The Power of the Written Word

See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed,

but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass,

and the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.

~1 Peter 1:22b-25a

Here we are at the end of another year. 2014 will soon be over and we will be ushering in another calendar year whether we like it or not. ;) May God go with you all as you traverse into the unknown, knowing thtat you are led by a God Who holds your future as a memory. Seek Him and He will be found of you. Don't let failures of the past, present, or future hold you back from doing His will today. And remember that you are salt and light in a dying world. Walk into 2015 with courage, because the Lord God Himself has said He will never leave you or forsake you. "Immanuel" means "God with us", and if God is with us, who can be against us? Nothing shall separate us from His love, and to those who love Him He promises to work all things for their good and His glory. God bless you all.

*****

Our union with Jesus is the basis for a bond with our fellow Christians. Because that bond is so vital and real, we can live with each other in an intimacy impossible in every other setting.

~Lawrence O. Richards

What makes the difference is not how many times you have been through the Bible, but how many times the Bible that been through you.

~Gispy Smith

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection.‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.

~Thomas Paine

To forsake the Lord through persecution is to set time before eternity, to barter heaven for this world's pleasures, to renounce eternal life for a few hours of ease, and to involve ourselves in endless misery rather than endure a stupid jest or a senseless jibe… Like true soldiers may we buckle on our harness and resolve that let the battle rage as it may, through divine grace we will not desert our colors. We prefer death itself to the disgrace of forsaking a cause so true, a doctrine so pure, a Savior so gracious, a Prince so noble, and so worthy of our most loyal service.

~C.H. Spurgeon

There is unwavering peace today when an uncertain tomorrow is trusted to an unchanging God.

~Unknown

It is the nature of this God-given grace to bring distant things close to us: faith looks upon things promised as though they were actually fulfilled. Faith gives a present subsistence to things that are yet future: that is, it realized them to the mind, giving a reality and substantiality to them.

~A.W. Pink (in Elijah)

Do your duty where God has stationed you: plough up the fallow ground and sow the seed, and though there be no fruit in your day, who knows but an Elisha may follow you and do the reaping.

~A.W. Pink (in Elijah)

As long as matters are really hopeful, hope is a mere flattery or platitude. It is only when everything is hopeless that hope begins to be a strength.

~G.K. Chesterton

Don't forget God's blessings in the past or the joys you experienced in the past. There will always be pain to remember; always mistakes we could regret. There will always be scars we wish we didn't inflict. However, don't forget that God upheld you through all of it, and He will never falter in carrying you through everything in the future. God can heal us from our past no matter how discouraging, dark, dreary, or dismal it is....God is infinitely bigger than anything in anyone's past.

~C. McConkey

How long do we stand? We always stand. How long do we pray? We always pray. When do we give up? We never give up.

~Michael Farris

*****

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

Guest Post: Fruit of Grace

Photo Credit

Today I have the privilege to share a post with you written by another very special friend of mine. Carrie-Grace M. is a fourteen-year-old homeschooler, and she gladly accepted the invitation to write for Facing the Waves. Her older brother leads ICBF--our Bible study group--and our families have known each other for about three years now. Thank you, Carrie-Grace, for your enthusiasm in writing this post!

*****

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” ~Philippians 1:6

God’s sovereignty in our sanctification is a rather knotty issue among Christian circles. After all, God is the One Who sanctifies us, but once we are saved there is still a working out of our salvation that we have to undertake. Faith is not based on works, yet Christians are commanded to bear fruit for God’s glory. No more can we live to the passions of our flesh, and we are held accountable when we do.

Romans 6 says this: “What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?”

In this post, I wanted to look at the beautiful meshing of God’s sovereign grace and our obligations as Christian men and women. How do work and grace weave together to make one whole?

The answer to this starts in our restored relationship with God.

1. We are children of God
We were once alienated from God, strangers to Him without hope. But now, He calls us His friends. We are His brothers, adopted into His family through blood-ties. Through his death and resurrection, we have died to sin and now live to righteousness. The old is gone, the new has come. Our souls have been ushered into the throne-room of grace to have eternal fellowship with God. We work out our salvation as a gracious privilege, given to us from above. This privilege is not meant to hurt us or hold us back, but to free us to do the works that God has prepared for us. True, it holds us back from sinning, but it frees us from the death-grip of sin.

2. We are slaves of the King
In Philippians 2:7, Paul says that Jesus “took the form of a servant.” The Greek word for servant here literally means, “a bondservant, a slave, one devoted to another to the disregard of one’s personal interests.” Christ disregarded Himself when He came to earth. Instead of imposing on others, He served them with a selfless love. And He commands us to do the same. At the Last Supper, He washed the feet of the disciples to set the example for all believers. “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 3:16-17). We are to use our freedom to serve one another, not as an opportunity for the flesh (Gal. 5:13). Christ paid the ultimate price with His blood to buy us back to Himself.

I was doing an English report for school recently, on a few of the “I AM” statements of Jesus. One of the ones I looked up was “I am the vine, you are the branches (John 15:4).” In John 15:1, Jesus refers to God the Father as the vinedresser. I found an interesting point from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia that said that the vines required the constant care of the vine-dresser in order for the fruit to remain healthy. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). God alone is the One Who makes us fruitful and preserves that fruitfulness. Jesus tells us to abide in Him in order to bear this fruit, for through Him, and only through Him, can we thrive spiritually.

If Christ is the source of our work, then what is the work? Galatians 5:25 says this: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” In the next chapter, it goes into detail about how we are to live according to the Spirit: forgiving one another, bearing one another’s burdens, sowing to the Spirit, etc. John 15:10, 12 say, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love…This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus declares that our work is to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We do this by putting to death the deeds of the flesh, and obeying the commands in Scripture. This leads to the working out of our salvation.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13).

This is our calling. This is our mission. The grace of God works in us to this end.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed” (1 Corinthians 15:10).

His grace toward us is not in vain. On the contrary, we work hard to bear fruit to His glory.

".... it is certain that the Christian does grow in grace.

And though his conflict may be as severe in the last day of his life as in the first moment of conversion, yet he does advance in grace--and all his imperfections and his conflicts within cannot prove that he has not made progress."

~ Charles Spurgeon

***** 

Carrie-Grace M. is a Scripture-memorizing cat-lover living in the Mitten of the USA. During the summer, she participates in the National Bible Bee, and enjoys spending time in Scripture there. She likes drawing, reading, and corresponding with friends in between school studies.  

Coaching through the Transitions

Many coaches are fond of the phrase 'I can't change the wind, but I can adjust the sails.'

Deal with obstacles directly as they arise 

and oftentimes you will find that they add excitement to the journey 

and are rich opportunities for growth.

~Gary Collins

*****

Name 2 challenging transitions that people often go through at some point in their lives and explain how a coach would help individuals through such transitions. Using those 2 examples, write specifically about what you would do to help someone move on past those transitions.


Transition is a normal part of everyone’s life, but sometimes a coach is able to make those transitions easier for the person. As Collins (2009) says, “life coaching is about improving life” and it is the coach’s job to “[coach] people through transitions and [enable] clients to find more balance in their lives” (pg. 238).

Using Hudson’s Four Phases of Change (Collins, 2009, pg. 243), I could help the client who is struggling to decide on higher education. During Phase 1, the client would list the university options and pros and cons for each place, as well as listing his interests, mission, and passions. In Phase 2, I would be sure to encourage my client’s enthusiasm for learning, and remind him of his commitment and purpose to gaining further education (Collins, 2009). Phase 3 would entail planning for financial and travel resources to attend the university, as well as much time spent in prayer. Action steps and accountability would ensure that my client chose one university. Phase 4 would see the client creating and experimenting with all the travel and financial options, networking to gain contacts with the university and other students, and prioritizing his current life to start university in the near future (Collins, 2009). Each of these phases is important in seeking the will of God for this client, while ensuring their interests and passions are included as they seek higher education.

I would help a person who is having difficulty finding an enjoyable job by using the same four phases. During Phase 1, I would assist and encourage my client in listing his talents, gifts, interests, passions, and values. In Phase 2, the client would re-evaluate his dream and inform his boss about his decision to find a new job in the near future (Collins, 2009). This phase would also include my client creating and sending out resumes to different companies. Phase 3 would entail prayer and seeking the Lord’s will for his life, taking into consideration the mission and passions God has given him. Also, actions steps would be taken to prepare financially and perhaps geographically in order to enter into a better job. Additionally, I would encourage my client to resign from his current job. Phase 4 would see my client moving to a different house (if necessary) and beginning his new job. I would stay in contact with him to make sure he transitions smoothly into his new routine. He would be creating and experimenting with daily schedules, networking with people in the workplace (boss, co-workers, customers), as well as learning to prioritize his other activities around his work schedule (Collins, 2009).

I would make sure to encourage both clients during these types of transitions to seek the Lord’s will through each step, explaining that He directs each individual according to their passions, mission, gifts, and calling in life. It would be my job to come alongside them and provide them with direction, asking powerful questions, and supporting them through prayer.

Reference: 
Collins, G.R. (2009) Christian coaching: Helping others turn potential into reality. (2nd ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: NAV Press. 

*****

We exist to praise God--to love, honor, and serve him--but coaching might be one of the tools he has allowed us to discover and use to be more effectie in honoring him and ministering to others. Coaching can be used to his glory provided we remember that coaching, including coaching across cultures, is a tool to accomplish greater divine purposes.

~Gary Collins

This was the last assignment I wrote for the Life Coaching discussion posts. Throughout this course I learned much about God, myself, and about what Life Coaching really entails, and as one who has been coached for several years through CollegePlus, I definitely was able to learn and apply some of the principles. And though the assignments I've posted are not representative of all that was taught and learned, I hope they are able to give you a small taste of what coaching really is. Coaching is a work God has called some of us to, whether short-term or long-term. And in coaching others we, as Christians, are given the opportunity to minister and lead others in the paths God has called them to.

God bless you all! 

A Life of Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

Faith is intangible. You can’t touch it. You can’t see it. Sometimes you can’t even feel it. But faith holds to something. And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three. Faith holds on to hope. You hope for something because you love it, because you want it and desire it. The three are intertwined and cannot be separated. Love holds the three together, but faith cannot be faith without something to hope in.

Abraham went out from his homeland, not knowing where he went, but he hoped in the One who had guided him that far and Who had promised him descendants as numerous as the sand and stars. For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:10)

Sarah, the wife of Abraham--though one who laughed at the thought of bearing a child when she was past age--she hoped in God because she judged him faithful who had promised. (Hebrews 11:11) And from her son came the nation of Israel, and later the promised Messiah.

Noah "moved with fear" built an ark because He had faith in the God who said He would flood the entire earth.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (Hebrews 11:13)

Faith is believing in the existence and presence of something you want. Something that is not yet here, but you see it in the future and you press towards it with all your might. You believe that it available even if that something isn’t yours, yet. Faith is grasping at what you don’t have, but clinging to each little piece of evidence, even if you can’t have the whole of it. Abraham never saw all the descendants that the Lord promised him, though he did see some. He was considered righteous for having faith in that which seemed impossible. He didn't give way to unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he [God] had promised, he was able also to perform.  (Romans 4:20b-21) Sometimes that kind of faith means against hope yet still believing in hope.

Faith is the sheer determination to believe in what you hope for, what you love. The Lord gives the righteous their desires of their heart, and those are the desires you hold fiercely to and love. They are desires you would loathe to give up and that you wrestle in prayer for, yet He does not grant them immediately. Some desires are never fulfilled, yet we know what it is to have faith in them. David's heart's desire was to build a temple for God, but it was not his hope that would be fulfilled, for Solomon would build it. Moses never entered the Promised Land. Faith doesn’t seek out just what is tangible, for then it would never be satisfied. Faith hopes in the unseen and invisible—the future. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18) It clings to promises, desires, and hopes, and does not easily let go. And our hope is ultimately in an unseen victory, and unseen God, and unseen Paradise, all of which show themselves in part, but will only be manifest completely in glory.

In the words of James MacDonald:

God is at work. He assures me of His presence till the promises are fulfilled. I know you may be painfully waiting on God for some promises He's made....Listen, He's working....Stop looking at what you see, and walk by faith in God. He is at work, even when I'm not seeing it.

For it is by faith that you stand. A faith that's yielded in its hope in God. A courageous faith that is on its knees with lifted hands.

Allow your trials, sufferings, and challenges to strengthen your faith and increase your hope in the Lord. Do not grow weary in well doing, even if you don’t see your faith fulfilled, for His sanctification is for your good and His glory, and He will never withhold that which is best for you.

The Power of the Written Word

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

John 17:17

*****

The ‘fear of the Lord’ means fearing to dishonor the Lord, which means fearing to distrust the Lord which means fearing to fear anything that the Lord has promised to help you overcome. In other words the fear of the Lord is the great fear destroyer.

-John Piper

To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.

-G. K. Chesterton

True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.

-George Washington

Suffering is a sacred entrustment by God for the further development of His child to have a greater ministry then he ever knew.

-Jim Binney

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.

-Corrie Ten Boom

Knowing that God rules over all things gives you hope...there are things that happen to us that are awful...But here's what I know, God is good. He can't help but be good. And whatever has come to pass was for God's glory. And ultimately, because I'm His, it's for my good. I believe that. Because I trust a sovereign God...this is the only way you have hope in dire circumstances. It's the only way.

-Voddie Baucham

The Christian soldier must avoid two evils-he must not faint or yield in the time of fight, and after a victory he must not wax insolent and secure. When he has overcome, he is so to behave himself as though he were presently about to be assaulted. For Satan's temptations, like the waves of the sea, do follow one in the neck of the other.

-George Downame

Marvel not that we do not excel—marvel that we do excel in anything, unstable as we are.

-C.H. Spurgeon

Where there is much love, all discord ends. 

-Thomas Dekker

The devil is aware that one hour of close fellowship, hearty converse with God in prayer, is able to pull down what he hath been contriving and building many a year.

-John Flavel

*****

See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed,
but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass,
and the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.
1 Peter 1:22b-25a

Friendship: With Young Ladies

He who loves purity of heart,

and whose speech is gracious,

will have the king as his friend.

~Proverbs 22:11

This was an article I wrote for a young ladies online newsletter in August. It is written specifically for the audience of other girls, but I thought I'd share it here as well. And, in doing so, I have no intention of diminishing the value of friendships I have with the young men in my life, for I value those friendships just as highly. And in more ways than one this article could also describe the Biblical model for friendships with anyone. The people in my life and the close friends I have made have indeed been godly friends to me, and I am grateful for them all. 

May the Lord bless you all, my friends. :)

*****

Friendships with sisters in the Lord can bring great joy and encouragement to us. I have had few close friends growing up, but during my late teens, I formed some very special relationships with other girls. Not all of them lasted, unfortunately, but even though some were temporary, both those and the ones that have endured have always blessed me in some way.

One of the things I have most enjoyed and appreciated in my friendships with young women is the closeness that we share in the Lord. The solid foundation that bonds believers together has only strengthened our friendships. We are able to encourage one in Christ as we share trials and joys. I find it difficult to open up and share with certain types of people, but the young ladies who have remained close friends know how to create a safe environment for me to share. I appreciate them so much for this. They also encourage me in my walk with the Lord by listening and gently rebuking when the Lord directs them to do so. They have learned that A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Proverbs 25:11).

These young ladies have been faithful ambassadors of Christ in their interactions with me, and provided refreshing direction when the way was clouded for me. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters (Proverbs 25:13). Another way they encourage me most is by taking the time to talk with me. Several friends and I communicate online because of the vast distance between us, but technology has been a blessing to us, as it has provided a means for us to use the written word to keep up with each other’s hearts and lives.

There are several principles that I believe must be in place for friendships to exist, not only with girls, but with any other person. However, in light of communicating with our sisters in Christ, here are some of the more applicable points.

Friends talk freely with one another. This does not mean we have the liberty to gossip, but rather it means there shouldn’t be sin hindering our communication with one another. Talking should provide a means for encouraging one another in the truth, and sharing from the heart about how God is working in your life. Talking also provides a way for each young lady to talk through deep issues and to learn to trust one another.

Friends also should be loyal, not forsaking one another, but loving each other in the Lord. We all will face disappointments, trials, and confusing situations in our journey through life, but this should only draw us closer to one another. A friend loves at all times. A friend loves enough to rebuke when you’re sinning, but also loves enough to weep when you weep and rejoice when you rejoice. Loyalty is shown in words and actions, and it’s necessary to demonstrate love, loyalty, and sacrifice in order to keep a friendship strong.

Friendships must be maintained over time. Life’s activities, busyness, and general responsibilities often make us shove aside other people so that we can “get it all done”. It will take work, perseverance, and determination to seek out time and set it aside in order to maintain the relationship. Just getting together or chatting online might take effort in setting aside time, but it will be worth it in the long run. When you enter Heaven one day, you won’t be standing beside the list of things you accomplished or the degree you earned or the money you made. No, you’ll be standing beside fellow believers, sisters in Christ, and praising the Lord with them. Take the time to invest in the young ladies around you so that you can encourage them to pursue greater Christlikeness.

There is great encouragement in finding like-minded young ladies to walk along life’s pathway with you. They will encourage you, support you, strengthen you, rebuke you, and laugh and cry with you. But you must also reach out to them in the same way in order for the relationship to deepen and grow. Thank the Lord for the girls in your life who point you to Christ and share a bond in the Lord that can stand the test of time.

“It is a mercy to have a faithful friend that loveth you entirely

to whom you may open your mind and communicate your affairs.

And it is a mercy to have so near a friend to be a helper to your soul

and to stir you up in the grace of God.”

~ Richard Baxter

“Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life.

Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial 

had they not found a friend.”

~ Charles H. Spurgeon

He is All Things!

And he is before all things and by him all things consist. 

Colossians 1:17

Scripture verses for the Biblical references in this song: All Things to All

He is a path to the misled

And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not;

I will lead them in paths that they have not known:

I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight.

These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

(Isaiah 42:16)

And to the hungry, He is bread

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: 

he that cometh to me shall never hunger;

and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

(John 6:35)

To the prisoner, He is free,

I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand,

and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light to the Gentiles;

To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison,

and to them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

I am the Lord: that is my name:

and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

(Isaiah 42:6-8)

And to the weak, how strong is He!

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, 

My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions,

in distresses for Christ's sake:

for when I am weak, then am I strong.

(2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

To those in darkness, He is light,

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, 

hath shined in our hearts,

to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God 

in the face of Jesus Christ. 

(2 Corinthians 4:6)

And to the blinded, He is sight, 

Then Jesus answering said unto them,

Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard;

how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear,

the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

(Luke 7:22-23)

To the broken, He is health, 

He healeth the broken in heart,

and bindeth up their wounds.

(Psalm 147:3)

And to the needy, He is wealth.

But my God shall supply all your need 

according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:19)

He is defender of the scorned,

But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.

Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.

But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning:

for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

(Psalm 59:8-9, 16-17)

A comfort to the ones who mourn,

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

(Matthew 5:4)

To the weary, He is rest,

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

(Matthew 11:28)

And He is hope to the oppressed.

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,

a refuge in times of trouble.

(Psalm 9:9)

O He is courage to the meek,

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage;

be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:

for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

(Joshua 1:9)

The answer to the ones who seek,

Ask, and it shall be given you; 

seek, and ye shall find; 

knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For every one that asketh receiveth; 

and he that seeketh findeth; 

and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

(Matthew 7:7-8)

Yes, He is peace to those in strife, 

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

(John 14:27)

And to the dying, He is life.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life:

he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.

Believest thou this?

(John 11:25-26)

We have no greater friend than He,

Who satisfies our every need.

Source of what was, what is, will be,

All things to all He is indeed!

http://grooveshark.com/s/All+Things+To+All/2yuQ7Y?src=5 

Coaching the Client's Vision

Discerning a vision is neither straightforward nor predictable.

Sometimes it takes a few weeks of diligent effort; sometimes it takes years.

The process is perhaps more important to God than the outcome because

the effort we go through draws us closer to him.

~George Barna

God gives each individual an unique purpose. Some people call it a mission, vision, passion or life purpose, but they all have similar meanings. I remember creating my own life purpose three years ago, with the instruction of my coach. A coach is very valuable in this step as they're able to help the client find his direction and ask pertinent questions to make him think. Ultimately, though an individual will need to spend time himself seeking the Lord's will for his life direction. The summary of my life purpose is this: "Purposing to use what God has given me, I will encourage others to stand fast for the Kingdom of God and equip them to defend the truth to future generations (1 Peter 3:15)." And you can find the more detailed version HERE. ;) 

The question I had to answer for this third discussion assignment was this: What is personal vision? Why is it so important? How can a Christian Life Coach help a client develop a vision? If a client's vision fades, what are was to reinvigorate that vision?

*****

Dreams may outline the desired future, goals may establish the path, passions may drive us forward, but vision is the target—the “potential for the future…anchored in the realities of the present”—that pulls a person forward (Collins, 2009, pg.171).

The practicality of a vision is its most vital aspect. Visions are big; they are the dreams brought down to reality, but visions also must be focused (Collins, 2009). A client will be easily discouraged if they see no practical progress through their coaching sessions, so it is part of the coach’s job to, not only expand the vision, but also to bring it down to tangible, visible results. The author of Proverbs says “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV). Good coaches will help each client to recognize and find their vision, obtain a clearer picture of the vision, and then provide support and encouragement to keep the vision alive (Collins, 2009). People must have some sort of vision in order to have purpose for their life, and a Christian Life Coach will help his clients to pursue a vision that is consistent with Scripture and with God’s calling for that individual (Collins, 2009).

A good coach will help a client find out the answer to “Where do I want to go?” [vision] (Collins, 2009). They will also coach the individual to seek the Lord’s will through prayer and consistent Bible reading. A vision for life is not a rushed process, but rather one that takes time, thought, and communication, and a good coach will be readily available to provide insight and questions in order to spur the client on in their life vision (Collins, 2009). During this process, the client will need to be introspective in order to determine his gifts, values, and passions, for these will be at the center of his vision (Collins, 2009). Information from outside resources such as other mentors, family members, or friends, will also be helpful for the client to clarify his vision and provide extra insight. A good coach will be actively involved with his client, not only to help him focus on a clear and concise vision, but also to eliminate distractions or trivial information.

Keeping the vision is part of a good coach’s job. Sometimes the client’s commitment and passion for the vision fades, and that’s when the coach takes action by encouraging him to progress and reminding him of his commitment. Reinvigorating the vision will require work. The coach may need to step back with the client and clarify values and beliefs or maintain enthusiasm for the vision during obstacles. A coach will not allow a God-given vision to fade for the client. Collins (2009) says, “Coaches are cheerleaders for their clients and their visions, stimulating forward movement so the goals are reached and dreams realized” (pg. 181).

Collins, G.R. (2009) Christian coaching: Helping others turn potential into reality. (2nd ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: NAV Press. 

*****

As you seek to walk in the center of God's will, it's important to establish the spiritual markers in your life that have led you up to the place you now stand. Looking back on what God has done in your life may bring great clarity toward what he wants to do in your life in the days to come.

~Henry and Mel Blackaby

The Power of the Written Word and Reformation Day

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

~John 1:1

Quotes from some of the reformers...because it's Reformation Day. :) 

*****

Peace if possible. Truth at all costs. 
~Martin Luther 

A man with God is always in the majority. 
~John Knox 

 I defy the Pope and all his laws. If God spare my life ere many years, I will cause the boy that drives the plow to know more of the scriptures than you!

~William Tyndale

Christ will have no discharged soldiers, but those who have conquered death itself.
~John Calvin

You are a tool in the hands of God. He demands your service, not your rest. Yet, how fortunate you are that he lets you take part in his work. 
~Ulrich Zwingli

I believe that in the end truth will conquer. 
~John Wycliffe 

Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, play the man! We shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out. 
~Hugh Latimer

Trouble and perplexity drive me to prayer, and prayer drives away perplexity and trouble.

~Philipp Melanchthon

We should ask God to increase our hope when it is small, awaken it when it is dormant, confirm it when it is wavering, strengthen it when it is weak, and raise it up when it is overthrown.
~John Calvin

So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: "I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know the One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!"
~Martin Luther

Seek the truth. Listen to the truth. Teach the truth. Love the truth. Abide by the truth. And defend the truth unto death.
~John Huss

*****

Grateful to these men and to all the other men and women who were willing to take a stand for the truth, despite persecution. For they proclaimed that through Scripture alone, we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone to the glory of God alone.

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
~John 17:17

Sola Scriptura.
Sola Gratia.
Sola Fide.
Sola Christo.
Sola Gloria de Dios.

Because of Him...alone,

Kaleigh

Book Review: Wrestling Prayer

"God's concept of prayer is far more like picking up Ulysses's massive sword and swinging it with all the fire and ferocity of a desperately crazed warrior. God's version of prayer takes territory. It doesn't sit at home and clip spiritual coupons; it heads off into enemy territory to fight. Samson picked up the jawbone of a donkey and single-handedly slew a thousand Philistines, and we are supposed to pick up the jawbone of prayer and wreck untold spiritual havoc upon the enemy camp."

~Eric Ludy

My sister gave me this book for my birthday this year, and I finished reading it two days ago. Eric and Leslie Ludy write about how the Lord showed them what prayer really is: a pasionate communion with God. A passionate communion. Not just passion and emotion, and not just writing up a list of wants and needs to ask God about. They detail prayer that the evangelical world today does not know. It's the kind of prayer that the men and women of past church history demonstrated. The people who spent hours on their knees pleading for the souls of others before the Throne of Grace. 

Eric writes with passion, the passion given him by a powerful God through the power of prayer. The kind of prayer that doesn't sit back and nonchalantly watch God "allow" things to happen, but the kind of prayer that fights the battle against the spiritual powers of Satan. I love how this book takes many of the Old Testament characters (like David and Joab) and really details the lives of these men. Eric mentions the 37 men who were considered David's Mighties. The men who never gave in to the enemy, who never yielded ground, who would not turn from their commander, and who dared to do the reckless in God's strength. Only 37 of them in the thousands that numbered David's armies, yet they were some of his closest confidants, and they knew how to fight. 

Leslie gives three key ingredients for prayer: 

1. Praying God-prayers. Praying how God wants us and commands us to pray. Not just how we think or feel that we should. 

2. Praying with complete confidence (aka--faith). Doubt, suspicion, fear, and hesitancy are faith-killers. Remember it takes faith as big (or small ;) as a grain of mustard seed to move mountains--except that this culture doesn't exactly expect prayer to work miracles. 

3. Praying until the answer comes. This, too, takes faith. And perseverence and tenacity. It takes spiritual fortitude to keep asking when we don't see anything happening. Just because we don't think we see anything changing, doesn't mean that God isn't working. And sometimes your prayers aren't meant to change your circumstances or change the intesity of the battle. Your prayers might be what is necessary to change you. 

Like Jacob wrestled with God...

"Most of us have never even come to Peniel. We do our praying and our Christian thing in our own cunning and strength. But Peniel is the place where spiritual things truly get done. It's the place of wrestling, and that indimidates many of us. It's the place of holding on until the day breaks, until the victory is achieved--and that sounds tiresome. But this is the great secret to answered prayer." (Leslie Ludy)

Prayer also takes self-examination, as Leslie and Eric speak of. They knew they could not honestly face a holy God with known sin in their life, and as the Lord brought sin to their attention, they repented. Keeping a clear conscience between you and God is vital in a Christian's prayer life. As the authors put it, our Lord is a fearless Commander who gives no quarter to sin, and if we're going to be named among the mighty prayer warriors then we must be willing--no, not just willing, but desirious--for God's spiritual purging of our lives. 

The Ludy's also write about the power of prayer in our physical lives. It is not uncommon for them to spend hours praying through the night. Sometimes praying instead of sleeping. You would expect this to tired them physically and mentally, but prayer fuels their bodies as well as their minds and they would not give in until they were certain of victory through prayer. The Lord blessed them for their perseverance and gave them strength above and beyond what they thougth they had. They gave no ground to their flesh, and the weapon of prayer yielded a mighty victory. 

What does your prayer life look like? Is it a passionate communion with God? A spiritual tenacity that doesn't let go even when weariness sets in? Or is it just a to-do list for God so that maybe He'll supply the things we need and want? Is it a prayer in faith that claims the promises in Scripture? Or is it a half-hearted cry hoping that God will notice us sometime? 

***** 

All hell is vanquished when the believer bows his knee in importunate supplication. Beloved brethren, let us pray. We cannot all argue, but we can all pray; we cannot all be leaders, but we can all be pleaders; we cannot all be mighty in rhetoric, but we can all be prevalent in prayer. I would sooner see you eloquent with God than with men. Prayer links us with the Eternal, the Omnipotent, the Infinite, and hence it is our chief resort...Be sure that you are with God, and then you may be sure that God is with you.”

~Charles Spurgeon

Our prayers should be insistent. There comes a time, in spite of our soft, modern ways... when we must wrestle.... The Bible recognizes such a thing as storming heaven. 

~Cameron V. Thompson

As long as we have unsolved problems, unfilled desires, and a mustard seed of faith, we have all we need for a vibrant prayer life.

~John Ortberg

Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers that cannot be refused.

~C.H. Spurgeon

**Thanks for the book, Hannah. It's a great one. :D