Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners

Happy Fall Beloved! Over the Summer, I had the blessing of reading and discussing Dane Orlund's book, "Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners" with 8 other women, and it was a fantastic read and time of fellowship. I used to think if I wanted to grow spiritually, I had to try harder, be more disciplined or focus more on the end result i.e. be more patient or submissive (I can easily fall back into those thought patterns, too). But by God's grace, He continues showing me: spiritual, heart changing growth is only found as I gaze at Jesus then walk in His provision - may the Spirit quicken us to remember [the gospel], rejoice and repeat.

First, as the book title implies, to grow in our walk, we do not need to learn new things, but, rather, keep pressing into the one thing and person we have already come to know: the gospel of Jesus Christ. As stated in 2 Peter 1:3, "...His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence." As Ortlund expresses, "Christian growth is bringing what you do and say and even feel into line with what, in fact, you already are... It [our growth] is growth in Christ" (16, 22). Yet, for believers, it is easy to walk through life in a state of "spiritual amnesia," forgetting who we are and what has been secured for us, at the cross. Romans 11:33 reminds us that the riches of Christ are "unsearchable." We will never reach the end of fully knowing Jesus, not even for all of eternity. Hallelujah!

The second chapter is entitled, "Despair," and it gives the picture of a trampoline: as we fall and learn the depths of our depravity, we learn the depths of Christ's grace, lifting us up with equal or greater force (47; James 4:6; Romans 5:20). There is hopeless despair and then there is godly despair over self: "He [God] wants us to see our sickness so we can run to the doctor. He wants us to get healed...sensing just how impoverished and powerless we are in our own strength" (38-39). John Newton, pastor and hymn writer, said of himself: "...my advances are so slow, that I hardly dare say I get forward at all." To grow spiritually, one must, 'turn from self (repentance) and turn to Jesus (faith)' (47). Martin Luther would add, "All of life is repentance." And I would go further - all of repentance is followed by worship, because we are fully forgiven and free!

To sum up the book, chapter 4, "Embrace," states: "We grow in Christ no further than we enjoy his embrace of us" (70; Ephesians 3). "It's precisely our messiness that makes Christ's love so surprising, so startling so arresting-and thereby so transforming" (79). It is healthy to remember that He saved us when we were His enemies. I love the way Ortlund captures the condition of man, while contrasting God's embrace: "...[we were] running full speed the other direction...we were not drowning, in need of being thrown a life-preserver; we were stone-dead at the bottom of the ocean" (27; Ephesians 2). This is one of the most sanctifying realities, prompting praise upon praise, especially when we consider what we deserve from God, apart from the Son. The Father in His full wisdom created man, knowing our rebellious hearts, with the plan to send His only Begotten, reveal His glory and redeem a people to Himself. The more we recall the gospel, the more we exult in and find ourselves becoming more like Christ, from one degree of glory to the next.

Praise Reports:

1. Husband and I continue going on dates and ongoing discipleship; we were able to attend a church family member's memorial; we are getting together with different couples from our caregroup to grow in relationship;
2. I was able to meet up with a missionary that is on furlough and had a lovely time of "one anothering;" during two recent appointments, the Spirit allowed an opportunity to pray with my doctors; 
3. Jacob turned 21, and we were able to celebrate with my parents, sister and Zachary; and
4. Zachary continues with fall classes at Norco Valley college.

Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

1. Husband started his 3rd & last year of bible training on August 28th; he is working on his 60-page thesis;
2. We are seeking the Lord if He would open up a new place for us to live;
3. The 3 Valadez brothers as they consider different housing options for Ama Valadez;
4. Wisdom, endurance & to walk in the Spirit, with ongoing health challenges, daily dealings with sin and changes with work (Avi);
5. Witnessing and discipleship opportunities; and
6. Jacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation.