What is [YOUR] The Future?

Have you begun thinking about THE future? It's only days till the new year. What would you like YOUR new year to be about? Once you think about this, as dispassionately as possible, it’s not really possible to ‘return’ to what was and it may be questionable to continue what currently is. There’s a bit of unknown related to what influence you will have on shaping our society - what everyone is calling ‘the new normal’ (which seems to be fluctuating by the moment). However, you will ALWAYS impact and influence your world (whether you like it or not, accept it or not - it's always an 'is')!

Having said that ... I hope you don’t think or feel powerless, hopeless, and/or helpless. You aren’t! You never are as long as you remember Whose you are. The Word tells us so much about our situation and continually reminds us that if God is for us... who can be against us?. I would remind us all that this means 2 things which only YOU/we can do. The first is to make Jesus your personal Lord and the second is that you use that as your basis to think, speak, and act. The Lord is never ‘out there’ but is always with us... but we must believe this and do what’s at our hand. He gave us a mind - use it. He gave us a heart - let it guide how we use it.

The Bible does talk about our future. In Jeremiah we are told that He (God) has a future for us. Proverbs tells us that while we may plan, it is God who establishes our steps. Matthew 6 tells us not to be concerned, that the Father cares for us. There are over 50 verses related to the future - whether to assure us or to warn us (to be aware and attentive to what's around us). 

All we ever really have is NOW. Yesterday is a 'was' and we may have been fruitful. Tomorrow is yet to be when we 'may be' fruitful. But now, is now - and we 'can' be fruitful. While you can't change yesterday, you can influence tomorrow by what you do today. If you were to have complete control over your today... what would you want to be and do that would also influence tomorrow? So what is your dream about your/the future? If you don't have one, perhaps this is the problem? We need to dare in order to dream. But what, exactly, do you lose by daring to dream? Actually... nothing. But we lose the joy and the excitement of anticipation when we don't dare.

 Jeremiah 29:11, AMP

    "For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans

     for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a

     hope."  

   

Remember Romans 8:31 - '...if God be for us, who can be against us...'. When we have God with us, which we always do when we have made Jesus our Lord, then we are always.... more than conquerors and our future is assured. In a way... the future is a present to open then - just like now is the present to open - now. Which doesn't mean we can't influence... the future. 

NOW... NO!

I found it interesting that the 'Title' of Romans 8 is stated as: Escape from Bondage in the AMP, The Solution is Life on God's terms in the MSG, Life in the Spirit in the TLV and ESV, Deliverance from Bondage in the NASP , and Free from Indwelling Sin in the NKJV. Escape, Life, Deliverance, Free. Those are incredible descriptions of this chapter. What does it say to you? And about you?

[Using the AMP translation] verse 1 begins with a powerful declaration by Paul:

   "Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment]

    for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and

    Savior]. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our

    new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death." [v. 1-2]

The 'condition' - believing in Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. The result - no condemnation. The context - law of the Spirit of life. I think that Paul was wanting the Roman Christians, who he hadn't yet met, to realize the significance of what they did when they believed. It was life changing! The only real question is... have we allowed it to make a difference in our life? Does it lead and direct us? 

I suspect the underlying question is - what's stopping us from a complete surrender to Jesus' Lordship? If it's fear - that's not from the Lord, uncertainty is a seduction the devil uses to thwart us from becoming all we can be. He couldn't stop us from being saved so he's now attempting to stop us from being effective.

Never forget that we can use the same defense Jesus used - 'it is written'! We are not unwise to his machinations. In resisting him - he flees.

Living in the reality that there is ... now, no ... does come with a requirement. We have to accept and act this way. It should make us more sensitive toward others and what they are battling. [It also can provide their 'remedy'.] For some, it may be the living in the 'comfort' that they aren't worthy. Of course not - none of us are. But it is part of the gifting that occurs when we accept and make Jesus Lord. But the familiarity of worthlessness can be enticing because of its familiarity; but it also comes with no responsibility - the great, I Can't! 

We are asked to grow into becoming all they we can be... that's an unknown path, a journey not yet embraced. And the 'comfort' of the known (not worthy) can cripple us if we don't ask the Lord to help us walk this new path. He will. I would suggest that He wants us to use our understanding and acceptance as the platform, foundation of ... now, no ... to be a basis of who we are, what we are sanding on, and become a blessing to others.

A Love Letter

Have you ever seriously considered the Bible as God's love letter to His creation? To be perfectly honest... I don't think I ever did. Perhaps I consider (especially in light of 1 Corinthians 13) I may have looked at the New Testament in this light, but not the Old Testament. Not certain that I ever gave the OT an emotional description. Was I wrong! I was listening to one of my favorite teachers, Lisa D Harper, speak on this and it totally arrested my thinking. And this arrest led me into an incredible study/discovery. 

YES, YES, YES - the entire Bible is God's love letter to us. He keeps demonstrating and telling us about His love and care for us. Over and over and over. Even those chapters that tell us what NOT to do, what NOT to believe are His way of protecting us from our arch enemy. I have no doubt that the devil hates us with every fiber of his being. He was incensed when God created us. I don't believe the devil had any problem with Genesis 1 until God got to the sixth day [beginning in verse 26] and then satan's true colors emerged. (This last statement is my conjecture but I think it's based accurately.)

God has always been Father. Just like any parent wants that best for their child, so does the Father. Every day His eyes run to and fro over all the earth seeking who He can be strong on their behalf [2 Chronicles 16:9]. He wants not only to protect us but to help us grow and mature which sometimes requires disciplining [Deuteronomy 21]. He gave us the book of Proverbs to give us wisdom, understanding, and insight. And this only begins to scratch the surface. But none of this can be attributed to an angry and disappointed Father, though I don't see how He could not but be upset with us. Look, always look to the motivation and with our Father it is for us, His love.

When you read the stories in the OT they demonstrate the Father's love for a disobedient and stiff necked people - who God never gives up on. One of the most poignant stories is found in Hosea. The life of Hosea and his adulatory wife Gomer is an picture of God with His people - time after time Hosea goes to find Gomer and so does God. The Father returns time after time for each of us because of His great love. This theme is echoed over and over.

In the New Testament we see the fulfillment of this love when Jesus willingly gives His life as the ransom for all of us. The supreme sacrifice by the only one who could - Jesus, the spotless lamb. John 3:16 states this and then gives us our way into a new life - a life of love, of belonging. Don't stop at verse 16, read on:

   "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world

    [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be

    saved through Him. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as

    personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no

    rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has

    decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one

    has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in

    the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly

    unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him]." 

    [John 3:17-18, AMP]

'...no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation..." this is our gift when we make Jesus our Lord. December 25th is Christmas Day, the day we designated as the birth of the Lord. But it is He who brings the gift to us. When we accept His Lordship, He will also always be with us [Hebrews 13:5] helping us to become all we can be until the moment He brings us Home. During our time here He tells us He provides an abundant life of meaning and purpose, fruitfulness as we abide in Him and gives us our 'manual' in the form of the Bible - a Love Letter from the Father. And He gives us His command to love as He has loved and our commission - touch the world with His Love:

   "All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given

    to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to

    learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of

    the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe

    everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always

    [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every

    occasion], even to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28:18-20, AMP]  

WEAPON

   "“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]

   "For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our 

    [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man. The

    weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our

    weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are 

    destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that

    sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every

    thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, being ready to punish

    every act of disobedience, when your own obedience [as a church] is 

    complete." [2 Corinthians 10:3-6, AMP]

Look at the Isaiah verse - "This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord," what a guarantee is given us about our heritage! Anything missing to your success to overcoming evil? Remember that Your weapons are divinely powerful (2 Corinthians). [Add to that  your armor - Ephesians 6: 10-17] Does this let you know about what's available as your weapons? Does this tell you who you fight against, who your enemy is? You do know how to use your weapons... yes? And you have identified your enemy... Save your strength for the right fight. People, though they may clothe themselves in those things that fight against God, are not our focus. Their delusions are.

The Lord knew from the beginning that we would need help in the fight before us. Let's face it - our enemy, the devil, is sneaky and uses deception and lies to snare us. He is a toothless lion but he can still roar. Since we were never to engage in the fight alone, why even go there? The Lord's weapons are mighty, His armor is protective and effective. However, I believe our greatest weapon is what Jesus did when the devil tried to tempt Him. He said... "it is written". 

"It is written" should be our answer to his deceits. For that to occur, WE need to know what is written in order to wield the word correctly. Secondly, we need to realize that the Word is our authority and if it says something, end of discussion. Without a complete commitment to the Word, how can we effectively use it? Scripture tells us: 

   "For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it

    operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword,

    penetrating as far as the division of the [b]soul and spirit [the completeness of

    a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature],

    exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart." 

    [Hebrews 4:12, AMP]

If you need to fully appreciate the effectiveness of the Word, then do a study on the Word's authority and you will be empowered and enabled by this study. When you realize the power of the Word remember John 1:1-3 (AMP)

   "In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was

    with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in

    the beginning [co-eternally] with God. 3 All things were made and came into

    existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has

    come into being."

The Word is our best defense, our strongest weapon - what more do we need? 

It's always too soon to quit,,,

Is that not a wonderful mindset! I cannot take credit for it. I heard it from Dr. David Jeremiah but I unabashedly share it. For me, this mindset is based in 1 Corinthians 2: 9 (AMP)

   "just as it is written [in Scripture], “Things which the eye has not seen and the

    ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God

    has prepared for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence,

    who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has     

    bestowed].”

AND, did you see that this is a confirming verse first quoted in the Old Testament. In my mind this means an even stronger confirmation of this word. Typically we quote Galatians 6:9 and when you use the two in combination then confidence should rise within us! 

It never is an option. Do you think that the God of the Universe, your Heavenly Father created you, saved you, pour all the love you allowed Him to give you, trained and equipped you for a meaningful and fruitful life for you to quit? Not! And why are you thinking about quitting in the first place!? Run into a spot of trouble? Don't feel understood? Reaping a whole lot of negativity you didn't create? What! Your point? Why quit? Is it a season? or a moment? And no, you can't take a vacation from you either. What is happening in/for you that gets you to this point? And walking away is not an answer. Don't you want to know why you feel this way?

Since it isn’t God … then who do you think wants you to give up? Uh huh - the devil, your enemy. And why would you believe him when he suggest you give in or up? He doesn’t want you to succeed. This is the time to do what Jesus did when He was tempted - Jesus quoted scripture, He said: "it is written". You can do the same thing! Even if all you have is a well worn piece of paper on which you have written a few scriptures, then pull that out and speak the words. Such as:

Philippians 1:6. AMP

   "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]."

1 John 4:4, AMP

   "Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind]."

Philippians 4:13. AMP

   "I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]"

Isaiah 54:17, 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."

Romans 8:34-37, AMP

   "Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us. Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Just as it is written and forever remains written,

    For Your sake we are put to death all day long; We are regarded as sheep for

    the slaughter.

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]."

I could add others, but even if you only had these 5 ... goodness, how confident you should be! But you have to claim those scriptures for yourself and over the situation you are in so that you can emerge from the place you are in and into the state the Lord has already prepared. Remember, Jesus is at the right hand of the Father and He intercedes for us … understanding and helping us through our situation (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 10:13) .

Bottom line - are you a quitter? Do you give up easily and throw in the towel? Or do you merely grumble? This is one time that grumbling is much better than the quitter mindset. But do you quit.. a lot? Do you know why? And how many of your reasons are aimed at what others do/didn't do? Do you seek scapegoats or just... quit? Quitting should never be in our repertoire of responses.

   "Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose]."  (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Need Meet-er or needy?

Are you a need meet-er or one who seeks a need meet-er? two entirely different mindsets/roles and yes, there are times when it is our needs that are uppermost in our minds and thoughts. But are you also a need meet-er? To be honest, I think we are both. But sometimes we are unaware of how we go about being a searcher for or a need meet-er.

And if you are a need meet-er... what's your motivation? If the last question sounds like a setup, it's not meant in that way. With as much 'give to get' thinking that seems to be pervasive, I'm just asking you to check your heart's motives. One of my all time favorite scriptures about need meeting is found in Luke 6:38. And there are a number of implications about our motives implicit here.

   "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—

    pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more].

    For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others],

    it will be measured to you in return.” (AMP)

This verse comes with a promise (given to you) but also with a standard (how we measure what we do). When you read this same verse in the Message Bible it says: 

   "Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of

    course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down;

    that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier.

    Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—

    given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity

    begets generosity.”

I find the Message version really gets in one's face... but it's also more difficult to ignore - I think because it is closer to the words we use today so the meaning isn't obscure. 'Giving, not getting, is the way.' That's a good way of looking at our motivation. If we follow some of today's thinking that says we should give so that we can get - wrong! That can the result but it should never be the motivation. If all we do is give some action but mostly lip service to what Luke is teaching, then what is our 'reward'? 

Personally I've always (always is always defined in terms of when I understood) coupled this verse with Matthew 6: 2-3, AMP (right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing)

   "So whenever you give to the poor and do acts of kindness, do not blow a

    trumpet before you [to advertise it], as the hypocrites do [like actors acting out

    a role] in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored and

    recognized and praised by men. I assure you and most solemnly say to you,

    they [already] have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor and

    do acts of kindness, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is

    doing [give in complete secrecy], so that your charitable acts will be done in

    secret; and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you."

I have to admit that when I observed the 'stage setting' actions I also saw the embarrassment on the faces of those receiving - grateful but uncomfortable about being the focus. If you were the recipient... how would you feel? There really is no excuse for this kind of behavior from need meet-ers. 

The Shepherd

6 simple verses...

   "The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want.

    He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet

    waters. 

    He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of

    righteousness for His name’s sake.

    Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear

    no evil, for You are with me;

    Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.

    You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have

    anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows.

    Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of

    my life, And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in

    the presence of the Lord." (Psalm 23, AMP)

Typically this Psalm is read at every funeral. I think it should be read at every baptism, 'presenting', and/or christening. Because at the start of our lives, we need some perspective and Psalm 23 does that. It also gives the parents the way to raise their children. I would suggest that this Psalm does a marvelous job of identifying all that the Lord does for His family.

Look again at the beginning: "The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me]. It is the Lord who feeds, guides, and shields but only when we realize that it is He who is doing this. Remember Luke 15:3-7 when Jesus tells the parable about the Good Shepherd? What is it that Shepherd does? He leaves the 99 in order to search for the 1 who is lost. To me that has always reinforced the belief that even if I were the only one, Jesus still would have done all He did... only for me. That's a sobering thought. But it also demonstrates just how important EACH of us are to Him. When the lost has been found, the Shepherd rejoices - actually he throws a party (v. 6). 

When you look at the acts the Shepherd does for His flock (us) the action words are: to feed/guide/shield, refreshes and restores my soul (our minds, wills, emotions), leads (in paths of righteousness), protect and guide, comfort and console, anointed and refresh. This is what is done for us... and I believe it defines abundance. Do you see any area of your life that isn't covered in these verses? Is there anything we need that we don't have - NO!

How do we know that He has done this for us? And/or, how do we know that it IS for us? Look at history. Look at His nature. Look at His acts. Look into His Word. It's all there, all the confirmation and demonstration you need. The Lord planned on this since the beginning of creation. He knew what we needed and provided it even before we asked. The problem is... He typically has to wait on us in order to provide for our need.

I especially like the end of this Psalm... 

   "Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days 

    of my life, And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and

    in the presence of the Lord."

The Lord has provided us with goodness, mercy and love IN THIS LIFE, which will console us in the desert times but promises us what will happen at the end of this life - we WILL dwell in the house and presence of the Lord... FOREVER. Knowing this at the beginning of our trials and remembering throughout gives a focus that can't be underestimated. The 23rd Psalm because it talks about Our Shepherd, is our guide, our hope, our conviction throughout our life.

Is it me! … or is it the Lord?

Does this matter? Why? Do you ask yourself that question? Often? Answer: (in my world of definitions) If the Holy Spirit is active in your life… active not just resides, then the answer to the question is - yes. If you are led by the Spirit, if He has a 'voice' in your life then whether or not it's you or the Lord... it is. Remember too... it really is fine with the Lord if you ask Him for confirmation. He knows that you aren't arguing or doubting Him - you are asking for reassurance because you don't always trust your hearing. 

   "Beloved, if our heart does not convict us [of guilt], we have confidence

    [complete assurance and boldness] before God; and we receive from Him

    whatever we ask because we [carefully and consistently] keep His

    commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight [habitually

    seeking to follow His plan for us]." (1 John 3:21-22, AMP)

These verses give us some 'tests' to prove the origin of our question. IF our heart doesn't convict us is one test. Proverbs (4) tells us that our heart holds the springs of life. From a teaching by Pastor Robert Morris, he provides a foundation for us to consider whether it's only you or the Lord. Fortunately, there are confirmations to judge - the main source is the Word. Another confirmation is counsel. You, yourself - do you have peace or a check?

When you need to 'verify' the source of your assignment/next step/etc. what can you do? Scripture does provide the answer:

  1. Test the spirits - 1 John 4:1-6 give us ample information about how to do this and what all is available for us to combat any attempted seduction or temptation from the devil. We will not be deceived... nor will we be led astray.

  2.  Holy Spirit. I really can't emphasize this point sufficiently... it is crucial for confidence to exist. Develop an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. Remember Jesus said He would ask the Father to send another helper for us [John 4:15-17 - read this verse in the Amplified Bible to see all the roles delineated]. That helper is the Holy Spirit. And just consider all the roles He operates in our lives when we are submitted to Him. Remember too that He is part of the Triune God - His intentions are only for our best. Some verses (only a brief sampling) that will inform and strengthen your understanding about the Holy Spirit are: 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 1:13-14, John 14:26, Romans 8:26.

1 Corinthians 2: 8-13 contains one of my favorite descriptions and actions of the Holy Spirit

   "Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, And which have

    not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love 

    Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who

    gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed]" [v. 9, quoting Isaiah]

    [The result:] For God has unveiled them and revealed them to us through the

    [Holy] Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things [diligently], even [sounding and

    measuring] the [profound] depths of God [the divine counsels and things far

    beyond human understanding]." [v. 10] 

You don't need any other basis to judge. This will give you everything you need to be confident that even if it is you... it is the Lord. If what you are asked to do is edifying, exalting the Lord, and equipping those He has put in your path to touch... it is from Him. If you don't feel confident, then in faith, take a step - you will discover that everything you need is provided and you can do what's asked. 

However, if what's seems to be asked doesn't meet these confirmations, place whatever it is far from you and remind the devil that he has no place in you. There is absolutely no reason to doubt... just discover the source.

Lord... not just Savior

   "But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him

    first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to

    anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited

    by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect." 

    (1 Peter 3:15, AMP)

The Message translation puts it a bit more blunt, but spot on.

   "Don’t give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your

    hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak

    up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always 

    with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when

    people throw mud at you, none of it will stick."

That's said succinctly but also unmistakable - you can't misunderstand what's being said. 

The beginning is the beginning... simple: you start with making Jesus, Your Savior. This is our first step but it doesn't stop with accepting the Father's invitation of Jesus' gift of salvation. Then you begin your journey/adventure to making Jesus - Lord. I seriously doubt that you move immediately from Savior to Lord. I believe this is a process... an ongoing, never ending process - always invigorating, never onerous. It is based in the scripture that tells us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). Obviously, the place to begin is to know, understand, and apply what we DO know and understand about what our faith is... not just the who it's in, but what it's about. 

One scripture that arrested me early in my walk was: "Everything that is not of faith is sin." (Romans 14:23) That says it bluntly enough. If our words and actions don't stem from what we believe, who we believe, and how we demonstrate both then our behavior is sin ... because there's no faith. I interpret that to mean that when I am not speaking from (or acting upon) faith as my foundation,  I am in sin. Harsh? But isn't that what Romans says? Granted the context in Romans was about eating... however, how can you isolate this? I see it as a principle. If you don't believe this - what is your foundation, how do you determine was is your authority?

    "Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone

    hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore

    him), and he with Me. He who overcomes [the world through believing that

    Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant to him [the privilege] to sit beside Me on

    My throne, as I also overcame and sat down beside My Father on His throne." 

    (Revelation 3: 20-21, AMP)

 

Did you realize that these verses in Revelation are spoken to us - His church?  Don't misunderstand... Jesus is our Savior and our life begins with our acceptance of His invitation for salvation that He gives to us. Being our Savior begins the journey, the adventure because I also believe that there is 'a next' step. And... I have to ask - if He's your Savior, is He your Master, your Lord? 

At the time these scriptures were written, there had been in place the practice by some servants who had fulfilled their obligation and could walk free. They could choose to be a servant for life. If they did, then I think there was a piercing in an ear and a ring of some sort that identified them as choosing to stay with their master. Though I have no authority on this, especially since I haven't really studied it out, I believe that the choice was a life long one and once chosen, was irreversible. 

How does this related to our decision to become the Lord's servant and how does this distinguish this person from others? A parallel, I believe, also describes those who come to the Lord with their request to never be separated from Him. We choose to never depart, to become and do those things that honor Him. We act on the scripture that tells us:

   "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]

Goodness... what a present and future we have when Jesus is our Savior and our Lord.

Content and Grateful

You do understand that content and complacent are not the same thing? Complacent, in my world, is something to be avoided at all cost. But have you learned to be content in all situations? I haven't. I do work on this but I'm definitely not there. From a different perspective, do you live your life grateful? Regardless of your circumstances, are you grateful for who you are, who populates your world, where you are on your life's journey? I'm not convinced that we can live contented if we aren't simultaneously grateful.

   "...for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied

    to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my 

    circumstances. I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times],

    and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and

    every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed

    or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. I can do all

    things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and

    empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency;

    I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me

    with inner strength and confident peace.] (Philippians 4:11-13, AMP)

When I read about Paul's life and all that he encountered and endured and then read his words, that he has learned to be content... How?! It really isn't the easiest state to attain. However, in reading on he says (vs. 13): "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." That's what most Christians emphasize and focus on. I would suggest that we realize the dichotomous states (ex: humbly / abundance) Paul indicates. His bottom line is something which I do strive to imitate. For me… not there yet. 

Perhaps the problem is the definition of the word 'content'. I think even Webster has difficulty defining the word. As I said earlier, content is not complacent. Content is an action word not passive. Webster indicates that content means satisfied, pleased, gratified. Perhaps. Content in my world of definitions means accepting the condition as it is now but with the realization that it may not continue. Nor may you want it to. Content is the base from which you start. And it is critical to know your own definition of 'content' and when there is 'discontent'.

As for grateful... this is a strong word and Webster only uses simpering (my interpretation) words to define it: appreciative, pleased, delighted. Yes those do define grateful but it is also so much more. Grateful spills over into all areas of one's life and significantly affects how we look at our lives. Just think of all the emotions you can't express if you're grateful and all the emotions that spill out of you that are expressed. Can's in this case are the opposites of the cant's. Grateful is the foundation for content.  

[Actually, this post is from an entry in my first book, YOU, only slightly re-edited. And I think it is a mindset we all need to be reminded of and act on.]

 

Church

The Church is for everyone though not everyone 'fits every Church. Since the word, Church, is tossed around so much, you need to know what this means - specifically, what it looks like, and how it acts out it's beliefs. How do you define church? Or is it that somewhat nebulous, assuming same definition by all? Is it?  Is it behaviorally defined?  

The kind of Church we all need is a worshipping, Bible believing, with Scripture based and relatable sermons. Scripture is our basis for judging what is happening in our world. More importantly, how does the Creator of Church define Church and how does His definition match yours?

   "... 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. Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of

    our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy

    and faithful [to His word]; and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may

    encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our

    meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the

    habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as

    you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching." (Hebrews 10:22-25, AMP)

The writer of Hebrews was helping us see the importance for the church to meet together as Church. Why? For worship and instruction. Paul speaks to this in 1 Corinthians 13:26, AMP.

   "What then is the right course, believers? When you meet together, each one

    has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation (disclosure of special knowledge), a 

    tongue, or an interpretation. Let everything be constructive and edifying and

    done for the good of all the church."

Church is important and how the Church goes about being the Church is critical. Why? Jesus' words:

   "'Again I say to you, that if two believers on earth agree [that is, are of one

    mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will

    be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered

    in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.”

    (Matthew 18:19-20, AMP)

I have written about the Church in a number of contexts and perspectives but where the essence about the church lies, in my opinion, are these three key verses. Everything we need to know and to do is outlined for us. I believe the Church exists to Praise (Worship), edify, empower the individual members ...

 

   "... to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of

    Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the

    Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness

    of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves

    and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness

    in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in

    every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body,

    joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each

    part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in

    love." (Ephesians 4:12-16. ESV)

This is solid ground. This is how we should view the Church. And this is how the Church should function. And, we would never be told to do this if it wasn't what we can do, possible. I believe that The foundation, the strength for the Church is to be, to think, to act in one accord. And one accord, in my world of definitions never means denial or compromise of your individual understandings but it does mean coming together to resolve differences so that all can have 'the same mind' (1 Corinthians 1:10, Philippians 2:2).

One of my favorite scriptures related to the definition and function of the church is found in 

1 Peter 2: 9-10, AMP.   

   "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special]

    people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies

    [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of

    darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people [at all], but now

    you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have

    received mercy." 

This is the heart of the Church: who the Church is... what we are to be, this is the Church, the Bride of Christ, without spot or wrinkle.

You are anointed to be ...

You! I really love the saying: "You were born as an original... don't die a copy." If God wanted another, duplicate of someone else, He never would have created each of us as individuals, plus don't forget the scripture that tells us we each, all are important (1 Corinthians 12: 12-31)  It's our commonality that connects us and our differences that helps us discover, grow, and see other perspectives.

There are many scriptures that talk about our uniqueness, our individuality: Psalm: 119:73-74, Isaiah 64:8, Matthew 10:29-31, Jeremiah 1:4-5/29:11 are only a few examples. They all speak to how we begin life, who we are becoming, etc. So... why try being someone other than you? Consider for a moment, Ephesians2:10, MSG

   "Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next

    to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea,

    and all his work. ... God does both the making and saving. He creates each of

    us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has

    gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing."

Looking at comparison, because that's what being a copy creates. And let's face it... if you compare you will always end up with the short stick. It also doesn't allow you to walk and act according to your anointing. And if you are busy being someone else... it never really works and the part you play is unattended because no one can be you either. Thus we have: 1 original, 1 fake, and 1 missing (the last 2 are related).

The Word also speak to this issue in 1 Corinthians 13: 14-22, AMP

   "Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of

    it [each with his own special purpose and function]. (v. 27)

The body would look kinda silly with 3 eyes and no nose - yes? You have an anointing as You. So that ...

   "[and He, God, did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for

    works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church]; until we all reach

    oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing

    spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the

    fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our

    spiritual gifts in unity]." (Ephesians 4:12-13, AMP)

I believe you need (and are able) to be confident in Who you are, Where the Lord has placed you, With the giftings He has put into you, to join with others in our mutual responsibility in building the body, the church. That is awesome. Nowhere does it say that you are perfect... that's an ongoing process. And no one else is perfect either. 

Walking confidently in your anointing is the gift you give the Lord as you bless others with You. 

Past Tense

Have you ever considered just how many promises, instructions, etc. are in the past tense in scripture?  This thought led me to - how many times do we go to the Lord for what we already have!?! All that's necessary for us to do is to act on what we've already been given! The problem lies with our not knowing what God's Word has told us. We need to be in His Word to know His Word.

Three examples: Ephesians 1:3-8. 11-14

   "Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

    who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in

    Christ, just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for

    Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be 

    holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in

    His sight. In love He predestined and lovingly planned for us to be adopted to

    Himself as [His own] children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the kind

    intention and good pleasure of His will— to the praise of His glorious grace and

    favor, which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved [His Son, Jesus

    Christ]. (3-6)

    In Him also we have received an inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by

    God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand)

    according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the

    counsel and design of His will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ

    [who first put our confidence in Him as our Lord and Savior] would exist to the

    praise of His glory. In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the

    good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped

    with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as

    owned and protected [by God]. The Spirit is the guarantee [the first

    installment, the pledge, a foretaste] of our inheritance until the redemption of

    God’s own [purchased] possession [His believers], to the praise of His glory."

    (11-14)

   "And such were some of you [before you believed]. But you were washed [by

    the atoning sacrifice of Christ], you were sanctified [set apart for God, and

    made holy], you were justified [declared free of guilt] in the name of the Lord

    Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God [the source of the believer’s

    new life and changed behavior]." (1 Corinthians 6:11, AMP)

Past tense. Chosen/BEFORE the foundation of the world/would be holy, consecrated, Predestined, Planned, Adopted, bestowed, have received, Claimed, Stamped, Promised, Purchased, washed, sanctified, justified ... I could have used other scriptures to make my point but I chose these 3. They all speak to what WAS done prior to the Lord's work in this world. If nothing else, this should indicate just how important you/we are to the Lord that He provided a way for the reestablishment of relationship. This was never an after thought, it was always the reason, the purpose - to redeem us from death and to restore us through our acceptance of His Son, Jesus, as our Lord.

Look again at all of the past tense words: all was in place, all was readied so that we would be able to see our importance that the Creator of the Universe would willingly sacrifice His only Son for our redemption. Do we see this? Do we act on this by making His Son our Savior? Do we continue to grow in who we now are? If everything has been provided, why aren't we walking in the abundance?

The answer is not simple and it is as individual as we are: not understanding, our feelings that we don't deserve, our lack of belief, etc. But these all are lies! Can we not see the manipulation by the devil to keep the Father God's creation from being, doing - walking in all that we can? Actually... this should make us hopping mad that we allowed ourselves to be so duped. But we don't have to live in this, we can dismiss and grind under our feet these lies. Remember the scripture that tells us to resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7). 

Now is the time to refute the lies and to discover all that has been prepared for us. It's there but it is up to us to accept the gift of life given to us by Jesus, who purchased with His life, everything. When you do, you will discover that though you came 'just as you are', the Lord wanted you to grow in everything that's been prepared for you. In scripture we have all we need to grow, to understand that now we have a family, a vision, a mission, a plan for fruitfulness and fulfillment. And it has always been waiting for our acceptance... it's all past tense and never an afterthought. 

Live bravely

Do you meet life... bravely? Not aggressively, bravely. Not fearful, bravely. Not hesitantly, bravely. I believe the source for 'bravely' is based in confidence. How can we be brave without confidence? I also believe that confidence has a source, so we know our foundation.

Whether you call it, 'when the rubber meets the road' or 'walking the talk' this is the 'proof of the pudding'. I'm confident that, for most of us, living out daily our faith is a positive, something we do want to do. We really want to be a good example, model of a maturing Christian. We know that living our faith is visible. And granted, not always easy to accomplish. But... how do we live out our faith?! what does this actually mean? Is it really important? The question is ... how would someone else describe us based only on our behavior? Do they see our Christian foundation?

Obviously, the place to begin is to know, understand, and apply what we know and understand about what our faith is... not just the who it's in, but what it's about and how we go about being/doing it. One of my pillars in doing this is the scripture:

   " But he who is uncertain [about eating a particular thing] is condemned if he

     eats, because he is not acting from faith. Whatever is not from faith is sin

    [whatever is done with doubt is sinful]. " (Romans 14:23, AMP) 

Granted, this verse is talking about eating, but the principle can be applied in different areas/ways. Specific to this theme and scripture, for me, when I take the time to check my spirit about doing/saying something, and I get a check. I try and stop and reconsider. The point is that we all need some spiritual approach to confirm what we are doing. This scripture is my approach (though it may not be yours). Following a check or a peace gives me the assurance that I can be totally 'in' the moment and live bravely. 

I'm not talking about spiritual warfare, though to be effective, one does need to live bravely. (This focus will be discussed in a different post.). This post is directed to how we live our lives daily... how we meet the challenges and opportunities we face in the day, what we do with the call on our lives, how we grow. All of these components are part and parcel of living bravely. It also is something we CAN do.  Never forgot God's instruction to Joshua...

   "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or

    dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

    (Joshua 1:9) 

Personally, I love the phrase ... for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. This increases the 'bravely' for me. I'm going into my day, every day with the person and power of the God of the universe.

Living bravely in our world is not just important, I believe it's critical. However we shouldn't assume that a question is a challenge or that even a challenge is grounds for fighting. Living bravely is our mindset and our heartset about how we live and how we do our lives. It is based in not compromising the Word of God nor interpreting it according to our assumptions. Living bravely is being confident, choosing to live lovingly, and acting according to the Word. We all can do this as we grow in who we are and how we go about being us. We also have the Holy Spirit in us to accomplish this - we have One who works with us.

Journey Hiccups

I believe that we all experience these times of crisis on our life's journey, somehow they are unavoidable. It's really understandable because we aren't always our best Christian self, we sometimes are operating from a position of anger or pain or misunderstanding. The point is to not stay there. How and why you got there is important though. So how do you handle these times, what do you do? Remember that a crisis of faith is one of the more powerful weapons the devil uses to derail us. Plus, the phrase, Crisis of Faith, is really individually defined. You need to know WHY and WHAT. Why you are in a crisis and what's the focus.

There really are steps to follow and the first one is to stop, tell the Lord you're angry and why you are. Second: pray. Ask the Lord to help you in this time. To discover how you got here and why and seek the Lord's forgiveness for your frustration. I would argue that whatever the reason you are angry, frustration is involved in some way. I also believe that until you acknowledge your anger and seek relief and forgiveness for this you can't move on. 

The third thing you need to do, as dispassionately as possible, is to do an assessment of what was happening and anything that led you to this state. This is to develop coping mechanisms for the future if this returns (it probably will at some point) and to begin coming out of the place you are. Fourth: if you have mature and caring friends, ones who will let you speak anything and not damn you for it but at the same time will allow you to grow and mature and move from this place... tell them your truth and why you feel the way you do. Don't ask for advice until you've gotten all your feelings expressed.

Next check your authority, The Bible, to find rest and peace from your feelings and also the Lord's answer to your crisis. You will always find your answer to what you're facing - the point is the answer, not your feelings about the answer. Finally, act on what the Lord's answer is. 

I tend to think that our crisis of faith times is related to the strength of our relationship with the Lord. When we continually develop and care about our relationship, then it grows and strengthens and becomes a pillar in who we are. As we do this the times of crisis are quickly resolved because of our trust in and love for the One who has saved us.

These steps are my approach to challenges, threats, lies, dangers that are the foundation to crises. You now have the choice of using them or discovering your own steps... OR... being a victim of the crisis by giving in to it. We are more than able when we realize who we are becoming.

   "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by

     faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off

    every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles

    us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before

    us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus,

    who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and

    the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing

    the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat

    down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority,

    and the completion of His work].Just consider and meditate on Him who

    endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in

    comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

   (Hebrews 12:1-3, AMP)

How does this relate to a journey? I believe that life is a journey... a glorious, wonderful, learning time full of frustrations, fun, falling, fulfillment and fruitfulness. We have hiccups in our journey... that's ok because they can be learning times. Take the Lord's hand that's extended to you and together you will find joy and peace... and understanding.

Tested

I've heard, as most of you have, the phrase (paraphrased) that it's your tests that give you a testimony. Believe this? A different spin on this was one I heard from Joyce Meyer: you don't know what you believe until it's tested! How true. I believe that our faith, our beliefs find their confirmation when they are tested. Tests, in my world of definitions, is a proving, refining process. 

Tests are never designed as punishment, meant to make us fail. Look at the source first. If it's a test, then it comes from the Father who wants us to be as prepared as possible in all areas of our lives. The devil never tests... he tempts. If, when you look at what's happening in your life and you discover it is a temptation then do realize that this comes from the devil. And... if it 'feels' familiar then you can be certain that it comes from the devil because the devil doesn't have a creative bone in his body - he always uses what he used before. Another clue as to the source of what you're experiencing.

OK, now that you've decided that what you are going through is a test - what do you do? Pass it of course! But look at what tests are designed for: to discover what it is we don't know, understand, or how to apply. When you study scripture you'll discover all the way God tested His chosen. I don't believe there is any person or leader that wasn't tested. 

Tests help us: https://www.gotquestions.org/why-does-God-test-us.html  is a great resource to help us understand tests and trials.

   "In both the Old and New Testaments, the words translated “test” mean “to

    prove by trial.” Therefore, when God tests His children, His purpose is to prove

    that our faith is real. Not that God needs to prove it to Himself since He knows

    all things, but He is proving to us that our faith is real, that we are truly His

    children, and that no trial will overcome our faith.

    The testing or trials we undergo come in various ways. Becoming a Christian

    will often require us to move out of our comfort zones and into the unknown.

    Perseverance in testing results in spiritual maturity and completeness. This is

    why James wrote 1:2-4, AMP 

       " 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."

Though there are other verses that speak to being tested, this discussion from 'Got Questions' really covers the essential considerations. Tests, trials are for our benefit. They are not punishment, they are refining tools and times. While none of us is overjoyed during these times, they are so encouraging because we discover our strengths and weaknesses. All good. Go into these times with an open heart and mind so you can grow and become equipped, enabled, empowered. When you think about it... quite the result.