Got Fruit?

By their own admission, they were far along on the path of spiritual growth. They made sure the other students knew they were beyond infancy and into the deep things of spiritual formation. Unfortunately, their behavior did not match their words.

Consequently, I've been thinking a lot about the fruit of the Spirit, which, according to Galatians 5:22-23 is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (NIV). Specifically, I've been observing my life to see how much of it is evident.

Since I teach spiritual formation to university and seminary students, the question often comes up, "How will I know if I am making progress in the area of spiritual formation?" My answer is usually, "Your progress will be demonstrated by the display of the Sprit's fruit in your life."

I believe (like M.Robert Mulholland Jr. and others - see Mulholland's book Invitation to a Journey) that the goal of spiritual formation is to become like Jesus Christ (not in his divinity - humans do not become divine - but in his behavior towards others, as one example). Jesus exuded the fruit of the Spirit. If I am to be like Jesus, then, I too, will display the Spirit's fruit.

The proving ground for the evidence of this fruit is in my relationships with other people. One can be quite spiritual in one's room at home. It is when we rub shoulders with others that our true nature squeaks out.

I've been told by others that they see more evidence of fruit in my life (praise God), but, there is always room for more. The interesting thing about the fruit is that we cannot manufacture it. It comes from the Spirit as we yield ourselves to God's work in our lives. So, as I think, I am also reading God's Word, spending time with God in prayer, and attempting to understand and obey.

How about you? What is your fruit quotient? Would others find you full of "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (NIV)? Do you have a desire to display these qualities in your life? If so, join me in seeking the face of God and obeying his commands. Hopefully, as fall comes, we will enjoy an abundant harvest!

I pray that my students will do the same...

God is at work...

As I reflect on the past six months, I see that God has provided me with many opportunities to exercise my trust in him. This is not surprising, since I have discovered this is exactly where I need to grow. As I have learned to trust him, God has proved exceedingly faithful.

I praise God that I appear to have recovered from the injuries sustained in the car accident I suffered in January (though I still shudder while driving through the intersection where the accident occurred). God has also sustained me through some teaching opportunities and has caused a variety of fruit to grow as a result.

However, life is still crazy: I still have family members who are ill, some who need jobs, and others who need to recognize their need for God. Many of the women to whom I minister are suffering physically and/or financially. The economy is wretched and the cost of gas alone is enough to make a grown woman cry.

But God is good. And he is still on his throne. He is faithful and is worthy of praise. He has not, nor will he ever abandon us. He is ever present. We just need to look for his presence in our lives.

What is he doing in your life?

Teach Me!

I will let the Word of God speak for me today:

"The length of our days is seventy years -
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away."

"Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be gald all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your speldor to their children.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work or our hands for us -
yes, establish the work of our hands."

From a psalm of Moses, Psalm 90:10, 12, 14-17 NIV

Trust Him

"To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I wil be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place." So said David in Psalm 28:1-2 (NIV)

How I love the Psalms. They are themselves a place of refuge for a weary heart.

My life right now contains a strange mixture of calamity and blessing. Each day holds its own strangeness. The details do not matter. Most of you know exactly what I mean.

But, God is good and he is still on the throne - which means, he is in charge and I can trust him.

So, trust him I will.

"The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever" (Psalm 28:8-9 NIV). Amen and Amen.

January 9, 2008

I'm stuck. Again.

Over the Christmas holiday, as I read the Christmas story in Luke, I got stuck on Mary's response to the angel (I'll blog about that another time).

Now I'm stuck on the shepherds.

Of all the people on earth, why did God choose to reveal the good news about the Savior to shepherds? How is it that the shepherds did not question the angel, but instead ran to Bethlehem to see the Messiah?

Why didn't the angel appear to the religious leaders who were expecting the Messiah to come? Is it because they would not believe? After all, they were expecting a conquering king. But the birth (in a stable) of a baby (to a poor girl) did not fit their paradigm.

I wonder what I am missing because my expectations are not in sync with God's plan...

Is God doing something (or trying to do something) unexpected in and around me? Am I stuck in the rut of my own expectations?

Help God!

Pry me loose. Open my eyes. Give me faith.

Help me see your handiwork and praise you, just like the shepherds.

January 3, 2008

What does it mean to be safe?

In Psalm 121:7, the Psalmist says, "The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Sounds great! Where do I sign up for an eternity of being "kept from all harm?" And how should I react when "harm" befalls me?

Among my family, friends, and co-workers (believers all), we are currently dealing with deadly diseases, debilitating injuries, defiant children, and disappearing jobs (to name just a few of the circumstances).

In the midst of these tempests, I am awed by my fellow believers, as I watch them respond with graceful dignity. Yes, there are tears and pleas for prayers. But the strength of character they display as they cling to God demonstrates a deep and abiding faith in the One who they know will carry them through to the other side.

When the storm comes, I need to follow their example and run into the arms of the One who will not let go, no matter what. He will not leave or forsake me. I can rest in him knowing he is powerful enough to cure or carry into eternity the loved one in his care.

Maybe there is a "harm" more serious than bodily illness and injury. Perhaps safety is to be found in a relationship rather than in a circumstance.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1 NIV).

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10 NIV).

December 21, 2007

Woo Hoo! Yippie! Yahoo! Yea God!

It is with great delight that I can report I passed my doctoral dissertation defense, made the final tweaks on the document, and graduated with a Doctor of Ministry degree (with a concentration in Spiritual Formation) on December 15, 2007.

I owe a debt of gratitude to my Field Consultant, Advisor, and many friends and family members who helped and encouraged me along the way. The biggest thanks go to my dear husband and to God, without whom I would not have made it to the finish line!

Thanks to those of you who have lifted me up in prayer. Your encouragement has meant a great deal to me. Thanks, too, for your patience, as I have recently expended all my energy on the dissertation and have neglected my blog! Now that I have returned to the land of the living, I hope to post more often.

Now, on to celebrating the birth of my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God for his most gracious gift!

Merry Christmas!