by Roseanna White | Apr 14, 2017 | Bible Study, Thoughtful Thursdays
I’m not sure where this week went–I knew yesterday was Thursday, because I had prep work to do for our Thursday-before-Resurrection-Day dinner…but that it should have been a blogging day totally escaped me.
It’s been that kind of week. đ
Anyway! As we’re here in the midst of Holy Week, that means I’m wrapping up the 40 Days of Jesus reading challenge and will be back to normal blogging next week. This week’s readings took us through how we’re to behave in church, communion, spiritual gifts, the famous Love Chapter, speaking in tongues, and the resurrection. All such important things!
This year I’ve been reading from The Message and then pulling out my trusty NKJV just to compare. I used to be wary of The Message–I like literal translations–until I read the intro and realized that the translator’s goal was not to create a new, exclusive version, but for it to be a companion to other, literal translations–that he merely wanted his version to breathe new life into passages that may have grown stale over the years, to show something in a new way.
In passages as familiar as these, that was a real blessing to me, and I found myself quoting bits and pieces of it to the Facebook group on several days. But I was especially grateful for the fresh perspective in chapter 13, which I have read so many times in so many places that sometimes my eyes glaze over when I see it on yet another wedding program, and I mutter something along the lines of, “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” (When I catch myself doing this with any passage, I try really hard to find something new in it!)
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesnât want what it doesnât have.
Love doesnât strut,
Doesnât have a swelled head,
Doesnât force itself on others,
Isnât always âme first,â
Doesnât fly off the handle,
Doesnât keep score of the sins of others,
Doesnât revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
First off, it’s worth noting what word is used for
love here. It’s not
eros–the romantic, sensual love. It’s not
philos–deep friendship that is used many times in the new testament. It’s not
ludos–the playful or even flirtatious affection between children or in a new relationship. It’s not even
pragma–the longstanding and lasting love associated with established married couples, which involves sacrifice and reason (same root as
pragmatic). It’s certainly not
philautia–self-love. (There’s a really good article on the types of love
here.)
This love is, of course, agape–a radical kind of love to talk about at the time. And still radical today, despite our familiarity with the word. This is selfless, unconditional love. The kind of love God has for us, yes, but the kind we’re also called to have for everyone else.
Now I’m pausing to ask myself–do I have a “me first” attitude? Do I
care for myself more than others? Am I pushy? Do I trust God always?
If my answers aren’t right, then I’m bankrupt.
And what happens when we relate it back to the spiritual gifts, which is where the conversation comes from? We can seek all those gifts–both the flashy and the quiet. We can speak in the tongues of men and angels. We can prophesy. We can heal. We can do miracles. But those are all subject to this one base command: love. Without reserve. Without judgment. Without you and what you get from it being factored in.
But we live in a society of
me. Right? I read a really intriguing
article recently about how society–and especially faith and the church–has changed as mirrors grew better. When Paul wrote this letter, mirrors were made of polished bronze and could give only a hazy reflection–the result being that people didn’t
really know what they looked like. What they knew was what everyone
else looked like, and so their focus tended to remain on others–what they could see clearly–and on community. Self-identity in the early church was built around community-identity, which is why being excommunicated was the worst thing imaginable. But as mirrors became clearer, as people saw themselves clearly for the first time in history, there was a directly parallel change to where their emphasis turned–on themselves.
Imagine what Paul would say now, when we not only look in a mirror and see ourselves clearly, we have phones where we can spend half our day taking selfies. Our emphasis has turned fully on ourselves, and with it, agape love has suffered a severe decline in the society as a whole. Community doesn’t matter, in that if we get kicked out of one church, we can just go find another. The Church doesn’t have one body (in Protestantism anyway) it has thousands. And how do we pick the one we belong to? The one that suits us. Where we feel we belong.
It always goes back to us. Me.
But that’s all wrong. I also love how The Message translates verse 13, the last verse of this chapter. It says:
We have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
Why? Because that’s who God is. And it’s who He calls us to be–all of us, whether we’re a pastor or a teacher or an evangelist; whether we have wise counsel or can heal or distinguish between spirits. No matter our gift, no matter our function in the church body, this is–or should be–the undergirding.
We should be putting others before ourselves, and loving them with an all-out, selfless, indefatigable love. Because in that love, we find union with each other, and with God. And through that, we build a Church. We claim a resurrection body. And our faith has found completion.
I hope everyone has a blessed Resurrection Day, and that God whispers love into your hearts as you reflect on the ultimate expression of it.
by Roseanna White | Mar 2, 2017 | Bible Study, Thoughtful Thursdays
As I’ve begun this year’s 40 Days of Jesus reading for Lent, it’s been fun to begin with some of the most famous passages in the New Testament. The Gospel of John begins with that well known “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…” and moved right forward to the first verse many of us memorized: “For God so loved the word that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Sometimes it’s a challenge to see new things in a book you’ve read so many times. But especially surrounding that well-known verse in chapter 3, I love sitting back and reminding myself of what it really means in context.
A few years ago we read John in church and went back and read the account of Moses and the Israelites that chapter 3 is referring to. The story is from when God had sent poisonous snakes into the camp as punishment, and the people were dying. They cried out to Moses for deliverance, and he put a bronze snake on a staff. “God will save you,” he told the people, “if you just look upon this staff and believe it.”
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| From Michelangelo’s work on the Sistine Chapel, we see a scene with the brazen serpent or Nehushtan |
As many as looked, were saved.
But not all looked. Many would rather die in their bitterness and anger toward God, or calling out to false idols, than to trust Him. To humble themselves before Him.
This is what Jesus said He was. Salvation to all who look and believe. So simple–so difficult for stubborn humanity to accept.
But we’re already bitten by that snake of sin. We’re already dying. It isn’t that He’s condemning us if we don’t accept Him–it’s that nature will simply take it’s course. The ball’s in our court. He already came and died and rose again for us. All we need to do is believe . . . but if we don’t, then that poison of sin will overtake us. We’ll die.
This is the simplicity and the complexity of the salvation story. Striking, every time we read it.
If you’ve been reading along, has anything from the first four chapters of John jumped out at you?
by Roseanna White | Feb 2, 2017 | Thoughtful Thursdays
So wow, it’s been a week of political opinions again, hasn’t it? Reporting and misreporting, deciding, shouting, threats of protest.
I have sworn years ago that you’d never hear me shouting my political views from my writing platform. And in part it’s because I have very little respect for people who make a show of shouting…who may even march in a protest…but who then deem that “enough” for their beloved cause and sit back and take such
Joy in bemoaning the state of affairs. (And this goes for opinions on both sides of the fence.)
Though I hadn’t even realized it, this theme worked its way a bit into
A Song Unheard. I have the magnanimous Davies sisters in it, known even today for their generosity. But at the point of the story, it was limited to donating money. During the Great War, however, they decided to put hands and feet to their conviction–they
went. They became active in what they were so passionate about. They didn’t march in a protest to stop the war–the served the men fighting and dying for them, and then set up an estate to rehabilitate them when they came home.
Do we put that kind of action to the beliefs we shout about?
Today’s big thing is the refugee ban. I’ll not tell you where I come down. It really doesn’t matter. What does matter is this:
If I think we should let them in, if I care about their plight–does that mean I’m willing to take those families food? Give up room to house them? Am I willing to give them jobs? And what’s more–if I care about their plight that much, what will I do if my country doesn’t let them in? Will I seek them out where they are? Donate to refugee camps if I can’t go there? Will I see which camps in Europe are forever short on food and figure out a way to send some?
If I think we shouldn’t let them in because of the risks they bring with them–am I making any effort to change that risk? Am I supporting ministries that minister to these people groups? Am I spending time on my knees in prayer for them, that the Spirit will draw on their hearts? If I make my decisions because I fear the terror that might come with them, am I then doing anything to counteract that terror? Am I helping those who are terrorized?
If we’re all words and opinions and no actions, what is the point? A literal translation of the Greek of James 2:26 isn’t just faith without works is dead. It’s actually faith without works is naught. It’s nothing. It doesn’t exist. Because my friends, faith is not an idea–it’s the substance. It’s the being. It’s the doing.
Whatever our views, I don’t think God needs to hear about them on social media. I don’t think He wants to see protests marching in support of them. What I believe He wants is for us to work for them. To sacrifice for them.
If we’re not willing to give up anything for our stand, have we really stood at all…or have we just made noise?
by Roseanna White | Jan 19, 2017 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Throwback Thursdays
I’m sure I could find something original to write about today. But as I was thinking about what I’m thinking about (sure–that made sense), I realized that I’d already written about it. So I went and looked it up and reread it, and it still stands. đ So if you read this one a year and a half ago, my apologies. But maybe you missed it. Or need the reminder. Maybe someone else out is…
I am a mom–an imperfect one, but one who tries to show her kids what she can…and who is constantly amazed by these two precious little people who latch onto my waist and declare, “Mine! You’ll always be my mama!”
He is my Father–a perfect one, who shows me in so many ways what I can do through Him. Who constantly amazes me with the gifts, small and large, that He has given us. Who patiently whispers, “Mine. You’ll always be my daughter.”
I am a wife–one who messes up now and then, who says the wrong thing and forgets to make dinner. But one who still gets that little pitter-patter inside at the thought of seeing her husband after a short absence. Who dares to dream along with him of somedays and maybes.
He is the Bridegroom–the one who is always waiting for his Bride to remember her vows, to remain faithful, to reach for perfection. The one with arms outstretched in love for His church, for the world.
I am a bit of recluse–the kind who likes company, sure, but who gets lost in a crowd. Who sits at a party feeling awkward, even when it’s all family. Who can give a sermon or a speech no problem, but who often stumbles through the unscripted…until she has a keyboard under her fingers or a pen in her hand.
He is everywhere. Always. And yet He doesn’t force His way in. He stands outside the doors of our hearts and awaits our invitation. To come in. To sit with us. To give us the words we can’t find and the sense of belonging that sometimes evades us.
I am a homemaker–but not the kind who makes a beautiful, showcase home. I appreciate those, but they’re not for me. I would rather spend my spare dollars on dreams and goals and helping those who have less than on curtains or decorations. All I need, I have discovered, is enough–when I find myself with more, it’s meant to be used for a greater purpose than my own comfort.
He is the Creator–the one who made the world and all that’s in it. Who clothed the lilies of the field. Who made a home for every creature. The one who bids me, “Don’t worry about tomorrow. Just follow Me today.”
Sometimes, when I’m tired or down or just overwhelmed, it’s easy to focus on all I’m not. But I’m not not. I am. I am all He made me, and all He made me to be that I haven’t yet realized. I’m flaws and strengths, weaknesses and determination.
I’m a shadow of Him–a mirror, I pray, of His light. I am His. And He is I AM.
by Roseanna White | Jan 2, 2017 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Word of the Week
I’d been praying for a word for 2017, as I usually do. Most of the time God will give me one when I ask, but there have been years when nothing has stood out. I had a feeling, as I prayed over the last few days, that this was going to be a no-word year.
But then yesterday, as my dad preached at a local nursing home, he read this verse:
“…These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.â ~ John 16:33
The word “overcome” practically leaped out at me. I knew I had a word–what I’m still not sure of is if it’s for me, or for me to give. We shall see, on that one. But regardless, it’s a word that we all need reminded of, isn’t it?
In the Message version, that verse reads like this:
“…Iâve told you
all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured,
deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience
difficulties. But take heart! Iâve conquered the world.â
I think the word “conquer” is even stronger than “overcome”–to my mind, at least, it doesn’t just mean being the victor over what comes upon you, but actively engaging in a battle that we win. That, my friends, is what the Church needs to do in this world!
I don’t want to just paste the whole section from John in here, as it’s a little long, but some context is actually really illuminating. Jesus had just told them that he’d be leaving, they’d be sorrowful, but that then he’d be back and their sorrow would turn to Joy. Then He says:
24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your Joy may be full . . . . 26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.
This part really struck me as I read it. We all know the verse: you don’t have because you don’t ask. But 26 is pretty amazing too. Here, Jesus is saying that when we ask in His name, it isn’t that He’s beseeching the Father on our behalf. It’s that, because we believe in Him, God will answer us. How amazing is that?
I don’t know what trials and tribulations will come upon any of us in 2017. There will be some–there always are. Individual ones, and ones that strike the Church, the country, the whole world. I don’t know what this word might pertain to in particular. But I do know this.
He has overcome. He has conquered. And because of that, when we ask in His name–if we ask in His name–we will conquer too.
by Roseanna White | Dec 30, 2016 | Thoughtful Thursdays
It’s that time of year again. The calendar says there’s only one more day left in the old year. Facebook keeps trying to show me my year in review. Friends on there are all posting about hopes for 2017, fresh starts, saying farewell to the old.
I’ve always loved to take a look back at the year that has just passed round about now. To reflect on any promises I made myself, or which God has made to me.
In 2016, when I prayed for a word to dwell on for the year, God gave me this:
It isn’t the kind of word that issues me a big challenge–it isn’t a reminder, really, of what He wants me to do. What it is is a reminder of who I ultimately am–His. A reminder that has carried me through what has been, all in all, a pretty amazing year.
In my personal life, it’s been a year of fun with my kids. There was the usual homeschooling, of course. Learning together, laughing together. We traveled a good bit with them, taking them to Niagara Falls for the Fourth of July (because nothing says American Independence Day like going to Canada for fireworks, LOL) and then to Europe in September.
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| Photo Xoe took from the base of the Eiffel Tower–which now adorns our walls. |
I got to see my daughter’s face light up when she saw the Eiffel Tower. I got to watch my son jump from rock to rock at Land’s End in Cornwall. I had the Joy of actually finding some books that my reluctant-reader son wanted to read–and watch my little girl, who is growing up so fast, create some beautiful art that just amazes me.
David and I celebrated our 15th anniversary this year (hence the trip to Europe). Pretty cool to look back and be able to say, with some credibility now, LOL, that no, we weren’t too young. We knew exactly what we were getting into. I don’t have a moment’s regret that I married that man when we were both 18. I just have exceeding Joy that we’ve already had so many years together, and that God blessed us so much by leading us to each other so early in life. Another “mine” that I am so happy to claim.
And professionally . . . it’s been quite a year.
I signed my second contract for a series with Bethany House. Can’t wait for my “thief books” to come to life in 2017! I have second round edits coming on A Name Unknown next week, I’ll turn in A Song Unheard a week after they arrive, and I’m ready to start writing An Hour Unspent as soon as my synopsis is approved.
I got the news that The Lost Heiress was a finalist in the Christy Awards. As someone who struggles with pride and so has sworn of any award I have to enter myself, this came as a shock and a Joy I never expected. I have never won a writing award. And while I didn’t win this year either, I honestly didn’t even care. It was such an honor to be a finalist, beside some of my favorite authors. That’s a wow I’m going to carry with me forever.
I got to visit my publishing house in Minnesota and see behind-the-scenes there, which was just awesome. I felt so authorly, LOL.
I got my first royalty checks from a publisher other than Whitefire–from two of the publishers I’ve worked with, actually. So great to actually earn out an advance!
I made the CBA bestseller list with The Lost Heiress just last month. Sure, only because it had been on sale, LOL, but STILL! I can now claim to be a bestselling author.
And I had three titles release in 2016, which I think is a record for me. The Reluctant Duchess and A Lady Unrivaled from Bethany House, and Giver of Wonders from WhiteFire.
All in all, I’m pretty darn amazed at what God has done for me. Yes, there have been sorrows too–my husband’s grandfather passed away, good friends have had trials, and don’t get me started on the mess of the political season. But through every grief and disappointment, every fear and question, I had a resting place.
Because I am His, and He is mine.
I’m looking forward to the year ahead. I’m praying for a word from the Lord to be my word for the year. I’m anxious to see where He’s going to take us and what we’re going to do. And mostly, I’m just so amazed at this life He’s given me. One filled with family. One blessed by love. And one in which I actually get to do the things I love–writing, designing, teaching my kids.
Thank you, Lord, for another good year. Thank you for always being my Daddy-God. Thank you for claiming me as Your own.
Here’s to 2016–may the year ahead be one that draws us ever closer to Him!
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, sheâs homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her booksâŚto offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.