A Little Less WordPress

I officially have made the semi-painful transition to not having internet access available to me 24/7.  So, my wordpress posts will be fewer and farther between, but maybe I’ll put a little more thought into them (no promises, though). It’s kind of sad to realize how much of my life was taken up by things like facebook. I think this will be good for me.

Biblical Womanhood Made Easy

Well, easier, anyway. I feel that Biblical manhood makes Biblical womanhood a less daunting pursuit. In other words, when surrounded by men of God who are genuinely seeking His glory, it’s a little easier for women of God to genuinely seek His glory. I’m sure the reverse can be true, but I can’t see from a man’s perspective. As a young woman, I am challenged and encouraged by men at my church, because they have a passion for God. Certainly, they’re flawed individuals, but God is sanctifying them in a powerful way. I find it natural for me to fall into the place I should be when I have so many brothers and fathers in Christ (and maybe a crazy uncle or two) pointing me to God. Any thoughts?

Women and the Gift of Teaching

When I first started this blog, I mentioned that I was going to search out scripture for the role of women in the church. Well,  here’s just a tidbit that God showed me today in 1 Timothy 2:8-15. Verse 12 says this: “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.” As I’ve examined various views about women in leadership in the the church, the view I find to be most biblical is that women can hold leadership positions, but they cannot be pastors. According to this passage, women are not supposed to teach men or have authority over them. In context, Paul seems to be making a blanket statement here, not just one specific to Timothy’s circumstance, and I think it applies today.

What, then, is a woman to do who has the gift of teaching? Certainly, this gift is not limited to men only. Personally, I have a thirst and passion for truth, and I love people. One of my gifts is to bring people and truth together. Sounds like teaching, right? The part that could become tricky is how to fully use that gift in a biblical fashion. Growing up, I knew some people in churches that didn’t like women to teach Sunday School to boys, because that was teaching and exercising authority over males. To me that’s kind of extreme. Are mothers not allowed to teach their sons, then? Women have the freedom to teach other women and children. In fact, they are encouraged to do so in scripture.

At my church, I’m finding my niche through snippets of teaching in youth group and in ensuring that biblical teaching on prayer in emphasized. Notice I didn’t say that I’m doing a lot of direct teaching on prayer. Instead, I’m seeking ways to make sure that teaching is present. To all the women out there that love teaching the word of God, use your gift. Speak truth into people’s lives. Share what God has taught you. Just don’t fall into the trap of this world’s thinking. God has given us a role in the church that is different than a man’s role. It’s not inferior, and it’s not a burden. We can thrive in the role that God has placed us if we open our eyes to the needs around us.

Spurgeon is My Hero…

I’ve been reading this great book The Power of Prayer in a Believer’s Life by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. He’s always been a favorite of mine, but this collection of sermons is breath-taking. Here’s just a taste of this amazing read.

“Prayer comes spontaneously from those who abide in Jesus. Prayer is the natural outgushing of a soul in communion with Jesus. As the leaf and fruit come out of the vine branch without any conscious effort and simply because of its living union with the stem, so prayer buds and blossoms and fruits out of souls abiding in Jesus. As stars shine, so do abiders pray.”

Mother’s Day: A Time for Reflection

Mother’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate mothers. However, this day is not just for mothers. For me, Mother’s Day brings back vivd memories from childhood and reminds me to appreciate the influence my mom has had on my life. My mom has always supported me. When I decided to start a clinic for injured bugs, she encouraged me (she probably laughed hysterically when I left the room). When I wanted to try out for a guy’s basketball team and was turned down, she was frustrated with the people who suggested that I join cheerleading instead. She gave me the freedom to be myself through every phase, hobby, and pursuit. When I was a 4-year-old who loved dresses and toy food, she provided me with dresses and toy food. When I was a tomboy sports nut, she drove me to practices, camps, and games without complaint. Her servant’s heart and joyful giving is a beautiful example. God has blessed me with a wonderful mom. Sometimes I neglect to let her know how much I love and appreciate her. I know you’re reading this Mom, so I just want you to know that God has worked through you in amazing ways. Thanks for giving me just enough independence and for always letting me know that you care. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know where or who I would be.

Authentic Prayer

Here’s a quote from C.S. Lewis: “The prayer preceding all prayers is ‘May it be the real I who speaks. May it be the real Thou that I speak to.”

How much of prayer is an attempt to please God and man with our words? How much of it is trying to put up a false front? God sees right through our mask of pride. Our time in prayer would be better spent falling humbly to our knees just as we are, and asking God to make us who He wants us to be. Not pretending to be something we’re not to try to impress people. Also, no matter how eloquent we are on this earth, it will never impress the God who created language.

The second part of the quote deals with praying to God, not our own image of God. Our mental constructs of God get in the way of truly knowing Him. God has revealed Himself in His word, and it would behoove all of us to seek Him out in this word and not our own minds. We have so many barriers to powerful, authentic prayer, most of which are created by ourselves. Nobody likes fake people, and God clearly has a thing against idolatry. I guess C.S. Lewis was a pretty smart guy. Keep it real.