is that what you're waiting for? Are you waiting until you are a more 'satisfactory' candidate, or ready... whatever that means? Or maybe you are hesitant because you think you'll have to give up all those 'things' that are part of your life that you enjoy? Not. There is an apt scripture that says... "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold , now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2) And if you wonder if this applies to you, read 2 Thessalonians 2:13 - you were chosen! It's your decision to accept the gift or not.
Behold is one of those words that is meant to capture your attention. It means: stop, listen to (or see) what's happening right now. Further definitions are: "to keep hold to, give regard to, discern, contemplate..." It is an act. It's what YOU do, it's never done for you. You have the opportunity to see what's happening right now. It's an immediacy word. Whenever the word is used in scripture it's meant to tell us that what's occurring is important for us to know and understand. And if we are to know, to understand - we will be able to if we give attention to it.
Behold in these particular scriptures tell us that now is now and now is for us! We won't be able to say later that we weren't warned, or didn't know. And now is not then, not in the future, it is now. And if you notice, there are no qualifications to this. It doesn't say you have to do 'this' or you need to do 'that' before you act on the information following the 'behold'. If it seems like I'm beating a dead horse, it's simply to reinforce the point. Behold! Now! And it is all your choice.
Those scriptures should answer any and all questions, but if you think there are a variety of 'paths' to salvation, the answer is no. Peter in Acts 4:12 says: "Nor is there salvation in any other (referring to Jesus), for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (See also Hosea 13:4) Any other questions about if salvation is for you - when, by whom? So what is stopping you? What argument can you offer that stops you from choosing Jesus? You really are 'good enough' right now, right here.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Relationship...
Critical. Important. Not to be ignored or simply to become 'whatever'. Relationships are always in a state of growth and change or they atrophy into nothingness. I'm certain we've all experienced those relationships in our lives that just seemed to peter out. Why? What happened that caused this? Then there are those rare people that we can go days and weeks without talking to and then pick up right where we left off - why? What is that essential quality that allows some relationships to stagnate and dissipate and others continue to exist?
My 'guess' would be that one of the important criterion is the depth of the relationship. There are those (few) people that we seem to bond with immediately. These people become our closest advisers, supporters, confidants - the ones we laugh with and cry with. And supporting my 'depth' basis is that the relationship is reciprocal - both you and that other person are involved, at some level, in each other's lives and who we are.
But these relationships are not left to chance. You 'work' on maintaining the contact and don't let the life of your life to overcome everything. I know that last sentence may not make much sense but we sometimes get so wrapped up in what we are doing and thinking that we don't take the time to bring others into our world. With those special people near and far we take the time to share what's happening in our world and to discover what's happening in their world. Actually people really are quite important to who we are and how we get there.
There is one relationship that we should never let time provide an excuse for why there is distance. And that relationship is with the Lord. He doesn't move away from us, but we do seem to forget or distance ourselves. He knows what's happening but He should never be just a bystander in our lives. However, we have to invite Him in for Him to participate. He will share and teach and joy in our successes more than anyone else could or would. The Lord isn't an 'out there' concept, He is a right here person. But only if we allow it, if we invite Him in.
So what's your relationship with the Lord? Is it a close, intimate sharing or do you relegate Him to ... out there? Equally important... what do you want? It really is your decision......
My 'guess' would be that one of the important criterion is the depth of the relationship. There are those (few) people that we seem to bond with immediately. These people become our closest advisers, supporters, confidants - the ones we laugh with and cry with. And supporting my 'depth' basis is that the relationship is reciprocal - both you and that other person are involved, at some level, in each other's lives and who we are.
But these relationships are not left to chance. You 'work' on maintaining the contact and don't let the life of your life to overcome everything. I know that last sentence may not make much sense but we sometimes get so wrapped up in what we are doing and thinking that we don't take the time to bring others into our world. With those special people near and far we take the time to share what's happening in our world and to discover what's happening in their world. Actually people really are quite important to who we are and how we get there.
There is one relationship that we should never let time provide an excuse for why there is distance. And that relationship is with the Lord. He doesn't move away from us, but we do seem to forget or distance ourselves. He knows what's happening but He should never be just a bystander in our lives. However, we have to invite Him in for Him to participate. He will share and teach and joy in our successes more than anyone else could or would. The Lord isn't an 'out there' concept, He is a right here person. But only if we allow it, if we invite Him in.
So what's your relationship with the Lord? Is it a close, intimate sharing or do you relegate Him to ... out there? Equally important... what do you want? It really is your decision......
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Desire power
You do realize, don't you, that there is will power and there is desire power and desire always trumps will? It does. If 'desire' doesn't provide the foundation for 'will' then the potentiality of success in (fill in the blank) is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Definitions - Webster says that 'desire' is "ask for, request, want; long for, crave...yearn for". From this we can see that desire is on a continuum from something you 'ask for' all the way to the other end - 'crave'. This argument can be expanded to see the potentiality for intense power when your desire and will are combined.
Desire has the potentiality for supporting and driving will. But I'm convinced that without desire, will has little foundation to stand on. A simple example: I want (will to) to lose 10 pounds. However is my will strong enough to push me to accomplish this? Maybe. Probably not because I also need to desire to make those changes that put me in the position to accomplish this goal. Perhaps you think I'm begging the question? I don't think so. I really don't believe that desire and will are the same forces - I believe each has a function to perform. But without the support of 'desire' I think that 'will' doesn't have the strength it would need for goal accomplishment.
This doesn't mean that I don't think will isn't strong. All you have to do is watch a toddler making his or her wishes known. That's true power of will! However, as we age and grow will's power can either increase or remain somewhat static depending on us. Does 'will' become a word we only mouth (basically to ourselves)? Is it a force that propels us? Take a long look at those things you desire, do you accompany that desire by exercising your will? I believe that until and unless we match the will with desire we will never experience the success of attaining (fill in the blank).
Splitting hairs? Maybe. But my point in all this is that intellectually you can will to do/be something but unless you desire to accomplish this, will doesn't have the emphasis of commitment to complete the process. At least that's my opinion. Too often we say that we will to (fill in the blank) but never follow up on the necessary actions to accomplish whatever goal we are working for/on. Will is always more than words and our desire for success can move our will toward fulfillment.
Desire has the potentiality for supporting and driving will. But I'm convinced that without desire, will has little foundation to stand on. A simple example: I want (will to) to lose 10 pounds. However is my will strong enough to push me to accomplish this? Maybe. Probably not because I also need to desire to make those changes that put me in the position to accomplish this goal. Perhaps you think I'm begging the question? I don't think so. I really don't believe that desire and will are the same forces - I believe each has a function to perform. But without the support of 'desire' I think that 'will' doesn't have the strength it would need for goal accomplishment.
This doesn't mean that I don't think will isn't strong. All you have to do is watch a toddler making his or her wishes known. That's true power of will! However, as we age and grow will's power can either increase or remain somewhat static depending on us. Does 'will' become a word we only mouth (basically to ourselves)? Is it a force that propels us? Take a long look at those things you desire, do you accompany that desire by exercising your will? I believe that until and unless we match the will with desire we will never experience the success of attaining (fill in the blank).
Splitting hairs? Maybe. But my point in all this is that intellectually you can will to do/be something but unless you desire to accomplish this, will doesn't have the emphasis of commitment to complete the process. At least that's my opinion. Too often we say that we will to (fill in the blank) but never follow up on the necessary actions to accomplish whatever goal we are working for/on. Will is always more than words and our desire for success can move our will toward fulfillment.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Quality of life
How's yours? Do you walk in a high (your definition) level of 'quality of life'? I suspect we should begin with a definition... how do you define this state? One little hint... quality of life is not a 'not'. It isn't what isn't in your life nor is it looking at an absence of the negative - quality of life is always defined in terms of 'is' and all the positives. And no, it is NOT a denial of the negative but it's what you focus on... at least in my world of definitions. It seems to me that a positive focus can resolve problems faster. My definition of quality of life includes an observation 'clause' - you can see, not the level, but at least the primary status in your (and others) behavior. So back to the initial questions: how's your quality of life and how do you define this state?
Perhaps it isn't a state to accomplish, perhaps it's the journey? Not sure but I do know that, at least subconsciously, you always know: if, and at what level of your definition of what comprises 'quality of life', defines where you are. However, one does need to be abiding at a level that is 'greater' than the level you've been at before. Quality is a growth issue. By process of elimination, this means that quality of life is: on a continuum and is something you act on, you do 'something' about (work on) since it's not an 'arrived' state.
I can't underestimate the impact and effect that quality of life plays on our behavior and who and how we present ourselves. You may not realize how much this underlying principle impacts on you. However, it is foundational to attitude. And because it is, we are the ones who control our attitude which, by extension, means that we control our quality of life. Had you made the connection between attitude and quality? Or are you so entrenched in survival that you don't even consider quality of life?
Whether you are talking about attitude or quality, it is always 'controlled' by you. These two always impact and affect each other. Does this mean that this is 'situational' based for you? Does it depend on whatever situation you are in and/or facing, that this becomes the determiner of your attitude and thus your quality? Or are you a 'foundational' based person? This person typically acts and responds based on their personal foundation (beliefs, operational definitions, etc.) rather than the situation. This is not always easy, but it is a guiding principle for those who see life as a gift and not a burden.
Perhaps it isn't a state to accomplish, perhaps it's the journey? Not sure but I do know that, at least subconsciously, you always know: if, and at what level of your definition of what comprises 'quality of life', defines where you are. However, one does need to be abiding at a level that is 'greater' than the level you've been at before. Quality is a growth issue. By process of elimination, this means that quality of life is: on a continuum and is something you act on, you do 'something' about (work on) since it's not an 'arrived' state.
I can't underestimate the impact and effect that quality of life plays on our behavior and who and how we present ourselves. You may not realize how much this underlying principle impacts on you. However, it is foundational to attitude. And because it is, we are the ones who control our attitude which, by extension, means that we control our quality of life. Had you made the connection between attitude and quality? Or are you so entrenched in survival that you don't even consider quality of life?
Whether you are talking about attitude or quality, it is always 'controlled' by you. These two always impact and affect each other. Does this mean that this is 'situational' based for you? Does it depend on whatever situation you are in and/or facing, that this becomes the determiner of your attitude and thus your quality? Or are you a 'foundational' based person? This person typically acts and responds based on their personal foundation (beliefs, operational definitions, etc.) rather than the situation. This is not always easy, but it is a guiding principle for those who see life as a gift and not a burden.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Yesterday? Tomorrow? or Now?
Not an idle question. We tend to relive yesterday or we plan for tomorrow and/or both, but... do we miss now in the process? It really is a legitimate question and one I've asked any number of times in various and sundry ways... still relevant - where do we spend the vast majority of our 'living' time, our thought life? One should never quickly respond with 'now' because that isn't always the case. It should be our modus operandi but it isn't always the reality.
What keeps us from living in the now? What takes our attention away from the memories we are making right now? And equally important - why do we allow it? Granted it sometimes is to provide a momentary escape from the issues and problems of right now but where do you typically head first - yesterday or tomorrow? Is it easier for you to savor the victories and successes of yesterday or the potential for tomorrow? Perhaps an equally important question is: how long do you stay in yesterday or tomorrow?
Regardless of the headaches, problems, obstacles, etc. that you face in your today... if you don't face them then they will impact on tomorrow. You do realize this, yes? Ignoring, denying has never been an effective response. I do admit that sometimes you need some time to quickly assess or catch your breath - everyone needs times of 'escape' from what's happening as a kind of cobwebs cleaning - but then you need to return to the now reality. Actually, if we use our 'away' time profitably we may discover resolutions to the issues we are facing.
However, do remember that now isn't all problems and issues. There are positives that exist as well, and if you live outside of 'now' you may not experience them. Now can produce new paradigms to consider which may impact on tomorrow. Now is an anchor which, without an involvement in now, we may miss some important learnings and we also may miss some delightful 'accidents'. Now speaks immediacy and this discovery enhances our understanding of ourselves. Again, I know I return to this theme often but it's because I really believe that it's important to be mindful of what we do and what we focus on. Visit yesterday and tomorrow but embrace your now!
What keeps us from living in the now? What takes our attention away from the memories we are making right now? And equally important - why do we allow it? Granted it sometimes is to provide a momentary escape from the issues and problems of right now but where do you typically head first - yesterday or tomorrow? Is it easier for you to savor the victories and successes of yesterday or the potential for tomorrow? Perhaps an equally important question is: how long do you stay in yesterday or tomorrow?
Regardless of the headaches, problems, obstacles, etc. that you face in your today... if you don't face them then they will impact on tomorrow. You do realize this, yes? Ignoring, denying has never been an effective response. I do admit that sometimes you need some time to quickly assess or catch your breath - everyone needs times of 'escape' from what's happening as a kind of cobwebs cleaning - but then you need to return to the now reality. Actually, if we use our 'away' time profitably we may discover resolutions to the issues we are facing.
However, do remember that now isn't all problems and issues. There are positives that exist as well, and if you live outside of 'now' you may not experience them. Now can produce new paradigms to consider which may impact on tomorrow. Now is an anchor which, without an involvement in now, we may miss some important learnings and we also may miss some delightful 'accidents'. Now speaks immediacy and this discovery enhances our understanding of ourselves. Again, I know I return to this theme often but it's because I really believe that it's important to be mindful of what we do and what we focus on. Visit yesterday and tomorrow but embrace your now!
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Prosperous Life
One of my favorite scriptures is in Jeremiah (29:11): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."!!! He has plans to prosper us... PLUS not harm, give us hope, future! Goodness, what a marvelous, wonderful promise the Lord has for His people. He also reaffirms this 'promise' in Ephesians (2:10) when He tells us: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Remember though that these scriptures are predicated on our accepting Jesus as our Lord. And the next steps are discovering who we are as a result.
So let me ask you... are you living the prosperous life? Let me back up a minute, how do you define prosperous? Without your definition how can you possibly know if you are living the prosperous life. Also... do you have hope? Is your future bathe in hope? First - what's your definition of prosperous? Is it only financial? Material? If more/other then what? Is prosperous based on those 'things' you don't have? To be completely honest, at one time I did think that prosperous was only in terms of financial and material. Grief, how limiting!
Do understand that it's the Lord who is speaking these words, perhaps we should know His definition of 'prosperous'? God describes Himself as Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22:14), our provider. So now we know where the source of prosperous is. But what is it? Actually it is grounded in faith - faith that God will provide. This does not mean that we should tempt God to see if he will provide when we get ourselves in a dire situation (Matthew 4:7). But we can rely on His word (Isaiah 55:11) that He will provide when we come to Him in need - and that is the definition, at least in my world.
The Lord invites us into the prosperous life because He has purchased 'abundant' for us. However, it is up to us to learn what this means and to act on our understanding. And we can't act without faith. So I propose this definition: The Prosperous Life is one that is lived in faith, one that is built on trust. And no, this isn't simple. But... as we try to live out this definition we will look back and discover we are living a prosperous life.
So let me ask you... are you living the prosperous life? Let me back up a minute, how do you define prosperous? Without your definition how can you possibly know if you are living the prosperous life. Also... do you have hope? Is your future bathe in hope? First - what's your definition of prosperous? Is it only financial? Material? If more/other then what? Is prosperous based on those 'things' you don't have? To be completely honest, at one time I did think that prosperous was only in terms of financial and material. Grief, how limiting!
Do understand that it's the Lord who is speaking these words, perhaps we should know His definition of 'prosperous'? God describes Himself as Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22:14), our provider. So now we know where the source of prosperous is. But what is it? Actually it is grounded in faith - faith that God will provide. This does not mean that we should tempt God to see if he will provide when we get ourselves in a dire situation (Matthew 4:7). But we can rely on His word (Isaiah 55:11) that He will provide when we come to Him in need - and that is the definition, at least in my world.
The Lord invites us into the prosperous life because He has purchased 'abundant' for us. However, it is up to us to learn what this means and to act on our understanding. And we can't act without faith. So I propose this definition: The Prosperous Life is one that is lived in faith, one that is built on trust. And no, this isn't simple. But... as we try to live out this definition we will look back and discover we are living a prosperous life.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Worth and Value
Do you believe that you are a person of worth and value? Maybe this should be stated a bit stronger... do you know that you are a person of worth and value? I know this may sound... harsh, but would you recognize these two qualities in yourself... and in others? According to what standard do you measure worth and value? Do you compare yourself to others? If you compare you may be in an apples and oranges situation because not everyone has the same operational definition. And the world's standard of wealth, fame, etc. is not the eternal definition.
You are, you have worth and value. My caveat is that the standard I would recommend be accepted is one that can only be found in Jesus. You must take that first step of belief in Jesus as your personal savior. The point is that this isn't my definition, it's the one given by God. Once you have made that declaration of faith in Jesus then according to 2 Corinthians (5:17-21) you are now a new creation. And with this understanding you now are a person of worth and value. While there are many confirmations of this in scripture, the one that is the most all encompassing (to me) is Romans 8:1.
This is not something you 'earn' or something you can purchase. It is the free gift that is all yours because you have accepted Jesus. Sounds simple? It is. And all it requires is you. But it requires ALL of you, not just some, not when it is convenient to you - this is a 24/7, 365 day commitment. But it doesn't require you to 'be good' in order to make this commitment and receive the abundance that comes with it. Your new life begins with right where you are, right now - no rejections. Perhaps I should have also stated that in all caps. The exciting and mind blowing reality is that Jesus meets each one of us who choose Him right where we are with NO rejections.
Of course He never leaves us where He meets us because His desire is for us to have all that He has purchased for us. What we don't always realize, at least initially, is that He doesn't want us to stay in the condition in which we find ourselves because He desires us to begin our journey with Him which leads to a deeper understanding. A new journey of meaning of 'worth and value'.
You are, you have worth and value. My caveat is that the standard I would recommend be accepted is one that can only be found in Jesus. You must take that first step of belief in Jesus as your personal savior. The point is that this isn't my definition, it's the one given by God. Once you have made that declaration of faith in Jesus then according to 2 Corinthians (5:17-21) you are now a new creation. And with this understanding you now are a person of worth and value. While there are many confirmations of this in scripture, the one that is the most all encompassing (to me) is Romans 8:1.
This is not something you 'earn' or something you can purchase. It is the free gift that is all yours because you have accepted Jesus. Sounds simple? It is. And all it requires is you. But it requires ALL of you, not just some, not when it is convenient to you - this is a 24/7, 365 day commitment. But it doesn't require you to 'be good' in order to make this commitment and receive the abundance that comes with it. Your new life begins with right where you are, right now - no rejections. Perhaps I should have also stated that in all caps. The exciting and mind blowing reality is that Jesus meets each one of us who choose Him right where we are with NO rejections.
Of course He never leaves us where He meets us because His desire is for us to have all that He has purchased for us. What we don't always realize, at least initially, is that He doesn't want us to stay in the condition in which we find ourselves because He desires us to begin our journey with Him which leads to a deeper understanding. A new journey of meaning of 'worth and value'.
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