IT CAN BE SUCH A RICH TIME,
BRINGING LIFE FROM THE BARREN SOD
WINTER INTO SPRING
THE RICHEST TIMES ON THIS BLOG HAVE BEEN DURING LENT!
WHY?
IT’S THE UPSIDE DOWN THINKING OF GOD
FOR IN DYING, WE FIND LIFE
THE THING WE FEAR THE MOST
IS THE SECRET TO SETTING US FREE
WE ARE IN SLAVERY TO OURSELVES
TO OUR IDOLS
TO THE LIES OF THE ENEMY
BUT CHRIST LONGS TO SET US FREE
BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE
THERE WILL BE A BATTLE
AS JESUS BATTLED SATAN FOR FORTY DAYS
WE WILL BATTLE HIS LIES FOR FORTY DAYS
BUT AS JESUS CLUNG TO THE WORD
SO WILL WE, AND WHEN WE FAIL, WE WILL LOOK TO THE CROSS
ALLOWING THE GOSPEL TO TRANSFORM US FOR
LENT IS NOT SO MUCH ABOUT FORFEITING BUT ABOUT FORMATION
If you have never observed Lent, or if you observed it by giving up candy or meat on Fridays but never quite knew why, this will be a rich time for you. It begins on Ash Wednesday, which is Wednesday of this week, and continues to Easter. Not counting Sundays — that is forty days — paralleling the forty days Jesus was in the wilderness battling Satan. Often people do “give up” something for Lent, but the reason has often been lost. We turn away from something so that we will have the time to be with Jesus, or so that His life might bloom in us. We die that we might have life.
For those of you who have been sojourning with us for a while, or for those of you who have read my book Idol Lies or have studied “gospel transformation,” in a study, you know that what gets in our way of intimacy with the Lord is our heart idols. Instead of running to the Lord for comfort, approval, and security, we run to one of his gifts and turn it into a god. We may say, for example, that God is our refuge and we know He loves us, but in reality, when we are longing for refuge we run to friends, Facebook, or food. We are enslaved, as Galatians says, to “nongods.” This is not the gospel way of life. It is the opposite.
So the big goal this Lent will be to replace our heart idols with the Lord. But a smaller goal to help us move in that direction, is to replace the time we’ve spent feeding our idols with being in His presence. For example, you may choose any of these or another plan:
- Replace an hour or all of nightly television with this study and the supplemental reading
- Replace three lunches with three walks listening to mp-3 sermons
- Replace Facebook time with endeavoring to seek God’s face through worship music and praying the Word
- Replace staying up late and sleeping in with getting up and being with Him before your day begins
WE WANT TO KNOW HIM AND THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION. WE WANT TO EXPERIENCE HIS BEAUTY AND HIS BEAUTY IN US THIS LENT. THE ONLY WAY THAT CAN HAPPEN IS GOSPEL TRANSFORMATION — BEING CHANGED FROM THE INSIDE OUT.
This year I am so excited about where God is leading — we are going to consider how the gospel is not just the ABC’s of Christianity (the way in) but the A to Z of Christianity — (the way to live in victorious intimacy with Christ every day). As we apply the gospel to all of life and begin to plumb its depths, it will affect how we mother, how we face suffering, how we overcome our besetting sins, and most of all, our intimacy with God. I have only come to truly begin to grasp this in the last ten years. Before that, if you would have asked me if I understood the gospel, I would have been miffed. Of course! But now I so understand what Tim Keller means when he says:
If you think you understand the gospel, that proves you don’t, and if you say, “Oh I hardly understand it,” that means you are getting it.[1]
For some of you, especially in the first few weeks, much will be review, but that is good, for as Martin Luther says, “We must beat this into our heads every day.” The default mode of the human heart is idolatry, either trusting in His gifts or in ourselves — because we don’t really trust His love enough to fall into it. We must keep resetting our hearts to the gospel.
Together we are going to seek His presence, turning from our idols and running toward Him. We will share, on this blog, what we are learning, what we are questioning, and how He is meeting us.
HOW DOES THIS LENTEN STUDY WORK?
This Sunday through Tuesday, we’ll get ready. Beginnings are always a bit messy, and we have an enemy, but I and others are praying you will not only start but stay with it! You don’t have to stay with the suggested time line — in fact this week especially, you’d be wise to work ahead.
I would like you to watch two short (under seven minutes) testimonies from women who found victory over a besetting sin, and also read a post from Ann VosKamp about Lent. Prayerfully consider what you will give up so that you have the time to do this study diligently. You might, as Rebecca did, give up television after supper. Or you might, as Rachael did, give up most of her internet activities for Lent. (But not this one!) You may decide to skip Starbucks or a weekly lunch so you can buy the MP3 sermons I am going to suggest (some are free, but some are 2.50) and have the time to listen to them. (The Keller sermon money goes to help the suffering, who are many, in New York City. ) Idols cannot be removed, only replaced. So our purpose is always intimacy with God in our sacrifices during Lent. In these next three days pray about how you can carve out the time (or the possible 2.50 a week) to better understand how to apply the gospel to your life. By Ash Wednesday, you should have a plan.
If you are new, on my homepage on the right click on the Getting Started and follow those directions. Identify yourself by more than just a first name. You may want to be April from Baltimore or, as some women from my Kansas City church might be joining us, you may want to be Melissa@GPC. (Gashland Presbyterian Church) Some women don’t comment on the blog at all, but keep their answers in a notebook. There are wonderful women on this blog and you are free to have discussions with one another, pray for one another, or not. I am diligently trying to read all the comments, particularly when I see questions about the text or misunderstandings — and there are a few women who have been with us a long time, are grounded in the Word, who help me. And all of you are free to jump in and encourage one another. We see better together than we do alone. Together we find warmth, like many logs on a fire, instead of a lonely log dying. That is the beauty of Christian fellowship — and yes, it can happen on a blog. We are experiencing God here. Idols have been demolished, sins overcome, and grief subdued. You are also free to disagree here. This is a very loving group.
Beginning this Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, we will start our study by looking at some basics on the gospel way of life. Then next Sunday, and every Sunday, there will be a new post that will help you peer into the gospel and see how it might be applied to every problem you face. Please pray for God’s quickening on us all!
Sunday: Icebreakers
1. Tell us a sentence about yourself and why you have come.
2. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Monday: Testimonies from Rebecca and Rachael:
If you haven’t seen these testimonies (They are from the Idol Lies video curriculum) please watch them and comment on them. If you already have seen them, then you don’t need to watch, but answer the questions. (However, I think they are profound and worth re-watching.)
Rebecca’s story: (This is our Rebecca!)
3. How was Rebecca feeding her comfort idol? How is she replacing her comfort idol? What did God do in her life?
Rachael’s story (This Rachael has been a silent blogger, but will be joining us on the blog during Lent.)
4. How was Rachael feeding her control idol? How is she replacing her control idol? What did God do in her life?
Be praying about what you will “give up” and how you will be replacing it with God. Think about when and where you will do your study, come up with an occasional 2.50 to spend on sermons that are not free, and how you can get the most from this study. I’ll ask you to share your plan on Ash Wednesday.
Skip ahead to Tuesday if you have time.
Tuesday: What’s Lent All About?
Read Ann Voskamp’s discussion about Lent up to her “book list”: Link
5. Ann said Lent isn’t so much about forfeiting but about formation. One needs to be dispossessed of the possessions that possess — before one can be possessed of God. What possesses — obsesses you? Food? Facebook? Television? Texting? (This will help you decide what to give up that you might replace it with God.)
6. Ann failed the very first night, showing her her depravity, and leading her to the cross.She said: A failing lent? It is a good Lent because this Lenten Lament of my sin — it is preparing me for the Easter Joy of my Savior. How will you respond when you fail?
7. What else stood out to you from Ann’s post?
Lenten Book List
I am suggesting you also read, during Lent, one of the following books which will give additional support to living a gospel-transformed life. If you act now, you can probably get them through inter-library loan within a few weeks. The first is basic — if you haven’t read it, then this is your book during Lent:
THE PRODIGAL GOD by Tim Keller:
Watch this two minute trailer to whet your taste:
This is a small book, but a paradigm changing book on the gospel-centered life. You can also listen to eight free sermons on The Prodigal God by going to this link and finding the sermons on Luke 15.
If you have already read or listened to The Prodigal God, then choose one of these books as supplemental Lenten reading:
Bread and Wine Readings for Easter with selections from C. S. Lewis, Luther, Bonhoeffer, John Donne…
WHAT’S SO AMAZING ABOUT GRACE? by Philip Yancey.
In Yancey’s classic he says, “Grace is amazing because it’s not natural.” Gospel-transformed living is not natural — it’s supernatural. The natural default of the human heart is idolatry. This is what keeps us from forgiving, from loving well, from the peace God longs for us to have. Grace is another way to describe the gospel – and the gospel is the only remedy to our heart idols.
IDOL LIES by Dee Brestin
We are essentially going on from the concepts in Idol Lies, though we will review — but if you haven’t read it, you will find it helpful to do so. I am indebted to Tim Keller, Martin Luther, David Powlison, and so many others who have helped me understand idols of the heart.
ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by Ann Voskamp
When God changes us, He moves us from guilt, to grace, to gratitude. A transformed heart is a grateful heart. A gospel transformed heart is no longer trying to earn God’s approval, for it is resting in His grace (another way to describe the gospel) and responding with gratitude. But since the default of the human heart is idolatry, then continually being aware of His presence through His blessings, or as Ann calls it, “living eucharisto” can help switch that default mode of idolatry back to gospel transformation.
If you have read all of the above, I also recommend these excellent books that are related to gospel transformation:
Soul Idolatry: What Keeps Men Out of Heaven (David Clarkson)
Spiritual Depression (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
Grace-Based Parenting (Elyse Fitzpatrick)
A Grace Disguised (Jerry Sittser)
The Gospel in Life (Tim Keller)
Go see the movie Les Miserables while it is still in the theatres!
And an easy reading extra:
Pearl in the Sand (Tessa Afshar — light historical fiction in which the author demonstrates an understanding of gospel transformation) Our own Nanci recommended it and I think you’ll like it. But this is not to be your main supplemental reading book!
8. What book will you get for your supplemental reading — and why?
Skip ahead to Wednesday if you have time.
ASH WEDNESDAY — WE OFFICIALLY BEGIN!
Many churches will have a service tonight in which ashes are placed on the foreheads of believers to remind them that they are dust and to dust they will return. This life is so short and we tend to be so earthbound in our perspective. When we are earthbound, we become enslaved to our idols. During Lent we want to set our affections on things above with particular diligence.
9. How is the Lord leading you to approach Lent? Is there something that you tend to run to instead of to Him? How will you replace it? When, where, and how will you meet with Him?
Ann Voskamp said: “I can’t seem to follow through on giving up for Lent, which makes me want to just give up on Lent.” Even this week, as God gives you a plan on what you might give up in order to have more of Him, you will face a battle. You may stumble and even fall, and you will consider giving up. But don’t let the enemy win so easily — for failing will lead you to the cross, and the cross will transform you. Lent is about Gospel formation, so keep repenting, and do not give up on Lent! You will find increasing strength. Prepare a prayer for the times when you are tempted to not follow through. Use Scripture, the Sword of the Spirit.
For example, I tend to run to food when I’m stressed or bored. I am very disciplined at meals, but I can easily wander into the pantry in an almost hypnotic trance between meals to grab crackers or a handful of cheerios. Why do I do this? I am feeding my heart idol of comfort with something besides The God of All Comfort. One of my Lenten disciplines therefore is to fast for some meals, but also, cut out all in-between meal snacking and to replace it with running to Him. I will not buy tempting provisions and I will not grab things between meals, but when tempted, will say this prayer and then run to Him: Lord, only in Your presence are fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. [Psalm 16:11] Yet here I am tempted to find pleasure in snacking. Remove this desire and as I run to You now, meet me, O Lord, and help me wait upon You and trust You to be my comfort. Will I stumble? Most likely. Will I give up on giving up? If I do, I am so deceived — for He is the only One who can rescue me. Lent is about Gospel Formation and learning to repent from my idols and run to Him.
10. What scriptural prayer can you prepare that fits your need for when you are tempted to retreat from your Lenten discipline?
THREE WAYS TO LIVE
In The Prodigal God, which is based on the parable Jesus tells of the two sons in Luke 15, Keller explains there are 3 ways to live:
- Irreligion: As when the younger son, in rebellion, ran away from the father and wasted his inheritance and life.
- Religion: As when the older son, in self-righteousness, thought he could be right before the father by keeping the rules.
- Gospel: As when the younger son returned, in true repentance, throwing himself on his father’s mercy and receive grace.
Too often we fall into the error as believers that if we are not “irreligious,” if we are not being bad, then we are right with God. We may be busy in church, even going to choir and Bible study, but we may not have a gospel-transformed heart. We tend to fall into th error, not of irreligion, but of religion. Instead of resting in the Father’s love, and responding to it in gratitude and service, we try to “earn” our own righteousness. The older son was not resting in the father’s love, and certainly not joyful or thankful, for he said, “I’ve slaved for you all these years…” He was showing, by the bad fruit emanating from his heart, that he had fallen into the other error, that of religion. (Christianity, by the way, is not a religion. Christianity is not earning favor with God, but believing, through the gospel, that we already have favor with God.)
As we will see, this week and next, we all have some “older brotherishness” in our hearts — even if we are not complete older brothers. We can be saved and yet still, on a day to day basis, not really be resting in God’s love. Our prayer lives, for example, may be filled with petition rather than praise, for we are not yet experiencing intimacy with God, not yet having a melted heart that is overwhelmed by His love.
Jesus tells three parables, the parable of the lost sons is the third. But it is important to see whom He was addressing.
11. According to Luke 15:1-2:
- To whom was Jesus speaking?
- About what were they murmuring?
- Which of the three ways of life do you think was true of the Pharisees and why?
12. Read Luke 15:13-16 and find all you can about the “irreligious” way of life.
13. Have you tried the above way of life? What did it bring you?
Read Luke 15:17-24 for The Gospel Way of Life and meditate on Rembrandt’s painting.
Rembrandt: Return of the Prodigal
14. Remember: If you think you understand the gospel, you probably don’t. So slow down, using both the Word and Rembrandt’s painting, and answer:
- What did the son plan to say to the father, after he “came to himself?” (v. 18-19)
- How did the father respond before he ever heard why the son returned or what he planned to say? (vs. 20-24)
- In Rembrandt’s painting, how does he portray the destitute nature of the son and the love of the Father? Tell us all you see.
- Ask the Lord, through the above, to help you begin to comprehend His gospel love for you. Write what He impresses on you.
15. Read Luke 15:25-30 The Way of Religion (Remember — this is the pit into which believers tend to slip)
A. What does he say to his father? How does he show a lack of love and gratitude?
B. How was the older son not seeing his depravity?
Lent will show us our depravity — and that is a good thing.
THURSDAY (IF YOU ARE FALLING BEHIND, SKIP TO FRIDAY) COME BACK IF POSSIBLE
Read the following from Richard Lovelace, Professor of Religious History:
Only a fraction of the present body of professing Christians are solidly appropriating the justifying work of Christ in their lives. Many…have a theoretical commitment to this doctrine, but in their day-to-day existence they are …drawing their assurance of acceptance with God from their sincerity, their past experience of conversion, their recent religious performance or the relative infrequency of their conscious, willful disobedience. Few know enough to start each day with a thoroughgoing stand upon Luther’s platform: You are accepted, looking outward in faith and claiming the wholly alien righteousness of Christ as the only ground for acceptance, relaxing in that quality of trust which will produce increasing sanctification as faith in love and gratitude.
16. Contemplate the above:
A. What does Lovelace say most Christians rely upon for feeling accepted by God?
B. What does he say few know enough to do?
C. How does this speak to you?
17. How did the father offer grace to the son who was choosing the way of religion? (verse 31)
18. How did the father give grace to the son who chose the way of irreligion? (verse 32)
Friday
Listen to this free MP3 sermon. (You can just play it, but it will be less likely to skip and you will be able to stop and start it more easily if you download it. If this is new, please have a young person help you. It’s not hard to learn.): Link
19. Share your notes from this sermon.
Saturday:
20. What is your take-a-way from this week and why?
858 comments
I feel like I didn’t introduce myself fully enough for the new women on the blog. I have three children, two boys and a girl – late 20s, and early 30s. I have 5 grandsons. Unfortunately my daughter separated from her husband last Fall, reluctantly leaving her 3 precious young boys with their father temporarily. Much pain going on. I so much appreciate the prayer support I have found here, plus the teaching which has continual pointed me toward the God of all comfort. I also am a pastor’s wife of many years.
Feb 11, 2013
3. How was Rebecca feeding her comfort idol? How is she replacing her comfort idol? What did God do in her life?
Rebecca was feeding her idol with food. instead of going to God when stressed she would turn to food for comfort. God opened her eyes to her idol. As God showed her the idol she was feeding she began seeing how it grieved God. So she began replacing that idol with books about intimacy with God. She also went to the word of God. Replacing our idols isn’t a quick fix.
God restored her intimacy with Him through the word as she sensed His presence and peace in her life. He does always change our circumstances but He has given her His peace and joy as she walks through them.
4. How was Rachael feeding her control idol? How is she replacing her control idol? What did God do in her life?
Rachael would take refuge in her computer and social media instead of the Lord. She is replacing her idols with time in the Word and going to Him in prayer. As Rachael began seeing her idols were failing her and destroying her and her relationships. As she began turning to the Lord and releasing her desire for control He began to change her heart. As God brought healing on the inside it changed her on the outside in how she interacted with others.
I see SO much of myself in Rachael.
1. Tell us a sentence about yourself and why you have come.
I am Susan; married with 3 children ages 12, 19, 21. I came to Dee’s blog in 1/2010, for her online study of The God of All Comfort. I was grieving the death of my young nephew at that time, and desperately needed a life-line, which God gave me here. I’ve never left – so that’s why I’m here! Dee’s studies are deep, rich, and the fellowship here is amazing.
2. What stood out to you from the above and why?
First, THE THING WE FEAR THE MOST IS THE SECRET TO SETTING US FREE…WE ARE IN SLAVERY…TO THE LIES OF THE ENEMY.
And this: Together we find warmth, like many logs on a fire, instead of a lonely log dying.
I am sensing a deep, irrational fear in myself. It happened again last night, when I went with a couple ladies from my Sunday school class to a prayer night at our church. I had the opportunity to be in a small group to pray with one of the pastors, and then happened to be walking out to the parking lot next to our senior pastor and his wife. And it seizes me – this fear that is what I fear the most, and also what I am sensing is a lie of the enemy trying to keep me from being free. It is the fear of being known. It is the enemy whispering to me that I don’t really belong there, I’m different from everyone else, I’m not really a part of God’s family and if the pastors really knew you, they’d know it too.
I think Satan would like to keep me a “lonely log dying”. I want to find that warmth (I’ve found it here) in face-to-face interactions, to feel that sense of belonging. I still struggle with truly, deep down believing in God’s acceptance of me.
Oh, Susan. My heart goes out to you in this fear of being known. Why is it we so want to be fully known yet are terrified of it at the same time? You are so right that Satan wants to keep us isolated.
You say, “It is the enemy whispering to me that I don’t really belong there, I’m different from everyone else, I’m not really a part of God’s family and if the pastors really knew you, they’d know it too.” I am sure the rejection you have felt over the years, contributes to this fear.
I am a pastor’s wife and I feel this too. Satan’s lie: “If they really knew you, they wouldn’t like you.” It is a default mode of operating that I have to fight all the time in social situations. Is this the idol of approval operating? I’m sure it is.
Praying for you, sister.
Susan, what Diane said…(“I am sure the rejection you have felt over the years, contributes to this fear”) is exactly what I was thinking when you said you don’t really belong. You are afraid they will reject you too and that you’re not as good as they are. It all comes from your trials you have endured for many years and the lie that the evil one wants you to believe. I’m so glad that you recognized your fear of being alone. I’ll be praying for you; and please know you are so loved here.
Oh Susan I know that voice too, the one that says, go home, you don’t belong here, they don’t really like you, you have nothing worthwhile to contribute.
It is the enemy, resist him. We need one another to change, to sharpen each other, to have someone who cares deeply enough to speak truth to us about our blind spots.
We talked on here once about trusting God enough that we can then trust others. The people in you church are also sinners, blessed recipients of lavish grace, just like you! I pray you will risk and find deep real relationship with them!
I echo the reassurances of your sisters and pray for you.
I think I know you pretty well, and love you.
And God sees you naked and loves you to the sky.
I too have known that lie. 🙂 It still likes to whisper from time to time, but as I allow myself to be known I have found it has less power. I also find great comfort in knowing that God does know the deepest part of me, the darkest parts, and still He chose me. I am fully known by Him and He loves me. That’s the truth I speak into the lie.
We are not alone dear one.
Oh dear Susan–I love your heart so much! And oh how I am very familiar with that voice–and the fear of being known. The enemy knows this tender weak spot and he attacks you there–but our Lord calls you beautiful and perfect–fully exposed, fully known, fully loved. Praying for you
Rachael’s story is so much my story. I always run to my computer for comfort and to be distracted from my struggles. I needed to rehear this SO much today. I found my youngest cheated on her math and that control idol just got so strong. I was in tears this morning because I feel like no matter how hard I try, how much time I spend with the lord in the morning I still fall back onto MY wants, and MY plan.
I long so much to walk in HIS plan for my life. I want HIM to tell me how to spend my time, how to be the best mom I can be, how to keep this house running smoothly with so little time, but I come back to trying to do it on my own….I really wish Jesus would just come down and do the laundry for my and make dinner and do the homework with the kids!
Then I remember that if I let HIM he will….HE will use my body but HE will give me HIS strenth.
Im still praying about what to give up in order to spend more time with HIM. I NEED to worship! TV is my comfort, my distraction and really the only time i truely relax. But I knwo i need to relax in HIM. so as much as is possable with a family of 7 I am going to replace that time with worship time.
today is Ellies birthday so I am off to spend the day doing what 15 year olds love to do:-)
Cyndi — have you see Elyse Fitzpatrick and David Tripp’s you tube video on parenting? Check it out. May give you the peace you need…..love you so
Cyndi, we all know you and love you, but tell the new ladies about yourself and your family (and about your blog). How are the two-part time jobs going? I don’t know how you do it all with 5 kids at home!
1.why i have come: I have never done a bible study on-line so this is new to me. i have come because i am realizing that i am replacing my intimacy with god with earthly idols to fill the void. this is the first year of being an empty nester and i am trying to redefine my purpose and who i am. i was abused as a youth, sexually and verbally, so i find my self giving god so much of my trust and then take it back again as i get scared of ????? (god needs to reveal that yet).
2. what stood out to me: the need i have to give up my earthly idols to have the intimacy and contentment that only christ can give. i long for the guidance on how to do this and i pray this bible study will help me on this journey.
bjh there are other women here with similar histories, you will find love, direction and understanding here.
I am also a first year empty nester, I looked at an old date book this morning, four years ago, there were 5 teens in our house, my life was very different than it is now.
I would guess that is true for you as well
c. swan: yes, we had 3 in high school and so life was very full. i don’t think i realized how they defined my life, schedule, connection with my husband and who i am. my mom died 5 years ago and my dad is 89 and has since moved to asst. living and getting remarried, so my role as care-taker as a daughter has also changed. my connection in life has always been as a doer and so now God is taking me into a new area that would feel like my weakest asset-communicator, listener, and friend. this is a very scary and foreign area for me. makes me feel very vunerable and really quite lost as to how to do that. so i think i have tended to go to things (computer, tv, hiding out in my house) because they do not require me to “connect” with my heart.Please pray i will trust God with my heart.
I will pray, and ask you to pray for me too.
Mothering was such a source of identity for me, I know this new season of life can be full, and that God can decide to put my life to use for His glory but sometimes I just feel superfluous.
I will pray for both of you. (bjh and Chris) Even tho we have Kendra at home, I miss my older daughter and son so much too…so I understand.
So glad you are here bjh!
Dear sisters,
Largely due to this blog, celebrating Lent has become my absolute favorite time of the year and I simply cannot resist joining in with you. He is calling me to it and I answer yes! Yes, Lord, pour yourself on me this lent season that I can become more like you.
Oh welcome back, Kim. Great to have you.
So glad you are joining us Kim, we have missed your kind spirit!
Missed you so much Kim 🙂
Thank you. I have missed everyone as well.
Welcome back Kim! I’ve missed you. How is your diet and exercising going? How is your lady that you help? Headaches gone? Tell some things about you!
Thanks Joyce. I am down 30″! My lady (Pam D’s mother in law) prayed the prayer of salvation, repeating after me – Praise the Lord! Headaches are less often. Thank you for asking. 🙂
Praise God!!!
Read Ann Voskamp’s discussion about Lent up to her “book list”: Link
5. Ann said Lent isn’t so much about forfeiting but about formation. One needs to be dispossessed of the possessions that possess — before one can be possessed of God. What possesses — obsesses you? Food? Facebook? Television? Texting? (This will help you decide what to give up that you might replace it with God.)
Surfing the internet on my iphone certainly possesses me and too much of my time. In one neat little device I can feed my comfort idol through entertainment (games), affirmation from friends on facebook and email, feed my self with the “junk food” of the world via my many news apps, pinterest, etc. It’s all so fun and relaxing, and I have to admit I love doing it. I really love my comfort idol. My husband has been concerned with the amount of time I spend surfing, but now I’ve gotten good at hiding it.
6. Ann failed the very first night, showing her her depravity, and leading her to the cross. She said: A failing lent? It is a good Lent because this Lenten Lament of my sin — it is preparing me for the Easter Joy of my Savior. How will you respond when you fail?
I know I will fail. First I will pray and confess, and pleading for more of His help and grace. Especially that He would help me see Him as my Comforter. And then time spent fellowshipping with Him, in His word, and looking deep into my heart – using the light of His word to see what’s really in my murky heart. I also anticipate having to remove a lot of apps…
7. Ann also admits “not wanting the law.” Me too. Then she asks, “Does the emptying come only when we know how empty we are?” I suspect that this will be the key for eventual growth in this area – my emptying, His filling.
Good start, Liz.
Sunday:
1.I am 21 and I work at Starbucks. I am starting this study because time with God is something with which I struggle. I’ve gotten a lot better about praying throughout my day, and I know God is listening to me, but I rarely give Him time to respond. My hope through this study is to clear out the junk between God and I and teach myself to listen, not just talk.
2.The biggest thing that stuck out to me was that we lose track of why we’ve given things up. I’ve never observed lent before, but I know a lot of people who have and it’s always seemed vaguely pointless to me because they only seemed to be giving things up because that’s just what you do during Lent. I have been involved in other fasts and I know that I usually end up losing my focus and it turns into giving things up for the sake of giving things up. I want God to be the motivation behind everything I do.
Monday:
Rebecca: She was feeding her comfort idol with pie and milk after the boys went to bed. She stopped eating pie and replaced it with spiritually edifying books with themes of intimacy with God. God brought her peace and joy and taught her to trust Him with her pain.
Rachael: She turned to her computer to check all her online media trying to fix things. She has started going to the Lord instead of things on the computer. God taught her that the trials were meant to bring her closer to Him. He’s brought more love into her family.
Love having a 21 year old with us! Welcome Liz. Eager to watch you grow!
Thanks, Dee! I’m really excited to be joining you guys. 🙂
Welcome Liz! Great to have you with us!
Thanks, Susan! 🙂
Liz, I love you heart to ‘clear out the junk between you and God’ I am glad He has drawn you here.
I’m glad, too! I can’t wait to see where He takes me through this and what new friendships develop in my life. 🙂
Sunday: Icebreakers
1. Tell us a sentence about yourself and why you have come. – I’m from Northwest Indiana and I’ve been married for almost 5 years (to my 2nd husband) who is a great loving, caring Christian guy. Between us we have 5 boys ranging in age from 36-17 and we have 4 grandkids, 3 boys (1 just a month old & 1 girl). I started Dee’s blog a little after I heard her speak at a retreat at Springhill Camp in Michigan. She was just so open and encouraging and genuine. It was just about a year ago that I started because I felt I was missing something and needed to be closer to The Lord. This has been a great eye opener for me and look forward to growing, cleansing my heart and mind and learning as much as I can. I’m really excited and look forward to getting to know more of the women on this blog as we grow in God’s love together.
3. Rebecca was feeding her comfort idol with food and tv. It made her feel better for a short time but her health and mental well being suffered. She replaced her idol by seeking intimacy with God. she read books on the subject during the time she had formerly spent with her idol. God did not rush in quickly to replace her idol but replace it He did. She said He came to her gradually, slow and steady, His presence brought peace and joy instead of weight and depression. What a wonderful testimony!
KRISTA – remembering you in prayer today!
Diane, Chris, Dee, and Sharon – thank you for your encouraging words, support, and prayers.
Thank you Susan.
Susan, I read what you wrote and prayed-you are so so so so so loved!!
4. Rachel was trying to do everything herself rather than bringing her needs to God. She was trying to heal herself, provide for herself and shape her children into the people she wanted them to be rather than letting God form them.
She stopped going to her computer and found that without it she was going to God with her pain. She began to cry out to Him for her needs. She began to see trials as a path to greater intimacy with God. Then rather than looking for relief she sought Him. As a result she is hearing God call her into intimacy with Him and following.
I have to really get use to thinking of certain behaviors as ‘idols’. As I listened to Rebecca’s and Rachael’s story I just thought of them as really good mothers, having such caring concern for their children. Not as having idols of comfort or control – just needing help but I do understand better now after reading a lot of the comments.
I think the reason why my thinking was not of ‘idols’ because of what I now believe may be an idol for me. We were deep in debt at one time in our marriage and made a five year goal of getting out of it. We did including paying off our home and now I am consumed with not ever getting back in debt. So I watch every penny and never have a bill that is not paid off every month. We pay cash for everything even including big ticket items like our cars, trips, furniture. Could this be an ‘idol’ in some way? I’ve always thought of it as a very good thing and proud of it – to the point of trying to get my family members to do so also. Now I don’t know.
I will be reading Keller’s Prodigal God although I won’t get it for about a week because I ordered through Amazon’s free shipping mode.
Annette, did you do the Dave Ramsey program? I know money can be an idol, but don’t think being debt free is…so proud of you!
Thank you for that I really try to look at it as being a good steward. No, I didn’t do Ramsey although I am familiar with his program. I did “Debt-Free & Prosperous Living” by John M. Commuta.
Annette — it is wonderful you are debt free! And you are doing what is right to avoid that happening again. My only hesitation was the phrase “I am consumed with” — for good things can begin to own us — I guess being aware is good. Continue to do what it takes to be out of debt but pursue intimacy with Christ and rest in Him. Those are my thoughts.
Annette, I have been hunting for something for you and found this, it is a pastors notes on a Tim Keller sermon:
The Interaction of Surface Idols and Deep Idols
The deep idols of our hearts greatly influence our surface idols. As a result, the way a “deep idol” plays itself out in each person’s life is different.
Let’s look at how deep idols interact with surface idols by using money as an example. For many people, money is a common surface idol. It is something that many people pursue with a vengeance. But this idol frequently serves to satisfy a more foundational impulse and desire; a deep idol.
So, you may see five different people who live for money, but whose deep motivation for attaining money is totally different!
g In the most obvious case, many people seek for money as a means to attain the highest level of affluence possible. For them, money is only a means towards a life of pleasure and luxury. Many people seek to become rich so that they can buy more “stuff”. They are not actually pursuing money for money’s sake. They are actually seeking the deep idol of comfort. They want money because it gives them a life of ease and luxury.
But there are other motivational drives that may lie beneath the idol of money.
g Other people seek money so they can use it to “buy their way into” high places and important positions. What they are really pursuing is not money. They are actually seeking the deep idol of power. They want money because it gives them power and influence over others.
g Still other people use money as a means to make themselves beautiful and attractive to others. Or they use money as a way to gain access to certain social circles where they will gain applause and acceptance. They are not really living for money. They are actually seeking the deep idol of approval. They want the money because it “buys” them the love and the affection of others.
g Then there are the people who want lots of money as a way to seek a life free of uncertainty. Rather than spending their money, these people tend to lead very frugal and modest lifestyles. They save most of their money as a hedge against the unexpected. Money is not the thing they are ultimately striving for. They are actually seeking the deep idol of control. They seek money because they believe it gives them security and allows them to gain a sense of control over the world around them.
g Finally, you have people who seek money so they can use it to achieve the highest possible level in everything they do. What they are really pursuing is not money. They are actually seeking the deep idol of success. They want money because they can use that money attain the extra edge they need to become “number one.”
In each of the cases above, money functions as the surface idol in each person’s life. On the surface, all of these people live for money. This is the obvious, visible idol of their lives. Yet, the way they use their money varies, depending upon the deeper, controlling idol
My goodness C. Swan, thanks I never really expected such help in my pondering on this issue. I can see myself the most in the area of seeking a life free of uncertainty the most. I know it was God who helped us to come out of our debt in the first place by staying focused those many years. So I should not be so afraid of going back there. Yes, I think it’s a control idol somewhat but I also think it’s a fear idol also. Thanks again so much – I will continue to work on my fear.
I love these testimonies. both ladies seem so sincere and authentic. I can totally relate with worshiping the idols of comfort, and control! I’m still trying to decide on what to fast for lent and what i will replace it with. i hope people share so I can get ideas. 🙂
I am already spending less time on facebook and more time with God, reading, praising, listening to my favorite gospel songs and sermons. Oh how I needed this.
Just wanted to take a minute to say welcome to all the new ladies on the blog! I’m glad you are here 🙂
3. How was Rebecca feeding her comfort idol? How is she replacing her comfort idol? What did God do in her life?
Food, glorious comfort food…but she learned to run to the Lord instead of her pie for comfort. She replaced the pie with books, specifically books on intimacy with God. God didn’t change her circumstances but He did change her heart and give her peace and restored intimacy with God.
When she was talking about intimacy with God, it reminded me of something from a couple of years ago…so part of this explanation is that part of my job is to analysis contracts, so sometimes that makes me a pain in a bible study because I can analyze something to the point of exhaustion. Something will jump out as not seeming to mesh with something else. The last time I was driving people crazy with my questions, I had been looking at Acts where Peter was walking to the temple and the cripple asked for money and Peter turned and saw him and then healed him in the Lords name. I wondered about this as elsewhere in the New Testament, the part where Peter turned would have been prefaced by something like, the Holy Spirit spoke to him or it seemed a good thing, etc. Paul, Timothy, others all prefaced their points that they had a sense of being led to do something, in this particular situation Peter didn’t seem led by anything, he just turned and saw and healed. I wondered why so I started asking….it would take a book to outline the various responses and I was a serious pain, because the answers didn’t seem to fit my question so I kept asking. I finally realized (probably God told me cause no one else could) that Peter didn’t need to be led to do anything, he didn’t need to ask or spoken to on this….he had such an intimate relationship with Christ that he just knew. I figured that was the right answer since the question no longer bothered me and it was like I knew that was the answer I was seeking. I also figure that since it was the Lord who provided the answer, He will also be the one to work my heart along that same path.
Mary I enjoyed your comments on Peter…I never thought about that before!
Mary-Canada-WOW..That is all I can say. I loved how God answered your question about Peter.
Oh and your analytical heart is SO welcome here-we love pondering, questioning hearts-I learn so much. 🙂
8. What book will you get for your supplemental reading — and why?
This is a weakness of mine – reading. I rarely read “luxury” books (being a teacher). I read because I have to, just like in school. I will try to read the TK book, but haven’t been able to find it in my library or through interlibrary loan. I will see how much it is on amazon to know if I can afford. I tried to get my library to buy a copy of 1000 gifts and they wrote me a long letter about how they would need to read and review before they purchased it. That was a couple of years ago and still no book. It was even a NY Times best seller! Maybe my church library has one of these books; I need to check it out.
Another thing you could do Laura-dancer is listen to the free TK sermons on The Prodigal God that I linked above. Maybe that would work better for you.
That’s crazy with your library. It’s been on the NYT bestseller list for 60 months. More like spiritual warfare!
2. What stood out to you from the above and why? These words gripped me, “WE WILL BATTLE HIS LIES FOR FORTY DAYS
BUT AS JESUS CLUNG TO THE WORD SO WILL WE…” I never saw it this way that Jesus needed to cling to the Word. If he needed to how much more do I?
I long to set my affections on things above with particular diligence.
Kim, this is my favorite question for I love to see what others see.
I am very glad you have joined us.
Thank you, Anne and Rebecca.
Kim, SO missed you and so glad you are journeying with us this Lent!! 🙂
I want to join this Bible study because the first Bible study I attended was at Gent Church with Dee as a leader. She showed me who Jesus was and my life was changed. I want to grow even closer to Jesus. He has seen me through some ruff times. I view those times as a learning to trust him more situation. I need more of Jesus each day of my life. I want to do whatever it takes to be the person He wants me to be.
Terri! What a sweet surprise to awaken to. How lovely to have you. Are you still in Akron? Where do you go to church? Friends with any of those women still?
Oh Terri, how wonderful!
We are glad to journey with you!
# 5. What possesses – obsesses you? Control, my will, my wants. After being a full-time homeschool mom for 12 yrs. to 5 children, now aged 23 to 12, I went back to work part-time approx. 5 years ago and my children started attending a school that meets 3 days a week. Since that time I have felt very out of control with very little time for myself. I do not have regular times with the Lord and our lifestyle is busy, busy, busy…did I mention my oldest is getting married next month?!!
My control idol has gone from overtly obvious to an underground stealth kind of thing. Something that I don’t see until it’s too late! In Idol Lies, Dee talks about the physical reaction we possess when our heart idols are in place. I could feel the anger building inside…muscles tightening, clenched teeth and my body heating up when my idol was challenged. I began to look for those signs and pray through them that Jesus was what I so desperately wanted, not control. He would say, “Angela, I’ve got this!” Well those physical signs no longer are there, now its just stomach pangs when I can’t have my way.
Oh my gosh!! My flesh is so evil it becomes a chameleon to have it’s way and at the same time convince me that I’VE got it all under control!
I tend to surf the web at night after everyone’s gone to bed. It’s my control/comfort idol letting me have MY time, when I WANT it and DO WHAT I WANT. No one needs me or is taking MY time away.
The Lord told me to do this study instead. He wants to meet me here, I know it. This is just day 2 and I’m struggling. Although I’m a very transparent person I struggle with words and feelings so of course this is perfect because it will be Him not me.
#6. What will I do if I fail? Pick myself up. I don’t tend to wallow in failure because I know I sin. My biggest concern is perserverence, committment, making this a priority in my life because of what God is transforming in me. I want that so much!
I’d say you are pretty good with words — “underground stealth kind of thing” I relate. Oh how we need a change from the inside out!
Angela do struggle, fight that good fight to keep coming, your busy life, and your enemy will try to keep you away or silent. Resist, you will see the fruit of your obedience one day looking back.
I can relate to what you said about being a transparent person but struggling for words, I look forward to hearing more from you.
Angela@GPC–this posted is so rich! “My flesh is so evil it becomes a chameleon…” so thankful for your insights and depth! Glad you’re here
Angela, one of my take aways from Anne’s post/link is that her failure reminded her of her depravity, reminded her of her need for Christ and his power. I am such a failure, hello, I’m not even supposed to be on the computer right now, but caved in. My flesh is weak, and times of failure show us our need for the cross even more! Huge lesson, Lent can be a time to show us we can’t keep the law, or really sacrifice or give up anything all that well.
I’m ordering Keller’s Prodigal God to read.
wishing we had a like button!
5. Ann said Lent isn’t so much about forfeiting but about formation. One needs to be dispossessed of the possessions that possess — before one can be possessed of God. What possesses — obsesses you? Food? Facebook? Television? Texting? (This will help you decide what to give up that you might replace it with God.)
I do think sweets are an issue for me. Recently I saw a pattern develop-we bought some ice cream in pint size cartons. I am not an ice cream person so I thought it was safe-but I am when it comes to Pecan Praline..Now, I DON’T BUY PIE anymore-;) but I did buy the Pecan Praline. God has shown me the freedom in enjoying desert and food-the problem comes when I run to it for comfort-to satisfy a void in my life that He wants to satisfy. Well, I had some ice cream, but it wasn’t one bowl to enjoy it was becoming a habit and the number of scoops was increasing. This time it is a bit different than when I was bound by my comfort idol last time. I saw the signs-I knew what was going on-and I saw my idol resurfacing again-yes a rock is getting in the way of the stream.
I loved what Ann did when she took that bite of soup and said, “Do I not love you enough to remember?” then she said, “Do I love you so little?” WHat is ironic is I said something similar-I thought of what Anita Lustrea said on Midday when she said, “Hello cookies, Hello ice cream-wrap your arms around me!”-:) I know that is in jest but that is what I am saying-I am putting food in the place of Him! DO I LOVE HIM SO LITTLE THAT I HAVE FORGOTTEN AGAIN?
Oh God forgive me-I say with Ann that I too have loved you so little-I have forgotten you. I haven’t loved you and I have insulted you-grieved you- with putting a stick as more worthy than you-I am a temptress going back to my lover instead of you-the lover of my soul! The One who carried my ugliness on the cross who bore the weight of my sin God help me to turn from this foolish heart of mine-from the lies of the evil one and run to you. Thank you that you carried all my ugliness on your back, and thank you that You love me so much you are quickening me and giving me red flags-thank you that you never give up on me-oh those words sear my soul-in my mess you are faithful so how can I keep doing this to you? I am so sorry. In Jesus name, Amen..
6. Ann failed the very first night, showing her her depravity, and leading her to the cross.She said: A failing lent? It is a good Lent because this Lenten Lament of my sin — it is preparing me for the Easter Joy of my Savior. How will you respond when you fail?
I think I just might have..
Loving your honest struggle here!
I can relate
Like Chris, I want a like button.
3. How was Rebecca feeding her comfort idol? How is she replacing her comfort idol? What did God do in her life?
Rebecca has a very full life. She is very other-centered. It’s easy to “get” that she needed stress relief at the end of a long day! She humbly admits how she tried to fill this longing with news and food. But God opened her eyes to see that her plan wasn’t working. She was feeling more depressed, more empty. She gave up her daily habit, her idol of comfort, and replaced it with more time with the Lord. She admits it wasn’t a quick fix, but over time the Lord began to fill her up. And we all benefit from the beauty He continues to work in her. So thankful for her.
4. How was Rachael feeding her control idol? How is she replacing her control idol? What did God do in her life?
Rachael was taking refuge in running to her computer—checking coupons, facebook, researching her health and other problems. Trying to be filled, trying find the answer to her longings. But God broke through. During Lent, she gave up some of the things she was daily doing on the computer—and as she gave up that time, she replaced it with running to the Lord. The desire to fix, to control—the longing to make sense of things—she runs to Him instead now, the only One who is in control of all things, the One who holds her and brings peace. Rachel’s story spoke deeply to me from the first time I watched it. I wept. I related to so much, I felt exposed. So much of her story relates to me. I’m very so grateful for her humble transparency.
I prayed for you Elizabeth when I listened again to Rachel’s story. He loves you so much to lay you on my heart so often.
CHRIS=GIFT. SO thankful for you in my life
And transparent I am, Elizabeth. 🙂 You’d be surprised how God has used my video in me! He has worked deeply on my control idol with some big things that have been going on this past year in my life. Yet, there are so many layers to our idols. I find Him dealing with me in the smaller daily things right now. The whines of children, the disrespectful attitudes of teenagers, changes in smaller plans. Oh, how can I trust him so peacefully with the bigger things and then hesitate to run to him in these smaller things! This is where I find myself this year during Lent. I’m greatly desiring to empty and be filled with Him this Lent!
Hi Rachael-LOVE your Avatar-so glad you are here! 🙂
Just want to welcome again all the incredible new women who have joined us (and Kim–so glad you’re back!!)! It’s such a joy to have fellowship with so many women from all over the country–welcome!
Test-hoping I got a pic on gravatar.
So lovely to have a picture of you, Angela. And a great picture it is.
5. Ann said Lent isn’t so much about forfeiting but about formation. One needs to be dispossessed of the possessions that possess — before one can be possessed of God. What possesses — obsesses you? Food? Facebook? Television? Texting? (This will help you decide what to give up that you might replace it with God.)
Tim Keller says “The sin that is most destructive in your life right now is the one you are most defensive about.” I’m not sesning He’s calling me away from a physical thing like facebook or computer time, food or TV—which makes it hard. Still what comes to mind is a relational thing—something I need to stop doing in a particular relationship, and replace it instead with gentle words and prayer. Sorry to be so vague 😉 I do have a few more “tangible” thoughts–I’ll come back to this, but the area I’m referring to here is heavy on my heart.
6. Ann failed the very first night, showing her her depravity, and leading her to the cross.She said: A failing lent? It is a good Lent because this Lenten Lament of my sin — it is preparing me for the Easter Joy of my Savior. How will you respond when you fail?
Oh, I will fail—possibly daily. And I pray that I fall to my knees, and ask forgiveness, and for strength.
7. What else stood out to you from Ann’s post?
I do so love her writing, her depth of heart amazes me—SO much to ponder and chew on, but these lines stood out to me:
“Which makes me question Who I am following. Which may precisely be the point of Lent.”
“Jesus with a crown of thorns. Jesus bent low, God carrying my rotting mess, Grace doing what I cannot do, and I cannot ascend to God but He will descend to me.”
“Lent gives me this gift: the deeper I know the pit of my sin, the deeper I’ll drink from the draughts of joy.”
Elizabeth, your thoughts are so deep and searching for God so much…love you sister.
Thank you Joyce–somehow you always seem to encourage me when I need it most, the Lord really uses you in that way, Joyce. Your tender hearts hears Him and responds–thank you–love you too dear one
Hello to all. I’m new here and I am so looking forward to this study and observance of Lent. For the past several years my life has been in great upheaval during this season. It seemed all my mind and heart could do was walk out those days…..those sufferings and trials. This year my Lord has me in a quiet peaceful place. I am so grateful. I can follow this study with a quiet devoted heart. Those times of suffering are very dear to me now looking back. And I am a deeper follower because He allowed me to go through those trials. I find myself meditating on those times nearly everyday. I am still learning the lessons He wants to teach me. I am as thankful for the suffering as I am for this time of quiet ordinary days. Thank you Dee for this study.
Welcome Kelly, I am grateful too that I feel I am in a more quiet and peaceful place this year, we are glad to have you and the wisdom you have gained through your trials.
Kelly–so glad the Lord brought you here–I can hear in your words the depth your suffering has brought to your faith.
Kelly, welcome and I can tell you will bring much wisdom (through your trials) to this study!
Welcome to all our new bloggers!!
Tell us a sentence about yourself and why you came? I am a mother of 3 grown sons, one living at home right now, and two beautiful grandchildren. I heard Dee on Moody Radio talking about Idol Lies, bought the book, saw how controlled I am by my idols, and have been following along for the past few months. I hope and pray that I can be committed to do this study, so that I too can grow in God’s love and understand the Gospel better.
What stood out to you and why?
LENT IS NOT SO MUCH ABOUT FORFEITING BUT ABOUT TRANSFORMATION
How was Rebecca feeding her comfort idol? How is she replacing her comfort idol? What did God do in her life?
She was using food to comfort her, but it did not fulfill her needs. By spending time reading spiritually edifying books, and searching God’s word. God showed her that he alone can give her comfort, peace, and joy.
How was Rachael feeding her comfort idol? How is she replacing her comfort idol? What did God do in her life?
She went to her computer to seek comfort. She went to God’s word instead. God showed her that she doesn’t need to have control over everybody and everything. Her family life was less stressed and happier.
What possesses you….obsesses you? The one thing that stand out is junk food. With God’s strength and guidance, I will give up junk food for Lent.
How will you respond when you fail? Dear heavenly Father, please forgive me for my weakness. You are my strength and my shield, in You my heart trusts, so I am helped, and with my song I give thanks to You.
Welcome Verna, so glad you have been drawn to this good place of encouragement.
Welcome Verna! We sojourn together! Stronger together than alone.
glad you’ve joined us, Verna!
5. Ann said Lent isn’t so much about forfeiting but about formation. One needs to be dispossessed of the possessions that possess — before one can be possessed of God. What possesses — obsesses you? Food? Facebook? Television? Texting? (This will help you decide what to give up that you might replace it with God.)
I like some of you am still not sure what my discipline will be. It is not clear to me as it was last year. I am thinking as I write this that maybe it should be writing out the prayer notecards suggested in A Praying Life and having a more focused time of prayer. Seeing so clearly the answers to prayer last week in the meeting with my sister humbled me, it is mystery to think of the power available to us. And I see my pride in that so often I proceed feeling confident in my own abilities w/o praying about things.
6. Ann failed the very first night, showing her her depravity, and leading her to the cross.She said: A failing lent? It is a good Lent because this Lenten Lament of my sin — it is preparing me for the Easter Joy of my Savior. How will you respond when you fail?
I can repent, seeing again that I am prone to wander and renew the wonder of the bottomless grace that is mine
7. What else stood out to you from Ann’s post?
I thought after reading it that the whole idea is to treasure Christ, to really see what He has done, the disciplines we exercise during Lent make us stop, taking time to regard the Holy.
That our failings grieve us because He loves us, and we long to love Him well and fully, but I am grateful our faith is in Him not in our performance. He purchases me off of the slave block again and again because of His great love. The more I am ashamed of my sin, he more I am overwhelmed by His love.
Beautiful Chris
7. What else stood out to you from Ann’s post?
I initially had a bunch of snippets of what Ann said that impacted me, so I narrowed it down to this:
“I love Him because His love is the only thing that can save me. This wrestle has made me know it full well.”
“The candle wavers. I know that frailty.”
The purpose of lent is in the failing-knowing I can’t-I am frail. I can’t carry my rotting mess but He is carrying it-He will come to me- this is LOVE-His sacrificial love toward me despite my mess. He is the only one who can rescue me and as Angie@GPC put it so well-only by her wrestling does she know it full well. I am bent to not wrestle-wrestling is painful.
SO, here is the truth-It is by His Grace I am willing to wrestle this Lent season. I am thankful for my stones of remembrance-when He came to me in the past..the Cross-and so He helps me to be willing to wrestle-to see my frailty-I want to know deeper His love for me.
Also, I was thinking how Ann caressed His back with her finger on the wooden cross-absorbing the Gospel deeper in..there are so many layers to caress.
5. Ann said Lent isn’t so much about forfeiting but about formation. One needs to be dispossessed of the possessions that possess — before one can be possessed of God. What possesses — obsesses you? Food? Facebook? Television? Texting? (This will help you decide what to give up that you might replace it with God.)
Last month I went on a social media hiatus giving up tweeter, FB and blogging. So I thought I’d do something different during Lent. But it seems God would have me give up social media again, not completely but limiting my time on line to an hour a day.
I can sit for HOURS at my computer reading blogs, commenting and chatting. Limiting it to an hour will be hard I know but I must get back to running to my Lord for acceptance and encouragement. I need to take the time to allow God to increase my passion for being in the word as it once was.
6. Ann failed the very first night, showing her her depravity, and leading her to the cross. She said: A failing lent? It is a good Lent because this Lenten Lament of my sin — it is preparing me for the Easter Joy of my Savior. How will you respond when you fail?
Oh my. Failure. My control idol rears it’s very ugly head when I fail. 🙁 But as I read Ann’s blog I realized anew that I will fail. My heart is deceitfully wicked. I must face the depravity of my heart and as Ann says allow it to lead me back to the cross.
When I fail and see just how depraved I am I must not turn inward, beating myself up then try to “pull myself up” and “do better”. I must fall before the Lord in humility with the knowledge that I can not do better. I can not but Jesus in me can. I need Jesus.
What else stood out to you from Ann’s post?
Ann wrote “God only comes to fill the empty places and kenosis is necessary – to empty the soul to know the filling of God.” “Lent gives me this gift: the deeper I know the pit of my sin, the deeper I’ll drink from the draughts of joy. Grief is what cultivates the soil for the seeds of joy.”
Yes this is what I desire. This is what I seek. To empty my soul so that I can truly know the filling of God. So that I can drink deeply of His joy.
I will be reading Prodigal God.
Sharon, this is so good ” I must not turn inward, beating myself up then try to “pull myself up” and “do better”. I must fall before the Lord in humility”
I I prayed this morning for you Sharon, that God would bless and strengthen you in you disciple of limiting media time.
for those of you who are new I have 5 children, all with some level of special need.
Luke is 20 in college and living at home. He has ADD but is doing very well at life, if not with cleaning up after himself 🙂
Abby is 17 and has ciliac/wheat allergy and some anxiety issues. She is done with her classes and spending this sem. babysitting and applying for scholorships.
Ellie is 15 and homeschooled as a 8th grader, she has learning disabilites in reading. she is my social butterfly and LOVES to be with her friends and will go to school next year….enter my new job to pay for that 🙂
Lily is 12 and adopted from China at 10. I homeschool her. she has AMC which makes her arms not bend.
Emma is 9 and is in school for the first time this month. She had a surgical special need and was adopted when she was 18 months. due to her surgery she has special bathroom issues.
the girls take 12 hours of dance a week and I work at the studio to pay for that.
my blog is gracefullparenting.blogspot.com but I have not added to it lately…..for obvious reasons 🙂
thanks for asking Joyce!
Cyndi, I cannot image the patience and love it takes to care for your family. I am praying right now for your strength and your own health. I pray that you also have some support. God bless you.
Annette, it really is not that bad! I know many woman with much more on their plate then I have! its way easier then when they were all young. We all have different things God has placed in our lives, mine are no bigger or less then others, just different!
So glad your able to stay with us Cyndi:)
Hi. I am coming, just in time for Lent, to be part of this group. I am seeking for the Stonecutter to work in my own heart. I live in Ontario, canada, near Lake Huron. I am very blessed to be married to a wonderful man, have an adult daughter (who has many needs, and has been both my deepest sorrow and greatest joy). I am also a Presbyterian pastor, who has been blessed by Dee’s studies and visits on Moody Radio. During Lent, our whole church is digging into Idol Lies in worship,a nd so becoming part of this group will teach and feed me, change and challenge me, and will in turn, I humbly pray, bless and challenge the two small congregations I serve.
I will be part of this community simply as sister in Christ who needs her heart idols replaced. Lent always humbles me…to the core. I am humbled that my sin cost my Saviour so much; that I take so much for granted and despite my utter need for Christ, I still try to be in control and seek human approval (there you go – two idols right there) even though His grace and His cross and His resurrection are enough – more than enough.
Like Ann V., I fail at Lent on a personal level. I can be so consumed with work that I fail to daily, moment by moment, seek His face and transforming power for my own heart.
I am afraid, on one level – of what I will need to forfeit in order to be formed; but more than afraid I am hungry for more intimacy and trust with the Lord.
Christine — welcome! It is wonderful to see the pastors that are coming — and now we have you, from Ontario. Our Canadian sisterhood is growing.
I understand your desire to be here simply as “a sister in Christ who is growing.” I love that spirit of humility and the gospel truths I see in your post.
So glad you are here!
welcome Christine!
Your whole church digging into Idol Lies! woo hoo!
We as so glad to have you here Christine.
Ok..I’m already having to play catch up.
3. How was Rebecca feeding her comfort idol? How is she replacing her comfort idol? What did God do in her life?
Rebecca was eating pie.. and more pie… to help her escape from her stress. She replaced it with getting into the Word and reading spiritual books. God helped her to restore her intimacy and find peace and joy even though her circumstances are the same.
4. How was Rachael feeding her control idol? How is she replacing her control idol? What did God do in her life?
Rachel was getting on her computer and trying to control her kids into what she thought they should be. She began seeking the Lord instead, listening to music and reading the Word. She also gained more intimacy and was able to use her suffering and trials to bring her closer to God.
5. Ann said Lent isn’t so much about forfeiting but about formation. One needs to be dispossessed of the possessions that possess — before one can be possessed of God. What possesses — obsesses you? Food? Facebook? Television? Texting? (This will help you decide what to give up that you might replace it with God.)
The past couple months I’ve been off work on disability due to some neck and back issues. During this time, I’ve realized I spend way too much time on social media – mainly facebook. This is what I will be giving up.
6. Ann failed the very first night, showing her her depravity, and leading her to the cross.She said: A failing lent? It is a good Lent because this Lenten Lament of my sin — it is preparing me for the Easter Joy of my Savior. How will you respond when you fail?
I will repent, ask for forgiveness, and pray for strength. So glad our God is a God of not only 2nd chances but infinite.
7. What else stood out to you from Ann’s post?
“one needs to be dispossessed of the possessions that possess — before one can be possessed of God”. I recently saw something similar to this that said something like God empty me so I can be filled with you.
And the book I will be reading is The Prodigal God – because Dee recommended it and I’ve never read it.
Lori-Don’t worry if you have to play catch up-that is why Dee offers to have us skip if we need to..just stick with it-I have so seen God move in hearts on this blog. 🙂
Thanks Rebecca. But I don’t want to have to play catch up or skip. I want to make the time each and every day. I know by giving up my Facebook I will have the time. 🙂
Are you healing well from you back and neck issues Lori?
How can we pray for you?
Thank you for asking. Just finally found where you commented on this so I could reply. LOL! I have some narrowing in my neck with some arthritis developing and some bone spurs. My lower back I have a lumbar annular tear. I’m actually finally starting to feel better and hope the progress continues. I probably will be returning to work as early as end of next week. I believe on a part time basis to see how I do. So I would like to ask for prayers that once I return back to work (I audit loans/leases so in front of computer all day) that I don’t have any set backs. Thank you again.
8. What book will you get for your supplemental reading — and why? 1000 Gifts. It was already in my Kindle, I just haven’t read it yet. Although I was going to start A Grace Revealed, I’ll read it next.
Dawn, don’t do what I did with 1,000 Gifts. I bought it about a year ago and it was so hard (and I thought boring) in the beginning, that I couldn’t make myself pick it up! I gave it to a friend! Now I’m going to buy it again after knowing more about it and the author!
Please pray with me about what I need to turn from (and to) during this Lenten season. I think I know what I’m being lead to give up, but as horrible as it sounds, at this moment I don’t want to. I’m afraid that I’m going to fail, not by forgetting, but by rebellious behavior. I also know that if I don’t follow the Lord’s leading, there is only failure and regret ahead for me. It seems so simple, yet I’m already dreading the discomfort.
I do pray God will lead you. I love the thought that our failures bring us to the cross instead of giving up on giving up! I’m going to pray for you, and for me, and for all of us that we better comprehend His love that we will not run from Him. Sounds like you may have more younger than older brother in you.
Love you, Dawn.
praying for you Dawn, oh how I love your open-book-like honesty
Dawn, I understand dreading discomfort. Last year when I decided to memorize daily through Lent I thought it was a mountain but little by little steps everyday and before I knew it I had begun to master it. That victory was so big that it grew my confidence that God and I can manage anything He calls me to. Now with that victory behind me I feel ready to ask Him what He wants me to give up this Lent. I haven’t heard specifically but I half hope it’s something bigger than me so that I can prove His greatness again.
Wow, I can relate to Dawn and feel inspired by you Kim!
” I half hope it’s something bigger than me so that I can prove His greatness again”
Just wow!
Praying for you already, Dawn!
For you Dawn
Isaiah 41:
“9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”
7. What stood out to me on Ann’s post?
Emptying ourselves, realizing how empty we are, so we can be filled with God. Oh, how I want to be filled with Him! Longing for grace, seeing the cross as beautiful, knowing Jesus has to do it ALL. Longing for Easter joy!
This is only my 2nd year observing Lent, and I’m so excited to take it deeper this year and long all the more for Easter joy!
8. What book will you get for supplemental reading and why?
I have read 3 of the 4 books Dee recommends in her primary list. Idol Lies, One Thousand Gifts, and Prodigal God ALL had a huge impact on my life. These are all excellent choices! Since I haven’t read What’s So Amazing About Grace, this is my choice. Just a few pages in and it’s whetting my appetite. After recently reading Prodigal God, I’m on a journey to understand grace more deeply.
Look at you — you got your Avatar! And I can’t wait to talk about What’s So Amazing About Grace with you — my favorite Yancey book, and I love, love, love Yancey.
The Yancey book is the one I have settled on to read first this Lenten season. I want to drop one or more idols and move into letting Grace into my life.
My journey begins tomorrow, but does not end in 40 days.
Yes, good Donald.
Just bought three Yancey books. And the Oxford book will probably be after those. Thank you so much.
Welcome Donald! Tell us somthing about yourself!
Hi Donald. So glad to meet you at Dee’s Place. Just got back home and am so excited to start this study. Can’t wait for the morning, so see if I can give up my idol of staying in bed when God wants me up! Looking for quiet time with God that I have been battling to find for years. Pray for me and I will pray for you. CO9L
1. Tell us a sentence about yourself and why you have come.
I am a single stay at home mom with a 14 year old son and a 25 year old daughter who recently moved to Kansas City for her career. I have been involved with jr high ministry for three years but God is closing that door. I want to fall more in love with Jesus everyday.
2. What stood out to you from the above and why?
I grew up in a traditional church where Lent was observed and even though my family did not attend church regularly, I would observe Lent in my own way. I was always drawn to God but felt He judged me as my father did who was and is very critical. It was such a thrill when at 19 I understood Jesus’ gift of grace but God has had to reteach me that lesson at different times. I love the earnest striving to become closer to God I saw growing up (no cheap grace) and yet want to know the freedom of knowing I am fully accepted. As with most Americans I feel I go one way too far and then swing back the other way too far. I want to learn discipline for I feel I need it but fear becoming too caught up in appearance.
I have recently been reading some of Dee’s books and following her on Moody’s Midday Connection. That lead me to her book with Kathy Troccoli which lead me to some of Kathy’s books. Through them God has been drawing me nearer and nearer to Him and I see Christ as my bridegroom really clearly for probably the first time in my life. I want that relationship to deepen.
welcome Karen! love your heart “want to know the freedom of knowing I am fully accepted”
Thank you Elizabeth
Loved hearing your testimony of God wooing you and showing you His grace. Welcome Karen!
Welcome Karen!
Welcome Karen, I love your desire for a deeper walk, and balance, discipline without pride, right understanding of grace and truth.
You have found a good place to walk these things out
Rebecca’s story: (This is our Rebecca!)
3. How was Rebecca feeding her comfort idol? How is she replacing her comfort idol? What did God do in her life? – Rebecca sensed that she was missing intimacy with The Lord but did not think that it was any kind of idol but that it was stress from life’s circumstances. She started turning to food for her temporary satisfaction, she gained weight was depressed and realized it was destroying her. Rebecca was WOWED by Dee’s honesty of her control idol and started wondering if she may have an idol also. She learned from doing Dee’s bible study on Idols that she needed to turn to God. She learned all she could about intimacy with God by books and the bible. Rebecca started feeling the Lords presence more and more in her life and though her life’s circumstances didn’t change she sensed The Lord fixing her. It was not an overnight thing but a change that was for the better. She was leaning on The Lord and trusting Him for her comfort and not food any longer.
Rachael’s story (This Rachael has been a silent blogger, but will be joining us on the blog during Lent.)
4. How was Rachael feeding her control idol? How is she replacing her control idol? What did God do in her life? – Rachel realized idols are not just visible and started seeing she took refuge in her computer and not The Lord. She felt The Lord pulling her away from the computer and turned her toward Him. She realized her trails that were brought upon her were actually her “friends”, friends that helped her find more intimacy with The Lord. She was making her kids as idols which made the home life very stressed. She finally accepted who God made them to be and quit trying to make them who she wanted them to be. Rachael’s idols were failing her but God was constantly there for her to lean on. She’s letting go more and more of her idols and her husband has even noticed the difference in her. The Lord is drawing Rachael closer and she’s finding refuge and comfort under the Lord’s wings.
I just want to say WELCOME to all the new Ladies on the blog. It is so nice to have you all and I know you are going to enjoy the ride that Dee takes us on. She is a wonderful servant of The Lord.
8. What book will you get for your supplemental reading — and why?
I ordered and will read Whats So Amazing About Grace.
I have recently finished both 1000 Gifts, and A Grace Disguised.
I have read Idol Lies…of course! and Prodigal God.
I am reading Instruments in the Redeemers Hands and had also begun Foxes Book of Martyrs.
I will continue with Instruments for a class I am taking at church, but will lay aside Foxes for now.
I would have gone for the Soul Idolatry book but alas I am getting hooked on my kindle ( love those larger font options…what a drag it is getting old!) and that is not yet a kindle book option.
I have Spiritual Depression, I began it and then set it aside a while back, I don’t remember why I didn’t stick with it, perhaps I will begin it again before this lent season is over.
I put The Gospel in Life in my Amazon wish list.
Thanks for spurring us all to read Dee!
You are making me smile so big!
Diane–thank you for re-directing those emails to the current blog post study! I had not even noticed they were posting to an old study–great catch!
7. What else stood out for you from Anne’s post?
Does the emptying come only when we know how empty we are? Ouch, Ouch, Ouch
Lent gives me this gift: the deeper I know the pit of my sin, the deeper I’ll drink from the draughts of joy. I am so weary of trying to accomplish everything on my own. This study will bring me to my knees, knowing how much I have to learn to lean on Him instead of my own understanding.
5. What possesses me? Lots of things. Mostly comfort related things. Sleep, Netflix, reading (a good thing, yes, but can consume a lot of time…I’m a bookworm.), and social outings. Some of these are good things, but I tend to fill my day with them and then I have no time for God. I know this is something that needs to change. On the days my boyfriend has no time for me due to school, which is a good thing, it hurts and I feel forgotten. God is my ultimate lover, and I’m being a bad Bride. (that is one of the weirdest sentences I’ve ever typed. It’s only been in the past 6 months that I’ve come to understand what it means to be the Bride of Christ.)
6. How will I respond when I fail? I will try to see it as a reminder of how much I need God’s grace and not as an opportunity to beat myself up mentally. I’ll try to draw closer to God so He can give me strength to get up, dust myself off, and keep going.
7. What stood out? “and I cannot ascend to God but He will descend to me.” That’s such an amazing picture. And such a relief. I don’t have to be perfect, He doesn’t expect me to be and He’ll walk with me at my pace. He doesn’t want to see me left behind, He wants to help me succeed.
8. I will be reading the Prodigal God because I haven’t read it before. After I finish I plan on working my way through the rest of the list. I’ve already read Idol Lies, but I want to read it again!
LizScribbles — loving your posts! 🙂
Ladies, I cannot update completely right now, but this morning’s appointment with Legal Aid did not not as we had hoped. 2 months wait after making the appointment and I STILL have to wait to see a lawyer! This morning was only paperwork, making sure I qualified, which I do. But still. Very frustrated and left feeling a bit defeated. Went for a walk after my parents dropped me back off at my apartment. I vented to God, cried, and cleared my head a bit. Then went back to my apartment and napped a bit as I barely got any sleep last night.
I sooo want my boys back in my care! 🙁 Yet this legal process is taking so long!
Hopefully Mom will update more. Truly need your prayers. I’m off to DivorceCare. Definitely need it tonight.
Krista
Hi Krista. I’m new to this group so not familiar with your situation other than the few posts here. Just wanted to let you know that I’m also divorced and long story short I only have my 16 year old son with me full time. My oldest daughter is almost 19 (she was Rebecca’s flower girl in her wedding many years ago) and is still in KC. She is on drugs and although I feel she is a believer she is definitely not follow Christ right now. My youngest is only 8 and due to her father having more money and a better attorney she is with her father in KC as well. I get her on any 3-4 weekend from school, all holiday breaks, all of spring break, and all of summer. I moved to Texas for a promotion with my work and if I would have known that my 8yr old would not have been able to move with me I would have never taken the position. Her dad filed a motion right before I was suppposed to move to stop me from relocating with her. It has been one of the most difficult 18 months. But I truly believe that their is a reason that everything happens and I don’t believe things will always be this way. But I do understand what it is like to not have all your kids with you 24/7. I really hate what divorce does to a family. Sending prayers and hugs your way.
Thank you Lori. It truly encourages me hearing stories from those who understand. Divorce is such an awful thing, yet God still is in control! I need to remember that. My husband and I have been separated almost 4 months, and he has our 3 boys most of the time, denying my access to them, etc. They hardly ever are with me. Getting him to let me have them is like pulling teeth! It’s a long story why he has them, but basically I *had* to leave the abusive situation, and he is still punishing me, by keeping the boys from me, for something that happened last year. Though I NEVER hurt our boys.
Thank you for your prayers.
Krista, how I pray you could get a lawyer that will fight for you, right away.
I think that prayer has been answered, Joyce.
Really?
oh Krista, I am so so sorry about the appointment. I’m thankful you have your meeting tonight–praying you feel support there, and renewed hope in what God is doing–He sees you, He hears you, He carries you, and He is always working.
Tonight at DivorceCare truly did help, thank you.
I am praying for you now, Krista.
Thank you Kim!
Oh, Krista…I’m so sorry that today’s appointment didn’t turn out as planned…how long will you need to wait for an appointment with an attorney? I will be praying for all of you…soak in the support offered this evening at DivorceCare. Take care…keep the faith…
I’m really not sure. Maybe a few weeks, maybe more? Hope not that long! Thanks Nanci.
So sorry Krista. So hard.
Thank you Dee. <3
Oh Krista I was praying for good things and I will continue, I know and believe with all my heart that our God is a God of restoration, so I am going to continue to pray this for you and your family.
Thank you Julie, that means a lot. I know prayers are powerful, just have to keep my eyes on Him, not my circumstances that look so hopeless right now!
Dear sweet Krista, I am so sorry it did not seem to go anywhere tuesday. I was so blessed that my ex didn’t want our 3 kids. I can’t imagine your pain. I’m praying for you now and will continue as I have been. Love you!
Praying Krista.
Do you think we should be praying for Jeff’s conversion for God to be moving in his heart in that way? Do you believe he has a true relationship with Christ?
Chris…maybe. Sadly, I hadn’t really thought of it that way. I *think* he is a Christian…but I have wondered a lot about that these past few months. Yes, we definitely should be prayer for his heart.
1. Tell us a sentence about yourself and why you have come.
I have never celebrated Lent before.
2. What stood out to you from the above and why?
That it is a safe place. That Lent will require sacrifice. That since I am human I might/will fail and then I need to repent and come back and not run away. To stop pretending and be real with other women who are believers like me.
How was Rebecca feeding her comfort idol? How is she replacing her comfort idol? What did God do in her life?
Rebecca was feeding her comfort idol with food.
I do this. In the evenings at night watching TV.
Rebecca trusted God with her pain. She chose intimacy with God and not food to comfort her.
God has been speaking to me about this. I already knew I had an addiction with junk food at night. I was turning to food to deaden the pain. Of course I needed more and more to deaden the pain and the shame.
I always believed that God would punish me. That I would have to accept the punishment. I am in this mess I made of my life and how is God going to fix it? How could I make myself perfect in order for God to love me again?
Now I am willing to be honest. To share. To speak of my pain and my shame. Instead of thinking like a little girl (who try to stuff her tears back into her eyes) I am now letting them flow. The pain is not glorius but it is freeing. I do have to be concerned about my grief, pain etc. but now I can go/run to Jesus.
I am going to watch two favourite shows -Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy – Then go to my room where I pray and worship God and follow a reading of the book of John and not pig out.
I have read parts of the gospel of John before. My favourite scripture is The Word became flesh and “tabernacled here” ( I love this statement) awhile and we beheld His glory. The glory of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth.
I am going to my 1st weight loss group based on scripture this Wednesday night -the start of Lent-
It is not so much about the food but I want to stop turning to pain, shame, junk food, tv, etc. instead of turning to Christ. During this time of Lent I want to stop hating myself for what happened to me and hating myself for what bad choices I have made in my life. I want to start believing that God will never ever let me go -ever- period!
4. How was Rachael feeding her control idol? How is she replacing her control idol? What did God do in her life?
Rachel tried to control people esp. her children. Rachel is running to God. Failing but then repenting and turning to God.
God showed her that she needed to change not her one child that she had so many issues with. God also showed her that she needed to come out from the cleft of the rock and trust God and go higher. I am not exactley sure what that means but it did speak to Rachel.
5. Ann said Lent isn’t so much about forfeiting but about formation. One needs to be dispossessed of the possessions that possess — before one can be possessed of God. What possesses — obsesses you? Food? Facebook? Television? Texting? (This will help you decide what to give up that you might replace it with God.)
Food and the PBS and Knowledge channels where I can watch my English shows. My husband joins me and we eat too much.
6. Ann failed the very first night, showing her her depravity, and leading her to the cross.She said: A failing lent? It is a good Lent because this Lenten Lament of my sin — it is preparing me for the Easter Joy of my Savior. How will you respond when you fail?
I have determined in my heart to go to Jesus. Not run away anymore.
Stand before Him all dirty and full of broken promises, lies, poor choices, pain and shame (my constant companions my entire life). They might disappear once in awhile but they always return. I want to learn how to shut the door permanently when they show up. I do not want to entertain them at all anymore.
I am going to continue to do this study on lent. I am going to pray, cry, worship, trust and obey.
I am asking Jesus to cleanse me b/c I cannot do it myself.
I am going for Christian counselling b/c for the first time in my life I am acknowleding I cannot do it on my own anymore.
I am tired of pretending and believing lies.
I am saying Jesus please help me
And I know He will.
7. What else stood out to you from Ann’s post?
That she has a relationship with her brother.
I have my brother’s e-mail. I left home at 15 years of age(no suprise b/c of my background) Look even here I feel I have to justify myself but God knows my struggles and He is not ashamed of me.
I have reconnected with 2 of my sisters.
My brother was the youngest child and always the favourite. We have never been close but I would like to e-mail him
I am praying about it.
Thank u again for all your prayers and all of your sharing.
I simply cannot belive (but I am) in all the honesty believing what I am reading and hearing.
It is so refreshing and non-judgemental
So completely Christ like.
I am in awe and honored to be part of this group.
Of course I am crying here.
Having not been in such a setting with Christian believers since I was first rescued by Christ.
Sometimes I think to myself (oh just get over yourself and your pain) but I am determined not to stuff it down and pretend it is not there. I have also determined not to glorify the pain or attach significance to it. I want to glorify God in all I say and do. To boast in the Lord not myself. To bring honour to His name.
Blessings
In Christ
Mellany
Oh, Mellany, I wish I could give you a hug. So much pain, but I love your honesty with yourself and your seeking after God. Keep pushing toward Him, sweet Mellany.
Oh Mellany, if I could reach through and just give you a hug I would! You are His precious, beloved daughter and I am so thankful He led you here. He awaits, with open arms to comfort and heal you. You my dear one are not alone.
So glad you are here, Mellany–love your tender heart
Mellany — you have a beautiful heart and we are so very glad you are here.
Mellany, I’m so glad to see you have come on and going to join us! Thankful your here Mellany and I’m praying for you. I had made myself a note of the sisters I missed and was going to say something…hoping you and Becca and Mary Beth will come aboard! Missing alot of you ladies!
Oh Mellany, you are doing all the right things and being here on this blog is just one of them. Keep the faith and stay focused on God and His true blessings.
Mellany, I can hug my daughter and I would be hugging you. The devil has robbed you both so much of your happiness, but, finding yourself in Him will restore your losses ten fold. My prayers are with you and I thank God for the Peace of Mind He gives you through His Son Jesus Christ.
8. What book will you get for your supplemental reading — and why?
I have read the Philip Yancey book.
I have ordered your book Dee and I am going to read it.
I first watched u on 100 Huntley street and your honesty was so enriching.
Then I started going on your blog
Now here I am beginning my journey back to God.
I will also get the book The Prodigal God and the one book that Nanci recommended. I love reading.
One of my most vivid memory of my childhood is when I picked up a book. I turned the pages. I loved the smell, everything about the book. The crisp clean pages. The turning of the pages. Just everything about it.
I enjoy going to libraries. I took all my dtr. to the library. My middle dtr. is a reader just like me.
Me too on the books and libraries!
9. How is the Lord leading you to approach Lent? Is there something that you tend to run to instead of to Him? How will you replace it? When, where, and how will you meet with Him?
I am going to my first weight loss meeting at the Alliance Church.
It starts tomorrow night on the beginning of Lent
I am going to go to my room and pray and read instead of pigging out watching tv all night.
I am doing a 90 day Christian devotional on breaking the strongholds of overeating.
The devotional has about 5 chpt. of John to read each day.
I have chosen the time between 8-9 pm each night.
I am going to do your blog during the day when I have a free moment.
Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst is another book you may want to check out. It’s about satisfying your deepest desires with God, not with food (or any other idol). My small group back home in KC went through this book and I really enjoyed it. She has another book Unglued that is also good. This one is about making wise choices when your emotional.
10. What scriptural prayer can you prepare that fits your need for when you are tempted to retreat from your Lenten discipline?
Lord, only in Your presence are fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. [Psalm 16:11] Yet here I am tempted to find pleasure in snacking. Remove this desire and as I run to You now, meet me, O Lord, and help me wait upon You and trust You to be my comfort. Will I stumble?
I know that I am copying but u said it better. Until the Lord gives me a different scripture or prayer I am going to use yours.
Most likely. Will I give up on giving up? If I do, I am so deceived — for He is the only One who can rescue me.
Lent is about Gospel Formation and learning to repent from my idols and run to Him.
11. According to Luke 15:1-2:
•To whom was Jesus speaking?
Jesus was speaking to the tax collectors and the sinners
The pharisees and teachers of the Law.
•
•About what were they murmuring?
They were murmuring about Jesus welcoming sinners and actually eating with them.
•
•Which of the three ways of life do you think was true of the Pharisees and why?
They were filled up with religion. They were self-righteous and wanted to distance themselves from others in order to be pleasing to God. They had no relationship with God just a set of rules. Their hearts were far from God and even from each other. They couln’t understand what Jesus was doing by reaching out to people and welcoming them.
They had no inner awareness of what they were doing wrong. The Pharisees thought they were the chosen ones and everyone should do what they were doing. They wanted Jesus to notice them and welcome them and eat with them not with the sinners. They couldn’t understand why Jesus did what He did.
12. Read Luke 15:13-16 and find all you can about the “irreligious” way of life.
The younger son needed no one. He owed no one anything. He accepted his inheirtance as his right and not a gift. He thought only of himself. He also wanted to go where no one knew him. Maybe he felt shame?? Maybe that was just where the party was happening. He found out later on that he was desitute.
He did not value his inheirtance but he squandered it. None of his “wild living ways” helped him when he was hungry. He was alone and penniless.
He hired himself out as a citizen of that country.
Did that mean he gave up his citzenship of his country.
That is rather sad -to give up everything, for what?
He gained nothing and lost everything.
He wanted to eat what the pigs were eating but again no one gave him anything.
Being alone was not so great after all.
13. Have you tried the above way of life? What did it bring you?
Not much.
All my pain and confusion He understood.
I had nothing to offer Him but brokeness and strife but He made something beautiful of my life.
I love the Lord but I am just beginning to understand how much He loves me.
Christianity, by the way, is not a religion. Christianity is not earning favor with God, but believing, through the gospel, that we already have favor with God.
I love this stmt.
That I already have favor with God.
If God is for me who can be against me?
No one not even myself.
Thank u again precious Holy Spirit ( my comforter and counsellor) unpaid I might add.
All these long years He has been with me.
He never leaves me nor forsakes me.
I am stunned, quiet and trying to absorb this revelation.
I am loved.
I guess it is not sin to hug yourself or love yourself.
Blessings Dee
Mellany
Gems:
That I already have favor with God.
If God is for me who can be against me?
No one not even myself.
The Holy Spirit, our comforter and unpaid counsellor, yes…grace abundant and free
How was you meeting last night?