A comment by Joyce Meyer got me to thinking... what, exactly, is ‘rest’? Somehow I’m beginning to think it’s not what we think it is. My message to me is - don’t always define words the way the dictionary does. It isn’t always the best definition. Always know it but also know the spiritual. Also, know the significance of the word, whatever it is, in your life. How do you define, describe, apply, and actualize the word? So, in this case, for you... what is rest and how is it found?
"Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the
world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor
let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance
and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]" (John 14:27, AMP)
For me, peace is the best indicator of rest. When you study this scripture, you read 'perfect' as the definer of peace. But it also says 'Do not' so we have a role in experiencing our peace, our rest. We are NOT to be troubled, afraid. And then it says that we need to let the Lord's perfect peace calm us in every circumstance. And when we do this it provides us courage and strength for every challenge! Wow! Yes we are involved in the process but look at the rewards!!!
Rest should never be defined or viewed as escape. And rest is always available for us and not a state of being that will never be experienced. However, do we know what kind of rest we are seeking? Immediate? Long-term? Catch one's breath? (Fill in the blank). If we don't understand what we seek, how will we know it when we see/experience it? And yes, rest is 'all the above': short, long, immediate, in our souls, in our current situation, etc. Never limit what rest is and when it is active.
I think the most important consideration is HOW to find it. We can get into not being able to see the forest for the trees. One of the simplest paths to rest is found in 1 Peter 4:5/Psalms 55:11. Give your burden to the Lord. He tells us so we can. Finally, look to Hebrews 3:8-11 and walk in your rest.
"And so this is still a live promise. It wasn’t canceled at the time of
Joshua; otherwise, God wouldn’t keep renewing the appointment for
“today.” The promise of “arrival” and “rest” is still there for God’s
people. God himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we’ll
surely rest with God. So let’s keep at it and eventually arrive at the
place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience."
(Hebrews 4:8-11, MSG)
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Monday, July 27, 2020
I didn't know [ ] was a Christian
You can place in the [ ] whoever - including yourself. However, how often have we heard this phrase spoken about someone we know, knew? How often would we hear it uttered about ourselves? And what does this say about who we are??? (And yes, I do realize I talk about our witness, multiple times... always a new understanding and/or application.)
"To witness means to profess Christ and to proclaim Him: The witness
of the resurrection” is the witness of Jesus in His resurrection.
(Acts 2:32)" Google
Personally I wince at any comment that would seem to question if I was a Christian, because it would mean that my witness is being called into question. And if my witness isn't true to who I am, what I believe, and how I apply and exemplify my beliefs... what am I saying? I believe that when it comes to demonstrating that we are Christians, there is no equivocation, no compromise we should ever express. Never forget the old saying that we may be the only Bible someone else will ever read/see.
Sometimes I really don't think we appreciate the affect our witness provides. It isn't just at church, or just when we are on an evangelistic or missionary activity. I believe that the most effective and profound demonstration of who we are is in our everyday lives. How we express both in our words as well as our actions Who we believe and how we go about incorporating this into every area of our lives. Remember... we do live in a fishbowl. One of my favorite scriptures related to this is:
"To everyone, then, who gives witness to Me before men, I will give
witness before My Father in heaven." (Matthew 10:32)
So the Who is Jesus - that's what we witness. Who He is in our lives and how He has impacted who we are becoming. I do believe that the bad rap of a hypocrite occurs when we don't embrace a totality lifestyle understanding of witness. When we only say the words but don't act on them, we give the wrong impression. This is why most people believe our actions before our words.
Remember that our words and actions ALWAYS reflect who we are and how we go about being us. Being a witness is no small thing and it is not relegated to certain times and places, it is to be a living witness at all times and in all places.
[If you are interested in a more in depth consideration of the word 'witness', this site is a great aid: https://biblehub.com/topical/w/witness.htm - as an aside, there are over 295 references to witness in scripture.]
"To witness means to profess Christ and to proclaim Him: The witness
of the resurrection” is the witness of Jesus in His resurrection.
(Acts 2:32)" Google
Personally I wince at any comment that would seem to question if I was a Christian, because it would mean that my witness is being called into question. And if my witness isn't true to who I am, what I believe, and how I apply and exemplify my beliefs... what am I saying? I believe that when it comes to demonstrating that we are Christians, there is no equivocation, no compromise we should ever express. Never forget the old saying that we may be the only Bible someone else will ever read/see.
Sometimes I really don't think we appreciate the affect our witness provides. It isn't just at church, or just when we are on an evangelistic or missionary activity. I believe that the most effective and profound demonstration of who we are is in our everyday lives. How we express both in our words as well as our actions Who we believe and how we go about incorporating this into every area of our lives. Remember... we do live in a fishbowl. One of my favorite scriptures related to this is:
"To everyone, then, who gives witness to Me before men, I will give
witness before My Father in heaven." (Matthew 10:32)
So the Who is Jesus - that's what we witness. Who He is in our lives and how He has impacted who we are becoming. I do believe that the bad rap of a hypocrite occurs when we don't embrace a totality lifestyle understanding of witness. When we only say the words but don't act on them, we give the wrong impression. This is why most people believe our actions before our words.
Remember that our words and actions ALWAYS reflect who we are and how we go about being us. Being a witness is no small thing and it is not relegated to certain times and places, it is to be a living witness at all times and in all places.
[If you are interested in a more in depth consideration of the word 'witness', this site is a great aid: https://biblehub.com/topical/w/witness.htm - as an aside, there are over 295 references to witness in scripture.]
Friday, July 24, 2020
Hearing
"So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes
by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ." (Romans 10:17,AMP)
Do you know and understand what you hear? Or do you listen to the first half of the sentence and assume you know the rest? Or maybe you simply aren't interested in what's being said? Or... from what is said, do questions pop into your mind? Thoughts of how to apply what's being shared?
"...but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed
with faith in those who heard it." (Hebrews 4:2)
Granted I'm using only a part of this scripture without any context, but this phrase jumped out at me. Do you see the relationship that is stated - word and faith. And also that 'profit' comes from mixing the two, that without one the other isn't fruitful in us.
What does this say to you? How would you blend the word and faith for you in your life? I tend to emphasize 'listening' but the more I think about my definitions, I'm not certain that my listening definition is really: hearing in action. Does it make any difference? Of course. We need to know and understand what's being said in order to determine what it means and how to apply it.
According to Bakers Dictionary's definition of hear/hearing, "... hearing is the means by which each believer receives the word. The opening scripture as interpreted by the Message Bible.
"But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And
how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who
can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how
is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? ...
But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. ...
The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s
Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to." (Romans 10: 14-17)
Again the relationship between the word and faith. Therefore, HOW we hear is critical. Obviously, so is What we hear. As bearers of the word, we need to be alert not only to what we say and how we say it, but how others are hearing us.
Is hearing that step beyond listening? Is hearing the precursor to action? Perhaps we begin by listening - focusing, attentive to what is being said, asking for clarification, etc. - and then we hear. Does it matter? Yes. Because how we define and activate our words with faith helps us grow and become the workmen (2 Timothy 2:15) the Lord has intended for us to become.
by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ." (Romans 10:17,AMP)
Do you know and understand what you hear? Or do you listen to the first half of the sentence and assume you know the rest? Or maybe you simply aren't interested in what's being said? Or... from what is said, do questions pop into your mind? Thoughts of how to apply what's being shared?
"...but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed
with faith in those who heard it." (Hebrews 4:2)
Granted I'm using only a part of this scripture without any context, but this phrase jumped out at me. Do you see the relationship that is stated - word and faith. And also that 'profit' comes from mixing the two, that without one the other isn't fruitful in us.
What does this say to you? How would you blend the word and faith for you in your life? I tend to emphasize 'listening' but the more I think about my definitions, I'm not certain that my listening definition is really: hearing in action. Does it make any difference? Of course. We need to know and understand what's being said in order to determine what it means and how to apply it.
According to Bakers Dictionary's definition of hear/hearing, "... hearing is the means by which each believer receives the word. The opening scripture as interpreted by the Message Bible.
"But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And
how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who
can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how
is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? ...
But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. ...
The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s
Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to." (Romans 10: 14-17)
Again the relationship between the word and faith. Therefore, HOW we hear is critical. Obviously, so is What we hear. As bearers of the word, we need to be alert not only to what we say and how we say it, but how others are hearing us.
Is hearing that step beyond listening? Is hearing the precursor to action? Perhaps we begin by listening - focusing, attentive to what is being said, asking for clarification, etc. - and then we hear. Does it matter? Yes. Because how we define and activate our words with faith helps us grow and become the workmen (2 Timothy 2:15) the Lord has intended for us to become.
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Right where you are...
Have you ever thought that where you are right now is not an accident? You are where you are, your world, for a reason. And yes - your actions (even lack of reason) played a role, but regardless of how you got to where you are... the Lord can use you - right where you are!
Awesome mindset. Sometimes hard to sustain. I've said this multiple times in multiple ways but it's also something that has to be ingrained in our thinking, part of our mindset, something that is not only believed but acted on, and that is: YOU, right where you are, who you are, doing what you do - you are important. Only you can be you. AND, It is meaningful. It is fruitful. And it only takes your belief to activate it. It's true that unless we abide in the Lord (John 15:4), we can do nothing. But it's equally true that unless we believe we are where we are for a reason, our fruitfulness is severely limited.
"And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply
concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan]
for good for those who love God, to those who are called according
to His plan and purpose. ...
What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can
be [successful] against us?" (Romans 8: 28-31, AMP)
Look at these verses again... 'we know with great confidence'. Do you? You
are where you are and even if you believe it to be a mistake, when you abide in Him ... you will be where you should be. If we love God and are acting according to His plan... not sure? Ask Him. If there is any question, He will make everything plain for us if we've miscued. It's hard to ignore the promise that 'all things work together for good' - but that's what the word says.
Don't know about you but for me, it sometimes is hard seeing that I'm accomplishing anything... right where I am. It's not that I think I would be more effective someplace else, it's just that I'm not seeing any fruit. This can become frustrating. But... where are my eyes? Yep, on me. Not where they are supposed to be. The word assures us that we will produce good fruit when we abide in Him. It is always our choice to believe and act on what the word says or to stand... wondering. The latter, obviously, gets us nowhere.
So... when you question IF you are where you are supposed to be - ask the Lord. IF you wonder if you are acting on what His plan and purpose is - ask the Lord. He never leaves us (Hebrews 13:5) and He will tell us because He wants us to live the abundant life (John 10:10), He wants us to be conquerors (Romans 8:37), He wants only the best for us. If you can believe that... then you are right where you should be.
Awesome mindset. Sometimes hard to sustain. I've said this multiple times in multiple ways but it's also something that has to be ingrained in our thinking, part of our mindset, something that is not only believed but acted on, and that is: YOU, right where you are, who you are, doing what you do - you are important. Only you can be you. AND, It is meaningful. It is fruitful. And it only takes your belief to activate it. It's true that unless we abide in the Lord (John 15:4), we can do nothing. But it's equally true that unless we believe we are where we are for a reason, our fruitfulness is severely limited.
"And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply
concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan]
for good for those who love God, to those who are called according
to His plan and purpose. ...
What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can
be [successful] against us?" (Romans 8: 28-31, AMP)
Look at these verses again... 'we know with great confidence'. Do you? You
are where you are and even if you believe it to be a mistake, when you abide in Him ... you will be where you should be. If we love God and are acting according to His plan... not sure? Ask Him. If there is any question, He will make everything plain for us if we've miscued. It's hard to ignore the promise that 'all things work together for good' - but that's what the word says.
Don't know about you but for me, it sometimes is hard seeing that I'm accomplishing anything... right where I am. It's not that I think I would be more effective someplace else, it's just that I'm not seeing any fruit. This can become frustrating. But... where are my eyes? Yep, on me. Not where they are supposed to be. The word assures us that we will produce good fruit when we abide in Him. It is always our choice to believe and act on what the word says or to stand... wondering. The latter, obviously, gets us nowhere.
So... when you question IF you are where you are supposed to be - ask the Lord. IF you wonder if you are acting on what His plan and purpose is - ask the Lord. He never leaves us (Hebrews 13:5) and He will tell us because He wants us to live the abundant life (John 10:10), He wants us to be conquerors (Romans 8:37), He wants only the best for us. If you can believe that... then you are right where you should be.
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Chooser?
Seriously... who chooses, consciously, their life? Do you? Is Fate the 'chooser'? And you can add as many other 'determiners' as you like. Is it ever...Your choice? What’s important is the answer? Who makes your life decisions? I suspect most of us would like to believe that we have the final say... the final determination. But... do we? Do our decisions set us on a path that leads (to wherever it leads). Maybe you’re the fatalist type - everything is out of our hands so we can’t do anything, so why bother? If you’ve been a reader of mine then you know I would never ascribe to the Fatalist mindset.
However, I do believe that our choices and decisions play the strongest role in how we got to here from there. The reality is that for every decision we make, we ignore or eliminate a different choice and path. Some of the excluded ones have their merits but, for whatever reason, we chose the one we’re on. And that’s what’s important. However, if you don’t know why you are on the path you’re on, or how you got here, or all your other whys that identify and describe you then... STOP. Take a moment and listen to you.
I think I would argue that subconsciously - you really do know but for whatever reason you ignore or refute it - regardless, it needs to be an aware, intentional knowing. And why wouldn’t you? You can't change if you don't understand your current reality. Notice I said - understand - not just know. You do know how to 'take control' and become THE source of decision making? Don't you?
There is a site (https://www.watermark.org/blog/decision-making-principles) that indicates how we should go about making decisions. Actually, it's not rocket science - it's simple logic.
1. What Biblical Principles Should Inform My Decision?
2. Do I Have All The Facts?
3. Is The Pressure of Time Forcing Me to Make a Premature Decision?
4. What Possible Motives Are Driving My Decision?
5. How Should Past Experiences Inform My Decision?
6. What Is The Collective Counsel of My Community?
7. Have I Honestly Considered the Warning Signs?
8. Have I Considered the Possible Outcomes for My Course of Action?
9. Could This Decision Jeopardize My Integrity or Hinder My Witness for the
Lord?
10. Is There a Better Option That Would Allow Me to Make a Greater Impact
for God’s Kingdom?
See. Logical. And, all these questions do have a scriptural basis to decide. Look to Proverbs as your first step in decision making - you should find most of your questions will be answered here.
As Christians, we do have a source for decision making, it's called The Bible. It truly has the answers we need... we just need to take the time to read and study and learn... and apply this wisdom. Choices are always ours to make - by default, by determination. But because of Jesus, we have the necessary foundation to confidently make ourselves the choice maker.
However, I do believe that our choices and decisions play the strongest role in how we got to here from there. The reality is that for every decision we make, we ignore or eliminate a different choice and path. Some of the excluded ones have their merits but, for whatever reason, we chose the one we’re on. And that’s what’s important. However, if you don’t know why you are on the path you’re on, or how you got here, or all your other whys that identify and describe you then... STOP. Take a moment and listen to you.
I think I would argue that subconsciously - you really do know but for whatever reason you ignore or refute it - regardless, it needs to be an aware, intentional knowing. And why wouldn’t you? You can't change if you don't understand your current reality. Notice I said - understand - not just know. You do know how to 'take control' and become THE source of decision making? Don't you?
There is a site (https://www.watermark.org/blog/decision-making-principles) that indicates how we should go about making decisions. Actually, it's not rocket science - it's simple logic.
1. What Biblical Principles Should Inform My Decision?
2. Do I Have All The Facts?
3. Is The Pressure of Time Forcing Me to Make a Premature Decision?
4. What Possible Motives Are Driving My Decision?
5. How Should Past Experiences Inform My Decision?
6. What Is The Collective Counsel of My Community?
7. Have I Honestly Considered the Warning Signs?
8. Have I Considered the Possible Outcomes for My Course of Action?
9. Could This Decision Jeopardize My Integrity or Hinder My Witness for the
Lord?
10. Is There a Better Option That Would Allow Me to Make a Greater Impact
for God’s Kingdom?
See. Logical. And, all these questions do have a scriptural basis to decide. Look to Proverbs as your first step in decision making - you should find most of your questions will be answered here.
As Christians, we do have a source for decision making, it's called The Bible. It truly has the answers we need... we just need to take the time to read and study and learn... and apply this wisdom. Choices are always ours to make - by default, by determination. But because of Jesus, we have the necessary foundation to confidently make ourselves the choice maker.
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Song
Recently my niece shared the following post: “don’t die with your song still inside of you”. This comment captured my attention. It’s true, and, I believe, the definition of ‘regret’. More importantly… does (or how does) this describe you? Remember. you can change, you can sing your song (and not just quietly hum). The obvious question is – do you know your song? Do you hear it in the quiet times and even in the loud, noisy times. With the opening chords, do you instinctively know it’s your song? So what do you do with your song? Do you give voice to your song?
Question - is there a reason you aren’t singing? It’s part of the way we bring meaning to our lives. Soooo??? Our song states who we are and what we’re about… why should we hide this? Our songs may sound slightly discordant at times – did you even think that it may be what needs being at the moment? Next question – when do you sing your song? Do you quietly sing it but so that only you can hear? Or do you ’belt it out’?
Crystal McDowell says:
"Singing rises out of the essence of our souls. We don’t have to be
trained singers or gifted in singing to raise our voices and hearts to
Him in praise. Our thankfulness in the song will lift His name in the
presence of saints and sinners. We never know how God will use our
singing of personal testimonies to bring someone to Jesus."
Singing is scriptural:
"Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth,"
(Isaiah 42:10).
"Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the
Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19)
"I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long
as I live” (Psalm 104:33)
These are some of the ways we can sing, boldly. We all need to sing our songs. Sung together they aren’t just noise… each song blends, harmonizes, complements the other songs being sung… and it IS glorious.
The point is to sing YOUR song. Singing your song builds you up. Singing your song provides a witness to the world you live in. Singing your song affirms who you are. Sing!
Question - is there a reason you aren’t singing? It’s part of the way we bring meaning to our lives. Soooo??? Our song states who we are and what we’re about… why should we hide this? Our songs may sound slightly discordant at times – did you even think that it may be what needs being at the moment? Next question – when do you sing your song? Do you quietly sing it but so that only you can hear? Or do you ’belt it out’?
Crystal McDowell says:
"Singing rises out of the essence of our souls. We don’t have to be
trained singers or gifted in singing to raise our voices and hearts to
Him in praise. Our thankfulness in the song will lift His name in the
presence of saints and sinners. We never know how God will use our
singing of personal testimonies to bring someone to Jesus."
"Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth,"
(Isaiah 42:10).
"Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the
Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19)
"I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long
as I live” (Psalm 104:33)
These are some of the ways we can sing, boldly. We all need to sing our songs. Sung together they aren’t just noise… each song blends, harmonizes, complements the other songs being sung… and it IS glorious.
The point is to sing YOUR song. Singing your song builds you up. Singing your song provides a witness to the world you live in. Singing your song affirms who you are. Sing!
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Covenant
[Disclaimer: I realize that there are countless number of books written about covenants and what they mean and how they form our relationship. This is really an introductory discussion but I believe, especially for Christians, that it is important to realize that when we become Christians, we enter into a covenant with God. Therefore, it's important to have a least a cursory understanding.]
Do you know what this word, covenant, means? It isn't a contract. Covenants are far more binding than contracts. And when God is the initiating party to a covenant - critically important to understand.
Hebrews 8:10-12
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
After those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds,
And I will write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, And
they shall be My people. ...
For I will be merciful to their iniquities, And I will remember their
sins no more.”
One could argue that this is God talking only to Israel. But don't forget that we are grafted in. Read Hebrews 11:11-31, AMP because this provides an understanding of what has been done for the Gentiles and what will happen for the Israelites. [See also Jeremiah 31:33-34]
"But if some of the branches were broken off, and you [Gentiles], being
like a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them to share with them
the rich root of the olive tree, do not boast over the [broken] branches
and exalt yourself at their expense." (v. 17-18)
I believe that I have established that WE have a covenant with God and that God's people, the Jews, are also part and are in covenant-relationship. However, what I am wanting to do is to begin with an elementary understanding of the word, covenant, because if we don't have a grasp of the word, we won't understand.
One of the better definitions is found at Christianity.com:
"A covenant is essentially a relationship, but it's a relationship that has
been formalized and has been brought under sanctions, as it were. So
there are blessings that come if the relationship is kept, and there are
penalties that come if the relationship is broken, and a covenant is simply
the terms of that relationship."
I think the important point to take away from this is the word 'relationship'. Covenants are based in relationships and there penalties and blessings associated with the covenants. Specifically,
"These covenants become a way of helping us understand how is it
that we relate to God, and He relates to us. ...
Part of understanding how the Bible fits together is understanding
how the various covenants that God's revealed either build on one
another and fulfill one another, or in some ways are quite different
from each other and are introducing something new. ...
Everything that God does is based on covenant. ...
A covenant is a solemn binding agreement."
So to simplify and summarize, a covenant:
1. helps us to understand how we relate to God and He to us.
2. is a binding agreement.
3. is how God relates to His creation
4. is a relationship
5. are the backbone of the biblical story. *
6. can be defined as follows: a covenant is a chosen relationship in
which two parties make binding promises to each other *
7. Virtually all the covenants have both conditional and unconditional
elements *
8. the new covenant is the climax of all of God’s covenants. *
(* 5-8, the source for these inclusions is Crossway.com)
As you can see, I've barely scratched the surface on what a covenant is and how it relates to us. Perhaps it will become important enough to do a deeper study to gain a deeper understanding of our relationship with The Father.
Do you know what this word, covenant, means? It isn't a contract. Covenants are far more binding than contracts. And when God is the initiating party to a covenant - critically important to understand.
Hebrews 8:10-12
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
After those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds,
And I will write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, And
they shall be My people. ...
For I will be merciful to their iniquities, And I will remember their
sins no more.”
One could argue that this is God talking only to Israel. But don't forget that we are grafted in. Read Hebrews 11:11-31, AMP because this provides an understanding of what has been done for the Gentiles and what will happen for the Israelites. [See also Jeremiah 31:33-34]
"But if some of the branches were broken off, and you [Gentiles], being
like a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them to share with them
the rich root of the olive tree, do not boast over the [broken] branches
and exalt yourself at their expense." (v. 17-18)
I believe that I have established that WE have a covenant with God and that God's people, the Jews, are also part and are in covenant-relationship. However, what I am wanting to do is to begin with an elementary understanding of the word, covenant, because if we don't have a grasp of the word, we won't understand.
One of the better definitions is found at Christianity.com:
"A covenant is essentially a relationship, but it's a relationship that has
been formalized and has been brought under sanctions, as it were. So
there are blessings that come if the relationship is kept, and there are
penalties that come if the relationship is broken, and a covenant is simply
the terms of that relationship."
I think the important point to take away from this is the word 'relationship'. Covenants are based in relationships and there penalties and blessings associated with the covenants. Specifically,
"These covenants become a way of helping us understand how is it
that we relate to God, and He relates to us. ...
Part of understanding how the Bible fits together is understanding
how the various covenants that God's revealed either build on one
another and fulfill one another, or in some ways are quite different
from each other and are introducing something new. ...
Everything that God does is based on covenant. ...
A covenant is a solemn binding agreement."
So to simplify and summarize, a covenant:
1. helps us to understand how we relate to God and He to us.
2. is a binding agreement.
3. is how God relates to His creation
4. is a relationship
5. are the backbone of the biblical story. *
6. can be defined as follows: a covenant is a chosen relationship in
which two parties make binding promises to each other *
7. Virtually all the covenants have both conditional and unconditional
elements *
8. the new covenant is the climax of all of God’s covenants. *
(* 5-8, the source for these inclusions is Crossway.com)
As you can see, I've barely scratched the surface on what a covenant is and how it relates to us. Perhaps it will become important enough to do a deeper study to gain a deeper understanding of our relationship with The Father.
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Goodness! I think I'm a riddle
... perhaps wrapped in a mystery? And inside an enigma! I may be a conundrum!!!!
Ever feel this way? It's easier to come to grips with this (plight?) When you know the definitions of enigma and conundrum. Webster:
conundrum "something hard to understand or explain." [Well yes.]
enigma "1. something hard to understand or explain
2. an inscrutable or mysterious person" [Well yes.]
Interesting that the synonyms for enigma are: conundrum, riddle, mystery.
Does this describe you? And... how do you feel about this? Personally, I'm slightly amused. It is an accurate description of me from my point of view... then again, if it weren't I think I would want it to be. Want to change this? Probably not. Then again, i ascribe to the belief that we all are a bit this way - by choice.
What we bring to every relationship is US - the who, what, why, how that makes us uniquely US. We are original because no one has experienced precisely what we have and how we have understood this. This is a positive. And it's also what others bring as well. Never forget this!! The joy is in the discovering - where we hold the same understandings and where we diverge; how the same experience is experienced differently. Bottom line is that when you bring your uniquely you and allow the other person to do the same, everyone is enhanced.
God never made copies. He always has made originals. Why would we ever think we all should be the same? Yes, it is those commonalities that tend to draw us together, but it is also those differences that help us to appreciate both who we are and who the other person is. What and how you've learned (fill in the blank) helps me to understand and refine what I've learned - and vice versa. We should champion this process and mindset!
Simultaneously... let's be honest. We sometimes surprise ourselves at how we react, which can be 'good' and 'bad'. And there are times we are surprised at a reaction from someone else that seems totally 'out of character' with who we think they are. Simply remember riddle, mystery, enigma, conundrum and smile.
Ever feel this way? It's easier to come to grips with this (plight?) When you know the definitions of enigma and conundrum. Webster:
conundrum "something hard to understand or explain." [Well yes.]
enigma "1. something hard to understand or explain
2. an inscrutable or mysterious person" [Well yes.]
Interesting that the synonyms for enigma are: conundrum, riddle, mystery.
Does this describe you? And... how do you feel about this? Personally, I'm slightly amused. It is an accurate description of me from my point of view... then again, if it weren't I think I would want it to be. Want to change this? Probably not. Then again, i ascribe to the belief that we all are a bit this way - by choice.
What we bring to every relationship is US - the who, what, why, how that makes us uniquely US. We are original because no one has experienced precisely what we have and how we have understood this. This is a positive. And it's also what others bring as well. Never forget this!! The joy is in the discovering - where we hold the same understandings and where we diverge; how the same experience is experienced differently. Bottom line is that when you bring your uniquely you and allow the other person to do the same, everyone is enhanced.
God never made copies. He always has made originals. Why would we ever think we all should be the same? Yes, it is those commonalities that tend to draw us together, but it is also those differences that help us to appreciate both who we are and who the other person is. What and how you've learned (fill in the blank) helps me to understand and refine what I've learned - and vice versa. We should champion this process and mindset!
Simultaneously... let's be honest. We sometimes surprise ourselves at how we react, which can be 'good' and 'bad'. And there are times we are surprised at a reaction from someone else that seems totally 'out of character' with who we think they are. Simply remember riddle, mystery, enigma, conundrum and smile.
Monday, July 6, 2020
Grace
Hunting for Grace? You can't earn or purchase it, but it is available for you. But did you realize that you can extend Grace to others...as well as yourself? Does Grace give you the chance to take a deep breath?
Starting with a definition, Grace is
Starting with a definition, Grace is
"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.
Reread those verses in Ephesians. The Amplified Bible translation concludes that WE are a work of art! Ever consider yourself in this way? You need to in order to accept the charge given - "For we are HIS workmanship, created in Jesus for good works..." Wow. Even the results of our hands are included - we will do good works. Bottom line in this is that it is as we realize what has happened, when we accepted Jesus, this is how we are now enabled... and it is our choice to walk in this phenomenal state.
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. Repeating: 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 5) and are renewing our minds (Romans 12), We... have a place, a role to fulfill in God's plan (1 Corinthians 12). 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.
Reread those verses in Ephesians. The Amplified Bible translation concludes that WE are a work of art! Ever consider yourself in this way? You need to in order to accept the charge given - "For we are HIS workmanship, created in Jesus for good works..." Wow. Even the results of our hands are included - we will do good works. Bottom line in this is that it is as we realize what has happened, when we accepted Jesus, this is how we are now enabled... and it is our choice to walk in this phenomenal state.
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. Repeating: 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 5) and are renewing our minds (Romans 12), We... have a place, a role to fulfill in God's plan (1 Corinthians 12). 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!"
Friday, July 3, 2020
Walking in all the light...
you know? You really can't be chastised, or held accountable for what you don't know. BUT... And this is a gigantic BUT, #1 this also requires you to learn, to grow, to refine who you are and what you do. Ignorance only goes so far. AND, #2 if you were wrong, to not repeat the behavior and where necessary, make amends.
And yes, while the 1 & 2 sound relatively easy... they aren't. However, before even considering them, you need to know IF you are you really walking in all the light you do know? Remember, you are always responsible for what you know and you can never unknow. Plus... you really do know if you know. If nothing else then reviewing your own behavior will confirm, by your actions and words, what you know. Experience may be a good teacher but she is always your proof.
Once you've honestly appraised this step, it's time to consider if you are living a lifestyle that exemplifies learning, growing and refining. This is always a choice and is also obvious by how you spend your time. As to the content... scripture is a great teacher. This is where we find our information and beginning understanding of who the Lord is, what He did and continues to do, how He went about being Him, and how this applies to us.
There really is no better source than the Bible to learn. Where to start? What to learn? You really need to start with your biggest need - what is it you need to know and understand so you can apply it? Let your needs guide your learnings. However, if you don't have a focus, start with John and them Mark. Matthew and Luke are important, especially for chronology and examples of how Jesus met issues. The reason I suggested John and then Mark is because John gives us our foundational understandings and philosophical structure. Mark is the more dynamic of all the apostles and is fiery in his choice of topics... at least this is my interpretation.
Don't just read the scriptures from one translation. Read from a variety to broaden your understandings. After this start, I would move on to Paul's letters and then the other New Testament writers. There's a lot of meat in these letters, a great deal to digest and understand. Again, one reading once won't suffice. The Bible should be your manual for learning and you need to understand the who, what, why, how. I'm not ignoring the Old Testament because it provides our foundation, giving us the prophecies that lead to the New Testament. It also gives us our heritage.
The obvious point is if you aren't growing then walking in all the light you have is a dim light. Scripture tells us we are salt and light. But to act on this we need to increasingly expand our light. But light also has to be applied. A sponge can only absorb so much water before it can't hold any more... it has to come out. It has to be able to be expressed and seen. This is also true of us. We need to express our understanding and as iron sharpens iron, refine it. Can you imagine just how bright it can be when we all bring our lights and put them together to reach our world?
And yes, while the 1 & 2 sound relatively easy... they aren't. However, before even considering them, you need to know IF you are you really walking in all the light you do know? Remember, you are always responsible for what you know and you can never unknow. Plus... you really do know if you know. If nothing else then reviewing your own behavior will confirm, by your actions and words, what you know. Experience may be a good teacher but she is always your proof.
Once you've honestly appraised this step, it's time to consider if you are living a lifestyle that exemplifies learning, growing and refining. This is always a choice and is also obvious by how you spend your time. As to the content... scripture is a great teacher. This is where we find our information and beginning understanding of who the Lord is, what He did and continues to do, how He went about being Him, and how this applies to us.
There really is no better source than the Bible to learn. Where to start? What to learn? You really need to start with your biggest need - what is it you need to know and understand so you can apply it? Let your needs guide your learnings. However, if you don't have a focus, start with John and them Mark. Matthew and Luke are important, especially for chronology and examples of how Jesus met issues. The reason I suggested John and then Mark is because John gives us our foundational understandings and philosophical structure. Mark is the more dynamic of all the apostles and is fiery in his choice of topics... at least this is my interpretation.
Don't just read the scriptures from one translation. Read from a variety to broaden your understandings. After this start, I would move on to Paul's letters and then the other New Testament writers. There's a lot of meat in these letters, a great deal to digest and understand. Again, one reading once won't suffice. The Bible should be your manual for learning and you need to understand the who, what, why, how. I'm not ignoring the Old Testament because it provides our foundation, giving us the prophecies that lead to the New Testament. It also gives us our heritage.
The obvious point is if you aren't growing then walking in all the light you have is a dim light. Scripture tells us we are salt and light. But to act on this we need to increasingly expand our light. But light also has to be applied. A sponge can only absorb so much water before it can't hold any more... it has to come out. It has to be able to be expressed and seen. This is also true of us. We need to express our understanding and as iron sharpens iron, refine it. Can you imagine just how bright it can be when we all bring our lights and put them together to reach our world?
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