The Very Teeth of Suffering

"Our vision is so limited we can hardly imagine a love that does not show itself in protection from suffering. The love of God is of a different nature altogether. It does not hate tragedy. It does not deny reality. It stands in the very teeth of suffering. The love of God did not protect His own Son...He will not necessarily protect us - not from anything it takes to make us like His Son." (Elizabeth Elliot)

God's ways are so interesting. He reaches and changes us in strange ways. To us, it may seem like bullying, unfair, unnecessary, excessive or malicious even. But, how gentle and good the Lord is. Oftentimes, after I have learned a hard lesson, I think, "Did it really require that much pain?" But my good God is in the process of making something out of me. Something that this Ashley has yet to know. He is refining me. Yes, often its painful. But that's okay. I do long to be refined. I do long to be made into something else. I do long to be like Jesus Christ. Do you think an easy road will bring me to the place of picking up a cross, dying to myself and conforming to the image of Christ? Most definitely not!

My Christ-likeness requires fire.

And our response to that should be, "Bring it Lord! We walk with You!"

We can come out safe on the other side of this refining fire because of the love of God.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This deep love is too deep to protect us from everything. Sometimes, we need the pain of the world to bring us to an understanding of God and make us like Himself. Job came out on the other side of His trials and said, "Now my eyes see You." If the Lord helps us to see, know, feel and understand Him - then He has demonstrated His love in the most deep and personal of ways.

Joyous fellowship with God, all day long. Do what it takes to bring me to that, Lord!

 

Established From of Old

Psalm 93 talks about the eternal reign of the LORD.

The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established so that it cannot be moved, Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting. The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; The floods lift up their waves. The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea. Your testimonies are very sure; holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, forever.

"Clothed with majesty"..."throne is established"..."everlasting"..."Lord is mightier"..."testimonies are very sure"..."holiness adorns."

These are a few of the colorful phrases the Psalmist uses to describe the eternal reign of our Father. It is beautiful to meditate on the establishment of our LORD's kingdom! No matter what world power, or country, person or leader has been raised up to rule in the temporal world, HIS kingdom will prevail and HE will forever reign.

Many kingdom, peoples, sects and religions have been raised up, only to fall down again. They are waxing, waning, weak, strong, here today, gone tomorrow. But never forever. HIS kingdom is the only on that will stay strong, unmovable, unwavering throughout the seasons, years, decades, centuries and millenniums.

Your throne is established from of old. You are everlasting.

Who can prevail against Him? What person? What nation? What power? He alone is eternal and good, righteous and holy on His throne.

Today, I am secure. I am at peace in Your hands. Whatever waters arise, whatever waves lift up their voices - HE is mightier. And HE is mine. 

 

The Cost of Discipleship (Part 2)

Beware!

It is only fair to properly warn you that being a disciple of Jesus will cost you everything. But it is something that you cannot live without. It is worth everything.

Luke 14:28 says, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?”

What builder is going to lay the foundation of a tower without first checking to see if he can afford the final cost? In the same way, you must be sure you can afford the final cost of being a disciple.

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple… And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple…So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:26,27 and 33

Yikes. Those are some pretty intense callings. What is Jesus talking about when He’s saying “hate” you family? Take your cross? Forsaking all?

When He says, you must “hate” your family, He is speaking figuratively. In comparison to your love for God your Father, all other earthly love must seem like hate. Not meaning you must be hateful and dislike them. Not at all. We are always called to love. But, our relationship to other things and people cannot even be likened to our love for God. This type of intense love for Him should cause us to take up our crosses (live the way He lived – in sacrifice) and forsake everything that would try to hold us back from following Him wholeheartedly.

That is a high calling. At this point, you could turn around and leave. You could say, “I can’t do it. He is asking for too much.” Many people forsake God when they realize what type of life He calls them to live. But friend, remember where you were. Remember what life you escaped because of His love!

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world [culture], according to the prince of the power of the air [Satan], of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among the, we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses made us alive together with Christ.” Ephesians 2:1-5

He saved you from much. You were on a hell-bound race and He plucked you out. How could you turn back now? He has chosen you as an addition to His family. He has removed your filthy, disgusting rags and has clothed you in garments of white, fit for the kingdom.

Salvation is only the beginning.

A scarred, broken young lady stood before a crowd. Her hands were chained and she hung her head. The garment she wore was tattered and smelling. Her hair hadn’t been brushed in a few months. The crowd was strangely quiet. They were supposed to be bidding to buy her, but no one must have wanted the smelly, scarred girl. The auctioneer was throwing out lower and lower prices, but no one dared to move. When the auctioneer almost gave up, a man at the back of the room offered a huge, unthinkable sum. One that even the wealthiest man wouldn’t offer to pay for the strongest, best looking slave alive. Sold! To the man with the million dollars! Her new master ushered her into his vehicle and drove her to the new home. She knew that when she got there she would be beat and forced to work. So she waited. But something else happened. As soon as she arrived, she was given a warm bath, good food, and beautiful clothes. Her hair was cut and restyled. Her wounds were attended and ointment was put on her scars. Then, standing before her master she cried. “Sir, what do you want with me?”

In a gentle, loving voice he replied, “Sweet child, I have bought your freedom. You are free to go and do as you please.”

But she wouldn’t leave. She begged him to claim her as his own. “Sir, nowhere I could go would be better than sitting at your feet. I will follow you my entire life.”

What could be better than following our Savior forever?

Our dear, precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called out to the disciples that were fishing "follow me!" The call of the Gospel is the same today. He says, "Follow me!" Don't just accept forgiveness and forget Him forever. It doesn't work that way. Hear the call, follow the call to pick up your cross daily, deny yourself and follow Jesus Christ to love, purpose, and fulfillment. Where else would you rather be? His companionship in persecution is much more joyous and wonderful than solitude in times of blessing. 

"Follow Me," Jesus said, "And I will make you fishers of men." 

^ A much higher calling than any other. 

Cost of Discipleship (Part 1)

Your salvation was only one part of the Christian’s walk – from here on out your relationship with the Lord will blossom into something beautiful you never could have imaged. But, just as a beautiful plant needs to be cultivated, pruned, watered, fertilized and given sunlight, you also need to be discipled. As you have been accepted into the family of God, He is going to train and change you – basically make you His disciple. This process is often painful but always rewarding. It will train you in the way of our mutual Father.

You have probably already heard the word “disciple” a few times. Let’s start by defining what that word actually means.

Disciple n. follower; pupil (Webster’s World Dictionary)

Here are some quotes by some respectable Christian men that may expand the meaning for you.

“Disciples are people who believe, those whose faith motivates them to obey all Jesus commanded.” J. MacArthur

“Discipleship is something continuous, it is a way of life. A true disciple has an affinity for his teacher’s instruction and accepts it, not blindly but intelligently. The teacher’s instruction becomes the disciple’s rule of faith and practice.” F.F. Bruce

A disciple is a person who learns the way of life from his or her Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. As a disciple, you are to be discipled. You must be taught how to establish an intimate relationship with God and learn how to trust and obey Him. Normally, a new believer is discipled by someone who is wiser in the faith. This could be a friend, an elder, a pastor. . .or whoever! Just someone who will sit down with you and teach you what it means to walk with the Lord.

Don’t get confused. The goal of this discipleship is not to make you a prestigious “do-gooder.” It is not so you get a good job in the church. The goal of this is to bring glory to God by becoming more and more like Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ, during His ministry on the earth, had disciples. They were twelve men that He hand-picked to train. They had all different backgrounds but joined together in following Jesus. These guys went everywhere with Him! They watched Him perform miracles, heard Him teach many times, prayed with Him and built a strong relationship with Him. The twelve disciples learned to love and trust the Lord. On top of that, Jesus trained them to continue His ministry when He left. And they did! Jesus’ disciples became the starting point for the evangelism of the world!

You can be discipled in the same way! You do not have Jesus physically here with you - that’s why you have the Bible. You can be discipled by Jesus just by reading the letter that He has written for His children.  

This probably seems like an impossible task. Becoming like Jesus?! I’m still trying to take care of my sin!! No wor^{ries, the Spirit of God does this in us. It doesn't come from our own strength.}

"Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:31-32

As disciples, if we are seeking the truth found in God’s word, we will be set free. Everyone around you is searching. Searching for reality, purpose and truth. All the while, they are enslaved by their sin. God’s word sets us free from this. As His disciples, we have intrinsic value and meaning. We are free from sin! Free from the endless search for purpose!

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

The Gospel Can't Do It's Job Unless I Become Billy Graham

Last week, during the EI Youth Conference, we went downtown to pass out tracks.

You want to know the truth? I HATE doing this. It always places an overwhelming burden on my heart and I dislike carrying it around. But, nevertheless, we did. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of just handing out a track - don't get me wrong - I will, but  I like to talk to people about it at least for a second. Well, we were downtown for about 45 minutes. You know how many people took a track?

One.

Uno.

I asked a lot of people and got flat out rejected every time.

"Ma'am do you have a minute?"
"No, I'm spending time with my family."

"Ma'am do you have a moment?"
"No! I do not!"

"Would you like a free Gospel of John?"
"Uhm, no I don't need one."

The people who did take one were very sweet and allowed me to give them a short gospel presentation - an opportunity I was very thankful for...but, guess what? They were Christians? I mean, I was glad to hear that, but the only people that I spoke with were Christians? Man...I have to trust that God was sovereign over that trip, that something said/done/shared by any of the students that day was eternally impactful.

More and more lately I have the burning desire to share the Gospel with people. A deep, frightening sense of emergency is rising in my heart. I thank God for this burden, but frequently I'm peeved about my clumsy presentation of the Word of God.

Eh. God spoke to me a lot about this at Youth Conference. For the most part, I'm a pretty easily distracted person. Generally, that's due to the enormous amount of things I'm processing at once (I tend to think on a couple different trails at one time). When I open my mouth to say something, a lot of times nothing comes out and I end up having to stop and try to remember what I was saying. Unfortunately, this does carry over into witnessing.

This past week at the conference, I heard several testimonies from people who have been completely changed by Jesus Christ. Some of them had truly crazy stories and you wonder how they survived it all...when each shared, they had a contagious fire in their eyes that I knew could only be attributed to the work of God in them. One of these I am personally acquainted with and I cannot remove the fire of Christ from what I know about him. These people now LIVE FOR GOD. What happened? How have they been so changed?

Truth.

And guess what? I have that truth in my hands. The Bible. And that Bible says that I am equipped as a believer to share the truth with other people - no matter what I perceive my limitations to be.

So, back to me witnessing. I've definitely pulled a "Moses." I try to find an excuse. "God, I'm awkward with people." "God, I don't talk very well." "God I'm scared." "God, I don't know the Bible well enough yet."

Oh cry.

Really? If I had the cure for AIDS would I say to someone, "Oh I'm sorry, but I can't share the cure with you because I'm a little awkward... Because I don't know the exact words...Because I may not execute very well for various, obscure, unimportant details..." This is what I have done with the truth of the Gospel. Obviously, I have measured the success rate of the Word of God based on my human ability. How offensive to the LORD is that? Yikes. It's like I'm saying:

"If I cannot present the Gospel perfectly, then You can't work, God."
   
That's not just bad witnessing strategy. That is flat-out rebellion, denial of the power of God, and elevation of the influence of man.

Those people who shared the testimonies of their changed lives weren't led to Christ by famous, amazing speakers like Billy Graham or anything...they were led to Jesus by friends, family members...everyday, normal people. Why do I feel like that's too much for me?

Do I think the Bible says, "Ashley Jones is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword..." NO WAY!!! It says:

The Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

Isaiah 55:11 tells us that God's Word always accomplishes its purpose. My purpose as His child is to share it. The result IS NOT my responsibility. But, the Word DOES have to be presented. Who will do it? Am I gonna cower in the corner because I don't have eloquent speech? Are you? God will work and move with His powerful message of life if we speak. If we are going to be cowards with the message of life then we need to examine ourselves and make sure we are believers. If you aren't thankful enough for the grace of God to be compelled to share about it, maybe you didn't receive that grace in the first place.

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:14).

I Am Not the Same

My loyalty to this blog has failed. I have gone months without posting a thing. Funny, this is the time of my life where God is working more than ever. But time to sit down and write has been impossible to come across. Now, I will update. Yes, there is huge potential that I am updating to no avail - no readers in sight. But, oh well. I shall write for the sake of my conscience and love for this blog.

I have spent the last school year as a student in the Evangelical Institute of Greenville, South Carolina. I thought God was working in this stubborn heart of mine before! Now, more than ever, God has patiently been working to break my heart in order to use it for His glory. I've had many Bible classes, challenging people to deal with, and hard life circumstances to walk through. But God has been so faithful to me. The year really opened my eyes to the truth - truth of who I am, who God is and the depth of the yawning gulf between us. It also brought to reality the saving work of Jesus Christ, who made a way for me to enter into the Holy of Holies in fellowship with God Almighty. It has solidified the truth of my utter weakness and failure, my tendency to fall into sin, and my lack of strength against the powers of darkness. Then, the year has taught me how to claim the power of the living Spirit in me to face evil.

Let me say, I'm not the same person I was a year ago. I have been changed by the power of Jesus Christ.

It has become more of a reality to me than ever that anything in my life that is not poured out for God, is going to harm me. As His servant and daughter, I am called to lay every love of mine at the feet of Jesus Christ, with no reserve for myself. Anything, no matter how good, becomes an enemy when I keep it for my own desires.

What has been like water from the well of Bethlehem to you recently? Love, friendship, spiritual blessing? Then at the peril of your soul you take it to satisfy yourself. If you do, you cannot pour it out before the Lord. How am I to pour out spiritual gifts of natural friendship or love? How can I give them to the LORD? In one way only - in the determination of the mind, and that takes about two seconds. If I hold spiritual blessings or friendship for myself, they will corrupt me, no matter how beautiful they are. I have to pour them out before the Lord, give them to Him in my mind, though it looks as if I am wasting them." ~ Oswald Chambers

 I have been learning to give everything of mine to God. Beautiful, wonderful, lasting happiness it brings! I'll say, I've done surrender the hard way. God has been bringing me through a slow, painful process of giving everything up to Him. I am always reluctant to let go, but every time I have, God has placed much more in my hands to replace what I felt I "lost" - really, they were small sacrifices. What God has for me always exceeds what I have.  I learn so slow - I pray that my pride will at last be killed, or at least suppressed.

Much of this happened through my slow realization (rather God's revelation) of my sinful, incapable nature. Until I believe that I can't, I will not have faith that God can, will not surrender my beloveds to Him, and will not except Him as Lord in every area. Pray to meet your true self.

This year has brought many lessons of faith, prayer, worship, repentance, the Word and love for the brethren - all of which I must go into at a later time.
   

Seeking Him for Him

Truth is, many of us approach the Word of God legalistically.

The thought going through your head is, “I know I don’t.”

Hang with me. You probably do more than you think. I know I did.

There are two reasons people obey the commands of God. 1) Because they love Him. 2) Because they feel as though they will get something from Him. If we are completely honest with ourselves, we have to admit that yes, sometimes we obey just because we feel like we will get something from Him.

Mr. Nuernburg always makes an awesome point. If you go to college and diligently seek and education, what do you think you’ll get? An education. If you diligently pursue marriage, what will you get? Marriage! That’s logical. But, sometimes people get in their minds that diligently seeking God will get them. . .a successful business? Comfort? Easy life? Or maybe just peace and quiet? But is that logical? If you diligently seek God, what will you find? God!

Hebrews 11 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

That being said, I have to throw out any wrong motive in myself to seek the Lord. If I seek Him with all my heart, I will find Him. He is the great reward. For me, I know that I’ve had motives like, “If I seek the Lord, my relationships with people will always be healthy. If I seek the Lord, my life will be manageable. If I seek the Lord, I can handle problems.”

These statements may be half-way true, but if they are my motives for serving the Lord, I am just like a hypocrite. I am obeying God for a blessing. Mr. Nuernburg often draws like a little flow chart thingy that always goes from love, to obedience, to blessing, to light.

1    1)      Love the Lord.

2    2)      Love causes obedience.

3    3)      Obedience brings blessing (which is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit).

4    4)      Blessing causes us to be a light to others around us.

If we skip the love, we won’t have whole-hearted obedience. And if there is no whole-hearted obedience, God cannot really abide in our lives (which is the blessing, by the way. Not riches, or ease). And if He is not abiding in our lives, then we can’t be a blessing to others that need the Gospel.

So, this provokes me to examine my life. If the outflow of my life is not light to other people, then where am I going astray? Most likely on the first step. The greatest commandment we have is to 

 “Love the Lord, your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37)”.