Springtime: A picture of new life in Christ

Posted on March 23, 2024 by Heart of the Matter

Spring has sprung and I’m enjoying planting a few flowers and filling the (too numerous) birdfeeders in my yard—hoping to entice my feathered friends to come down for a seedy feast. New shoots and leaves are bursting forth in my garden—some that haven’t bloomed in a couple years; it’s always fun when that happens. I’ve recently seen bluebirds checking out a wooden birdhouse in the yard, trying to find a home for their next brood. Butterflies are once again flitting about in my butterfly garden. Baby bunnies can be seen emerging from the bushes. There is new life everywhere.

The gift of new life.

Speaking of new life, did you know that when we come to faith in Christ, we receive new life? In fact, everything changes—our source of power, our hope in trying times, and our eternal destiny. Nothing stays the same. Our sins are forgiven and our slate is wiped clean.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NASB)

Put off the old, put on the new.

Are you living in the light of the new life you have in Christ? The gift of new life is free and can never be taken away, but we have a responsibility to shed those parts of our life that do not coincide with the goodness of God. We’re called to cooperate with Him as He shapes us into a vessel that glorifies Him.

“That in reference to your former life, you are to rid yourselves of the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”  Ephesians 4:22-24 (NASB)

Embrace joy, peace and hope.

Consider this week whether you are walking fully in the freedom and peace you have in Christ. Meditate on this new life you have in Him—a life of joy, peace, purpose and hope. Let go of whatever clings to you of your old life, the life you had before you met Jesus. The Holy Spirit, as your new source of power, will give you the strength to do it.

“Therefore, we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 (NASB)

And, Happy Easter, He is risen!

 

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Releasing the Anchor of Guilt and Regret

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Heart of the Matter

Do you struggle with feelings of guilt and regret over past sin? First, know that you are not alone. There are many believers out there who’ve made mistakes, including myself. I struggled with guilt over my part in the demise of my own first marriage years ago. Believers can fall into sin in many areas of life such as, addiction, violence, sexual promiscuity, jail time, abortion, adultery, and divorce. We sometimes make a single bad decision that changes the trajectory of our life, leaving a trail of burnt bridges and ruined relationships in our wake. We wish we could take it back and find a remedy for our crippling guilt and regret.

 Why do we fall into sin in the first place? Well, the pull of the enemy is strong and we are simply not prepared for battle. We’ve neglected time in the Word, praying, listening to biblically sound teaching and being around other believers. We’ve let down our guard, allowing room for Satan to exploit our weaknesses. We crave immediate gratification and forget the power we have, through the Holy Spirit, to resist temptation. Our pride and selfishness rule, as they drag us away from what is good and pleasing to God. 

None of us are perfect. Jesus Himself, was the only human who lived a sinless life, and He was God. Here are some things you should know about sin:

  • Your sin is no worse than anyone else’s. In God’s eyes, sin is sin. 
  • No sin is unforgiveable, other than rejecting Christ completely. 
  • God’s mercy and forgiveness is available to us all and in him there is hope and healing.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

When we stray, God doesn’t abandon us. He loves us too much to leave us in the darkness of our sin and disobedience. Instead, God mercifully draws us back to himself through the Holy Spirit. We sense a gnawing, relentless tug and begin to question our choices and feel convicted. In our desperation, we call out to God and seek His face again. As we turn back to Him in genuine repentance, God is there, offering mercy, forgiveness, and the opportunity for a fresh start.

However, that cunning serpent, Satan, the accuser of men, wants to keep us in bondage to guilt and regret. He whispers in our ear, making us question whether God has truly forgiven us, telling us we’re damaged goods. Satan wants us ineffective, insecure, joyless, defeated. But Satan is a liar. As Jesus said,

“… Whenever he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 (ESV)

When God forgives, it is total, complete and forever. He died on the cross for the forgiveness of all our sin—past, present, and future. When we forget that, allowing ourselves to wallow in guilt and regret, it’s as if his sacrifice means nothing.

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 (ESV)

Although God wipes our slate clean and gives us a fresh start, sin does have consequences—they’re a fact of life. It’s cause and effect. We touch a stove; we get burned. We steal a purse; we go to jail. We become addicted to drugs; we lose our job. God never promised to deliver us from the consequences of our sin. But we have help in enduring them. We have God’s Word, prayer, a local pastor, Christian friends, and Christian counseling to help us move forward. But most importantly, we have the ever-present power of the Holy Spirit within us. The same power that brought Jesus out of the grave. 

If you’re struggling with guilt over how you’ve treated someone in your past, it may help to go to them and ask their forgiveness, or perhaps write a letter or send an email. If you have regret over an event, sinful decision, or rebellious period of your life, you can’t “put the leaves back on the tree.” But there are things you can do: 

  • Seek forgiveness and reconciliation where possible. 
  • Share your story with someone who’s struggling with a similar thing. Tell them how God brought you back to Himself. 
  • Become a lay counselor at your church. 
  • Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center, a homeless shelter, or a jail ministry. You can’t change your past but maybe you can help change someone’s future.

God knows you. In fact, He created you! He knows everything you’ve done and everything you will do. He loves you anyway, more than you can fathom. God desires that you and I live a life of joy, freedom and purpose. He doesn’t want us trudging through life carrying a sack full of guilt and regret. 

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:11-12 (ESV)

Shut out the whispered lies of the enemy and replace them with God’s truth. Move forward in freedom and peace. Break the bonds of your past and live your life in the light of God’s forgiveness and grace.

I’m so glad I discovered that the mercy and forgiveness of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has no limits and that through repentance I could again experience a life of joy, peace, and purpose. You can, too!                                                   

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When Coffee Isn’t Just Coffee: Transparency and Encouragement in Women’s Ministry

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Heart of the Matter

 

I always enjoy having coffee with a friend, don’t you? Whether it’s sitting outside at my favorite coffee place, relaxing at my kitchen table, or picking up a steaming cup and enjoying it on a sunny park bench, just the two of us. It’s fun to get to know someone in a deeper way than can be accomplished, just in passing, at church. 

Being an introvert, I especially enjoy the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with people. It’s in that more intimate setting that I open-up, allowing them to get to know my story and my heart. Most introverts don’t feel they are really known until they have this opportunity. Sometimes introverts are misjudged as being aloof or arrogant when they are just quietly waiting for the opportunity to reveal themselves in a smaller, safer, setting. (It’s hard to be known when extroverts are in the room!) But this post isn’t about introverts, it’s about a key component of women’s ministry and that is: the importance of encouragement and transparency when ministering to women.

As I sit outside with a friend, enjoying my “cinnamon dolce latte, grande, hot”, or my favorite Keurig coffee flavor at my kitchen table, it’s never just about the coffee. Instead, it’s about:

  • Getting to know each other’s personal story. 
  • Sharing our trials, tragedies, fears, and struggles.
  • Sharing prayer requests or praying for each other right then and there.
  • Encouraging one another to persevere in difficult situations.
  • Sharing spiritual wisdom and advice.
  • Gently admonishing one another, steering each other back onto the right path, when necessary.
  • Sharing an appropriate scripture verse for a particular situation.

Perhaps the most important thing that happens over a cup of coffee (or a lunch date) is that women begin to feel loved, seen and known. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, shining the light of Jesus to the women in our churches and neighborhoods—being transparent with our lives and taking the time to get to know them—women are drawn closer to God. 

Is there someone you could encourage today? Invite them for a coffee or lunch date. Share your story and patiently listen to their story—without judgement. Ask them how you can pray for them. After all, coffee is never just coffee, you know!

“Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NASB)

“Bear one another’s burdens and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NASB)

“But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called ‘today’, so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 (NASB)

 

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What is the Secret to a Peaceful Life?

Posted on February 11, 2024 by Heart of the Matter

My favorite days are those in which I feel a sense of inner peace—when my family is doing well, my relationships are good, and all seems well in my little corner of the world.  Maybe that’s also true for you. Don’t you just love those peaceful, turmoil-free moments in life? Peace is something we all desire. It’s hard to function and flourish in life without it.

So, what is the secret to a peaceful life? 

Most importantly, we must have a sense of spiritual security. We need to know that our life is in the hands of someone greater than us—namely, Jesus Christ. When we believe in Jesus, and accept His gift of forgiveness for our sins, we can be sure that we’ll spend eternity in heaven with Him. We no longer need to fear death, and we have Holy Spirit power for this life, as well! Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Would you like to? Follow this link to find out how: How to Become a Christian

Once we are secure in Jesus Christ, we must learn to live at peace with others. For this to happen, we need to live in a constant state of forgiveness. What do I mean by that? Well, we must always be prepared to forgive as we move through life—forgiving quickly, persistently, and joyfully—even when others offend again and again. We are to forgive, even when the offender hasn’t asked for forgiveness. Understand that a heart of unforgiveness can lead to bitterness, anger, resentment, broken relationships, and sometimes even more dire consequences, such as health issues. Through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to do this counter-intuitive and very difficult thing.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, in Christ, forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

Next, we need to live with a sense of purpose. As believers, we inherently have an over-arching purpose—to glorify Him and to make Him known. Part of that purpose is to serve and to love others in His name. Have you found a place to volunteer or to use your gifts and talents in your church or community? You are uniquely gifted to do so. If you are not currently serving, ask your pastor or a Christian friend for ideas. Remember, if you are in the mommy phase of life, there is no greater purpose than raising your children to know and love Christ. Don’t be ashamed of giving yourself fully to that endeavor.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) 

In addition, if we are to live a peaceful life, we must give our worries and concerns to God. He cares. He wants us to come to Him in prayer. He doesn’t want us to carry the burden of worry. His Word says so. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t been able to pour my heart out to the Lord over the burdens and heartaches I’ve had in my life—burdens about family, health, regret or world events. Peace and worry cannot coexist.

“Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”               Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Lastly, we can only have peace when we can successfully live above and beyond the turmoil of this life—that includes, natural disasters, world events, the political climate, and the ever-eroding culture. As believers, we certainly want to make an impact where we can—voting, volunteering, signing petitions, possibly even marching for a cause if God so leads. But, to have peace, we must realize several things: This world is not our home (heaven is), God is ultimately in control, my life and my children’s lives are in His hands, God wins in the end.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

“And the Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV)

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.” Psalm 125:2 (NKJV)

My prayer for you is that you will abide in the beautiful, life-changing peace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I hope this post has given you something to think about and maybe some areas on which to focus. 

As Jesus said to the disciples after His resurrection, before He returned to heaven:

“Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (NKJV)

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Perfection: A Hopeless Cause

Posted on October 14, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

 

Lord, why can’t I live one single day in a way that’s perfectly right? I always say something I shouldn’t have said, do something I shouldn’t have done, or neglect to do something I needed to do. I mean, if only I could live a day in which I am selfless enough, patient enough, kind and thoughtful and disciplined enough. Wouldn’t that be awesome? Some days I make it until lunchtime before I make a fatal mistake (sin) that I regret, but most days, I can’t make it that long. If only I didn’t have to live on planet Earth with actual people—I think I might be almost perfect!

I’m kidding, of course. Even if I lived on a deserted island with only the monkeys and crabs as companions, I would still sin. It’s a part of my DNA—a stone-like burden we all carry since the fall of man (that darn Adam…we all know he would have eaten the apple even if Eve hadn’t enticed him). How could I possibly sin if I were on a deserted island all alone? That’s easy. Sin begins in the mind, where even our thoughts can be sinful. The motives of our heart and even our unspoken desires can be sinful, as well. Every sin doesn’t come to fruition.  Continue reading →

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