tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74472551783258516342024-02-07T13:36:29.149-06:00Broken PeopleHope and help for people who are broken by life's storms.
www.facebook.com/brokenpeople
www.brokenpeople.orgAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036495544256981506noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447255178325851634.post-52129417337124063942016-09-26T16:24:00.001-05:002016-09-26T16:24:52.821-05:00Determined Faith<p><b>Jesus got into the boat again and went back to the other side of the lake, where a large crowd gathered around him on the shore.</b></p>
<p><b>Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, </b><b>pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.”</b></p>
<p><b>Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him.</b></p>
<p><b>A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding.</b></p>
<p><b>She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse.</b></p>
<p><b>She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe.</b></p>
<p><b>For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”</b></p>
<p><b>Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.</b></p>
<p><b>Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?”</b></p>
<p><b>His disciples said to him, “Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, ‘Who touched me?’”</b></p>
<p><b>But he kept on looking around to see who had done it.</b></p>
<p><b>Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done.</b></p>
<p><b>And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”</b></p>
<p><b>Mark 5:21-34 NLT</b></p>
<p>There are many different ways to read scripture, but one of my favorite ways is to put myself into the story to see and hear what is going on. Musician and Bible teacher <a dir="ltr"></a><a dir="ltr"></a><a dir="ltr"></a><a dir="ltr"></a><a dir="ltr"></a><a dir="ltr">Michael Card</a> calls it "holy imagination."</p>
<p>It's like being in an episode of Dr. Who where you get into his Tardis (a British phone booth that is really a time travel machine) and go to a past or future time and place.<a dir="ltr"></a></p>
<p>So just imagine with me that we have landed the Tardis just a few yards away from the crowd surrounding Jesus. The excitement among the people is as palpable as a group of fans at a celebrity meet-and-greet.</p>
<p>We quickly make our way into the middle of the crowd to get closer to the action, past some smelly fishermen and a few somber, pompous guys decked out in clergy robes and prayer shawls. "Excuse me, pardon me, excuse me, pardon me," I say as we push further in to get closer to Jesus. </p>
<p>That's when we notice a woman frantically moving through the crowd until she was right behind Jesus, close enough to touch him. Without making eye contact with anyone, she kept her head bowed low as if she was trying not to be noticed. </p>
<p><i>Have you ever attended church or a Christian event when you were carrying a heavy burden of shame or guilt or pain, and you didn't want anyone to know how badly you were hurting? You kept your head low, avoided eye contact, smiled that fake smile and said "fine" when anyone asked how you were. But you were hoping, no, you were desperate, to encounter the presence of Jesus there because He was your last hope. I wonder if that's how this woman felt?</i></p>
<p>Curiously, she bent down and touched the fringe of his robe instead of speaking to him. I don't blame her for keeping quiet. Her problem was too private and shameful to share within earshot of this crowd. Then all of a sudden she stood back up, straightened her back, held up her head with confidence, and tried her best to blend back into the crowd. </p>
<p>But Jesus stopped, turned around, scanned the crowd and asked who had touched him. </p>
<p><i>Does that seem odd to you? He was God, after all--the all-knowing, all-seeing, omnipotent God who can see into the hearts of mortal men. Did Jesus really not know who touched him? I think he did, but for her sake he wanted her to come out of the shadows, out of her shame, and say "It was me. I did it." He stopped what he was doing (on his way to see a dying girl!) to meet the needs of a women whom society deemed unclean, an outcast. Can you imagine how frightened she must have been when he called her out? What would you have done--remained quiet hoping no one could identify you, or come clean and admit what you had done?</i></p>
<p>Jesus' disciples seemed a bit irritable as they tried to rush Jesus along. Their response to his question, "Who touched me?" was a bit sarcastic and brusque. The look on their faces said, "We've got more important places to go and more important people to see than to be interrupted by anyone in this crowd.</p>
<p>It didn't take long for the woman to come out from behind a couple of villagers and approach Jesus. She fell at his feet, trembling, and spoke in a low whisper as she told him her story. What Jesus did afterward will be etched in my mind forever. He didn't call his bodyguards to escort her out, and he didn't scandalize her or exploit her by repeating her story to the crowd. He didn't look at her with contempt or use her brokenness to teach his followers a lesson. He didn't scold her for interrupting his important mission to save the life of a little girl.</p>
<p>With the most tender eyes and compassionate voice I've ever heard, he validatd her faith and affectionately called her "Daughter"--giving her the same status as a beloved family member. And then . . . "Your suffering is over" he said. You could tell from the look on her face that his love had healed her body and soul.</p>
<p><i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12pt;">"In that moment, Jesus did not expose her weakness and shame. He exposed her faith. He wanted her faith visible so that everyone who carries a secret shame—which is every one of us—might have hope. Jesus, the Great Physician, has the power to heal us from every sin, every weakness, every failure, every illness, and every evil ever committed against us. And he promises this healing to everyone who believes in him." (Jon Bloom, Things Not Seen)</span><br></i></p>
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<p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 19px; direction: inherit;">Three things from this story resonate deeply with my heart, although there are plenty more nuggets of gold to mine in a deeper Bible study: </p>
<p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 19px; direction: inherit;">1. No matter how insignificant and alone you feel, Jesus has time for you. You are never a burden to him. Your thoughts are precious to him and he enjoys spending time with you. In his presence you will never be alone again.</p>
<p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 19px; direction: inherit;">2. Regardless of how you may have been mistreated by religious people or church communities or family, and even though you may have been ostracized and shamed by people who don't understand you, Jesus offers you a seat at his table and bestows on you the privileges of family. He knows you from the inside out, yet he loves you passionately and is working for your good.</p>
<p style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 19px; direction: inherit;">3. When you encounter Jesus, things will be different. You may find physical healing, emotional wholeness, or spiritual renewal, maybe all three. Yet you may still face struggles and hardship, perhaps even persecution for your faith. But the real treasure is found in getting to know <i>him</i>, the source of life, and in return finding the person he created you to be in his image. You have a purpose and a place that no one can take away. He will be with you in the struggles and the victories.</p>
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<p>May God give us fresh eyes to read the stories of Jesus in scripture. May his Spirit stoke the fires of our passion to know and love him more.</p>
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<p><a href="https://youtu.be/C7LyHDvcz3M"><font style="font-size: 12pt;" face="Helvetica Neue" color="#000000">https://youtu.be/C7LyHDvcz3M</font></a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036495544256981506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447255178325851634.post-67587510991157673202013-11-24T12:55:00.000-06:002013-11-24T17:17:45.702-06:00Hutchmoot 2013 -- A Time to be Playful<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2012, my 62-year journey to find "home" was
finally over when I walked through the doors of Redeemer Church to attend
Hutchmoot. I found true family there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
This year as I returned to Redeemer Church, it was a grand
homecoming. The year since Hutchmoot 2012 was spent nurturing friendships and welcoming
new ones. It was a year of sharing struggles and successes, seeking and giving
forgiveness, digging into good books, listening to great music, and falling
deeper in love with my Hutchmoot family.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
It was no surprise that I would partake generously of the
hug fest awaiting. Living alone creates a famine of affectionate hugs, so even
though I arrived empty my heart was filled to overflowing by the time I left on
my journey back home to Kentucky.</div>
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It's been over a month since Hutchmoot and I'm still glowing
from the warmth of love and affirmation. Hutchmoot 2013 was one of the memorable
times in my life when I've felt so completely and deeply loved.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The big surprise came on Sunday afternoon during Art Moot.
When the event was announced, I almost convinced myself not to go because I
have never been able to draw anything freehand, not even simple stick figures.
But I was good at coloring inside the lines so I thought perhaps I could
contribute something. </div>
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<br></div>
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One of the first instructions was "Do not just
color." Oops! </div>
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I had almost finished drawing on my tile when the
realization of what it feels like to be a child washed over me like a gentle
wave. For the very first time in my life, I discovered freedom in the midst of
love to create something without hearing "You can't do that!" or
"You're not good enough." No one made fun of each other; everyone <i>had</i> fun, including me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
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It was the first time I've felt that level of freedom to be
exactly who I am without holding back, without feeling like I'm either too much
or not good enough, without hearing negative messages (internally and
externally) that create fear and doubt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
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I found:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Freedom to love and be loved.</div>
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Freedom to laugh and play.</div>
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Freedom to cry and grieve.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Freedom to fail and thrive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Freedom to be a child in the Kingdom.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you. I am so very grateful!</div>
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<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1beclikp-ir7SsA3BtAv_NCIiA30WUla6PoIF13HBTAvr0FFHRAJQRDlIxrekt3H8cVCGld46Wg5T8W7kcp_jwZYxkZoS50zsgfILMXDEswTxxz5l18yexrEwZhSOXb_SkhmOUkWRl32/s640/blogger-image-1200378206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1beclikp-ir7SsA3BtAv_NCIiA30WUla6PoIF13HBTAvr0FFHRAJQRDlIxrekt3H8cVCGld46Wg5T8W7kcp_jwZYxkZoS50zsgfILMXDEswTxxz5l18yexrEwZhSOXb_SkhmOUkWRl32/s640/blogger-image-1200378206.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036495544256981506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447255178325851634.post-44674525665646891572012-09-27T17:16:00.000-05:002012-09-27T17:16:54.202-05:00Hutchmoot 2012 . . . Home!"I'm running away from home to find home." That's my story.<br />
<br />
As a young girl, my dream was to marry a preacher or a farmer and have a home full of love and acceptance. When I left my parents' home to get married, that dream didn't even survive the ceremony. My narcissistic groom was so fixated on his own appearance, he could not see the beauty of his bride. Twenty years of abuse later, I ran away from home again, this time to protect and provide a safe home for my son.
<br />
<br />
Although I was financially destitute, God provided for us through the generosity of his people. He gave me words to write in articles and books that defined the horrific reality of domestic violence, and I developed a heart attuned to hurting people.<br />
<br />
Thirteen years later, after pouring myself and everything I owned into a ministry I loved, my ministry partners chose to stake a legal claim to the home donated by my family, the home where I lived and provided a shelter for broken women. They sold it for 30 pieces of silver, or so it felt to me. Once again, I was destitute and homeless, disabled, and forced to move back into a mouse-infested trailer on my parents' farm, where I still live today. But God has provided for my needs through the generosity of his people.<br />
<br />
I grew up in a Christian home with loving parents and two younger brothers whom I love. After returning home to Kentucky from living in Illinois for 25 years, I envisioned sharing with my brothers the same happy times we had as children. But reality took a really big bite out of my heart when both of my brothers expressed contempt through their words and actions for my beliefs and my appearance. Around them I often feel alone, dismissed, invisible. However, God has provided by bringing loving people into my life, most of whom live elsewhere, who have become brothers and sisters to me.<br />
<br />
I still have a deep longing for home and community. When my friend, Todd Agnew, told me about his experience at Hutchmoot 2011, it sounded like the voice of a familiar friend welcoming me home. I just had to go and find out if it was true, if people really cared for each other enough to engage in deep conversations about God and their own stories of redemption without being judgmental or elitist.
So here I go again, leaving home to find home. And this time I did!<br />
<br />
From the moment I stepped inside the door, I encountered smiles, greetings, and a warm welcome to join the family. I heard stories from other broken people who have walked through the darkest dark, yet found hope and light from God and his people. When Jason Gray said, "Pain is our mother. She helps us recognize each other," I knew I had found home.<br />
<br />
All of the sessions I attended were excellent and thought-provoking, and the music was spectacular and brilliant, but it was the kindness of strangers-now-friends that spoke volumes to me.
From the simple kindness of a young college student who had the heart of a servant to the amazing generosity of a young couple who provided for my lodging, each day brought new surprises of lovingkindness and compassion.<br />
<br />
Andrew Peterson compared Hutchmoot to Christmas, or maybe even better than Christmas. That's exactly the way it was for me--unwrapping gifts of new friendships, receiving rides when I couldn't drive, sharing the gift of Sunday lunch with delightful artists of word and song and their beautiful families, and so much more.
<br />
<br />
My new family, brothers and sisters, I am so in love with you! It's not as much about what you did for me, but the awareness that we share a passion for God and home, and recognition of the same heartbeat that has persevered through many dark nights of the soul, but has been strengthened and enlarged by love and grace.
<br />
<br />
I'm in awe of the manly men who wept often when telling their stories or when listening to mine, and encouraged by delightful, gracious women who are learning to love their families well.<br />
<br />
There were amazing food and decoration wizards who worked their magic to create the atmosphere of a family feast with sumptuous foods of heavenly proportions. Each meal fed our souls as well as our bodies.
<br />
<br />
The sense of unity was so strong among us that when we sang The Doxology together on the last day, there was no echo of "t-t-t-t's" when we got to the end of the line "Praise Him above ye heavenly host." From the back of the room, I heard just one "t" in total unity that came from the harmony of our hearts as well as our voices.<br />
<br />
It was amazing to spend four days with "me too" people who were so accepting and accommodating, and I didn't want to leave this precious family. But we were reminded "Now to live the life God has given us in the places where he has placed us, and to spread the table of generous hospitality wherever we go." (Scott Richardson)<br />
<br />
The very first person who greeted me warmly when I arrived was the same person who gave me a big bear hug when I left. Pete, you're amazing! Thank you for everything you and Jennifer did to make Hutchmoot a beautiful taste of heaven for all of us.<br />
<br />
So now I'm back at home, still longing to run away to find what my heart craves, but realizing I will never be satisfied because even Hutchmoot is just a foretaste of what is to come.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, we can open our hearts and tables to those around us, and encourage each other around the world through words and hugs and prayers . . . until we meet again, either here or Home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hutchmoot.com/">http://hutchmoot.com</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://rabbitroom.com/">http://rabbitroom.com</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036495544256981506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447255178325851634.post-12982227313329946442009-08-30T06:01:00.002-05:002009-08-30T06:07:21.546-05:00Fearless<span style="font-style:italic;">Can you imagine your life without fear?</span> That’s the question Max Lucado asks in his new book <span style="font-style:italic;">Fearless</span>. My first response is “Not in this lifetime, Max!” It almost seems cruel and out of touch with reality to ask such a question to people who are suffering like never before in history. Yet, it echoes the voice of Jesus as he revealed the heart of a loving Father assuring us over and over again, “Do not be afraid. I am with you.”<br /><br />Our ears are assaulted every day by the media and various fear-mongers who tell stories about real people suffering the loss of jobs, homes, relationships, and the lives of those they love. Fear about the economy, government control, natural disasters, increasing violence and terrorism, and death is no longer contained in an adult world—it has invaded the hearts of children at play. <br /><br />That’s why this book is so timely. You will find yourself in its pages—your situation described, your fears exposed . . . even those you’ve hidden deep beneath the façade of faith. Max warns that fear corrodes our confidence in God’s goodness. He writes, “We begin to wonder if love lives in heaven. If God can sleep in our storms, if his eyes stay shut when our eyes grow wide, if he permits storms after we get on his boat, does he care?”<br /><br />Max describes the collateral damage of fear:<br />• It turns us into control freaks who exclude God and try to make life work on our own terms.<br />• We forget how good God is and begin to doubt He has the power or desire to change things.<br />• It sucks the life out of our soul and safety becomes our god.<br />• We cannot love deeply or give generously.<br /><br />Yes, you will discover yourself and your world described in this book, but you will also find God there—not simply standing on the sidelines or watching at a distance, but calling you to courage . . . challenging you to move from a state of fear to confident trust, promising to guide you through the storm if you’ll let go of your control and risk everything into His hands.<br /><br />I want to be fearless. Don’t you? I want to be filled with faith, never wavering and never doubting. But the truth is, sometimes fear sneaks up from behind or breaks into my secure, comfortable world and scares the dickens out of me. Max provides great wisdom in these situations:<br /><br />“Fear may fill our world, but it doesn’t have to fill our hearts. It will always knock on the door. Just don’t invite it in for dinner, and for heaven’s sake don’t offer it a bed for the night. The promise of Christ and the contention of this book are simple: we can fear less tomorrow than we do today.” <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Fearless </span>is not just another great book by Max Lucado; it is a lifeline that will keep you from drowning in fear and despair. It is a reminder that as we draw near to God in the midst of our life storms we find out His perfect love casts out our fear.<br /><br />Brenda Branson<br />http://brokenpeople.orgAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036495544256981506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447255178325851634.post-20792188793940381172009-06-01T10:26:00.001-05:002009-06-01T10:36:27.421-05:00Patience is Not Passive<link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cbren1756%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cbren1756%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cbren1756%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> 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mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Patience is not Passive<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt;"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt;"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“Be patient.<span style=""> </span>Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”<span style=""> </span>James 5:8 ESV<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">What does it mean to be patient in the midst of suffering and injustice?<span style=""> </span>Does James, the brother of Jesus, intend for us to <i style="">take</i> mistreatment and abuse as a Christian virtue? Let’s take a closer look at what the word “patience” means.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The Greek word for patience means to show self-restraint when you are provoked; to show mercy and long suffering; to refrain from retaliating.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">According to author Jerry Bridges, patience is the “ability to suffer . . . under the mistreatment of others without growing resentful or bitter.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This goes against the grain of human nature—to restrain from retaliating and hurting the person who has hurt you. But this restraint <i style="">is</i> the nature of Jesus who is our example. Peter writes about this in 1 Peter 2:21: <span style=""> </span>“<i style="">For to this you have been called because Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example so that you might follow in his steps.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Perhaps as a battered woman you are wondering how Jesus could understand what it feels like to be the object of someone’s angry words, suffocating control, and open handed or closed fist attacks? Actually, Jesus experienced many of the same abuses you may have suffered. He was betrayed by a friend, falsely accused, misunderstood by family and friends, stalked, set up by those who wanted to trap him, faced threats to his life, unprotected by the religious and legal system, spat upon, and suffered verbal and physical abuse. Yet, even though he had the power to do so, he did not retaliate by trash talking or threatening to get even to those who mistreated him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">What did Jesus do?<span style=""> </span><i style="">“When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”</i> (1 Peter 2:23) Dr. David Jeremiah counsels, “Until Jesus comes and he rights all wrongs, the believer is to leave vengeance in the hands of God.”<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">"Trusting ourselves to the Father's hands doesn't mean we will not fall into other hands along the way. What it means is that behind all of those hands are His hands. It will be His hands that will one day bring those other hands to justice. That is what Jesus believed. And that is what gave him the strength, while being reviled on the cross, not to revile in return."¹<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Entrusting yourself to God does not mean you should remain in an unsafe situation and meekly submit to verbal or physical abuse. God has given us great wisdom in the book of Proverbs that tells us how to respond to someone who is angry and abusive, or who misuses alcohol. Over and over again we are warned to flee the presence of those who seek to destroy us. Read the entire book and make a list of abusive characteristics until you have constructed the profile of a “fool” who believes he is always right, resists counsel, and acts as his own god.<span style=""> </span>Sound familiar? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I recommend an excellent book based on the book of Proverbs called <i style="">Foolproofing Your Life</i> by Jan Silvious. It contains practical wisdom for those who are involved with a “fool.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remaining in an abusive situation is like hugging whirling fan blades—you <i style="">will be</i> destroyed. Instead of remaining a victim, you can exhibit godly patience by resisting any form of retaliation and allowing God to help you in two ways:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 6pt 0in 6pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">He has surrounded you with people who can help—if you will seek and accept their help. This includes secular agencies and the legal system as well as faith-based organizations and some churches. Contrary to what some women are told by their misguided church leaders, it is not a betrayal (or retaliation) to the abusive partner to get a restraining order and press charges for battery. Holding the abuser accountable is often the most loving thing you can do because it causes him to experience the consequences of his actions and gives an opportunity for him to seek help. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 6pt 0in 6pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">He will eventually make all things right when he comes (Revelation 22:12), so for now leave all vengeance and retaliation to him. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Patience is not passive. It may be considered actively waiting—waiting for God to work in the heart of an abuser while you seek safety, and in some cases permanent separation. The apostle James was right—we should be patient and entrust our hearts to God in the midst of suffering and injustice. Seeking revenge and allowing bitterness to take root in your heart will only destroy you. Entrusting your heart to God allows him to accomplish forgiveness and peace in your heart and life. Forgiveness may or may not bring reconciliation, but it will produce freedom in your own heart—freedom to love without bitterness and resentment, even if it has to be from a distance.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">There’s hope in this message from James:<span style=""> </span><b style=""><i style="">“the coming of the Lord is at hand.”</i></b> Let this hope give you patience and courage in the midst of suffering—courage to act and take a stand against evil, and courage to surrender your need to retaliate. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">¹ Gire, Ken "<i style="">The Work of His Hands</i>"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Copyright © 2009 Brenda Branson <i style="">http://www.brokenpeople.org</i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036495544256981506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447255178325851634.post-35667057250847404652008-09-09T12:29:00.000-05:002008-09-09T12:30:10.134-05:00Following Jesus?<span style="font-size: 14pt;" arial="" serif="">At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in." Hungry not only for bread- but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing- but naked of <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1220971758_0">human dignity</span> and respect. Homeless not only for want of a home of bricks- but homeless because of rejection. <br /></span><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" arial="" serif="">(</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1220971758_1">Mother Teresa</span> )</span></p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">As followers of Jesus, how do we represent Him in our personal lives to those who are hurting?<br /><br />Is this the primary ministry of our churches and ministries or are we more concerned with building bigger buildings or raising more money?<br /><br />If this is the standard that is required of us as Christ followers, why aren't we more concerned about the "least of these?" <br /><br />Why do we spend our money on second homes when some people don't even have a place to live? Why do we lavish ourselves with designer clothes and shoes when destitute parents aren't able to provide adequate clothing for their children?<br /><br />Why do we preach love and grace in our churches, but we turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to those who are hurting and broken?<br /><br />Why do we rip each other apart with hurtful words when we have been given mercy?<br /><br />Why do we withhold love and respect from those who are different from us?<br /><br />If these questions make us uncomfortable now, just imagine how we will feel when Jesus, who gave everything for us, asks us why we weren't willing to give to others.<br /><br />As His hands and feet in this world, why are we presenting Him as a stingy, self-absorbed, angry God who doesn't care? <br /><br />In the light of eternity, what will it matter if you are president of a charity when you steal the home, food, and clothing from people in need to build your own empire in the name of God? I wonder what you will say when He looks deep into your soul and reveals your greed and deception for everyone to see?<br /><br />Perhaps we need to throw out all our religious strategies and traditions, and start to follow Jesus. But wait, if we go to that extreme, we may also be homeless and poor . . . or it may lead us to a cross. <br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Brenda Branson, Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved</span><br /><a href="http://blog.myspace.com/www.brokenpeople.org" target="_self">brokenpeople.org</a><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036495544256981506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447255178325851634.post-86274922558590416852008-09-08T15:03:00.000-05:002008-09-08T15:09:13.979-05:00Invisible People<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Invisible People<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I recently attended a church where they were beginning a new evangelistic program called “Just Walk Across the Room.”<span style=""> </span>It is a very good series developed by Bill Hybels of <st1:place><st1:placename>Willow</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Creek</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>Church</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>The emphasis is on getting to know the people around you so you may have an opportunity to invite them to a relationship with Jesus Christ.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What could be wrong with that?<span style=""> </span>Nothing . . . unless you think the end justifies the means.<span style=""> </span>I wonder if our evangelistic strategies really please God, or if He is more interested in the motives of our hearts as we reach out to people around us.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When you decide to befriend someone, is it because you really care about them (as Jesus did) or because you feel better about yourself for inviting them to church?<span style=""> </span>Are you motivated by the amount of money or status they have, or do you choose them the way you choose fresh produce—only the unblemished, most beautiful ones will do? How much time and energy would you put into a relationship if you knew that person would never be interested in knowing Jesus or attending your church?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the goal has been met and your conquests have been enlisted, do you continue to nurture these relationships or do they quickly become <b style=""><i style="">invisible </i></b>people as you move on to make other converts?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What does it mean to be invisible?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]-->When the pastor leans across your seat to greet the person sitting next to you, but doesn’t even make eye contact or communicate with you, it may mean you are invisible.</li></ul><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul><li><!--[if !supportLists]-->When a clique of well-dressed church ladies walk right past you, making no eye contact or polite greeting, and spend the next half-hour talking among themselves in the same room while you sit quietly alone, it may mean you are invisible.</li></ul><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]-->When your relatives who attend the same church walk past you without saying “hello” week after week, it may mean you are invisible.</li></ul><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul><li><!--[if !supportLists]-->When you’ve missed attending church for several weeks and no one calls to see if you are okay, it may mean you are invisible.</li></ul><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I think about the invisible people in my own church, it grieves my heart that many of them have come and gone without notice and we have missed knowing some amazing people.<span style=""> </span>When people are treated as objects or as a means to an end, they will be quickly discarded unless they have something special to offer such as status or money.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here’s what it says in James 2 (The Message):</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith.<span style=""> </span>If a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, “Sit here, sir, this is the best seat in the house!” and either ignore the street person or say, “Better sit here in the back row,” haven’t you segregated God’s children and proved that you are judges who can’t be trusted?</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Listen, dear friends.<span style=""> </span>Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently?<span style=""> </span>He chose the world’s down-and-out as the kingdom’s first citizens, with full rights and privileges.<span style=""> </span>This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God.<span style=""> </span>And here you are abusing these same citizens!<span style=""> </span>Isn’t it the high and mighty who exploit you, who use the courts to rob you blind?</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To our shame, we <b style=""><i style="">do</i></b> treat people differently in our churches.<span style=""> </span>People who are too fat, too deep, too loud, too quiet, too poor, too flashy, or too much of a misfit are often ignored and judged.<span style=""> </span>Perhaps we need heavenly glasses to see all the invisible people, to see the value in those who have been deemed insignificant, and to see everyone the way God sees them.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For all the invisible people who feel discarded and ignored, God sees you!<span style=""> </span>He sees the real you—the person deep down inside your skin that others have missed, the person with gifts and dreams and love to offer, the person He created you to be.<span style=""> </span>Don’t spend too much time grieving the sting of insensitive people who claim to know God; instead, look up and celebrate the incredible life God has birthed inside you and ask Him to help you see others with the same delight He has when He thinks of you.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >God, give me eyes to see those whom you love and ears to hear the cry of their heart even before they say a word so that no one remains invisible or insignificant.<br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><br />Brenda Branson Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved<br /><a href="http://brokenpeople.org/">www.brokenpeople.org</a></span><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036495544256981506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447255178325851634.post-42342788788092722292008-07-19T16:38:00.000-05:002008-07-19T16:40:29.649-05:00Looking Back<span style="font-weight: bold;">Looking Back </span><br /><br />I could hardly recognize myself. I was no longer the quiet, easy-going girl that very seldom got angry. In my reaction to my husband’s tirades and verbal abuse, I began having unkind thoughts (that’s putting it mildly!) and often responded with a sharp edge to my voice.<br /><br />It felt like my insides were boiling and any day this volcano of bitterness would erupt to scald whomever stood in my path. When my intuitive co-workers confronted me and asked if I was harboring some anger inside, I became very defensive and said, “I’m not angry! That’s ridiculous!”<br /><br />Although it took me a while to admit it, I began to see a mirror image in myself of the traits I detested in my husband. How could this have happened? I despised my stinking attitude and felt defeated by the man who knew which buttons to push to get a negative reaction out of me. Even more, I dreaded seeing the smirk on my husband’s face when I sank to his level, and hated hearing him declare how “unchristian” my behavior was.<br /><br />I wanted the old me back—not the part who became my husband’s doormat, but the peaceful, kind person who was still there beneath the surface of turmoil and anger. During a marriage counseling session our pastor asked, “Are you willing to try to make this marriage work?” As a good little church lady I responded, “Of course!”<br /><br />The next day his question haunted me. I knew the truth, but I had not been courageous enough to admit it. “No! I do not want to make my marriage work!” I said it out loud as if God couldn’t read my thoughts. “I don’t want to make this work!”<br /><br />Living with a difficult, abusive man for 20 years was just about all I could take. I was not willing to go back and endure more of the same. I did not believe my husband would ever change, and I no longer had the strength to carry both of us. As soon as I admitted the truth to myself and to God, I was able to make one last attempt to reconcile the marriage. I agreed to seek the help of a professional counselor as long as he would hold my husband accountable for his actions.<br /><br />I asked God to forgive me for my sinful attitudes and actions, and restore to me the joy of living and a purpose for being alive. I submitted my anger and right for revenge to God, trusting Him to provide justice and deliverance from harm.<br /><br />As I expected, my husband had no intention of changing, and seemed to delight in pushing me over the edge. Instead of reacting to his rage, I remained calm and in control. Although he became increasingly violent, I made a conscious choice to restrain my tongue, set limits, and do whatever was necessary to maintain my safety.<br /><br />Instead of remaining a powerless victim, I began focusing on what I could change—myself. I began to keep a journal and write down thoughts and feelings, as well as documenting incidents of abuse. My prayer life was more active as I prayed for my husband and for wisdom to know how to proceed if he refused to change or get help. The scriptures became a precious source of strength and builder of self-esteem as I rediscovered my worth through the eyes of the Lord, my creator.<br /><br />Like a struggling baby bird pecking its way out of the shell, I began chipping away at the lies I had believed in the prison of my own making. I was emerging as a person capable of surviving and thriving on my own.<br /><br />When faced with the decision of whether to allow my son to suffer the trauma of a broken home or live in an abusive home, I chose to leave and take him with me. It was the right choice for me . . .and ultimately for him.<br /><br />When I had to choose whether or not to be truthful on financial questions when my husband skillfully hid assets and lied about his income, God helped me choose honesty over money. He helped me choose faith over feelings and integrity over manipulation.<br /><br />I did not get the old me back, but the Lord gave me a new me instead. I praise Him for the changes He has made in my life. Some were very painful, but all have been for my good. My life is full of joy and anticipation as God opens doors, provides for my needs, and fulfills my every desire.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Brenda Branson, Copyright © 2002-2008, All Rights Reserved<br />www.brokenpeople.org<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036495544256981506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447255178325851634.post-24881368953513073432008-07-12T21:39:00.002-05:002008-07-12T21:48:51.283-05:00Greed, Envy and Jealousy<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size:14;">Greed<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i style="">“Greed</i></b><i style=""> is <span style="color:black;">the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfish" title="Selfish"><span style="text-decoration: none;color:black;" >selfish</span></a> desire for or pursuit of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Money" title="Money"><span style="text-decoration: none;color:black;" >money</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wealth" title="Wealth"><span style="text-decoration: none;color:black;" >wealth</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_%28sociology%29" title="Power (sociology)"><span style="text-decoration: none;color:black;" >power</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food" title="Food"><span style="text-decoration: none;color:black;" >food</span></a>, or other <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Possessions" title="Possessions"><span style="text-decoration: none;color:black;" >possessions</span></a>, especially</span> when this denies the same goods to others.” </i>(from Wikipedia)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Greed’s two sisters are envy and jealousy.<span style=""> </span>Together, they form a diabolical trinity that sneaks their way into the heart of a person, unnoticed at first, weaving and twisting their toxic vines around the heart, poisoning the soul.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Where does greed come from?</b><span style=""> </span><i style="">“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.<span style=""> </span>This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual<b style="">, demonic</b>.<span style=""> </span>For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.<span style=""> </span>But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”</i><span style=""> </span>(James 3:14-18 ESV)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">It was greed that germinated in Lucifer’s heart.<span style=""> </span>He was one of the most beautiful creatures in heaven, but he wanted more.<span style=""> </span>Instead of being thankful for all God had given him, he wanted what he didn’t have and tried to take it by force.<span style=""> </span>He manipulated other angelic beings with his lies and corrupted, twisted thinking and gained allies to join him in his diabolical attempt to gain power and control over God himself!<span style=""> </span>Crashing headlong up against a holy God sent him reeling, banished from heaven forever, but still power hungry in his temporary dominion of earth.<span style=""> </span>Since then he has taken great delight in reproducing his vile nature in the hearts and minds of people who listen to his lies instead of trusting God’s promises.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Greedy people are often blinded to the truth about themselves.<span style=""> </span>They rationalize their actions when they take what belongs to others by saying, “Well, I don’t have what you have, so I’m going to take yours.”<span style=""> </span>They may even delude themselves into thinking they are serving God with the bounty they have taken from others.<span style=""> </span>But God is not pleased.<span style=""> </span>Jesus spoke harshly to religious people who appeared to be generous and merciful on the outside, but were inwardly “full of greed and self-indulgence.”<span style=""> </span>(Matthew 23:23-26 ESV)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">What does greed look like?<span style=""> </span></b>It often hides in the heart of a person, unnoticed until the greedy person is squeezed by disappointments in life; but sometimes it is overtly evident in the selfish child who grows into an envious, greedy adult.<span style=""> </span>Here are some components of the multifaceted face of greed:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><i style="">Narcissism</i></b>—I love myself more than I care about your well-being, and even though I say I care about you, what I want is really more important.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><i style="">Arrogance</i></b><i style="">--</i>I am always right, even when others say I’m wrong for taking what belongs to you. I’m digging in my heels and refuse to consider anyone else’s opinion, and I’m shutting my ears to what God has to say.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><i style="">Entitlement</i></b><i style="">--</i>I deserve to have what you have, so I’ll just take yours without any regard for your welfare or other people’s needs.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><i style="">Envy and Jealousy</i></b>—My good deeds and hard work have gone unnoticed while people applaud you.<span style=""> </span>I want what you have so people will like me more. I will not rest until I have rendered you powerless, invisible, discredited and stripped of everything that I want for myself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><i style="">Control</i></b>—You are confident and assertive while I am needy and afraid. When I take from you, it makes me feel “large and in charge.”<span style=""> </span>When I have it all and you are left with nothing, I may be able to control you by my selective, strings-attached generosity.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><i style="">Judgmental and punitive attitude</i></b>--You hurt me so I will punish you by taking whatever will hurt you the most. Just when you think it’s over, I’ll come back to take more so you will suffer like you’ve caused me to suffer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><i style="">Selfishness</i></b>—I want what I want when I want it, even if it means you will go without.<span style=""> </span>I will destroy you if you get in my way.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">What is the spiritual condition of a greedy person?<span style=""> </span></b>It is very hard for a greedy person to trust that God is good.<span style=""> </span>Regardless of God’s blessings in their lives, they wonder if He is holding out on them.<span style=""> </span>It’s the same lie Eve believed when she was living in paradise, surrounded by everything she needed and desired, but still wondering if there was more.<span style=""> </span>When a person rationalizes that God might not come through for them, they decide to take charge of their own life and become a god unto themselves.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">When someone values anything more than God, scripture calls it idolatry.<span style=""> </span>The twisted logic of a greedy “religious” person says that what they are coveting and taking from others is for God’s work in the kingdom; therefore it is justified.<span style=""> </span>Greedily taking from others to further the cause of their own “ministry” becomes the idol that separates them from worshiping the true God who requires mercy and justice instead of tainted offerings that have been stolen from others.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The apostle Peter spoke about people whose <i style="">“hearts are trained in greed</i>” (2 Peter <st1:time minute="14" hour="14">2:14</st1:time>-22), calling them “<i style="">waterless springs and mists driven by a storm</i>” who promise people freedom, not realizing they are themselves enslaved<i style="">.<span style=""> </span>“For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.”</i><span style=""> </span>(verse19)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Are you a “waterless spring?”<span style=""> </span>Do you appear to have God’s life in you (living water) as you engage in religious rhetoric and humanitarian good deeds, but in reality you are as dry as dead men’s bones because of your greed and envy and jealousy?<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you have found your own reflection in the tri-fold mirror of greed, envy, and jealousy, what should you do?<span style=""> </span>You’ve already taken the first step toward healing by opening your eyes and admitting your brokenness.<span style=""> </span>God has great compassion and mercy for those who run into his open arms for forgiveness. <span style=""> </span>He despises an arrogant, stubborn spirit, but embraces a repentant heart.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The next step in true repentance is to turn and go in another direction.<span style=""> </span>In Colossians 3, Paul advises us to put the idolatries of our hearts behind us and pursue “compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (v. 12), and most importantly, to allow God’s self-sacrificing love (v. 14) to flow through us.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">As you pursue the path of righteousness, you may still occasionally hear the voice of the enemy whispering familiar lies in your ear, trying to get you off course.<span style=""> </span>“She’s got stuff that you don’t have . . . you deserve better . . . people love her more than you . . . maybe God is holding out on you . . . you should take matters into your own hands and take what should be yours.”<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>When those lies assault your ears and invade your heart, don’t let them take root.<span style=""> </span>Take the whole rotten mess to your Father and let Him replace your fears with His truth.<span style=""> </span>To the extent that you keep running toward Him with a tender heart that seeks truth, the enemy’s lies will lose their potency.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you harden your heart and continue to embrace evil, God will most definitely deal with you.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes He relentlessly pursues his wayward children and sometimes He leaves them to their own devices until the consequences of their actions send them running back to Him.<span style=""> </span>For you, dear one who is struggling with greed and envy, God desires to rescue your heart from the clutches of the evil one.<span style=""> </span>If you’ll just risk standing naked in the presence of holy, He will redeem and transform your heart and mind through the power of His incredible love.<span style=""> </span>What will your choice be?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">Brenda Branson, Copyright © 2008, All Rights Reserved<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:10;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.brokenpeople.org/">http://www.brokenpeople.org</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036495544256981506noreply@blogger.com0