Tithing.... revisited

I was WRONG! Boy was I wrong. Not just a little 'oops' or a 'but I really didn't mean...'. This was a foundation stone in my life and it was made without the 'right ingredients'. It's not that I haven't been wrong before. But I don't recall anything that was so fundamental in my life that I had erred on so significantly. Fortunately,  and somewhat surprising, it was the first time I had taught on tithing. Yes, I've written on it which is why I'm writing this particular post. 

Throughout most of my life I've been a tither. Granted I had defined it slightly according to my understanding, but regardless - I tithed. Not always into the 'storehouse' since sometimes there were ministries I was supporting. And I typically tithed on the net, not the gross. But... I tithed. I was raised tithing and I don't believe that was a cardinal principal in my denomination, but.... I tithed. Later on when I became a Pentecostal (with a smattering of Charismatic) this was my understanding of what I should do, so.... I tithed.

Recently I've been co-teaching on Spiritual Gifts at a local Evangelical church. The book we've been using listed 'Giving' as a gift and it was my teaching. Obviously, to me, it meant talking about tithing. This turned out to be a brouhaha of sorts. So I asked for a portion of time at the next class to finish the subject and I was going to do a deeper dive into tithing.

Bottom line? I Was WRONG. Yes, I know it is Old Testament, but if I don't see that there is a time line stated, that 'it' (whatever the issue) would continue. The other position stated that in the New Testament, we are released from the Law as Believers in Jesus. [And besides, He never taught on the tithe.] It wasn't that I didn't know this... I just never applied it to tithing. I had followed what Malachi 3 said, so... I tithed. Sometimes I even gave offerings. I used as my scriptural basis

Luke 6:38 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. Which, by the way, should be our mindset when we give.

Now what?! Is it wrong to tithe? No. Just not necessary. Jesus was constantly teaching about giving - and not just money. He rebuked the Pharisees in their attitude and manner of tithing [Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42] and He pointed out the woman who gave the equivalent of 2 pennies, but it was all she had. That was a different attitude. 

One way we can determine our attitude and foundation for giving is found in Romans 14 - verses 13 and 23 especially. Granted this was talking about food, but the principle can be expanded and applied.

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

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

    [whatever is done with doubt is sinful]." [23]

   "Then let us not criticize one another anymore, but rather determine this—not

    to put an obstacle or a stumbling block or a source of temptation in another

    believer’s way." [13]

As Christians, we don't need to live under the Law, we don't need to tithe but we do need to give. I will always argue that the bottom line is our attitude about giving. We should never act as Ananias and his wife Sapphira - they withheld, but they lied. It wasn't the withholding, it was their attitude. Tithing isn't 'Wrong' but it isn't a requirement. Giving is our focus and behavior... you just need to know how you define this, what/when/how do you want to give and to whom.

 

Nothing is too small

for our God. Never be concerned that your need, or even your ‘want’ is so insignificant and inconsequential that you won’t (shouldn't?) bother God. That’s just pride turned inside itself. If you have a need, don't compare it to others' needs - that's not the point. The bottom line is that the Father cares for us and invites us to come. Specifically in Hebrews Hw says

   "For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand

    our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing

    exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without

    [committing any] sin. 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 4:15-16]

I've shared this verse many times, but the power of it never fades. In modern parlance, the verse is saying - "Come! I've got this covered. But remember... you have to come in faith." 

There's a wonderful book with the title; 'God is in the small stuff, and it all matters". That's the point. We are welcomed to come, all we bring is our confidence, no fear, our faith. Also, do you remember the verse in Philippians?

   "Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every

    circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue

    to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that

    peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all

    understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your

    minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever

    is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s

    word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace,

    whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is

    anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind

    on them, and implant them in your heart]." [4:6-8]

There is NO qualification. Come boldly. Don't be concerned about anything. However, I do believe it's our faith that is our ticket. We don't come 'hoping', or wondering or unsure. How many times and in how many ways has He told us that it is our faith and that we ask according to His will and it is done! So how do we know we ask according to His will - read the book! It is our manual for living and gives us all we need to know.

I realize that we get caught up in not asking for the little things... but, I sometimes wonder if it is those 'little' things that are far more important to us than we know. We 'know' that God is concerned for us in the BIG things like salvation, but it's the little things that tell the Father we really do believe. Besides, how do you judge what is little? It may be huge to someone else or of lesser concern to another. Not the point. The point is that we involve the Triune God in our everyday. I think that sometimes we forget:  

   "Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short That it cannot save, Nor His ear so

    impaired That it cannot hear." [Isaiah 59:]

He loves and cares for us every moment of every day so He is always concerned with what we may thing is small and insignificant. .... I tend to think that coming with the 'small things' demonstrates our trust in the Lord.

What’s TRUE… and what MATTERS!

Starting with the bottom line... True always matters!  But never assume that 

true' and 'matters' are necessarily synonymous and/or interchangeable. Sometimes our decisions have to be either one or the other (this is a question, not a statement)? So, what’s important to you - that whatever you say or do is true... or that it matters? Obviously knowing your definitions, descriptions, and applications does refine the words. Though, I would argue that if it’s true it always matters but what’s critical is that if it matters is it true? Does this sound like splitting hairs or only a word game? It shouldn’t, it is far more important.

Both words relate to fruitfulness and many times both words are used in the same context and/or interchangeable. And, there are a couple of critical understandings and mindsets that accompany this. What's True and what Matters is that you are important -  your integrity, your character. I believe we all are important in the Father's eyes. He made us, He crafted us to be our unique selves bringing all that we are each day. It's never a question of if this matters - it does. But we have to act on this. Not arrogantly or with bravado, nor with a hidden agenda, but humbly knowing that the person you are speaking to also matters. 

Webster says [There are other explanations and definitions given for both words as well, I provided what I considered to be the nuggets.]  

True  

   "in accordance with fact or reality; being in accordance with the actual state of

    affairs"

Matters: 

   "to be of importance; the events or circumstances of a particular situation"

Therefore, in society, we see that true is without question - it is irrefutable, an 'is'. However, with anything secular - seemingly always open to change and a different definition. One consideration in it's definition is a solace that it isn't arguable and is sure. Truth is truth! It doesn't change... or does it? We are creatures that don't like to be told... even when it's for our own benefit. The only question(s), and they are HUGE, are what can be classified as True.!? Quite honestly, we all need an authority that is not going to vary, doesn't change and the only unchangeable is God and His Word. The phrase, 'subject to change' applies to nearly everything except God.

As for 'Matters', the definition doesn't provide us with much of a foundation or understanding, except that it is of importance. Somehow, 'matters' takes on a personal focus - what matters according to... 

   "When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with

    awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His

    commandments, for this applies to every person." [Ecclesiastes 12:13]

   "But now the righteousness of God has been clearly revealed [independently

    and completely] apart from the Law, though it is [actually] confirmed by the

    Law and the [words and writings of the] Prophets. This righteousness of God

    comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe

    [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction,

    [Romans 3:21-22]

Simply... True and Matters ARE true and do matter. There are other verses I could have shared, but these seem to focus on what matters... or what should. I believe that 'matters' always has a context related to spiritual understanding, like righteousness or faith or ...

Lifeline

   "Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in

    prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and

    continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ

    Jesus. " [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18]

Let's face it. Everyone needs a lifeline at some time for some reason. Knowing who and what is our lifeline is important... especially in crisis situations. Have you ever thought of prayer as a lifeline? I think it is... or at least it's available for us to use. And, as we use it we become more effective as pray-ers. And I also believe that ALL believing prayers are heard and if they are according to the will of God (defined in His Word) then they are always answered in the positive. 

Prayer can be effective regardless of the number of people involved in one accord. However....... one of the advantages of seeking and joining in corporate prayer is:

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

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

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

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

    [Matthew 18:18-20, AMP]

 You do see the impact of being in one accord. And yes, the caveat is 'within the will of God'. I tend to also think that it is when we add our faith together that we present a strong defense. The context is unquestionably the Father's will but it is our faith that is the basis on which we act. If we aren't believing in what we are asking... then why are we asking? 

The following are only a few of the countless number of verses about prayer, how to do it, what to do, our mindset about prayer, etc. The scripture that has always been a standard for me is James 5:16; and Matthew 18:20 shows the impact of corporate prayer.

 

   "Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every

    circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue

    to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that

    peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all

    understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your

    minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]." [Philippians 4:6-7]

   "This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are

    entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will,

    [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us." [1 John 5:14]

   "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, To all who call on Him in truth (without

    guile)" [Psalm 145:18]

   "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]

Back to my initial question about prayer being a lifeline... do you 'use' prayer as your lifeline? Many times we find ourselves in positions that we don't know what to do and when there is a believer with us, we can become a mighty force and a lifeline to success (however the word is defined). Remember that you can be a lifeline for someone else as well. The privilege of praying with and for together with someone else is strengthening and edifying whether you are seeking a lifeline or being part of someone else's lifeline.

Who is the God You know?

How do you relate to the Person of God? Can you really wrap your head around the word/concept/reality of God? Do you have Him in a box? And do you put that box at the top of a high shelf? Do you bring Him out only in times pf crisis? Do you only bring requests? How do you see Him interacting with you? Perhaps you see Him as so majestic that He is untouchable; and thus unreachable? Is He not to be bothered? There are multiple definitions and descriptions but do any of them help you to relate to Him? Who is the God you know?

Actually, He begins to show Himself beginning in Genesis 1;1 - but He doesn't stop there. Throughout scripture He identifies Himself to His creation - Jehovah Jireh, our provider; Jehovah Rapha, our healer; Jehovah Tsidkenu, our righteousness only begins to indicate the 'how' the Lord God relates with us . But do we see? Do we read His Word and still don't have understanding? Do you want to know Him? I believe that Jesus understood our plight - He knew our limitations.

   "This is the reason I speak to the crowds in parables: because while [having the

    power of] seeing they do not see, and while [having the power of] hearing

    they do not hear, nor do they understand and grasp [spiritual things]."

    [Matthew 13:13]

I sense a disappointed frustration in Hebrews 5:9-13, which tells us of our problem. How can we possibly grow in understanding when we don't grasp the fundamentals? The only thing that limits us is...... us. Do we choose to do anything about this? Understanding comes from study and comprehension that is applied when we choose to act on who He says He is and does.

Since He is changeless is He who you discovered when you accepted Him as your Lord… and remains there? Have you taken the time to discover and know a changeless Creator? Has His Word led you into new understandings and appreciation? Do you see Him only as the Old Testament God who seems vengeful against His Creation and their rebellion and wayfaring-ness? Or is He only the New Testament God who has taken so much time and effort to be our help? We need to remember and realize that He is all that and more. It's not that He changes, it's that we begin to 'know' who He is.

Can you describe the God you know? Would anyone be able to recognize Him by your description? Does He ‘do’ anything? Or since He is Omni everything, He doesn’t need to do anything anymore, having done it all? Does the God you know: laugh, cry, sing, feel? And even if He is Omni everything - is He ever surprised? Perhaps the question is - Who is the God that He says He is? He does tell us in His Word. He isn't hiding or making this a guessing game. But it will require us to seek Him. Don't forget Matthew 7:7-8

   "Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking

    and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to

    you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking

    finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened." [AMP]

The Father doesn't tease. He tells us precisely what we need to do in order to discover Him. It is never a question of 'success' - it's a done deal, a promise. As we do our part then that which we are asking/seeking/knocking will be manifested. The absolute joy is that as we discover, we can share with other like minded seekers and listen to their discoveries. In this we all grow and become His witnesses, His Ambassadors to a hurting world as we share Who the God is that we know.. 

 

His workmanship: one of Grace' gifts

How do YOU view 'gifts'? Especially gifts that come from the Father's grace and mercy? Then again... all gifts come from Him. I know I've written about Grace before. However, I also believe that we grow in our perception, understanding of spiritual matters. These verses in Ephesians 2:8-10, AMP somehow just jumped out at me. I know that it is by faith that we accept Jesus as our Lord, but have you ever considered that it was the Father's Grace that facilitated our faith?    

   "For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to

    Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given

    eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not

    through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not

    as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no

    one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. For we

    are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ

    Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used]

    for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which

    He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He       

    prearranged and made ready for us]."

It isn't our 'good works' that save us but good works flow from us as a result a demonstration that we have been saved. It's like the Lord knew we, as well as others, needed the demonstration to prove the status. Yes?

It may be that when we begin learning about the Lord: Who He is, What He does, and How He goes about it, that His grace may be the second greatest gift He gives us. Why? Because it's how we begin to grow in understanding about His giftS of grace. We also see how the gifts that He gives all of us blend and work together for our/everyone's best. One of my personal favorite scriptures, when we discover His Grace, is found in Ephesians 2:10. Look at what it tells us again:

   "For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in

    Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to

    be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking

    paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which

    He prearranged and made ready for us]."

This verse teaches a number of lessons:

  1. HIS workmanship... created in Christ Jesus
        qualities: reborn, transformed,  renewed, ready

  2. To be honest... I like to be considered a 'work of art', and this says that 

        we all are considered in this way
  3. Good works... prepared beforehand   
        I also like the 'for us' because that says each of us has a special work to do

  4. As WE walk in them then the good life He prepared is available.

When we take the time to not just read, but study what is being said, that we can arrive at understandings. Those 4 points related to Ephesians 2:10 are not just words, they begin to provide a solid foundation to who we are, why we are, what we can do, and what the fruitfulness will look like.  We are only beginning the discovery of grace... and that is only 1 verse in the Bible.

Grace is one of those 'big words' that we sometimes only slide over. Grace, however, manifests itself in far more than we realize. Do you have a good definition that's in operation in your life? Most of the time, we see the definition that grace is God's unmerited favor. So what does that mean... and what and why is this important for us?

I discovered the following that I would like to share, Paul Zahl's definition:

 

   "Grace is love that seeks you out when you have nothing to give in return.

    Grace is love coming at you that has nothing to do with you. Grace is being

    loved when you are unlovable…. The cliché definition of grace is “unconditional

    love.” It is a true cliché, for it is a good description of the thing. Let’s go a little

    further, though. Grace is a love that has nothing to do with you, the beloved. It

    has everything and only to do with the lover. Grace is irrational in the sense

    that it has nothing to do with weights and measures. It has nothing to do with

    my intrinsic qualities or so-called “gifts” (whatever they may be). It reflects a

    decision on the part of the giver, the one who loves, in relation to the receiver,

    the one who is loved, that negates any qualifications the receiver may 

    personally hold…. Grace is one-way love." 

I especially like: Grace is love coming at you that has nothing to do with you. But, at least for me, it is a place of rest, a place of refuge where I can catch my breath knowing that when I return to my world I will be at peace - prepared, not alone, and empowered. In this place of sanctuary I am renewed and I can become His Ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). When being the best me I can be is manifested, I am His workmanship... because of His Grace. His workmanship is only one of the gifts of His Grace. Learning about grace never ends. 

 

Relationship

I write about and teach on relationship... a great deal. Our relationship with the Triune God is (and I rarely, if ever, use this word) AWESOME!!! We can live in a relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Can you wrap your head around that? And, as it is in any relationship, we have to be an active part in this. We help determine how that relationship is and grows. 

Many times, the impact of relationship is subtle and sometimes it's in your face. In a way, all my books' entries are about some facet related to relationship. And while there are all sorts of relationships, I'm talking about our relationship with the Lord. The reasons are that I never tire discovering and sharing about this. I think it goes without saying that this relationship is so very critical to our health. 

Relationship building is a never ending creation. We are continually discovering new aspects to what the word means... and if not, then we are in danger of having it atrophy. And when I say 'health' I'm talking about the condition of our soul. 

   "Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in

    good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually]."

    [3 John 1:2]

To me, John is teaching a number of concepts - all related to relationship. As foundation we read in Ephesians:

   "In this [union and fellowship with Him], love is completed and perfected with

    us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment [with assurance

    and boldness to face Him]; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is

    no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love

    drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment,

    so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not

    grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love]. We love, because He

    first loved us." [1 John 4:17-19]

There are so many lessons to be discovered in these verses from John. I do believe that 'relationship' is defined by verse 19: 'We love, because He first loved us." Without His love I wonder if we'd really know what love is and does. Love is never only words... it's the foundation for actions. As a guide, we have 1 Corinthians 13. Remember... love never fails.

In John 15 Jesus, in one of His last teachings talks about Abiding in Him. It's there that we increase our strength. And as we do, there is a promise - that we will be fruitful. But again, it begins in relationship. We NEED to be in relationship with our source... but not just with His hand. He tells us to abide in Him. I believe it is in the abiding that we begin to understand more fully.

However, how I define 'relationship' may not be how you do. What is your definition? How do you see it manifested in your life? Is it an ever evolving discovery? The reason You need to have your answers is because I do not believe that our Triune God ever interferes. He never intrudes where He isn't wanted. I do believe that He created us for relationship and some of my examples are  seen in Genesis. God brought the animals to Adam to be named and He walked in the cool of the morning with Adam and Eve. He gave the Garden of Eden to them to oversee. 

When we read the New Testament we read a remarkable statement by Jesus. He called His disciples... friends. He tells them He has told them everything - where He is going and why. And, He tells them that He will ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to bring to their remembrance all He has said. All that speaks to relationship in my world because if I have made Jesus my Lord, then I have everything He has prepared for me. 

Are You doing You?

No criticism... but are you doing you? Are you still discovering who you are? Not to worry. You won't be perfect nor discover all you are until you get to heaven. But, there are components of you that you really should know now. One example is that we all have gifts [1 Corinthians 12]. And the reason for the gifts can be seen in Ephesians 4:11-16. We all have a part... our part. If we don't recognize our own gifting then we won't be 'operating' in our calling and then we aren't supplying our part for the body.

Another example. Stewardship. I am a steward. I am responsible for all that I am and that I have. But... 'responsible for' does not mean owner. Ownership can quickly become a heavy weight, responsibility turned on its head. Once we 'own' something, then we're responsible for 'it' and at that point, 'it' can begin to own us. And I don't see this as a positive. Stewardship does not lessen responsibility, but I believe it puts responsibility in the proper context. So, what are we responsible for/about? It isn't just a single area. 

What and how does God's Word speak on stewardship? Being a good steward brings: 

          source and provision of our stewarding

   "The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the

     Lord." [Psalm 24:1]

   "Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from 

    the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning."

    [James 1:17]

          knowledge of our attitude and behavior 

   "Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and

    not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from

    the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ."  [Colossians 3:23-24]

   "Remember this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and

    the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should

    do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God

    loves a cheerful giver."  [2 Corinthians 9:6-7]

          promotion:

   "His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been

    faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things;

    share in the joy of your master.’  [Matthew 25:21] 

   "For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than

    enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken

    away from him."  [Matthew 25:29]

What each of us needs to remember is that all we have is for a reason. It's not to be clenched tightly in our hand so nothing gets away. This may be true, but nothing can be added either. 

   "Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good

    managers of the varied grace of God.'  [1 Peter 4:10]

Each time we successfully steward what is the Lord's... and for the right reasons, we place ourselves in a position to be trusted with more. Returning to the title - how are you doing you? Are you satisfied? (And if you are doing your best, that's what is important.) Are you growing in understanding and behavior? Quick word of encouragement... never put yourself down - the Lord doesn't. Yes, He wants us to be our best and He's there to help us. If He's not done with us yet... then neither should we.

When we are doing us... then regardless of the circumstances, we can learn and grow and continue building on who we are. And then confidence grows.

Chasm

 We have a problem. Insurmountable from our position... but not with God. I am constantly amazed, when I read in scripture, answers that were prepared for the now we live in. To me, righteousness, relationship are highly prized and critical to life. Let me share an insight, understanding that I think the Lord gave me recently. 

  Point 1. The Triune God cannot be in relationship with unrighteousness. I think 

     there is a scripture that talks about this. But even if we only look at our own

     relationships, we are constantly reminded that we shouldn't be yoked with an

     unbeliever and that unrighteousness and righteousness cannot exist together.

  Point 2.  I believe that we were created for relationship. Somehow I can't

     imagine God creating us in His image and He not wanting to be in relationship

     with us. It boggles the mind. He didn't create man and then leave him to his

     own devices. He showed Adam and Eve what they could and couldn't do, what

     was forbidden and what was allowed. God spent His mornings walking in the

     cool of the day with Adam and Eve.

  Point 3. The Fall. Man severed his relationship with God. And this wasn't an

     accidental 'oops'. They both betrayed and followed after evil. This became our

     nature - we were cursed.

Now what? How can the chasm be breeched? Can we ever be in relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?! When we remember that God is Omni then we can begin to discover what He did. 

   "Rain down, O heavens, from above, Let the clouds pour down righteousness

    [all the blessings of God]; Let the earth open up, let salvation bear fruit, And

    righteousness spring up with it; I, the Lord, have created it." [Isaiah 45:8]

   "For we all have become like one who is [ceremonially] unclean [like a leper],

    And all our deeds of righteousness are like filthy rags;" [Isaiah 64:6] 

Looks hopeless. We can't purchase righteousness... we can't earn it. BUT... He didn't leave us without restoration, but this also took the extreme of Jesus taking on our sins in order for us to become part of God's family.

   "Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst

    for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they

    will be [completely] satisfied." [Matthew 5:6, Luke 6:21 

   "This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those

    [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s

    Son]. There is no distinction," [Romans 3:22]

The chasm has been breeched! We can be in relationship, because Jesus purchased our righteousness. Read Romans 10:3, Galatians 3:6 and so many other verses. Do a deep dive on this subject and you will be amazed and so incredibly grateful. 

For me, this scriptures stands out that seals the answer. 2 Corinthians 5:21

   "He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in

    Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made

    acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His

    gracious lovingkindness]."

When we accepted Jesus as our Lord, the Father made us righteous!! Wrap your head around that. One translation says that God made Jesus, who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. What a price Jesus paid! What a blessed exchange for us!  What a gift given!

However, we also have a significant part - retaining this status. And yes, the Father provided the answer to maintaining our righteousness. 1 John 1:9

   "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]."

 

The chasm is breeched! We can now be in relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

Created to,,,

be, to do. And, among other things, to grow. Once you were saved, once you accepted Jesus as your Lord - this began the never ending adventure of discoveries... about yourself, about the Lord, about life, about - everything. And there are so many things to discover, you'll never run out of spiritual matters to learn and grow in. 

Have you ever taken the time to think about all the things you have been reborn to be and do? I think it's exciting and great fun. Yes there are scrapped knees, and unthinking decisions that end in less than desired results, but there are also those moments of revelation and understanding that can never be 'trumped', that are transformative. You have been created to become which is why the Lord is never finished with us - perfection is a goal, not sure it ever is an attained destination. You have also been created for is to do. And that's our determination. But why would we ever not want to do? The Lord never saved or created us to only be born again but to touch lives so that they can.

So what happens after you've been saved? New believers also need a Bible believing, Bible preaching church. Hopefully the person who led you to the Lord helps you to find a church home and a Bible. The church is our home, family to grow in and to fellowship with. While new believers do need a family of believers, we all do. We never outgrow our need for fellowship.  

You also need your manual - the Bible. It's there to help you grow and mature: to know what you should do, when and how. The Bible tells us where we come from. The Old Testament gives us our roots, our heritage and paves the way for the New. Example: Proverbs gives us how we should live and what we should avoid. The first 5 books is our history cloaked in teaching us ways to live, what's important and who, how we should live.

Many times, people think we only need to focus on the New Testament. Wrong.  

However, I do agree that we need to begin in the New simply because it speaks clearly to our now. The teachings from Paul, the historical presentation of Jesus and what He did - which is why the gospels form a beginning understanding. Perhaps whimsical, I tend to look at Matthew and Luke as the historians and foundation builders. Mark is the one who is action based and John is our heart.

To me, learning is the start, our path to knowing. Knowing in the path to understanding. Understanding is the path to applying. And applying gives you evidences of you growing. However, you have to determine your best path. I've indicated mine. Growing is essential, at least in my world, because I don't see how being saved, born again is only a one and done. Scripture tells us to work out our salvation in fear (awe) and trembling [Philippians 2:12] Again, in my world, it's the start - and it does come first. But it isn't the end. We are invited into a wonderful partnership - nothing we do is done alone. We always have a helper. Do you need to know? Ask. Do you need understanding? Ask. Do you know how to apply? Ask. We have a triune God that is right here with us waiting for us to turn... and ask.

Lessons and Learnings

What lessons do you remember? Only the mistakes? Did you realize that it's  equally important to remember the good decisions, the 'better' choices as it is to never forget the bad decisions and choices? It is. How can we 'accent the positive' (old movie musical) if we don't remember the good too? It really is OK to act again on those good choices ... learnings are to be acted upon!

Perhaps it's an issue of who is being honored by acting on good decisions? Do we take the credit? Do we acknowledge the hand of the Lord in/on our lives? Or... have we not given Him access to us? Do we try and act on the concept of - 'doing it my way' rather than seeing we are in a partnership with the Lord, growing into who we are as good Ambassadors?  [2 Corinthians 5:17-21] 

Maybe the question is how are our lessons, our learnings leading us? One of the biggest learnings we need to learn at the beginning is... how to follow. Many of us don't see ourselves as followers... we're more the 'leader' type. But in this case, our following may prove to be an example for others. Sounds like an oxymoron that following may be leading - but it is.

Some of the corroborating verses:

   "You shall walk [that is, live each and every day] in all the ways which the Lord

    your God has commanded you, so that you may live and so that it may be well

    with you, and that you may live long in the land which you will possess."

    [Deuteronomy 5:33]

   "Establish my footsteps in [the way of] Your word; Do not let any human

    weakness have power over me [causing me to be separated from You]."

    [Psalm 119:133]

   "If anyone serves Me, he must [continue to faithfully] follow Me [without

    hesitation, holding steadfastly to Me, conforming to My example in living and,

    if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]; and wherever I

    am [in heaven’s glory], there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the

    Father will honor him." [John 12:26]

Those are only 3 verses that talk about following and what the result is when we do. From the Old and the New Testaments, we are always encouraged to follow the Lord in everything that we do. And never forget the benefits of abiding... John 15:4. When it comes to spiritual and eternal issues - following the Lord is always the best choice. 

Following is also the quickest method to learning our lessons. Remember too that lessons don't need to be painful but too often when we try and do it alone... it is. Another issue is that if you don't learn your lessons... then you are doomed to repeat the error thus learning again the lesson(s) until you do learn them. You might just as well pass the test the first time.

Learning and knowing our lessons gives us confidence in what we do and say because we have a foundation from which to act that is not shifting sand but solid ground. I also believe that every lesson becomes a plateau from which you add further understandings. We never really get to the end of a topic, subject because it is all designed on the basis of line upon line, precept upon precept. I don't believe the Lord ever expects us to learn it all in one huge gulp; nor is He surprised when we seem to need a refresher. 

Learning... Lessons are for our benefit. We learn, we grow, we mature from both our good decisions as well as our bad... and it's all important.