For those of you who have been impressed with the awesome job that Bill Taylor did with our Desperate Dependency book cover design, I wanted to share a little more of his story -- actually it's his daughter's story. Watch Olivia's video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5FZzkmbZuw&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Am I the Problem?
(excerpt from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
THE BIBLE TEACHES we can be complete, be fulfilled, possess well-being, and enjoy quality of life only through the person of Jesus Christ as we experience Him as relevant to all areas of our lives. There can be no true happiness or healthiness apart from a desperately dependent connection with Jesus. But with all our wisdom we do not find the solutions for life’s struggles in Him. We believe we can be independent. Stop a minute and consider what that word means to you. What are some words that come to your mind when you think of a person being independent? Do any of these words match your choices: strong, powerful, complete, confident, self-reliant, or alone? Webster’s dictionary definition for independent includes “not dependent; not subject to control by others; not affiliated with a larger controlling unit; not requiring or relying on something else; not looking to others for one’s opinions or for guidance in conduct; showing a desire for freedom.”
On the other hand, consider the word dependent. What are some words that come to your mind when you think of a person being dependent? Do you come up with mostly negative connotations, such as needy, weak, attached, addicted, or lacking? Webster’s dictionary definition for dependent includes “determined or conditioned by another; relying
on another for support.” Especially in our American culture it seems that dependence is discouraged in favor of independence. But we still pride ourselves on the concept that when we are in need we can depend on our fellow Americans to come to our assistance. We live in contradiction, striving for independence we can never actually attain.
God is the only one who is truly independent, because independence is an attribute of deity. He does not rely on anyone or anything to complete Himself. He is not subject to control by others. Reality sets forth the fact that all that is depends on God. Nothing can exist apart from God. Everything owes its existence to God.
For through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him. —Col. 1:16 (NLT)
“But the God of Israel is no idol!
He is the Creator of everything that exists,
including his people, his own special possession.
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name!” —Jer. 51:19(NLT)
Humanity was designed to be in a dependent relationship. We were never intended to be independent. God’s order is for His creation to depend on Him and His sufficiency in all areas of our lives. But we want to be independent.
What keeps you from connecting to God?
THE BIBLE TEACHES we can be complete, be fulfilled, possess well-being, and enjoy quality of life only through the person of Jesus Christ as we experience Him as relevant to all areas of our lives. There can be no true happiness or healthiness apart from a desperately dependent connection with Jesus. But with all our wisdom we do not find the solutions for life’s struggles in Him. We believe we can be independent. Stop a minute and consider what that word means to you. What are some words that come to your mind when you think of a person being independent? Do any of these words match your choices: strong, powerful, complete, confident, self-reliant, or alone? Webster’s dictionary definition for independent includes “not dependent; not subject to control by others; not affiliated with a larger controlling unit; not requiring or relying on something else; not looking to others for one’s opinions or for guidance in conduct; showing a desire for freedom.”
On the other hand, consider the word dependent. What are some words that come to your mind when you think of a person being dependent? Do you come up with mostly negative connotations, such as needy, weak, attached, addicted, or lacking? Webster’s dictionary definition for dependent includes “determined or conditioned by another; relying
on another for support.” Especially in our American culture it seems that dependence is discouraged in favor of independence. But we still pride ourselves on the concept that when we are in need we can depend on our fellow Americans to come to our assistance. We live in contradiction, striving for independence we can never actually attain.
God is the only one who is truly independent, because independence is an attribute of deity. He does not rely on anyone or anything to complete Himself. He is not subject to control by others. Reality sets forth the fact that all that is depends on God. Nothing can exist apart from God. Everything owes its existence to God.
For through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him. —Col. 1:16 (NLT)
“But the God of Israel is no idol!
He is the Creator of everything that exists,
including his people, his own special possession.
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name!” —Jer. 51:19(NLT)
Humanity was designed to be in a dependent relationship. We were never intended to be independent. God’s order is for His creation to depend on Him and His sufficiency in all areas of our lives. But we want to be independent.
What keeps you from connecting to God?
Friday, January 7, 2011
Encouragement
Received this very nice review from WinePress' proof reader:
"Seldom have I come across such a well-written, intelligent manuscript on such an important subject. You have produced an awesome case for living one’s life to please and obey God. I could go on and on, but am sending my best wishes for your new publication."
"Seldom have I come across such a well-written, intelligent manuscript on such an important subject. You have produced an awesome case for living one’s life to please and obey God. I could go on and on, but am sending my best wishes for your new publication."
Monday, January 3, 2011
What's Missing?
(excerpt from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)
IN OUR EARLY years of school we were handed a delightful picture to evaluate. “Look at the picture and figure out what is missing,” we were told. Carefully we pondered each detail and compared it in our minds with a similar image we had seen before. Some of the pictures were ridiculously obvious in their omissions, but others were painfully elusive. It was terribly frustrating when our classmates would bounce in their seats and exclaim, “I know! I know! I know!” while we continued our search. We would view the picture from side to side, top to bottom, over and over again. What a relief when we could finally notice the missing piece.
Then the teacher’s next instructions followed: “Now draw in the missing part.” When it came to drawing, I (Melanie) was definitely not labeled as talented! I would struggle and agonize in my attempts to fill in the missing piece. Needless to say, it was always obvious where I had filled in the missing lines. Surprisingly, I could always tell where the talented children had drawn their lines too. Since none of us were the original artist of the drawing, we could not perfectly complete the picture.
Unfortunately, as adults there are some lessons we still have not learned from that elementary school exercise. Our lives are given to us as a wonderful design. We were created carefully and meticulously for a marvelous purpose. Each day we evaluate and ponder the intricate details of the many aspects that come together to structure our lives. Repeatedly we come to the conclusion that something is missing. We struggle in our search as others around us exclaim, “I know! I know! I know!” and lead us on one fruitless chase after another. In an attempt to not appear stupid, we create our own design to fill in the emptiness. But no matter how creative we are, our ultimate creation never matches the design our Creator planned unless we allow Him to complete the picture.
God is the Master Designer. In His mind’s eye He can see the completed masterpiece of our lives. The vastness of the task does not overwhelm Him. He delights in His creation. Knowing from the beginning to the ending His desired results, He patiently fashions the portrait. It is His self-portrait.
Unfortunately, the design we are sketching is our self-portrait. We are looking for happiness, fulfillment, meaning, control, freedom, belonging, relationships, money, contentment, satisfaction, and the list could go on and on. Foolishly we attempt to complete what the Master designed. Disappointment results when a novice attempts to complete a masterpiece independent of the Master.
God’s design requires us to be dependent on Him. Because we believe Satan’s lie that we are capable on our own, we seek to fill the void to our own satisfaction. All the while God replies, “I know!” He patiently waits for us to come to the Master Designer for our picture to be perfectly complete. “So you also are complete through your union with Christ” (Col. 2:10 NLT).
What is missing in your life?
IN OUR EARLY years of school we were handed a delightful picture to evaluate. “Look at the picture and figure out what is missing,” we were told. Carefully we pondered each detail and compared it in our minds with a similar image we had seen before. Some of the pictures were ridiculously obvious in their omissions, but others were painfully elusive. It was terribly frustrating when our classmates would bounce in their seats and exclaim, “I know! I know! I know!” while we continued our search. We would view the picture from side to side, top to bottom, over and over again. What a relief when we could finally notice the missing piece.
Then the teacher’s next instructions followed: “Now draw in the missing part.” When it came to drawing, I (Melanie) was definitely not labeled as talented! I would struggle and agonize in my attempts to fill in the missing piece. Needless to say, it was always obvious where I had filled in the missing lines. Surprisingly, I could always tell where the talented children had drawn their lines too. Since none of us were the original artist of the drawing, we could not perfectly complete the picture.
Unfortunately, as adults there are some lessons we still have not learned from that elementary school exercise. Our lives are given to us as a wonderful design. We were created carefully and meticulously for a marvelous purpose. Each day we evaluate and ponder the intricate details of the many aspects that come together to structure our lives. Repeatedly we come to the conclusion that something is missing. We struggle in our search as others around us exclaim, “I know! I know! I know!” and lead us on one fruitless chase after another. In an attempt to not appear stupid, we create our own design to fill in the emptiness. But no matter how creative we are, our ultimate creation never matches the design our Creator planned unless we allow Him to complete the picture.
God is the Master Designer. In His mind’s eye He can see the completed masterpiece of our lives. The vastness of the task does not overwhelm Him. He delights in His creation. Knowing from the beginning to the ending His desired results, He patiently fashions the portrait. It is His self-portrait.
Unfortunately, the design we are sketching is our self-portrait. We are looking for happiness, fulfillment, meaning, control, freedom, belonging, relationships, money, contentment, satisfaction, and the list could go on and on. Foolishly we attempt to complete what the Master designed. Disappointment results when a novice attempts to complete a masterpiece independent of the Master.
God’s design requires us to be dependent on Him. Because we believe Satan’s lie that we are capable on our own, we seek to fill the void to our own satisfaction. All the while God replies, “I know!” He patiently waits for us to come to the Master Designer for our picture to be perfectly complete. “So you also are complete through your union with Christ” (Col. 2:10 NLT).
What is missing in your life?
Monday, December 27, 2010
Are You Prepared?
I must admit that I experience some anxiety whenever we prepare for a trip. My dad always espoused the motto "A good boyscout is always prepared" which generally meant you should be prepared for anything. Now that he is an octogenarian (80 years old) he realizes how many eventualities you need to be prepared for, so he carries a large back pack with him most of the time. Our oldest daughter has adopted the same philosophy which makes her an excellent aerospace engineer, but she still has to learn to pack lighter to become an astronaut.
But as we prepared to fly to Denver for our family Christmas celebration, my anxiety levels soared. Do I have all the presents? Will our luggage get lost so that we have no gifts? Is the suitcase too heavy? Will the TSA confiscate any of my belongings? Will we set off the security alarms at the airport? Will we be frisked? How cold will it be? How many layers of clothes will I need to stay warm? Will there be snow? (For a comic note: we had no snow in Denver for Christmas, but our Tennessee home enjoyed a rare white Christmas!)
I frequently had to stop and make myself breath and offer many prayers for protection. I also rehearsed many of the promises of God that reminded me that He is all I really need. When I quiet my troubled emotions I can hear His voice reminding me of all that is necessary, whether it is the promise of His protection, or even the reminder that He wanted me to share this possession with that person. Even when I am not prepared, He is prepared to handle me to accomplish His purpose in my life.
Unfortunately, when we consider God’s job in our lives, we think we are merely saved from hell and destined for heaven. But God has provided so much more for us. The salvation Christ offers is not merely for escape from hell, or membership in heaven. Rather, it is an invitation to a relationship with the living God! Through His great and precious promises He enables us to experience abundant life now and an eternal inheritance beyond comprehension.
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him."
But it we to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. —1 Cor. 2:9–12 (NLT)
Are you prepared to enjoy the wonderful things God has freely given you, or are you still trying to accomplish it all by yourself so that you continuously find yourself consumed by stressful emotions?
But as we prepared to fly to Denver for our family Christmas celebration, my anxiety levels soared. Do I have all the presents? Will our luggage get lost so that we have no gifts? Is the suitcase too heavy? Will the TSA confiscate any of my belongings? Will we set off the security alarms at the airport? Will we be frisked? How cold will it be? How many layers of clothes will I need to stay warm? Will there be snow? (For a comic note: we had no snow in Denver for Christmas, but our Tennessee home enjoyed a rare white Christmas!)
I frequently had to stop and make myself breath and offer many prayers for protection. I also rehearsed many of the promises of God that reminded me that He is all I really need. When I quiet my troubled emotions I can hear His voice reminding me of all that is necessary, whether it is the promise of His protection, or even the reminder that He wanted me to share this possession with that person. Even when I am not prepared, He is prepared to handle me to accomplish His purpose in my life.
Unfortunately, when we consider God’s job in our lives, we think we are merely saved from hell and destined for heaven. But God has provided so much more for us. The salvation Christ offers is not merely for escape from hell, or membership in heaven. Rather, it is an invitation to a relationship with the living God! Through His great and precious promises He enables us to experience abundant life now and an eternal inheritance beyond comprehension.
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him."
But it we to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. —1 Cor. 2:9–12 (NLT)
Are you prepared to enjoy the wonderful things God has freely given you, or are you still trying to accomplish it all by yourself so that you continuously find yourself consumed by stressful emotions?
Monday, December 20, 2010
Presents for Jesus
What are you going to give Jesus for His birthday?
Micah 6:6-8 (NLT) gives you His wish list.
I'm sure He will be delighted with your gift when you "do what is right, to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God."
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Micah 6:6-8 (NLT) gives you His wish list.
What can we bring to the Lord?
What kind of offerings should we give him?
Should we bow before God
with offerings of yearling calves?
Should we offer him thousands of rams
and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Should we sacrifice our firstborn children
to pay for our sins?
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
I'm sure He will be delighted with your gift when you "do what is right, to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God."
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Baby Jesus
I have been guilty of wishing my life away. When I was in elementary school I wished to be in Jr. High. When I was in Jr. High I wished to be in High School. When I was in High School I wished to be in college. When I was in college I wished to be graduated. When I graduated I wished to married. When I had babies I wished they would grow up. But I can't say that now that I am passing mid-life that I wish I were a baby!
Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God willingly became a human baby in order to pay the death penalty required on our behalf. Consider the sacrifice that was required to leave the throne of Heaven to become a helpless baby! I cannot image reverting from an adult to an infant! How much more inconceivable to move from having all power and authority to having someone change your diapers!
When you think of the sweet little Holy Child in the manger, do you consider the price He paid to be in a relationship with you? We may agonize as we witness the cruel death that He suffered. But the anguish of the cross can also be observed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ (Matt. 26:37-38 NLT)
He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. (Luke 22:41-44 NLT)
Jesus knew that when He became sin for us, His father would not be able to be in a relationship with Him for that point in time because God can have no part with sin. The crisis of the cross was that Christ had to face the penalty of sin without God. So glibly we pummel through our day striving to be independent, inconsiderate of the consequences. But Jesus knew the horror of facing even one minute without a relationship to God. He modeled a life that was totally dependent on God. The trauma of the tragedy was that He willingly sacrificed His relationship with the Father in order to be in a relationship with you and me!
So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. (Eph. 1:6-11 NLT)
Christ’s sacrifice does not automatically bring us into a relationship with God. We are faced with a choice. Who will be God of my world? By default Satan is the god of this evil world, but by choice God can take the throne in your life. You are free to make the choice to continue in your independence or to choose to live a life that is desperately dependent on God.
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