Have you ever asked yourself if you’ve done anything to 'validate' your birth and potential? I will always argue that I believe we all are born with potential. Do you believe this? The next question is - do you know what your potential is related to? Are you fulfilling it? One of the first pieces of evidences to your answer to those 2 questions are: does being you make you feel pleased with you? If not, then your potential is not being actualized.
Passion. Whatever your passion is will be highly related to your potential. There are those who believe that if it is something that is meaningful to us that this would not be God’s will for our life. The argument is that if we are able to accomplish (fill in the blank) then the Lord doesn’t get the glory because it is in our own effort then ….
One: do you really believe the Lord is that vain? Answer - no. Two: would the Lord waste what He’s already placed in us. Answer- no.Third: wherever in scripture is there evidence supporting that view. Answer - none. I would argue that the Lord is honored when we deflect our praise to Him. When we are doing what's in our hearts to the best of our ability, then we are validating who we are and why we are where are. I believe the Lord is honored when we act as His representatives and make that a known part of who we are. In other words, when we witness to the world we live in, Whose we are and why.
Passion, Potential, and Validation occur as we express and grow in Him to become all we can be. But I don't believe validation occurs apart from our passion and potential. When we submit to the potter all we are then He can make us vessels that has His imprint in our lives. He tells us that apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15;5)... but why would we want to? He equips and enables us to be our best, we are always a work in progress, and as we bring to Him all that we have and are - our lives are enhanced and enriched because we can be fruitful - which is fulfilling.
The goal for this mindset is found in Colossians 1:19, AMP
"...so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying
admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully]
please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily
growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and
fervent love for His precepts];"
With is as a foundation then passion and potential have their expression and we are validated.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Monday, October 28, 2019
Zeal
Is the same passion,the same zeal that marked you when you were saved still expressed in who you are and what you do? If the passion isn’t still marking your life...what is? And what happened to that passion??? Do you miss it? (Not a silly question.) Passion is really a necessary ‘ingredient’ in how we live in our days. Without the passion, everything is a bit... drudgy. Passion provides the foundation to meet the day.
How do you define 'zeal'? I tend to describe it as the expressive part of passion. Webster says: "...eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something ..." However, the following definition expands the understanding:
"PASSION, FERVOR, ARDOR, ENTHUSIASM, ZEAL mean intense
emotion compelling action.
PASSION applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or
ungovernable. (was a slave to his passions,) ...
ZEAL implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or
devotion to a cause. (preaches with fanatical zeal)
Granted there is a strong relationship between these two words, however there are also subtle differences.
Scripture indicates over 40 verses related to zeal:
"For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in
accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God's
righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not
subject themselves to the righteousness of God." (Romans 10:2-4)
"For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of
salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance
[for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak." (Isaiah 59:17)
"For zeal for your house has consumed me..." (Psalm 69:9)
"...who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every
lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous
for good works." (Titus 2:14)
From these scriptures we can begin to understand more about zeal and the power and strength of zeal. But how do we display it? How would others (and ourselves) recognize the expression of zeal?
To be honest, I think we instinctively know our own level of zeal. Because I also believe that zeal can grow. It's when we are 'in our element' that we sense the expansion of zeal and that gives us a stronger basis to express. But I also believe that it is passion that begins this journey. Passion underscores our zeal.
How do you define 'zeal'? I tend to describe it as the expressive part of passion. Webster says: "...eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something ..." However, the following definition expands the understanding:
"PASSION, FERVOR, ARDOR, ENTHUSIASM, ZEAL mean intense
emotion compelling action.
PASSION applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or
ungovernable. (was a slave to his passions,) ...
ZEAL implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or
devotion to a cause. (preaches with fanatical zeal)
Granted there is a strong relationship between these two words, however there are also subtle differences.
Scripture indicates over 40 verses related to zeal:
"For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in
accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God's
righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not
subject themselves to the righteousness of God." (Romans 10:2-4)
"For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of
salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance
[for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak." (Isaiah 59:17)
"For zeal for your house has consumed me..." (Psalm 69:9)
"...who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every
lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous
for good works." (Titus 2:14)
From these scriptures we can begin to understand more about zeal and the power and strength of zeal. But how do we display it? How would others (and ourselves) recognize the expression of zeal?
To be honest, I think we instinctively know our own level of zeal. Because I also believe that zeal can grow. It's when we are 'in our element' that we sense the expansion of zeal and that gives us a stronger basis to express. But I also believe that it is passion that begins this journey. Passion underscores our zeal.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Grace
"For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing
you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from
judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is
not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved,
gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts
to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in
any way [for his salvation]. For we are His workmanship [His own master
work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above --
spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works,
which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so
that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged
and made ready for us]. (Ephesians 2:8-10, AMP)
Grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor]. What a heady concept. One of the first realization we come to is that it has absolutely nothing to do with us - what we do or don't do, say or don't say, whether we think we 'deserve' it or not. It is completely God's. And He chooses to give this to His people. And because it is NOT of us, when we receive it, it is imperative that we recognize the Giver and His gift to us.
The next realization is that it is based in faith. I doubt we would even see the Lord's grace in our lives apart from faith. It is not based in our works so that we can never say salvation was 'earned' or 'deserved' by us. No boast, no credit. The bottom line, the purpose is the next sentence - "For we are His workmanship... read to be used for good works which GOD PREPARED..." I've always been awed by that sentence.
Can you wrap your head around the fact that WE, you and I, are HIS workmanship ready to be used for good works!? We have, because we are a new creature (2 Corinthians) and are renewing our minds, We... have a place, a role to fulfill in God's plan. Can there be any greater purpose? Can you aspire to a greater calling?
This is all the result of grace. But it is also our context. It's not necessary to always try and 'do it myself'. Yes, we do have our own free will and yes, we can accomplish many things on our own - but in the essential and eternal issues of life, it is God's grace that helps us grow, and be, and do. Google's definition:
"Grace is a gift from Heavenly Father given through His Son, Jesus
Christ. The word grace, as used in the scriptures, refers primarily
to enabling power and spiritual healing offered through the mercy
and love of Jesus Christ. ... The grace of God helps us every day."
The refrain in Julia Johnston's song says it all:
"Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!"
you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from
judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is
not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved,
gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts
to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in
any way [for his salvation]. For we are His workmanship [His own master
work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above --
spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works,
which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so
that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged
and made ready for us]. (Ephesians 2:8-10, AMP)
Grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor]. What a heady concept. One of the first realization we come to is that it has absolutely nothing to do with us - what we do or don't do, say or don't say, whether we think we 'deserve' it or not. It is completely God's. And He chooses to give this to His people. And because it is NOT of us, when we receive it, it is imperative that we recognize the Giver and His gift to us.
The next realization is that it is based in faith. I doubt we would even see the Lord's grace in our lives apart from faith. It is not based in our works so that we can never say salvation was 'earned' or 'deserved' by us. No boast, no credit. The bottom line, the purpose is the next sentence - "For we are His workmanship... read to be used for good works which GOD PREPARED..." I've always been awed by that sentence.
Can you wrap your head around the fact that WE, you and I, are HIS workmanship ready to be used for good works!? We have, because we are a new creature (2 Corinthians) and are renewing our minds, We... have a place, a role to fulfill in God's plan. Can there be any greater purpose? Can you aspire to a greater calling?
This is all the result of grace. But it is also our context. It's not necessary to always try and 'do it myself'. Yes, we do have our own free will and yes, we can accomplish many things on our own - but in the essential and eternal issues of life, it is God's grace that helps us grow, and be, and do. Google's definition:
"Grace is a gift from Heavenly Father given through His Son, Jesus
Christ. The word grace, as used in the scriptures, refers primarily
to enabling power and spiritual healing offered through the mercy
and love of Jesus Christ. ... The grace of God helps us every day."
The refrain in Julia Johnston's song says it all:
"Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!"
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Life isn’t simple
Nor is it 'easy'. And accepting Jesus isn’t a free ride nor does it exempt us from problems. Jesus tells us in John 16:33, MSG:
"I’ve told you all this so that trusting Me, you will be unshakable
and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue
to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
Accepting Jesus as Lord truly is the only way, the only answer. If you want to be free from the anguish... never forget that He said would never leave or forsake us... He will always be with us. And ... in the statement by Jesus, He also provides us with a promise - He HAS conquered, past tense. He also brings understanding - He knows what we experience (Hebrews 4:14-16). What we bring is our trust. And in return we receive unshakable, assured, peace. Rather an excellent exchange.
Nowhere in scripture does it tell us that life will get easier when we accept the lordship of Jesus... but it does tell us what we should expect and what we do receive. By reading scripture we build ourselves up by knowing who we are and how we can meet the challenges that we face. Life is not made easier, but we do receive the strength to... stand! (Ephesians 6:11-18)
There are other scriptures that speak of our life in this world that should also encourage us, most notable James 1:2-8. Actually, the more I think about 'free ride' we do experience this in the now every time we stand on the scriptures in John, Hebrews, Ephesians, and James. They give us our defense necessary to be effective in our world. We aren't here on a free ride but when we consider our equipping then we have everything we need to be victorious and successful!
"I’ve told you all this so that trusting Me, you will be unshakable
and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue
to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
Accepting Jesus as Lord truly is the only way, the only answer. If you want to be free from the anguish... never forget that He said would never leave or forsake us... He will always be with us. And ... in the statement by Jesus, He also provides us with a promise - He HAS conquered, past tense. He also brings understanding - He knows what we experience (Hebrews 4:14-16). What we bring is our trust. And in return we receive unshakable, assured, peace. Rather an excellent exchange.
Nowhere in scripture does it tell us that life will get easier when we accept the lordship of Jesus... but it does tell us what we should expect and what we do receive. By reading scripture we build ourselves up by knowing who we are and how we can meet the challenges that we face. Life is not made easier, but we do receive the strength to... stand! (Ephesians 6:11-18)
There are other scriptures that speak of our life in this world that should also encourage us, most notable James 1:2-8. Actually, the more I think about 'free ride' we do experience this in the now every time we stand on the scriptures in John, Hebrews, Ephesians, and James. They give us our defense necessary to be effective in our world. We aren't here on a free ride but when we consider our equipping then we have everything we need to be victorious and successful!
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Unsuccessful
What do you do when, despite all your good actions, you aren't met with success? Pout? Complain? Give up? Whine? What is it you typically do? And if your response to those reactions is ineffective ... Then what? One reality we should always remember is that we may not always be successful in what we do - for a variety of reasons, and that not all are within our ability to direct/control. This is not an excuse - fact.
But, you - what do you do when you aren't successful? Obviously, I'd like to consider myself a most logical, rational person who takes a proactive approach in all situations... not. However, I do come around sooner than later to look at the situation as dispassionately as possible. Sometimes I discovered that I missed a critical step, other times that the results were truly out of my control, and myriad of other discoveries. The point is if we don't analyze the what and why (and this is when success occurs as well) of the results, we limit our learning and understanding.
There is the 'myth' that we learn more from our mistakes than our victories. Probably, but that's also the result of not analyzing our successes. It is critical to analyze our unsuccesses (not a word, but should be) to know what we can learn about preparing and being attentive to any 'spanner in the works'. Once we put our plan into the action step, we really should never leave it to its own devices. If we are attentive as the plan plays out, then we can adjust as we continue the process rather than doing an autopsy at the end.
One of our primary learnings is this last point - being attentive to any force or influence that occurs as we progress. Common sense. The other critical point, in my opinion, is that unless your project is a solo situation you need to include those who are involved in the project. I know I've discussed this before, but it bears repeating - those who are involved and are responsible for the success of (fill in the blank) need to have ownership as well. If they are only going through their paces, you won't have the dedication to detail you need.
Success and unsuccess are equally important to our learning... when we take the time. It is true that some projects are doomed from the start but if we are coupling analysis with development, then we can correct issues prior to them being the 'telling of the tale'.
But, you - what do you do when you aren't successful? Obviously, I'd like to consider myself a most logical, rational person who takes a proactive approach in all situations... not. However, I do come around sooner than later to look at the situation as dispassionately as possible. Sometimes I discovered that I missed a critical step, other times that the results were truly out of my control, and myriad of other discoveries. The point is if we don't analyze the what and why (and this is when success occurs as well) of the results, we limit our learning and understanding.
There is the 'myth' that we learn more from our mistakes than our victories. Probably, but that's also the result of not analyzing our successes. It is critical to analyze our unsuccesses (not a word, but should be) to know what we can learn about preparing and being attentive to any 'spanner in the works'. Once we put our plan into the action step, we really should never leave it to its own devices. If we are attentive as the plan plays out, then we can adjust as we continue the process rather than doing an autopsy at the end.
One of our primary learnings is this last point - being attentive to any force or influence that occurs as we progress. Common sense. The other critical point, in my opinion, is that unless your project is a solo situation you need to include those who are involved in the project. I know I've discussed this before, but it bears repeating - those who are involved and are responsible for the success of (fill in the blank) need to have ownership as well. If they are only going through their paces, you won't have the dedication to detail you need.
Success and unsuccess are equally important to our learning... when we take the time. It is true that some projects are doomed from the start but if we are coupling analysis with development, then we can correct issues prior to them being the 'telling of the tale'.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
More
Recently I've been thinking about 'more of God'. Knowing, understanding more of the who and how of the Lord. We really do need to understand the who of the Lord, but we also need to know how to express this. Then the rabbit trail took me to the question of... if we don't apply and act on what we already know, will there be room for 'more'? What will we do with the 'more' when we aren't expressing our already known?
"(prayer by Paul) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the
knowledge of Him," (Ephesians 1:17)
"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most
important thing about us. --- We tend by a secret law of the soul to
move toward our mental image of God.”
(A.W Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy [Harper & Row], p. 9)
'More' needs a context and this scripture plus the Tozer quote gives the best definition and context of 'more' that I could find. If it isn't yours, then you need to know what yours is. Equally important is to understand how 'more' is expressed.
Obviously, one of the components in this is your motivation for wanting 'more'. If you want more then why, what are you going to do with further, deeper understanding? I don't have your answer, but for me, the reason I want more is that I become a better me, that understanding and growth is expressed, and I want the foundation of my expression to be the Lord and who I am becoming. Though it may sound like an obvious statement... I also want more to be visible in my relationship with the Lord.Vague?
I do believe that wanting 'more' of the Lord is a positive. It is part of parcel of our daily search, growth in my world. This is because it is a high priority and part of what defines my day.
"As Paul wrote (Col. 2:6), “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus
the Lord, so walk in Him.” We received Him by faith, and so we should
walk daily by faith in Him. And we should love one another, as He
commanded us."
(bible.org/seriespage/lesson-9-knowing-god-more-deeply-ephesians-1:15-17)
"(prayer by Paul) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the
knowledge of Him," (Ephesians 1:17)
"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most
important thing about us. --- We tend by a secret law of the soul to
move toward our mental image of God.”
(A.W Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy [Harper & Row], p. 9)
'More' needs a context and this scripture plus the Tozer quote gives the best definition and context of 'more' that I could find. If it isn't yours, then you need to know what yours is. Equally important is to understand how 'more' is expressed.
Obviously, one of the components in this is your motivation for wanting 'more'. If you want more then why, what are you going to do with further, deeper understanding? I don't have your answer, but for me, the reason I want more is that I become a better me, that understanding and growth is expressed, and I want the foundation of my expression to be the Lord and who I am becoming. Though it may sound like an obvious statement... I also want more to be visible in my relationship with the Lord.Vague?
I do believe that wanting 'more' of the Lord is a positive. It is part of parcel of our daily search, growth in my world. This is because it is a high priority and part of what defines my day.
"As Paul wrote (Col. 2:6), “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus
the Lord, so walk in Him.” We received Him by faith, and so we should
walk daily by faith in Him. And we should love one another, as He
commanded us."
(bible.org/seriespage/lesson-9-knowing-god-more-deeply-ephesians-1:15-17)
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Profound
Know what that word means? I've always said that my writing was not deep theological thought. But I have also not defined the word so I may have to rethink what or how I characterize my writing. Profound, according to Webster:
"having intellectual depth and insight; difficult to fathom or understand;
characterized by intensity of feeling or quality..."
Not too certain what that tells us. Is wisdom profound? Maybe. But wisdom can also be 'common place' and profound is beyond that. But when I typed into Google search scripture verses related to profound, I discovered that the verses may or may not have anything that defines the word, many times related to the word - strength. Perhaps, it's a word that is individually defined/discovered.?
Important? Or only a mental exercise? For me, it's important and my journey began in John 14:26
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My
name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance
all that I said to you..."
Then I went to 1 Corinthians 2
"...your faith should not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of
God. (v 5)... But God has revealed them (v. 9) to us through His Spirit.
For the Spirit of God searches all things, yes the deep thing of God." (v.10)
...Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit
who is from God, so that we may know and understand the [wonderful]
things freely given to us by God." (v. 12, AMP)
Seeing a theme? There is one - the Holy Spirit. I'm beginning to think that part of His job is to make the profound understandable. He helps us, reminds us, teaches us, reveals to us the deeper things of God - making the profound part of our wisdom. But I also believe that this is our choice... we can walk in the deeper things of God but it takes our involvement (study, prayer, etc.). Do you want to commit to discovering the profound? If so, then you must take those steps that will allow you to understand.
And yes, I realize that all I've accomplished is a basic start. But... there is a path, there is a person available to help us if we do want to grow, and it is attainable. Read again verse 12 and apply it for yourself. Each new understanding is initially profound because we didn't know. The only caveat I can see in this particular adventure is that we can't become complacent and we should never diminish any new learning but give it an honored place in our understanding.
"having intellectual depth and insight; difficult to fathom or understand;
characterized by intensity of feeling or quality..."
Not too certain what that tells us. Is wisdom profound? Maybe. But wisdom can also be 'common place' and profound is beyond that. But when I typed into Google search scripture verses related to profound, I discovered that the verses may or may not have anything that defines the word, many times related to the word - strength. Perhaps, it's a word that is individually defined/discovered.?
Important? Or only a mental exercise? For me, it's important and my journey began in John 14:26
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My
name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance
all that I said to you..."
Then I went to 1 Corinthians 2
"...your faith should not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of
God. (v 5)... But God has revealed them (v. 9) to us through His Spirit.
For the Spirit of God searches all things, yes the deep thing of God." (v.10)
...Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit
who is from God, so that we may know and understand the [wonderful]
things freely given to us by God." (v. 12, AMP)
Seeing a theme? There is one - the Holy Spirit. I'm beginning to think that part of His job is to make the profound understandable. He helps us, reminds us, teaches us, reveals to us the deeper things of God - making the profound part of our wisdom. But I also believe that this is our choice... we can walk in the deeper things of God but it takes our involvement (study, prayer, etc.). Do you want to commit to discovering the profound? If so, then you must take those steps that will allow you to understand.
And yes, I realize that all I've accomplished is a basic start. But... there is a path, there is a person available to help us if we do want to grow, and it is attainable. Read again verse 12 and apply it for yourself. Each new understanding is initially profound because we didn't know. The only caveat I can see in this particular adventure is that we can't become complacent and we should never diminish any new learning but give it an honored place in our understanding.
Monday, October 7, 2019
BURDEN
I would argue that the biggest burden we try and carry is one that we don't need to. That burden is identified and is two-fold: unconfessed sin and accepting forgiveness for confessed sin. There are a number of scriptures that speak to this, among them: 1 Peter 5:6-7, Psalms 55:22, 34:15, etc.
“If you hide your sins, you will not succeed. If you confess and
reject them, you will receive mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)
“You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything
I do. Lord, even before I say a word, you already know it." (Psalm 139:3-7)
“Everything that is hidden will be shown, and everything that is
secret will be made known.” (Luke 12:2)
“Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. Everything is
clear and lies open before him, and to him we must explain the
way we have lived.” (Hebrews 4:13)
So what is our responsibility? Hiding or holding on to the burden of sin only increases our anxiety or frustration. If we feel far from God, this could be the reason. What to do?
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves
and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then
I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal
their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Unconfessed sin doesn't need to control us. Neither does our confessed sin doesn't need to hold us in bondage. These few verses identify what occurs when we try and hide our sins. Simply - it never works. Then it tells us what to do - confess.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our
sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
This one verse alone says it all. It tells us what the Lord does... but it is WE who have to accept our forgiveness and walk on. Sadly, too often we hold on to that feeling (feeling because it isn't fact, truth), many times abetted by the devil. We HAVE to walk in our forgiveness - it will also remind us not to repeat and it might also remind us to extend mercy to those who wrong us.
"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof..." (Matthew 6:34)... we don't need to add unnecessary burden to this.
“If you hide your sins, you will not succeed. If you confess and
reject them, you will receive mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)
“You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything
I do. Lord, even before I say a word, you already know it." (Psalm 139:3-7)
“Everything that is hidden will be shown, and everything that is
secret will be made known.” (Luke 12:2)
“Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. Everything is
clear and lies open before him, and to him we must explain the
way we have lived.” (Hebrews 4:13)
So what is our responsibility? Hiding or holding on to the burden of sin only increases our anxiety or frustration. If we feel far from God, this could be the reason. What to do?
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves
and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then
I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal
their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Unconfessed sin doesn't need to control us. Neither does our confessed sin doesn't need to hold us in bondage. These few verses identify what occurs when we try and hide our sins. Simply - it never works. Then it tells us what to do - confess.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our
sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
This one verse alone says it all. It tells us what the Lord does... but it is WE who have to accept our forgiveness and walk on. Sadly, too often we hold on to that feeling (feeling because it isn't fact, truth), many times abetted by the devil. We HAVE to walk in our forgiveness - it will also remind us not to repeat and it might also remind us to extend mercy to those who wrong us.
"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof..." (Matthew 6:34)... we don't need to add unnecessary burden to this.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Layers -
Perhaps a bit of a 'duh' but understanding is based in learnings. The next 'duh' is that this is never one and done, it is always a continuous discovery, thus in layers. You do appreciate that when it comes to the essential and eternal, you never learn and understand everything about (fill in the blank) all at once. We are always expanding our learning and building upon it. My simple example is math. In first grade you began with the basics: adding and subtracting. Then you add multiplying and dividing and by the time you graduate high school you've added a great deal to those first basic understandings. And, as you apply your learnings and understandings you grow.
This is true as you begin your walk as a Christian. You aren't expected to know it all. Scripture tells us to:
"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)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is
the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
(Romans 12:2, ESV)
"...that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all
spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner
worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every
good work and increasing in the knowledge of God..."
(Colossians 1:9-10, ESV)
And those are only 3 examples. But you don't begin by 'knowing it all'. That's why fellowshipping is so important as is reading and studying the word and prayer. Our entire life is enriched by all that we do to become all that we can be and act on Paul's prayer in Ephesians 4 (ESV). When you read this prayer you can see that YOU have a part.
"...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the
body of Christ,... (v. 12) ...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. (v. 16)"
Just remember that this doesn't occur overnight and certainly not without your involvement. You are the one that peals back the layers to grow, to see, to understand - line upon line, precept upon precept (Isaiah 28:10, ESV).
This is true as you begin your walk as a Christian. You aren't expected to know it all. Scripture tells us to:
"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)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is
the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
(Romans 12:2, ESV)
"...that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all
spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner
worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every
good work and increasing in the knowledge of God..."
(Colossians 1:9-10, ESV)
And those are only 3 examples. But you don't begin by 'knowing it all'. That's why fellowshipping is so important as is reading and studying the word and prayer. Our entire life is enriched by all that we do to become all that we can be and act on Paul's prayer in Ephesians 4 (ESV). When you read this prayer you can see that YOU have a part.
"...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the
body of Christ,... (v. 12) ...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. (v. 16)"
Just remember that this doesn't occur overnight and certainly not without your involvement. You are the one that peals back the layers to grow, to see, to understand - line upon line, precept upon precept (Isaiah 28:10, ESV).
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