Dear Sisters,
Good morning! There seems to be a lot of countdowns going on lately. We’ve been counting down the days until school starts; our fall workshops take place, and the kick-off meetings to our local GEMS season. We understand countdowns and what it means to count the cost of ACTS budgets for our areas and school supplies for the kids. Yet, the most important cost we need to examine in our lives is the cost of being His disciple. Let’s think on that together this week.
COUNT THE COST
"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?"
Luke 14:28
As middle daughter Stephanie and I were unloading her groceries into the pantry of a small on campus apartment she’s sharing with five other girls this school year she told her friends, “I’ve got food! I figured I better stock up while my mom was here with the checkbook!”
They laughed and identified. With tuition, books, plus the responsibility of purchasing and preparing their own food, they were indeed counting the cost.
When Jesus taught about counting the cost of being a disciple He compared it to tower building and military strategy. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way of and will ask for terms of peace” (Luke 14:28-32).
To be Jesus’ disciples we must also count the cost. True disciples that are feeding the fire do not coast into the Kingdom or compartmentalize their love for God into a 15-minute devotional time in the morning and their service into an every other week GEMS Club night.
To be a passionate disciple of Jesus comes with conditions. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-27).
“Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple” (Luke 14:33, MSG).
Oswald Chambers wrote, “The only men and women our Lord will use in His building enterprises are those who love Him personally, passionately, and with great devotion – those who have a love for Him that goes far beyond any of the closest relationships on earth. The conditions are strict, but they are glorious.”
PASSION Step: List the people, plans, and possessions that are dearest to you. Do you love these things less than Christ?
Our LORD was not referring here to a cost which we have to count, but to a cost which He has already counted.
Oswald Chambers
Grace and peace,
Lenae
A connecting place for British Columbia GEMS counselors and club coordinators. . .
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
GOOD ZEAL
Dear Sisters,
Hello! How are you? This morning we’re going to think on our priorities together. As you and I personally evaluate our priorities, we must be truthful with ourselves. I know what I want my priorities to be, but is what I want them to be really the way I’m living? How do we truly measure what’s most important to us? Think about what you think about most, what’s filling your calendar, and where your purse frequently travels. Evaluating it all with you, dear sisters, in light of His glorious Word. Have a blessed, God-first week!
"It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you."
Galatians 4:18
What are you most passionate and zealous about? The Barna Group recently released a study that tracked America’s priorities. They reported, “Family and faith continue to be the most common priorities of Americans, though these have waned in importance since 2006. Meanwhile, other elements such as health, leisure, money, and professional success are more likely to be identified as American’s top priorities.” Over the past few years, family and faith have shown a drop in priority, while health, wealth, leisure, personal comfort, success, financial stability, and lifestyle balance are on the increase. Do you and I identify with these statistics?
In the book of Galatians Paul wrote, It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good (Galatians 4:18a). Paul knew all about being zealous for wrong things and even confessed that to the Galatians earlier in his letter. You have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers (Galatians 1:13-14).
Paul was a zealot for destroying God’s church, and an enthusiast for the traditions of men. The horrors! Yet to the Jews he was a hero! His actions were progressing his career path at rates beyond his peers. His persecution campaign had the stamp of approval from the high priest who provided arrest warrants for any disciples that Paul found in the synagogues.
How clearly we see that Paul was zealous for the wrong things! Is it as easy for us to notice when we’re zealous for the wrong things? When we compare our lives to the world and sometimes even to the church, we may see heroism. Yet, when we make the correct contrast, comparing our lives to God’s Word instead of the world, we may see the horrors of our priorities – bowing down to other gods instead of God who must be our first love (Exodus 20:3-6, Mark 12:30-31).
God’s Word says, Be zealous for the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 23:17b). Be an enthusiast for demonstrating fear, reverence, and piety to God. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10). When we fear God, we’ll get wisdom to choose His priorities and have knowledge and understanding to how the Holy One desires for us to live.
What are you most passionate and zealous about? Remember, it is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good (Galatians 4:18). Look to the Good Book to learn what God says is truly good.
PASSION Step: Evaluate your priorities. Make course corrections as necessary.
That which is striking and beautiful is not always good;
but that which is good is always beautiful.
Anne de 1 Enclos
Grace and peace,
Lenae
Hello! How are you? This morning we’re going to think on our priorities together. As you and I personally evaluate our priorities, we must be truthful with ourselves. I know what I want my priorities to be, but is what I want them to be really the way I’m living? How do we truly measure what’s most important to us? Think about what you think about most, what’s filling your calendar, and where your purse frequently travels. Evaluating it all with you, dear sisters, in light of His glorious Word. Have a blessed, God-first week!
"It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you."
Galatians 4:18
What are you most passionate and zealous about? The Barna Group recently released a study that tracked America’s priorities. They reported, “Family and faith continue to be the most common priorities of Americans, though these have waned in importance since 2006. Meanwhile, other elements such as health, leisure, money, and professional success are more likely to be identified as American’s top priorities.” Over the past few years, family and faith have shown a drop in priority, while health, wealth, leisure, personal comfort, success, financial stability, and lifestyle balance are on the increase. Do you and I identify with these statistics?
In the book of Galatians Paul wrote, It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good (Galatians 4:18a). Paul knew all about being zealous for wrong things and even confessed that to the Galatians earlier in his letter. You have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers (Galatians 1:13-14).
Paul was a zealot for destroying God’s church, and an enthusiast for the traditions of men. The horrors! Yet to the Jews he was a hero! His actions were progressing his career path at rates beyond his peers. His persecution campaign had the stamp of approval from the high priest who provided arrest warrants for any disciples that Paul found in the synagogues.
How clearly we see that Paul was zealous for the wrong things! Is it as easy for us to notice when we’re zealous for the wrong things? When we compare our lives to the world and sometimes even to the church, we may see heroism. Yet, when we make the correct contrast, comparing our lives to God’s Word instead of the world, we may see the horrors of our priorities – bowing down to other gods instead of God who must be our first love (Exodus 20:3-6, Mark 12:30-31).
God’s Word says, Be zealous for the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 23:17b). Be an enthusiast for demonstrating fear, reverence, and piety to God. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10). When we fear God, we’ll get wisdom to choose His priorities and have knowledge and understanding to how the Holy One desires for us to live.
What are you most passionate and zealous about? Remember, it is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good (Galatians 4:18). Look to the Good Book to learn what God says is truly good.
PASSION Step: Evaluate your priorities. Make course corrections as necessary.
That which is striking and beautiful is not always good;
but that which is good is always beautiful.
Anne de 1 Enclos
Grace and peace,
Lenae
Monday, August 9, 2010
THE BATTLEFIELD
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. " Ephesians 6:12
God’s Word is filled with stories about men and women who passionately pursued God and zealously served others. They fed the fire! Here’s Deborah’s story and song on the battlefield as recorded in Judges 4 and 5 after she lead the Israelite army against Hazor. The victory was complete when Jael picked up a hammer and drove a tent peg through the temple of Sisera, the commander of Hazor’s army.
To feed the fire on the battlefield, you must be willing to fight! Deborah sang about the princes in Israel who took leadership in battle and the people who willingly volunteered and were available when summoned (Judges 4:10, 5:2, 9). Are you a willing leader? Do you crusade for justice or retreat from conflict?
To feed the fire on the battlefield, you must know and follow the Leader! When the Israelites went out from Seir, it was not Deborah who took the lead, but God. When the Lord marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water. The mountains quaked before the LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel (Judges 5:4b-5). Do not run before Him, lag behind, or chart your own course. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him (Deuteronomy 13:4).
To feed the fire on the battlefield, do not allow others to discourage you! Four tribes did not lend a hand in the battle. They stayed among the campfires, lingered by the ships, and remained on the coast, rather than joining the battle they had been called to (Judges 5:13-18). They did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty (Judges 5:23b). Do you get discouraged when others refuse to help, preferring to linger by the lukewarm waters or remain on the coast of apathy? Don’t let their choices put out the fire He has flamed within you. Let His Word and Spirit encourage you, and seek out relationships with God’s people who will urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1).
PASSION Step: Deborah arose and made a difference on the battlefield the Lord assigned her (Judges 5:7). Will you do the same? If so, how and when?
"We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contract with men, but brash, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are "sideliners"- coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous! "
Jim Elliot
Grace and peace- Lenae
God’s Word is filled with stories about men and women who passionately pursued God and zealously served others. They fed the fire! Here’s Deborah’s story and song on the battlefield as recorded in Judges 4 and 5 after she lead the Israelite army against Hazor. The victory was complete when Jael picked up a hammer and drove a tent peg through the temple of Sisera, the commander of Hazor’s army.
To feed the fire on the battlefield, you must be willing to fight! Deborah sang about the princes in Israel who took leadership in battle and the people who willingly volunteered and were available when summoned (Judges 4:10, 5:2, 9). Are you a willing leader? Do you crusade for justice or retreat from conflict?
To feed the fire on the battlefield, you must know and follow the Leader! When the Israelites went out from Seir, it was not Deborah who took the lead, but God. When the Lord marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water. The mountains quaked before the LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel (Judges 5:4b-5). Do not run before Him, lag behind, or chart your own course. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him (Deuteronomy 13:4).
To feed the fire on the battlefield, do not allow others to discourage you! Four tribes did not lend a hand in the battle. They stayed among the campfires, lingered by the ships, and remained on the coast, rather than joining the battle they had been called to (Judges 5:13-18). They did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty (Judges 5:23b). Do you get discouraged when others refuse to help, preferring to linger by the lukewarm waters or remain on the coast of apathy? Don’t let their choices put out the fire He has flamed within you. Let His Word and Spirit encourage you, and seek out relationships with God’s people who will urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1).
PASSION Step: Deborah arose and made a difference on the battlefield the Lord assigned her (Judges 5:7). Will you do the same? If so, how and when?
"We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contract with men, but brash, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are "sideliners"- coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous! "
Jim Elliot
Grace and peace- Lenae
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
DO WHAT YOU CAN
"She did what she could."
Mark 14:8
She’s said it dozens of times over the years: I don’t have any gifts. I’m not good at anything. And each time this subject pops up in our conversation, I counter the lies with His truth:
God has given you gifts! We have different gifts, according to the grace given us (Romans 12:6).
Use whatever gifts He’s given you! Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10).
No matter what your gifts, gratefully do your best. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:23).
Lazarus and Martha’s sister Mary (John 12:1-7) was described in Luke as a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town (Luke 7:37). With that kind of reputation, she could’ve duped herself into thinking she was useless to the Kingdom, too. Instead she took the gifts that she had – a passionate love for Jesus and an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume – and anointed her Lord. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head (Mark 14:3).
Using our gifts to passionately pursue God and zealously serve others will not always be received well by those around us. There’s a risk when we serve in out of the ordinary ways, and being His disciple comes with a cost (Luke 14:26-27).
That was Mary’s experience. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly (Mark 14:4-5).
Jesus saw her heart and came to her defense. “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. She did what she could” (Mark 14:6, 8a). Mary’s wholehearted devotion and service to Jesus is her legacy. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Mark 14:9).
If you look around at other people’s gifts, you’re sure to find a gift that’s not part of the way God wired and designed you. That’s OK. He’s not asking you to serve Him with gifts He hasn’t given you! Instead, follow Mary’s example: She did what she could (Mark 14:8).
PASSION Step: What will you do to passionately pursue God and zealously serve Him today? Do what you can (Mark 14:8).
You are not a reservoir with a limited amount of resources; you are a channel attached to unlimited divine resources.
Unknown
Grace and peace,
Lenae
Mark 14:8
She’s said it dozens of times over the years: I don’t have any gifts. I’m not good at anything. And each time this subject pops up in our conversation, I counter the lies with His truth:
God has given you gifts! We have different gifts, according to the grace given us (Romans 12:6).
Use whatever gifts He’s given you! Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10).
No matter what your gifts, gratefully do your best. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:23).
Lazarus and Martha’s sister Mary (John 12:1-7) was described in Luke as a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town (Luke 7:37). With that kind of reputation, she could’ve duped herself into thinking she was useless to the Kingdom, too. Instead she took the gifts that she had – a passionate love for Jesus and an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume – and anointed her Lord. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head (Mark 14:3).
Using our gifts to passionately pursue God and zealously serve others will not always be received well by those around us. There’s a risk when we serve in out of the ordinary ways, and being His disciple comes with a cost (Luke 14:26-27).
That was Mary’s experience. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly (Mark 14:4-5).
Jesus saw her heart and came to her defense. “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. She did what she could” (Mark 14:6, 8a). Mary’s wholehearted devotion and service to Jesus is her legacy. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Mark 14:9).
If you look around at other people’s gifts, you’re sure to find a gift that’s not part of the way God wired and designed you. That’s OK. He’s not asking you to serve Him with gifts He hasn’t given you! Instead, follow Mary’s example: She did what she could (Mark 14:8).
PASSION Step: What will you do to passionately pursue God and zealously serve Him today? Do what you can (Mark 14:8).
You are not a reservoir with a limited amount of resources; you are a channel attached to unlimited divine resources.
Unknown
Grace and peace,
Lenae
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