The 'evidence' suggests that we all are quick to defend ourselves... whether or not we need to. If we 'sense' that a slight or 'attack' on our character or any other aspects of our self, then we leap into the breach with a defense of self. And what does this avail us? Sadly, more misunderstanding. Should we have initially responded with an apology? a question about why the other person said/did (fill in the blank)? Have we assessed the 'cause'? Or have we only reacted?
I really should know better, but I still tend to adopt the latter approach. It never 'works'... it only muddies. I suspect the 'problem' begins at the start of the exchange and it is my assumption (?), presumption (?), definition or assessment of the moment that causes my 'self defense'. Also, at the crux could be that I really shouldn't have said/done what I did and now I'm slightly embarrassed. If this describes you too then we all have hope. It's called a paradigm shift in our mindset.
Are we truly interested in communication or were we simply either misreading the situation without a thorough 'examination', or were we simply babbling. And while I really dislike the tag of babble, this can be the culprit - especially if we are teasing or attempting to be amusing. Point is - how we react and whether or not we are willing to reconcile and accept our part in the misunderstanding. Rarely is this one-sided, it always takes two. And yes... scripture does speak to this 'problem':
"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a
word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment,
so that it will give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29)
"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt,
so that you will know how you should respond to each person."
(Colossians 4:6)
"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech,
conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those
who believe." (1Timothy 3:12)
"Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No', anything more that this
comes from evil." (Matthew 5:37)
Those are only a few of the scriptures that speak to this issue. However, the one scripture that I need to remember more often is:
"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every
careless word they speak." (Matthew 12:36)
For me, that puts a period on all discussion. We can offer an apology, attempt to reconcile, or offer clarification... what was our original intent - communication? But if the action was frivolous then there really is no self-defense.
Monday, December 31, 2018
Friday, December 28, 2018
The best of intentions
Sometimes... this isn't enough. Sometimes, you really don't know what to do now (after your best of intentions didn't work). Sometimes you really did have the best of intentions but it was all wrong - wrong timing, wrong expression, wrong focus... wrong. There are all sorts of semi-positive reasons that the best of intentions didn't succeed. And there are the excuse based intentions, and the self-serving, and the ... well, you get the message. When our best intentions fail or go astray is when we say we had, the best of intentions, we face - now what?
In my world, we really should start at our motivation - why our 'intentions' didn't work. What were we truly trying to accomplish? If it was to manipulate others in some fashion to accept a particular action, then there is no such thing as best. In all cases and at all times, we must remember that when others are involved, they too have free will and all the attendant interference and choices. And... their ideas could be considerably better than ours. However, the issue at this point is our motivations... to do or not do (fill in the blank).
What kind of behavior did you express when presenting your best? Did you give sufficient 'argument' for your position and allow for others' questions and inputs? If not, then this can be a barrier. People need to be invested or have ownership of what is 'best', if not you may not have the necessary support for success. How we present makes a tremendous impact on the hearing and subsequent acceptance of what we propose. If it is only self-serving then you probably should change your position and purpose quickly.
And yes,, there are other factors affecting our best of intentions, but when we are aware of our own agenda and admit this to ourselves, then we can become more open to what others are saying. It is especially important when you need the assistance of others to accomplish the goal. If your best of intentions really are the best, then any 'failure' is mitigated and every success is heightened. As much as we may want a different result, best of intentions may not assure success. But unless we are aware of why we are doing or wanting to do (fill in the blank) then we jeopardize success.
In my world, we really should start at our motivation - why our 'intentions' didn't work. What were we truly trying to accomplish? If it was to manipulate others in some fashion to accept a particular action, then there is no such thing as best. In all cases and at all times, we must remember that when others are involved, they too have free will and all the attendant interference and choices. And... their ideas could be considerably better than ours. However, the issue at this point is our motivations... to do or not do (fill in the blank).
What kind of behavior did you express when presenting your best? Did you give sufficient 'argument' for your position and allow for others' questions and inputs? If not, then this can be a barrier. People need to be invested or have ownership of what is 'best', if not you may not have the necessary support for success. How we present makes a tremendous impact on the hearing and subsequent acceptance of what we propose. If it is only self-serving then you probably should change your position and purpose quickly.
And yes,, there are other factors affecting our best of intentions, but when we are aware of our own agenda and admit this to ourselves, then we can become more open to what others are saying. It is especially important when you need the assistance of others to accomplish the goal. If your best of intentions really are the best, then any 'failure' is mitigated and every success is heightened. As much as we may want a different result, best of intentions may not assure success. But unless we are aware of why we are doing or wanting to do (fill in the blank) then we jeopardize success.
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Peace... Good will...
(The following is a message, challenge, opportunity that I issued in
my article for the December newsletter.)
my article for the December newsletter.)
‘Peace! Good will toward men.’ I
always feel that it is somewhat sad that this message is relegated to a
specific time period. Perhaps, even worse is that we need reminding.
Overreacting? Could be but how often do we think about peace and good will?
Just as important - how do we define these words... operationally? Would you
recognize it if you saw it?
Peace is a state of mind, a mindset; but it is also a choice action. We choose to act and respond this way. Life is not fair and if we are operating with the belief that life should be 'fair', then we need to reassess because 'fair' is not in the definition of 'life'. I would even add that 'fair' is a moving target and never defined. Trouble is that though we harbor a hope (?), desire (?), need (?) that peace and good will emerge, we also don't believe it will.
But...
what if we started something
new? What if we launch our own attempt to act, speak. and be a carrier of
'peace' and 'good will'? If we do, we can't expect others to always understand,
nor can we expect them to jump onto this bandwagon. We can, however, expect to be mocked,
even if it's behind our back but does this dissuade or inspire you? Will you go
beyond the 'expected' to be that voice of peace?
We
are heading into the Christmas season... what if we all acted with peace and
good will - even if we don't receive any in return. In doing this will we be
sharing Jesus in our world, and wouldn't that be a wonderful gift to give the
Lord? Think about it. Perhaps... if we really believe we do make a difference in our world, we can expand this concept into a lifestyle? Perhaps we can be a voice of peace and good will.
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Finest gift
Have you ever thought that the best gift you can give to another person is you Listening? But this is a very special kind of listening. The Listening I am talking about is define by: full and complete attention to what the other person is saying, listening by asking them questions on what they are saying, clarifying so you know their definitions, frame of reference which may not be yours. Not assuming their why but genuinely attempting to understand. Those are the visible behaviors that you are Listening.
The purpose in doing this is for you but it also serves at least 2 for the speaker. I believe that people need to feel that they have been heard. This is a kind of affirmation and valuing. Also people rarely will consider an idea, disagreement, difference, etc. until they have had the opportunity to feel they have 'had their say'. The other purpose is that they can also listen to what they are saying. I believe we have less 'that's not what I meant' or other misunderstandings when we actually do say what we think we are meaning.
It truly isn't all that difficult to Listen. Yes, it does take concentration... and not assuming what they are going to say next... or devising your response. When you take the time to listen, your focus is on the other person... not on yourself. And as 'simple' as this may sound, it is quite difficult to accomplish. This is because much of conversation is really debate. Think about it. Do you automatically assume you will agree with the speaker? Unless it is a friend of long standing, if we're honest - probably not. Not criticism... reality. Because we too want to feel our views are honored and listened to.
If your goal is you and your thoughts and opinions, you will undoubtedly have
misunderstandings if you act on what you think you heard. We don't always have the same definitions and until we are 'on the same page' we really don't operate from a point of agreement and mutual understanding. And yes, your opinions should be heard. Sometimes it's in your how of presenting them. If your stance is argumentative, you may not be heard.
Communication is really all it's cracked up to be. It can be the source of new learnings and understandings or the foundation to a successful end to the project. And yes... it does depend on you. Don't assume you will be heard. Don't assume you have the best mousetrap. Look for collaboration. Even if you aren't heard... you Listen. Then after you have, you can present your thoughts... because now, they may also be heard.
The purpose in doing this is for you but it also serves at least 2 for the speaker. I believe that people need to feel that they have been heard. This is a kind of affirmation and valuing. Also people rarely will consider an idea, disagreement, difference, etc. until they have had the opportunity to feel they have 'had their say'. The other purpose is that they can also listen to what they are saying. I believe we have less 'that's not what I meant' or other misunderstandings when we actually do say what we think we are meaning.
It truly isn't all that difficult to Listen. Yes, it does take concentration... and not assuming what they are going to say next... or devising your response. When you take the time to listen, your focus is on the other person... not on yourself. And as 'simple' as this may sound, it is quite difficult to accomplish. This is because much of conversation is really debate. Think about it. Do you automatically assume you will agree with the speaker? Unless it is a friend of long standing, if we're honest - probably not. Not criticism... reality. Because we too want to feel our views are honored and listened to.
If your goal is you and your thoughts and opinions, you will undoubtedly have
misunderstandings if you act on what you think you heard. We don't always have the same definitions and until we are 'on the same page' we really don't operate from a point of agreement and mutual understanding. And yes, your opinions should be heard. Sometimes it's in your how of presenting them. If your stance is argumentative, you may not be heard.
Communication is really all it's cracked up to be. It can be the source of new learnings and understandings or the foundation to a successful end to the project. And yes... it does depend on you. Don't assume you will be heard. Don't assume you have the best mousetrap. Look for collaboration. Even if you aren't heard... you Listen. Then after you have, you can present your thoughts... because now, they may also be heard.
Thursday, December 20, 2018
The Great Search
While this issue can be argued that it's too sweeping and individualistic to pin down, I will always argue that the Great Search is for meaning and belonging. However, I would also maintain that these are so closely related, that in finding one... you find the other.
At the basis of seeking 'fame and fortune', this can become hollow without a context, a foundation. In the midst of seeking this outward goal, what is the root? What and how do you know... by the visible trappings? What about the person in all this - who are they and what are they becoming? I will always argue that the root really is meaning and belonging. What do you 'do' with fame and fortune... that determination falls into the 'meaning' category, but in and of itself... it has no significance. To Whom do you give the credit for your fame and fortune? If it is only you, then you're blind. If you acknowledge how and when the Lord provided you with the ability then we begin to talk about belonging.
Belonging. Meaning. These two concepts do overlap and define one another, at least in my world of definitions. They are 2 of the pillars from which everything else is built. Granted, these are my definitions but I think they stand the test of time. Belonging is always a sense of community, of family. In fact, the overriding definition of belonging is family - however you define family. It is your world in which you live. It is the context in which you can 'experiment' with expression and ideas - a safe environment to grow. For some, it's simply and profoundly ... relationship.
Meaning...it's crucial. It is the glue, the reason; it is the purpose, the goal. Meaning is individually defined and is closely align with mission and passion... vision and depth. And yes, it is difficult to adequately describe... however, you know it when you experience it. This is why you do what you do and say what you say - it's your defining characteristic. It's fruitfulness and fulfillment, it's life. If there is no meaning, there is existence, but there isn't life.
At the basis of seeking 'fame and fortune', this can become hollow without a context, a foundation. In the midst of seeking this outward goal, what is the root? What and how do you know... by the visible trappings? What about the person in all this - who are they and what are they becoming? I will always argue that the root really is meaning and belonging. What do you 'do' with fame and fortune... that determination falls into the 'meaning' category, but in and of itself... it has no significance. To Whom do you give the credit for your fame and fortune? If it is only you, then you're blind. If you acknowledge how and when the Lord provided you with the ability then we begin to talk about belonging.
Belonging. Meaning. These two concepts do overlap and define one another, at least in my world of definitions. They are 2 of the pillars from which everything else is built. Granted, these are my definitions but I think they stand the test of time. Belonging is always a sense of community, of family. In fact, the overriding definition of belonging is family - however you define family. It is your world in which you live. It is the context in which you can 'experiment' with expression and ideas - a safe environment to grow. For some, it's simply and profoundly ... relationship.
Meaning...it's crucial. It is the glue, the reason; it is the purpose, the goal. Meaning is individually defined and is closely align with mission and passion... vision and depth. And yes, it is difficult to adequately describe... however, you know it when you experience it. This is why you do what you do and say what you say - it's your defining characteristic. It's fruitfulness and fulfillment, it's life. If there is no meaning, there is existence, but there isn't life.
Monday, December 17, 2018
We are so much more...
than we think we are. Or at least the potential to see and accept and act on this reality. If we believe... in ourselves as well. I'm not talking about ego or arrogance or feign bravado but our 'who', the family we were born again into, the importance, protection, and equipping this inheritance means to us now. Remember the Lord's words when the rich young ruler wasn't willing to leave all and follow Him (Mark 10:29-30)
"Truly I tell you, Jesus replies, No one who has left home or brothers
or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for My sake and for
the gospel will fail to receive a hundredfold in the present age - houses
and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields along
with persecutions - and to receive eternal life in the age to come."
It is totally impossible to fence sit - to have one foot in one kind of world and attempt to have the other foot in another. Not possible. You have to choose!
In the choosing, we have the opportunity to be and do so much more. Don't let the '...with persecutions...' slip by unnoticed. This is a given. Just as the Lord told His disciples that as He had received persecutions, misunderstandings, rejections, etc. in this world, so would they... so would we. It's a fact that has to be accepted and then act as a motivation for us to continue. However, there is also the 'but' that follows. Be prepared but be encouraged.
We are so much more than only sufficiently equipped and enabled... all we need do is act on this. Why would we not? Myriad of reasons... but a major part is how we view who we are, how we do what we do, the depth of our foundation... etc. 'Can't' is a word that can slip easily into our vocabulary. Typically it is defined as: won't. If we can only grasp the reality of our being grafted into the vine, of being a co-inheritor, of having all we need at the precise time we need it ... then we can be His Ambassador.
"Truly I tell you, Jesus replies, No one who has left home or brothers
or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for My sake and for
the gospel will fail to receive a hundredfold in the present age - houses
and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields along
with persecutions - and to receive eternal life in the age to come."
It is totally impossible to fence sit - to have one foot in one kind of world and attempt to have the other foot in another. Not possible. You have to choose!
In the choosing, we have the opportunity to be and do so much more. Don't let the '...with persecutions...' slip by unnoticed. This is a given. Just as the Lord told His disciples that as He had received persecutions, misunderstandings, rejections, etc. in this world, so would they... so would we. It's a fact that has to be accepted and then act as a motivation for us to continue. However, there is also the 'but' that follows. Be prepared but be encouraged.
We are so much more than only sufficiently equipped and enabled... all we need do is act on this. Why would we not? Myriad of reasons... but a major part is how we view who we are, how we do what we do, the depth of our foundation... etc. 'Can't' is a word that can slip easily into our vocabulary. Typically it is defined as: won't. If we can only grasp the reality of our being grafted into the vine, of being a co-inheritor, of having all we need at the precise time we need it ... then we can be His Ambassador.
Friday, December 14, 2018
Assumptions
It's always our assumptions that lead us astray. Yes?! We all know this but we all will insist on doing it anyway. Why? Order. We all seem to need a way of structuring our interactions and actions. It appears to be the foundation to 'make sense' of our world. So is it all bad? All is the word that needs defining. If we insist that (fill in the blank) continues to be precisely what they were the last time we were with them ... then, it is that bad.
If you remember scripture, God told us, "I change not." (Malachi 3:6). The reason, purpose God was saying this was to give comfort and a foundation for relationship with Him. When you read this particular chapter, God is reminding the people that: He chose them, they left Him and not the other way around, He wouldn't leave them but they had to return to Him, etc. He was giving assurance to the people that He had not left them. This is also our comfort, that He is always here and available to us when we turn to Him. But His statutes, His ways, are not negotiable - He changes not.
Change is one of those big words that many people have great problems with because there is so much change in so many areas of our lives that we have trouble standing on a firm foundation. However, our Lord is a firm foundation on which we can trust. Why? Because God has also told us:
"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should
repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He
not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19)
However, as is indicated - man does not do this.The reasons are various: new information leading to new understanding, lies, deceit, etc. When we operate on assumptions, we say that the other person/situation will remain in a status quo. We don't remain in a status quo! So why should we ever expect others to do so. Yes, it does provide us with a foundation to operate from as long as we allow for growth, and don't expect no change.
Assumption can be viewed as the frame of a house... but the front may become the back and a one story home become a 2 story. Simply be ready for change - don't expect it but don't run from it when it emerges... you might just discover something about yourself in the process.
If you remember scripture, God told us, "I change not." (Malachi 3:6). The reason, purpose God was saying this was to give comfort and a foundation for relationship with Him. When you read this particular chapter, God is reminding the people that: He chose them, they left Him and not the other way around, He wouldn't leave them but they had to return to Him, etc. He was giving assurance to the people that He had not left them. This is also our comfort, that He is always here and available to us when we turn to Him. But His statutes, His ways, are not negotiable - He changes not.
Change is one of those big words that many people have great problems with because there is so much change in so many areas of our lives that we have trouble standing on a firm foundation. However, our Lord is a firm foundation on which we can trust. Why? Because God has also told us:
"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should
repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He
not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19)
However, as is indicated - man does not do this.The reasons are various: new information leading to new understanding, lies, deceit, etc. When we operate on assumptions, we say that the other person/situation will remain in a status quo. We don't remain in a status quo! So why should we ever expect others to do so. Yes, it does provide us with a foundation to operate from as long as we allow for growth, and don't expect no change.
Assumption can be viewed as the frame of a house... but the front may become the back and a one story home become a 2 story. Simply be ready for change - don't expect it but don't run from it when it emerges... you might just discover something about yourself in the process.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
By chance
Do you believe in... 'by chance'? For me, it falls into the same category as 'luck' - good or bad. Simply, I don't believe in either. The Lord that I serve would never be that willy nilly as to leave 'things' to our luck, or the lack of it, or to chance. The God who created the universe would never be that cavalier.
Everything predetermined? We are only pawns? Fatalistic? Not really. No. No. Predetermined: I do believe that God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) but I also believe in free will. And no, they aren't incompatible, perhaps a bit of a conundrum at times but also they coexist, simultaneously. What I've discovered is that the Lord provides all we need to make the (our) best decision, however He doesn't predetermined that we will necessarily understand or make the best choice. This is because we have free will and aren't infallible - it's always our decision. Sometimes we deliberately choose 'our way', sometime we follow our best understanding, there are all sorts of ways we come to our decisions.
None of that is based in 'by chance' or 'luck'. I would argue that we all do what we do because we are motivated to act that way. It is our motivation based on... our experience, our training, our mindset - so many factors are involved in our motivation, why we choose what we choose when we choose it. There are those who would protest that they 'didn't have a choice' that they 'did what they had to'. Perhaps. But what got them to that point in the first place? "Line upon line, precept upon precept..." (Isaiah 28:10) principle. We never suddenly arrive at a point, even when we are surprised. We are where we are because of when, how, why, we did what we did.
That point is never simply positive or negative in my world of definitions. It is a given - it is what it is. The place that you are standing in/on at this moment is the result of a number of both positive and negative previous decisions - not 'by chance'. The question is - now what? If it isn't a 'good' place, you don't need to compound the problem, you can change. And if it is where you believe the Lord wants you then you have the confidence that He will be in this with you.
Webster defines 'chance' as:
"... something that happens unpredictably without discernible human
intention or observable cause; assumed impersonal purposeless
determiner of unaccountable happenings,,,"
Does this really describe, define your life? Do you believe this? Do you think that the God of the Universe who created you in His likeness would simply leave you to your own devices, to chance? Hardly. He is always with us - all we need do is to turn to Him and begin to walk in all He has for us.
Everything predetermined? We are only pawns? Fatalistic? Not really. No. No. Predetermined: I do believe that God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) but I also believe in free will. And no, they aren't incompatible, perhaps a bit of a conundrum at times but also they coexist, simultaneously. What I've discovered is that the Lord provides all we need to make the (our) best decision, however He doesn't predetermined that we will necessarily understand or make the best choice. This is because we have free will and aren't infallible - it's always our decision. Sometimes we deliberately choose 'our way', sometime we follow our best understanding, there are all sorts of ways we come to our decisions.
None of that is based in 'by chance' or 'luck'. I would argue that we all do what we do because we are motivated to act that way. It is our motivation based on... our experience, our training, our mindset - so many factors are involved in our motivation, why we choose what we choose when we choose it. There are those who would protest that they 'didn't have a choice' that they 'did what they had to'. Perhaps. But what got them to that point in the first place? "Line upon line, precept upon precept..." (Isaiah 28:10) principle. We never suddenly arrive at a point, even when we are surprised. We are where we are because of when, how, why, we did what we did.
That point is never simply positive or negative in my world of definitions. It is a given - it is what it is. The place that you are standing in/on at this moment is the result of a number of both positive and negative previous decisions - not 'by chance'. The question is - now what? If it isn't a 'good' place, you don't need to compound the problem, you can change. And if it is where you believe the Lord wants you then you have the confidence that He will be in this with you.
Webster defines 'chance' as:
"... something that happens unpredictably without discernible human
intention or observable cause; assumed impersonal purposeless
determiner of unaccountable happenings,,,"
Does this really describe, define your life? Do you believe this? Do you think that the God of the Universe who created you in His likeness would simply leave you to your own devices, to chance? Hardly. He is always with us - all we need do is to turn to Him and begin to walk in all He has for us.
Saturday, December 8, 2018
RETIREMENT!!!
What has 'retirement' to do with the context/focus of my blog? Actually, quite a lot? Are you the type that longs to retire? Do you 'hate' the idea because your job/work really defines you, who you are? Do you have plans for the now open time? Are you concerned about any aspect of your view of retiring, such as - will your money last? See... there is a lot of relevance. And if you haven't contemplated your own retiring (regardless of age) you really should.
Retirement's definition in my world contains some definite 'nots'. Example: retirement is not simply sitting down and doing 'nothing'. There are some 'components' of retirement that you don't retire from. Again, example: you don't stop discovering who you are and how you go about being you. Now you have the time you didn't have when you were working. So what do you want to do, to discover or confirm about yourself? Volunteer? Good choice but what you really need to do is to discover who you are that doesn't include going to a job every day - regardless of whether or not you enjoyed it.
Bottom line... there's a whole new world to discover and how you want to define your who in it. And yes, the reason I'm writing on this subject is because I have just entered this world, this new life. AND... I'm excited. Will I live out my finances? Don't know, but one thing I do know - if I do need to go back into the workforce, the Lord has already prepared this for me. Yes, finances are important... but there are so many other areas that are even more important such as walking in the gifting the Lord has placed in me. I truly do not want the basic needs to get in the way of this walk.
Retirement, in so many ways is merely a new opportunity to look at one's life and discover what you can do with what's been given you. There is a special lady in my Bible study group that exudes the gift of Hospitality. Is that truly a gift? I think so. She is always ready to volunteer to help whoever or whatever needs to be done. But what's your gifting - that's the question to be answered. As you look back on your life with the Lord, what stands out as the times you felt His hand on you in confirmation of what you were doing? That may be your gifting that you can emphasize. Never accept that all you can do is sit. You are so much more than you think.
Retirement's definition in my world contains some definite 'nots'. Example: retirement is not simply sitting down and doing 'nothing'. There are some 'components' of retirement that you don't retire from. Again, example: you don't stop discovering who you are and how you go about being you. Now you have the time you didn't have when you were working. So what do you want to do, to discover or confirm about yourself? Volunteer? Good choice but what you really need to do is to discover who you are that doesn't include going to a job every day - regardless of whether or not you enjoyed it.
Bottom line... there's a whole new world to discover and how you want to define your who in it. And yes, the reason I'm writing on this subject is because I have just entered this world, this new life. AND... I'm excited. Will I live out my finances? Don't know, but one thing I do know - if I do need to go back into the workforce, the Lord has already prepared this for me. Yes, finances are important... but there are so many other areas that are even more important such as walking in the gifting the Lord has placed in me. I truly do not want the basic needs to get in the way of this walk.
Retirement, in so many ways is merely a new opportunity to look at one's life and discover what you can do with what's been given you. There is a special lady in my Bible study group that exudes the gift of Hospitality. Is that truly a gift? I think so. She is always ready to volunteer to help whoever or whatever needs to be done. But what's your gifting - that's the question to be answered. As you look back on your life with the Lord, what stands out as the times you felt His hand on you in confirmation of what you were doing? That may be your gifting that you can emphasize. Never accept that all you can do is sit. You are so much more than you think.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Knowing... me
When you get down to it... how many people have you allowed to know you... including yourself? Not the surface you (which is never superficial, only surface), but the deeper you? Is there a reason? In some fashion are you protecting you? From what... or whom? Perhaps I should start with - do you like you? And whether yes or no, do you know why?
To be blunt - you are really nothing apart from the Lord. Certainly you have talents, but you are always enhanced by your Maker. Once you have realized that there is nothing of real and lasting value apart from your relationship with the person who gave His life for you and gives you a new life, then you begin on a wonderful adventure of discovering who He is, who you are, and what your relationship is and can be.
You really do need to know you - everything from the warts to the beauty spots. You have both. To emphasize one over the other doesn't get us anywhere. What we need to do is what the old song says - accent the positive, eliminate the negative. Who you are is your starting point and without this knowledge you are rudderless and without a foundation from which to begin. But of even more importance is who you can become. Remember 2 Corinthians - you are a new creature never before seen. You start with a clean slate. Repent of yesterday - absolutely, but focus on now.
Knowledge leads to wisdom which (should) forms our basis for action. Reading Proverbs gives us greater understanding about the firm foundation of knowledge. But a critical component in this is self knowledge and understanding about ourselves. This is not an excuse nor license for bad choices - it is a basis for understanding and change. We grow because we choose to do so but first we must choose to know.
To be blunt - you are really nothing apart from the Lord. Certainly you have talents, but you are always enhanced by your Maker. Once you have realized that there is nothing of real and lasting value apart from your relationship with the person who gave His life for you and gives you a new life, then you begin on a wonderful adventure of discovering who He is, who you are, and what your relationship is and can be.
You really do need to know you - everything from the warts to the beauty spots. You have both. To emphasize one over the other doesn't get us anywhere. What we need to do is what the old song says - accent the positive, eliminate the negative. Who you are is your starting point and without this knowledge you are rudderless and without a foundation from which to begin. But of even more importance is who you can become. Remember 2 Corinthians - you are a new creature never before seen. You start with a clean slate. Repent of yesterday - absolutely, but focus on now.
Knowledge leads to wisdom which (should) forms our basis for action. Reading Proverbs gives us greater understanding about the firm foundation of knowledge. But a critical component in this is self knowledge and understanding about ourselves. This is not an excuse nor license for bad choices - it is a basis for understanding and change. We grow because we choose to do so but first we must choose to know.
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Holiday
(The following is an expansion on an article I wrote for the church newsletter.)
Do you have your 'holiday' on... or are you getting there? To me, the end of October ushers in the start of 'The Holiday season'. I know Christmas gift ideas and decorations have been up for weeks (sadly, Thanksgiving seems to have gotten lost in the rush.) I am and was brought up with a great fondness for Thanksgiving. I know many still honor this day and don't look on it as the day before the biggest shopping day of the year - Black Friday. Black? A bit sinister sounding... or do you only honor Cyber Tuesday?
But before that mad dash... how do you celebrate Thanksgiving? What do you do? Is there time given to remember all the blessings of the previous year? Sooooo... how do you want to celebrate this Thanksgiving - planning your shopping strategy for Friday or taking the time to 'count your blessings, one by one'? Remembering and relating all the wonderful things that have happened to you in the previous year is one way to celebrate. No fond remembrances? Really? Is it more of a case of not recognizing the Lord's hand?
If for no other reason, 'society' recommends you have a 'gratitude' list and also indicates 10 reasons why being grateful is good for us. However, I believe there's a better way. Look at all the scriptures that tell us to be thankful.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever." (1Chronicles 16:34)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)
Those are only 2 of over 30 scriptures that talk about being thankful. Thanksgiving is one time to remember, and perhaps recite them to yourself.
Better yet... apply the suggestion to keep Christmas in your heart all year and remember/recite all the people and 'things' you are grateful for... daily.
Do you have your 'holiday' on... or are you getting there? To me, the end of October ushers in the start of 'The Holiday season'. I know Christmas gift ideas and decorations have been up for weeks (sadly, Thanksgiving seems to have gotten lost in the rush.) I am and was brought up with a great fondness for Thanksgiving. I know many still honor this day and don't look on it as the day before the biggest shopping day of the year - Black Friday. Black? A bit sinister sounding... or do you only honor Cyber Tuesday?
But before that mad dash... how do you celebrate Thanksgiving? What do you do? Is there time given to remember all the blessings of the previous year? Sooooo... how do you want to celebrate this Thanksgiving - planning your shopping strategy for Friday or taking the time to 'count your blessings, one by one'? Remembering and relating all the wonderful things that have happened to you in the previous year is one way to celebrate. No fond remembrances? Really? Is it more of a case of not recognizing the Lord's hand?
If for no other reason, 'society' recommends you have a 'gratitude' list and also indicates 10 reasons why being grateful is good for us. However, I believe there's a better way. Look at all the scriptures that tell us to be thankful.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever." (1Chronicles 16:34)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)
Those are only 2 of over 30 scriptures that talk about being thankful. Thanksgiving is one time to remember, and perhaps recite them to yourself.
Better yet... apply the suggestion to keep Christmas in your heart all year and remember/recite all the people and 'things' you are grateful for... daily.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Your perspective... your personalization
Question: how do you view The Great Commission? Simply Jesus' last words found in Matthew? Something beyond you? For the professionals? What's your perspective, your personalization?
Those words are for all of us, wherever we live and whatever we do, in the worlds in which we live. They should permeate our own words and our actions. This should be as 'familiar' to us as anything and everything we do and say. Read Jesus' words again, after He had died, rose again, went to heaven, He returned to earth:
"... And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on
earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end
of the age.'” (Matthew 28:17-20, ESV)
These words are directed to all of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord, not just the original disciples, nor the 'professional' ministry. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul indicates that we ALL have gifts for the body and it is our responsibility to use them for the growth of the body (Ephesians 4:12-16, NKJV)
"for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the
faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man,
to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we
should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about
with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning
craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may
grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom
the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies,
according to the effective working by which every part does its share,
causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."
None of us are designed to do it all... including the professional ministry. We all have a part. Its up to us to choose to act on what has been given us for the growth of the body. So, what is your perspective... your personalization?
Those words are for all of us, wherever we live and whatever we do, in the worlds in which we live. They should permeate our own words and our actions. This should be as 'familiar' to us as anything and everything we do and say. Read Jesus' words again, after He had died, rose again, went to heaven, He returned to earth:
"... And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on
earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end
of the age.'” (Matthew 28:17-20, ESV)
These words are directed to all of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord, not just the original disciples, nor the 'professional' ministry. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul indicates that we ALL have gifts for the body and it is our responsibility to use them for the growth of the body (Ephesians 4:12-16, NKJV)
"for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the
faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man,
to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we
should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about
with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning
craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may
grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom
the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies,
according to the effective working by which every part does its share,
causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."
None of us are designed to do it all... including the professional ministry. We all have a part. Its up to us to choose to act on what has been given us for the growth of the body. So, what is your perspective... your personalization?
Monday, November 5, 2018
Will the real Me please stand...
Ever feel or think this way? You've just said or did something that surprises even you. And yes, this is both the positive as well as the negative acts/words. Do you ever wonder about yourself as to where (fill in the blank) came from? There is always a source, a motivation that prompted ... always. Sometimes we really are surprised... and then there are those times that something else prompted us.
Is it necessary to analyze everything we do or don't do? Yes. Why? One reason we need to remember this is found in: Matthew 12:37, Romans 14:12, James 3:6. Bottom line is the we are held accountable.
"For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will
be condemned." (Matthew 12:37)
Simple example, do you agree to do something for someone and then close to the last minute contrive something else to do so you don't have to? Or maybe you pass on some gossip that you personally have not witnessed. Or perhaps you subtly 'taint' the mind of someone either for or against another person based on your own feelings. All of those examples speak to our motivation and if we don't accept our own behavior and change then how can we be acquitted?
"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every
careless word they speak." (Matthew 12:36)
We are warned. We need to listen to what we are saying and be aware of how our words are affecting the listener. This really should not be a 'fear' issue but a standard upon which we can judge if we are living up to the standard we have set for ourselves.
Is our public me congruent with our desired me? If not, this is one area that we need to bring into the center of our attention. We do have the power and control to become all that we are intended to be. This decision is ours and how we approach it determines how we are 'repaying' the Lord all He has done for us. Which, what you do you express? Is your real and desired the same?
Is it necessary to analyze everything we do or don't do? Yes. Why? One reason we need to remember this is found in: Matthew 12:37, Romans 14:12, James 3:6. Bottom line is the we are held accountable.
"For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will
be condemned." (Matthew 12:37)
Simple example, do you agree to do something for someone and then close to the last minute contrive something else to do so you don't have to? Or maybe you pass on some gossip that you personally have not witnessed. Or perhaps you subtly 'taint' the mind of someone either for or against another person based on your own feelings. All of those examples speak to our motivation and if we don't accept our own behavior and change then how can we be acquitted?
"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every
careless word they speak." (Matthew 12:36)
We are warned. We need to listen to what we are saying and be aware of how our words are affecting the listener. This really should not be a 'fear' issue but a standard upon which we can judge if we are living up to the standard we have set for ourselves.
Is our public me congruent with our desired me? If not, this is one area that we need to bring into the center of our attention. We do have the power and control to become all that we are intended to be. This decision is ours and how we approach it determines how we are 'repaying' the Lord all He has done for us. Which, what you do you express? Is your real and desired the same?
Thursday, November 1, 2018
By definition
If you have been saved, then - by definition - you are in process. No one is an instantaneous mature Christian. There is a lifetime of discovering what this means, who you are, what your responsibilities are... but also Whose you are and what this means. Example: do you realize you have an inheritance? You do, and it's all because of Jesus.
"For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but
you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba!
Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children
of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with
Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified
with Him." (Romans 8: 15-16,ESV)
Heirs! We are heirs of God! While it is difficult to get one's head around this, it does not diminish the truth.
So what do you do about/with the fact that you are an heir? Well one thing you need to do is to discover who your Father is: what He does and how He goes about being Him. How to know this? Read His Word! Get to know Him through this and then open your eyes to see how He expresses Himself. This truly is all around us.
In your discovering, discover what YOU need to do to act on who you are and who you are becoming. How? Again - read His Word. What does He tell us to do and be? What does He want for us? Example: He tells us to renew our minds, to put off the Old Man and put on the new! If this seems an insurmountable task - remember that the Lord never asks us to do something we can't - so we obviously are able... if we so choose. Duly note that I never said that we have to do this alone. We have help. The Holy Spirit.
If you remember your scripture, you'll recall that Jesus told His disciples (which, by definition includes us - what Jesus taught and gave His disciples is available to us as we learn about who we are) about His departure and what He was sending to them,
"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be
with you forever." (John 14:16, ESV)
Forever is defined by itself. It means... forever! Then as you continue to discover and grow and become, you'll understand all the ways the Holy Spirit is there for us. We are on a marvelous journey of discovery that lasts... forever.
"For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but
you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba!
Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children
of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with
Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified
with Him." (Romans 8: 15-16,ESV)
Heirs! We are heirs of God! While it is difficult to get one's head around this, it does not diminish the truth.
So what do you do about/with the fact that you are an heir? Well one thing you need to do is to discover who your Father is: what He does and how He goes about being Him. How to know this? Read His Word! Get to know Him through this and then open your eyes to see how He expresses Himself. This truly is all around us.
In your discovering, discover what YOU need to do to act on who you are and who you are becoming. How? Again - read His Word. What does He tell us to do and be? What does He want for us? Example: He tells us to renew our minds, to put off the Old Man and put on the new! If this seems an insurmountable task - remember that the Lord never asks us to do something we can't - so we obviously are able... if we so choose. Duly note that I never said that we have to do this alone. We have help. The Holy Spirit.
If you remember your scripture, you'll recall that Jesus told His disciples (which, by definition includes us - what Jesus taught and gave His disciples is available to us as we learn about who we are) about His departure and what He was sending to them,
"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be
with you forever." (John 14:16, ESV)
Forever is defined by itself. It means... forever! Then as you continue to discover and grow and become, you'll understand all the ways the Holy Spirit is there for us. We are on a marvelous journey of discovery that lasts... forever.
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Investment?
(This is an expanded version from an article I wrote for my church's monthly newsletter. I believe the thesis sufficiently important to share on my blog.)
My writing is designed as an
encouragement to the body, to lift you up. However, there are times when I feel I'm suppose to issue a challenge. It's true for this post. I feel compelled to ask
you, me this question: How do you know that you are a good investment? Actually, it's quite easy. Every
time you share your gifting, you prove your value as an investment.
The obvious next question is: What is
your gifting? Surprisingly, it is incredibly simpler to know than we realize. What
do YOU like to do? What brings joy to your life? What do you make time for? That, my friend, is your gift to
the body! Too simplistic? too mundane? or doesn’t relate to being a Christian?!
Firstly, everything we do should relate to the fact that we have accepted Jesus
as our Lord – it should permeate everything we do, are, say, touch.
But yours
is so… so, of the world.? If so, is it convertible? Can you apply what you
enjoy doing to the fact you are a Christian? Yes, the Word says we are tested, but our tests are designed to help us grow... and you can achieve success. We are not put into the world to
be of the world, and yes, we are in - not the same. Why wouldn’t your gifting apply?
I sometimes think our problem is comparing - our gifting to what seems to get the greatest acclamation. Read 1 Corinthians 12 again - especially verses 22-26
"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." (v. 27)
I do wish I could sit down with
everyone to help them see just how important they are. That you are special.
That you are right where you are for a reason. That you can make a difference.
But it does take bravery. Being brave about who you are, who you are becoming,
what you do, how you go about being you… about Whose you are. If you aren’t
sharing your gift… what are you sharing? Because, trust me, we all share – consciously or not. It can be so much more effective when we are
purposeful in our sharing. Truly… you can do it. Believe. Share.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Complacent
Not necessarily a positive word, place to be. Can one truly grow in a complacent environment? The 'advantages' to being complacent is???? Don't mistake content and complacent... they are not the same. Content is proactive, while complacent is incautious and typically inactive.
Starting with Webster's definitions, content means: "...contentment..." Not certain what this tells us. However, when we consider the adjectives, the descriptive words for 'content'... gratified, happy, pleased, satisfied, blissful, delighted, glad, joyful, overjoyed, rejoicing, etc. Complacent means, "...marked by self-satisfaction, especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies. Descriptive words are apathetic, casual, indifferent, unconcerned, etc.
Obviously there is a marked difference between the two words and how they are expressed. I would also suggest that there should be a preference concerning which to embrace. Content is more of an action word, complacent is non active because there is no 'caring' about (fill in the blank). Besides... I don't think the Lord went to all the trouble and sacrifice so we would be saved and brought into relationship with Him for us to be complacent. We have been invited into the Army of God and this requires training, learning, and becoming all we are destined to be. Not to sit on the beach sunning ourselves.
There are over 38 verses in scripture that talk about complacency. 2 examples:
"And I will come punish the men who are stagnant in spirit." (Zephaniah 1:12)
"Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them,
will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand." (Matthew 7:26)
The theme is evident - they will reap what happens to the complacent. Do not forget the warning in Revelation (3:14-20) to the Laodicean church.
Content, on the other hand can be demonstrated by Philippians 4:11-13
"... I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content..."
Why? How?
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
This is not sitting down, comfortably, for it is in the soul of the person. They are involved and active... but they also know Whose they are.
Starting with Webster's definitions, content means: "...contentment..." Not certain what this tells us. However, when we consider the adjectives, the descriptive words for 'content'... gratified, happy, pleased, satisfied, blissful, delighted, glad, joyful, overjoyed, rejoicing, etc. Complacent means, "...marked by self-satisfaction, especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies. Descriptive words are apathetic, casual, indifferent, unconcerned, etc.
Obviously there is a marked difference between the two words and how they are expressed. I would also suggest that there should be a preference concerning which to embrace. Content is more of an action word, complacent is non active because there is no 'caring' about (fill in the blank). Besides... I don't think the Lord went to all the trouble and sacrifice so we would be saved and brought into relationship with Him for us to be complacent. We have been invited into the Army of God and this requires training, learning, and becoming all we are destined to be. Not to sit on the beach sunning ourselves.
There are over 38 verses in scripture that talk about complacency. 2 examples:
"And I will come punish the men who are stagnant in spirit." (Zephaniah 1:12)
"Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them,
will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand." (Matthew 7:26)
The theme is evident - they will reap what happens to the complacent. Do not forget the warning in Revelation (3:14-20) to the Laodicean church.
Content, on the other hand can be demonstrated by Philippians 4:11-13
"... I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content..."
Why? How?
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
This is not sitting down, comfortably, for it is in the soul of the person. They are involved and active... but they also know Whose they are.
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Choices... and decisions
I would suggest that every decision, from the smallest to the greatest, affords us a minimum of 2 choices. I'm not sure there really is an, 'I didn't have any choice!' Actually, I believe that there are always a multitude of options and choices available to us when we take the time to consider. Sometimes the differences between them is vast and quite pointed. Other times, our choices are more subtle and it may seem difficult to distinguish. And still there are other times when our decision seems to be between two 'good' or two 'bad' options.
Secondly, I believe our decisions are based on our personal philosophy... that they are never quite so 'surprising' as initial thought. If your philosophy is that you try and do your best then your decisions will reflect this. If you are cavalier and/or 'unthinking' then your options you choose from will be reflect this - typically self-centered. None of this is new? Probably not, but do we honestly appraise what we do and how we go about doing it?
If our response to our decisions is: "Hm, I never thought about that!" or "That was NOT what I intended!" Then I would say we are deluding ourselves. Because there is rarely any unthought out decision. Though the ramifications from our actions we don't always choose to see. We may like to insist that there are. Nope. If we act 'without thought' then what does this say about what we believe and what's important to us? If we are surprised at the reactions from others... why? Would you have responded differently to someone else who acted in the same way you did?
We really can't avoid 'owning up'. What we do and how we do or say 'it' speaks volumes. Obviously I believe that there is always a better way. That isn't the point. Bottom line really is - you! You need to be aware that you do present a message for others to hear - whether you like this or not. Since this is a reality, the issue is - what do you want others to see and hear from your decisions? What character points do you want them to observe? This isn't rocket science nor is it a point of stress (or at least it shouldn't be). Who you are, how you go about being you is what is always expressed. One can only act so long before the truth is revealed.
Secondly, I believe our decisions are based on our personal philosophy... that they are never quite so 'surprising' as initial thought. If your philosophy is that you try and do your best then your decisions will reflect this. If you are cavalier and/or 'unthinking' then your options you choose from will be reflect this - typically self-centered. None of this is new? Probably not, but do we honestly appraise what we do and how we go about doing it?
If our response to our decisions is: "Hm, I never thought about that!" or "That was NOT what I intended!" Then I would say we are deluding ourselves. Because there is rarely any unthought out decision. Though the ramifications from our actions we don't always choose to see. We may like to insist that there are. Nope. If we act 'without thought' then what does this say about what we believe and what's important to us? If we are surprised at the reactions from others... why? Would you have responded differently to someone else who acted in the same way you did?
We really can't avoid 'owning up'. What we do and how we do or say 'it' speaks volumes. Obviously I believe that there is always a better way. That isn't the point. Bottom line really is - you! You need to be aware that you do present a message for others to hear - whether you like this or not. Since this is a reality, the issue is - what do you want others to see and hear from your decisions? What character points do you want them to observe? This isn't rocket science nor is it a point of stress (or at least it shouldn't be). Who you are, how you go about being you is what is always expressed. One can only act so long before the truth is revealed.
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Replacement
Don't leave open spaces! If that sounded strange, it really isn't - but let me explain. Remember the deliverance described In both Matthew and Luke?
"When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places,
seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from
which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order.
Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than
himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man
is worse than the first.” (Luke 11:23-26, ESV)
Why? If the healing or deliverance occurred, why could the unclean spirit return? I believe the Lord taught me the concept of 'Replacement'. Replacement is part of my personal 3 R's... actually 4. Having the spaces empty only beckons occupancy. With this thought in mind, it's up to us to determine what should occupy or we are subject to the fate indicated in scripture - a worse state than before.
Now what do we do??? Again, if you look to scripture you do have obvious clues. Foundational, we are told to renew our minds, to put off the old man and put on the new over 20 times.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal
of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
The purpose - not be conformed to this world. As can be seen, WE are the ones that do this. To me, replacement is the foundation to renewing. Minimally, it is an important component to renewing. So what are we to replace the empty spaces with? Again, scripture:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever
is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think
about these things." (Philippians 4:8, ESV)
Personally, I believe this is what we can and need to do. If we replace our thinking, renew our minds then we have the tools available to 'fill up the spaces' so that there is no space, no place for any unclean spirit to attempt to occupy... even with their cohorts. Never forget - we can become our best us.
"When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places,
seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from
which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order.
Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than
himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man
is worse than the first.” (Luke 11:23-26, ESV)
Why? If the healing or deliverance occurred, why could the unclean spirit return? I believe the Lord taught me the concept of 'Replacement'. Replacement is part of my personal 3 R's... actually 4. Having the spaces empty only beckons occupancy. With this thought in mind, it's up to us to determine what should occupy or we are subject to the fate indicated in scripture - a worse state than before.
Now what do we do??? Again, if you look to scripture you do have obvious clues. Foundational, we are told to renew our minds, to put off the old man and put on the new over 20 times.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal
of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
The purpose - not be conformed to this world. As can be seen, WE are the ones that do this. To me, replacement is the foundation to renewing. Minimally, it is an important component to renewing. So what are we to replace the empty spaces with? Again, scripture:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever
is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think
about these things." (Philippians 4:8, ESV)
Personally, I believe this is what we can and need to do. If we replace our thinking, renew our minds then we have the tools available to 'fill up the spaces' so that there is no space, no place for any unclean spirit to attempt to occupy... even with their cohorts. Never forget - we can become our best us.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Steadfast
Know what this word means? Know what it looks like? Is this one of your character qualities?
Webster definition (2nd definition): "....firm in belief, determination, or adherence: Loyal." Is this you? But... in reference to what, whom? If you are 'firm' and 'loyal' - who, and how did they get this designation? What makes us, You a steadfast person?
I believe that 'steadfast' is an excellent character description. I don't think any of us want to be on shifting sand or considered to be a person who will agree with everything the last person they spoke to believes - there's a sufficient amount of this in the various aspects of our lives, but should be a modus operandi. At the same time, I don't expect any of us to be so firmly entrenched that we won't be able to let the 'subject' of our steadfast grow. The older I get the more I begin to wonder just what is 'in cement'. For me a cement component though is my belief in Jesus as my Lord.
Concomitant; there are certain people and 'philosophies' that I have a steadfast attachment to. The simplest way of know where our allegiance lies is to look at what we consider as eternal and/or essential to our lives. What constitutes your absolutes list? And are 'they' the same as they were days/weeks/months ago? Have 'they' grown, matured? Are you the same in your steadfastness?
Simple concept, steadfast? Don't think so. But I do believe that we all consciously should occasionally review what it is that we would always adhere to... what is irreplaceable... what needs 'updating'. Every challenge to what you believe and think should be viewed as an iron sharpening iron situation and not a threat. If you feel threatened then maybe your commitment to (fill in the blank) is no longer relevant for you... at least not the same. Perhaps it is also a way to help the other person consider a different point of view. If you believe in (fill in the blank) then your steadfast will never threatened by a differing view.
I, perhaps incorrectly, don't believe we have to stress about being steadfast. It is or it isn't. Scripture gives us 15 different verses about steadfastness. I especially like Colossians 1:11 and James writing (1:3-4):
"...knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance (a
descriptive word for steadfastness)
...Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect
and complete, lacking in nothing."
The point is for to know yours. What are you steadfast about? How do you express it?
Webster definition (2nd definition): "....firm in belief, determination, or adherence: Loyal." Is this you? But... in reference to what, whom? If you are 'firm' and 'loyal' - who, and how did they get this designation? What makes us, You a steadfast person?
I believe that 'steadfast' is an excellent character description. I don't think any of us want to be on shifting sand or considered to be a person who will agree with everything the last person they spoke to believes - there's a sufficient amount of this in the various aspects of our lives, but should be a modus operandi. At the same time, I don't expect any of us to be so firmly entrenched that we won't be able to let the 'subject' of our steadfast grow. The older I get the more I begin to wonder just what is 'in cement'. For me a cement component though is my belief in Jesus as my Lord.
Concomitant; there are certain people and 'philosophies' that I have a steadfast attachment to. The simplest way of know where our allegiance lies is to look at what we consider as eternal and/or essential to our lives. What constitutes your absolutes list? And are 'they' the same as they were days/weeks/months ago? Have 'they' grown, matured? Are you the same in your steadfastness?
Simple concept, steadfast? Don't think so. But I do believe that we all consciously should occasionally review what it is that we would always adhere to... what is irreplaceable... what needs 'updating'. Every challenge to what you believe and think should be viewed as an iron sharpening iron situation and not a threat. If you feel threatened then maybe your commitment to (fill in the blank) is no longer relevant for you... at least not the same. Perhaps it is also a way to help the other person consider a different point of view. If you believe in (fill in the blank) then your steadfast will never threatened by a differing view.
I, perhaps incorrectly, don't believe we have to stress about being steadfast. It is or it isn't. Scripture gives us 15 different verses about steadfastness. I especially like Colossians 1:11 and James writing (1:3-4):
"...knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance (a
descriptive word for steadfastness)
...Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect
and complete, lacking in nothing."
The point is for to know yours. What are you steadfast about? How do you express it?
Monday, October 8, 2018
Flourish! Not just survive.
"I have come that they might have life, and life more abundantly."
(John 10:10)
Does 'abundantly' describe your life? Do you even have a definition of abundant so you would know it if you have it? And equally important - what you need to do to be in what Jesus described as the abundant life? So the real question is - do you know what Jesus meant by 'abundant' life? Do you believe that you are part of the 'they'? It really does start there - you must, regardless of the circumstances, believe that abundant is meant for you.
Let's dispel one potentially irrelevant consideration. Abundant is not defined by or limited to your circumstances, especially your finances. Admittedly since we live in this world of money, finances is part but it should never be the only or the predominant basis of defining abundant. One definition that I read that I like is:
"'Abundant life' refers to life in its abounding fullness of joy and strength
for mind, body, and soul."
The King James dictionary states:
"Abundant, a. Plentiful; in great quantity; fully sufficient; as an abundant
supply. In scripture, abounding, having in great quantity; overflowing
with..."
Now... what do we do with and about these definitions? Do they help us with our understanding and application? There is one scripture that does provide a fuller basis to apply our understanding.
"Where sin abounded (by its increase) grace abounded more exceedingly
(was rich beyond measure)." (Romans 5:20)
To me, this shows that the negatives of life are trumped by the positives when we apply abundant to become our foundation to overcome those 'things' in our lives that are of the 'old man' and not the newly created one. All of this is based in our relationship with our Lord.
Flourish is to survive as abundant is to want. When we live according to the Word and how it helps us to grow and understand then we flourish. Survival is knowing but rarely applying the understanding. We can either believe or choose to look at life based on 'reality'. We can know Who we believe and Whose we are and live our lives on this foundation or we can attempt to 'ride out the storms of life' on shifting sands.
(John 10:10)
Does 'abundantly' describe your life? Do you even have a definition of abundant so you would know it if you have it? And equally important - what you need to do to be in what Jesus described as the abundant life? So the real question is - do you know what Jesus meant by 'abundant' life? Do you believe that you are part of the 'they'? It really does start there - you must, regardless of the circumstances, believe that abundant is meant for you.
Let's dispel one potentially irrelevant consideration. Abundant is not defined by or limited to your circumstances, especially your finances. Admittedly since we live in this world of money, finances is part but it should never be the only or the predominant basis of defining abundant. One definition that I read that I like is:
"'Abundant life' refers to life in its abounding fullness of joy and strength
for mind, body, and soul."
The King James dictionary states:
"Abundant, a. Plentiful; in great quantity; fully sufficient; as an abundant
supply. In scripture, abounding, having in great quantity; overflowing
with..."
Now... what do we do with and about these definitions? Do they help us with our understanding and application? There is one scripture that does provide a fuller basis to apply our understanding.
"Where sin abounded (by its increase) grace abounded more exceedingly
(was rich beyond measure)." (Romans 5:20)
To me, this shows that the negatives of life are trumped by the positives when we apply abundant to become our foundation to overcome those 'things' in our lives that are of the 'old man' and not the newly created one. All of this is based in our relationship with our Lord.
Flourish is to survive as abundant is to want. When we live according to the Word and how it helps us to grow and understand then we flourish. Survival is knowing but rarely applying the understanding. We can either believe or choose to look at life based on 'reality'. We can know Who we believe and Whose we are and live our lives on this foundation or we can attempt to 'ride out the storms of life' on shifting sands.
Friday, October 5, 2018
Hold your ground!
No one will do this for you. And mark my words - when you've gain a victory, our enemy will try and dilute or diminish what has been accomplished. And even though we might feel this way at times... our lives really aren't one step forward and two steps back. Remember that we ARE more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
How do we hold our ground. Use the weapons we've been given! One incredibly important weapon is the Word. Remember how Jesus defeated satan when we was being tempted in the desert after his baptism? What was Jesus' response to each of the temptations satan gave Him? "It is written..." In many respects that's all we need do - is speak the Word to any temptation.
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man;
but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what
you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape,
that you may be able to bear it." (1Corinthians 10:13, NKJV)
First - nothing new but all men face, Second - God will NOT allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. and Third - WILL make a way of escape. That pretty much covers it all. We are able to hold our ground and even continue making inroads into what satan thinks he has.
There is another way as well. We find in Ephesians 6 that God's armor has been made available to us to:
1. Stand against all the wiles of the devil (v. 10-11)
2. Withstand the evil day (v. 13)
And this is only begins what we are equipped to do. Read verses 10-18 to know that the Lord has done all so that we can hold our ground. I would read this as our foundation. What ground we have succeeded to gaining against our enemy needs to be firmly in our grasp so that we can then proceed even further against him (we wrestle not against flesh and blood - v. 12) and can gain more ground.
I believe as each of us recognizes our role, our call in the Great Commission and we take up our armor and join with others that we do begin to become that great army of God. We begin, though, will holding our ground.
How do we hold our ground. Use the weapons we've been given! One incredibly important weapon is the Word. Remember how Jesus defeated satan when we was being tempted in the desert after his baptism? What was Jesus' response to each of the temptations satan gave Him? "It is written..." In many respects that's all we need do - is speak the Word to any temptation.
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man;
but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what
you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape,
that you may be able to bear it." (1Corinthians 10:13, NKJV)
First - nothing new but all men face, Second - God will NOT allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. and Third - WILL make a way of escape. That pretty much covers it all. We are able to hold our ground and even continue making inroads into what satan thinks he has.
There is another way as well. We find in Ephesians 6 that God's armor has been made available to us to:
1. Stand against all the wiles of the devil (v. 10-11)
2. Withstand the evil day (v. 13)
And this is only begins what we are equipped to do. Read verses 10-18 to know that the Lord has done all so that we can hold our ground. I would read this as our foundation. What ground we have succeeded to gaining against our enemy needs to be firmly in our grasp so that we can then proceed even further against him (we wrestle not against flesh and blood - v. 12) and can gain more ground.
I believe as each of us recognizes our role, our call in the Great Commission and we take up our armor and join with others that we do begin to become that great army of God. We begin, though, will holding our ground.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
A glimpse
Have you ever thought about what heaven is like? Do you have any conception of what you will be doing? Or do you think you'll be sitting around chatting with others and attending Praise and Worship services. And... is there any relationship to what you've done with your time here, in this life, that is giving you clues to what you'll be doing? Do you care?
Personally, and yes, perhaps my age is showing but I've always been intrigued, I am immensely curious. There are certain 'things' that I'm convinced won't be occurring such as sitting around on clouds with fairy wings strumming lutes. Unless there is some intrinsic value that I'm missing, I would think this to be a big yawn. AND... I don't think this is the case. My guide is scripture, especially but not limited to Revelation.
In chapter 17 verses 7-14, it ends with:
"They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them,
for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him are
called and chosen and faithful.”
Another point about being involved is: why would God spend all this time and energy on us to teach and train us if there wouldn't be continued need and use? I don't believe we are ever meant to merely 'sit'. Other hints come from the words of Jesus: Luke 18: 29-30 and Mark 10: 29-30. It all comes down to who we are, whose we are, how we demonstrate (not just talk) the importance of living a Christian life now, and so many other things.
Could I be mistaken? Of course. But what if I'm not...... I believe that this life is prep ground for our future life. We will need to learn and apply, to become Paul's workman (2Timothy 2:15). Read Revelations 22 - what a glimpse into our future!
Personally, and yes, perhaps my age is showing but I've always been intrigued, I am immensely curious. There are certain 'things' that I'm convinced won't be occurring such as sitting around on clouds with fairy wings strumming lutes. Unless there is some intrinsic value that I'm missing, I would think this to be a big yawn. AND... I don't think this is the case. My guide is scripture, especially but not limited to Revelation.
In chapter 17 verses 7-14, it ends with:
"They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them,
for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him are
called and chosen and faithful.”
called... chosen... faithful... Do these words characterize you? I think I fail so often but still... me too? To me, this scripture gives a glimpse of what we will doing, indicates that we who made Jesus Lord and have tried to follow Him will return in triumph with Him. This is not a passive act and if this is a foretelling of what happens, then we will be actively involved.
Another point about being involved is: why would God spend all this time and energy on us to teach and train us if there wouldn't be continued need and use? I don't believe we are ever meant to merely 'sit'. Other hints come from the words of Jesus: Luke 18: 29-30 and Mark 10: 29-30. It all comes down to who we are, whose we are, how we demonstrate (not just talk) the importance of living a Christian life now, and so many other things.
Could I be mistaken? Of course. But what if I'm not...... I believe that this life is prep ground for our future life. We will need to learn and apply, to become Paul's workman (2Timothy 2:15). Read Revelations 22 - what a glimpse into our future!
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Fruitful, I wonder...
Has the fact that I was born and have lived the life I have made even the slightest bit of difference? (Yes, I do tend to ask these kinds of questions... often). And, if there is a bit of difference that I have walked on this earth, then has the difference been of any positive affect... to anyone? I'm not seeking affirmation of me nor kind but slightly meaningless comments unless they are accompanied by some concrete facts.
Part of my wondering is based in the words of Jesus in John 15 (NKJV):
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every branch
in me that bears not fruit He takes away, and every branch that
fears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (1)
...Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, except it abides in the vine, o more can you, except you
abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He that abides
in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without
Me you can do nothing." (4-5)
When I take the time to look at my fruit, not certain that my evidence shows the extent of the input. In my mind, the Lord has shared so much with me and has enriched my life beyond measure.
Granted, I am the last person who has an objective 'analysis' of who I am and what I've done (as are you about you). Even with this as a conscious realization, still I have to question myself. Problem is that I fall far short in my eyes. I am anything but complacent or confident. Simultaneously, I have no intention of 'resting on any laurels' that may exist. There is no such thing as 'having made it' or time for a vacation.
I firmly believe we all are put on earth for a reason - we are not a mistake nor is the time of our life out of sync. We are where we are and as the old saying goes: 'bloom where you are planted'. The bottom line truly is our focus: where our eyes are - on our wants or on the Lord's direction; whether we have allowed the Lord full access to our lives; and a variety of like analyzes. We have the responsibility and privilege to become an active participant in the Great Commission to which we all are called:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19, ESV)
Whatever our particular gifting is, the point is making disciples of those around us by using the gifts and talents the Lord has placed in us. This then becomes my definitional foundation to determine if I am fruitful. And... to continue supplying my part (2Corinthians 9:12)
Part of my wondering is based in the words of Jesus in John 15 (NKJV):
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every branch
in me that bears not fruit He takes away, and every branch that
fears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (1)
...Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, except it abides in the vine, o more can you, except you
abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He that abides
in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without
Me you can do nothing." (4-5)
When I take the time to look at my fruit, not certain that my evidence shows the extent of the input. In my mind, the Lord has shared so much with me and has enriched my life beyond measure.
Granted, I am the last person who has an objective 'analysis' of who I am and what I've done (as are you about you). Even with this as a conscious realization, still I have to question myself. Problem is that I fall far short in my eyes. I am anything but complacent or confident. Simultaneously, I have no intention of 'resting on any laurels' that may exist. There is no such thing as 'having made it' or time for a vacation.
I firmly believe we all are put on earth for a reason - we are not a mistake nor is the time of our life out of sync. We are where we are and as the old saying goes: 'bloom where you are planted'. The bottom line truly is our focus: where our eyes are - on our wants or on the Lord's direction; whether we have allowed the Lord full access to our lives; and a variety of like analyzes. We have the responsibility and privilege to become an active participant in the Great Commission to which we all are called:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19, ESV)
Whatever our particular gifting is, the point is making disciples of those around us by using the gifts and talents the Lord has placed in us. This then becomes my definitional foundation to determine if I am fruitful. And... to continue supplying my part (2Corinthians 9:12)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)