First, you should never be surprised when your faith is tested. But do make the distinction between 'test' and 'temp'. The devil is always placing temptations in our way. He would love to prove to us that we really aren't saved and never will be. His ways are lies and deceptions which we do fall for at times. Do remember though, that the Lord NEVER temps us, but He will test. Too often our shame gets in our way and we don't choose the simplest path - confession to cleansing (1 John 1:9). However, when it isn't a temptation but a test... how do we respond?
"...rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you
have been distressed by various trials, so that the genuineness of your
faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even
though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your]
praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
(1Peter 1: 6-7, AMP)
And remember that testing is for OUR good - we prove to ourselves that our faith is strong (or needs strengthening). Point being that we should never be surprised at challenges, but the bottom line really is - NO ONE CAN TAKE YOUR FAITH FROM YOU. You can't lose it either... or misplace it. You can walk away from it, but this is always a conscious decision.
"Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you
fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through
experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner
peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work,
so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith],
lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, AMP)
Count it joy?! I suspect that the 'joy' comes from how you define and view 'trials'. While they may not be particularly pleasant at the moment, as you move through the trial to success (and yes, success as the end result is my definition; it relates to understanding as much as anything) and see what has transpired, how the trial occurred and how you responded... then joy can become the reaction to all that. And it also says - we will be lacking in nothing!!!!!
Also, look at the next sentence... 'BE ASSURED'. To me, that's a promise that though my faith may be tested, there is a positive result - 'produces endurance' and prepares me. Tests are designed to help us actually know what we know and how to act on that. There not designed to shame or embarrass us but to help us grow and mature, and only our attitude will make the difference.
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Struggles
And there 'they' are. Didn't ask for them. Totally unwanted. But they come anyway. Probably, because we attach too much significance to them... yes? Regardless, they rarely go away of their own accord. And, rarely do they do so willingly. Soooo, when they come - what do you do? I suspect it could be argued that when struggles come, we feel like we have the weight of the world on our shoulders... that no one really understands us or what we are facing. Yes? Tell me... does this mindset help you in resolving your struggles? Of course not. Yet we all do this.
Struggles are a fact of life. But... they don't have to be viewed negatively. They can be excellent 'teachers'. You can learn about you, about how you handle your struggles, if they are mountain or molehill struggles, etc. There are learnings, if you want them. Truth is... sometimes we don't know what it is that we are struggling about. Sometimes it seems that we are beset on all sides! In these times, I tend to search scripture when I need an answer to a problem, and especially so when it comes to struggling. (Admittedly I do quote these scriptures in a variety of places... but they are answers.)
"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." (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
"More than that, 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)
"But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is
made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more
gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon
me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses,
insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak,
then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV)
The 'bell ringer for me is:
"We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed;
perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair;"
(2 Corinthians 4:3, AMP)
Obviously, we can always choose those self-defeating attitudes and behaviors that only compound our struggles or we can stop. Stopping affords us an opportunity to catch our breath and then proactively begin to look at our struggle and resolve it.
When we look at the last scripture we see that it is an 'attitude' issue as well as a 'problem'. When we tackle our attitude issues first then we are better equipped to resolve the struggle. Struggling is an 'is', we don't seem to be able to escape, however we also don't need to over-emphasize or lose our perspective. We have been made conquerors, so we can overcome, we can resolve. We Are Able!
Struggles are a fact of life. But... they don't have to be viewed negatively. They can be excellent 'teachers'. You can learn about you, about how you handle your struggles, if they are mountain or molehill struggles, etc. There are learnings, if you want them. Truth is... sometimes we don't know what it is that we are struggling about. Sometimes it seems that we are beset on all sides! In these times, I tend to search scripture when I need an answer to a problem, and especially so when it comes to struggling. (Admittedly I do quote these scriptures in a variety of places... but they are answers.)
"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." (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
"More than that, 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)
"But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is
made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more
gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon
me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses,
insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak,
then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV)
The 'bell ringer for me is:
"We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed;
perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair;"
(2 Corinthians 4:3, AMP)
Obviously, we can always choose those self-defeating attitudes and behaviors that only compound our struggles or we can stop. Stopping affords us an opportunity to catch our breath and then proactively begin to look at our struggle and resolve it.
When we look at the last scripture we see that it is an 'attitude' issue as well as a 'problem'. When we tackle our attitude issues first then we are better equipped to resolve the struggle. Struggling is an 'is', we don't seem to be able to escape, however we also don't need to over-emphasize or lose our perspective. We have been made conquerors, so we can overcome, we can resolve. We Are Able!
Monday, March 23, 2020
Forgiveness is never 'deserved'
When you are the offending person, have you ever thought about the fact that forgiveness (form/by others) is never a 'deserved'. Simply saying you're sorry isn't enough. In many instances you need to 'prove' your words with changed behavior. Regardless, you can never demand or even expect that being forgiven is automatic even if we (hope) expect it. Now, flip the coin, and you are the one doing the forgiving. Do you (consciously or not) put a condition on you forgiving the other person? If you do then you are putting a requirement on your forgiveness.
Scripture has many verses about forgiving and forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 – "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Hebrews 8:12 – "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember
their sins no more."
Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While
we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
I specifically chose these three out of the countless number of verses because of what they demonstrate. 1 John gives us method, Hebrews states the finality of how the sins are forgiven, and Romans shows us that the Lord had a plan for us when we did sin.
Method: When we are the offender, we acknowledge our sins. Implicit in seeking forgiveness is the intentionality to not repeat the words/behaviors that cause the need for forgiveness. How: The Lord tells us that when He forgives, He will not remember what occurred. This tells us that we can't hold the sin over the others person's head - forgiveness is a finality. It also tells us that when we are seeking forgiveness for what we did, when we have done everything possible to seek redemption, our responsibility in the future is to intentionally not repeat but we can't continually hold our sin over our own head. And lastly, our primary method should be an attitude of extending forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:31-32 – "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling
and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind to one another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Mark 11:25 – "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have
anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven
may forgive you your trespasses.”
Never forget that this should be what you do, how, and why. Regardless, you can never expect this attitude from others because forgiveness is never automatic and never deserved.
Forgiveness is a gift... and an act of love.
Friday, March 20, 2020
Will there be faith?
"However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [this kind of
persistent] faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:7, AMP)
"So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for
His chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t He
stick up for them? I assure you, He will. He will not drag His feet.
But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man
find on the earth when He returns?” (Luke 18:7, MSG)
Notice the word, 'persistent' in these 2 translations of Luke 18:7. In many translations this word is not used nor even implied though both the Amplified and Message do. But also look at how the inclusion adds further depth to understanding the verse. Often this verse is referencing the Second Coming, and I think this context is accurate. Also, whether or not you believe we are living in the end times, the question remains: will you stand when it is posed and say, “Yes! I believe.” (Is there evidence that affirms this position for you?)
When I first read this verse, the question about faith intrigued me. However, in the intervening years, I do see just how valid this question is. Look around you, do you see faith touching lives daily? In what ways is faith evident in people's words and actions? In yours? The question is valid regardless of the times and should form some basis for how we act in our world.
'Faith' is not something we act on or speak about only when we are with fellow believers. If it isn't evident in all of our living, why? If faith isn't one of our strengths, it should be. Again I remind you of the whole armor of God explained in Ephesians 6. This is critical for the times we live in. It isn't something 'nice' to bring out and dust off occasionally.
"Above all, lift up the [protective] [a]shield of faith with which you can
extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." (Ephesians 6:16. AMP)
Faith is a weapon that we are to use ... not against people but against the strategies of the devil (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). And faith IS something that everyone and everything can see. Faith...Above all! Regardless of when the Lord returns, will He see us speaking and acting in faith?
persistent] faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:7, AMP)
"So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for
His chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t He
stick up for them? I assure you, He will. He will not drag His feet.
But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man
find on the earth when He returns?” (Luke 18:7, MSG)
Notice the word, 'persistent' in these 2 translations of Luke 18:7. In many translations this word is not used nor even implied though both the Amplified and Message do. But also look at how the inclusion adds further depth to understanding the verse. Often this verse is referencing the Second Coming, and I think this context is accurate. Also, whether or not you believe we are living in the end times, the question remains: will you stand when it is posed and say, “Yes! I believe.” (Is there evidence that affirms this position for you?)
When I first read this verse, the question about faith intrigued me. However, in the intervening years, I do see just how valid this question is. Look around you, do you see faith touching lives daily? In what ways is faith evident in people's words and actions? In yours? The question is valid regardless of the times and should form some basis for how we act in our world.
'Faith' is not something we act on or speak about only when we are with fellow believers. If it isn't evident in all of our living, why? If faith isn't one of our strengths, it should be. Again I remind you of the whole armor of God explained in Ephesians 6. This is critical for the times we live in. It isn't something 'nice' to bring out and dust off occasionally.
"Above all, lift up the [protective] [a]shield of faith with which you can
extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." (Ephesians 6:16. AMP)
Faith is a weapon that we are to use ... not against people but against the strategies of the devil (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). And faith IS something that everyone and everything can see. Faith...Above all! Regardless of when the Lord returns, will He see us speaking and acting in faith?
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
A good work
Have you ever considered yourself as a good work? Why not'? Look at what scripture says:
"I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has
begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete
it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]."
(Philippians 1:6, AMP)
"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 2:10, AMP)
If you notice nothing else, duly note the words: convinced, confident, continue, complete, and created. Points: 1- if you aren't convinced and confident then you will act with hesitancy or not at all. Paul was telling the new followers of Christianity that he, Paul, was convinced and confident in them. If he was, then they needed to be as well.
2- He's also letting them know that this is a process, and uses the words to emphasize that it would continue. Paul's letting them know that the work will be to perfect and complete them (a good work IN you) until the second coming of Jesus, His return. This is also a timing point - reinforcing that this is an ongoing activity to help them become their best.
So Question: do you believe this is true for you? That you are a work in progress, that the Lord is continuing to help you become all you can be? Are you confident that He will continue this, for you, until Jesus' return?
3- Who's doing the doing? Ephesians tells that we have been created in Christ Jesus. Obviously, this means that we didn't do the creating. And note that past tense - have been... reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used.
Why? For good works that God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Everything is ready. Everything is prepared. All that's necessary is for US to accept and walk in this. WE have been made a good work in order that we may do good works already at our hand. Think about this... remember
"A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit."
(Matthew 7:18, AMP)
And how were you created? Good. And the purpose? Good works. And through it all He is with us, helping and equipping us for good. The only question is: How will you respond?
"I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has
begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete
it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]."
(Philippians 1:6, AMP)
"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 2:10, AMP)
If you notice nothing else, duly note the words: convinced, confident, continue, complete, and created. Points: 1- if you aren't convinced and confident then you will act with hesitancy or not at all. Paul was telling the new followers of Christianity that he, Paul, was convinced and confident in them. If he was, then they needed to be as well.
2- He's also letting them know that this is a process, and uses the words to emphasize that it would continue. Paul's letting them know that the work will be to perfect and complete them (a good work IN you) until the second coming of Jesus, His return. This is also a timing point - reinforcing that this is an ongoing activity to help them become their best.
So Question: do you believe this is true for you? That you are a work in progress, that the Lord is continuing to help you become all you can be? Are you confident that He will continue this, for you, until Jesus' return?
3- Who's doing the doing? Ephesians tells that we have been created in Christ Jesus. Obviously, this means that we didn't do the creating. And note that past tense - have been... reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used.
Why? For good works that God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Everything is ready. Everything is prepared. All that's necessary is for US to accept and walk in this. WE have been made a good work in order that we may do good works already at our hand. Think about this... remember
"A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit."
(Matthew 7:18, AMP)
And how were you created? Good. And the purpose? Good works. And through it all He is with us, helping and equipping us for good. The only question is: How will you respond?
Saturday, March 14, 2020
But... it’s NOT my fault!
You know... sometimes it really isn’t your fault but you are caught in the blame fallout. That is incredibly frustrating. What this SHOULD teach us is that we should wait to point fingers or assess blame, because sometimes we aren't right or are basing our decisions/thinking on what others are telling us or what they think they know. In any blame assessing you should never do this based on second hand reports - get the facts first from all involved. If we don't like being on the end of wrong accusations, then we need to exercise some discretion on our too hasty accusation.
"A false accusation is as deadly as a sword, a club, or a sharp arrow."
(Proverbs 25:18)
When we are the focus (sometimes scapegoat) our protestation and lament that it isn't our fault, may still not be heard or accepted and we stand accused. Our response and reaction is crucial. So what do we do? How do we move the discussion toward resolution of whatever the issue is rather than continuing to protest the unfair allegation? Do recognize that in these situations, the behavior of others often is scapegoat-ing, and is typically the first reaction. The second is
to remove oneself from any blame. Regardless, whether you are at fault, the focus really should be toward resolution and redeeming whatever we can. Blaming, pointing fingers rare accomplishes anything.
How to respond... How to react... What to do... Yes, Scripture does speak to this problem of false accusation. The following verses are only some of the ones available. Granted they are talking about those who are trying to share Jesus with their world, but the behavior and thought-life learnings are applicable to a variety of similar situations.
"If you are insulted and reviled for [bearing] the name of Christ,
you are blessed [happy, with life-joy and comfort in God’s salvation
regardless of your circumstances], because the Spirit of glory and
of God is resting on you [and indwelling you—He whom they curse,
you glorify]." (1 Peter 4:14. AMP)
"Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in
God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you,
and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your
association with] Me." (Matthew 5:11, AMP)
"No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every
tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn.
This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition]
is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their
vindication from Me,” says the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17, AMP)
Did you notice that it is YOU who is the intended subject. I think part of the reason is that there are so many situations in which we really have little ability to make others view the immediate situation differently. However, we always have the 'power and control' over our own attitudes, reactions, actions, words, etc. We can only change us. When you are the focus, your every word and action is in view. When you can show grace and mercy to others even when falsely accused, you are able to move action into pro-action. And the only way you can do this is when you are confident in who you are in the Lord.
If it is your fault... then acknowledge this, apologize, and try and remedy or redeem what you can... and move on. But don't waste your time when you are falsely accused - make certain everyone knows this, but focus your words and actions to being a positive influence.
"A false accusation is as deadly as a sword, a club, or a sharp arrow."
(Proverbs 25:18)
to remove oneself from any blame. Regardless, whether you are at fault, the focus really should be toward resolution and redeeming whatever we can. Blaming, pointing fingers rare accomplishes anything.
How to respond... How to react... What to do... Yes, Scripture does speak to this problem of false accusation. The following verses are only some of the ones available. Granted they are talking about those who are trying to share Jesus with their world, but the behavior and thought-life learnings are applicable to a variety of similar situations.
"If you are insulted and reviled for [bearing] the name of Christ,
you are blessed [happy, with life-joy and comfort in God’s salvation
regardless of your circumstances], because the Spirit of glory and
of God is resting on you [and indwelling you—He whom they curse,
you glorify]." (1 Peter 4:14. AMP)
"Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in
God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you,
and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your
association with] Me." (Matthew 5:11, AMP)
"No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every
tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn.
This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition]
is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their
vindication from Me,” says the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17, AMP)
Did you notice that it is YOU who is the intended subject. I think part of the reason is that there are so many situations in which we really have little ability to make others view the immediate situation differently. However, we always have the 'power and control' over our own attitudes, reactions, actions, words, etc. We can only change us. When you are the focus, your every word and action is in view. When you can show grace and mercy to others even when falsely accused, you are able to move action into pro-action. And the only way you can do this is when you are confident in who you are in the Lord.
If it is your fault... then acknowledge this, apologize, and try and remedy or redeem what you can... and move on. But don't waste your time when you are falsely accused - make certain everyone knows this, but focus your words and actions to being a positive influence.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
...according to the scriptures
Wow ... a great deal of meat can be found in 1 Corinthians 15! Have you ever studied out the wisdom Paul wrote in this chapter's letter? One of the first teachings is found in verse 3, MSG:
"...of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our
sins according to [that which] the Scriptures [foretold],"
The critical understand is - according to the Scriptures. Who the Messiah was to be and what He was doing for us [dying for OUR sins] is the foundation and proof to the world. Jesus came for US (all) so that we would be reconciled to God! If He had come as the conqueror we would still be lost. There is NO scripture that says He was coming as a conquering King! Quite the contrary. There had to be the shedding of blood by a spotless lamb. (Hebrews 9:22, ESV)
But His death wasn't the end, though everyone thought so...
"...and that He was buried, and that He was [bodily] raised on the
third day according to [that which] the Scriptures [foretold], and
that He appeared to..." [v. 4-5, MSG]
There is no question that He was buried... and then the miracle, death lost, He was raised up and appeared (to many). Dramatic - yes, but it had to be based in the Old Testament prophecies or it had no validity. Everything had to be
according to the Scriptures.
"Now, let me ask you something profound yet troubling. If you
became believers because you trusted the proclamation that
Christ is alive, risen from the dead, how can you let people say
that there is no such thing as a resurrection? If there’s no
resurrection, there’s no living Christ. And face it—if there’s no
resurrection for Christ, everything we’ve told you is smoke and
mirrors, and everything you’ve staked your life on is smoke and
mirrors. Not only that, but we would be guilty of telling a string
of barefaced lies about God, all these affidavits we passed on to
you verifying that God raised up Christ—sheer fabrications, if
there’s no resurrection." (v. 12-15, MSG)
Without the resurrection... how would we know to trust everything we've heard and learned about Jesus? The resurrection is our proof that everything He did and said is valid and true. As important as the need for a sacrificial lamb, there is also the need for the resurrection (v. 16-17).
"Now I say this, believers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit nor
be part of the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable (mortal)
inherit the imperishable (immortal) (v. 50, AMP) ...
And when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal
puts on immortality, then the Scripture will be fulfilled that says,
“Death is swallowed up in victory (vanquished forever). O death,
where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of
death is sin, and the power of sin [by which it brings death] is the
law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors]
through our Lord Jesus Christ." (v. 54-57, AMP)
I know that I have presented a great deal of scripture... but we stand and prove our case according to the Scriptures. Without scripture our foundation isn't sure, and we don't present truth with assurance. We have a life giving message to present which is substantiated by scripture. This enhances our message. And look at the powe the word give us! If you do't use scripture as yur basis for your belief... which source is your foundation?
"...of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our
sins according to [that which] the Scriptures [foretold],"
The critical understand is - according to the Scriptures. Who the Messiah was to be and what He was doing for us [dying for OUR sins] is the foundation and proof to the world. Jesus came for US (all) so that we would be reconciled to God! If He had come as the conqueror we would still be lost. There is NO scripture that says He was coming as a conquering King! Quite the contrary. There had to be the shedding of blood by a spotless lamb. (Hebrews 9:22, ESV)
But His death wasn't the end, though everyone thought so...
"...and that He was buried, and that He was [bodily] raised on the
third day according to [that which] the Scriptures [foretold], and
that He appeared to..." [v. 4-5, MSG]
There is no question that He was buried... and then the miracle, death lost, He was raised up and appeared (to many). Dramatic - yes, but it had to be based in the Old Testament prophecies or it had no validity. Everything had to be
according to the Scriptures.
"Now, let me ask you something profound yet troubling. If you
became believers because you trusted the proclamation that
Christ is alive, risen from the dead, how can you let people say
that there is no such thing as a resurrection? If there’s no
resurrection, there’s no living Christ. And face it—if there’s no
resurrection for Christ, everything we’ve told you is smoke and
mirrors, and everything you’ve staked your life on is smoke and
mirrors. Not only that, but we would be guilty of telling a string
of barefaced lies about God, all these affidavits we passed on to
you verifying that God raised up Christ—sheer fabrications, if
there’s no resurrection." (v. 12-15, MSG)
Without the resurrection... how would we know to trust everything we've heard and learned about Jesus? The resurrection is our proof that everything He did and said is valid and true. As important as the need for a sacrificial lamb, there is also the need for the resurrection (v. 16-17).
"Now I say this, believers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit nor
be part of the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable (mortal)
inherit the imperishable (immortal) (v. 50, AMP) ...
And when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal
puts on immortality, then the Scripture will be fulfilled that says,
“Death is swallowed up in victory (vanquished forever). O death,
where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of
death is sin, and the power of sin [by which it brings death] is the
law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors]
through our Lord Jesus Christ." (v. 54-57, AMP)
I know that I have presented a great deal of scripture... but we stand and prove our case according to the Scriptures. Without scripture our foundation isn't sure, and we don't present truth with assurance. We have a life giving message to present which is substantiated by scripture. This enhances our message. And look at the powe the word give us! If you do't use scripture as yur basis for your belief... which source is your foundation?
Sunday, March 8, 2020
The Exchange
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which
He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive
together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us
up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ
Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches
of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace
you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is
the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast, For we are
His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."(Ephesians 2: 4-10)
I call this - the exchange. Actually it is the GREAT exchange. One could feast on these verses and when we look at what happened in the exchange, we are so incredibly blessed. This whole exchange transaction is founded in HIS love for us. Though we didn't deserve any of this, He chose to not only save us ... but more! We act in faith and give up fear.
The first part of this chapter (verses 1-3) tells us what we've exchange:
Who and what we were
1,. ... dead in trespasses and sins
2. ... walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air,
3. ... by nature children of wrath
Who we become: (read again verses 4-10 because this is what we receive)
1. ... He made alive
2. ... sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus
3. ... His workmanship created for good works - already prepared
This rich chapter continues with other insights:
"...For He Himself is our peace, ... having abolished in His flesh the
enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances,
so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making
peace," (v 14-15)
We need to grasp what Jesus did, what He accomplished according to the Law that held us and exchanged all that for our current position - heirs and joint heirs with Him (Romans 8:17), conquerors (Romans 8:31-39), a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). And these exchanges only begin to scratch the surface of what He has accomplished for us.
What do we bring? Our selves, our lives, all that we are, in faith in Him who provided. It is our faith that trumps everything and is the path to this exchange. We all come - 'just as we are' - but He doesn't leave us in that state because He continues to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). He wants us to be all that we can be. Our future is extraordinary.
He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive
together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us
up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ
Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches
of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace
you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is
the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast, For we are
His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."(Ephesians 2: 4-10)
I call this - the exchange. Actually it is the GREAT exchange. One could feast on these verses and when we look at what happened in the exchange, we are so incredibly blessed. This whole exchange transaction is founded in HIS love for us. Though we didn't deserve any of this, He chose to not only save us ... but more! We act in faith and give up fear.
The first part of this chapter (verses 1-3) tells us what we've exchange:
Who and what we were
1,. ... dead in trespasses and sins
2. ... walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air,
3. ... by nature children of wrath
Who we become: (read again verses 4-10 because this is what we receive)
1. ... He made alive
2. ... sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus
3. ... His workmanship created for good works - already prepared
This rich chapter continues with other insights:
"...For He Himself is our peace, ... having abolished in His flesh the
enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances,
so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making
peace," (v 14-15)
We need to grasp what Jesus did, what He accomplished according to the Law that held us and exchanged all that for our current position - heirs and joint heirs with Him (Romans 8:17), conquerors (Romans 8:31-39), a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). And these exchanges only begin to scratch the surface of what He has accomplished for us.
What do we bring? Our selves, our lives, all that we are, in faith in Him who provided. It is our faith that trumps everything and is the path to this exchange. We all come - 'just as we are' - but He doesn't leave us in that state because He continues to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). He wants us to be all that we can be. Our future is extraordinary.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Doing all the wrong things
at all the wrong times to all the wrong people and typically for all the wrong reasons? Does this describe you ... too often? Do you feel that there is nothing you can do to change this behavior? What's happening that makes you feel this inadequate? You do realize, don't you, that you don't have to continue this self-defeating and counter-intuitive behavior? Will you change your mindset? Remember the saying attributed to Einstein... the definition of insanity: "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results". So it is up to you to change this behavior... and you can.
When in a negative (your definition) situation, how do you respond? Throw your hands up? Have a hissy fit? Run away? Point fingers? Grin and bear it? Soooo... your response to negatives is to simply let it control? Or, do you attempt to respond? And your basis of response? Do you rush in to do something... anything? Or do you try and figure out what's happening and why... and what you can do to effect a positive result? Obviously, I recommend this latter approach, but what do you do when you don't feel you have any options?
If you've only learned to 'live' with this, then you are underestimating yourself. Much of how 'change' works is based in your fundamental approach to life - glass half full v. half empty, or seeing silver linings v. only cloudy weather. You can only change that which you are committed to changing. And don't look at changing others or even situations until you look to yourself first.
I would suggest that the first thing you need to do when you are in these kinds of situations is to stop. It's the stopping that allows time to begin not letting the emotion control and correct/respond to the situation proactively. And yes, scripture does speak to these kinds of situations. In fact there are over 20 verses related to making a mistake, 63 verses on making a bad decision, and 73 on making the wrong decision. These will undoubtedly cover every type of error.
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you." (James 4:7, ESV)
This has to be a purposed mindset to effect a better result and a changed behavior. But also remember that we have the assurance and foundation that:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has
passed away; behold, the new has come." (2Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
We can change the wrong to the right. It is, through Jesus, possible to make that change... but it has to be purposed and we need to realize it's a process and rarely instantaneous. Right person(s) at the right time doing the right thing(s) for the right reason(s) - everything coming together. This is always a terrific merger with positive outcomes. How often does this happen? Probably more often than we know but less than we hope for. But it can happen!
When in a negative (your definition) situation, how do you respond? Throw your hands up? Have a hissy fit? Run away? Point fingers? Grin and bear it? Soooo... your response to negatives is to simply let it control? Or, do you attempt to respond? And your basis of response? Do you rush in to do something... anything? Or do you try and figure out what's happening and why... and what you can do to effect a positive result? Obviously, I recommend this latter approach, but what do you do when you don't feel you have any options?
If you've only learned to 'live' with this, then you are underestimating yourself. Much of how 'change' works is based in your fundamental approach to life - glass half full v. half empty, or seeing silver linings v. only cloudy weather. You can only change that which you are committed to changing. And don't look at changing others or even situations until you look to yourself first.
I would suggest that the first thing you need to do when you are in these kinds of situations is to stop. It's the stopping that allows time to begin not letting the emotion control and correct/respond to the situation proactively. And yes, scripture does speak to these kinds of situations. In fact there are over 20 verses related to making a mistake, 63 verses on making a bad decision, and 73 on making the wrong decision. These will undoubtedly cover every type of error.
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you." (James 4:7, ESV)
This has to be a purposed mindset to effect a better result and a changed behavior. But also remember that we have the assurance and foundation that:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has
passed away; behold, the new has come." (2Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
We can change the wrong to the right. It is, through Jesus, possible to make that change... but it has to be purposed and we need to realize it's a process and rarely instantaneous. Right person(s) at the right time doing the right thing(s) for the right reason(s) - everything coming together. This is always a terrific merger with positive outcomes. How often does this happen? Probably more often than we know but less than we hope for. But it can happen!
Monday, March 2, 2020
Assurance
Assurance: (Webster) "the state of being assured (I really hate it when they define a word by the word!); confidence of mind or manner : easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty...
Synonyms: assuredness, certainty, confidence, conviction, doubtlessness, sureness, surety,"
Personally, I believe the word is so much stronger and on a firmer foundation when defined scripturally. Hebrews definition:
"Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has
[already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son
of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously
to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. 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. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the
throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with
confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy
[for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of
need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]."
(Hebrews 4:14-16, AMP)
"Therefore, believers, since we have confidence and full freedom
to enter the Holy Place [the place where God dwells] by [means of]
the blood of Jesus, by this new and living way which He initiated and
opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is,
through His flesh, and since we have a great and wonderful Priest
[Who rules] over the house of God, let us approach [God] with a
true and sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith, having
had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies
washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:19-22, AMP)
Assurance: with confidence and without fear, confidence and FULL freedom, in unqualified assurance of faith. In my world of definitions, assurance is foundational to successful and proactive action. It's a simple - if we don't believe in what we are saying and/or doing... then why do/say it?
Those verses in Hebrew don't just TELL us what our assurance is and what it is built on, but it also indicates those areas in which we can stand. Example: He knows our temptations and what we face, He will help us overcome them. He has made a way for us to approach the Throne in order to receive help - when we bring our faith as the basis of our approach.
Actually, when you look at what the Father asks of us, it is incredibly simple - faith. And yes, it is also incredibly difficult because we are so determined to prove ourselves. We don't need to. Jesus took care of that for us. Read Ephesians 2 again to see what has been done for us. If we first look at WHAT our assurance is built on, then our confidence has to soar. Our assurance is built upon Jesus - who He was, what He did and who and what He continues to be and do - our High Priest.
After making the case for assurance, the only thing remaining is 'how'. How do we become assured? I believe that this is a foundational quality, we can only 'act' this way so long if it isn't what we confidently stand on. One of the ways to be assured is to not be the opposite, Webster - "doubtful, dubious, uncertain, unsure, self-critical, self-reproachful, self-reproving". Being assured is also a process. As we grow in our assurance and recognize it, it becomes who we are.
Synonyms: assuredness, certainty, confidence, conviction, doubtlessness, sureness, surety,"
Personally, I believe the word is so much stronger and on a firmer foundation when defined scripturally. Hebrews definition:
"Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has
[already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son
of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously
to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. 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. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the
throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with
confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy
[for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of
need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]."
(Hebrews 4:14-16, AMP)
"Therefore, believers, since we have confidence and full freedom
to enter the Holy Place [the place where God dwells] by [means of]
the blood of Jesus, by this new and living way which He initiated and
opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is,
through His flesh, and since we have a great and wonderful Priest
[Who rules] over the house of God, let us approach [God] with a
true and sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith, having
had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies
washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:19-22, AMP)
Assurance: with confidence and without fear, confidence and FULL freedom, in unqualified assurance of faith. In my world of definitions, assurance is foundational to successful and proactive action. It's a simple - if we don't believe in what we are saying and/or doing... then why do/say it?
Those verses in Hebrew don't just TELL us what our assurance is and what it is built on, but it also indicates those areas in which we can stand. Example: He knows our temptations and what we face, He will help us overcome them. He has made a way for us to approach the Throne in order to receive help - when we bring our faith as the basis of our approach.
Actually, when you look at what the Father asks of us, it is incredibly simple - faith. And yes, it is also incredibly difficult because we are so determined to prove ourselves. We don't need to. Jesus took care of that for us. Read Ephesians 2 again to see what has been done for us. If we first look at WHAT our assurance is built on, then our confidence has to soar. Our assurance is built upon Jesus - who He was, what He did and who and what He continues to be and do - our High Priest.
After making the case for assurance, the only thing remaining is 'how'. How do we become assured? I believe that this is a foundational quality, we can only 'act' this way so long if it isn't what we confidently stand on. One of the ways to be assured is to not be the opposite, Webster - "doubtful, dubious, uncertain, unsure, self-critical, self-reproachful, self-reproving". Being assured is also a process. As we grow in our assurance and recognize it, it becomes who we are.
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