Resolutions

Did (Do)any of you do the old fashion act of making New Year Resolutions? And how long do you expect that you will make the attempt of following them? Actually, if you have no confidence in yourself about following them, then making them is an exercise in futility - a waste of time. That may have sounded harsh - but true. 

When I was a child and we were going through this annual ritual, I must admit I was quite ambitious about the act of developing them until my Mother gave some sobering advice.  She said: rather than attempting a complete makeover, why not pick 2 or at the most 3 attainable (the operative word) things that I could, and would actually take the time and have the possibility of making a change for the 
better. Did I actually follow through and try to change/improve? Yes, at least 
longer than trying to do the complete makeover.

We do realize that the act, the mindset of investing in our own growth is not always a simple task. All growth and change requires a commitment and follow through on our parts for this to even occur. None of that will occur through a kind of no effort, no thought osmosis. Besides, if it could be, do you want your own personal growth to be based in fatalism, in a kind of que sera, sera? Do you want this to be an act in which you are only the recipient of what you experience without any basis in an authority (and that, not man)?

So now we come to the focus of this discussion - your spiritual growth. What are you doing to grow: understand, practice? Can you look back to a year ago and see your own growth? You haven’t opted for a status quo approach… did you? Remember Paul’s declaration:

   "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 3:13-15]

Does this sound like a resolution? It is. Now let me share another of my beliefs... any day is a good day to take stock of who you are and where you are headed and make a resolution(s) to recommit - even if this is a daily act. Because it is in our thinking on and committing to that determines if/how/when we grow. resolutions require actions... you can't just think it.

 

The Reluctant Leader

 If your response is that you didn't sign up to be a leader... think again. What did you sign up for when you made Jesus your Lord? Did you think that you would always be in that bubble of who you were? Did you think that making Jesus Lord gave you the right to say 'no' to Him? Well... actually the last question has an answer of 'yes'. But to assume that nothing would be required of you kind of makes 'Lord' of no consequence. And Jesus laid down His life for you so you could bask in a kind of new bubble of no responsibility?

Now that I've hit you in the back of your head (sorry) let's take another, more effective look. What, exactly, have you been called to do? What, precisely, is your problem about accepting the call? Nowhere does it say that whatever you are called to do is done all by yourself. Remember the scripture:

   "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6}

Just in case we might have forgotten, He also says in Hebrews 13:5

   "Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!”

Yes, there are certain requirement that we must follow, example: be strong and courageous, not afraid, our character be content and free from the love of money.

But this should be of significant understanding that we are never alone, that He has such a deep love for us (individually) that He is there to help us. Given this and Numbers 23:19 we should be able to undertake any opportunity that's He presents to us.

All of that relates to whatever you are asked to do. And yes, you have free will so you can reject the opportunity but never that you can't actually do (fill in the blank). We're never asked to do something we can't do I (think) I've learned that if I go to the Lord and request His help, direction prior to starting any 'project' and bring all that I am to the opportunity that He immediately begins to share or enhance or teach - whatever underscore my need and the project. 

I think this is the attitude, rephrased according to the person, that we need to present to the Lord every morning. We should always start expecting because when we do, we add discovering to our expecting. This, in my opinion, is a worthwhile habit. But what does all I've said relate to the title? In every way. We always approach, consciously or not, precisely who we are and what we're willing to do/be. When we're 'all in' then the Lord can take and add and create with us a blessed outcome. 

Specifically when it comes to leadership. We never are thrust into it. We always can accept or reject the leadership opportunity. We are always equipped for the specific task. We have a Senior Partner helping us. Is anything missing? Look at the following scriptures  1 Peter 5:6 and Psalm 75:7. They encouraging trust in divine timing over self-promotion. And, I might add, self-avoidance.

To put an exclamation point:

   "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,"

That self-righteous pride can take the form of false humility. 

Too busy

Are you too busy for living your life? Though this may sound like blame, that's not the intent, are you living a Martha lifestyle? And hating it? Or wishing for help (did you ask)?

Since it's that 'time of year...' the holidays can become somewhat overwhelming. My advice is that if the ugly head of 'too much to do and not enough time' or the uptick at work or the demands on your time, energy, and resources also ticks up a notch you need to STOP! Brew yourself a nice cup of tea and coffee, sit down, breathe in and breathe out, grab a pen and paper and look at your 'to do' list. Are all of those items necessary? Are there any items that you LIKE to do? Who has determine the items and priority - if it isn't you, reassess. 

What we sometimes forget is that we have been given by the God of the Universe - free choice. We can exercise it as long as we remember that we are responsible for our decisions and the consequences of those decisions. But never make a decision that goes against who you are, whose you are, and how you express you. As I look back on some of my disaster decisions I see that I never consulted with the Lord to discover if this was in His plans for me. Nor did I assess whether this was a 'put on' responsibility (regardless of who was doing the putting - you or an outside entity). I just accepted yet another 'thing' I needed to do. Silly me.

Too often we concede based on a supposed responsibility - sometimes that's true, but rarely is it all the time. Come on now - you've been given a good mind, use it! Why are you being asked to do (fill in the blank)? I realize we are to bear one another's burdens... but that's a team effort with the one seeking help. You really aren't expected to do it all on your own.

Too busy should never be our lifestyle. Don't get to any age and look at your life through eyes that see what you've missed because you were too busy. And look who you were too busy for: the Lord, your spouse, your children, your expanded family, family outings, your friends, growing, learning, enjoying... and the list goes on and on. It's never really a matter of age - we are all susceptible to the impacts on our time, energy, resources... life. 

Our enemy would like nothing better than to paint us as derelict if we don't engage. And yes, the devil really is sometimes 'right' but only in context not in fact. He loves to spread just an element of truth to catch us off guard. If you are feeling guilty... much of that can be laid at the feet of our accuser with just enough truth to causse us to question.

All of what I've been saying is never to be viewed as an excuse NOT to do what you know you should be doing. It isn't license. But being too busy is never the answer. Life is a beautiful gift the Lord has given each of us. Hopefully we see through the dog and pony show and devote ourselves to the things that the Lord has provided for us. Being 'too busy' is not part of His plan.

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?