Encouragement

The Beauty of Restoration

Last week I spent time doing some much needed cleaning. I had my mind set that I would clean everything that I could, but I didn’t realize how much really needed to be done. I began to notice the areas that tend to be overlooked and the small, seemingly insignificant objects that attract a terrible amount of dust. The hours passed as I noticed more areas that needed work. Sometimes I would get frustrated, or I’d initially say to myself, Well it seems clean enough. But in truth, nothing was clean enough. It wasn’t until I was scrubbing oven racks over the kitchen sink that I took the time to the listen to the Lord.

I was reflecting on the past days of cleaning and realized that I enjoyed seeing items restored to what they should be (or as close as possible). I had allowed myself to get so used to how things are that I didn’t realize their full potential. I thought their shine was bright enough, but I was wrong. Then I believe the Lord spoke a few things in my heart.

First, when I was thinking about the beauty and joy of seeing things restored, He reminded me that this is how He feels about people who are restored to Him, whether it is an unbeliever coming to Christ or a believer who is getting rid of junk in his or her life. He rejoices in our restoration! Second, there were some things I wanted to overlook cleaning because they seemed good enough, but when I took a closer look they were disgusting. There are a number of things in our own lives that we overlook because we don’t take the time to look close enough. We get used to how we live and who we are right now. We put off cleaning up until we convince ourselves that our shine is bright enough. I can’t speak for anyone else but myself, and I can honestly say that my shine can be brighter. There are things I’ve had to change and still need to change in order to be a more mature Christian. For a long time I got used to how things were, but the problem is that the longer something sits, the harder it is to clean. It is not impossible because Christ makes it possible, but it does make it more difficult to get rid of in our lives. Third, I was reminded again that Christ is the ultimate Restorer. Even when we clean something it is never as perfect as when we first bought it, but the longer we keep it clean the longer it lasts. Everything we do as Christians should result in becoming more mature in Christ. We will not be perfect until we are with the Father in heaven nor will everything be fully restored until Christ returns, but Christ has the power to renew us, to wash us clean, to scrub out the rough spots. He has become a sacrifice for our own sanctification and no matter how difficult a stain may be, He can remove it quickly and permanently.

As I stood at the sink and pondered over these things I couldn’t help but tear up. The Lord desires for us to be renewed and restored to Him for our own maturity and for His glory. It is not a punishment to get rid of things in our lives that keep us tied down to the world. In truth, it is a beautiful reward. We have Christ who makes us new. We have the opportunity and ability to be a brighter light because of Him. We have a means to escape the temptations of this life. We have the choice to be closer to the Lord by getting rid of the dirt and grime that keep us distant from Him.

May we choose to look closer at who we are and become who the Lord has made us to be.

“11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors (or ministers) and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.17 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, 18 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; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way,21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 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, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Ephesians 4:11-24 (NASB)

Which God Do You Serve?

As most of us know, much is happening in the Middle East and Africa. Terrorism is expanding. People are dying. Yet some want to argue that Allah and the Christian God, Yahweh, are the same. I recently wrote a brief message about this on Facebook:

A few years back I was taught at a Christian university that Allah is the same as Yahweh God because Allah means “god.” That’s like saying that Baal is the same as God because Baal means “master” or “lord.” Well, we know what happened to the prophets of Baal (refer to 1 Kings 18). Jesus Himself makes an excellent argument when people accuse Him of being the enemy:

Matthew 12:22-28: “22 Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw. 23 All the crowds were amazed, and were saying, ‘This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?’ 24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, ‘This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.’ 25 And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, ‘Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”

What’s my point? If followers of Yahweh and followers of Allah are serving the same God, the kingdom of God would not last. Does God destroy Himself? Of course not!

Conclusion: Yahweh and Allah are not the same. To say that they are violates Scripture and calls God a liar since He cannot deny Himself. He cannot uplift the body of Christ and destroy it at the same time. To do so would be illogical.

—

I say all of this because I want believers (and unbelievers, too) to be discerning about what they are taught. When I heard my professor and classmates say that Allah and Yahweh God are the same, it made me pause. It even made me start to doubt my faith for a moment. But thank the Lord the truth was pointed out to me!

So to all of you I say, Do not doubt! Know who the Lord God is! Question everything you hear and test it with the truth of Scripture. Ask the Lord to lead you in truth and understanding, and He will.

May everything we say and do bring glory to our God who is the King of kings and Lord of lords!

 

©Lauren Heiligenthal

Beware of Generalizations

During my years in school I’ve learned a number of important tidbits. One of these being: Do not make generalized statements. I have tried my best to remember this for papers, my book, and really, for any conversation.

On my way home from work today I noticed an interesting church sign which read: Adversity turns us to God; prosperity turns us to self. My eyebrows furrowed. My thoughts sounded something like, Is that true? Do all adverse situations turn people to God? Is prosperity always about focusing on oneself? You understand where I’m going with this right? Generalizations! Can adversity turn people to God? Absolutely! But how many of us know people who followed the Lord, and then when adversity came they hated Him? Maybe they walked away for good? Most of us would raise our hands to that. Can prosperity lead us to focusing on ourselves? Yes! But are there not many wealthy believers who use their prosperity to further the kingdom of God? Of course! To say that prosperous people do not turn to the Lord is a discredit to people like David and Lydia (Acts 16).

Perhaps this church did not mean to generalize. It’s possible that they just couldn’t fit more words on that sign. However, it is important to be aware of what we teach and learn. If a wealthy unbeliever reads this sign (which I’m sure some have) what would he/she think? What message does it send? What does it say to believers? Something to think about.

So, what should this sign actually communicate? Sometimes adversity turns us to God; it is possible that prosperity may turn us to ourselves.

It’s really about our motive, isn’t it?

©Lauren Heiligenthal

 

Psalm 73

Appearances can be deceiving. People may seem to have it all together. Their fame and fortune may be desired. But to whom does their soul belong?

I was reading Psalm 73 last night, and its message seems quite applicable for today. Sometimes it is easy to forget that those who are of the world will lose everything in the end. They are not to be idolized nor are we to be jealous of them. Rather, we are to remember our hope in Christ and pray that they will understand and receive the gracious salvation we have accepted. May we come to the same conclusions as Asaph:

Psalm 73

“1 Surely God is good to Israel,
To those who are pure in heart!
2 But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling,
My steps had almost slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant
As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no pains in their death,
And their body is fat.
5 They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like mankind.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
The garment of violence covers them.
7 Their eye bulges from fatness;
The imaginations of their heart run riot.
8 They mock and wickedly speak of oppression;
They speak from on high.
9 They have set their mouth against the heavens,
And their tongue parades through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return to this place,
And waters of abundance are drunk by them.
11 They say, ‘How does God know?
And is there knowledge with the Most High?’
12 Behold, these are the wicked;
And always at ease, they have increased in wealth.
13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
And washed my hands in innocence;
14 For I have been stricken all day long
And chastened every morning.

15 If I had said, ‘I will speak thus,’
Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children.
16 When I pondered to understand this,
It was troublesome in my sight
17 Until I came into the sanctuary of God;
Then I perceived their end.
18 Surely You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment!
They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors!
20 Like a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when aroused, You will despise their form.

21 When my heart was embittered
And I was pierced within,
22 Then I was senseless and ignorant;
I was like a beast before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have taken hold of my right hand.
24 With Your counsel You will guide me,
And afterward receive me to glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For, behold, those who are far from You will perish;
You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.
28 But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works.” (NASB)

We all struggle with being in the world and not getting caught up in it. Our cultures tell us what we should think, how we should act. When we think that these are the standards that the Lord desires we are being “senseless” and “ignorant” like beasts as Asaph writes in vv. 21-22. The truth is found in vv. 25-28. We are either faithful to the Lord or not. Two options. Nothing more, nothing less. If we are children of God, He is our refuge and strength. He is always faithful even when people are faithless (2 Tim. 2:13). It is Christ who is our hope, not the wickedness of the world. May we remember what He has done in our lives and choose to be faithful until the end (Heb. 3:6).

©Lauren Heiligenthal

Truly Blessed

Last year I was praying about finding the right kind of job, and the Lord provided. Not only has He given me the opportunity to earn some money, but He’s put me in a position to be a light if I choose to be. Being in school for six years I was surrounded by a Christian bubble, not really being in the world. Focusing on my studies, the only interaction with the world was when I had to go shopping for food or other items. I have been blessed by being around Christians, but I never expected to feel even more blessed by being in the world. Let me explain.

I’ve been blind to what hopelessness looks like. I’ve been a Christian for the majority of my life, and even though I’ve had struggles, I could always turn to the Lord. I’ve shared in posts how I’ve struggled with pessimism, and I’ve tried to make every effort (with much prayer) to think more positively, to be a light. I’m thankful that I didn’t get a job until I was improving in this area because many people around me are negative. But this is now my opportunity to be the positive one. Being in the world has helped me to realize that there is no reason to be negative because I have hope! I have Christ! It dawned on me the other day as I was writing that I can’t imagine who I’d be if I didn’t have Christ. All the struggles that I’ve worked on as a Christian would not be worked out. I’ve seen how people try to wrestle with issues on their own. There’s much bitterness, anger, negativity…hopelessness.

I get it now why Jesus came to save the spiritually sick. The religious people should have known better (i.e. Pharisees and teachers of the law). We should know better. I know that if I act like some of my co-workers there would be no distinction between me and them. I understand why Jesus loves them, why He died for them. They need hope. They need life. They need real love. This is when the church steps in. We are the body of Christ. We should reflect these things. We should be different, not to make ourselves look better, but to bring hope. There is no place for haughtiness in the body of Christ. The world is a crazy place, no doubt, but people don’t know any better unless we tell them. More importantly, unless we show them.

I am truly blessed to be a follower of Christ! He has saved me from myself so that I can be a light to the world. What a precious gift.

~~~

How Great You Are

 

©Lauren Heiligenthal

Choose to Build Up

After taking down the Christmas tree and decorations I had the thought that it’s a lot easier to tear down than to build up. I’m sure many people have used this same analogy to describe our own behavior, but it’s true. Is it not much easier to give in to our flesh and think of the pessimistic side of things? I have struggled in this area quite a bit. Is it not easier to pick out everyone else’s faults or even our own instead of building each other up? Is this not prevalent in the body of Christ? The world approaches life from the flesh, but we have been blessed with the Spirit. We don’t have to think and act the way we used to. Rather, we are commanded to do the opposite:

“8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. 12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:8-22 (NASB)

“12 Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” ~ Hebrews 3:12-13

Let us love and encourage one another. May our attitudes reflect Christ in our lives. It may be harder to choose to live by the Spirit rather than the flesh, but as Christians, this is the life we have chosen. This is following Christ.

Here’s a poem I wrote a little while ago about my own struggle with pessimism. I hope you find it encouraging:

Pessimism (written November 29, 2014)

That voice, I hear it

as it sneaks in insidiously,

telling me lies;

and I believe them.

 

A hopeful thought

becomes distorted,

crushed,

no more.

 

I convince myself that these invading thoughts

are more realistic,

preparing me for potential failures,

not realizing that they hinder me from success.

 

Where is my hope?

Is it not in Christ?

Then why be fearful?

Why let the light fade?

 

Confidence is not the same as arrogance.

Experiencing failures provides new opportunities for growth.

Being adventurous can reveal a world unknown.

Joyfulness will not only uplift myself but others.

 

Positivity is a choice, my choice.

It can change a life, my life.

What will I choose?

Who will I become?

 

©Lauren Heiligenthal

Trusting Leads to Understanding

How many of us have had God tell us to do something, and we wanted to know why? I think the majority of us would raise our hands in confession. Like children we constantly ask God “Why?” instead of trusting His guidance. We have to make sure that everything will work out first. We have to make sense of something completely outside of our character. But rarely does God share all of the details. Rather, His desire is for us to trust Him to lead us down the path He has placed before us. Once we put our complete trust in Him then understanding will come. This is having faith.

When Jesus first called His disciples they answered without having a complete job description in hand. They didn’t fully understand everything in the beginning, but they learned along the way. They trusted that the Lord was leading them. Does that mean they didn’t struggle? Of course not! We see throughout the Gospels and in other NT accounts that followers of Christ have struggled, but placing our trust in God gives us the strength to work through these difficult moments.

For those who want to understand the things of God and be used by Him, trust must come first. If we cannot trust the Lord with the little things in our lives, He will not give us understanding for the bigger things. I challenge each one of you that when the Lord tells you to do something, don’t ask why. Instead, ask the Lord for His help and follow the direction He leads. By walking in faith, you will begin to understand, but only in faith.

~~~

Psalm 111:10– “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.” (NASB)

Proverbs 1:7– “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 3:5-8– “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.”

Proverbs 3:13-26– “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast. The Lord by wisdom founded the earth, by understanding He established the heavens. By His knowledge the deeps were broken up and the skies drip with dew. My son, let them not vanish from your sight; keep sound wisdom and discretion, so they will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck. Then you will walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”

Proverbs 9:7-12– “He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, and he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you alone will bear it.”

Ephesians 4:17-24– “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.”

2 Timothy 2:1-13– “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. It is a trustworthy statement:

For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He also will deny us;
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”

1 John 5:20– “And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”

 

©Lauren Heiligenthal

The Beginning of Something New

Even though it’s a couple days away from New Years I just wanted to say how blessed I am to write a blog that has challenged and encouraged myself and hopefully others. Thank you, fellow bloggers, for taking an interest in the number of topics I’ve written about, and thank you for writing such inspiring, encouraging posts! Probably without knowing it your kind thoughts and comments have helped me to have more confidence in writing and sharing what’s in my heart. I hope and pray that as we dive into a new year we will strive to be closer to the Lord and put Him first always. Let us aim to grow, stretch ourselves, and be there for one another along the way 🙂 Wishing you all the best for 2015!

~~~

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 1,300 times in 2014. If it were a cable car, it would take about 22 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! What a wonderful time to celebrate the birth of our Savior and share this joy with our family and friends 🙂 I hope everyone had a great day. Also, I highly recommending watching It’s A Wonderful Life if you haven’t already. It’s an excellent movie that demonstrates how much we impact each other’s lives even when times seem rough. To any of you who may have had a difficult Christmas or felt lonely, know that you do make a difference 🙂 This passage comes to mind for all brothers and sisters in Christ:

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” ~ Colossians 3:12-17

May we let the light of Christ shine through us and encouragement come from our lips each day. Let us celebrate Christmas always and be thankful for the amazing grace we’ve been given.

 

 

The Necessity of Change

I have never been too fond of change, but it has a way of finding me, pushing me here and there. I like schedules and routines, and my fears of the unknown have clashed with change’s desired outcomes. Some of the changes in my life have been inevitable, part of growing up (still scary). Some changes I did not anticipate, both good and bad. Other changes have been so extreme that I never thought such changes were possible. No matter how many times I have experienced change, I tend to dread the next one.

But this should not be my attitude. What is life without change? Stagnant. What is my relationship with God without change? Immature and unprepared for more responsibility from the Father. As much as I have dragged my feet along the way, I am realizing that change has to happen in order to grow. Growth is change. What if I planted a seed and nothing happened? Something is wrong, right? A seed that does not grow cannot produce a plant. If there is no plant there is no fruit. There is little purpose for a seed that does not grow.

What about us? There are so many books, articles, blogs, etc. about how to grow as a Christian. People provide steps, disciplines, yearly plans. Maybe some of these things are helpful. But no growth will happen if we are unwilling to change, if we stay a seed. If we are willing to change for the sake of Christ then we are already on our way to bearing fruit.

A number of situations can affect a plant, trying to hinder it from growing. Some of these situations may even try to kill it, uprooting it from its source of life. But the plants that withstand all of these trials (and they will come) become stronger and are able to bear more fruit as the years go by.

Is it not the same with us? We will have to face changes in our lives. But instead of seeing the pessimistic side of things (as I usually do), we could ask “How will this make me stronger, Lord? Help me to grow instead of uprooting myself from You.” I know this is not as easy as it sounds. In all honesty, this is not my initial reaction when something new or unexpected comes along. At that point I wish I could crawl back into the ground and become a seed again, but what would my purpose be then?

It’s my choice to wither or grow. It’s my choice to be a raging fire or a dim light about to flicker out. It’s my choice to say “Yes, I can!” instead of “No, I can’t!” It’s my choice to say “Father, I will go wherever you send me,” instead of “Father, I am afraid to go.”

We decide if we want to grow. Change begins with us, and as difficult as it may be, it is necessary.