The One Who Came Back {a little bird told me}

Today - some paraphrasing.

The story goes that a really righteous Dude healed ten guys infected with a skin-rotting disease and told them all to go get checked by the official so they could get back to their families and lives. And nine clean-skinned guys did just that. Then there was the one who came back. Dropped right down on his knees and said Thanks. Praised the Healer. Let the joy out - expressed, shared.

And the righteous Dude? He asked about the others, knowing they were changed too. Life changed. As in - radically restored. Their response was to go and do what He commanded. But that's the thing with gratitude - He doesn't necessarily command it. 

But He does appreciate it. 

I tell people sometimes - when they ask, and maybe when they don't. Tell them, "If you want to put a smile on God's face, tell Him Thanks." Not because He commands it or demands it (He could), but because He deserves it. Compels it. Woos it. He gives extravagant gifts of love, healing, restoration, joy - and why wouldn't we? Every. Single. Breath.

A feeble attempt today as I paraphrase Psalm 136, the gratitude Psalm if there ever was one.


You alone are worthy.

Your love never stops giving.

Thank You for being my Sovereign One.

Your love just keeps on giving.

You are higher than any other.

Your love never gives up.

Thank You for miracles.

Your love keeps going on and on.

Thank You for this amazing creation all around.

Your love is still giving.

Thank You for oceans and hills.

Your love never fails.

Thank You for space, and the sun that warms me, shows me Your love.

Your love doesn't stop.

Thank You for the nights, so lovely.

Your love doesn't quit.

Thank You for provision, even when it's cloaked in tragedy.

Your love never changes.

Thank You for rescuing me from slavery and prison.

Your love is endless.

Thank You for holding us all and making a Way to worship You in freedom.

Your love never ceases.

Thank You for safe travel and for squelching our enemy's schemes.

Your love is unending.

Thank You for leading us to the places You choose, to the best land.

Your love is unfailing.

Thank You for overcoming the hurdles and barriers that stand in our way.

Your love endures forever and ever.

Thank You for displaying Your sovereign rule for all to see.

Your love never fails me.

Thank You for defeating those proud slanderers who have no clue about us.

Your love doesn't end.

Thank You for giving us blessings we didn't have to work for, and for granting all we need and more.

Your love goes on and on. 

Thank You for never letting us out of Your sight for a second.

Your love is ever-faithful.

Thank You for saving us from those with ill-intent, those would-be destroyers and tramplers.

Your love never ceases to amaze me.

Thank You for generosity to us poor beggars.

Your love is ever-giving and extravagant.

Thank You, God. All we have is from You. You alone deserve every ounce of credit.

Your fountain of love never runs dry. 

If we stop and go back, let it be to say Thanks.

People ask me questions sometimes. Not that I claim expertise, but I do like to answer when I can. My own personal alms to give, though aren't we all poor in some way or other? If you have a question, I'd like to answer, Dear Reader. Some of the questions I've had recently include:

How do I know how to help in this world of corruption?

How can I memorize Scripture? I'm no good at it...

Am I crazy for thinking I love him?

How am I supposed to be open and honest without airing all of my junk?

So, how about you, Dear Soul - do you want to ask a question too? Here's the invitation I give here in my nest: Have you ever wanted to ask a question about life, God, the Bible, relationships, people, church, or anything? (That last one is scary, but that's why I need the Holy Spirit to write through me.) Go ahead and ask me! Just slip your anonymous question into the comments section below, and sign it with a fun salutation like Wishing I Could Fight or Hopelessly In Love With The Wrong One.  I'll do some research and write back to you next week here in the nest. My answers come from the Bible, revelation from God (as He generously gives - see James 1), and personal experience. And then, when it comes up in your conversations with others, you can always say, "Well, a little bird once told me ..." *wink*

Keep looking, reading, writing, and thanking. He is Worthy.

Dear Hungry Soul {a little bird told me}

Dear Hungry Soul,

Have you been feeling broken beyond repair, shattered into a million pieces with no one to sweep you up? Abandoned in a dark pit and no one peeking down or throwing you a hope or even a rope? Starving for something more than life has put on your plate?

These words are for you:

Precious One
Could it be today?
What if it were true?
Despite what they say,
Could God really love you?

I'm here to tell you, 
In case no one ever has -
Really, God adores you.
Really, He always has.

I want to tell you more - 
All about His Son Jesus.
Though your heart may be sore
God says, "You're safe with Us."

Please accept this invitation -
bring that hungry soul to the Cross.
Let Him satisfy and fill every hole.
He'll bring you from doubt to trust.

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” -Romans 1:16-17 (NLT)

For every hungry soul, I pray He shows you every quenching answer of His loving plan of Salvation, found in grace though faith. If you wonder what hope He has for your brokenness, I encourage you to ask Him. He wants you to ask too: 

“Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” - Isaiah 7:11 (NIV)

And how about you, Dear Soul - do you want to ask a question too? Here's the invitation I give on Saturdays here in the nest: Have you ever wanted to ask a question about life, God, the Bible, relationships, people, church, or anything? (That last one is scary, but that's why I need the Holy Spirit to write through me.) Go ahead and ask me! Just slip your anonymous question into the comments section below, and sign it with a fun salutation.  I'll do some research and write back to you next week here in the nest. My answers come from the Bible, revelation from God (as He generously gives - see James 1), and personal experience. And then, when it comes up in your conversations with others, you can always say, "Well, a little bird once told me ..." *wink*

In His Hand,

Robyn 

 "The greatest joy of your heart is daily fellowship with Jesus, and you will have that same joy, yet to a greater degree, in heaven. And you will always see Him as you dwell in His presence forever." -Charles Spurgeon

photo credit: Arslan Zahid

a little bird told me {invitation}

Happy Saturday, Dear Heart.

Here's my Saturday invitation:

Have you ever wanted to ask a question about life, God, the Bible, relationships, people, church, or anything? (That last one is scary, but that's why I need the Holy Spirit to write through me.) Go ahead and ask me!  I'll do some research and write back to you next week here in the nest. My answers come from the Bible, revelation from God (as He generously gives - see James 1), and personal experience. And then, when it comes up in your conversations with others, you can always say, "Well, a little bird once told me ..." *wink*

Go ahead, courageous soul - type your question right down there in the comments box and keep it anonymous. I think it's also fun to sign it with a clever salutation, like "Drowning In Sorrow" or "Wishing Life Was Easy" or "Wondering What You Think"

I can't wait to read your questions!

- Robyn

a little bird told me ... {about friendship}

My apologies for not posting this on Saturday - technological difficulties and busy conference schedule. Thank you for grace.

Dear Robyn,

What makes for a great friend? I want to be a great friend, not just friendly. How do you choose friends for yourself? What is good to give and take? 

Dear Not Just Friendly,

What great questions! First of all, I want to say your desires are so valid - we all want to be givers in relationships, and not just takers. And choosing your friends is one of the most important decisions you can make. Let's take them one at a time, and see where we get, alright? {I'm writing mostly about friends of the feminine variety here, but just about all of the principles are valid across the board to guys too.}

Great friends are true and unconditional.  

   "A friend is always loyal" -Proverbs 17:17 (NLT)

They are brave enough to say it like it is - but gently. 

   "we will speak the truth in love" -Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

They make promises of selfless love to one another, and keep them. 

   "And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself." - 1 Samuel 20:17 (NLT)

They speak good of each other, and never bad. 

   "They have told the church here of your loving friendship." -3 John 1:6 (NLT)

They pour good into each other and refuse to gossip or listen to gossip. This is how they honor God and each other's dignity.

   "Lord, who may enter your Holy Tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?  Only those who are innocent   and who do what is right. Such people speak the truth from their hearts and do not tell lies about others. They do no wrong to their neighbor and do not gossip." -Psalm 15:1-3 (NCV)

They accept one another's troubles and baggage, and make a safe place for each other's pain. 

   "By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ."- Galatians 6:2 (NCV)
They refuse to let insecurity and comparison make fools and enemies of each other. 
   "She is clothed with strength and dignity" - Proverbs 31:25a (NIV)
They laugh at themselves and each other, and don't take one another too seriously. 
   "she can laugh at the days to come." -Proverbs 31:25b (NIV)

When I choose my friends I have learned (the hard way) to look for a few key signals:
1. Does she help me keep my priorities, or is she trying to take the place of my God, my husband, or my family? If she can be comfortable with her place and role in my life, I can begin to let her into my heart.
2. Does she talk about others negatively to me? If a friend is willing to gossip to you, she'll be willing to gossip about you
3. Does she point me back to Jesus and back to my husband when I'm discouraged? If someone tries too hard to carry too much of my load, or expect the reverse of me, I know that can never work. We can help each other without killing each other. 

As far as give and take, each relationship is unique, but overall I believe we can always aim to err on the side of love and grace. A little humility goes a long way. Lead with your ears and learn to be a good listener - this skill only comes in the practicing. Be generous with forgiveness, and know you'll need to receive healthy portions of it too. Hope is often the best gift, and joy is always better when shared. Give verses of encouragement from God's Word, and pray for each other fervently. Give your tears and your shoulder, and open your hands to the special ways your friend loves you. Find common interests and celebrate each other's differences. 

I love these verses when it comes to friendships:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way." - Colossians 3:12-17 (Msg)

I hope that helps, and I pray that Jesus will bless you with many beautiful friendships. 

Thank you for asking,

Robyn

Are You Ever Curious?

I'd like to extend my Saturday invitation to you, Sweet Reader. Have you ever wanted to ask a question about life, God, the Bible, relationships, people, church, or anything? (That last one is scary, but that's why I need the Holy Spirit to write through me.) Go ahead and ask me!  I'll do some research and write back to you next week here in the nest. My answers come from the Bible, revelation from God (as He generously gives - see James 1), and personal experience. And then, when it comes up in your conversations with others, you can always say, "Well, a little bird once told me ..." *wink*

Go ahead, courageous soul - type your question right down there in the comments box and keep it anonymous. I think it's also fun to sign it with a clever salutation, like "Drowning In Sorrow" or "Wishing Life Was Easy" or "Wondering What You Think"

I can't wait to read your questions!

a little bird told me {about Halloween, evil, and imitating evil}

I got this question a couple of weeks ago, and thought it relevant to re-post it and my response in light of this week's holiday. Irony: Holiday = Holy Day ... Hmm.

Dear Robyn,What are your thoughts on allowing kids to trick-or-treat? My kids go to a Christian school. They don't do Halloween at the school, but instead a "storybook character parade." The kids dress up as story characters and they have a little party. Similar to a "fall festival" that some churches have. The kids still get to dress up and have fun, but no mention of Halloween.
As a Christian parent, I don't want my kids to grow up thinking everyone who trick or treats is a demon, creepy and people to avoid. Some Christian families really forbid all trick or treat and I'm just not sure how I feel about it. We don't celebrate Satan or even acknowledge the "holiday" of Halloween in that sense. But since my kids are older now, they are interested in going door-to-door for some candy. In their minds, totally fun and harmless. Also, I've heard some Christians say that, by forbidding trick or treat, you're missing a good opportunity to meet your neighbors and be a light in the community, maybe invite people to church, etc. 
Obviously everyone has an opinion on this. I want yours! 
~Just Wishing Halloween Wasn't an Issue

Dear Just Wishing,

Thank you so much for asking. This is a sensitive topic this time of year, and I feel the tension around our community as well. Here's my take:

The reason I think it's important NOT to participate in Halloween is that the Bible says not to imitate evil (3 John 11), and I believe that is what the heart of Halloween is all about. While most people don't actually DO evil things on this holiday, we are glorifying the imitation of being evil if we dress up as monsters and devils and demonic characters that are the opposite of God. Mind you, SOME people DO evil things on Halloween, and I'll let you google that one to verify the truth. Vile, horrific things happen on October 31st, including sexualization and murder of children in satanic ritualistic seances. (By the way, did you also know Easter is a high time for these evils as well?) 

In addition, the Bible tells us to avoid all appearances of evil (2 Corinthians 7:1). Once again, I don't think dressing up like a monster and threatening to play a nasty trick on your neighbors so they'll bribe you off with candy falls into that category either. Just sayin. 

And while we've morphed it into things that are light-hearted and kid-friendly, we steer the ship in our homes as parents and we have the opportunity to teach our children that sometimes God's kids act differently than the rest of society, and this is a good, biblical, godly thing.

Okay, another beef to pick with Halloween: The Bible tells us over 365 times NOT TO FEAR. As in, here's My command: Don't be afraid. And if we instigate our own fear or the fear of others, how is that not disobedience to God's command? When people go to haunted houses they are going for the thrill of fear, which is in my mind, just as sinful as shooting up heroin because you're making fear your drug and your god. Not cool, I say!

Alright, now that I'm off that soapbox, how can we redeem this day of the year? 

The same way we redeem every day - by walking in Grace. Here are a few of my suggestions. The choice is yours, and should be made in response to prayer with your spouse and the Spirit's leading.

1. Attend a fall festival and invite your unsaved neighbors too. These events aren't just so you can go into your Christian bubble and be "safe", they're so you can be proactive in fighting against the evil. So don't just go, invite some other kids too, and hold it on the 31st if you dare - make it more fun than trick or treat so kids will want to come to church more than they want to imitate evil. This is counter-cultural, yes. Which is what we're supposed to be sometimes.

2. Pass out candy with church invitations, but not in a scary costume. Of course dressing up isn't evil in itself, so throw on a lion suit and let your kids have fun blessing the neighbors and inviting them to church with you. Don't be condescending or judgemental, and don't make people feel shame. Instead, love your neighbor by GIVING - candy and the Gospel if you can. Redeem the time!

3. Teach your kids. If they're getting older, then be sure to teach them age-appropriate reasons why you don't celebrate the same way as other kids do, and how we CAN honor God by not imitating evil or instigating our own fear. Turn off the porch light, grab a Bible and a bowl of candy, and have a family devotion about what is good and what is not, and how sometimes it's necessary to say NO to what everyone else says YES to. 

*added as an edit* : When it comes to trick or treating, I've always wanted to protect my children from unnecessary fear. One might even go so far as to say that ALL fear aside from fear of the Lord is unnecessary. When people go trick-or-treating how can they know that their kids won't be frightened by the monsters, demonic representations, and creepy things all around? Why push the envelope just because everyone else is doing it? For candy? Yeah - I'll let you decide if that's a good trade off. I go with no. But maybe that's just me.

"Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship. Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete." -Romans 12:1-2 (VOICE)

I hope that helps. Happy October!

In His Hand,

Robyn


In addition, I got this question to my reply:

In one of your replies to last week's questions, you wrote that we should stay away from imitating evil...

Please do not be upset or offended by the following question - I truly do not mean it to cause conflict - but I too am searching and wish to find the truth in what God is saying.
If you feel that we should not be imitating evil, why then do you have a tattoo, and how do you reconcile this with what you wrote about pulling away from the world and not imitating evil?

Thanks for your thoughtful and Christ-centered posts.
- Searching for Truth in All Things

And here was my reply (slightly edited as I thought over things this week):

Dear Searching for Truth in All Things,

Thanks for asking - I'm not offended or upset at all. I wish more people would ask me about my tattoo! Sometimes I think maybe they make assumptions instead of asking, and I'm super-glad you did.

First, I did not say "pulling away from the world." We do need to be in this world and not of it. But our influence needs to be going one way - Light dispelling the darkness. We are to be going into the world, not pulling away from it, so that we are able to bring the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them and bring them into increasing godliness. I go into very evil and dark places in order to win people to Christ. I am very proactive NOT to allow the darkness to infiltrate me. And I do not bring my children with me, as they are still learning how to be the light.

Second, I don't believe all tattoos are imitating evil, just as I don't believe all hair-cuts are imitating evil. 

“Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.
... or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord." - Leviticus 19:17-18

Some of the Levitical Laws, when they are filtered through the Cross of grace do not apply to us in our dispensation. "Do not fear or instigate fear in others" is a command that would still pass the "filter test" of the Law of Christ (Love God with all your heart, love others well).  See the books of Galatians and Colossians for more on our freedom from the Law through Grace. Also, God changed some of the food regulations in the New Testament too - See Acts 10. 

I believe that we have been released to cut the sides of our hair and have tattoos, as long as they are not of inappropriate things. Images of pornography or satanic symbols/idols shaved into the sides of your hair, or tattooed into your skin would be breaking the Law of Christ. Neither my tattoo nor your hair-cut is evil or imitating evil.

For those of you who do not know, I have a tattoo of the word Yahweh on my hand. I wanted to write His name on my hand as a sign of love and devotion, just as I believe He has my name tattooed on His hand as well for the same reasons.

"Can a mother forget the infant at her breast,
walk away from the baby she bore?
But even if mothers forget,
I’d never forget you—never.
Look, I’ve written your names on the backs of my hands." -Isaiah 49:15-16 (Msg)

Another translation says,
"Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands; [O Zion] your walls are continually before Me." [Amp]

Some tattoos are evil, yes. Some Halloween costumes are evil too. I don't think it's imitating evil to dress up in a princess costume. And I don't think it's inherently evil or imitating evil to have a tattoo. Subsequently it's not evil to cut the sides of your hair.

I hope that helps you understand more about tattoos, or at least my take on them. 

Keep Searching! He will indeed reveal His love and truth to you.

In His Hand,

-R

I'd like to extend my Saturday invitation to you, Sweet Reader. Have you ever wanted to ask a question about life, God, the Bible, relationships, people, church, or anything? (That last one is scary, but that's why I need the Holy Spirit to write through me.) Go ahead and ask me!  I'll do some research and write back to you next week here in the nest. My answers come from the Bible, revelation from God (as He generously gives - see James 1), and personal experience. And then, when it comes up in your conversations with others, you can always say, "Well, a little bird once told me ..." *wink*

Go ahead, courageous soul - type your question right down there in the comments box and keep it anonymous. I think it's also fun to sign it with a clever salutation, like "Drowning In Sorrow" or "Wishing Life Was Easy" or "Wondering What You Think"

I can't wait to read your questions!

a little bird told me {from injustice to premarital sex}

Dear Sorrowful,

You ask a common, but very good question: 

"Why do bad things happen to good people?"

Many people have wondered this, one of the first a "good" man in the Bible named Job. Listen to his lament:

"What's the point of life when it doesn't make sense, when God blocks all the roads to meaning? ... And so I'm not keeping one bit of this quiet, I'm laying it all out on the table; my complaining to high heaven is bitter, but honest. ... Believe me, I'm blameless. I don't understand what's going on. I hate my life!"  - (Job 3:25, 7:11, and 9:21 - The Message)

You're right - it's not really fair, is it? I can tell by your question that you've been hurt by someone or something and it seemed unjust to you, like you can't figure out why you (or someone you love) had to go through that. Let me say this: God cares. And I don't say that as some trite, band-aid solution. I really mean it. Just like God cared for Job who suffered loss and disease and darkness; cared for Stephen who was stoned for proclaiming Christ; and cares for me when my life is unfair too, God does care about your sorrow. And He has a plan to minister healing and restoration.  Both in time, and in eternity. I realize it's hard to wait, but Justice will come. So, hold on and I'll hold on with you. We'll be holding onto Him together.

I don't really have an answer to your question that wraps nicely into a blog post. Honestly, if I did, it would be a hoax. But - I will say this. Bad things happen to good and bad people because we live in an imperfect, sin-filled (but also glory-filled) world, where for now the enemy, Satan, has been allowed a certain measure of influence over humans. God gave people a choice in Eden (the same choice we have today), and we've all chosen the wrong tree. We've sided with evil, all of us, and so none of us are truly good. Which was one of my points last week.

The hope I can offer is that one day all of this injustice will be righted. Our King is coming back for us (dead or alive) and He will bring us to a place where bad things don't happen to ANYONE who has chosen Him. So, Dear Soul - if you haven't already - I implore you to choose Jesus Christ as your God, Forgiver, and Leader. He is the Just One, the Eternal One, the Ancient of Days who will bring justice and fairness to us all, but only by means of His grace and His Cross.

I can't promise you roses here on earth, and even if you got them, you'd get the thorns too. Pain happens and life is tough. Once again I declare - Only God is Good.

I hope that helps, Dear Heart. Keep asking the tough questions - they are one of the best ways to draw you to His heart, as long as you keep your hands open.

I received so many questions last week, and answering them all in here would make this post far too long. Since I do want to honor your courage to ask, however, I will be posting my answers to the rest of your questions as replies to your comments. You can find the link back to that post here. [Give me a few minutes to type them all, my Lovelies!]

And now, I'd like to extend my Saturday invitation to you, Sweet Reader. Have you ever wanted to ask a question about life, God, the Bible, relationships, people, church, or anything? (That last one is scary, but that's why I need the Holy Spirit to write through me.) Go ahead and ask me!  I'll do some research and write back to you next week here in the nest. My answers come from the Bible, revelation from God (as He generously gives - see James 1), and personal experience. And then, when it comes up in your conversations with others, you can always say, "Well, a little bird once told me ..." *wink*

Go ahead, courageous soul - type your question right down there in the comments box and keep it anonymous. I think it's also fun to sign it with a clever salutation, like "Drowning In Sorrow" or "Wishing Life Was Easy" or "Wondering What You Think"

I can't wait to read your questions!

In His Hand,

Robyn

a little bird told me

Life is good.

God is Good

This paper hangs on my refrigerator. The top line is the printed heading of a grocery list/note paper. The second line is printed in my daughter's careful second-grade scrawl. I'm the one who put a line through the first good.  Because it's not always good. Sometimes it's really sad. Or rough. Harsh. Scary. Draining. Oh yes, sometimes it is so very good. 

But ...

"There is only one who is good." - Jesus (Matthew 19:17)

As in, only God is good always and in all things. Really and Truly Good.

This paper has been on my refrigerator for several years. Six words and a heart. Not even my own words, but words I need every single day. I'm still amazed at the way God proclaimed the truth through the chaos and tornado of my life through something so simple. Through my little girl. I still don't even know what she was thinking, but it is true revelation. Because He knew I'd need to live by it, remember it, treasure it, savor it. This truth. This bread. This rock.

Life is messy-good, blessing-good, happy-good, trial-filled-good, crazy-good. It's hard and painful and complicated and strange. It's confusing and it leaves us wanting more. 

I'm so glad. So thankful

Because He has more for us. True Good. Himself. Forever without these same earthly conditions on good. He is and has plain good in store for us. Today and every day it is found within His presence if we will come and enter. One Day - we will be delivered into only Good, always Good. This glorious hope for eternity in His Presence is what keeps me going when life is not good. At all. 

This too will pass. 

So, in light of all of that hope and good, and not so good ... I'd like to extend my Saturday invitation to you, Sweet Reader. Have you ever wanted to ask a question about life, God, the Bible, relationships, people, church, or anything? (That last one is scary, but that's why I need the Holy Spirit to write through me.) Go ahead and ask me!  I'll do some research and write back to you next week here in the nest. My answers come from the Bible, revelation from God (as He generously gives - see James 1), and personal experience. And then, when it comes up in your conversations with others, you can always say, "Well, a little bird once told me ..." *wink*

Go ahead, courageous soul - type your question right down there in the comments box and keep it anonymous. I think it's also fun to sign it with a clever salutation, like "Drowning In Sorrow" or "Wishing Life Was Easy" or "Wondering What You Think"

I can't wait to read your questions!

- Robyn

What could the humble give? {a little bird told me}

This little girl - she was so young. She knew only a bit, but probably thought she knew it all. Most of her knowing had yet to come in living. Such is the way of a 21-year-old. But she was in love with three men - her Savior, her Daddy, and her new husband. Nothing else mattered.

Her husband has adored, protected, and shepherded her. Her Daddy abandoned her because his self-destructive patterns made him too insecure to be near her. But it was her Savior who matured her. Made her who she is now, astride her thirties, having learned what she didn't know she didn't know, realizing now how much growing up she still has to do.

And what do the humble have to offer, by way of advice, when we've come to see how blurry our vision really is? What do the wise know, once we realize the measure of our measly wisdom in relative terms of God's?  And what could I say to you that you would listen to, you would hear, and not only that, but heed?

My words are thin, my knowledge still developing, but Someone once told me not to despise development. Because people brushed Him off too. Said, "Isn't this the carpenter's son, the boy who we once knew?" Thought, "What could he possibly have to offer me?"

But that didn't slow Him down, didn't shut Him up, didn't stop the Words, heeded or otherwise. And He refused to be discouraged.

This "a little bird told me" post is a bit different this week, because it's not really about what I'm offering as much as what I received. I went to meet with my mentor, Cathy Hembree, and I had an important question for her. What she taught me I need now and always. It was so profound, I thought maybe it might be useful wisdom for you also, Dear One. As I age, I realize I need more wisdom than ever, and I'm open like never before. Oh, how faithful He is to fill this hunger! Cathy is the daughter of a preacher, the wife and widow of Ron Hembree (QuickStudy, CornerstoneTV), and a minister of the Gospel on so many fronts. I cannot begin to describe the value of being mentored by her for the better part of two years. Not only does she teach me and coach me, but she loves me. I couldn't ask for more.

Here was my question:
"What do I say to someone who needs the advice I have to offer, but I know he or she doesn't want to hear it? And what do I do with my heart when what I give isn't received? How do I keep from hardening then?"

This response isn't word-for-word, rather my mental record of what she said. Her words more precious than golden apples on a silver platter.

"Number One, say this: The Bible says: "Buy truth and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding." [Proverbs 23:23]  We have to begin by establishing the value of these things, according to God. Then ask that person - "Do you want to receive the wisdom and advice I'm about to offer you?"
Second, remind them the Bible also says, "A friend loves at all times," [Proverbs 17:17] and a friend who loves gives love, which is truth. Ask the person - "Do you trust the friendship we have established enough to know that I will speak the truth in love to you?"

And if the person says "yes" to both of those, proceed to give them what you know, regardless if you think it's what they want to hear.

After you do, say, "I'm praying for you, but not just that you'll get what you want, but moreover what the Father wants for you, and that you'll hear not only what I'm saying, but what God is saying through me. I would like to ask you to pray also - that God will make it obvious to you what comes next, and that you'll be open to it, no matter how much you like or don't like what He says. If you don't agree with what I've just advised, warned, or said - that's fine, but before you make any decisions, please wait on the Lord, and I really do mean wait, and we can talk again in a few weeks" (or whatever time seems appropriate). 

"As for your heart, we must [and she humbly admitted she can struggle with this also] crucify all worry, guilt, and anger when people refuse to listen to us. We cannot go chasing after them on their wayward path and try to convince them again with the same repetitive arguments, and we must refuse to blame ourselves when their lives take a turn for the worse, wondering if we could have done more or tried harder or said more. Is Jesus our Model for ministry? [Here I answered, "Of course."] Tell me where we see Him chasing after someone who refused to believe? He didn't. Once He had initially gone to the broken and outcast, healed them or preached to them, He gave an invitation to follow Him and then He kept walking on the path to the Father and His will. Some of them followed Him, and others didn't. So why would we continue to go after people who refuse to repent and refuse to follow God's ways if Jesus didn't even do that?

Instead of worrying, feeling guilty, or relentlessly trying to convince a person, we've got to learn to open our hands and surrender. We must refuse anger or bitterness, and choose release. We must also choose our focus. Do you feel angry when you focus on their wayward choices? [Yes] Do you feel angry when you focus on Jesus? [No, not at all.] Then focus on Christ. Look not to what is "wasted." You are ministering as unto the Lord, so their response is not your focus. Of course you want them to walk in God's ways, but He is still at work, even when it seems like you're wasting your time. It is NOT a waste of time - you are serving Him. If we focus on the disappointment, we will be upset, but if we focus on walking toward Him, our joy will not be robbed. We will be fulfilled, encouraged, and strengthened to continue in ministry. With our thoughts and attention on Him, we will guard our hearts against being hardened, and we will continue to be effective, in His sight, which is only thing that matters anyway. Where are we directing our attention?"

"Since you became alive again, so to speak, when Christ arose from the dead, now set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven where he sits beside God in the place of honor and power.  Let heaven fill your thoughts; don’t spend your time worrying about things down here.  You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does. Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God.  And when Christ who is our real life comes back again, you will shine with him and share in all his glories." - Colossians 3:1-4 (TLB)

This woman - she's learning. Growing up and opening her hands to Him. A few more wrinkles and a bit more around the middle, but more of what He made her to be, through trial and fire and sifting and grace. She's not the know-it-all any more. The Good Father has humbled her enough to know better than to know it all. And what could the humble give? A little more than you might think. If you don't mind opening your hands.

I'll continue to offer what I know, which is mostly from what I read. By now you know What I read.  Part of my role [job?] is to teach, admonish, and advise. Much of it, actually. And so I will. Even when what I say isn't exactly what everyone wants to hear. Not because I know it all, but because I do know Him.

I love you, Dear Reader. I want to give you what I've been given, and that's love, grace, and the knowledge of His love. God's ways are good ways, and He is worthy of following. I'm thankful to be walking toward Him together.



Do you have a question too, Dear Heart? Please - don't be shy. I'll bet others are wondering too. All you have to do is reply in the comments section below, ask your question, and sign a creative signature.  Anonymity is encouraged. You can also email me at robynleelangdon@gmail.com - just put "a little bird told me" in the subject line and I'll keep you anonymous.  Ask me about God, the Bible, how people tick, anything really (okay, that last one is a little scary, but I'm trusting God for answers so I'll leave it).  I hope to hear from you soon, Dear Reader! And when it comes up in your conversation, you can always say, "Well, a little bird told me ..." *wink*