NOT being strong and courageous...

  Though this will sound counter-intuitive, the first thing we need to do in being strong and courageous is to recognize and accept the fact that we really aren't strong and courageous. No matter how strong and self-willed (?) we are, we can never totally accomplish (fill in the blank) on our own, especially those eternal and essential 'things'. Give up? Hardly. We aren't asked to do everything on our own. It is critical to realize who we are - this is the starting point, but it is also critical to realize Whose we are - this makes all the difference.

  So if we aren't strong and courageous... what do we do? How do we become strong? Example: 2 Chronicles 20 tells the story of King Jehoshaphat and Judah, who were facing a great multitude planning on crushing them. Seeking the Lord, they were told by God  

     "Do not be afraid or dismayed because of this great multitude, for 
      the battle is not yours, but God's. (v. 15) ... You will not need to fight...
      stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, ... for the Lord is with you."
      (v.17)

Cues: seek the Lord, listen to what's said, do not fear, the Lord is with you. These are the crucial acts that we need to do. And no, it isn't easy but if we can only believe, we can do. And yes, some of the battles we do enter into, but never alone. The point is - never alone.

  The result? "Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established..." (v. 20) and in v. 27, they returned with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. You can grow in strength and courage as you do what is required (seek, listen, do not fear, believe the Lord) and you will be victorious and established. 

  Scripture continually repeats itself to assure us that we aren't alone, that we have a partner, that we have purpose and can fulfill 'it', that life is abundant, etc. The problem is believing that this for US and not just a special few. And then to do what we are asked - to be strong and courageous. Up to this last point we are delighted at what's been given, but to be strong... not so much. Being strong is something we do, it's not done to or for us, we have to choose to stand. Occasionally we will slip or falter, but then we can choose to be strong.

'Ministry' is in the definition

  I believe that all Christians are called to ministry. The difference is in the definition. Many years ago I wrote an entry for my blog on Ministry because it was (and still is) my contention that most of us don't have a good definition of 'ministry'. Most definitions default to the professional. But... did you realize you are called to full time ministry?! You are. Right where you are. There is a saying that you may be the only Bible that someone may read. That's both a tremendous responsibility as well as an incredible opportunity. It should not make you fearful that you might say or do the wrong thing - it should send you to the One who can empower you to be effective.


  Never think that what you say or what you do is unimportant. And never believe it is unseen. It has enormous potential. You really need to appreciate that you have a great deal of 'power' through your words, through your actions.... in the world in which you live. The reason is to touch your world with the grace and mercy of the Lord. Your ministerial role is to share the Jesus you know. Introduce others to who He is and how this has made a difference in your life. You may not witness the other person's conversion, but you did plant a seed with your testimony.
  Not all ministry is 'professional' - as a pastor of a church. But then... scripture doesn't define pastoral ministry as the only ministry. Those who have that particular call on their lives should be held up in prayer - that's our responsibility. But it is also important for you to discover your 'call'. What do you think the Lord is calling you to do right where you are in the world you inhabit? If you don't know, then ask Him. Also look to your heart - what do you want to do for Him? Answers are there.
  Ephesians, 1 Corinthians, and Romans talk about the gifts that have been given to the church, "...for the edification of the church".  We sometimes get things the wrong way round. Scripture teaches us that we all have a gift for the benefit of all. What we need to do is to discover who we are in the body of Christ and then share it. As we each take our place and share our gifting, the church grows stronger and becomes equipped to carry out the mission, the vision for that church. You can also rest assured that whatever you are called to God has already prepared you to walk in this. (Ephesians 2:10)  But it always takes US. God has chosen to work through us. We must become that strong army to conquer the darkness. Ministry is never an 'if'. It is always a given.

What's your story?

  Have you ever shared it? Do you want to? Do you think no one would care to take the time to listen? Do you not know what you would share even if there was time or interest? Perhaps the question should be - what's your motivation TO share or to NOT share? Why, other than the scripture that says,

     "...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in
      your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be
      saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and
      with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)

why... would we say anything? This scripture, however, is clear that we need to speak, to say, to confess. But what is it we are confessing?

  This is where your story becomes the vehicle to declare Jesus' Lordship in your life. Still... why? For one reason - your story is what can give someone confidence to make the same decision. We never know whether our words and actions plant, water, or harvest into other's lives. The point is that we share what our experience is so that it becomes further evidence for others.

  Is the speaking only for evangelizing? No... though this is a terrific reason. Another reason is that we make a visible stand to ourselves as well as others of Whose we are. In our speaking, we proclaim the excellence of our Savior. Indirectly, this also lets our enemy know that we have made a public proclamation and have renounced him and any control he may have attempted to take. He is defeated and because we have accepted Jesus' Lordship, he is also defeated in our lives. 

  Once you've shared your story, you will  be attacked. That's what the devil does, it's not new behavior. (Parenthetically - he will still try and exert his influence and lie to us about his power and our weakness. However, as we stand we demonstrate his lies - we can be strong and courageous and overcome.) But your story should give you confidence because you've witness the hand of the Lord in your life. He told us He would never leave us and He won't - we are His and He is ours - Psalm 95:7, 100:3 are only two verses that confirm this . Further evidence is found in 1 John 4: 12-13, 15 -

     "If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been
      perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He
      in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. ... Whoever confesses
      that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God."  

  Now do you see how important your story is? That it needs to be shared because it is a testimony of your new life.

Communication is not necessarily Communicating

  I was sitting in a restaurant, typically one of my favorite places to people-watch, and was observing the interactions between an older couple (defined as in their 70's). They were so solicitous toward each other - gentle and kind. Each was attempting to be of service: he pulling out the chair for her and she 'fussing' about the placement of water glass, silverware, napkin for him. What it did was to lead me to think about how interactions between people is so observable and indicative of both the person and the relationship. While that's an obvious statement, it also caused me to think about my interactions - what are they 'saying' about me? Especially about how I go about communicating.

  In today's society with all the technology that we rely on, too often we allow the technology to get in the way of the relationship, the communication. Actually I've seen what I presuppose is a family sitting at the table, each with their own 'device' and not even looking up at the others they are sitting with. And, if you talk about talking with each other - none exists. We truly have allowed our technology to control us. Or perhaps, technology is a shield. We use technology to say what we'd never say if the person was in front of us. But this can be a two-edged sword. Sometimes we really don't communicate what it is we want to say and then become surprised at the response to our texts, messages... words. And how we handle these times is not always effective.

  Technology may be able to afford us a more immediate ability to reach out to others but it really isn't the same as doing the reaching out. Sometimes the thinking goes... 'I don't have the time to call/stop by so I'll send a quick text', or 'they should know about ( ) so I'll email the info', or whatever else may become the excuse.  Admittedly that is harsh and technology does afford us the opportunity to keep in touch with people we care about but live many miles away. That's the positive. But, simultaneously I think that gossip's greatest ally is technology - and we do hide behind it.

  No answers. Only questions. You have to determine what you will do with these technology issues. What is it you write? When do you do this? What is your motivation in your writing choice and content? Personally, I think it is the highest form of inconsiderate, disrespectful, and rude behavior when you are with others and you spend the time texting, messaging, using whatever device you have rather than interacting with those with you. You can't blame technology! It is you what you choose to do.

Nothing

  We all have read or heard - "we all come into this life with nothing"... and we depart in the same state. However, what you do with your in between time makes all the difference. 

  Since I ascribe to the philosophy that none of us accidentally stumbles into 'nothings', I would have to 'assume' that it flows from our view and valuing of ourselves and 'life' that determines what happens in our in between time. Sadly, there are some people who look on themselves and their lives as... nothing. I can't think of a more hopeless condition. But we really can't 'look' at only ourselves, we need to look at the world in which we live. We need to look at our goals, our actions, our beliefs, and our lives to provide answers to a meaningful or meaningless life.

  I wonder if the person who throws away their life in inconsequential activities is as bad or worse than the person who ignores their possibilities, opportunities, and potential? Actually, it doesn't really matter since the result is the same - nothing. This is a state than would define Solomon's vanity of vanities. But what a loss! None of us is created with no redeeming value - regardless of the inception, I believe we all are never a 'mistake'. The mistake typically comes when we deny or ignore who we are and the miraculous gift we can be. Also, I believe we all are created to fulfill a destiny (Jeremiah 29:11).

  Nothing is not a condition from birth, it is always a choice of how to be who we are in our world. We always have the decision to enhance or detract from the beginning. If our beginning was terrible, then the strength of character to go beyond is greater. But if it's greater then that's an opportunity for the Lord to really shine through our lives (2 Corinthians 12:9). To take the attitude that it isn't 'fair' for me to be born in (fill in the blank) but you aren't, is futility. You were and the other person wasn't. The issue is for you to stand strong and walk into all that is prepared for you.  

Are you ready?

  This isn't an idle question. Whatever it is that you want, or feel you need, are you ready to receive? Often, when you have asked, do you stay in His presence in order to be available to receive? Or do you give up or leave before the desire is manifested? I suspect that many of us don't receive, not that we have asked amiss, but because we haven't seen our answer - immediately. We want what we want when we want it, is a fair description of how we are and act.

  Do you have any appreciation of just how difficult it is to stand? Stand, waiting stand, believing. Do you have the inner strength to continue in order to see your desires? Many of us do not follow the scripture that tells us in Galatians 6:9

     "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season
      we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

Granted the focus is doing good, but I believe the principle can be applied in a variety of ways... not the least of which is to see the evidence of our prayer requests. Again an application (James 5;16):

     "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."  

  That's the point. Effective and fervent. Now all we have to do is to know these definitions from the Lord's point of view. The book of James has many lessons to teach us in this respect. Submit to God, resist the devil, draw near to God, purify your heart, humble yourself in the sight of the Lord (James 4:7-10) are only a few of the methods James discusses. 

  I believe that our readiness to receive is also a method because if we aren't ready we probably won't see what it is we are seeking. I believe we have to place ourselves in a position to receive but it is in the Lord's timing and not ours. Regardless of how difficult it may be to wait and stand, Habakkuk 2:3, Psalm 75:2, Isaiah 49:8, Mark 1:15, 2 Corinthians 1:20, 2 Peter 3:9 are only a few of the scriptures that tells of the need to wait on the Lord. Mark 13:33 confirms this belief: 

     "Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is."
  

Future

  For whatever reason I've been thinking about the future and what it might look like in 10 years. What I might look like... Though I believe in making plans, I tend to focus on now rather than tomorrow. What about you? For yourself, any thoughts? I suppose we could look now at our past 10 years and ask the same questions. What changes have occurred? I know that in my case there have been significant events and activities that on reflection take on a greater importance than I thought at the time. 
  
  But looking to the future... who will we be individually and as a country? Will we recognize ourselves? What will this tired old world be like? Will there be peace anywhere on this planet? What will the church be... I suspect our answers to these questions partially depends on our perspective, our frame of reference - are we primarily positive or negative. Can we influence what this future will be and look like? Definitely. Will you surprise yourself?

  In looking back to today, from the 10 year future point, do you see what has happened in your life during these 10 years - your successes? Your mistakes? The times of pain or sorrow that molded you? The times of great joy and happiness that also molded you? Do you see the ways in which you influenced the world you live in? Are you pleased? Can you say with Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)? Granted, it may not be your final, but the point of fighting the fight, finishing each race, and keeping the faith are critical.

  In terms of people: who is in your life? What are your relationships like? What does the world you live in look like? How have you grown as a Christian? Once you strip away all of the issues that impacts you and your life... this last question is the most important. Our lives here on this planet regardless of whether it is full of joy and fulfillment or painful and difficult is like a fleeting breath in the scheme of life. We need to embrace life now and that takes incredible strength to endure. But it is the eternal and essential issues that last and become our gift to the Lord of how we've been His hand to His people - that is our testimony.

Reasons(?) and Excuses

  Do we seek to avoid blame? Do we seek to point the finger at someone else if, or when, blame is directed toward us? Yes - to both questions. We are a self-preservation creation and when the fault really isn't ours, then we are proactive into casting the blame as far away from ourselves as possible. Understandable.? Even though there are many times 'fault' has nothing to do with anything, I suspect none of us likes to be associated with whatever interfered with attaining the 'goal'. However, it really is how WE respond to and in these times that marks who we are. Julian Fellowes wrote: 

     "We live in this great excuse generation, where nothing's ever your
      own fault and everything's always because someone was terrible to 
      you. I think that our lives are the result of our own choices..." 

  This view that life is the result of our own choices, demands a responsibility on our part rather than the attempt to shift blame. Unfortunately, we can too easily get sucked into the blame game rather than into resolution. (Human) blame may not have anything to do with anything. And if there is a need for change then our focus should be on resolution of the (fill in the blank). Sadly, resolution typically comes after the blame has been ascribed. 

  Sometimes though, our reasons sound like excuses... even to our own ears. Perhaps what we need do is to consider why we are explaining. Has explanation been requested or are we really trying to justify our actions (or lack of actions). If we start listening to our own words, we might have a better understanding of how they are received. Excuses rarely accomplish what they are designed to do, reasons sometimes fall into that category too. 

  I believe that for Christians, there is a higher standard that we are to follow and exhibit. We should be the standard bearers in accepting our responsibility for both the good and bad that happens as a result of who we are and what we do. How we handle our mistakes makes a huge impression on those watching us. Actually the point should be what are we focusing on... excuses or resolution?

Too little... too late?

 Too little? Too late? You missed your time? Have you lost your opportunity? But is it? Obviously, with some issues or opportunities (fill in the blank) it is and when it is an important assignment or opportunity it is always painful to realize you've missed it. However, never make assumptions. The 'upside' to 'if it is true' is that you are aware you missed an important opportunity, hopefully you will be more sensitive in the future. 

  Perhaps you can't make amends for what was missed, but this doesn't have to be translated into forever 'unused'. Obviously, the precise situation won't be repeated but I firmly believe that when it comes to God and His eternal issues; God will never let the situation go without redemption (someone else will have the honor to be His hand in the situation) nor will He let your opportunity go without giving you another chance.  

  Without our understanding and realizing what happened we won't make changes, which is why I firmly believe at some point we all recognize our error, 'mistake'. What we do with this understanding is what's critical. As I've often said, 'mistakes are a part of life', how we respond to this is how we grow. It takes personal strength to admit our error and to resolve to not repeat it.

  I believe that unless we have the perspective that God's plan is redemption not punishment, we have a misguided view of Who God is. He is never waiting with a hammer in His hand to hit us when we make mistakes. Over and over in His word He tells us that He wants for our good, that He is with us, that He has made us His workmanship, etc. All this tells us that He understands our temptations (Hebrews 2:18) and weakness (4:15) and He invites us to:

     "...come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy
      and find grace to help in time of need." (v.16)

  Coming 'boldly' requires strength and courage, especially when we know we can't (fill in the blank). But this is how we come because this strength and courage is built on confidence, based in our relationship with the Lord. He can. He has. He will.

'Things' may not be what they seem...

  We've all been in situations in which what we thought we knew turned out to be in error. Oops. This can be embarrassing when 'reality' is brought to light. I suspect the only time of profound response is when we set ourselves up as the authority (fill in the blank). At times, 'authority' may not be relevant when the initial assumption is in error. These are the times that if we stick in our heels, we may end up eating our ... 

  There's a wonderful ad series by Geico showing a variety of situations in which one person is surprised about the time/cost it takes for acquiring insurance and is immediately responded to - 'everyone knows that'. This initiates the first person to say... but did you know...  And then the ad pokes fun at the 'everyone knows that' comment, which always astounds the second person. Point: maybe what everyone knows isn't complete. Then again, simply because it's a 'known' does that make it always right in all situations? Probably not.

  Perhaps the more 'important' question is - what do you do when you discover that what you thought is not what is? You have many options - blithely continue, hastily change, be surreptitious, see if you can find a handy scapegoat, stop and reassess. Which is the mostly likely MO for you, or is there another reaction? Regardless, now what do you choose to do? It's more than obvious that you can't continue, a change is inevitable.

  This is the time that your character, the type of person you are is on display and being strong and courageous is challenged and defined by your actions. I do realize that for some, the definition of 'strong' is being right or getting your own way... always. Not the right definition or application of strong. I would contend that strong and courageous definition is an internalized principle set that is lived out in our day to day reactions and interactions. This set is always in a state of refinement and we do choose to act on this... or not.