Author: Lauren (Heiligenthal) Demuth

Don’t Be Deceived…

I thought this was insightful, biblical, and highly applicable to our lives. Be encouraged and mindful 🙂

Lilka Finley Raphael's avatarB Is for Blessed!

I was recently reminded to be a bit more mindful and not merely act on what I “think” I see.

Our enemies aren’t always obvious. They rarely arrive with a pitchfork and horns.

Some are flatterers, even endearing. Many are manipulative and masters of illusion, leading us to make assumptions that can cause us great harm.

Upon closer inspection, I realized the “bee” in the photograph was hardly a bee.  Instead it is a wasp, to which I am highly allergic. There are no less than six Epi-pens stashed around my home!

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

It is impossible to resist our adversary if we can’t recognize him.

And then there are…

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Candle of Hope

A message of hope and words of wisdom from a dear friend 🙂

Karina Lam's avatarKarina's Thought

Once upon a time, there are four shining candles in a room. They are red, green, blue, and white candle. As time goes by, they are slowly begun to melt down. In the quiet night, was heard their talks.

 The white candle said, “I am a peace.  But unfortunately more and more people are not able to keep me even longer to appreciate the meaning of Peace. Therefore, I’d better just turn myself off” So little by little the blue candle goes out.

The green candle then said, “I am faith. But like the white candle, I also have the same fate. This time, there are many people don’t have faith anymore. Though they claim to have me, but sadly they place me at the bottommost of their lives. Not infrequently they sacrifice me solely for their own interests. It’s useless for me to keep light up. I will follow…

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Tending the Garden

Growing up, I helped my mom with her yard work. She has always had a knack for implementing different landscaping ideas, planting beautiful gardens, and maintaining it all to perfection. Unfortunately, I still don’t have a green thumb. I suppose I didn’t pay attention as well as I should have while she worked. However, one thing I did learn well was pulling weeds and other encroaching, undesirable plants. The most important part about pulling weeds is that you never just remove what you can see; rather, it must be fully uprooted. Some weeds are easy to pull up. Just a slight pull and up it comes. Others need a little more attention with a shovel and some digging—and much-needed gloves for the prickly ones. If a person constantly checks his or her garden, the weeds don’t have much chance to grow, and there’s less effort involved. If the garden goes unchecked, the process can be overwhelming, and there’s more of a risk of missing or breaking off substantial roots. These roots can then wrap around the good plants, causing them to wither and die.

As Christians, we can look at our spiritual life as a garden. When we are just starting out, our garden is made up of little seedlings with the goal of bearing fruit for the kingdom of God. But it’s not a matter of if weeds will sprout, but when. Alongside our little saplings, we might notice a little weed here and there—little thoughts from the enemy that start to grow—“Don’t forget about that mistake you made yesterday”; “Do you really think you can change?”; “You’re worthless and will never make it as a Christian.” As Christians, we may still struggle with some sins and face new temptations. With some quick attention to these issues and asking God for forgiveness and help, those weeds—temptations/sins—can be uprooted and no more.

But what happens when we only check on the garden once in a while? We go out and discover larger weeds, maybe some prickly ones that make the task difficult. It’s tempting to just cut the tops off so we don’t have to see the ugliness. No harm, right? Now we can see our beautiful flowers again. But the danger still lies beneath: Roots. Roots can be parts of the past that linger and start to kill our spiritual fruit. To dig deeper means having to deal with the real issues, the underlying weaknesses that we are afraid to see. Maybe they are sins that we are too ashamed of: anger, sexual promiscuity, jealousy, self-harm, stealing, lying, homosexuality, etc. Maybe they are lies that have taken a hold of us, making it unable to see any truth: unworthy, ugly, useless, could never be forgiven, [insert thought here]. The stronger the weed roots become, the weaker the good plant becomes, hindering it from bearing fruit.

What happens if we neglect our garden altogether? It will never grow to its potential. It will be overcome by the enemy. And eventually, it will die. What if it gets to the point that every good thing dies? Scripture refers to two options. First, if the person doesn’t desire to change or pursue God, the garden remains dead. That person has made the decision to walk away from God (Hebrews 6:4-6). However, with the second option, there is hope for the one who has lost his or her way but still desires to follow the Lord (Luke 15:11-32). What must be done? Repentance. Everything of the enemy must be uprooted and exposed, and the seeds of truth and righteousness must be replanted. Without a doubt, it will be painful, but God’s forgiveness, grace, and strength make it possible. Once it has been restored, the responsibility for maintaining the garden remains.

Being a Christian takes hard work. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that we must examine our spiritual lives and be honest with ourselves. Are we being attentive to the little weeds/thoughts/sins that are starting to take root? Do we have deep roots that need to be dug out and exposed to the light? Is our garden overrun by all sorts of dangers that seek to choke out anything good? We have been blessed with having the Holy Spirit within us if we have made that decision to follow Christ, but we still have to listen. We are responsible for what’s growing in our spiritual gardens, but the Lord is there if we call upon Him for help.

Consider Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians regarding their Christian walk:

“So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” ~ Ephesians 3:17-24 NASB

Let’s gather our gloves and shovels and get to work!

 

©Lauren Heiligenthal

**Photo from https://www.pinterest.com/explore/garden-ideas/?lp=true

 

To See or Not to See?

I love reading the Book of John. When I was in school, it was kind of a dismissed gospel because it’s not like the other three; however, it is arguably my favorite. From the very beginning it focuses on Jesus’ divinity, His ministry, and His sacrifice. In John 1:17, John writes, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” How wonderful is that! One of the passages I love the most in John is in chapter 9 where Jesus heals the man who was born blind.

There was a belief that sicknesses, deformities, etc. were a sign of sin. Even Jesus’ disciples ask Him who sinned, the blind man or his parents? Jesus responds by saying that neither had sinned, but the man was born blind so that the works of God might be displayed in him (v. 3). This sets the stage for the rest of passage. The miracle itself is awe-inspiring and demonstrates God’s power, but it’s the interaction between the man and the Pharisees that illustrates the difference between knowledge and wisdom.

The Pharisees are the teachers of the Law. They are the experts who are to lead by spiritual example. Yet with this healed man before them, they cannot reach a consensus on who Jesus is. Many say that Jesus couldn’t be from God because He healed on the Sabbath (v. 16)—something they always like to bring up. When asked about Jesus’ identity, the healed man believes Him to be a prophet (v. 17). Well, the Jews don’t like that so they turn their attention to his parents to find out if their son really was blind. Out of fear of being turned away from the synagogue, his parents throw the attention back to their son—surely he can speak for himself. Repeatedly they ask the healed man how Jesus did it, but he is finished with their interrogation. Instead, he asks, “You do not want to become His disciples too, do you?” (v. 27). Of course not! Instead, they claim to be Moses’ disciples, not followers of this man whose origin remains a mystery to them. Even though they have all the knowledge of the Scriptures, they remain ignorant. On the other hand, the healed man—uneducated and a beggar—understands more of the Scriptures than these experts:

“‘Well here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not hear sinners, but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him. Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.’” (vv. 30-33 NASB)

What a testimony of the greatness of God and the wisdom He gives to those who are willing to receive it! After the man is cast out from the synagogue, Jesus finds him and reveals Himself as the Son of Man. He then uses the healing of the blind man to teach an even greater spiritual message: “’For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind’” (v. 39). Of course the Pharisees say, “We are not blind too, are we?” And Jesus replies, “‘If you were blind, you would have no sin, but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains’” (vv. 40-41).

The Pharisees had the truth at their fingertips. Of all the people, they should have known from the beginning who Jesus was. But they got caught up in the letter of the Law instead of its principles. They followed their own understanding and interpretations, and they enjoyed their lofty positions and relationships with the powerful. They neglected the wonderful blessing of truth they were given. They were spiritually blind and remained in sin.

In contrast, the man was a beggar who was born blind with no hope of change until he listened to a man who told him to simply “Go to Siloam and wash” (v. 7). One simple step of obedience changed his life and his testimony. Having heard the truth of the Scriptures, he knew that Jesus could only be from God. He then gained physical and spiritual sight and his sins were forgiven. Simple obedience, simple wisdom, simple truth.

Who are we? Are we like the Pharisees or the healed man? We have heard the truth of the gospel numerous times, yet do we have understanding? We can take theology courses, read a handful of Bible translations and paraphrases, go to church every week, but do we see? Are we aware of our spiritual condition? Do we follow the Lord in simple obedience?

Do not complicate the gospel message. Examine your heart. Talk to the Lord about it. Listen to what He says (for the Lord hears the prayers of God-fearing people who do His will- John 9:31). And do what He says.

May our eyes be opened to His truth.

 

©Lauren Heiligenthal

Testing the Spirits

I wanted to share a post written by Stacey Louiso, a wonderful Christian woman and author. This post is a challenge to the modern body of Christ, and I think it is quite thought-provoking and biblically sound. Too often the church follows popular leaders and teachings instead of digging deep and testing what’s been preached. Here’s a quote from Stacey’s post:

“Often, as I follow and interact with pastors, ministry leaders and the like on social media, I find myself wishing I weren’t so connected. Some of what fellow Believers proclaim makes me wonder which version/translation of the Bible they read! Why? Their theology, hermeneutics and exegesis are often very loose versions of what the very traditional translations of the Bible contain. Loose (modern) translations of the Holy Bible are part of the very problem described herein, not part of any solution. They often mislead people and lighten the truths of the word of God. Softening the message of the Gospel was never part of God’s plan for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, or his resurrection.”

Please check out the rest on her blog: http://www.writingdownlife.com/2017/02/05/a-body-called-to-christ-not-to-a-church-part-1/# . I also encourage you to read other posts she’s written.

 

The Simple Reason Why I Am Not a Premillennialist

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.  For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

“Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

~ Matthew 24:36-51 NASB

What is the main point of what Jesus is saying to His disciples? Be ready! No one knows when the Father will have Jesus return. There was a sense of urgency to be on the alert when Jesus was still on the earth, which continued to permeate throughout New Testament teaching and even to this day. My goal with this post is not to pick apart premillennialism, but to simply point out that the teaching regarding seven years of tribulation, where people can have a “second chance” to come to Christ, violates Scripture. Why does it violate Scripture? Because even though people may have missed the first rapture, they will then know that Jesus will return again within seven years. They will have exactly that time to “make things right.” If that’s the case, then why not live like the world now if we are going to get another chance later? Is there really a sense of urgency? Better yet, have we forgotten that we’re living our second chance right now?

Before the Law there was no prescriptive way to be made right before God. This is why Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are held in high esteem. They had no Law, yet they acted in faith and did instinctively the things that would become Law. God gave Moses and His people the Law in order to set themselves apart and be right with Him. It was rigid and full of regulations. We read it now and wonder how it was even possible to fulfill. That’s the point; it couldn’t be fulfilled. This was the first chance—until Jesus.

Jesus’ sacrifice became the second and ultimate chance. Through His sacrifice we are no longer bound by the rigidity of the Law. We no longer have to offer sacrifices or perform cleansing rituals. We have been baptized with Him and will be resurrected to eternal life because of His grace and mercy. These things cannot be taken lightly, which is why Jesus spends much time talking about being ready and on the alert. Do we want to be like the slave who is found doing what his master desires, or do we want to be like the evil slave who thinks he can do whatever he wants because his master won’t be back for awhile?

A little over seven years ago, I was admonished by close Christian friends (now family) that my spiritual house was not in order. I was encouraged to make myself ready. I have been a Christian since I was seven years old, yet I still needed to be shown that my spiritual life needed a change. Even though we accept Christ and claim to be Christians, we still need to do spiritual cleaning. Just like our actual homes, dust gathers and things that seem gross and terrible at first become part of the norm. There may be an eyesore in our living room, but we wouldn’t notice it because it has become part of our lives. This can also be applied to our spiritual houses. In truth, we can become complacent with behaviors and thoughts that used to convict us, and we may not even realize it until someone else has the right kind of love to point it out. As Paul clearly shares with the Corinthians, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and should act accordingly:

“Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” ~ 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 NASB

We have been given a gracious, wonderful second chance at eternal life. Let us do our best to live according to God’s will for our lives and in such a way that others will want to follow God now.

 

©Lauren Heiligenthal

Sunrise

It has been far too long since I’ve written a post. A big reason is that I’ve felt stuck. Stuck spiritually. Stuck in my career. Stuck in my devotions. Stuck in feeling inspired. It’s difficult to get out of the mud, but I’ve learned that I must pull one leg out at a time and make the effort. The Lord has always been there for me, but He won’t make me move until I’m ready to make that effort. Today is a new day, and I’m excited to be back 🙂 This poem is the best way I know how to share my journey these past few months. I pray that you all are doing well, and that you have a wonderful Christmas! May you always have hope that the sunrise will come.

Sunrise

Flames flicker,

Wisps of smoke;

The air grows cold,

The night remote.

My soul yearns for the light;

It aches for the warmth.

Fear suffocates—

How will I break free

From this insanity?

My reflection is no longer mine

But a stranger who has become me.

I search for the sunrise

Clinging to the hope

That a new day must come.

This fear can no longer encapsulate my heart

And poison my thoughts.

Oh, Light, shine ever bright!

Pierce this darkness!

Awaken my dreams!

I want to see myself again

In You.

~~~

The dawn begins to break;

I search the horizon.

Pink and gold hues cover the sky

As the sun steadily climbs,

Yet greater is the Light in my heart—

The Light of lights who has chosen me

And lifts my spirit above the painted clouds.

He has always been there,

Even in the darkness,

Even when I forget who I am,

He knows and calls me back.

As I search for the way home,

He will not let me forget His dreams for me.

He reminds me that the impossible has been made possible,

That He sustains, provides, and leads.

I must fulfill His call

For this is the only way that I can truly be fulfilled.

Be glorified and magnified, My Savior,

My King!

 

©Lauren Heiligenthal

 

 

They Could Find No Charge

As Christians we are not guaranteed a problem-free life; rather, Scripture provides many passages that talk about Christians being slandered and persecuted. But how should we respond? Karina Lam has written an excellent post about Daniel’s faith as he faced the lion’s den and how his actions have helped her with a difficult situation of her own. Read and be encouraged that the God’s truth and justice will prevail!

Karina Lam's avatarKarina's Thought

THEY COULD FINE NO CHARGE -Karina's thought

Hello my dear readers, it’s me again with “The Man of faith” series and this post will be the last series. This time I choose Daniel as the last figure. I choose Daniel because coincided with the problem I faced recently. Briefly, please allow me share to all of you.  My problem begins when some time ago, one of our companies won the tender of government’s project. (I am sorry couldn’t mention the country). Turned out this success made envy one of our business competitor then they tried to spoil my reputation by propagates a rumor that in order to win the tender; I gave bribery (In the business world more commonly known as gratification) to some of VIP government officers. To be honest, I am shocked!  Though I really know that the business world sometime is so cruel, I’m still shocked. In my whole life, there’s no one slandering…

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