When Steve died, one book I was given was a well-written secular book called Comfort by Ann Hood, who had lost a child. I was drawn to the cover, but the advice she gave all had to do with technique rather than getting to the root of the problem. I knew that knitting and drinking herbal tea was not going to get me through my raging river of grief.
We can be SO THANKFUL for His Word which helps us deal with the big questions, with the root of our anxiety and fears.
It is possible for us to have a peace that passes understanding. Jesus said that He would give us a peace, a peace not like the world gives.
I have that peace, though it took me time to understand how to overcome my many anxious thoughts. Whatever your anxious thoughts are, in these next two weeks we are going to go deeper, for you can have this peace as well. As a believer you already have peace with God, but you also need the peace of God. We have the resources to overcome anxiety.
It starts, as we will see this week, by seeing the big picture.
We have fallen into a story, a great story filled with romance and beauty, but also with heartbreak and tragedy and a villain. How do we cope with both the joy and the sorrows of life?
In part, by realizing we are citizens of heaven.
So when life is sweet, as it has been for me this week as two of my lifelong friends have come to the cottage, as they have faithfully every summer for the eight years since Steve died, to cheer me and to love me. They engage me in great conversation, prayer, and songs of praise. I can be thankful for this time, but also realize it is fleeting. Summer, health, and our mortal bodies will end. I must remember when life on earth is so sweet that I want to cling to it forever, that my real home is in heaven, therefore the wise person sets her affections on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. I must live thankfully, but in holy moderation, for this life is only a sliver of the real story.
And when this life is unbearably hard, as it has been for some of you this week, filled with evil so dark you think you cannot go on, remember this is not the end of the story. We are citizens of heaven and we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly bodies into bodies like His magnificent body. In fact, He will transform everything. There will, indeed, be a happily ever after. Eden restored. This is no fairy tale. This is real life.
One of my top ten books of all time is John Eldredge’s The Sacred Romance. So last week I read his newest book, Epic. I loved it so much I ordered the DVD for Ann and Sylvia’s visit. Oh — we all loved it. I want you to see this trailer to set up our lesson from Philippians.
(You can get the book in paperback or kindle for under $3.) I recommend it and will give you a chance, next week, to share a highlight if you read it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFKUlF2a77A
Ann and Sylvia and I hiked in the park this week, and were thankful for the maps posted on trees along the trail telling us: YOU ARE HERE. For though I have been on these trails many times, I can still get lost. One time I ignored the map (thinking I know this) and we got lost for three hours.
I need a sign that reminds me where I’ve been, where I am, and where I am going. Eldredge says we need the same in this life, and God has given it to us in His story.
This story is so big it is an EPIC, so we cannot possibly do it in one week. This week we will consider the EPIC, and next week, how Philippians 3:20 through 4:7 fits into it. Keller’s sermon will be next week, and he thinks the same way Eldredge does, for the same Spirit says the same thing.
WEEK ONE: EPIC
SUNDAY/MONDAY ICEBREAKERS
1. Other than the movie clip, name one thing that stood out to you from the above and explain why.
2. Name one thing that stood out to you from the movie clip trailer on Epic.
TUESDAY: ACT I: ETERNAL LOVE
Eldredge says that “Before ‘Once upon a time,’ before Genesis 1, ‘In the beginning,” there was love, relationship — and a dance of three persons. The early church fathers had a word for the joyful dance of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit: “perichoresis.”
Do you see the root for “choreography” in this? It was a dance between the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. And it is a dance into which we are invited. That is why the Son left paradise — to ask us to join the dance.
3. What evidences of perichorises do you find in:
A. John 1:1-3?
B. John 17:24?
C. Genesis 1:26
Our God is relational, and our God is love. The atheist Herman Melville confessed: “The reason the mass of men fear God, and at the bottom dislike him, is because they rather distrust his heart, and fancy him all brain, like a watch.”
But God is love. This side of the cross we should surely know it, but can you not hear echoes of His love, echoes of Eden in His creation? And, because we are made in His image, we are relational.
Think about your joys and your heartaches — are they not nearly always connected to relationship? Mine surely are. My greatest sorrow is the loss of my husband, but close behind are the betrayals I have felt from loved ones. And my greatest joys are in relationship: you, friends, children, and grandchildren.
4. When you think about your greatest joys and heartaches — are they connected to relationship? Explain. And what does this tell you?
Wednesday: Act II. The Entrance of Evil
Every story has an enemy. The hooded wraiths on black horses chasing the hobbits in Lord of the Rings.
The White Witch in Narnia seducing Edmond to betray his brother and sisters.
And the real story, of which all good stories simply echo, has a real enemy. I don’t even want to picture him, but we must be aware of the entrance of evil, the reality of evil, the understanding that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities and rulers of darkness. The wise person knows she has an enemy. So though it is tempting, do not skip today.
5. Read Isaiah 14:12-19
A. What was Satan once, and what caused his fall? (12-14)
B. What will one day be his end? (15-19)
6. Read 1 Peter 5:6-11
A. Find four exhortations to live by in the face of evil. Find one in each of verses 6, 7, 8, and 9.
B. What promise can give you hope in verses 10-11, though the enemy brings sorrow?
Thursday: Act III. The Battle for The Heart
Eldredge says, “If you learned about Eden in Sunday School with flannel graphs, you missed something.” How can I show you? Watch this and allow it to bring you into worship of our amazing God who created this world for us, to show us His love, to fight for our hearts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE_BX1XUSC4
7. What stands out to you from the above and why?
This is the setting for a romance, for God is the Romancer of our souls.
8. How did creation affect the Psalmist in Psalm 8?
And then paradise is lost, for the man and woman are seduced by the betrayer, fall, and are cast out of Eden. But even as they leave, there is a promise from the God of love.
9. Find the promise in Genesis 3:15.
Watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y7x_42slQk
10. Why did Jesus choose to die, and how should this help your heart to go on?
You are part of this Epic, and at this part of the Epic Map, you are here.
FRIDAY: Act IV. THE KINGDOM RESTORED
10. Read Revelation 19:11-16 and find everything you can about our Rescuer.
11. Read Revelation 21:1-5 and find everything you can about the new heaven and earth.
Saturday
12. What is your take-a-way and why?
312 comments
1. The map metaphor stands out to me right now. Oh, the blessing of a map when I am lost! When the skies are gray and anxiety nibbles at my heart I can step back, and look at the map. I am not lost, ever.
1. Other than the movie clip, name one thing that stood out to you from the above and explain why.
Ignoring the map, thinking ‘I know this’ and getting lost stood out to me. In Sunday School we have been in Deuteronomy, our teacher said how many 4 day journeys do we turn into 40 years wanderings. I wrote that down and think about it a lot.
Isaiah 30:21
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Though I have not had a chance to listen to last weeks sermon I can see by reading my sisters comments how well it ties into this week, continually turning my eyes upon Jesus is the focus I need to make it through.
I replied to a supportive text with a true assessment of my woes, but ended it with ‘We are one day closer to redemption’ yesterday.
I am a citizen of heaven, my Redeemer is faithful and true, He is going to change everything. Thank you Dee for this weeks study, I feel it in my heart.
Chris, I’ve thought about my “40 year wanderings” before. How I let my issues keep me wandering in the desert. But God has been calling me to walk in His Way; to leave the wanderings behind.
Chris, I am sure this is like a balm in your heart right now-praise God for how He is meeting you right now-grateful!
love that Isaiah verse, Chris–so good
I’m praying it will for you Chris!
“how many 4 day journeys do we turn into 40 years wanderings.”
Thanks for sharing this, Chris…it is such good “food for thought”…how many short journeys have turned into extended wanderings from my own actions (or inaction)???
The Isaiah 30:21 text is so reassuring…thanks for sharing that too.
Chris, have you heard anything regarding Becca’s son, Joe…is he still making good progress? How is Becca doing these days?
Thank you for prompting me in this Nancy, I have been meaning to post an update.
Becca has Joe at her home now. She brought him home on Friday. She has had her hands full as you might imagine, she is grateful for this time of bonding and restored trust with her son, but the trials with the other family members continue.
They are at the hospital today for X-rays and doctor visits, she is concerned about what a long trying exhausting day this will be for Joe. He has had quite a lot of pain.
My sister in law who is a nurse was at our house for a baby shower on Saturday, Becca posted on Facebook that she had wound care questions, it seems that navigating the house had aggravated Joe’s sutures. My sister in law went over before she left for home and set their minds at ease.
It was an I Spy for sure!
Thanks for the update, Chris…my heart goes out to Becca; I wish that she could find support in family members rather than continued trials…I will continue to pray for that resolution. I’m so glad that your sister-in-law was at your home for the baby shower and was able to help with concerns regarding Joe’s sutures…I’m thinking that his ease in navigating around the house is encouraging; usually when sutures are aggravated that means possibly a bit too much activity which likely means that he must be starting to feel better…hopefully the x-rays will confirm healing. Please give Becca my best.
Thanks Chris for the update on Joe…I hope this time really bonds them together and with the Lord.
1. Other than the movie clip, name one thing that stood out to you from the above and explain why.
What stood out for me is the difference between the way the world/our culture deals with grief and the hard seasons of life and the way we as believers can and should deal with them. I am so thankful that we have His Word that can teach us how to deal with the big issues and that we can know His peace.
2. Name one thing that stood out to you from the movie clip trailer on Epic.
That we are all part of God’s Epic story. We all have a part – either for good or for evil – in this world. What Lucifer wanted to begin for evil which is rebellion against God, Jesus rescued us for good, for a relationship with Him, to know Him!
Jill–I agree with your answer to #1, the world’s answer is painfully empty.
2. In the movie trailer it stood out to me that I don’t have to write this story. My life is part of the story that existed long before i was born. I am invited to come up into the that story and because of the gospel, I can. I love this! It is exciting!
What stood out to you?
“Though I have been on these trails many times before, I can still get lost”. I need a sign to remind me where I’ve been, where I am and where I am going”.
God has been speaking to me lately about the journey I have been on, and the importance of keeping my roadmap ( his Word) before me and keeping in close communication with my “guide” the Lord himself. he is always faithful and even though the path he has me on may be taking me places I don’t expect and may not want to go on, following him and his direction will ensure that I don’t get lost in my discouragement, fear or my agenda.
It has been a long time since I have done a study with Dee and the online group, but I feel God is calling me to invest in this one at this time. I am excited to see what he wants to teach me.
Terry,welcome back…I remember you from a few years back…about when I was new. It is so nice to see your sweet face again.
Greetings, Terri! I am a newer member (since September 2012)…I look forward to getting to know each other…welcome back!
Terri, it is wonderful to have you back! Welcome
Terri–so good to see you here again
Welcome back, Terri. You were a bright light before and I know you will be again.
Glad to see you back, Terri!
Terri,
Wonderful to have you back! 🙂
So nice to have you here again Terri 🙂
Hi Terri! I certainly remember you and am glad you’ve returned!
Wow Dee, did you do this lesson just for me…it seems so. I hope this goes through as I,’ve written several times and it has not, every since I changed e mail Andersen’s. Also I am learning how to operate my new kindle.
I have so much anxiety and crave God’s peace now. You just talking about life’s happiness and pain and knowing it will all end here…but is just the beginning because we are citizens of heaven…is what I need to hear now so much. THANK YOU SO MUCH
Wow Dee, did you do this lesson just for me…it seems so. I hope this goes through as I,’ve written several times and it has not, every since I changed e mail. Also I am learning how to operate my new kindle.
I have so much anxiety and crave God’s peace now. You just talking about life’s happiness and pain and knowing it will all end here…but is just the beginning because we are citizens of heaven…is what I need to hear now so much. THANK YOU SO MUCH
So sorry. Don’t know what happen. Twice on kindle:(
You seem to be getting through now, Joyce — so glad!
Joyce, I have been thinking about you. So glad to hear from you and glad you have a kindle.
The site seems to be a little different lately. I have had to re-enter my info each time i have closed out the site and come back. And sometimes it takes a while for comments to post. Several times I thought I lost it only to have it appear later.
I can check with David tomorrow if you keep having trouble.
I have found that when people don’t log in (including me!) I have to approve their comments. That seems new to me but David said that can’t be changed.
It’s been happening to me too. When I leave a comment on my own, I need to fill in my info. But when I reply to a comment, like now, my info was there.
That happen to me too…I lost everything after I wrote it…to find out I had t o fill in my information every time now.
I thought that was just happening to me!
My avatar is gone, I have needed to reenter my name and email each time I return.
I had lost my avitar too…hope this get fixed soon!
Hi ladies,
I am just completely a sweet time with my husband and friends here in Ontario. We head home tomorrow – a long drive of over 15 hours (we drive non-stop). Hope to catch up on your responses and follow the study in a couple of days.
Hi ladies,
I am just completing a sweet time with my husband and friends here in Ontario. We head home tomorrow – a long drive of over 15 hours (we drive non-stop). Hope to catch up on your responses and follow the study in a couple of days.
So glad that your time away with your husband was all you hoped it would be. Looking forward to your return to the blog…safe travels, Diane.
Will be good to have you home, though I’m glad you’ve had this refreshing time away. 🙂
Miss you Diane–praying for safe travels!
I’m back safely. Thanks for prayers. Had a great time. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do around the house plus a busy week. I hope I can catch up here soon.
1. Other than the movie clip, name one thing that stood out to you from the above and explain why.
“OVERCOMING ANXIETY”
The title stood out to me…oh how wonderful it would be to overcome anxiety once and for all…I have been working to resolve anxiety issues for years (probably largely related to my idol of approval and desire for perfection)…Philippians 4:6 is a text I keep close at hand as a reminder “by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Side note…the Rassouli painting is SO striking…I really like it a lot!
2. Name one thing that stood out to you from the movie clip trailer on Epic.
“Every story has a rescue…The Son of Man came to give His life as a ransom for many; they lived happily ever after…this is the gospel of Christianity…this is the story in which we live.”
Nanci–thank you for the reminder of Phil 4:6 “do not be anxious about anything…” I so easily forget it is a command!We are told not to be anxious–and then what to do instead–give thanks and pray, ask of the Father–a response of submission to His will.
1. Other than the movie clip, name one thing that stood out to you from the above and explain why.
The picture of the misty-eyed girl who appears to me to have been crying just prior to the photo being taken, and the quote: “I am a citizen of heaven, and sometimes I get mighty homesick.” It just expressed some feelings that I have been having recently of being a tad worn out with the trials of this world. In order to be homesick, one must be “away from home.” So it must be times when I find myself “away from heaven” that I feel melancholy!
2. Name one thing that stood out to you from the movie clip trailer on Epic.
“I didn’t have to write this story; I didn’t have to create it. This story existed before I was even born. That’s the invitation of the Gospel.” Knowing that gives me hope and a sense of purpose.
1. What stands out?
I read this earlier before going to church. I always sit with my brother and my mom. My brothers’s wife died in March and I often think of her, especially at church as she loved Jesus and lived her faith well. I got such a warm feeling of her presence today, her joy in heaven. She died on our son’s birthday and he is in heaven. I could envision him greeting Aunt Meme to his party. God was so good to me to give me that vision this morning.
Dee, I smiled at the phrase “knitting and tea” were not going to get you through the onslaught of grief. What an understatement! It is a hard task, yet God is faithful He guides and walks with us and heaven loses the sting as we cling to the knowledge that our loved ones are there waiting.
Sweet sharing.
1. Other than the movie clip, name one thing that stood out to you from the above and explain why.
It really is hard to pick just one thing this time—so many thoughts drew me, I’ll try to edit. For some reason, it was hard to shake the sadness of the “Comfort” book—sad for the ones who only have techniques to turn to—they do not know the true Hope that Christ offers, the peace of God Dee speaks of, the Living Resource.
I also love the map story. How often I do not want to take the time to stop, to pray, to wait on the Lord, because I think ‘I’ve got this one, I know where I’m going’. In truth, every step, I need His guidance. His Word is my map. Every page is filled with His presence, His truth. We sang “Laden with Guilt” this morning—I’m reminded of these words:
But in Thy written Word
The volumes of my Father’s grace
Does all my griefs assuage
Here I behold my Savior’s face
In every page.
And then in the last stanza—
My guide to everlasting life
Through all this gloomy vale
Oh may Thy counsels, mighty God,
My roving feet command,
Nor I forsake the happy road
That leads to Thy right hand.
Perfect.
1. Other than the movie clip, name one thing that stood out to you from the above and explain why.
“And when this life is unbearably hard, as it has been for some of you this week, filled with evil so dark you think you cannot go on, remember this is not the end of the story.”
I don’t want to go into a lot of detail, but I have had an anxious and rough week. Although my meeting with my boss went well, the end result was my “friend” unfriending me from Facebook and telling me that even talking to me gives her anxiety and me agreeing to take some time off while I consult with my doctor to see if my meds are working right and I will probably be moving to a different shift. I waffle between feeling utterly rejected and seeing God’s hand guiding me in a new direction that will probably give me more peace in the end by removing me from a no win situation.
Dawn, I’m so sorry…I will be praying for you.
Susan, I seen your prayer request last Sat. and have been praying….my comments just didn’t show up. I hope your okay…still praying.
Joyce — I think your comments have been showing up, just late, as I’ve been needing to go in an approve them — though not this week’s. It must have something to do with either your change in e-mail or not logging in first. But it seems to be working now.
Hi Joyce…thank you for praying…had a few rough days last week. I saw in your post this week that you are having anxiety-praying for you, too, and God will meet you in this week’s study!
It has been a rough week for you. Going to your boss and apologizing sincerely took courage and humility. You have been in a “no win” situation, and even seeing that shows humility. I believe God means this for good.
Dawn, I will be praying for “God’s hand guiding (you) in a new direction that will … give (you) more peace in the end.”
I am praying for a peaceful new direction Dawn.
Dawn–I thought I had replied earlier–but wanted you to know I have been praying for you–hold on to this “seeing God’s hand guiding me in a new direction…”
3. What evidences of perichorises do you find in:
A. In John 1:1-3 I see that the Word and God were together from the beginning and that together they greater all things.
B. In John 17:24 Jesus prays for us to be with Him and to see His glory.
C. In Genesis 1:26 God refers to Himself in the pleural. He says that we are made in His image. I see that a little differently this morning. I have always thought of the physical body when I read this verse but it is much deeper than that. We are body but also spirit. Also we are able to speak words, think and create.
For the last few days I have been thinking about my rebellious years. I thought I was rejecting God but the truth is that everything I did was driven by a desire for God. It is an immutable desire. We can’t change it. We here on the blog know this but I never saw it as clearly in my own heart as I do now. It is a comfort to me in relation to my children to know that they are also created with this desire.
So our greatest joy is to join God in all that He is doing. We are created for this.
An immutable desire. Careful, you are sounding like a Calvinist. 🙂 (That’s not a dirty word to me.)
I’m afraid they would give me the boot.
🙂 Wish we could have tea.
🙂 yes. One day.
This too is comforting to me, Anne, Thanks for seeing that…”It is a comfort to me in relation to my children to know that they are also created with this desire”.
“I thought I was rejecting God but the truth is that everything I did was driven by a desire for God.” This is so good, Anne.
1. Other than the movie clip, name one thing that stood out to you from the above and explain why.
Several things stuck out to me, but this the most:
“One time I ignored the map (thinking I know this) and we got lost for three hours. I need a sign that reminds me where I’ve been, where I am, and where I am going.”
I love this-what a powerful word picture! I think of what it is like to be lost for three hours and wish I would have not ignored the map-extreme anxiety and fear creep in-I run around like a madwoman.
Then I reflected on what it is like to not ignore the map-to pound in the Gospel on my journey. The opposite occurs-a surety, a confidence in His word-Him- that outweighs any rocks, twisted ankles, or narrow paths I may encounter.
This is the Gospel! I need to run to Him daily with each decision, each circumstance- because I can forget.
2. Name one thing that stood out to you from the movie clip trailer on Epic.
“This is the Gospel-COME UP INTO A LARGER STORY”. This blew me away-but I had to listen several times because even though I may ‘know’ this-I have missed it! The Holiness and power of it overwhelmed me. The trinity in a dance-the love the power, the holiness there and then the evil one with his angels comes and wields their swords at God. I can only use my imagination and I am sure it still falls short-but oh! Evidently I need to pound the Gospel in deeper for it hasn’t fully melted me yet because I think if it did I would be on my knees more often-daily-rather than forging my own path on the trail-SO-I so need this!
I think of the comfort book Dee posted-those who don’t know Him-both the moral and immoral. They see this life here as their story-They don’t have a road map on the trail so they grasp at temporal things for comfort or morality for direction. they are endlessly lost, anxious, no hope, no peace-no Holy Spirit inside to guide them to Him. This is heart breaking-how it must break His!
When I get lost on the trail I too have grasped onto these things but He is my rescuer, the Holy Spirit, living inside me prompts me to look to Him-and He rescues me. I can experience Him forever because I have entered into the dance-I don’t have to stay lost on the trail!
From eternity to eternity-this is the real story-When I entered into the dance I entered into the past, the present and the future with Him-the whole story-okay so I need to just sit with this for now.
“When I get lost on the trail I too have grasped onto these things but He is my rescuer, the Holy Spirit, living inside me prompts me to look to Him-and He rescues me. I can experience Him forever because I have entered into the dance-I don’t have to stay lost on the trail”!
Love that Rebecca!
1. Other than the movie clip, name one thing that stood out to you from the above and explain why.
The fact that you are addressing anxiety this week is ironic to me (or is it a God thing?). I have 2 things looming in front of me and I definitely feel the anxious pull. I need this study!
Sorry Dee, I can’t just pick 1 thing! The map of your hiking made me smile because of the geologist in me, and I just had to go hunting! I wondered if you were near mackinaw island in Michigan because I remember visiting my aunt and uncle one summer at their cottage there and sailing all around in his catamaran. We could see the huge bridge that goes over to Canada. It was GRANDE as I recall. It seems to be about 100 miles NE of your hike. Thanks for the memory.
In the same general area, Laura- hunter!
2.Name one thing that stood out to you from the movie clip trailer on Epic.
That Satan convinced the angels who followed him to rebel, and that is what he tries to do with us as he whispers his lies.
Yes. So glad you see this as you are facing such hard things.
Just a couple of housekeeping items I feel compelled to bring up: (1) This week I am having to type in my name each time I respond. I haven’t had to do that in the past. Because I am out of the habit, I miss doing that sometimes, and then my response gets totally lost. I do well to come up the response in the first place, much less trying to do it over identically 🙂 I’m not sure what is causing the difference, but wondered if it was related to what Joyce has experienced. (2) This is petty, but “choreography” is spelled with an “h” in it and only one “r.” Not that I’m a perfectionist or anything! 😀
Deanna, if you scroll to the bottom you may find your comment. That is where mine have been. I can just add the info and it inserts where I intended it.
Deanna, today I only had to fill in the info once and then it filled in after that every time…at least today!
Well, I am sorry to report, that I am not having that good fortune!! It has happened to me again, and I lost a long response!! Somehow I am going to have to remember to always type it in manually. 🙁
I too have had to type in my information and I am using the device I have always used on this blog. This is what I do before I hit submit……copy my response. Then, if it gets “lost,” all I have to do is hit paste 🙂
Aha! Laura, that is an excellent suggestion!!
On the word “choreography;” I thought Dee was giving us a Latin form of it or something; like the original form to show us how the two words were related.
Thanks for the spell check! Let me know if you continue to have problems. David doesn’t seem to know why we are having troubles, but I can ask him to look more deeply if this continues. I know there are more expensive programs, I don’t know if they are better, as David thinks not.
3. What evidences of perichorises do you find in:
A. John 1:1-3? God the Father and God the Son (the Word made flesh) were together at the beginning when the world was created.
B. John 17:24? Jesus is saying in his prayer to the Father “because you loved me before the creation of the world.”
C. Genesis 1:26 – I think the operative word in this passage is “us.” “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image…” So someone (Jesus and the Holy Spirit) was with God the Father at the time of creation.
3. What evidences of perichorises do you find in:
A. John 1:1-3
“the Word (Jesus) was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God.”
B. John 17:24
“…the glory You gave me because You loved me even before the world began”
C. Genesis 1:26
“…let us make…in our image, to be like us…”
4. When you think about your greatest joys and heartaches — are they connected to relationship? Explain. And what does this tell you?
I lost this response once — I am going to TRY to duplicate it!
Yes, they are connected to relationship. If I were to list my highpoint joys, I am sure I would begin with my wedding and the birth of my children. In fact, when I attend someone else’s wedding, I am thrilled to see joy glowing on the faces of the bride and groom. One little baby can entertain an entire room of adults. We are so delighted to catch a glimpse of the little one’s personality! Conversely, divorces and deaths bring greatest sadness. In each of the above situations, we are either initiating a relationship which brings joy or ending one which brings sadness.
The above parallels my relationship with God. When I first committed to Him, it was like a great rush of fresh air. When I know I have pleased Him, it feels sooo good! When I have been successful in ministry, I am thrilled that He trusted me with that ministry. However, when I know I have disappointed Him, there is a sadness that goes deep to my bones! If I get a “signal” of His presence via a rainbow, some cardinals at the birdfeeder, or some other well-timed God-incidence, my soul cries out “YES!!”
3. What evidences of perichorises do you find in:
A. John 1:1-3?
Well, I can see Jesus and God in these verses, with Jesus as the Word and God as, well, God. How is the Spirit represented? Or, is the Word really the Spirit and Jesus is represented as the one through whom all things come?
B. John 17:24?
Here I read Jesus speaking to God and referencing the Spirit (before the world began).
C. Genesis 1:26
God is speaking to others, saying “us” and “our.”
3. What evidences of perichorises do you find in:
A. John 1:1-3? “…the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning”.
B. John 17:24? “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world”. What a beautiful statement of love. Jesus and the Father have been one forever. He confesses that God the Father gave Him his glory (I’m not really sure what this means) and that He – Jesus – wants to His followers – us – to be with Him and see this glory.
C. Genesis 1:26 God created mankind in His image. We are in His image and were created to be stewards of His creation.
1. Other than the movie clip, name one thing that stood out to you from the above and explain why.
The contrast between Hood’s book, Comfort, and God’s Word. Bookstores are filled with self-help books for every conceivable problem, but they only put a Band-Aid over the wound. But “we can be SO THANKFUL” for His Word which helps us deal with the big questions, with the root of our anxiety and fears”.
I heard Josh MacDowell on the radio yesterday, speaking about his abusive childhood (father was an alcoholic who beat his mother and Josh was sexually abused by a man hired to work in their home). As an adult, he asked a mature Christian male friend to mentor him, and he said how this man took him through the Scriptures and helped him to APPLY the Scripture to his particular emotional/spiritual pain. Josh said he had always intellectually believed the Bible, but now he KNOWS it is really true and it works.
There are many times I try my own kind of “self-help”…turning to idols to comfort me or to my own way of trying to figure out a solution. It’s as useless as drinking tea or knitting:) A few days ago I needed to get out of the house and be by myself for a while. I found myself taking a drive to see my childhood home; I thought it would be comforting to just drive by it, but it made me feel even worse-sad, homesick for the past.
I read that biography last year — I had not idea he had such a childhood, for God has made him a powerful man.
When you think about your greatest joys and heartaches — are they connected to relationship? Explain. And what does this tell you?
This question is really hard, my greatest joys seem so subdued when held up against my sorrows. I do have joy, people see it in me and tell me so, but when I think about “greatest joys” I have a hard time coming up with any that seem worthy to be held up against the greatest sorrows. It makes me feel that I am defective somehow in this area.
But I have hope, I believe that one day the relational joys we will experience in heaven will be unbelievably, indescribably marvelous, that God made us for relationship with Him, That is what this tells me. Here in this life that is a constant struggle as we try to put to death the flesh, but one day I will enter that rest, perfect true union and community. I am homesick a lot.
You are in a season of high-tide grief, and I am praying the waters subside.
Dear sweet Chris, you are not defective. As Dee says, you are in high tide grief. I thoroughly understand. I too have been going through a time of deep sorrow and, even when times are more normal, I seem to feel my sorrows more deeply than my joys (except when I fell in love with my husband which was a time of deep joy). I too have often wondered why I experience sorrow so much deeper than it seems some others do. I too so look forward to the day when the Lord will wipe all tears from our eyes and all our pain will be past.
Thank you Diane & Dee, this was like a hug to me.
4. When you think about your greatest joys and heartaches — are they connected to relationship? Explain. And what does this tell you?
Joys: getting married, giving birth, friendships, graduations, etc.
Heartaches: family, death, sickness, children, etc.
Yes, these are connected to relationships. It seems that to have theses “feelings” of joy and heartache we need another being to be involved. However, I will say at times it appears that we can have worked alone at something and still received a joyous/heartbroken feeling. I am thinking of earning my masters degree; I did study with my online “friends,” but in the end I took the tests and created the projects/thesis alone. I met the challenge by myself. In turn, if I fail at something and am heartbroken, didn’t I do that myself? I would be disappointed in myself, and couldn’t I say maybe even heartbroken? Hmmmmm, I get what you’re getting at, Dee, but playing the “devil’s advocate.”
I looked up heartbroken and the dictionary says it means “crushed with sorrow or grief.” (dictionary.com) My son recently was “crushed with sorrow or grief” when he failed his driving test. It was up to him to study and pass, and he did not (missed it by 1 question). The relationship was with himself…..does that count here; a relationship with ourselves?
I know when I gave birth, I felt alone. Like no one could help me with the task at hand. Then I remembered that God was always with me and so I really wasn’t alone. I remember talking to God and saying, “so it’s just you and me now.” After that I was fine 🙂 I’m thinking it must be that way when we die also. No one can do it for you; it’s just you and God (THANK YOU GOD!). So, are we ever really “alone” then? I guess if you don’t believe in God then you are. How sad.
It seems that being joyous is different. We celebrate with others; who wants to celebrate alone?
Love your giving birth story.
Everyone — I am so sorry about the technical troubles you are having with this blog. I have sent your complaints to David and we can pray for him.
I do think this may be in part spiritual warfare. Yesterday a comment on Amazon (a review of Idol Lies but she attacked the blog) made me want to just stop, but Rebecca has encouraged me not to give up.
Please pray for David, for me, and against the enemy.
Oh Dee
I am praying!
I read her review just now & your gracious response. I just want to encourage you, there are 30+ positive reviews and one rather mild negative one that isn’t even true.
You know that the Holy Spirit uses you and the message He has given you to help us walk in the light.
It isn’t surprising that when you are being used of God that you will face opposition, please listen to the Voice of Truth in this and do not be discouraged!
We love you so here and have all been better rooted and grounded in love & truth because of your ministry .
We will hold your arms up in this battle through prayer.
Thank you so much, Chris. You are a balm to me.
Thank you.
OH yes-Chris so so so true..God has moved through Dee to change so many lives here-to bring us closer to Him.
God gave me a picture this morning as I prayed of Jesus being tried in the wilderness by satan-that brought comfort-that He knows the pain we feel in the middle of spiritual warfare-and He too clung to God.
Dee, please do not be discouraged…you are doing the Lord’s work and are a blessing to many. I agree with Chris that your response to the comment was very gracious…I am thankful that Rebecca gave you encouragement needed “not to give up”. This blog has been a God-send to me (and I’m sure that I am not the only one who can say that). I’ll be praying, Dee…thanks for all you do.
Thanks so much, Nanci. I have so loved having you here!
Dee, I am reading Epic and last night the chapter on the enemy. Then this morning the Isaiah verses. Last night I was impressed with his ruthlessness and how he must be taken seriously. In Isaiah I saw how powerless he will be, in particular this verse:Those who see you will stare at you; they will look closely at you: “Is this the man who caused the earth to tremble, who shook the kingdoms, (Isaiah 14:16 HCSB)
We are seeing him as he is and as he will be. No wonder he is attacking. I will pray but let us please continue. Your work is exhausting I am sure but completely excellent. Thank you so much!
I have suspected harassment from the enemy too. My mind has been heavy with some things from the past. It feels almost like haunting. Weird
Just got the error again but found my comment at the bottom!
Dee, don’t be discouraged with a negative review or attack on your blog. I read the reviews and all but one or two are overwhelmingly positive, Of course it hurts to have someone attack you, Our Lord sure knows what that is like. The writers of the gospels would experience criticism too if they were on Amazon! I am not sure why the critic said what she did but it is easy for someone to misinterpret comments made on a blog or in a book. Know that we are upholding you in prayer. And your book Idol Lies certainly has a message that offends the enemy and satan doesn’t want believers set free from idols.
Do you know what you have done for me Dee? I have never in my life been so at peace with myself; it makes me want to cry. I can’t express my gratitude for you and this website. You are a blessing to me…a gift God gave me when my life was in turmoil. I have learned so much on this blog with these beautiful women. Thank you Dee, and remember to STOMP ON THE SNAKE!!!! (I hate that green snake you occasionally post!)
Like!
“Like too!”
Oh, dear Dee, so sorry you have been attacked. Satan is cruel and the master of lies. Amen to all the words of encouragement from the others here. This blog has been a life line to me. Please do not give it up. Be assured of my prayers for you, and David, and Rebecca.
I am working my way through the Bible study of Idol Lies this summer and it has helped me a lot. It is a message Christians so need to hear. It is not surprising, though hurtful, that Satan would attack, for he hates the truth and sees how it can free believers making them more effective lights in this dark, sad, despairing world. Do you have a mentor, Dee, or spiritual director to whom you can turn when you need help or reassurance? I too find criticism hard to handle and Satan uses its half-truths to devastate me sometimes.
Dee, I went to Amazon to check-out the negative review. I also read your response to her. You were indeed gracious and open to her, inviting a response so you could dialog more about her comment. I truly hope she will take the time to email you and explain further. However, I don’t understand where the idea came from in the first place. You have so opened your heart and life up to us, creating something really special here, that we can share such a fellowship as we do. I think you are always careful to exalt Jesus, not yourself. I agree with everyone’s comments, too…this blog was a lifeline to me, too, in a time of great sorrow and grief. I’m so glad you’re not giving up!
A. What was Satan once, and what caused his fall? (12-14)
He was a resident of heaven a servant of the Most High God, the Light bringer and Day Star He fell because of his pride, he wanted to be like God
B. What will one day be his end? (15-19)
He will end up in a pit, he will be brought low, those who look at him will stare and wonder that this is the one who caused such trouble, his power will be gone.
3. What evidences of perichorises do you find in:
A. John 1:1-3?
I see ‘in the beginning’ meaning before time and space-there is the dance- that Jesus was God and was with God. (“The word became flesh and dwelt among us.”)-John 1:14.
B. John 17:24?
Jesus desires for us to be where He is-in the dance with God-that we would see His glory. I liked verses 21 and 22-” I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” -so we see the trinity here and us being brought into the dance-we have the Holy Spirit inside of us bringing glory to Jesus.
C. Genesis 1:26
God said, let US make man in OUR image. So there is the trinity-and God’s purpose for making us was to bring us into the dance-to delight in Him and Him us. I think delighting in Him in EVERY WAY-His character, His holiness, Adoring His artistry in creation-enjoying WITH HIM, creation as well.
5. Read Isaiah 14:12-19
A. What was Satan once, and what caused his fall? (12-14) Satan was an angel in heaven, but he got prideful and greedy and wanted to be above God, so he was cast out.
B. What will one day be his end? (15-19) He will be brought “down to the depths of the pit.” I interpret that to be hell and his final destruction.
6. Read 1 Peter 5:6-11
A. Find four exhortations to live by in the face of evil. Find one in each of verses 6, 7, 8, and 9.
#1 – Humble yourselves…under God’s mighty hand.
#2 – Cast all your anxiety upon Him.
#3 – Be self-controlled and alert. Meaning be aware of evil’s temptations.
#4 – Resist the devil and remain firm in the faith.
B. What promise can give you hope in verses 10-11, though the enemy brings sorrow?
We are promised eternal glory in Christ. Our suffering will only last a short time (or at least a limited time). He will restore us and make us strong again. In other words, evil will not win out — good will triumph!
Praise God, Deanna!
David performed an update — let us know if you are still having trouble or not.
It seems to working fine now….you only have to remember to fill in the info once, (once every time you come on) then each time you comment it auto fill itself. Thanks David!
I’m so sorry to have to tell you that I still had to fill in my info to send this post! For my part, don’t spend a great deal of time on this gliche — I will just have to adjust. I have been spoiled all of this time! Please thank David for trying.
Does everyone have to fill in all of their information every time they post? Could you let me know. We are trying to figure it out.
yes–mine has been as they’ve described all week–whenever I first open the blog page–I lost a few at first, but have just (tried to) remember to enter my name each time–then if I leave the blog page up (in a tab), it’s fine. I just figured David (and you) have enough on your plates–and, it’s always good just for me personally to have to THINK more when I’m posting 😉
Dee, when I get online and come to the blog I have to sign in with my info. but after I have done that I can post several comments if I want to and my information stays. However, when I get offline again and come back to the website, I have to re-enter my information.
Yes, when I first come to the blog I must enter my name and email.
I had to fill in my info. No big deal. 🙂
Hmmm, but now my info is there.
4. When you think about your greatest joys and heartaches — are they connected to relationship? Explain. And what does this tell you?
Yes, they are. I haven’t thought about this before but it is true! i think the deepest pain for me hasn’t been my front stoop falling, or 10 expensive things going wrong in our home in three months time-yes those are stressful but pale in comparison to the betrayal or hurt from another believer-or if one of my boys or husband ever betrayed me or rejected me-or if I have hurt someone else. The greatest joys of my life have been in relationships with my children, my sisters in Christ, my parents, and my brothers, etc.
This tells me that God is relational-that He made us in His image to be relational with Him and with others in Him.
“This tells me that God is relational-that He made us in His image to be relational with Him and with others in Him.”
So true Rebecca
4. When you think about your greatest joys and heartaches — are they connected to relationship? Explain. And what does this tell you?
Yes, my greatest joys are marriage, having and raising children, celebrating with extended family. However, my greatest heartaches are with my family of origin. And even my husband and kids can bring heartache, as I assume I do to them as well. We are made to be in relationship. And so we are to be in relationship with God. Why, then, do we so often run from Him?
I’m still having the same issues as everyone else where I still have to type in my info. But I know it will all work out. 🙂
I too had to re-enter my name and email when I re-logged into this page today. Not sure what is up.
It works for me now! When I came to the website it had my info. in already.
Hurrah — It works again!! 🙂 Thanks so much! (That helped to overcome some of our anxiety) 😀
4. When you think about your greatest joys and heartaches — are they connected to relationship? Explain. And what does this tell you?
I can see the association/connection…relationships of love are related to joys and heartaches; there is a correlation…the greater the love, the greater capacity for joy or hurt/heartache. I can think of a variety of examples for both, but I’m not sure how my graduating from college and being certified a paralegal figures in…both were great joys but unrelated to a relationship outside of myself…they were personal achievements that were incredibly fulfilling.
5. Read Isaiah 14:12-19
A. What was Satan once, and what caused his fall? (12-14)
Satan was a heavenly being (“”How you have fallen from heaven”); his fall came from his desire to be God (“…I will make myself like the Most High.”)
B. What will one day be his end? (15-19)
He will be “brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit.”
6. Read 1 Peter 5:6-11
A. Find four exhortations to live by in the face of evil. Find one in each of verses 6, 7, 8, and 9.
1) humble yourself under God…obey God,
2) give all worries, anxiety, and care to God,
3) be mindful of and watch out for the evil one…”stay alert…he prowls…looking for someone to devour.”,
4) be strong in faith to stand firm against Satan/evil.
B. What promise can give you hope in verses 10-11, though the enemy brings sorrow?
After suffering, God will provide restoration…He will make me strong, firm and steadfast.
Nanci — I think your comment about college and becoming a paralegal interesting. I think those do bring satisfaction, but part of that is fulfilling a calling to God and serving people — which too is relational.
I was thinking about the change in me in how I viewed housekeeping before and after Christ — from meaningless to meaningful, because I was doing it for Him and for others. Though I admit I do it for me too, a sense of pleasure in aesthetics. I’m rambling. 🙂
Dee, I too find it easier to do everything for him.
David and I have been conferring about the website and blog. He is going to redesign it when he has time. Going to a more expensive set-up would be so much more money so we’re going to ask you to be patient and we hope to fix it with a different redesign. He’s a very smart man and I think he will be able to do it for not so much money, but it means we all have be patient, and there will times you will need to re-enter your info. Sorry about that — I know it’s a pain.
It is ok Dee. We can adjust.
Everyone, when you get the error hit the back button and scroll to the bottom. Your comment will be there. You can add your info and it will insert to wher you originally hit reply.
Thanks Anne — and for your sweet support on Amazon.
What stands out?
We are citizens of heaven. Being a citizen is a big deal, even though many of us who were born citizens of the US downplay it (including me). Just ask my husband who is Puerto Rican. He obviously is a US citizen but to him and others who have immigrated here, it is a big deal. It was a big deal in Paul’s time too. I can only imagine when Paul told those who were persecuting him that he was a Roman citizen that they just about fell over dead in shock.
We are citizens of heaven! This makes me joyful because I have always struggled with wanting so badly to belong in this world. That’s my problem. I can’t belong here. I’m not made for it. So the struggle is finding joy and peace in the here and now when all I really want is heaven and Jesus. Honestly I can’t think about it too long because while there is such hope in knowing the outcome, the reality of today can leave me depressed. That’s also why I think Paul preaches perseverance so much because this sin-scarred world leaves us with no option but to long desperately for home.
This sin-scarred world leaves us no option but to long for home. So true.
3. What evidences of perichorises do you find in:
A. John 1:1-3? The Scripture says:
1. that Christ was there in the beginning,
2. Christ was God and
3. Christ was with God. Even in this short passage, it uses three descriptions to speak of Christ.
Christ was involved with God in all of the creation. I think of the creativity of God the trinity and as I looked at the picture of the dance, I think of the Trinity talking and thinking and planning all of the amazing creatures and vegetation. I imagine them laughing and enjoying each other as they created. It makes me think of how I work with people on a project and how much more fun it is to do it together with someone and how our creativity, productivity and joy is increased as we do it together. (I am enjoying these thoughts of what joy God the Father, Son and Spirit experienced as they created all things.)
B. John 17:24? Christ was loved by God before the foundations of the world—he existed before the foundation of the world.
C. Genesis 1:26 God spoke, Let us make man in Our image.
Beautiful picture in A.
4. When you think about your greatest joys and heartaches — are they connected to relationship? Explain. And what does this tell you?
Yes, they are all connected to relationships. And so are my idols. There is a connection between my greatest joys, my deepest heartaches, and my idols. They start out as joys, gifts from God, and then I make them into idols, ultimates and must-haves, and over time they turn into my most horrifying heartbreaks because they cannot give me what I demand of them. I actually get scared to begin relationships at times because I know my tendency to idolize them.
Your description of idols is very well-said, Laura. They begin as joys, gifts…we make them into idols, ultimates, and must-haves…then they turn into our most horrifying heartbreaks because they can’t give us what we demand of them. Wow.
4. When you think about your greatest joys and heartaches — are they connected to relationship? Explain. Yes, my greatest joys and heartaches are in relationship.
I have experienced the joy of deep love with close family members, the sister love with my sisters in Christ , the amazing love of a child, and the unimaginable love of grandchildren. Each time I have been blessed with another grandchild, I am reminded that the most important thing in life is relationship as I seek to build that new relationship with this little person.
The deeper the love, the deeper the pain in loss whether it has been loss by distance, by death , by disagreement or seeing a loved one make bad decisions. The pain in my loss can turn me to a deeper relationship with Christ or it can (and has) numbed me as I have chosen to be hurt and chosen to not pursue a deeper walk with Him in my pain. I have experienced both and when I read the comment in day one that “even though I have been on the path before, I can still get lost”, God spoke to me to tell me that even though I learned and grew from loss in the past it doesn’t mean that I can just coast because “I already learned that lesson”. I cannot go on auto pilot. I need to have a fresh relationship with the Lord and allow him to lead me down the path he has me on now. In fact I think he wants me to dance down that path with him!
loved your whole last pharagraph Terri…so good!
Terri, I too love your paragraph…so much truth and wisdom.
I was especially struck by:
” Each time I have been blessed with another grandchild, I am reminded that the most important thing in life is relationship as I seek to build that new relationship with this little person.
The deeper the love, the deeper the pain in loss whether it has been loss by distance, by death, by disagreement or seeing a loved one make bad decisions. The pain in my loss can turn me to a deeper relationship with Christ or it can (and has) numbed me as I have chosen to be hurt and chosen to not pursue a deeper walk with Him in my pain.”
4. I see that all of the joys and all of the heartaches came out of relationships and that tells me that I was created for relationship.
5a. Satan was the shining morning star of the heavens. He fell because he wanted to be above God. He wanted His glory and power and honor.
B. Satan will end in the bottomless pit, stripped of all power, honor and beauty. Those who see him will not be able to believe that he once caused the earth to tremble.
6a. A. Find four exhortations to live by in the face of evil.
1. Humble yourself and allow Him to exalt your at the proper time.
2. Cast your cares on Him for He cares for you.
3. Be serious and alert. Watch for him.
4. Resist him and stand firm in faith. Remember that all believers suffer.
B. Though we suffer He will personally restore, establish, strengthen and support us. He reigns forever!
My info was there. Did not have to re enter it.