Continuing the Conversation with God Gives Us Confidence

Welcome to De-Commissioned, a place for former members of the Great Commission movement (aka GCM, GCC, GCAC, GCI, the Blitz) to discuss problems they've experienced in the association's practices and theology.

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[Janet Easson Martin]

Building Our Defense Against False Teaching

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

It seems the most effective defense against False Teaching is getting to know and being confident in our True God. Finding out what His Word says about Him. God IS love. That is how he teaches, gives, helps, guides, corrects, and matures us. So many Psalms describe David’s (& others) recognition of his real character, his heart. Keeping a list of facts about Him that He shares when we read His Truth helps us dispel distancing lies we were persuaded to believe. What you really believe about God is everything! It’s your peace, your joy, your satisfaction, your security, your pleasure, your patience, your hope; or lack of it.

Knowing the reality of what God has truly done for us is paramount to the gratitude we feel and offer in return. We must really know the infinite offering and the righteousness eternally won for us. We have to face the utter helplessness of ourselves to keep God’s commands on our own. We must learn instead though difficultly the great sufficiency of our savior, and his empowering Holy Spirit. The unveiling of this abundant life is available only through our dependence on him in both celebration and disappointment; and the divine life about to be poured out when we are crushed. He really is The Father of Compassion.

As we dwell on these truths, we will recognize the false teachings that rail against Jesus’ true character and those of his children. As we actively pursue an ongoing relationship with Jesus, we will start to recognize those who don’t possess his familiar character of Grace and Truth.

With the offense of real knowledge of his essence and the true empowerment of leaning into Him, we will learn to recognize false “impressions” of Him and His Teaching.

[Janet Easson Martin]

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

[Janet Easson Martin]

A family we are close to has young children we adore. We like to bring little gifts to them when we get a chance to visit. This time one of the children happened to get their gift before the other. So, the other ended up having to wait a little longer which was probably trying. When we finally saw the second child they were eagerly awaiting their present. Not being in their young shoes, we just wanted to enjoy their company for a few moments first. But they were quite naturally focused on their awaited “prize,” more than conversation, hugs, or cuddles at the time.

I thought to myself, “That’s sometimes how I am with God.” I am so focused on the “answer” to what I want, I miss his offering to just be in his presence - to just relish his company. It was a picture to me of how he longs to just be with me, enjoy my smiles toward him, receive my “hugs” of worship. It reminded me how he wants to securely assure and embrace me, to tenderly speak to me, and simply satisfy me with his love.

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Zephaniah 3:17


Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Psalm 90:14

[Janet Easson Martin]

Pouring Out Our Broken Heart to God

Leads to Being Comforted by Him

Like most people, I have experienced disappointment and suffering in my life. In fact, if one hasn’t gone through some type of physical, emotional, or mental pain in their lives they might just be too young yet.

I’m not sure how close I would be to God without it. I may have ignored him far too long had everything been painless. My closest times with God seemed to be in the midst of trouble and pain, and even failure. My most cherished promises from God came out of times of desperation. Perhaps my most “effective” ministry came out of times of fear.

There is no substitute for drawing near to God in the midst of trouble. It the most comforting, assuring, peace-filling living that is to be had. He sticks closer than a brother. He is husband to the widow. A Father to the orphan. He is a Friend to the lonely. He is a Refuge to the fearful.

Pouring our broken hearts to God is an invitation to unload our great burden to the One who longs to comfort us.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.    Selah

Psalm 62:8

The following is a daily devotional of hope to those crushed by disappointment and suffering:


Let Your Pain Draw You Nearer to God - Pastor Rick Warren

https://pastorrick.com/let-your-pain-draw-you-nearer-to-god/

[Janet Easson Martin]

EVEN IN OUR MESS

Sometimes God speaks to us through our circumstances.

Praise you, Lord, for never giving up on us, your children, even when we are not so kind. Thank you for your mercy, and loving kindness which is new every morning.

When I was feeling worn out from long and challenging days I sadly chose reliance on myself today, and was pridefully stubborn. It was not going well; and I was playing “Wordle” at the same time WHEN there was one blank letter at the beginning of the correct letters and places I-E-L-D for the correct 5-letter Word. What was it if it wasn’t F -IELD, OR W -IELD? Then, when I realized that blank was a Y for YIELD. Oh my!!  This was not an accident. I suddenly realized it was a perfectly timed “Word” for me from heaven. The LIGHT upon my path that would deliver me and those involved from further consequences.

Perhaps when we are not paying enough attention to His direction through the scriptures or we just need further confirmation on our path, God uses circumstances to speak to us. I should probably muse over that word and all it’s implications in my life right now in this season. It will likely keep me from things I will much regret later.

Praise you, Father, for communicating for with me, your child, rather than leave me helpless in a mess.

The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease,
for his compassions never fail.

Lamentations 3:23

[Linda]

I am sorry you are going through long and challenging days, how amazing that God can speak through "Wordle".

I friend who is also going through some challenging days also found encouragement coming from Wordle. It was the day the word was "story" and she got it in three guesses, but the first two guesses, and the word story created an encouraging phrase. Of course, now I can't remember the phrase, but I thought that was such a sweet thing.

Also, wield and field were my first two guesses and it took me a long time before I even remembered the word "yield". I guess yielding is the last thing I think about! Thanks for the encouragement, Janet. Praying for you.

[Janet Easson Martin]

Thank you, Linda. I certainly didn’t play it to seek God’s still quiet voice there, likely the same as your friend. But, I know it was Him because my flesh was in a tizzy nearing disastrous results at that very time, and that got my attention to stop going down that path by yielding to Him (though my flesh did not want to). When “signs” come from circumstances I feel peace receiving them when they agree with scripture and fit with what He is speaking to me in my time alone in His Word with Him.

I think he is guiding us more than we often realize.

[Janet Easson Martin]

Continuing the Conversation with God Gives Us Hope

Don’t Give Up

I have known some very devoted believers whose faith faltered. Prior to this, their faith was contagious. They shed God’s light in so many places. They walked with God for years. They endured difficulties. Then, they were greatly wounded by rebellious and errant leaders and their loyal followers they had once considered as family. It shocked them. For a few more years they continued to attend and serve in church. The disappointment and hurt they carried; and seeming quietness of God’s response took a toll on them. It rocked their faith so much that they eventually felt as if they were just going through the motions of Christianity. Their hunger for God and their passion to serve Him was severely waning. Their relationship with him robotic. They painfully gave up on faith for awhile. But today, their faith has been restored.

We could all find ourselves in this place, being so disillusioned and with the ugly or abusive behavior of other believers (especially in leadership) that we are tempted to disclude God in our lives, and even give up on Him altogether. That’s what Satan’s ultimate plan is, to steal our faith. Then, we are no threat to him.

The Apostle Paul knew the devil had constantly attacked him to take away his faith. That’s why he was so exuberant to declare near the end of his days, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.” It seems Paul understood that keeping one’s eternal life was a sealed matter (upon believing the gospel), but keeping one’s present-active-faith was a continual choice.

The wonderful thing is we have been given very great and PRECIOUS PROMISES to choose to believe in order to experience overflowing joy and peace (God longs for us to have). Even when we find it hard to stir up faith ourselves, he offers us such compassionate help if we will let go of our failures and trust Him to work in us. Here are two of my “goto” favorites when my failures or disappointments overwhelm me:

For the Lord will surely comfort you, and have compassion on all your ruins.
He will make your deserts like Eden, your wastelands like the kind garden of the Lord.
Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.

Isaiah 51:3



I will heal their waywardness
    and love them freely,
    for my anger has turned away from them.
I will be like the dew to Israel;
    he will blossom like a lily.
Like a cedar of Lebanon
    he will send down his roots;
    his young shoots will grow.
His splendor will be like an olive tree,
    his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.

Hosea 14:4-6

Don’t give up on trusting God.

[Janet Easson Martin]

Continuing the Conversation With God

More Than Meets Our Needs

Today was busy with tasks and appointments. Like many other days, I got behind because I set out to do more than is realistic. Lately, I seem to be too preoccupied with all my busyness to even talk with God very much. But, I kept sensing I should stop and pray about a project we were pursuing.

Anyhow, we were having someone come to give us an estimate and consultation on some work. I had already talked to them on the phone and felt there was something special about them. Almost like a “God-connection.” I really looked forward to meeting them today in person and conversing more. I had only prayed a little about this possible endeavor of ours. As I hurriedly prepared things needed for our meeting, God nudged me to pray more intentionally about it as I got ready. I ask Him for things I would not naturally do, so I needed His help. Also gave to him any future there might be with this new person.

It wasn’t until after they left that I realized and was kind of surprised that I really did have the needed ability to do my part with our meeting. I was SO tickled that my Heavenly Father answered those exact things. Not only that, but this project manager was just as delightful as they sounded over the phone and even more so in person. Then, I queried them about how they got started in this field. We were both startled and excitedly surprised to learn we had worked in exactly the same very small office with exactly the same people (possibly only months apart). We recalled all kinds of things including the likable and close-knit personalities of that office. It was really fun for us who were in our sixties to recall and reminisce about this shared history in our twenties.

Whoosh! Wow! Thank you, Lord, for gloriously reminding me today how delightful our days can be when we stop and talk and give our plans to you. You always supply way more than meets our needs. Oh, thank you. Love you, Lord.

[Janet Easson Martin]

Child, talk to Me... I am your FATHER In Heaven

I AM your help.  
I AM your deliverer.
I AM your refuge.
I AM your peace.  
I AM your sound mind.
I AM your strength.  
I AM your power.  
I AM your abundant and eternal life.  
I AM your joy.  
I AM your shield.  
I AM your song.  
I AM the lover of your soul.
I AM your bridegroom.
I AM your brother.
I AM the light, in whom there is no darkness.

I AM The Beginning and The End.

[Janet Easson Martin]

Continuing the Conversation with God
 Helps Us Be in Rhythm with The Spirit

Pray continually.

“... what if prayer was so much more?

More than our lists.
More than talking over our day.
More than addressing some far-off deity.

What if prayer were more like breathing?  ...breathing is essential to our lives. It is something that provides life and vitality...

What if prayer were like that? I think this is essentially what Paul is getting at when he tells the followers of Jesus in Thessalonica to "pray continually." I doubt that he was telling them to walk around continually with their heads bowed and eyes closed. Rather, I think he was inviting them to see prayer as a connection, as a way of living and breathing, a way of being connected to and communing with the Creator.
. . .
I wonder if prayer is like that - equal parts exhaling and inhaling. The Scriptures are filled with people who exhaled, people who, from the depths of their souls, spoke words of honesty to God. Frustration. Doubt. Anxiety. Anger. Joy. Sorrow. Pain. Disappointment. Hope. Fear. Dreams. Brokenness. Just take some time to read through Psalms and you'll see these kinds of emotions and many more. Historically, the people of God knew one thing for certain: God is big enough for our emotions, good or bad. He knows about them anyway, so why not tell Him honestly?

The Scriptures are also filled with people who inhaled, people who sought for the Creator God to fill them with His presence, His goodness, with peace and wholeness. They sought God to fill their beings with His, to allow His Spirit to dwell with theirs. By inhaling, they were seeking to have their lives be more in rhythm with the way and life of God.

Take a few minutes today to breathe, really breathe. Allow yourself to inhale and exhale, to pray to God your Creator.

What do you need to exhale to God? What do you need to inhale?” *


* The previous excerpt is from an article titled “Prayer as Breathing” by Mike DeVries from Crosswalk. The bold emphasis is mine.

What if we thought of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 as

Talk to Me and seek Me throughout your day

Link to: “Prayer as Breathing” by Mike DeVries - Crosswalk

https://www.crosswalk.com/church/worship/prayer-as-breathing-11554942.html

[Janet Easson Martin]

“Helplessness, not holiness,
is the first step to accessing the presence of God.”

- Tim Keller

[Janet Easson Martin]

 

You are altogether beautiful, my darling,

And there is no blemish in you.


Song of Soloman 4:7

I dare you to mull over that thought of Jesus toward you for just 30 minutes and see if it doesn’t change your view of yourself and others. Try thinking about it once every 30 minutes or so for most of the day and see if it doesn’t change your attitude, behavior and your outlook toward your present future. It is how God sees us in Christ. Hear a similar thought in the New Testament, “we are holy and blameless in his sight.” This is the stunning beauty of the gospel. Trusting it actively causes the believer to live in the glory of God —his sins blotted out and himself ENOUGH for God’s complete acceptance.

[Janet Easson Martin]

If you can listen to the first ten minutes of this marvelous description of hearing God speak to you in a stunningly personal way as he divinely shines his light on a portion of scripture to meet your very need; it will open a perspective of a much more satisfying relationship with a living book than merely reading the Bible to check off your “Devotion Time.”

Ms. Shirer talks about believing and expecting God to speak to you, and it has nothing to do with how many boxes you’ve checked off. She explains how we have so many “messes” we spend our time trying to fix, but making time to listen to God in his living Word will actually untangle them. Here is YouTube video:



Priscilla Shirer: Learn to Hear from God through his word! / TBN
https://youtu.be/B5zYZ8v2-Ng

[Janet Easson Martin]

This music is so filled with the Spirit!!  It seems alive, not flat entertainment. It can turn your heart to worship. True ministry to The Church. No wonder Brandon Lake won so many awards at the K-LOVE ceremony recently.

In case you missed it, another VERY healing worship song by them (& Kirk Franklin) is “Fear is Not My Future.”


Talking to Jesus - Elevation Worship/Maverick City Music/Brandon Lake

https://youtu.be/OXsxw1fRHMA

[Janet Easson Martin]

This blog post on our emotions is both refreshing and comforting. The author speaks of our emotions as an opportunity to talk personally with God about them; and how He changes our heart through our conversation with Him. I keep hearing more and more good things about Westminster College of which the author is a graduate; along with Diane Langberg and Sarah Young.



Engaging Our Emotions, Engaging With God - Alasdair Groves, CCEF

https://www.ccef.org/engaging-our-emotions-engaging-god/

[Janet Easson Martin]

What a great and humble God we serve! He is so sweet and gentle to His lambs. He has found me again and again and has covered all of my wounds with ointment. Until I am face to face with Him, I will strive to take my pains to Him and let the tears of my hurts flow freely in prayer, knowing and believing that on that magnificent day He will wipe them all away with His own hands. Thank you for all of the thoughtful posts. It is so comforting for me to know that I wasn't crazy with all of the things that I have experienced.

... I am growing closer to the Lord since I left [GCx]. I think that is important to mention here. I am glad I left. It was difficult for me to leave, but the reward of knowing my Lord Jesus more and a clearer picture of who He is now makes it all worthwhile.

-MarthaH,   2010

[jordan1984]

Guess what?! I am finally starting to find my voice again. For the first time since leaving GCx, I can properly label what happened to me. I was a victim of abuse, control, manipulation, and slander. For so long, I thought what was happening to me was divine justice. That I was being punished for my sins. But no amount of sin makes spiritual abuse ok. You robbed me of 10 years of loving the Lord. You stole MY story and told it as if it were your own - through slander. Well, I am here to say that I am taking my story back. And am hoping that the Lord will ‘restore the years that the locusts have eaten.’ You made it so hard to trust people, to trust God, to trust my own ability to discern the character of other people. You made me think that you were justified in treating me like garbage. You weaponized forgiveness and in your desperation tried to keep me within your control. I am calling you out for what you did, because it needs to be properly labeled for what it is. And in doing so, now I can move on, heal, and have hope. This is my encouragement to anyone who is hurting. Whatever happened to you - make sure it’s labeled properly.
Hopeful, J.T.

[margaret]

jordan1984, it looks like you're on a good and healthy journey. I'm happy for you. It certainly takes time to unpack it all.

[Huldah]

Hi, Jordan. I'm glad you're recovering from the things that were done to you. I hope it helps to know that you're not alone in the journey. One of the saddest things about spiritual abuse is that the target of the abuse is the one who ends up feeling guilty, at least at first. Realizing what was really going on--that you were targeted for coercion and control by people who didn't have your interests at hear, who only claimed to be acting on behalf of the Lordt--is the first step toward freedom.