Category: Soul Growth

Soul Warning

Soul Storage

There is an ever-increasing demand for storage facilities in the US.  When looking recently at options for a temporary need, we couldn’t believe the price and how few were available.

Paying to store stuff…

Storage costs money. It can get to the point of taking away needed resources and energy.

Our bodies and our souls store things too. 

The traumas and emotions that shaped us, where we were too young to react well and just coped, where things were imposed on us that shouldn’t have been. These led us to false determinations in our minds. Those things are stored in you; in your neurons, in your body and thus in your soul.

“As long as you keep secrets and suppress information, you are fundamentally at war with yourself…The critical issue is allowing yourself to know what you know. That takes an enormous amount of courage.”

“Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going inside ourselves.”

“The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves.”

 Bessel A. van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score

 

Soul storage;  when so encumbered it reduces our brain function. It costs us dearly!

“When one part of the brain is overloaded with emotional material, the whole brain system and its functioning is reduced.” Catherine Thorpe (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)

Clearing out our soul storage is a process of revisiting the places where emotions/reactions are held inside our inner beings. We can with hope, open the old, rusty door, notice what’s there and grieve. Then carefully connect our younger formations with our older. We can assure our younger selves that it was not our fault, we did what we could and it does not define us. Our Creator comes in His powerful compassion, speaks and frees up our neurons, leads us to new places so we’re not stuck in that reaction anymore.

 

“…put off your old self… be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self…”

Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV

 

What is stored in your soul?

Soul Growth

Soul Spelunking

“An unhealed person can find offense in pretty much anything someone does. A healed person understands that the actions of others have absolutely nothing to do with them.”

Reading this, quoted by Michele Cushatt, reinforced how often this plays itself out and how needy we are for “soul spelunking”.

PC – Marcin Gala

 

Spelunking is the exploration of caves.  You need courage and a lot of light for those kinds of places. Spiritual spelunking “ventures down into the cavernous depths of faith” as Paul Tripp puts it in his introduction to New Morning Mercies.

He confesses his own tendencies (revealing our own) to shrug at amazing gospel realities and let other things in life take our hearts or put us in awe.  When we forget how much grace and rescue we need today, we begin to put ourselves above others which is never good for healthy communication or relationships. Self-awareness brings us to reality when we see our caves in light of God and His Word. His compassion and power there give us courage and freedom.

Our gut reactions (that flow from old patterns of thought or untended negative emotions) fester in deep caverns of our souls.  Many remain unexplored by our Light and thus are unleashed in certain circumstances, leaving us floundering.

“The spirit of a person is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being.” 

Proverbs 20:27 NASB

  

What cave of your soul needs spelunking?

 

How will you nurture the courage to go there?

Soul Growth

Soul Invitation

 

“You made me bold with strength in my soul.” 

Psalm 138:3b, NASB

 

As a child I had the mysterious ashes applied to my forehead at the beginning of the Lent season, hearing the haunting “ashes to ashes, dust to dust…” as they were applied.

Later as a teen I rejected the practice of Lent when I came into my own faith thinking it was an effort to pay for sin already paid for.  After years of following, learning and studying the Word I find I am humbled into respecting this age-old practice started several hundred years after Jesus ascended to heaven.

Though it is not specifically from the Bible there are reasons the sacrificial practice assists us in making ourselves available to God, to stop and open space to allow Him to break through our busyness and assumptions.

Lately I’ve noticed a sloppiness in my physical, spiritual and mental disciplines; even in reactions that beg more influence of the Spirit in me. I desire sharpness of body, mind and spirit to be attentive to Him, aware of my own soul and prepared to reach out to others. He is worthy of so much more. As I was meditating I remembered Lent and the purpose of giving extra attention through setting something aside for a time. I sensed an invitation to draw nearer, to hear clearer and to love dearer.

In my noticing this slackness it’s tempting to take on condemnation.  But that is another’s voice. Rather I’ll take on empowerment through His filling, His forgiveness and His presence. He’s reaching out His kind hand to pull me up to higher places with Him, to growth and new freedom. I think I’ll accept that invitation!

What is your soul being invited to these days?

Soul Warning

Shaken Soul

“Just the time I feel that I’ve been caught in the mire of self; just the time I feel my mind’s been bought by worldly wealth, that’s when the breeze begins to blow; I know the Spirit’s call.
And all my worldly wanderings just melt into His love.” 

Steve Green

 

How poignant are the words and deeds of Jesus on the days between the accolades of Palm Sunday and the horrors of Good Friday.  And how necessary for us today!

 

The disciples would be dealing with utter disappointment, paradigm shifts, changes in plans and occupations, a new normal and a new purpose.  Sounds like some of what we’re dealing with today…

 

“Holy week” was Jesus’ last week on earth.  He was so purposeful, cultivating potent seeds of faith and hope that would spring to life in the chaotic days to come. But little of it made sense to any of His followers who were sure there was soon to be a grand political victory ahead that would “save” them.

 

However, Jesus brought about an entirely different kind of victory. One that would free us from focusing this life, only on this life. In these days of COVID-19 we’re all facing how to make decisions in uncertainty; how to keep safe and wise while being helpful to others; how to mourn the state of our world and our souls; and how to make the most of this strange time while wondering about the future.

 

Let’s listen to some of what Jesus said and watch some of what He did in His last days when most of us would have been in fight or flight mode, stammering in self-protection and fear.

Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead a few days before Palm Sunday. This caused a huge reaction among the religious leaders who were jealous of His power and His following. So, Jesus was heading to Jerusalem at a vulnerable time.  They were out to get Him. (John 11:48)

When jealousy, envy, and grasping for position take us over, what does it do to us?

 

What is our choice when we recognize sin in our hearts?

 

When someone poured out something very valuable for Jesus, Judas judged it as a waste. (John 12:4-8)

 

When others pour out their lives for Him, what is our response?

 

He spoke of different talents given to each one; how they invested, risked and used it to multiply or how they lost it.  (Matthew 25:15-18)

 

What has He given you?  What’s in your hand?

 

Jesus’ outrage in the temple. (Matthew 21:12,13)

Are you aware of, and attentive in God’s presence?

 

Warning to be ready for difficulty and false teaching. (Matthew 13:5,6)

 

Are you surprised by troubled times and falsehood?

 

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Where are you looking for peace?

 

It is ASTONISHING how much Jesus emphasizes LOVE and UNITY on the days before His death.  Those seem to be paramount on His heart before He dies.  For His followers He gave the example of doing the lowliest thing to show care. (John 13) His kind of love is not devoid of conviction or action, and yet values even enemies because they carry the image of God. He was concerned for their need for forgiveness, justice and freedom.

Jesus’ last prayer before He went to Gethsemane shows His deep concern for how His followers treated each other and for living in the Father’s joy.  (John 17)

 

What is our deep concern in our days of sorrow and hopelessness in this world?

 

Jesus was preparing His disciples for coming events in their lives.  The things He is bringing into your lives now will help prepare you for what’s ahead.  There is no greater grief than the crucifixion and no greater hope than the resurrection.

 

Take some time to consider –

 

What stands out to you in this weeks’ words and deeds of Jesus?

 

“You will be graced with the disaster your soul requires to find its way home.”

A Hell of Mercy, Tim Farrington

Soul Growth

Soul Unmaking

The “unmaking” of our souls is quite an unpleasant topic.  But in order to be re-made, rebuilt, restored, most often some major reconstruction needs to take place so God can do new things. 

Jeremiah lived in the time leading up to the fall of Jerusalem in 589 BC. This was after Israel was taken captive (722 BC) and Judah was left as the representative of the true God on earth

Some of you have overcome some intense and fierce obstacles in your lives. You have stuck with God in darkness and confusion.  Some may still be in the darkness and confusion, wondering where God went, others may be seeing some rays of light. We do know this, we are all being intimately pursued by our Creator & Savior no matter how chaotic our life seems.  Jeremiah was finding this.

Suffering, loss and struggle are crucibles for transformation. IF we let them be so.  It can go the other way toward isolation, self-pity, bitterness, and stunted growth. So, let’s be watchful of our souls! They can get used to some of those dark places and actually start to use them as excuses!

Taking a glimpse of God’s heart, we see His longing for the well-being of His people:

“Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods?
But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.
Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate,
declares the LORD, for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

Jeremiah 2:11-13

Listen to God’s heart. The priests and prophets were false and didn’t follow God.  The people had an outward form of following God claiming the temple of the Lord, like a good-luck charm.  God continued to warn them “I will refine them…what else can I do?” (Jeremiah 9:7, 8) They had broken the covenant forcing God to act.

While the people of God were being unmade, Jeremiah was too.  His paradigms shifted as he listened to God! Our unmaking isn’t always due to sin, it’s because God created us to be so much more.  Jeremiah was wrestling with God asking “How long!?” The rich were getting richer, the poor getting poorer.  There was oppression, sexual perversion, blasphemy and corruption.  Sound familiar?

Jeremiah brings his case to God for justice. God’s answer baffles him. 

You will become more… “Do you want a tame domesticated life or do you want to live beyond yourself?”

– Eugene Peterson explains Jeremiah 12:1-5 in Run with the Horses.

Some days I prefer a domesticated life…

God is up to something so much bigger than we are aware of. What we do in this little life will affect our eternity, and when we’re there, what will we wish we had done here?! Have you had or are you having a time in your life where God unmakes you? (i.e. unravels some of your paradigms of who He is and who you are or to how life should be?)

Often, we need to be stretched in order for us to live at our best.  Are we giving up on growth and joy? Jeremiah was about to. Until He took on God’s cause, looked above his harrowing circumstances and started living beyond himself.

In what area of your life can you reach beyond yourself today?

Soul Growth

Soul Challenge

 

My husband & I do a bit of an exercise regime most weekdays and during one online session the instructor said

“I want you to want to challenge yourself.”

 

In my early morning stupor, trying to just get through it, I was awakened to the thought, “Do I want to challenge myself?”  Heretofore sprung upon me the annoying realization that I would really rather not right now, thank you.  I’ll just float on through this workout.

 

Then my “committee of selves” quickly perked up and said “Now wait, who’s in charge here, the body or the will?”  And my inner self, trying not to listen then realized, I’m going to drift into something I do not want to be if I don’t stand up and make a choice here.  So, with the Spirit’s nudge and my husband’s eagerness, I took the challenge to challenge myself and did a hard workout.  I hadn’t been that sore in a while. 

 

And what about our souls?  Do we want to want to challenge our soul to growth?  It is much easier to drift and go on yesterday’s learnings and achievements.  But there’s new learning, challenges and dangers today; especially in our tumultuous world!  The Apostle Peter urged us to “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord…”  after saying, “be on your guard so that you are not carried away…” 2 Peter 3:17,18

Take a few moments to sit and ponder.

 

How are you growing in grace?

 

Grace toward yourself recognizing your frailty and allowing God to come into your frailty and transform.  Not trying to make yourself better for him.  That won’t work.

 

Grace toward others you are struggling with, to understand them, see their perspective, pray for them, forgive them and find a helpful place and time to listen and dialog.

 

How are you growing in knowledge of God?

 

Is He still #1?  How does your life show that?  “If anyone loves Me he will keep my Word.”  John 14:23

 

Where are your heart’s affections?   This takes some thought…

 

He longs to expand us and deepen us.  We need His power to even be able to receive the kind of love He has for us…today.

 

“So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the Lord your God.” Joshua 23:11

 

(Loving Him means receiving His love first.)

Soul Help, Soul Warning

Soul Vapor

“I could try to outrun the sun with my superhuman striving. I could try to hide in the dark with my subhuman shame.” Leeana Tankersley

 

What will it take to stop us?  To get us to think about what we’re thinking about; to grasp what we’ve been given?  Our rush to activity or our search for hiding places can rule us.

A few years back, I was jogging past a graveyard on a lazy summer morning thinking about what the day held, I tried to decipher what was worth worrying about.  The morning was a bit misty and the graves to my left quite obtrusive on a hill facing me, staring. As I passed by, I imagined I was being watched, examined and spoken to.  It was an alarming thought.  What might they say?!  How many of those buried people even had the privilege to take time to jog when they were alive?  How did they spend their lives and were they glad?  What would they do differently if they could?  What would they say to me?

 

I’m compelled to write on their behalf.  To shout what they might say.  We’ll be on that hill under the ground in a few short years!  I’m compelled to write for the ones who will join us on this planet; for my future grandkids. That they would see the end from the beginning, embrace it and live it wisely.

 

Can we ever get our heads around the idea that our lives are so short?!  Those feelings of, “where did that month go, or that week of vacation?” When I want to suspend the moments, the talks, the sweet looks, the lingering, the dialog.  I want to go back and say something else or not say it.  I want a chance to embrace more of what’s going on and enter in or bow out more gracefully.  There’s always too much for us to take in in a day.  That’s the vapor…it’s there, you hardly see it, and then it’s gone. That’s us.

 

Our hearts get fickle, anxious, greedy, tangled and weighed down…and we just don’t really believe that the next life is much more important.  You know, if you want to know what you really believe (not what you say you believe) look at what you’re living for; what you’re most anxious about; what you think about most. And walah! you’re busted.

 

We need to “escape into the truth”! (Alexander Chee) Away from the whirling dervish of life and give attention to the unseen parts of our being to reorient ourselves.

 

How can you plan your escape into truth; so that the rest of your earthly vapor prepares you for what will last forever?

It’s a matter of time.  Stop now, find a space and place to ponder your vapor. (James 4)

It’s a matter of time, until your life dispels into the beyond.

Then what will you say to the one jogging flippantly past your grave?!

Soul direction, Soul Help, Soul Warning

Soul Future

As we grapple with and embrace God’s incredible grace, we are free to be forgiven, to walk in joy instead of shame and rather than judge others, we can love.  What a relief and what a gift!

 

This is my stance before God – justified freely forever!

 

SO THAT I can now live a different kind of life.   Because I have freely received, I can live in obedience.  That’s the point, the reason He saved us, so we are free to live for Him and not for ourselves.  And that’s ironically always better for me!

 

“We must stop using the fact that we cannot earn grace (whether for justification or for sanctification) as an excuse for not energetically seeking to receive grace. Having been found by God, we then become seekers of ever fuller life in him. Grace is opposed to earning, but not to effort.”  Dallas Willard

 

If not, why would He say,

 

“Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things I say?” (Luke 6:46)

 

So, although there are end time judgments that won’t concern us, there is one we need to take note of.

 

The Judgment Seat of Christ will focus on the believer’s words, works, and faithfulness.

 

“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” 2 Cor. 5:9,10

 

Though we are freely given eternal life, we are responsible for what we do with the life God gives us on earth.  How we need His grace for this!

 

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” Gal. 5:25

 

“…each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved…”  1 Cor. 3:13-15

 

“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12

 

“… don’t receive the grace of God in vain”! 2 Cor. 6:1

 

Picture yourself at the end of your life; insert yourself into your future…what will you wish you’d have been and done?

What will you regret?

 

What can you do now?

 

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word…”  John 14:23