Sometimes You Gotta Take 15

I got a chance to go on a high ropes course for the first time ever a couple of weeks ago. We were at the U.S. Whitewater Center on a whitewater rafting trip with work. We had a few minutes to kill before our day was over so Michael and I headed over to the high ropes course. I'd never been on a high ropes course before, so I really didn't know what to expect. At first I was terrified. Everything about high ropes courses is against human nature. You're up high, balancing on a rope with barely anything to hold on to. You know your harness should hold you if you fall, but you don't exactly want to test it.

The first obstacle was only 2 ropes. You walked on one and had one to hold on to. After about 3 step-shuffle things I was convinced I wanted to turn around and get down. I had basically no fear during the Whitewater rafting, but this was too much. But I couldn't turn around because there was a 10-year-old boy behind me. He couldn't exactly go around me, but he was on my tail. When I finally got across the obstacle, I wanted to stop on the platform and take a few minutes to get my head together, but my shadow was relentless. He was practically running through the course. By the time I got through the last obstacle (a rope bridge with nothing to hold on to) he was actually running through the course.

If that boy hadn't been so fearless, I would have spend a lot more time on the platforms between the obstacles. I would have taken my time, going through the obstacle by myself without worrying about holding anyone up. Sometimes after clearing an obstacle, you just need to rest. It's part of being human.

This morning I was thinking about where I am in my walk, and I thought about this high ropes course. At one time I was that little boy, running through life and tackling obstacles like it was nothing. I never needed a break. I could never get enough of Jesus. There was no spiritual exhaustion. But I'm not like that anymore. I need rest. I need breaks. It's not that I occasionally give up on my faith because it's hard, but sometimes I need a moment to rest on the platform before continuing.

Spiritual development is hard. Facing your shortcomings is hard. Constantly comparing your life to the life of Christ is hard. It hurts. It's tiring. It's normal to need a break - to need to stand on the platform and catch your breath. It's normal to want to sleep in and skip quiet time sometimes. Confession: I've skipped quiet time about half of the time in the last two weeks. There were times when I opened the Bible and I started reading and about 10 verses in I put the Bible down because I couldn't do it. I didn't want to read without taking in what I was reading, and I just couldn't force myself to take anything else in at the time.

It's okay to take a spiritual break. I'm NOT saying it's okay to ignore your faith or to live like the world because the Christian life is too hard. I'm saying it's okay to take a break from spiritual development sometimes and just be. We are called to a higher purpose and it's important to never forget that, but sometimes we need to refuel before we keep going. Standing on the platform doesn't mean giving up on the high ropes course. Coming up for air doesn't mean you're done swimming. 

My friends, it's okay to take a break. God created us to need breaks. Just make sure you're honoring Him during your break. 

The Importance of Quiet Time

In today's society, quiet time is an essential part of the human relationship with God - specifically in the United States. We live in a culture centered around speed and convenience. We have to-do lists, appointments, and even apps on our "smart"phones that help us keep track of our lives. We live in a blender. We let life chaotically swirl around ourselves and grasp tightly onto whatever we feel is important to us. I'm not writing to argue against this - though I'm slightly tempted to. The truth is, no matter how much we all agree that a hectic lifestyle isn't ideal, we all continue to live it. Instead, I'd like to write about the importance of quiet time.

Quiet time can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. To a young mom it means that tiny gap of peace in the day when the youngster is down for a nap. For that youngster it means a forced nap when they'd rather run screaming and throwing toys. For a Christian, it means deliberate time with God. This is the quiet time I'm talking about.

The thing about quiet time is that a lot of people have absolutely no idea what to do with it when they sit down with their Bible. In the past couple of weeks I've been asked several questions about quiet time. "What should I read in my Bible?" "Where do I start?" "What do I journal?" "How do I have a meaningful prayer?" "How do I stay focused?"

Quiet time can sometimes feel so deliberate that we forget its purpose. We desperately want connection with God so badly that we try to force it. We want to please Him by journaling a beautiful prayer. We want to impress Him with our insight about His word. We worry that our prayers aren't long enough or meaningful enough. We worry when we don't "feel" God's presence.

The truth about quiet time is that it's different for everybody. For some people it's an hour of studying God's word and praying to Him. For other's it's a 5 minute plea for strength and energy. I've heard of some people intentionally driving in the car in silence (AKA no radio). Sometimes it's a hike through the mountains celebrating God's creation.

The beautiful thing about quiet time is that we don't have to have it all together. We don't have to say something beautiful to God. We don't have to read 10 chapters of the Bible. Quiet time is about your personal relationship with God. It cannot be replicated.

If you're floundering with the concept of quiet time, give yourself a break. God knows your heart. The fact that you want to spend time with Him is enough. You are enough. You can bring your brokenness, your hurt, your exhaustion. You can come to Him having no idea how to create a connection. You are only one-half of the relationship! He can create a connection too. He can work on your heart and allow you to know Him in ways you could never do alone. It's not up to you. God can change your life without beautiful prayers and eloquent words. God is not limited to your intelligence. All He needs is a willing heart.

I plan on making my next couple of blogs about different elements of the heart that God requires for a successful quiet time. If you're struggling to connect with Him, stay posted!

The Importance of Praying Before

Lately God has had this idea on my heart to pray about things before they occur. If you regularly read my blog, you might have noticed this reoccurring theme. I strongly believe that praying about things before they happen has a strong impact on the situation. In times of weakness it is so easy to overlook prayer, especially if exhaustion is paired with your weakness. It's easy to go to bed early or sleep in late without taking the time to ask God for strength. It is so easy to focus so much on a problem that we forget about the God in control of our problem, or that our problem is often inconsequential to the Kingdom of God.

When we pray about things ahead of time, we are praying that God will prepare and strengthen our heart for different situations. We are continually reminding ourselves that God is in control over all situations, even ones we aren't in yet. We remember that God has a bigger picture; that there is a plan beyond the problem. And I still haven't found a single negative to praying about things before they occur.

One thing that I regularly pray for is my marriage. Yes, my marriage has already occurred, but I pray for times of trouble when we're in a time of peace. There is a blog that I found on Pinterest that changed my marriage. It's about 10 Scriptures to Pray Over Your Marriage (link at the bottom of the page). I have these Scriptures written in my prayer journal and every day I pray for just one. For instance, today I prayed that we would run to God in times of need (Psalm 91:1-2). Even though Michael and I are blessed beyond our wildest dreams right now, that doesn't mean we'll never be without need. Praying that we will run to God in times of need reminds me that we depend on God and that we eventually will be in need but He is our provider. I am preparing my heart ahead of time so that I know how to react when the situation occurs.

Guys, I'm a psych major, so I'm going to throw a little psychology in here for ya. Ever had a really bad dream? Where someone really close to you dies or a man with a gun breaks into your house or something really, really bad? Wake up sweating and unable to shake that dream off? The mind creates these scenarios to prepare itself in case that even would actually occur.  Your brain is "practicing" so it won't panic. How'd you do? Cry, scream, pee all over the floor?

Our brain naturally wants to prepare itself in advance for difficult times. Why, then, do we not do the same thing for our heart? Ephesians 6:10-17 speaks of putting on the armor of God before going into battle. If you're already in battle without armor, you're at a huge disadvantage because you are more vulnerable than you should be.

My question for you is: Are you ready for battle?Are you ready for difficult times? Does life feel more difficult than it should? Are you struggling to keep your head above water? Would your life look drastically different if you prayed every day?

If you want to check out the marriage blog, click on the link below. Just remember - reading the blog doesn't do much for your marriage if you never visit the topic again. Praying for your marriage should be a daily goal.

http://timewarpwife.com/?p=1751

What is Spiritual Warfare and How Do I Face It?

Do you ever have those days where you're just sour for now reason? Everything can be going great but you're pouting in the corner because you can't seem to shake your funk?

Last week I spent a couple days in this terrible, terrible mood. I was not a fun person to be around. At work I forced myself to remain quiet. I prayed over and over again, God, please just don't let me hurt anyone today.  I didn't want to snap at anyone over something stupid and I knew I wasn't being myself, so I avoided others at all costs. At home I practically locked myself up in my bedroom to avoid taking my anger out on Michael. I yelled at Bailey over stuff I normally would have let go. I couldn't find the energy to do housework or schoolwork. I couldn't focus when I tried to read my Bible or pray. I was in this hazy, ugly fog and I couldn't escape.

It took me 2 days to realize that I was facing some spiritual warfare. Once I realized what was going on, the intensity seemed to vanish. It was still there, but it was much more tolerable. That's the secret to spiritual warfare - once you figure out what's going on, it melts away. Its strength is in its disguise.

The best way I know to describe spiritual warfare is a Satanic attack against the soul in order to prevent furthering the Kingdom of God. I know that sounds pretty intense, but rarely does that attack look like the blockbuster demonic possessions. Instead, spiritual warfare often looks pretty normal. Sometimes it's a simple as everyday distractions. Ever tried to read your Bible but couldn't seem to take in a single word you were reading? Or tried to pray but couldn't think of any of the words you wanted to say? Sometimes spiritual warfare looks like my bad mood last week, or sometimes it's this random urge to avoid a friend that normally points you toward Christ.

Point is, spiritual warfare is discrete. It's easy to overlook. It's easy to place the blame elsewhere. So how do you know it's there? First of all, if you've recently done something to further the Kingdom of God, you can expect some spiritual warfare. Satan will distract and discourage. He'll do whatever it takes to stop you in your tracks. I've even had all of my electronics suddenly stop working when I'm trying to write something that glorifies God.

It's important to remember that our lives are a battlefield. Just as God places opportunities in our lives to accept Him, Satan tries to tear down those opportunities. Your soul is a war zone. It's completely normal to face these constant battles. Christians often encourage one another by saying that Satan wouldn't be interested in you if you weren't a threat. Take that to heart.

1 Peter 5:8 says "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

1 Peter 4:12-13 says "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."

The Bible warns us to be prepared for attack but so often we are caught off guard. Verses promise God's protection, like Psalm 91:4, which states "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." So often we misunderstand God's protection. We think He'll prevent us from allowing bad things to happen. But this verse doesn't say anything about God protecting us from bad things. It says that He will be our refuge. It says that He is faithful, and His faithfulness will protect us. To understand His faithfulness, we need to look at His promises. Philippians 4:19 says that God will provide for our needs. John 15:7-8 says that God will answer our prayers. Acts 13:38-39 says that God will forgive our sins. Nowhere does it say He'll keep us from getting hurt.

The Bible doesn't protect against spiritual attack, but it does promise blessing through the endurance of an attack. 1 Peter 4:12-19, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, and Isaiah 41:10 all promise blessings through trials. There is beauty in spiritual warfare. For one, there is beauty in our dependence on God. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says that God is glorified in our weakness. God created us to depend on Him. Second, we are not called to be perfect. We are called to struggle, to fall, to need. These things create our need for God.

I want to encourage my believing friends 2 things:

1. Pray about spiritual warfare ahead of time. Pray that God will open your eyes to spiritual warfare and that you will be well-equipped to handle it.

2. If you think you are facing spiritual warfare, have hope. Spiritual warfare cements faith. It solidifies our dependence on God. It strengthens our walk.

Even though spiritual warfare is one of the more ugly parts of being a Christian, it is a necessary hurtle to conquer. We cannot enjoy the glory of Christ without our faith being tested first. I guarantee you, your fight will be worth it. Because, after all, peace follows war. (Unless you lose the war, but that's another post.)

Freedom

The Fourth of July is right around the corner. It might be a holiday centered around the gory reality that lives were lost in order to create our country but that doesn't stop us from having our cookouts and watching fireworks. I have to say, I'm jealous of those who got to live during the decades following World War II. Has patriotism ever been higher than after that war? Soldiers returned home and the country was united on the victory of defeating a true enemy. Today we can't even get our citizens to agree on who the enemy is. There's the War on Terrorism, the War on Drugs, and the constant tear between Democrats and Republicans. Should we legalize marijuana? Gay marriage? Polygamy? Stem cell usage?

Politics are complicated. Messy. Personal. I'd like to suggest that our country is so focused on politics that we forget about the bigger picture. The Fourth of July is supposed to reel us back in and clear our heads. It's a day dedicated to remembering the bigger picture. It's a day dedicated to the freedom that we get by living in the United States. The Bill of Rights gives us freedoms that allow us to live lives unheard of in other countries. We fought hard for this. We payed a high price.

Sounding familiar? The church, the Body of Christ, is just like the United States. God payed a high price for us to have salvation. It is through this salvation that we get to live free. We are no longer restricted by our sinful nature. We aren't strapped by our secrets, terrified of consequences. The early church in Acts fought a revolution. Some paid with their lives. Not only was the blood of Christ spilled but the blood of countless Christians was spilled so that we have our church today. How often do we forget about this? How often do we let the legalism and politics of church blind our vision of Christ? How often do we forget the bigger picture? WE ARE FREE.

The freedom that Christ offers is even greater than the freedom that the United States offers. Sure, just like the U.S. we have a law that we need to follow in order to have peace. But does that law actually inhibit our freedom? Both the U.S. and Christianity have laws, yet the U.S. isn't defined by its laws, but rather by its freedom. Christianity, on the other hand, is often paired with its rules. The biggest difference between American freedom and Christian freedom is eternal grace. You can't exactly apologize to an American judge and expect to be let free.

Christians around the world are more free than Americans. A persecuted Christian in the Middle East is more free than an unsaved American. Ask yourself: Are you truly free? Is something restraining you? Are you choked by debt? Past mistakes? A lack of education? An illness? Sin? What would life look like for you if you were truly free?

Romans 6:20-23 brings up an important point. When we are free to sin as we please, we bring harm upon ourselves. A damaged liver from alcoholism, STD's, bancruptcy, broken relationships, and eternal separation from God. Is that really freedom? When we live by the law of God we are free from most of those things (I can't guarantee you'll never lose a friend again). Plus, we are free from our past mistakes because God wipes them away (Psalm 103:11-12). There is no more guilt (Romans 8:1). Freedom in Christ is like never having to ever remember an embarrassing or awkward moment for the rest of your life, only better. (If any of you are like me, you have plenty of those memories you'd like to live without.)

I want to end by asking you this one, super important question:

If you weren't American, would you still be free?