Discipleship – Page 9 – Leanna Hollis

Is It Possible to Walk the Blameless Path?

4 Comments / Discipleship, Scripture Truth / leannahollis

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Every profession has its own language. Medicine has three-and-four syllable words, often with Latin roots. Our big words make sense to us, as physicians, but probably not to those outside the profession. Recently, I realized missionaries have our own language and conversational topics, too. Yesterday, a few of us took a break together and one of my co-workers mentioned Job. “I’ve been wondering about Job. God says he is blameless and upright. Was Job really blameless? Did he really not sin?” We chewed on that question for a while. I wanted to grab my computer and do a search of the Hebrew words used in the verse but saved it until this morning. Was Job blameless? There’s another that can’t be denied. Can I be blameless? Of course, that leads me to the hardest question of all. If I can be blameless, why am I not? This morning, I awakened with the question of perfection (or being blameless) on my mind. I won’t bore you with the Hebrew, but the word translated as “blameless” is also translated as complete, guiltless, perfect, morally innocent. The blameless man is described as a “man of integrity” and “man of peace.” I envision Job as he must have looked after he developed boils and grabbed a piece of broken pottery to scrape back and forth across his wounds. That picture is all too vivid in my head, but I haven’t considered him as the pre-trial Job before. Today, the picture in my head is a little clearer. Integrity. Peaceful. Righteous. Humble. Obedient. Quick to repent in accordance with the law. Kind to animals, widows, and orphans, and everyone else, too. Generous. Well-liked. A quick smile and a ready laugh. Sincere. When he did wrong, he followed the law concerning guilt and sacrifice for sin. Job wasn’t sinless. He was forgiven. God considered Job blameless and upright (Job 1:8) because he kept short accounts with his sin, rather than allow it to pile it up as if it were a treasure to be hoarded. Can we be blameless? I know a few people like Job. They’re not sinless either, but they don’t hang around in sin for long. They repent and move on. Doing right is a purposeful habit for them because it’s a way of life they’ve chosen. I want to be seen as blameless, peaceful, kind, sincere, fun to be around because of the joy in my heart, generous, humble too. I have good news. It’s possible because of the forgiveness God offers us through the blood of Jesus. Job’s sinful nature required the blood sacrifice of one animal after another. Every sin required another sacrifice. Jesus paid the final sacrifice with His blood. No more animals need to die to buy our forgiveness. It’s already been granted. His blood sacrifice dealt with our sin nature. The blood of Jesus doesn’t render us sinless. It renders us forgiven. Our job is to live as those who are forgiven and choose God’s ways over our own. Will we sin? Yes. No more blood needs to be shed, however. As God’s adopted and much-loved children, we need only repent and ask for forgiveness and it will be granted. Repentance does not mean we continue to sin, but that we turn from that sin and choose a different path – the blameless path. God laid the way out before us in His Word. It’s well described and usually easy to recognize. It is obvious Job chose God’s path and received a reward for his faithfulness. We, too, have a choice. Will we walk the blameless path or one of our own choosing? I don’t want God to draw the enemy’s attention to me, as He did to Job, but I do want Him to look with favor on me. I’d like to be the one who’s most like Jesus. I’m not, of course, but, once again, I choose to walk in the path of righteousness, to live without blame and relinquish my claim to sin, to surrender my bent toward wrong. I may not be as blameless as Job, but I can make a better choice. We can make better choices. Our question for today is one we all must answer. Will we walk the blameless path or not? “Mark the blameless man, and behold the upright; for the man of peace will have a posterity.” Psalm 37:37 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]You might also enjoy reading: Why We Should Choose Humility… Discouraged: When Your Nets are Empty and You Feel Like Giving Up Working from Immediately and Getting More Done[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Thanks for sharing your time with me today. Would you also take a moment to share to social media and Pin to Pinterest? It helps extend my digital reach in amazing ways when you do. Thanks for your partnership![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″][vc_single_image media=”67378″ media_width_percent=”75″ media_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.leannahollis.com%2Fpossible-walk-blameless-path%2F||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Is It Possible to Walk the Blameless Path? Read More »

The Prayer Walk and the One With Whom God Wants to Talk

Leave a Comment / Discipleship, Prayer, Scripture Truth / leannahollis

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]A surprising but sweet thing happened yesterday. Eight Days of Hope training is this week. It began last night. I wanted to prayer walk the building and the apartments where the trainees would stay before it started. As usual, I put out a call on social media for help. I can usually get volunteers, but not this time. A prayer walk of one is not without merit, but I wanted someone else to help, because of the “two or three gathered together” verse. (Matthew 18:20) None of my ideas worked out, so I asked the Lord to orchestrate it as He saw fit, especially since the idea was to have a conversation with Him. When God chooses the one who will prayer walk… The answer I received was not at all what I expected. A friend of mine promised to come, and probably bring a young friend. (Young being younger than we are.) As it worked out, my friend had to help with her grandson, but she brought the young woman anyway. This sweet young lady was a complete stranger to me, but I asked if she wanted to prayer walk, and she assured me she did. I don’t think she’d ever done anything quite like it before, but we moved to the front of the building and started praying. I didn’t expect much from a first-time prayer walker. With the first words out of her mouth, I knew I had the right partner. We prayed in sequence, as one. I’ve seldom had as seamless a prayer walk experience. She instinctively understood the needs that might arise in each area of the building and prayed accordingly. We prayed together for an hour or so, then she went back to stuffing envelopes. I headed off to do other work. All afternoon I savored the experience. I’d asked God to send the one with whom He wanted to talk, and He did. She was a stranger to me, but she was no stranger to God. With what kind of person does God want to talk? Last night, I pondered the idea of being the one with whom God wants to talk and wondered what characteristics would make me that kind of person. What I saw in her was humility, gentleness, kindness. There was a sweetness of spirit that made me want to be more like her. I’m reminded of my mama’s favorite verse from Micah 6:8: “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” There’s a note beside that verse from a sermon Jeff Flinn shared in 2005: “I thought the Lord was calling me to ministry. Now I know, He was calling me to Himself.” I want to be the one with whom God wants to talk and commune, the one He calls to Himself because He enjoys my company. Perhaps He’s looking for one who is just, merciful, kind, humble; the one who loves God and his neighbor. I want to be that one. Don’t you? Today, let’s search our hearts and ask God to clean out our haughtiness, judgmental and critical spirits, and our lovelessness. Let’s ask Him to fill us with mercy, kindness, humility, and love so that we can be the people with whom He wants to talk, the ones He calls to move in closer because He enjoys our presence as much as we enjoy His. “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:20 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]You might also enjoy reading: How to Wrestle With God When the Answer to Your Prayer is Delayed Prayer Walk After Meridian Tornado Real Prayer Moves Us Closer to God Becoming a House of Prayer: 5 Simple Steps to Change Your Life When the Prayer of Desperation Becomes Through the Roof Prayer [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]I am so blessed that you gave of your time to read this post. Thank you! I would be so grateful if you’d take another moment to share on your social media platforms and pin to Pinterest. When you do, you become a part of expanding our digital outreach. Thank you for being so awesome! Here’s a pinnable image:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″][vc_single_image media=”67336″ media_width_percent=”75″ media_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.leannahollis.com%2Fprayer-walking-one-god-wants-talk%2F||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Prayer Walk and the One With Whom God Wants to Talk Read More »

Sliding Down the Slippery Slope and How to Stop the Descent

Discipleship / leannahollis

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]A catastrophic accident can happen when you least expect it, and, early one morning, it almost did. The rain-soaked ground in front of the horses’ feed trough and the incline on which I usually stand were both slick with mud. I was behind schedule and in a hurry. Just as I lifted the feed bucket, I stepped forward with one foot, leaned over the fence, and dumped the food into the trough. Everything happened in an instant. My foot slipped. I lost my balance and went down hard. My bottom hit the mud and I started to slide feet-first. Since my feet were already under the feed trough, nearly to the horses’ hooves, I grabbed the barbed wire and held on tight. In that same instant, I shouted “Jesus help,” prayed not to end up under the surprised horses’ feet, and dreaded the barbed wire ripping into my hands. My hold on the barbed wire stopped the descent a few inches short of the horses’ restless hooves. I hung there for a few seconds, caught my breath, and surveyed the damage. Blood oozed from a tiny puncture in the palm of my hand. My backside was wet and gooey from the mud, but my bones all seemed fine. After I scooted back up the little rise, I dumped the hay in the rack and thanked God all the way home. Two important things stopped my slide down the slippery slope. I called for Jesus I reached out for something on which I could depend. You might not think a barbed wire fence is “dependable” but my son Ryan built that fence. The posts are solid and the wire is tight. I knew it would hold me. The Slippery Slope of Life A fast trip down the slippery slopes of life can happen just as quickly – a flirtation with a coworker, a casual one-time lifestyle choice of a mind-altering substance, a shopping spree that’s a little too big. One choice in a not-quite-right direction can send us hurtling down a path we would never choose for ourselves. How to avoid the catastrophe of consequences Stay on the paths of righteousness. Repent quickly when we make a mistake. Call out to Jesus. Cling to Him. I knew the barbed wire would hurt before I grabbed it, but I also knew it would be worth it. In that same way, there’s a beautiful pain that accompanies confession of sin and repentance. It’s much less, however than a continued hurtle into disaster. The minor discomfort of humbled pride, confessed sin, and true repentance is worth the blessing of restoration. Let’s take a moment to consider our recent choices. Are we firmly on the path God has set before us or have we taken a first tiny step off the path? Is a slippery slope just ahead? If we need a course correction, let’s stop now and make it, before we propel ourselves into disaster. We can live the life of a disciple, but only if we make one right choice after another, with a quick step back when our feet begin to stray. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1,3 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]You might also enjoy reading: Asking Why and Finding Answers When Snow Doesn’t Fall: Six Ways to Deal with the Disappointment of Unmet Expectations The Words We’re Waiting to Hear When Your Plan Isn’t Working and the World Won’t Cooperate[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Thanks for investing your time in reading this post. It means the world to me! While you’re here, would you share to social media and pin to Pinterest? Your help makes a huge difference in my digital reach. I’m super-grateful for your help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″][vc_single_image media=”67399″ media_width_percent=”75″ media_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.leannahollis.com%2F65952-2%2F||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Sliding Down the Slippery Slope and How to Stop the Descent Read More »

The Organizing Splurge and the Importance of Letting Go

Discipleship / leannahollis

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]“We want you to have a splurge,” my friend told me. “Something just for you. Do not do ministry with this,” she said as she handed me a little box tied with red and white string. Inside was a $100 bill. I carried that bill for weeks. I couldn’t justify anything. A manicure seemed a waste when I’m in the barn constantly. Maybe when I grow out the fingernail I just broke, I thought, but there was always another broken nail and another week to wait. Maybe a pedicure, I decided, but where’s the fun in a pedicure if you’re still in socks and boots? The unexpected splurge Finally, an idea began to dawn. It seemed crazy and not at all like a splurge, but it was. I wanted help organizing my home office and I knew someone who had a sideline doing that very task. “What would $100 worth of organizing accomplish for me?” I asked her. I’m generally organized and have a plan that works well for me. Over the last few years, though, the intensity of life has completely overwhelmed me. First, I cared for my mother in my home. I was beginning to get my feet back on the ground after her death when I fractured my hand and wore a splint for months. Not long after that, Sam’s wife got sick and died. Then, I became his sole caregiver. I haven’t had much time to myself in several years. As busy as I’ve been, I’ve still managed to write one book after another. Between research notes and copies to edit from, plus handouts for Bible studies I’ve written and taught, I’ve accumulated tons of paper, most of it stacked into what seemed like mountains. They weren’t, but they felt like it to me. When you can’t do it yourself, call an expert. I couldn’t seem to make any headway with my stacks. I needed an expert to help. We scheduled a date. The decluttering-organizing expert came and made short work of one stack after another. She didn’t have any trouble saying, “Do you really need 15 copies of the first page of this book?” No. I didn’t. We kept one or two and threw the rest away. On and on we went. By the time we finished, we had three bulging garbage bags full and I had a straight and organized home office. I’m not sure I could’ve done this job by myself, but, if I had, I know it would’ve taken much, much longer. Organizing prepares us to serve more efficiently. After she left, I sat in my organized office and looked around at the cleared floor and the shining desktop. I pulled open my filing cabinet drawer and looked at the orange file folders, neatly labeled with the dates and titles of talks I’ve given. The red folders contained articles, stories, and Bible studies I’ve written. The drawer is full of completed books waiting to be edited and formatted for publication. Some of my friends helped at the Salvation Army that day. It’s one of my favorite acts of service, and I was disappointed I missed it. Another young friend’s wedding was later that afternoon. I’d wanted to go, but I couldn’t do it all. I felt bad for putting my splurge before someone else’s needs and wants until I saw the files of manuscripts. My little treasure trove is safe and ready for service again. I didn’t plan to serve yesterday, but, as it turned out, I prepared to serve as we brought order from chaos. Treasures hidden in the chaos The best part of the day, however, was the reminders of sweet moments with the Lord. I’ve blogged about the day God taught me the sacrifice of thanksgiving before, but, yesterday, I found the list I’d written that momentous day. It was a sacrifice of thanksgiving poured onto an index card as I sat in a parking lot waiting for my son to get out of school. It represented a pivotal point for me. My life changed dramatically because of that act of sacrificial worship. I found a photo of my father as a young man and one of my mother as a teenager. A note from my church that had been included in a gift before I left for Jordan last time. The guest registry book for Sam’s funeral. Over and over, I found reminders of the faithfulness of God. After the last few weeks of eye problems, I needed those reminders, and I was glad I’d saved them. Those precious reminders, however, were hidden beneath all the junk I’d accumulated. As I held each of them, I wondered why I’d allowed so much mess to crowd my home. It’s a question we’d all do well to ask. Why hold to the worthless instead of the precious? I don’t have an answer to that question, but I do know we can make a better choice, even without an organizing-decluttering expert. To what are we holding that’s worthless in the big scheme of eternity? Is there a habit, an attitude, a memory that needs to go? Is there bitterness that needs to be replaced with forgiveness? Hate that needs to be replaced with love? We can’t savor the lovely when we’re holding to the junk. Today, why not begin to let go of the worthless and cling to the precious, instead? “As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 esv [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Five vital reasons to organize today: Treasures are often hidden in the chaos. Being able to easily find what we need makes us more efficient. We can’t cling to junk and treasure at the same time. We serve a God of order and we should be people of order, too. Order is less stressful. If you can’t afford an organizing expert, offer

The Organizing Splurge and the Importance of Letting Go Read More »

When You Try to Hide But God Can Still See

Leave a Comment / Discipleship, Scripture Truth / leannahollis

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] A furry face nudged mine until I roused slightly to look at the clock. Not quite 5 am. I groaned, turned over, and snuggled deeper into the covers. I was almost asleep again when a rough little tongue licked my face. Still not willing to get up, I pulled the covers over my head. Maggie patted me repeatedly with her paw, despite the covers pulled snug, and an odd thought floated through my mind. We don’t have any more success in hiding from God than I do in hiding from my dogs. That odd phrase echoed in my head as I shuffled downstairs to let the dogs out for their morning business. Do we try to hide from God? Yes. I believe we do. We may not call it hiding, but we certainly try to evade His persistent call. We’ve all had those moments when life slams us in the face and we find it agonizingly hard to bear. When life slams us in the face We’ve all experienced those decision points… A betrayal requires forgiveness. The call to service requires obedience. A stronghold needs to be shattered. Habits need to be broken. Desires must be surrendered. God’s call is to freedom, wholeness, healing. Sometimes, though, the cost of achieving His lofty goals seems far too high. We’re willing to settle for less to avoid the price. Why reject God’s best? Instead of offering forgiveness, we take our seat in church, paste on a smile, and hold our anger tight, as if God can’t see what we’ve hidden. Instead of hard service, we choose the easier path and pretend an unending string of good deeds offsets the call to deeper obedience. Rather than allow God access to our strongholds, we hold them close and call them unbreakable. We take “I can’t” as our mantra, and ignore the fact that God can. Instead of allowing God to help us break our unhealthy, unwise habits, we pretend they’re harmless and that we “deserve” them. Rather than surrender our ungodly desires, we grab them and hold on tight, as if God’s desires for us weren’t higher, better, more deeply satisfying. Why do we choose something less than God’s best for us? Because we don’t believe what He offers is better than what we want. When we’d rather hide from God… We hide from the true and perfect light of God, which (according to John 1) enlightens every man, including us. We’re comfortable in a little darkness, and we want to stay there. Staying comfortable in the dimness just out of the God-light might even require us to progress past disobedience into denial. If we say there is no God, we don’t have to worry about Him anymore, right? Wrong. Our all-powerful, all-knowing, all-seeing God is not thwarted by our words or our claims. He is. Hagar in the desert learned, even there, the God who sees could still see her. (Genesis 16) David spent years running for his life from a crazed king who was determined to kill him, yet, no matter where he ran, God was still with him. (Psalm 139) His words attest to the truth we often want to ignore. “Where can I go from Thy Spirit? Or where can I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend to heaven, Thou art there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, Thou art there…Even there Thy hand will lead me, and Thy right hand will take hold of me…” Psalm 139:7,8,10 Why do we kid ourselves into thinking we can deceive this God Who is where we are? Who sees all? He knows all. We can’t hide a thing. Not our sin, our unforgiveness, or our chains. The amazing fact is He still loves us, despite our failed hide-and-seek. He still loves us, and He has a plan that’s good. It’s time to stop hiding. Today, let’s examine our hearts and look for that which we have tried to hide, if only from ourselves. Let’s allow God to clean us out and break our chains. Embrace His plan, even when hard, and hang on, for the adventure of a lifetime waits for our surrender. We can have God’s plan if we will, but we must relinquish our own plan to His first. Is it worth the price? Yes, it is, so let go and embrace our Father who loves us, and receive all He has for us. “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]You might also enjoy reading these posts: When Kindness Invaded the Potty Place Repentance: It’s Not Optional When We Replace Rules with Repentance and Generosity Create In Me a Clean Heart 5-day email course (Follow the link to register) How to Wrestle with God…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Thanks for sharing your time with me today. I’m grateful you chose to read through this blog post and hope it’s been a blessing to you. If you have another moment, would you share on social media and pin to Pinterest, please? Use the icons and the image here: Thanks again.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″][vc_single_image media=”67412″ media_width_percent=”75″ media_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.leannahollis.com%2Fwhen-you-try-to-hide-but-god-can-still-see%2F||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

When You Try to Hide But God Can Still See Read More »

When Your Plan Isn’t Working and the World Won’t Cooperate

1 Comment / Discipleship / leannahollis

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Are you ever overwhelmed by the inability to get everything on your to-do list finished in the time you’ve set for it? That’s where I am right now, and it’s stressing me. A lot. There’s clutter in my house to clean out, organization to restore, the new James e-book launch to plan, reviewers to solicit, the new website to be completed, blog posts to write, books my editor recommended to study, EDITS TO COMPLETE AND A PROPOSAL TO WRITE! If it looks like I’m shouting, it’s because that’s how I feel. I had a perfect plan. Every task was scheduled and, had it happened as I expected, it would all be completed by now. I’d take today off to celebrate and, finally, to have that manicure I meant to have last month. Not so in my real world. Two different cornea problems, prolonged ice, snow, and temperatures in the single digits whacked chunks of time out of my schedule. Broken fence repairs took another big chunk of time, as well as most of my fingernails. On and on and on. Life happens, but God is still in charge. I might have forgotten that truth for a little while. My inability to get everything done has left me with an odd sense of foreboding, as if something terrible would result from my failure. I’m at that point where panic seems more comfortable than digging in and getting done. Have you been in this crazy place before? My friend sent me a verse this morning that stopped me in my tracks and made me take a closer look at my perceived problem. “But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread…” Psalm 53:5 niv That’s me. Overwhelmed with dread because I’m late, when there’s nothing to dread. Nothing at all. What’s the worst that can happen? I’ve seriously considered that question this morning and have arrived at a startling conclusion. The worst thing that can happen from my current dilemma is a change in my plan. That’s it. No threat to national or personal security looms. No catastrophe to property, finances, or (more important) those I love is likely as a result. I simply need to readjust my plan. It’s time to invite some perspective into my situation. My stress is from a self-imposed, and unrealistic, schedule of tasks that do not have to be done in any certain order. The only deadline is mine. If we’re honest, I’m not alone with this problem, am I? There’s a tendency to think our plan is best, assume our deadline is the right one, and our plan should be followed perfectly by all who have a part. As much as I hate to admit it, that’s nothing but self-centered pride in action. This morning, I’ve recognized something vital. My plan isn’t working and, I’m sorry to say, that may be it’s because I’m not operating on God’s timetable. I’ve repented again and surrendered my will to His, because God’s way is always best. I’ve decided to re-order the to-do list and put the most important at the top, where it belongs. Everything else will fall into place, or it won’t. Are we overwhelmed by life? Is our “plan” faltering? Failing? Does it feel as if the world won’t cooperate? Maybe it’s time to take a fresh look at our hearts and our plans and surrender our will to His. Again. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 niv [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

When Your Plan Isn’t Working and the World Won’t Cooperate Read More »

Proper Prayer Begins by Taming the Tongue

Discipleship, Scripture Truth / leannahollis

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_custom_heading] Leannahollis.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This blog post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on the link to make a purchase, I may make a small amount of money (usually a few cents) from your purchase. It will not increase the price you pay in any way. [/vc_custom_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] Our small group started the Priscilla Shirer study, Can We Talk? last night. The six-week course was designed to encourage a more effective prayer life. The first week’s lessons are about the tongue and how we use our mouths. Start with the tongue I’ve taught on prayer for years, but beginning with the tongue was a little unexpected. It’s a great starting point, though. Two verses in James explain why: “But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;” James 3:8,9 nasb The mouth is all I can see of the animal in the photo above. My first thought was “llama,” then “donkey,” and, finally, “horse in the winter with long hair.” The mouth captures my attention in a way it wouldn’t if closed. It’s so unattractive that I can’t tell if the rest of the horse is beautiful or not. My mouth, too, has all too often dominated how I seem to people over the years. I’ve spoken without thinking or, worse, said what I thought without caring about the consequences. As someone I love once said, I used my mouth like a weapon. I was good at it, too, if slashing the hearts and confidence of others with your words is a skill to be admired. The Heart-Mouth Connection The heart-mouth connection is real and more evident in what we say than we’d like. What came out of my mouth, in the past and more recently than I’d like to admit, had more to do with pride on my part than a desire to impart truth. I believed “my” way was best, what I wanted was what should be done. It didn’t take me long to learn the squeaky wheel gets the grease, the loudest voice is the one we hear, she who persists the longest often gets her way. I’ve known this, and lived it, most of my life. All those adages may be true, but they don’t tell us about the hurt those loud, squeaky voices and those arrogant words leave behind. The consuming fire in our mouths I’m sorry for the arrogance with which I’ve spoken over the years and, if I could take those words back, I would. Words once spoken, however, can never be recalled. That, my friends, is why James describes the tongue as a consuming fire and why he says no one can tame it. Only God can extinguish the fire and bring balm to our mouths. Clean the heart and tame the tongue If we want a right relationship with God, we need more than clean hearts and hands. We need clean tongues, as well. Let’s think about our words for a moment, if we can stand it. How did we speak in the last week, the last month, the last year? Were our words a fountain of life or a spewing fountain of poison? Did we bless God and cursed our neighbor? Did we speak words that demean and hurt or build up and encourage? If we want to please God, to have a sweet and intimate relationship with Him, we must allow Him to tame our tongues. The choice is ours. Will we surrender this tiny bit of our anatomy to His control? Will we allow our words to bless, encourage, flow with kindness like a river of love washing over those who most need it? I choose surrender, repentance, cleansing, change. I want my mouth to be a source of blessing to all I meet. What about you? “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21kjv [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]You might also enjoy reading: How to Wrestle With God When the Answer to Your Prayer is Delayed Real Prayer Moves Us Closer to God Becoming a House of Prayer: Five Simple Steps When the Prayer of Desperation Becomes Through the Roof Prayer [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]I’m so glad you took the time to read all the way through to the end. Thank you. If this post blessed you, please take a moment and share on your social media platforms. It’s a huge help if you also pin to Pinterest. Here’s a pinnable image to use:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″][vc_single_image media=”67327″ media_width_percent=”75″ media_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.leannahollis.com%2Fproper-prayer-begins-by-taming-the-tongue%2F|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Proper Prayer Begins by Taming the Tongue Read More »

Living in the Shadow of the Cross and Loving Our Enemies

1 Comment / Discipleship, Scripture Truth / leannahollis

[vc_row unlock_row=”” row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”2″ column_width_percent=”75″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” font_family=”font-377884″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]It’s hard to tell this story without going into the specifics, but there’s no need to dredge up the past again, so please bear with me. More than a decade ago, I went through a terrible time. Two people, in particular, plus a third who helped in the gouging of my heart, had the greatest role in that awfulness, and, for a time, I considered them all my enemies. What does the Bible say about loving our enemies? …Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you…” Luke 6:27-28 “repay evil with blessing…” 1 Peter 3:9 “love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 Those passages are perfectly clear. When we, disciples of Jesus, have an “enemy,” we are to pray, bless, and love them. This behavior is not optional. It’s what disciples of Christ are supposed to do, so I did it. There was nothing amazing or saintly in my decision to obey. It was simply doing what a Christ-follower is supposed to do. Disobedience is always sin. Not to love my enemies, bless them, or pray for them would’ve been disobedience to the command of Jesus. It would’ve been a sin whether I felt justified in my anger or not. Disobedience to a hard command is a sin. We don’t like to hear those words, but they’re true. In the first few hours of that devastating darkness, I sank to my face on my prayer room floor and spoke words of blessing toward all involved. I didn’t feel it, and both God and I knew it, but I did it as an act of surrender and obedience. I prayed that same prayer over and over again. It took a long time to “mean it” when I prayed, but that effort in persevering prayer changed everything. The outcome of obedience The situation didn’t resolve in the way I’d hoped, but God did a work in my relationship with one of the people, and, over the years, with another one of them. Yesterday, I was in a business meeting with one of the three former-enemy people, who’s doing some work for me. I had to call another person in the trio about the outcome of the meeting. “What’s up with this? Is he helping you?” the second person asked. “Yeah. He’s a great guy.” “Are you kidding me? He was against you.” I laughed. “Yeah, well, look at all you did, but I forgave you. I’m big on forgiveness, you know. We forgave each other and we love each other now. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him, and nothing he wouldn’t do for me.” My former enemy was aghast. “Really?” “Yep. This is what forgiving and loving your enemies looks like. They become your friends. This is how I treat you, isn’t it?” “Well, yeah…” Hard but worth it There is no way to communicate how horrible the situation was. I was absolutely devastated by it. More than a decade later, though, I can look back and laugh. God did a powerful work in me, and in the other people involved, as well. I’ve never even met the third person in the trio, and I don’t particularly want to, but I’d be fine if I did. That’s how a healed wound works. It doesn’t hurt anymore. All that blessing and praying and loving was worth it, even though I didn’t want to do it at the time. When we live in the shadow of the cross, we must allow it to determine how we live, how we respond to trouble, how we treat our enemies. Jesus set an example we are to follow. What about loving our enemies is optional? Nothing. Why love our enemies when the world says don’t? Because Jesus commanded love. When I was face down on the prayer room floor, my reality was pain, hurt, fear, anger. I couldn’t imagine the future we all have today, but Jesus could. I didn’t have to envision it, plan for it, or anticipate such a glorious outcome. All that was required to gain the love we share today was one tiny act of obedience at all time. If we’re reeling from the betrayal or hurt of another person, we have two options. Respond as the world responds or respond as Jesus said. Only one of those choices brings blessing. Only one brings the healing that turns enemies into dear, much-loved friends somewhere in the future. Which will we choose? It’s a decision that can change the future in ways we cannot begin to imagine, so let’s choose obedience. Choose love, blessings, prayer, and let God use our efforts to do a work only He can do. Loving as Christ loves is always the right decision. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]You might also enjoy reading: If We’ve Been Liberated Why Don’t We Live Free? Seven Truths You Need to Thrive in Hard Times Becoming a House of Prayer: Five Simple Steps to Change Your Life Will We Make Room for God in Our Lives Asking Why and Finding Answers[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Thank you for spending a bit of your time with me today. If you’ve been blessed, please take a moment to share to social media and pin to Pinterest. This helps expand our digital reach in amazing ways! Thanks for stopping by and for your help![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″][vc_single_image media=”67371″ media_width_percent=”75″ media_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.leannahollis.com%2Fliving-in-the-shadow-of-the-cross-and-loving-our-enemies%2F||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Living in the Shadow of the Cross and Loving Our Enemies Read More »

When I Couldn’t Tell if I’d Achieved My Goal or Not

Leave a Comment / Discipleship / leannahollis

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Friends arrive today from abroad for an extended stay. I decided to prepare a welcome meal for tomorrow. The goal was to cook food that seemed familiar, a little touch of home. The problem, of course, was that I didn’t know how to cook the way they cook “back home.” I don’t have their knack with spices or the exact flavor combinations in my skill set. Nevertheless, I assumed a Google search would be sufficient, and plunged ahead. Yesterday, I prepped two eggplants to make baba gahnoush, a smooth, creamy eggplant dip. I’d eaten this dish numerous times, but I’d never prepared it before. No problem, I thought. I bought two eggplants and some tahini sauce and downloaded a recipe. Just to be sure of my goal, I bought a small container of baba gahnoush from the grocery. It tasted like bad Ranch dressing. Mislabeled, I decided, discarded it, and went to work. I sliced the eggplants, put them cut-side down in my cast iron skillet, and stuck them under the broiler until the skin bubbled up and started to turn black. As the recipe said, I removed them from the skillet and set them aside to cool. Perfect progress, it seemed, as I peeled the skin off. That’s when things started to get interesting. The recipe clearly stated that the eggplant should be mashed with a fork, which seemed crazy because it was so stringy. I put it in the bowl of my stand mixer, instead. I’m not saying the stand mixer was the problem, just that it’s the place my path and the recipe parted ways. First, my recipe called for one eggplant. I used two, so I doubled all the ingredients, but forgot the salt, mainly because I’m on a low-salt diet. I wasn’t sure what to do with the eggplant seeds, so I left them. I mixed the glob of goo with the paddle until it was mostly smooth. It was a gray mess, which made me think of gray matter in the brain, and pretty much grossed me out. I tasted it with trepidation, the thought of eating brain still in my head. It tasted terrible. That’s when I started improvising. I added some salt, extra cumin, more lemon juice. Nothing helped. I gathered a variety of recipes and pulled from all of them. One listed red pepper in the ingredients, so I gave the cayenne a hearty shake. I wasn’t sure about the texture. I couldn’t decide what taste I needed to achieve. Finally, I gave the concoction another whirl with the mixer, called it baba gahnoush, and put it in a container. I don’t know if I made baba gahnoush or not. The problem wasn’t my enthusiasm for the task, nor my dedication. The problem was an uncertain goal. I wanted baba gahnoush, but my culinary memory didn’t extend far enough for me to know how it looked nor how it tasted. I needed an experienced guide. As I’ve pondered that bowl of eggplant dip (which may or may not be baba gahnoush), I’ve realized the life of a disciple is a lot like my cooking efforts. Living like Jesus intended is impossible if we don’t know what it’s supposed to look like, to feel like, to be like. That’s what the authors of the New Testament hoped to show us through their words and lives. When Paul said, “do what I do,” it wasn’t pride talking. He wanted his readers to understand one truth. “This is how the Christian life looks. Do it this way.” I don’t want his shipwrecks, prison bars, or chains, but I’d sure like to have the power Paul had. His writings are filled with absolute abandon and reckless surrender. He was all-in for Christ, no matter the cost. Paul wasn’t a pew-sitter. He was a world-changer, and THAT is our pattern. He told everyone who would listen about the One who changed his life. He pressed on, no matter what happened. He lived what he taught. If we want the power of God that Paul had, we’ll have to walk the path Paul walked, all-in, faith-filled, perseverance. That’s how we know we’ve achieved the life of a disciple. Today, let’s ask ourselves if we’re living a life that’s intended to be that of a disciple or if we’re living the disciple life the first century writers tried to show us. Which do we want? Which does Jesus want us to have? If we need to make changes whether in priority, in thoughts, or in actions, let’s look to Scripture for direction and do what it says. It’s that easy. It’s that hard. It’s worth it. “however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us…For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eager wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;” Philippians 3:16-17, 20 nasb [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

When I Couldn’t Tell if I’d Achieved My Goal or Not Read More »

The Blood-of-Jesus Family Reunion

Leave a Comment / Discipleship / leannahollis

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I can’t remember why one of my small groups fell apart. I’m pretty sure it was my fault. We met in my home, but travel, ministry, and busyness got in the way. I was tired all the time. It was too much. We should meet somewhere else, I thought. We didn’t. Last night, we finally gathered around my living room again, and it was as if we’d never been apart. We laughed, shared stories of answered prayers, confessed our needs, worshipped and prayed together. After a pot-luck meal, one young man played his guitar and shared the songs he’d been learning. Some sang along, others listened. We’re family even though we’re not blood-kin. The thought crossed my mind, but instantly, I realized we’re about as blood-kin as it gets, for the blood of Jesus unites us. Last night, after everyone left, I climbed into bed and savored the laughter, the tears, the joy, the love. Had I really been too busy for this sweetness? Our time together caused me to examine my priorities and I’ve found them sadly askew again. I’m left wondering… what was more important than the people I love? What was accomplished during our time apart? Why didn’t I realize how much I need these precious people in my life? How much we need each other? Am I the only one with tunnel vision that focuses on the task, the need before my eyes, but neglects the bigger picture of friends and extended family? Is this a problem for us all? If so, let’s stop the busyness and begin to embrace relationship, the way Jesus did. He didn’t send his disciples home at the end of a busy day. He spent time with the people He loved, ate with them, laughed, wept, and prayed together. He invested in the lives of others in a way that had eternal significance, and we should, too. The body of Christ is bigger than we realize. More important. More powerful. This morning, I’m left wondering what would happen in our world if we, the people of Christ, began to live the unity for which Jesus prayed, to live it fully. Into whose life are we investing? With whom do we “do life?” For whom do we bear burdens and share joys outside our immediate family? If the truth is “no one,” we need a new reality. Today, let’s reach out, invite in, embrace the family Christ purchased with His blood. Serve, live, and love as one, just as Jesus intended. “From Him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:16 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Blood-of-Jesus Family Reunion Read More »