Theology Thursday - Words

Proverbs 12:18

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

We just started learning this proverb as a family.  I am very thankful to have learned many proverbs with rhythm and motions as a child (thanks NCS!).  Although I haven't practiced these verses in many years, it's amazing to see how quickly they return to my memory.  This is giving me great motivation to help my kids also memorize Scripture, to keep this wisdom close to their hearts.

This proverb has a special place in our household right now.  For the kids, we're in a phase of using our words to hurt one another (which, I do think, is one step up from using our fists or biting our siblings) when one is offended.  However, regularly telling your brother or sister that they can never be your friend again or are no longer invited to your birthday party is not what we hope to have as sibling conversations.  And we're also seeing random "adult language" slipping into their vocabulary (it's currently popular in Germany to use "horny (geil)" as a "cool" adjective...not cool when it's your five year old calling something "horny" - what?!).  Also, since knights/Vikings/Romans/pirates are currently our favorite characters, the kids know a thing or two about swords.

Speaking from my current situation, this proverb is also very applicable.  How am I using my words towards Igor and the kids?  Is my speech bringing healing to a situation or simply cutting those around me with reminders of my frustration/anger/being offended?  I've found myself changing responses I would have made because of thinking of this proverb.

So this verse is perfect for our family at this time.  I'm finding myself asking the kids (and myself) if our words are healing or piercing.  It's a much quicker way to get to the heart of the matter (whether the problem is not sharing toys or pushing to be first or trying to get out the door with clothes, shoes and jackets on...we use our words to respond to the situation and need to remember which words we are choosing).

Theology Thursday

"I will never leave you nor forsake you" Hebrews 13:5b
Some days, weeks, months, this part of a verse is exactly what I need to hear, again and again.  There are times when living here, far from "home" - family, old friends, familiar roads and landscapes, is hard.  I can get caught up in remembering all that was good and special about Pennsylvania or Arizona, that I forget that there is a purpose for us living here in Frankfurt.  I guess that's what makes this Expat experience doable for me.  Igor and I believe (and seek to live that belief!) that this is where we are to be right now, to be serving God for a variety of purposes.

And when some of those purposes seem draining or unproductive or whiny (yesterday and today we've had sick, whiny kids), well, we can remind one another that God will not leave us or forsake us. And this quote is from Deuteronomy 31:5, which is reminding Joshua to be strong and courageous!  So, even if I feel tired or defeated or home-sick, I can find courage and strength in the knowledge that I am neither alone nor forsaken. 

As I remembered this portion of a verse tonight and looked to see the context, I was encouraged to see it's set in verses describing how we're living - loving one another, showing hospitality, helping those in need (in prison or suffering), respecting marriage, being dependent on God not money for security and contentment (Hebrews 13:1-5).  That adds even more depth to this reminder that God will not forsake us, and that our lives should reflect this knowlege.

Yep, that definitely is what makes this whole thing called life so meaningful, vibrant and doable:)

Theology Thursday - Generosity

Bible study last night looked at Mark 10:17-27, which tells of the rich young man being disappointed when Jesus instructed him to sell all he possessed and follow Jesus.  It reminded me of the passage last week at another Bible study: Luke 12:13-21, the parable of the rich fool who thought only of using his riches for his own good.

Both of these passages reminded me of the focus on generosity in Jesus' ministry.  He did not sparingly give when he fed the crowd of 5,000.  Neither did he limit healing of people to the rich and educated Jews, but rather on several accounts, Jesus healed people outside the Jewish faith (for example, Luke 7 - the centurion's servant).

And this brings me back to my current struggle to give generously of myself to my children.  As I see in Jesus' example, he takes care of himself (Mark 1:35) but also gives generously.  Once again, I can find encouragement and strength in knowing that my Lord understands the balance needed in this life.  And I can once again be reminded, that he will daily bear my burdens (Psalm 68:19) and give me wisdom when I ask for it (James 1:5).

Theology Thursday

Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joint and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

This past week, I experienced this Scripture in a very present way.  I have been involved in a Bible study on the book of Luke, and I found Luke 11:37-54 returning to my thoughts very often (Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and teachers of the Law).  In short, this scripture has caused me to evaluate the importance I place on how my house looks and how my children behave in public...ouch!  The scripture began a process of thinking about my priorities and how I interact with my family.  I feel this is just the beginning of a process (and that scares me a bit, since I don't like to see ugly, sinful parts of me), but I have the hope that maturity and good results will come from such a process of considering my priorities, my life focus and how I then live.

I've seen how Scripture that I memorized as a child (and adult) has affected my attitude when I take my disappointment/frustration/anger/sadness and replace it with words from the Bible.  I guess that's how it works: (Hebrews 12:1-2) when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we're throwing off things that easily entangle us and are able to run the race (living this life in a way that honors God).

Theology Thursday

Today's been a busy day.  A day full of encouragement, prayer and laughter but also one with normal chores (dishes, trash, clothes wash), very cold temperatures (in the mid-teens  Fahrenheit) and temper tantrums.  [Yes, that is a foam sword by the candles.  Just a reminder of my life: peaceful moments accompanied by the reminder of active children.]

Below is one of my favorite hymns (by Samuel Trevor Francis).  It's a hymn that I find so peaceful and encouraging, especially on up and down days.  Do you have a favorite hymn or song for crazy days?

O the deep, deep love of Jesus!  Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free;
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me. 
Underneath me all around me, is the current of thy love;
Leading onward, leading homeward, to thy glorious rest above.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus!  Spread his praise from shore to shore;
How he loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore; 
How he watches o’er his loved ones, died to call them all his own;
How for them he intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus!  Love of ev’ry love the best:
 'Tis an ocean vast of blessing, ‘tis a haven sweet of rest. 
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!  ‘Tis a heav’n of heav’ns to me; 
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to thee.

Amen.

Theology Thursday

Each week as I think about this blog, part of my conscience keeps nagging me to have this be a "tough" theology entry.  To tackle huge, difficult questions about my faith and to not shy away from difficult themes. (all this while Timmy is faithfully washing the dishes...and himself and the floor...)
As I thought about this idea/pressure (from myself) the past few days, I've become resolved to address this Theology Thursday from a more personal view.  I want to share what is influencing and shaping my study and understanding of God and my relationship to Him and how I then live my life.
Some weeks, that may mean addressing tough issues.  But I think most weeks it means addressing the normal habits and reminders I need to keep my eyes on living a life for the glory of God.

Therefore, I want to share a verse I memorized many years ago:

Psalm 68:19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

This verse has reminded me very often of my need to look outward, not on my own immediate situation, but on the general situation in my life: I live in a peaceful area, have no hunger or thirst, have a very comfortable home, am healthy, have interests and hobbies I can pursue, have friends and family...the list goes on and on.

And when I am in a difficult time, I know that I am going through it not on my own.  The Bible reassures me many times that God is with me; He knows the ups and downs of my life and He does not forsake me during the hard times, even when I am not being an "amazing Christian", as I sometimes trick myself into thinking that this the end all and be all of my existence (it's not.  Living in a way that gives God glory, that demonstrates love for Him and my fellow man, is the end all and be all for me.)

I hope that this verse can encourage you where you are at this morning, whether it's in the midst of a trial or in the midst of peace.  God is with you and, because of who He is and what He has done, is worthy of your praise.

Theology Thursday

Anger.  It's a topic in our household.  Recently, I've been reading a blog series about anger at Femina.  It's been very thought-provoking and helpful, reminding me to think about the reasons behind some of the issues which flame our anger.  There's been several important and large topics touched upon in this series: anger/justice, the source of anger, forgiveness.
I am thankful that, as we struggle through anger popping up in various situations, we can remember that because of His great plan for salvation through Jesus, God forgives us freely, totally, lavishly.

John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

How do you see the connection between anger and forgiveness? anger and justice?  our daily struggle with difficult things (both inside and outside of us) and Jesus?  How best do you self-reflect to understand whether your anger is justified?...ok, there's tons more questions but these are a few to get started.  I'm interested in your feedback.

Theology Thursday

For many years now, I've loved writing down my thoughts and experiences in a normal journal.  I still try to maintain that practice, but have allowed other things in my life to take over journaling's once daily place in my life.
With this blog, I'm trying to assign some days of the week a certain purpose, so I can weekly visit a particular topic.  Hence, Thursday Theology.  For those of you who know me, this is a topic very important to me, but possibly not in the way in which you think.
Theology is the study of God and things divine.  For many people, this immediately conjurs up pictures of large tomes, monks, and reverance.  For me, theology is something I experience on a daily basis in different forms - intellectually, emotionally, practically.
One such practical experience is included on this chart - a daily doxology.

Although I haven't used the chart to its full purposes, just the mental image of the daily doxology has helped remind me of my joy found in praising God for the little (or big) unique things in my day.  It's actually difficult to limit it to just one...and I find it does my heart good to, at the end of the day, form one sentence from the various doxologies I've experienced throughout the day.

Here's my doxology from yesterday:
Praise God for comfortable visits from friends, laughter, the sunshine through the clouds, and friends gathering in our home to study the Bible.