Life is interesting. In the past few months, I have applied for 16 different jobs. I got one job offer from a very nice man who knows me at church. However, because the job would require working every weekend, my dear husband didn't want me to take it. (I was secretly relieved, to be completely honest).
I even applied for a job where I used to work. They didn't even call me for an interview. That one stung a bit.
I'm beginning to get the idea that, perhaps, God wants me right where I am at the moment which is writing two articles for our local newspaper and at home.
It's like God has given me the gift of time.
After last year, when I was running so much, I often felt like I could see the back of myself going as I was coming, feeling completely stressed out and so busy I wasn't doing anything well, this time is like an oasis of peace.
There have been issues. Our roof is leaking and perilously close to caving in at one spot (unfortunately, it's right over our only toilet which could be interesting!). Our dryer had to be repaired. We had some red tape with our health insurance that caused a few stressful days.
But I've been present. Right now, I am getting ready for a garage sale. I'm also looking around my home and giving myself permission to spend some time (and maybe a little of that garage sale money) to decorate. I have to admit Pinterest has me itching to see what I can create with coffee filters, duct tape and yarn. lol I even saw a great design for burlap curtains. Don't laugh - they were super cute!
Besides the blessing of being here for my family, the biggest benefit of this extra time is the gift of writing time. I just don't have any more excuses.
To be honest, one of the biggest hurdles I face in writing is that I enjoy it so much but I wonder how big of an impact writing a story makes. After all, if you are a doctor or a nurse or a teacher - well, you are making a difference in people's lives every day. How does a mystery or a short story - no matter how good- make a real difference? How does it help people, anyway? Sometimes, I have a hard time believing that I'm not just indulging myself by writing, and there is eternal worth in writing a story.
Then, God whopped me upside the head.
I have been listening to the book The Help. I saw and liked the movie, but the book, well, it's wonderful.
It's a book about the importance of letting people tell their stories - how a book While the book is fictions, it drove home to me that stories are important. They can convey a truth better than any self-help book. After all, Jesus used parables or stories to share great truths, too. Throughout history, storytelling has passed on history, lessons, and truth.
It also hit me, that if God created me a story teller, there is worth in that because, well, God doesn't make mistakes, now does He?
There is power in storytelling. I think everyone can remember a book they've read that changed them in some way. It's hard to think that anything I write could ever change the way someone thinks about the world or themselves, but who knows? They say the pen is mightier than the sword, and truth is stranger than fiction. :)
It's not what God asks us to do - it's the fact that He asks at all.
~ Blessings, Bronte
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
THE MONSTER IN THE CLOSET
When I was a kid, I was afraid of the dark. I know, big surprise right? I would pray that I would sleep through the night, but invariably I'd wake up. Even with the hall light on, the house would be eerily quiet and every creak seemed to reverberate through my nerves.
Finally, I wouldn't be able to take it anymore and I'd spring from my bed, make a flying leap into the hallway (just in case something was under the bed) and race down to my Granny's room (she lived with us from the time I was 5 years old). I'd crawl into her bed quietly and the fears and noises would fade away as I slipped back into dreamland. I was comforted by the fact I wasn't facing the scary unknowns of the night alone anymore.
As an adult, I'm not really afraid of the dark anymore (well, usually anyway). My fears are different issues now, but God and I are working together to overcome them because I realize how much they can hold me back from doing what God wants me to do. It's when I see fear paralyzing someone else though, that it hits me all over again how satan uses fear in our lives.
And it makes me mad.
Yes, mad! Not angry or upset or perturbed, but deep down mad. The kind of mad that makes you want to pound the floor with your fists and stomp your foot.
I'm not mad at the fearful person. I'm mad at the devil. I'm mad because he has sidelined and stunted untold numbers of believers from fear, and I'm not going to take it anymore!
There is a verse - and I'm too lazy right now to get up and look up the reference - but it says, that the devil is like a roaring lion, walking around, seeking who he can devour. Fear is something he uses to devour people, to keep them from reaching the full potential God has created them for, to cheat them of the life abundant that Christ promises.
Most of the time, the person doesn't even realize how bound up by fear he or she really is. They just know that any kind of change or decision seems threatening. So, they don't do anything at all. They just stay stuck because the rut they know is much better than the blessing they don't.
I want so badly to shake people like this. I want to tell them to fight the fear - it really is just a feeling - and to take the next step even if that means their knees are knocking together. I want to offer them my hand and tell them I'll walk with them until it gets easier and less scary to put one foot in front of the other.
Like someone drowning though, people who are encased in fear, often react aggressively to the person trying to help them. They slap help away like that drowning person fights the life guard who is trying to pull them from the water.
Conversely, sometimes they cling so tightly to the person who is trying to help them, they start to drag down the person who is trying to help into the treacherous waters with them.
I want to tell that person, who has wrapped their fear around them like a security blanket, that everyone is afraid sometimes. Everyone gets scared and for most of us, change is always a bit disconcerting even for those who like change (like me!).
Every great thing that has happened - every invention, every heroic action, every book written, every new territory claimed - it happened despite fear. It more than likely didn't happen in the absence of fear.
I love how Beth Moore describes fear - False Evidence Appearing Real. So many things we are afraid of never end up panning out. I read somewhere that 97% of the things we worry about, never happen. I kind of like those odds.
As a fellow worry wart and fearful person, I have great compassion and empathy for those who are chained to their fears. However, I want to encourage you to do whatever it is you feel called to do, even if your knees are knocking, your hands are shaking and your tongue is stuck to the roof of your mouth.
Most of the time, the fear is like the monster in the closet. When you shine some light on that thing you fear, it ends up melting into nothing - just like when your parents turned on the light when you were a kid and that scary shadow you were sure was a monster was really your lamp leaning at a weird angle.
There are very real fears, of course, and that is when we can cling to God's promises. He promises He is always with us and He will never forsake us. He also promises that nothing can separate us from His love (that's in Romans 8).
So, go ahead - take that next step. God's right there, holding your hand.
~ Blessings, Bronte
Finally, I wouldn't be able to take it anymore and I'd spring from my bed, make a flying leap into the hallway (just in case something was under the bed) and race down to my Granny's room (she lived with us from the time I was 5 years old). I'd crawl into her bed quietly and the fears and noises would fade away as I slipped back into dreamland. I was comforted by the fact I wasn't facing the scary unknowns of the night alone anymore.
As an adult, I'm not really afraid of the dark anymore (well, usually anyway). My fears are different issues now, but God and I are working together to overcome them because I realize how much they can hold me back from doing what God wants me to do. It's when I see fear paralyzing someone else though, that it hits me all over again how satan uses fear in our lives.
And it makes me mad.
Yes, mad! Not angry or upset or perturbed, but deep down mad. The kind of mad that makes you want to pound the floor with your fists and stomp your foot.
I'm not mad at the fearful person. I'm mad at the devil. I'm mad because he has sidelined and stunted untold numbers of believers from fear, and I'm not going to take it anymore!
There is a verse - and I'm too lazy right now to get up and look up the reference - but it says, that the devil is like a roaring lion, walking around, seeking who he can devour. Fear is something he uses to devour people, to keep them from reaching the full potential God has created them for, to cheat them of the life abundant that Christ promises.
Most of the time, the person doesn't even realize how bound up by fear he or she really is. They just know that any kind of change or decision seems threatening. So, they don't do anything at all. They just stay stuck because the rut they know is much better than the blessing they don't.
I want so badly to shake people like this. I want to tell them to fight the fear - it really is just a feeling - and to take the next step even if that means their knees are knocking together. I want to offer them my hand and tell them I'll walk with them until it gets easier and less scary to put one foot in front of the other.
Like someone drowning though, people who are encased in fear, often react aggressively to the person trying to help them. They slap help away like that drowning person fights the life guard who is trying to pull them from the water.
Conversely, sometimes they cling so tightly to the person who is trying to help them, they start to drag down the person who is trying to help into the treacherous waters with them.
I want to tell that person, who has wrapped their fear around them like a security blanket, that everyone is afraid sometimes. Everyone gets scared and for most of us, change is always a bit disconcerting even for those who like change (like me!).
Every great thing that has happened - every invention, every heroic action, every book written, every new territory claimed - it happened despite fear. It more than likely didn't happen in the absence of fear.
I love how Beth Moore describes fear - False Evidence Appearing Real. So many things we are afraid of never end up panning out. I read somewhere that 97% of the things we worry about, never happen. I kind of like those odds.
As a fellow worry wart and fearful person, I have great compassion and empathy for those who are chained to their fears. However, I want to encourage you to do whatever it is you feel called to do, even if your knees are knocking, your hands are shaking and your tongue is stuck to the roof of your mouth.
Most of the time, the fear is like the monster in the closet. When you shine some light on that thing you fear, it ends up melting into nothing - just like when your parents turned on the light when you were a kid and that scary shadow you were sure was a monster was really your lamp leaning at a weird angle.
There are very real fears, of course, and that is when we can cling to God's promises. He promises He is always with us and He will never forsake us. He also promises that nothing can separate us from His love (that's in Romans 8).
So, go ahead - take that next step. God's right there, holding your hand.
~ Blessings, Bronte
Friday, September 21, 2012
THE PERFECT WOMAN - part 2
We left Eve in a perfect garden with a perfect body in communion with a perfect God. Things were - well - perfect!
How long were Adam and Eve in the garden before paradise was interrupted by sin? I have no idea. This is one time when I wish I could have been a fly on the tree trunk to see what their lives were like during this time. On a side note though, it's interesting to note that Adam didn't name Eve until Gen. 3:20. He called her woman, just like he gave a name to all the animals, but he didn't give her a personal name until after the fall. I'm sure there is some deep theological reason why that is, but I have no idea what it that is. I just found it interesting.
Anyway, no matter how long it was in actual time, the snake makes his appearance in Genesis 3. That chapter starts out with, "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field..." It's kind of a sinister version of "Once upon a time..." isn't it?
Since one of the curses on the snake was that it had to crawl on its belly, it would not be out of the realm of possibility that the snake was upright or had legs or somehow got around differently than it does now.
It's also interesting to note that Eve did not seem in any way startled that this snake is chatting with her. Maybe in the Garden of Eden, the animals talked. I know, as an animal lover and one who often wonders what is going on in my dog's head, this would be my idea of paradise. :)
The serpent starts by asking a question: "Indeed, has God said, You shall not eat from any tree of the garden?" Eve (who through this entire chapter up to verse 20 is referred to as "the woman") answers him in the affirmative. You'll note she adds to the command God gave Adam - she says not only has God has told them not to eat the fruit but they also could not touch it or they would die.
This sounds to me like Eve perhaps had her eye on this tree for a while. Maybe her daily walks seemed to always take her by this tree; maybe she would pause and look at its fruit longingly; maybe she added to God's command to keep her from reaching out and touching the forbidden fruit. Again, since we don't really know how long it's been between chapters 2 and 3, it's hard to know what was going on in Eve's mind before this encounter.
Then the serpent disputes what God says and plants a seed of doubt buried in some twisted truth. "You won't die. No, God knows you'll become as wise as He is and that's why you can't eat the fruit." (paraphrasing here)
We can point fingers at Eve all we want, but how many times do I chafe at some restriction God has placed on me, even if it IS for my own good? All of God's commands are for our good, not just to make sure we don't have fun or to somehow make our lives miserable.
The serpent tells part of the truth - it is true that Eve won't die physically at that very moment, and it is true her "eyes will be open," but she will die spiritually and eventually physically AND while she will have more knowledge, it will be a heavy burden, not a blessing.
So, Eve looks at the fruit. She sees it is good for food; that it is beautiful to look at and on top of this, it will make her wise. So, she eats it.
Then, she hands it to her husband Adam. When I was growing up, the story was always told that Eve went looking for Adam to give him the fruit, but if you'll notice in
verse 6, it says, "and she gave also to her husband with her." So, Adam apparently was an observer of all that went down between Eve and the serpent. You have to wonder why he didn't speak up at any point, but he not only didn't, but went ahead and ate the fruit, too.
So, what happened here? I mean, had God shown Himself not to be good? There weren't even any disturbing newscasts to throw a bad light on God's goodness in this perfect paradise. Disease, famine, death, tragedy - none of that had even happened yet. So, why did Eve allow the serpent to plant the seeds of doubt in her mind? What made her doubt God's goodness in a perfect environment?
I believe there is a two part answer to that question. First, she thought God was holding out on her - that He was keeping something good from her for some reason. Second, she based her decision on her experiences and limited perspective.
Let's look at these one at a time. While it is pretty hard to convince someone over the long haul that there is no God at all (most people at least acknowledge a "greater being"), it is much easier to cast doubt on God's goodness.
Why? The answer lies in our limited perception of reality - called our experience. It is completely natural to base our future decisions on our past experiences. All the fruit Eve had eaten up until this point had not harmed her. Why would this fruit be any different? In fact, according to the serpent, this fruit had the added benefit of making her "wise." Knowledge is always a good thing isn't it?
This sort of reminds me of the verses in 2 Tim. 3:6,7 that says, "For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
The serpent spoke the truth when he said Eve's eyes would be open, but instead of being a good thing, it turned out to be an awful thing. You'll notice at the end of chapter 2, it says that the man and woman were naked and were not ashamed. Suddenly, after eating the fruit, shame enters the picture. They "know" enough to be ashamed of their nakedness. Where once they lived in freedom without guilt and shame, now they were aware of it and it pressed down on them causing them to hide themselves, not only from each other, but from God too when He came looking for them. Sin still does that - it causes us to withdraw and hide from each other and from God.
Despite what the snake said or how he twisted the truth, Adam and Eve both knew what God had said -they just chose to disregard it in favor of something that seemed to make more sense and was more appealing.
Truth is truth, though, no matter how we feel or how it seems to not line up with our experiences. I have had times in my life where I felt God leading me in a certain direction that did not make any sense at all to me, based on my perception of reality. Anytime I've ignored that voice, it's been to my own detriment because I had a limited view of what was really going on while God had a bird's eye view of not just the present, but the past and the future.
What can we learn from Eve, then? We can learn that God is good no matter how our feelings might be trying to tell us otherwise. We can also learn that what appears to make sense based on what we know/experience is not always the true reality as seen from God's viewpoint.
~ Blessings, Bronte
How long were Adam and Eve in the garden before paradise was interrupted by sin? I have no idea. This is one time when I wish I could have been a fly on the tree trunk to see what their lives were like during this time. On a side note though, it's interesting to note that Adam didn't name Eve until Gen. 3:20. He called her woman, just like he gave a name to all the animals, but he didn't give her a personal name until after the fall. I'm sure there is some deep theological reason why that is, but I have no idea what it that is. I just found it interesting.
Anyway, no matter how long it was in actual time, the snake makes his appearance in Genesis 3. That chapter starts out with, "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field..." It's kind of a sinister version of "Once upon a time..." isn't it?
Since one of the curses on the snake was that it had to crawl on its belly, it would not be out of the realm of possibility that the snake was upright or had legs or somehow got around differently than it does now.
It's also interesting to note that Eve did not seem in any way startled that this snake is chatting with her. Maybe in the Garden of Eden, the animals talked. I know, as an animal lover and one who often wonders what is going on in my dog's head, this would be my idea of paradise. :)
The serpent starts by asking a question: "Indeed, has God said, You shall not eat from any tree of the garden?" Eve (who through this entire chapter up to verse 20 is referred to as "the woman") answers him in the affirmative. You'll note she adds to the command God gave Adam - she says not only has God has told them not to eat the fruit but they also could not touch it or they would die.
This sounds to me like Eve perhaps had her eye on this tree for a while. Maybe her daily walks seemed to always take her by this tree; maybe she would pause and look at its fruit longingly; maybe she added to God's command to keep her from reaching out and touching the forbidden fruit. Again, since we don't really know how long it's been between chapters 2 and 3, it's hard to know what was going on in Eve's mind before this encounter.
Then the serpent disputes what God says and plants a seed of doubt buried in some twisted truth. "You won't die. No, God knows you'll become as wise as He is and that's why you can't eat the fruit." (paraphrasing here)
We can point fingers at Eve all we want, but how many times do I chafe at some restriction God has placed on me, even if it IS for my own good? All of God's commands are for our good, not just to make sure we don't have fun or to somehow make our lives miserable.
The serpent tells part of the truth - it is true that Eve won't die physically at that very moment, and it is true her "eyes will be open," but she will die spiritually and eventually physically AND while she will have more knowledge, it will be a heavy burden, not a blessing.
So, Eve looks at the fruit. She sees it is good for food; that it is beautiful to look at and on top of this, it will make her wise. So, she eats it.
Then, she hands it to her husband Adam. When I was growing up, the story was always told that Eve went looking for Adam to give him the fruit, but if you'll notice in
verse 6, it says, "and she gave also to her husband with her." So, Adam apparently was an observer of all that went down between Eve and the serpent. You have to wonder why he didn't speak up at any point, but he not only didn't, but went ahead and ate the fruit, too.
So, what happened here? I mean, had God shown Himself not to be good? There weren't even any disturbing newscasts to throw a bad light on God's goodness in this perfect paradise. Disease, famine, death, tragedy - none of that had even happened yet. So, why did Eve allow the serpent to plant the seeds of doubt in her mind? What made her doubt God's goodness in a perfect environment?
I believe there is a two part answer to that question. First, she thought God was holding out on her - that He was keeping something good from her for some reason. Second, she based her decision on her experiences and limited perspective.
Let's look at these one at a time. While it is pretty hard to convince someone over the long haul that there is no God at all (most people at least acknowledge a "greater being"), it is much easier to cast doubt on God's goodness.
Why? The answer lies in our limited perception of reality - called our experience. It is completely natural to base our future decisions on our past experiences. All the fruit Eve had eaten up until this point had not harmed her. Why would this fruit be any different? In fact, according to the serpent, this fruit had the added benefit of making her "wise." Knowledge is always a good thing isn't it?
This sort of reminds me of the verses in 2 Tim. 3:6,7 that says, "For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
The serpent spoke the truth when he said Eve's eyes would be open, but instead of being a good thing, it turned out to be an awful thing. You'll notice at the end of chapter 2, it says that the man and woman were naked and were not ashamed. Suddenly, after eating the fruit, shame enters the picture. They "know" enough to be ashamed of their nakedness. Where once they lived in freedom without guilt and shame, now they were aware of it and it pressed down on them causing them to hide themselves, not only from each other, but from God too when He came looking for them. Sin still does that - it causes us to withdraw and hide from each other and from God.
Despite what the snake said or how he twisted the truth, Adam and Eve both knew what God had said -they just chose to disregard it in favor of something that seemed to make more sense and was more appealing.
Truth is truth, though, no matter how we feel or how it seems to not line up with our experiences. I have had times in my life where I felt God leading me in a certain direction that did not make any sense at all to me, based on my perception of reality. Anytime I've ignored that voice, it's been to my own detriment because I had a limited view of what was really going on while God had a bird's eye view of not just the present, but the past and the future.
What can we learn from Eve, then? We can learn that God is good no matter how our feelings might be trying to tell us otherwise. We can also learn that what appears to make sense based on what we know/experience is not always the true reality as seen from God's viewpoint.
~ Blessings, Bronte
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
THE PERFECT WOMAN - part 1
This week, the perfect woman will have center stage in my Sunday school class. And no - it's not that annoying woman in Proverbs 31.
Eve was the very first woman and was created perfectly and placed in a perfect environment. She and Adam were the only couple in the history of the world to enter marriage with absolutely no baggage.
She still messed up.
I find it really interesting that throughout the Bible, it never says EVE caused sin to enter the world even though she was the first one to take a bit of fruit (it's just a myth it was an apple, btw). Instead, Scripture lays the blame squarely on Adam's shoulders.
But my Sunday school lesson isn't about Adam - it's about Eve. So, what can we learn from Eve, seeing as she was the perfect prototype of us all?
Eve is the Hebrew word Chavvah and it means life or living. Since Eve was the first woman, and generally women are responsible for having children, it sort of makes sense that her name means life.
What's ironic is that her actions brought death, but I'm getting ahead of myself - that is a future post. I want to concentrate on God's perfect design in this post.
The first thing we can learn from Eve is what God has in mind when he created woman. Throughout history, women's roles have changed - sometimes for the better and sometimes not. Even today, in various parts of the world, just being a woman is dangerous. It makes you more vulnerable to violence and death - sad but true.
During some eras, women were considered mentally weak. At one time, women were not taught math or science because it was felt by those in the know (i.e. men) that their poor little brains couldn't handle it. At other times, women were considered evil just by nature of being a woman. We can thank Eve for that one since, the theory went, the she not only ate the fruit but tempted her man into following her!
In our own culture, there is a lot of confusion over what it means to be a woman - are you strong and in charge or are you supposed to be girly and weak?
In Genesis 1, God created the entire world and everything in it, including man and woman. Then it says in verse 31, "God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good." In other words, woman as He had made her, was not just good, but very good.
If you back up a couple verses to verses 26-29, we get an idea of what God actually intended when He made humans. It says He created them in His image.
DISCLAIMER - this is my own theory and not based on Biblical fact. There - you have been warned.
I believe that since men and women are so different, and it says they were both created in God's image, that part of the beauty of a man and woman becoming one flesh through marriage is that it gives us a complete picture of God. In other words, man demonstrates some of the image of God and woman demonstrates other parts of His image. Together, they make a whole picture of God's image. But again, this is just my own theory.
So, back to the topic on hand, if you read these verses, we can make a list of what God said about woman and what He commanded her to do. Of course, He was also saying this to Adam, but I'm concentrating on Eve here. :)
God made woman in the Trinity's image. Notice it says, "make them in Our image."
God created woman to rule the natural world, which included the other living things in it.
God blessed the woman.
God told her to be fruitful and multiply.
God told her to fill the earth (which is slightly different than multiplying as it implies spreading out over the entire globe.
God told her to subdue the earth.
God told her to rule over the whole earth.
I don't know about you, but when I look at what God intended when He created woman, I'm sort of psyched. Not only do I not have to feel like an afterthought in the creation process, but if I am assured of God's purpose and plan in making women, His purposeful role for me and His delight in me as His creation, I can be relieved of trying to prove anything.
Now, I've never been the type to lament my limitations as a woman or wish I was a man (well, to be totally honest, that thought DID cross my mind a few times during childbirth), but there is a subtle, yet unspoken pressure for many women to prove they are "as good as a man."
When I look at this account though, that whole issue is moot. I don't have to prove I'm as good as a man because God created woman in HIS image, and HE said His creation was very good just the way He created her. I can rest in the knowledge that I was created on purpose, just as man was created on purpose. We aren't supposed to be in competition with each other to see who is "better."
I find that idea refreshing, don't you? You can rest assured that God created YOU and not only that but He delights in you just as you are. Now there's a comforting thought!
~ Blessings, Bronte
Eve was the very first woman and was created perfectly and placed in a perfect environment. She and Adam were the only couple in the history of the world to enter marriage with absolutely no baggage.
She still messed up.
I find it really interesting that throughout the Bible, it never says EVE caused sin to enter the world even though she was the first one to take a bit of fruit (it's just a myth it was an apple, btw). Instead, Scripture lays the blame squarely on Adam's shoulders.
But my Sunday school lesson isn't about Adam - it's about Eve. So, what can we learn from Eve, seeing as she was the perfect prototype of us all?
Eve is the Hebrew word Chavvah and it means life or living. Since Eve was the first woman, and generally women are responsible for having children, it sort of makes sense that her name means life.
What's ironic is that her actions brought death, but I'm getting ahead of myself - that is a future post. I want to concentrate on God's perfect design in this post.
The first thing we can learn from Eve is what God has in mind when he created woman. Throughout history, women's roles have changed - sometimes for the better and sometimes not. Even today, in various parts of the world, just being a woman is dangerous. It makes you more vulnerable to violence and death - sad but true.
During some eras, women were considered mentally weak. At one time, women were not taught math or science because it was felt by those in the know (i.e. men) that their poor little brains couldn't handle it. At other times, women were considered evil just by nature of being a woman. We can thank Eve for that one since, the theory went, the she not only ate the fruit but tempted her man into following her!
In our own culture, there is a lot of confusion over what it means to be a woman - are you strong and in charge or are you supposed to be girly and weak?
In Genesis 1, God created the entire world and everything in it, including man and woman. Then it says in verse 31, "God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good." In other words, woman as He had made her, was not just good, but very good.
If you back up a couple verses to verses 26-29, we get an idea of what God actually intended when He made humans. It says He created them in His image.
DISCLAIMER - this is my own theory and not based on Biblical fact. There - you have been warned.
I believe that since men and women are so different, and it says they were both created in God's image, that part of the beauty of a man and woman becoming one flesh through marriage is that it gives us a complete picture of God. In other words, man demonstrates some of the image of God and woman demonstrates other parts of His image. Together, they make a whole picture of God's image. But again, this is just my own theory.
So, back to the topic on hand, if you read these verses, we can make a list of what God said about woman and what He commanded her to do. Of course, He was also saying this to Adam, but I'm concentrating on Eve here. :)
God made woman in the Trinity's image. Notice it says, "make them in Our image."
God created woman to rule the natural world, which included the other living things in it.
God blessed the woman.
God told her to be fruitful and multiply.
God told her to fill the earth (which is slightly different than multiplying as it implies spreading out over the entire globe.
God told her to subdue the earth.
God told her to rule over the whole earth.
I don't know about you, but when I look at what God intended when He created woman, I'm sort of psyched. Not only do I not have to feel like an afterthought in the creation process, but if I am assured of God's purpose and plan in making women, His purposeful role for me and His delight in me as His creation, I can be relieved of trying to prove anything.
Now, I've never been the type to lament my limitations as a woman or wish I was a man (well, to be totally honest, that thought DID cross my mind a few times during childbirth), but there is a subtle, yet unspoken pressure for many women to prove they are "as good as a man."
When I look at this account though, that whole issue is moot. I don't have to prove I'm as good as a man because God created woman in HIS image, and HE said His creation was very good just the way He created her. I can rest in the knowledge that I was created on purpose, just as man was created on purpose. We aren't supposed to be in competition with each other to see who is "better."
I find that idea refreshing, don't you? You can rest assured that God created YOU and not only that but He delights in you just as you are. Now there's a comforting thought!
~ Blessings, Bronte
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
UTTERLY HELPLESS
I was listening to the radio the other day, and Joni Eareckson Tada was talking about an interaction she had in a bathroom, of all places, during a speaking event. She heard these women talking about how impressed they were with Joni's grace and how they wanted to be like her.
She told them how it really was - how she was totally dependent on her caregivers and was in pain much of the time. It's a sad irony that despite being paralyzed from the neck down, Joni has a lot of pain.
As I was doing my Bible study today, When the Good News Gets Even Better (it's a look at the Gospels through first century Jewish eyes and I am super excited to be doing it!), the author, Neb Hayden, talked about the temptation of Jesus.
If you've been to church any length of time, I'm sure you've heard the story of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness. Basically, the story is recorded in Matt. 4:1-11; Mark 1:12,13; and Luke 4:1-13. Just before this story, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist and the voice of God is heard saying, "This is my Son in whom I am well-pleased."
Immediately after this, the Bible says that the Spirit impelled Jesus into the wilderness where He fasted for 40 days. In Luke 4:1-2, it says, "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted of the devil. After He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry."
So according to this and the other accounts, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness - it wasn't an accident. Then, Jesus fasted and during this time, it seems He was tempted but the types of temptation aren't recorded. It wasn't until AFTER the 40 days were up and now Jesus is famished, that the devil comes along for one final assault.
On a side note, I find the timing of this wilderness excursion very interesting. It's immediately after God gives Jesus a benediction of sorts. This is who Jesus is and this is how I feel about Him. In the first two temptations, Satan says to Jesus, "If you are the Son of God" - in other words, calling Jesus's identity into question.
This quote from the Bible study really stood out to me, "If we do not understand who we are from God's perspective, we are up for grabs when temptation comes calling." Another reminder for me to know who I am in Christ.
Anyway, there are three temptations Satan throws at Jesus: turning stones to bread, casting Himself down from the top of the temple so the angels could save Him, and giving Jesus rule over the world.
When you look at the first temptation, it seems like what is the big deal? Jesus has the power to turn the stones into bread and the fast is over. Why is this a sin?
What the author pointed out, I had never considered before (and I've heard this Bible story since I was very young). Many different times, Jesus talks about He and His Father being one. Basically, Jesus lived by the life of Another - namely God. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus models total dependence on God the Father.
The actual temptation was Satan was hoping to get Jesus to turn the stones into bread through His own strength rather than remaining in total dependence of God.
As I thought about this, Joni Eareckson Tada came to mind. She is completely helpless. Every day, every moment, she is utterly dependent on those around her. Without them, she would die. I can't imagine feeling that helpless all the time. I can't imagine how hard that would be - can you?
But that is how God wants us to depend on Him.
In the second temptation, Satan basically asks Jesus to do a swan dive off the temple so that the angels would come do a dramatic rescue. Then everyone would KNOW who Jesus was - no question about it.
This appealed to pride. You have to wonder about what kind of taunts, teasing and doubts Jesus was presented with throughout His life, particularly in His hometown. He would have been known as the illegitimate son of Mary - conceived before she was married. Of course, I'm sure the whole "It was an immaculate conception" would have made the rounds of the rumor mill, and I'm sure there were people who laughed and scoffed, speculating on who the father was really.
How tempting would it be to prove once and for all, that He really WAS the Son of God? How often do I want to defend or justify myself - to prove whatever to whoever? It's hard to be silent and let God fight for you - at least it is for me. But again - that total dependence on God comes into play.
The final temptation was Satan offering Jesus the kingdoms of the world. This one has never made a whole lot of sense to me. I mean, Jesus is God - how tempting was it to offer Him something He had created?
The thing is, Satan was tempting Jesus with ownership without the payment of the cross. Numerous times, the Bible tells us that the devil is the ruler of this world - temporary as that may be. This doesn't mean that God is weak or submissive to satan - only that God doesn't force anyone to follow Him,and since Satan has not met his ultimate fate of being thrown into the lake of fire, he is running around, trying to drag as many people with him as possible.
Ultimately, Jesus had to have faith in His identity and role as the Son of God. I know - He's God so this probably wasn't nearly as hard as it is for you and me. However, real biblical faith relies not on information but on truth.
In Romans 10:17, it says, "So faith comes from hearing and hearing from the word (or revelation) of God."
God's Word revealed to us produces faith in Him, and He is solid and trustworthy of that faith. After all, faith isn't very helpful if it is in something that isn't true. I don't care how much faith you have in the thin ice over the pond, if it can't hold your weight, you are going to be very cold and wet. However, in order to know the truth, we have to spend time in God's word. It doesn't come by osmosis or wishful thinking.
So, what has God revealed to you today through His Word?
~ Blessings, Bronte
She told them how it really was - how she was totally dependent on her caregivers and was in pain much of the time. It's a sad irony that despite being paralyzed from the neck down, Joni has a lot of pain.
As I was doing my Bible study today, When the Good News Gets Even Better (it's a look at the Gospels through first century Jewish eyes and I am super excited to be doing it!), the author, Neb Hayden, talked about the temptation of Jesus.
If you've been to church any length of time, I'm sure you've heard the story of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness. Basically, the story is recorded in Matt. 4:1-11; Mark 1:12,13; and Luke 4:1-13. Just before this story, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist and the voice of God is heard saying, "This is my Son in whom I am well-pleased."
Immediately after this, the Bible says that the Spirit impelled Jesus into the wilderness where He fasted for 40 days. In Luke 4:1-2, it says, "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted of the devil. After He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry."
So according to this and the other accounts, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness - it wasn't an accident. Then, Jesus fasted and during this time, it seems He was tempted but the types of temptation aren't recorded. It wasn't until AFTER the 40 days were up and now Jesus is famished, that the devil comes along for one final assault.
On a side note, I find the timing of this wilderness excursion very interesting. It's immediately after God gives Jesus a benediction of sorts. This is who Jesus is and this is how I feel about Him. In the first two temptations, Satan says to Jesus, "If you are the Son of God" - in other words, calling Jesus's identity into question.
This quote from the Bible study really stood out to me, "If we do not understand who we are from God's perspective, we are up for grabs when temptation comes calling." Another reminder for me to know who I am in Christ.
Anyway, there are three temptations Satan throws at Jesus: turning stones to bread, casting Himself down from the top of the temple so the angels could save Him, and giving Jesus rule over the world.
When you look at the first temptation, it seems like what is the big deal? Jesus has the power to turn the stones into bread and the fast is over. Why is this a sin?
What the author pointed out, I had never considered before (and I've heard this Bible story since I was very young). Many different times, Jesus talks about He and His Father being one. Basically, Jesus lived by the life of Another - namely God. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus models total dependence on God the Father.
The actual temptation was Satan was hoping to get Jesus to turn the stones into bread through His own strength rather than remaining in total dependence of God.
As I thought about this, Joni Eareckson Tada came to mind. She is completely helpless. Every day, every moment, she is utterly dependent on those around her. Without them, she would die. I can't imagine feeling that helpless all the time. I can't imagine how hard that would be - can you?
But that is how God wants us to depend on Him.
In the second temptation, Satan basically asks Jesus to do a swan dive off the temple so that the angels would come do a dramatic rescue. Then everyone would KNOW who Jesus was - no question about it.
This appealed to pride. You have to wonder about what kind of taunts, teasing and doubts Jesus was presented with throughout His life, particularly in His hometown. He would have been known as the illegitimate son of Mary - conceived before she was married. Of course, I'm sure the whole "It was an immaculate conception" would have made the rounds of the rumor mill, and I'm sure there were people who laughed and scoffed, speculating on who the father was really.
How tempting would it be to prove once and for all, that He really WAS the Son of God? How often do I want to defend or justify myself - to prove whatever to whoever? It's hard to be silent and let God fight for you - at least it is for me. But again - that total dependence on God comes into play.
The final temptation was Satan offering Jesus the kingdoms of the world. This one has never made a whole lot of sense to me. I mean, Jesus is God - how tempting was it to offer Him something He had created?
The thing is, Satan was tempting Jesus with ownership without the payment of the cross. Numerous times, the Bible tells us that the devil is the ruler of this world - temporary as that may be. This doesn't mean that God is weak or submissive to satan - only that God doesn't force anyone to follow Him,and since Satan has not met his ultimate fate of being thrown into the lake of fire, he is running around, trying to drag as many people with him as possible.
Ultimately, Jesus had to have faith in His identity and role as the Son of God. I know - He's God so this probably wasn't nearly as hard as it is for you and me. However, real biblical faith relies not on information but on truth.
In Romans 10:17, it says, "So faith comes from hearing and hearing from the word (or revelation) of God."
God's Word revealed to us produces faith in Him, and He is solid and trustworthy of that faith. After all, faith isn't very helpful if it is in something that isn't true. I don't care how much faith you have in the thin ice over the pond, if it can't hold your weight, you are going to be very cold and wet. However, in order to know the truth, we have to spend time in God's word. It doesn't come by osmosis or wishful thinking.
So, what has God revealed to you today through His Word?
~ Blessings, Bronte
Monday, September 10, 2012
PROSTITUTES, ADULTERESSES AND LIARS - OH MY!
Next week, I'm starting a new series in my Sunday school class about the women of the Bible. I'm a bit overwhelmed, to be honest, but I'm also excited.
There are 188 women named in the Bible. A good percentage of those were not exactly upstanding citizens - in fact, that list includes prostitutes, adulteresses and the woman who committed the very first sin.
Yet, God put them in the Bible. By name.
I don't know about you, but that makes me feel a whole lot better.
The thing is, I get caught up a lot in the concept of being good enough or doing enough, for God. It's as if there is an invisible meter I have running in my head. At the top is the gold star of God's approval and acceptance, and I spend a lot of time running in my gerbil wheel trying to get to the top of that meter.
The truth is though, I'm already "good enough" for God because NOBODY is good enough for God. Confused yet?
What I mean is that nobody can be good enough or do enough to earn/deserve God's approval and acceptance. Without Christ's death and resurrection, we'd all be unacceptable.
BUT, and this is a big but, Christ DID die on the cross for my sins. He DID defeat death. He DID ascend into heaven to intercede on my behalf.
Salvation and God's approval have nothing to do with ME at all. It's all Christ's actions on my behalf. My only part is to confess and believe.
Yes, MY righteousness is like filthy rags (as it says in Isaiah 64:6) but thankfully I'm not wearing those old rags anymore. Instead, I get to put on Christ's clothing which includes righteousness.
When I made the decision to accept Christ as my Savior, He made me a new creature. The Bible says before salvation, I was dead, but in Christ I am alive. And He didn't just resurrect the old me - I was made into a new creature. I didn't just get an outward makeover - I got a holy transformation from the inside out. Like the tin man in the Wizard of Oz - I got a new heart.
I love the Bible because it is not a book full of people who have it all together and look good. Instead, it is full of people just like me who mess up all the time - sometimes on a rather large scale (David comes to mind). Yet, God tells their stories and through each one, His glory shines through.
Please don't get me wrong - this isn't a blank check to go out and do whatever you want to do because of God's grace. Instead, that grace should make you feel so thankful that you press as close to God as possible and you obey what He asks of you. But, I don't have to keep running on the wheel of "good enough," afraid if I slip off, God will somehow no longer love me or accept me. I am His beloved child. There's no putting my best face forward. He knows all of me - even the ugly stuff.
He loves me anyway.
This morning in my quiet time, the old hymn I Need Thee Every Hour came to mind. How true that is. I DO need Him every hour - more like every minute - and thankfully, He's there and promises never to leave me, not even for a second.
I am so excited to see what God is going to teach me and my class through the lives of the imperfect women recorded in His Word.
For now, I'll leave you with the words of that hymn.
I Need Thee Every Hour
By Annie S. Hawks, 1872
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Refrain:
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.
There are 188 women named in the Bible. A good percentage of those were not exactly upstanding citizens - in fact, that list includes prostitutes, adulteresses and the woman who committed the very first sin.
Yet, God put them in the Bible. By name.
I don't know about you, but that makes me feel a whole lot better.
The thing is, I get caught up a lot in the concept of being good enough or doing enough, for God. It's as if there is an invisible meter I have running in my head. At the top is the gold star of God's approval and acceptance, and I spend a lot of time running in my gerbil wheel trying to get to the top of that meter.
The truth is though, I'm already "good enough" for God because NOBODY is good enough for God. Confused yet?
What I mean is that nobody can be good enough or do enough to earn/deserve God's approval and acceptance. Without Christ's death and resurrection, we'd all be unacceptable.
BUT, and this is a big but, Christ DID die on the cross for my sins. He DID defeat death. He DID ascend into heaven to intercede on my behalf.
Salvation and God's approval have nothing to do with ME at all. It's all Christ's actions on my behalf. My only part is to confess and believe.
Yes, MY righteousness is like filthy rags (as it says in Isaiah 64:6) but thankfully I'm not wearing those old rags anymore. Instead, I get to put on Christ's clothing which includes righteousness.
When I made the decision to accept Christ as my Savior, He made me a new creature. The Bible says before salvation, I was dead, but in Christ I am alive. And He didn't just resurrect the old me - I was made into a new creature. I didn't just get an outward makeover - I got a holy transformation from the inside out. Like the tin man in the Wizard of Oz - I got a new heart.
I love the Bible because it is not a book full of people who have it all together and look good. Instead, it is full of people just like me who mess up all the time - sometimes on a rather large scale (David comes to mind). Yet, God tells their stories and through each one, His glory shines through.
Please don't get me wrong - this isn't a blank check to go out and do whatever you want to do because of God's grace. Instead, that grace should make you feel so thankful that you press as close to God as possible and you obey what He asks of you. But, I don't have to keep running on the wheel of "good enough," afraid if I slip off, God will somehow no longer love me or accept me. I am His beloved child. There's no putting my best face forward. He knows all of me - even the ugly stuff.
He loves me anyway.
This morning in my quiet time, the old hymn I Need Thee Every Hour came to mind. How true that is. I DO need Him every hour - more like every minute - and thankfully, He's there and promises never to leave me, not even for a second.
I am so excited to see what God is going to teach me and my class through the lives of the imperfect women recorded in His Word.
For now, I'll leave you with the words of that hymn.
I Need Thee Every Hour
By Annie S. Hawks, 1872
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Refrain:
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
FLOATING DOWN THAT RIVER OF PEACE
Lately, I've been feeling sort of like I'm floating on a river with no destination in mind. While I've felt very peaceful, it's also sort of a weird feeling.
I'm not in control and it makes me nervous.
There, I said it. I know in my mind that I don't really have a lot of control over my life. I mean, yes, I can make good choices and seek after God, but I can also walk out onto my driveway and have a large tree branch fall on my head, too. So, control really is one of those things that is an illusion we use to make ourselves feel better. At least I do. The hard truth is that no matter how "together" you are, one moment can completely change your life forever.
Why do we try to make ourselves believe we are really in control though? Because it is just a weird feeling to take your hands completely off the wheel of life, and to allow Jesus to steer. (You are singing that Carrie Underwood song "Jesus Take the Wheel" in your mind now, aren't you?)
At this moment in my life, I am the least busy I've been in a long time. I am enjoying making things from scratch in my kitchen and being available to chat leisurely with my kids without an agenda. It's a blessing to be able to make their lunches and have dinner with them on a regular basis. At the same time, can I just say again how weird it is not to be constantly running. It makes me feel slightly guilty - like I'm playing hooky.
When you are used to being busy every moment of every day, it takes some getting used to NOT to do that. Since I am a time fritter-er by nature, it's also easy for me to waste the time I've been given. It's a balancing act not to become caught up in the hamster wheel of self-imposed busyness and yet not become a slug either. I tend to wander in aimless circles in my house, thinking I should be doing something but not sure where I should start.
Add into that, I am still job hunting and that adds to my feelings of being in limbo land. While it is strange to not have the drains on my time that I did last year, it also takes away any excuses I had for not getting on with what God has called me to do - that would be writing.
Instead of charging ahead though, with boundless enthusiasm, I find myself approaching my writing warily. I feel sort of like a ship without a rudder with the ocean stretched out before me and my compass missing.
Where do I start? Which avenue of writing do I travel toward? Where is my due North anyway?
When I find out, I'll let you know. I guess it's enough for now that I have enough time to actually think, to allow my creativity to bubble back up to the surface after being suffocated by busyness for so long.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote once, "Writing, for a wife and mother, is like rowing against wind and tide." She was so right - it's a constant tug of war on which "baby" gets your attention. Add in three part-time jobs, and it's not such a mystery as to why I had such a hard time writing last school year.
Well, my excuses are gone. My bend in the road is here. The question is, will I have the courage to follow it that bend even if I can't see where it leads?
~ Blessings, Bronte
I'm not in control and it makes me nervous.
There, I said it. I know in my mind that I don't really have a lot of control over my life. I mean, yes, I can make good choices and seek after God, but I can also walk out onto my driveway and have a large tree branch fall on my head, too. So, control really is one of those things that is an illusion we use to make ourselves feel better. At least I do. The hard truth is that no matter how "together" you are, one moment can completely change your life forever.
Why do we try to make ourselves believe we are really in control though? Because it is just a weird feeling to take your hands completely off the wheel of life, and to allow Jesus to steer. (You are singing that Carrie Underwood song "Jesus Take the Wheel" in your mind now, aren't you?)
At this moment in my life, I am the least busy I've been in a long time. I am enjoying making things from scratch in my kitchen and being available to chat leisurely with my kids without an agenda. It's a blessing to be able to make their lunches and have dinner with them on a regular basis. At the same time, can I just say again how weird it is not to be constantly running. It makes me feel slightly guilty - like I'm playing hooky.
When you are used to being busy every moment of every day, it takes some getting used to NOT to do that. Since I am a time fritter-er by nature, it's also easy for me to waste the time I've been given. It's a balancing act not to become caught up in the hamster wheel of self-imposed busyness and yet not become a slug either. I tend to wander in aimless circles in my house, thinking I should be doing something but not sure where I should start.
Add into that, I am still job hunting and that adds to my feelings of being in limbo land. While it is strange to not have the drains on my time that I did last year, it also takes away any excuses I had for not getting on with what God has called me to do - that would be writing.
Instead of charging ahead though, with boundless enthusiasm, I find myself approaching my writing warily. I feel sort of like a ship without a rudder with the ocean stretched out before me and my compass missing.
Where do I start? Which avenue of writing do I travel toward? Where is my due North anyway?
When I find out, I'll let you know. I guess it's enough for now that I have enough time to actually think, to allow my creativity to bubble back up to the surface after being suffocated by busyness for so long.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote once, "Writing, for a wife and mother, is like rowing against wind and tide." She was so right - it's a constant tug of war on which "baby" gets your attention. Add in three part-time jobs, and it's not such a mystery as to why I had such a hard time writing last school year.
Well, my excuses are gone. My bend in the road is here. The question is, will I have the courage to follow it that bend even if I can't see where it leads?
~ Blessings, Bronte
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