Don't live a second-hand life

Are you? Don't you realize who You are and Whose you are? Don't you realize that if you've made Jesus your Lord, that you are a new creation!? Read 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21 and discover YOU! 

Do you believe you have potential? You do… even if you’ve been told that (fill in the blank) is the Only thing you can do.! First: if you believe this, why? Is it true? If so… then you can be the absolute BEST you can be! Who sez that you can’t be the best? However ,,, if it isn’t true, If there is a dream that’s in your heart… then I’m fairly confident that the Lord is the one who placed that dream in you. [Have you ever heard of the devil putting anything out there for you to accept that is for your good? Of course not.] If you don’t have a dream… do you know why? Fear? Feelings of inadequacy? Not your choice? Bottom line is that we all have dreams… the difference is whether we follow them or not.

If you wail that you don’t know what your potential is – have you asked the Lord? He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that HE has plans for us, good plans, plans for a future and a hope. You can activate and walk in your dream. Yes, it takes courage. Yes, you must grow in understanding and application of what this means. But, should this stop you? Why would you not want to be all that’s been prepared for you to walk in? (Ephesians 2) 

Bottom line… you have a calling. NO ONE can do what you've been called to do. But yes, we may have the same calling but never in the same way with the same audience at the same time. You are never called to (fill in the blank) without being prepared even if that occurs as you take that first step in faith. However, don’t limit what that calling is. It may be within the framework of the church, but it may be in the world you live in. Remember 1 Corinthians 12 -  not everyone is an nose.

So how do we get to a first hand life? How do we enact all that we need to become? Read 2 Peter 1:5-8 - I'm sharing the TPT version:

   "Faith’s Ladder of Virtue
    So devote yourselves to lavishly supplementing your faith with goodness, and

    to goodness add understanding, and to understanding add the strength of self-

    control, and to self-control add patient endurance, and to patient endurance

    add godliness, and to godliness add mercy toward your brothers and sisters,  

    and to mercy toward others add unending love. Since these virtues are already

    planted deep within, and you possess them in abundant supply, they will keep

    you from being inactive or fruitless in your pursuit of knowing Jesus Christ 

    more intimately."

Did you realize that this is how the Lord sees you? He's simply reminding you of who you are in Him and that you are not fruitless. You are never a second hand person - and God doesn't make junk. It's the dream that the Lord placed in you that differentiates you. You never are in your life by yourself. But you have to be part. You are called, at this time, in this place to be all you can be in your world! And... you CAN do it!

Best Intentions

always, always, always makes us stumble (if not worse)! Then again, perhaps we should first look at who the best intentions are aimed at and why we think our determination is for their best! Tad presumptuous on our part... isn't it? Who are we to determine what the best is for someone else? Unless they are facing a speeding vehicle bearing down on them and we need to help them see this - what gives us a right to say/act as if they don't know or understand? And yes, our hearts may be in the right place, but that doesn't always guarantee that our intentions are.

There is a 'condition' though that is legitimate for us to speak out... in correction when a brother or sister is in the wrong. We even have the scriptural steps we should take. The scripture that speaks to this is Matthew 18: 15-17, AMP

   "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens and pays

    attention to you, you have won back your brother. But if he does not listen,

    take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed

    by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he pays no attention to them

    [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen

    even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile (unbeliever) and a tax

    collector."

In this case, there are sufficient intermediary steps that if you are in error regarding your brother, this will be discovered in the ensuing steps. Let's face it - we can misunderstand and this avoids error.

But... does this always apply to how we go about our 'correcting'? If we don't start with our motivations then we'll never know - even when we may be right. (Is it possible to do the right thing for the wrong reason?... ummm, don't think so.) Equally important is to remember how the Lord goes about correcting us. He always begins from love. He loves us and wants only the best for us, to help us be our best. Does our correction stem from this position of care?

   "My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you strays from the truth and falls

    into error and [another] one turns him back [to God], let the [latter] one

    know that the one who has turned a sinner from the error of his way will save

    that one’s soul from death and cover a multitude of sins [that is, obtain the

    pardon of the many sins committed by the one who has been restored]. 

    [James 2: 19-20, AMP]

Correction is inevitable since we all do/say things we shouldn't - regardless of intention. The 'how' of our correcting, however, must stem from love and care. Jesus always tells us to act in love - John 15:12 - actually, it's His command.

The Itty Bitty 'things'

It's true you know. Many times the devil will use the most insignificant, the Itty Bitty things of life, to trip us up. You'd think that after a number of these incidents that we'd get smarter... not necessarily. Experience doesn't always bring wisdom. We typically are on guard against the larger temptations and/or seductions and then get blindsided by the lesser ones. At least for me, this gets translated into being so irritated with myself than I prolong the victory over (fill in the blank). God doesn't hit us over the head when we stumble or even fall ... He's a loving Father that wants to help us and yet do we allow Him to do so? Or... do we need to 'punish' ourselves?

Can you tell that I've just gone through such a time? Yep. Did I prolong the agony? Yep. Did I come to my senses... eventually. I've also often discovered, once I had become an 'adult' again, that most of the time these 'itty bitty' are me-isms. I've gotten my eyes onto me, rather than on the Lord. And... I've accomplished what I call Paul's lament and did it in spectacular fashion.

   "For I joyfully delight in the law of God in my inner self [with my new nature],

    but I see a different law and rule of action in the members of my body [in its

    appetites and desires], waging war against the law of my mind and subduing

    me and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is within my members. 

    Wretched and miserable man that I am! Who will [rescue me and] set me free

    from this body of death [this corrupt, mortal existence]? Thanks be to God [for

    my deliverance] through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I

    myself with my mind serve the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh [my

    human nature, my worldliness, my sinful capacity—I serve] the law of sin."

    [Romans 7:22-25, AMP]

Simply... I do the things I don't want to and don't do the things I do want to. Most frustrating. Is there a remedy? Be more intentional? Be more aware of what you are doing and saying (or not)? Always check motivations? Yes to all and probably  a few more reasons. Yet... surprisingly, this is not a difficult/impossible 'renewal of our mind'. I do believe that the Lord looks at the intent of our heart (Jeremiah 17:10, 1 Samuel 16:7). However, it is always us who decide to do what needs doing. However, how often do we place a mental guard against those itty bitty areas that trip us up? We can... when we purpose to do so.

Since I seem to be on this rant... another 'thing' I reeeally hate is waiting. I don't do this well. I want (?) whatever I want in a 'now' framework... not later. Do I ask the Lord what He wants - not nearly enough. However, I just read a phrase that captured my thinking - 'Don't waste the waiting.' (S. Robertson). And since waiting seems to be inevitable, this is wise counsel. Which led me to... how do we respond to 'wise counsel'? If we want control over our itty bitties then we need to deal with those 'things' that interfere with success.  

A bit of a 'duh', but complaining about these things I don't like accomplishes little (read - nothing). Until and unless I DO something nothing gets changed. Sometimes my correction is fairly simply, many times it isn't. If it's a stronghold in your life I suggest you get prayer backup for yourself to overcome. But the point is - we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). AND we need to view ourselves and other brothers and sisters this way because we all get caught in our own me-isms and itty bitties.  One of the best ways to accomplish this is when I try and look at the situation from the other person's perspective because 9 times out of 10 it does involve others. It does change (at least) my understanding. 

Remember...even the itty bitty has the potential to lead us to wonderful discoveries. Then again... how do you define 'itty bitty' and how much control do you give them?

Perspective ... yours

It's true, you know - it depends on our perspective - it affects everything about how we react and interact with (fill in the blank)! And sometimes this is overly influenced by our mood. And our mood is greatly influenced by what we do first thing in the morning. Personally, I'm a slow waker-upper. I like to gently ease into the day. But I also want the first words that come from my mouth be words of praise, of gratitude to the Lord. And that,  my friend is something we have total control over. It may take some training but we can begin the day praising the Lord. And when we do, this influences how we begin our day. And how we begin our day influences how we respond to the challenges and opportunities in our day.

I doubt that I would get many detractors to this view... but how many of us are willing to renew our minds, train ourselves to begin our day with the Lord? I can assure you that the benefits far outweigh the time it takes to train ourselves. Then again... whoever said that being a Christian was a cake walk? Actually, Jesus told us: 

   "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)

Back to how we begin our day. When we begin with our minds on the Lord and all He does for us then this verse can also affect how we responds to attacks.

The New Living Bible states the last sentence in John 16 even stronger - "I have power over the world!" 'Overcome' is a great word but 'power over' leaves no room for doubt or question. There's no equivocating the previous description of the world - you have power, have overcome. [Caveat: sometimes Christians seem to have the misguided opinion that the moment you choose to become a Christian that all trouble, grief, threats, attacks, etc. cease. Not. Wrong perspective. Actually you now have a very large target on your back and that our adversary, the devil, tries to derail us. And at the first sign of attack we discover who we really are.]

Perspective is very crucial, and personal - I doubt you are even able to go contrary to your perspective. And yet... you can change it. But it is your decision. As you open yourself to the Holy Spirit in you and grow in your trust and obedience to the Lordship of Jesus, you will increase your understanding, commitment, and confidence. 

Confidence: Ask... Know... Have

   "And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything

    according to His will He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever

    we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him." 

    [1 John 5: 14-15, ESV]

1 John is a very powerful and practical book. This time we are considering what 'confidence' means and is based in. Without confidence we are severely hampered because we aren't sure of the step we have just taken nor exactly where we are to take the next step. Our foundation is in question. However, when we act IN/ON confidence we project a completely different person. The confidence John is telling us we need is based in 'Ask', 'Know', and 'Have'.  So how do we define these words and how do they influence our confidence.

In this study, don't forget Hebrews, which also affects our ask and have, Without this verse in Hebrews, just how confident would our confidence be?

   "Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the 

    throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we

    may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in

    time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]."

    [Hebrews 4:16, AMP]

(Note: the 'Therefore' in verse 16 refers to the previous 2 verses: 14-15. 'Therefore' is always in context.) One definite piece in our defining and describing is that confidence is without fear. If we are responding in fear then we aren't responding with confidence. 

However, the caveat is what our confidence rests upon. Webster tends to define confidence in terms of 'self'. I can accept this as long as the definition of confidence in oneself rests in my confidence in the Lord. If He isn't the foundation for my words and acts of confidence... then I'm on a slippery slope or on sinking sand. It's interesting that Webster primarily defines confidence in terms of self. Wrong way round - our confidence has to rest on something, someone. Our only foundation of assurance is Jesus.

Since Webster seems to also define confidence in terms of assurance (and vice versa) then we have to have something 'solid' to stand on. Webster's synonym for assurance is: "a state of mind in which one is free from doubt". Now that's a foundation! In the fickleness of life, we do need doubt-less mindsets that direct our ways. Our confidence assurance is/has to be based in the changelessness of God. He's told us Who He is and What He does in His Word. We can rest in this so that when we ask... we can know... and will receive (have) what it is - 'according to His will'. And when this is the foundation, based in His Word, we walk in confidence. 

Wrong way round

I sometimes wonder if we've totally misunderstand what witnessing is all about. First of all, it's not You who saves others - only the Lord can (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). And if you respond with - 'I know that!', then what's the problem about witnessing to others who the Lord is and what He does? In witnessing, our focus should be on the other person and helping them to understand what's available to them when they do accept Jesus. Remember... we are His Ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) - it's not about us. We just get the joy of sharing.

Again, what we're supposed to be doing is bringing others to the Lord so that He can save them. I also believe that it is our confidence in the Lord that is our best and more obvious foundation in our witness. Do we believe He can save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25)? Do we know that in accepting Him as our Lord that we are in the process of change and growth (Hebrews 4:14-16)? Is the Word our foundation of authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17)? I believe that it is our 'real life' experiences in these areas that we share that can provide a beginning testimony for others and a basis for their understanding and confidence. 

Our part is the testifying Who the Lord is right here, right now, and what they can do to partake in the confidence based in the Lord. It also helps them to realize that this life, though important, is a step away from our fullness in the future. Our experience provides an understanding for the unbeliever, just how important He is and that it is the Lord who empowers us in our lives. How we demonstrate Who the Lord is and continues to be in our lives is the beginning of their understanding and appreciation. We share, we invite, we provide our 'witness' (experience). That's the end of our involvement until they do accept Jesus ... and then I believe we take on an even greater responsibility to help them grow by being mentored, grounded, 'educated', and helped during their beginning steps (making disciples - Matthew 28:19-20). 

I think it is incredible that the Lord chooses to work with us, through us in this place and time with this meaning and purpose. It should show us that we matter, we are important to Him because He chooses to work through us to bring everyone into His family (2 Peter 3:9). And at the same time it isn't difficult - we simply live that kind of life and let it draw others to us so that sharing, inviting is a natural extension. There is an unexpected benefit. As we do the witnessing and listen to ourselves, we build ourselves up. We hear what the Lord has done for and in us. 

   "Jesus came up and said to them, “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]

Is this difficult? (It's not like 'cold calling' in business.) The beginning of this encounter can be a question from someone... a question to someone... sharing something exciting that happened... Matthew 28 is our directive - go and make disciples. This process begins with a conversation with an unbeliever. Never forget - your sharing begins and ends in Love. Love of Jesus, Love for the unbeliever. 

Repayment

Do/Have you ever want/ed to do 'something' even though you know there's really nothing you can do? In my case, even though I knew it was totally impossible, I wanted to 'repay' the Lord for all He did and continues to do for me. But... is this even possible? Short answer - NO! It's not possible and is the wrong emphasis in our thinking. Show me where in scripture it talks about His creation repaying the Lord or that He even entertains an expectation of our repayment. Doesn't exist. So what can we do. Actually... quite a lot. Once we get our minds off a quid pro quo approach to the Father, He does tell us what He wants from us.

   "For I desire and delight in [steadfast] loyalty [faithfulness in the covenant

    relationship], rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God more than

    burnt offerings." [Hosea 6:6 AMP]

  "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you

    Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness

    (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown

    sense of importance or self-righteousness]? [Micha 6:8, AMP]

God is telling us what He wants: loyalty-faithfulness and knowledge according to Hosea. He wants us to be just, to be kind, and to walk humbly with the Father. according to Micha. If there is any 'repayment' then this is what our Father wants. And is this repeated in the New Testament? Multiple times in multiple ways. What does Jesus want? 

   "Go and learn what this [Scripture] means: ‘I desire compassion [for those in

    distress], and not [animal] sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call [to repentance]

    the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to change], but sinners

   [those who recognize their sin and actively seek forgiveness].” 

   [Matthew 9:13. AMP - also in Luke and Mark]

It says our Lord wants compassion. Probably not the 'repayment' you thought would be asked of you. And yet... it is the kind of repayment that is in line with the character of our Triune God. If we truly want to 'repay' the Lord for all He does, then we need to adjust our thinking to what He wants from us. 

Repayment is never the focus for what our magnanimous Lord provides for us in all areas of our lives. His motivation is Love and helping us to be fruitful and become all we have been intended to be. Each of us is different, unique, special so one person's 'repayment' won't be what another person's is... or is it? Of course it is! We all are called to follow according to the scriptures. So if one is asked to abide, then we all are. If one person is told to pick up his cross and follow... then we all are. Bottom line is that the Father wants all of us, all the time. Not the dribbles and bits we toss out when it is convenient. 

Our 'repayment' is being completely, fully, willingly, willfully, sold out to the One who loves and cares for us, who came that we might have life and more abundantly, to be fruitful as we abide in Him. We take the time to develop our relationship so that we can be who we are in our world. That's our repayment.

Writer's Note

Every once in a while, I feel the need to restate the obvious... at least about 'my' blog and books. The writing is NOT rocket science nor deep theological thought. It's not meant to be. The 'Audience' for the writings are you, right where you are, with all that you are facing, in the times and world you live in. My writing has and is always aimed directly at the reader. I want to challenge, encourage, assist in helping the person define and refine who they are and how they go about being them. 

If you are blessed by any of the writing, the credit belongs to the Lord. I've always felt that He was the writer but that He blessed and honored me by inviting me into this journey, on this path. I'm really more of His scribe than the writer. I've always acknowledged His inspiration for what was/is written. If you think this very, very presumptuous on my part. No. I know who I am, what I can do and am beginning to see the ways in which the Lord (His Who and What) leads and focuses the writer me. What a blessing.

Personally, I've learned a lot from the writing. My growth is obvious. (Very cool) And, the source, the credit belongs to the Lord. I'm just delighted that He allows me to phrase the posts in my words. This mindset is the basis on which I chose the method - asking questions. Knowing how and what to ask is truly an art form, not just an information gathering form. You can be 'given' the answer but it's more effective when you find the answer because you also find the sources of the answer.

Questions are a critical component in growth, in my estimation, and knowing what questions to ask, and to whom, and when is important. To me, questions provide the foundation to discovering. And if it's me doing the discovering, then what I discover is more quickly incorporated into my knowing - I own the knowing. And remember my bias - you can't un-know. However, You can change, improve, replace...

And yes, I do speak on the same topics... these are eternal issues and never one and done. We grow in understanding as we consider all the facets and implications and responsibilities and opportunities.... etc. I rarely say the same thing but consider the topic/subject from a different perspective not unlike pealing the layers of an onion. We grow in depth as well as breadth and begin to appreciate the learning even more.

All of what I've just shared underscores, defines, and explains the context and content of the blogs and books. My prayer is that it is a blessing to those who read. The goal always is to grow... to become all that we are intended to become. We are all in a process and the Lord isn't finished with us yet.

I do NOT Wanna

Does that sound as lame as it looks? Probably. But, like me, do you ever feel that way? Come on... be honest, you do. And the 'not wanting to' has absolutely nothing to do with the 'activity' or the people involved... it simply is that there are moments that whatever it is with whoever they are - you just don't wanna! And whether or not you have a 'good' rationale (excuse) has nothing to do with the feeling. So what do you do in those times? You actually have only 1 of 2 choices, and you can't pretend you haven't heard. You either don't or you do.

Some of the time I allow myself the luxury of declining - as graciously as I can. And then one of two things occurs. One: I feel guilty because my 'excuse', though true, sounds so very trite that it becomes one of those I-know-that-you-know-that-I-know-I'm-only-giving-an-excuse and I really could have been involved. The result is that the now 'free' time is totally tainted and impossible to enjoy. The other thing that can happen is: I find, later, that the activity really was terrific and I missed out on something very special or worthwhile. The result of this is a kind of flat taste in the mouth about what I did do.

Most of the time I 'suck it up' and do whatever it is. And many of the times I'm eventually glad that I did because I would have missed something quite... lovely. The few times that the activity is a dud doesn't compare to the times of positive experiences. For me to enjoy this though does require a change in me. I find that in the midst of whatever I allowed myself to succumb to, can become a 'positive' only when I purposely change my attitude. 

'I don't wanna!!!' does need to be expressed and acknowledged or it will impact whatever decision you make. However, you don't have to punish others in the process. Being a martyr won't work either because this behavior always seeps out. What I typically try to do is to take some time with myself and pity party it and then move on... 5 minutes usually works. But then I try and enter in to whatever decision I make and not get into the 'what if'.

Why even talk about this? Because it's relevant to occasionally take a hard look at goals, plans, expectations, wants, don't wants, attitudes. For me, I need my journey to be spiced with hopes and dreams and more I wanna's than I don't wanna's. Primarily I'm raising this issue because it does relate to the Who you say your don't wanna's to.

   "Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My

    disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his

    cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me

    [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering

    or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. For whoever wishes to save his life

    [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his

    life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity].

    For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world [wealth, fame, 

    success], but forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his

    soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory and majesty of His

    Father with His angels, and then He will repay each one in accordance with

    what he has done. [Matthew 16:24-27, AMP] 

Totally different context - yes. But we need to not do this when the Lord is the one asking us. Bottom line is that He is inviting us to partner with Him to touch lives. We need to remember that whatever He calls us to He will prepare and equip us for... and that it is an opportunity to be involved in a wonderfully fruitful opportunity. We need to say, as with Isaiah - 'Here I am... send me.' (6:8)

Search, Examine, and Test

   “I, the Lord, search and examine the mind, I test the heart, To give to each

    man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds."

    [Jeremiah 17:10, AMP]

Search... Examine... Test... the heart. This will validate us in who and what we are and do. But the Father doesn't just 'consider' this - He 'gives' to us according to our ways, the results of our deeds. To me that is all encompassing and strangely reassuring.

I believe the most visible and viable expressions of what we know is our application. If you don't apply what you know... how do you really know... what you know? More specifically, how can/do you apply what it is you know and believe? Application is the ground to discover what it is you really do know and how you demonstrate it. Simple example: if you love someone but never say anything or do anything that would let them know... how would they ever know of your love? Actually, how would you? And no, words aren't enough. They are a good beginning, but it's your behavior that proves and disproves what you know.

   "And He said, “Whatever comes from [the heart of] a man, that is what defiles

    and dishonors him. For from within, [that is] out the heart of men, come base

    and malevolent thoughts and schemes, acts of sexual immorality, thefts,

    murders, adulteries, acts of greed and covetousness, wickedness, deceit,

    unrestrained conduct, envy and jealousy, slander and profanity, arrogance and

    self-righteousness and foolishness (poor judgment). All these evil things

    [schemes and desires] come from within and defile and dishonor the man.”

    [Mark 7: 20-23, AMP]

Most important... look at what your witness is saying. Remember - we all witness to what we think and believe through our actions... always. A different question is... is the foundation for your belief - what you know, a head knowing or a heart knowing? And yes, they are two different approaches. Need both? Absolutely. 

  “The neglected heart will soon be a heart overrun with worldly thoughts; the

    neglected life will soon become a moral chaos.” A.W. Tozer

Equally important is knowing the source of our knowing when we act and speak. There are many verses that talk about this:

   "The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral

    out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man

    produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his

    mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart." [Luke 6:45, AMP]

Actually our questions for ourselves should be... how do we 'feed' our hearts. What are we treasuring and storing in our hearts? Do we listen to our words to understand and know the answer? I would venture to say that we all don't do a particularly good job of making certain that our hearts know because the heart has been included with the mind in the searching, examining, and testing. Our hearts are both strong and fragile.

The Mind of Poverty

Back in 2011 I wrote a blog post titled: 'Poverty Mentality'. I sometimes believe we in '21 are caught in the grip of this thinking. Legitimately, from a standpoint of the world's standards, it could be argued that this is true. But, for just a moment, think not about the carnal issues of life but the spiritual. Is this true for you? Do you focus so much on what you don't have that you don't see what you do have? Let me remind you, for a moment, and then we'll reconsider the situation. Perhaps the question will be - how do you want to enter 2022? What goals do you have for yourself spiritually as well as who and what you are in your world.?

We Christians are quick to speak the promises of God, but do we apply them to ourselves? Do we believe that they are for - [put in your name]? If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord, remember that one of the gifts you received by doing this is adoption, you become a joint heir (Romans 8:17). Jesus came bringing gifts for us. This entitles us all to a host of opportunities - but they do us little good if all we do is placed this wrapped gift on the shelf. Waiting for...? A related question that has always plagued me is the verse that says: 

   "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as

    Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things

    than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father." 

    [John 14:12, AMP

Goodness! If we don't do the things He did, how can we ever do the 'greater' things? Have you ever defined 'things' for yourself? Do you know what this is and means? If we don't touch our family, or our friends, or our neighbors we won't be involved in making a difference. And what stops us? A lack of confidence that we can... that we should... that this is what we're 'called' to do. And when this is our mindset, to me it's the mind of poverty. 

Not equipped? Of course you are. All you do is touch a life with who and what the Lord's done for you, your experiences. You don't save anyone... that's what the Lord does. You share. Remember the parable  of the sower of the seed (Matthew 13:3-9)? The answer is in 1 Corinthians 3:6 and...

   "But the spiritual man [the spiritually mature Christian] judges all things

    [questions, examines and applies what the Holy Spirit reveals], yet is himself

    judged by no one [the unbeliever cannot judge and understand the believer’s

    spiritual nature]. For who has known the mind and purposes of the Lord, so as

    to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts

    and purposes]." [1 Corinthians 2:15-17, AMP]

A year from now when you look back on 2022... what will the evidence show? Our choice. To live our lives with the Mind of Poverty or the Mind of Christ.