Tag: Fellowship

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Having The Heart of Jesus In A Culture Of Disposal

Disposable.


The paper plates and plastic wear you throw away when you don’t want to do dishes. The one time use razors to shave. The rare but needed toilet paper that was hard to get ahold of just shy of a year ago. Our culture has made a habit of one time uses because it is well, convenient. However, I am sad to say that many of us have felt the weight of disposability when it comes to relationships and even our hearts.


As I was crying out to God yet again after what had seemed to be a relationship that had came and went without a word, I wondered what I was feeling. I had been praying for God to take out people that were not meant to be in my life and send people that were. I knew that this was an answered prayer but there was such a weight on my heart I knew I needed to talk to the Father. Our conversation went something like, “I forgive them Lord. I know I did as you told me to. You’ve searched my heart. But I just feel…I’m not sure how to explain it.”


Then I heard the Holy Spirit whisper that wretched word, disposable.


Quite often in my 28 years of life, I have tried to build relationships. But there comes a point in many of them that when I was no longer useful, I was tossed to the side. I was good until I was no longer useful. It seemed that through the seasons, I was labeled with a lack of durability for the long haul. Because of my previous history of trauma and abuse I lacked on understanding healthy boundaries. Truth be told, boundaries even felt ‘un-Christ like’ at times.


Disposable was slowly becoming my identity as each person came and went. It felt that each time, they took something with them when they left.


When we are built for community, it can be hard for us to understand why the cherished friendships we have cannot come with us in the next season. It can be hard to understand why when you are innocent, and you are made out to be the villain. Relationships can be messy. A wise counselor once told me that relationships are not only a place of hurt, but they are also a place of healing.


I have missed the mark countless of times in relationships and I am so thankful for grace and mercy. However, one reminder has remained the same through each season:


It is important that we value people through the heart of the Father and not our flesh.


Pride can sneak its way in and we slowly begin to have a fogged lens of superiority over one another. This is not the way God wants it to be. After all, it is only through His grace that we have been saved. It is a sheer gift, not something that can be earned or deserved.


If we treat others while remaining in the love of God there is no possible way we could treat them as something that can be used and tossed to the side. Because when we have God’s heart, we know that His Children are worth dying for when they have nothing to offer.


For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. How much more then, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. -Romans 5:6-9 CSB


Jesus not only died for us and made us His children, but He encourages us that as we are being sanctified each day, that we are to be made into a vessel of honor for special use. The only way to no longer treat people as disposable and not allow ourselves to be used is through the Spirit of God. When we walk in step with the Holy Spirit, we will remain humble, living a life full of honor, love, and put boundaries in place that not only protect us but the relationships he has given us. We will not always get this right. But what we do after we have missed the mark is imperative.


Will we come boldly before God and expose the times we have had wrong motives? Are we courageous enough to call and ask for forgiveness when we have hurt those around us? And even if they do not forgive us, can we still pray for them with Abba’s heart? When we walk in love, remaining in the Spirit, we cannot help but see the value Jesus has placed not only on us but those that surround us.

Other Scripture To Meditate On:


• If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. -Philippians 2:1-4 CSB
• Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable use and some for dishonorable. So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels. The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. -2 Timothy 20-26 CSB

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The Harmful Side Effects of Isolation

Confession time…I have this habit of isolating myself. To me, there is nothing better than a pair of fuzzy pajamas, puppy snuggles, a mahogany teakwood candle, and a good book. Which is not a bad thing if it does not happen all the time or in moments when we actually need to be with other people.

See, God did not make us to be by ourselves. He said that even if everyone turned against us, we would never truly be alone because HE is with us. I used this as a scripture to justify myself when I isolated during times of hurt. Throughout these past couple years I have went through hurt from people I love. The very idea of unconditional love and not justified by works was foreign to me at one point. I am a very good, if not an expert at isolation. I even have a certain pair of fuzzy pajamas I lounge in. However, through the eyes of God this is not always a good thing, especially in times where we are hurting. While I do believe that solitude is a good thing and we need ALONE time with the Father to recharge, I was also shown this morning why it is so easy to withdraw in certain times of our life.

I was reading through Galatians 2. This is where Paul and some of the other disciples are having a heated discussion over circumcision. Paul is like, this is a different gospel you guys are preaching. Really these false apostles are trying to get you enslaved to the law again because the freedom we have through the blood of Jesus. It does not matter what people’s pasts are or their status quo, Jesus is not a respecter of persons… (Read Galatians 2). Then Paul comes to the point of of meeting Cephas in Antioch. Cephas aka Peter the disciple is opposed by Paul because he was living in condemnation. Yes, Peter was living from a place of condemnation rather than freedom. Why did this happen though? How could Peter get caught up in condemnation when the precious blood of Jesus has set him free?

“ For he regularly ate with the Gentiles before certain men came from James. However, when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, because he feared those from the circumcision party.  Then the rest of the Jews joined his hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.” -Galatians 2:12-13 CSB

When the Gentiles came (people who were looked at as unclean in this day), Peter withdrew and separated himself because the fear he had of the Jews. Then Barnabas followed along in his hypocrisy. Yes, our decision effect more than just us. Remember, God is not respecter of people, meaning he does not show favoritism.

I believe that because Peter was fearing man rather than God he was caught up in hypocrisy. The fear he had was not of God at all. Which caused him to withdraw and isolate himself away from others. If he was around others before hand, Paul would have corrected him then. Paul corrected him in front of everyone. But I believe that this scripture holds true,

“Open rebuke is better
Than love carefully concealed.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” -Proverbs 27:5-6 NKJV

I know that it can be hard to get out of the house sometimes, especially during times of hurt. I know it is so much easier to isolate yourself rather than being open for more wounds. But what if it is not wounds you are going to receive?Thinking this way is from a place of fear. I believe that love WORTH having is vulnerable and that Jesus died for us to be healed and whole. Not only that, but you not only need people, but what God has placed inside of you people need that too.

“And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” -Hebrews 10:24-25 CSB

When you gather together with other Jesus loving people who are passionate about living out the word of God and following his will something amazing happens. Your faith increases, your love increases, and you are encouraged and strengthened to do what God has called you to do. I know that getting out is not easy to do, it may even be exhausting. Remember, God is speaking this to me too. However, there is nothing like gathering together with fellow believers.

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The Book of Ruth (Chapter 1 Focus)~Bible Study Notes~April 5th 2018

The Book of Ruth Background Information

Timeline:

During the time of the Judges, a period of social and religious disorder when “everyone did whatever seemed right to him” (Judges 17:16)

Era bridged the time between the conquest of the land under Joshua and The Rise of King David (1150 BC-1100 BC)

Facts:

After reading the book of Judges which paints a dark and depressing picture of Israel, Ruth is a welcome relief.

One of the five scrolls read during the Jewish festivals, in particular The Festival of Weeks.

Chapter 1:

(1:1-5)

  • famine in the land of Moab
  • Killed Naomi’s husband and two son’s (one being Ruth’s husband)
  • Famine was also known as a natural disaster or a means of testing to strengthen the faith of the people of God
  • Which in turn was a test of Naomi & Ruth’s heart
  • Moab where they were, not in favor of the Promised Land

(1:6-9)

  • During this time your husband was your voice
  • Whatever was your husband’s if he passed went to the next male or next of kin
  • (1:6)-God is still faithful to his people
  • (1:8)-Naomi tries to send them back home. We see Naomi looking at the best interests of others. She had absolutely nothing to offer Ruth. This showed kindness and humility in Naomi’s heart.
  • (1:9)-Despite emotions running high (weeping out loud) Naomi’s heart was still focused on others

(1:10-14)

  • Naomi tells Ruth and Orpah to flee because she has nothing to offer (Remember your husband was your voice)
  • She also feels like the Lord has turned against her
  • They all weep together

~Have you ever been in a position where you did not understand why?

~Did you continue to trust in God’s promises or look at your circumstances?

  • Ruth clings to Naomi (this shows empathy, sympathy, and kindness)

(1:15-17)

  • Naomi demands them to leave
  • Ruth, however, has a different plan. Ruth says with authority what seemed like wedding vows to her Mother-in-law.
  1. emotions are running high still
  2. “your God will be my God” (just after Naomi spoke of the Lord “turning against her…)

Lets Put Ourselves In Ruth’s Shoes

  1. Husband and father-in law just died in a famine
  2. Your voice in society was your husband (male)
  3. Weeping together with mother-in-law and sister-in-law
  4. Live in the land of the Moabites (not in favor of the Promised Land)
  5. Naomi feels the wrath of God BUT Ruth chooses to lay down her life for her mother-in-law (leaving everything she knows behind, including her beliefs)
  6. Ruth ultimately loses her life to find it

Ruth is…

  • compassionate
  • understanding
  • sympathetic
  • empathetic
  • dedicated
  • heart of a servant
  • sacraficial
  • has an attitude of determination
  • bold and courageous
  • obedient
  • a heroine

Heroine: an ordinary woman doing extraordinary things

(1:18-22)

  • even though Naomi is still distressed we see later on that Ruth’s decision to follow God changed not only her future but her mother-in-law’s and future generations including our own

Ruth is a great great great……grandmother of King David. (See Matthew 1)

Take Away Questions:

  1. Have we ever felt like Naomi, where God’s discipline or test seems to be too much? (See Psalm 30:5)
  2. Are we willing to drop everything to follow the will of God? (Example: Ruth left everything she knew would you stay at Fort Polk or move across the country because God called you to?)
  3. How can we be like Ruth? (She was a heroine, but so are we. She sought out God’s will so should we. Read God’s Word. Be aware of the spiritual war we are in and fight!!)
  4. What are some qualities you admire about Ruth or Naomi?
  5. Are you in complete submission to God?
  6. Did you realize the choices you make now effect future generations?

~Later we will see the Lord’s favor not only upon Ruth, but Naomi and future generations because of the choice Ruth made to be obedient. She followed God’s plan instead of her own.~

“Don’t let your limited understanding of an unlimited God, limit his potential to equip you in the season you are in.”-Todd Lane

 

 

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March 15th 2018-Bible Study

greatcommission

A big thankyou to everyone who came out today! I hope you enjoyed the fellowship as much as I did! There is nothing like face-to-face fellowship 🙂

If you weren’t able to make it today, that is okay. We will continue to have it every Thursday unless it is announced otherwise. Next week please bring a finger food to pass! Same time, same place! If you live in a different state, country, or have something come up, we understand life happens, so the content will be posted online.

Here is the PDF for the bible study:

March 15th 2018-Bible Study-The Great Commission

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! These are my personal notes I prepared for myself.

If you would like to discuss it further with me personally, you can email me at Tanja.Lunney@gmail.com

 

 

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Defeating The Lie: I’m Not Clean Enough To Get To Know God

God laid it on my heart these past couple days to talk about how Jesus isn’t looking for us to “get clean” before we ask him in our life. Neither should the church you attend. The church you attend should be showing the love of Jesus by meeting you where you are at, sins and all. None of us our perfect. None.

I have went to different churches with different denominations. Where I have learned the most is where I felt the love of Jesus and was taught biblical principles. I’ve never learned something out of fear or condemnation. We know that fear nor condemnation come from God. Love casts out all fear and God is Love. There’s a big difference between conviction and condemnation. Condemnation is overwhelming guilt that pushes you away from God. Where conviction is where Holy Spirit points out you have something to work on in your heart through love.

When I went back to church in 2015, I was sick and in need of a doctor. In other words, I was consumed by the enemies lies, what people portrayed God to be, overwhelmed by the heaviness of my sin, and just came home from the bar a couple hours before while still battling a pill addiction. I stepped into The River and was very timid and didn’t really want to talk or be seen by anyone. However, I was stopped by 4 amazing women that day that I still love to this day. They knew that I was struggling but loved me anyways, just as Jesus does. I walked into worship and it was completely different than anything I had ever saw. People were free. They held up their hands praising God, weeping, and laying hands on one another. And then Holy Spirit hit me….Like right in the face. Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about! The song we were singing was talking about was about breaking free from addiction and depression.

I am unsure why there is this lie floating around that Jesus expects you to be white as snow when you come to him…probably just one of satans tactics…But, if we were clean and not in need of a doctor, God wouldn’t of went Jesus to die for us. It’s never too late to come to God & you’re never too dirty to come to him either.

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord . “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.
Isaiah 1:18 NLT

“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”
1 John 4:18 NLT

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
1 John 4:16 NLT