Without Love

1 Corinthians 13, the Love chapter, is one of the more known and popular chapters in scripture. Often spoken at weddings, it always gives information and a warm fuzzy feeling. However, though less spoken or taught about, it also tells us what Love isn't. What love isn't can also teach us. The first 3 verses in this chapter tell us that without love, actions are totally ineffective but I would also hasten to add that if love isn't also an action word, then are the words of any importance? I wonder if we instinctively wait till we see actions to 'judge' whether the other person does act in love or only talks about it.

   "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for 

    others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy 

    gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. And if I have the 

    gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and

    understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all

    [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love 

    [reaching out to others], I am nothing. If I give all my possessions to 

    feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not 

    have love, it does me no good at all."

The last part of the 3rd verse does say it all - "it does me no good at all." The gifts (actions) spoken of - tongues, gift of prophecy, understand and know, faith, sacrifice - are nothing, no effect, no good without the motivation of love. Love is the impetus, the foundation and without it we are only going through the motions.

If this sounds harsh... consider when you are not acting in love toward (fill in the blank) why are you doing what you are doing? Does it feel hollow? Love adds context, flavor, energy, joy and so many other qualities/attributes that it's difficult to identify all that occurs when we act from love. And never forget 1 John 4:7 and use this as a cornerstone of our actions.

When you look at scripture, there are over 100 verses that talk about love: what it is, what it isn't, how it feels, what it looks like, the impact on the recipient and giver are unending. One of the more 'interesting' verses talks about the second  most important commandment:

   "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” And Jesus 

    replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, 

    and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and 

    greatest commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your 

    neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good 

    for others].’ The whole Law and the [writings of the] Prophets depend 

    on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40, AMP)

Jesus' words say it all. There is that caveat that I've always viewed as a kind of 2 edged sword: You shall love your neighbor as yourself". 

We are instructed to love our neighbor but it is based on - as we love ourselves. No bravado. No false modesty. Love self. Simple... but ohhhh how difficult. Everything we've been taught has cautioned us against being selfish. It has always seemed to point against considering self. Not. Whether consciously or not, we do put our own interest first. It really is OK to love yourself so that you can use your strengths to defeat your weaknesses. Yes? It is also a measure about how to love others. I realize that I may seem to be simplifying an incredibly important issue. Possibly. But we also tend to over complicate.

There's a fine balance between being totally egotistical and self-centered and being totally selfless. You are important. You can't really love others till you love and acknowledge yourself and your giftings (from God for others). The balance is not putting yourself first. God should hold first place, then your family... but without love for yourself, can you love others?

Authority

If you believe that you've 'earned' your authority or that your authority comes because of who you are... you are mistaken. Authority is one of those words we tend to toss around but really don't understand what it means or its affects... even when it's used! And yes, it is important and we do 'bestow' and/or permit others to exercise authority in and over our lives - sometimes without ever determining whether or not they 'deserve' it or have been granted it (from/by whom). Actually, how did they gain their control over us? Authority:

   "power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior" (Webster)

This is Webster's definition of authority. Rather an all inclusive statement without designating how and/or from whom they received their legitimate(?) position. One question is do you accept it without question? And if this legitimizing has been given to you - how do you exercise your authority? What do you do if your authority isn't acknowledged?  And: how do you accept another's authority?

When we consider spiritual authority we see, from scripture, from whom it came, over what the authority can exercise it's 'power'. Questions don't typically arise because in the exercise of their authority they don't pound you over the head with their status nor do they act on it irresponsibly.

   "Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to 

    tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] 

    over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] 

    harm you. Nevertheless do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject 

    to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” 

    (Luke 10;19-20, AMP)

This is specific and directed. And, the one authorizing the authority is none other than the Lord! Jesus has provided us this ability. But also notice who is in the cross-hairs: it isn't people, it's those we are in warfare against (Ephesians 6:12). I believe that the Lord is quite explicit when He indicates who our enemy is. Though the devil uses people for his purposes, people really aren't our enemy. 

If you feel that you have to defend your authority... then something is decidedly wrong. When it comes to Jesus, Mathew 28:18 makes it clear because it forms the foundation for the Great Commission:

   "Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute 

    rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me."  

This also provides us with a model to follow when we determine if the person indicating their authority, actually has it. First we see who provides their authority in the first place, next the purpose for exercising the authority, and the length of time the authority is in existence. This also provides us our basis for understanding our authority. I believe that a significant caveat is the trust factor - we believe and follow the one who is in authority because they have provided, and proved, the methodology by their own actions.  

Both the Luke and Matthew scriptures tell us that WE have authority and that we should be exercising it. Our 'proof' is if we speak and act as Christians and witness to who we are and the source of our authority. One thing I'm fairly confident about is that our authority is based in the call on our life. When we are functioning in this then the Lord increases our authority and it is so obvious and yet comes not from us.

'Authority', whether spiritual or carnal, is important but too often tossed about . Our job is to verify before accepting... but once accepted, then we have the responsibility to act on this: whether it is we who are exercising our given authority or another person functioning in this position. Authority is too important to act casually or cavalierly about/on. Ultimately we are responsible for what we do with and about authority.

What to do about... Trust.

Have you ever considered just how all encompassing the word - Trust - is? This word defines a relationship at its core. Without trust, no relationship can grow - it always stays at arm's length. But what convinces you to trust or not trust someone? Is it merely a feeling? Probably not, but what is it? Is it what the other person does, says or what they don't do, say? Yes - all of these (especially as confirmed by them over time). Does it take you a short or longer time to trust? And... how do you feel if you do trust someone? Equally important - how does your behavior change when you are with another person and you trust... or don't trust... or are in the midst of determining how much to trust? Another equally important - do you know who trusts you!?

I would tend to think that trust is the foundation in all relationships. You really can't develop any relationship unless there is a growing trust. And that's the point... growing. It is rarely immediate and needs to grow in a variety of ways and areas. But it's the personal you that's important when it comes to trust. You can forgive a mistake, intentional or not, from another when the issue is somewhat peripheral to you. But when it involves who you are and if it involves something very personal, then trust takes on greater significance.

Soooo, when it comes to the Lord. Do you trust Him? Do you trust Him with who you are or do you hold back a bit (even though this is absurd since He knows everything)? It's almost like if you haven't put words to (fill in the blank) then it's still yours and you don't have to discuss it with the Lord. I've done this. Realllllly foolish. It accomplishes nothing except to keep me in my bondage because that tends to be the 'topic' we keep to ourselves. Proverbs 14:10 says: "The heart knows its own bitterness, And no stranger shares its joy." - sometimes no friend does either.

I'm sure we've all faced those times when we feel betrayed, that our trust has been broken. Should we have known better? Perhaps. But that isn't the point - the pain of betrayal is piercing. However, when I went to scripture to find the what and how our instruction is stated - not what I expected. What I was surprised about was that every scripture on 'trust' was about our trusting God. I never found a verse about trusting one another. Yet... I found countless scriptures about forgiving and loving one another. Perhaps that's the point about trust?

Another way of looking at trust and trusting others is the word, trustworthy. Describe you? Do you deserve trust - and why, how do you know? Have you ever (deliberately or unintentionally) betrayed a trust from others? Did the other person find out? How were you treated as a result? Do you know that others trust you? What is the quality(ies) you possess that makes you trust-able? Is this how you judge if another person is trust-able? Actually... what qualities describe and define trustworthy? No simple answers. No quick response. But incredibly important - never ignore.

I don't suggest that we extend to one another the same degree of trust we give to the Lord. But... we might look at how He trusts us as a model for how we should trust one another. And yes, always keep in mind applying the scripture that tells us to test the spirits (1 John 4:1-6).

RISEN!!!

1 Corinthians 15 - a critical and pivotal chapter. I'm going to provide some of the verses that are so profound in my world, what I've discovered, been taught, and learned. Read them as 'information' and discover what they say to you.

   "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, 

    that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that 

    He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according 

    to the Scriptures," (v. 3-4)

   "Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how 

    do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But 

    if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 

    and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith 

    also is vain." (v. 12-14)

   "For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if 

    Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your 

    sins." (v. 16)

   "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those 

    who are asleep." (v. 20)

   "Christ the first fruits," (v.23)

Do these verses inform you of just how important the crucifixion's was to us and our restoration back to the Father? That without Jesus' willing sacrifice we would be eternally lost? BUT that it is the resurrection, this act, that is the heart of restoration.? Verse 16 points this out - without the resurrection our faith is less than nothing... it is worthless and we are still left in our sins. Forever estranged. Forever lost.

The reality is that if Jesus hadn't risen from the grave then He wasn't who He said He was... and couldn't do what He said He would do. Verses 3-4 are the foundation (and don't forget the confirming words: according to the scriptures). Risen means that He did conquered the last enemy. Paul, somewhat frustratingly says in 1 Corinthians 15:29, "Otherwise, what will those do who are being baptized..." The point is verse 26 - " The last enemy to be abolished and put to an end is death."

'Risen' trumps! When we read verse 23 - first fruits. I really like what one pastor said, if Jesus is the first fruits then I can become the second/next fruits. The point is that we can be included, belong, part of God's family. Every morning we can rejoice in what has happened in our lives when we accepted Jesus as our Lord, and we can also delight in that this is an ongoing process - we are always in a state of becoming. 

The fact of the resurrection also distances Christianity from every other 'religion'. Because there is no 'leader' that has died AND risen again. There is no one that could have atoned for the sins of the world except for the sinless Jesus, the spotless lamb... no one, except the Son of God. He and the Father did everything so that we could be in relationship and restored. He is risen... and we who are His will do the same. 

Relationship

   "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through 

    the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 

    For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our 

    weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, 

    yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the 

    throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help 

    in time of need." (Hebrews 4; 14-16, AMP)

When it comes to relationship, what does this scripture tell you? Do you focus on 'high priest' or 'One who can sympathize'? It makes a tremendous amount of difference which is your basis of relationship. And yes, both are important. Maybe the question is... is your relationship with the Lord one that is evolving, growing or, if not, what does characterize it? 

If you only turn to the Lord when you need forgiveness or are seeking His hand for something then I believe this is incredibly limiting and one-sided. You do bring something to the relationship you know... you bring you and whatever defines your you. If the Lord doesn't have access and input into every area of your life, do you really have a relationship?

One of the most memorable comments Jesus makes to His disciples (and by extension to us) related to relationships is:

   "You are my friends if you keep on doing what I command you. I do 

    not call you servants any longer, for the servant does not know what 

    his master is doing; but I have called you [My] friends, because I have

    revealed to you everything that I have heard from My Father. You have 

    not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed 

    and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and 

    keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting, ..." 

    (John 15:14-16, AMP)

Actually the entire 15th chapter of John is incredibly important to and for us, especially as it speaks to relationship. Specifically, in these 3 verses Jesus states that He calls His disciples - friends. Friends! Is that your description of your relationship with the Lord? If not, why? If so, how? When I first read the word, my immediate reaction was one of joy because, to me, relationship means doing things together. 

I believe that some of the components important in developing a relationship are indicated here. The first is that the Lord has revealed everything that He has heard from the Father. But revelation doesn't just drop into our laps. It is something to be pursued and studied to understand. Again, if He did this then we can know from His Word, now and apply it to our lives. 

The second word that jumps out at me and is a component in relationship is chosen. We have been chosen by the Lord, just as He chose His disciples. What a wonderful position to be in - chosen. Remember, He knows us, He knows all about us and yet He chose us. How can we refuse to accept being accepted? But it isn't a 'pat on the head' kind of choice. He equips and enables us to be effective, fruitful, and abundant in this life. He wants us to feel that we can contribute and we can when we abide in Him (v. 4-11). Related to chosen is appointed and planted. We are not a mistake, we are precisely where we need to be and doing what we need to. Apart from relationship - not. We may be Christians, but we have to chose to be Christians which includes these 2 words. 

The last component in relationship defined in chapter 15 is the end of the 16th  verse: fruit will remain and be lasting. It is being in relationship that can give us our confidence that this will be the result. We have never been asked to 'go it alone', not sure how we get blindsided by this thought. It certainly isn't the Lord's. How many times does He need to tell us to abide in Him and that He will never leave us? So... since 'going it alone' is a lie, we can guess where it comes from. Repudiate it! 

We have been invited into a relationship with the Lord. With Him you can define and describe what this is for you. 

Absolute trust and confidence

   "I am not ashamed; for I know Him [and I am personally acquainted 

    with Him] whom I have believed [with absolute trust and confidence in 

    Him and in the truth of His deity], and I am persuaded [beyond any 

    doubt] that He is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him 

    until that day [when I stand before Him]. )2 Timothy 1:12, AMP)

Is this you? Do you have absolute trust and confidence in Him? What don't you trust Him with? Why? What stops you from complete surrender? Actually... not sure the right word is 'surrender' - that can sound like giving up/giving in. Don't really think this is what He seeks. I think it's more like complete confidence and commitment. Need both. Confidence can easily be a thought but commitment moves it into an act.

It may be only me, but it is the act-based Christian that gets the Lord's attention. Because in action, we prove our believing. Remember James?

   "But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me 

    your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

    (James 2;18, AMP)

We can say we are surrendered to the Lord, or we can sing, "I surrender all' but do we show this? Do we display absolute trust and confidence or just talk about it? Perhaps we haven't defined what this means for us? If so, how would you define these qualities in your life? Have you experienced this?

I don't believe that the Lord does anything by half's. I do believe we sometimes do. So, perhaps we need to discover how the Lord would define absolute trust and confidence. He gives us more than ample evidence that He is more than worthy of our trust and confidence. So what stops us? For each of us the reason may be slightly different but the bottom line is that 'what if' in the back of our minds. Not just of whether the Lord deserves our full trust but whether we can actually act on it.

I'm going to return to a fundamental theme ... everything is a process. we grow by putting line upon line, precept upon precept. We don't do 'everything' in all areas at the same time. We take one step... then another... build on one understanding... then another. This is how trust and confidence grows. There may be those who can 'sell out' completely but most of us can't. So it is OK that we do little bit by little bit - the point is that we act, take a step, do something and not just sit and expect it to fall into our laps. We are the ones that do the doing so that we grow and continue.

It truly may not be a lack of trust in the Lord, but a lack of trust in ourselves - can we trust and act in confidence. I sometimes believe it's akin to the cry..." I believe, I believe - help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24) In this scripture the Lord did heal the child. Would He do less for us? Of course not. He will help us grow in our trust and confidence in Him. All He needs is that mustard seed of belief. He can grow a might tree of faith from this tiniest of seeds. Can, will you give it to Him? Do you 'know Him'?

Doing our living

Over the past 10 years, I've written on 'Journey' 5 times, the last time in January of this year. One could suspect that I like journeys (absolutely) and/or that I enjoy contemplating journeying (indisputably). Besides, there's so many aspects and manifestations to the word: preparation, your position (planner, passenger, etc.). Which brings up an 'aside'... I don't believe, especially when considering spiritual issues, that one can ever come to the end of the subject. There are always new learnings, different perspectives, multiple layers, etc. Just like in reading we begin with the A,B,C's, we do progress into reading with understanding at a much deeper/higher level. This is how I think we learn. First the foundation, then an expansion and further understandings, inclusion, relationships... and I could go on, but the point is made - never one and done.

Back to 'journey'. [By the way... 'Doing our living' is another way, in my world of words, of saying - journey.] How do you view journeys? Do you enjoy them? Tolerate them? Avoid at all costs? How do you participate in journeys - involved? Letting others take the first steps? Critically? Enthusiastically? It isn't only the going on of the journey nor just the prep state - it's how you participate. I might point out that we all are on journeys... continually. They are impossible to avoid completely because standing still never lasts. Our decision is our how of participating in them. Do we want to grow?

What's the polar opposite to journeying? One candidate would be a sense of  sameness, that things will never change. That, no change, is impossible. Every day we are confronted, some would same bombarded, with change, with different-ness, whether we recognize it or not. There is a kind of hopelessness if we don't look at our day with fresh eyes, able to see the day's different-ness. Even the same people, the same work responsibilities aren't the exact same as yesterday - look for the different and enjoy it.

Yes, it is our attitude. How we view our life that is the foundation to how we live our everydays. Why am I seemingly 'beating a dead horse'? Because it is critical about how we go about doing our living. How we approach our day - full of wonder, anticipation or growly, irritated - that determines what we will experience. It really is our choice. And ... how are You being in your day? Predictable? Negative? Excited? Full of good cheer? When others see you coming, how do they react - scattering or with smiles of greeting? All this gives you ample information on you and how you are perceived in your day.

And yes, it is our focus. What we are looking at. How do your eyes see? What is your focus, your goal for the day? If you say - survival... they you are missing a great deal. 

   "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one 

    thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what 

    lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call 

    of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14, AMP)

Trust me... if this is your focus then it is impossible to not meet your day with joy. You are on a journey, a quest that will only end when you are called home. Sooo, enjoy the journey - be actively alive and involved, embracing, and loving your living.

JUDGMENT

[Writer's note: Discussing 'judgment' is a bit presumptuous since countless books have been written. This is only a beginning discussion, an introduction. For many believers, it's one study they really don't want to begin. But there is wonderful news. Yes we all face Judgment, and No it won't be devastating... except when we realize the time we have wasted.   

I can't take credit for this... I was listening to Pastor Robert Morris and one part of his teaching on Eternity dealt with the Great White Throne Judgment and The Judgment Seat of Christ. There is so much confusion about the 'final judgment' and how this relates to the believer. Hopefully I won't add to the confusion but provide a path to understanding.]

As context to my understanding and interpretation on Pastor Morris' teaching are the following scriptures he used. I am using the Amplified Bible as my source: 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10, 1 John 2:28, 1 Corinthians 3: 14-15, Matthew 6:1-4, and Revelation 20: 11-13. To begin your understanding, read these scriptures and know what you understand about judgment...and how it affects you. The admonition for believers is Romans 14 and I would add - never compare.

   "But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you again, why do you 

    look down on your [believing] brother or regard him with contempt? 

    For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God [who alone is 

    judge]." (Romans 14:10, AMP)

This post is directed to the believer. It's not pie in the sky nor rose colored glasses, it's meant to be a cogent and logical argument based in God's word to us. However, if you haven't accepted Jesus as Lord, this is the place to start - the ONLY beginning. This post IS Good News for the believer, but it can't be taken as license. We are told to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2;12) so once saved, we do have our responsibilities. Obviously, we are far from perfect so we need a scriptural support from which to act and speak into our world  and for me, recognizing that I don't always do what I should, these are critical:

   "If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He 

    is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will 

    forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness 

    [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and 

    purpose]." (1 John 1:9, AMP)

   "He has not dealt with us according to our sins [as we deserve], Nor 

    rewarded us [with punishment] according to our wickedness.

    For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His 

    lovingkindness toward those who fear and worship Him [with awe

    -filled respect and deepest reverence].

    As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our 

    transgressions from us.

    Just as a father loves his children, So the Lord loves those who fear 

    and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence] " 

    (Psalms 103:10-13, AMP)

If, when we do what we don't want to and don't do what we know we should, we do have a way to restoration. We need to recognize that in repentance, BUT we are taking a vow not to repeat the behavior. When you consider 'judgment', Pastor Morris pointed out that there is belief and there is behavior. Belief is where we determine where our eternity will be spent (heaven or hell). Behavior is what we do with our belief, what and how our actions speak here and now. 

  "For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear 

    before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid 

    for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad [that is, 

    each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives—

    the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities]." 

    (2 Corinthians 5:10, AMP)

Repaid is not punishment. If we've done nothing beyond accepting salvation, then that is our repayment - entry into heaven. I do find it difficult to imagine anyone who has accepted Jesus' Lordship to do nothing with it....However, all believers have the same destination based on our beliefs, just like all non believers have their destination. But... not all of us receive the same rewards, because this is based on what we, each/individually, have done with our time, gifts, etc.    

If it appears that I am interchangeably using The Judgment Seat of Christ and The Great Throne Judgment [ - they are different. One of the best and succinct comparison's I've seen is from Turning Point Ministries (Dr. David Jeremiah) The Judgment Seat of Christ [Romans 14:10-12, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, 2 Corinthians 5: 8-10] and The Great Throne Judgment [Revelation 20: 11-15, Hebrews 9:27]

   "Now, little children (believers, dear ones), remain in Him [with 

    unwavering faith], so that when He appears [at His return], we 

    may have [perfect] confidence and not be ashamed and shrink 

    away from Him at His coming." (1 John 2:28, AMP)

   "If any person’s work which he has built [on this foundation, that is, 

    any outcome of his effort] remains [and survives this test], he will 

    receive a reward. But if any person’s work is burned up [by the test], 

    he will suffer the loss [of his reward]; yet he himself will be saved, 

    but only as [one who has barely escaped] through fire." 

    (1 Corinthians 3: 14-15, AMP)

Do you understand how all these scriptures both tell us what is going to happen and what we can do now... and how?

   "Be [very] careful not to do your good deeds publicly, to be seen by 

    men; otherwise you will have no reward [prepared and awaiting you] 

    with your Father who is in heaven. 

    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." (Matthew 6:1-4, AMP)

As believers, we are supposed to be living the abundant life, but this is impossible if we are in fear of what will happen in the next life. We may not have a cake walk, but we have equipping, enabling, gifting, armor, etc. here and promise for there. As believers, we should be sharing through our behavior who we are and prompt a response in the viewer's eyes to questions. We should always be prepared to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15) so that we can introduce the viewer to the Lord by our words and actions. We should be intent on helping others to avoid the judgment of hell.

   "And I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated upon it, from 

    whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found 

    for them [for this heaven and earth are passing away]. And I saw the 

    dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books 

    were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the Book of Life; 

    and the dead were judged according to what they had done as written in 

    the books [that is, everything done while on earth]. And the sea gave up 

    the dead who were in it, and death and Hades (the realm of the dead)

    surrendered the dead who were in them; and they were judged and 

    sentenced, every one according to their deeds." (Revelation 20: 11-13, AMP)

I have provided a great deal of scripture to underscore what I believe about judgment and what we will face. Without scripture as source and foundation all you have is opinion and judgment is too serious a discussion to be based on opinion.

For such a time... as this

This thought/phrase comes from a story in Esther (4). It was a time of decision on whether to speak/act or remain silent. It was a life or death situation and Esther was the only voice, but the potential result from her action could be her death. She was in place...'for such a time as this'. Have you ever been in this kind of situation? Right here... right now... regardless of what may be asked of you by the Lord - do you believe YOU are in the right place, the right time, with the 'right stuff' (whether or not it is life threatening)?

One thing we all have to realize is that you aren't a mistake. Nor are you in the wrong place... you are where you are doing what you do because, unless you are being totally disobedient, there is a plan. You may not be called to the national or international stage, but you are called to the place you are in... and for a purpose. You can't see it? Then stop, and seek the Lord. If it is 'wrong' He will help you find where you need to be.

   "Many plans are in a man’s mind, But it is the Lord’s purpose for him that 

    will stand (be carried out)." (Proverbs 19:21, AMP)

   "For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in

    you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and

    creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His 

    good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13, 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."

    (Romans 8:28, AMP)

   "...for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a 

    calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], 

    not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could 

    do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His 

    amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus 

    before the world began [eternal ages ago]," (2 Timothy 1:9, AMP)

I realize this is simplistic, but do you trust the Lord? Trust Him in ALL areas of your life? Do you give Him access to ALL areas? Do you believe He will help you to discover and then enable/equip/empower you to do? If you have a trust issue, you need to resolve this first. Take a long and serious look at what/how you allow the Lord to lead you. He will never lead you outside your purpose. And your purpose is really what defines you.

Right now you may be in a time of preparation, of equipping, of understanding in order to be prepared for what is coming. Take advantage of this time so that you won't be scrambling when your 'such a time' occurs. Also, look at the 4 scriptures I have indicated to see where you are on your learning curve in them. The Romans scripture can be tempting. We all love that God is working all things to the good... but we don't always consider the - to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. God doesn't work/act outside His purpose. Neither should we. But this requires us to accept and grow in our purpose.

2 Timothy tells us that we have been called to a life of purpose. This is exciting. Remember, that if you step out in your purpose and get your foot stomped upon. It very likely isn't the purpose... it may be the timing. Besides, when this happens we can always retreat to a position of learning and understanding and them proceed. He will always be with us in all we do to live in our purpose.

Sometimes I wonder if I know what it is that I need to know...

Long title. But not sure how to convey the thought and feeling with fewer words. I do find myself in times of asking this question... because it IS a question. The corollary is - if I'm not, then how do I go about learning what it is that i need to know???

Scripture talks about know, knowledge but it talks more about wisdom. Maybe that's what I'm seeking. To me, the simple definition of wisdom is: applying, acting on what is known in effective and efficient ways. Knowledge without wisdom is just... information. I've also said - you can't unknow what you know. You are also responsible for what you know. 'Know' sticks with us and does direct us (whether or not we follow). Learning's first step is know.

As you can see... I place a high priority on knowing. That's why when I get into these times of wondering if I know what it is that I need to know... it really is important and not just idle mind games. So... what do You -  do or don't you face these times? I think that my response is talking with the Lord. Actually, any time that I'm not sure what to do - I try and stop and turn to the Lord for His answer. He typically sends me to His Word.

Has this been a meaningless conversation on my part? How you respond, if you experience these times, does speak loudly of your relationship with the Lord. Do you include Him in everything associated with your life? Is He your 'answer-giver' who always leads you to discovering the answer and then confirms it through His Word? Do you feel you can always go to Him with what may seem to be irrelevant or mundane? Do you know without question that He is right them with you? 

Read all of Romans 8 - this is a critical chapter and the final 2 verses really says it all.

   "For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that

    neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and

    threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any

    other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of

    God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (v 38-39, AMP)

Bottom line in this particular conversation is that we continually develop our relationship with the Lord. He does laugh with us (not at), He is sad for us (when we are in pain or suffering or sorrow), He rejoices with us when we successfully defeat the devil and watch him flee - He is always with us, for us and wants to be included in everything that touches our lives. Read again 1 John 5 (verses 18, 19, 20 all begin with 'We know'. Perhaps that's where we begin to answer this question... with what the Word tells us we know. Ummm... yes.

   "There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are

    known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't know.

    But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we

    don't know." [Donald Rumsfeld]