Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Speak Truth

In chapter four Jennifer shares about Speaking Truth to Your Issues. Join us at Lelia's for more insights.

As soon as Jennifer spoke of this woman and referenced her endurance of twelve years, I knew. I knew this woman. I speak of this woman often. I've shared the faith of this woman with others. I admire her faith and I love Jesus' reaction to her. If you are familiar with her, she is the unnamed woman who bled twelve years, touched the hem of Jesus' garment, and was healed by Him. "There comes a time when you must speak a word to your soul that prompts action resulting in healing." Read that again.

Speak. a. Word.
Prompts. Actions
Results. Healing.

The woman with an issue of blood took action with big risks:
1) touching a man
2) touching a rabi
3) appearing publically while unclean
4) being a social outcast
Desperation. She acted in desperation.

If only I touch His cloat, I will get well. If only. IF only.
She believed. She told herself to do it. She spoke truth because His touch does heal.

In all the time I've read this biblical story, I always examined it from the perspective of faith. This woman had such great faith and determination. Yet, Jennifer shows us she also had great soul talk. She didn't just pump herself up with courage to do this but with wisdom and truth. "Her soul talk turned feelings of fear into actions of faith. Her desperate act impressed Jesus so much that He responded to her."

"Jesus never said her soul talk made her well. He said it was her faith. Her faith invited healing. Her soul talk contributed to her faith, but it didn't replace her faith."

"By faith we receive truth. By faith we believe truth. And by faith we act on that truth."

Negative self talk followed by prayer can lead to truthful soul talk.

Jennifer shares how the Holy Spirit has four roles as: Counselor, Christ Representative, Teacher, and Truth Speaker.

God's Spirit Counsels Us
"Hear truth, admit truth, and receive truth."
When I read Jennifer's question of "why is His voice so quiet?", I thought oh hear it is--what I always question. I have to admit though I wish He would scream at me but her answer is so true. "He will not shout down the noise of our busy world. He won't try to overwhelm our distractions. To hear Him, we have to quiet ourselves, step away from the frenzy, and truly listen." That is so God. That is the beauty of His character. He won't fight for our time and attention. Rather, He wants us to come to Him--to show we need Him...we have time for Him... we come attentive and willing to listen to Him.

God's Spirit Represents Christ
The Holy Spirit represents God. So, He will never guide us where God doesn't want us. The Holy Spirit will lead us exactly as God would and does. The Spirit will never lead us anywhere the Word does not take us.

God's Spirit Teaches Us
We need mentors. We need instructors. We need teachers. "When you allow God's Spirit to teach you, your mind is being mentored by none other than the God of eternity."

God's Spirit Speaks Truth to Us
Jennifer described a time on an airplane with an hour delay. She felt herself complaining and focusing on ill-fitting thoughts. Overhearing a small child and father, she had an opportunity to change her thoughts and focus. As she said, "delays and inconveniences were just some of the bumps along the road." That reminded me of something I heard years ago. Basically, we should look at these inconveniences as God's intervention. Instead of complaining about a slow driver causing us to be late, we should consider God very well may be delaying us to prevent us being in an accident. Every time I'm in a rush and try to overcompensate for delays or even fight them by speeding, passing, rushing, I stop and ponder it. I need to adhere to God's delays.

I love this: "When I chose to place 'praiseworthy' thoughts in my closet, the motionless airplane became a sanctuary of peace." Chose. Praiseworthy. Became. Peace.

God's Spirit can always be trusted to lead us to truth. Very often, our own leading will derail us.

Jennifer asks which role we need most. How can I choose one? I would say His counsel or reminder of His truth. It seems these two go hand in hand. When He counsels us He also speaks truth to us whether it's through His word, other people, or the Holy Spirit. I probably need to be more open to opportunities where my thoughts can transition from negative to positive such as when Jennifer was on the airplane. What a time to turn pouting into praising!

The Lord knows how I desire His counsel and seek His way in my life. I so want to follow His way as my blog is titled. For five days straight I've been asking and even begging Him to show me His path. I've meditated on one specific scripture. Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my savior and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

Seeking Him,

11 comments:

pam said...

Beautiful. Choosing to believe that when we dare to believe, no matter what expectations we have we will not come away from Him empty.

Carol said...

Paula, this was wonderful. I love how you related to the bleeding woman, and how you point out that God won't shout at us, even when we wish he would. That we need to receive God's timming, and delays. That you choose to believe no matter what.

Love ya friend,
Carol

Runner Mom said...

Wonderful, sweet friend, just wonderful! Your insight to this chapter was great! Thanks so much!

Hugs,
Susan

How are things going??? :)

Melanie said...

Paula, This is just wonderful. May we all wish to follow the Lord and seek His ways. Only then do we see the truth and are able to speak the truth.

I love the thoughts you shared here, too, about turning negative experiences into positive.

Amen!

Pam said...

Praying with you... He will make your path clear. ;)

The Dementia Nurse said...

Paula, I'm so glad I came over from Lelia's place. I especially loved your prayer from Psalm 25; praying the Bible is such a precious privilege. Thank you so much for reminding me how powerful it can be!

Laura said...

Hey, friend! I loved this chapter too. I'm like you--I never really thought about the woman's self-talk. Puts things in perspective, huh? It was faith that healed her, but first she had to have some truth spoke to her heart.

she's a role model for me. I'm still working on it.

How are you, dear one? think of you often.

andi said...

I love the background!!!! Happy Thursday to you!

Sharon said...

Amen,Amen, this is confirmation, I have been studing this as well, CONFIRMATION, thank YOU!!!

Going to go continue in my study now. LOVE ya!!!
Have a blessed weekend
Huggggsss
Sharon
This will be a relaxing weekend for me the traffic here is horrible with the super bowl things going on.

TeriAnnElizabeth said...

Paula,
This was a wonderful post...I like the way you teach with your thoughts.

You have a gift for teaching, DEFINITELY!

Love you and praying,
Teri

LA Nickers said...

How He longs to touch our lives, if we will but reach out for Him.

Blessings,
Linda

HEART OF A READY WRITER – Reading Through the Bible in 2009