Category: Soul Warning

Soul Warning

Soul Backdrop

Our souls grow in the swirling backdrop of wild philosophies that present themselves as new when they’re just coming around again deceiving, bringing regret and strife as they’ve done over the centuries.

If we could only see through it.

Their claims seem so virtuous and right but we forget how cunning our soul’s enemy can be. Ephesus was a city that 2000 years ago had a strong economy based on the commerce from their territorial goddess that “clearly fell from heaven” (Acts 19:35). Their cry, ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians,’ supposedly promised help with fertility and childbirth.

 

To speak or act against their god was blasphemous. That’s the context of the fledgling group to whom Paul wrote the New Testament letter to the Ephesians where he and his companions had caused a significant riot.  (Acts 19:32) These new believers were being called to live there, in the midst of opposing philosophies and powers; to live out their newfound faith and to love one another in that darkness and confusion.                                                                                                                                                                                                     Ruins – temple of Artemis

Paul’s charge to them was to begin to allow this scandalous notion of God’s choice of them, and His incomprehensible love for them to bring peace and reconciliation between centuries-old differences and prejudices.

A new walk was called for. Walk in a new way, walk in love, walk in light, walk worthy of your calling, walk in good works, walk as wise, walk in God’s strength to fight against the prevailing philosophies and powers.

The letter is a treatise for living life against the backdrop of contrary forces.  Being rooted and grounded in God’s love (Ephesians 3:17) walking in and speaking the truth in love would bring a flagrant contrast to their old manner of life. This would get the attention of evil forces that they would need to “withstand in the evil day” (Ephesians 6:10-13). Not an easy notion that called upon His power in their inner beings. (Ephesians 3:16)

What is the backdrop of your soul growth?

How will your rootedness lead to a new walk that goes against the flow of the present day?

Soul Warning

Soul Mitigation

  • While this quote is true and needed, what can we do to mitigate this usual course of life?
  • Can we lessen the regrets?
  • How can we reach into our pasts, be restored & renewed, then meaningfully connect with our present & the present lives of people who are now in those wrenching years of choices that affect so much?

As we watch the younger lives around us and shake our heads at the world they’re encountering, what are ways we can enter compassionately, engage graciously, and influence effectively so they want to hear us?  (I’m hearing of unique invitations into hearts and lives that some of you are stepping up to!)

God has us & them in this world for such a time as this. It is not a surprise to him that things are falling apart!  Esther’s world was looking pretty grim when she realized she had to stand wisely, strategically with winsome words & deeds.  And God miraculously turned things around so her people were not destroyed as plotted.  (Esther 8:7,8)

“Sorrow had a purpose but it’s time to stand…” Need to Breathe – Into the Mystery

“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn aside from the snares of death.”

Proverbs 13:14

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 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 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

 

Difficulty to opportunity, Soul Warning

Soul “Not Enough”

A very popular and effective taunt to our souls is, “You’re not enough.”  Not enough for your own responsibilities, for those you’re responsible for; for your job, for your personal life, for anything.  So much lack, so much need, so much pressure, so many limitations.

 

 

 

I’ve stayed there too long at times.  It’s quite convincing. Because I am so inadequate.

I think that’s the point.  We are in utter need of so many things.

“Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God who has made us adequate…” (!) 2 Cor. 3:4-6

 

Ok so we’re inadequate yet He makes us adequate.  How does that happen and why don’t I feel adequate?

 

I wonder how the little boy who brought his lunch felt when he offered it to feed the thousands of people.  I wonder if he felt adequate.  I doubt it!  It’s ludicrous to think it would make a difference.  How often am I there thinking, “how are you ever going to make a difference in this sea of need?”

 

What good would it do? What I have is nothing or very little in contrast to the need.  That’s exactly what Jesus wants us to bring to him.  The bit that we have.  Our “nothing”! We offer and He multiplies.  When we need to give and we don’t have much, we bring our little lunch, and let Him take it and do something with it.    I don’t have to be adequate but with Him, I’m made adequate. 

It’s quite freeing.

So, although what I bring to a situation, to a conversation, to a crisis, to a job, to a person, is and always will be inadequate, next to Him we’re in it together.  And He’s the focus.  I show up with my “I don’t know if this is anything, but here…”  I offer, I watch, I engage with Him.  I wait. I expect His work.  It may not look at all like I thought, but he receives what we bring and expands it.

 

Actually, the boy may not have had the guts to bring it at all.  The disciples just mention it as almost nothing.  But Jesus received it.

“One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”  John 6:8, 9

 

So what you have in your hand, the experience, time, talent, skills, trials or goods, may seem like next to nothing.  It may be inadequate for what your day may need.  But we bring it and rely on Him for what He wants to make of it.

 

So my inadequacy is actually a great reminder to me of where to turn to make me adequate!

 

Flip the switch:  When the overwhelming comes your way, telling you you’re inadequate, you can give thanks for the reminder and turn to the All Adequate One.

 

As Saint Benedict put it, “Always we begin again.”

Soul Warning

Shaken Soul

I’m shaken after meditating on Psalm 78.  And it’s interesting that it came up in my reading this most holy of weeks, where our remembrance of the first holy week is full of defeat, blundering and failure.  It is a bit encouraging.  Not that we want to excuse our failures, but encouraging that there’s hope for us.  Sin will never satisfy like obedience does.  It only creates more ravishing pull.

 

Getting a glimpse of what our sin does to God:

God vulnerably shows His heart in Psalm 78

  • :40 His people grieved Him in the desert
  • :41 They limited God (i.e., in their arrogance “allowed” only so much, thinking they knew better) Of course, He can overpower but often waits for an invitation.
  • :41 They pained the Holy One!
  • :42 They didn’t remember His power (after all they’d seen!)
  • :52-55 He guided them, brought them out of slavery and gave them an inheritance yet they
  • :56-58 rebelled, turned back, provoked Him and aroused His jealousy.

 

Who puts up with this?!  Who is this God?

 

So He had to let them go…he had to give them up in order to get them to turn back. In an earlier cycle the same happened:

:34 then they sought Him, returned and searched diligently for God and remembered…

 

there is always redemption when we turn toward Him.

What our sin does to us:

  • :18 they focused on their desires rather than His promises. (Our desires can be good things, but not at the expense of remembering and asking God.)
  • :22 it fostered unbelief
  • :32 in spite of His answers they refused to respond either to miracles or to judgment.
  • :33 they missed what God had for them.
  • :36 they “flattered” him (praised Him with their tongue but their hearts were far from Him)
  • :37 their repentance was shallow, no heart change

 

How lurking sin (like an enemy) tricks us, pulls us, limits us, sets us back, saps us of strength and life.  We take it lightly, not realizing the depth of consequences. Yes, there is grace greater than all our sin!!

Amen! I’m so glad.

But there is also grace before we sin; so we don’t have to sin.  Grace that gives us strength and power to choose otherwise.

Hallelujah!

Grace to walk in newness of life, to “not let sin reign in our bodies to obey its lusts” Rom. 6:12

 

“Don’t receive the grace of God is vain.” 2 Cor. 6:1

As Beth Moore says:

I say this with tremendous empathy to those of you in my former estate. I earned the right to my defeat. If you knew the details of my past, few of you would wonder why I couldn’t escape the cycle of sin-cry-repent-repeat. But if Jesus had just left me there, I’d be dead by now.

 

Who puts up with this?!  Who is this God?

 

He is the One who let our sin put Him on the cruel cross to bring us hope.

 

Hallelujah!

What small choice will you make today applying His grace so you don’t give in to sin?

“Flee…and pursue…” 1 Tim. 6:11

OR

What drastic measure do you need to take to keep you from the pull of sin?

“…throw it away…” Matt. 18:9