision made. You know the future; You know the choices we will make, the sins we will commit, and the obedience we will show. You know our destinations.

ALMIGHTY: You can do everything and anything. You can change things; You can bless; You can influence; You can prevent; You can protect; You can set aside; You can intervene; You can empower. You can fill, guide, direct, persuade, and teach. You can comfort and heal.

UNCHANGING: All these things will always be true about You. You and Your promises remain the same throughout time.

"I will extol Thee, my God, O King; And I will bless Thy name forever. Every day I will bless Thee, and I will praise Thy name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.... The Lord is righteous in all His ways, And kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them." Psalm 145:1-3, 17-19.

The Comforter

We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord at Easter and otherwise; let us also celebrate Pentecost daily!

Pentecost is recognized as the time when the Holy Spirit came upon the church as they waited and prayed expectantly, according to the instructions given to them by Christ before His ascension. Jesus had told them:

"And behold, I am sending for the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:49

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 1:8

Jesus often referred to the Holy Spirit as the "Paraclete," a Greek word that we have interpreted as "the Comforter." A Paraclete was someone who went into the courtroom with a person and gave counsel, cheer, and advocacy. The Paraclete advised a person what to say, helped him or her think clearly and encouraged the person to carry on.

In James G.K. McClure's book, Intercessory Prayer: A Mighty Means of Usefulness, we are challenged to revival. The book was first printed in 1902 to encourage Christians to pray. In 1904, a spiritual awakening swept across our nation and around the world. McClure wrote:

"Prayer for the Holy Spirit is offered when Christians are determined to do the will of God. Where formal religious life prevails and where a sense of responsibility concerning the spiritual welfare of others is weak, prayer is offered less frequently and less fervently. Self-centered people and self-satisfied churches give the Holy Spirit a small place in their prayer petitions...."

"No one can have the Comforter's power if they wish Him as a sedative. People who ask to receive the Spirit for these purposes, have no idea of the Comforter's particular function in the kingdom of grace -- or the nature of His mission. Unless a person wishes to serve Jesus Christ in the lives of others, they will not profit by His presence...."

"Prayer for the Comforter is a searching prayer. It is a prayer that empowers the church to break loose from listlessness and hindrances, to become a mighty giant to pull down sin's strongholds."

As we think about Pentecost, let us look for revival and pray -- LORD, FILL ME, MY CITY, AND MY NATION WITH YOUR HOLY SPIRIT! COME!

Not so good Samaritans

There was a man I saw along the highway every day,
for it was his home, and he had not a pillow for his head.
My heart ached for him as I saw him there each day,
and I wondered where he came from, who he was,
and whether he knew my Lord.

But, what, me Lord?? Stop my car and talk with him?? Oh, I can't!

Now if the circumstances were different some day,
I would show my concern, talk with him, and share with him.

I was in a department store cafe one day
and was surprised to find that man sitting near, alone.

But, what, now Lord?? Here among all these people?? Well, I just can't!

Of course if it weren't so crowded another day,
I would share with him the bread of life.

I heard about that man's death the other day,
and I ached and was filled with shame.

I wish I could say I know he's with my Lord, but I can't.

We look with dismay at the priest and the Levite in the story about the good Samaritan, but how many times do we pass by those in trouble along the highway of life? Folks don't have to be lying in the ditch along the road to be considered in need of our help! How many of our co-workers, neighbors, and family members just need someone to slow down long enough to show concern for their lives? The story of the good Samaritan was told by Jesus in order to teach a man about loving others. Remember that Christ also said, "...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethern, ye have done it unto me." Matthew 25:40

Need and Giving

Each need in our lives is an opportunity for God's power and glory to be made known. Because of the needs that a church can face, we must recognize that this is not only an opportunity for material and physical improvement but spiritual growth and enrichment as well.

"Tell the sons of Israel to raise a contribution for Me; from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution.... And let them construct a sanctuary for Me that I may dwell among them. According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it." (Ex. 25:2, 8-9) The chapters following this challenge to God's people describe in great detail the building and furnishing of the tabernacle. Notice, however, that the giving was to be done by each one "whose heart moves him." Although God was greatly concerned about the condition and appearance of His house of worship, He was equally involved in the conditions of the heart.

After the challenge and instructions were given, God's people were revealed and judged according to their worship of idols. Revival took place. "All the men and women whose heart moved them to bring material for all the work, which the Lord had commanded through Moses to be done, brought a freewill offering to the Lord." (Ex. 35:29) The people gave and continued to give until Moses had to command them to stop!

When David set aside provisions for the temple of God that would be built by Solomon, again the hearts of the people were moved. "Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly... 'Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from Thee, and from Thy hand we have given Thee.'" (1 Chron. 29:9, 13-14) When the people gave with their whole hearts, they were amazed at their own giving!

Indeed, God uses needs to make His power and glory known, and He does so through the moving of hearts!

Love: God's definition

Love. It's a word that has many shades of meaning in our society; we use it in reference to our spouses, our friends, our Lord, and our favorite candy bar! We talk about it as though it were a location -- to be "in love." We refer to it as something tangible -- to "find love." We speak of it as a condition -- to "feel love." We even insinuate that it is something accidental that we "fall in and out of." And yet God's Word most often refers to love as an action -- something that we are commanded to do and choose to do, rather than a feeling that comes over us or something we find ourselves in.

We are to love our enemies. Matthew 3:44
We are to love our neighbors. Matthew 22:39
We are to love our spouses. Ephesians 5:25
We are to love our children. Titus 2:4
We are to love the Lord. Mark 12:30
We are to love fellow Christians. 1 Peter 2:17

According to these verses, love is expressed through prayer, service, selflessness and sacrifice. We don't have to wait for love to "happen" to us. We can choose to love.

Psalm 119: Revive Me

Psalm 119 is special in many ways. It is the longest chapter in the Bible (176 verses). It is an acrostic that uses the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet (all eight lines in each of the 22 sections begin with that same letter in the original Hebrew). It is God's Word in praise of God's Word.

The writer of this Psalm expresses great desire to know and be committed to the Word of the Lord. Many terms are used to describe God's Word: law, saying, commandment, statutes, precepts, ordinances and testimony. Reading Psalm 119 is a wonderful way to prayerfully begin each daily quiet time with our Heavenly Father.
"Revive me according to Thy word."
"Revive me through Thy righteousness."
"Revive me according to Thy loving kindness."
"Revive me, Oh Lord, according to Thine ordinances."
"Revive me in Thy ways."

These petitions and their variations are repeated throughout the Psalm. The sincerity of the psalmist's heart is reflected in his approach and his requests:
"With all my heart I have sought Thee." v.10
"Thy word I have treasured in my heart." v. 11
"Open my eyes..." v. 18
"Teach me..." v. 26
"Make me understand..." v. 27
"Strengthen me..." v. 28
"Incline my heart..." v. 36
"Sustain me..." v. 116
"Uphold me..." v. 117
"Establish my footsteps..." v 133

These are the words and this is the attitude of a person seeking the Lord's revival in his/her heart. Does Psalm 119 reflect our own? The psalmist didn't wait until he had manufactured his own longing for God -- he asked God to create it: "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Thy servant..." v. 176.