Posts in category: Equipping

I love the feel and smell and of a leather journal. They are perfect for capturing personal prayers and reflections. They are also good for taking notes on Sundays. As much as I love the pen and paper experience, in this post I want to recommend that taking digital sermon notes is a great idea. Here are eight reasons why you should head to church this weekend with a fully charged phone or tablet.

1. It keeps you from distraction. Note-taking locks you in to what is happening as the people of God gather to hear the Word of God. If you are busy taking notes, you are less likely to check social media feeds and less likely to people-watch. It even counteracts the tendency to fall asleep. Your mind will focus and your heart will follow.

2. Digital notes are searchable. That means you can comb through them weeks, months, or years later to find a subject or scripture reference. You might one day find yourself facing an issue when the thought hits, “I think I once heard a sermon about that.” Thorough note-taking can serve you for decades to come.

3. Notes give you space to record commitments. Sermons are preached in the confidence that while one person is speaking, the Holy Spirit is moving in every listener’s heart. As you listen to preaching and teaching, listen with your soul. Before the preaching begins ask God to speak specifically to you, invite Him to address anything in your world, and submit yourself to the authority of the Scriptures. When the sermon is finished, consider these questions: “What is God leading me to do or change or stop or start after hearing this?” and “How should I respond to today’s sermon?” Include the answers in your notes for immediate accountability and future reminders of God’s work in your life.

4. Notes provide a launch point for devotionals during the week. In the days between Sundays, your notes can nudge you to dig deeper into the featured Scripture text or to investigate the sermon concept in published books or other Bible passages. You can also let the notes lead you for praying through how the pulpit topic meets your real life.

5. Digital notes are easy to share. This could be tweeting or posting on various platforms (after the service!) for the purpose of helping others. When the notes are digital, you can select a few lines, copy them, and then paste them in an email to a friend who needs encouragement or challenge. All of that can be done in less than one minute. By taking notes, you might increase how often you encourage and minister to family, friends, and followers. If you hear something helpful, share it!

6. Sermon notes can help your small group. I hope you are part of a church-based small group for community and spiritual development. If your group discusses the Sunday sermon, then your turn to chime-in is made easier by scrolling through the notes.

7. It sets a good example. Note-taking parents communicate value in the preaching experience to their ever-observing kids. If you are not a parent, note-taking can encourage those sitting near you to take the sermon seriously. It can even lead to their decision to start a note-taking habit of their own.

8. It reminds you that you are not in an audience listening to a speech. The sermon is a supernatural moment; teaching and preaching from a man who sought the Lord on your behalf. He studied and prayed and edited and crafted—for many hours—to find the best way to communicate deep and filling Truth to you. I’m not talking about taking notes to honor his efforts. I’m talking about note-taking as a reminder to self that you still need to be taught, that you are sitting under spiritual leadership. This isn’t a speech—it is a Spirit-driven moment of proclaiming things you need. Note-taking keeps us in the position of a humbled learner, participating by listening and then capturing by note-taking the things preached for God’s glory and for our good.

I challenge each of you to try this for eight Sundays. Don’t worry about typos and auto-correction; you can clean them up later (But let me know if you get some funny auto-corrects!). Choose an app for your phone or tablet or laptop and take notes on the next eight sermons you hear.

If you are new to note-taking, do not worry about method or format. If your preacher uses lists or outlines, the path is laid-out for you. If not, just type things in a way that makes sense to you. After all, they are for you.

Can you think of any other benefits of sermon note-taking that I left-out? Join the discussion in the comments below.

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The Father

Good fathers want to keep their children safe. They teach their kiddos about external threats and internal compromises leading to disaster. In the seventh Proverb, Solomon speaks to his son about the costs hidden within sexual temptation. He illustrates the danger through a temptress and a simpleton. 

“My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.” They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words. At the window of my house I looked down through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.” (Proverbs 7:1-9 NIV)

This father is convinced that a close relationship with wisdom can keep his son from the lies of the forbidden woman. This is true for every kind of temptation. God’s wisdom reveals His expectations and preferences, instructing us about the choices that will cost us or bless us.

Modern military units train in Shoot Houses to simulate hostile environments. They move room by room in teams, learning to react quickly and safely, targeting foes, and rescuing civilians. The stories of the Bible serve as training scenarios. We can enter the narratives to watch and learn from heroes and fools. Solomon’s graphic scenario helps his son—and us—move through life safely; quickly identifying the adulteress as “foe” before she even launches into her tempting speech.

Solomon compels us with words of action— to keep, to guard, to bind, to write, and to say (7:1-3). Practicing these looks like discipline, devotion, and scheduled habits of Bible interaction. Our Father defines where we should and should not play. He wants us to avoid the traps. He is a good and attentive and protective Father.

God invites us to know and to keep His Word so that we may live (7:2). His wisdom paths lead to life and joy and contentment and satisfaction. Love the scriptures! Marinate in them; hide them in your heart. Solomon pleads with his children to cling to wisdom because has seen (7:7) what happens to those who do not.

The Floozy

“Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. (She is unruly and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: ‘Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home. So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.’” (Proverbs 7:10-20 NIV)

Crime dramas and podcasts tell the story of predators snatching children from parks or playgrounds—luring them with teddy bears, candy, and lies. Narrators describe how evil people coax the innocent into vehicles, carrying their victims to horrific mistreatment and sometimes even death. As much as the thought of a tender six-year-old ensnared to her death triggers nausea and rage, the woman and the young man in this proverb should provoke similar reactions. The temptress set a trap disguised by perfume. She is not absentmindedly flirting. She is on the hunt.

Solomon’s forbidden woman is not a prostitute; she’s just dressed like one. She is not a professional; she is a woman in your neighborhood. She is a woman at your office. She is a woman in your church. She is forbidden because she is someone else’s wife.

Perhaps her husband is away at work too often. Perhaps she genuinely suffers neglect from attention, praise, touch, or the comfort of a man’s strong arms. She stalks a willing party because she is thirsty to hear that she is beautiful and desirable. She is thirsty for companionship. She is thirsty for the peace and comfort and value extended through a lover’s gaze.

While her thirst is sad and preventable, her solution is evil. Her actions ignore God, defile her body, betray her husband, and pull a young man into sin. Inner thirst, even loneliness, can drive us into wrecked relationships, with serious injuries and permanent scars.

The woman in Solomon’s cautionary tale is determined and brash; she is loud and aggressive. Before she says anything to the young man, before she explains how easily he could have her, she grabs him and kisses him.

She literally gives him a taste of what could be his—and he is hooked. A biological reaction begins, overriding reason and judgment. The adulteress knows what she is doing. Her kiss triggers nerves and chemicals, awakening a desire that demands satisfaction. Pornography does the same thing. Flirtatious touching does this. The wayward woman would give a speech, but she did not need it. He was caught. The hunt was over. Take note: It is never “just a kiss.”

Smooth words promise that their time in bed could remain hidden; her husband would not find out. No matter how “free” temptation appears, it always includes a cost. The argument that, “No one will ever know,” is a lie. God knows. And so does our conscience, made in His image. Think of Poe’s Tell-Tale Heart or the haunting guilt in Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment.

Even if you are neglected, seeking fulfillment outside of your marriage is wrong. When reaching for one who is not your spouse, new problems, greater than the original loneliness, come into play. You sin against God, betray your spouse, and damage your marriage. Atop this heap of sin, you also become a stumbling block to a fellow child of God. “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come!”  (Luke 17:1 NIV)

Husband, love your wife! Wife, love your husband! Be careful to meet their reasonable needs. Cover them so well that they never leave home in a state of thirst. Talk to your spouse before the flesh talks you into quenching your thirst somewhere else.

Put down your phones, click off the TV, and ask your spouse if their needs are fulfilled. Then listen—don’t defend or offer excuses. Yes, these conversations include awkwardness, but they are easier than handling the fallout from betrayal, easier than consulting divorce lawyers. Greater still, there is the potential that a conversation could cause a withered heart to bloom, potential for renewed joy and intimacy to fill your home.

The Fool

“With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.” (Proverbs 7:21-27 NIV)

Solomon paints the picture of a man wandering down a path of destruction. He is young and lacking sense (7:7). The wise man never allows close conversation in shadowy places. The wise alcoholic avoids the local bar—never walking through the door—choosing to avoid the fight, instead of counting on discipline to order Dr. Pepper instead of Scotch. He knows better.

Many people—both men and women—get into trouble because they believe themselves strong enough to maintain control. Perhaps this fool believed he could just look and flirt, then she kissed him, and he was pierced.

Solomon begs his son to listen. He knows the stakes. If the fool’s sin remains secret, he might return to her bed. If the sin gives comfort, he might become deluded, believing this is a good path for taking care of his own needs.

Our fool could claim false innocence, “It was all her idea! I was just walking along, or just scrolling, minding my own business.” But he was walking—or scrolling—where it was not safe. And adulterous fruit is forbidden even it is willing, even if she is eager. We are responsible for our choices.

What physical or digital places do you frequent, where trouble lurks in the shadows?

A beautiful woman radiating sensuality, spouting flattery and a lusty invitation, is a powerful force. If biology takes over, it’s game over. The wise man sees a willing woman on his screen or on his path and clicks away, crossing to the other side of the street instead of trusting himself to say “No” to a tempting offer.

If an encounter with temptation is unavoidable, assume a combat posture.  Her words might be smooth but hold your resolve at a sharpened edge. This is not a moment for polite banter.  She is luring you to the grave (7:27).  Her tender talk disguises lethal talons. The moment calls for a few firm words, then run away.

Solomon speaks in pleading tones to keep his boy from the arrow or snare. He speaks plainly. He does not hint or skirt the issue. He wants his son to be right with his wife, but also right with God. Solomon understands that the root crime in adultery is thievery; someone taking what belongs to another. Perhaps he is thinking about his own parentage—David taking Bathsheba.

In love, Solomon points to a path of wisdom, the difference between life and death. Any man can be tempted and lured and trapped and devoured. Only the fool believes himself impervious.

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#1     Purchase an uplifting book.

Put a resource into their orbit. Stay away from titles such as, Pull Yourself Together, or Get Over It, or Why Are You Still Whining. Let’s hope that last one isn’t available on Amazon.

I recommend You’ll Get Through This, from Max Lucado. It is accessible to many reading levels, and it is loaded with hope.

You can ship the book to their home or purchase the physical copy, inscribing a personal note. Don’t try to estimate how much they like to read. The book might lie on the kitchen counter for days or weeks before the nudge to open it overcomes. Spend a few dollars in friendship. You never know how the Lord might work.

#2     Pass along meaningful Bible verses.

Sift through the hundreds of options; curate a sampling of hope-building, faith-raising, endurance-igniting passages.

Choose a few verses that highlight God’s ability to rescue. Choose a few verses that remind us of God’s faithfulness. And throw in a verse or two about endurance. Sometimes rescue comes after a season of waiting. Sometimes the first part of God’s good plan includes our endurance. That’s just true.

If you need a starting point for helpful verses, there is a list on my website.

#3     Deliver a treat.

Perhaps it’s a slice of cake from their favorite bakery. Maybe it’s the eleven-step Starbucks order you know they love. It might be an appetizer from a local comfort food spot.

Even if your struggling friend lives in another state, delivery apps make this relatively easy. Then again, the treat might be a warming bowl of soup from your kitchen.

If you have the option for an in-person drop-off, look them in the eyes at the doorstep, speaking volumes through the brief phrase, “I’ve been thinking about you today and thought this might be good for your soul.”

If remote delivery is a must, send a text when you get the alert that delivery is complete. Remind them of your support; remind them that they are not alone.

#4     Invite them out for coffee or a meal—with the caveat that talking about troubling circumstances is off-limits.

Community is important in a season of struggle. When we isolate, it is easy to spiral into discouragement, embracing untruths—our circumstances begin to look fatal or sound final.

The kinds of food or drink are irrelevant. Your presence, your attention, your engagement—these will fill them up.

Before you get together, strategize safe topics to discuss, should the conversation lag.

On your way to the meeting, ask God to use you as a blessing. Pray that the experience of your friendship touches and soothes some of their pain.

#5     Speak grace and truth over any inaccurate perspectives.

Troubling circumstances twist our perception of what is really going on, how God really thinks about us.

If they are in a mess of their own making—counter self-loathing with truth about God’s forgiveness and the Believer’s righteousness in Christ. Regretted choices may have consequences, but they never alter God’s love for us. And they never hinder His ability to redeem—to make something beautiful from the broken pieces.

If your friend’s struggle stems from what someone else did—stand with them in the injustice and nurse their wounds. Inspire them to leave vengeance to God. Lead them to choose joy, rejecting the poison of bitterness.

#6     Invite them out for a walk or another activity that allows conversation.

Exercise dissipates stress. I don’t have a chart to show the science, but more than you could ever want is available through a Google search for “exercise and stress.” Enjoy.

A long walk, a round of golf, a set of tennis, ends of curling—any of these will do the trick for generating energy, releasing endorphins, and clearing the head.

Sometimes people share their burdens while they are active, but not required to make eye contact. Time outside together opens the eyes and lungs to fresh air and the beauty of a blue sky. It also opens the heart.

#7     Text two specific prayers that you are praying.

A message that you are praying is genuinely helpful. The next level up is to describe what you are praying—the specifics about how you are going to the Father on their behalf.

Pause to consider what you want God to do for your friend.

Use your text message to help them find the words. Your spelled-out prayers could bring focus to the disorienting throb of pain. Your specific prayers might turn into their daily heart-cry to God.

What else should go on the list?

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One of the avenues for moving toward maturity in Christ is time spent with other Believers—intentionally talking about Jesus.

These friendships can turn into mentoring relationships over a meal, parked for a happy hour drink at Sonic, or sitting together for coffee. God has already placed people in your circle who would be honored to share wisdom, give wise counsel, and tell stories of their up and down again faith journey.

They aren’t perfect, they don’t have everything figured-out; they are simply a few miles farther down the road—a few laps ahead in running the disciple’s race. And they are God’s gift to you—to help you grow.

So text them. Call them. Setup a time to get together.

Here are some questions to get you started if you need ideas for when the food or Limeade or Ethiopian drip arrives:

•What parts of the Bible are most encouraging to you?
•What are some habits or resources that have helped you grow in Christ?
•Have you gone through any spiritually dry seasons?
•What has God taught you about being married?
•How do you bring your relationship with Jesus into your work life (or school life)?
•Tell me about a season of your life when you grew the most as a Christian?

Send that text. Make that call.

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