Questions For God

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Paula

When I was a teenager, I began to have some doubts about my faith. Whenever I would say something even closely resembling such a thing, my mother would say, “Don’t question God, Paula.”

Now that my doubts have been cleared up, I have great faith in God and trust him with everything. However, that journey to complete trust wasn’t down an easy road. Most of the time I discovered his faithfulness through difficult times.

Something else I discovered through becoming familiar with scripture is that there is a difference between questioning God and asking him questions. Questioning him, in my opinion, displays an attitude based on a lack of trust. Asking questions is based on an honest search for God’s heart.

I look at people in the Bible as examples. King David asked questions in many of his psalms. The story of Job, a man God described as “blameless and upright” is full of questions he would like to ask God. The prophets, especially Jeremiah, had questions for God. Jeremiah wrote a whole “letter” to God full of lamentations. Mary asked Gabriel how God would accomplish the virgin birth.

Jesus wasn’t questioning his Father when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane to have the cup removed. He was lamenting what he would face in the crucifixion.

Often, it’s in this state of lament that we find ourselves asking hard questions of our Maker.

Examining these instances of lament–whoever it is in scripture–the people involved do the same thing. They often describe the situation to God. They ask their questions. Then they turn from the questions to praising God for what he’s done in the past. They tell him how much they trust him.

Looking back, I believe my doubts were simply a case of wanting some questions answered. I was an immature Christian and needed to have those answers.

Doubt isn’t inherently a bad thing. If our doubts lead us to ask questions and those questions lead us to sound belief, they can create a closer relationship with the Lord.

Doubt accompanied by the questioning attitude, however, can lead to a hard heart. That inevitably causes distance from God.

When we come to God with questions we may not always get an answer. Or the answer we hope for. But we’ll be drawing closer to him, remembering our dependence on him and remaining teachable by his Spirit.

Dear heavenly Father, help me to remember that there are people who, whether Christians or not, have sincere questions they need answered. Remind me that I still come to you with my own. Give me the ability to extend grace and not judge someone’s lack of faith because they have questions. I pray that all who seek you with all of our hearts–even through our questions–will find you as you have promised we will.

Why I Go To Church

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Paula

In a recent post, I talked about Why I Don’t Go To Church. Today is a good day to tell you Why I Do Go To Church.

To Worship God
During the week, I have my private times of meeting with the Lord. But on the day I go to church, it’s a different venue. The atmosphere creates in me a desire to worship God for who he is and to praise his works in a corporate setting.

As An Act of Obedience
Jesus showed us that he meant for us to be a body of believers when he welcomed everyone to come to him. Certainly, he had a few people who were in his inner circle, as I do, but he also ministered to and taught multitudes at one time.

To Fellowship With Believers
Besides being able to meet one on one with my best Christian friends, at church I’m able to greet those who don’t live close by. The ones whom I wouldn’t see unless we both made a point of going to church. I don’t know everyone who attends, but I’m meeting more of them all the time. We often discuss things we might not get a chance to talk about if we didn’t see each other weekly. They help me; I help them. I know that in the midst of this congregation, we’re loved, prayed for and supported. Many times, we know each other’s messes and successes.

To Serve
The ways in which I serve are not up-front like some. But what I do is a service to someone. I never know when what I’ve done will help plant a seed for an individual who’s looking to go deeper in his or her relationship with God.

To Hear Spirit-Filled Teaching
I need to hear the full counsel of God taught to me. Aside from my own Bible study and small group study, my pastor can open scripture to me in supernatural ways when he allows God to use him. Then, if I take that home and apply the wisdom to my life, my desire to worship, to obey, to be in community, and to serve have also served a purpose.

Most of the reasons I go to church should be, first of all, outward focused. I do get a lot from going to church. But in the body where I attend, faith, love and acceptance are flourishing. I believe it’s for the benefit of everyone who walks through the doors.

Why would I not want to go to church?

God’s Surprise Messengers

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Paula

I went in for the scheduled oil change and learned something.

I already know I should get regular oil changes and top off those fluid levels. My late father was an auto mechanic, so if there’s anything he would preach as car maintenance religion, it’s that. But on this particular day, my van also underwent a transmission fluid flush and fill.

Now that all sounds pretty normal, but what might not seem so usual is that a woman was handling all this. When the process was explained to me, she did it. When I had questions, she answered them. There were a couple of guys around, but she was right on top of things, helping me understand what they were doing and how I should follow up. (Although I have to admit when she talked about my torque converter, she lost me.)

My point, and I do have one, is that I was shown once again that I can learn from the most unlikely sources. I’m not sexist, but this was so new to me. It never occurred to me that a woman would know about torque converters. She may not have great knowledge in other areas, but she surely knew auto maintenance.

Likewise, I should never underestimate who God chooses to use in my life to see what it is he wants me to see.

I sat in a 12-step meeting once watching a man come in, sit down, say his name and pass at his turn to speak every single week for months. I honestly wondered if he was getting it. Then one night it came his turn and after telling us his name, he told us what was on his heart. He made so much sense, I sat there stunned.

Silly me, thinking one has to have years of spiritual maturity to make sense.

If God can use a donkey to set one of his people straight (see Numbers 22), I guess he can use anyone. Where I’m slow to learn, someone else may have great wisdom for me. I hope I never underestimate the power of God’s word through the people he places in my path.

That Elusive “Calling”

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Paula

God’s call often starts with curiosity. Curiosity leads to interest,

interest to information, then you get understanding.

Then understanding will lead to the meaning of what he is asking of you.

God will give you the assurance that this thing

is a real possibility for you.

Then you share your assurance with others,

look into the Bible, and pray for the Holy Spirit’s leading.

It will become conviction if, of course,

God wants this for you. Conviction will bring you to commitment.

Then there is no retreat unless of course, you decide to disobey.

Some do. Those that do not, receive what has been promised.

Taken from “Gateway to Joy” with Elisabeth Elliot

Why I Don’t Go To Church

Posted on April 29, 2015 by Paula

I don’t go to church because I feel comfortable there. It’s true I’ve found a home with my congregation, often coming away feeling comforted. But God shows me in a variety of ways how complacent I can become. He’s not as concerned with my comfort as with my spiritual growth.

I don’t go to church so I can hang out with good people. Among my associations at church, there are people who’ve been following Christ for years; others who are new believers. I also know a few who are nonbelievers. And even in my large congregation, not one of us is totally good.

I don’t go to church to fulfill my duty. While scripture encourages us to keep in the habit of meeting together, I know there will be times when I can’t be present. On the days when I am able, I come from a God-given desire, not out of guilt.

I don’t go to church to hear the great music. My church, over the years, has offered a variety of musical styles. Whether or not I like the style, my concern isn’t with the music itself, but with the words accompanying it. Within this context, I want to exalt His name.

I don’t go to church to hear a fabulous speaker. I’m fortunate that the ones in charge of presenting the message at my church are articulate and able to hold my interest. They’re trained to do what they do. But I know God can use anyone to present Truth, regardless of eloquence or religious training.

I don’t go to church because I have nothing better to do. Some days when my mood or energy level is low, sleeping in seems the better thing to do. But I’ve learned that the better thing should never keep me from doing the best thing.

Five Ways to Gain Wisdom

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Paula

“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6).

A former professor of mine told our class, “Sometimes common sense isn’t so common.” I don’t remember to what he was referring and I don’t know if the comment was original with him. He could have been quoting someone.

But I believe he was right.

Even more than a need to use common sense, however, is the need for what might be called uncommon sense. Wisdom.

Wisdom, by definition, is the right use of knowledge. So how do we get wisdom and what are some steps we can take to practice godly wisdom?

Know God

Scripture says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). Our ability to put wisdom into practice increases when we know God’s character. Knowing God’s character, we come to trust him more and our relationship with him deepens. We better understand his purposes and his ways so we make choices that are in alignment with his will.

Know God’s Word

In addition to knowing God through prayer and meditation, reading scripture can give us wisdom. Every story, proverb, and teaching includes principles for us to live by. The apostle Paul advised the church in Colossae, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

God’s word dwelling in us means that it lives in us, becoming part of us. Then, our minds are constantly tuned to the things of God.

Know Well a Few Key People

Members of the body of Christ also help us in our ability to apply wisdom to the choices we make. Other Christ followers can help us by pointing out those things they’ve learned in their walk with the Lord.

“Let him who is not in community beware of being alone. If you scorn the fellowship of the brethren, you reject the call of Jesus Christ, and thus your solitude can only be hurtful to you.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Life Together”)

Know What Wisdom Looks Like

Scripture says, “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:17, 18).

These character attributes will increasingly become evident in our decisions as we increase in wisdom. This is godly wisdom–wisdom from heaven. We can be more sure of making godly decisions if we use these criteria.

Know How to Ask

God has promised for those who ask sincerely without doubting that their prayers for wisdom will be answered (James 1:5). In fact, his word says wisdom will be given generously.

Father, I know that without your Spirit working in me, I’m a stranger to godly wisdom. Even when I pray for wisdom, it shows that you’re making me wiser. I know that putting wisdom into practice is an ongoing lesson in my journey. Please keep me on the path.

Every Woman Is Mrs. Incredible

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Paula

Next weekend is the national conference “Unleash Your Superpower” from Hearts at Home.

This information caught my eye in my Twitter feed because I’d already planned to write about what Hearts at Home is all about. It reminded me of my years as a young mother raising two children and enjoying my role as stay-at-home mom.

Then I watched a favorite animated movie, The Incredibles, again. Her name is Helen Parr, but I always want to call her Mrs. Incredible. When we first meet her in the movie, she’s a superhero fighting injustice using her unique power. “Elastigirl” can stretch her limbs like rubber. Helen marries superhero Mr. Incredible–known in private as Bob Parr–and they raise a family. She loves her husband and three children, Violet, Dashielle and baby Jack-Jack. And after being forced into retirement as a superhero, her focus is on the family.

Helen, You and Me

While Helen hasn’t stopped being a superhero, however, now we can see she’s a lot like us. Look and see:

Helen recognizes that her older two children have already discovered their own powers, not to mention their distinct personalities. Check.

She cares for an infant, which any mother knows is a full-time job, not knowing yet whether he’ll have a super power and if so, what it will be. Check.

Helen cooks meals, cleans house, does the laundry, in short, the everyday chores of a wife and mother. Check.

She worries about them. Dries their tears. Loses patience with them. Offers love and wisdom. She creates as best she can with her husband an environment of security.

Check. Check.
Check. Check. Check.

Forget that she can stretch herself. (Literally) Every mother tries to stretch herself, sometimes to the nth degree. What’s great about Helen is she knows not to stretch herself too far. She knows how to be “flexible.” And when push comes to shove for the family, conditions indicate she really is wise. Everything she’s taught her kids about how to survive pays off.

Helen, also like us, doesn’t do everything perfectly. She’s loving and devoted, but she makes mistakes.

How Do We Do It?

My children are grown and have their own kids. Watching them parent and interact with their kids is a lesson to me. I see in retrospect that we women have powers we fail to recognize. I mean, really. Doing laundry for an active six-year old and a six month old who spits up on his clothing ten times a day requires super-stamina.

Being faithful when push comes to shove and, with the help of your husband, pressing on through difficult times–that’s super power. “Incredibles” learn to stick together.

Listening to your teen’s description of being rejected by the one they hoped would pay attention–that one’s the super-fruit-of-the-Spirit power. (Galatians 5:22,23)

Sit girlfriends down together to share the home hearth’s journey and they’ll all have their stories. With more to come. A mother will always be a mother and even adult children need their tears dried sometimes.

We get to be Mrs. Incredible all over again.

Heavenly Father, I pray for the women who attend the Hearts at Home conference next weekend. Help them discover and unleash the super powers you created in them. Whatever they are. Give them a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit so that they’ll be able to teach their children how to live in that Power as well. Show them how focusing on You, on family and on staying flexible in the journey will bless You and those they love. I also pray it for the mothers reading this. It will be for Your glory. Amen.

Choosing My Battles

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Paula

How is a bathmat like the giant Goliath whom the future king David slew with a stone from his sling (1 Samuel 17)? A bathmat becomes like the Philistine warrior when it presents an opportunity to wisely choose which battle we’ll fight and which battle we’ll walk away from.

My battle of the bathmat taught me a good lesson one evening with what I’ll call The Bathmat Issue. What a silly thing I had been doing. I kept nagging my kids to put the bathmat back when they were done bathing so it could dry out. I would go in after them, pick it up, fuss at them and be irritated. In fact, after my yelling, everyone was irritated. One particular night, when I was picking up the bathmat, I had what could be called a “light bulb moment.”

Obviously the kids didn’t care about picking up the bathmat; it wasn’t a big deal to them. It was only important to me. Giving it more serious thought, harmony in my home was more important than how the mat made its way off the floor. God was pointing out to me in a gentle way what was really important. I decided to let go of The Bathmat Issue.

The apostle Paul advises us

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). We are to “seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34: 14)

So even when we find ourselves in a situation where we have to fight a “battle” for what we believe is right, a resolution of peace is the goal. It involves risk, but it will be worth it. Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers” for good reason.

In addition to learning how to pursue a peaceful resolution, I’ve learned something else from the bathmat experience. There’s a difference between picking my battles and picking fights. When I go into “battle,” I don’t have to be a bully.

With an eyeful of wisdom, and sometimes the eye of a wise friend, I can see whether I’m just being selfish and my attitude needs adjustment. I’m still learning how to choose my battles and how to behave when fighting them. I ask questions like:

“Does it make a big difference one way or the other if things turn out my way?” “Am I making a mountain out of a molehill?” “Will my actions in fighting this battle harm someone or harm the relationship?”

In all cases, I try to be discerning.

David, who fought Goliath in the familiar story, recognized that the giant was wrong to mock the army of the Lord of hosts. Depending on God, David knew it was a battle he was meant to fight. On the other hand, I was upset about a soggy inanimate object.

In choosing my battles, I try to also remember that the key to all of them is prayer. Because that’s how important is the end result.

Waiting: The Result Is Winning

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Paula

“Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path” Psalm 27:11

My Own Little Book

Were you to read my journal, you’d detect several years of my spiritual journey reflected in its pages.

Recently I took a look back to some journal entries and discovered that for nearly two years I’d been on a journey of prayer, perseverance and waiting on the Lord. God was leading me out of a ministry I’d been involved in for several years. As I spoke to him through my journal, asking questions and sorting out my feelings, my faith was being tested.

I knew I couldn’t make any moves without hearing from God first, and that required patience. If I hadn’t waited and prayed, things might have turned out badly. When the answers to my questions finally came, I was at peace. It took time, but I finally got to the point where my prayer changed from “I don’t know what to do, Lord,” to “What would you have me do?”

For me, there’s a big difference in those two attitudes. I have a tendency to go ahead without waiting for his guidance. And God sometimes isn’t in a hurry to give it.

That particular period of testing could be called a journey within a journey. I believe it can happen when God wants to move us from one level of spiritual maturity to another. Following him is very much like taking a trip in which the Expert Travel Guide determines the itinerary.

A Classic Book

In John Bunyan’s classic “Pilgrim’s Progress,” Christian and Hopeful meet four Shepherds on the Delectable Mountains. They’re not far from their final destination. Like me, the two had been through many experiences that tested their faith. Would they persevere? The Shepherds asked the pilgrims three pertinent questions because so few people who had set out on the journey made it that far. They asked,

“Where did you come from?”
“How did you get into the way?”
“By what means have you persevered?”

Christian and Hopeful tell their tale with all its trials and how they overcame them.

The Shepherds–Experience, Knowledge, Watchful and Sincere,–asked for basic facts about their pilgrimage: What it was like before they began their journey, what happened, and what it was like now.

We can carry this same message of life transformation; and our stories of redemption–even of the darkness before being set free–are of value.

Christian and Hopeful received a document instructing them what they should do, what they should avoid on their journey ahead, and exact directions to the Celestial City. Then, standing from the top of a hill called Clear, Christian and Hopeful got a peek at the gates of the City.

Sharing the Greatest Book

I can record my story in a journal and keep it in the chambers of my heart. But sharing my journey of faith and pointing people to Christ counts for something. God is revealed as a faithful and loving Lord. He’s faithful to guide us through those times when we don’t know what to do. Then, as the Shepherds did, I can express hope of eternity in heaven.

“I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven” (Philippians 3:14 NLT)

When Christ sets us free, we are free indeed.

However, just as the pilgrims in Bunyan’s book weren’t promised an easy way, neither are we. Fortunately, we’re promised the power of the indwelling Spirit for guidance and comfort. God does for us what we can’t do for ourselves and when we realize the measureless grace he’s offered, there’s no experience on our spiritual journey that’s wasted.

Oh, God of grace, who watches every step I take, guide me into your will. Keep me safe in my trials and give me the willingness to follow the voice of your Spirit instead of my own fickle emotions. May I always keep in mind the prize that awaits when I humbly wait for your best for me. Amen.

What’s Good For Me?

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Paula

Little Keith’s mother told him to hurry up and eat his green beans. He answered, “I’ll like green beans when I’m twenty-five because that’s when they’ll be good for me.”

Keith, my grandson, was eight and he wasn’t usually a picky eater. Frankly, I’m not sure I understand his logic. But he’s been speaking precociously and using big words correctly ever since complete sentences began tumbling from his lips.

Naturally, all grandparents think their grandchildren are the smartest, cutest, etc. of all grandchildren on earth. I mention this particular episode of Keith-Wisdom because it gives me an opportunity to offer food (not green beans) for thought.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could decide on our own what’s good for us? Really.

Wouldn’t it be nice if, when we make a decision, we wouldn’t face negative consequences, even though with that particular decision everyone always faces negative consequences?

Maybe not so nice.

Writers can tell you it’s usually true that “bad decisions make great stories.” Even in a memoir or biography, bad decisions our heroes made liven the story up a bit. We like to see how things turn out. And I suppose we like to know our heroes are human just like us.

My favorite novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” includes more than one poor decision. For instance, when Scout, Dill and Jem decide to trespass on the Radley’s property. The consequences are dire, and we read with our hearts in our throats wondering what will happen next. (In its favor, the story includes some awfully good decisions too.)

In my second favorite novel, “Peace Like a River,” Davy makes a bad decision within the first fifty pages. The family’s response to it is the basis for the rest of the story: a search for the eldest son, now a fugitive in exile. Jeremiah Land takes his younger son, Reuben and his daughter, Swede into the Dakotas searching for Davy. Reuben would have us believe in miracles. Make of that what you will.

Books like these, with story lines that keep me turning the pages, are what I call “repeaters.” Call me nuts, but I’ve read each of them three times. I’d read them again.

God’s word includes an awful lot of stories about people who, like our modern day heroes, made some poor decisions when they thought they were doing the right thing.

Satan incited King David to take a census of Israel. His general, Joab, complied with the order even though he disagreed with it. What else could he do? David was king. However, the command for a census was evil in God’s sight. So the consequences were dire here too.

A plague. Not so nice.

You can read about it in 1 Chronicles 21:1-14. It isn’t one of the most well-known Bible stories of people thinking they know what’s best, but it’s a good example of someone thinking they know what’s good for them and finding out they were wrong.

The story’s also a good example of how we can be tempted by the enemy and how Bible characters are imperfect just like us. I call the Bible a “repeater” too. Sometimes I just can’t put it down, even though I’ve read and re-read the book. God would have me believing in his miracles as well.

So this would be a good time to tell you (and you won’t be surprised) that I’ve made some poor decisions too. With some accompanying bad results. I thought I didn’t need to eat my green beans even though God was telling me, “They’re good for you, Paula.”

“Sure, Lord. I’ll eat my green beans some other time, when I think I’ll like doing it.”

Doesn’t work out in the end.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Instead of good old Keith-Wisdom, we all need God’s wisdom.

In my defense, I’d like to say I don’t as often tell my Father I’ll like my green beans in my own time. Those nudges from the Spirit are helping me to be more obedient. With much better results.

And I’ve learned that obedience needn’t make me feel like I’m following a mean old God. It’s actually quite freeing. I don’t have to worry that the consequences will be negative; God’s guidance always comes from his loving heart. If I acknowledge him in all my ways, he makes my path straight.

My life is becoming one with a great story line, and I can’t wait to see what happens next between God and me.

Cool beans.

The Fruitful Life

Category Archives: Stuff About Spiritual Growth