Trick or Treat?

2009 The Original Series and The Next Generation

2010 The Flash, Batgirl, Supergirl, and reporters
from the Gotham Globe and Daily Planet

It seems that I run into many differing opinions about this holiday we have called Halloween. Many enjoy the fun of candy and dressing up, others don't want to have anything to do with it because of it's pagan religious roots. I've never personally been into the whole scary thing myself, so I suppose my family is a bit less traditional about how we go about the holiday. I didn't really concern myself all that much about it until I had kids and started having to think about what we were going to do with it. Most major holidays do hold their roots in religious meaning of various kinds. A friend shared this article which I thought a very good one: Halloween for Christians.

Inspired by today's teenage culture, I caught hold of the "Trick or Treat" theme to take the opportunity to go over some common worldviews and conceptions which I didn't want my kids to truly buy into when they got to their teenage years. Part of what we do each year is to hang some pictures on our dining room window. I bought a Halloween themed coloring book, colored a few of the pictures and laminated them so I could reuse them. I have plans to add more to the collection, but below is a picture of what we have so far. Each picture represents a worldview or conception, and then throughout the month we compare those things to truth from the Bible. I found a "Trick or Treat" sign at a party store, and added a picture of Jesus, because how much better "Treat" is there! Check out the notes I've got so far, and if you think of some other good Bible verses or ideas let me know. My kids crack me up when I hear them say, "Mom, let's learn about witches!"




WITCHES: Manipulating others to get what you want

Fly on brooms. Use magic to make things happen the way they want them to happen.
Most things about witches are pretend. The common thing about all witches is they manipulate people, trick, and/or lie to get what they want. Some think they can tell the future. Some people try to use magic and think they are witches, but they are tricked. The bad, fallen angels try to make those people think they can do magic.
God says in the Bible that trying to really be like a witch is wrong. If God says it is wrong, then we can know it is not a way to make us happy. We can trust Him, because He is always truthful.

Jeremiah 14:14
"They are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, futility and the deception of their own minds."
Ezekiel 21:29
"They see for you false visions, while they divine lies for you--to place you on the necks of the wicked who are slain, whose day has come, in the time of the punishment of the end."
Revelation 21:8
"sorcerers...and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."


VAMPIRES AND
WEREWOLVES: Using power to take what you want

Want to live forever. They have special abilities which they use to take whatever they want.
Not real. People have made up many stories about them. There might be people who have hair all over, but they're not werewolves. They are still people. There are people who do very bad things to get what they want, but vampires are just in stories. Living forever isn't the most important thing. Selfish power hurts people. In the long run it does not make us happy when we hurt others to get what we want. It makes it so others can't trust us and don't like us.

1 John 2:16
"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world."


SKELETONS: Trick or Treat?
Scare people.
Not really scary. We all have skeletons. Without our skeleton we wouldn't be able to walk or really do anything. But skeletons can't walk or move or do anything without the rest of us.

Psalm 139:13-14
"For Thou didst form my inward parts;
Thou didst weave me in my mother's womb.
I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Thy works,
And my soul knows it very well."

Job 10:8a; 11b
"Thy hands fashioned and made me altogether,...and knit me together with bones and sinews."


GHOSTS: Communicating with the dead

Some people believe ghosts are real. They think that when people die their spirit stays on earth.
Ghosts are not real. The spirits are really the bad, fallen angels tricking people into thinking ghosts are real to confuse them. God says that when people die their spirits go to another place and are no longer on earth. The only kind of Spirit we should be concerned about communicating with is God.

Luke 16:19-31 Jesus told a story about a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus.
In verses 22-23 He said this:
"Now it came about that the poor man died and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom [Paradise]; and the rich man also died and was buried. And in Hades he lifted up his eyes..."

2 Corinthians 5:8
"...we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord."


MUMMIES AND FRANKENSTEIN'S
MONSTERS: Power over life and death

Stories about dead leaders coming back to life, or stories about someone creating a person.
People can't cause someone dead to become alive again, or make something and give it life. Only God can create living things. Only God can resurrect the dead.

John 1:3
"All things came into being by [the Word of God], and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being."

Genesis 2:7
"Then the LORD God [the I AM] formed man of the dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."

John 11:25
"Jesus said..., 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies'."

Romans 8:11
"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."


JESUS

Jesus is real. He gives treats, not tricks. The devil and the other fallen angels are full of schemes and tricks. Jesus loves us. He gives good advice. He is our Savior. He knows what things really make us happy because He knows what we were created for. Also, He made it so that we can go to Heaven! That is a great BIG treat, don't you think!

John 14:6
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me."

John 8:44
"The devil...he was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies."

James 1:17
"Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father..."

1 Peter 5:8
"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Romans 6:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Ephesians 6:11
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."

Psalm 16:11
"Thou wilt make known to me the path of life;
In Thy presence is fullness of joy;
In Thy right hand there are pleasures forever."




2011 This year we have the essential costumes of superhero, fully equipped with light saber, and of course the girls had to be princesses! When my son chose the somewhat uncommon superhero of Bibleman, I thought, "Oh dear, I have no idea how we're going to pull that one off!" I'm so glad it came together. What makes Bibleman so incredibly fun is that he is the only superhero who actually gets to wear the armor of God!!



And of course we can not forget our adorable little tiger cub.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

Domestic Mountain Ranges

Tests. They are a part of all this I know. It's the only way we actually get to practice things we learn. I greatly appreciate the knowledge that even on the tests I lose, my mess-ups can still be used to move me more toward righteousness. I love that my son keeps asking me to sing “Seek Ye First” (Matt. 6:33) for his bed time song--"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." It is a good one for helping me keep perspective. I’m excited that I’m beginning to understand the specifics of what it means to seek first His (God’s) righteousness: Studying the character of Christ, whose character is the copy of who I am to follow and diligently pursue. I was thinking to myself earlier this week that I wasn’t really sure what seeking first His kingdom meant. Today was definitely a gift for my being able to think about that. It wasn’t fun, but I do have joy in a better understanding. Pray for me, though… Please! In the beginning of this journey I considered that a big part of what seeking first His kingdom meant was that I should not be seeking after my own little kingdom. I do have to admit that I have difficulty understanding the specifics of how to accomplish this. I much appreciated being reminded that this journey requires the Holy Spirit. (Thank you KathyC!) In my little kingdom, I have a battle that I’ve been waging for years against all the crazy clutter in my house. Instead of shaming thoughts or unruly kids, today my test was a common pressure. Everywhere I turned I would feel another weight from all the stuff that needs to be done around my house. I’m pretty sure God doesn’t promise me a clean house, just like He doesn’t promise that everyone will agree and get along with me, or that everyone will like me, or that this journey is going to be easy. I hope there is some kind of character quality He can conform in me so I can at least have a half way clean house someday…I guess we’ll see. I don’t know if it was the flesh, the world, or the enemy that was the root of my test today, but the fact is I was severely distracted from my quest to pursue Christ’s character by my hurricane ravaged house. My kids were the ones who had to suffer for it. (Though, I suppose I could try to blame them as the cause of it...Nah, not really.) I am still very much feeling the pressure. Please open my eyes LORD that I might be able to see what You would have me do for your kingdom instead of being overwhelmed by my little one. Let me see my home with Your eyes and let me use it for your kingdom. Please bless the work of my hands for Your honor and glory. I’m pretty sure this challenge is going to be a hard one for me. (Originally written June 15, 2010)

In the days following, the LORD brought to mind the passage that says for us to do our work as though we are doing it unto Him. Col. 3:17, 23 "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father...and whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men." A dear friend of mine used a certain term which made me laugh because it was so accurately descriptive of my feelings. The term is "Mt. Washmore" located in the kitchen sink, and now I also refer to the "Himalaundry Mountain Range" which includes "Mt. Never-rest." It is difficult to think of these "mountains" that are always needing my attention as having anything to do with God's kingdom. I just got to read an article that my friend Morna was able to have published in a magazine recently. This is how it starts: “Busyness has become a way of life for too many people, especially women. We are constantly running the daily details of the home, organizing schedules, stretching the budget, straining to make ends meet, trying to be everything to everyone, and sleeping less than we should. We have too much to do with too little time in which to do it. Maybe it's time we all take a deep breath and ask ourselves: WHAT am I so busy with? WHY am I doing it? And for WHOM?” The article didn’t actually answer these questions specifically, but it did make me think about what the answers were. The “for WHOM?” question is the most important: I need to be doing what I’m doing unto the LORD, even if it’s a whole bunch of laundry and dishes. When I am feeling wiped out and scatter brained and overwhelmed with all that needs to be done around me, may I remember Who I work for and let my efforts to please be for Him. Somehow when I'm taking out a load of laundry from the dryer...again, I feel a lot better doing it, when I am understanding that through it God is building in me diligence, perseverance, thankfulness, benevolence, etc. It also helps me to remember that when God called me, He didn't say I had to have it all together. He called me to a process commonly referred to in the Bible called sanctification. Sanctification is the holiness pursuit: set apart for the process of learning and practicing His character in my life. While my efforts need to be for obedience as He points things out to me, He is the one in charge of the process. I am no longer condemned for my failures. I don't have to beat myself up for everything I can't seem to do right. I get to enjoy a purpose in knowing Christ more and more every day.

Woah. In my writing this blog post, anyone reading this gets to be witness of a miracle...I am not kidding. I am actually finding myself thankful for how disorganized and cluttered my house is right now. I cannot say I have ever felt that way. I mean I've felt thankful despite it, but never thankful for it. I almost feel like I have to be crazy, but the only real explanation is the Holy Spirit. This kind of thankfulness I'd define as my seeing an excitement in the purpose of knowing Christ better, through my cluttered house, being more desirable than the excitement I'd have through it just being clean. (Still hoping for some serious progress toward that clean concept though.)

Here is a tribute to one of my favorite words:

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

Opportunity in the Making

Relationships seem to be one of the most effective sources of practice in character training. (If you know what I mean...) For so many reasons it makes sense that LOVE would be at the top of God's character list. As I spend such a volume of time with my kids, they certainly give me lots of practice in building character. I have to appreciate their collective efforts to help me become a "paradigm of patience". While they are giving me practice, I am very grateful for new tools to help me keep in view that one of my main parenting roles is that of a trainer in character for them as well. Yesterday was definitely a day of testing for me. If I didn’t know better I’d suspect my kids were trying to see if they could get me upset. I also started getting thoughts again of little dumb things that held potential to make me feel bad about myself. I said my prepared prayer, "Praise You, LORD, for Your redeeming power that can even do wonders with my mess ups." It still works! And I didn’t yell at my kids out of impatience either!!!!! (Now at 6 days!) I love my new set of spiritual eyes!

One tool that has been helpful to me is in regard to the well known law of nature that says, "Anything my sibling has is something that I must have." Sometimes I feel a little crazy when it seems like every time I turn around they're fighting over something else. For a few days now, I have been successfully implementing a solution for when my kids are fighting about an object they both want. The concept of just staying out of it and letting them work it out themselves would invariably end up in scratches and other injury, so we decided that wasn't going to work. Though, trying to be referee about everything wasn't going to work either. Ideally, I wanted to help them find good ways of working their problems out for themselves. (Any further advice is much appreciated.) First, I removed the item in question. Then, when I thought about the character issues, I came up with a question for them. “Which one of you is going to be generous and patient and let the other have it first?” The rule was that no one gets it until that is figured out. The one who offers to be the generous and patient one gets all the affirming kudos and one super impressed mom. When this plan has worked, it was like a dream come true! Then when they started fighting about something else, they got the same question, and it was even a great opportunity to teach about justice and fairness. I am learning to see how EVERYTHING can be an opportunity. When there is a problem, I can look at what the character issue is, make my parenting choices with character in mind, and verbalize the character quality so they get it. I certainly am still in need of practice to take advantage of the opportunities, but I'm finding it a great degree easier to not get angry when I am able to see a conflict as an opportunity to teach a quality of Christ's character, rather than seeing it as a frustration. (Though, I’m not claiming this to be easy! Consistency and perseverance is definitely a big challenge for me. Prayer needed!) I’m also seeing that other tools like stickers, treats, and various rewards can have more purpose than a mere attempt to get them to do what they should be doing. They never worked for me very long anyway. Instead of feeling like I’m bribing them to do good behavior, the little things are teaching tools for rewards of good character! Now finally, on my third night of giving stickers, and sometimes a treat for obedience and trustworthiness, my kids were both obedient while settling in for bedtime, and trustworthy after I left them in their room!!!! And they got to hear from their mom how happy I was for them that they were learning how to be obedient and trustworthy! My 5 yr. old got right to it. He is a pro. Now even my 3 yr. old has been able to find ways to work at these character qualities at bedtime! (Not that we’ve got this down perfectly.) She is such an emotional girl. She does not hide her feelings. Her big bear hugs are the best. I can tell they are excited to be learning godly character too!

I am so grateful for inspiring character moments. Earlier my 3 yr. old was watching me make some sandwiches. She was really hungry, though as she indicated her desire to grab, she said, "but I'm not going to touch it." I said, "What great self-control you have. Did you know that I have to practice self-control and work at having self-control too?" She said, "...when you were a kid." And I said, "Yes, I had to work at having self-control when I was a kid, but I even still have to work at self-control. I'm so glad that you're already learning it!" Then she tops off the moment with a proud smile and a kiss to my cheek. How rewarding it is to see joy in a kid after being proudly affirmed for their character. (The kid doesn’t even have to be your own to do this.) It reminds me of teaching a labrador retriever how to play fetch in a river...excitement for what they are designed to do.

My pastor challenged us to read the whole book of 1 Peter at home, as he was confident this would make our time together as a church considerably more productive. Sometimes the Bible would feel like it was written in code. I thought you had to be a super scholar to understand why God and the authors put things down in the New Testament they way they did. Often I would read some instruction list in a book of the Bible, and I would truly wonder what sense they were making to put things in there the way they did. ALL THOSE LISTS! How could I ever get a handle on them! I was sure that the main point of them all was to show me that I could never cut it and that I needed God. TRUE, BUT…! Now I don’t see a moderately random jumble of do’s and don’ts like I did before! (Example 1 Peter 2:13-18) Now I see that Peter was giving the believers encouragement and character training! (i.e. honor, love, respect, submission to authority) Just like I’ve been picking out character issues that need attention in my kids, Peter was picking out character issues that the people he was specifically writing to needed training in! While applicable to me, I knew these lists were designed specifically for those receiving the letter, but I just thought of them as advice to "do this" and "don't do that." I never thought about it in the context of character. I am personally finding that my Bible feels lighter, MUCH lighter, now that I’m not feeling like I have to remember all the things I have to DO and NOT DO. I am reminded that the Bible is filled with encouragement and training in who I’m supposed to BE!

Ephesians 5:15-17 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.”

What is your current opportunity struggle? My primary one lately has been in learning patience and creativity when my kids are choosing not to obey, or when they are asserting that they have a mind of their own. I would love to hear of any personal character building opportunities you see in your own struggles, frustrations, and difficulties!

Written Thursday June 10, 2010
Edited Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

Image of God

"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness'" "And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."(NASB)

Last week if I'd read Genesis 1:26 and 27, my understanding of the verse would have been that somehow we are made to be a reflection of God--that somehow we are made very much like Him. Makes sense right? Now, I no longer am left wondering HOW!! No more somehow! I get in what way we are made in his image! (Though likely not the only way.) And in understanding how we are in his image, I am learning so much more profoundly what my daily purpose is and what God made me to be! Glorifying God and seeking holiness are no longer impossible generalities. I know in a practical way how to really pursue them. Without a tangible understanding of my identity: Being in the image of God--designed to live His character. (See My New Testimony.) I did not know how to turn away from focus on myself. With enthusiasm, my focus now is Christ's character! I know that it will always be a challenge to keep my focus right, but I am thrilled to understand and be excited about the direction of my vision.

My parenting frustrations are a great example. When my kids weren't doing what was "right," I would find myself prone to getting angry. The big issue was that I couldn't help being focused on me. The bottom line was that I was angry because of how their misbehavior affected me. I couldn't figure out how to break us out of the cycle and I was losing hope. Now, that I've learned details about my true identity as a child of God, I am able to focus better on Christ's character. I'm now on day 4 of not yelling at my kids! My three year old daughter who has always been the queen of "I don't want to" and "but I want it" is regularly saying things like "I don't want to, but I will" and "I wanted to, but I didn't." (Not to mention her unbelievable bravery for going underwater at swimming lessons, and for sitting cooperatively for a drill and fill at the dentist!) And this is only a piece of my excitement!

The enemy was hiding the details of my identity from me. Make sure he hasn't done the same to you. If you aren't positive about the HOW either, when it comes to your being in the image of God, please read Morna's book, Identity Theft! It's not very long.

Written Tuesday, June 8, 2010



New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

Beginning Joys

Written Monday June 7, 2010
So, today I just had a really fun experience. I've been taking my kids to swimming lessons two times a week and today was the last day of the session. Usually I would sit with my bag near the side of the pool so that I could hear what the kids and swimming instructor were saying. Today, I happened to wear a skirt so I went to my usual sitting place and realized that there was going to be no comfortable way I was going to be able to sit there. I ended up going over to a bench to sit by a mom who also had a child in the same lesson. I didn't have it in my head to announce to her that I was a believer and pursue a deep spiritual conversation. Though, it turned out that she’s a believer and I got to share examples about what I've been learning in Identity Theft and especially about the strategy of affirming character. (Instead of saying "Good job doing swimming lessons," saying "What great courage/boldness you had today while doing your lessons.") And I got to share some fun moments of things my kids have said. (After my three year old daughter admitted to something this morning, she says, "I was being truthful." After breakfast today, my six year old son says, "I put my dishes away without being asked, that's initiative.") The mom was really interested, especially in the list of character traits. Who would have thought all that just because I happened to wear a skirt today.

When I first saw the list of 49 character traits, my brain was kind of overwhelmed. I just picked a few of the big ones that I best understood, like Truthfulness, Patience, Perseverance, Initiative, Joyfulness, Courage/Boldness, and Gratefulness. The recommended way is to have your family work on one per month. The ones that don't make entire sense to me I'm excited to study and see about getting some Scripture for them. I ordered a book called The POWER for True Success: How to Build Character in Your Life from Focus on Character. I believe the concept in the book is that all the character qualities on the list are things that Jesus showed us about His character. I'm finding that it is so much easier to not yell at my kids because I'm better equipped to teach them about character when they're doing wrong and to re-enforce the concepts when they are doing right. Again, I have to say the Identity Theft book was the perfect tool for helping me understand the concept.

I love the quote Morna (author of Identity Theft) has online:
Excellence is purpose (It is so exciting to get the purpose I'm made for!)
Excellence is a process (And such a fun one, though I'm sure the challenge will be hard at times)
Excellence is possible (I haven't yelled at my kids in 3 whole entire DAYS! This is nothing short of a miracle. When I tell my kids that I'm so pleased with them, they believe me because I haven't been yelling at them!)
God is SO EXCELLENT!!

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

Discovering Answers

Written Saturday June 5, 2010
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!
I had no idea the treasure of wealth that would be found!!!!!
The book is AWESOME!!

I began continuing on into Identity Theft: A Crisis in Character the next day after I messaged you and had chewed on the intro. I could not leave the book alone the whole day. Worked through the whole thing, and read every chapter twice before I went to the next one. I got on a serious high from all the things I learned.

MY QUESTIONS
First Answer: Feeling like a big goof up because of dumb things I've done or things I wondered if I should have done. (I got this answer after the second chapter.)
Romans 8:1 and 28 "no condemnation" and "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."(NASB)
I remembered something that happened to me back in 5th grade, being one of the things that would pop in my head and even still make me feel really ashamed and down every time. It seemed so dumb that it would still make me feel that way when it was so long ago. I was even able to rationalize how God may have used my failure to work for the good of those whom I may have hurt and for His purpose, but try as I might I couldn't shake my feelings of guilt for it, as well as many other failures. Looking back at Rom. 8:28 it began to really sink in that "God causes ALL things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."(NASB) I realized that while I thought I believed it, I didn't really BELIEVE it. The key has been this resulting prayer: Thank You, LORD, that I can believe You can do good things even with my failures, goof ups and stupidity. When those things come to my mind, help me to say "Praise You, LORD, for Your redeeming power that can even do wonders with my mess ups!" Ever since this prayer, random things have not been popping up in my head, and I'm noticing extra peace. Probably because I'm not wasting energy on worrying about what I may have messed up. I do care about mess ups, but I'm not worrying because I know my God is bigger than they are. He can squash them as effectively as the spider I got this morning.

Second Answer: How to pursue a strategy to teach character traits to my kids. I've been very frustrated with my parenting efforts of late. It seemed that no matter what, it all kept going back to the same thing of my losing my patience, and the kids finally doing what they were supposed to because Mom's mad. Not the picture I wanted whatsoever. There would be days that were better than others, but I was growing seriously and genuinely concerned that I could not pin down what "worked." I was not going to hand out spankings throughout their growing up years. I didn't like giving them when I was mad. if I didn't give them I was being inconsistent. I could not win. What delight filled my heart when I realized that this was a major subject in your book! The issue I had that prompted me to ask for the book was already answered after the second chapter. I had no idea I was going to get all this other stuff as a huge BONUS!! Affirmation of character qualities (p22-36 in Identity Theft) is so much FUN! I don't think I yelled at anybody today! Hallelujah!

In my excitement of having a purpose and plan, I was thinking about what I was going to need to do to get good at it. I became very aware that this was going to be hard work. Immediately God said, "That's why I've been pointing you to 2 Pet. 1:1-11." The passage seemed important before, but it makes so much more sense to me now! It’s no longer a general list of things of which I don’t quite understand how they are supposed to fit together! (Quotes taken from NASB.)
"applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence (virtue)"---work hard so that your faith shows its substance by your character. (We obey because we trust Him; we are patient because we trust Him; we persevere because we trust Him; we are available because we trust Him; we are bold because we trust Him; we are joyful because we trust Him; we are truthful because we trust Him... )
"in your moral excellence, knowledge"--I can want to be morally excellent, but without the knowledge of what being morally excellent means, my desire doesn't do me much good.
"in your knowledge, self-control"--Knowing what's right is one thing, having the restraint and strength to do it is another. Sin is too easy.
"in your self-control, perseverance"--This was the big one that stood out to me. Victory once is great, but having to strive for victory over the same struggle over and over and over AND over gets very wearying and tiring. Perseverance takes God's strength big time.
"in your perseverance, godliness"--Now we're talking about the real exciting stuff here. This is getting to the goals of all the hard work, where I'm tasting that divine nature mentioned in verse 4: God's image in me. (See Genesis 1:27)
"in your godliness, brotherly kindness"--This is the outward result of committing to pursuing my identity (being in the image of God/being made to live the image or copy of His character).
"in your brotherly kindness, love"--Love truly is the divine nature of God. (1 John 4:8)

I find verse 3 very fascinating: "seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence." In my Bible (NASB) there is a note on the little word "by." It says that the word "by" could also possibly be translated "to." That would read, "seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us TO His own glory and excellence." Explanation: Through Trust in Him, we know His Power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, through truly Knowing His character who called us to His Glory and character / His Image. (See Amplified Bible version--It's cool.)

As I was typing that, I realized it highly resembles the explanation I put down for the formula you put out in your book (p41 in Identity Theft).

Formula in book:
Right Source (God) + Right Character (Jesus Christ) + Right Power (Holy Spirit) + Right Response (Us) = Righteous Reflections (Our Identity)--as in reflections like an image in a mirror

My explanation of formula:
Trusting the Source of Life + Knowing the character of our Savior + Believing in the Redeeming and Resurrecting Power of the Spirit of God + Obeying Him = Glory to God / Our true image

Ephesians 3:17-20 "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by FAITH; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth KNOWLEDGE, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the POWER that worketh in us to Him be the GLORY in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. " (KJV)

What awesomeness!!!! Time to really start studying GOD'S CHARACTER!


Written Sunday June 6, 2010
How exciting it was to read through 1 Peter 1 and half of 2 today with Neil's sermon! I feel like I did the day I put on a pair of prescription glasses for the first time. Now I get what was going on in 1 Peter when last week I was picking up on the fact that we are chosen for obedience and holiness (vs. 1-2 and 14-16). Obedience is our part of the equation and holiness is setting ourselves apart for the pursuit of His character through our obedience. Last week I would have read (1:16)"YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY" and thought "Yeah, right." Or how about (2:12) "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."(NIV) Last week these verses would have been entered into my file of Things God Commands Me To Do That Are Outright Impossible For Me To Fulfill. While it is true that I can't in myself, I now understand that when He says, "BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY" He means, be holy, because as His child that is MY IDENTITY as I am made in His image. I didn't even really understand what being holy even meant. I knew the definition of holy was "set apart," but how I was supposed to make myself set apart was not something I tangibly understood: Pursuing the character of God by learning what His holy character is and practicing those qualities to understand who I really am made to be. "Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles" is Him telling me to practice His true and excellent character in my life, because that will add up to His glory!
Here was another good one: (2:4-6) "And coming to Him (Jesus Christ) as to a living stone...you also, as living stones, (our identity is in His image--He is as a living stone, so we "also" are as living stones) are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."(NASB) Who we are, the church's identity, is like godly stones that are built into a holy temple to God that together offer sacrifices that please Him. "BEHOLD I LAY IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER STONE"(NASB): Jesus Christ is our temple's corner stone. What an amazing thing it is, I'm sure, that believers pursuing Christ's character are when you put them together. (See also Ephesians 2:20-22)

Two things Pastor Neil said made me want to scream, "YES!" (I didn't, they just made me want to :D):
#1 At the end of the sermon he said, "This is who we ARE." ..."YES!"
#2 At the end of the meeting he said he really feels a call to get people in "small groups to study God's Word to get to know God better."..."YES!"
Now, if people were able to see that the character of God which they are studying IS their identity too (in His image), and pursue the practice of His character--What awesomeness!!!!!!!!

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
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New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

Amplified Bible (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain

Defining the Issues

There are many many fun blogs out there with incredible ideas & amazing inspiration. I never really thought I would ever start one of these. There is no way I could ever measure up to what others have done or have the time. I am stunned by the unexpected surge of excitement that propelled me into logging this journey for myself. And if anyone were to get anything out of this to encourage them on their journey, that would give me the greatest joy! It begins with edited contents from a few emails I sent to a dear friend as initial feedback for a book she wrote called Identity Theft: A Crisis in Character, and continues with other personal thoughts and conversations I've had since I discovered renewed passion for the character of Christ:

Written Friday June 4, 2010
So far I'm actually still chewing on the book introduction, kind of defining my issues. I really appreciate that you've got your Bible references right on the page. I needed to be reminded of a number of them. Currently I've been spending some time thinking about the "without faith it is impossible to please Him" concept. Just happened to read, with my son, the story about God asking Abraham to take his son Isaac for a sacrifice (Genesis 22). Major picture of faith and trusting God as explained in Hebrews 11:17-19. I am so not there. I'm glad that we don't have to worry about sacrifices anymore now that Jesus was our ultimate sacrifice, so I'm not real concerned that He'd ask me to be willing to kill my own son. But there are so many more minor things, where I know if He asked me to do something, I'd be like, "Umm...I didn't just hear that" and run away. "Faith is character at work." (p9 in Identity Theft) Never put that together that way before. Wanting to explore that more.

I'm guessing you've possibly had this happen to you, but sometimes I will find that a certain scripture passage keeps coming up to me from all sorts of different corners of my life. I don't know if I'll run into it in Identity Theft, but it wouldn't surprise me if I did. It's 2 Pet. 1:3-11. I've been wanting to pursue a strategy to teach character traits to my kids. When I ran into v. 10 where it says "as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble"(NASB) I thought now that sounds like stuff I'd better be making sure my kids are practicing (and me too). In Neil's sermon last Sunday, it really stuck out to me that we are chosen for obedience and holiness (1 Pet. 1:1-2 and 14-16) Now my trouble is that I realize I really don't have a handle on any of these qualities myself, so I have NO idea how I'm going to teach them to my kids. :)

Another thing that's been going on with me lately is that issue of feeling like a big goof up. I'll just be doing whatever, and then memories of dumb things I've done will pop into my head and I'll feel really bad. I feel like I'm missing part of the picture, and I'm frustrated that I don't feel like there's a whole lot of God's glory shining through my life. I'm definitely liking the idea of somehow not making my life about me and not focusing on the big Y-O-U. (p8 in Identity Theft) I was reading about a few of the kings of Judah recently and noticing how when GOD caused things to go their way, because they were choosing to follow Him, They'd get proud and think they were so awesome like it was about THEM! How easy it is to forget! I'm not even a king and I find myself forgetting. When times are hard, I'm like, "LORD, I need you." When times are flowing good, I'm like, "Hey, wow, I'VE got it together here." WHY!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Something else that has been with me for a while is "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." After pondering all these other things, that verse really sounds like I need to make it about God's kingdom (not my little one) and seek His character. I like how Peter connected the eternal kingdom of God to character qualities in 2 Pet. 1:11, also. However, I don't know how to not think like a duck, yet. (p4 in Identity Theft)

I've also been highly drawn to Mark 12:29-31 "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' The second is this, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these."(NASB) And also through the years 1 Cor. 13 especially v. 13 "But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."(NASB) As I was answering the question about God's character at the end of the intro, I stopped by 1 Cor 13. It made me think about how much I love your analogy of the mirror and being in the image of God. Verse 12, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."(NIV) Definitely looking forward to exploring God's character more and seeing where this journey goes. So far that's a bit of what's been going on in my head and how it's connected to what I've read in Identity Theft.

Someone just posted this on facebook today and I haven't yet decided what I think of it:
"We get discouraged because we never seem to measure up to the spiritual light we have received and the things we know. We read books by Andrew Murray, A.W. Tozer and Watchman Nee, and within one hour, we are given information that took 40 years for these men to learn. Then, we look at ourselves and we don't measure up; we look at others and they don't measure up either, even those we regard as leaders. We forget that all of us are on a journey and that each one is learning and growing toward godliness at a different pace and level". - K.P. Yohannan
I relate to the problem, but I'm not entirely settled with the answer. I think partly because I actually haven't read a lot of those books and I still find myself with similar feelings. Seems like there's more to it than that, and I'm hoping there's more to it than that.

Thanks for letting me verbalize the things bouncing around my head, so they can stop bouncing for a little while at least. :)

Read the next part of the story in Discovering Answers.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica