When Back Leads to New

Kolleen Lucariello always surprises me with her out of the box thinking and spiritual insights. In this Spiritual Growth UPGRADE, she asks us to consider what might happen if God sends us "back to" in order to bring us to an "experience of new.""When I consider going back to something I have viewed it as regression," Kolleen said. "It’s an odd phenomenon for me when going back leads to new."

I (Dawn) pondered this post. I asked God, where do I need to go back, Lord? Then I realized God had already taken me back several times. He took me back to a place of abuse to give me new freedom in forgiveness. He took me back to a place of shame to give me a greater sense of His strength, mercy, and grace. This is a powerful message. Ponder it.

Kolleen continues . . .

• We send our children back to school to experience a new year.
• I personally, had to go back to traumatic spaces in therapy to experience a new perspective of my identity.
• The life of Moses is a great example of how going back to can lead to an experience of new.

After years of oppression in Egypt, Moses’ birth announcement comes at a time when the law of the land is death to any Hebrew baby boy at birth. He’s saved because his mother placed him in a basket and sent him floating down the Nile. He is discovered by the daughter of the man who made the awful law.

She sent him back to his birth mother to experience life as an Israelite. When he was old enough, his birth mother sent him back to Pharoah’s daughter to experience a new life as her son—an Egyptian.

Eventually, those two identities would become incompatible, and Moses would commit an act of murder against an Egyptian to protect the life of a Hebrew.

This feels a bit treasonous. After all, Moses spent more years living as an Egyptian than as a Hebrew. But, when the news became public, he was a man on the run.

Eventually, Moses would be minding his own business as a shepherd tending to the flock of his father-in-law.

Until the day when Moses came to Horeb, the mountain of God, and God introduced himself.

“You’re the man I’m looking for, Moses! I’m going to send you back to Egypt so my people can experience a new unoppressed life.”

Of course, this is the Kolleen paraphrase and there is much more to be read of the story; however, this example shows us that God is not opposed to sending someone back to what we’ve been running from if it will assist another to experience the new.

Yet, after God’s explanation, Moses expressed some self-doubt—fear, perhaps?

“Who am I?” Moses asked.

Who was he? Was he a Hebrew? Was he an Egyptian? Was he a shepherd?

Did he have any memory from his earliest beginnings? Or had he blocked those days of his birth family?

Regardless, God knew who he was, and Moses needed to know who God was.

“I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6, NIV, emphasis mine).

God was taking Moses back to his roots, but first Moses would go back to Egypt for a new experience within Egypt. While in Egypt, God would give Moses a new experience with the people of his ethnicity and, together, they would go back to the mountain of God.

I’ve been shaken to the core by a loss of identity. And like Moses, I needed to go back to the place I had been running from and allow God to do a bit of cleanup so I could come out and experience something new.  

My years within my own "personal Egypt" had diminished my identity and God needed to send me back to the foundation of my faith to reestablish and reaffirm the truth of my identity.

My parents laid a foundation of faith, but I spent a few years running from it. The Lord led me back to the church where my own faith was established. God used this time to challenge my mischaracterization of His identity and I began a new experience with Him. 

Never discount what God can do by taking you back to your foundation of faith.

God isn’t afraid to dismantle what is cracked or was poorly laid and reveal His true nature.

When God identified Himself, “Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God” (Exodus 3:6b).

When fear and shame from my time in Egypt turned my face away from God, He led me back to the Cross, and I began a new experience with forgiveness and Truth.

What's YOUR Back to the New?

Does God want to do some cleanup in your life? When He instructs us to go back to the root or our "personal Egypt," remember, He’s not asking us to settle there again.

Too often we believe we are the sum of every mistake. That’s not how God sees us.

What’s really cool to me about Moses’ story is that God would add one more title to his identity.

When Moses wondered, "Who am I?"—A Hebrew? An Egyptian? A Shepherd?—I can almost hear God whisper, “You have been every single one, Moses. But now you are “My servant, Moses” (Numbers 12:7).

Where might God ask you to go back to so He can lead you into the new?

Kolleen Lucariello, the  #TheABCGirl, is the author of #beYou: Change Your Identity One Letter at a Time, and is the Co-Director of Activ8Her, Inc. She is passionate to help every woman realize her identity in Christ and live accordingly. Kolleen and her hubby, Pat, make their home in Central New York. She's the mom of three grown children and Mimi to six incredible grands. For more informaiton about Kolleen, visit speakkolleen.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Openicons at Pixabay.

The Tooth Fairy or the Holy Spirit?

Joy Elben is a gifted interior designer and writer who battles physical issues with grace and joy. In this Joy UPGRADE, she reminds us there is real joy that is solid and secure—not from circumstances, but from the Holy Spirit who indwells us.

“Joy can feel like an ever-elusive concept, like the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny or the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow,” she said.

“We quest after, wish for, and chase down the peace and contentment that it brings.”

Oh, I (Dawn) have been down that elusive trail to happiness, and it does not compare to the joy I have now. Joy explains this so well.

Joy continues . . .

If joy, by its very definition, is characterized by great pleasure and happiness, well-being and delight, then it stands to reason that we want to be in pursuit of such a trait.

Honestly now, we all desire that. I know that I do!

While writing for an upcoming publication a few years ago, I asked my husband to play a quick word association game with me. I would say a word and he would tell me the word that came immediately to mind. For example: milk and cookies or peanut butter and jelly.

When I produced the word “identity,” the first word that came to his mind was “theft.”

I laughed because I was certain that as a seasoned pastor, he would share some deep insightful anecdotes on which I could elaborate. Instead, I received an image of an RIFD* wallet meant to ward off identity theft.

I then came to love the idea.

In September of 2019, our family was gifted the opportunity to go to the Middle East on a mission/humanitarian trip, and the first thing I did was buy an RFID cover for our passports.

It was made apparent to us that identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, and in a moment, can devastatingly damage, if not ruin, your credit and sense of security.

It can take years to recover and restore what had always belonged to you in the first place.

Think about it, the enemy would love nothing more than to steal from us the joy of an identity rooted in who we are as a child of God.

Just as a thief stealthily comes to steal your identity replacing it with another, so the Deceiver will try to replace the truth that you are eternally whole and secure with the lie that you need to look for significance or individuality in temporal trappings.

The Bible is in fact our RFID protection against such robbery.

It is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of Truth. It is there to remind you of who you are; thus, being the ultimate protection from identity theft.

When we know Whose we are, our joy is secure.

Joy is different than happiness.

The world would have us on an endless search for the next thing that will fulfill our longing for contentment.

Fundamentally, however, we all know that feelings of happiness can be elusive and fleeting. They dissipate like the fog as the sun beats down upon the beach in the heat of the day. It’s gone just as surely as it was there, but the biblical definition of joy goes so much deeper than that.

What is True, Biblical Joy?

1. True, Biblical Joy Comes from the Holy Spirit.

You will find that biblical joy can be a contstant and non-transient companion through the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.

How sweet it is to know that joy, because it is a fruit of the spirit, is a natural manifestation of the Holy Spirit in me:

But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy . . . . (Galatians 5:22).

It isn’t up to me to conjure up a feeling of happiness, but rather it is a result of walking with the Lord and growing in my faith.

2. True, Biblical Joy Is Grounded in the God of Hope.

True joy has staying power that can abide through the harshest of rays and the darkest of days because it is grounded in the assurance that Jesus is our source of joy, peace, hope, and confidence, as seen in Romans 15:13:

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

3. True, Biblical Joy Carries Us Through Difficulties.

The God of the universe is our rock and salvation. Due to this truth, we can live in an abiding state of joy despite experiencing legitimate and deep sorrow or uncertainty in our circumstances and trials.

The writer of Psalms knew the reality of this truth as he penned:

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:1).

I surely look forward to the “forevermore” promised in the Psalms, but for now I rest in His faithfulness, knowing that He knows what is best and can be trusted with life’s unknowns.

Joy in the Lord is greater than anything the world can offer.

Are you searching for your source of joy and strength outside of the standard of the character of Jesus? If so, take a moment to examine what you are trying to control. Can you visualize yourself handing your circumstances over to God?

Joy Elben, born and raised in sunny, San Diego, California, grew up at and later served at Shadow Mountain Community Church and Turning Point Ministries. She then journeyed alongside her husband to Forest Home Christian Camps, in the picturesque setting of Ojai, California. After two years in this beautiful setting Joy and her family relocated to Georgia and learned a new normal in the sweet, South. Joy has enjoyed speaking opportunities throughout the US and the Middle East. Joy and family currently reside in Southern California. Joy is a pastor's wife, adoptive mom, foster parent, enthusiastic traveler, writer, artist, graphic designer and owner of Joy Elben Design.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Anastasiya Babienko at Pixabay.

* RFID means "radio frequency identification," a form of wireless communication.

Persevering the Staircase of Suffering

Sherri Cullison is a phenomenal woman who has found God to be "enough" in her struggles. In this Perseverance UPGRADE, she shares three ways to cultivate perseverance in times of suffering.

“I am so excited you’re giving me your exercise bike,” Sherri exclaimed. "My uncle stood stunned, eyes wide and straight-faced."

I (Dawn) have to tell you, I met Sherri some years ago, after she suffered a terrible loss. Yet she was engaging and eager to see how God might use her in spite of her pain. I have been blessed to see her perseverance.

In this article, she writes about two different kinds of suffering she's experienced, and how perseverance helped her deal with both.

Sherri continues . . .

Truthfully, I really was excited about the exercise bike. For months, I wanted to lose weight to feel stronger and healthier, but I couldn’t exercise standing due to an old injury.

I had the desire to reduce fat and build muscle, but I felt chained to the recliner, hopeless of ever becoming fit. But now, with a little work, I could pedal myself away on a new journey of fitness.

I knew I had to start slow and easy, so I set a goal of pedaling for five minutes.

Quickly, my lungs labored, and my leg muscles burned.

My will grew weak, and I wanted to give up.

Then I pushed myself a little harder and finished my first five minutes. Hurray.

Now I’m a world-class athlete. Not likely. But what brings success to my goal? Persevering on this uncomfortable contraption for just a few minutes every day.

Several years ago, I thought perseverance wasn’t an option.

After losing my youngest daughter Sarah, I trudged through my grief-walk each day, dreading the next.

• My body operated as if fifty-pound weights were anchored to my ankles.
• My mind floated in a fog and functioned unreliably.
• Tears came easy and the hands of anxiety choked my breath away.
• There were days I wasn’t sure I would even make it to the next.

Sometimes we feel we’ll never recover from life’s struggles, but how we choose to handle our circumstances is vital to surviving life-altering changes.

The suffering we often experience is incomprehensible, yet God’s Word encourages us:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:1-4 NIV).

Certainly, I didn’t feel like “glory-ing” in my suffering when I lost my daughter, but God promised that in my suffering I would find perseverance.

And then character.

And finally, hope.

With hope, I knew I could get through this nightmare.

How do we grasp this hope that God promises? Three helpful answers are found in Hebrews 12.

1. Choose to Run the Race with Endurance.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.

Sometimes that means letting go of sin’s grip.

When we’re sinning, we don’t want to run with God. We would rather walk on our own.

Often, we need to downsize our responsibilities. It’s okay to say no, and it’s okay to remove those heavy things in our lives that slow us down.

Allow yourself the grace to simplify your life.

2. Choose to Consistently Fix Our Eyes on Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2, 3 (NLT)

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward.

Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don’t become weary and give up.

Jesus endured merciless beatings, humiliation, and imminent death. However, we fix our eyes on our current situation and honestly, not enough on Jesus and what He endured.

Pursuing time alone with Him every day will bring light to our dark situation. Pray simple prayers and allow him to carry your heavy load.

3. Choose to Persevere in Living a Life that Others Follow.

Hebrews 12:12 (NLT)

So, take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.

Paul wasn’t kidding when he said our hands would be tired and our legs shaky.

Some steps of life begin at the bottom of a long, dark staircase where we hesitate to even take the first step. But God tells us to mark out a straight path. Map your thoughts and actions, and don’t give up.

Push to persevere. Then watch others follow and become strong.

You’ve just built character here. And that, my friend, leads to hope.

What steps will you take this week to pursue your goals and meet glory in your suffering?

Sherri J. Cullison, author and speaker, knows the pain and devastation life brings. Whether your hope is treading or sinking, Sherri’s heart for hope reveals how we can manage our everyday struggles to claim joy and love life.  In her recent book, SOS: A Mother’s Story of Survival, Rescue, and Hope in the Darkness of Teen Suicide, Sherri shares the heartbreaking loss of her daughter and the evidence of God’s healing, forgiveness, and restoration. Sherri and her husband live in Arizona and have two children, seven grandchildren, five pianos, and one RZR. Discover more about Sherri and her story at www.sherrijcullison.com

Upgrade Your Bible Study

Morgan Farr has a unique way of crystalizing concepts for greater effectiveness, and she uses it well in her teaching. In this Bible Study UPGRADE, she encourages a three-step approach to upgrading our time in God's Word."There are more than 80,100,000 search results on Google when you type in 'Bible study,'" Morgan says. "Knowing how to move from a basic outline of the Bible into a true study can be intimidating!"

I (Dawn) remember when I first tried in-depth Bible study. "This is too hard!" I thought. But someone encouraged me with some practical steps—just like Morgan is encouraging us in this post.

Morgan continues . . .

Engaging in Bible study is essential for Christians to pursue spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's Word. While traditional study methods such as reading and reflection are valuable, an often-overlooked yet powerful tool can take our study to new heights: asking questions.

Question everything.

When the Bible mentions a unit of money or measurement, do you know what it means? If not, look it up!

Matthew 18:1-4 (ESV) says,

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?'

And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them

and said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children [emphasis mine], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"

Do you know what kids do more than just about anything else? They ask a TON of questions.

And we should too!

By harnessing the transformative potential of questions, we can unlock profound insights, deepen our faith, and develop a more personal and vibrant relationship with our Creator.

The way that we do this is by remembering to A.S.K.

1. ANALYZE what you take in.

As Christians, we are called to be discerning in our spiritual journeys. When studying the Bible, we must analyze what we take in.

By asking questions about the sources we rely on, the interpretations we encounter, and the teachings we absorb, we can ensure that we are rooted in sound doctrine and biblical truth.

Questioning the information's accuracy, context, and reliability, guards us against falsehoods. It cultivates a foundation built on the rock of God's Word rather than hearsay or, worse, false teachings.

We can also better understand any biases that teachers, authors, or even we ourselves might.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

2. STUDY the text for yourself.

While listening to sermons and participating in group discussions are valuable aspects of our spiritual growth, personal engagement with the Bible is crucial.

By studying the text for ourselves, we enter into a direct encounter with God's Word.

Asking questions helps us explore the context, historical background, and original intent behind the Scriptures. It allows us to discover the nuances and richness of the text, enabling a deeper understanding and personal application.

As we wrestle with the text through questioning, we build a solid foundation of knowledge, conviction, and faith to withstand the world's challenges.

3. KNIT it together with prayer.

Prayer is an essential component of any Christian's spiritual journey, and it also plays a vital role in Bible study.

As we ask questions, we must also cultivate a prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit.

By inviting God into our study through prayer, we acknowledge His authority as the ultimate teacher and seek His guidance.

Prayer knits together our studies, teachings, and the resources we use.

By integrating the practices of analyzing what we take in, studying the text for ourselves, and knitting our study together with prayer, we can significantly upgrade our Bible study experience.

Questions catalyze discernment, personal relationship with Christ, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Let us embrace the power of questioning as we engage with God's Word, allowing it to transform our lives, deepen our faith, and draw us closer to our loving Creator.

Which of the parts of "A.S.K." is missing from your Bible study? How might incorporating that missing piece enhance your current study?

If you are already analyzing, studying, and praying in your Bible study, consider sharing the A.S.K. concept with someone who is struggling.

Morgan Farr is a succulent-cultivating book nerd and aspiring author. She spends her days homeschooling her four young children and training her working dogs. As an Army wife, Morgan has learned to lean heavily on Jesus as she walks out military life. She is the Director of Publishing at Planting Roots, the Graphic Designer for Mission:Milspouse, and is heavily involved in her local PWOC and military chapel.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Kelly Sikkema at Unsplash.

3 Kinds of 'Holding' in a Hope-filled Life

Recently, I took time to meditate on the words "holds" and "holding" in the Bible, and the study blessed and encouraged me. In this Christian Life UPGRADE, I want to share what I found.

There are three kinds of "holding" in a hope-filled life. Let's explore each of these.

1. We Hold onto Jesus.

The song "Anchor" by Hillsong Worship says, "I have this hope as an anchor for my soul; Through every storm I will hold to You."

There is a sense in which we "hold" onto Christ. We anchor our lives in Jesus, our Savior; we hold on tightly to Him.

Hebrews 6:18b-19a says,

. . . we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. . . . (ESV).

What does that mean? It means we hold tight to the anchor of the promises of God for our salvation. We cling to the old rugged cross and our Lord's sacrifice for sin.

We trust in Jesus alone, believing what God has told us about sending Jesus to be the Savior (1 John 4:14), and that we will have eternal life through Him (John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 6:40; 10:28-30; 17:3; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11, 13; 2:25 ).

He is our only hope.

2. God Holds onto Us.

The song "He Will Hold Me Fast" by Ada Habershon and popularized by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Selah, best exemplifies this.

"He'll not let my soul be lost, His promises shall last.

Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast."

The song reminds us that Father God will hold onto us, His redeemed children,

• when we fear our faith will fail,
• when the tempter seems to prevail, and
• when our love grows cold.

One line especially spoke to my heart. While it is crucial that I hold onto Jesus,

"I could never keep my hold,

He must hold me fast."

My salvation is not a matter of my holding out until Jesus returns, but rather on God's eternal plan and purposes, and our Heavenly Father's commitment to hold tight onto those who have trusted in His Son.

He holds us fast when we are marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit—our Father's guarantee of redemption to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:11-14).

Consider the wonder of Father God taking us by the hand:

• Even if others abandon us, He takes us in and holds us close (Psalm 27:10 NLT).
• As His hand holds us, He carries us along, leading and saving us (Psalm 139:10; Isaiah 46:4 ESV).
• He takes hold of our hand and holds us up with his victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10, 13; Psalm 63:8 ESV).
• His presence is so near that He has, in fact, engraved us on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16 ESV).

That last verse is such a comfort.

Can you imagine having your picture (Amplified), or your name (NLT) being carved into God's hands? The symbolism is so beautiful.

In Psalm 73, the seer (prophet) and psalmist, Asaph, testified to the close relationship he experienced with God, even though he had almost lost his footing spiritually (vs. 2), and even though he felt bitter, foolish, and arrogant (vv. 21-22).

Furthermore, Asaph proclaimed that even if his health failed him and his spirit grew weak, God was his forever! (v. 26)

That is truth for all of us who know the Lord. God's children belong to Him and He holds their hands (Psalm 73:23 NLT), even when they feel they are falling apart.

We are safe with God, no matter what happens in this life.

How wonderful to be firmly held onto by the Father, now and forever.

When I was a mom with young boys, I noticed the freedom they felt when I held their hands in dangerous situations. They felt protected. Their hearts were at ease.

That is the freedom we feel when we remember that Father God holds our hand. We experience peace because He is with us.

3. We Hold Fast Our Confession of Faith.

Hebrews 10:23 tells us to hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful (ESV).

To hold fast is to hold firmly. Confession can also be translated "profession"—what we profess.

The writer of Hebrews is saying, "Keep a firm grip on what you have professed and affirmed, that your hope, your confidence, is that God can be trusted to keep His promises."

Holding fast to our confession also means we must display our faith in God and our loyalty to Him in a public way. 

God doesn't call "secret service Christians."

We are to declare verbally (Romans 10:9) what we have believed for salvation. We must be faithful witnesses.

When we consider that God is holding us firmly, something should happen in our thoughts and emotions. We should be motivated to share what God has done in us, for us, and through us.

Philippians 2:14-16a says,

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the mist of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life . . . . (ESV).

There are two ways to look at that scripture.

First, we're to "hold fast." As we hold onto Jesus and rejoice that the Father is holding onto us, Paul says we have the responsibility to be powerful examples in our generation. And how do we do that? By "holding fast to the word of life."  

We hold firmly to what we have been taught and what we know about Jesus, who is the living Christ (1 John 1:1).

But there's another application.

The Amplified version of Philippians 2:16 reads this way: holding out and offering to everyone the word of life.

In other words, we invite those around us to receive the same hope in Jesus that we have. We do that as we witness to them with our words, not only our lives.

As we live for the Lord in practical ways, and cooperate with the Holy Spirit in conforming us to Christ's likeness, others will see God operating in us—and perhaps they will be more inclined to listen to our testimony.

The Christian life is full of hope, and we have the responsibility and joy to share with others how to know Christ.

So remember:

• We hold onto Jesus.
• Greater still, God holds onto us.
• And we hold firmly to our testimony—we hold forth the word of life to others.

Which of these kinds of "holding" do you need to focus on today?

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is a speaker and author, and the creator the blog, Upgrade with Dawn. She is a contracted researcher/reviewer for women's teacher and revivalist, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth at Revive Our Hearts, and is a regular columnist at Crosswalk.com. She and her husband Bob live in sunny Southern California, and Dawn has traveled with Him in Pacesetter Global Outreach. They have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of D Mz at Pixabay.