We’ve never done it this way before.

It has been said the seven last words of a dying church are “We’ve never done it that way before”.

 

Well, 2020 has certainly knocked us out of that complacency. Most of us have had no choice but to do Church a different way. This varies drastically depending on where you are in the world, local demographics, current stats in your area, at-risk participants, and other factors. Things seem to change daily, and everyone has a different viewpoint depending on what you experience, where you live, whose opinion you trust, what you read, and which news you watch. Many of us thought, “We can stay at home for two weeks. I need to catch up on Netflix anyway. No problem!” But in much of the world, weeks have turned to months, and God alone knows how things will continue to unfold, along with all the answers to so many tough questions.

 

God has taken our training wheels off, and now we'll see if we can ride this bicycle without quite as much assistance. We are officially kicked out of our Comfort Zone.

 

As hard as it is, I see good things coming out of this. We have to acknowledge and care for the weakest among us. It’s not all about me. We have to be intentional to connect. We have to make wise choices to care for our souls.

 

There are incredibly good resources online. I'm being encouraged and strengthened by outstanding content being made available affordably and conveniently. Sermons, webinars, podcasts, audiobooks, online retreats, virtual learning, so much great input.

 

God keeps opening doors for ministry. He is not quarantined. We are no longer limited by location. Men and women are coming to our Tuesday night Bible study from Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Florida, Illinois, New Hampshire, Hawaii, Canada, and Australia. I am able to bring pastors’ wives together on Thursdays for soul care from across the US and other countries with without travel, risk, cost, or concerns about weather conditions. And we can do it all on our couch in our pajamas!

 

It's all I can offer personally right now since I’m very high risk and caring for a 90-year-old mother. Through Psalm One Ministries, we are trying to put teaching, training, and tools in the hands of men and women who are struggling to handle the challenges of 2020 in a way that honors Christ.

 

It's hard. We're all grieving. We’ve all lost something. It's not the same. The cancelations are so disappointing. The restrictions are incredibly frustrating. I am so eager for our next Day of Refreshing or Refocus and Refuel Retreat. I hope we can be together soon, face-to-face, freely interacting, hugging, laughing, connecting without any obnoxious masks or intimidating concerns over safety. But for right now, many of us have to love and support one another from afar.

 

I am reminded of a wonderful but long-distance boyfriend. Even though it was hard we had to learn to express our care for each other in a physically-distant way. Many of us still must socially distance. How do we do fellowship in 2020? Get creative. Do what you can. Look for the good. What loaves and fishes can I offer to come alongside others?

 

I keep a running list of people as God brings them to mind. Then I contact them. Call me a dinosaur, but I actually use a telephone to make a voice call. Crazy, I know. Inevitably either they need to talk with me, or I need to hear from them. We must keep seeking God on a vertical level, but we also need to keep seeking connection with one another on a horizontal level.

 

I’ve been helping people come up with a “Gap Plan” to help us “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30), then to love your neighbor as yourself.

 

My own Gap Plan (non-negotiables to keep my heart alive in 2020):

  • Sleep/Rest/sabbath

  • Beauty/creativity/creation/four-legged therapy (Photography as a spiritual exercise for me and a ministry to others)

  • Laughter/joy/play (Rummikub and Ruminations with friends across the globe)

  • Tears/Lament/Unloading (Sunday is Crying Day with mini-meltdowns as needed through the week)

  • Swimming/exercise/exploring

  • Unhurried time with God (plus taking advantage of the incredible content through sermons, books, podcasts, websites, apps, webinars, classes, online retreats, etc. available right now)

 

Please pray for those in ministry. We are making some exceedingly difficult choices. We are coming alongside faithful, wonderful, beloved people who are grieving, fearful, angry, disappointed, lonely, isolated, frustrated, anxious, depressed, antsy, and weary. Everyone has opinions. Most are being incredibly gracious, kind, patient, helpful, understanding, and supportive. Some are impatient, judgmental, and downright combative. We have had to disappoint a lot of people. Some have been heartbroken. Some have been angry. Others have been so happy and appreciative to be together without having to second-guess their risk factor. The pastors I interact with are deeply concerned about the flocks they love. And most are exhausted. Pray for us.

 

Figure out your own Gap Plan as we take the next step in this “long obedience in the same direction.” Praying for you!

 

Much love,

Linda

 

 

 

 

2020. What a year.

2020. What a year. And we’re only halway through! We are living in a time with more questions than answers. We are wrestling with multiple levels of confusion, and conflict. Some of us are struggling with isolation, loneliness, anxiety, depression, anger, and fear. We are all weary. We are all tired of the holding pattern, uncertainty, precautions, restrictions, and best guesses. We are all antsy to return to normal (whatever that means). Can I get an amen?

 

Life looks quite different across the world depending upon your geography, demographics, family situation, and personal dynamics. I have a wide range of friends way to the left and way to the right, ideologically, theologically, and politically. I have been heartbroken by the ugly, judgmental, divisive comments lobbed like grenades from all sides at those who disagree. There are no easy answers in 2020. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to all of our issues.

 

My soul keeps repeating: “From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2)

 

My mind keeps repeating three counter-cultural words: Listen, Peace, Contentment.

 

  • Listen. I can love you and listen to you whether or not we see things the same way. I don’t have to agree in order to listen and love. Listening carefully and respectfully does not equal agreement nor approval. But I will always learn something from listening. My world view is limited. As a wise friend says, “My perspective is always limited. It’s just a matter of where and to what extent.” We don’t know the battles and obstacles people are facing behind their doors. Being heard, truly heard is a powerful, precious gift we can extend to others. No matter what. Listen.

 

  • Peace. The peace of God is always a valid goal. Peace does not mean circumstances are wonderful. Peace does not mean inaction. Peace does not mean exemption from suffering. Peace does not mean unicorns and rainbows. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27) Surpasses all comprehension. Not as the world gives. Have you ever experienced the peace of God in the midst of circumstances that were anything but peaceful? God offers a supernatural, unshakable, inexplicable peace in the middle of our darkest hours, a “hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast”. (Hebrews 6:19)

 

  • Contentment. 2020 has not panned out the way I would like. How about you and your plans? Had any cancellations, disappointments, adjustments in your schedule? Few verses are taken out of context and misused more than Philippians 4:13—"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Back up a little. Look at the context: “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” (Philippians 4:11-12) 4:13 is not a name-it-and-claim-it ticket to be Superman or Wonder Woman. It is about learning the secret of choosing to be content. Even when my plans are crushed. Even when I can’t do the things I wanted, see the people I love, or even live life the way I enjoy. Tough lesson. I’m definitely still learning this one.

 

I must continually choose this posture:

O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty;

Nor do I involve myself in great matters,

Or in things too difficult for me.

Surely I have composed and quieted my soul;

Like a weaned child rests against his mother,

My soul is like a weaned child within me.

O Israel, hope in the LORD

From this time forth and forever.

Psalm 131

 

Praying for all of us as we learn to take each step through the uncertainty, upheaval, and landmines in watchful obedience to the sovereign God of Eternity.

 

Grace and Peace,

Linda

 

Alone Together #18 Step by Step.

Even as I am l released from house arrest and enjoying some renewed freedom, my mindset can best be described as muddled. How do I trust in the Lord and take steps in wisdom? Who do I believe? What does it look like as I attempt to “do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God?” (Micah 6:8, as Jim reminded us last Tuesday)? What does it look like to “to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27)? How do I submit to Christ in me in the midst of a world in upheaval, change, transition, renewal, dissention, fear, anger, splintering, and hopefully healing? Such important questions as the global Church as well as an individual follower of Jesus.

 

My mind goes back to a familiar passage:

 

For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said,

 

"In repentance and rest you will be saved,

In quietness and trust is your strength."

But you were not willing,

And you said, "No, for we will flee on horses,"

Therefore you shall flee!

"And we will ride on swift horses,"

Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift.

One thousand will flee at the threat of one man;

You will flee at the threat of five,

Until you are left as a flag on a mountain top

And as a signal on a hill.

 

Therefore the LORD  longs to be gracious to you,

And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.

For the LORD is a God of justice;

How blessed are all those who long for Him.

 

O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.

(Isaiah 30:15-21)

 

I need this more than ever: “Your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.”

 

Any thought of control we might have is merely an illusion. We must look to the Sovereign One in every step. I am continually reminded that my salvation come from repentance and rest, and my strength comes from quietness and trust. I am looking to my own steps, then walking alongside (paraclete-ing) so many others who are desiring to make choices and walk through this current field of landmines in a way which honors God. This is what Psalm One Ministries is all about.

 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) “I will seek You in the morning and I will learn to walk in Your ways, and step by step You'll lead me, and I will follow You all of my days.” (Rich Mullins)

Much love,

Linda

psalm one ministries

- MASON, Ohio -