One of my most frequent prayers, as I know it is for many of you, is that my children (and their spouses) will be seized with passion for the Lord. Very recently this has happened for my son-in-law, David. David has been a believer since childhood, but recently my daughter Annie told me,
“He’s getting up every morning two hours early to be with the Lord!”
When I wrote David to tell him how glad I was, he responded:
He’s taken hold of me! I’m humbled and delighted!
What David is discovering is what Charles Spurgeon knew:
When we are “swallowed up in the delights of His company,” we also naturally become salt and light. That’s where we are headed this week, to consider what that means. We are also going to listen to a wonderful message by Michael Reeves on Charles Spurgeon. (I sent it to my son-in-law for he has become delighted in Spurgeon and he said, “I’m going to listen right away!” And then he posted it on Facebook. David’s joy in the Lord naturally makes him salt and light. This week I’m sharing stories of friends whose joy in the Lord makes them salt and light.
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- How have you experienced “the delight of God’s company” recently?
Monday: Salt Enhances Flavor
Tim Keller, last week, gave the illustration of how corn on the cob isn’t good without salt,
but if corn is good (partly because of salt) he wouldn’t say,
What great salt, but rather, what great corn!
Salt enhances flavor but doesn’t draw attention to itself.
When people play pickleball (or any other game) with my friend Twila, they don’t usually say, “What an amazing player you are,” but rather, “that was a really fun game.” Twila laughs, encourages, and helps people save face. Twila is like the quality of salt that enhances flavor. Wherever she is, she makes things better. Why does she have so much joy?
She is convinced God loves her (Abba’s Child was pivotal) and she abides in Christ through memorization. The fruit of that is joy and joy makes her both salt and light.
I loved Keller’s point that salt doesn’t draw attention to itself but simply enhances the food it is sprinkled on. Like salt, Twila enhances the flavor wherever she is, but does not draw attention to herself.
3. Read Matthew 5:13
A. What does Jesus call believers? Why, do you think?
B. What do you think He means when He warns against salt that has lost it’s saltiness?
4. Think about your life situations — do you enhance flavor wherever you are? Why or why not?
Tuesday: Salt Slows Rottenness in the World.
Another important quality of salt is that it slows down rotting.
John Stott writes:
“Jesus, of course, did not say, “You are the honey of the world.” He said, “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt bites, and the unadulterated message of the judgment and grace of God has always been a biting thing.”
My friend Lara absolutely exudes joy — she is so constantly thankful for Jesus’ rescue. Last week she told me, “I can’t stop singing!” She lived something of a wild life before Jesus found her and rescued her, and she started coming to our church, “The Orchard” four years ago. She works all weekend (we live in a tourist spot) and was looking for a church that didn’t meet on Sunday, and we meet Monday nights. She showed up — full of joy! Her life is hard in many ways! She is one who works so hard to make ends meet, and has faced many trials — yet joy simply bubbles out of her. She expresses thankfulness every time I see her. Every Monday night she says, “I’m so thankful for my family at The Orchard.”
When Lara’s ex-husband lost his job and needed a place to stay, he pleaded with Lara to let him live with her. As a baby Christian, she felt the loving thing to do was to say yes. (She was being “honey” and not “salt.”) But instead of looking for a job, he sat in her trailer all day watching television. Debbie, who was a little further down the road from Lara in her walk with Christ, said, “Bring me your television. I’ll keep it for you and let’s see if it makes a positive change in him.” (Debbie was providing the needed salt!) So Lara did. And though Lara’s ex accused her of being so mean, it also caused him to move out and start looking for a job. If Lara’s ex had stayed, rottenness would have set in for both of them. Instead, her ex is doing better, and Lara has maintained a peaceful relationship with him.
Debbie was salt.
Lara was salt.
And rottenness was stayed.
5. Salt has a “bite.” How do you see that in the story above?
6. Share a time when the bite of salt from a sister or brother in Christ helped you.
7. Where is God calling you to be as bold as salt? (Be still before Him and then ask for His help!)
Wednesday: You Are The Light of The World
This world is a dark, dark place without Christ. Travel to countries where the pagan influence has gone on for centuries, and you will be horrified by what is accepted as normal treatment for women and children. Sex slavery, brutality, revenge, and death are constant. When I read “Half the Sky” I was horrified to see how many in those dark lands felt the sexual molestation of women and children was perfectly okay. Terrorists feel justified in taking the lives of the innocent. One of the very few things Democrats and Republicans agree on in our country is that something must be done for these women and children. Half the Sky reports that more women have died due to this sexual abuse then all the men in all the wars in all the world in the last century. But we don’t know, because they are women. You can also see the documentary on You-Tube and Amazon. Here’s the trailer:
How dark we can become without the light of Christ, as dark as a moonless midnight in the forest.
Though the Western world is no longer considered Christian, we do benefit from those who have gone before. Their lights still flicker. Many unbelievers still embrace some standards of Christian morality, though they no longer can identify the source or explain why they do.
Studies show Christianity moves away from wealth, for people feel self-sufficient. And our country is rotting. How it needs believers to be both as bold as salt and as bright as light, even though there will be a cost. It may mean we will lose friends, jobs, reputation, and wealth. But we must not put our light under a bushel to save what we cannot keep.
As Jim Elliot said:
Our own Rebecca told a story a few weeks ago of being asked to falsify records at a job before an audit. She told her employer that before God she could not do it. He told her if she didn’t do it, he would have to let her go. She said, “Then you will have to let me go.” Rebecca was being both salt and light.
And Rebecca exudes joy.
It is important to not just point out the wrong path, but, as light does, show the right path. His Word helps us with that.
This is so important in parenting. Children need to be trained. I remember my dad used to get angry with me and say, “Dee Dee – – use your head!” I didn’t know how to do that – I only felt condemned. I did love my father and wanted to please him but didn’t know how to do that – -though that sounds crazy — I was a simple child who couldn’t figure it out. But I remember one time when I had resisted doing something he asked me to do and he said, “I want you to be respectful and obedient. I want to hear, “Yes, Dad, I will be glad to do that.'” It was so simple — but helpful. That was light to the right path.
8. What stands out to you from the above and why?
9. Read Matthew 5:14-16
A. What does Jesus say believers are to be? What do you think this means?
B. Think of a situation where you may be tempted to put your light under a bushel. Why? How could you speak to your soul to overcome that tendency?
C. What is the contrast in this passage to putting your light under a bushel? What does Jesus say this will result in?
10. How has the Lord been a light to you recently?
Thursday-Friday: Mike Reeves on Spurgeon
When we delight in the company of Christ, we will be exude joy and naturally be salt and light. Charles Spurgeon was a wonderful example of this. Learn from Michael Reeves as to why this was true and then share your comments or notes.
11. Notes or comments:
Saturday:
12. What is your take-a-way and why?
61 comments
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
How David responded…”He’s taken hold of me!” He gave the credit to the Lord. “I’m humbled”…the first Beatitude and “delighted”…the result! Dee, it must of thrilled your heart to hear that response.
My prayer and desire is to be “swallowed up in the delight of His company,” to naturally be salt and light.
2. How have you experienced “the delight of God’s company” recently?
I don’t have anything specific, but each and everyday I delight in His company through being in the Word and seeking the treasures He has for me.
Oh yes, Sharon, it did!
Do you know how glad I am to have you here — a woman of such wisdom and grace?
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? In all honesty… guilt For I have children that frustrate me (don’t all children frustrate their parents in their ‘child-nes’?!) and I equate it with failure (#religion). And 2. My life has crowded out the delight of His oresence. I hunger for it so … TIME to be still with Him but the battle is real and I, a lot of times, fail to see it for what it is – a tired body, frustrating circumstances, ‘demands’ for my time. A lot of this is spiritual battle… awareness is the first step.
2. How have you experienced”the delight of God’s company” recently? The scenery here in Montana never fails to delight me in awareness of His hand, power majesty, and beauty. To be honest the last few months my mind has been so crowded and confused with our transition that I have avoided true vulnerability with my Father … not sure where to even begin with all that. But He is so patient and merciful in my blunderings. When I listen to scripture in the morning (I have been using The Message to hear anew passages so familiar) it is like drinking water, this is His company.
Oh Jill — I feel for you — moves are so hard and you have had many. And little children wear you out. Praying for your peace, for long cool drinks of water from Him.
Jill, I feel for you in the midst of raising children, transitioning after a move to Montana, being physically tired, and all of the demands on your time! This is the season of life you are in. I don’t know if you saw it, but on our FB group page, I shared a podcast that I have listened and re-listened to again and again (just yesterday, in fact). It talks about “Always we begin again”….it is Leeana Tankersley, author of Always We Begin Again, a guest on Anita Lustrea’s podcast. She does talk about her own struggles to find “soul time” with God. Perhaps it would be helpful to you, as it has been for me!
I just downloaded this book, Susan. I will be listening to it on my commutes to work. I need a fresh start.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Oh I love seeing dear Twila, Lara, and our Rebecca–truly each one radiate His joy. But most of all, I just love David’s heart and testimony. It is so encouraging and hits me right where God has been stirring me lately….which leads me to #2 🙂
2. How have you experienced “the delight of God’s company” recently?
A few weeks ago I mentioned feeling the weight of my depravity clouding my soul. My “un-choice-ness” overshadowed my “chosen-ness”. Extended family mess reminding me of what I longed for as a child and never received. So I have been asking the Lord to help me experience more of my “treasured-nees”. I’ve been re-reading Abba’s Child, and also downloaded “He calls you beautiful” so I could listen on my long commute. Both have been such a balm, and He is showering me with reminders of His love, personal, for me. I listen to a lot of sermons in the car, and just last week, 3 different preachers, all “happened” to be preaching on Romans 5:5. I feel a renewed sense that there is so much more He wants me to experience of His love. I think we tend to settle in a comfortable place, “safe”…but His love is richer, deeper, than we could ask or imagine. And the end goal is not just that I feel it, but to be continually transformed by it, pouring it out…
Love your last sentence…and the end goal is not just that I feel it, but to be continually transformed by it, pouring it out! Amen
Your words are a balm to my soul, Lizzie.
What a wonderful prayer request! And even more wonderful answer, Lizzy!
Lizzy, I hope you know just how much YOU are HIS TREASURE!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Joy in the midst of all our troubles here on Earth. I am trying to refine myself to be this type of person.
2. How have you experienced “the delight of God’s company” recently?
Today our family went to a church in NYC on our travels through; Manhattan Bible Church. I was so blessed with the people, the music, the sermon, and the beauty of the church community itself. God was truly in that place. Thank You Jesus.
Sunday:
What stands out to you from the above and why?
I love the expression from C. Spurgeon, “swallowed up in the delights of His company”. I remember with fond memories people in my life whose company I delighted in and realized it was just a hint of the Lord Jesus’ company!
How have you experienced “the delight of God’s company” recently?
My past weeks have been filled with some heavy burdens and yet I found that Jesus’ company was what I longed for and have experienced. His Word has been sweeter and His promises very vivid and timely. Amidst tears and sometimes physical exhaustion, I sense His arms buoying me up and His whispers of love bringing comfort and peace. He has used many of you to reach the lonely crevices of my heart and to offer hope and peace.
Love this from Bing!
I remember with fond memories people in my life whose company I delighted in and realized it was just a hint of the Lord Jesus’ company!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? I love the prayers for your children and the Spurgeon quote. I love the ocean and the imagery of Jesus being a deep sea of joy!
2. How have you experienced “the delight of God’s company” recently? It can be really hard to experience the “delight of God’s company”in the midst of a dark time in life. However, I use a book compiled by Max Anders and Kenneth Boa called Scripture Talks with God, as one way to use scripture in prayer. Last week I was doing that and the thought suddenly came to me that there is nowhere our eye can look that is not saturated with the glory of God! His glory is on display in everything…if we have eyes to see…even in darkness His glory is there.
I’m a huge Ken Boa fan!
3. Read Matthew 5:13
A. What does Jesus call believers? Why, do you think?
He calls them salty. They are flavorful. They give a good taste to the mundane in life. They are joyful. They love life and show others how to do the same.
B. What do you think He means when He warns against salt that has lost it’s saltiness?
When the salty lose their focus, they can become jaded. They might be bitter. Maybe it doesn’t come from the heart and isn’t true in the first place?
4. Think about your life situations — do you enhance flavor wherever you are? Why or why not?
I do try to enhance the flavor of my life situations. Otherwise, the day to day grind can beat you down. When I had cancer five years ago, I decided I should enjoy each and every moment I was here on Earth. No more grading papers 4 hours per night when I could be spending precious time with people I loved instead. I could enjoy the sunset, the stars, the meal we ate for dinner; all of it.
3. Read Matthew 5:13
A. What does Jesus call believers? Why, do you think? We are called the salt of the earth. Salt has several properties that are also important to the believer. Salt enhances the “flavor “ of our faith, making Christ more appealing to an unbeliever. Salt is a preservative and in that way believers can staunch the decaying effects of sin in their sphere of influence. Salt also has healing properties as should the believer. Believers are to be people of influence. In Jesus’ day salt was rare and precious.
B. What do you think He means when He warns against salt that has lost it’s saltiness? If believers become indistinguishable from the world, then how are others to “taste and see”? We will have lost our usefulness…but not our salvation.
4. Think about your life situations — do you enhance flavor wherever you are? Why or why not? It is hard to know for sure but I would say yes, at least much of the time based on what others say. I do think it is hardest to do this in your own home which is also where I think it counts most. But also, I think as women, we are perhaps more vulnerable to inaccuracies in our beliefs about how this looks. Maybe because we filter life predominantly through our emotions.
“Hardest to be salt in your own house where it counts the most” Often true — pondering why — what do people think?
I think it’s because we are comfortable to let our true nature show; we know our family will always love us no matter what. But, then that brings up a point too…we should have our true nature in our hearts and not be “fake” outside our homes. We should be the same inside the home as we are outside, right? Hard stuff…
Thinking about salt tonight. We use salt in science as a standard example for chemical compounds. Sodium is a soft, silvery metal and chlorine is a greenish-yellow deadly gas. Elements tend to bond with each other if possible; many do not exist by themselves in nature. It’s so weird that on their own they can be harmful, but together they make something harmless that we use every day!
I think you are right Laura…we are our truest selves at home and we cover up our short-comings more when outside the home! But, what if we could risk being vulnerable at home. I often don’t because it risks being hurt deepest by those who know us best! But…Christ took that same risk because he knew that was the only way to the richest rewards!
Laura — you often generate interesting discussions. Thank you!
It is so true we can be our worst selves at home because we expect them to still love us — but is that who we really are? Or are we simply giving in to our sin nature and not putting on the new nature we have in Christ?
And Lucy — I want to understand what you mean by being vulnerable. Are you saying that when we blow it at home, giving into our sin nature, that we should vulnerably admit it and ask for forgiveness and repent?
I think Laura hit it spot on. I wonder too if when we are home, we are more worn down, tired and irritable so we take it out on the least little thing that some one says. Unfortunately like I did tonight with my husband. Instead of ignoring the comment made, I jumped right in to the ring. UGH!!!!
It was me and my husband too yesterday Julie! Ugh is right…
Dee…what I meant by being vulnerable in my home…is being vulnerable to be salt and light even when it is costly. I have had experiences when being my true self just provided ammunition for those close to me use that knowledge to act in hurtful ways. The fear that creates should not cause me to hide my heart…but instead to confess anything that I may need to repent of and ask the Lord for wisdom to know when and how to be salt and light instead of withdrawing!
1.What stands out to you from the above and why? My heart was thrilled yesterday when I read what David said!
2. How have you experienced “the delight of God’s company” recently? I most often experience Him in His word but yesterday at my nephew’s wedding out in a remote wooded area. I experienced Him in the joy of the believers around me. Had a few moments where I went upstairs away from the crowd and looked out the window and the trees were blowing, the sun was going down and just the sense that He is better, bigger and loves us so by providing for us such beauty and solace in silence while the wind gently blows the trees against a beautiful sunset. Beautiful it was.
3. Read Matthew 5:13
A. What does Jesus call believers? Why, do you think? Salt of the Earth. Because wherever we are we make things better. The earth without His Spirit in us would be a desolate place.
B. What do you think He means when He warns against salt that has lost it’s saltiness? We can go into the wilderness. We are tempted every day to run to things, people, vices rather than Jesus. Via our sinful fleshly desires prodded on by the lies of satan.
Thanks for sharing in my joy about David!
3. Read Matthew 5:13
A. What does Jesus call believers? Why, do you think?
Salt of the earth-it enhances, it preserves. We should bring about good wherever we go or what we do?
B. What do you think He means when He warns against salt that has lost its saltiness?
I looked this up from a website-“ As it is so chemically stable, sodium chloride will not lose its saltiness, even after being stored dry for many years. However, there are ways in which salt may appear to lose its saltiness.
Historically, salt has been obtained from crude sources such as salt marshes, and minerals such as rock salt. This contains the stable sodium chloride plus other components. Sodium chloride is readily water-soluble, so if this crude salt were exposed to condensation or rainwater, the sodium chloride could be dissolved and removed, and the salt could in effect lose its saltiness.”
If we let the “ water” of this world adulterate us as salt, then we would lose our saltiness or effectiveness.
1. Think about your life situations — do you enhance flavor wherever you are? Why or why not?
I would like to think that I enhance flavor wherever I am but I am sure that there were times I have not done so either by complaining, talking too much, or even not saying or doing something.
Love this from Bing — me too!
I would like to think that I enhance flavor wherever I am but I am sure that there were times I have not done so either by complaining, talking too much, or even not saying or doing something!
Yep..right there with Bing-me too and with each one..complaining, talking too much, or not even saying or doing something.
5. Salt has a “bite.” How do you see that in the story above?
The bite is the seemingly turning “against” her ex by taking the tv out of her house. Oh my! I love the word picture of honey vs. salt! This is helping me. It is so hard to be salt sometimes, but necessary.
6. Share a time when the bite of salt from a sister or brother in Christ helped you.
Hmmm….well, I remember one time my former pastor telling me that I had too high of expectations of others. It hurt. I have high expectations of myself and tend to project that on others. She implied that others couldn’t keep up and I should accept them where they were. I guess my expectations might have been judging the person without realizing it? Along those lines, my best friend in the world also said I should be less judgmental. Again, hurt. I don’t go out of my way to be judgmental, but I guess I am at times? Pointing it out helps to turn myself around each time I might be going down that path.
7. Where is God calling you to be as bold as salt? (Be still before Him and then ask for His help!)
Definitely with my daughter. We were in NYC attending a church last weekend and had the kids with us. We invited her to church too. Of course, she was late and missed the actual service, however she did come and meet a few people there. We spent some time with her and her boyfriend. They played with the kids and we ate lunch together (of course we paid). Just in the last month she kept texting me begging for money for food because she hadn’t eaten in a few days. It kills me each time she does this; she is like the drug addict who asks for money and can’t believe you won’t give it to them. I hold out each time these days (salt), but I have to have many people remind me of what she and she have done (talk me off the ledge). She’s my daughter! I love her. But, she needs to wake up. If we keep providing she will never change. I’m not sure she even will. It is sad but true.
KEEP SPEAKING THIS GOOD TRUTH TO YOUR SOUL, LAURA:
She’s my daughter! I love her. But, she needs to wake up. If we keep providing she will never change. I’m not sure she even will. It is sad but true.
4. Think about your life situations — do you enhance flavor wherever you are? Why or why not?
I am not sure! I would say yes because He is living inside me. I have been told at work that they know I truly care about them. Being part of management over this clinic has put me in a leadership role-unbeknownst to me. God knew that if I knew that I wouldn’t have accepted the position. Our employees are used to an us vs. them posture with management and there was a dark cloud over the clinic when I arrived, but I think God might be leading me to help bridge that gap, but that isn’t really what He wants them to experience rather He wants them to experience Him. At home: I agree with Lucy H. It is the hardest place. I am not sure why. It is the greatest testing place that brings out my idols, other sins, etc. Yet a place where His presence in those of us that are His can bring joy.
I KNOW YOU ARE SALT AND LIGHT, REBECCA!
Thanks to all who prayed for my presentation to MOPS. It did go well, and I so sensed His anointing. It humbled me. We have sent the tape, as requested, to Focus on the Family and they want a month to look at it. Appreciate prayers for God’s best there.
Monday
3. Read Matthew 5:13
A. What does Jesus call believers? Salt of the earth. Why do you think? Salt enhances the flavor and we should enhance Christ, drawing people to Him. It also preserves, keeps thing from going bad and we should have a preserving influence in this world.
“Disciples, if they are true to their calling, make the earth a purer and more palatable place.” ~ R.T. France
B. What do you think He means when He warns against salt that has lost its saltiness?
He’s warning against losing our usefulness in what we are to be in this world.
4. Think about your life situations – do you enhance flavor wherever you are? Why or why not?
I would like to say that I do but I see more of why I don’t. Lack of joy, selfishness, inner-frustrations etc.
Sunday:
What stands out to you from the above and why? – How wonderful to be swallowed up by the joy that only Jesus can give us. I’m so happy for David that he is in with Jesus full force. With the sea being deep, this picture in my mind is that you can’t help but be in full joy with Jesus. You are completely submerged and only have to open your arms to let Him surround you.
How have you experienced “the delight of God’s company” recently? – Recently my hours at work have changed to 6am-2:30pm and though I don’t like getting up at 3:45 and 4am, I am finding I have more peace as I drive home with less traffic surrounding me. I still have room to dive in deeper to the Lord’s joy, but I can feel the difference in my spirit.
Beautiful Julie: With the sea being deep, this picture in my mind is that you can’t help but be in full joy with Jesus. You are completely submerged and only have to open your arms to let Him surround you.
You are now on my clock!
3. Read Matthew 5:13
A. What does Jesus call believers? Why, do you think? – He calls us salt of the earth. I think he is saying this because as a follower of Jesus, we are the ones here are on earth that can make a difference in this scary world we live in. If we don’t step up to the plate and try to show compassion to everyone, then the things of this world will never change.
B. What do you think He means when He warns against salt that has lost it’s saltiness? – I think this may mean those who have fallen away from the ways of the Lord. That once followed him and believed in Jesus, but are wavering in their faith.
4. Think about your life situations — do you enhance flavor wherever you are? Why or why not? – I wish I could say that I ALWAYS do, but unfortunately I am a sinner still growing in my faith and relationship with Jesus. I do try to find the good in a situation but my attitude can get the better of me.
5. Salt has a “bite.” How do you see that in the story above? – I think this may mean that at times to be the salt and not be a door mat, you have to put a little tough love into the situation. In this story removing the TV from Lara’s house looked like they were being mean, but they were really making the ex see that he needed to get off his behind and start acting like an adult.
6. Share a time when the bite of salt from a sister or brother in Christ helped you. – Every time I’m held accountable it makes me stop and think of what I’ve said, or how I’ve acted. I think I may have mentioned this before, but my husband and I had decided to not go to a family birthday party because we were having our Life Group at the same time and we are facilitators of the group. My husband then got ‘guilted’ in to going and told me to cancel group. I did not cancel since it was the last minute and I talked about this to a friend of mine and she pointed out to me that it was his son and was probably torn between going to the party and leading group, but because it was his son, he had to go. I definitely did not want to hear this, but she was absolutely right. It made me realize that I was acting like a child because I didn’t like being pushed in to the corner
7. Where is God calling you to be as bold as salt? (Be still before Him and then ask for His help!) – I feel right now it is with one of my step sons. He and his wife are separated right now, but starting to realize that they want to be back together. I’ve been telling him I’m praying for them (they also have two little kids) and for a new job situation that he has an opportunity to get and he says he believes but also believes there are many gods to pray to. I have said I don’t know about that, but that I pray to Jesus who I know will help. He thanked me for praying and just tonight when I was talking to him, said he has been praying too. I pray it is to Jesus and not the ‘other’ gods.
Good answer to your son-in-law! Praying he will come to know the true God.
5. Salt has a “bite.” How do you see that in the story above?
Taking the TV away might have been somewhat of a severe mercy for lara’s ex-husband. It hurt but it was the best thing for him. I think that is what the bite in the salt is for. (I love Lara..my conversion is similar to hers and so is my ex-husband story. Wild!)
6. Share a time when the bite of salt from a sister or brother in Christ helped you.
As a new believer I still walked in some old habits but the difference was I was being convicted and began to flee them one by one, but there was one that had a hold on me. When I met someone I liked a lot and dated them, moving in with them would follow. I did that with a guy I met and my sister in law, Angie said, “Is that something you think God would have you do? Becky, don’t move in with him.” That statement was like someone pounding the rod in deeper than it already was for I was already convicted. I didn’t respond to her and moved in with him anyway, but after only 2 weeks (while studying The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges with my sister in law, Angie) (lol!) I fled. I told him, “I am sorry but I am a Christian and love Jesus more than I love doing this and I have sinned against him. I feel awful and I don’t want to keep sinning against him and you. He doesn’t want me to live with someone and not be married and I am not ready to be married. I am sorry but I am leaving.” I left. It was the best thing for him for it shocked him that I would do that (He knew it was the power of Christ in me.) he came to know Jesus as a result and my brother discipled him. We never dated again but I firmly believe that is why God had me in his life. Leaving him and telling him why was the best thing for him and of course for me. That was the end of that for I never lived with someone before marriage after that.
7. Where is God calling you to be as bold as salt? (Be still before Him and then ask for His help!)
I am not sure yet, but will ask.
What a story, Rebecca!
Everyone — read it! Oh my! 🙂
Rebecca what strength and faith you showed being able to do something that is so common place with this world.
8. What stands out to you from the above and why?
It pains (literally) to read these words:
“Though the Western world is no longer considered Christian…”
I can’t imagine what is ahead for us?
9. Read Matthew 5:14-16
A. What does Jesus say believers are to be? What do you think this means?
we are a light to others, not to be hidden. We need to show Him through ourselves; our words, our actions, etc.
B. Think of a situation where you may be tempted to put your light under a bushel. Why? How could you speak to your soul to overcome that tendency?
At school since being a Christian is not as accepted as being someone from another group. I don’t care and I bring it out anyway, knowing that God will protect me always. Just last week I wrote referral to a dean for a student who blurted out G-damn in my room. In the referral I said I was highly offended because I am a Christian.
In other situations I would say to myself, “It is my job to defend You Lord. I will do so. Please cover me while I act.”
C. What is the contrast in this passage to putting your light under a bushel? What does Jesus say this will result in?
Putting the light away means we won’t be sharing God with others. There will be no praise to Him.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I like the idea of diving in and being swallowed up in the delights of His company.
2. How have you experienced the “delight of God’s company” recently?
Well, I have been all over the place with my emotions this past week or so. Last weekend, my husband and I went for a walk at the park, and we had a nice time. When we came home, he asked me a question, there was miscommunication, he got impatient, and I EXPLODED at him. I was left wondering, really, where all of that anger had come from. So I talked to God about that. What I have observed in myself is that most every morning I wake up and the old tapes start playing, and I look at my past, my failures, what is wrong with me, and I see that there is a lot of self-hatred there. I have asked Him to help me just stop playing those tapes, and think about the person I am today. I see that I blame my husband for a lot of my problems. OH. I have been praying and asking God to help me when I go to work. I am on orientation, last week and this week, as I return to being a staff nurse on a very busy surgical unit at the hospital. I am working the long twelve hour shifts, which are even longer as I arrive around 6:30am and don’t leave until 7:30 or 8pm. I expected to feel exhausted at work, but have been surprised at how energetic I feel when I’m at work, even though I hardly have time to eat. I get about a 15 minute break during the entire shift. But I tell God that I like to work hard and I want to work hard, and I ask Him to help me learn all of the new things I must learn, especially the dreaded computer charting. One day I felt particularly “in synch” with my inner, spiritual world and the outer world, like I was aware of Him helping me. That was a great day. I am learning to get used to the new solitude when I am at home.
3. Read Matthew 5:13
A. What does Jesus call believers? Why, do you think?
Jesus calls believers the salt of the earth. Why? I guess because Jesus tried to use examples and word pictures that people of His day could easily understand. They didn’t have refrigerators back then, and salt was used to preserve foods and make them taste better. So as salt makes things better, in the same way, believers can make the place where they live even better by their presence.
B. What do you think He means when He warns against salt that has lost its saltiness?
I am not sure what this means. I’m thinking maybe that if a believer “loses his saltiness”, he becomes worthless to God’s kingdom, and is sidelined. What exactly does it mean though to lose one’s flavor? And when He says that you can’t make the salt salty again, that worries me because it sounds as if there is no hope for the believer who has lost his flavor, and I don’t understand why his case would be hopeless. Is there no possibility of restoration? When Jesus says it will be thrown out and trampled, I don’t understand how this could be the case for a believer, because that sounds like losing your salvation. Please help!
4. Think about your life situations – do you enhance flavor wherever you are? Why or why not?
When I go to work, I pray that I will be a blessing to my patients and help them feel better. What I need to work on more, with His help, is that I am so busy yet when I am with one patient, I want to make them feel as if they are my only priority right then. And that is hard, because I can be with a patient and the phone in my pocket is ringing because somebody else needs me at the same time. I hope I am being good salt at work. I am not very flavor-enhancing in my marriage because I have some work to do, with God’s help, to pull up roots of unforgiveness and resentment, and to take a hard look at my share of the reason why we have problems.
Susan–just reading your #4–I have no doubt you are the favorite nurse of all the patients you see. I know myself how your gentle spirit, your attentive listening, your wisdom–is such a gift. When Philip was in the hospital this summer our favorite nurse was named Susan and I kept thinking how much she reminded me of you. You are so uniquely equipped for your job. I’m sure they all look forward to seeing you!
And then reading your insight about your marriage–I can apply that wisdom to my own situations “where I am not very flavor-enhancing” and look for the roots of what is going on in my heart.
Susan — it is so good you took your explosion with your husband before the Lord to see what was really going on. Did you communicate this with him too? I would imagine that would go a long way.
I don’t think salt losing its saltiness and being thrown out means losing salvation. First, we know we can’t. Second, I am seeing it is dangerous to take the pictures in the Sermon on the Mount (such as gouging out our eye if it causes us to sin) too literally, but to realize Jesus is saying “This is serious. In the gouging out the eye example, John Stott says “mortification, not mutiliation.” In the “salt has lost its saltiness,” I believe he is saying that person is still His child but of no use in the world.
3, Read Matthew 5:13
A. What does Jesus call believers? Why, do you think? He calls them “salt of the earth”. I think Tim Keller’s point about salt making life taste better is the crux of this label. Having Christians in the world makes God’s grace, mercy, and love visible. This makes like palatable. An otherwise bland and unappealing meal can come to life with salt. Same with Christians -we care for the poor, lonely, broken, and afflicted (which, indeed, is all humans ourselves included). Life without that salt would be intolerable. Seeing God come through His children awakens people to Him! Just as salt awakens our taste buds to flavor and enjoyment.
B. What do you think he means when he warns against salt that has lost its saltiness? this is controversy all. I have heard it preached that this means you can reuse your salvation. I think it more likely to be a caution to not lose your joy in the Lord. If we lose sight of what is most important, of what truly brings deep joy that actually satisfies then we will lose the “flavor“ that is appealing to those around us. Then our actions Will become more self-centered and not palatable to those around us and therefore not allowing Christ to come through us. It is either Him or me it cannot be both?
4. Think about your life situations – do you enhance flavor wherever you are? Why or why not? I do not truly know… I do know that I struggle with wanting to be approved of. This often manifests as a desire to be labeled “the best“. However, I know that some characteristics that Christ has given me (honesty, patience, giving people the benefit of the doubt …) often surprises people. But it is not an effort to be “the best“ rather it really is who he has made me at the core. I am seeing, again, how deep my approval idol goes. Subconsciously I think I have been convinced that to give God glory I had to be considered “the best“ at whatever I was endeavoring to do. Rather, I have loved Tim Keller‘s analogy of the salt to convince me that really it is just loving and serving people (being this salt) that brings glory to God and really relieves a big burden and allows me too just be the continually sanctifying me and not have to strive to be “the best.“ of course, loving God, seeking God above all manifests these things more and more deeply…
1. Salt has a “bite.” How do you see that in the story above?
Oh, Lord. I have been more of honey than salt. The “bite” from Debbie is the tough kind of love “bring me the TV (source of the dependence of Lara’s ex)-her way of telling Lara not to be the “honey” at this time.
2. Share a time when the bite of salt from a sister or brother in Christ helped you.
I was bemoaning my school situation to a friend today and she gave me practical suggestions and told me, “you can do it, Bing. Stand up for what you believe is good for your classroom.” I needed to hear this.
3. Where is God calling you to be as bold as salt? (Be still before Him and then ask for His help!)
Creating boundaries for my students by standing my ground so I can enhance their learning rather than curtail it by allowing inappropriate behavior in class.
Update: Today, I stood my ground with my kids, made changes in the seating arrangement with very minimal resistance and the afternoon made better! One student asked me, out of the blue when it was a little closer to the end of the period, “how are you Mrs. Boettner?” And I said, “Better. You all made my day by not complaining about the changes I made today.”
Good examples, Bing.
8. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The contrast between the two things Dee’s dad told her. One type of help felt condemning pointing out a fault which left her not knowing how to change but the other was an instruction on how to do something which gave her light -something she could understand and do. This is so true. Like instead of saying to my boys that they are sloppy and I am tired of it, 😉 I could say, it doesn’t look like you have checked off your chores and the house is messy. Please do your chores daily and then you won’t have to give up a Saturday or Sunday.
9. Read Matthew 5:14-16
A. What does Jesus say believers are to be? What do you think this means?
We are the light of the word. We ARE-he is not saying if we strive to be we will be the light but rather we are (if He is in us). Yet it seems in verse 16 that He is saying we have to “let” it shine. So He knows how our sin nature, or reluctancy can hide the light.
B. Think of a situation where you may be tempted to put your light under a bushel. Why? How could you speak to your soul to overcome that tendency?
Whenever I am tempted to put my light under a bushel, it is because of fear, or mainly because I am not trusting God in that moment but trusting in something else.
C. What is the contrast in this passage to putting your light under a bushel? What does Jesus say this will result in?
The contrast is to not put it under a bushel but to let my light shine before others so that they will see Jesus and glorify Him, not me.
10. How has the Lord been a light to you recently?
He has revealed to me he is moving in my oldest son’s heart. Eli must be continuing to read his Bible and looking at varying sects of Christianity and is now asking us questions. The latest was, “mom, what do you think of the prosperity Gospel.” I said, “It is a lie and people are getting hurt by it.” He agreed and said, “Jesus was the opposite of that. He said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a wealthy man.” I said, exactly, because a wealthy man doesn’t see a need for God. KEEP PRAYING FOR MY SON, SISTERS!! God is moving, but his turn will be in God’s timing, not mine. 🙂 God has this, not me. So exciting. 🙂
Very exciting about Eli!
Mike Reeves is awesome! I didn’t take too many notes, but would encourage everyone to listen. He talked about who Charles Spurgeon was. I don’t know much about him; only what others have said (his quotes). I enjoyed learning about him; his grumpy nature, his jokes that were self-deprecating, and his willingness to help others (he assisted in over 150 church plantings).
He says that Spurgeon felt that joy was key in life. God wants us to be joyful. It shows Jesus when we do so.
He believed since we were given life, we should live it with great energy. It’s communion with Christ. He thought that a Christian should be busy, not a sluggard. One who is a Christian will be out about with others, being proactive at helping them. This is how we experience God’s own joy.
His bliss is where we need to be, not our bliss.
A true appreciation of God produces a holy fear of God.
The more desire for righteousness in God we have, the less desire we have for sin.
We are made to be happy in Christ. Joy is an essential characteristic of human health. It is a true characteristic of someone who is mature in their spiritual life. We, as Christians, must fight for joy.
Great notes, Laura. So glad you listened. I agree Mike Reeves is wonderful — so fun!
1. Salt has a “bite.” How do you see that in the story above?
Oh, Lord. I have been more of honey than salt. The “bite” from Debbie is the tough kind of love “bring me the TV (source of the dependence of Lara’s ex)-her way of telling Lara not to be the “honey” at this time.
2. Share a time when the bite of salt from a sister or brother in Christ helped you.
I was bemoaning my school situation to a friend today and she gave me practical suggestions and told me, “you can do it, Bing. Stand up for what you believe is good for your classroom.” I needed to hear this.
3. Where is God calling you to be as bold as salt? (Be still before Him and then ask for His help!)
Creating boundaries for my students by standing my ground so I can enhance their learning rather than curtail it by allowing inappropriate behavior in class.
Update: Today, I stood my ground with my kids, made changes in the seating arrangement with very minimal resistance and the afternoon made better! One student asked me, out of the blue when it was a little closer to the end of the period, “how are you Mrs. Boettner?” And I said, “You all made my day by not complaining about the changes I made today.”
You go, Bing! You are being salt. A very good thing.
Oopss…I just realized I repeated myself and don’t want to delete what I wrote in case it puts up a red flag. I listened to Mike Reeves while I was working on a few things. I did not take notes but was struck by the story of Charles Spurgeon and how he believed that as Christians we should be joyful. Even amidst trials and difficulties.
I needed to hear his message because, on Thursday, my husband had to be taken by ambulance to a hospital 40 some miles from our town. He had a bleed as a complication to a scope done on Wednesday. As I scramble to make arrangments for school and secure the house and deal with health care providers and make decisions, I was overcome by the reality that despite the uncertainty of my husband’s life there is in front of me my Great Warrior fighting the battles for us. After a whole day of waiting, Richard was wheeled into the procedure room and the bleed was taken care of. I felt like the 2 days were a week-long struggle or more for both of us! We are so grateful for our church who prayed and friends who texted. And a special stranger who came and ministered to us-sent by a friend and surely by God.
Indeed the joy of standing on the truth of God’s promises gave me the stamina and peace. I have sensed the Lord’s presence and His smile. I am thankful my husband is still here with me.
And I am glad I have this place to share my walk with God and be encouraged with the daily refreshment of fellowship.
Oh my — praying for your husband — and you!
Bing, I hope Richard is recovering well. I am sorry you and he had that experience but I love how you felt God with you. Praying for peace.
Thinking this week on being salt. I overheard a conversation at work that out new light on it for me … two co-workers had taken a resiliency class and were commenting on how a couple gals shared their experience with God’s peace. Then the co-workers said something in regards to the God comments that shocked me, “That is so inappropriate.” And I realized that instead of the default assumption of people’s God preference being Christian the default expectation has solidly swung to non-Christian or even anti-Christian. I knew that big main-stream thinking had swing that way but it has now trickled down to the ordinary and common human. I am probably late in seeing this but now to be salt is not just choices but a decidedly up-river swim! But even then to be salt is to allow Christ to change my core and simply be whom he is making me to be!! My courage and saltiness increase as a result of His Gospel changing my core. I love Keller’s comment about how do we get good at sharing the Gospel and speaking truth?? He says we bumble around and do it wrong for years and then we start to get better at it. How to give glory to God without being annoying arrogant forcefully mentioning His name but also to not be a coward hiding under a bushel … bumble until the voice directing my actions is not my feelings or presumed human comments but the Spirit’s voice.