I’ve really enjoyed “getting to know” Megan Fate Marshman these last several months. I saw someone post a link to a podcast she was on. Since listening to that and learning more about her story, I’ve tried to read or watch anything she put out. Obviously her first name drew me in! Past that, she does a remarkable job of pointing to Jesus. The Lord has used her in a powerful way in ministry both before and after the sudden loss of her husband a couple of years ago. In the midst of her sorrow, she has continued to point to Jesus in the way that she is raising her sons and serving churches and Hume Lake Christian camp. Her latest work “Relaxed” is a simple look at Proverbs 3:5-6 that reads as if you are having coffee with a friend. I highly recommend it!
I highlighted several things while reading and have posted those notes below…
- As we know through Scripture, for Jesus to come across as relaxed doesn’t mean He didn’t grieve or get angry or feel the weight of the world on His shoulders. But it is clear that He was never in a hurry to be anywhere other than where He was, fully present with whomever was right in front of Him, trusting and obeying His Father’s way. Does the word relaxed describe you? p. 1
- The more I become aware of the locations of my anxiousness, the greater awareness I can have of where His power and love can reach. p. 14
- Placing trust in God’s sovereignty aligns you with this simple yet profound truth: God is in control, relieving you of the burden of trying to be. p. 16
- “How do you think God feels about you right now?” p. 38
- “Spiritual disciplines do not transform you. They open you to the God who can,” providing an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to transform you. Spiritual disciplines are a conduit. There are ways in which we participate in the grace of God, but transformation is still a matter of grace, not our work. p. 52
- Moralism leans on you. Transformation leans on God. p. 58
- I’ve started to realize that all true forgiveness is suffering. It’s choosing to suffer on behalf of the person who wronged you so that they don’t have to suffer. p. 79
- Spiritual rhythms in study of God’s Word
- Show up. “Lord, I offer myself to You.” Present yourself as an act of worship.
- Peel away. Remember you’re more than your titles and fears. You’re in Him and He is in you.
- Let your mind wander. Share it all. This is Jesus’ cue to chat just like you would talk with a good friend.
- Listen and obey. Listen and let Him guide you toward love. p. 140
- “Grace is no opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action. Grace, you know, does not just have to do with forgiveness of sins alone.” Dallas Willard p. 184
