An Interlude

 THOUGHT FOR TODAY

We are always stewards of our own lives. We have free will which means WE choose our who, what, when, where, and how’s of our day… and by extension - our lives.

I think that one of the first things we need to do, is remember that we never save anyone. That's really not our responsibility. What we do is to share who Jesus is in our lives, what being born again has meant for us. (This is called, giving your testimony,) We rarely give the respect our testimony can have. When we give our testimony... we are doing 2 things. Lifting up the name of our Savior and sharing how that has made a difference (never forget that we all are works in progress. 

There are a number of scriptures that point to our responsibilities:

   "But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect." [1 Peter 3:15]

   " 7 So neither is the one who plants nor the one who waters anything, but [only] God who causes the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one [in importance and esteem, working toward the same purpose]; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers [His servants working together]; you are God’s cultivated field [His garden, His vineyard], God’s building."  [1 Corinthians 7-9]

   "34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to completely finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘It is still four months until the harvest comes?’ Look, I say to you, raise your eyes and look at the fields and see, they are white for harvest. 36 Already the reaper is receiving his wages and he is gathering fruit for eternal life; so that he who plants and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this case the saying is true, ‘One [person] sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap [a crop] for which you have not worked. Others have worked and you have been privileged to reap the results of their work.”  [John 4:34-38]

It's just like seed planting. Some sow the Word... Some water what was sown... Some reap the watered sowed Word. Everyone has a role and is equipped, enabled, empowered by the Holy Spirit to do their part. And what an honor it is to be able to act in any capacity as the Lord's fellow workers. 

Paul said:

   "Working together with Him, we strongly urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain [by turning away from sound doctrine and His merciful kindness]. For He says, 

       “At the acceptable time (the time of grace) I listened to you,

        And I helped you on the day of salvation.”

Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation...” [2 Corinthians 6: 1-2]

The interlude? It's over. It's time for us to do all we are called to do - NOW.

[[ Lastly - if my blog post on October 7th (Reject a Gift?!!!) is something you can share with a family member, friend, … do. And if they get angry they can get angry at me rather than you. (Hmmm but it is you who shared it… that may not work. Worth a try though.). Let's face it - how much more time do we have to plant a seed or water it? I have no idea when the Lord will return, but I do feel that it is closer now than ever before, I also believe we all have people in our lives that concern us because they haven't accepted what Jesus did for them. I'm beginning to think that the hardest people to talk with are those who really are 'good' people and don't see their need. The second hardest are the 'churched' - they've gone to church all their lives and think that is sufficient (many times because the salvation message has not been preached from the pulpit).]]

Intercession and Spiritual Warfare

Have you ever given much thought to the relationship between intercession and Spiritual warfare? Is intercession a form or an expression of spiritual warfare? Do you know why you think the way you do about these 2?

I would suggest that they are highly related. And my semantics self says you need to define words - and you do. You need to know what you believe [and why]. As a counterpoint - I’m going to share what I think. I do believe that intercession is an expression of spiritual warfare but that all intercession isn’t warfare and not all warfare is intercession. 

My caveat is that I am a wordsmith on some level, words have always been important to me and I try to never use them lightly. This tends to make me a bit more intentional especially in prayer. I firmly believe in the power of the spoken word. Also, that too often we use colloquialisms and phrases such as 'I nearly died laughing' or 'that nearly killed me' without thinking about the ramifications of our words, what we are actually saying.  What about you? We all have our own unique way we pray… how often are we aware of the what and how of words? 

Do we actively seek to grow as pray-ers? What was your last important learning about prayer? I’m also quite specific when someone asks that I pray for them. While I readily agree to do so I more often than not ask the person to start the praying. Reason: the prayer of agreement is a powerful weapon we can wield. It's important to know what the other person is really asking and by them starting the prayer I can also discover if I do agree. Because if there isn’t agreement then we have another conversation. 

Is there a ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ way to pray? I doubt it. I do think that there is an effective way and a not so effective way. But what do you think and how do you act on praying?

In my not too subtle way I’m trying to remind us all that prayer is a very serious act with tremendous potential power - which is my definition of fervent, effective prayer. We never should enter into it cavalierly or lightly. It is such an honor and relief to know we can always turn to the Lord in prayer: seeking and asking and knocking. He said He would always be with us. The Word says that every good gift comes from the Father. So?????

Intercession is always available to help a brother or sister in need. Spiritual Warfare is also a powerful way of praying for/with that brother or sister... especially when we have our armor on! 

WHO am I???

WHAT does the Lord want OF, FROM ME???!!!!! I've faced the same question many times... and expect to continue to face it as I become the person the Lord's always seen in me. These 2 questions can be said in frustration... in demand... in humility and I suspect other ways. When you become born again/saved - yes the Lord accepts us just as we are, but I highly doubt He expects us to just stay there. Remember Ephesians

   "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]." [2:10]

To me that means growth, change, improvement, etc. All that is a good thing. I believe He wants us to succeed with Him, not thinking of doing it apart from Him. He wants relationship with us... but allows us to choose this as well.

If you want specifics, I think Jesus gave us our greatest command - that really does take intentional behavior and words from us. He said:

   "And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’ [Matthew 22:36-39]

While it may appear 'easy', the doing isn't always easy. Unconditional is the watchword. 

There are other scriptures that talk about who we are and what we should be about.

   "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear [and worship] the Lord your God [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect], to walk [that is, to live each and every day] in all His ways and to love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul [your choices, your thoughts, your whole being], and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?"  [Deuteronomy 10:12-13]

   "For I desire and delight in [steadfast] loyalty [faithfulness in the covenant relationship], rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." [Hosea 6:6]

Not a lot of expectation from us by the Lord? Doesn't look like it but these words from Matthew, Deuteronomy, and Hosea are attitudes, mindsets, ways of speaking and acting. We don't naturally default to these words and behaviors. It takes intentional understanding and acting for them to be who we are and what we do. The unmitigated wonder is that He is always with us to help us be this who and what.

Reject a Gift?!!!

Would, Have you ever rejected a gift? Have you ever said that the gift wasn’t wanted… needed… not ‘worth’ it? Goodness! Why would anyone reject a gift? 

Is it an issue of who’s in control? Maybe it’s an issue of values - the world’s or the Bible’s? However, many people do reject the gift and for a myriad of reasons. How about you? Have you rejected the gift of salvation, of eternal life with the Lord and all those who have accepted His gift? How many times have you said: 'not now', 'maybe later', 'why should I'? Basically you have to believe with every fiber of your being that you are right and I am wrong! Do you? What if you are wrong....

   "Working together with Him, we strongly urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain [by turning away from sound doctrine and His merciful kindness]. For He says, 'At the acceptable time (the time of grace) I listened to you, And I helped you on the day of salvation.'

Behold, now is 'the acceptable time,' behold, now is 'the day of salvation'—" [2 Corinthians 6:1-2]

But… you say you don’t need the gift? Are you certain? What if you’re wrong? What if I’m right?! What makes you so wise to disregard the Lord’s outstretched hands to you? Look at what you stand to lose - eternity with the Lord, your family, and friends who have chosen to accept His gift. And you have chosen the opposite because both exist - heaven and hell - and one or the other are our ultimate destination. 

The Lord will never force you to accept His gift, God doesn’t send you to Hell (and simply because you don’t believe in heaven and hell doesn’t make it less true). God has shown great restraint … and yes, for you 

   "The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." [2 Peter 3:9]. 

But there will come that moment and then it will be too late. The point is that when you reject Him you choose Hell. It’s YOU who determines your ultimate destination. And YES... it is this serious.

If you scoff and say that my source (Bible) for my belief is flawed. Really! Are you willing to place your trust in man's alternative? 

(actually 2 flawed reasons: one, that if there is a God, He would never consign His creation (presupposing He created us v. evolution) to Hell... if there is such a place or two - that all there is is now, when you die it's over)

Just suppose, for a moment, that you could be wrong and I could be right... what if?

What’s ‘personal’???

Prior to, at the point of acceptance, and continuing - ‘they’ are always talking about a personal relationship with the Lord. I really love that concept … BUT no one ever says what ‘personal’ means: what it looks like, how it feels, what the expectations are, HOW you do this, etc. Do you believe a relationship is really a real thing or that it's church-ese? It can become quite frustrating because if you don’t know what it is, how will you ever know if you’ve attained it?!!! OK... enuf drama. But - the point, the questions are still valid. Do YOU know what your personal relationship with the Lord is? Is it static? Is it continuing to grow? 

WHY do you think you have or don't have a relationship? And if you point to being worthy - forget that designation because none of us are. Worthiness isn't the point. I believe the Father has always wanted a relationship with His creation. 

   "Then God said, “Let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness [not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness]; and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and over the entire earth, and over everything that creeps and crawls on the earth.” So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them [granting them certain authority] and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subjugate it [putting it under your power]; and rule over (dominate) the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves upon the earth.” So God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of the entire earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; and to all the animals on the earth and to every bird of the air and to everything that moves on the ground—to everything in which there is the breath of life—I have given every green plant for food”; and it was so [because He commanded it]. God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good and He validated it completely. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day." [Genesis 1: 26-31]

When you read further you'll read that God walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day (Genesis 3). If all this doesn't speak of the Father's desire to be in relationship with His creation... what will? 

If you return to the argument that man isn't worthy... read 2 Corinthians 5

   "17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. 18 But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him], 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that is, restoration to favor with God]. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. 21 He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]."

Read verse 21 again: He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].

When our Lord pronounced 'It is Finished' - our separation from God was bridged and now we have the opportunity [because it is always our decision] to accept this gift of reconciliation that Jesus provides. This provides the foundation for developing your personal definition of relationship with the Lord and talking with Him about it - it never is one-sided. Relationship is also never static... you're in for a wonderful adventure!

Happy… Pleased?

Let me ask you a question… are you ‘happy’ (your definition), pleased with you and who you are becoming? Is your becoming constantly (again, your definition) growing in understanding?

   "Do not turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you;

Love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]! And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]. [Proverbs 4:6-8]

 

When you look at who you were 6 months ago in comparison to now, do you see a refining? Is this the you, you want to be? Are you taking time to:

   "Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], for it will lead to further ungodliness,..."

[2 Timothy: 2:15-16]

The context is you as a Christian. I’m not judging you but you should judge you. Judging isn't a negative, actually it's the best friend to 'study' because it focuses on discovering what you know which leads to discovering what you need to know. How many times does it say in scripture - examine. Scripture doesn’t say that as an accusation, it is reminding us that we live in a fallen world and sin resides at our doorstep just waiting to trip us up.

   "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]   (1 Peter 5:6-9)

Did you notice how many times the word 'all' was used? I believe it's deliberate because we need to see the vastness of the Lord's 'all' - it's no little thing. These verses start with telling us what we need to do, then why, then what we receive when we do. It then points to our adversary and what he tries to do, then to what we can do and what is established when we do, and ends these verses with the commonality we who unite under the banner of Jesus have.

I started this little discussion with the title: Happy... Pleased? So ... are you? Minimally you should feel that you are not walking alone. We may get lonely occasionally but we are never alone. That fact alone should bring a sense of belonging. And the attribute of belonging goes a long way in describing 'happy' and 'pleased'.  

The Accuser

 As I was praying this morning and being quite irritated that the devil is still up to his tricks of saying to the Father, who knows ALL things, the things we do each day that are incriminating against us. Can you hear the glee in the devil's voice as he reiterates them? Stop for just a moment and begin to realize that this is precisely what the devil does to the Father, the Triune God... against Him to us! Isn't the doubt that springs uninvited the devil's voice accusing God to us? Of course it is! Had I realized this?... of course I didn't. For a smart person I don't always put 2 and 2 together to reach 4. Silly really.

Since the devil is not creative, all he can do is repeat what he sees, hears from us. And we are great at providing ways we go about spreading 'fake news', deceit, lies, gossip, etc. Plus, some of us have a master's degree in shooting ourselves in the foot! For just a moment look at how the devil uses his wiles. When he comes against us with doubt... what are we doubting? Is it a 'thing' or is it a person? or is it an interpretation of scripture? Is it another person? Or is it a combination of all of the above? Yep - all, and some I haven't indicated.

I've also noticed that he uses our former selves against us... especially when it comes to the Word that tells us:

   "He has not dealt with us according to our sins [as we deserve], Nor rewarded us [with punishment] according to our wickedness.

For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence].

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Just as a father loves his children, So the Lord loves those who fear and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence]." [Psalm 103: 10-13]

We may longingly look at these verses, but do we accept them as the truth they are or do we listen to the voice that tells us... we really have committed the unpardonable sin... or do you think God cares so much for you that He would allow the travesty you committed to go unpunished... or do you really believe He has forgiven you - don't forget His words when He said that He was a jealous God (Exodus 34:14). And those are only some of the arguments the devil will use. Do you actually accept what the devil is saying? He does know scripture and how to use it against us or against the Lord.

I find myself totally irritated with myself when I discover I have bought into one of the devil's lies. Really, I should be more mature. I should do what scripture teaches:

   " Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world. By this you know and recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ has [actually] come in the flesh [as a man] is from God [God is its source]; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus [acknowledging that He has come in the flesh, but would deny any of the Son’s true nature] is not of God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and is now already in the world." [1 John 4:1-3] 

This gives us the what [test] and the answer. How much more do we need to defeat the accuser not only of ourselves but of the Lord?! And if you are accusing the accuser... to whom? God already knows. Why not defeat the devil the same way Jesus did - It Is Written! - and tell him NO! We really can resist the devil and not become ensnared with his attempts to defeat us, accuse us, or accuse the Lord.