I often think that Paul is the most misquoted and misinterpreted writer in scripture. He has been labeled a misogynist by many women who suffered from men who have attempted to put them down 'piously' by misquoting or misunderstanding the context of Paul's words. The women haven't advanced their 'case' either by doing precisely the same thing.
Do you believe what Paul said? Did his words assume a broad stroke application in all areas of life? Did he dislike or distrust women? And if scripture is inerrant what does this say about females? More... what does this say about how God views women? Do you honestly believe God created a lesser human? Or perhaps you attempt to disregard these scriptures by saying that in today's world, these scriptures no longer apply? Maybe you just try and ignore this issue?
If you believe that women can't do an effective job as teachers or preachers then I would suggest you look again at Paul's words and the context. In that day women sat on one side and men on the other. They would call back and forth across this abyss causing interruptions. Paul was letting them know that this was not appropriate during the service and that husbands should share their understandings with their wives at home. If you don't agree with this then answer me why Paul entrusted his most important letter, Romans, to a woman to deliver? Why was he recommending the church meetings in other women's homes?
I would argue that both men and women - the latter by their silence, complicity,
or acquiescence at times, - have perpetrated this misunderstanding for millennia. But could my understanding be wrong? Don't think so. Let's start with God's words in Genesis: 1:26-28. This seems to imply with the word, 'them', that both man and woman were created at the same time. If not, why would God say to them in v. 28 - "be fruitful and multiply"? However, if you don't accept this interpretation, then in 2:18 God says:
"It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper
(help mate in some translations) comparable to him." (NKJV)
'Comparable'. Sometimes defining words by carnal rather than spiritual meanings causes more problems. Comparable is not 'the same'. So is comparable to be interpreted as lesser? Don't think so. Why would God create something 'lesser'? And helper is rarely defined this way either. 'Helper' is no little thing. But it is neither greater than nor less than the subject, in this case - 'man'.
In the end, the point may be where, on whom we have our eyes. Is it me, myself, and I? Is what I do only for me, in my best interests? Is it a false superiority? So what does all this mean? What would be your response? For me, the answer is really quite simple. Galatians 3:27-28
"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there
is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Woman's place is what it was always intended to be - alongside Man. To consign her to anything else lessens both man and woman... and adds a 'condition' to full partnership. Do you honestly believe this is what Paul meant or would be God's intent?
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Structure
Do you 'like' structure? Whose? Do you place your own structure for yourself or allow others to place structure on you? No choice? Of course there's choice! Point is if you allow others to place the structure, who do you trust to have your best interests in mine when providing it? And when I said we have a choice when others attempt to place a structure on us, just look at children as an example. They always push the envelop attempting to discover the outer limits of what they can and can't do. We do the same in our jobs - it's how we see where and when we have autonomy and/or decision-making.
Structure: "coherent form or organization" is one definition provided by the dictionary. When used as a noun, the definition reads: "...the way that something is built, arranged, or organized - the way that a group of people are organized." A simple way of defining structure is a plan or method of organizing the pieces and parts of one's world in order to 'make sense' of what and how to act and respond. Yet none of this begins with process - it simply indicates the results.
I would argue that this is why in a seeming random pattern, there are people who opt for the extreme. This is why cults and organizations that provide a strict structure and demand obedience to it will thrive with those who don't feel or think there is any relevant structure. In the randomness of life, structure can give meaning. Actually, I would argue that everyone reacts and orders outside stimuli (people, places, things) in order to understand. You can always accept or reject (fill in the blank) once it has its 'place'.
When it comes to our lives, the world we live in - we all develop a structure to arrange all or our life pieces. This gives us a context in which to act that is relevant and 'predictable' so that surprises are reduced and at a minimum. Why do we do this? Not completely certain other then I think there is 'something' in everyone's DNA that searches for context and order. We all, no matter now spontaneous or 'unpredictable' we appear to be, order life according to our standard.
And, we typically are on guard against any threats to our self-determine structure. Sadly, we don't possess finite understanding and the unpredictable always seems to blindside us. Fortunately... the structure that is provided by the Lord is all we need. And, as long as we accept and follow His plans and purposes then we will experience freedom and choice and fruitfulness and fulfillment. That's a worthy 'structure'.
Structure: "coherent form or organization" is one definition provided by the dictionary. When used as a noun, the definition reads: "...the way that something is built, arranged, or organized - the way that a group of people are organized." A simple way of defining structure is a plan or method of organizing the pieces and parts of one's world in order to 'make sense' of what and how to act and respond. Yet none of this begins with process - it simply indicates the results.
I would argue that this is why in a seeming random pattern, there are people who opt for the extreme. This is why cults and organizations that provide a strict structure and demand obedience to it will thrive with those who don't feel or think there is any relevant structure. In the randomness of life, structure can give meaning. Actually, I would argue that everyone reacts and orders outside stimuli (people, places, things) in order to understand. You can always accept or reject (fill in the blank) once it has its 'place'.
When it comes to our lives, the world we live in - we all develop a structure to arrange all or our life pieces. This gives us a context in which to act that is relevant and 'predictable' so that surprises are reduced and at a minimum. Why do we do this? Not completely certain other then I think there is 'something' in everyone's DNA that searches for context and order. We all, no matter now spontaneous or 'unpredictable' we appear to be, order life according to our standard.
And, we typically are on guard against any threats to our self-determine structure. Sadly, we don't possess finite understanding and the unpredictable always seems to blindside us. Fortunately... the structure that is provided by the Lord is all we need. And, as long as we accept and follow His plans and purposes then we will experience freedom and choice and fruitfulness and fulfillment. That's a worthy 'structure'.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Feared into
Has the attempt been made on you to fear you into something? That if you don't - or do - (fill in the blank) something dire will happen? How does this make you feel? Minimally... irritated! Doesn't work. If fear is the motivator then whatever is 'changed' has no foundation. It will last only as long as the threat is evident. Personally I have never appreciated threats. Reason holds more sway with me... even when I don't agree with the reasoning. At least this way I know you have a basis on why you are urging me to do/not do (fill in the blank).
Why use fear? Do you use it? Did you ever tell your child(ren) that if they didn't do or if they continued doing... that they would get into trouble, the bogey man would 'get them'? If so, then you did use fear. Did you follow up on your threats or promises? If not, then your empty words gave the person/people reason to doubt you. Thankfully, my parents never resorted to empty threats. Typically they pointed out the repercussions/ramification from continuing the behavior and (unless harmful) left it to me to make the decision. And yes, I did continue on a self-destructive path at times, but I knew what the end result possibly would be.
Do you think that fear will hold more power, influence than reason? And that's why you use it? Is it a momentary fall back strategy? Does it ever work in the future with those you've used it on? Watching children, you see they always push the boundaries - they need to know their limits and until you set them and explain the whys, they will continue. This behavior occurs in a variety of settings so that the people involved do know and understand. I've discovered that when I involved them in the process, they are far more likely to accept and own them - regardless of age.
I am also aware that the old fire and brimstone approach to getting people saved seems to be an effective approach. But is it? What happens when the threat lessens or there is no follow up with these people to get them anchored in and part of the family? Momentary salvation is never a foundation, in my opinion. If you use the fire and brimstone, then it is critical to now teach the new Christian who they are and what they can now be. 'Feared into' is one method but what we should focus on is strengthening and leading people into fellowship... so they supply their gift to the body (Ephesians 4:16).
Why use fear? Do you use it? Did you ever tell your child(ren) that if they didn't do or if they continued doing... that they would get into trouble, the bogey man would 'get them'? If so, then you did use fear. Did you follow up on your threats or promises? If not, then your empty words gave the person/people reason to doubt you. Thankfully, my parents never resorted to empty threats. Typically they pointed out the repercussions/ramification from continuing the behavior and (unless harmful) left it to me to make the decision. And yes, I did continue on a self-destructive path at times, but I knew what the end result possibly would be.
Do you think that fear will hold more power, influence than reason? And that's why you use it? Is it a momentary fall back strategy? Does it ever work in the future with those you've used it on? Watching children, you see they always push the boundaries - they need to know their limits and until you set them and explain the whys, they will continue. This behavior occurs in a variety of settings so that the people involved do know and understand. I've discovered that when I involved them in the process, they are far more likely to accept and own them - regardless of age.
I am also aware that the old fire and brimstone approach to getting people saved seems to be an effective approach. But is it? What happens when the threat lessens or there is no follow up with these people to get them anchored in and part of the family? Momentary salvation is never a foundation, in my opinion. If you use the fire and brimstone, then it is critical to now teach the new Christian who they are and what they can now be. 'Feared into' is one method but what we should focus on is strengthening and leading people into fellowship... so they supply their gift to the body (Ephesians 4:16).
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Judgments
"Judgments are a confession of character." Just read that on a FB post. What a terrific observation.True that! And a wake up call? Surprised? I'm not certain we all realize this or that others may 'judge' us by our judgments... but it is a logical progression - yes? Do you engage, consciously(?), in doing the same to others? If so, then expect others to also employ this 'standard' to you. All bad? Actually, isn't it a better, more accurate, reflection of who you are?
Perhaps the last question has you somewhat irritated or musingly wondering? I think it is more than obvious that we act on our judgments - regardless of logical, illogical. There has to be some basis! We all act on some basis/standard when making decisions. The only problem is that we sometimes seem to be unaware that we do! Why would this be? Even worse is a kind of blindness that we are judged by how we make and then act on our own decisions - underscored by our judgments.
The only real question, in my opinion, is how we go about determining how we judge. I realize scripture tells us not to judge (Matthew 7:1-2). But, what's the context? Because in another scripture (1 Corinthians 11:17-34) we are told to judge ourselves... Contradiction? Hardly. So if there isn't a contradiction then the issue has to be context. In the Corinthian scripture it talks about judging ourselves before participating in the Lord's Supper. Totally different from the Matthew scripture.
In another scripture Paul chastises the church for not judging a man who was committing immorality. Eventually, since the man repented, Paul had to remind the church that they needed to welcome the erring man back into fellowship. (2 Corinthians 2:5-11) Again judging and when and how to go about following the Lord's standard.
Judging is critical. The point is when, where, and how to judge; what to do with the judging; and then how to follow up. There is an admonish about the process in Matthew 18:15-17. Never ignore sin - in yourself, in others, in the church. But this scripture is a process that is available to come to the right answer and response. Sometimes the issue is within the church, sometimes with others, and sometimes with self. Start with you...
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test
yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that
Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the
test." (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Perhaps the last question has you somewhat irritated or musingly wondering? I think it is more than obvious that we act on our judgments - regardless of logical, illogical. There has to be some basis! We all act on some basis/standard when making decisions. The only problem is that we sometimes seem to be unaware that we do! Why would this be? Even worse is a kind of blindness that we are judged by how we make and then act on our own decisions - underscored by our judgments.
The only real question, in my opinion, is how we go about determining how we judge. I realize scripture tells us not to judge (Matthew 7:1-2). But, what's the context? Because in another scripture (1 Corinthians 11:17-34) we are told to judge ourselves... Contradiction? Hardly. So if there isn't a contradiction then the issue has to be context. In the Corinthian scripture it talks about judging ourselves before participating in the Lord's Supper. Totally different from the Matthew scripture.
In another scripture Paul chastises the church for not judging a man who was committing immorality. Eventually, since the man repented, Paul had to remind the church that they needed to welcome the erring man back into fellowship. (2 Corinthians 2:5-11) Again judging and when and how to go about following the Lord's standard.
Judging is critical. The point is when, where, and how to judge; what to do with the judging; and then how to follow up. There is an admonish about the process in Matthew 18:15-17. Never ignore sin - in yourself, in others, in the church. But this scripture is a process that is available to come to the right answer and response. Sometimes the issue is within the church, sometimes with others, and sometimes with self. Start with you...
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test
yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that
Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the
test." (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Is this all there is????
Kinda depends on the focus? What would you reference? If you are talking about life, then the answer is a resounding - NO! The question should be - do you know where your destiny lies? When you 'shake off this mortal coil' where will you be? What/Who will you see? Or do you believe that this life... is all there is? If you are a Christian, you know there is more... yes? I am 'preaching to the choir' - yes? So what are you doing about your time here before you go there?
"I'm not a minister! I'm not a missionary! The 'professionals' do that work!" Is that how you read Matthew 28:18-20? Not your responsibility... Not your problem... As many times as I've read this scripture and the mandate the Lord gave to His disciples, I've never read the word, professional. If you are a believer, then you are His disciple and it is always your responsibility. How you act on this is your individual gifting but it is always your responsibility. And no, I'm not pointing fingers or making accusations - I'm asking pointed questions... as much as to myself as to anyone.
When you go to be with the Lord, don't you want to know you made a difference for Him? I know I do. But... in the process of this, you really can't define these words apart from His Commission to us. Even as professed Christians, we can be somewhat cavalier about the time we have. The old - I'll do 'that' later when there is more time and ... We all do this. It just is that the Great Commission mandate isn't as high a priority as we should demonstrate.
The more you believe that there really is more, then the more intentional you will be with you, your time, your resources... your opportunities. How long will it be till the Second Coming? Not the point - we should always act on any time we can share who Jesus is with others to provide their chance to realize that there really is more and they can participate. 'This' isn't all there is... whether or not a person accepts Jesus, they will experience what happens next.
"I'm not a minister! I'm not a missionary! The 'professionals' do that work!" Is that how you read Matthew 28:18-20? Not your responsibility... Not your problem... As many times as I've read this scripture and the mandate the Lord gave to His disciples, I've never read the word, professional. If you are a believer, then you are His disciple and it is always your responsibility. How you act on this is your individual gifting but it is always your responsibility. And no, I'm not pointing fingers or making accusations - I'm asking pointed questions... as much as to myself as to anyone.
When you go to be with the Lord, don't you want to know you made a difference for Him? I know I do. But... in the process of this, you really can't define these words apart from His Commission to us. Even as professed Christians, we can be somewhat cavalier about the time we have. The old - I'll do 'that' later when there is more time and ... We all do this. It just is that the Great Commission mandate isn't as high a priority as we should demonstrate.
The more you believe that there really is more, then the more intentional you will be with you, your time, your resources... your opportunities. How long will it be till the Second Coming? Not the point - we should always act on any time we can share who Jesus is with others to provide their chance to realize that there really is more and they can participate. 'This' isn't all there is... whether or not a person accepts Jesus, they will experience what happens next.
Monday, August 14, 2017
Treasure
"...the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image
of God. (v4). For God...has shone in our hearts to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (v6)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay (earthen vessels)..." (v7)
These verses in 2 Corinthians 4 have always caused me to pause. (Granted I have only highlighted certain words in verses 4-7, but, in my humble opinion, they are the kernels.) What does this mean? What is the treasure? Obviously light and knowledge play strong roles in this discovery and understanding, but... more? WHAT is the treasure, because if we don't know what it is then how will we recognize it when we find it? And what do we do with the treasure?
The gospel? It means and is good news and it is news that gives us the freedom of knowledge. I do believe that knowledge does and can give us freedom - at least from ignorance. But more? Absolutely, but it can also be a kind of trap because when we simply seek knowledge without utilizing it - what good is it? And if we only seek knowledge without understanding, then we can succumb to pride - spouting only words.
"... the glory of Christ who is the image of God"? Is this the treasure. It does give us an understanding of who Christ, the Anointed One, looks like. But more? "...to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus"? Knowledge does bring light... but knowledge of what? Glory? But more? "We have this treasure in earthen vessels"... Us. We have this treasure! The treasure of the knowledge of Jesus. And if, 'of Jesus' then also God? Part of the understanding of what the treasure is?
Somewhat simplistically (?) the answer may be found in Colossians 1:27
"To them (us) God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles
are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the
hope of glory."
When we make Jesus our Lord, come to Him to seek salvation, then He accepts our repentance and tells us:
"If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our home with him." (John 14:27)
This is the treasure we have in us, in our earthen vessels - our life in Christ. Paul in Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ
who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in
the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
This treasure in us is of immense value and is available to all who call upon the Name of Jesus.
of God. (v4). For God...has shone in our hearts to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (v6)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay (earthen vessels)..." (v7)
These verses in 2 Corinthians 4 have always caused me to pause. (Granted I have only highlighted certain words in verses 4-7, but, in my humble opinion, they are the kernels.) What does this mean? What is the treasure? Obviously light and knowledge play strong roles in this discovery and understanding, but... more? WHAT is the treasure, because if we don't know what it is then how will we recognize it when we find it? And what do we do with the treasure?
The gospel? It means and is good news and it is news that gives us the freedom of knowledge. I do believe that knowledge does and can give us freedom - at least from ignorance. But more? Absolutely, but it can also be a kind of trap because when we simply seek knowledge without utilizing it - what good is it? And if we only seek knowledge without understanding, then we can succumb to pride - spouting only words.
"... the glory of Christ who is the image of God"? Is this the treasure. It does give us an understanding of who Christ, the Anointed One, looks like. But more? "...to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus"? Knowledge does bring light... but knowledge of what? Glory? But more? "We have this treasure in earthen vessels"... Us. We have this treasure! The treasure of the knowledge of Jesus. And if, 'of Jesus' then also God? Part of the understanding of what the treasure is?
Somewhat simplistically (?) the answer may be found in Colossians 1:27
"To them (us) God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles
are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the
hope of glory."
When we make Jesus our Lord, come to Him to seek salvation, then He accepts our repentance and tells us:
"If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our home with him." (John 14:27)
This is the treasure we have in us, in our earthen vessels - our life in Christ. Paul in Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ
who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in
the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
This treasure in us is of immense value and is available to all who call upon the Name of Jesus.
Friday, August 11, 2017
ALL things work for good...
Yes? Do you believe this? Do you believe this for yourself?! Have you experienced this in your life? Have you ever been disappointed? What did you do? Blame God? Lose your trust in the word? in Him? How did you feel? act? A lot of questions but these are only some of the ones you always need to ask yourself when you begin doubting or questioning the essential issues of life. This is especially true when it is something, like a scripture, you've believed and now begin to wonder.
Have you bothered to read what is written prior to and after the scripture you are placing your belief in? Is there a context? ... or are you taking the scripture out of context? Is there a 'condition, requirement' for the scripture to manifest? I believe we all tend to find words of comfort in scripture and then hang onto them without consciously reading and understanding them. Possible?
Taking Romans 8 as an example... Paul is teaching some extremely important concepts for a Christian. There's a great deal of 'meat' and less 'milk'. He starts in v.1 - "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus..." and we often stop there and rejoice because it's worth rejoicing! But, there is a condition/requirement - "...who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." Before reading v.2 and shouting again, look at what we do, need to do - walk according to the Spirit. Do you understand what this means? What you need to be and do? Again... a growing understanding in our walk with the Lord. There isn't condemnation in us but we need to intentionally guard who we are and how we act in order to maintain this state.
Romans 8:28 -
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who
love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
We may read through the first comma or stop at the word 'good'. Point being that there is a condition - love God. Notta problem? Of course not. But then you read the end of the verse and see the words, 'called' and 'His purpose'. Puts a context on the entire sentence. And I haven't indicated what preceded and comes after this verse. What do you discover? How does this affect how you live your life?
Final thought... definitely use scripture on which to base your beliefs and actions. But also know WHY you believe as you do. What is The Father showing you about you, about His Word, and how you can be His Ambassador? Read the whole because it really is more than just the phrase.
Have you bothered to read what is written prior to and after the scripture you are placing your belief in? Is there a context? ... or are you taking the scripture out of context? Is there a 'condition, requirement' for the scripture to manifest? I believe we all tend to find words of comfort in scripture and then hang onto them without consciously reading and understanding them. Possible?
Taking Romans 8 as an example... Paul is teaching some extremely important concepts for a Christian. There's a great deal of 'meat' and less 'milk'. He starts in v.1 - "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus..." and we often stop there and rejoice because it's worth rejoicing! But, there is a condition/requirement - "...who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." Before reading v.2 and shouting again, look at what we do, need to do - walk according to the Spirit. Do you understand what this means? What you need to be and do? Again... a growing understanding in our walk with the Lord. There isn't condemnation in us but we need to intentionally guard who we are and how we act in order to maintain this state.
Romans 8:28 -
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who
love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
We may read through the first comma or stop at the word 'good'. Point being that there is a condition - love God. Notta problem? Of course not. But then you read the end of the verse and see the words, 'called' and 'His purpose'. Puts a context on the entire sentence. And I haven't indicated what preceded and comes after this verse. What do you discover? How does this affect how you live your life?
Final thought... definitely use scripture on which to base your beliefs and actions. But also know WHY you believe as you do. What is The Father showing you about you, about His Word, and how you can be His Ambassador? Read the whole because it really is more than just the phrase.
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Pitfalls
We all find them... or they find us. Is there only a certain amount of preparation we can do to avoid them? Do we take the opportunity to learn from our previous mistakes or just keep repeating them? If we know we will get burned if we stick our fingers into the flame, are we thinking (hoping?) that this time we won't get burned (or that it won't hurt as much)? Stupid, stupid, stupid - we do know better! Why do we repeat these self-defeating behaviors?
The real issue for us, though, is when we are in the midst of the fall or when we hit the bottom of the hole - what do we do next? Look around somewhat stunned or surprised? Do we scramble to stand? Perhaps, we just sit there knowing it is our fault for being there? Numb? Extraction does logically tend to be our initial focus. However, I'd like to offer a different perspective.
Extraction, as attractive as it is, rarely looks at the underlying causes that precipitated the descent into where we find ourself. We need to focus on why we got to this point. Pride? Avoiding (fill in the blank, such as responsibility)? Stress? Uncertainty? Inattentiveness? Cavalier thinking and behavior? Lack of commitment, care, etc. The reasons are endless. The point is - what caused yours?! Until and unless you face your cause... you will repeat it. It is inevitable.
Granted, looking at the reasons for the fall/burnt fingers is never pleasant, the understanding and knowledge we gain from taking the time to analyze and discover our motives will pay big dividends in the future... when we choose to follow our learning. It's true that sometimes the issue really isn't in the knowing, it's in the choosing to not repeat, to do what needs doing instead. I seriously doubt we're stupid - I think we simply prefer the path of least resistance even when we know we will pay the price eventually.
Remember Romans 8, beginning in verse 28 - we ARE more than conquerors, we ARE able, all things DO work to the good... when we choose to act responsibly. If it was beyond our ability, we never would be asked to BE. But we can avoid the pitfalls... when we choose to turn to the Lord for help in these times before we choose the wrong path. Hebrews (4:16) tells us to come BOLDLY to the throne to ask for help in time of need. Pitfall prevention is a time of need because we rarely are surprised.
The real issue for us, though, is when we are in the midst of the fall or when we hit the bottom of the hole - what do we do next? Look around somewhat stunned or surprised? Do we scramble to stand? Perhaps, we just sit there knowing it is our fault for being there? Numb? Extraction does logically tend to be our initial focus. However, I'd like to offer a different perspective.
Extraction, as attractive as it is, rarely looks at the underlying causes that precipitated the descent into where we find ourself. We need to focus on why we got to this point. Pride? Avoiding (fill in the blank, such as responsibility)? Stress? Uncertainty? Inattentiveness? Cavalier thinking and behavior? Lack of commitment, care, etc. The reasons are endless. The point is - what caused yours?! Until and unless you face your cause... you will repeat it. It is inevitable.
Granted, looking at the reasons for the fall/burnt fingers is never pleasant, the understanding and knowledge we gain from taking the time to analyze and discover our motives will pay big dividends in the future... when we choose to follow our learning. It's true that sometimes the issue really isn't in the knowing, it's in the choosing to not repeat, to do what needs doing instead. I seriously doubt we're stupid - I think we simply prefer the path of least resistance even when we know we will pay the price eventually.
Remember Romans 8, beginning in verse 28 - we ARE more than conquerors, we ARE able, all things DO work to the good... when we choose to act responsibly. If it was beyond our ability, we never would be asked to BE. But we can avoid the pitfalls... when we choose to turn to the Lord for help in these times before we choose the wrong path. Hebrews (4:16) tells us to come BOLDLY to the throne to ask for help in time of need. Pitfall prevention is a time of need because we rarely are surprised.
Saturday, August 5, 2017
... and continuing
Most of us live our Christian lives somewhere between accepting Jesus as Lord and the 'professional' ministry. We try to live our lives, albeit in the trenches, as best we can. Many have no idea of the abundant, rich life that await us. This state is because we... don't realize or don't act on the opportunity.
"My people are destroyed from a lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6)
Some of the 'lack' is due to those we listen to and some through our own lack of action and/or understanding. But note the word used - destroyed! We are destroyed... but why? When you read the next sentence it says, "Because you have rejected knowledge..." Rejected knowledge? How? In what way(s)?
I believe that one of the primary ways is that we sit in our salvation. Sit, in this case means we stagnate - we don't continue the journey begun in salvation. We are supposed to grow. Whenever growth isn't occurring then atrophy sets in. And we can do something about atrophy! It doesn't have to occur. We need to exercise. And exercise is more than physical - we need to exercise our minds. Constantly we are told to renew our minds... this results in growth. But it is WE who do the doing. 2 Timothy 2:15
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker
who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
The only way this can be accomplished is if we put a priority on learning, on growing, on living our lives according to who we are becoming. But if we do not continue, if we are idle or inattentive then destruction can become our destiny.
That is frightening. Remember God's reaction to the lukewarm church - Revelation 3:16? He was greatly displeased. Personally, that is not a state I am comfortable to live in.
What is destruction? Is it really all that bad? One definition is: "the action or process of causing so much damage to something that is no longer exists or cannot be repaired." Wow! Can't be repaired! Remember the story in Luke?
"When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through
waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, 'I will return
to my house from which I came.; And when it comes, it finds the
house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other
spirits more evil then itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the
last state of that person is worse than the first." (11:26)
That is my understanding and picture of what happens when we stagnate, when we don't move on in the things of the Lord. We have never been saved to simply sit on this wonderful state. But look also that it is a process and if a process, it can be stopped and reversed. Yes, He accepted us right where we are but I have never believed that He meant us to stop. We are to grow into who we are becoming!
"My people are destroyed from a lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6)
Some of the 'lack' is due to those we listen to and some through our own lack of action and/or understanding. But note the word used - destroyed! We are destroyed... but why? When you read the next sentence it says, "Because you have rejected knowledge..." Rejected knowledge? How? In what way(s)?
I believe that one of the primary ways is that we sit in our salvation. Sit, in this case means we stagnate - we don't continue the journey begun in salvation. We are supposed to grow. Whenever growth isn't occurring then atrophy sets in. And we can do something about atrophy! It doesn't have to occur. We need to exercise. And exercise is more than physical - we need to exercise our minds. Constantly we are told to renew our minds... this results in growth. But it is WE who do the doing. 2 Timothy 2:15
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker
who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
The only way this can be accomplished is if we put a priority on learning, on growing, on living our lives according to who we are becoming. But if we do not continue, if we are idle or inattentive then destruction can become our destiny.
That is frightening. Remember God's reaction to the lukewarm church - Revelation 3:16? He was greatly displeased. Personally, that is not a state I am comfortable to live in.
What is destruction? Is it really all that bad? One definition is: "the action or process of causing so much damage to something that is no longer exists or cannot be repaired." Wow! Can't be repaired! Remember the story in Luke?
"When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through
waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, 'I will return
to my house from which I came.; And when it comes, it finds the
house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other
spirits more evil then itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the
last state of that person is worse than the first." (11:26)
That is my understanding and picture of what happens when we stagnate, when we don't move on in the things of the Lord. We have never been saved to simply sit on this wonderful state. But look also that it is a process and if a process, it can be stopped and reversed. Yes, He accepted us right where we are but I have never believed that He meant us to stop. We are to grow into who we are becoming!
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Backslide
What/How do you understand the definition of this work to mean? Actually, what picture is painted in your mind when the word is used? Webster defines it as: "... to lapse morally, to revert to a worse condition; ... a person who has sunk below the normal moral standard." The synonyms are degenerate, decadent, libertine, profligate, etc. Not a good upstanding individual - a person that one should flee from. This is a kind of - 'you know it when you see it' because the behavior is so very obvious.
There are as many reasons for the 'why' in the backsliding as there are backsliders. Do we care about their 'why'? We should. I suspect that each of us is subject to the opportunity to backslide - 'there but for the grace, go I'. What causes one person to act on this and another not to? Irrelevant questions? Perhaps. But the point is - what do we do to/with our brothers and sisters who do backslide - do we attempt to woo them back? Do we simply ignore?
Never limit backsliding simply to not attending church. It's more significant and encompassing. Backsliding really refers specifically to you and who you are and are becoming, what you know and how you do your knowing. Each time you deny the truth of Who you believe or His abilities, it's a slide back. Each time you decide that He wouldn't 'do (fill in the blank)' because of who you were, you slide a bit more back. And yes, it is hard to put yesterday out of today's thinking. But if you are committed to Jesus then you won't stay in your yesterday but will move into who you are because you accepted His Lordship.
At some point backsliding becomes a decision. If you choose to move further and further away from the Lord - that's a road to destruction. Or you can choose to stop your slide, confess your sin to the Lord, resolve to return because He tells us that He will forgive and cleanse us.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and
to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1John 1:9)
As difficult as it may seem to admit your sin, it is the way to restoration. You can never try and 'live' with the issue - you live in unrighteousness if you do. Pride always goes before us when we let that dictate. If you've ever hesitated in admitting to yourself you sinned and needed restoring, you remember the discomfort and shame associated with being out of fellowship with the Lord. Is your pride so important that you will stay in this state? Backsliding doesn't need to define us. We can come into fellowship and receive the joy that occurs when 'all's right with the world'. What happens if we don't?????
There are as many reasons for the 'why' in the backsliding as there are backsliders. Do we care about their 'why'? We should. I suspect that each of us is subject to the opportunity to backslide - 'there but for the grace, go I'. What causes one person to act on this and another not to? Irrelevant questions? Perhaps. But the point is - what do we do to/with our brothers and sisters who do backslide - do we attempt to woo them back? Do we simply ignore?
Never limit backsliding simply to not attending church. It's more significant and encompassing. Backsliding really refers specifically to you and who you are and are becoming, what you know and how you do your knowing. Each time you deny the truth of Who you believe or His abilities, it's a slide back. Each time you decide that He wouldn't 'do (fill in the blank)' because of who you were, you slide a bit more back. And yes, it is hard to put yesterday out of today's thinking. But if you are committed to Jesus then you won't stay in your yesterday but will move into who you are because you accepted His Lordship.
At some point backsliding becomes a decision. If you choose to move further and further away from the Lord - that's a road to destruction. Or you can choose to stop your slide, confess your sin to the Lord, resolve to return because He tells us that He will forgive and cleanse us.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and
to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1John 1:9)
As difficult as it may seem to admit your sin, it is the way to restoration. You can never try and 'live' with the issue - you live in unrighteousness if you do. Pride always goes before us when we let that dictate. If you've ever hesitated in admitting to yourself you sinned and needed restoring, you remember the discomfort and shame associated with being out of fellowship with the Lord. Is your pride so important that you will stay in this state? Backsliding doesn't need to define us. We can come into fellowship and receive the joy that occurs when 'all's right with the world'. What happens if we don't?????
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