Category Archives: Problem Solving

The Name of Jesus Gives Us an Elevated Position

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The Name of Jesus Gives Us an Elevated Position

The Name of Jesus Gives Us an Elevated Position

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)

When I was little my mom and dad would have my sisters, brothers, and I memorize bible verses. One of the verses that I still remember to this day is Proverbs 18:10. I think one of my favorite memories of this verse was when my twin brothers were very young when we memorized this particular verse, maybe 3 or 4 years old. At mealtimes when we prayed my brothers always wanted to say the prayer, and they would say this verse instead of actually praying for the food. It made us all laugh every time!

“Dear Jesus, The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous [then they would shout this next part at the top of their lungs] RUN INTO IT [and then back to a calm, normal voice] and are safe. Amen.”

As funny as that was, this verse always stuck with me. I knew that the name of God (or Jesus) brought safety. In moments of fear, I remembered this verse and knew I could call of the name of Jesus.

Calling on the name of Jesus as a child

I specifically remember one instance when this verse came to mind. I might have been in the 5th grade (or somewhere around that age). It was winter, and we had a snowstorm that year. We started a fire in our old woodstove fireplace, and after a while we started to hear what sounded like a low roaring thunder sound. My parents noticed the chimney (it was one of those old-time exposed chimneys) started to turn red, and my dad knew immediately that we had a fire in the chimney.

My dad shut the fireplace and called the fire department, and my mom quickly rushed the 5 of us kids outside. As we hurried outside, that verse came to mind. I thought, “Jesus’ name is safe. We need to run to Jesus’ name.” So then I started to say out loud, “We’re safe in Jesus’ name. We’re safe in Jesus’ name. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” I repeated this over and over.

Within minutes the fire department arrived at our house. Since the fire was still contained in the chimney, the firemen were able to get on top of the roof to put the fire out through the top of the chimney. The fireman tackled the fire from an elevated position (a theme you’ll see repeated as you keep reading). They didn’t even need to use their firehoses. They just shoveled some of the snow from the top of the roof to snuff it out, which was amazing because it eliminated any flooding or damage that a water hose could have potentially caused.

The name of Jesus is a place of safety

The name of Jesus was a place of safety that I ran to in that moment that alleviated my fears and, I believe, protected us from danger and destruction. There have been other situations where I’ve done something similar, calling on Jesus in times of trouble. Even to this day in moments of fear or need, I find myself whispering under my breath, “Jesus, help.” His name is a fortress that I can run to for help and protection. 

Jesus’ name is a fortress that we can run to for help and protection.

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A different take on Proverbs 18:10

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Light a Candle in Darkness

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Light a Candle in Darkness

Light a Candle in Darkness

I was talking with a friend the other day. She’s been struggling with some things in her life and is having a bit of a hard time. Darkness might be a good word to describe what she’s feeling or what she’s going through. I thought I’d write this week about an analogy that I shared with her about lighting a candle in darkness.

The smallest light

In dark situations, we need to find the light. Sometimes all it takes in order to brighten the dark is just the smallest light…like lighting a candle in a dark room. Candlelight is a very tiny light. Nevertheless, eventually that candle will light the room, and we can see other things. Our eyes will adjust, and the room will get brighter even though previously it was all darkness. Then that light will open our eyes to see that things maybe really aren’t as dark as they seem, and there is hope.

Things also become clearer in the light. In the light we can have a more realistic or different perspective. The light might grant us ability to quit seeing things from a negative point of view in order to see things for what they truly are. In a sense we are not “blinded” anymore.

Light in darkness…

Light dispels, disperses and scatters the darkness. Evil is exposed in the light.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:5 (NLT)

“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:15 (NLT)

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”” Ephesians 5:8-14 (NLT)

“All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.” John 3:20 (NLT) 

Light dispels, disperses and scatters the darkness.

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Evil is exposed in the light.

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In darkness we are deceived.

Think haunted house. Things are worse than they seem in the dark. Continue reading →

Scriptures on Anger

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Scriptures on Anger

Last week I wrote about 4 things to do with your anger. Anger is a common emotion, and sometimes it can serve a purpose by pushing us into action to get something done. Other times it’s just an emotion that we need to deal with carefully, learning to control it instead of letting it rule our thoughts, choices, decisions, and behaviors.

I have found a helpful way to handle anger is to focus on different scriptures concerning anger. So today I’ve put together a resource page with some helpful scriptures on anger.

Control your anger-don’t let anger control you

“Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Selah” Psalm 4:4 (HCSB)

“Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper–it only leads to harm.” Psalm 37:8 (NLT)

“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 (NIV)

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)

“Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.” Proverbs 14:17 (NLT)

“People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.” Proverbs 14:29

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) Continue reading →

4 Things to Do With Your Anger

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4 Things to Do With Your Anger

4 Things to Do With Your Anger

I mentioned in last week’s post that I was stewing in a little bit of nasty anger recently. The anger itself wasn’t necessarily the problem. Anger is a normal emotion. It’s not a sin. It’s how I was handling it and reacting and what I did with and after the anger that was displeasing to God and unhelpful to me.

“Be angry and do not sin…” Ephesians 4:26a (ESV)

“Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Selah” Psalm 4:4 (HCSB)

“Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” James 1:20 (NLT)

Even God and Jesus got angry…

“God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day.” Psalm 7:11 (NLT)

“They even sacrificed their own sons and daughters in the fire. They consulted fortune-tellers and practiced sorcery and sold themselves to evil, arousing the LORD’s anger. Because the LORD was very angry with Israel, he swept them away from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained in the land.” 2 Kings 17:17-18 (NLT)

“But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” Romans 1:18 (NLT)

“And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” Mark 3:5 (ESV)

“When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled.” John 11:33 (NLT)

“Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.” Matthew 21:12 (NLT)

This advice about anger that my friend heard once…

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Is it Time to do Some Spiritual Plumbing?

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Is it Time to do Some Spiritual Plumbing?

Is it Time to do Some Spiritual Plumbing?

Something very gross, yet insightful happened at our house this past week. Something having to do with a sewer backup. Now before you get completely disgusted and click elsewhere, bear with me because I promise you I found some spiritual relevance and life lessons amongst the muck. I know…leave it to me to find an analogy in something so revolting. However, maybe it took something so despicable to open my eyes to some of my own undesirable behaviors and attitudes…my own need for some spiritual plumbing! 😉

A sickening experience

Our house sits on a very wooded piece of property. I love my trees, but there are a few disadvantages. One of those drawbacks is tree roots finding their way into our sewer lines on occasion. Unfortunately, that was the case this past week. We noticed the line was starting to back up…I will spare you the details.

You’re welcome.

As Eric and I went outside to the drain cleanout location, we knew that tree roots invading the line were the likely culprit because we’ve dealt with this before. Eric removed the cap to the drain cleanout. As soon as he did a gush of putrid filth emerged up and out onto the ground (and nearly on us). Needless to say, I quickly got sick to my stomach and had to fight my gag reflex. Again, I will spare you the gory details. Ultimately, we located the blockage, which was indeed roots, and we were able to clear the line and cut out the roots with a drain auger.

I was in need of some plumbing help too…some spiritual plumbing

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Explanations for Why We Wait on God

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Explanations for Why We Wait on God

“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT)

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

I’ve been talking with a couple of friends recently about the draining process of having to wait on God. I’ve written before on this topic and of how it can sometimes seem like God has forgotten us or abandoned us as we’re in this waiting limbo. In that post I gave some encouragement and discussed some strategies to endure the process while we wait on God. I also shared a post with some helpful scriptures for waiting on God.

Today, I thought I’d tackle the subject from a different angle. Sometimes it can be helpful to know WHY we’re having to wait. To give some possible explanations for that, I’m going to share an analogy that I heard many years ago that has helped me tremendously. I’ve re-listened to this message many times since, and I also use it as part of my teaching lessons at Glory House. Additionally, I often refer this same message to friends…in fact I referred it again just this past week!

I love coming up with analogies to teach concepts and principles…but unfortunately I can’t take ANY credit for this one. It’s from a message that Pastor Steven Furtick did on May 5, 2012 at Elevation Church titled, “Waiting Room: Hubs & Spokes, Holding Patterns & the Supernatural Dateline”.[1] (You can watch the message here.) It’s such a good illustration that explains the process of waiting so much more clearly. The analogy compares our wait on God to some things you might experience when flying.

I’m going to summarize his main points, adding in some examples and expounding a bit so that I’m not repeating his exact message because I’d really like you to go have a listen for yourself!

Hubs and Spokes—We don’t always get a direct flight

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Multiple Intelligences—A Different Kind of Learning Preference

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Multiple Intelligences—A Different Kind of Learning Preference

A couple of weeks ago we discussed learning styles—more specifically those styles of Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic. I showed you how even Jesus taught in all three of those learning styles. This week I thought I would introduce you to a different type of learning style or learning preference that we discuss in my classes. It’s called the theory of Multiple Intelligences.

The theory of multiple intelligences was an idea derived in 1983 by a Harvard Professor of Psychology named Howard Gardner[1]. Based on his research he believes that different people have different ways of processing information and different intellectual strengths. Gardner says these strengths are important in knowing how we best learn.

In other words, in discovering what our own individual strengths are (our own multiple intelligences), we can leverage these to enhance our own learning and understanding to be more successful–be it in school, at work, or even spiritual growth. We’ll discuss some strategies we can use to leverage our strengths in order to be more successful. 

We can leverage our strengths to enhance our learning and understanding to be more successful.

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See if you can see yourself in any of these descriptions…

Gardner’s Eight Multiple Intelligences:

  • Verbal/Linguistic—includes the ability to analyze, use, and manipulate language and words (written or spoken); strengths include reading, writing, telling stories and memorization
  • Musical/Rhythmic—includes the ability to use and make meaning out of sounds, rhythms, repetition, and tones; strengths include creating rhymes/rhythms/melodies/songs, singing, and/or playing an instrument
  • Logical/Mathematical—includes the ability to reason scientifically, understand and analyze patterns/equations/calculations, and make connections between complex and/or abstract items; strengths include problem-solving, critical thinking, logic, and reasoning
  • Visual/Spatial—includes the ability to see relationships between objects and to visual things in the mind; strengths include understanding maps/graphs/charts, making use of images, and creative processes such as designing, crafting, building, etc.
  • Bodily/Kinesthetic—includes the ability to connect the mind and body and learning through bodily activity and motion; strengths include good motor skills and controlling movement, using the body to create products, and/or excel in activities requiring physical activity such as medical careers, athletics, performance (dancing, acting, playing music, etc.), military, construction, etc.
  • Intrapersonal—includes the ability to be introspective and self-aware including evaluation of one’s own strengths/weaknesses; strengths include self-assessment and knowing oneself (own abilities and limits), predicting one’s own reactions and emotions, and ability to know and set boundaries for oneself
  • Interpersonal—includes the ability to utilize empathy and see things from other’s perspectives, discernment and proficiency in reading the people around oneself, and skill in social interaction; strengths include communication with others (both verbal and nonverbal), creating and managing relationships, negotiation, and cooperating within group settings
  • Naturalistic—includes the ability to connect with nature, relate information to the natural surroundings, and to recognize and classify things in nature; strengths include understanding patterns in living things (recognize distinct types of plants/animals/geography), feeling nurtured/invigorated in natural surroundings, and excelling in areas such as biological and environmental sciences, gardening/farming, hunting, culinary arts, etc.

A video interview with Howard Gardner on Multiple Intelligences

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Don’t Understand? Stuck? Confused? Need Direction? …Ask God

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Don’t Understand? Stuck? Confused? Need Direction? …Ask God

Do you ever just feel stuck, confused, or at a loss about something? I have found myself in situations like that on a number of occasions. Something that I’ve learned about God’s character though is that He doesn’t want us to be confused. He’s also not afraid of nor offended by our questions. God wants us to come confidently and boldly to him without being afraid. We shouldn’t be afraid to ask God about anything. He wants relationship with us.

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace…” 1 Corinthians 14:33 (ESV)

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God…” Hebrews 4:16a (NLT)

We should feel free to ask God about something we don’t understand or about something that confuses us. We can ask God for direction when we don’t know what to do about a situation. Additionally, God wants us to approach him with our needs. Anytime we need an answer, we can and should ask God!

When we need understanding

We are free to ask God anything we want. If we don’t understand something, we can ask God! It could even be something as simple as a question about the use of a word we don’t understand in the Bible. I shared before about a time when I decided to ask God about the meaning of the word “glory” when I heard the term used in the phrase “show me your glory”.

I didn’t understand what “glory” meant in that context nor how God could show it to us. So I prayed, “God, what does ‘glory’ mean? How can you ‘show me your glory’?” It was several months later before I got an answer, but it came nonetheless! I was listening to one of my favorite speakers, Beth Jones when she explained that “glory” meant God’s physical, tangible presence. Then I also saw the New Living Translation of Exodus 33:18 “Moses responded, “Then show me your glorious presence.” This again answered my question that I had asked God several months prior. God was faithful to answer me, and He’s done it multiple times since.

When we need direction

More recently, I had an opportunity to ask God for some help and direction as I have struggled some with leading a group of teenage girls in our church youth group. Without getting into the whole story, for time’s sake, let’s just say that I’ve been acting in reluctant obedience for the past 9 months to this “call” to be a small group leader for our students!

Working with the student and/or children’s ministry is WAAAAAY out of my comfort zone! As I expected, I felt that I was in over my head when it came to dealing with younger maturity levels. On many nights our group was quite chaotic, and I don’t do chaos well. I was almost at a breaking point, when I decided to ask God for direction on how to handle this situation at which I felt that I was failing miserably.

What story??

I woke up in the middle of the night unable to go back to sleep with several things on my mind. I got up, made cup of hot tea, grabbed my journal, and started praying and asking God about some things. I determined that I would write down whatever “answers” came into my head. As I prayed and asked God for direction, the phrase “tell a story” came into my mind. So I wrote that down. Then underneath that I wrote “What story??”

What Story??

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