The WHOLE Armor of God

Do you really understand? Do you see that God's armor - that He GIVES to us -  encompasses us completely? I know there are those who say that the back is open because we are never to retreat. While I like that, I'm not sure that they realize the significance of the armor. Scripture tells us in Ephesians 6 (I'm using the Amplified version): 

   "In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], [v. 10-11]

You will need to read verses 1-10 to see what comes before the 'in conclusion'. But look at how questions are answered: 'be strong in the Lord' that's the basis of our strength and what our foundation is and can be. Read again who our enemy is, the fact of our success and so much more in verse 12.

But what does this armor consist of?

Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. 

So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." [v. 13-17]

Band of truth / Breastplate of righteousness / feet in the gospel / Shield of faith /                             Helmet of salvation / Sword of the Word

See anything missing? Of course not. We are covered from the top of our heads to the soles of our feet. AND each piece is important, you don't just pick up the sword and wield it without understanding. Nor do you use the shield as a weapon to hit others... it's a shield! What has always intrigued me is that after all this what are we told to do? Stand. But never mistake 'stand' as a time of waiting and doing nothing. That's silly. God never wastes anything, especially time - why should we. Satan certainly won't - he likes to attack us when we are at our weakest. 

Our standing is meant to continue to grow us, to help us understand, to remember our teachings not the least of which is who our warfare is against. [2 Corinthians 10: 4-6] and our weapons. We also can remember how Jesus defeated the devil when satan was determined to defeat Jesus - 'It is written'. We can fight based on the Word.

See...  the bottom line is that we WILL have skirmishes, we are in a WAR. So logic would seem to be as prepared as we possibly can in order to win this war. That's why the Father gave every believer their own, personal His whole armor. Skirmish? Doubt - is a skirmish. Not realizing how the weapons of our warfare should be used - is a skirmish. Not continuing to grow, to become - is a skirmish. Not having our armor on is a skirmish. Anything and everything our enemy uses against us... IS a skirmish.

Never forget that skirmishes are important. They are quicker and easier to win...but also to lose. But the devil knows this too and is intent on defeating us in these 'minor' battles. Don't go in unprepared! We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us but it IS we who do the doing with the Lord's involvement. We do win because WE have the WHOLE armor of God protecting us and our weapons are never carnal, but mighty (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).

Posted 12/29

A Christmas Eve

Does God love me?

Do you ever wonder about this? worry about it? I tend to think that even if we never do a thing after being saved, He still would love us. My evidence of this is found in Romans 8: 37-39 but do read the entire chapter.

(I'm presenting these verses because I believe everyone needs to SEE - and be reminded of what's said - the Amplified Bible.)

  

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

WHY does God love us? Because... that's who and what defines God. We become part of God's family, we become joint heirs but it is we who choose to be chosen, to embrace this relationship. It is never foisted upon us. God's love isn't conditional on what we do or say AFTER we act on Romans 10: 8-10. 

   "But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach—  because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation."

This, however, is only our beginning. Probably immensely disappointed To both the Father and the Son if that's all we do is accept but don't continue, but His love isn’t based on our performance. Even when we deny Him, He still loves us. I would hazard a belief that though it breaks His heart, He would love us even if we renounced and turned on our back on Him. His loving is who He is - the definition of His unconditional love …

But, doesn’t it make you want to love in return? Isn’t your love a deepening of the joy and gratitude that love is the foundation of your relationship with the Creator of the universe? As the saying goes: "God owes us nothing and yet gives us everything." Why would you not love in return (1 John 4:19)? Why and How can you not love someone who willingly gave His only son to be OUR substitution. And why would Jesus accept this charge and become a lamb as to the slaughter so that we would be able to become part of the family? It is ALL for US!

Do you ever consider how God defines and demonstrates His love? You can start in Genesis and see that He has ALWAYS been looking after His creation (us). And He begins making Himself known in so many different ways. Example: He tells us He is our Provider (Jehovah Jireh). And then He demonstrates this. Manna in the desert. A spring of water springing forth from a rock. Later on He tells us He is our Healer (Jehovah Rapha). And then He demonstrates this. He tells and demonstrates so many areas that affect our lives daily

No one can ever make you accept eternal life, no one can ever force you to see all that's available for those who accept salvation and the Lordship of Jesus. Logic and reason won't influence you unless you see all the evidences and accept them. The Father created us and gave us free will. He, Jesus, the Holy Spirit will never force themselves on you. It is always your determination to spend eternity with the Triune God and those who have accepted them. Just one little question... what is it that will help you in your decision making? Never let your pride of wanting to do everything your way interfere. Never buy into the lies of the devil. He will never have your best interests at heart. 

Heaven or Hell. You will end up in one of these 2 places. It's up to you. It's true. The Father loves you so much that He will abide by your decision. And the answer to the title - Does God love me? - is that He does... more than we could ever imagine.

Potter and Clay

I got to thinking… what did WE expect when we accepted the Lordship of Jesus? Did we expect that everything in our lives would ‘suddenly’ be...stressless, easier, better (undefined)? That we’d never have a problem ever again? Why? Why did we think that - and when we woke the next morning and found everything the same … what did we think? How did we respond after the most defining moment in our lives had occurred? Was our focus solely on everything outside of us? Do you read, anywhere in scripture, that miraculously that life would be a bed of roses? NO! But did we secretly hope for that? In fact Jesus tells 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, ...

So now that you see things haven’t changed, what will you do? Walk away? Some do. Jesus talks about this in His parable of the sower.

   "He told them many things in parables, saying, “Listen carefully: a sower went

    out to sow [seed in his field]; and as he sowed, some seed fell beside the road

    [between the fields], and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on rocky

    ground, where they did not have much soil; and at once they sprang up

    because they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched;

    and because they had no root, they withered away. Other seed fell among

    thorns, and thorns came up and choked them out. Other seed fell on good soil

    and yielded grain, some a hundred times as much [as was sown], some sixty

    [times as much], and some thirty. He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and

    heed My words.” [Matthew 13:3-9]

In accepting Jesus you receive so much and even if the only gift He brought was your salvation and the escape from hell - it would be enough. But He brought so much more. And part of the 'more' is seen in the rest of the John 16:33 verse. He also says:

   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)

What does what I just said have to do with 'potter and clay'. More than you think. Let me use just one of countless examples: you will discover gifts. With Jesus we receive mercy, we receive grace, we receive a meaningful life. And in terms of our lives...every believer is given a gift, a calling, a ministry that only that person can fulfill. Granted many others may share the gift, but they express it according to their personality and experiences... just like you. But you need to learn how to share and express your gifts. (This is always your decision. We are called as an Ambassadors - 1 Corinthians - but it is our decision to become His Ambassador.)

You can choose to disregard the gifts or you can say: "Reporting for duty Sir". And jump up onto the Potter's wheel. The Lord's not going to remake you into someone you don't know. I believe He's an enhancer. He's already put talents and gifts into us, why would He waste this? Answer: He wouldn't!!! What we now experience is a season of growing (which honestly will never end because there's soooo much to learn). This season is meant to help us learn, to become who the Lord has always seen in us. However, this requires us being willing. I'm not going to relate all that occurs once Jesus is your Lord... but as you read and study the Bible, you will discover the treasure that awaits you. 

Crucial to this though is our willingness to study, to learn, to grow, to become all we can be. In Isaiah 64:8, he says: 

   "Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our Potter, And we all

    are the work of Your hand."

In Romans, it is discussed slightly differently:

   "O man, who answers [arrogantly] back to God and dares to defy Him? Will the

    thing which is formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like

    this?” Does the potter not have the right over the clay, to make from the same

    lump [of clay] one object for honorable use [something beautiful or distinctive]

    and another for common use [something ordinary or menial]?" [Romans 9: 20-

    21]

The questions are rhetorical and though the answers are too, that isn't always how we answer. Another slant on this concept is:

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

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

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

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

    prearranged and made ready for us]." [Ephesians 2: 10]

The utterly remarkable reality is that He did everything for us... we did nothing. But in the simple act on our part of accepting Him ... we receive everything. It's our choice to let Him mold us into His effective witness we can become.

The Great Commission and You - Point #3

Point #1        The Great Commission is NOT a suggestion - but a command

Point #2        You have a Message

Point #3        You have a Role

I suspect that I did indicate in Point 2, this point. But I also believe it needs emphasizing. If you are a Christian, then by definition... WE ALL HAVE A ROLE. You don't know your role? Look to your own story... and share it. Look to your gifting... and share it. Both will give you opportunity.

   "A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him And brings him

    before great men." [Proverbs 18:16]

Zachariah 4:10 also speaks of this when it says: "Does anyone dare despise this day of small beginnings?" Only a portion of verse 10 but it speaks to all of us. Just like a gift will make room for you... it may be a small beginning.

As a young Christian this was never a comforting scripture because I was trying to discover who I now was as a Christian and I knew the verse that said all believers are given a gift for the benefit of the body (1 Corinthians 12). However, I wanted to be able to 'do something' now. But what? What I hadn't realized that I was still in the season of learning, and though this never ends, there are certain understandings that need to take place before we begin our 'ministry'. Fortunately, once I took the simple step of asking the Lord... my path became a bit smoother.

Part of your role is your gifting. Scripture teaches that all believers have a gift. And if we have a gift, then it's to be shared. Even the world knows this - even if they don't acknowledge it.... Look at what Google says:

   "All believers have received at least one spiritual gift from God, and they are

    not to hoard these gifts but use them faithfully as stewards of God's grace." 

    (1 Corinthians 12–14).

The secular world may not know what to do with this, but they don't seem to deny its truth. But we take our learning from the Word, not from the world. So what does scripture say?

   "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual

    illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good."  

    [1 Corinthians 12:7]

Every Christian needs to read 1 Corinthians 12 more than once. And I would add... in more than one version/translation. We need to see the breadth of what has been given us, then it's importance, and lastly why. Ephesians 4: 10 -16  

   "until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God,

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

    the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our

    spiritual gifts in unity]." [v. 13]

Our ministry is to our church family in supporting them in their gifting and sharing with others to help them understand who Jesus is and how He can change their lives.  

   "Let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head

    —Christ. From Him the whole body [the church, in all its various parts], joined

    and knitted firmly together by what every joint supplies, when each part is

    working properly, causes the body to grow and mature, building itself up in

    [unselfish] love." [v. 15-16]

Do you see why you are an integral part of the Great Commission. You have a role. And together with your brothers and sisters in the Lord can provide a reason for your hope (1 Peter 3:15] to others.

  "Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is,

    put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for

    men," [Colossians 3:23]

When we remember Whose we are and partner with Him... When we allow ourselves to share the 'Good News' then we are living in the fulness and fruitfulness of our 'role'. 

The Great Commission and You - Point #2

Point #1        The Great Commission is NOT a suggestion - but a command

Point #2        You have a Message

Point #3        You have a Role

You are aware you have a message - yes? It can be called your witness or your testimony but it all means the same. And, there is no message too insignificant  to be shared. The point is... you sharing. Quite honestly... I'm also somewhat convince that many of us have more than one message. 

This 'more', in my world, is called sharing what you've learned, been taught by the Lord... at least your understanding. And yes, I think we have an obligation to share for a number of reasons - one is that we sometimes have faulty hearing and/or understanding. In these cases, unless we share we can't refine our understanding (Proverbs 27:17). I have yet to see any spiritual matter that is one and done. Even salvation. Paul speaking in Philippians 2:12

   "So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with

    enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence,

    continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect,

    actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using

    serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend

    God or discredit the name of Christ]."

The second reason is because none of us has all the insight, the truth, the understanding. Sharing allows us this opportunity to confirm, verify what it is we do believe. I also believe that sometimes WE need to hear what it is that we are saying.

So what is your message? It's your testimony of being born again and what's happened as you've grown as a Christian. When Jesus gave us His Great Commission, He also indicated what is contained in this. Obviously leading another person to realize their need for a savior and that the only one who fill and fulfills this role is Jesus. But the Commission also says the convert be baptized. And it says:

   "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: 19-20]

Your message becomes a medium to 'make disciples'. As a new believer, consciously or not, the new convert does look to the one leading them to the Lord as to what to do, how to do it, etc. The person may also remember the one who planted the seed, or the one who watered as well as the one who harvested. But after accepting the Lord, all of we who count ourselves as His disciples need to help mature the new convert. 

And part of this message is our behavior/actions. How we demonstrate who we are as Christians, followers of Jesus. A message (again, in my world) is never simply our words - though they are important - it also includes HOW we go about DOING what we believe.

The Great Commission and You - Point #1

Point #1        The Great Commission is NOT a suggestion - but a command

Point #2        You have a Message

Point #3        You have a Role

I'm going to provide the scripture on the Great Commission from 2 version: first the Amplified and then the Message. Part of the reason I'm sharing in this way is my belief that we need to read what we are studying in more that one version so that we can see the same message in different expressions. Matthew 28: 18-20

   "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.” 

   "Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and

    commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far

    and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name:

    Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have

    commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right

    up to the end of the age.”

You can see that the Lord said - disciples, not Apostles. And this is who we've become - disciples - when we accept the Lordship of Jess. And the instructions are quite clear, as well as Jesus' promise: 'I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' That age hasn't ended - even 2000 years later. Never equate age and years. If the age had ended, then we would need to look at the last chapters in Revelation as our guide. 

Perhaps it's the Go that has you concerned and you respond by saying that you aren't a minister or a missionary. And you may not be called to the farthest reaches of this world. But you are called - we all are. There's your family, your children, your friends, your next door neighbor, your co-worker, the cashier checking you out with your purchases. The opportunities are there. All of these people are important. Accepting Jesus as Lord is a life changing event that should be celebrated! And this defines your 'go'. 

As an aside, I've always felt that those who are called to various places that seem threatening have a sense of peace and confidence about the Lord's particular call on their lives. My other thought is that the Lord never wastes anything and though we are tested, we are never tempted nor placed in a position of failure. He enhances what we have and can do. Also... we witness every day by our words and actions whose we are and what we believe. People are attracted to those who are living life fully. 1 Peter 3: 14-15

   "But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness [though it is not

    certain that you will], you are still blessed [happy, to be admired and favored

    by God]. Do not be afraid of their intimidating threats, nor be troubled or

    disturbed [by their opposition]. But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—

    acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be

    ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the

    hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it]

    with gentleness and respect." [AMP] 

    "Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before

    Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re

    living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear

    conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will

    stick." [MSG]

Obviously, the choice is yours, the Father has also given us free will... but You do have a part in the Great Commission and it's according to who you are becoming. But you can embrace it and experience the blessings that come from doing this.

Next: Point #2

We have no idea what we can do…

until we try.

Failure, defeat , success, accomplishment lie just beyond taking that first step. Granted no one wants to fail or be defeated, but sometimes that happens - sometimes due to ourselves not analyzing the situation and option planning and sometimes it's beyond our ability to control or influence. Regardless... the feelings that are associated with negative results are there.

First. Stop. Take a look at the situation, did you do all you knew how to do? Will you let your feelings dictate and direct you in your future actions? Can you get over yourself and see what can be learned from the experience? One defeat  really won't break you unless you let it. It can be a lesson. And maybe, just maybe you really did do all you could but because of a lack of authority - you couldn't. 

The bottom line really is: until you try. And yes, once you've been burned, it isn't always easy to "try, try again". But that phrase can be applied to only doing the same o, same o. If it didn't work the first time, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater but also don't try to make something that universal... that doesn't work in this situation but may be the answer at another time. Hold on to it as an 'option' that may be applicable in a different area.

There are a couple of scriptures that also can be your foundation. Remember that:

   "For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in
    Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be
    used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths
    which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He
    prearranged and made ready for us]."  [Ephesians 2:10]

Notice who does the assigning of works - The Lord, The Father. And if He prepared them for us so that we would walk in them... then we can walk in them confidently If we walk in someone else's gifting then we could be burned... but our heart was 'in the right place'. You sometimes are made aware of (fill in the blank) because you are part of the process and can come along side but not lead. And never get caught in 'wishing' for a special gift. If they ALL weren't important, needed, wanted then they wouldn't be in scripture and we wouldn't have the entire 12th chapter in 1 Corinthians.

Part of all this is to remember our lessons, don't repeat ineffective behavior, and  especially don't assume or predict failure (or success). Especially failure... if you KNOW it isn't going to work, stop before it proves you right! Just how affective is an 'I told you so'? Precisely. Quite honestly, the half glass full, discovering a silver lining isn't a bad mindset and it isn't 'pie in the sky' or rose colored glasses. It's having your feet planted firmly in the ground, head clear but a heart that knows that the Lord never sets us up for failure. Lessons - yes. Tests - yes. But never forget the scripture that tells us that God NEVER tempts (James 1:13).

It's your choice.  It's your decision. But... you really have no idea what you can do... until you try. You just need to know who your partner in (fill in the blank) is and whose you are. What you can do may be uncharted territory, until... Are you an explorer???

Growing... Spiritually

Somewhere... Sometime I ran across the following. I would attribute it but have no idea who developed this so I can't give them credit. 

10 Things Every Believer Must Do to Grow Spiritually

    • Choose to Receive Christ as Savior and Lord of Our Lives. ...

    • Pray. ...

    • Read God's Word. ...

    • Worship and Praise Him. ...

    • Fellowship with Other Believers. ...

    • Serve Others. ...

    • Be Ruthless with Sin. ...

    *  Walk in the Spirit.,,

Good list - yes? And, I suspect, a list of what we would want to create if asked. Seriously, can you think of anything that you would add, subtract? BUT, is this what we all engage in....... daily? And if not, why not - especially if we espouse growing... and especially growing plus agree that this list as fairly complete?

Have you ever taken the time and sat down with you and looked at who you've become since you were saved? Have you looked at yourself and asked the Lord what the next steps for you were? Do you see how you've grown in applying your learnings about the things of the Lord? And... Consider what Paul charged Timothy with:

 

   "If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny

    us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

    Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive

    about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present

    yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly

    dividing the word of truth." [2 Timothy 2: 12-15]

The writer of Hebrews speaks on the same theme but a different emphasis:

   "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach

    you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need

    milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in

    the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those

    who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses

    exercised to discern both good and evil." [5: 12-14]

If you need other verses on the importance of you growing spiritually, I can provide it, but I think the point is made. And looking at the above 10 things every believer 'must] do... is that asking too much? Granted - a rhetorical question. But is any of it beyond what you can do?

To me, the last point is the most important (after salvation) - walk in the Spirit. It is His ministry that is in the world today. Remember Jesus' words about who He is and what He does? [John 14: 16. Acts 1:8] And yet I would suggest that He is the least known of the Triune God. Quite honestly I don't know how anyone can live a full, fruitful,, abundant life apart from the Holy Spirit. And He's here to help us and guide us into all truth which is a sur foundation.

My last argument, at this moment, is a scripture that comforts but is the impetus in the day:

   "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us

    with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose

    us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and

    without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons

    by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the

    praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the

    Beloved." [Ephesians 1: 3-6]

 Blessed WITH EVERY SPIRITIUAL BLESSING. Goodness, don't you want to know what this means for you? Studying, growing is the path to understanding.

… away beyond the blue

There’s an old gospel song called ‘Do Lord’. It’s one of those rare songs that crosses all denominational borders.  It’s a toe tappin’, knee thumpin’, foot stompin’ kind of good message song. It’s probably one of the first gospel songs a new believer hears. Well.,, it use to be. Most churches have become too dignified for that kind of behavior. Their loss in my opinion.

In case you hadn't guessed, it’s a song about going home. But reminding the Lord, in case He might have forgotten you - not to, to Do remember me. I suppose an argument could be made that's the reminder is to offset the scripture - Matthew 7:21-23. Because this isn't the Christian who we want to be. Do Lord is a statement that you aren't one of those people - basically a one time verbal statement of being saved. More?  And yet Do Lord isn't stated in a demanding or whimpering sense. It's more of a joyful testimony of who you are as a Christian.

The last line of every refrain, verse is: "Look away beyond the blue”. I suppose that an argument could be made that this refers to the scripture that tells us where our eyes should be. One of the verses says, "I've got a home in glory land that outshines the sun." It's a promise. an assurance that something even better is there. Remember Jesus' words:

   "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My

    Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I

    go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will

    come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be

    also." John 14: 1-3 NKUV

(Many translations use the word 'rooms' for mansion.) This is a very comforting thought. It's one of those 'cling to' verses. And Do Lord sings and reminds the Lord of His words. But there are a number of promises in these verses. Don't be troubled - believe AND... Jesus is preparing a place for each of us, He will return and receive us, we will be with Him forever. Along with promises, it is a statement of what Jesus intends for us - fellowship, acceptance, and implicit in my mind is rest.

We’re living in a time when we need this assurance. All around us the world is slipping further and further away from the foundation of this country, the heritage. Ans like Israel of old, we are repeating that disastrous pattern. It's the old... if you don't learn from history you are bound to repeat it. And we're doing this and incredibly quickly. 

But this is no time to stop to rest. If this isn't End Times, it has to be close. We need to redouble our efforts so that all in our world at least know what's available for them. Rest will be ours but now is the time of be about our Father's business and bring salt and light into the world, our world. Do what's at your hand, the work the Father has planned for you to do and be. The field IS ripe unto harvest, now is the time, and you were made for such a time as this or you wouldn't be living in the now. Away beyond the blue will be... in just a short time

Thanks, Thankful,

Same thing? Sounds the same? They aren't. Thankful is a deeper more pervasive feeling. Thanks is almost a 'throw away' word since it's used so often, rarely does anyone wait for a response, and it has almost become meaningless.... unless accompanied by more words than just the simple acknowledgement - 'thanks'.  Getting picky... no, I don't think so. We all need to be more intentional in and with our words - that they carry the message we intend.

We're just days passed from one the biggest Holidays of the year. A Holiday that is aimed at families almost as much as Christmas is (but with less stress). Thanksgiving! Some families actually take the time in the day for everyone to sit (sans electronic devices) and share 1 reason why they were thankful. Personally, I think this is a great family tradition. In the midst of sharing the reason we remind ourselves of something important in our lives, something that touched us. Years ago there was a great song that used to be played this time of year, every time you turned around - "I've got plenty to be thankful for" (Bing Crosby - good movie too). Not a bad reminder.

 

How about thanking the One who gave everything so that you might have an abundant and joy filled life? Is Jesus invited into the feast and festivities of Thanksgiving? Is He honored? How do you not only acknowledge but praise the One who gave and is still giving us everything? What does our manual for living (The Bible) say?

   "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;

    for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This is just 1 out of over 50 different scriptures that talk about be thankful. If you take a moment you see that it says: in ALL circumstances. That pretty much covers... everything. Also note that it doesn't say FOR all circumstances. I think that would be foolishness, but we can focus on the reality that He is WITH us in all circumstances. Read Who Jesus is for us NOW in Hebrews - our High Priest (Hebrews 4: 14-16). Especially read these verses in the Amplified and Message versions.

   "Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready

    access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest

    who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing,

    experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to Him and get what

    He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help."

Don't know about you, but this is 'shoutin' time'! If you weren't thankful before, this should greatly increase your 'Halleluiah' reality.

Perhaps I might be asking the wrong question? Maybe I should ask us all to stop and consider how you feel when someone acknowledges what you've done or said. Does a gentle, soft smile appear and a kinda warm feeling occur in the innermost part of you? And how do you respond to that person who thanked you for what you did? Then realize how a genuine thank you is experienced by those whom you thank. Never can tell... we might start an epidemic of joyful people.

Making a Difference?

It isn’t the size of your action or words or even a choice to make a difference that’s relevant - it’s the fact of. What KIND of difference do you want to make in your world? Making a positive difference isn’t always popular. Depending on what you do and how you go about it speaks the loudest. WE all make a difference in our world simply by being in it. The question is what kind of difference do we want to make.

For example... do you consider yourself as an encourager? What kind of encourager? Do you placate or condescend or commiserate... or do you empathize? The latter is the preferred the former 3 are easily detected by another. When you encourage another do you do so based in the will of the Father as shown in His word? Or do you rely on your experiences, your understandings, you?!

Another example... are you a leader? What kind of leader - inclusive or benevolent dictator? Do you try and help your team grow as a team, have ownership over what the goal is? Are you teaching as you lead/direct? Is everything based in how Jesus led, as your model? I could continue but I think you understand my point. We all are given gifts by the Holy Spirit and they aren't ours for ourself but for others to help them in their journey. Thus... we need to know our gift, grow in it, and express it.

"Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is,

put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for

men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that

you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord

Christ whom you [actually] serve." [Colossians 3:23-24]

At first glance you may wonder why I chose these verses. Because, this is our motivation, our foundation in whatever we do...... at least it should be, essentially our 'why'. Sometimes making a difference is as gentle as standing up for what is right. Just doing it! Not yelling from the rooftops and not focusing on inflammatory rhetoric but in the doing of what needs to be done rather than going along with the mob or seeking acclamation from others. Sometimes it's a smile, sometimes a hand on the shoulder, sometimes just a nod of understanding. But do know... even standing expressionless and motionless we always make a difference. The only question is ... is this the difference we want to make?

No Condemnation -

   "'For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new

    nature]. But I discern in my bodily members [in the sensitive appetites and

    wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my

    mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my

    bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh]. O unhappy and

    pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from

    [the Shackles of] this body of death? O thank God! [He will!] through Jesus

    Christ (the Anointed One) our Lord! So then indeed I, of myself with the mind

    and heart, serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. 

    Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for

    those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the

    flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life [which

    is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin

    and of death. For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being

    weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit].

    Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, 

    [God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power

    over all who accept that sacrifice], So that the righteous and just requirement

    of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the

    flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and

    according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit]."

    [Romans 7:22-8:4]

Yes, a long scripture. But Paul lays out the problem and the solution. But I don't believe we can understand the solution apart from the problem. 

The key is 'no condemnation' (highlighted). I think most Christians cling to these verses. Understandable. But do we understand? First, it is not license to sin. In another place in scripture Paul talks about the freedom we have in Christ but that this freedom does not sanction sin. Second. In another place in scripture Paul laments that he does the things he does not want to do and doesn't do the things he does want to do. Yes... that is our struggle which, in my opinion, is why we have 1 John 1:9. However... that isn't license either.

I can carry on a lengthy discussion about what 'no condemnation' isn't. Somehow I think we all have at least a suspicion about this. So, I'd like us to look at what it DOES means for us. What a huge blessing! 

Bottom line, I believe, is that it tells us that no matter what we do, say that WHEN/IF we turn to the Lord confessing and seeking His cleansing that He tells us it's covered by the blood and that He does forgive and forget. That sense of relief sweeps over me when I am in need of relationship forgiveness and restoration. Not just with whom I have harmed but even more critical... with my Triune God.

I know there's a teaching 'out there' that says to not worry because our sins and mistakes are covered by the cross. True. But equally important is who we are becoming and what responsibilities we have. Being cavalier about sins and mistakes is not part. If we aren't trying to become more like Christ, exactly what are we doing? Are we ignoring the huge price paid by Jesus? He came and died for our sins and this can't be diminished.

Read Romans 8 it will explain the no condemnation, who we are becoming, what we need to do, how we do it. The most important verses, to me, are:

   "For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor

    angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to

    come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will

    be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

    [v. 38-39]

  

Miscellaneous Musings

 *** I realize that to some people, what I'm about to say is blasphemous but hold your judgment. Have you ever thought about your DNA? Have you ever thought about what composes your DNA? Yes, your mother and father but what about the 'life giver'? Who is it that breeze life into us? Yes. So doesn't that also mean that we have His attributes in us as well? And if so... are they visible?

*** I seem to be apologizing a great deal lately. This means that I’ve been messing’ up... a great deal lately. I intently dislike 'messing’ up because it also means a host of other things also happening. What is 'other' do I hear you ask? Me-ism is the primary culprit because it always births a lot of other negatives. 

Sometimes there’s also a hint of arrogance, or even worse - superiority. Not a pretty picture. Now... how to extricate myself from this becomes the focus.

*** Not that I was looking for this, I think I may have found something nearly as deadly as taking offense. Being 'justified' in some way by an outside source and the inevitable behavior from this. Both are attitude issues, both build walls, not repair broken bridges. Both are subtle and are the schemes of the devil. No Christian would willingly give the devil even a toehold into their lives but both taking offense or feeling justified can throw open the front door.

*** Have you ever considered what You consider as the desired behavior about being a 'friend'? What do you need/want from a friend relationship? Do you also exemplify these behaviors or are they one-sided?

***The BIG Awkward

At least that's what I call it. It's the time after you did/said something requiring an apology. You apologized and hopefully restored what was damaged. But now it's the first time getting together (whether just the 2 of you, or more) ... now how do you act? As if nothing had happened? (good luck on that one) Not being so much yourself? (again, good luck on that one). Some of what to do is based on what the other person does. And no, that shouldn't dictate - though it might be a basis for understanding. 

I do think that the only proactive response is to... move on. Bringing it up again, generally as an apology, really does little for movement and often only causes embarrassment for all. Besides the offender rarely likes to be reminded of 'that' time and the offend-ee rarely wants a rehash. Remember... we all do/say stupid, hurtful, things and what's the purpose?

***Head Knowledge... Heart Action

There's a difference between knowledge and action in both our head and heart. I know everyone knows this. Do they?  Is this individually define, described? Never assume a universal definition. 

Next there's the issue of leadership: who leads? Head? Heart?

*** We all go through seasons... sometimes the same season more than once. So, what season are you in? Have you been in it long? Do you want to stay? In the end... you have the power and authority over your seasons, not your seasons over you. Granted seasons have a purpose. What's the purpose of your current season?

*** Do you apologize for who you are? no? then do you apologize for what you did, said, are (that didn't need an apology)? If so, then you are apologizing for who you are. 'What!?' do I hear you say? Think about it! What you do and say IS who you are! And yes you do 'bad' things but the point is... what do you apologize for - your Who, your What, your Why?

*** Do you like yourself? Maybe not all of the words and actions, but down deep... do you like you? If so - excellent! If not...... why? First, we all sin, we all make mistakes, we all act and do 'things' that later we regret. You do know that if you have done harm to someone you can apologize to them... yes? And you have 1 John 1:9 that shows you can go to the Lord with those sins and mistakes... yes?So what's remaining? CHANGE. You do have it within your power and authority to change. It may not be easy, but growth, change, improvement is always in your wheelhouse.

Sometimes you have to wait...

Personally... I hate, despise, and abominate waiting. I am a terrible wait-er. But... sometimes there is a 'waiting period'. And there are preparations that need to occur prior to the 'event'. Finally I've discovered that there are things I can do during this time rather than just pacing. The part of the fruit of the Spirit - patience - takes center stage for me at this time. What I need to remember is the parable about the wise and foolish virgins - the wise trimmed their wicks and made certain they had enough oil to keep the flame lit. The foolish - not.

Additionally, Timing is a critical component and it IS everything. My sense of timing is typically - NOW, not 'later'. However, 'now' is not necessarily the right time and if we did proceed, we could be doing the wrong thing at the wrong time and with the wrong motives - not to mention the possibility of the wrong people. The point is that there are many components that need to be in place and acting precipitously is never one of them and typically not the best decision.

As to the 'what' of your asking... you have the assurance that if you are asking according to His will (1 John 5:14), then we KNOW we have what we ask. Did you start there? Sometimes I blur my wants and needs. My need may be that I want (fill in the blank). So, have you verified you are asking according to His will? Actually... what are you praying for/about? If it's to change someone, have you ever read a scripture that says we should pray for a person to change? We can pray that they seek the Lord and His will... We can pray a blessing on another... We can ask that they seek your plans... but change someone based on our analysis - I think not. Our motives need assessing and may be the reason for the waiting. 

From a different perspective, for me... wait does not necessarily mean never. However for some, wait means 'no'. Since I'm aware that my timing isn't always spot on, I need to hear all of the words first. Interestingly... I find that when I take the time to know my motives, what and why I am praying, interceding... I rarely have to wait. But... how does scripture define 'wait' and what we should/can do? Sometimes it is a 'who' we're waiting on.

This verse tells us what happens when we wait, what we receive.  KJV definition:

   "The sense is to stop, or to continue.

    To stay or rest in expectation; to stop or remain stationary, till the arrival of

    some person or event."

Paraphrasing Horace Williams Jr, he says that there are 5 essential reasons for waiting:

   " 1-Danger. There can be unforeseen heartache or disappointment or even danger ahead if we move forward without His guidance.   

2-Develop the right time. It may not be the right timing for our requests.    

3-Determine our Motives.  Sometimes we do not receive it when we ask for something because our motives are for the wrong reasons. (James 4:3)   

4-Divine strength.  As we seek God’s will and desire His direction for our lives, He will give us the strength to do what is needed.  

5-Deepen our Faith. Waiting on God increases and strengthens our faith in Him.  

Scriptural definition? Amusingly enough the irony is that one of my favorite verses is Isaiah 40:31, AMPC

   "But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall

    change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and

    mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and

    not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired."

Perhaps the issue is... what do we do when we wait? Wasting that time is foolish, learning, growing is always a positive.

Act… Think…?

 Which are you? Do you act… and then think. Or think… and then act? The latter is the much preferred method. The former can, or does, result in multiple missteps, apologies, scrapped knees, bumped noses, embarrassment - and the list goes on. Personally I prefer the latter but more often than not act the latter. Oh I can give you a number of reasons why and even some of them make some sense. But the potential problems do outweigh adopting this mindset. 

Why? Why, I ask those of us in the latter category, do we do that! We’ve sufficient evidence from our own lives that point to the potential disastrous ends from our behavior. We really do KNOW. So why don't we change? We can... if we choose. And we have sufficient support from scripture, especially in Proverbs, about the importance.

   "Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for

    out of it flow the springs of life." [Proverbs 4:23]

   "The mind of him who has understanding seeks knowledge and inquires after

    and craves it, but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool feeds on folly.' [13:14]

These are only 2 verses that show us the value of prudent thinking over over quick actions. And then we have the verses in the New Testament that tell us to renew our minds, that we have the mind of Christ. But we have to choose to do this.

I’d like to say we act quickly because we’re more passionate … or we don’t want to miss the opportunity … or we have enough to proceed (we really don’t) … we don’t wait well. Honestly... there really is no excuse. And we should focus on growing up. Acting precipitously is folly. Sometimes we strike the mark and that can seem as confirmation but we also miss some of the unspoken cues.

For me, if I catch myself, I try and stop to look at my motives (why I want to act now), look at the recipient of of acts (are they ready to understand what and why I am acting or speaking), and the options available for me to present a lucid and compelling (fill in the blank) to affect a positive result. It really doesn't take as long as we typically imagine answering these question take. Sometimes starting at the end - the desired result - can be the impetus for the right action. In the final analysis ... it's never a case of IF I should act, it's when and how I should act. 

The affects of Forgiveness

Yes... I know I write on forgiveness - often. I think it's because it is such an integral and important attitude, standard in our lives. Without it (being forgiven AND not forgiving others) we carry a great deal of baggage around. And I am not suggesting we be cavalier about forgiveness... that's nearly as bad. But have you ever thought about the affects on you, others in terns of the 'what next', how do we react, think. How does this change who we are and how we go about this?

Do you believe that when you seek forgiveness that 'everything' will simply go away and we are back to 'normal'/what was before we did/said something? It doesn't you know. You are still responsible for the effects and ramifications. The difference is really that we respond to what we did either as forgiven or not. Having been in both, I much recommend the former. One of the questions is - based on this experience does this change how we go about being 'you'? Should it?

If we're going to 'reap' what we sowed... what difference does it make? On us - significantly! As we 'clean up our 'mess' we can do it from an entirely different attitude. And wallowing in blame or shame is never the new. If it's the old, then rethink! If it's a case of 'swallowing your pride'... is it really? Or is it righting something that we can actually affect? Separating our emotion from our action can be incredibly difficult... and this too is a learning.

At a quieter moment we can look (hopefully) more objectively at why what happened, how, and the behavior. At the moment other emotions take affected, not the least of which is self protection. But now, later, we can look at this and decide how we might have acted differently, what the underlying motive(s) were, the reactions, etc. If we are to grow then it's imperative that we judge ourselves.

   "For if we searchingly examined ourselves [detecting our shortcomings and

    recognizing our own condition], we should not be judged and penalty decreed

   [by the divine judgment]. But when we [fall short and] are judged by the Lord,

   we are disciplined and chastened, so that we may not [finally] be condemned

   [to eternal punishment along] with the world." [1 Corinthians 11:30-32] 

And self-judgment should not be seen as attempting to escape the consequences of our words and behaviors - we are responsible for our actions. But I believe we don't get into a spiral of self protection which can be deadly. Being disciplined and chastened by the Lord is not to be despised because it is meant for our growth. Though it may seem painful (and don't hang onto 'not fair'):

   "My son, do not despise or shrink from the chastening of the Lord [His

    correction by punishment or by subjection to suffering or trial]; neither be

    weary of or impatient about or loathe or abhor His reproof, 

    For whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in

    whom he delights." [Proverbs 3:11-12]

I'm a very private person

This particular post is a wee bit different from the typical post I make. I just had an experience that called into question what I believe and act on. Back to the title...  Complaint? Excuse? What do You mean by 'private'? It is a kind of wall we can stand behind... but do we know why we have this wall? Can we see through the wall but others can't?

Many times I have heard 'stoic' people being defined as 'private persons'. I really don't think the 2 are necessarily related and definitely not the same. And yet... at the same time, a wonderful defense. But what I always find intriguing is... why the wall in the first place? Reasons: 'I've been hurt.  I've been misunderstood. I've been taken advantage of... I've been...' Most of the time the reason/excuse is found in the past 'been'.  However, is there anyone who hasn't been hurt, misunderstood, taken advantage of, etc.? I doubt it. Soooo... are you going to let the past control your now and future? Can't you learn from past experiences and show greater wisdom in the future rather than 'hiding in plain sight'? And speaking of wisdom - were we foolish in (fill in the blank) and realized too late that we had placed ourselves in an awkward position?

I suspect that last few sentences sounded a tad harsh. Not certain that was entirely unintended. We sometimes fail to look at our 'why' of what touches us. We protect. We ignore. We obfuscate. And a lot of other 'We...'  And sometimes we do this without discovering if there's even a need. Dealing with the now with past experiences tends always to be the default. We all do this consciously or not. Point being... not everything is meant to injury us. Sometimes it's a learning we need or need to remember. We need to be able to distinguish learning from potential risks... and if risk -face them.

I've been accused of answering a question with a question. Sometimes that is deliberate on my part, sometimes I'm genuinely interested in what the other person means and am seeking clarity so that I respond to their question and not just my response.  Being a private person does not mean not sharing what you really think and believe. And it is not responding in a manner that is only attempting to please the person asking the question/making a statement. And I suspect every private person has their own definition. I'm just suggesting that everyone who believes that's who they are should reassess because there's also the possibility that you are denying yourself a learning, of growing, of discovering, of exploring, of...

Never use your 'private person' as something to hide behind and do try and smile at those at the diametrically opposite end of this continuum. They exist too. For the same 'reasons'?