The Third Chair
I recall my early days of meeting with a Spiritual Director; often hearing the words, “how do you come?”
“How do I come?!” Who asks such a silly question? I come frazzled, exhausted, confused about what God is doing and why he is doing it. I come wanting an hour to experience God’s presence but I need the help to get there because life is just so chaotic!
That would have been my honest response, but instead, I typically came back with a single, introspective word I thought would please my director. Well, that didn’t last long - the director was not there to be pleased and I was not there to make her happy. Rather, both of us were there to seek the Holy Spirit’s leading, listen for his wisdom, and experience his comfort and guidance. I was on a quest to hear God’s voice and she was there to accompany me on that journey.
Spiritual Direction is a conversation where one person comes alongside the other to help him or her to listen for the words and work of God in their life. Author Gordon Jeff says, “It cannot be said too often and too firmly that the only true director is the Holy Spirit. Direction is two people sitting down together in an attitude of prayer to try to discern where the Holy Spirit is directing.” In Spiritual Direction there are three chairs: one for the director, one for the directee, and a third chair reserved for the Holy Spirit. Spiritual Direction is not about discovering self but rather discovering how and where the Holy Spirit, the occupant of the “third chair”, is leading.
1 Corinthians 2:9-13 says, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him - these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.”
The Holy Spirit searches, knows and reveals the soul of the person who desires to know God, follow him, and understand the depths of his love and the freedom that only he can offer. The Holy Spirit is our comfort, our advocate, and our guide. What a tremendous gift!
Lynette Fuson
Director of Care and Counseling
If you desire to spend time seeking the Lord and listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit with a trained Spiritual Director, contact the Emmanuel Faith Care & Counseling Department and we would be happy to share with you more about Spiritual Direction.
An Invitation to Presence
Make time for the quiet moments as God whispers and the world is loud.
The Holy Spirit was issuing an invitation to me and I didn’t recognize it. Invitations are usually lovely and this one certainly was not. At that time of my life, I was ‘doing’ all the things a believer is to do. I was reading Scripture, serving the Lord, praying, my theology was right, and there was even fruit in the labor. However, the stresses in my life caused me to feel like a parched desert internally; my soul felt dead and hopeless. And that, my brothers and sisters, was the invitation. He had allowed the despair so that I would engage in ‘being’ with the Lord, not depend on the ‘doing’. I needed His Presence but I was too busy ‘doing’ to spend time with Him. I didn’t know my soul needed to be restored, hence the painful loving invitation.
My heart has heard You say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming”. Psalm 27:8 NLT
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
So I began to spend quiet, lengthy times with God at the Spirit’s prompting. Sometimes over scripture, sometimes sitting with Him in creation, sometimes just being quiet, sometimes weeping, often laughing, and always just enjoying His Presence. And the truth of John 14:16-23 began to restore my soul and He showed Himself to me more deeply than ever before.This was the beginning of a very slow continuing journey as God’s transformative work is in my life. However, it has changed my daily walk as I want to live out what Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” I begin each morning asking God to make me aware of His presence, to hear His promptings, to act on His nudges, to pray continually, to walk in obedience, to be grateful, to love, etc., then I rest in the Holy Spirit’s leading. At the end of the day I might ask, “Where did I see You today? What am I most thankful for? What invitations were there? Where was I most aware of Your Presence?” Perhaps it was thanking God for the beautiful sunset, sharing laughter with someone, a word of encouragement or consolation given, a door opening for further conversation, a prayer rendered for someone you know or someone you don’t know, or another nudge you responded to.
Those are lovely times of a growing awareness of His work during this nightly reflection period. These questions can also be asked anytime during the day; perhaps around the dinner table so our children can also experience this ongoing work of the Spirit and begin their own awareness journeys.
So, now the question for each of us is . . . what invitation is the Holy Spirit issuing to you?
Francie Overstreet
Conviction not Condemnation
One summer at camp, some students got busted for sneaking off and smoking pot in the bushes. They might not have been caught except one of them bragged about it to some other kids and his leader overheard. The students were confronted, the paraphernalia was produced, and the truth came out. The camp had a strict no drugs policy so the student’s parents were informed.
All the students were remorseful after learning their punishment was an early trip home courtesy of their own parents, but one student was so upset about his dad finding out that, while his dad was being notified, he took off. It took me a while to find him, but when I did, he wasn’t far from the camp. He was still in tears as he talked about how he didn’t want to face his dad’s wrath. I tried to help this young man see the gospel, telling him how much he was loved and how Jesus showed that love for him by paying for his sins on the cross. The message was making an impact on his spirit, but sadly, it didn’t sink in all the way. He hugged me wailing in tears, crying out, “Oh, the things I’ve done, if you only knew the terrible things I’ve done.” As much as I tried to explain to him how Jesus knew those things and his sacrifice cleansed those things, he refused to place his trust in Jesus that day.
Paul shared a vision of what can happen through the public proclamation of truth in the church. “But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.” 1 Cor 14:24-25
Sadly, this student did not move past condemnation to worship. He wouldn’t look past himself to God. Rom 8:1-2 teaches, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
This student’s story reminds me of Judas. After agreeing to betray Jesus and being paid to do the deed, Jesus, knowing about it all, still washed his feet and offered him bread in fellowship (John 13.) Judas later realizes that he messed up, the Holy Spirit is working on his heart, but rather than conviction leading to repentance, he only experiences condemnation leading to suicide (Matt 27:1-5.)
In condemnation, people can’t get their eyes off of themselves to see Jesus. This is one of our enemy’s greatest ploys. Plant the lie that even God couldn’t love you. It is a lie. The Holy Spirit does not condemn, he convicts of sin so a person can see God’s love and worship in response.
John Riley
Jr. High Ministry Pastor
Empowered
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Ephesians 3:16-17 (NIV)
We recently acquired a vintage VW bug named Harriet. She is 52 years old, a little quirky, and is not fuel-injected. If I turn the key on, the starter turns the engine over, but not much else happens. However, if I pump the accelerator twice and then crank the engine, Harriet springs to life with a roar and with a little more gas settles into that pleasing VW purr. I thought about Harriet when thinking about the Holy Spirit’s power. As believers, we know we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, and we know about His gifts. But do we know how to tap into the power of the Spirit? Do we turn on the key each day and just let the Holy Spirit sit in our hearts and never really experience the power He wants to give us? Or do we pump the accelerator through prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to show us how to use our gifts? And then do we add a little more gas and ask for opportunities and practice obedience?
I love the thunder and lightning storms we sometimes have, they are powerful. Then there are the storms on our journey of life that the Holy Spirit can help us weather when we tap into His power. He is a person, not a mere force. We know this from John 14:16, where Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper — intercessor, advocate — to be with you forever.” I am your first Helper, Jesus says, and the Father will send you “another Helper.” Just as you have known me as your personal Helper, you will know him. And he is no mere human Person. For he is the Spirit of God. Why would we not seek Him with all our hearts and all our strength? How?
Meditate on (pray and study) Scripture (Ephesians 5:18-19, Colossians 3:16)
Obey what you have heard and believed
Desire all that God is and has for you (Psalm 42:1–2).
Expect His nudges and take action
Seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady said, "Don't withstand the storm, be the storm." He was talking about being a storm on the football field. I don't know about you, but I want the Holy Spirit's power or storm to surge through me. I want Him to fill me up and pour me out to bring Him glory.
Prayer today: Father, we want to be Your empowered storm, help us put the pedal to the metal and let the Spirit ignite the sparks in us of proclaiming truth, encouraging people, and bringing You glory. We want to experience the fullness of Your Spirit in and through us and have an unquenchable thirst for Your presence and power. Amen
Deb Hill
Peace
These last few weeks we’ve been talking about the gifts of the spirit in the context of the church, prophecy, tongues, etc. But we know He interacts with us individually too. This week of devotionals we’re looking at the roles the Holy Spirit plays in our individual lives.
Peace is a very interesting thing because we only really recognize it when it’s thrown in contrast with stress, worry, or fear. This world offers plenty of trouble of near-infinite variety so we get plenty of chances to see peace do its awesome work.
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:26-27
Peace is the deep conviction that things are as they ought to be and the Father is perfectly in control despite whatever mess we’re in. This kind of conviction is a function of the faith authored and perfected by the Spirit within us. Peace is no respecter of circumstance and it’s the ultimate bane of fear.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
When we interact with the Father in earnest conversation, our fears are traded for peace. Our faith is stoked as a fire before our Father, and confidence and a deep joy is the glorious result. Peace protects us, it safeguards our well-being in every way… except the physical.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Peace undermines the power, and the all consuming-ness of our here-and-now problems and gives us a stillness to weather whatever life has in store for us. As Christians, we are spectacularly equipped to live any sort of life. Peace is given freely, we simply have to take it and then go back for more.
Jonathan Duncan
True Worship Hits Different
One of the things I love about being a teacher is getting to see my students every day. What makes this so special is that at key times in the year, I usually get opportunities to speak truth over them; these moments I absolutely relish, as they can only happen if I see students often.
However, last year was such a rough year that, at the end of it, it dawned on me that I hadn't really conveyed I loved them. Most of the year was spent critiquing them, getting frustrated and managing their behavior, so I barely had any chances to say encouraging or praiseworthy things to them.
But near the end of the spring, God began to help me soften toward them. While there were no major turning points or radical changes that happened, he started giving me a bit more patience, a bit more grit, and a desire to communicate how much I loved them. So, several weeks before the school year ended, I wrote my students a letter. I poured my heart and soul into, and was not only brutally honest about how much they’d hurt me, but also told them, despite how hurt I was, I still loved them, and would never stop rooting for them. Beforehand, I prayed and prayed that God would use me to show them his love despite all my mistakes that year.
When I read the letter on the last day of school, you could hear a pin drop. Afterward, their shining eyes said it all. My hope and prayer is when they look back at that day and remember that class period they think, “Something she said hit differently. Something so good and lovely it seems too good to be true.”
This is similar to what Paul says people new to the church should think when attending a church service. When the believers in attendance seek to meet God there and speak truth authentically in love during their worship, these newcomers can’t help but walk away encouraged, convinced that what they experienced was God doing something powerful and real because it hit differently. And they will want more.
Ashley Carr
High School Teacher
How Do You Walk?
“I don’t see how you walk any differently than me. I’ve been watching you all week and I just don’t see it.” It was more of a question than a statement, but I had to sit there for a minute trying to figure out what she was saying. What did she mean? Then it dawned on me, I had been using the phrase “Christian walk” all week and this 3rd grader had no idea what I meant. She thought I was talking about the way we literally walk with two feet as Christians. Oh my goodness, I had unintentionally distracted this girl all week from the saving message of Jesus because I veered off course and used some well-meaning Christian lingo. I began to wonder how many other little summer campers I had distracted. Being a camp counselor at a Christian summer camp where you teach kids how to ride horses and dirt bikes and teach them about Jesus is amazing! Best summer job ever! But it also comes with great responsibility. I was reminded that summer that Jesus’ message is simple. It doesn’t need any well-meaning lingo or fancy words. His word is alive and active and able to be understood just as it is all by itself.
I think sometimes we feel like we need to “help” make the message of Jesus easier to understand. Or maybe we need to adapt things so the message can be accepted more freely. But you know what? It’s the Holy Spirit that opens the heart to hear and understand. It isn’t us. We are merely messengers. God doesn’t need us to interpret for Him. He just needs us to share His message of love and truth. In 1 Corinthians 14:16, we are reminded, “Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying?” Paul is referring to people speaking in tongues but I think we can make an argument that whether it’s speaking in tongues or speaking in Christian lingo Jesus’ message can get lost in translation. In verse 19 Paul continues by saying, “But in the church, I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue,” That’s a good reminder.
I’m so grateful for the power of the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of listeners. We are called to be messengers as we love and serve. I pray God gives us wisdom and insight in how to best love and share His truth. Whether it’s in word or deed may we all act in the way of Jesus with the heart of Jesus.
Blessings as you love and serve with great purpose,
Bonnie Nichols
Women’s Ministry Specialist
But, If All Prophecy
What would it be like if all the speaking people did at church was prophecy? Paul explained in 1 Cor. 14:3 that “the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.” Then in verse 24, he suggests that “all” speaking in the church could be prophecy.
If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. – 1 Cor 14:23-25
What would this look like if practiced at Emmanuel Faith? Currently, we have the voice of the Lead Pastor and occasionally another voice from the front proclaiming truth. Yet Paul writes, “but if all prophesy,” and “he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all.” Oftentimes, our conversations with others at church are about the regular things of life and we shy away from getting too honest or approaching deeper issues. Is this because time is short and we have lunch to get to? Is this because we don’t really want to know about the tough things the people around us are going through? Is it because we don’t want to do the work of investing in and helping each other? Is it because we fear seeming judgmental or coming across as off-putting? These are all real considerations, but if our focus is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort then we should not come across as harsh, but rather as caring if we are willing to take the time.
Pray about and offer up your willingness to be one of the ALL of our church helping convict and call to account those in our midst so they might worship God and see his presence in our church.
John Riley
Jr. High Pastor
Glossolalia
I remember being at the Urbana Mission Conference in 1996. I have so many great memories of God working powerfully including one memory that was shocking for a kid from EFCC. After the last session, one night, myself and my roommate were with about 10 other college-age guys worshiping, sharing, and hanging out. One of the guys asked for prayer, so we came together and everyone put a hand on his shoulder or back. As we took turns praying, three of the guys started speaking in languages that I did not recognize and were getting louder and louder as they talked over each other. I wasn’t sure what to do, but my friend and I both gave each other a look to see if we were both hearing this. Here is my point, tongues in that context was not a big deal, it was confusing to the rest of us though.
I think this is what Paul was getting at in 1 Corinthians 14. The gift of tongues is really special but also needs some guidance, especially in the context of a worship gathering. We come to worship so God can work in our hearts and the collective heart of the church, but if we elevate ourselves too highly we can miss the work of the Spirit in the gathering.
A couple of points from this chapter are important for us to understand: 1) Speaking in tongues is one way to communicate with God (not always to other people, v. 2: 2). Tongues is mostly an individual edifying gift (v. 4: 3). Tongues need an interpretation or message to benefit the body of believers (v 4: 6). Paul spoke in tongues and understood the benefit well (v. 18), he also cared more about the unity and edification of the whole group (v. 19). Why is this important? Because connecting with God individually and collectively is vital for the church today.
How do you communicate with God? Do you just say whatever comes to your mind? Do you thoughtfully unpack all the thoughts and emotions of the day and give God a summary or list? Do you sometimes groan and let God work things out without words? Do you desire to communicate with God in a way you actually understand what he is doing? Understanding and communicating with God, so he can hold the right place in our life, needs to be our overwhelming desire.. Regardless of how you view this gift, can you spend a little time with the Lord talking to Him, asking him to reveal his love for you, asking him to help you understand what is in front of you, or even asking him for a gift if you need it? Thanks for listening, praying for you all.
If you would like an interesting perspective from Max Lucado, here you go…
https://churchleaders.com/news/433857-speaking-in-tongues-max-lucado-prayer-time.html
Jeremy Johnson
Family Ministries Pastor
My God is so BIG!
Years ago I had the privilege of leading worship for kids Sunday School and one of the greatest joys was watching the passion these little ones would express as they sang out words of praise they believed with all their hearts. They would raise their hands and flex their arms as they called out, “My God is so BIG, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do!” They had the faith of children and the idea of a “big” God sounded both exciting and secure. Sadly many adults would have a hard time saying the same. At what point does faith and the reality of God’s bigness begin to wane?
One of the biggest errors we are tempted to make as followers of Christ is limiting God. Because, as human beings we are finite, we have a hard time grasping the concept that God is infinite. So we put parameters around his promises and set up boundaries that bind us to a particular way of thinking. Before you feel offended, let me just say, this is natural. Human beings experience hurt and confusion which cause them to doubt. We thrive on consistency, boundaries and rules. But God is anything but natural. He is supernatural and longs for us to perceive and embrace his mighty power, his majesty, his grandeur! When we embrace God for who he actually is, the possibilities are limitless!
In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul tells us to eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. Verse 3 says, “But the one who prophesies speaks for people for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.” Earlier in chapter 1 he confirms the ongoing presence and power of spiritual gifts throughout a believer's life. Verse 7 says, “Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.” Spiritual gifts are not one-and-done. The Spirit continues to gift believers when, in faith, they ask! Why wouldn’t a loving father who desires that his children have everything they could possibly need continue to provide gifts that will allow them to strengthen, encourage, and comfort their brothers and sisters? Luke 11:13 clearly states, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
What are you asking the Lord for today? Could it be a gift you see in others that has impacted your own life? Could it be prophecy; the ability to speak forth strength, encouragement, and comfort into the lives of others? Our God is BIG and he is able to do immeasurably beyond what we ask or imagine! Don’t allow your human finiteness to limit you from experiencing your great God!
Lynette Fuson
Care & Counseling Director