Rocket Science

I always describe my writing as not being rocket science ... which got me to thinking about how salvation can be characterized as not being rocket science. Think about it a moment. What are we told? "That whosoever believes will be saved (John 3:15) and "There is no other name (Jesus - Acts 4:12). Simple and straightforward - yes? Then what's our problem!?! 

Is it not that the first declaration we make, stops us: "...with the mouth one confesses" (Romans 10:10)? Or perhaps the realization that our lives will never be the same. It can't be a continuation because what we have now understood is transformative - we aren't who we were before salvation (2Corinthians 5:15-20! But what is it that we now need to do?!

Actually there are a number of things we need to do... but some of them aren't always obvious. We need to remember that we have now begun a new adventure but that we are also enabled, equipped, and empowered and that all this is a process of discovery. But specifically I believe that the beginning steps are crucial or we don't begin what we've started. One of these first steps is to begin reading scripture. The Bible is our handbook for living but sitting on the table accomplishes nothing. Now... where to begin?

For new Christians I always recommend starting with John. John provides a wealth of information in terms of Jesus' teachings. It starts with... 

   "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and 
    the Word was God." (John 1:1, ESV)

Translations are important, and the more you have the more it will expand your understanding. Starting with the NASB or NKJV is always my suggestion. But the point is... begin reading. John helps us to put into a context who we are, Whose we are, and what the teachings reveal. As you grow in understanding then you have a wealth of knowledge as you read the New Testament.

Simultaneously, find a Bible believing and preaching church that meets your needs so that you have fellowship with other believers who will also assist in your growth. (Hebrews 10:25). Quite honestly, we need one another since none of us has all the truth and understanding. It's as we share what we know that when our understanding isn't complete, we sharpen one another (Proverbs 27:17). Always use scripture to verify what is said, test the spirits to prove truth (1John 4:1-6).

Again... none of this is rocket science, but I don't believe it's meant to be. We all come just as we are to a knowledge and recognition of our need for a saviour. But Jesus never expects us to stay there. He wants the best for us and that always begins with growing.

Victim? ... or Victor?

I refuse to be a victim! But do I do what needs doing in order to be a Victor?! I think I've discovered that you can not be a victim but you aren't acting as a victor either. But why would we ever stop ourselves from being victorious... or is it an issue of the focus of our victory? Is there ever anything we shouldn't celebrate a victory over? Off the top of my head, I can't think of anything. Then again, it may be my definitions.

When I look at the victim v. victor I have to start with the focus. When I look at the scriptural verses about victory, I discover that there are over 22 that speak to being a victor. There are so many powerful ones that also include the focus of our victory and what we need to do to become victorious.

   "...for the LORD your God is He who goes with you to fight for you 
    against your enemies, to give you the victory." (Deuteronomy 20:4)

   "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)

   "I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In 
    the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome 
    the world." (John 16:33)

   " For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And 
    this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith." (1John 5:4)

Those 4 verses are only a sampling of what we are attempting to overcome, Who is with us in this, and what we need to do. It should give us tremendous confidence to Stand (Ephesians 6). We are equipped, enabled, empowered to act confidently because we KNOW Whose we are.

Victimology is never what we should believe or act on - never buy the lie. We do. But we really don't need to act as a victim or believe we are - regardless of our circumstances. The Lord has told us so many times that He is with us, will never leave us, and will help us to become all we can be. And being a victim is never what we are supposed to be. Never, never forget Romans 8:37:

   "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him 
    who loved us."

Running...

away from? or to? If you are running, do you know why? Do you have a direction or a plan in mind... or is it only a (momentary) escape? I'm not trying to dis anyone who is in a state of running, only asking them to reassess if it is necessary... and do they have a time when they anticipate they'll stop running?

Not much of a long distance runner myself, however I have discovered that I do sprints at times. Regardless, for me it's a condition of discovering that this is what I'm doing rather than a thought out decision to run. Thought out or surprise 'discovery', we all need to eventually stop, catch our breaths, and determine a better way to respond. Was it 'fear' that occasioned the run, what is our why!? Temptations? Our own sin? 

So often running only results in a worsen condition than if we had dealt with it at the time we realized. Perhaps we need to develop a good defense to be ready for use when the need arises... because it will arise. Point being that running is rarely a successful approach to problems, issues, temptations, etc. We tend to forget Who is working with us in these times and we are enabled and strengthened to face them.

   "But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against 
    the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3, ESV)

   "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you 
    to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But 
    rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also 
    rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." (1Peter 4:12-13, ESV)

While there is little support for running, whatever caused you inclination to run does come with benefits when you stand.

   "Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds,  
    for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  
    And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and 
    complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1: 2-4, ESV)

   "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering 
    produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character 
    produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's 
    love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has 
    been given to us." (Romans 5: 3-5, ESV)

Our 'benefits' of standing and facing over running is becoming perfect and complete, lacking in nothing, and the product of hope. That is a strengthening. We can, we can't succeed in running.

Today's 'plan'

Does it vary depending on the day? Is this a positive ... or a negative mindset/behavior? Is it in cement... or does the plan provide a structure that indicates necessary 'to do's' but allows for additions? How do you determine your today's priorities? If you enter your day with little thought, then at the end of the day how do you feel and think about what's happened in your day?

What does this have to do with anything!?! Let's look at scripture:

   "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care 
    of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." 
    (Jeremiah 29:11, MSG) 

   "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first 
    and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he 
    has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin 
    to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to 
    finish’? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does 
    not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand 
    to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or 
    else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation 
    and asks conditions of peace." (Luke 14: 28-32, NKJV)

Taking scripture out of context? These scriptures represent differing approaches to the subject of 'plan'. What has any of this to do with you? The answer to the first of your questions is 'no', not out of context - it indicates the Lord's intent for us in our day... and future. Plans are important. They given us the framework in which to 'operate' in our day and to make certain that the important and essential is not lost.

The answer to the second question is 'yes'. This demonstrates the overriding principle of 'plans'. If we don't seek the Lord in our day so that we focus on the essential and/or if we don't consider the various options available and which is the best approach, then how do we assess our 'success', accomplishment? Plans
are our maps, our shortest distance to the goal - the structure. However, these can always be changed, altered, etc. but not if there aren't any plans to start with.

The answer to the third question is one only you can answer. No one can force you to make your plans in your day. However, you are subject to the vagaries of the day if you have no foundation or structure from which to act. People who automatically respond with their life is spontaneous and not planned don't really understand their possibilities. Serendipitous can occur in any situation and always becomes an option. 

There are over 17 verses that speak to the issue of 'plans': (ESV)

   "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
    (Proverbs 16:3)

   "May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!" 
    (Psalm 20:4)

   "For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his 
    servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7)

The point is, plans enhance and not detract. 

Preaching to the choir

Often used as a backhanded 'compliment' or a put down. Not necessarily fair. The functions this serves are: 1- you are also hearing what you are saying to others thus confirming what you believe, 2- you build up confidence in yourself as well as the listener about what is important and valued, 3- if not contradicted by the listener, it appears that you have a fellow-believer... plus I suspect other positive aspects. Never be hasty in applying this to what you or the other person is saying.

Why is this done... often? A number of potential reasons spring to mind: 1- discovering and hearing if what you say is truly what you believe, 2- because this is an opportunity to build up your confidence as well as encouraging the listener, and ... A different question is are you speaking from a foundation of confidence or are you really asking a question? How do you react to a listener who either doesn't agree or asks a probing question? Are you challenged... or threatened?

Quite honestly, I believe 'preaching to the choir' often gets a bad rap. There IS value in doing this - for both the speaker and listener(s) because for the listener it either confirms what they believe or causes them to rethink what it is they know and believe. Obviously, this depends on how they hear. Is the speaker challenging or even threatening what the listener believes, asking questions, presenting a new thought, or... The speaker's 'how' is critically important for both the speaker and listener(s).

'Preaching' is a form of hearing loud and clear what you know and believe and stand on. It confirms you to you... as well as your listener(s). But it also imparts a message as strong as your behavior. Because your actions have to confirm your beliefs. This typically is never pre-planned, it happens spontaneously in the moment. Somehow I think that what is said now truly represents the heart of the speaker and what they intentionally do and value. 

Repent, Reverse, Respond,

That's the point, yes? If we repent of our words and/or actions, surely our 'proof' of our change is a firm vow not to repeat. And then we need to produce fruit from the change (Matthew 3:8). Otherwise, why would we say we are sorry? Do we even mean this? Or is it only a temporary bandage to get through the time of our 'exposure'?

Wrong question. Dealing with fault or fault-finding shouldn't be our first thought, or action. Our initial focus should be on resolution - on discovering and developing the best response to (fill in the blank - issue/crisis). I sometimes wonder if discovering the 'culprit' isn't a kind of smoke screen because we don't know what to do. Rarely the point. And rushing in to 'put your finger in the seeping dike' rarely is effective. If nothing else, exhibiting calm and reason has to be in evidence.

You aren't convinced you were in the wrong... so why should it be your responsibility? Somewhere in your heart and/or mind, there must be a sense that you aren't entirely innocent in this current situation. But never say you are sorry, if you have no intention of rethinking what your words/behavior (or lack) produced. People can read insincerity in a heart beat and then you've done more damage the initial act/word.

It is always OUR decision on when/how we repent and change: our response and how we reverse and change the 'damage'; with no clear intention on our part to change, improve (fill in the blank) then we need to go back to the beginning. It really is critical to discern what we did that contributed to the current situation. Remember too that when our words and actions are against The Father and His principles, that the seriousness increases. Giving more 'food for thought' check https://www.icr.org/article/seven-results-repentance/  
   
    "Bring forth therefore fruits in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8).

Who, What, How, Why

   "... 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 4:15-16, ESV - highlighting/underlining, mine)

You do realize that this is for you, for me, for all of us who have accepted and acknowledged Jesus as our Lord? Read the other scriptures: 1 Corinthians 14:1,39, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6. Galatians 5:22-23 and Romans 12:6-8. IF, after reading these scriptures you aren't convinced of who you are, how you are equipped and enabled, what you need to be and do... I don't think you want to know. 

And yes, that was harsh. We are living in the last days and we need to put our emotions under the control of our spirit. It's way past time to wait on a more propitious time.

   "Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? 
    Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for 
    harvest." (John 4:35)

Exactly what are we waiting on? And why? When you have the words of life given by our Lord (John 6:60-71) what more do we need? Ohhh... you don't feel 'called' to do this? Or you don't feel equipped, enabled to fulfill the responsibility? Excuses really don't wash well.

When I speak this harshly, I'm also talking to myself. The Ephesians' verses speak to WE doing the doing about growing. It speaks to WE who equip the body (church) when we work our part. Again, we each have a role, a part. And though I am repeating myself - read 1 Corinthians 12 again and over and over again until it so energizes you with confidence that you know you can be His Ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

Seriously. We are living in the end times... but, even if we weren't, we are equipped and enabled to fulfill our part in strengthening the body for the work of service. In taking that hesitant, even less than confident, step we find we are able to do what's necessary. What's at hand? That's what you are called to at this moment in time. 

One and done

Do we really believe this? Especially with those fundamental and foundational areas in our lives... are any really one and done? OK, some things can be one and done, like salvation. As long as salvation is defined in terms of the beginning and not the end of this life change. I believe that most things that are important, essential in and to our lives are always in a state of process. We are always becoming...

Is it our need for 'closure' that inclines us toward believing in one and done? Perhaps. If so, then we need a paradigm shift to realizing it is process that defines our growth and growing. And the following verses explain: 

   "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my 
    ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the 
    earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts 
    than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8–9) 

   "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we 
    ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be 
    glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, 
    forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20–21)

If on no other verses in scripture, these are my foundations for believing that we live in a learning lab, that our lives are marked by understanding, growth, and appreciation of who we are, who we are becoming, and whose we are, and that all things associated with life is a process. Our need for closure takes second place to the realization that when we close a door, we may be missing a greater understanding. Life is like an onion - we are always unwrapping one layer after another.

Our need for closure/one and done doesn't need to dictate our thinking and behavior. We can choose to expand how we go about our learning and how we incorporate new understandings. I don't believe that we 'throw the baby out with the bathwater', that is just counter-productive. We build. That's how our learning advances in all areas. We build on our 1+1=2 until it grows into algebra or calculus... and even then, we don't stop. We keep adding to our understandings so that we act in confidence and speak with the understanding that marks our confidence. 

His 'representative'

   "...so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My 
    representative] He may give to you." (John 15:15, AMP)

Started with the 'why'. Actually, the context is John 15:15-17, MSG.

   "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 you 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. You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put 
    you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, 
    whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. But 
    remember the root command: Love one another."

Whenever you are a representative... you are acting on the principles and practices of that person. So... are you? Actually, I believe that this is the single most important quality you can display as a representative. What you say, how you say it and how your behavior reinforces this speaks the loudest about why you are a representative. And... you can't do it only for the promise that Jesus provides with His comment in John 15:15. This really isn't a 'do to get' basis of action. However... we do receive so much.

Point here is that we have been given a great opportunity (to be His representative) with a tremendous promises: joy, love, friends, chosen, fruit bearers, etc. Our choice. Our decision. Soooo... what's stopping us from acting this way? Again, multiple reasons: fear (which isn't from the Lord), a sense of unworthiness (not the point, we are but we are also a new creation), not knowing what to do next (answer: what's at your hand), not feeling prepared to do (fill in the blank - again irrelevant since He never calls us to something that we can't do and He equips and enables us for success). 

I could go on but the point is that we aren't 'forced' into being His representative, but since we always, by our actions and words, do represent someone - if not the Lord... then who? And why? Different question: if you can't believe in yourself (yet), will you believe in the Lord and what He says? Can you trust, make that TRUST, that when you take that first action step you will see that everything you need is present? Remember... the Lord wants the best for you and is always available.

The hole

I read, heard that we all have a hole in us... and, that the only thing that fills up or satisfies is God. Believe this? I do. I think that many of us try to fill the hole with everything we can think of... fame, fortune, multiple people/places/things, etc. But nothing ever seems to fully satisfy, to end the hunger and thirst... except God. I know we fight this, or at least many of us do, but quite honestly, nothing does bring a closure to the hole apart from God. Fanciful? Don't think so.

Though I was brought up in a Christian home and was very involved in my church, I knew, felt something was missing. I did attempt to fill it with those things that I thought would meet the need. It didn't. So what was I missing? And more important, what could I do? The path really was relationship - though I didn't realize it then. Did I turn to the Lord then? Probably not.

I know that the popular belief is that there are many paths. Not. At least in terms of the destination - that is always the same. Paths that refer to how we get to the destination, now that I do believe. I also realize that the 'only one destination' flies in the face of current practice/belief and is far from being 'politically correct' (but what does that mean and does it matter?). No. Unapologetically, they are wrong. There is only one destination and that is with the way - Jesus. He is our entrance to relationship with the Father.

We don't need to live with that unfulfilled feeling. We are invited into a living relationship with the Lord. He doesn't want us to live a lacking life. Once we know what the answer is, then it's our decision on how to respond to the Lord's invitation, whether to accept Jesus as our Lord. Actually this is a no-brainer once we consider what we receive when we accept this gift. However, it is us who have to accept and take that step toward our new, fruitful, and fulfilling life.