Consolation

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  Luke 2:25

When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:18-19

Dear Sisters,

A belated Merry Christmas to you and yours.  This holiday had me busy with family and travel so posting a Christmas "hello" was not at the top of my to-do list.  But I think we all understand the busyness of the holidays and chose to have family as a priority.  The inspiration for this post did come after a long day of travel to stay with my parents for Christmas.  Last year was the first time I wasn't with my family for the holidays and I wasn't going to repeat that set of circumstances this year.

During my many hours drive, I passed through a few towns and in those towns are churches and in front of many of those churches are signs.  Because of the season many of those signs might say things like "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" or "Merry Christmas" or "All we want for Christmas is your Presence."  As I got closer to my parent's house, I passed a church with a sign that read "Jesus is Our Consolation."

I admit that when I first read that sign my thoughts went to the idea of consolation as in consolation prize.  The dictionary defines consolation prize as a prize that is given to someone who has not won a contest.  I was like "wait a sec, Jesus isn't a second best prize! He lived a sinless life and died so that I may have eternal life.  Jesus isn't a consolation; He's the best prize a person could have; He's the grand prize."  Maybe your thoughts go there as well when you hear people referring to Jesus as a consolation.

I rolled the idea of Jesus as our consolation around in my head some more.  If I looked that the phrase "Jesus is Our Consolation" from a different side, Jesus as a consolation prize is a great thing.  Why?  Romans 3:23 tells us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  Taking this information and combining it with Romans 6:23 which says "the wages of sin is death."  According to Scripture, the grand prize that I deserve as a sinner is death.  Since what I deserve is death, then the last part of Romans 6:23 explains why Jesus is our consolation: "but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I thought about the idea of consolation some more.  The dictionary defines consolation as the act or an instance of trying to make (someone) feel less sadness or disappointment.  A synonym for consolation is comfort.  Digging into my Bible dictionaries I found that the Greek word for consolation and comfort is paraklesis (Strongs 3874).  Paraklesis means an exhortation, admonition, or encouragement for the purpose of strengthening and establishing the believer in the faith. 


Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.  2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.

Think about the comfort that we receive from God.  We know that the comfort doesn't always mean that the struggles go away but we do know that He is there for us to hold onto during the struggles.  We know that His purpose is being worked out in us; that the things taking place in our lives are not random.  Personally I find comfort in this.  Yes, we will have sufferings but we will have comfort as well.

Yes, initially my brain went in the wrong direction when I saw the sign.  But after more thought and study, we can see that Jesus IS our consolation, our comfort.  His sinless life, death on the cross, and resurrection are the best consolation for which a person could ask.  That consolation prize is a free gift too! (Romans 6:23) 

Sisters, I pray that you will cling to the fact that Jesus is our consolation and comfort as we head into a new year.  Take sometime today to thank God for the comfort He has provided and will provide us.

Sincerely,
Sister Jane
Ps 18:30

ps: It's been awhile since I've shared some creature photos with you.   Here you go!

T was helping me while I worked on this post:

 

 I was packing for a trip a few months ago and S jumped in the suitcase thinking she could go with me.  :)

Part of a Body

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

I Corinthians 12:12-19

Dear Sisters,

Have you ever sat in the sanctuary at church, looked around, and thought about the different functions people have at church?  There is the pastor(s), the musician(s), the choir members, the music leader, and the sound people.  Those are the people that we notice most often in the church because what they are doing is very visible.  But have you thought about the "behind-the-scenes" people?  Someone had to prepare the coffee that you picked up from the fellowship hall that morning.  Someone folded the bulletin that you picked up as you walked in the church doors.  Someone arranged the decorations in the sanctuary.  Someone is taking care of the babies and young ones during the worship service.  The worship service that you participate in wouldn't be possible without ALL of the behind-the-scenes and in-the-scenes people doing what they do.

I recently finished a study on Spiritual Gifts with a lady from church.  We discovered that the gifts given to us by God can be broken into 2 basic categories: speaking and serving.  In the early church the elders soon realized that they couldn't do it all so they needed to have people designated to serve and those designated to teach and preach (Acts 6:1-6).  The study went on to look at more gifts but without more study, I wouldn't do a good job of discussing those specific gifts here.  My goal in this post is to talk generally about spiritual gifts.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.  To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good... All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills. 

1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 11

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.  

Romans 12:4-6

Sisters, it is important to remember we have all been gifted by the Spirit with different gifts.  All of the gifts work together to make the church body what it is.  One gift is NOT more important than another (Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 12:29-30).  The person who sings special music is not more important then the person who helps out in the nursery.  The preacher's spiritual gift is not more important than the hospitality gift of those working in the kitchen during a potluck.  As long as they are using the gift(s) God gave them, they are doing what they are supposed to do. (As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. I Peter 4:10-11) 

If you are not sure what gift(s) God has given to you, there are a few resources I can recommend.  For most of these, you can fill them out online or on the computer and get a result but unless you are a member of the church from which the resources came I would recommend that you not submit your final results.

• Spiritual Gifts Assessment from Brook Hills
• Ministry Giftedness Survey from Bethlehem Baptist
• Gifted to Serve Spiritual Gifts Inventory

Definitions of the gifts can be found here: 

• Spiritual Gifts Descriptions from Brook Hills
• Gifted to Serve Spiritual Gifts Definitions

...We are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16

Complete a survey or 2, ask a friend or 2 to fill one out based on what they know about you.  Compare the results to see what your likely spiritual gift(s) are.  Your task doesn't end here though.  Once you know the gift(s) with which God has blessed you, thank God for those gift(s) and then you MUST put the gift(s) to use in and for your church body.  Talk with the leaders at your church to see where your gift(s) may best be used.  If you have a gift that doesn't appear to have an outlet in your church, ask about starting a new ministry that will best use your gift.   Remember that your gifts are about bringing glory to God, not yourself. 

This post is not a complete study of the spiritual gifts given to us by God.  Doing a study on gifts with a friend or two would be a great idea because you can hold each other accountable to use your gifts in and for the church.   Brainstorming together for ways to use your gift is a great idea.

Please comment about what you've learned about your gift and how you've been able to put the gift to work to glorify God.  Remember that in order for a body to work properly all of its different parts are needed.  In the same way that a body is more than just a set of ears, we can't all be the piano player at church.  :)

Sincerely,
Sister Jane
Psalms 18:30

A Note of Thanks

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Dear Sisters,

Fall is my favorite season of the year.  I'm sort of kicking myself for not getting out and taking some pictures of the colors this fall and now it's too late because most leaves are off the trees.  Some parts of the country are even getting buried in the snow.

I love the colors of fall.  The reds and oranges in the trees can be vibrant and warming.  The coolness in the air means hot beverages to drink and warm clothes to wear.  The cooler weather is a good excuse to knit warm and wooly things.  I love fall.

Fall is also a season of thanksgiving.  Canada had their Thanksgiving holiday in October and America has theirs today.  For many of us it is a time to be with family or if family is too far away, we spend time with friends.  While together with others we enjoy a meal (whether fancy or simple), enjoy the fellowship (watching the game or working in the kitchen or stories around the table), and share out that for which we are thankful.

 Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; 

let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!  Psalm 95:2

And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, 

and tell of His deeds in songs of joy!  Psalm 107:22

I hope, dear sisters, that you are thankful more than once a year.   I hope that on a daily basis you can honestly say that you are thankful for God's love and the grace that He has shown to you.  Be sure you tell Him that too.  :)

A few weeks ago during a study I was doing through Philippians, I ran across the verses at the beginning of this post.   As I read the verses I started to cry.  I thought back to events earlier in the summer when I was in pain and how even through that pain, God's peace was there.  His peace did surpass all human understanding; I can't explain it with the right words.  It was a peace that was protecting my heart and mind.  Yes, there was still pain but His peace was still there in the midst of the pain.  Through my tears I thanked God for His presence, peace, and protection during my time of pain.

Have you shared with someone else lately why you are thankful for what God has done for you?  I would like to challenge you, sisters, to tell at least one person during this holiday season about what God has done for you.  Has He protected you, provided you with peace, saved you by His grace?  Tell someone about it.

May your holiday season be full of thanks for our God and Savior.

Sincerely,
Sister Jane
Psalms 18:30

Do Pass Go!

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; 

the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.  

Psalms 19:8

Dear Sisters,

A small goal was accomplished last week.  Remember back in 2012 when we challenged each other to read through the Bible again in a year?  I met that goal last week and, yeah, it took me over 2 years to do it.  I confess that I let things get in the way of my reading plan, things that distracted me from maintaining the most important relationship a person can have - the one with my Savior and Lord. 

The reason I titled this post "Do Pass Go" is because I've made the goal to read the Bible through again.  Yes, I've "made it around the board" but that doesn't mean that I should stop.  I need to continue to build my relationship with God and I can't do that unless I'm in His Word on a regular basis.  I do like the plan that I used the past 2 years but I also know that picking a different plan for this time through is a good thing.  It's like changing up where you usually go out on a date with your significant other.  New things can bring renewed anticipation, renewed joy, renewed love.

My return back to more consistent Scripture reading has brought out a renewed desire to do deeper study in Scripture.  Yea!  I've had the thought to do this for a while but I have a hard time putting thoughts into action when there is a lack of desire.  I'm thankful that the desire is there now so I can put thought into action.  And being the person that I am, I have to find the resources to help me do it right or at least better than I have in the past.  Please know that I'm not trying to sell anything to anyone but the Inductive Study Method from Precept Ministries International is really good.  I've been using their topical studies in Sunday School and with another lady at church.  I even have plans to join one of their online studies that starts next month.  What I really like about their material and tools is that they are all about what the Word says.  It's not that you can't use a commentary to learn more about what you're reading but that isn't the 1st thing that you read. Scripture is top priority, and shouldn't it be?  The important thing that I need to do is more than just plan but to put the plan into action.  Sometimes I'm not so good at the action part of plans. 

Sisters, where are you on your relationship journey with Christ?   Does it feel like it's lagging?  I want to encourage you to set aside regular time to read God's Word.  Hey, it took me over 2 years to complete a 1 year plan.  If you fall away from your readings, don't give up!  Get back on track and keep going forward.  I can't count the number of times I ran across Scripture during my readings that comforted me when I needed comfort and instructed me when I needed instruction.  I don't know exactly what God wants to use to comfort or instruction you from His Word but I do know that it is found in His Word. 

There are tons of resources out there for reading plans.  Some can even be set up to give you reminders on your smart phones on a daily basis.  I'm a check list person so I like plans I can print out to mark on when I've completed that day's reading.   Find something that works for you. 

Get into the Word today and everyday!

Sister Jane
Psalms 18:30

In the Custom...

 And this occurred because the people of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods and walked in the customs of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel, and in the customs that the kings of Israel had practiced.

2 Kings 17:8

And you shall not walk in the customs of the nations that I am driving out before you, for they did all these things and therefore I detested them.
Leviticus 20:23

Dear Sisters,

I came upon the above passage in 2 Kings last year during my nightly reading of Scripture.  The repeated phrase "in the customs" almost jumped out at me. 

A Quick Bit of History

A quick study of Israelite history tells you that at this point in 2 Kings, God's people weren't following His laws and commandments; again.  They were instead following after the customs of the heathen nations around them.  The 'this' in 2 Kings refers to the fact that God allowed the Assyrians to carry away Israel into Assyria as punishment for being "in the custom".  And before anyone thinks that the Israel didn't know that following the behavior of their neighbors was wrong, read the 2nd verse I listed above from Leviticus.  They had been informed ages ago that they were not to be "in the custom" of the nations around them because God detested what those nations had done.

What does "in the custom" mean?  A quick dig in the Bible dictionary pointed me to the Hebrew word huqqah (Strong's #2708).  I'm sorry that the Hebrew looks bad but I can't get all of the symbols to show up here on the blog.  The word can mean statutes, laws, ordinances, decrees, commandments, or regulations.  These are things that can be given orally or be written down.  The statutes of the Lord were taught to Israel and Judah so they could discern between what was acceptable and what was not acceptable in God's eyes.  Following the decrees of the Lord would help Israel and Judah separate themselves from the activities of their heathen neighbors.  Following God's "customs" brought blessings.  Not following God's "customs" brought curses.  History tells us that Israel and Judah stopped following God's "customs" and bad consequences followed.

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent...my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.  Proverbs 1:10, 15-16

Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil.  Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.  Proverbs 4: 14-15 

The above verses in Proverbs are just a few of the warnings found in Scripture that tell us to stay away from the "customs" of the world. 

The reason the phrase "in the custom" stuck in my mind wasn't because of the history lesson.  I started to think about what I do on a day-to-day basis.  Am I doing things that are "in the custom" of the world around me? Should I be like some who avoid technology because the world uses it? If that's the case then this blog shouldn't exist and I'd need to quit my day job because all of those use technology.  Should I change my apparel because some of what I wear is worn by the rest of the world?  Are there things I shouldn't do or shouldn't say because the world does or says them?

The Three Ls

One must be careful of how these questions are answered.  If we answer them in such away that we start putting the following of rules in place of the salvation freely available through Christ, we swing towards Legalism.  Some people are extreme in their Legalism in that they follow almost no "customs" of the world.  They won't wear worldly clothing, they won't use worldly technology, they don't approve of music that sounds like what the world is making.  I know there are more examples that are not listed here.  Legalism says there are specific ways to behave and specific things to do in order to be in God's favor.  Legalism ignores Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

The other extreme from this is when people answer the questions in such away that they believe salvation gives one License to do whatever one wants.  Those who choose License do not believe that there are "customs" of the world to be avoided.  They ignore the Scriptures that ask us to not follow after the "customs" of the world.  Their trust is in the world and not in Christ.  They ignore Romans 6:15: What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace?  By no means!  Scripture is clear that neither Legalism nor License are acceptable ways to deal with the "customs" of the world.

If Legalism and License are not what God approves of for us, what option do we have left?  Through salvation in Christ we are called to Liberty / freedom (Greek - eleutheria, Strong's #1657).

For you were called to freedom, brother.  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  Galatians 6:13 

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, 

but living as servants of God.  1 Peter 2:16

The freedom the children of God have is from the Legalism of the Old Testament.  We also have freedom from the rules that others make as they try to impose their Legalism on us.  The Liberty we have in Christ gives us the ability to decide for ourselves through Scripture and the Spirit what His will is for our lives. 

How do we apply Liberty to our lives?  I can't give a definitive list because that would border on Legalism and License.  Some examples though, I can provide.  Liberty means that for those ladies who feel led by the Spirit to wear a head covering in church or maybe at all times, they are free to choose to do that.  They are not free to tell other ladies that they too should wear a head covering in order to be in God's will.  That would be Legalism.  Music styles can be a touchy subject for some in the area of Liberty as well.  This is where I am so thankful that my parents applied Liberty when my brother and I were in our teen years.  Their personal preference was not for the up-beat, rap, and rock style of music that my brother and I enjoyed.  Instead of telling us that the music wasn't allowed, my mom asked to read the liner notes.  If the words were good, then she allowed the music to stay in the house.  She might not have wanted to hear it herself but she didn't forbid us from having it.  This is a beautiful example of Liberty.  

Liberty is in the middle of swing of the pendulum that can easily move toward Legalism or License.  Liberty must be used wisely, and Paul talks about this very thing in Romans 14:

Therefore let us not pass judgement on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.  I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anything who thinks it is unclean.  For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love.  By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died...Do not for the sake of food, destroy the work of God.  Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.  It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.  The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God.  Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgement on himself for what he approves.  But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith.  For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.  Romans 14: 13-15,20-23.

My paraphrase of Paul is that he's saying "Don't use your liberty, your freedom to do an activity that would cause a fellow Christian to stumble in their walk.  In their immaturity or in their newness in Christ they may find activities unacceptable that you find acceptable.  When you are around them, don't do those activities that would cause them to stumble, to doubt.  Don't put them down for finding fault in those activities.  If there is an activity that you doubt would be acceptable in the sight of God, then don't do it.  If you do it while in doubt, it is sin because it wasn't an activity done in faith."

What To Do

Why should we follow God's "customs"?  I'll let Scripture speak for itself: 

My son, do not lose sight of these -- keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.  Proverbs 3:21-22

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12:1-2

David was in love with God's law ("customs").  I'll share part of his words regarding God's "customs" here but I suggest you take some time to study the entirety of Psalm 119.

 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! 

Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart,

who also do no wrong, but walk in His ways!

You have commanded Your precepts to be kept diligently.

Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping Your statutes!

Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all Your commandments.

I will praise You with an upright heart, when I learn Your righteous rules.

I will keep Your statutes; do not utterly forsake me! 

Psalm 119: 1-8

God's "customs" are good things.  They are not meant to bring us harm.  They are meant to bring us closer to God and to what He desires for us. God's "customs" provide us a framework within which to use the Liberty He has given to us.  Legalism and License are not inside His "customs" framework for us.

Wow, we've discussed a lot so far in this post but we need some application before I close out the post.  How are we to see that God's "customs" are good things when the world is telling us they are bad things? How are we to learn to love God's "customs"?  Open your Bible and READ IT!  Study it on your own and with a friend!  I find that I learn more when I study Scripture with a friend than if I study it alone. Pray for your heart to be open to God's "customs".  Pray over what you read, asking the Spirit to show you what He would have you learn from His Word.  Put into practice what you learn as this is of utmost importance as well.  Learning is good but application is the putting of that knowledge into practice in our lives.  This is part of the wisdom and discretion mentioned in Proverbs 3:21-22 and in Romans 12:1-2.  Wisdom and discretion will help you discern the "customs" of the world that you are to avoid and there by live in the Liberty we have in Christ.

As we seek to be "in the custom" of God, may our prayer be that of the words of Nehemiah:

And I said, "O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments.

Nehemiah 1:5

Sister Jane

Psalms 18:30

Randomly on a Friday

 This God -- His way is perfect;

the word of the LORD proves true;

He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 18:30

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  

Romans 8:18

Dear Sisters,

I have a few random thoughts to share on this Friday evening.  At this moment they are random but who knows, maybe I'll pull all of the randomness together by the time I'm done with the post.  Or maybe not. 

1. I've been quiet on the blog for much too long.  Happy things happened and then sad things happened and now it's time to start chatting with you again.

2.  I've chosen to look at my current circumstances as something in God's control. My heartbreak is in God's hands.  If I don't look at things this way, then I loose all hope.  I've learned that I need to trust God more and to cling to Him better. 

3. Prayer has been a great comfort these past few weeks.  I found out that a dear sister in the Lord was going through a struggle much worse than mine and so when I started to feel bad for myself, I started to pray for her instead.  I prayed for her; I prayed for others who were sick and hurting.  God used prayer to help me look past my own hurt and bring the hurt and pain of others to His feet.

4. I mentally placed my concerns, dreams, and prayers for reconciliation in little boxes and put those boxes in God's extremely capable hands.  From past experience, I've learned that I have to put those boxes in God's hands or I can't function.  I also have to be sure that I leave those boxes in God's hands.  Pulling them out of His care never does me any good. 

5. The verses at the beginning of the post are verses that I have quoted to myself a lot lately.  I am thankful that God put these words in front of me.  It is comforting to know that He has a purpose for me through this suffering.  I don't know what the purpose is fully yet, but knowing that God's way is perfect and that I can take refuge in Him is good thing to cling to. 

6. While some might call me a crazy cat lady, I'm really thankful that I have my cats.  I'm not sure if it's because of their age or if it's because they know something is up with me, but they've become really good lap cats recently.

7. Lord, help me to use my gift of singleness to bring glory to You.  It wasn't the gift I thought You were going to give me but I know it is the gift I have at this time. 

Thank you,
Sister Jane
Romans14:8