Denying an 'is'

I mean… why bother? Why deny an ‘is’ because if it is an ‘is’ it will make itself known regardless of what you attempt to do. In this case, it really isn’t an ignoring, it’s more of me moaning over something I have absolutely no, zero, zilch, nada control over. And those of you reading this who know me, even slightly, know that when it comes to the ‘I’ in me - I always want the last word!

So what’s so monstrous? AGE. I’ve always spoken those well known 'sayings' many, many times: ‘you’re only as old as you feel’, ‘age is a number not an identification’. Well, those statements are only partially accurate. Age IS a number and it will always let you know that It is in control. And ‘feel’ is the definer - you can’t always do what you did in your 40’s, 50’s, or even 60’s, your physically body WILL betray you, and not all of us are Caleb’s (ex: Joshua 14:11) Not that I ever did anything terrible to my body (that seems to be betraying me now)... didn't really think much about it. 

Since I seem to be on a vent of sorts... I didn't do those things that would cause my body harm and I still have all the original parts with no broken anythings. So I didn't totally mistreat. However, when I look at this in more adult moments, that behavior may not have anything to do with it. I'm simply irritated that I'm not the (physically able) person I was. So... now what? How do I live with this identity defining interference?

I think... being smart about what I really can and can't do is the starting point. This also applies to other 'is's' in our lives. Not all of them are negatives - some are informational and some provide us with understandings we didn't have before and some are downright 'FUN'. Some are fairly simple understandings such as... so you can't jump a 10 story building in a single bound? So? Could you ever? Did you ever? Do you need to? And the biggie, what are you trying to prove??? And yes, you can ask these same questions of yourself when faced by any 'is' that is challenging you. Remember, the challenge may not be the 'is's'... it may be you.

I know this whole discussion may sound incredibly tongue in cheek... partially guilty. The way I said it - probably 'yes'. The message... no. Because we all face times of trying to deny an 'is' in our lives. That is wasting time ...... and we know this. Doesn't stop us though. However, we really need to truncate the time we spend there and begin to discover ways of incorporating the 'is'. Since I started with using 'age' as the example, I'll return. 

Age can really stop us in our tracks. We don't really want to give up to those 'things' we've always enjoyed. But when those things are physical in nature... nature will dictate. So you can't do (fill in the blank) any longer. What can you put in place? It may not be a quid pro quo, but always add something that is what you enjoy and can still do. Maybe it becomes a priority shift... something that previously may have been a -7- is now a 3? It's OK. Give yourself a bit of grace and accept true 'is's' and make them all they can be. Pouting and complaining (though partially meaningful at the time) never lasts and is really a poorer representative of who you are.

TITHING!!!!!?

What!!! I thought I WAS tithing! No?  Do we really need to talk about this? Aaaa... yes. Maybe it's the definition, description of the word. Or maybe it's not following instructions correctly. But, read 

   “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘In what way have

    we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings [you have withheld]. You are cursed

    with a curse, for you are robbing Me, this whole nation! Bring all the tithes

    (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and

    test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the

    windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no

    more room to receive it. Then I will rebuke the devourer (insects, plague) for

    your sake and he will not destroy the fruits of the ground, nor will your vine in

    the field drop its grapes [before harvest],” says the Lord of hosts. “All nations

    shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight,” says the

    Lord of hosts." [Malachi 3:8-12]

To clarify:

  1. Obviously God is speaking to His nation of Israel. And before you say it's the Old Testament... or that you aren't Jewish, let me point out that The Old Testament is still part of the Bible.

   "Do not think that I came to do away with or undo the Law [of Moses] or the

    [writings of the] Prophets; I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For I

    assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,

    not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all

    things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished." (Matthew 5: 17-18)

  2. As to not being Jewish. The Gentiles are grafted in - Romans 11 begin in verse 11 as well as 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3; 28 among others.

  3. 'into the storehouse' - that's the church you are associated with. And this doesn't mean you can split your tithe - the whole goes into the church. It's those who oversee this that are responsible. You've done what you should do.

  4. Do you SEE and understand what happens when you follow this command?!! God opens the window to blessings as well as rebuking the devourer and you will be called happy and blessed.

What could possibly stop us from following this? Us. Personally, I was brought up tithing... even as a child. I had to tithe a tenth of my allowance to the church and I had to save a tithe. The rest was all mine to use. However, when I got older and was employed, I still tithed but on the 'net' not the gross. And the Word says nothing about tithing on 'net'. WHOLE is the terminology.

Tithing is one of those subjects/issues that puts feet to any statement about believing that the Bible is the Word of God. If you do believe this then every word is there for a reason. It doesn't say we always have to like what's said - simply that we follow it. Scripture also says that we don't add, subtract from what's written (Deuteronomy 4:2) - which includes adding our definitions and interpretations. God says that He changes not (Malachi 3:6) which does not mean His mind, but His character. There are instances in scripture when God says He will do something but relents when His people change. repent, and return. Also, if He does change His mind - He says so and why (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Using the above as foundation, then there is no place in scripture that God says tithing is only for (fill in the blank) and until (fill in the blank) - it simply says that we are to tithe. Rather simple statement. Yet we do want to put our own spin in this. Which gets us???????

There is a slight catch in all this... at least according to my world. Scripture also says we should be cheerful givers, remembering our source  

   "And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in

    abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances,

    regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being

    completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work

    and act of charity. As it is written and forever remains written, 

        “He [the benevolent and generous person] scattered abroad, he 

         gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever!”

    Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and

    multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the

    harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness,

    and love]. You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and

    this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God

    [from those who benefit]." [2 Corinthians 9:8-11]

We want all the benefits, we want the abundance so why attempt to spin (spelled - rob) what God's Word has said. Does where in scripture make the difference as to whether you follow His words? If you look closely, Jesus also tithed. Do I hear a sputter from you? Again, it can be man's interpretation but Matthew 17:27 does seem to support it. And both Luke and Matthew speak to when Jesus rebuked the Pharisees about their tithing on mint and cumin but neglecting the weightier things. But even if He didn't, does that 'excuse' us? You may be giving offerings... but are you tithing?

You may not agree with what I've said... you may have a different standard and  understanding.... but when you stand before the Lord, do you know what you believe - your why, how, and scriptural support? This is what's important for you.

Thanking ... Praising ... Worshipping...

   "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." 

    [Philippians 4: 6-7, AMP]

So... how do we DO this? How do we 'put' everything by petition WITH thanksgiving CONTINUE...? Read on in Philippians 4

   "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]. The things which you have learned and received and heard and

    seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the

    source] of peace and well-being will be with you." [v. 8-9]

   '...But whatever [word] comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this

    is what defiles and dishonors the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts

    and plans, ..." [Matthew 15L18-19] 

All these verse are the basis for thinking about thanking, praising, worshipping... and the opposite. You do see that it is WE who do this. Let's look at each of these words.

Thanking:

First, a question. WHY do we thank God? Basically, what's our motivation? Do we thank Him in advance? for...? Is this an attempt to influence Him to do what we want? That's not what thanking is all about. Sometimes, it IS thanking the Lord for all He's done and acknowledging this. I think that sometimes we dash off a 'thanks' without much thought. Shouldn't do this. 

I read, "Would it surprise you to learn that THANKFULNESS is mentioned 73 times in the New Testament? 20 in the Gospels?" 73 times in the New Testament is really not much, especially since Genesis does this 20 times alone. My only conclusion is that we really aren't a very grateful creation and when we consider all that He's done and is continuing to do for us... that's shameful. And when we do thank Him... how do we express our thanks... with a grateful heart? And I would suspect we have something to be grateful for... daily.

Praising: 

Have you ever considered that praising the Lord, corporately, is part of your witness to others? It is. It's how you speak of the Lord to/with others. 

Simple example: when you were very young did you ever say to any of your mates: 'my Dad can do (fill in the blank) better than your Dad'? Maybe that's a different generational thing, I just know this happened when I was young. It was a way of setting your Dad apart from all the Dads and praising him to others. Question: do we do this about our Lord to others? For that matter, do we do this to Him in our words, in our prayers?

Personally, I like the use of the word, ‘praises’. I’ve seen far too many prayer meetings that only focus on needs, petitions, wants and praise gets lost. So, what should our corporate prayer meetings ‘look like’? When the time is over, how do and how should you feel? What is it you want from these times? Does it begin with understanding the Philippians’ scripture that talks about in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with     thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known…?

Worshipping:  

To me, worshipping is in a category all to itself. It's the 'entering into the holy of holies', it's where God lives. It's a difficult 'place' to describe and yet... once experienced one always wants to return.

The best 'voice' to express worship is the scriptures - these verses tell us the how, the what not's, the what's when it comes to our worship. 

   "But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship

    the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father

    seeks such people to be His worshipers." [John 4:23. AMP]

    "Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present

    your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy

    and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of

    worship." [Romans 12:1]

    "And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial

    values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you

    mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and

    ethical attitudes], so that you prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is,

    that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for

    you]."  [verse 2]

Is one - thanking, praising, worshipping - more important than the other? My answer would be no (even though I lean toward worshipping). Gratitude is critical in the qualities we display. Praising is our 'bragging on the Lord' and so we should do - because He has and continues to do great things. And Worship... it is indispensable because that's being in His presence. ALL should have a place in our daily mindset and expressions.

 

Planted

Have you ever thought of yourself as 'planted'? This thought 'popped' into my thinking just now. Putting this into a context, how did you get to the church you are attending? What prompted that first 'check out'? What stands out as the reasons you returned? The Preaching? The greeting by others attending? The music? There can be a host of 'reasons' that initially enticed you and spurred your continuing to attend. Yes? So now time has passed... are you still attending? Just attending? Or have you started to identify with the church as 'your' church? And... (I would quickly add that if you don't feel planted then you need to find a church in which you do feel this way.)

   "Only, let each one live the life which the Lord has assigned him, and to which

    God has called him [for each person is unique and is accountable for his

    choices and conduct, let him walk in this way]." [1 Corinthians 7:17)

If you are (in your church) , does it feel like your church home? If it is... what do you see as your part? You do realize that if you are attending, you've been planted. And if you've been planted then you belong. And if you belong you've not been called to be a pew sitter, so what's your role? Don't you feel a sense of participating? And if you feel a sense of participating... how will you express this?

I would contend that your church home needs to function with all involved. It's 'nice' being a guest but a guest is precisely that... not a member. And if you're injured - you wouldn't stand outside the hospital or clinic yelling that you're hurt would you? Wouldn't you go in to seek that help? Binding up the wounds, healing is part of what a church does and yes, you don't have to be a member to receive healing. 

   "...  and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to

    love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers

    for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one

    another;..." [Hebrews 10: 24b-25a]

Yes, I'm doing what I keep saying don't do - taking only a portion of scripture. My excuse is that the point needs to be confirmed by scripture. There's a powerful reasons to 'belong'... to be a part of a family. It's not that a non member won't be valued or heard and it is true that a prophet is without honor except in their own home (Mark 6:4) - HOWEVER... look what happens to those who do act on and accept the role of member - encouragement, love (and this doesn't end the litany of benefits).

I truly believe all believers are planted in a church AND for a reason. It may be for only a season, it may be permanent but planted - Yes. Sometimes the reason is a season of recuperating, I always think there are times of growing, perhaps a time to become better equipped in the call on your life, maybe there's a work you can do in that particular body of believers. The point is whatever was happening before (a different church split, a lifeless church that you can't influence, sin that you entered into), but you know it's a 'before'. You are where you are right now, right here and you need to seek the Lord to find out if you are also planted. If so, then make that statement and become a member. 

Planted, membership, commitment, involvement and I could go on is part and parcel of your now. I would also argue that there never is a time the Lord would want you unprotected, uninvolved. We all need one another to share, to grow, to become equipped, etc. Planted adds the element of belonging... which never is to be despised.

Attitude Adjustment? Paradigm Shift?

Hmmm .., I wonder. Is 'it' an 'adjustment' or is this a 'paradigm shift'? Related... not the same. From a different perspective, what if we considered every word and action in our day as a ministry outreach - regardless of person, place, or activity - including our job? What if we thought of our lives in terms of service [a paradigm shift?, adjustment?] ... what kind of difference would this be? What if we actually could share our hearts? Challenged? Does this scripture speak to this issue, this wonderment?

   "And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values

    and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature

    spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical 

    attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that

    which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]."

    [Romans 12:2]

When you study this verse you will be able to develop your definition based on the Word as to whether you view this verse as 'adjustment' or 'paradigm shift'. This verse not only tells us what not to do, but what we need to do and how to go about it, as well as the purpose. 

I strongly believe in paradigm shifts and I suspect we engage in this more often than we realize. It doesn't always have to be painful. I do think we need to be aware so we're involved. Too often we seem to allow the 'situation' or people to subtly sway us one direction or another. That is not how we should live our lives in my opinion.

Back in 2018 I wrote:

   "Our lives go through paradigm shifts often... sometimes so subtly that we

    don't seem to realize. It is only when we look back from the vantage point of

    passing time that we do see. Some of the shifts are defining moments in our

    lives, some are due to events that have preempted the shift, and some seem

    to be due to our own changes in thoughts, attitudes, and behavior.  ...  

    It is undeniable that change always, always causes us to confront who we are,

    where we are, and how we go about living in our now - another way for

    understanding and coping with any challenge.   ...

    What is always helpful is to realize that a paradigm shift is a good thing. It's

    meant to help us to grow, to develop, to become all we can in this life.  ... 

    The 'anything' may be your attitude, your thinking. Paradigm shifts cause the

    'new'. Not that the old was bad... unless we refuse to let yesterday be

    yesterday and not move into today."

When you engage in growing, in learning this sometimes does end up with a paradigm shift. In these cases we really are the ones directing rather than having it imposed. A paradigm shift is concerned in maturing us, and with us actively involved. It typically brings further understanding, refinement on what we had thought. 

Don't consider this a negative but as scripture warns us in 1 John 4: 1-6

   "Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed

    prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because

    many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world." [v. 1] 

We are told that we hear the leading, voice of our Shepherd (John 10:27) sod when we sense a check in our spirit we should always stop to follow the instructions from the Word. Caution rarely has to excuse itself because it is one of our defenses. But caution is not an excuse. But also, grant yourself some grace that when you are in error, you will be prompted to correct.

Whether it's an attitude adjustment or a more dramatic change - a paradigm shift. Look at them as tools to help you on your journey. Also realize that there are times you will make a mistake or believe a lie - but correction is always available and much preferred to disaster - defined as compounding the problem or error. Be bold. Be brave. It's you that can do the doing with the partnership of the Triune God.

The Prize

   "Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have

    already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of

    that (perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His

    own.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet;

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

    lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the

    upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual

    perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different

    attitude, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us stay true to what

    we have already attained." [Philippians 3:12-16, AMP]

Hmmm. Interesting. Did you ever consider yourself on a quest? Do you believe that the prize is worth the effort? Are you actively involved in 'reaching'? What does this mean to you? How do you know? 

Perhaps we need to stop and back up first. Do you believe you are the Lord's own? Do you belong to Him? One 'proof' that we are is in the last part of verse 16: stay true to what we have already attained. Partially this is evidence to those around us and partially to the devil, but mostly for ourselves. In our journey we'd learned, we've grown but are we staying true? Part of staying true, in my opinion, is growing in understanding and demonstration of what we've learned. Then again, I don't believe any spiritual matter is a one and done, that there are always layers, plateaus, etc. I find it hard to believe that we ever hit the 'got it all together' stage.

The forgetting of yesterdays, again my opinion, is not the lessons but the pains and hurts from others... that we can put a done and dusted to. When we continue to carry those pieces of baggage, all we're doing is harming ourselves and never forget that if we don't forgive how can we expect to be forgiven? Forgetting is really an interesting aspect, component, use whatever word fits for you... but it is rarely easy, however... we never would be asked to do something we can't do.

As you can surmise... the prize includes doings and don'tings (yes I know that's not a word, but it does capture the thought - yes?). Example: if we don't do the forgetting how can we reach forward? Also, isn't the 'prize' worth the effort? Isn't becoming more mature, more Christlike, the upward call worth everything we can do to attain it? And the alternative? Are you willing to pay the price to throw away your quest? The behavior that demonstrates you aren't on a quest are: give up, yield, surrender (MWebster dictionary). Personally, the word 'surrender' has all sorts of negativity associated with it, not the least of which is disrespect. And I definitely don't want to be so described. 

The other component that can trip us up is comparing. Never, never, never compare your journey, how you grow with someone else. They too may be on the same quest as you - to attain the prize - but it isn't a contest to see who gets there first - this is a prize for all of us. So, if you can help someone else along the way... that's a positive. Comparing is always so exhausting and I tend to believe that there are many paths to the prize. Perhaps fanciful. But I believe that the Lord leads each of us according to HOW we grow and mature and WHEN we reach one plateau and are ready to continue the journey.

One lesson that I've learned is that the Lord considers us individually... He doesn't treat us as a group. I do believe there is only one way which is Jesus and making Him our Lord but after that it's individual. What's available for us is the same but how we accept and utilize the gifts is individual. Our experiences make us unique and different even when we all are experiencing the same thing. God does not show partiality so He would never give to one something that He wouldn't give to another. We may do that... He doesn't. 

Therefore... the prize IS the same for all. How we get there... now that's individual.

Even MORE Miscellaneous Thoughts on PRAYER, Part 6

   "Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without

    anger and disputing or quarreling or doubt [in their mind]." [1 Timothy 2:8]

As an aside... Paul was also speaking to the women, to everyone - NO anger, disputing, quarreling, doubt - none AND lifting up holy hands! Do you say that this was for a 'then' not a 'now'? How do you reason that? What's your scriptural foundation? There are many verses that talk about lifting up our hands. A few are:

   " “So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands”     

     (Psalm 63:4).

   "May my prayer be counted as incense before You; The lifting up of my hands

    as the evening offering." (Psalm 141:2)

   "Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present

    your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy

    and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of

    worship." [Romans 12:1]

You do see 'body'? My point is that the lifting of hands is definitely scriptural. No, I didn't always know this. Do You remember the first time you were in a service and witnessed people raising their hands? I do. Slightly embarrassing? Did you know what to do? I think I did... but resisted. Honestly, I think in the middle of worship, I took my eyes off the focus of worship - the Lord - and put it on me. Silly, I know. But I do believe that my initial reaction was based in me. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit helped me to understand. 

At the same time and related was a study I was doing on Freedom in Christ and came across many scriptures:

Galatians 5:1, 13   

  "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. ...

   "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

2 Corinthians 3:17  

  "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

John 8:32. 36  

  "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

  "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

 

Romans 8:1-4  

  "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."  

I could cite other verses, but the points been made. WE are FREE in Christ. It is only through Him that our freedom lies. Now... how do I join that to the raising of hands?  Simple. That expression of worship is entirely in our hands but what is it we intend? What sparks our worship? WHO are we worshipping? Do we even know how to worship?

Raising your hands may seem foreign to you but have you thought that maybe, just maybe your reaction is trumped by scripture and the reality that many people express their worship to the Lord by lifting their hands? I know that when I realized that my worship was literally in my hands that my reaction and expression changed. Ultimately whether you do or don't, never let the expression by someone else expressing their worship refocus your worship from the Lord to yourself. Worship should always be an act of worshipping the Lord, who has made ALL the difference in your life.

 

How BIG is your GOD?

I suspect you've heard that question/phrase before. Have you answered it? Do you limit Him? Of course, we all do. We have trouble getting our heads around 'God'. If one could actually understand then you have to attempt to understand that He loves us and has prepared a rich and wonderful life for us... one filled with fruitfulness and fulfillment.

And yet... do you realize He also hears your whispers? Those words that you speak thinking no one hears you - He does. I could be totally wrong but I think we still have to ask Him into these times too. Remember the scripture in Matthew that talks about ask, seek, knock? I have no doubt that the Lord always has our answer and is more than willing to help us achieve 'it'... but I also believe He never invades. He waits for us to not only turn to Him but to invite Him into our situation.

   "The Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s hand (ability, power) limited (short,

    inadequate)? You shall see now whether My word will come to pass for you or

    not.” [Numbers 11:23]

   "Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short That it cannot save,

    Nor His ear so impaired That it cannot hear." [Isaiah 59:1]

While just these 2 scriptures should end ALL doubt... it rarely does. Why is it we have so much trouble believing a God who continually, day after day, proves to us in so many ways (regardless of our attentiveness) Who He is, What He does? And yet we quickly believe the lies the devil tells us!

There's a wonderful book called "God's in the small stuff... and it all Matters". Truth. The amazing part is that He WANTS to be with us in our lives. He loves us - always has... always will. Whether your need is small or large, He's there. And He chooses to be with us. Now... how about us? Do we choose to be chosen? Do we choose to let the Lord in? Do we choose to be helped? And if not... what are we choosing???

If you say that He's not there... why? Is it your focus, asking amiss (James) what your think you need? Do you just expect Him to act without being invited to join you? Is there a misguided thinking that if you give it to Him, you don't need to do anything but receive? When you make Jesus your Lord, when you invite Him into your life... you suddenly don't become a spectator. YOU are the actor in your life.  YOU have responsibilities. But you aren't in this alone. 

I can promise you that God is MORE than enough, bigger than you could ever imagine and yet concerned with your smallest need. Never forget that He is the Creator God. And He wants to be in relationship with us. If you want to be fruitful, to be fulfilled then you need to be in relationship. Actually... whether your request or need is BIG or small   The Lord is always with us... He tells us He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13: 5). However, to be together in partnership is your choice.

Inner Healing

I think we all need inner healing - some more than others. We may not be aware of this and maybe the effects of the wound(s) are under some control but they still exist. And yes, they can be real or an unintended offense we have taken incorrectly... but exist they do. Since we live in a fallen world our experiences do include these kinds of pain - deliberately or unintentionally inflicted. Many times, these feelings get stuffed down and seem non-existent, but they are far-reaching unless dealt with. However, if these wounds are multiplied many times over (especially in our younger years) they can become part of our expression of who we are.

I've recently discovered that those whose wounds are obvious because the acts against them are repeated, are often told to 'grow up' or dismissed in some way which only adds to the feelings of insecurity, defensiveness, or repetition of the acts by the inflictor on oneself toward others. But affect relationships with others... oh, yes. Part of the difficulty is these feelings may have been shoved down so far that the person doesn't even realize. And that dull ache never goes away completely.

I don't think I realized just how many walking wounded there are! A few generations ago if this defined you, you would be told to 'get a grip', or 'that was then, don't think about it', or... give it to Jesus. Now while the last suggestion IS the right one, to one really explains how one goes about giving it to Jesus. True that He will take this burden, He will heal our hearts and minds, He knows what we're feeling. I sometimes think that it is this last phrase that stops us. It's difficult to get one's head around that Jesus knows and understands us, each of us. And this is where our faith has to take the lead.

   "Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already

    ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold

    fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him

    as Savior]. 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 4:14-16. AMP]

Did you realize you can come to Jesus with your tears... or with your bravado and He won't reject you? Seriously. Do you realize? It's You He loves, You He cares for, You He wants to be in relationship with... You. And when you experienced those shame and/or pain times, He was there - you just didn't know. More important, do you realize He can and He will heal those hurts, those memories and help you into the abundant life He has prepared for YOU. It's true.

But... (there seems to always be a 'but') but you need to lay all that at Jesus' feet and freely give it to Him so that He can heal you. Honestly, counselors, good friends can help a great deal but it's only when you rid yourself completely, totally, finally of those crippling memories and self defeating actions and emotions by giving them to Jesus that healing can occur. But HOW do you do this? I believe it is an incredibly personal act. You have to want to be healed, to give away part of what's defined you for decades. Probably you have to ask Jesus to help you give it to Him. Perhaps even with tears in your eyes, you can use the following as a guide and say something like this to the Lord... or develop your own prayer. 

   I give you my tears, my feelings, my inability to be whole... I need You and

   Your healing in my life. Your Word in Hebrews 4 tells me I can come boldly to

   the throne to seek Your help, believing that You do reward. I am so weary of 

   this pain and maybe I don't understand it's origin, but I know it haunts my life.

   Help me Lord. And help me too not to try and wrestle it out of Your hands later,

   but to leave it at the cross. Holy Spirit, I need Your presence in my life to help

   me to discover me anew and to become the person You've always seen. Thank

   You for healing me and making me whole. I accept this new life you are giving

   me and give You all the praise and honor. I accept Your Healing and Peace.

Afterthought:

  I wish I had thought of this earlier… I didn’t. When it comes to inner healing, I think the point is not necessarily to forget what caused the wound but to not let it continue to define, cripple, and control. There comes a time, point that we have to forgive whatever, whomever we associate with the wound - including ourselves. We have to surrender whatever ‘it’ is and leave it at the side of the road and continue on our journey. If we don’t then I don’t see how we can ever walk - healed.

Never, Never Alone...

I should probably add - unless we choose to live our lives on our own 'abilities', according to what we think. If this particular writing seems familiar ... it probably is. It is critical for us since WE are the actors, WE do the doing, BUT... BUT WE HAVE THE ANSWERS, THE METHOD TO SUCCESS... ABIDE IN HIM! Stand on the scriptures that tell you who you are, whose you are, and what you can do!

   "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], so that you may be able to [successfully]

    stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the

    devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with

    physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the

    world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of

    wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places." [Ephesians 6: 10-12]

 

What are we asked to do? 1. Be Strong in the Lord. 2. Put on the full armor of God. Why? So that we can stand up against all the schemes and strategies of the devil. To me, this sounds like we have everything we need to successfully defeat the devil in our lives. Also the Word tells us that if we resist the devil... he will flee.(James 4:7). Do you know what being strong looks like? One thing I am sure of is that if I have accepted Jesus as my Lord that because He said He would never leave or forsake me, then there iw no room for the devil. Never believe the lie that the devil attempts to advance that he is stronger and has claim over you. And trust me - he never wants you to realize who you are and whose you are.

Do you know how to be strong? Putting away fear is one piece and putting away doubt is another, though this is not an exhaustive list but these 2 are always present. Each of us seems to have our own little Achilles heel. For some it's pride... for another is can be hesitancy and I could go on but the point is - WE have to lay these feelings aside and believe what the Lord has said (and proven) plus what He does, has done, and continues to do on our behalf.

You do realize that you have both armor and weapons?! Without armor we aren't protected from the enemy's fiery arrows and without our weapons, how do we fight?  Scriptural foundation:

Armor

   "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."  [Ephesians 6:13-17. AMP]

Weapons

   "The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. 

    Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are

    destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that

    sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every

    thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, being ready to punish

    every act of disobedience, when your own obedience [as a church] is

    complete." [2 Corinthians 10: 4-6]

Yes... I do talk about our armor and weapons a great deal - they're important!  This is no mere skirmish we're in - this is all out war and until we take it as serious as it is, we are entering into a conflict with one had tied behind our back. Foolishness. When reading about our armor, reread verse 10-12 to further understand what the armor is and can do. In my thinking we also have another weapon - what Jesus said when He defeated the devil: 'It Is Written'. Our sword is only as effective as we have taken the time to study, learn, understand, apply the Word of God. With the armor and the weapons... we are totally ready and able to defeat the devil and I mean every time he attempts to kill, steal, destroy and uses deception, lies seductions. 

While we aren't fighting alone we aren't passive. https://harvest.org/know-god-article/how-to-stand-strong-through-the-devils-attacks/ is an interesting read. The article points out:

   1. Be strong in the Lord.

       “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

   2.  Satan recognizes that God is your power-base. 

        Therefore, Satan’s goal is to get between your soul and God.  

   3.  Remember God’s love for you.

        John 10:29 and Romans 8:38–39

   4.  Remember Christ’s victory over Satan at the cross.

        1 John 3:8 / Colossians 2:14 / John 12:31–32

        We are not fighting for our victory, we are fighting from His victory! 

   5.  Resist the devil.

        James 4:7 and Ephesians 4:27).

We read these methods of overcoming the devil in the Word and in other books. When we see the devil using 1 or more of his wiles, we can always use those defenses.  We also have fellow brothers and sisters to stand with us - the prayer of agreement accomplishes much.  And yes, I write on this topic all the time! Why? Because it is not just important… it is critical. The enemy will try all tricks and lies to deceive us and render us ineffective. WE are the ones who are equipped to overcome the devil. WE can do this but not of ourselves. WE are equipped and we have our Triune God with us to lead us to victory!