If you believe that the devil has ANY control over you, then you've bought into a lie. He has only the control that you allow him. Sadly, since we seem to be so deluded in a number of ways in a number of areas... that can grow into a significant amount of control. And, as you give him control over one aspect, this can pave the way into other and more areas of control. But... and thank heavens for the 'but' - this assumed control by the devil can be trumped. When you realize the state you are in, you can always turn to the Lord and seek His forgiveness which results in your cleansing (1John 1:9). You can accomplish what the prodigal son did when he returned - you can stand again and become who the Lord says you are.
Given that the devil does exist, he really has nothing and only comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10)... why give him even an inch? Yet we all seem to do this. But the 'everyone does this' excuse really is so lame - aren't we able to withstand the temptations of the devil? Or are we so quisling that we think we have no control but to do as bidden. Rubbish. We are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) - remember?! So why don't we act this way? Why don't we act as the conquerors we are? Probably because we really don't believe in ourselves. We forget that we have been made a new creation (2Corinthians 5:17-22) when we accepted Jesus as Lord.
In a very real way, the reason we succumb to lies of the devil is that we aren't completely confident in who we have been made and are becoming. Even when we can quote the verses that tell us who we are, what we can do, what we have to be, etc. we give the devil far more credit, control, and authority than he actually possesses. Point is, though, that You really are able to stand against him, especially when you realize you have help. Example: he can't read your mind. The only way he knows he is successful is through your actions - if you acted on his suggestions.
If you feel you have been and are a succumb-er... then stop. You don't have to complicate, continue, and compound the situation. You, as in YOU, are able, are empowered to not succumb to the lies. However, the operative word is YOU. This is an act that is only possible when you choose to stand on who you are and whose you are. Yes, there will be moments of falling for the lies - but once you become aware, you can take the appropriate action. You don't need to succumb.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
Birthday present
Earlier today I began writing my next 'article' for the church's newsletter. Since it will be for December, I thought about the wonder of Christmas and all that attends this time of year. Personally, it is and has always been my favorite time of the year. It's those 'attends' things that occur that I've always enjoyed: the smells of baking cookies, the soft snow as it drifts silently down, the carolers (though that's typically for a different era), the fun of trying to buy something reallllly special to give, the music, the cocoa after sledding or skating, the generally good mood everyone exudes. There are other aspects, but that paints the picture.
Then I thought about what Christmas means, and I wrote the following:
Then I thought about what Christmas means, and I wrote the following:
December is the month that we celebrate our
Lord’s birthday. In the hustle and
bustle of preparing for Christmas, do we give the ‘reason for the season’ much
thought? Not criticism, unless the Lord is only an afterthought rather than the
center of the celebrating. Regardless, if you were to give the Lord a birthday
present... what would you give? What would you hope or want to give – this year?
Is this even important to you?
bustle of preparing for Christmas, do we give the ‘reason for the season’ much
thought? Not criticism, unless the Lord is only an afterthought rather than the
center of the celebrating. Regardless, if you were to give the Lord a birthday
present... what would you give? What would you hope or want to give – this year?
Is this even important to you?
Those weren’t presumptuous questions... and
your answers to them describe
the kind of relationship you have with the Lord of Lords, King of Kings... and
friend (?). Perhaps the question for you is – do you believe Jesus’ words in
John 15:15 are meant for you. They are you know. Jesus was calling His disciples,
friends. And if He is your Lord, He also is Your friend. Can you imagine yourself
in this type of relationship? If not... why? How do you describe/define 'friend'?
the kind of relationship you have with the Lord of Lords, King of Kings... and
friend (?). Perhaps the question for you is – do you believe Jesus’ words in
John 15:15 are meant for you. They are you know. Jesus was calling His disciples,
friends. And if He is your Lord, He also is Your friend. Can you imagine yourself
in this type of relationship? If not... why? How do you describe/define 'friend'?
It was His choice to offer you friendship...
it is yours to accept – or not. Perhaps,
this is the birthday present you can give, a more engaged and active friendship.
He has so very much waiting for you to discover and that He wants to enrich and
enable you. But with every gift... you have to accept it. If you think the problem
is you – that you believe you aren’t ‘good enough’ or righteous to be a friend?
Never forget 2 Corinthians 5:17-22 – you were made, by Him, righteous. Period.
Friendship is a joy to discover and explore. It is also a wonderful gift to give.
this is the birthday present you can give, a more engaged and active friendship.
He has so very much waiting for you to discover and that He wants to enrich and
enable you. But with every gift... you have to accept it. If you think the problem
is you – that you believe you aren’t ‘good enough’ or righteous to be a friend?
Never forget 2 Corinthians 5:17-22 – you were made, by Him, righteous. Period.
Friendship is a joy to discover and explore. It is also a wonderful gift to give.
It's true, you know. Friendship was extended to us. Remember the verse that talks about Jesus brought gifts to man when He came? Sometimes we need to be reminded of our 'status' with the Lord. He offered friendship. Did we accept?
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
God pleaser?
Would you define yourself as a person who is or wants to please God? And before you say that this isn't possible, or that everyone would want to do and be this, or how do we know how to please God, or any other response... I would say that we should all have this as a goal and that we all have a book that tells us how (in any situation). I would also quickly add that this is not the simplest or easiest path to walk.
HOWEVER, it is also possible for us to be a God pleaser. And how I know this is based on a number of factors (in no particular order):
1. We are told to renew our mind
2. We have a helper
3. We have a model
I would argue that the primary reason to renew is found in 2Corinthians 10:4-5 because we are in a battle. We are a target to the devil, who wants to cause us to fail or, not believe we have been saved so we are totally ineffective. It is critical, I believe, to realize and believe that there is a battle to weaken us, or cause us to fail, or become totally ineffective. Though we may be saved, our testimony is what the devil is seeking to eradicate from us so that our message is at least garbled.
The battle is for the mind. We all engage in battles, often with ourselves, in our mind. Who, what wins? The only way to develop the right/proper mindset is to renew our minds. When we accept Jesus as our Lord, we are made a new creation (2Corinthians 5:17...) and this means that we need to renew our minds as well. There are over 15 verses in the Bible that exhort us to renew, example:
*And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (Ephesians 4:23)
*For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day. (2Corinthians 4:16)
*For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; (2Corinthians 10:4-5)
*Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
*And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)
*Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
One encouragement is that we need to also realize we aren't in this battle alone. First, the Father prepared armor for us to walk in (Ephesians 6:10-18). Duly note, though, that it is we who put the armor on, we are the ones in the battle so that it is we who need protecting. We do have defensive weapons - the Shield of Faith and the Sword of the Spirit. But again, we are the ones who use the weapons.
The second point also speaks to the battle and our effectiveness - The Holy Spirit. He has been sent to be with us, prepare us, help us in this battle. Never forget Jesus' words that define what the Holy Spirit is and does: (John 14:16 AMP) - Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby - the Spirit of Truth. We are equipped in every area of our lives to be effective and successful.
In terms of the 3rd point, Jesus was sent as our example, our model. Paul exhorts us to mimic him as he mimics the Lord. With Jesus as our example, we can act accordingly. In this we can be a God pleaser. The one verse that would exhort me and provide a standard in order to achieve is found in Hebrews 4 (AMP):
"For he who has once entered (God's) rest also has ceased from
HOWEVER, it is also possible for us to be a God pleaser. And how I know this is based on a number of factors (in no particular order):
1. We are told to renew our mind
2. We have a helper
3. We have a model
I would argue that the primary reason to renew is found in 2Corinthians 10:4-5 because we are in a battle. We are a target to the devil, who wants to cause us to fail or, not believe we have been saved so we are totally ineffective. It is critical, I believe, to realize and believe that there is a battle to weaken us, or cause us to fail, or become totally ineffective. Though we may be saved, our testimony is what the devil is seeking to eradicate from us so that our message is at least garbled.
The battle is for the mind. We all engage in battles, often with ourselves, in our mind. Who, what wins? The only way to develop the right/proper mindset is to renew our minds. When we accept Jesus as our Lord, we are made a new creation (2Corinthians 5:17...) and this means that we need to renew our minds as well. There are over 15 verses in the Bible that exhort us to renew, example:
*And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (Ephesians 4:23)
*For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day. (2Corinthians 4:16)
*For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; (2Corinthians 10:4-5)
*Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
*And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)
*Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
One encouragement is that we need to also realize we aren't in this battle alone. First, the Father prepared armor for us to walk in (Ephesians 6:10-18). Duly note, though, that it is we who put the armor on, we are the ones in the battle so that it is we who need protecting. We do have defensive weapons - the Shield of Faith and the Sword of the Spirit. But again, we are the ones who use the weapons.
The second point also speaks to the battle and our effectiveness - The Holy Spirit. He has been sent to be with us, prepare us, help us in this battle. Never forget Jesus' words that define what the Holy Spirit is and does: (John 14:16 AMP) - Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby - the Spirit of Truth. We are equipped in every area of our lives to be effective and successful.
In terms of the 3rd point, Jesus was sent as our example, our model. Paul exhorts us to mimic him as he mimics the Lord. With Jesus as our example, we can act accordingly. In this we can be a God pleaser. The one verse that would exhort me and provide a standard in order to achieve is found in Hebrews 4 (AMP):
"For he who has once entered (God's) rest also has ceased from
human labors ... (v.10)
Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive
diligently to enter that rest (of God, to know and experience
it for ourselves..." (v.11)
The goal is hearing Matthew 25:23 spoken to us -
"Well done, good and faithful servant ... enter into the joy of your lord."
Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive
diligently to enter that rest (of God, to know and experience
it for ourselves..." (v.11)
The goal is hearing Matthew 25:23 spoken to us -
"Well done, good and faithful servant ... enter into the joy of your lord."
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Getting to the end before you finish
That's a quote by Sir Winston Churchill, which was made during the crisis in England after WWII. He was referencing what he felt was his primary responsibility (a lasting peace) while he was in a position of influence as the Prime Minister. The comment was made approximately 18 months before he retired from 'active duty'. I think that he sensed that his time was limited and was concerned that he would not be able to accomplish his goal before the end occurred. After leading England through WWII and the beginning of recovery, he eventually retired at age 81 but remained active till his death at age 90.
The point I'm making is that we sometimes think we have gotten to our (the) end, realizing we haven't finished. In Churchill's case, though he retired, he remained as an active member of the House of Commons and completed writing his history, plus countless other activities. His focus changed, his actions changed... I seriously doubt he did. What example does this provide us? It really speaks to how we live our lives - intentionally or reactively.
Intentionally is not defined as stressful, frantic, or obsessive. Intentional according to Webster is: '...done in a way that is planned...'. In reading the synonyms' discussion, the word is further defined as:
means done or brought about of one's own will... freedom and
spontaneity of choice or action...awareness of an end to be achieved.
Intentional is always our determination, our choice. I would suggest it is also a stronger foundation from which we act. When we act intentional, we are aware of what the possible ramification there may be and are willing to accept any and all responsibility for the results.
The issue is how we determine what we need to do... before we finish. Whether we need to train someone else in the process to complete the project or whether we will be able to complete it in the time we have available. Unfinished 'business' is always difficult to contend with and troubling. Our planning makes the necessary adjustments to accomplishing the goal - whether by us or whether we need to hand it off.
This kind of mindset, frame of our operation is how we determine if we get to the end of the (project, plan, our part, etc.) and how we should plan for continuation when necessary. In all this, the goal really may be more than only our part, so it is critical to get the big picture as well - what happened before that got us to where we are now. If you do get to the end before finishing... what have you planned for in order to complete (fill in the blank) is the issue.
The point I'm making is that we sometimes think we have gotten to our (the) end, realizing we haven't finished. In Churchill's case, though he retired, he remained as an active member of the House of Commons and completed writing his history, plus countless other activities. His focus changed, his actions changed... I seriously doubt he did. What example does this provide us? It really speaks to how we live our lives - intentionally or reactively.
Intentionally is not defined as stressful, frantic, or obsessive. Intentional according to Webster is: '...done in a way that is planned...'. In reading the synonyms' discussion, the word is further defined as:
means done or brought about of one's own will... freedom and
spontaneity of choice or action...awareness of an end to be achieved.
Intentional is always our determination, our choice. I would suggest it is also a stronger foundation from which we act. When we act intentional, we are aware of what the possible ramification there may be and are willing to accept any and all responsibility for the results.
The issue is how we determine what we need to do... before we finish. Whether we need to train someone else in the process to complete the project or whether we will be able to complete it in the time we have available. Unfinished 'business' is always difficult to contend with and troubling. Our planning makes the necessary adjustments to accomplishing the goal - whether by us or whether we need to hand it off.
This kind of mindset, frame of our operation is how we determine if we get to the end of the (project, plan, our part, etc.) and how we should plan for continuation when necessary. In all this, the goal really may be more than only our part, so it is critical to get the big picture as well - what happened before that got us to where we are now. If you do get to the end before finishing... what have you planned for in order to complete (fill in the blank) is the issue.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Relationship 101
The subtitle could read: how to build a relationship in two easy steps. Not daunting. Building a relationship truly is not rocket science, but it isn't casual either. So my title may be somewhat misleading. EVERY relationship needs time, interest in the other person, allowing the other person to make mistakes but not condemning them to staying the same, and equally important - sharing your self. And those are only some of the contexts necessary to building a lasting and deep relationship. If you want only a superficial, no responsibility acquaint-ship basis then this is precisely what you will have. However, if you want a more meaningful relationship then it will begin with - Time
Do you remember what you did when you were developing your relationship with your spouse - what was the single most important factor? Time. That was how you began - you spent time with them. And in a variety of settings. This is true when you are developing a friendship with someone else as well. Time is always your friend and can never be rushed. You will discover the other person and yourself in this particular relationship when you allow time to flavor how and what you learn. And yes, there will be misunderstandings, mistakes, mis-steps, surprises, and growth. If your relationship isn't one of growth then it is one of stagnation and will atrophy at some point. Each meeting provides you with more understanding and appreciation of the other person and the relationship.
The second factor/condition is focus. Your focus, in these situations, was (should have been/needed to be) more on discovering who the other person was/is. However, you can't put this in stone. Each of us changes, even if it is only minuscule-ly, each day with each interaction. This always enhances the delight of discovery. You too change each day and your new discoveries. My point is that you need to be focused, not tensely but intently, on discovering the other person - allowing them to express who they are at that moment but also allowing them to grow. And in this context, talking with them about yourself and how all this expands and influences the relationship.
Simplistic? Perhaps but it also is one standard to consider when you enter any new relationship. I would also suggest that this is also the foundation on which you build your relationship with the Lord. If you continually force the Lord to 'be out there' rather than building a relationship with Him in your world - then you severely limited yourself and don't discover who the Lord is in your life. If He wasn't interested in relationship then one of the gifts of salvation wouldn't be righteousness (2Corinthians 5:17-22). It is impossible for a relationship with the Lord to exist apart from righteousness (2Corinthians 6:14). I believe that we don't have righteousness apart from being born again and being a new creation. But with our new status we can develop a meaningful, intimate relationship with the Lord. It still takes time and focus - our decision.
Do you remember what you did when you were developing your relationship with your spouse - what was the single most important factor? Time. That was how you began - you spent time with them. And in a variety of settings. This is true when you are developing a friendship with someone else as well. Time is always your friend and can never be rushed. You will discover the other person and yourself in this particular relationship when you allow time to flavor how and what you learn. And yes, there will be misunderstandings, mistakes, mis-steps, surprises, and growth. If your relationship isn't one of growth then it is one of stagnation and will atrophy at some point. Each meeting provides you with more understanding and appreciation of the other person and the relationship.
The second factor/condition is focus. Your focus, in these situations, was (should have been/needed to be) more on discovering who the other person was/is. However, you can't put this in stone. Each of us changes, even if it is only minuscule-ly, each day with each interaction. This always enhances the delight of discovery. You too change each day and your new discoveries. My point is that you need to be focused, not tensely but intently, on discovering the other person - allowing them to express who they are at that moment but also allowing them to grow. And in this context, talking with them about yourself and how all this expands and influences the relationship.
Simplistic? Perhaps but it also is one standard to consider when you enter any new relationship. I would also suggest that this is also the foundation on which you build your relationship with the Lord. If you continually force the Lord to 'be out there' rather than building a relationship with Him in your world - then you severely limited yourself and don't discover who the Lord is in your life. If He wasn't interested in relationship then one of the gifts of salvation wouldn't be righteousness (2Corinthians 5:17-22). It is impossible for a relationship with the Lord to exist apart from righteousness (2Corinthians 6:14). I believe that we don't have righteousness apart from being born again and being a new creation. But with our new status we can develop a meaningful, intimate relationship with the Lord. It still takes time and focus - our decision.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Loyalty
2Chronicles 16:9
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole
earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart
is loyal to Him."
I've always liked this scripture. Then again, I would classify myself as a candidate for the Lord's strength. This isn't a crisis cry on our part, I think it's more of a state, a status one enters into. Personally, I find my need for the Lord's help and hand to be a daily need, not an occasional one. Therefore, realizing that the Lord said his eyes are roaming the whole earth to demonstrate His strength on our behalf speaks volumes and also provides comfort.
This verse is letting us know that He isn't waiting for our cry of 'Help!', but He is actively engaged in watching over us so that He is our 'ever present help in time of need' (Psalm 46:1). It also tells us the condition - to those whose heart is loyal to Him. Does this describe you, me? Are our hearts loyal to Him? Do we demonstrate this in our lives? Would others know that our loyalty lies with the Lord? It really isn't the most effective demonstration of loyalty when it is a 'foxhole promise' to Him.
Obviously He knows our hearts. He is aware of what we do. I believe that this verse is aimed at us - at our knowing that our hearts are loyal to Him. Can we truly say we are loyal? If so, then how do we know? Are we 'fair weather' Christians - when it doesn't require anything from us. Or 'Sunday' Christians -only at service with fellow Christians, but out in the world we act and speak differently? How do you define, describe, and act loyal?
I'm not pointing fingers, I'm asking hard questions of us all. We expect a great deal from the Lord and His hand in our lives. He really asks little of us, but do we even do the little? Granted, loyalty isn't a little thing, but we are talking about who we are as Christians - and that isn't a little thing either. If we define and describe ourselves as Christians when we are talking with the Lord, or fellowshipping with other Christians... then shouldn't we also be loyal to this designation when we are in the world? You are watched by non-believers and they define 'Christian' by what they see in you. Acting, speaking, being loyal is never a little thing.
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole
earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart
is loyal to Him."
I've always liked this scripture. Then again, I would classify myself as a candidate for the Lord's strength. This isn't a crisis cry on our part, I think it's more of a state, a status one enters into. Personally, I find my need for the Lord's help and hand to be a daily need, not an occasional one. Therefore, realizing that the Lord said his eyes are roaming the whole earth to demonstrate His strength on our behalf speaks volumes and also provides comfort.
This verse is letting us know that He isn't waiting for our cry of 'Help!', but He is actively engaged in watching over us so that He is our 'ever present help in time of need' (Psalm 46:1). It also tells us the condition - to those whose heart is loyal to Him. Does this describe you, me? Are our hearts loyal to Him? Do we demonstrate this in our lives? Would others know that our loyalty lies with the Lord? It really isn't the most effective demonstration of loyalty when it is a 'foxhole promise' to Him.
Obviously He knows our hearts. He is aware of what we do. I believe that this verse is aimed at us - at our knowing that our hearts are loyal to Him. Can we truly say we are loyal? If so, then how do we know? Are we 'fair weather' Christians - when it doesn't require anything from us. Or 'Sunday' Christians -only at service with fellow Christians, but out in the world we act and speak differently? How do you define, describe, and act loyal?
I'm not pointing fingers, I'm asking hard questions of us all. We expect a great deal from the Lord and His hand in our lives. He really asks little of us, but do we even do the little? Granted, loyalty isn't a little thing, but we are talking about who we are as Christians - and that isn't a little thing either. If we define and describe ourselves as Christians when we are talking with the Lord, or fellowshipping with other Christians... then shouldn't we also be loyal to this designation when we are in the world? You are watched by non-believers and they define 'Christian' by what they see in you. Acting, speaking, being loyal is never a little thing.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Navigating
"... Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle. Uncertainty was a
fundamental part of nature, and what people knew--what
people thought they knew--was imprecise at best. It all
depended on who was telling the story."
I read that in Susan Elia MacNeal's Maggie Hope series (Mrs. Roosevelt's Confidante, p. 316) which got me thinking about uncertainty, navigating, and how we go about building our (rock solid?) foundation. What stories are we listening to? And how/if we understand how this influences our building.
These are a great number of issues, related and not, that impact on how we discover our foundation stones. Why we do as we do, believe as we do, has to rest on some basis and knowing our 'why' makes our beliefs and actions more understandable and 'secure'. However, never fear a challenge to your foundation. It may be a warning of an area that's not as strong and needs strengthening. Or, a new thought that may cause you to tweak or refine an area. Or... (fill in the blank). BUT, if it is a secure part of your foundation then any attack will never cause it to fail. If your reaction is anger, then perhaps it isn't as strong as you thought.
Navigating should be a natural response to living in the world. There are always boulders and sometimes we don't realize how deep they are ingrained, but we always have our manual (Bible) and our adviser (Lord) to help us through whatever we face. Sometimes this will mean navigating around the issue, sometimes it may simply be confronting it and as you move toward it, discovering that it isn't as great a threat as initially thought. And yes, sometimes it means making certain your armor is on and ready.
Navigating, uncertainty, and stories all influence how we go from point A to point B. Uncertainty can become an adventurous friend or it can be seen as a threat to where we are and where we need/want to go. And many times this determination of which view of uncertainty we take is based in our experiences and the stories we've heard. How much do we allow the negative experienced stories influence what we do? Is this based in other's experiences or our own?
As I've grown older I tend to view stories and my experiences as as information. Something to be aware of. Never forget that a positive experience with (fill in the blank) may not always repeat itself - it can become a detriment, especially if you don't allow the 'new' to express itself as new. It still can be a positive outcome, but never assume.
Life is not on a 'repeat dial' because it is vital and changing and challenging and... and... Don't live today in yesterday. Equally, don't life today in tomorrow. The seas may be rough, which requires a different set of skills, or it may be calm, which require a less intentional skill, or it may change on a dime. I believe that navigating is a learned skill that practice allows us to improve when we take an intentional view of life. Uncertain - yes. And each day you begin a new story to tell, to remember.
fundamental part of nature, and what people knew--what
people thought they knew--was imprecise at best. It all
depended on who was telling the story."
I read that in Susan Elia MacNeal's Maggie Hope series (Mrs. Roosevelt's Confidante, p. 316) which got me thinking about uncertainty, navigating, and how we go about building our (rock solid?) foundation. What stories are we listening to? And how/if we understand how this influences our building.
These are a great number of issues, related and not, that impact on how we discover our foundation stones. Why we do as we do, believe as we do, has to rest on some basis and knowing our 'why' makes our beliefs and actions more understandable and 'secure'. However, never fear a challenge to your foundation. It may be a warning of an area that's not as strong and needs strengthening. Or, a new thought that may cause you to tweak or refine an area. Or... (fill in the blank). BUT, if it is a secure part of your foundation then any attack will never cause it to fail. If your reaction is anger, then perhaps it isn't as strong as you thought.
Navigating should be a natural response to living in the world. There are always boulders and sometimes we don't realize how deep they are ingrained, but we always have our manual (Bible) and our adviser (Lord) to help us through whatever we face. Sometimes this will mean navigating around the issue, sometimes it may simply be confronting it and as you move toward it, discovering that it isn't as great a threat as initially thought. And yes, sometimes it means making certain your armor is on and ready.
Navigating, uncertainty, and stories all influence how we go from point A to point B. Uncertainty can become an adventurous friend or it can be seen as a threat to where we are and where we need/want to go. And many times this determination of which view of uncertainty we take is based in our experiences and the stories we've heard. How much do we allow the negative experienced stories influence what we do? Is this based in other's experiences or our own?
As I've grown older I tend to view stories and my experiences as as information. Something to be aware of. Never forget that a positive experience with (fill in the blank) may not always repeat itself - it can become a detriment, especially if you don't allow the 'new' to express itself as new. It still can be a positive outcome, but never assume.
Life is not on a 'repeat dial' because it is vital and changing and challenging and... and... Don't live today in yesterday. Equally, don't life today in tomorrow. The seas may be rough, which requires a different set of skills, or it may be calm, which require a less intentional skill, or it may change on a dime. I believe that navigating is a learned skill that practice allows us to improve when we take an intentional view of life. Uncertain - yes. And each day you begin a new story to tell, to remember.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Unworthy
Feel that way? Believe that lie? Don't you realize that at the moment you accepted Jesus as your Lord you stopped being unworthy, stopped being a wretch? It has absolutely nothing to do with you! This is the point. The devil keeps shoving the fact that you aren't worthy so that you won't become all that the Lord intends for you.
Bottom line - you are no longer unworthy and it is summed up in your acceptance of Jesus. He's the one who makes you worthy - not you! But YOU are the one who has to understand and walk in this. Evidence? Read again 2Corinthians 5:17-22
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things
have passed away; behold all things have become new." (17)
This is you. 'New' defined by Strong is: 'new, unused, fresh, novel'. In another place it is defined as a brand new species never before seen. Who you were is transformed into who you are becoming. I especially like how the Amplified Bible expresses this verse:
"Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he
is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous
moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold the fresh
and new has come!
I believe that this is why we are 'born again'. Without this new start we are still lost in who we were. Still make mistakes? Of course. We all do and this is the reason that we have the assurance that
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 4:1:9)
"And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus
Christ the righteous." (2:1)
Actually, this reality should end the discussion, but it rarely does. It is critical for us to understand and accept that every possibility is covered and that we truly can walk as worthy. We are told to put off the old man and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24) - this is our part, our role. It is also our decision. We can use the words Jesus used when He was tempted by satan - "...it is written" (Matthew 4) And you never have to explain or justify yourself to the devil... he is NOT your Lord!
Whether a new Christian or one who has been walking with the Lord for a long time... we all are susceptible to the devil's wiles and lies. What we need to do is to remember Who we are, Whose we are, and walk in all that is prepared for us in the Lord. We can. When we believe we have become worthy through the One who made is new, we really are conquerors.
Bottom line - you are no longer unworthy and it is summed up in your acceptance of Jesus. He's the one who makes you worthy - not you! But YOU are the one who has to understand and walk in this. Evidence? Read again 2Corinthians 5:17-22
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things
have passed away; behold all things have become new." (17)
This is you. 'New' defined by Strong is: 'new, unused, fresh, novel'. In another place it is defined as a brand new species never before seen. Who you were is transformed into who you are becoming. I especially like how the Amplified Bible expresses this verse:
"Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he
is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous
moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold the fresh
and new has come!
I believe that this is why we are 'born again'. Without this new start we are still lost in who we were. Still make mistakes? Of course. We all do and this is the reason that we have the assurance that
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 4:1:9)
"And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus
Christ the righteous." (2:1)
Actually, this reality should end the discussion, but it rarely does. It is critical for us to understand and accept that every possibility is covered and that we truly can walk as worthy. We are told to put off the old man and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24) - this is our part, our role. It is also our decision. We can use the words Jesus used when He was tempted by satan - "...it is written" (Matthew 4) And you never have to explain or justify yourself to the devil... he is NOT your Lord!
Whether a new Christian or one who has been walking with the Lord for a long time... we all are susceptible to the devil's wiles and lies. What we need to do is to remember Who we are, Whose we are, and walk in all that is prepared for us in the Lord. We can. When we believe we have become worthy through the One who made is new, we really are conquerors.
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