So many of you have joined the journey we have been traveling these last two years. We have come to think of Jesus as “The Stonecutter” who reveals, removes, and replaces the hidden idols of our hearts. Many of us felt that had to be the title of the book that is scheduled for release in October.
When I met with my publisher I was asked if I would be open to another title, and I said I would be if they could find a better one, but I felt an anointing on The Stonecutter. Yet if there is one thing I have learned in this journey on seeing our heart idols, it is that my predominant heart idol is control, and it has caused me, the Lord, and others grief. I really respect this publishing team, know they too are seeking God, and have expertise that I do not have. I didn’t want to be working at cross-purposes with God’s best, so I told them I would be open.
Along with a long and very dear letter of explanation, came this cover. I want you to see it — and then I’ll share some of their thinking.
I don’t know how you feel upon seeing it, but God did a work in my heart, for I loved it. I found it arresting.
Their fears about the title “The Stonecutter” is that people wouldn’t know what it is about, and many people never get to the sub-title. Also, it doesn’t address what publishers call “a felt need.” People want a book that will meet a need in some way — and this does, for people don’t want to be deceived, and want to be set free of those lies.
The Stonecutter imagery is still throughout the book, and the first of the three sections is called The Stonecutter. I have a peace about it, and hope you do too, for you are so a part of this book! I like the play on words (idolize) and we do need to see how we are being lied to, how these soul idols are destroying our lives.
Next January I want to do a study on this book, Idol Lies, and ask people to get the actual book.
Next week we are beginning a new study, which though it will also be on idolatry, will be on it through the lens of the fascinating book of Jonah. Jonah’s real problem was — guess what! A heart idol.
I also want to share with you another provision God has made for “Idol Lies” and the curriculum. There is a camera man at “our” Rebecca’s church who has a heart for ministry, and was willing to put together a video of her testimony. His name is Tim Mahony, and we’re pretty impressed with what he did. This is a rough video — he’s going to edit it more, re-take her interview in the shade, but I can’t wait for you to see what we are working on!
How God Set Rebecca Free From The Power of Sin
I am going to make the homework lighter for the next two months, for I know April and May can be as busy as Christmas time for women. Next week we’ll do a review of idolatry for those who are new (and I’m counting on the older members to mentor them!) and then we’ll dive into Jonah. I’ll list all the sermons at once, which include some free ones and 10 dollars worth of paid ones — but it will last us into mid June. If you think Jonah is boring, it isn’t with Keller!
This week I want us to look at Rebecca’s “idol lie” and how she found victory over it.
Then I want to practice some soul talk.
It’s going to be a great week!
Sunday/Monday
1. What are your comments on the cover — the title?
2. We’re going to look at Rebecca’s testimony in more detail, but for now, what stood out to you and why?
Monday-Wednesday: Rebecca’s testimony and Bible Study
3. Watch the video and answer:
A. Why did Rebecca initially come on the blog? (I think this is key to her success!)
B. Why are you here?
C. When she saw it was on idolatry — what was her initial reaction and why?
D. Where are you in understanding idols of the heart? What do you think they are?
E. Heart idols are an attempt to solve a problem, but, what does Jonah 2:8 say they really do?
F. What was Rebecca’s heart idol and how did it boomerang on her?
G. What is your heart idol (if you know — and you may not yet!) and how has it hurt you?
H. Rebecca compared intimacy with God to a stream. Have you experienced this with the Lord? If so, explain.
I. Can you encourage our new friend Tim Mahoney with comments on this video?
Thursday – Friday: Soul Talk and Sermon
I’m going to give you two scenarios where an idol can lie to you — and I want you to do two things:
A. Find the idol lie so you can run away from the idol that really will destroy you.
B. Combat the lie with the truth so you can move forward in faith toward the real God.
4. Let’s start with the lies Rebecca’s comfort idol was telling her:
Your life is so stressful (that’s the true part 🙂 ) you need this time at night to watch the news and eat so you will be less stressed.
A. Find the lies. (Be merciless and specific! Genesis 4:7 might help)
B. Rebecca told us she was afraid if she didn’t do this, that God would let her sit in her pain. She would have to suffer for a time — but find the truth in the following passages:
* Isaiah 40:29-31 (Imagine you are in Rebecca’s place and use this to speak truth to your soul.)
* 1 Peter 4:1-2 (Again, imagine you are Rebecca, and soul talk.)
5. Think of one of your deep idols and name a lie he tells you.
A. What is the lie? Have you experienced the pain of this idol lie? If so, share.
B. What is the truth that could help you move toward God? Will this involve suffering?
C. Also, take this same lie, and reflect on The Great I AM’s we studied during Lent and
speak again to your soul, refuting the lie that Jesus won’t be enough, can’t really
rescue you from this, with something that quickened you during Lent.
SERMON: This is actually a lighter sermon on The Great I AM from R. C. Sproul (amazing it is light considering the preacher!) — one you can listen to while you work. He’s got one main point, but it is a good one, and one that has stayed with me from his humorous illustration. Listen and articulate it.
http://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/attributes_of_god/ice-cream-cones-and-the-study-of-god/
6. What thoughts to you have on the above message from R. C. Sproul?
Saturday:
7. What’s your take-a-way for the week and why?
373 comments
Hello everyone,
I have been reading everyones posts and following along. I tend to think too much, and felt I needed to let my mind sort of off the hook I guess.I had a night early this week when my thoughts raced uncontrolably, it was awful. So I kept it simple in my spiritual life this week, trying simply to put my hope in Christ, again and again, and to pray more.
I could strongly relate to Susan’s post about missing feeling the sweet things I used to feel during my devotions, and feeling sort of cut off from other people. Many people open up to me and feel close to me, I struggle to really open up to anyone.
I love the new book cover and title Dee, I feel sure that God will powerfully use it to wake women up & draw them to himself in a deeper way. Thank you so much for your ministry, which has strengthened me again and again.
Rebecca your testimony is rich and inspiring, the part I would have loved to hear more on is how the struggle still goes on, ways and examples of speaking the truth to your soul as the comfort idol tries to sneak in the back door. I guess I feel like there are dangers in making the fight seem too tidy, like it is something we can figure out and be finished with, and that others on the path will feel that they are fundamentally flawed because they continue to struggle.
Bill and I begin the support group on Monday. I feel just sick about the thought of going, I want to, but oh how I am trembling inside.
I have been praying for you dear ladies as I have read your posts this week. I am not gone, just sort of pausing to catch my breath.
Chris, so glad to hear from you. I will pray for you as you go to this group.
So good to hear from you.
Father, we lift up Bill and Chris and ask that you would be with them in this support group — please be their Refuge, Comfort, Quickener, and Counselor.
Amen to Dee’s prayer. I can totally understand how scary going to this support group must be. Remember that Jesus goes with you, holding your hand. You are safe!
I am glad to see your post too, Chris….it is certainly understandable to take a pause, spiritually, to just rest in Christ.
I think you brought up a really good point, too, about Rebecca’s testimony, and how we need to also talk about the on-going struggle, lest “others on the path will feel that they are fundamentally flawed because they continue to struggle”. (Why is it that I can relate to that?!)
Will be praying for you and Bill as you begin the support group.
Chris,
Glad you posted that you are here with us reading. I agree with your point that the struggle continues. The first time I watched the video, I liked that Rebecca’s hair blew in her face! Something about that helped me realize she is real. Praying for your filming today, Tim and Rebecca. In part, I’m praying that the video isn’t “TOO perfect.” 🙂
Renee and Chris,
Thanks so much! I think it went great! 🙂
Great point Chris about things coming off as tidy and perfect in the end. The thing is, these videos can only be a certain length of time. 🙂 Dee will be teaching also so I am sure she will expand on the rocks getting in the way of the stream metaphor.
What I hope women glean from this video is to be encouraged that God can rescue them from their “imprisonment” in an idols’ arms. He can free us and bring us closer to Him. Most often it is a process and not a quick fix-God came slowly to me-I made sure to mention that in the new video Tim and I did this morning. 🙂
Yet even though I am free from being “imprisoned”, Idols can regenerate and be so hideously deceptive! So I do struggle with all three of my idols daily even though I have been freed, but I am thinking that the struggle is a good sign. If we aren’t struggling after we have been freed then perhaps we aren’t alert to it’s deception? Sorry, rabbit trailed a bit!
Will we get to see the new filming, Rebecca? I didn’t even notice any hair out of place! I’m sure you and Tim done great!
I’m so happy your okay and using this time to draw closer to the Lord, Chris.
I’m off to Augusta and would love prayers for quickening, technical support, and a good night sleep tonight for I speak at night, when I’m often not at my best.
And for Tim and Rebecca filming today!
Thanks for all your comments on my newsletter — you encourage my heart.
Praying for Augusta quickening, support and SLEEP. And praying for Rebecca and Tim and filming.
Yes, praying!
Blessing’s to all of you and for the women’s heart’s to open tonight. Praying!
This is to a new member, Georgia!
You are on — see older comments. Now you can post when we begin Jonah tomorrow!
Welcome, Georgia (If the SD in your earlier posting stands for a state, we are “neighbors”)
Welcome Georgia! I am in NE… Love having you here! Joyce
Not only is the cow picture stuck in my brain, what it represented is also in my brain. And I have a question. First, I didn’t know that cows stare at new gates; but that’s not my question 🙂
I can understand why people’s eyes might glaze over when someone talks to them about sin, especially if they haven’t grown up hearing about it. What I don’t understand is why Keller thinks it different when they hear about idols of the heart. Before this study, my initial reaction to hearing about idols might be to think about little statues, but more likely to think about something like workaholism, not necessarily the daily temptations of life. Was Keller saying that people are more open to hearing about heart idols because the idea is novel to them… or ?
Who’da thunk the picture of a cow (a funny one!) would bring me back to questions about God, communicating the gospel, and heart idols??
Good questions — luring you into next week!!!!
patience, Renee, patience 🙂
Renee, I wondered if the cow was special needs because Kendra stares at things she wants, because she can’t get the words to come. So that’s what I thought when Dee said the cow was staring at the gate!! (Hopeing it would open for her, as the grass was greener on the other side, I bet!)
🙂 I’m sure there are special needs cows, just haven’t heard them labeled as such!!
Too funny, you guys! 🙂
The RC Spoul sermon has me thinking about something I have never contemplated. How do I look for God as I desire Him to come to me? I had no idea. Like Rebecca said, there is no image that comes to me as I contemplate Him. Today I feel very blessed by his presence but I am not ready to ask Him to stay His hand.
So I have been wondering what is the closest I can come to His image in my finite mind? man is made in His image but He is so much more. I do think that the entirety of creation comes closer to who He really is. Almost, I sense His coming to me on the gentle breeze that caresses me. Creation is so intricate, beautiful and terrible, all at the same time. This would be my take away this week, to look for His coming to me. I pray to be alert.
I have to go get ready for a baby shower. That is is probably a good thing, before I go completely off the chain 😉
I understand your thoughts about God seeming a bit like the entirety of creation. I love nature like living in the country surrounded by trees and plants and wild animals (at times – such as deer, raccoon, fox and birds). I often gaze out the window at the trees and sky as I am worshipping.
I’m so happy you are doing better, Meg…he loves you so much. I read this from my devotions this morning…it may help you.
The more difficult your day, the more I (God) yearn to help you. Anxiety wraps you up in yourself, trapping you in your own thoughts. When you look at me and whisper MY Name, you break free and recieve MY help. Focus on Me, and you will find Peace in My Presence. (taken from Philippians 4:13 AMP and Proverbs 17:22)
5. Think of one of your deep idols and name a lie he tells you.
I enter my answer to this question with fear and trembling. I am “saying out loud” (on a blog no less which anyone can read) something that I have never heard any other pastor’s wife say. I share this with the hope that it will help someone out there who may be silently reading this blog who needs to hear that others (even those in Christian ministry) struggle too. I also want them to know there is a way out of their pain. I cannot share the whole story here, but hopefully I will share enough to give you an accurate picture.
A. What is the lie? Have you experienced the pain of this idol lie? If so, share.
The lie is that God doesn’t really have my best interests at heart. If He loved me, he wouldn’t have taken x away from me. Many difficult things have happened to me in the context of “Christian ministry” such as rejection by other Christians or painful moves that have taken me away from friends and perceived security. I became bitter from all the perceived sacrifices I was being asked to make “for the sake of the ministry”, thinking that I was being asked to give and give with no end in sight. This has led to depression and much emotional distress.
B. What is the truth that could help you move toward God? Will this involve suffering?
The truth is God NEVER SACRIFICES ANYONE for the sake of his ministry. I can trust that he always tenderly cares for me. He takes each person into consideration, even little children, when he calls a parent into a difficult job or Christian ministry. He wants to help and waits for us to ask for help, and he also know what control, approval and security idols that need to be demolished in my life through the situation he puts me in. My anger (bitterness) was due to clinging to control or security, instead of trusting God. Depression is often repressed anger.
C. Also, take this same lie, and reflect on The Great I AM’s we studied during Lent and speak again to your soul, refuting the lie that Jesus won’t be enough, can’t really rescue you from this, with something that quickened you during Lent.
I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD. “He leads me beside still water.” He tenderly cares for me and comes to rescue me when I wander away in my nightmare of fears and emotional pain because I am clinging to my other idols instead of drinking from His living water.
“IT IS FINISHED”. Jesus paid it all. Doing ministry out of a sense of “duty” as a Christian is not what God wants or needs. That is living a lie! That is legalism, trying to earn your way to heaven. Duty leads to self-righteous pride or self-condemnation. In my case, I yo-yoed between both; but mostly it was self-condemnation. If you know you are a Christian, but your life is full of self-condemnation, then you probably have a heart idol you need to recognize and let Christ defeat. “There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
I now realize in my heart, not just in my head, that I can do nothing and shouldn’t try. I throw myself on His grace. God wants to heal the inner parts of me as well – the bitterness and pain – to heal me and give me peace and joy. Now I am beginning to be free is “serve the Lord with gladness”. It really is a miracle and I do praise God.
Diane, I can feel your pain you have experienced and I know you are being so blessed by your open heart…love you!
Diane, I wish i could tell you in person how much this post meant to me–thank you for your honest sharing–He used it to speak to my soul
Diane, Thank you SO much for your honest sharing of your experiences. You so clearly wrote a message that will benefit many. You presented both sin and grace, the law and the gospel in your last few lines:
“If you know you are a Christian, but your life is full of self-condemnation, then you probably have a heart idol you need to recognize and let Christ defeat. ‘There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus.’ (Romans 8:1)
I now realize in my heart, not just in my head, that I can do nothing and shouldn’t try. I throw myself on His grace. God wants to heal the inner parts of me as well – the bitterness and pain – to heal me and give me peace and joy. Now I am beginning to be free is “serve the Lord with gladness”.
Praising God with you.
Thanks, Renee. That was my hope. That last line should, however, read “Now I am beginning to be free TO “serve the Lord with gladness.” I proofread too, but missed it.
Thanks, Joyce and Elizabeth. Upon reflection, I feel I should add, for context, that I am also a “pastor’s kid” and watched my parents go through ministry struggles and rejection, so I went into ministry with “baggage” that I needed to deal with as well.
Diane,
Wow, what a great testimony of His Grace!
“Now I am beginning to be free is “serve the Lord with gladness”. It really is a miracle and I do praise God.” – Praise God!
Oh God we thank you and praise you for how you have come to Diane. Thank you for your Grace and that you love her and she is yours-Oh God we thank you for how you emptied yourself on the cross for Diane so you could have her, and thank you Lord that since she is yours you will never, ever forsake her. Thank you God that because of you we don’t have to live in bondage to idols.
I was raised in a non christian home, Diane. We may be worlds apart in miles and likenss, but we are sister’s in Christ! Praise God!
I pray this with Rebecca for you, Diane 🙂
Thanks for your encouraging words, Rebecca and Joyce. Yes, we truly are sisters in Christ.
Huge:
I now realize in my heart, not just in my head, that I can do nothing and shouldn’t try.
Good thoughts for a busy woman!
Diane,
I have just finished reading your thoughtful post, which you began with “fear and trembling”….thank you and this is what I love about “this place” and all of you – no one wears a mask. I love it that we have a safe place here to share our real selves, and I am sure your post touched someone out there who is silently reading along.
Your comment that “if you know you are a Christian, but your life is full of self-condemnation, then you probably have a heart idol you need to recognize and let Christ defeat” is much food for thought. I had never thought of that, to examine myself in that way when I feel “condemned” or guilty, to look for an idol operating.
I am so happy for you that you are on the road to freedom to serve Him in your ministry with joy!
all–wanted to recommend a book i gave my husband for our anniversary, he’s been reading it aloud to me this week–Diane, I especially thought of you on what we read tonight–it is “A Praying Life” by Paul Miller, forward is by David Powlison
Thanks for the recommendation of the book. So I checked it out and there’s a glowing review of “A Praying Life” by Paul Miller on navpress.com. as well. I’m intrigued. What exactly was it that made you think of me when you were reading the book? And why do you recommend about the book? (I have access to a lot of books, more books than I ever have time to read so I want to make sure I get the best quality books for my needs.)
I am the same with books Diane, a house full of great ones and little time, too little patience, to read much. I came across this one many times with high reviews from ones I trust, before buying it. My husband is better at turning off tasks and prioritizing reading–so this was an anniversary gift Monday–I glean vicariously from him!
I found the quote online (thankfully!) that reminded me of what you had posted above. It is only chapter 2, still somewhat of an intro:
“If God is sovereign, then He is in control of all the details of my life. If he is loving, then He is going to be shaping the details of my life for good. If He is all-wise, then He’s not going to do everything I want because of I don’t know what I need. If he is patient, then he is going to take time to do all this. When we put all these things together – God’s sovereignty, love, wisdom, and patience – we have a divine story.
People often talk about prayer as if it is disconnected from what God is doing in their lives. But we are actors in his drama, listening for our lines, quieting our hearts so we can hear the voice of the Playwright.
You can’t have a good story without tension and conflict, without things going wrong. Unanswered prayers create some of the tensions in the story God is weaving in our lives. When we realize this, we want to know what God is doing. What pattern is God weaving?”
That’s a great quote, Elizabeth. It fits in perfectly with what I have been thinking about regarding my life story. Thanks for sharing it. I read a brief preview online of the Intro and first few pages of Chapter 1 and the book looks real good.
Thanks for the good book recommendation. The quote is enticing.
Elizabeth, I read this yesterday and this part stuck with me:
“If God is sovereign, then He is in control of all the details of my life. If he is loving, then He is going to be shaping the details of my life for good. If He is all-wise, then He’s not going to do everything I want because of I don’t know what I need. If he is patient, then he is going to take time to do all this. When we put all these things together – God’s sovereignty, love, wisdom, and patience – we have a divine story.”
i love this book. paul and i are leading a bible study at our home using it right now! great book and so encouraging that he has a real life with special needs kid and all, makes me feel like if he can do it so can I:)
Quote by Chuck Colson in an article about his death. Relevant to posts here this week:
“I shudder to think of what I’d been if I had not gone to prison,” Colson said in 1993. “Lying on the rotten floor of a cell, you know it’s not prosperity or pleasure that’s important, but the maturing of the soul.”
He definitely was an example of a life changed by Jesus Christ.
That’s really interesting about Chuck Colson. What is the name of the article? and can I find it online?
Diane,
Here is the link to the article
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/family-spokesman-charles-colson-watergate-figure-turned-religion-16187403#.T5M-Vo61byc
Lots to take away. Mostly that I have to trust that Jesus is not going to leave me sit in the pain of losing my idol, but that he will take the place of it. I’m still struggling with how that works with friends. If I don’t eat something, or watch something the only one hurt or the only one who cares is me.
Also I noticed that with the idols of approval/affirmation and comfort/security we turn to Jesus and he gives them to us, but with control/power we give it to him.
Good observation on idols.
wishing i had time to read all your posts. just got home from a homeschool convention with the girls. cant wait to start next week. Lily is fine and I learned some things this weekend that led to a healing in that relationship and with emma and I. so glad to know I am not alone in the “yelling at my kids club” and that all other moms struggle with that too…..takin it to the cross sisters…takin it to the cross.
Cyndi, You are not alone sister! 🙂 So glad you are taking it to the cross!
6. What thoughts do you have on the above message from R.C. Sproul?
I’ve always liked his teaching; I could imagine my favorite ice cream flavor, but when he asked to imagine God the Father, I kind of got an image from Isaiah, when Isaiah saw God on a throne – I imagined “something” on a throne, swirling images, the smoke, the quaking, but I could not picture God the Father as a man, or imagine His face.
6. What thoughts to you have on the above message from R. C. Sproul?
This was a great sort message! I loved the way he pushed the woman to figure out what it was about “John” that she loved and how she related that to God and His name, Yaweh (sp?). It was truly special – His name.
7. What is your take-away for the week and why?
I want to remember Rebecca’s testimony and how she described getting free from the idol of comfort. And the part of our study, questions 4-5, where Dee asked us to find the idol lie and then to combat the lie with truth from Scripture, first looking at Rebecca’s idol and then to do this with an idol of our own. I thought this was really helpful as a way to be practical and to take the knowledge we have learned and actually apply it – live it out. Also to know that it will involve suffering, but from the 1 Peter passage I learned that suffering helps me to overcome sin. I liked the practicing of talking to our soul, speaking the truth.
I really liked this because I am one who can have a lot of “head knowledge” but struggle to put it into practice, and this week gave me a way to practice it. It reminded me of how I used to practice it!
5. Think of one of your deep idols and name a lie he tells you.
God won’t take as good a care of you as you would so you better take over.
A. What is the lie? Have you experienced the pain of this idol lie? If so, share.
God may not do what I think is best for me. He may make me suffer and God needs my help.
B. What is the truth that could help you move toward God? Will this involve suffering?
The truth is when I am in charge it all falls apart so I relinquish my rights to a God who loves me and knows what I need and when I need it. Yes, I may have to suffer but God will take me through it and hold my hand. The reward for suffering is small compared to the glory of being more like HIm.
C. Also, take this same lie, and reflect on The Great I AM’s we studied during Lent and speak again to your soul, refuting the lie that Jesus won’t be enough, can’t really rescue you from this, with something that quickened you during Lent.
Through Lent I found my heart loving Him more deeply by looking at the cross, allowing it to sink deep into my spirit and transform me. Just this morning in church we sang, “Jesus paid it all. all to Him I owe…” and I felt His presence so strong and my heart was so full of gratitude I thought my heart could burst for joy. The sacredness of those words blessed me so. I owe Him everything. And, in answer to the question, I can trust Him with my everything.