"So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members." -- Romans 7:21-23
Often we hear sin referred to as a vicious cycle, and it is. Each of us has at least one area of sin we cannot quite seem to master. For some, it is overeating or overspending. Others may have problems with sexual sin or pride. Whatever it may be, without God's help it is impossible to break the vicious cycle of sin in our lives. Even if we manage to free ourselves from sin’s shackles, often we live for years with the consequences of our prior sinful actions.
Paul's words to the Christians living in Rome capture the essence of the internal struggle with sin we sometimes face. Even as I write this, my heart is broken over the sin of indebtedness and the effect the consequences of that sin continue to have over my family, my ministry, and every other aspect of my life. God knows the burden that I carry, the desire I have to pay off my debt and move beyond it, and the prayer of my heart that my children won't follow in my footsteps in the area of financial stewardship. This is one of those lessons I have had to learn the hard way, and I pray that they are learning, too.
What is your vicious cycle? What is that one area of sin that is always right behind you, no matter how hard you try to outrun it? Take heart. God understands what you're up against. He knows that like Paul, we are all in a war of wills -- God's righteous will vs our own sinful will -- and that sometimes we lose a battle here and there because we are weak. The good news is that God's grace is sufficient for each us, for his power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12: 9) "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set [us] free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1-2). Jesus has already won the victory over sin and death. Satan may accuse, but he can never condemn us because Christ paid our sin debt in full on the cross of Calvary!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
A Leap of Faith -- New Ministry Launched
Please click here to read more about my leap of faith into ministry and to learn how you can partner with me in this exciting new endeavor!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Stop That Stinkin' Thinkin'!
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." -- James 1:12
When Sean's music class didn't turn out quite like he expected, he became blinded by his own frustration and lost sight of his goal to play the violin. Despite his love of music, he allowed the intimidation of being in a class of more experienced players to overwhelm him and undermine his determination to learn the instrument. As hard as his teacher and parents tried to reassure him that a little private instruction and practice were all he needed to catch up with the other players and enjoy the class, he was convinced otherwise.
Have you ever found yourself in that kind of frustrating situation, where no amount of reason will change your mind? Why are you so convinced that nothing can make your situation better, or that no one understands? The simple truth of the matter is that there are people who understand completely and who care about you. Even better, God cares about you.
Sometimes things don't work out the way we planned. We feel disappointed, frustrated, and angry. We want to simply give up and take the easy way out. Sure, it would be easier for Sean to drop the class rather than to sacrifice a little free time with friends and put forth the extra effort needed in order to accomplish the goal of playing the violin. But don't you think that he might feel a great sense of pride because he persevered, stepping out of his comfort zone to do something that would give him great joy in the end?
If you are frustrated today, check your attitude and ask God to help you. Maybe the real problem is not that you are out of your comfort zone, but rather you have a severe case of "stinkin' thinkin'." If all you can see is your trouble, despite the advice and encouragement of caring adults or friends, then you need to adjust your attitude, expand your vision, and dare to believe that maybe, just maybe, it is possible to accomplish your goals despite the obstacles. Quit looking for excuses to fail and start looking for reasons to succeed. Either your goal is important to you, or it's not. Stop that stinkin' thinkin' and make up your mind to do something about it!
Above all, pray and trust God to help you. Sometimes He allows difficulties in order to grow and mature us. Life is not going to get any easier. There will always be problems to overcome. Take the obstacles you face and use them as stepping stones to a greater opportunity.
When Sean's music class didn't turn out quite like he expected, he became blinded by his own frustration and lost sight of his goal to play the violin. Despite his love of music, he allowed the intimidation of being in a class of more experienced players to overwhelm him and undermine his determination to learn the instrument. As hard as his teacher and parents tried to reassure him that a little private instruction and practice were all he needed to catch up with the other players and enjoy the class, he was convinced otherwise.
Have you ever found yourself in that kind of frustrating situation, where no amount of reason will change your mind? Why are you so convinced that nothing can make your situation better, or that no one understands? The simple truth of the matter is that there are people who understand completely and who care about you. Even better, God cares about you.
Sometimes things don't work out the way we planned. We feel disappointed, frustrated, and angry. We want to simply give up and take the easy way out. Sure, it would be easier for Sean to drop the class rather than to sacrifice a little free time with friends and put forth the extra effort needed in order to accomplish the goal of playing the violin. But don't you think that he might feel a great sense of pride because he persevered, stepping out of his comfort zone to do something that would give him great joy in the end?
If you are frustrated today, check your attitude and ask God to help you. Maybe the real problem is not that you are out of your comfort zone, but rather you have a severe case of "stinkin' thinkin'." If all you can see is your trouble, despite the advice and encouragement of caring adults or friends, then you need to adjust your attitude, expand your vision, and dare to believe that maybe, just maybe, it is possible to accomplish your goals despite the obstacles. Quit looking for excuses to fail and start looking for reasons to succeed. Either your goal is important to you, or it's not. Stop that stinkin' thinkin' and make up your mind to do something about it!
Above all, pray and trust God to help you. Sometimes He allows difficulties in order to grow and mature us. Life is not going to get any easier. There will always be problems to overcome. Take the obstacles you face and use them as stepping stones to a greater opportunity.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Righteous Rebel
A friend's recent Facebook status update got me to thinking about what it means to be a rebel. If you are a teen whose behavior is contrary to everything your parents believe and have taught you to believe, then you might proudly assume that you are a rebel, living life on your terms. You might well be living life on your own terms, but I'm not so sure that your form of rebellion makes you as special as you might think you are or even classify you as a true rebel. Rather, it makes you "just like everybody else," lost in a sea of sameness and mediocrity.
According to Dictionary.com, a rebel is defined as "1.a person who refuses allegiance to, resists, or rises in arms against the government or ruler of his or her country. 2.a person who resists any authority, control, or tradition." Yet, as far as I can tell, most teenagers are not resisting the control or tradition of their government or ruler, or better put, their generation or peer group. They are sucked into the same cultural activities as the rest of their peers, controlled by unhealthy addictions, risky behaviors, and ungodly forms of entertainment, all because they are afraid to rebel against the norm and dare to take a stand for something better.
If you want to be special and stand out in your generation, then dare to be a righteous rebel, modeling your life after Jesus Christ, who himself was considered to be a true rebel. He was in this world, but not of it, and he calls us to do the same. The apostle Peter urges us "as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul" (1 Peter 2:11, NIV). Are you willing to become a righteous rebel and walk in truth and holiness like Jesus himself?
Don't be like everyone else you know. Sin is a one-way street that leads straight to the pit. Rather, be better than everyone you know by choosing to walk in truth, shine the light, and share the love of Jesus with those around you. You will never find satisfaction in the things of this world. Friends and lovers will disappoint you, possessions with satisfy you only so long, and addictive substances will only destroy you. There is a better way, the only true way to lasting fulfillment, joy, and happiness, and that is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the one Friend who will never disappoint you, make you feel bad about yourself, or cast you aside. He loves you unconditionally, so much that he willingly died on the cross to save you from your sins (John 3:16).
If you want to know more, or would like me to pray for you, please email me at deedeewike@bellsouth.net or message me on Facebook.
According to Dictionary.com, a rebel is defined as "1.a person who refuses allegiance to, resists, or rises in arms against the government or ruler of his or her country. 2.a person who resists any authority, control, or tradition." Yet, as far as I can tell, most teenagers are not resisting the control or tradition of their government or ruler, or better put, their generation or peer group. They are sucked into the same cultural activities as the rest of their peers, controlled by unhealthy addictions, risky behaviors, and ungodly forms of entertainment, all because they are afraid to rebel against the norm and dare to take a stand for something better.
If you want to be special and stand out in your generation, then dare to be a righteous rebel, modeling your life after Jesus Christ, who himself was considered to be a true rebel. He was in this world, but not of it, and he calls us to do the same. The apostle Peter urges us "as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul" (1 Peter 2:11, NIV). Are you willing to become a righteous rebel and walk in truth and holiness like Jesus himself?
Don't be like everyone else you know. Sin is a one-way street that leads straight to the pit. Rather, be better than everyone you know by choosing to walk in truth, shine the light, and share the love of Jesus with those around you. You will never find satisfaction in the things of this world. Friends and lovers will disappoint you, possessions with satisfy you only so long, and addictive substances will only destroy you. There is a better way, the only true way to lasting fulfillment, joy, and happiness, and that is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the one Friend who will never disappoint you, make you feel bad about yourself, or cast you aside. He loves you unconditionally, so much that he willingly died on the cross to save you from your sins (John 3:16).
If you want to know more, or would like me to pray for you, please email me at deedeewike@bellsouth.net or message me on Facebook.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Great Kid Within
"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." -- Galatians 6:9
I am not one to remember lines from movies, but one that keeps playing over and over in my mind is Mufasa's statement to his young cub in Disney's "The Lion King." It is a moment of revelation which could have saved this prince of the pride a lot of trouble and heartache, if only he had taken to heart his father's words: "Simba, you are more than you have become."
As I watch my own teenager struggle with the challenges of adolescence, making mistakes, and suffering the consequences for them, I sometimes speak those same words to him. As a parent, I pray diligently for my children, doing everything in my power to impress upon them how much God loves and values them and the promise that he has a wonderful plan for their lives. I truly believe they understand that, but in their limited, youthful inexperience, they cannot see how their present reality will impact their future potential. In other words, they are guilty of making poor choices that can and most likely will hinder the unfolding of God's plan and purpose for their lives. They don't realize that oversleeping and missing the bus could very well translate into showing up late for work and losing a job. Or that failing to make good grades in school will be a reflection to future employers or potential colleges of a lack of commitment to follow through and do a good job.
All I can do as a parent is continue to pray each day that God will open their eyes and somehow let them see how precious time is and how precious they are, to me and to him. I pray that they will quickly learn from their mistakes, correct their actions, and above all, have a heart for the one who created the great kid within.
Parenting is difficult and even heartbreaking at times. It requires the heart of a lion, and the help of the Lion of Judah, to train up our children in the way they should go.
I am not one to remember lines from movies, but one that keeps playing over and over in my mind is Mufasa's statement to his young cub in Disney's "The Lion King." It is a moment of revelation which could have saved this prince of the pride a lot of trouble and heartache, if only he had taken to heart his father's words: "Simba, you are more than you have become."
As I watch my own teenager struggle with the challenges of adolescence, making mistakes, and suffering the consequences for them, I sometimes speak those same words to him. As a parent, I pray diligently for my children, doing everything in my power to impress upon them how much God loves and values them and the promise that he has a wonderful plan for their lives. I truly believe they understand that, but in their limited, youthful inexperience, they cannot see how their present reality will impact their future potential. In other words, they are guilty of making poor choices that can and most likely will hinder the unfolding of God's plan and purpose for their lives. They don't realize that oversleeping and missing the bus could very well translate into showing up late for work and losing a job. Or that failing to make good grades in school will be a reflection to future employers or potential colleges of a lack of commitment to follow through and do a good job.
All I can do as a parent is continue to pray each day that God will open their eyes and somehow let them see how precious time is and how precious they are, to me and to him. I pray that they will quickly learn from their mistakes, correct their actions, and above all, have a heart for the one who created the great kid within.
Parenting is difficult and even heartbreaking at times. It requires the heart of a lion, and the help of the Lion of Judah, to train up our children in the way they should go.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Making the Grade
Through the years God has shown me a lot about the learning process. Whether it is studying just a little harder for that final exam or preparing yourself spiritually and emotionally for the tests of life, one thing you should remember is that you can never be too prepared. When the final analysis is in, the grades you make will matter.
If you are struggling with academics, ask yourself the question: What am I really focused on? Most teenagers these days are not focused on school work. Their attention is centered on self-image, friendships, what to do on Friday night, and simply surviving as a teen in a dog-eat-dog world. In fact, I am learning that many teens develop a sort of tunnel vision, where they see only one piece of the pie. They often focus on one area of life, leaving everything else spiraling out of control. There is simply NO balance.
So what's the remedy for bad grades, bad attitudes, and anything else that might be out of kilter? Finding a new center in Jesus Christ. When we allow him to call the shots, he not only gives us direction and peace, but he changes our want to's into his want to's, and that is a very good thing! When our priorities (the things that drive us, the things that we consider important) are in line with God's priorities, then he gives us the grace, ability, and resources we need to do things well and "make the grade," so to speak.
Don't settle for less than God's best for you, or your ability to do what is required. Most anyone can make good grades in school and still find time for friendships and fun. Don't go overboard in one area and neglect learning what you need to learn in order to be a success in life. Knowledge is important, so take advantage of the opportunities you have to learn and make this your best school year ever! Your grades and God's glory are certainly worth the effort.
"So whether you eat or drink (or study for that final exam!) or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
If you are struggling with academics, ask yourself the question: What am I really focused on? Most teenagers these days are not focused on school work. Their attention is centered on self-image, friendships, what to do on Friday night, and simply surviving as a teen in a dog-eat-dog world. In fact, I am learning that many teens develop a sort of tunnel vision, where they see only one piece of the pie. They often focus on one area of life, leaving everything else spiraling out of control. There is simply NO balance.
So what's the remedy for bad grades, bad attitudes, and anything else that might be out of kilter? Finding a new center in Jesus Christ. When we allow him to call the shots, he not only gives us direction and peace, but he changes our want to's into his want to's, and that is a very good thing! When our priorities (the things that drive us, the things that we consider important) are in line with God's priorities, then he gives us the grace, ability, and resources we need to do things well and "make the grade," so to speak.
Don't settle for less than God's best for you, or your ability to do what is required. Most anyone can make good grades in school and still find time for friendships and fun. Don't go overboard in one area and neglect learning what you need to learn in order to be a success in life. Knowledge is important, so take advantage of the opportunities you have to learn and make this your best school year ever! Your grades and God's glory are certainly worth the effort.
"So whether you eat or drink (or study for that final exam!) or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Lying Eyes
They say that our eyes are windows to the soul. That's so true. I can look at my children and know whether or not they are telling me the truth. And nine times out of ten, your parents can tell what's going on when they look at you. You may think that all parents are dumber than dirt, but we see things in you that you just can't hide. In the words of the great rock band, The Eagles, "You can't hide your lying eyes."
Since the beginning of time people have been lying to those in authority over them, and to themselves, by failing to accept responsibility for their wrong actions (sins). Remember Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit? They disobeyed God by eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. When God asked them about it, Adam pointed his finger at Eve, who in turn blamed the serpent for deceiving them. Seems to me that the one who lies is dumber than dirt.
What about Cain? We learn in Genesis 4 that he got angry and killed his brother Abel because the Lord accepted Abel's offering and rejected his. Abel didn't do anything wrong; in fact, he offered to God the very best of his firstborn lambs. When God asked where Abel was, Cain responded, "I don't know. Am I my brother's guardian?" (v. 9) Talk about denying his own wrongdoing! God wasn't fooled. "But the LORD said, 'What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground! Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother's blood. No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth'" (Genesis 4:10-12, NLT).
Make no mistake, lying is never the solution for avoiding the consequences of your sin. You might fool yourself into believing that your sin is not such a big deal, but you'll never convince God or your parents. That's because they love you too much to overlook an offense that could bring you or others great harm.
Cain learned a painful lesson: that sin results in unavoidable and potentially devastating consequences. The only cure for sin is taking responsibility for your actions, repenting of (turning away from) the sinful behavior, and seeking the forgiveness of God and those against whom you have sinned, including yourself. "If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing" (1 John 1:8-9, The Message).
Since the beginning of time people have been lying to those in authority over them, and to themselves, by failing to accept responsibility for their wrong actions (sins). Remember Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit? They disobeyed God by eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. When God asked them about it, Adam pointed his finger at Eve, who in turn blamed the serpent for deceiving them. Seems to me that the one who lies is dumber than dirt.
What about Cain? We learn in Genesis 4 that he got angry and killed his brother Abel because the Lord accepted Abel's offering and rejected his. Abel didn't do anything wrong; in fact, he offered to God the very best of his firstborn lambs. When God asked where Abel was, Cain responded, "I don't know. Am I my brother's guardian?" (v. 9) Talk about denying his own wrongdoing! God wasn't fooled. "But the LORD said, 'What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground! Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother's blood. No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth'" (Genesis 4:10-12, NLT).
Make no mistake, lying is never the solution for avoiding the consequences of your sin. You might fool yourself into believing that your sin is not such a big deal, but you'll never convince God or your parents. That's because they love you too much to overlook an offense that could bring you or others great harm.
Cain learned a painful lesson: that sin results in unavoidable and potentially devastating consequences. The only cure for sin is taking responsibility for your actions, repenting of (turning away from) the sinful behavior, and seeking the forgiveness of God and those against whom you have sinned, including yourself. "If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing" (1 John 1:8-9, The Message).
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