I read this on a friend's Facebook post:
"Practice the Pause. When in doubt - pause. When angry - pause.
When tired - pause. When stressed - pause. And when you pause -
Pray."
It was attributed to Roma Downey, but whoever first spoke this - absolutely terrific! It does give us a basis to respond proactively and not re-actively. Quite honestly, we do need to practice in order to properly and effectively respond to doubt, anger, tired, and stressed. However, one can never take a 'time out' in life to experiment with various reactions to a situation. What we can do is to be aware of how we responded and what the ramifications and repercussions were.
The world in which we live is fraught (always wanted to use this word) with so many distractions and obstacles to our goals that we need to have not just coping mechanism we can rely on, but a proactive method to face them. The last word in this post is the answer - Pray. Because praying causes us to slow down, to center on Who provides our answers, and discover that what we are pursuing is what we should be focusing on.
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a 'project' and suddenly wondered if it was 'worth it'? Or maybe you were in the midst of a very frustrating conversation that no one seemed to understand what the other was saying nor did they seem to want to focus on understanding and resolution. We've all been in these situations and have wanted to 'just get it over with' except we knew we'd have that to deal with as well.
Doubt, anger, tired, and stress can attack at any moment. Sometimes they double up and two or three occur simultaneously. Reality often seems to indicate that we respond in kind or we respond unthinkingly because of our own 'condition'. This is an even greater encouragement that we need to practice the answer of prayer in less stressful situations so that we 'automatically' go into a pray mode when the greater stress occurs.
Practice. We really need to practice the pause. Pausing really may turn a disaster into a triumph. However, without practice it probably won't. I would recommend that we start with the easier times so that when the difficult times come, we are more proficient. Practice. This leads to a habit that promotes and protects and resolves the seeming unresolve-ables... because we started with the pause of prayer.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Seasons
Recently I told a friend, "Life is a series of interesting seasons." When you think about it and/or look at your own life - true that? It is impossible (I think) to stand still and take up residence in a place or time for long. This is why I keep preaching that we need to be intentional about what we do. If we aren't then we miss our now in the midst of moaning about what isn't. Harsh? Probably, but it does seem to be accurate.
Seasons hold all sorts of surprises, opportunities, issues, learnings, obstacles, etc. and this gives us an understanding of how we react and respond to them. This gives rise to another preaching - that we do need to know ourselves and allow (yes, allow) ourselves to grow, mature, make mistakes, not be our best self, etc. Never forget that you are the most important, most critical component in the decisions you make. And, some of those decisions will strike you as absolutely brilliant, and others will give rise to a... 'did I really intend to do (fill in the blank)'?
I must admit that we all tend to be in the midst of the next season when we realize we have emerged from the last one. Seasons are not always painless, sometimes we learn difficult lessons about life, ourselves, and how we adapt and adopt to these lessons. This should never be cause for alarm or fear because we are living in 'difficult' times. For those of us who have chosen Jesus as our Lord, He told us these times would come but that He would be with us. What a comfort.
Personally, I've always enjoyed the various seasons and what they bring with their emergent. Seasons are never our enemy - they are designed to help us discover our new adventures. I believe seasons bring us to a summation of the previous season to allow us to rediscover all those 'things' that are important and define us. This always allows us to refine what needs to be and eliminate those pieces that aren't helpful. Are you in tune with your seasons? You really can grow because of them.
Seasons hold all sorts of surprises, opportunities, issues, learnings, obstacles, etc. and this gives us an understanding of how we react and respond to them. This gives rise to another preaching - that we do need to know ourselves and allow (yes, allow) ourselves to grow, mature, make mistakes, not be our best self, etc. Never forget that you are the most important, most critical component in the decisions you make. And, some of those decisions will strike you as absolutely brilliant, and others will give rise to a... 'did I really intend to do (fill in the blank)'?
I must admit that we all tend to be in the midst of the next season when we realize we have emerged from the last one. Seasons are not always painless, sometimes we learn difficult lessons about life, ourselves, and how we adapt and adopt to these lessons. This should never be cause for alarm or fear because we are living in 'difficult' times. For those of us who have chosen Jesus as our Lord, He told us these times would come but that He would be with us. What a comfort.
Personally, I've always enjoyed the various seasons and what they bring with their emergent. Seasons are never our enemy - they are designed to help us discover our new adventures. I believe seasons bring us to a summation of the previous season to allow us to rediscover all those 'things' that are important and define us. This always allows us to refine what needs to be and eliminate those pieces that aren't helpful. Are you in tune with your seasons? You really can grow because of them.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Finding the 'sweet spot'
At times it seems that life is a juggling act - trying to keep 'everything' in balance, trying to keep 'everyone' in balance, and trying 'to do the right thing'. Is there really ever a point of equilibrium? Do we ever find our sweet spot in our own life? Not certain I know - I'm still trying to find mine! That was said somewhat facetiously. I'm beginning to believe that 'equilibrium' is a moment in time that we see, sometimes in hindsight. But as a place of residence - not, at least in my experience.
However, even though it may not be a residence, when one does experience this, what a high it is. There's such a sense of peace and of calm... so it's worth pursuing. I suspect that a definition wouldn't go amiss. Webster defines equilibrium as: "...a state in which opposing forces or actions are balanced so that one is not stronger or greater than the other..." Not a particularly exciting definition and one that doesn't draw you into pursuing this status. However, another part of the definition is: "... a state of intellectual or emotional balance..." Now that is considerably better.
We all find ourselves, at times, at 'war' with ... us. On the one hand... and on the other hand... These, mostly diametrically opposing views, thoughts, possible actions, etc. do exist within all of us. The point is that we need to find our foundation, what is immovable in our lives in order to make sense and come to a consensus within ourselves. Without a foundation we can far too easily be swayed by whoever speaks into our lives last. This can mean we appear to others and ourselves as 'wishy washy' because our commitment to a particular stand is on shifting sand.
One lesson I've learned is that if I try, consciously, to pursue equilibrium, I find it continually just out of my grasp. However, when I consciously attempt to be true to who I am and what I am about, then I come closer. Perhaps it isn't equilibrium that needs pursuing, perhaps it's a daily commitment to act with integrity, apply critical thinking, act on all of my standards, and try to be the best person you can be in the day. Perhaps keeping my eyes on the Lord's plans for me will provide the peace I seek. Perhaps this mindset trumps everything else...?
However, even though it may not be a residence, when one does experience this, what a high it is. There's such a sense of peace and of calm... so it's worth pursuing. I suspect that a definition wouldn't go amiss. Webster defines equilibrium as: "...a state in which opposing forces or actions are balanced so that one is not stronger or greater than the other..." Not a particularly exciting definition and one that doesn't draw you into pursuing this status. However, another part of the definition is: "... a state of intellectual or emotional balance..." Now that is considerably better.
We all find ourselves, at times, at 'war' with ... us. On the one hand... and on the other hand... These, mostly diametrically opposing views, thoughts, possible actions, etc. do exist within all of us. The point is that we need to find our foundation, what is immovable in our lives in order to make sense and come to a consensus within ourselves. Without a foundation we can far too easily be swayed by whoever speaks into our lives last. This can mean we appear to others and ourselves as 'wishy washy' because our commitment to a particular stand is on shifting sand.
One lesson I've learned is that if I try, consciously, to pursue equilibrium, I find it continually just out of my grasp. However, when I consciously attempt to be true to who I am and what I am about, then I come closer. Perhaps it isn't equilibrium that needs pursuing, perhaps it's a daily commitment to act with integrity, apply critical thinking, act on all of my standards, and try to be the best person you can be in the day. Perhaps keeping my eyes on the Lord's plans for me will provide the peace I seek. Perhaps this mindset trumps everything else...?
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Teachable
Do you consider yourself as teachable? Yes? Then what have you learned lately? Smack? Perhaps a kinder way would have been to ask you to define what you mean as 'teachable'. Or I could ask what kinds of learnings have influences you the most? Perhaps the question should be, who and what do you regard as your teachers? My point is focus not blame.
Part of my philosophy has always been, regardless of positive/negative, what have I learned as a result of what I have just experienced. It's always the question I ask others. Focus. Learning. So..., have you done an assessment recently (within the last 6 months) of what you've learned recently - it should lead you in the directions of what you still need/want to learn. But it is also the basis of what you can share, what you can testify concerning how the Lord has been 'growing you'.
Growing up, education was always a high priority. I enjoyed learning, still do, so it has been a familiar path for me. Perhaps you haven't considered that your learning becomes a teachable lesson both for you to share and for others to review for themselves. Teachable is always at least a two pronged quality. What we've experienced can always become a basis to share with others - both the scrapes as well as the trophies.
My typical approach when there is any new learning, skill, ability in which I find myself involved is best accomplished in a mentored relationship. At the point I begin demonstrating my understanding of (fill in the blank) I want to know what I don't know. I need the person that is assisting me to appropriate the new skill to help me know what I need to learn. This point helps me to not develop counterproductive behaviors before they become new habits. The end result is effectiveness and efficiency. Any new little refinements or tweaks can come after there is a thorough understanding of what it is I need to know.
Teachable is always a choice, a decision to allow ourselves to learn, to not be the one that knows everything there is to know. I've also observed that others who do know the particular skill do appreciate being able to teach their methods. The counterpoint to this is that after they've seen you perform according to how they do things, they will be more open to your suggestions. But it starts first with a willingness to be taught...
Part of my philosophy has always been, regardless of positive/negative, what have I learned as a result of what I have just experienced. It's always the question I ask others. Focus. Learning. So..., have you done an assessment recently (within the last 6 months) of what you've learned recently - it should lead you in the directions of what you still need/want to learn. But it is also the basis of what you can share, what you can testify concerning how the Lord has been 'growing you'.
Growing up, education was always a high priority. I enjoyed learning, still do, so it has been a familiar path for me. Perhaps you haven't considered that your learning becomes a teachable lesson both for you to share and for others to review for themselves. Teachable is always at least a two pronged quality. What we've experienced can always become a basis to share with others - both the scrapes as well as the trophies.
My typical approach when there is any new learning, skill, ability in which I find myself involved is best accomplished in a mentored relationship. At the point I begin demonstrating my understanding of (fill in the blank) I want to know what I don't know. I need the person that is assisting me to appropriate the new skill to help me know what I need to learn. This point helps me to not develop counterproductive behaviors before they become new habits. The end result is effectiveness and efficiency. Any new little refinements or tweaks can come after there is a thorough understanding of what it is I need to know.
Teachable is always a choice, a decision to allow ourselves to learn, to not be the one that knows everything there is to know. I've also observed that others who do know the particular skill do appreciate being able to teach their methods. The counterpoint to this is that after they've seen you perform according to how they do things, they will be more open to your suggestions. But it starts first with a willingness to be taught...
Monday, October 12, 2015
Start...Stop
I sometimes think that one of the most difficult acts we attempt is when we decide and then begin a new habit. Stopping one isn't any easier - theoretically, you just stop doing whatever it was you were doing. Granted, if it's something you enjoy doing or it gives you any satisfaction when you are doing (fill in the blank), it isn't always simple to go cold turkey, but it can be done. Other than the difficulty level, starting is completely different.
Starting requires thought, commitment, appreciation of where you are and where you want to end up... but maybe all that's needed is a willingness to do whatever needs doing in order to - here, perhaps, is the problem? Why are we wanting to start this new habit? I can guarantee you that if you are stopping an old or starting a new, that if you aren't doing this for yourself, then success is dramatically limited. Now that I think on start... stop, maybe they both are equally difficult to start and stop, especially if your heart isn't in it.
Habit(s) is the point regardless of beginning a new one or attempting to stop one that isn't 'good'. Do you know your methodology to accomplish your start and stop? Regardless of focus, if you don't have a plan to meet your obstacles on the way to success, you will have problems. If ever there is a hindrance or initial deterrent to success it's our lack of planning to meet any problems we face on our way.
At various times in our lives we all determine to make a new beginning or end a behavior that is counterproductive. Do you remember your times of successes and times of interference with success? Now, do you remember how you responded to these? It really is important if for no other reason than as a guide for your next start... stop adventure. And perhaps that's the most important key - our attitude, how we go about doing and resolving the issues to a new habit. Because even stopping an old, ingrained habit will require developing a new habit...
Starting requires thought, commitment, appreciation of where you are and where you want to end up... but maybe all that's needed is a willingness to do whatever needs doing in order to - here, perhaps, is the problem? Why are we wanting to start this new habit? I can guarantee you that if you are stopping an old or starting a new, that if you aren't doing this for yourself, then success is dramatically limited. Now that I think on start... stop, maybe they both are equally difficult to start and stop, especially if your heart isn't in it.
Habit(s) is the point regardless of beginning a new one or attempting to stop one that isn't 'good'. Do you know your methodology to accomplish your start and stop? Regardless of focus, if you don't have a plan to meet your obstacles on the way to success, you will have problems. If ever there is a hindrance or initial deterrent to success it's our lack of planning to meet any problems we face on our way.
At various times in our lives we all determine to make a new beginning or end a behavior that is counterproductive. Do you remember your times of successes and times of interference with success? Now, do you remember how you responded to these? It really is important if for no other reason than as a guide for your next start... stop adventure. And perhaps that's the most important key - our attitude, how we go about doing and resolving the issues to a new habit. Because even stopping an old, ingrained habit will require developing a new habit...
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Pressing onward?
Battle scared? Feeling the weariness down in the depths of your being? Ready to give up? Give in? I can't speak for you but I know that for me there are moments I do feel so bone weary that it's painful. And whatever 'it' is, I don't want to do anything. The more you think about it... exactly what is 'IT' that you're expending that much effort on/for? Why are you doing whatever you are doing? Have you lost sight of the goal?
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept
the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
You? Can you say this about your life - who you are and what you have done? Any unfinished work? Age is not a factor, it's all about the 'work' and this includes the 'fight'.
I would argue that we need to keep sight on what our fight is all about. If we don't, then we lose our impetus, our dedication, our commitment.
"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God
in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)
The prize, the goal is 2 Timothy - fought the good fight, finished the course. We sometimes put the action ahead of the reason for what we do and then we lose sight of the reason. The point in this is - keeping the faith. Many times, keeping the faith is the fight because a life of faith isn't always the easiest path. For me, this fulfills the Philippians verse. This is my vision - to fulfill my call by being and doing all I know how.
How can one press onward without a clear vision, understanding about what we are fighting for and what weapons we need to complete the task. The focus is people's lives. The scripture that talks about 'perishing for lack of a vision' (Proverbs 29:18) is critical. We need to have a vision of: who we are, Who we serve, what the vision is that we are following. Without a clear understanding there's little chance that we will press onward. Vision gives us our goal as well as those we are fighting for (even when they don't want us to).
Is it worth it to you to press on? Will you fight the good fight? Jesus asked if when He returned would He find faith? Even if it is only you - will you continue to stand in faith? We are more than conquerors only when we do stand uncompromisingly and firmly in faith. We can press onward knowing that our actions will stand as a witness.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept
the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
You? Can you say this about your life - who you are and what you have done? Any unfinished work? Age is not a factor, it's all about the 'work' and this includes the 'fight'.
I would argue that we need to keep sight on what our fight is all about. If we don't, then we lose our impetus, our dedication, our commitment.
"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God
in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)
The prize, the goal is 2 Timothy - fought the good fight, finished the course. We sometimes put the action ahead of the reason for what we do and then we lose sight of the reason. The point in this is - keeping the faith. Many times, keeping the faith is the fight because a life of faith isn't always the easiest path. For me, this fulfills the Philippians verse. This is my vision - to fulfill my call by being and doing all I know how.
How can one press onward without a clear vision, understanding about what we are fighting for and what weapons we need to complete the task. The focus is people's lives. The scripture that talks about 'perishing for lack of a vision' (Proverbs 29:18) is critical. We need to have a vision of: who we are, Who we serve, what the vision is that we are following. Without a clear understanding there's little chance that we will press onward. Vision gives us our goal as well as those we are fighting for (even when they don't want us to).
Is it worth it to you to press on? Will you fight the good fight? Jesus asked if when He returned would He find faith? Even if it is only you - will you continue to stand in faith? We are more than conquerors only when we do stand uncompromisingly and firmly in faith. We can press onward knowing that our actions will stand as a witness.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
There's so much more
Congratulations! You recognized your need for a Savior and have made Jesus the Lord of your life, now... what have you done since? Have you made your decision known? Have you been baptized? Have you started attending a bible-believing church and most important... have you begun building a relationship with Jesus to learn who you are, Whose you are, and what is the call on your life? If you haven't done any of the three mentioned - what difference has the Lord made in your life? What, exactly, are you doing? You didn't just stop, did you?
Back in August, 2010 I wrote a blog post that said:
Almost by definition, 'first step' implies that there are more steps to
be taken. Even if the only act you make is to take a second step
parallel (to be in balance) to the initial step. The first step is the most
important decision you'll ever make, but once made, everything opens
up to you - it's like you were seeing in black and white, now you see
in vibrant color.
This first step is to (publicly) acknowledge Jesus as the ONLY way to restored relationship with the Father and to accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. But that's only the beginning. My analogy is that if you were attending a sumptuous feast, you'd not only savor the appetizer, would you? However, that's what many people do. They realize their need for a savior and accept Jesus as Lord and then stop.
(A simple explanation for those of you who don't understand/believe in the only way: The Father didn't destroy the relationship - we did. Therefore, it isn't up to us to determine the basis of returning - He does. And God makes it extremely clear that the way to reconciliation, made simple, is to believe on His Son and the act of restoration Jesus did to effect that reconciliation.)
What the Father has ordained that must happen first - we must believe on His Son - ushers in so much more for us. Obviously our first question(s) tends to be either: 'what's in it for me' or 'what do I have to give up'. We typically start from the thinking that we are going to lose in this transaction. This undoubtedly stems from what we experience in the secular world. That's not how God works. It's comparable to looking through the window of a gigantic store and seeing all the wonderful (fill in the blank of what this looks like for you) available 'things' - peace, freedom, acceptance, healing, fulfillment, etc. Yes, we do give up fear, lack, loneliness, discord, disarray, etc. And this only begins our journey.
Why would anyone NOT accept? Yet, many don't. But for those who do, there is a vast array of blessings waiting to be bestowed on those who believe on Jesus. Reread the parable of the Prodigal Son - it is the perfect example of who we were. But once we accept the salvation offered we shouldn't just stop. Obviously we don't return to the what we have been saved out of and we don't pick up where we were before we were in darkness. It's time for us to begin our journey. I believe that once we are saved then we begin an entirely new adventure, but one that includes the Lord being with us. In the Prodigal Son parable, a great feast was prepared and all were invited to partake. It's up to us to realize that, as wonderful as salvation is, the Father has prepared so much more for us.
Back in August, 2010 I wrote a blog post that said:
Almost by definition, 'first step' implies that there are more steps to
be taken. Even if the only act you make is to take a second step
parallel (to be in balance) to the initial step. The first step is the most
important decision you'll ever make, but once made, everything opens
up to you - it's like you were seeing in black and white, now you see
in vibrant color.
This first step is to (publicly) acknowledge Jesus as the ONLY way to restored relationship with the Father and to accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. But that's only the beginning. My analogy is that if you were attending a sumptuous feast, you'd not only savor the appetizer, would you? However, that's what many people do. They realize their need for a savior and accept Jesus as Lord and then stop.
(A simple explanation for those of you who don't understand/believe in the only way: The Father didn't destroy the relationship - we did. Therefore, it isn't up to us to determine the basis of returning - He does. And God makes it extremely clear that the way to reconciliation, made simple, is to believe on His Son and the act of restoration Jesus did to effect that reconciliation.)
What the Father has ordained that must happen first - we must believe on His Son - ushers in so much more for us. Obviously our first question(s) tends to be either: 'what's in it for me' or 'what do I have to give up'. We typically start from the thinking that we are going to lose in this transaction. This undoubtedly stems from what we experience in the secular world. That's not how God works. It's comparable to looking through the window of a gigantic store and seeing all the wonderful (fill in the blank of what this looks like for you) available 'things' - peace, freedom, acceptance, healing, fulfillment, etc. Yes, we do give up fear, lack, loneliness, discord, disarray, etc. And this only begins our journey.
Why would anyone NOT accept? Yet, many don't. But for those who do, there is a vast array of blessings waiting to be bestowed on those who believe on Jesus. Reread the parable of the Prodigal Son - it is the perfect example of who we were. But once we accept the salvation offered we shouldn't just stop. Obviously we don't return to the what we have been saved out of and we don't pick up where we were before we were in darkness. It's time for us to begin our journey. I believe that once we are saved then we begin an entirely new adventure, but one that includes the Lord being with us. In the Prodigal Son parable, a great feast was prepared and all were invited to partake. It's up to us to realize that, as wonderful as salvation is, the Father has prepared so much more for us.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
What does God want
of/from/for Me (substitute your name)! I'm talking specifically not intellectually or even spiritually. We all, at some time, ask this question - and I believe every serious Christian asks this... often. We all want to be pleasing to God. I know one can quote Micah (6:8)
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord
require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to
walk humbly with your God?"
In fact I've written about justice, kindness and humility previously because these ideas, behaviors are always important. But what does this mean, specifically, for you and me? What does it look like? What's required? We all need the confidence that we are doing what God wants for/from us. We all need to be able to identify, operationally, what this is - personally - and how we do 'it'.
It's not an easy question to answer, and to complicate it further, how this looks for one person may not look exactly the same for another - conceptually, yes, but operationally, not necessarily because we all need to personalize this. Another point is - given this, do we all have the same definitions of those 3 words and behaviors? Because this is the beginning of understanding and specificity. Again, conceptually these words have the same definitions but operationally, it depends on us: who we are, what we understand, our world, how we are growing in this, and our particular gifting to the world. My discoveries and journey has led me to the following as a foundation for what I believe God wants and how I operationalize (new word?) it.
I believe that one component in this quest of discovery and understanding is praise and worship. This can be expressed in whatever way and however you express your worship - writing, speaking, singing, dancing, etc. The point is the expression and, my bias, that we do this daily, not only when we gather as a body for fellowship. I don't believe that the particular expression is at issue, it's the frequency of the act. How does praise and worship relate to... do justice, love kindness, and walking humbly with the Lord? It's in the development of our character, the prevailing attitudes that demonstrate our relating. It also gives a context to praise and worship.
Another discovery led me to prayer as part of the foundation for the operationalization (another new word?). You may think this an obvious component but again, the expression is the point. Prayer is communication in my world of definitions. However you define prayer... do you engage in it? Is this a daily 'activity'? Why? What's your context? How do you go about the process of praying?
I suspect we all realize the importance of prayer intellectually and we've read about 'it' in scripture, but have you personalized prayer? The light bulb went off for me when I started to see how often Jesus went off to pray, to communicate with the Father, to be with Him. My understanding broaden with the realization that if the Lord did this as often as He did, how much more important it was that I do this. This is an offensive 'weapon' in our spiritual warfare battles. If it isn't then we go into battle with one arm tied behind our backs.
Prayer places us in direct communication with the Lord at/in the moment. But I don't believe we should only go to Him in times of peril, crisis, or desperate need. He gave us the opportunity to 'come boldly to the throne' (Hebrews 4:16) and he provided us with the key to this when he put us in relationship. We never did or could earn righteousness - He made us to be righteous (Romans 3:22, Ephesians 2:4-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17-(21) so we could be in relationship. Jesus knew how difficult it would be for us so He provided the way (Hebrews 4:14-15, 9:15, 10:14, etc.) which is faith, the person - who is Jesus, and the method - which is relationship. Relationship is both vertical and horizontal. Our relationships with others is vitally important. How we treat them, especially our brothers and sisters in the Lord (John 13:35), speaks volumes to those watching.
Underscoring praise and worship, prayer, and relationship is growing in knowledge and understanding. None of this is a one and done. We continually grow in understanding of all of the who, what, whys as we live out our lives. As we act on all of this we demonstrate to ourselves and others what and who it is that we believe - and why. Without applying we never know what we have learned. And if we don't know what we have learned and how it relates to life, we are without knowledge.
I believe this is what God wants. In all of this it's our intentionality about discovery, understanding, and application that speaks and demonstrates whether we've learned what God wants from/for us. And... you will also add those other important components which add and strengthen your foundation. Wherever we are on our journey of discovery and understanding, we are in a position of adding line upon line, precept upon precept. We are always becoming and this is a fruitful journey when we apply our discovery and fulfilling when we understand.
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord
require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to
walk humbly with your God?"
In fact I've written about justice, kindness and humility previously because these ideas, behaviors are always important. But what does this mean, specifically, for you and me? What does it look like? What's required? We all need the confidence that we are doing what God wants for/from us. We all need to be able to identify, operationally, what this is - personally - and how we do 'it'.
It's not an easy question to answer, and to complicate it further, how this looks for one person may not look exactly the same for another - conceptually, yes, but operationally, not necessarily because we all need to personalize this. Another point is - given this, do we all have the same definitions of those 3 words and behaviors? Because this is the beginning of understanding and specificity. Again, conceptually these words have the same definitions but operationally, it depends on us: who we are, what we understand, our world, how we are growing in this, and our particular gifting to the world. My discoveries and journey has led me to the following as a foundation for what I believe God wants and how I operationalize (new word?) it.
I believe that one component in this quest of discovery and understanding is praise and worship. This can be expressed in whatever way and however you express your worship - writing, speaking, singing, dancing, etc. The point is the expression and, my bias, that we do this daily, not only when we gather as a body for fellowship. I don't believe that the particular expression is at issue, it's the frequency of the act. How does praise and worship relate to... do justice, love kindness, and walking humbly with the Lord? It's in the development of our character, the prevailing attitudes that demonstrate our relating. It also gives a context to praise and worship.
Another discovery led me to prayer as part of the foundation for the operationalization (another new word?). You may think this an obvious component but again, the expression is the point. Prayer is communication in my world of definitions. However you define prayer... do you engage in it? Is this a daily 'activity'? Why? What's your context? How do you go about the process of praying?
I suspect we all realize the importance of prayer intellectually and we've read about 'it' in scripture, but have you personalized prayer? The light bulb went off for me when I started to see how often Jesus went off to pray, to communicate with the Father, to be with Him. My understanding broaden with the realization that if the Lord did this as often as He did, how much more important it was that I do this. This is an offensive 'weapon' in our spiritual warfare battles. If it isn't then we go into battle with one arm tied behind our backs.
Prayer places us in direct communication with the Lord at/in the moment. But I don't believe we should only go to Him in times of peril, crisis, or desperate need. He gave us the opportunity to 'come boldly to the throne' (Hebrews 4:16) and he provided us with the key to this when he put us in relationship. We never did or could earn righteousness - He made us to be righteous (Romans 3:22, Ephesians 2:4-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17-(21) so we could be in relationship. Jesus knew how difficult it would be for us so He provided the way (Hebrews 4:14-15, 9:15, 10:14, etc.) which is faith, the person - who is Jesus, and the method - which is relationship. Relationship is both vertical and horizontal. Our relationships with others is vitally important. How we treat them, especially our brothers and sisters in the Lord (John 13:35), speaks volumes to those watching.
Underscoring praise and worship, prayer, and relationship is growing in knowledge and understanding. None of this is a one and done. We continually grow in understanding of all of the who, what, whys as we live out our lives. As we act on all of this we demonstrate to ourselves and others what and who it is that we believe - and why. Without applying we never know what we have learned. And if we don't know what we have learned and how it relates to life, we are without knowledge.
I believe this is what God wants. In all of this it's our intentionality about discovery, understanding, and application that speaks and demonstrates whether we've learned what God wants from/for us. And... you will also add those other important components which add and strengthen your foundation. Wherever we are on our journey of discovery and understanding, we are in a position of adding line upon line, precept upon precept. We are always becoming and this is a fruitful journey when we apply our discovery and fulfilling when we understand.
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