Revenge?

Mercy? or Justice? Which do you extend? You can't answer with a 'it depends'. Because, bottom line is our first reaction or thought... Will we forgive or will we 'get even'? You do realize that the phrase, get even, is merely a euphemism for revenge. (notta question) Seriously, does the prospect of getting your revenge sit well? Is it really empowering?

When it comes to 'revenge' there is a saying that it is best served cold. But scripture has an even better response - don't do it!  

   "Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due 
    time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to 
    come hasten upon them." (Deuteronomy 32:35, NKJV)

   "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the
    sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you,
    live peaceably with all e. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,
    but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is
    Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord." (Romans 12:17-19, NKJV)

Those words in the Old and New Testament put a period to any question about revenge. Besides you waste so much time and creative energy trying to develop a way in which the offending person realizes it is you who is wrecking revenge but no one else does.

So how do you handle revenge? Maybe you're the passive aggressive type who rings every bit of whatever you are seeking out of others? These people never forget and always carry a grudge. How to know? Just listen to them. Point here is that this is never an effective way to handle your need(?) for revenge because it never satisfies. And an eventual 'I told you so' doesn't satisfy either.

The best way to handle revenge is to forgive. Forgive the other person for what they did (even if they didn't realize what happened because of their words or actions) and forgive yourself for wanting revenge. If you don't act on the want for revenge, then it's a lot easier then when you do and now you have another mess to deal with. Honestly, was your revenge worth it?

There's a British saying - that revenge is a dish best served cold. Actually, it should never become a dish. The ultimate realization that now you have to deal with the affects of your act is not worth it. Walk away. Be the 'bigger person'. Remember... you don't really know what initiated the other person's behavior that caused the emergence of revenge. 

Relational

Duh. I finally have seen the obvious. All, as in A-L-L, my writing is talking about relationships. Especially our relationship with the Lord. In some way on some level my primary writing context is always our relationship with the Lord. I realized this and began writing about it again. But... what could possibly be more important? Without a relationship and an understanding of what this is, and since it influences every aspect of our lives - what could be more important?

If you are a Christian then through your acceptance of Jesus as your Lord, you began your relationship with Him. Relationship is not static. Look at your other relationships. They either grew over time or they just kind of lessened to more of an acquaintanceship. Is 'acquaintanceship' how you want to define and describe your relationship with the Lord? I hope not. Because if you keep Him 'out there' then He is limited by your decision of operating fully in your life.

Amazingly, in John in His last instructions/teaching to His disciples, He called them 'friends'. 

   "I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your
    joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one
    another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put
    your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you
    do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling your servants
    because servants don't understand what their master is thinking
    and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in
    on everything I've heard from the Father." (John 15:15, MSG)

I've purposely highlighted that one sentence because it speaks volumes! I also believe that this designation is also available for us. The Lord wouldn't tempt us with something that we could never attain or receive and being the Lord's friend is an incredible gift. What do we do to attain 'friend'? We do the things He has commanded. Have you looked into everything commanded by the Lord?

There is a wonderful synopsis provided at: https://iblp.org/questions/what-are-commands-christ that lists 49 commands by Jesus. This site provides everything we need to know. Some of the commands don't seem like commands, such as: Rejoice - Matthew 5:11-12; Receive God's Power - Luke 24:49; Hear God's Voice - Matthew 11:15. Then there are the obvious ones: Follow Me - Matthew 4:19 and what I consider to be the foundation: Matthew 22:36-40, AMP

   "'Love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul
    and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.
    And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the
    Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments,"

I know I've written about relationships before but, for me, mine is always growing and I'm discovering more about myself, about who I can become, about the Lord, and all things related to life and living. You can have as much or as little as you choose. Just don't choose... just a little. Please, never forget...

   "Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments," (John 14:15,KJV)

Psalms 103:12

   "As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our
    transgressions from us..."

Believe this? Act on it? We do tend to hold on to previous bad behavior/sin and apologize to the Lord over and over again... why? Though this will sound incredibly stupid... sometimes it's because that's who we were and this gives us a sense, albeit negative, an understanding of ourselves. It's a 'known'. And we may be in the midst of change and rediscovering or redefining who we are. Another, perhaps more devastating, is that we haven't fully accepted that when we turn to the Lord and confess our sin - He DOES forgive. (1John 1:9)

The Lord's forgiveness has absolutely nothing to do with us being 'worthy' to receive pardon. There is NO WAY you can earn forgiveness. Just as our salvation was a free gift so is His forgiveness. And He does 'remove our transgressions' from us. When we keep bringing up who we were and what we did... we deny His power to do this. Ever think about it that way? YOU cannot say that He will forgive (another person) but not me. Nor say that He can forgive (whatever you think is forgive-able) but not (whatever you believe is beyond Him). Sounds kinda silly when you see it in print... yes?

There is a price for this forgiveness though. You must truly regret what you did or said and purpose to not repeat that behavior. Then all you do is come to the Lord with your repentance and your vow to not repeat and accept His forgiveness. 

   "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
    and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1John 1:9)

So His forgiveness include cleansing us. His clean means Clean. Because of His gift of forgiveness we can walk in righteousness. Our problem seems to stem from the wrong focus. We put our eyes on ourselves and our failings rather than on the Lord and His giftings. He said He would, then He will. We do have our part, but we also have the 'moving on' responsibility. Once we've turned to the Lord, we must receive and act on His forgiveness and move on. Make amends, if possible. But prove yourself with changed behavior and words.

He has removed our sins from us - as far as the east from the west - so now we can respond by becoming our best us. Yes, we will slip again, BUT we now know what we need to do when we do sin. 

 

Taking a Stand

It's not easy. And when it hits home, requiring you to act on your stand... rarely simple. It's so easy to be for or against (fill in the blank) when it's at a distance and really doesn't require any 'discomfort' in your life. But once that stand makes you Do something. Very different.

Being bold, courageous, taking a stand isn't always in a physical battle. Most of the important battles are between was is right and what isn't and are fought in the soul (mind, will, emotions). And right is not in a unknown status - the majority of the issues are clear and irrefutable. But they can be very, very uncomfortable ...especially to our personal 'likes'. Regardless of what anyone says, we do like our comfort zones and personal likes.

However... it is in the everyday issues, challenges, successes, mistakes, etc. that do prove to us and anyone looking what we actually do and who we are. Anyone who doesn't believe that they live in some kind of fishbowl is very deluded. This isn't necessarily a negative, though it can be. But where and when does the discomfort originate? And why? Does this discomfort come from being put in the position of 'putting our money where our mouth is' situations? Yes, sometimes... but not always. But why veer from who you are or what you do? Who are you placing in such a position of control?

It's important to distinguish between a temptation and a test.  Both can start out looking the same, but they aren't. Remember God never tempts us but He will test us. 

   "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God'
    (for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own
    flaws), for God cannot be tempted by (what is) evil, and He Himself
    tempts no one." (James 1:13, AMP)

If you are tempted - resist, because it is not of God. He has provided everything we need to resist, to Stand.

   "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God
    is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but
    with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you
    may be able to endure it. (1Corinthians 10:13, ESV)

   "For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and
    understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been
    tempted (knowing exactly how it feels to be human) in every respect
    as we are, yet without (committing any) sin." (Hebrews 4:15, AMP)

You can take a stand. You can be strong. You can witness to the power of the Lord you believe in. Also... remember the scripture that talks about resisting the devil? James 4:7 says: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." The word I want you to focus on is 'flee'. The devil doesn't just saunter away when you don't accept and follow his temptation... he FLEES. 

Rethinking what you thought

Great title - yes? What it means is that we never assume, we are always open to enlarging our perception and understanding. In my world, it also means that the phrase, 'I've always believed that...' may be accurate, but have you expanded your 'believed's' understanding... is it present tense, 'believe'? Also, in my world, 'thinking' (except for foundations) is always a proactive approach to aid in an expanding definition rather than in cement.

One danger I feel we need to be aware of...continually, is becoming too comfortable in where we are and what we think. Complacent is a mindset to avoid at all costs. Comfortable is not the intention of rethinking. It's not a 'throw the baby out with the bathwater' either, it's a conscious decision to see in what ways and how the what is 'always believed' is still present, actively.

In so many areas of our lives, we are continually growing and expanding what we think and know. Example: technology. It really isn't that long ago that our current cell phones were only a hypothetical dream in someone's thinking. But look at the impact they have now! Personally, I would be severely limited without my phone since it functions in so many other aspects. 

However, do we apply this same mindset and behavior to our spiritual lives? And if not, why? There is absolutely no way that we have mined all the treasure that is available for us. The Bible is a book that continues to resonate as we continue to grow in our understanding of who we are, what we do, and how we go about being us. Remember that we are always in the process of being perfected. We definitely have reached that state... it is never an overnight attainment.

Rethinking is NOT doubt. Don't fall for that. Rethinking is really refining... and we are all in need of refining. 

   "...so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold
    which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to 
    result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus
    Christ;" (1Peter 1:7)

We are required to present ourselves as workmen, able to present the word of faith (2Timothy 2:15). We can't do this unless we know with that depth of knowing what we believe and why. Scripture provides us our proof and our testimony provides us with our proving. The more you develop a deep understanding the more you will speak with confidence about Who you believe. This understanding is never a one and done... it continually grows as we grow. Therefore, grow your understanding, grow your perception... Grow.
 

Jesus wept

There's a scripture - the shortest - only 2 words: "Jesus wept." (John 11:35) that always arrests me. Why was my Lord crying? Do you know why you think He was crying? Loss of his friend, grief for his friends' loss, upcoming death... are typically the reasons given. There's a good discussion by Christina Patterson at (https://www.ibelieve.com/faith/jesus-wept-3-reasons-the-savior-was-weeping.html) as to why Jesus is crying.

There are those who would contend that it was in seeing Mary and Martha grief over the death of their brother, Lazarus. A different rationale is that Jesus was grieved over the lack of faith of the 2 sisters. Another view is that Jesus was grieving over His own upcoming death. The last reason that I've read is that Jesus was grieving over the city of Jerusalem and what was happening in the lives of the Jews. All... some... or none may be the answer. My point is that this shows the depth of emotion Jesus expressed - He wept. It brings home the thought expressed in Hebrews 4:15, AMP

   "For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and
    understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been
    tempted (knowing exactly how it feels to be human) in every respect
    as we are, ..."

If He knows our weaknesses and temptations, He knows sorrow and joy and all the emotions we experience - the highs and the lows. Yet, He doesn't allow them to control His words and behavior. We don't need to either - experience them, yes but inflict the effects on others, no. Our feelings, emotions refine who we are and the extent to which we share them, the expression. All of this is important... what we need to remember is to not allow them to control. Yes, easier said than done.

So what/who do we have to turn to in these times? Emotions have to be expressed, but how do we do this without causing others to be negatively impacted? We all know that bottling them up will only cause an overreaction later on and sometimes on someone who has no idea what they did to cause us to explode. Obviously, though not always immediately considered, is to turn to the Lord. He knows. He understands. He expressed them.  When we take the time to turn to the Lord and listen to Him, we do experience a comforting because someone has understood... maybe that's all we were ever seeking? Too simplistic? It depend. Expression? Resolution? Comfort? Yes.

Celebrate Enjoying

Sometimes we have to be reminded... of what we know. It's so easy to get entangled in the day that we forget. And sometimes, in the intensity of living we need to be reminded to Enjoy. To find joy in the journey - or as I, tongue in cheek like to say, lose the stress. Living, discovering, exploring should also include those moments of stopping to smell the roses... or being awed at the beauty of a sunset... or smiling when watching children play and laugh... There is so much to bask in as you walk out your day.

Seriously, when was the last time that you really and truly enjoyed (fill in the blank)? How did you express your enjoyment? Did it 'infect' others around you? Aren't we supposed to be SERIOUS? Of course we need to be serious about the things of the Lord, however... serious doesn't need to be defined as joy-less. And when you use scripture as your guide, there are over 30 verses that discuss this. 

   "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so
    that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may about in hope. (Romans 15:13)

   "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be
    anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:34)

   "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God;
    I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my
    righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

    "...there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves
    as long as we can." (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

   "A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the
    spirit." (Proverbs 15:13)
    
These few verses also identify what steals our enjoyment: lack of believing, anxiety, fear, broken heart. And, it identifies what the Lord does in those situations: believing, hope, help, upheld, happy. 

We are equipped and enabled to enjoy as much as we are to stand against those forces attempting to undermine who we are and Whose we are. To be honest, I would advance the thought that enjoying the fruits of the Lord's hand is one of our weapons to defeat our enemy. That could be stretching it a bit... but maybe not.
   

Carrying your cross?

   "And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be 
    My disciple." (Luke 14:27)

You may think my question presumptuous, but this is serious! It would be my contention that we are all told to carry our cross(es). But do we wimp or moan about this. Do we simply sit down on the side of our journey and put our cross(es) down? Have you ever taken the time to look at the verbs in this... carry and follow.

   1. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle 
    and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My
    yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-30, ESV)

   2. "Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you." (1Peter 5:7)

   3. "...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer
    and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know
    to God." (Philippians 4:6-7)

   4. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." 
    (Galatians 6:2) ~ [Hint: this means sharing. Helping each other.]

Other scriptures that speak to our 'reaction' to carrying our own cross: Matthew 6:25-27, 11:28-30; Luke 12:25; Psalm 55:22; Hebrews 12:1-2. And these are far from an exhaustive list.

Obviously, the definition of 'carrying your cross' is critical... I'm not sure it's the same for all of us. Keep in mind Paul's lament (2Corinthians 12:9) about his thorn in the flesh - his cross? I could be wrong but my belief is that any and every obstacle to becoming the best we can be is a cross we bear. Most, if not all, can't be ignored and, unless we have overcome them, must be dealt with... daily. 

Where's our focus? On our cross(es) or on carrying and overcoming? Look at just a brief indication of those attitudes and actions available to us in carrying our cross that were indicated. Example: we will find rest, we can overcome anxiety by making our requests known, sharing the burden when it seems overwhelming, etc. The Lord tells us He cares for us... He won't leave us alone... He has provided all we need to be conquerors.  So perhaps it would help us more if we simply stopped complaining since this accomplishes zilch and look at what is available to help us...?

Refinement - Part 1

Revelation, Renewal, Righteousness, Relationship, Replacement

This has been a developmental discovery. Initially I had the 3 R's as my basic foundation. Then another R emerged and so on till I reached this point that there are 5 R's: Revelation, Renewal, Righteousness, Relationship, Replacement. And they all define the refining process.

I fondly call them - the irreplaceable 5 R's. Which comes first? I think the answer is... yes. They all come first and as understanding on one level in one area occurs, then this influences another R and the process repeats. We all come to understanding through a variety of... paths and studies, observations, and experiences and they all are valid, at least I believe this. I think the goal should be continual growth and understanding and application. But the 5 R's, in some fashion, are always in evidence. And, in my experience, you may begin at one point but these 5 are so entwined that you will discover another R in evidence... if not all of them.

I would argue that all of us need revelation which often leads to renewal which needs to include replacement and the outcome is righteousness which is the foundation to relationship. Then again, I could posit using these same words in differing combinations and come to the same conclusion. These 5 R's form a strong foundation from which we can act, which will form the basis of our growth, and they all aid in our becoming our best us.

Why those particular concepts? I believe they are fundamental for us to grow and mature, to act with confidence, to fulfill our assignments. Obviously they have to have an operational definition so they are identifiable. Do we all have the same definitions? Will we be able to identify the manifestations of these 5 R's? How does scripture define them? Granted there are many sources and dictionaries available, but one of the sources that I am using and recommend is: biblestudytools.com. 

Bottom line... these 5 R's provide us with a strong and sure foundation. As we grow in understanding and apply our learnings, we act as the workmen we are intended to become:

   " Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a 
    workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, 
    accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth." 
    (2Timothy 2:15, AMP)
    

Reflect in order to Refine

As I've said multiple times in multiple ways... if you don't know where you are you can't move to where you want to be. Obvious. However, it seems that we don't always follow this logic. For some it's a move along even if we aren't certain of where we are... or, for that matter, where we're headed. For others, it may be I know where I am but I don't know where I need to go so I'm going to stop. Neither position gets us to where we should be.

Truly, The Father isn't trying to 'trip us up' or give false clues or keep us from learning and growing. So why do we act this way? If you take the time to reflect on what is happening and what obstacles you may be facing... then you have the opportunity to refine your action plan. You do have an action plan... yes? And if not, why not? Life isn't meant to be lived unthinkingly. No, we don't have to obsess or plan out every single moment, but when we are wanting to accomplish something or to go to point B from point A - how can we do this apart from a plan?

'Reflect' isn't always a deductive reasoning... nor is it always inductive reasoning

   "inductive reasoning moves from specific instances into a generalized 
    conclusion,  
    deductive reasoning moves from generalized principles that are known 
    to be true to a true and specific conclusion." (study.com)

Both approaches work to lead to your best decision. It basically depends on what functions best for you in your path. My personal view is that 'reflect' is my backup strategy... where I go when I realize that I don't know where I'm going, I just know the destination I want.

'Refine' is being where you need to be. Perhaps that isn't a helpful description. My hoped for approach to life is that I need to be alert to what's happening around me, both positive as well as negative forces. If there is a better way to get to where I need to be, I want to be attentive to make the 'refinement'.  

Webster gives us a few clues about how we should view 'refine':

   "... to free from moral imperfection; to improve or perfect by
    pruning or polishing; to improve by making small changes..."

Some of the synonyms are: "amend, enhance, enrich, improve, perfect, upgrade..." This definitely gives a context to the word.

We may start with the best plan we can, but we can also be alert to making a 'better mousetrap' along the way. Reflecting is our methodology to creating by refining to achieve the 'best'.


Your thoughts and reactions





  

The Great Commission and you

First: WE ALL have a part, a role to fulfill this imperative. If you call yourself a Christian, you are responsible. But... I also believe we don't realize what this means nor how we actualize our part. We have a limited understanding and view. Second: Remember the parable that talks about some plant, some water, some harvest (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)? This applies to our role/responsibility as we aren't all called to preach, evangelize but we all do/can witness by our words and actions.

Third: Have you really read what Jesus said? He didn't tell us to go and bring everyone to a saving knowledge and then stop... though this, unmistakably salvation IS the necessary first step, He told us to make disciples. This responsibility requires far more of us. We don't just save and tell the person to go. He wants us to help them grow in what they've just begun so they can develop a meaningful relationship with the Lord. 

Remember - you witness/teach what you know and experience. So have you considered your role in the Great Commission in light of your beliefs, knowledge, and experiences? Have you developed an intimate relationship with the Lord? Do you remember His words in John 15:5, ESV:

   "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."

To me this says that He expects us to turn to Him to accomplish our role in His commission. Furthermore, in verse 16:

   "You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go 
    and bear fruit--fruit that will remain ..."

Again, a confirmation of the fact that it was His choosing to work through us, that He expects us to know our relationship with Him, and that He is with us in this task. (If you need further evidences, read 1 Corinthians 12 and you will see that there are many types of roles and that we all are called to fulfill ours.) We ARE equipped, We ARE empowered, We ARE able to do what He calls us to. What is yours? What's at your hand and in your heart?