Do you? Are you completely convinced and confident of what you know? How do you Know what you know? Where's your proof?! Context. When I am talking about this aspect of knowing, the reference is spiritual. What do you know and believe and act on when it comes from your spiritual knowledge? What are you learning about what you know or what you need to know?
Those aren't rhetorical questions, or just mental gymnastics. They are incredibly important because they define who you are - what you know and believe and how you express this. I do believe that sometimes we are... surprised(?) by what we do know. It tends to be considerably more vast that initially assumed. The question really is - do we, how do we express what we know? What it is that we are expected to know and act on?
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve
what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)
"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."
(2 Timothy 2:15)
Just considering only these 2 scriptures, we have a good starting place for what we know as Christians and how we share the good news that the Lord is with us equipping and enabling us for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12). Point being - do we know this AND act on it? Just how do we share this truth with others?
You always know what you know when you look at your behavior. That's our best evidence. Somehow, in my mind, it is an application of what James said:
"But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me
your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by
my works."(2:16)
"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but
does not have works? (v.14) ... Thus also faith by itself, if it does
not have works, is dead." (v. 17)
If we say we know and we do not act on the knowledge... do we know? And if this answer is 'yes', then what does this say about us when we don't demonstrate what we know?
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Knowing that you CAN'T do anything
about (fill in the blank) and how do we handle this? There are times and situations when we truly can't do anything about (fill in the blank). I do believe that this can be times of understanding individual responsibility. We can't assume the decisions for others - only they can (no matter how accurate and/or wise our advice is). We can suggest and/or advise - we can't do the other's doing.
If you are of the 'fix-er' personality, this is extremely difficult to do. Knowing, at least from your own frame of reference, experience, and understanding, what (you believe) can and should be done... but unable to do anything about it. But, how would YOU react if you were the person being told what to do? Would you graciously accept it? Ignore? Get into an argument? There are always a vast number of possible reactions. I think one of the problems is our confidence in ourselves. There is a very thin line between bravado and actual confidence. Inviting in others' ideas and suggestions is one thing but being in the position of having to accept them is entirely different.
There is always the issue of ownership. Is the decision really ours? Do we stand behind what we believe? If we are forced into accepting another's decision, and the operative word is 'forced', do we whole heartedly accept and act on this decision since we seem to have no other alternative? And now look at how others might feel in a similar situation when you are exerting your decision. Are you really surprised at the reaction? The caveat in this is always in the expression. HOW we offer our 'fix' is crucial to how it is received. IF you have presented your opinion and the foundation that stands on, unless you are the decision maker... that's the end of the discussion. Those intimately connect to or involved in the situation need to be able to make and own the ultimate decision.
Sometimes we are surprised at the results - success when we were positive failure would be spelled in capital letters with neon lights. Sometimes they do fail. Now is not the time to say 'I told you so'... actually, there's never a good time to say that. But you can assist in the cleanup and helping others to accept what happened and move on. Sometimes... you are more effective when you remain close and able to assist genuinely. Sometimes, though you can't do anything at the moment... the future may bring you back. This is another never say never.
If you are of the 'fix-er' personality, this is extremely difficult to do. Knowing, at least from your own frame of reference, experience, and understanding, what (you believe) can and should be done... but unable to do anything about it. But, how would YOU react if you were the person being told what to do? Would you graciously accept it? Ignore? Get into an argument? There are always a vast number of possible reactions. I think one of the problems is our confidence in ourselves. There is a very thin line between bravado and actual confidence. Inviting in others' ideas and suggestions is one thing but being in the position of having to accept them is entirely different.
There is always the issue of ownership. Is the decision really ours? Do we stand behind what we believe? If we are forced into accepting another's decision, and the operative word is 'forced', do we whole heartedly accept and act on this decision since we seem to have no other alternative? And now look at how others might feel in a similar situation when you are exerting your decision. Are you really surprised at the reaction? The caveat in this is always in the expression. HOW we offer our 'fix' is crucial to how it is received. IF you have presented your opinion and the foundation that stands on, unless you are the decision maker... that's the end of the discussion. Those intimately connect to or involved in the situation need to be able to make and own the ultimate decision.
Sometimes we are surprised at the results - success when we were positive failure would be spelled in capital letters with neon lights. Sometimes they do fail. Now is not the time to say 'I told you so'... actually, there's never a good time to say that. But you can assist in the cleanup and helping others to accept what happened and move on. Sometimes... you are more effective when you remain close and able to assist genuinely. Sometimes, though you can't do anything at the moment... the future may bring you back. This is another never say never.
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
No one is left behind...
If I'm not mistaken, that's the bottom line philosophy of the Marines. It should also be the bottom line for Christians in their worlds. If we don't have this mindset, knowing that we have the answer (Jesus), then what witness do we present. Do you care about being a force, a voice so that all those living in YOUR world have had the opportunity to hear the good news?
Is there enough time? Does that make any difference? You have what you have and can always be that voice. I sometimes wonder if we feel that we can't share what the Lord has done in our lives or that if we say the wrong thing, the listener may not accept. That's not our decision, our choice. Remember too the parable of the sower. Some sow, some water, and some reap (Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15). We don't always know what our words and behavior express to those around us. We can never make that decision for others. We can, however, present that message in our way, with our gifting.
The Lord has chosen to work through us. And He is as interested in the person standing next to you as He is about you. In His Word, He expresses just how important being saved is for each of us.
2 Peter 3:9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
"The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is
not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is
[extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish
but for all to come to repentance."
Is there enough time? Does that make any difference? You have what you have and can always be that voice. I sometimes wonder if we feel that we can't share what the Lord has done in our lives or that if we say the wrong thing, the listener may not accept. That's not our decision, our choice. Remember too the parable of the sower. Some sow, some water, and some reap (Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15). We don't always know what our words and behavior express to those around us. We can never make that decision for others. We can, however, present that message in our way, with our gifting.
The Lord has chosen to work through us. And He is as interested in the person standing next to you as He is about you. In His Word, He expresses just how important being saved is for each of us.
2 Peter 3:9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
"The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is
not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is
[extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish
but for all to come to repentance."
1 Timothy 2:4
"...God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come
to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth."
Footnote: Salvation is offered to everyone, but each individual must choose to accept or reject God’s gracious offer. (1 Timothy 2:4)
to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth."
Footnote: Salvation is offered to everyone, but each individual must choose to accept or reject God’s gracious offer. (1 Timothy 2:4)
Quite honestly, it makes little difference if you feel you are important... you are. The words you speak and the actions that mark your interactions may truly be the only Bible someone will read. You have a message that brings life, brings hope and is important in touching lives. Closing
this discussion - 1 John 3:9, John 3:16 Amplified
Bible (AMP)
"No one who
is born of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually]
practices sin, because God’s seed [His principle of life, the essence
of His righteous character] remains [permanently] in him [who is
born again—who is reborn from above—spiritually transformed,
renewed, and set apart for His purpose]; and he [who is born again]
cannot habitually[live a life characterized by] sin, because he is born
of God and longs to please Him."
practices sin, because God’s seed [His principle of life, the essence
of His righteous character] remains [permanently] in him [who is
born again—who is reborn from above—spiritually transformed,
renewed, and set apart for His purpose]; and he [who is born again]
cannot habitually[live a life characterized by] sin, because he is born
of God and longs to please Him."
"For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He[even]
gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes
and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life."
What if you had never heard of the Lord and what He does for His people? You had the choice because of how He has made Himself known to you. He still works through people. You are a voice of hope to others.
Sunday, April 21, 2019
For God so loved the world....
Have you ever thought about those 6 words? Have you ever considered that the Bible is a love letter to you from God? That regardless of anything and every one - God sent His love to you personally? That He thought so much of you that He wanted you to know just how special and wanted and loved and unique and important you are. That He would send His Son to bridge the gap between the Himself and you and assume all of your sin so that relationship could be restored? He has. He did. And His Son willingly gave His life even if you had been the only one. (Philippians 2:5-7, AMP)
"Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus
[look to Him as your example in selfless humility], who, although
He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with
Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire
nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be
grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid
of losing it]; but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing
His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of
divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-
servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely
human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man].
Can you even wrap your head around this? How does that reality, that truth make you feel? When you consider the words 'same attitude', do you realize that this is the foundation concerning how we should interact with one another? 'Superiority' is NOT a trait, quality to be used as a weapon against others - indirectly or overtly. We all come as sinners and in our acceptance of the Lord's free gift, we become one in Him.
"For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually
transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set
apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in
Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26, AMP)
"There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor
Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female;
for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a
spiritual superiority]." (Galatians 3:28, AMP)
My interpretation (and understanding) is that no one has a boast, no one is superior, but that we all have received a gift that is incomparable. We should all clasp hands to work together. Never forget the scriptures (in addition to Galatians): Ephesians 4:1-6, John 17: 20-23, 2Corinthians 5:17-21, etc. And this only begins to scratch the surface.
Finally... do you know what you can do and say that will demonstrate your answer? Your actions, especially when you are under stress or temptation, that you do walk the talk, that you have your armor on, that you know Whose you are and who's really your enemy. And that Love never, never fails. (1Corinthians 13).
"Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus
[look to Him as your example in selfless humility], who, although
He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with
Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire
nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be
grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid
of losing it]; but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing
His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of
divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-
servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely
human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man].
Can you even wrap your head around this? How does that reality, that truth make you feel? When you consider the words 'same attitude', do you realize that this is the foundation concerning how we should interact with one another? 'Superiority' is NOT a trait, quality to be used as a weapon against others - indirectly or overtly. We all come as sinners and in our acceptance of the Lord's free gift, we become one in Him.
"For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually
transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set
apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in
Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26, AMP)
"There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor
Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female;
for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a
spiritual superiority]." (Galatians 3:28, AMP)
My interpretation (and understanding) is that no one has a boast, no one is superior, but that we all have received a gift that is incomparable. We should all clasp hands to work together. Never forget the scriptures (in addition to Galatians): Ephesians 4:1-6, John 17: 20-23, 2Corinthians 5:17-21, etc. And this only begins to scratch the surface.
Finally... do you know what you can do and say that will demonstrate your answer? Your actions, especially when you are under stress or temptation, that you do walk the talk, that you have your armor on, that you know Whose you are and who's really your enemy. And that Love never, never fails. (1Corinthians 13).
Thursday, April 18, 2019
More Mountains
We all have them. I suspect that sometimes we feel as if we are totally surrounded by them with absolutely no way out. Plus, we may not be completely certain how we got here in the first place. What we need to consider, however, is that sometimes we turn what really are only molehills into mountains. But do we look at the mountains we've conquered, those in our past? Do we remember our successes and how we've grown? Or do we only focus on the mountain in front of us? And do we look at it with eyes like deer in the headlights and freeze?
I asked if we remember previous times we met mountains and what we did. So, did you get beyond them? Or did you give up? And was the 'giving up' because it truly wasn't the right approach? Or... My point is that sometimes we react to mountains, real or imaginary, without assessing and knowing what we can do, what our resources are, and if what IS the best answer.
Mountains, regardless of size are issues we can't avoid. And if we try to avoid, we may be courting disaster. We have faced them in the past with varying degrees of success. Can we translate those previous behaviors and adopt or adapt them to the current situation? A mountain should never be regarded as something we can not resolve. Individual growth is tested by mountains and our response tells us (and those viewing or involved) volumes about how we contend with these experiences.
I do admit that I tend to talk about this issue... often. I think the reason is that it is so debilitating and crippling. Mountains can stop us in our tracks. But, if we change our thinking about mountains, then what may seem to be an obstacle can be turned into an asset. Instead of looking at mountains as insurmountable why not consider them as checks, as a time to reconsider what it is that we are doing or how we are doing it? I believe that this is a far more effective way of addressing mountains, if they are, or any potential problem that may arise.
I asked if we remember previous times we met mountains and what we did. So, did you get beyond them? Or did you give up? And was the 'giving up' because it truly wasn't the right approach? Or... My point is that sometimes we react to mountains, real or imaginary, without assessing and knowing what we can do, what our resources are, and if what IS the best answer.
Mountains, regardless of size are issues we can't avoid. And if we try to avoid, we may be courting disaster. We have faced them in the past with varying degrees of success. Can we translate those previous behaviors and adopt or adapt them to the current situation? A mountain should never be regarded as something we can not resolve. Individual growth is tested by mountains and our response tells us (and those viewing or involved) volumes about how we contend with these experiences.
I do admit that I tend to talk about this issue... often. I think the reason is that it is so debilitating and crippling. Mountains can stop us in our tracks. But, if we change our thinking about mountains, then what may seem to be an obstacle can be turned into an asset. Instead of looking at mountains as insurmountable why not consider them as checks, as a time to reconsider what it is that we are doing or how we are doing it? I believe that this is a far more effective way of addressing mountains, if they are, or any potential problem that may arise.
Monday, April 15, 2019
Can trumps can't
Do you realize that scripture NEVER asks you to do, or be something
that you can't? Contrary to what some may say, it never contradicts, but
confirms itself. I always am delighted when I find a scripture that confirms
another scripture… especially if it’s one I’m currently standing on. Do you
take the time to discover the connections? Is it important to you? It should be because it is a strengthener when it confirms itself.
Back to the original point - the Lord never tells us to do, to become some one/thing we're not able to accomplish. And, it is always our choice to act on this. I do believe that if God ordains, then He does sustain. Why would He ever set us up for failure? What joy and glory would He receive when we do the best we can and success eludes us? Maybe... just maybe that's the clue if we do experience 'failure'. Are we doing it from our own strength... by ourselves? And the reason is?????
Nowhere in scripture have I seen that the Lord asks us to be/do something alone. In fact He tells us that apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). That certainly puts a period to the sentence. But even though we know this is truth, many times we still begin to (fill in the blank) from our own strength and understanding. We don't need to - if it is important enough to be included in scripture as a necessary change for us then it is equally obvious that we will be equipped to accomplish this.
The other caveat in this is that rarely is it a one and done. Often we are engaged in a long process to accomplishment. Example: renewing our minds. Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:23 tell us that it is important to renew our minds. In fact, since we have been born again we have become a new creation (1Corinthians 5:17-21) and are told to put off the old man and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22, Colossians 3:9). And as you can read - it is we who do the doing. But, it is also the ministry of the Holy Spirit alive in the world today that aids and helps us to be successful.
We can renew our minds, and we have to make this a priority that we will act on. But we have the Holy Spirit's ministry to aid us. However, it is a process... an ongoing journey. And on this journey of renewal, we will discover what helps us, what hinders us, the magnitude of this adventure, and the various aspects that are included. Bottom line... we can. Never forget can trumps can't when it comes to being our best us.
Friday, April 12, 2019
Critical Thinking
This is a revisit ... of sorts. I wrote on this subject back when I was just beginning my blog, 2010. This topic has always been an attitude, mindset, way of interacting that I value, something I aspire to be my personal MO. I said:
"It is the critical thinkers that press the boundaries of 'conventional
wisdom'. ...
These are the minds who are engaged in developing technologies to
enhance our communication and lives, and research to eradicate
cancer and other deadly diseases. Critical thinkers expand our
conception (and perception) of what can be accomplished. These
are the activities that need encouraging. ...
I realize that much time can be lost if we are ignoring 'logic', but
also sometimes the wheel does need to be reinvented. In the
reinvention we may discover a 'better mousetrap'. ...
My point is that there really is a balance between the status quo and
the extreme."
I still passionately believe this. Too often we get sidetracked or blindsided (two entirely different obstacles) but I hope that this doesn't cripple the creative process. This method of thinking and deciding is available to us all. It may take a readjustment since this does require attention, but I believe the rewards far outweigh the cost.
I'm an options planner... this means, in my world, that I enjoy 'what - if'. What - If always reminds me of puzzles, of which I am incredibly fond, that expands how I think about a topic, a question, many things. Closely related are the 'if... then'. These kinds of mental gymnastics are great fun and greatly improve our ability to think outside the box. This gives us a creative edge to resolution of difficult situations.
I suspect that the bottom line is that I enjoy critical thinking and believe it is perhaps the single most important skill one can learn. Never be limited by what others believe you can do or accomplish. The definition of who you are and how you go about being and doing you is your decision. Circumstances may be an obstacle, but they should never be a definer.
Quoting me again,
"Refinement is a great ally in maintaining a smooth flow from what
is to what might be. Critical thinking is the engine that moves us
from what is to what might be. We should not abandon nor embrace
either... and we need to remember that what might be is yesterday's
what is."
"It is the critical thinkers that press the boundaries of 'conventional
wisdom'. ...
These are the minds who are engaged in developing technologies to
enhance our communication and lives, and research to eradicate
cancer and other deadly diseases. Critical thinkers expand our
conception (and perception) of what can be accomplished. These
are the activities that need encouraging. ...
I realize that much time can be lost if we are ignoring 'logic', but
also sometimes the wheel does need to be reinvented. In the
reinvention we may discover a 'better mousetrap'. ...
My point is that there really is a balance between the status quo and
the extreme."
I still passionately believe this. Too often we get sidetracked or blindsided (two entirely different obstacles) but I hope that this doesn't cripple the creative process. This method of thinking and deciding is available to us all. It may take a readjustment since this does require attention, but I believe the rewards far outweigh the cost.
I'm an options planner... this means, in my world, that I enjoy 'what - if'. What - If always reminds me of puzzles, of which I am incredibly fond, that expands how I think about a topic, a question, many things. Closely related are the 'if... then'. These kinds of mental gymnastics are great fun and greatly improve our ability to think outside the box. This gives us a creative edge to resolution of difficult situations.
I suspect that the bottom line is that I enjoy critical thinking and believe it is perhaps the single most important skill one can learn. Never be limited by what others believe you can do or accomplish. The definition of who you are and how you go about being and doing you is your decision. Circumstances may be an obstacle, but they should never be a definer.
Quoting me again,
"Refinement is a great ally in maintaining a smooth flow from what
is to what might be. Critical thinking is the engine that moves us
from what is to what might be. We should not abandon nor embrace
either... and we need to remember that what might be is yesterday's
what is."
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Repentance
Have you ever thought much about repentance - what it means, why, and how? Do you know the motivation for your, I'm sorry? Why say it if there's no remorse or the intention of not repeating the behavior/words necessitating forgiveness and hoped for restoration? When you know without a doubt that you did/said wrong/hurtful, what do you do about this situation?
Repentance: (Webster) "...the action or process of repenting especially for misdeeds or moral shortcomings". Repent is defined: to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life, to feel regret or contrition. to change one's mind". The point I'm making is that repent/repentance is an action. One doesn't just 'think' without acting on what caused the issue.
The Bible Study Tools website states:
"The most common translation of "repent" is "turn" or "return". Two
requisites of repentance included in sub are "to turn from evil, and
to turn to the good." Most critical theologically is the idea of returning
to God, or turning away from evil."
"Confession of sins is both commanded and frequently illustrated. When
one is guilty of various sins, "he must confess in what way he has sinned"
in order to receive atonement and forgiveness. Thus, confession belongs
to repentance, and is needed for divine forgiveness."
Too often we allow our own embarrassment to hamper our action to correct the situation. This only exasperates the situation and restoration is not achieved. This state is quite untenable. Why do we find it so difficult to acknowledge, confess, and receive forgiveness so we can move on? Many reasons but none with reason.
Matthew 3:8 gives us a charge: "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." This should always be the focus - making a change and producing fruit that demonstrates the change. In my world, words are incredibly important which is the basis for when we use words to repent of our misdeeds, then we are required to produce a change that is demonstrable.
Repentance: (Webster) "...the action or process of repenting especially for misdeeds or moral shortcomings". Repent is defined: to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life, to feel regret or contrition. to change one's mind". The point I'm making is that repent/repentance is an action. One doesn't just 'think' without acting on what caused the issue.
The Bible Study Tools website states:
"The most common translation of "repent" is "turn" or "return". Two
requisites of repentance included in sub are "to turn from evil, and
to turn to the good." Most critical theologically is the idea of returning
to God, or turning away from evil."
"Confession of sins is both commanded and frequently illustrated. When
one is guilty of various sins, "he must confess in what way he has sinned"
in order to receive atonement and forgiveness. Thus, confession belongs
to repentance, and is needed for divine forgiveness."
Too often we allow our own embarrassment to hamper our action to correct the situation. This only exasperates the situation and restoration is not achieved. This state is quite untenable. Why do we find it so difficult to acknowledge, confess, and receive forgiveness so we can move on? Many reasons but none with reason.
Matthew 3:8 gives us a charge: "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." This should always be the focus - making a change and producing fruit that demonstrates the change. In my world, words are incredibly important which is the basis for when we use words to repent of our misdeeds, then we are required to produce a change that is demonstrable.
Saturday, April 6, 2019
Spiritual Gifts
"...for the
gifts and the calling from God are irrevocable..."
(Romans 11:29)
be unaware..." (1Corinthians 12:1)
Do you know what you believe about spiritual gifts? Equally important... do you know why you believe as you do AND most important, is it scriptural? I do realize the scriptural argument against spiritual gifts typically is:
"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child,
childish things." (1Corinthians 13:11, NKJV)
This argument predisposes us to view spiritual gifts as childish. That makes absolutely no sense. Perhaps the argument stems from earlier verses in this chapter: 8-10
"Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will
is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we
prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come,
then that which is in part will be done away."
The emphasis is on v. 10. But can you honestly say that the perfect has come? And if it has... is it in control? Are we a church without spot or wrinkle? Hardly. Again, there are 'scriptural' argument both pro and con.
A different argument is the purpose for the gifts. Assuming that gifts are as important today as they were in the first century church: how does one know one's gifting and how should you share your gift? First God places us where He wants us, Second the gifts are for the body and as a sign for unbelievers. But what really answers the question for me about whether or not they are still valid for today is the reality of the time and there is no mention of them being for only a specific time. What are the gifts: (1Corinthians 12:1-12, ESV)
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are
varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of
activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common
good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom,
and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same
Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing
by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another
prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to
another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of
tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit,
who apportions to each one individually as he wills."
As
you see, the importance of the gifts is in equipping the body.
"... to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building
up the
body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity
of the faith and of
the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the
measure
of the stature
of the fullness of Christ, so that we may
no longer be children, tossed
to and fro by the waves and
carried
about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning,
by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking
the truth
in love, we are to grow up in every
way into him who is the
head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held
together by every
joint with which it is equipped, when each part
is working properly, makes the body grow so
that it builds itself
up in love."
(Ephesians 4:12-16, ESV)
THAT is the purpose, the reason for the gifts.
Read further information and confirmation: 1 Corinthians 14:1,39, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 Timothy 4:14,
2 Timothy 1:6. The fruit of the Spirit
(Galatians 5:22-23) provides further rationale for the expression of the gifts. (Romans 12:6-8 ESV)
"Having gifts that differ
according to the grace given to us,
let us
use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our
faith; if service, in our
serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts,
in
his exhortation; the one who contributes, in
generosity; the one
who leads, with
zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
FAITH
is an action word. Yes, it is based in a mindset, based in a belief... but it is an action. And yes, I've written about faith before. Probably this word underscores all of my writing, on some level. Again yes, it is always a word in capital letters because it's strength has to be uppermost in every area of our lives. It is always evident in our words and actions. James 2:
"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but
does not have works? (v.14)... Thus also faith by itself, if it does not
have works, is dead. (v17)"
James continues in this chapter reminding us of our ancestors' faith that was proved by their works. Can anyone say they have faith if they never demonstrate it?
There are other scriptures that speak to the question of faith and works:
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for
anything, but only faith working through love. (Galatians 5:6)
If I'm reading this correctly then the motivation for active faith is love. And if you remember 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, then you remember just how strong love is. I also question whether we can sustain our faith apart from love and love is always an action! We should never forget...
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works
is dead also." (James 2:26)
I believe the point in all the discussions on faith is to remember that we can't simply say we have faith if we aren't willing to act on it. And the little 'things' are as important as the major. Little? Things like lying or saying whatever you think the listener wants to hear. If you believe (fill in the blank) then be bold enough to stand on this. Unless it is a fundamental belief which would not be something to compromise on, then disagreements can be viewed as iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17). Listen to the other view and see how/where/if it is relevant. None of us have the complete understanding of all things.
Probably, at least one of the most important issues regarding faith, is your level of conviction, confidence. One scripture that is available for all of us to stand on is found in Hebrews 11:6
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes
to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those
who diligently seek Him."
You do realize then that faith comes with a promise. With faith... He rewards.
Also remember that it can be as small as a grain of mustard seed (Luke 17:6) that this IS a beginning point. It can be this small, but you need to use it and not just have it sitting on a shelf. Ohhh, and mustard trees can grow to the height of 20 feet with a 20 foot spread. Not a small thing...
"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but
does not have works? (v.14)... Thus also faith by itself, if it does not
have works, is dead. (v17)"
James continues in this chapter reminding us of our ancestors' faith that was proved by their works. Can anyone say they have faith if they never demonstrate it?
There are other scriptures that speak to the question of faith and works:
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for
anything, but only faith working through love. (Galatians 5:6)
If I'm reading this correctly then the motivation for active faith is love. And if you remember 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, then you remember just how strong love is. I also question whether we can sustain our faith apart from love and love is always an action! We should never forget...
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works
is dead also." (James 2:26)
I believe the point in all the discussions on faith is to remember that we can't simply say we have faith if we aren't willing to act on it. And the little 'things' are as important as the major. Little? Things like lying or saying whatever you think the listener wants to hear. If you believe (fill in the blank) then be bold enough to stand on this. Unless it is a fundamental belief which would not be something to compromise on, then disagreements can be viewed as iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17). Listen to the other view and see how/where/if it is relevant. None of us have the complete understanding of all things.
Probably, at least one of the most important issues regarding faith, is your level of conviction, confidence. One scripture that is available for all of us to stand on is found in Hebrews 11:6
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes
to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those
who diligently seek Him."
You do realize then that faith comes with a promise. With faith... He rewards.
Also remember that it can be as small as a grain of mustard seed (Luke 17:6) that this IS a beginning point. It can be this small, but you need to use it and not just have it sitting on a shelf. Ohhh, and mustard trees can grow to the height of 20 feet with a 20 foot spread. Not a small thing...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)