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)
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Blow the dust off your sword ...
I can't take credit for this title or for the 4 points that emerged from this sermon. The pastor was talking about part of our armor (found in Ephesians 6), the sword and how important it is and what's available to us when we utilize it.
Ephesians 6:10 begins Paul's discussion of the whole armor of God - how we are equipped and enabled:
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put
on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against
the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and
blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the
cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole
armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened
on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the
gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with
which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and
take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God," (Ephesians 6:10-17, ESV)
When you read the pieces of the armor, you see that you are completely covered, everything is covered. To me, the sword has always been an offensive weapon - something WE CAN DO! However, we need to know the word in order to use our offensive weapon. And who are we wielding this against? Not people. But the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places... and this includes incorrect thinking. The word is: (2Timothy 3:16, ESV)
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching,
for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,"
From this description and definition we can fight against those forces in the heavenly places that try to misquote and misuse scripture. We discover, as the pastor shared, that the sword:
1. Protects us - it is written
Agree with what is written - use the word to discover yourself and who you are - and use it
2. Strengthens us
You have to grow and you can't apart from reading scripture
3. Prospers us
Live according to the Word
4. Convicts us of sin
But don't consider yourself short - use this knowledge to grow, to become
your best you.
So accept the challenge and become an effective witness:
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a
worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the
word of truth." (2Timothy 2:15, ESV)
Ephesians 6:10 begins Paul's discussion of the whole armor of God - how we are equipped and enabled:
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put
on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against
the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and
blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the
cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole
armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened
on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the
gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with
which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and
take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God," (Ephesians 6:10-17, ESV)
When you read the pieces of the armor, you see that you are completely covered, everything is covered. To me, the sword has always been an offensive weapon - something WE CAN DO! However, we need to know the word in order to use our offensive weapon. And who are we wielding this against? Not people. But the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places... and this includes incorrect thinking. The word is: (2Timothy 3:16, ESV)
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching,
for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,"
From this description and definition we can fight against those forces in the heavenly places that try to misquote and misuse scripture. We discover, as the pastor shared, that the sword:
1. Protects us - it is written
Agree with what is written - use the word to discover yourself and who you are - and use it
2. Strengthens us
You have to grow and you can't apart from reading scripture
3. Prospers us
Live according to the Word
4. Convicts us of sin
But don't consider yourself short - use this knowledge to grow, to become
your best you.
So accept the challenge and become an effective witness:
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a
worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the
word of truth." (2Timothy 2:15, ESV)
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Of NO value!
God can't use me! I may be saved since I accepted Jesus as my Lord, but you don't know what I was, what I did, how I did all those terrible things. There's NO WAY I can be used. News flash... that's a lie! Of course you aren't worthy, that's not the issue. Of course you did what you did, that was then. Bottom line: YOU can't look at yourself with yesterday's eyes! Yes, you were all that, but when you were saved, you start from now. God has a plan for you!!! But it is YOUR choice to say 'yes' to the Lord.
"For all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
Well... now you know you aren't alone. But did this reality stop God? No! So why buy the lie and believe you can't be used. There was a terrific post that shared all the people God used and who these people were and what they did. For example: King David... he had an innocent man killed so he could have that man's wife. Another man, Abram, tried to circumvent God's plan by conceiving a child with his wife's servant (upon the wife's insistence) whose seed has been at odds ever since with the legitimate heir. Saul, a man who tried to wipe out Christianity by having them killed... who became the major writer of the New Testament. And there are other examples. Who are you to say that God can't use you?
"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or His
ear dull, that it cannot hear..." (Isaiah 59:1, ESV)
If He is able to save, He is able to enable, equip us to serve. It's truly up to us to change our focus from who we were to who we can become in Him. Jesus told us...
"I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in
him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do
nothing." (Jon 15:5, ESV)
See! You aren't expected to go it alone. That's not His plan. He told us He would be with us, it's our choice to abide in Him. When we do - the we bear much fruit! We can't do anything apart from Him. I suspect we've all experienced what happens when we try and do it 'our way'. Why not accept His gift and experience the joy and fulfillment? Of course we are of value. He chose us and wants to help us enhance our giftings.
"For all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
Well... now you know you aren't alone. But did this reality stop God? No! So why buy the lie and believe you can't be used. There was a terrific post that shared all the people God used and who these people were and what they did. For example: King David... he had an innocent man killed so he could have that man's wife. Another man, Abram, tried to circumvent God's plan by conceiving a child with his wife's servant (upon the wife's insistence) whose seed has been at odds ever since with the legitimate heir. Saul, a man who tried to wipe out Christianity by having them killed... who became the major writer of the New Testament. And there are other examples. Who are you to say that God can't use you?
"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or His
ear dull, that it cannot hear..." (Isaiah 59:1, ESV)
If He is able to save, He is able to enable, equip us to serve. It's truly up to us to change our focus from who we were to who we can become in Him. Jesus told us...
"I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in
him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do
nothing." (Jon 15:5, ESV)
See! You aren't expected to go it alone. That's not His plan. He told us He would be with us, it's our choice to abide in Him. When we do - the we bear much fruit! We can't do anything apart from Him. I suspect we've all experienced what happens when we try and do it 'our way'. Why not accept His gift and experience the joy and fulfillment? Of course we are of value. He chose us and wants to help us enhance our giftings.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
I can't undo ...then
The realization that (fill in the blank) IS your (my) fault! Horrors. Not a comfortable place to be but the 'evidence' is irrefutable. There is nowhere to hide from the truth that you are to blame. Now what? Sometimes I do feel like a child - how do I get out of (fill in the blank). You can't hide... or point fingers... and everyone knows.
We often engage in truly silly behavior rather than face the obvious. You can't undo what you did or said or didn't do or say. History has written and stamped it. If an apology is necessary, does it stick in your throat? Can, will you build on an apology to move (fill in the blank) toward 'success'? However, do we tend to hold on to those times? What? How does this holding on help? What advantage do we receive from this behavior? Why!!!?
Granted we don't want to repeat what happened, but do you honestly believe you will? What I am talking about are those lasting lessons - both good and bad, but especially bad - that we experienced. Do look at the last 2 letters - ed. Questions: did you accept your responsibility and the ramifications from what you did/didn't do? Did you seek forgiveness, apologize, attempt to redeem? If the answers to those questions is 'yes' then... let go and move on.
Not so simple. Then again, whoever said life was simple?
So how does all this reflect on who you are and who you are becoming? In multiple ways. First: we live in a fishbowl - we really aren't invisible. As a result, people are aware of how we go about resolving, making amends, etc. And while what they think of us should not be a focus on how we decide how to move on, we should be cognizant. Accepting responsibility is a major factor in others' opinions of us. How we go about accepting responsibility is also presenting a model for others to consider for themselves in these situations.
As I have said in multiple ways, multiple times... we have to move on. But we can't when we have un-atoned for issues. These keep popping up until we finally do face them. Scripture provides us with many examples about what we are to do. We can prolong our agony or move on with clean hands. Never forget 1John 1:9 - this is why Paul could say, 2Corinthians 7:2, I have wronged no man.
We often engage in truly silly behavior rather than face the obvious. You can't undo what you did or said or didn't do or say. History has written and stamped it. If an apology is necessary, does it stick in your throat? Can, will you build on an apology to move (fill in the blank) toward 'success'? However, do we tend to hold on to those times? What? How does this holding on help? What advantage do we receive from this behavior? Why!!!?
Granted we don't want to repeat what happened, but do you honestly believe you will? What I am talking about are those lasting lessons - both good and bad, but especially bad - that we experienced. Do look at the last 2 letters - ed. Questions: did you accept your responsibility and the ramifications from what you did/didn't do? Did you seek forgiveness, apologize, attempt to redeem? If the answers to those questions is 'yes' then... let go and move on.
Not so simple. Then again, whoever said life was simple?
So how does all this reflect on who you are and who you are becoming? In multiple ways. First: we live in a fishbowl - we really aren't invisible. As a result, people are aware of how we go about resolving, making amends, etc. And while what they think of us should not be a focus on how we decide how to move on, we should be cognizant. Accepting responsibility is a major factor in others' opinions of us. How we go about accepting responsibility is also presenting a model for others to consider for themselves in these situations.
As I have said in multiple ways, multiple times... we have to move on. But we can't when we have un-atoned for issues. These keep popping up until we finally do face them. Scripture provides us with many examples about what we are to do. We can prolong our agony or move on with clean hands. Never forget 1John 1:9 - this is why Paul could say, 2Corinthians 7:2, I have wronged no man.
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Do you realize...
Have you ever realized that if you don't
believe in yourself, that you will never understand, appreciate, or even accept
that someone else does? Have you ever realized that if you don't love yourself
you can't accept love from another? I would also question if you can extend
love to others. Have you ever realized that if you don't value who you are,
even with the flaws, someone else's valuing of you is rarely seen? All true.
But equally true is the undeniable fact that someone does! That this 'someone' even went to
the extreme length of sacrificing His life for YOU. Yes, even if you were the
only one! And that His legacy is available to you. He believes that with His
help (John 15:5), YOU will succeed and live an abundant life.
There's a familiar scripture that talks about
and depicts Jesus knocking on the door. Whose door is He knocking on? I would
argue that the door is - Ours. We who have been born again and have accepted
Jesus as our Lord. We are the ones He is attempting to help live effectively
today.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If
anyone hears my voice
and opens the door, I will come in to him and
eat with him, and he
with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
This scripture reinforces my belief that this scripture is not directed to those
who have yet to accept Jesus, but is directed at His disciples - US. We are His
ambassadors who have the responsibility and privilege of sharing Him with those who don't
know - it is our witness that will touch lives for Him. But there are always
times when we need to turn to Him, regardless of our need. He is always
knocking on the door to our heart – we just need to answer the door.
I realize too that it may seem illogical, but often we need to turn to the Lord to ask Him to help us see ourselves fully - the pluses and the minuses, and not just focus on one. We can, through His grace and favor, accentuate our positive and eliminate our negative (to misquote an old lyric). Yes we need to continually improve and grow who we are becoming, but we also need to recognize what and who we have grown into - that's our basis to grow into who the Lord sees us to be... and become the best us we can.
I realize too that it may seem illogical, but often we need to turn to the Lord to ask Him to help us see ourselves fully - the pluses and the minuses, and not just focus on one. We can, through His grace and favor, accentuate our positive and eliminate our negative (to misquote an old lyric). Yes we need to continually improve and grow who we are becoming, but we also need to recognize what and who we have grown into - that's our basis to grow into who the Lord sees us to be... and become the best us we can.
Monday, September 10, 2018
Talk things out...
Do you have someone to share with, to 'talk things out'? I would contend that everyone needs a sympathetic but honest ear or sounding board, or 'confidant'. We really aren't created to be in isolation, rather, to be in contact. This is important to our soul. Do you know who this valuable and necessary 'other' is for you?
Personally, I tried many people (and still 'use' some even now) but no one had the time/energy/ability/willingness to be this for me in all aspects of my life,24-7. I really did search until I looked at this from a different perspective: would I be willing and able to do this for someone else? Even if I had the time, energy, and willingness; would I have the ability? Don't think so. No fault, no foul. The reality is that none of us are infallible. We don't know the end from the beginning.
However, what can we do? We can always, always turn to the Lord. He is there for us. The pictures that always play in my mind is the one depicted in Genesis of God and Adam walking in the cool of the morning, talking and when God brought the animals to Adam to name. I believe that this is how it is for us, what can happen when we engage in discovering our relationship. And when we use scripture as our guide, it opens up vast vistas for us to explore.
"Come now, and let us reason together; saith the Lord: though your
sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as show; thought they be
red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
If Adam had this kind of relationship, can't we? Granted, this was before the fall, but I believe that God has always desired an intimate relationship with us and we are our stumbling stone. God is always speaking, always listening - do we? When we realize that He told us He would never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5-6) that does mean - us. When we accept Jesus as our Lord then all of us inherit through Him (Romans 8:29-30).
And all this means that I can turn to the Lord and seek His wisdom, talk out what I'm thinking, and discover His ways, methods. This means that as we walk in relationship we walk in confidence. We can always talk things out...
Personally, I tried many people (and still 'use' some even now) but no one had the time/energy/ability/willingness to be this for me in all aspects of my life,24-7. I really did search until I looked at this from a different perspective: would I be willing and able to do this for someone else? Even if I had the time, energy, and willingness; would I have the ability? Don't think so. No fault, no foul. The reality is that none of us are infallible. We don't know the end from the beginning.
However, what can we do? We can always, always turn to the Lord. He is there for us. The pictures that always play in my mind is the one depicted in Genesis of God and Adam walking in the cool of the morning, talking and when God brought the animals to Adam to name. I believe that this is how it is for us, what can happen when we engage in discovering our relationship. And when we use scripture as our guide, it opens up vast vistas for us to explore.
"Come now, and let us reason together; saith the Lord: though your
sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as show; thought they be
red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
If Adam had this kind of relationship, can't we? Granted, this was before the fall, but I believe that God has always desired an intimate relationship with us and we are our stumbling stone. God is always speaking, always listening - do we? When we realize that He told us He would never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5-6) that does mean - us. When we accept Jesus as our Lord then all of us inherit through Him (Romans 8:29-30).
And all this means that I can turn to the Lord and seek His wisdom, talk out what I'm thinking, and discover His ways, methods. This means that as we walk in relationship we walk in confidence. We can always talk things out...
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Proof
One of the most visible proofs of who you are is seen in your behavior. It is a testament to who you are becoming, what's important to you, whose you are, what you believe in and act upon, and a great deal more. It confirms you as well as your words.
'You don't need to prove anything to anyone!'? Really? "'They' can take you or leave you." I do doubt. Even the most independent, self-sufficient of us needs confirmation at times. We independent types don't like to admit this, but that doesn't deny the truth. Why would anyone want this? If only 2, there are 2 very good reasons. 1. We aren't infallible so we are prone to err. and 2. Feedback is a most effective method of not only confirming what we are saying/doing but it is also a source of a 'different perspective', an opportunity to improve.
For me the most salient argument was that by 'allowing' others to make comments I did find a different approach to my personal thinking outside the box. Quite honestly I really hate to waste time, energy, resources and giving others the opportunity to 'assist' often leads me to a quicker and more effective answer. Besides - ultimately, it is my decision. Whatever I do is my responsibility for all ramifications from my words and behavior. Whether I choose to accept, adapt, or deny others suggestions, I still bear the responsibility. Pointing fingers will never work because (fill in the blank) was my choice.
Others and ourself seeking proof is not an accusation against who we are. Proof is confirmation. If 'success' is our mindset then proving is merely a test. I try and treat it as a hypothesis test. By testing my hypothesis, regardless of its origination, I know all of the who/what/why/when's of my decision. There is a terrific scripture (Proverbs 27:17) that talks about iron sharpening iron. This scripture was instrumental in a change in my mindset. Now, I look at proving in a different context: iron sharpening iron and testing a hypothesis.
When approaching a conundrum, problem, 'prove it!'. etc. I try to test and see where there is common ground as well as a different approach to resolving (fill in the blank). You aren't defending yourself, you don't need to - you seek the best solution. That's proving.
'You don't need to prove anything to anyone!'? Really? "'They' can take you or leave you." I do doubt. Even the most independent, self-sufficient of us needs confirmation at times. We independent types don't like to admit this, but that doesn't deny the truth. Why would anyone want this? If only 2, there are 2 very good reasons. 1. We aren't infallible so we are prone to err. and 2. Feedback is a most effective method of not only confirming what we are saying/doing but it is also a source of a 'different perspective', an opportunity to improve.
For me the most salient argument was that by 'allowing' others to make comments I did find a different approach to my personal thinking outside the box. Quite honestly I really hate to waste time, energy, resources and giving others the opportunity to 'assist' often leads me to a quicker and more effective answer. Besides - ultimately, it is my decision. Whatever I do is my responsibility for all ramifications from my words and behavior. Whether I choose to accept, adapt, or deny others suggestions, I still bear the responsibility. Pointing fingers will never work because (fill in the blank) was my choice.
Others and ourself seeking proof is not an accusation against who we are. Proof is confirmation. If 'success' is our mindset then proving is merely a test. I try and treat it as a hypothesis test. By testing my hypothesis, regardless of its origination, I know all of the who/what/why/when's of my decision. There is a terrific scripture (Proverbs 27:17) that talks about iron sharpening iron. This scripture was instrumental in a change in my mindset. Now, I look at proving in a different context: iron sharpening iron and testing a hypothesis.
When approaching a conundrum, problem, 'prove it!'. etc. I try to test and see where there is common ground as well as a different approach to resolving (fill in the blank). You aren't defending yourself, you don't need to - you seek the best solution. That's proving.
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