For the most part, I am a silver-linings type. I tend to be able to find a positive in most situations. This is NEVER a rose-colored glasses approach nor is it that I ignore the issues and problems, it's that I try and find the positive so I have a solid platform on which to address the problems. Besides, I have discovered that the scripture is true - "A merry heart doeth good as a medicine."(Proverbs 17:22) I believe this mindset, starting with, from the positive is far more effective in getting to resolution than only stating the obvious. When there's a problem, everyone is aware and continuing to focus/rehearse this is futile in my world - wringing hands never provides options.
We also read in 3John, verse 2 that health is related to just about everything in our lives.
"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health,
just as your soul prospers."
Just how effective do you think you are when you are physically ill... or maybe it's in your soul, that you are 'spiritually' down in the dumps? Regardless, our health has a significant impact on our efficiency, our effectiveness, our fruitfulness... and I could go on, but the point's made.
The Spirit Filled Bible's notes on the word 'health' in this verse states, "Metaphorically, the word refers to sound doctrine (1Timothy 1:10, 2Timothy 4:3, etc.), sound words (1Timothy 6:3, 2Timothy 1:13), and soundness in the faith (Titus 1:13, 2:1)." Another note states that John was teaching that the physical health will be commensurate with the (individual's) spiritual status. Whether or not you concur with this view, it does give us a broader (different?) conceptualization of prosper and health.
Without much argument, most people who quote this verse are focusing on the word 'prosper'. But mainly the prosper refers to the... in all things. We need to read the entire context of this word and verse, especially the point, "...just as your soul prospers." I'm not arguing the 'in all things' connection but I would suggest we begin understanding that a merry heart is a good witness to our health - spiritual and physical.
So what is a merry heart? The end of the verse in Proverbs 17 says, "But a broken spirit dries the bones." Heaviness, sadness whatever their source is not conducive to life, especially the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). How can we show love and joy, peace, happiness when we are not living a life that displays those characteristics? Proverbs 15:13 - "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken." I especially like v 15 - "All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast." Also, read again the comment in the notes indicating that physical health is commensurate with spiritual status.
No, life doesn't always deal out joy but how we respond to the cares of the world speak volumes. A merry heart does not deny, ignore, or attempt to cover over these times and troubles. But a merry heart doesn't wallow either. This is a person who knows Whose they are and who they are becoming and shares this instead. A merry heart-ed person walks gently yet confidently in Whom they believe. This person turns to their source and acts on their faith. How is the health of your heart? Merry?
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Sunday, March 27, 2016
The Cross
This could have been your destiny, and mine. It is the destiny for those who refuse to accept Jesus. Talking about the cross - what it means, why it happened, what this means for us, helping others understand, etc. - is never as complex as we tend to make it nor as simple. Simply: there had to be an atonement for the sins of the world and not just anyone could accomplish this goal. It had to be a sinless man. Why? Because it was a sinful man that caused the problem. And it would take a righteous, sin-less man to provide the offering.
If that sounds harsh you have to remember that God is everything that He says He is. When, by His own name He swore by His word, He could not go against His own ordinances. And yes, that is difficult to understand and accept. But remember Jesus's words when He said He had come not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Equally difficult to understand and accept is that only God's Son, Jesus, could accomplish this act. Remember the temptation by the devil to Jesus:
"He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you. In their
hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a
stone." (Psalm 91:11-12)
And the Lord's reply: "I has been said, You shall not tempt the Lord your God." (Luke 4:12) Jesus CHOSE to be our offering, our sacrifice so that we could become the righteousness in Him (2Corinthians 5, Ephesians 2, etc.). What Jesus accomplished for us is inestimable because He became our way, the only way (Acts 4:12), to salvation and with this He swung the door wide open for us to experience the return to relationship through Him, son(daughter)ship, empowerment, and so much more. He is the one bringing gifts when we accept Him!
I know we shall never fully realize the cost Jesus endured to be separated from the Father... or the Father's loss when Jesus accepted the cross to become our sacrifice - but it is our choice, our gift to receive. We can become more conscious of what our reoccurring negative behavior costs, especially when we don't act and speak in love. When we choose not to be all that we can be, and yes - that is a choice, and do those things or say those words or become that person that doesn't honor the gift given by the cross, we don't act on all that's been given us. It's almost like a slap in the face.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are
perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (v 18)
...to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the
power of God and the wisdom of God." (v 24) 1Corinthians 18
How could a loving God sacrifice His only Son? Why would the Son, who did so many amazingly wonderful acts give up His ministry after only 3 years? Because of you. Because of me. Because of love. So,
"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares
us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking
unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that
was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has
sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)
The cross is no little thing ... neither is our response.
If that sounds harsh you have to remember that God is everything that He says He is. When, by His own name He swore by His word, He could not go against His own ordinances. And yes, that is difficult to understand and accept. But remember Jesus's words when He said He had come not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Equally difficult to understand and accept is that only God's Son, Jesus, could accomplish this act. Remember the temptation by the devil to Jesus:
"He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you. In their
hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a
stone." (Psalm 91:11-12)
And the Lord's reply: "I has been said, You shall not tempt the Lord your God." (Luke 4:12) Jesus CHOSE to be our offering, our sacrifice so that we could become the righteousness in Him (2Corinthians 5, Ephesians 2, etc.). What Jesus accomplished for us is inestimable because He became our way, the only way (Acts 4:12), to salvation and with this He swung the door wide open for us to experience the return to relationship through Him, son(daughter)ship, empowerment, and so much more. He is the one bringing gifts when we accept Him!
I know we shall never fully realize the cost Jesus endured to be separated from the Father... or the Father's loss when Jesus accepted the cross to become our sacrifice - but it is our choice, our gift to receive. We can become more conscious of what our reoccurring negative behavior costs, especially when we don't act and speak in love. When we choose not to be all that we can be, and yes - that is a choice, and do those things or say those words or become that person that doesn't honor the gift given by the cross, we don't act on all that's been given us. It's almost like a slap in the face.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are
perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (v 18)
...to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the
power of God and the wisdom of God." (v 24) 1Corinthians 18
How could a loving God sacrifice His only Son? Why would the Son, who did so many amazingly wonderful acts give up His ministry after only 3 years? Because of you. Because of me. Because of love. So,
"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares
us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking
unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that
was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has
sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)
The cross is no little thing ... neither is our response.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
How do you DO your Christianity?
What do you do with your expression of Christianity - put it on the shelf along with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? And you point to it when you want others to notice. I really don't believe that Christianity is meant to be safe. It's a great deal stronger than most people may realize. When you exercise it you'll see that it isn't fragile - in fact, it becomes stronger the more often that you express it.
When you look at how Jesus lived His life you see Him in places that someone as 'august' as He should never be seen. The Jews were waiting for a King and though scripture described Him as a servant, one who lived with the 'common people', He was not what the aristocrats' expected. What about you? Is your Christianity safe and comfortable..and convenient? Would Jesus recognize you as His disciple, fulfilling His commission?
Another question would be how does the church challenge you to be His disciple? How does the church demonstrate His characteristics to others? However, before finger pointing begins, remember that You are a member of His church (1 Corinthians 12). So the question once again reverts to you. Are you expressing your part in His body? Or is this safely on the shelf too? This 'discussion' began as a question on the location and expression of your Christianity. Ultimately we all stand before Him with the results of our lives in our hands. Do we hand Him jewels or does what we bring become consumed by the fire (1Corinthians 3:12-15, especially v 13)?
Angry? No. Disappointed? Yes. Frustrated? Absolutely! If, as I suggest, that the church is to 'blame', then the fault lies with all of us who call ourselves Christians. We have ceased to be relevant in our world. We have ceased to be a visible example and witness of all that Jesus did and said. We have chosen compromise and opted to be socially acceptable. Instead of leading we have become part of the mob. It's time to voice and act on the answer to...What Would Jesus Do!
Harsh? Hopeless? No, I don't believe that. Being the proverbial optimist, I believe redemption is always possible - if we repent. Shout from the rooftops that the time is at hand? Hardly. Not sure what that would accomplish. I believe that IF we call ourselves Christians that we act as well as voice which proves who we are and Who we believe and follow. Christianity has always been an action directed by love to the world in which we live. This is what we DO.
When you look at how Jesus lived His life you see Him in places that someone as 'august' as He should never be seen. The Jews were waiting for a King and though scripture described Him as a servant, one who lived with the 'common people', He was not what the aristocrats' expected. What about you? Is your Christianity safe and comfortable..and convenient? Would Jesus recognize you as His disciple, fulfilling His commission?
Another question would be how does the church challenge you to be His disciple? How does the church demonstrate His characteristics to others? However, before finger pointing begins, remember that You are a member of His church (1 Corinthians 12). So the question once again reverts to you. Are you expressing your part in His body? Or is this safely on the shelf too? This 'discussion' began as a question on the location and expression of your Christianity. Ultimately we all stand before Him with the results of our lives in our hands. Do we hand Him jewels or does what we bring become consumed by the fire (1Corinthians 3:12-15, especially v 13)?
Angry? No. Disappointed? Yes. Frustrated? Absolutely! If, as I suggest, that the church is to 'blame', then the fault lies with all of us who call ourselves Christians. We have ceased to be relevant in our world. We have ceased to be a visible example and witness of all that Jesus did and said. We have chosen compromise and opted to be socially acceptable. Instead of leading we have become part of the mob. It's time to voice and act on the answer to...What Would Jesus Do!
Harsh? Hopeless? No, I don't believe that. Being the proverbial optimist, I believe redemption is always possible - if we repent. Shout from the rooftops that the time is at hand? Hardly. Not sure what that would accomplish. I believe that IF we call ourselves Christians that we act as well as voice which proves who we are and Who we believe and follow. Christianity has always been an action directed by love to the world in which we live. This is what we DO.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Faith
Faith the size of a mustard seed... both Matthew (17) and Luke (17) talk about faith and our acting on it. Faith isn't something that's put on the shelf and only brought out when company comes, need arises. Faith IS active and working. And when you look at it... if you aren't acting in faith then you probably are acting in fear. Romans (14:22) teaches us, "Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves." In another version 'approve' is stated as 'believes'. The point in this is that though Paul was discussing eating food, his point is that faith needs to be the foundation for our words and actions.
Faith... in??? Scripture tells us that if we have faith even as small as a grain of mustard seed (the smallest of seed), that it will sustain us. That very small seed grows into a mighty tree. However, the larger question is - what is our faith in? Is it a who? Or is it a what? How is our faith defined for us. What do we do then to 'grow' our faith because it must grow and mature and strengthen. I recall a teaching that talked about 'exercising' our faith. But if we have misplaced our faith in terms of the foundation, then all the exercising in the world won't accomplish anything of lasting effect.
In a Facebook post by The Gospel Coalition, they said:
"The smallest faith can save the greatest sinner. What matters most,
then, isn't the intensity of your friend's faith, but the object. Weak
faith in Jesus is infinitely greater than strong faith in anything else.
God isn't calling your friend to believe in Christians, he's calling him
to believe in Christ."
Again, our misplaced emphasis on the wrong syllable. I would add that there are two other issues/mistakes. One is the expectation that if the new believer is an adult that they will know and act as a mature believer. Not. Just like every 'new', there are steps to be taken, lessons to be learned. Instant maturity is not realistic. We have a responsibility to not help the other person come to an understanding and acceptance of Jesus as their personal Lord... we also need to help them discover and grow as a new Christian - this takes time and effort. However, remember that The Great Commission instructs us to make disciples of others, not just get them saved. Salvation is the critical first step... but then there are more steps.
The other error is that new believers are often 'promoted' faster than their understanding. One may have the ability to be a great musician but it took practice to get to that state. The same is true for the Christian. Praise and Worship is more than just good musicianship - it takes learning what this is as well as understanding what the musician's role is in promoting and leading others in praise and worship. This is true for any and all offices or positions in the church. (I would say that the one exception to this is that everyone should be encouraged to share their story of salvation. You never know who might be listening and needing their experience to help them in coming to the same decision for themselves.)
How does all this relate to faith? Faith is a personal journey. Your journey is important and it does provide your foundation for your Be-ing and Do-ing. You don't just arrive and not move (grow). Faith is an active force that is far more important than most of us appreciate. Remember the message of Abram (who became Abraham as a result of his faith). He believed and it was accounted to him as righteousness (Genesis 15). Read again Hebrews 11, the great example of evidences of faith in action.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen. (v 1)
But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God), for he who
comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder
of those who diligently seek Him." (v 6)
Faith... in??? Scripture tells us that if we have faith even as small as a grain of mustard seed (the smallest of seed), that it will sustain us. That very small seed grows into a mighty tree. However, the larger question is - what is our faith in? Is it a who? Or is it a what? How is our faith defined for us. What do we do then to 'grow' our faith because it must grow and mature and strengthen. I recall a teaching that talked about 'exercising' our faith. But if we have misplaced our faith in terms of the foundation, then all the exercising in the world won't accomplish anything of lasting effect.
In a Facebook post by The Gospel Coalition, they said:
"The smallest faith can save the greatest sinner. What matters most,
then, isn't the intensity of your friend's faith, but the object. Weak
faith in Jesus is infinitely greater than strong faith in anything else.
God isn't calling your friend to believe in Christians, he's calling him
to believe in Christ."
Again, our misplaced emphasis on the wrong syllable. I would add that there are two other issues/mistakes. One is the expectation that if the new believer is an adult that they will know and act as a mature believer. Not. Just like every 'new', there are steps to be taken, lessons to be learned. Instant maturity is not realistic. We have a responsibility to not help the other person come to an understanding and acceptance of Jesus as their personal Lord... we also need to help them discover and grow as a new Christian - this takes time and effort. However, remember that The Great Commission instructs us to make disciples of others, not just get them saved. Salvation is the critical first step... but then there are more steps.
The other error is that new believers are often 'promoted' faster than their understanding. One may have the ability to be a great musician but it took practice to get to that state. The same is true for the Christian. Praise and Worship is more than just good musicianship - it takes learning what this is as well as understanding what the musician's role is in promoting and leading others in praise and worship. This is true for any and all offices or positions in the church. (I would say that the one exception to this is that everyone should be encouraged to share their story of salvation. You never know who might be listening and needing their experience to help them in coming to the same decision for themselves.)
How does all this relate to faith? Faith is a personal journey. Your journey is important and it does provide your foundation for your Be-ing and Do-ing. You don't just arrive and not move (grow). Faith is an active force that is far more important than most of us appreciate. Remember the message of Abram (who became Abraham as a result of his faith). He believed and it was accounted to him as righteousness (Genesis 15). Read again Hebrews 11, the great example of evidences of faith in action.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen. (v 1)
But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God), for he who
comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder
of those who diligently seek Him." (v 6)
Friday, March 18, 2016
Make me an instrument...
"Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred,
let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt,
faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
... grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is
in giving that we receive; it is pardoning that we are pardoned; it
is in dying that we are born again to eternal life." (Francis of Assisi)
This prayer by St. Francis has always profoundly affected me. It has become a kind of standard against which I can judge my words and behavior. Me...an instrument of the Lord's peace is love, pardon, faith, hope, light, and joy! Even possible? Too high a standard? Aren't those really a statement of what we are to be and do as Ambassadors (2Corinthians 5)? The questions allow me to look at the consequences of who I am and what I do - what are my results? Am I sowing these attitudes/actions? Simultaneously, I do need to recognize what I am doing if I am sowing hatred, injury, doubt, despair, darkness, or sadness.
The other verse asks if our attention is on consoling, understanding, loving, giving, pardoning or the opposites. It is critically important for us to know our own motivations that underscore our words and behaviors. And yes, there are moments when we really could care less about understanding/loving/giving etc. because we feel we need to be on the receiving end. Do we look to the One who gives us all of those and more? Typically we look at our circumstances and the world to provide. Maybe temporarily but never constantly. I've also discovered that when I take my eyes off of me and try to be His instrument ... I receive far more than I give.
Am I even able to sow those attributes that promote life? Not of myself I'm not. All too easily I can sow the negative ones though. For me, this is the time to be intentionally alert to who and what I am and do, and how the other person is understanding what I'm saying. It's also when I try and keep the mindset that as I act with and toward others, I am doing the same to the Lord. This may be a sobering mindset but it is not a frightening one. Again, this becomes a standard against which I can 'judge' what and why I am doing...
Do you want to be an instrument? I think that's the underlying question. Remember the story of the rich young ruler(Matthew 19, Mark 10)? The young man walked away because what was asked was more than he was willing to give. Somehow I think we all are asked the question of whether or not we are willing to give all we have and we simply don't have the heart for it. The unbelievable blessing though is that this opportunity seems to arise again in our lives because the Lord wants us to have, live, do, be our best. It is always... everything. Being an instrument is not for the faint-hearted.
let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt,
faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
... grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is
in giving that we receive; it is pardoning that we are pardoned; it
is in dying that we are born again to eternal life." (Francis of Assisi)
This prayer by St. Francis has always profoundly affected me. It has become a kind of standard against which I can judge my words and behavior. Me...an instrument of the Lord's peace is love, pardon, faith, hope, light, and joy! Even possible? Too high a standard? Aren't those really a statement of what we are to be and do as Ambassadors (2Corinthians 5)? The questions allow me to look at the consequences of who I am and what I do - what are my results? Am I sowing these attitudes/actions? Simultaneously, I do need to recognize what I am doing if I am sowing hatred, injury, doubt, despair, darkness, or sadness.
The other verse asks if our attention is on consoling, understanding, loving, giving, pardoning or the opposites. It is critically important for us to know our own motivations that underscore our words and behaviors. And yes, there are moments when we really could care less about understanding/loving/giving etc. because we feel we need to be on the receiving end. Do we look to the One who gives us all of those and more? Typically we look at our circumstances and the world to provide. Maybe temporarily but never constantly. I've also discovered that when I take my eyes off of me and try to be His instrument ... I receive far more than I give.
Am I even able to sow those attributes that promote life? Not of myself I'm not. All too easily I can sow the negative ones though. For me, this is the time to be intentionally alert to who and what I am and do, and how the other person is understanding what I'm saying. It's also when I try and keep the mindset that as I act with and toward others, I am doing the same to the Lord. This may be a sobering mindset but it is not a frightening one. Again, this becomes a standard against which I can 'judge' what and why I am doing...
Do you want to be an instrument? I think that's the underlying question. Remember the story of the rich young ruler(Matthew 19, Mark 10)? The young man walked away because what was asked was more than he was willing to give. Somehow I think we all are asked the question of whether or not we are willing to give all we have and we simply don't have the heart for it. The unbelievable blessing though is that this opportunity seems to arise again in our lives because the Lord wants us to have, live, do, be our best. It is always... everything. Being an instrument is not for the faint-hearted.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Heart Attitude
Who you are. What you do. How you go about Be-ing and Do-ing starts and ends here - the attitude of your heart. Do you check your heart? If you take your blood pressure, or have it taken regularly, do you check your heart's attitude as well? Starting with the bottom line... the attitude of the heart demonstrates your Who, What, How.
Simple? I don't think so. In the first place we typically don't realize or take the time to 'judge' ourselves. Part of our dilemma is our definition of judging. This is not necessarily punitive. Judging is not only discovering all you did 'wrong' but being involved in becoming your best you and understanding what affects these behaviors. It is also becoming submitted to the leading of the Holy Spirit and allowing the Lord to help you become you. Submitted? Allow? Absolutely. Until and unless you involve the One who is more concerned about and for you than even you... you don't grow into all that's been prepared for you.
Scripture tells us to judge ourselves - "For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged." (1Corinthians 11:31) But look at v 32
"But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we
may not be condemned with the world."
To me, this is a powerful incentive to be aware of me - my words and actions - so that I do examine who I am and what I do. 'Examine' allows me to enhance the positive and eliminate the negative. This is the purpose of our judging - positive growth - and the method to attain this - examine.
Your heart attitude is something that is all you - your decision, your choices, yours. You can't blame others because ultimately it is always your choice, your decision about you. Discovering, examining your heart attitude is not always comfortable but I also suspect we really aren't all that surprised at what we do and how we do it resulted in the reaction(s) it did. The question is if this is what we truly want. If so - excellent. If not - be honest with yourself and determine if you want change. Change, like attitude, is always in our hands... at least how we respond to it.
Simple? I don't think so. In the first place we typically don't realize or take the time to 'judge' ourselves. Part of our dilemma is our definition of judging. This is not necessarily punitive. Judging is not only discovering all you did 'wrong' but being involved in becoming your best you and understanding what affects these behaviors. It is also becoming submitted to the leading of the Holy Spirit and allowing the Lord to help you become you. Submitted? Allow? Absolutely. Until and unless you involve the One who is more concerned about and for you than even you... you don't grow into all that's been prepared for you.
Scripture tells us to judge ourselves - "For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged." (1Corinthians 11:31) But look at v 32
"But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we
may not be condemned with the world."
To me, this is a powerful incentive to be aware of me - my words and actions - so that I do examine who I am and what I do. 'Examine' allows me to enhance the positive and eliminate the negative. This is the purpose of our judging - positive growth - and the method to attain this - examine.
Your heart attitude is something that is all you - your decision, your choices, yours. You can't blame others because ultimately it is always your choice, your decision about you. Discovering, examining your heart attitude is not always comfortable but I also suspect we really aren't all that surprised at what we do and how we do it resulted in the reaction(s) it did. The question is if this is what we truly want. If so - excellent. If not - be honest with yourself and determine if you want change. Change, like attitude, is always in our hands... at least how we respond to it.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Prosper
Do we really know what the word, 'prosper' means? When you use or hear it - what is the reference? What is it we hear? My guesstimate would be that the subject is either financial or material. Yes? But 'prosper' is so much more expansive then that limiting definition.
"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in
health, just as your soul prospers." (3John 2)
...just... as your soul prospers. Do we read the entire verse or only the part that says that the prayer is that we prosper? And do we truly understand that this is applied to our entire soul (will, mind, emotions). It seems to tell us that that as our soul prospers that the prayer is that we prosper in all things. Yes?
Prosper is one of those words that we all love to hear. Who wouldn't want to prosper in their undertakings? We want our efforts, time, resources to result in our prospering in the attainment of our goal. And none of us want to believe that what we are engaged in won't result in a positive report. How do we react, though, when it does? Do we blame others? Do we decide that the project was doomed from the start? Do we assess us - our goals, aspirations, commitment, plans and motivations? If we don't focus on the attention to our soul, can we ever really 'prosper in all things'?
When you read the Old Testament, the relationship between following God's ordinances and the people's prosperity was evident. (Deuteronomy 5, 6, 28, 29, etc.; 1Kings, 2Chronicles, etc.) The point was that as the people obeyed the ordinances of God they would 'reap' prosperity in the efforts. I especially like the verses in Joshua 1:3 -
"Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have
given it to you."
This was the prosperity that resulted from following the precepts of the Lord. Thus prosperity includes 'everything' - material, financial, sustaining, etc. The people were greatly blessed.
Sometimes we really don't appreciate the breadth of the definition of 'prosper'. For example: sometimes a 'defeat' is a progression toward the accomplishment of the desired end and the 'victory of prospering'. And sometimes there is no material or financial prosperity but understanding or appreciation or some other quality has been enhanced so that the result has been growth. This is as important as the obvious. Let yourself prosper in all things.
"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in
health, just as your soul prospers." (3John 2)
...just... as your soul prospers. Do we read the entire verse or only the part that says that the prayer is that we prosper? And do we truly understand that this is applied to our entire soul (will, mind, emotions). It seems to tell us that that as our soul prospers that the prayer is that we prosper in all things. Yes?
Prosper is one of those words that we all love to hear. Who wouldn't want to prosper in their undertakings? We want our efforts, time, resources to result in our prospering in the attainment of our goal. And none of us want to believe that what we are engaged in won't result in a positive report. How do we react, though, when it does? Do we blame others? Do we decide that the project was doomed from the start? Do we assess us - our goals, aspirations, commitment, plans and motivations? If we don't focus on the attention to our soul, can we ever really 'prosper in all things'?
When you read the Old Testament, the relationship between following God's ordinances and the people's prosperity was evident. (Deuteronomy 5, 6, 28, 29, etc.; 1Kings, 2Chronicles, etc.) The point was that as the people obeyed the ordinances of God they would 'reap' prosperity in the efforts. I especially like the verses in Joshua 1:3 -
"Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have
given it to you."
This was the prosperity that resulted from following the precepts of the Lord. Thus prosperity includes 'everything' - material, financial, sustaining, etc. The people were greatly blessed.
Sometimes we really don't appreciate the breadth of the definition of 'prosper'. For example: sometimes a 'defeat' is a progression toward the accomplishment of the desired end and the 'victory of prospering'. And sometimes there is no material or financial prosperity but understanding or appreciation or some other quality has been enhanced so that the result has been growth. This is as important as the obvious. Let yourself prosper in all things.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Nothing.
Is that how you would describe you... or your life... or your faith? Hopefully not, because if you view yourself and your life in with that perspective, you are diminishing the gift of life that's been given you. Equally important is the question about what is 'nothing'? I often quote Romans 8:17 - beginning at the end of v 16
"... that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs
of God and joint heirs with Christ..."
There are other verses also attesting to this status such as Galatians 3:29, 4:7. The point is that there isn't a question of who we've become and are becoming. The question really is - what will we make of our new status? What is our responsibility and opportunity? 'Nothing' should never be our response.
Nothing is a poor response to all we've entered into. Webster's defines nothing as: "someone or something that has no interest, value, or importance." One definition says that nothing, "is something that does not exist." That is NOT what has happened when you make Jesus your Lord, when you become a new creature/creation (2 Corinthians 5). Now your life has meaning and purpose as well as quality and fruitfulness.
"A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing,
is worth nothing." (Martin Luther)
That was a quote in an article on Facebook which was shared with me recently. It definitely sums up what our walk as a Christian should NOT be. Upon our acceptance of Jesus as Lord, we entered an entirely new realm. Sadly, too many of us merely stand in the doorway, peeking in and don't fully enter into this new state: the relationship, the reality of what has happened and was/is available to us. When we don't, we are not acting as co-inheritors along with Jesus.
"... faith is good only when it engages truth; when it is made to
rest upon falsehood it can and often does lead to eternal tragedy.
For it is not enough that we believe; we must believe the right
thing about the right One." (A.W. Tozer)
Accepting Jesus as Lord is not passive. The painful questions may be if Luther's quote defines the present day church ... and/or how we live as Christians? Where do the actions, like prayer, fit into how we live our lives?
"America is suffering from an extended spiritual drought. While the
social and moral decay of this hour may grieve us, discernment of
the larger reason for this blight lies at the door of an all-but-
prayerless church." (Jack Hayford)
As much as I dislike being accusatory, is this true? Is it because prayer is rarely corporate that its place of importance diminishes (in direct proportion to its 'public' value?). Do we take up the standard that exemplified Jesus' life - going apart to pray to the Father? Is prayer, the lack, the reason as Hayford asserts?
"... that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs
of God and joint heirs with Christ..."
There are other verses also attesting to this status such as Galatians 3:29, 4:7. The point is that there isn't a question of who we've become and are becoming. The question really is - what will we make of our new status? What is our responsibility and opportunity? 'Nothing' should never be our response.
Nothing is a poor response to all we've entered into. Webster's defines nothing as: "someone or something that has no interest, value, or importance." One definition says that nothing, "is something that does not exist." That is NOT what has happened when you make Jesus your Lord, when you become a new creature/creation (2 Corinthians 5). Now your life has meaning and purpose as well as quality and fruitfulness.
"A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing,
is worth nothing." (Martin Luther)
That was a quote in an article on Facebook which was shared with me recently. It definitely sums up what our walk as a Christian should NOT be. Upon our acceptance of Jesus as Lord, we entered an entirely new realm. Sadly, too many of us merely stand in the doorway, peeking in and don't fully enter into this new state: the relationship, the reality of what has happened and was/is available to us. When we don't, we are not acting as co-inheritors along with Jesus.
"... faith is good only when it engages truth; when it is made to
rest upon falsehood it can and often does lead to eternal tragedy.
For it is not enough that we believe; we must believe the right
thing about the right One." (A.W. Tozer)
Accepting Jesus as Lord is not passive. The painful questions may be if Luther's quote defines the present day church ... and/or how we live as Christians? Where do the actions, like prayer, fit into how we live our lives?
"America is suffering from an extended spiritual drought. While the
social and moral decay of this hour may grieve us, discernment of
the larger reason for this blight lies at the door of an all-but-
prayerless church." (Jack Hayford)
As much as I dislike being accusatory, is this true? Is it because prayer is rarely corporate that its place of importance diminishes (in direct proportion to its 'public' value?). Do we take up the standard that exemplified Jesus' life - going apart to pray to the Father? Is prayer, the lack, the reason as Hayford asserts?
Sunday, March 6, 2016
A New Season
What does this phrase say to you? How do you react when you sense in your spirit that change is about to occur? Does this make you excited, anticipating; fearful or anxious? Whatever your reaction, the point is that there is ALWAYS a sense of... wondering. How will the new influence who you are and who you are becoming? And we should never forget that all change, slight or dramatic, change us... and typically this happens daily (whether or not we are conscious of this).
Can we prepare? Not sure this is possible since no one possess foresight. However, I thought a moment longer and realized that there are many insights scripture provides us.
* Be-ing alert. Isaiah 43:18-19
"Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of
old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall
you not know it?"
To me, God is telling Isaiah to look ahead not behind. But He's also telling him that he will know the new season coming. But I would also argue that it is a knowing of upcoming change... not necessarily the content of the change. From these words from the Father, we can also assume that this is a positive change - not a warning or fearful (though God does warn us of upcoming problems and issues - check your own spirit to determine if it is a warning or it's new thing). Our focus/instructions: don't get caught in yesterday and yesterday's mode of Do-ing. We will be prepared for the new, and we can also think 'out of the box'.
* Be-ing prepared. Revelation 1:3
"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this
prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it..."
Read, Hear, Heed. Those directions are not suggestions. There is a blessing on those who follow them. When we sense that there is going to be change, that a new season is coming then we need to 'double down' and be in study of the Word, pray, and be ready to know what we need to do - how, when, and why. We are cautioned to prepare. Never forget the warning found in the parable of the Five wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).
Ultimately I believe it is our attitude about change and who we are in these situations, which are not familiar. Newness always brings the unknown. We can try and ignore change coming or we can prepare and welcome it. How we choose to respond to new seasons given us is always an indication of our character. It is so easy to quote scripture such as Psalms 31:15 - "My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from ..." (fill in the blank), in the 'easy' times The challenge is to remember and quote this during the times of uncertainty.
New seasons bring challenges, bring change but they don't need to bring fear - it's our choice of who we will be as a result.
Can we prepare? Not sure this is possible since no one possess foresight. However, I thought a moment longer and realized that there are many insights scripture provides us.
* Be-ing alert. Isaiah 43:18-19
"Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of
old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall
you not know it?"
To me, God is telling Isaiah to look ahead not behind. But He's also telling him that he will know the new season coming. But I would also argue that it is a knowing of upcoming change... not necessarily the content of the change. From these words from the Father, we can also assume that this is a positive change - not a warning or fearful (though God does warn us of upcoming problems and issues - check your own spirit to determine if it is a warning or it's new thing). Our focus/instructions: don't get caught in yesterday and yesterday's mode of Do-ing. We will be prepared for the new, and we can also think 'out of the box'.
* Be-ing prepared. Revelation 1:3
"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this
prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it..."
Read, Hear, Heed. Those directions are not suggestions. There is a blessing on those who follow them. When we sense that there is going to be change, that a new season is coming then we need to 'double down' and be in study of the Word, pray, and be ready to know what we need to do - how, when, and why. We are cautioned to prepare. Never forget the warning found in the parable of the Five wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).
Ultimately I believe it is our attitude about change and who we are in these situations, which are not familiar. Newness always brings the unknown. We can try and ignore change coming or we can prepare and welcome it. How we choose to respond to new seasons given us is always an indication of our character. It is so easy to quote scripture such as Psalms 31:15 - "My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from ..." (fill in the blank), in the 'easy' times The challenge is to remember and quote this during the times of uncertainty.
New seasons bring challenges, bring change but they don't need to bring fear - it's our choice of who we will be as a result.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
I never knew you!
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom
of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many
will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in
Your name, cast our demons in Your name, and done many wonders
in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you;
depart from Me you who practice lawlessness!'" (underlining mine)
This scripture (Matthew 7:21-23), can you think of anything more sobering (and/or frightening)? I would also contend that this is not a misunderstanding by man, but those who acted contrary to what Jesus taught - well aware of what they were doing. This response is a last ditch attempt to explain and justify themselves though there really is no defense.
Do not despair, Jesus also provides us our response:
"'Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I
will liken him to a wise man...'" (v24)
Remember... Jesus calls us to a relationship, not a religion (denomination) based in and on His teachings. And His teachings are not mere intellectualizing but are standards of behavior.
Once I was asked how one could Know if they were worthy of entering the kingdom of heaven. This is never a quick answer. My response was to tell them that first, one can never attain the kingdom from works alone nor can you buy entry (and 'buy' is more than only money). Second to look at their relationship with the Lord. Do they spend time with Him, discovering what is important to Him, developing who they were becoming? Was their faith growing? Faith is our basis of knowing who we are becoming and what it is we do.
Can you look back at who you were 6 months ago and see what you've done to become more like Him. However, 'works' are important because they demonstrate what you know, what you've learned, what you are willing to be and do, and Whose you are. James 2 has pointed out, "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (v 17) ...faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made 'perfect'" (v 22) Works become our statement to the world we live in and to ourselves what is important to us, who we are becoming, and that we are still growing - the Lord isn't finished with us yet.
Hearing begins the process, doing continues the expression and demonstration of what we know. Without the do-ing, how can anyone know what is our truth? Our Do-ing demonstrates our Be-ing. These two form the basis on which the Lord can say...
"Well done, good and faithful servant ... enter into the joy (rest) of
your lord ..." (Parable of the Talents - Matthew 25)
of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many
will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in
Your name, cast our demons in Your name, and done many wonders
in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you;
depart from Me you who practice lawlessness!'" (underlining mine)
This scripture (Matthew 7:21-23), can you think of anything more sobering (and/or frightening)? I would also contend that this is not a misunderstanding by man, but those who acted contrary to what Jesus taught - well aware of what they were doing. This response is a last ditch attempt to explain and justify themselves though there really is no defense.
Do not despair, Jesus also provides us our response:
"'Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I
will liken him to a wise man...'" (v24)
Remember... Jesus calls us to a relationship, not a religion (denomination) based in and on His teachings. And His teachings are not mere intellectualizing but are standards of behavior.
Once I was asked how one could Know if they were worthy of entering the kingdom of heaven. This is never a quick answer. My response was to tell them that first, one can never attain the kingdom from works alone nor can you buy entry (and 'buy' is more than only money). Second to look at their relationship with the Lord. Do they spend time with Him, discovering what is important to Him, developing who they were becoming? Was their faith growing? Faith is our basis of knowing who we are becoming and what it is we do.
Can you look back at who you were 6 months ago and see what you've done to become more like Him. However, 'works' are important because they demonstrate what you know, what you've learned, what you are willing to be and do, and Whose you are. James 2 has pointed out, "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (v 17) ...faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made 'perfect'" (v 22) Works become our statement to the world we live in and to ourselves what is important to us, who we are becoming, and that we are still growing - the Lord isn't finished with us yet.
Hearing begins the process, doing continues the expression and demonstration of what we know. Without the do-ing, how can anyone know what is our truth? Our Do-ing demonstrates our Be-ing. These two form the basis on which the Lord can say...
"Well done, good and faithful servant ... enter into the joy (rest) of
your lord ..." (Parable of the Talents - Matthew 25)
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