Start anew... again

  NEW Year! The word, 'new', holds such promise, such expectation. We all like our new's. The question is...what do we do with our new's? How do we respond? Each year on January 1st we emphasize 'new' by experiencing another opportunity for new through making 'resolutions'. Do we even acknowledge this? How do we meet our 'new'? Recognizing that each of our definitions may differ slightly, the point is many people look at January 1st as the opportunity to start again, anew... to???

  Like many of you (of a certain generation), when I was growing up and realized the significance of January 1st, I was told that it was important to develop some resolutions for improvement... like, not teasing my sibling so much (I never said never because I knew 'never' would never work) or to practice my piano more diligently. And how long did these good intentions last? When did they finally slip from memory and become lost? Unless you are extremely unusual, quite quickly is the truthful response.

  But, if you tried, were you resolved, purposed to (fill in the blank) and now, some days later you fell off your resolve. So? Big deal. We all fall off, the question is - do we get back up? Simply because you didn't hold strong to your plan doesn't mean that you have to undo whatever you have purposed. Start again. Start anew. You don't have to wallow or give up. Recognize that you might have to start again many times before your resolve has a foundation to continue. 

  Actually I think that this should be our mindset when we are trying something new, improved, different. We need to, no not plan to fail but plan what we do when we don't hold to our intentions. Remember - you made a plan to improve you because that's what resolutions should be all about. Don't give up or in when you face an obstacle, a slip. If you are able to start anew... again on January 1st, you can do this on any day. Improving and becoming who you can be should be the focus.

Unique and extraordinary

  Have you ever considered the fact that you are quite extraordinary? I know I've said it before but you are the only person in the world that can be you. No one else can smile the way you do or see the world like you do. Maybe others can do the same kind of work that you do, but not in the same way as you do. Certainly you don't always do what you should, none of us do - not an excuse, an explanation. And yes, you make mistakes but you also can be creative about resolution. You are far from perfect, but if you get up each day and try to be better than the day before, that defines why you really are quite extraordinary.

  However, what I've just said is totally irrelevant if you don't believe this about yourself. It makes little difference if it isn't important to you as well. If this isn't foundational to how you go about being you, then the words are meaningless. In the dark of night before you go to sleep, even with all of the demands that you will face in the morning, if you can't be pleased with you in your day, then you won't experience the rest you need for your tomorrow. If you can say that most of the time you tried, then that's the mark of an achiever, an overcomer. Not perfect yet, but on your way. And that's extraordinary.

  Being extraordinary, however, can't be maintained and built upon if you are attempting to do it alone, through your own efforts. Yes, you are much stronger than you know but you aren't invincible. But you can also do far more than you think you can when you choose to partner with the Lord. That really is your first act, accepting Jesus and what He did, your Savior, so that you can become all that you are destined to be, which becomes your foundation.  After being born again (saved), you begin to learn and discover what this means for you and how you 'fit' into the body. While saved is the mandatory start, it is not the end of your journey - actually it begins it.

  You can never say you aren't important, extraordinary once you have accepted Jesus as Lord and are born again. You are now part of the body and become a soldier in the army of the Lord. (read 1 Corinthians 14, 2 Timothy 2:3) You are needed to fill your place, you are wanted and welcomed, and with your acceptance this defines who you are. You should never forget that you really are a miracle... just like the person next to you.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS

  Happy Holidays??!! I don’t think so. It has and will always be MERRY CHRISTMAS. I love Christmas! I love everything about Christmas – the aroma of cookies baking, the decorating (the doing), the haunting fragrance from the outdoor pine tree, the caroling followed by cookies and hot chocolate. I enjoy the hustle and bustle - the excitement in children's eyes and the mischievous smile in the eyes of parents. I love buying presents for those I love and remembering the joys of Christmases past. I love family being together and engaging in the activities of this season and holiday. Yes... even the snow. This is such a glorious and joyous time of year.

  However... often the reason for the holiday is lost in the process. And with Christmas, the world has commercialized it to such a degree that it’s difficult to recognize its true reason. What we need to be mindful of is that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year because it starts the salvation process. Without Christmas, there is no Easter and without Easter, there is no salvation. And Jesus really is and has always been the reason for the season because if He hadn't been willing to be our propitiation we would be eternally lost. 

  Presents are lovely, but... it is the inexpressible joy of knowing that I have been saved that is the grandest present of all. I pray that it will mark the beginning of a joy filled and fruitful year for you – that is an indescribable gift.

[That was the article I provided for my church's monthly newsletter that I also wanted to share on my blog. There is so very much that I could write about Christmas but this short article sums it quite well.

 To you, who have made Jesus your Lord, may Christmas mark the beginning of a deeper walk for you and a further discovery of all He has provided.

 To you, who haven't made Jesus your Lord, may you reconsider and discover all that being a part of the Family of God has waiting on your acceptance of His free gift of abundant life.]

Mystery

       "Hark the Herald Angels sing, 
        Glory to the newborn King;
        Peace on earth and mercy mild, 
        God and sinners reconciled."

And in those few words, we have God's mystery explained. The words come from one of the Christmas carols that we all enjoy because of the message it brings. We are reconciled - all because of the actions of a babe, the newborn King. Paul: 

       "...the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from 
        generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them
        God willed to make know what are the riches of the glory of
        this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the
        hope of glory."  (Colossians 1:26-27)

  Paul talks about the mystery in a number of different places but what he is saying is that we who are Gentiles have had this destiny of redemption and adoption into the family of God -  from the beginning of time! We have always had a place, a belonging even before God chose the Jewish nation as His people. Romans 11:17 talks about our grafting into the tree through our acceptance and allegiance to Jesus.

  'Christ in you, the hope of glory' - do you understand this or does it remain a different mystery? Regardless of understanding, it is fact for those who count themselves as Christian. It's not a gift that will eventually be given, it is a now reality. Our hope is and always has been in Jesus as our 'door', entry into right relationship with the Father. We never could attain this through our own efforts. No one is 'good' enough, we all sin. The point is that irrespective of our inability, Jesus is able to provide our way when we follow Him.

  This is our empowerment - to be able to do whatever is required, necessary because He is in us, He is our hope of glory. Yes, glory is for another time but it is a promise. And He is is us, the scripture says: (1 Corinthians 6:17) "He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him." John (17:20-21) in relaying Jesus' prayer says:
   
     "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in
      Me through their words: that they all may be one, as You, Father,
      are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the
      world may believe that You sent Me."

I may not fully understand or appreciate what this says and means, this is a mystery not fully revealed to my understanding, but I do know that I can appropriate this for myself through faith. A mystery and a reality.

  

Forgiveness... at a price?

  Is this your attitude toward others... especially those who have wronged you in some way? Do you want them to pay in some fashion, to extract a price to secure your forgiveness? Or do you simply remind them of your magnanimous nature/behavior in forgiving such an action committed by them? Is there an addendum that tells us we can exact a payment for that forgiveness? I don't think so.

  Ephesians 2:1-10 gives us another reminder of who we were before Christ and who we've become as a result - but not just us - all, God, "...made us alive together with Christ." How we must forgive is demonstrated by the Father's behavior toward us, how He forgives. Just 3 scriptural reminders:

       "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will
        also forgive you." (Matthew 6:14)
       "... forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against
        another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 
       (Colossians 3:13) 
       "But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven
        forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:26)

Mark's comments are the strongest in terms of our requirement to forgive. To be forgiven we must forgive - no other option.

  Another way of looking at this is - are we quick to judge? On what basis are you 'judging'? Whose standards determine your response to (fill in the blank)? First - judging is something we all do, almost like this is on autopilot. And this determines what we do next. Judging appears to be a natural instinct but I would argue that it's the context, the 'object' of our judging that is at issue. We are not given the prerogative to exact a punishment. 

  It isn't always easy to walk in forgiveness. No one said it would be. It just happens to be what is required of us. However I know we sometimes want revenge... that's not ours to determine. We can always, always walk in forgiveness when we realize our context that this is the basis we are forgiven. Justice or mercy? I want mercy for me so I must extend mercy to others.

... and in the meantime?

  You are waiting. But it isn't the time quite yet... so, what do you, are you doing now? If you are the anxious (defined as excited, primed) type then you are probably chomping at the bit. If you are the more 'reasoned' type you are probably reassessing your 'resources' and your plan to put into effect once the time is right. Wasting this 'in the meantime' time is not really the best option. If nothing else, 'meantime' teaches you patience. Obviously, since acting before the best time may not produce the desired result.

  Waiting expectantly? This is one of those 'heightened' attentiveness times. We need to continue to be and act intentional in whatever is currently going on in our life. For some, this is extremely difficult because many people want to 'get on with it'. So what productive behavior can you focus on during this period of meantime? I did suggest that reassessing. to make certain you are ready to respond effectively once it is time, is a good use of this time. This is the making certain that 'all the ducks are in a row' approach.

  What else can you do besides reassessing and being attentive to your now? If you are the 'big picture' type, you'll begin to look at the results of this effort and begin to decide what will possibly come next. Perhaps you'll posit a number of options that will or may become available. A big picture approach allows you the luxury to look at how what you are doing fits into the larger canvas. And sometimes in doing this you may find you need to tweak what it is you will be doing.

  Never waste your 'in the meantime' time as it is a valuable opportunity. Too often we have to act 'on the fly' so when these times come, we should always take advantage of them. Perhaps it will be a time for personal growth in areas you've always wanted to pursue but hadn't the time to do so. Maybe it will be a time to build relationships. There are all sorts of possibilities. The point is that you have the opportunity to not just hop up and down in your waiting but to let this time serve you.

Me and... you?

  Especially when we need some assistance, do we seek help with the unstated proposition that it will be ... then get out of the way? Is that what we really are saying? We want or need protection, help or (fill in the blank) - but on our terms? Not sure that's how it works. If we are seeking help, isn't that help from another based on what whoever is being asked and is willing to do? Yet... isn't that how we react to the Lord? Once our 'crises' is over we want to take control again. A quick 'thanks' and we're off. Grateful creation, aren't we?

  Since it isn't a 'positive', do we take the time to learn from the situation we were in to discover what was happening and how to avoid it the next time? Do we develop new methods to respond to such situations? Most important, do we acknowledge the help given to us by others? I suspect we don't take much time to thank the Lord when He was the primary person leading us through the situation we were in. But how about others who help? How do you thank them... do you? Or is it a toss away 'thanks' without any gratitude attached? How do you feel when you have been one of those who helped someone else and they didn't even take the time to say 'thanks'? 

  Relationships are critically important. They aren't really delicate or they won't stand the test of... whatever comes the way. So they really aren't 'delicate' but they do need to be developed. And they do need nourishing, however we define this. No relationship will stand the test of ignoring. Have you seen many long-distance relationships survive? Time, others, lack of communication and interface all contribute to the eventual dissolve. Anyone's fault? Probably but that isn't the point. My suggestion that in any and all relationships there is a critical need for expressions of appreciation, development, and willingness to be in the relationship. While this last sentence may sound strange, think about it. How many relationships are you in, that have meaning, that don't require your participation?

  So my question: how are you nourishing your relationship with the Lord? This is making the unproven assumption that a: you have a relationship and b: you want His involvement in your life. Do you expect Him to only involve Himself in your life when it suits your needs or wants? Relationships really never work this way and to expect it to be the basis and operational definition of your relationship with the Lord is not a relationship. No, you don't have to do deeds of derring do to prove how important the Lord is - but minimally you have to be in communication. If you never spoke with your children or spouse or parents, or your friends, how long will that relationship grow and continue? Is it 'me and you' in your relationships?

Messing up, confusion, and making 'corrections'

  Let's face it... we all mess up. Sometimes we even surprise ourselves by what we just said or did - or didn't say/do. If you feel shocked, you aren't alone. Then again... as long as we aren't repeating a previous mistake, it isn't as 'bad', yes? Okay... we do repeat messes. But often that repeat is the final time for that particular mess. Personally, I feel I am very creative at discovering and/or developing new messes. I may repeat one once, but rarely keep reinforcing it. I attempt to follow (attributed to Einstein) the saying that the definition of insanity is repeating the same behavior but expecting a different result.

  Sometimes, at least for me, I am surprised and just a tad confused about what just happened. Things don't always turn out the way you think they will. And if the surprise is associated with others (and what isn't?) then 'they' rarely react according to the script in your head. The point really is... what am I going to do about it? And the first question has to be - is there anything I can do? Or do I need assistance? Or will I have to accept the situation as is?

  I have also discovered that if I precipitously act then 9 times out of 10 I only make the situation worse. This often is the result if confusion is the feeling. While mistakes happen, exasperating them doesn't need to follow in their wake. Obviously apologize, if not for what you did/didn't do/say, then for how the other person feels. At this point that should be the focus, in my world. You really need the time to consider what precipitated your response, the response, and the reaction to your response. But it always shows consideration on your part when you acknowledge the other person's feelings.

  'Correction' becomes the final piece. Sometimes you really can't do or say anything. Sometimes, whether or not the 'blame' is yours, you simply have to live with it. However, that initial acknowledgement of the other person's feelings may be all that's necessary. Justice can be a tricky thing since it appears that sometimes it's in the eye of the beholder. Grace, on the other hand, is always available as a response. And Mercy toward all, yourself included, heals many a troubling situation.
  

Life is the beginning...

  This is not an 'of course' statement. Life is not easy. I'm not certain it's meant to be. I sometimes think it's like being in school. There are life lessons to be learned, here and now, because I really don't believe this life is all there is. What we learn in this life will be put in context and use in the next. And don't simply dismiss what I've said out of hand. I know the phrase sounds somewhat precious, but life requires us to be engaged. Those who try to only look on from the sidelines are truly throwing away their life.

  I have always been intrigued with Solomon's comments. Here was a man that asked for wisdom and received everything as a result. But he also ended up saying that everything was futile, vanity of vanities. Not a particularly positive view. How did he get to this point? What happened that caused him to walk away from an involvement in his life? Partially, I would speculate, is because he was looking only at the carnal world. He had lost his perspective.

  Do you think that he felt he had experienced everything there was to be experienced and now he was bored? There was nothing left for him? If so, then he was wrong. Each day has new surprises, new opportunities, new... and this is what is exciting. However, I don't believe we should look at our current residence as the end of our all living. Scripture provides us with countless verses attesting to the fact that this life is only the beginning, that there is life after death. But how often do we have this mindset when we are making decisions or simply responding in the day? 

  There are those who never look at the now but focus all their attention on the next life. In my opinion that is throwing away a wondrous gift. Life is worth the living and yes, it is the beginning. But... what a beginning. Life beckons us but we have to respond. And while it can be argued that it's what you do with that 'then' focus, I don't believe that we are meant to only look to 'then'. We are created to engage our now, to be alive in our life. Yes, our treasure is not in this life but we bring who we are now into our next. Life requires our willingness to experience all that happens and learn from it. What will we use it for in the next life? Notta clue. I just know that we have been created to be involved and alive ... now.

Hard Pressed?

  I'm sure we all feel this way at times. But remember 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9

     "We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed but 
      not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not 
      destroyed." 

'Not' is the point. We are not crushed, in despair, abandoned, destroyed! Our problem typically is that in the midst of those times, our feelings tend toward feeling crushed, despairing, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down. We forget what we have and who we are and what we've overcome before. Face it - hard pressed times may come but how do we respond, what is our mindset during these times?


  In a recent post, John MacArthur said:

     "God is never caught off guard by our suffering and trials. On 
      the contrary, He’s at work in the midst of all our circumstances, 
      directing all things for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28). 
      So rather than running from persecution, we need to look for 
      what the Lord is accomplishing in the midst of it."

What a terrific perspective. We all tend to look at our sufferings and trials from our perspective, but if we can take a moment and look at it from the Father's perspective, we may find a treasure trove of learning. I don't believe that the actions, if from God, are to tempt us. God tells us He doesn't do this, but we are tested. We, obviously, are intimately involved in our own situation, but our perspective can shift to finding what the Lord is doing in us for our good as we go through.

  Hard pressed is also part of another teaching - Romans 5:3-5a
     
     "...but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces
      perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
      Now hope does not disappoint..."

  Our choice is 'how' we go through these times since the source can come from a variety of places and people. This isn't really the point... the point is our growth and subsequent witness. Hard pressed should strengthen us, but this typically only happens when we decide we will learn and apply the learning. We always have a choice as to how we will respond to these times. Saying that 'it isn't fair' or that 'you don't deserve this' may be true, but if you are in the midst of this... it doesn't help to resolve the hard pressed times.