Beyond

According to Google, abundant (more) is fullness of joy and strength:

   "More abundantly" (John 10:10) means to have a superabundance of 

    a thing. 'Abundant life' refers to life in its abounding fullness of joy 

    and strength for spirit, soul and body."

Abounding, beyond all define superabundance and a status we all can attain. It can be yours. But in order to experience it, you need to apply a scriptural  definition, my bias:

   "ABUND'ANT, 

    Plentiful; in great quantity; fully sufficient; as an abundant supply. In 

    scripture, abounding; having in great quantity; overflowing with.

    n. Great plenty; an overflowing quantity; ample sufficiency; in strict-

    ness applicable to quantity only; but customarily used of number, as 

    an abundance of peasants.

    adv. Fully; amply; plentifully; in a sufficient degree." (NKJ)

There are over 100 scripture verses that relate to abundance. From this fact we can understand that the concept is important... daily. Personally, I read 'superabundantly' as - 'beyond'. And, I must admit, the Ephesians scripture has to be one of my favorites. It provides such comfort and promise. All I have to bring to this scripture is my belief, my faith. 

   "Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly 

    more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest 

    prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within 

    us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all 

    generations forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, AMP)

There are other scriptures that confirm this scripture.

   "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." (Jeremiah 29:11, AMP)

   "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. For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose before-

    hand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son 

    [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would 

    be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers." 

    (Romans 8:28-29. AMP)

All 3 of these scriptures are words that demonstrate 'beyond'... at least this is what I believe. In the days we live in, it is increasingly difficult to even see the 'usual'. However, I do think that 'beyond' is individually defined. When it comes to spiritual matters, this is based in our own behavior, our behavior, our understanding. How we mature. If we're not growing, continuing to become then our definition is also in a state of a kind of superficial approach to beyond. If we want to experience 'beyond' then it is truly in our hands. Our understanding grows as we apply our faith. 

So... what is 'beyond' for you? Do you experience this?

Journey

   "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with 

    them, and they will be His people, and God himself will be with them 

    as their God.  ... Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, 

    'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'” 

    (Revelations 21:3, AMP)

A journey! And God tells us He is with us and has been and will be - until we come home. This should be an incredibly comforting thought. We aren't alone. And this foundation emphasizes newness as we walk out our journey in this life. It also can be a kind of context when we get discouraged... especially about ourselves and who we are.

The first day of the year is (or can be) very special. On this particular date, today is not just a new day, it is also the start of a new month... and it is the start of a new year. Clean slate. New beginning? Where and who do you want to be on your journey a year from now? What are you willing to do to attain this? Will you look back on you and be pleased? If we look at the day as a new, a fresh start - a time when the slate can be wiped clean and we can begin anew, then we walk into the new year with hope... and confidence. No... we can't eliminate dangling responsibilities, those holdover 'things' from the previous year, but we can put our minds in a state of new beginnings. Many times a new thinking, a fresh 'look' can resolve an old unsettled issue. 

At least for me, I've discovered that a 'clean slate' comes with the understanding that I have new expectations for myself. I really can't use the excuses from yesterday or expect an unending acceptance of any bad behavior I exhibit. My journey includes my responsibility to become that workman that does prove his worth. Perhaps not a 'new' frame of reference, but it is the one I need to embrace in order to continue my journey, walk on my path... continue to become who I have been created to be. It is C.S. Lewis' quote that provides my context:

   ""The question is not what we intended ourselves to be, but what He 

    intended us to be when He made us." (C.S. Lewis, "Mere Christianity")

Again, our focus comes into question. When our sole focus is ME and MY wants and 'needs' we can too easily get distracted. No, not abandoning them but looking and judging them against the Lord's plans.

   "I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I 

    am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously 

    reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I 

    count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal 

    where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, 

    and I’m not turning back." (Philippians 3:13-14, MSG)  

Sometimes the Message translation speaks to the heart of what we are trying to be and do. Where are our eyes? What is it we look at... for? How do we do this?  In this particular situation - are we seeing the goal? Do we know where we are headed? In my world of definitions, a 'new' provides this opportunity to stop, reassess, and double check if I am where I should be.

Our journeys are the result of our decisions, our plans (or lack of), our actions,  

our hopes and dreams, our wants and desires, OUR. Never apologize for your journey, embrace it all - including the good and bad decisions, the good and bad plans, the good and bad actions, the good and bad hopes and dreams, wants and desires. When 'bad' was the result, that would have been the time to apologize and repent and go a different way. You may make your journey... but your journey defines you.

The delight is that the Lord ALWAYS gives us second and third and fifty one plus chances to become who we have been intended to be. This means that a new year can become your new start. And when you stumble, remember that you can start from this new spot - never regret you stumbled... just 'pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again' (from "Swing Time",  1926 Fred Astaire movie)

Disobey 'Authority'?

1. God gave us minds.

2. God gave us free will

Ergo and thus... He expected us to use them. I also suspect that He expected us to use logic and compassion in our applications. Those 2 standards are not incompatible.

Then we face the knotty problem of how do we resolve the issue of obeying those in authority over us. Blindly following doesn't seem to fit the above. So how do we scripturally and effectively 'disagree'? A very dear friend asked me about how I resolve this particular conundrum. I still wrestle with this and am not confident in my stand, but, at least, I choose to stand on what I know. 

Obviously I am talking about human 'authority' and not God's. I suspect that blind obedience has never been my strong suit… probably still isn’t. The more I think about it, I think I'll blame my parents. They never gave me a 'because I said so' response to any question I had... especially regarding what they wanted me to do. Typically they supplied their 'why' before I asked. 

Ergo and thus, when this subject of 'authority' arises, my ‘passion’ related to it also rises, mostly because how scripture considers this subject. Without question, obedience without understanding is difficult for me… so I react. This particular subject fits this description (no understanding) as does the one that states that women should be quiet in services. (However, I have a partial response to that one.) 

In this issue, let’s begin at where I typically begin - starting with definitions: 

Obey:  Webster

     transitive verb

1: to follow the commands or guidance of  

2: to conform to or comply with, obey an order

     intransitive verb

: to behave obediently 

     Synonyms for obey

• adhere (to). comply (with), conform (to), follow, mind, 

     Words Related to obey

• defer (to), submit (to), surrender (to), yield (to), accede (to), acquiesce (to), agree (to), 

assent (to), attend, hear, heed, listen (to), (etc.) 

   

Summary: to follow, conform, comply, behave, Does this give us further understanding? Or produce more questions? 

Scripture

Romans 13:1-2. AMP

    Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God. Therefore whoever resists [governmental] authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves.

1 Peter 2:13-14. AMP 

   Submit yourselves to [the authority of] every human institution for the sake of the Lord [to honor His name], whether it is to a king as one in a position of power, or to governors as sent by him to bring punishment to those who do wrong, and to praise and encourage those who do right.

End of discussion? So how do we reconcile this with the words and acts of Christians… even the Lord? He threw moneychangers out of the temple. He rebuked the Pharisees, who were the ruling authority. [The Woes of the Pharisees is a list of criticisms by Jesus against scribes and Pharisees recorded in the Gospels of Luke 11:37–54 and Matthew 23:1–39. Mark 12:35–40 and Luke 20:45–47 also include warnings about scribes. Eight are listed in Matthew, and hence Matthew's version is known as the eight woes.]  And, from a 'human' standpoint - how do we reconcile the actions of our ancestors when we sought our independence?

From this do we understand that we should/can disagree openly against authority? Or is this only for the Lord? How does disagreeing and complying coexist? [Matthew 23:1-5. AMP] 

   "Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: 'The scribes 

    and Pharisees have seated themselves in Moses’ chair [of authority as 

    teachers of the Law]; so practice and observe everything they tell you, 

    but do not do as they do; for they preach [things], but do not practice 

    them. The scribes and Pharisees tie up [a]heavy loads [that are hard to 

    bear] and place them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not 

    lift a finger [to make them lighter]. They do all their deeds to be seen 

    by men;"

Obviously you can deduce from this lame discussion that questions still remain and I really don’t have it all together. Still… somehow my mind says – why give us minds if we aren’t to use them? IF the issue was in reference to what the scriptures say related to themselves - God, Jesus, Holy Spirit – I really have no problem there. If they say it then that’s the end of the discussion.

However, when it comes to man and his understanding… I think healthy debate, discussion should always prevail. Why have free will if it doesn’t? I realize this is an extremely banal example but… if the leader, let’s say mayor of PDC said, in the middle of the day, we are actually in the night, would we accept and follow this? We probably would start a petition to remove that person from office. Again, not a good example but is it still the prevail action we should be taking in regard to our leaders? Or, do we treat national leaders differently… and if so, why?

Duly notice that the scripture in Romans says, we will bring judgment (civil penalty) on ourselves. Understand that civil disobedience will/can bring civil penalty… but is this the question?

 

As you can see, I’m still wrestling with this. I don't know if it's the fact of disobeying or the method of disobeying...

Congruent

Do you know if you are congruent? Do you listen to what you say... and see what you do? Do you like you... despite your 'failings'? How do you know all that? Can one tell from your words and behavior? Are your words and behavior like shifting sand... all over the place, spilling over, not solid, you never know what either will be? Is 'fickle' a good descriptive word? Actually, I probably should have started with the question as to whether being congruent was important to you?

Ideally, we speak and act from our foundation, our pillars, who we are. And this is reliable... we are reliable. Not unchangeable, and not box-able, but there is a logical basis on who we are and how we go about being us. I think the best word to describe this is 'congruent'. Our words and behaviors do flow from our foundation.

According to Webster: "...the quality or state of agreeing, coinciding, or being congruent" (I realllllly hate it when they define a word by that word). Some of the synonyms are: accord, accordance, agreement, conformance, conformity, congruency, congruity, consonance, harmony, tune". I'm not particularly enamored by 'conformity'. But the underlying thought should be - understanding. Not assuming. Knowing yourself.

Too often we assume we are being understood or assume the definitions of the words used by the speaker (and listener) are the same as ours. Not necessarily. And the only way we truly know is when we begin to verify the connectiveness. Do we take the time... or just assume 'one accord' is in place? You do remember what happened the last time you just 'assumed'? 

Consistent. Does this describe you? And is your 'consistent' based in your beliefs? And... are your beliefs consistent and congruent?

   "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 

    ... in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose]." 

    (1 Corinthians 15:58, AMP)

Steadfast... immovable... aware are strong words. Undeniably, you can't be any of those 2 qualities without being congruent. However, to me, 'congruent' is a guide. It helps me to determine, especially when I have learned something 'new', how and where and if it is relevant to what I do believe. And if not, how to reconcile the difference or to help determine its incorporation into my preexisting beliefs. I believe that everything we learn either confirms or challenges us about what and how we say we are and how we do us. Incongruent should not immediately be dismissed as irrelevant, but should is 'scrutinized'. It may prove to be incompatible but at least we become aware of its existence.

Blindsided

Being blindsided... happen to you? I suspect we all get blindsided at times... by ourselves as well as by others and other types of 'triggers'. To be perfectly clear - being 'surprised' is not the same as being blindsided. Blindsided is always unbidden, unexpected, and not wanted. Sometimes it takes our breath away, sometimes it may result in tears... our response to being blindsided varies. I have also discovered, when I get blindsided, that what occasioned this blindsiding is not necessarily always the same - a person, place, scent, song, activity, etc. However, the point is - after we get over the surprise/shock of being blindsided - what do we do?  

If it happens often, then you need to take another look at how you order and understand your world and your experiences. What it is that you allow to control you and your responses. I don't believe that being blindsided is always all 'bad' or our 'fault', the issue really is our control over us. How do we allow our feelings to be expressed without hurting others ... or ourselves.

Sometimes... in order to figure things out, you need to stop and listen... admittedly, an extremely difficult task, especially when you are also dealing with the emotions of being blindsided. Could you have avoided being blindsided? That's an extremely good question. Not certain... but somehow I don't think so. What we can do is minimize the collateral damage and deal with (fill in the blank) rather than deny or ignore it. 

Your mindset, frame of reference, whatever you wish to call your foundation makes all the difference in these times. You need to know who you are, on what/who you base your actions, remembering previous similar situations, etc. If you do not have a firm foundation then overcoming these times of being blindsided is even more difficult.

   "The Lord is my light and my salvation — Whom shall I fear?

    The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life — Whom shall I dread?" 

    (Psalms 27:1, AMP)

   "God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable],

    A very present and well-proved help in trouble." (Psalms 46:1, AMP)

   "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] 

    peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, 

    but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; 

    I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory 

    abiding.]" (John 16:33, AMP)

Obviously, there are other scriptures to stand on when dealing with being blindsided. I have discovered that finding those scriptures that meet my need, what I am facing sometimes is even better when I do the discovering. Turning to scripture for answers, what to do, etc. is a great way of not letting being blindsided control you.

   

Unbearable

I think we all face at least one 'unbearable' in our lives. Actually, we probably experience many unbearables. Some of us feel like we have far more than our fair share. And realizing all this helps us get through those times. Because we need to have the mindset that unbearables is something we go through... we don't make it our residence. Unbearables are also very, very individual. We really experience these differently even when the 'cause' is the same.

What is an unbearable? It varies... it can emerge when we experience the loss of someone close, or it may be a different kind of loss - of hope, of being abandon, of betrayal, of...  the universal characteristic(s) is that it is personal and speaks of loss, it is significant, and the pain goes so deep that it takes your breath away. 

In an odd sort of way, it should be confirmation to us of the importance, the value of the focus of our unbearable. We may have 'known' before, but now it is undeniably true. This can become a new guide for us in terms of others who fulfill the same type/degree of importance and value. Never let them not know the depth of your feelings. We humans tend to not do a very good job of letting those we do value know they are valued.

When we seek comfort for our times of unbearable in scripture, Psalms is where I look (AMP):

   "The Lord also will be a refuge and a stronghold for the oppressed,

    A refuge in times of trouble;" (9:9)

   "For He has not despised nor detested the suffering of the afflicted;

    Nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for 

    help, He listened." (22:24)

   "The Lord is near to the heartbroken, And He saves those who are 

    crushed in spirit" (34:18)

   "Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and 

    uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken" (55:22)

Throughout the Bible there are scriptures that speak to our times of sorrow and despair to help us through our unbearable. However, it is we who have to choose - not to forget, but to be allow ourselves to be healed. Allowing healing is rarely a simple act, but it is critical in order to live and move on with our lives. I discovered that the pain didn't evaporate, but its hold has. It isn't forgotten, but it doesn't control. And I'll never forget... and I do choose living.

Forgiveness and Restoration

Do you remember the end of the verse of 1 John 1:9? As a reminder... "... and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." When we talk about the Lord's forgiveness there is always the act of restoration. John makes it perfectly clear - when we confess and truly do not want to repeat the behavior/words, earnestly desiring to change - then not only does the Lord forgive, but He restores the relationship. 

And to answer the question before asked - yes, He will do it repeatedly, remember His word to His disciples to forgive 70 times 7 (Matthew 18:22; Luke 17:3-4. AMP). If He tells us to forgive others that often, won't He do the same for us? Besides, unless your repetition is willful and rebellious, you were not attempting to throw His forgiveness away. Another example is when Paul rebuked the church in Corinth and reminded them of the need to discipline the case of the sinning brother. Once the brother did repent, Paul had to return to the church to bring the repentant brother back into fellowship.

The point is that restoration is part of the forgiveness process. When we have committed a sin and then sought the Lord's forgiveness, the Lord does cleanse us and bring us into righteousness. Also, remember that righteousness is not a big word, but it does have a big meaning  As simple and as profound as it is, being righteous means being in right relationship. Not only are we forgiven and cleansed, we are brought into right relationship.

Psalm 103:10-13,

   "He does not deal with us according to our sins,

     nor repay us according to our iniquities.

   For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

    so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him;

   as far as the east is from the west,

    so far does He remove our transgressions from us.

   As a father shows compassion to his children,

    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him

 

Many people continue to beat themselves over the head with their sin and don't walk in the forgiveness and restoration that's been provided. Psalm shows that in the mind of the Father, the sin doesn't even exist anymore. When we continue to seek forgiveness or act as unforgiven - we make a lie of Who the Lord is, What He's said.

   "For I will be merciful and gracious toward their wickedness, And I will 

    remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12)

Yes, this is from the Old Testament and Yes, God was speaking of His relationship with the nation of Israel and what God was doing in their midst - but how much more the fulfillment in our lives when Jesus is our Lord! Read Isaiah 43:25, Hebrews 10:17 as further confirmation. So, why do we hold onto sin that has been repented of, forgiven, and been restored. This is what we can walk in. This is who we now are, the sin no longer exists and the Lord does not remember it.

   "He shall again have compassion on us; He will subdue and tread under

    foot our wickedness [destroying sin’s power].Yes, You will cast all our 

    sins Into the depths of the sea." (Micah 7:19. AMP)

Where are you Lord????

Have you ever asked this question? Have you ever felt so alone, maybe even felt abandoned, so far from the Lord? In those times, because I believe we've all faced them at some point, do you remember His Word? What does He say?

   “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, 

    and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their 

    God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be 

    no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, 

    for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the 

    throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also He said, 'Write 

    this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.' (Revelation 21:3-5)

When you read those words - the dwelling place of God is with man - then if you are feeling far from God, it wasn't He who has walked away. I do believe that sometimes we aren't always aware of where our feet are leading us. We do get off our path or go down rabbit trails we shouldn't. Point should be... when this happens, stop! Take a bearing on where you are so you can return to where you need to be. No one needs to compound the problem.

It seems to be always when we are at our lowest that our defenses fail us. We look inward rather than reaching outward to the Lord. Remember Paul's lament about the thorn in his side? 

   "but He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkind-

    ness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regard-

    less of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is 

    completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.' 

    Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that 

    the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me." 

    (2 Corinthians 12:9, AMP) 

I love Paul's response to what the Lord told him - I will boast in my weaknesses. Most of us attempt to cover over or hide our weaknesses but Paul boasts SO THAT the power of Christ may dwell in me. Granted it may seem impossible to boast in those times... but how does moaning help us? And most of us have our eyes in the wrong place and see only our plight. We cry out - where are you Lord, but He hasn't moved - He's still right there. It is our eyesight and what we see. 

I am definitely NOT dismissing the feeling. Of course we can feel alone, a bit frightened, and whatever else we feel. And feelings are real to us. But at some point we have to face the fact that we are/were wrong - He has been with us throughout and it's time to face whatever we think is happening. Why do we assume the worse rather than remembering all the times He has demonstrated that He is with us?

 

There is a wonderful song that can bring great comfort at this time you're going through...

"You'll Never Walk Alone" Rogers and Hammerstein

 

When you walk through a storm

Hold your head up high

And don't be afraid of the dark

At the end of a storm

There's a golden sky

And the sweet silver song of a lark

Walk on through the wind

Walk on through the rain

Though your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone

You'll never walk alone

 

You really aren't alone or abandoned.  ... remember the Father's words to and for us that begin in Genesis and are stated innumerable times throughout the Bible:

   "...for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you 

    [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree 

    leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold 

    on you [assuredly not]!” (Hebrews 13:5, AMP)

Jesus said...

When we read these words in scripture do we see that all arguments fall? Do our ears 'perk up' realizing that the words that would be coming next were/are critically important for us and how we become us? Does our attention focus? Point being that there are over 73 verses that start with 'Jesus said..." but do we believe and act on His words? [http://www.openbible.info/topics/jesus_said] 

I'm not going to attempt to list all 73 verses, but I would like to highlight a couple of them and ask you - do you believe this for yourself? Do you act on your understanding of what He said? Do you allow your understanding to grow, to mature in order to appreciate all the nuances involved? 

Obviously, we should never just lightly or cavalierly consider 'Jesus said'. We need to ponder what's being said... at least that's my opinion.   

   "For there is [only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and 

    mankind, the Man Christ Jesus," (1 Timothy 2:5, AMP)

You did see the 'only one'... This puts a period, end to the 'philosophy' that says that there are many paths to God. There aren't. And there are other scriptures that reinforce this statement, such as Acts 4:12, Acts 16:30-31, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 John 2:23, 1 john 5:11-12. But it is John 14:6 that really is the final argument:

   "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes 

    to the Father except through Me." (AMP)

No one... means no one. And this is our message, in love, because it is truth that we bring to the world. However, we even have help in making the right decision - Ephesians 2:8-9.

One of my favorite 'Jesus said' is in Matthew 4:10, AMP

   "Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written and forever 

    remains written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’”

Part of the reason for this is that it also gives us our weapon - for it is written. That defense is all we need. As long as we take the time to read, study, and understand God's Word, we have a defense against evil and temptation. AND, it remains! In saying those words, we then have an action that we can also demonstrate - worship and serve Him only. That can be our check, our proof to ourselves that we are in fact part of the Father's family as our worship ascends and is pleasing.

The final 'Jesus said' that I am sharing is John 5:24, AMP

   "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the person who hears 

    My word [the one who heeds My message], and believes and trusts 

    in Him who sent Me, has (possesses now) eternal life [that is, eternal 

    life actually begins—the believer is transformed], and does not come 

    into judgment and condemnation, but has passed [over] from death 

    into life."

Without doubt, this is a very strong pillar in my life. Hears, believes, trusts becomes the anchor that provides my stand. I believe that with these 4 scriptures we all can stand confidently and boldly... becoming and doing who we have been created to be.

 

Free Will

What do you think? Do YOU have or exercise Free Will? Or, are you a fatalist? This position really does give you a 'way out' because you don't have any responsibility if you have no control. This point is sufficient for me to NOT believe in fatalism. Fatalism is nothing more than a lame excuse! Then again, you may be a person who believes in predestination to the point that the individual has no say in their lives because they are 'predestined' to (fill in the blank). To me, that is a warped and incorrect definition of predestination. If all we are is predestined to () then why give us minds to make decisions... to think?

   "The question is not what we intended ourselves to be, but what He 

    intended us to be when He made us." (C.S. Lewis, "Mere Christianity")

We do put the accent on the wrong sy-llab-le at times and I think this is what Lewis is saying. When we don't come to the Lord to discover His plans for us - who we are, what we are intended to be - then we can easily miss our vision and mission. Or minimally get sidetracked into a quest-less rabbit trail. 

I believe that the best case made for Free Will that I have found is also written by C.S. Lewis ("The Case for Christianity"):

   "God created things which had free will. That means creatures which can 

    go wrong or right. Some people think they can imagine a creature which 

    was free but had no possibility of going wrong, but I can't. If a thing is 

    free to be good it's also free to be bad. And free will is what has made 

    evil possible. Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, 

    though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible 

    any love or goodness or joy worth having. A world of automata -of 

    creatures that worked like machines- would hardly be worth creating. 

    The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the 

    happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each 

    other in an ecstasy of love and delight compared with which the most 

    rapturous love between a man and a woman on this earth is mere milk 

    and water. And for that they've got to be free.

    Of course God knew what would happen if they used their freedom the 

    wrong way: apparently, He thought it worth the risk. (...) If God thinks 

    this state of war in the universe a price worth paying for free will -that is, 

    for making a real world in which creatures can do real good or harm and 

    something of real importance can happen, instead of a toy world which 

    only moves when He pulls the strings- then we may take it it is worth 

    paying.” [emphases, mine]

Truly Lewis' insight is revelatory. His argument about and for Free Will gives us not only knowledge, but a context in which to view our Free Will 'stance' - what we believe and how we act on this. But I will hasten to point out that if you accept this definition and context for Free Will, it comes with responsibilities. We go into this with eyes wide open. Free Will is not for the faint hearted. Than again, if we do as John 15:4 says and abide in Him, we're not alone because He is with us.

For me, the bottom line is that whatever, as in everything, we do and say is based on 'something'. That something is our personal philosophy/foundation. When we make a decision, good/bad/indifferent, there are always 'consequences' and 

ramifications from that decision. But we are also a creation that can learn and grow and change and improve, so that when we act and embrace our Free Will, we will be able to correct any missteps.

Ultimately, it really is always our decision. We do have free will and it is our choice to act on this... the alternative is???

2020... WHAT a Year... 2021?

I realize that we often hear, at the end of the year, that it's been a/an (choose your adjective) year. When it is 2020 that we are talking about, that 'WHAT' is far more than we realized when we began 1/1/2020. It is difficult, not impossible, to find the 'good' in the year. But the main question is - what have we learned? About ourselves... About our Lord.... About our relationship with the Lord... About our other relationships... ABOUT (fill in the blank). But perhaps we have our eyes in the wrong place. Perhaps the question is - what will we do with 2021? 2021 starts at midnight tonight, well technically 12:01am, 1/1/2021.

Is survival your main focus? Have you looked beyond or been caught up in this world-wide pandemic? It's sometimes difficult to look beyond staying safe when there is such wide spread doom and gloom to accompany what information we are receiving. Where's faith? Where's confidence? Where's hope? Are you allowing your circumstances to dictate who you are... what you do... how you do you? And yes, it is understandable that you could be attack by all this... but... where's your focus? Who/What will you believe? How will you choose to activate your faith?

Quite honestly, we can't do anything more about 2020 but we can choose to 'take the responsibility' for our 2021. No, not rose-colored glasses or reciting positive words... what is cannot be ignored. But we also are not without possibilities. Sometimes it really is applying the 'positives' and not just saying them, that is the turning point. Have you put into operationalize actions what you want for yourself in 2021? Have you taken what you know, what experiences you've gone through and made them a foundation on which to build 2021?

You really need to start with you. If you don't accept where you are, if you don't know your equipping and what's available to you... then you go into 2021 ill prepared. Start where you are. Do those things that you can do. Be you in the midst of all this and choose to grow, choose to believe, choose to have an anchor based hope. Remember... hope IS strong, IS able, WILL sustain you through difficult times. Remember that one of the fruits of the Spirit is Long Suffering... so you can rely on and rest in this.

Truly, you are so much more than you think you are or that others try to tell you you are. YOU are who God says you are, how He's made you, the assignments He gives you. Believe. Trust in His Word. Hide His Word in your heart and mind.

   "My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have 

    already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in 

    you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong 

    to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world’s language and the 

    world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone 

    who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has 

    nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another 

    test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception." 

    (1 John 4:4-6, MSG)

2021 is in your hands in the essential and eternal issues of life.