We are told numerous times that we, as in WE, need to renew our minds. But exactly what does this mean? (Always remember that when we are asked, commanded to do something, that it really is something we can do.) Scripture provides many verses that speak to this issue: 2 Timothy 1:7, Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 12:34-35, Proverbs 3:5 are only a few.
Ephesians 4:22-32 is the most explicit about the what and why of renewal. The following (ESV) examples provide a quick summary:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal
of your mind..."
Why? "... that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is
good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)
"...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 1:8)
We live in this world and are constantly bombarded with the ways of the world. If for no other reason than a commitment to Who we have accepted as our Lord, renewal is the method toward our growth and understanding. Renewal is always our choice.
Looking at the Romans and Philippians verses we read a 'why' we need to renew - that we may discern what is the will of God. By inference this means we CAN know the will of God which should impact our sense of understanding and confidence that we are growing in the ways of the Lord.
Philippians speaks to what we need to replace the old thoughts with. I'm a firm believer in replacement because we don't want to just rid ourselves of those self-defeating, counter productive thoughts and attitudes which always leads to bad behavior... we need to replace where they were with the thoughts of whatever is...(v. 8). Reason - we don't want to find ourselves in the predicament indicated in Matthew 12 - the return of the old thoughts and an increase in them.
The point is - we need to renew. We CAN renew. And from this grow into the best 'us' we can be. Apart from renewing - we are handicapped.
Monday, July 30, 2018
Friday, July 27, 2018
Fear
I've written about fear before. It is true that when faith exists, fear has no place to go. Fear can never coexist with Faith - faith is always stronger. Do notice that I never said it was easier. Do you have fears in your life? Most people do and attempt to avoid them at all costs... and rarely deal with them so they are powerless. Problem is - if you do fear (fill in the blank) and you don't deal with it, it will always emerge at an inopportune moment. Fear typically cripples us and makes us ineffective. Why give fear that power? Until you face your fears, they will control you! And never use the excuse that you can't do anything about them... you can always change your attitude and completely weaken their impact in your life.
How do you go about reducing the effects of fear and eliminated them? You have to (in my estimation) begin with analyzing what your fears are and their level of strength/control over you. While none of us really want fear to control us, when we don't deal with them... they do. Take one fear at a time. Look at it. How did it originate? How does it manifest in your life? When it emerges, what is it that you do? What is it you think you need to do to eliminate the fear? What will you do to not succumb?
Now... what exists in your faith that can strengthen you against that fear? What is it you don't have that you think you need to overcome? Will you take the steps necessary to equip yourself? Faith is powerful and if you look in your Bible you will receive a many scriptures that you can use against the fear. Remember what Jesus did when He was tempted in the desert? While He wasn't operating in fear, I think He gave us a strategy to use against the devil when he attempts to use fear against us. He said... 'it is written.' Every time the devil tempted Him, He spoke against it. We can use this strategy as well. Use scriptures to combat the fear. Sounds like a plan to me! Remember,
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him
who loved us." (Romans 8:37 NKJV)
Ephesians 6 talks about the whole armor of God...which is available to ALL who call Jesus, Lord. Verse 13 says,"...and having done all to stand, Stand..." We CAN stand against fear and its crippling affects:
"...above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one..." (v. 16)
How do you go about reducing the effects of fear and eliminated them? You have to (in my estimation) begin with analyzing what your fears are and their level of strength/control over you. While none of us really want fear to control us, when we don't deal with them... they do. Take one fear at a time. Look at it. How did it originate? How does it manifest in your life? When it emerges, what is it that you do? What is it you think you need to do to eliminate the fear? What will you do to not succumb?
Now... what exists in your faith that can strengthen you against that fear? What is it you don't have that you think you need to overcome? Will you take the steps necessary to equip yourself? Faith is powerful and if you look in your Bible you will receive a many scriptures that you can use against the fear. Remember what Jesus did when He was tempted in the desert? While He wasn't operating in fear, I think He gave us a strategy to use against the devil when he attempts to use fear against us. He said... 'it is written.' Every time the devil tempted Him, He spoke against it. We can use this strategy as well. Use scriptures to combat the fear. Sounds like a plan to me! Remember,
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him
who loved us." (Romans 8:37 NKJV)
Ephesians 6 talks about the whole armor of God...which is available to ALL who call Jesus, Lord. Verse 13 says,"...and having done all to stand, Stand..." We CAN stand against fear and its crippling affects:
"...above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one..." (v. 16)
Fear is a defeated foe... we just need to act on this. Recently I received a post from a friend's blog where she was talking about a fear that she had since childhood. It had crippled her until she realized whose she was and the power He gives us over fear. That's a message everyone needs to hear and apply. Have you overcome your fears? Do you want to?
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Have you ever noticed the differences in the word, 'no'? Sometimes we can seem to hear... 'maybe' in the intonation. Other times it seems to be 'NO!!!'. A 'later' may also be inferred. Then again, it may all be a function of the focus, context. What is it we are wanting, needing that we sense a 'qualification' to a 'No' when it is the Lord's?
I do believe that God's 'No's' are distinctively different from the human source of the 'no'. We err if we attribute a qualification when the speaker is God. Remember His Word and instruction?
"But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes', and your 'No', 'No.' For whatever is more
than these is from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37, NKJV)
"But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by
earth or by an other oath, but let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no'
be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation." (James 5:12 ESV)
No qualification, no equivocation. I sometimes think that our problem in distinguishing is because we are attributing human 'relative-ism' which is never God's way. Also remember God's word about Himself:
"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My
ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the
earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts
than your thoughts.'" (Isaiah 55:5-9 NKJV)
Bottom line really becomes - Is the Lord, Lord over ALL your life or only what you permit? Do you TRUST the Lord in all things about your life? If you use the old 'is it me or is it God' excuse - that doesn't work. I think we all know that our actions are our responsibility and we will always experience a 'check' in our spirit when we aren't following the Lord's path.
What is you are 'wrong'? If you ignored your check/intuition and realize your error; repent and ask for forgiveness but also find the path out of where you are. Compounding never is a wise option. And yes, we all do this but hopefully we also grow and don't repeat the behavior - whether it is to do something we didn't or did something we shouldn't have. If what you want you still believe is for you, then go to the Lord and find His reasons - He never hides this. And perhaps... it is a 'later', not now. But for now - no.
I do believe that God's 'No's' are distinctively different from the human source of the 'no'. We err if we attribute a qualification when the speaker is God. Remember His Word and instruction?
"But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes', and your 'No', 'No.' For whatever is more
than these is from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37, NKJV)
"But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by
earth or by an other oath, but let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no'
be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation." (James 5:12 ESV)
No qualification, no equivocation. I sometimes think that our problem in distinguishing is because we are attributing human 'relative-ism' which is never God's way. Also remember God's word about Himself:
"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My
ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the
earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts
than your thoughts.'" (Isaiah 55:5-9 NKJV)
Bottom line really becomes - Is the Lord, Lord over ALL your life or only what you permit? Do you TRUST the Lord in all things about your life? If you use the old 'is it me or is it God' excuse - that doesn't work. I think we all know that our actions are our responsibility and we will always experience a 'check' in our spirit when we aren't following the Lord's path.
What is you are 'wrong'? If you ignored your check/intuition and realize your error; repent and ask for forgiveness but also find the path out of where you are. Compounding never is a wise option. And yes, we all do this but hopefully we also grow and don't repeat the behavior - whether it is to do something we didn't or did something we shouldn't have. If what you want you still believe is for you, then go to the Lord and find His reasons - He never hides this. And perhaps... it is a 'later', not now. But for now - no.
Saturday, July 21, 2018
What about tomorrow?
My writing tends to focus on now, right now and what you are doing in and with now. If you aren't engaged in what is happening in you moment then you are wasting opportunities and challenges, discoveries and adventures. Tomorrow is built on now. You don't need to be obsessive about this mindset, but it will direct your thoughts and behaviors. Now is what we have, what we know, what we are experiencing... enjoy, learn, grow from it.
However... What about tomorrow? Do you make plans about/for tomorrow? Or are you a fatalistic? Do you 'let the chips fall where they will', that nothing you do or don't do will have any bearing on what will happen? Perhaps you prefer a serendipitous approach to life both today and tomorrow? What is your belief about tomorrow and what you should, need to do?
We do read in scripture, Matthew 6:34, ESV:
"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be
anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat
or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than
food, and the body more than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25)
However, this is not telling us to be cavalier about tomorrow. It isn't suggesting we do no planning. It does tell us to not worry or be anxious - and this is the crucial point, our mindset - how we think about, act on, plan for tomorrow.
Personally, I'm a planner. My belief is that I can always change the plan but if there is no plan then I'm operating in a vacuum and I really dislike reinventing the wheel when I can simply look at the potential problems, issues, opportunities in advance and develop a plan that is open to change and improvement. Plans are never in cement because life rarely can be viewed this way. So looking at tomorrow is always involved in my today.
The important consideration for you is: how do you think on and prepare for... what about your tomorrow?
However... What about tomorrow? Do you make plans about/for tomorrow? Or are you a fatalistic? Do you 'let the chips fall where they will', that nothing you do or don't do will have any bearing on what will happen? Perhaps you prefer a serendipitous approach to life both today and tomorrow? What is your belief about tomorrow and what you should, need to do?
We do read in scripture, Matthew 6:34, ESV:
"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be
anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat
or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than
food, and the body more than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25)
However, this is not telling us to be cavalier about tomorrow. It isn't suggesting we do no planning. It does tell us to not worry or be anxious - and this is the crucial point, our mindset - how we think about, act on, plan for tomorrow.
Personally, I'm a planner. My belief is that I can always change the plan but if there is no plan then I'm operating in a vacuum and I really dislike reinventing the wheel when I can simply look at the potential problems, issues, opportunities in advance and develop a plan that is open to change and improvement. Plans are never in cement because life rarely can be viewed this way. So looking at tomorrow is always involved in my today.
The important consideration for you is: how do you think on and prepare for... what about your tomorrow?
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Standard
On what do you base your foundation on which you act? How confident are you of the source of your standard? And yes, we all have some basis on which we respond, think. Yours?
Personally, I have to have something that is irrefutable, that doesn't 'depends on the situation', that is proven to be true, and that I have experienced. And that describes only one thing - scripture, the Bible. To me, it is infallible and the source of everything I need to be confident that my words and actions are based in truth. Scripture has been defined in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man
of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
I can't see any area of life that isn't covered by this statement. Another statement that supports this is Revelation 22:18-19, NKJV
"For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this
book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues
that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words
of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the
Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written
in this book."
The Author has this to say about His Word:
"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not
return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and
it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)
That's a statement of value that God places on His word. We can trust that the Bible is the inspired Word of God so it can be our manual to live from. What more proof do we need in order to stand on His word, Bible, as the standard we confidently can live by?
Personally, I have to have something that is irrefutable, that doesn't 'depends on the situation', that is proven to be true, and that I have experienced. And that describes only one thing - scripture, the Bible. To me, it is infallible and the source of everything I need to be confident that my words and actions are based in truth. Scripture has been defined in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man
of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
I can't see any area of life that isn't covered by this statement. Another statement that supports this is Revelation 22:18-19, NKJV
"For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this
book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues
that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words
of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the
Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written
in this book."
The Author has this to say about His Word:
"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not
return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and
it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)
That's a statement of value that God places on His word. We can trust that the Bible is the inspired Word of God so it can be our manual to live from. What more proof do we need in order to stand on His word, Bible, as the standard we confidently can live by?
Sunday, July 15, 2018
A Practicing Christian
Not certain that anyone defines themselves in this way... but I do. However, an operational definition (mine) might be helpful. This type of person is characterized by the fact that they are continually and intentionally trying to grow into the best person they can be. Yes, they make mistakes, slip, sin, etc. but the point is that once they are aware, they pick themselves up, resolve the (fill in the blank), and continue on their journey.
Why? Because there is nothing more important than becoming your best you! It's your gift to the Father for all He does and continues to do. No, He hasn't specifically asked for this but I do think it can be inferred from the cautions and directions that are provided in scripture. Quite honestly - if you aren't using scripture as your basis to determine, assess, and decide (fill in the blank) then what do you use as your manual, your standard? We all use something. It makes sense to use scripture since it doesn't change - it's as valid a basis now as when it was written.
How you grow, because becoming a practicing Christian is a process, will impact every facet of your life: how and why you think what you do and then how you express and act on this. I sometimes believe we live in a learning lab and that really is a positive. It's how we understand what we say and how we say it is received by others. Are we intentional about our message? Not to the extreme that we think out in scenario form precisely what we are going to say and then how to respond to others' understanding of that. Somehow people don't say what you've scripted them to say.
Yes a Practicing Christian makes mistakes but it's also how we learn how we respond to our sins and errors. We always have the opportunity to choose to grow from our mistakes when we own our own behavior. Remember that you are never external to you and when you have erred - admit it, apologize if necessary, but learn and move on. This lifestyle is exciting and filled with laughter and scrapped knees, tremendous joy and deep sorrow. But it's all good when we have the Lord involved with us. He doesn't want to control us, He wants the best for us.
Why? Because there is nothing more important than becoming your best you! It's your gift to the Father for all He does and continues to do. No, He hasn't specifically asked for this but I do think it can be inferred from the cautions and directions that are provided in scripture. Quite honestly - if you aren't using scripture as your basis to determine, assess, and decide (fill in the blank) then what do you use as your manual, your standard? We all use something. It makes sense to use scripture since it doesn't change - it's as valid a basis now as when it was written.
How you grow, because becoming a practicing Christian is a process, will impact every facet of your life: how and why you think what you do and then how you express and act on this. I sometimes believe we live in a learning lab and that really is a positive. It's how we understand what we say and how we say it is received by others. Are we intentional about our message? Not to the extreme that we think out in scenario form precisely what we are going to say and then how to respond to others' understanding of that. Somehow people don't say what you've scripted them to say.
Yes a Practicing Christian makes mistakes but it's also how we learn how we respond to our sins and errors. We always have the opportunity to choose to grow from our mistakes when we own our own behavior. Remember that you are never external to you and when you have erred - admit it, apologize if necessary, but learn and move on. This lifestyle is exciting and filled with laughter and scrapped knees, tremendous joy and deep sorrow. But it's all good when we have the Lord involved with us. He doesn't want to control us, He wants the best for us.
Thursday, July 12, 2018
BLAME
Two pronged, actually. One is ... who/what do you blame. The other is - do you feel that the finger of blame is always pointed at you... and you are blameless?
Seriously - who and what do you blame? Do you have a 'go to' blame-ee? What's your first thought? To shift the blame focus from you or to become part of the resolution team? If you are into shifting, do you know what has happened that cause 'the problem'. Time, energy, and resources can be wasted if assessing blame is the first act. We should always have the mindset to correct whatever needs 'fixing' and then to look at how the situation came about and what needs to be done so it isn't repeated.
Also, if it really IS your fault, will you accept it? None of us 'likes' to be the center of blame attention, but sometimes it is of our doing - inadvertently or consciously. Sometimes, even when it is your fault, it was because not sufficient thought had gone into the project in the first place. Yes, you do have to own your share of the 'blame' but generally you aren't alone in the 'fault' designation. Still, the point should be learning from the what happened in order to not repeat. We need to be proactive in resolution. There seems to be times when all the blame for (fill in the blank) is directed in your direction. Again, whether justified or not - resolve and move on before defending yourself.
How we process blame is important. If we look at the situation and not the accusation and determine what part we played, then we can correct why we thought the way we did which we acted on. The point is our character - our attitude.
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has
stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised
to those who love him." (James 1:12)
Granted, this verse is referring to a different context, but I think the example of how we should act is evident. We need to remain steadfast, guilty or not, when we are faced with the trial of blame. If we are 'guilty' then accept the consequences of your behavior rather than attempting to shift it to someone else. If you are not guilty, then wait till cooler heads prevail to talk to your supervisor about the situation and present your position.
Blame is rarely useful. It deflects rather than reveals. Resolution is a far better approach in difficult situations.
Seriously - who and what do you blame? Do you have a 'go to' blame-ee? What's your first thought? To shift the blame focus from you or to become part of the resolution team? If you are into shifting, do you know what has happened that cause 'the problem'. Time, energy, and resources can be wasted if assessing blame is the first act. We should always have the mindset to correct whatever needs 'fixing' and then to look at how the situation came about and what needs to be done so it isn't repeated.
Also, if it really IS your fault, will you accept it? None of us 'likes' to be the center of blame attention, but sometimes it is of our doing - inadvertently or consciously. Sometimes, even when it is your fault, it was because not sufficient thought had gone into the project in the first place. Yes, you do have to own your share of the 'blame' but generally you aren't alone in the 'fault' designation. Still, the point should be learning from the what happened in order to not repeat. We need to be proactive in resolution. There seems to be times when all the blame for (fill in the blank) is directed in your direction. Again, whether justified or not - resolve and move on before defending yourself.
How we process blame is important. If we look at the situation and not the accusation and determine what part we played, then we can correct why we thought the way we did which we acted on. The point is our character - our attitude.
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has
stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised
to those who love him." (James 1:12)
Granted, this verse is referring to a different context, but I think the example of how we should act is evident. We need to remain steadfast, guilty or not, when we are faced with the trial of blame. If we are 'guilty' then accept the consequences of your behavior rather than attempting to shift it to someone else. If you are not guilty, then wait till cooler heads prevail to talk to your supervisor about the situation and present your position.
Blame is rarely useful. It deflects rather than reveals. Resolution is a far better approach in difficult situations.
Monday, July 9, 2018
Greatest obstacle
... or should I say obstacleS, to become the person you want to be is...? Do you know what hinders and/or distracts you from this goal (presupposing becoming the best you IS a goal, a primary goal)? Is it a thought or thinking? Is it an attitude or attitudes? Is it a behavior? What is your greatest problem? Perhaps just as important... can you convert your hindrance into a help? Or is the hindrance something that you need to pull out by their roots? If they (it) do need removing, what will you replace them with?
Perhaps it can be argued that the greatest obstacle(s) is starting. And who is it that does the starting? Yes - You! You really can be your greatest obstacle even with the knowledge/understanding that growth, becoming your best you is in your best interest. Simply the knowledge isn't enough - you have to choose to do this. Are you up to the challenge, excitement, disappointment, etc. of this kind of journey?
Remember that this is a process, it will never be completed! BUT, you will discover amazing things in your journey. And you will be able to 'correct' those things that really need changing and accent those abilities and attitudes that shine through making you your best. Simply take the closest and most obvious obstacle to your journey first. And once this is overcome, choose to continue and tackle the next obstacle - you really can be successful.
I know that I have written on this 'subject' before, but I also believe that we all need encouraging along our path to our best. We need to be reminded that it is a journey and that as scripture (1Corinthians 13:12) says:
"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know
in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." ESV
The journey is truly worth the effort. We can be our greatest obstacle or our primary cheerleader. Your choice.
Perhaps it can be argued that the greatest obstacle(s) is starting. And who is it that does the starting? Yes - You! You really can be your greatest obstacle even with the knowledge/understanding that growth, becoming your best you is in your best interest. Simply the knowledge isn't enough - you have to choose to do this. Are you up to the challenge, excitement, disappointment, etc. of this kind of journey?
Remember that this is a process, it will never be completed! BUT, you will discover amazing things in your journey. And you will be able to 'correct' those things that really need changing and accent those abilities and attitudes that shine through making you your best. Simply take the closest and most obvious obstacle to your journey first. And once this is overcome, choose to continue and tackle the next obstacle - you really can be successful.
I know that I have written on this 'subject' before, but I also believe that we all need encouraging along our path to our best. We need to be reminded that it is a journey and that as scripture (1Corinthians 13:12) says:
"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know
in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." ESV
The journey is truly worth the effort. We can be our greatest obstacle or our primary cheerleader. Your choice.
Friday, July 6, 2018
Everyday Christianity for the Everyday Person
OK... question - do you consider yourself an 'average', typical, 'everyday' Christian? So how is this defined? Seriously. How is this defined, how do you know typical and average? More importantly... is this how you want to define yourself? Why would you want this designation? Is this a case of doing the minimum in order to secure the eternal?
I know that sounded harsh. Perhaps it's a kind of 'wake up' call to all of us. Stop just a moment and take a look at the world. Yours may be a fantastic life or it may be one full of stress and anguish. Not the point. The point is always you - who you are, what you do with your life, and how you go about being you in your world. So... are you becoming all the Lord has for you and then share this with the world you inhabit?
We all need to take stock every once in awhile in order to assess how we've grown and how we've honored the One who has made this all possible. Don't focus on what you haven't done in the past but commit yourself to today and the future - to be and share all that you are. If you ask the Lord to give you opportunities to share Him, trust me – He will. It can start with a casual conversation with a friend, or a co-worker, or… We need only to have the mindset that we want to be of value to the One who has given us life… abundantly.
'Everyday' isn't a bad mindset. When the word isn't used as an excuse, a minimization of being who we are, or a negative, it can become a proactive approach to how to live and work in the world. The point really is - Christianity. How do we live out our Christianity every day? How do share the wonderful difference this makes in our lives? When we meet people where they are and truly listen to them, then we can respond with life giving words. This is a witness, this is being an Ambassador for the Lord, this is no small thing.
I know that sounded harsh. Perhaps it's a kind of 'wake up' call to all of us. Stop just a moment and take a look at the world. Yours may be a fantastic life or it may be one full of stress and anguish. Not the point. The point is always you - who you are, what you do with your life, and how you go about being you in your world. So... are you becoming all the Lord has for you and then share this with the world you inhabit?
We all need to take stock every once in awhile in order to assess how we've grown and how we've honored the One who has made this all possible. Don't focus on what you haven't done in the past but commit yourself to today and the future - to be and share all that you are. If you ask the Lord to give you opportunities to share Him, trust me – He will. It can start with a casual conversation with a friend, or a co-worker, or… We need only to have the mindset that we want to be of value to the One who has given us life… abundantly.
'Everyday' isn't a bad mindset. When the word isn't used as an excuse, a minimization of being who we are, or a negative, it can become a proactive approach to how to live and work in the world. The point really is - Christianity. How do we live out our Christianity every day? How do share the wonderful difference this makes in our lives? When we meet people where they are and truly listen to them, then we can respond with life giving words. This is a witness, this is being an Ambassador for the Lord, this is no small thing.
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
At hand
If you ever bemoan - 'I don't know what to do or say...' then look to your heart for words and what's at your hand for actions. Too simplistic? Possibly but do we try to complicate something that is obvious... even if it is simple? Who said that everything the Lord wants us to do and be has to be 'hard'? Is this a designation that we apply - even in non difficult areas?
Before dismissing my point, stop a moment. When was the last time you sensed the Lord wanted you to do or say something? Was it difficult? Perhaps it wasn't in your timing??? More important - did you do or say 'it'? What happened? Once you did do/say, how did you feel? think? If it wasn't simple, was your reaction to doing or saying - the same as when it was more difficult? I know that regardless of the context, when I know I am doing/saying what the Lord intends that I feel a sense of accomplishment. I am overjoyed that the Lord used me. And I grow in confidence that I am following what He wants. You?
At hand simply means seeing what needs doing and if you sense the Lord leading you to act... that you act. The context should never be the determinant to whether you follow His leadership. Could you be tested? Of course. The Lord always tests (not tempts) us so that WE know what we know and will act on this. We should always act from a position of confidence. If we do then our ego won't get in the way and we can quickly make adjustments when needed.
It always is that first step. And that first step has to be grounded in a willingness to follow. No, we won't always get it right - but do you always have to be right? The point should be our confidence in Who is leading and that means trust. Trust that if we haven't correctly understood that He will help us through and lead us to the correct approach. The Lord never leads us or leaves us to dangle in the wind. He told us He would help us through (fill in the blank).
What's at your hand? Is it glamorous? Who cares? You may be visible to others but it is far more critical to be visible to the Lord... who DOES reward. If your 'at hand' seems less important than someone else's - that makes no difference. Follow, learn, grow into the person you have been meant to be. The Lord does lead, it's our decision to follow.
Before dismissing my point, stop a moment. When was the last time you sensed the Lord wanted you to do or say something? Was it difficult? Perhaps it wasn't in your timing??? More important - did you do or say 'it'? What happened? Once you did do/say, how did you feel? think? If it wasn't simple, was your reaction to doing or saying - the same as when it was more difficult? I know that regardless of the context, when I know I am doing/saying what the Lord intends that I feel a sense of accomplishment. I am overjoyed that the Lord used me. And I grow in confidence that I am following what He wants. You?
At hand simply means seeing what needs doing and if you sense the Lord leading you to act... that you act. The context should never be the determinant to whether you follow His leadership. Could you be tested? Of course. The Lord always tests (not tempts) us so that WE know what we know and will act on this. We should always act from a position of confidence. If we do then our ego won't get in the way and we can quickly make adjustments when needed.
It always is that first step. And that first step has to be grounded in a willingness to follow. No, we won't always get it right - but do you always have to be right? The point should be our confidence in Who is leading and that means trust. Trust that if we haven't correctly understood that He will help us through and lead us to the correct approach. The Lord never leads us or leaves us to dangle in the wind. He told us He would help us through (fill in the blank).
What's at your hand? Is it glamorous? Who cares? You may be visible to others but it is far more critical to be visible to the Lord... who DOES reward. If your 'at hand' seems less important than someone else's - that makes no difference. Follow, learn, grow into the person you have been meant to be. The Lord does lead, it's our decision to follow.
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