Near...

 "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." — James 4:8

How much plainer can the Father make it clear to us all that He loves us and wants to walk with us? The other side to this is how we answer His call. Do we draw near? Do we keep Him at arms length? Why do we do either?

Bottom line is 'in our court' - what kind of relationship are we seeking to build? Just as in any relationship - it's as you spend time with and get to know the other person you begin to build on what you know. Have you ever stopped a relationship from growing? Or been the recipient of another person's stopping the relationship a kind of line in sand which says this far but no further? When you've been stopped, how does that make you feel? Let me use another analogy... have you ever loved someone but it isn't reciprocated? Or maybe they've stopped spending time with you or whatever happened - there no longer is that closeness that once characterized your relationship.

You can see where I'm going - yes? Do we do this to our Triune God? Have we stopped growing together? But does God really want to be in relationship with His creation? Scripture says:

Revelation 3:20  

   "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."

Zephaniah 3:17   

   "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by his love; He will exult over you with loud singing."

Matthew 11:28-29  

   "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

John 3:16-17  

   “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him."

Romans 5:8   

   "But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

And that is only a small smattering of verses that tell of the Lord's desire to be in relationship with us. For me, John 3 and Romans 5 are the strongest statements about what God wants. And yes, it is always our choice. If we only turn to the Lord when we want something or are in crisis what message are we sending to Him? Is it - 'I only want you when I want you'? It certainly sounds like that.

If you only turn to the Lord with your hand out, wanting or needing something, that's a 'user' relationship. Do you really want to say that? You have so much waiting for you when you ask for and seek a deeper relationship... you will be astounded. All you really need do is to - draw near. He is always waiting for us to turn to Him, because of, for just Him.

Perfect, Perfection

Do you know what you mean when you use the word? Is it a vague, ‘universal’- everyone knows the definition - approach? Because I can guarantee you that the varieties of uses and expressions are innumerable. We have a vast array of 'everyone knows' words that are far from having the same definition and application. If you aren't careful you may find yourself far from where you intended or even wanted simply because you acted on a 'universal' definition. Perfect, Perfection falls into that category. 

Read how Paul views this:

   "Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you." [Philippians 3: 12-15]

Did you know/realize that there are those who will not attempt a (challenge, opportunity, growth, etc.) because they know they can't do it perfectly!? Does that make sense? Do you think that God is waiting for us to get to this undefined, unknown level of perfection before we act? Does that make any sense? Just as a newborn baby doesn't act, speak as an adult the day of birth - so are we. When we accept Jesus as Lord, we do not have everything together and understood. We too are in a process.

   "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." — Isaiah 43:19

Now... questions. Do we see a way in our wilderness or deserts? If we feel we've gain the 'perfect' status - how would we view this? Or if our eyes are only on becoming our definition of perfect, will we understand the 'new thing' the Lord's doing? To drum my drum - becoming is the point. Perfection is not possible, especially apart from the Lord. 

Matthew 5:48 RSV

 

   "You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

But in the Amplified it says:

   "You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.

The Message says it a bit more blunt:

   “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

I would argue that the 'must be' in the RSV (and most versions) is misunderstood as a 'you better be' or 'this is now who you are and this better be how you act' - both wrong. Perfection can be a goal but it definitely is a process. Fortunately we have the Amplified and Message that gives us greater understanding about how our Triune God looks at perfect and perfection.

If, after every failure to actually be perfect, you feel you've once again failed the Lord. Begin to look at those times as object lessons, learning about what does and isn't who you are and what 'perfect' is. Which leads to... how do you think the Lord defines - perfect, perfection?

Fought the good fight?

Paul tells us:

   "I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error]. In the future there is reserved for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and longed for and welcomed His appearing." [2 Timothy 4: 7-8]

Have any of us fought the good/worthy/noble fight? Have we finished our race? Have we kept the faith? Don't look at what awaits us if we do, look at what is expected of us. Similar to the above, Paul in 1 Timothy 6:11-12 says:

   "But as for you, O man of God, flee from these things; aim at and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses."

Obviously this was very important to Paul. And I believe it should be for us too. HOWEVER, do not compare! Do I need say that again? Are each of our battles the same? Maybe the same topic but with the same ferociousness, the same intensity? Are all of our battles handled in exactly the same way? I don't think so because I don't believe that God creates us as clones. Again, the issues may be the same but the how of getting there and getting out... is that really the same?

Look at how Paul phrases this same thought in Philippians 3: 12-15

   "Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you."

The only problem with that last sentence is that WE have to listen. Relationship is never one-sided! Relationship means both involved. Now look at all the Father has done for you... even to the extreme point of sending His only Son to be your/our propitiation so that we can be reconciled. 

Look at that word - reconciled. Do you think you could be reconciled without the Father initiating it? I sometimes think that some of the fights we face are with ourselves. I appreciate that all of the gifts the Father bestows on us is sometimes overwhelming but in these cases... why fight? There is enough we have to fight (not the least of which is ourselves) that we should focus on what - and who - we are fighting.

When you consider everything you have: armor, weapons, God... why do we hesitate? Aaaa the the fight for ourselves? But if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord, then you have everything you need to fight for yourself. If you have the old man still in charge, remember the scripture that tells us take off the old and put on the new (Ephesians 2:22-24). If we couldn't put on the new, then we wouldn't be told to do this. I'm not saying this is easy... the old is ingrained. So that's why we need to renew our minds - this is part of the fight.

   "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. So stand firm and hold your ground..." [Ephesians 6: 12-14a]

We do struggle, we sometimes fail, but we can once again stand and take the fight to the right enemy.

 

A Changed Life

Have you met the Lord? Do you know Him? Have you allowed Him into your life so that you do live a changed life? Let's be honest with ourselves, not many of us have the ability to change... at least not graciously. I know people who will studiously avoid change - even when it's to their benefit. It's almost like the old phrase, 'the devil you know'. Never made much sense, then again if change is something to be 'feared' then the easiest path is to maintain rather than change.

When it comes to us, our lives, especially our spiritual life - change is the way we grow. Remember the suggestions of WE put off the old man and put on the new... WE renew our minds... WE become transformed, changed. BUT, this is not done TO us, it's something we are involved in, embrace

   "... that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]." [Ephesians 4:22-24]

That's the exchange. And it never done apart from our choosing this. A changed life is a demonstration, witness of a relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords - with Jesus who willingly died and rose again so that He is the first among many brethren (Romans 8:29) that in our acceptance of His free gift of salvation/born again/new life we can become part of the Father's family. Apart from accepting Jesus' gift we are lost, we can never be good enough - it took a spotless lamb, a man who chose to be our substitute. 

On the face of it, it would seem that a belief in the Savior of the world would be a no-brainer. Yet it is. Our atonement as a gift for eternal life with the Creator of the world will always be astonishing. Perhaps it's fear of what we'd have to give up? Giving up what Solomon called vanities, things that have no meaning in exchange for everything that does. 

A changed life isn't something that's thrust upon us, being saved doesn't mean we become robots. We were created with a mind and free will which would seem to debunk the idea that we become mindless nothings. We are invited into the Father's Business (2 Timothy 4:2). We don't do the saving, we do the prep work of demonstrating how our lives changed because of our acceptance of a gift. We use both words and actions that give 'proof'. 

Also, a changed life doesn't occur overnight. It takes time, study, activities, growth... it means applying ourselves, it means putting off the old and putting on the new (BOTH need to occur). But this isn't an alone and arduous journey. With you constantly is our Triune God - helping, directing, leading, teaching - but it is always up to us to take the time to let the Lord's hand rest upon us. In all this remember Paul's words:

   " I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you." [Philippians 3:14-15]

Be pleased about but never complacent about your changed life. If it took Paul all the time he needed... we'll need time too. Besides... it's more of a process than a destination.

Of Use

Have you ever asked yourself... what are the requirements I need to 'possess' in order to be of any use, any value to the Lord? I have - many, many times. Somehow I suspect we all have to have minimum requirements before we can be of any use. That's my belief... not sure you would find that in scripture. So what do I think are the minimum requirements?

First is belief. Belief in Who Jesus was and is, and what He did and does. That's the start. So ... to Belief in Jesus, we have to believe that He chooses and wants to use us! Do you honestly believe He needs us to accomplish His plans? Do you believe He wants to use you? The evidence is found in Ephesians 2:1-10, but look at verse 10"

   "For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]."

It really isn't we who sets what/where/when of the works, we walk in those the Lord has prepared for us, chosen for us. Unbelievably, He allows us to make the decision about whether we will or won't walk according to His plan for us. Which leads to the next set of requirements: trust and obey.

There's an old gospel song that says:  

   "When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word

    What a glory He sheds on our way!

    While we do His good will, He abides with us still

    And with all who will trust and obey

    Trust and obey, for there's no other way

    To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey..."

Read Don Moen's lyrics and you'll see other 'things' we receive when we trust and obey. It starts with 'trust' and the response is 'obey'. Trust is a critical decision we all have to make. Do we trust the Lord with ourselves... Do we trust scripture as the final answer... Do we use our trust as the basis for our actions and obey?

I believe that there are other 'requirements' but that these 3 are the most crucial. Without them our thoughts, our words, our actions are full of hesitations, such as - is this from the Lord? Does He really mean He'll stay with us? Why, when the Lord has proven over and over His faithfulness do we doubt, and hesitate? What is it we are looking at rather than the Lord? What lies are we buying into?

I would like to believe that it is inherent in us to want to be of use, of value. And still, when faced with opportunities to do precisely that do we not immediately accept the call and say 'send me'? Do we, like Peter who took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the storm and then began to sink, do we think we'll sink? Have you ever thought of these times as opportunities to prove our faith? How many times will it take to trust? I don't believe we are of value until we act on trust and obey.

Christmas

What does this day mean for you? Do you recognize the significance? Or do you get caught up in all the attendant activities associated with the day? Are your memories warm and fulsome? Or sad and empty? Is the day focused on the reason for the day - Jesus? Or that jolly Santa? Both?

There’s a small book written by Dr. David Jeremiah, “Why the Nativity” that I would highly recommend. It asks those questions that pierce through the sometimes unthinking and superficial and force us to consider the deeper understandings and insights that this event, Jesus’ birth, represent. Why, is the question. Why to all the who, what, when, where, how questions.

For just a moment, place yourself in Jesus' understandings. Granted, it's impossible but can you from this vantage point consider all that Jesus did know and understand from His entry into this world. 

   "Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility], who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it]; but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man]. After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely-appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,"  [Philippians 2:4-9]

Can we, even a small part of us, understand what Jesus did and why? And there wasn't a moment's hesitation on Jesus' part. He came in the form of a man because it was only a spotless man that could redeem us. Read 1 Corinthians 15:45-58, especially verse 45:

   "So it is written [in Scripture], “The first man, Adam, became a living soul (an individual);” the last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving spirit [restoring the dead to life]."  

I believe that the Nativity marks the beginning of our salvation. Yes, that is obvious but do we ponder on this incredible gift by Father and Son FOR us at Christmas? Restoration, Reconciliation began at Christmas.

Now look at how Paul approached this issue - Philippians 3:7-11. Can you say the same think about yourself. Do you count it as of no consequence what was as compared to what is now that you have made Jesus your Lord? Have you laid aside those longings, hopes, desires that were your motivators?

   "But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]."  [v. 7]

Both the Father and the Son knew the lengths they would travel, alone, in order to bring back the opportunity for man to become who he was always intended to be. So how will you respond? What will you consider about this gift - will you accept it?

What season are you in

That's a question - do you know? We all have times of sadness, but also joy; pain, but also healing; confusion, but also confidence, deserts, but also times of learnings and good works. We have multiple kinds of seasons. Do you sense, know them when you are experiencing them? Mostly, do you learn as well as rest during those times?

Seasons are not punishments. It isn't because you do/did/didn't do something you should/shouldn't. I think they are times for us to reassess, review, refine, rest. Goodness... you need to know what season you're in, then look to the why. Remember scripture that has taught you. Know you can ask and that you will find answers.

In terms of seasons, one example:  If you have the 'doing' gene it is easy to get caught up in doing, doing, doing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a strong advocate of application, of putting feet to what is known and understood. However, it's important to make time for input too. Actually, this is almost the opposite of the sponge approach. The sponge person takes, takes, takes but never applies what's been learned. I do think there's a 'happy' medium.  Everyone knows:

   "There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven— 
A time to be born and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to [a]tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to keep silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace."  [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8]

Many times we only see (feel?) the extremes. First - do you really think the Father only sees the negative things you do and say? Do they outweigh the good things? Second... think about the source of your sight (feelings) - is it condemning? criticizing? shaming? If so, then that doesn't come from the Father. Yes, He corrects and chastises but He never shames or condemns. If that's what you're thinking and/or feeling, then the source is our primary enemy. He hates us. He stands accusing us day and night to God (Revelation 12:10). And what does God do?

   "For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  [1 Samuel 16:7b]

The Father already knows we are weak and frail, prone to danger and fear. Still, He loves us enough to give us free will to make our own decisions. But also He gives us strength and once we have accepted Jesus' Lordship - the Holy Spirit within us to do the right and resist the wrong.

Every season has pluses and minuses but we can grow, understand, apply what we learn in every situation. I realize that many people operate from the basis that they learn more from their mistakes. It really would be sad if they didn't take the time to learn from their successes too. Just as you can redirect from mistakes you can apply those aspects that do work. So learn from the season you are in. Apply what you know is pleasing to the Lord and learn those things that are not pleasing. 

A season is simply that. Once that time is over, don't regret you didn't take advantage of what you could have... but don't repeat the wasting either.