Another time

I'm feeling somewhat melancholy right now. Another of my classmates died the other day. And, if you say, at your age not a big surprise. And yet...

We were babies in the WWII vintage. This was an entirely different time and yes, that can be said of each generation, but it was really true for us. Our fathers went off to war and missed some of our 'growing up'. Mothers had to do more than take care of the family, they became co-breadwinners. Then, families looked out for all the children not just their own. And yet, it was a wonderful time to grow up because we got to be kids. Children today don't have that luxury. 

I came from a small midwestern town where everybody knew everything about everyone. We started our school day saying the Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer. No child was forced to say a prayer... but all did because God was still allowed in education. School class sizes were small because there still were one room school houses for the farmer's children (until junior high - same as today's middle school). With a smaller class size everyone was part of the 'group' - no one was excluded. Oh yes, by high school there were sub mini groups but still we all saw ourselves as one group. This got translated into everyone participated in everything - plays, sports, band, etc. 

Nope, no TV until high school (no access, we were in a valley) so I grew up on books. We did stay outside playing till dark but never one minute more. If we got in trouble at school... we got in trouble at home. There never were any school events on Wednesday night because that was church night even if your church didn't have a Wednesday night service. Monday nights were reserved for church youth groups. School events were on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - never on a weekend (except for Graduation).

A simpler time? Of course. Bring it back? No way to, besides I'd miss my techie toys. But the attitudes, actions - yes. 

All that got me to thinking about how we remember. Are you an all things or only good things or only bad things remember-er? It does say a great deal about the kind of person you are. No value judgments. A hint though... good remembering is a warm fuzzy. Bad remembering is cold. All remembering is more rounded. But those memories, those times helped form who you are today. 

Celebrate you... even if you are the only one who hears the music and dances.

Devotional

I may have taken a right when I should have continued straight ahead, but I got intrigued with the word - devotional. Do we really know what it means? Do we know how to ‘do’ it? So I did a bit of a deep dive. Most of the scriptural references on this word are found in the Old Testament… not so much the New - which surprised me. Then I looked at the secular definition and this is what i found:

   “Definitions of devotion https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/devotion

       noun: commitment to some purpose; feelings of ardent love; religious zeal;
                the willingness to serve God; religious observance or prayers (usually
                spoken silently)

Help you any? If you said 'not really' - me too. When I looked at scriptural definitions, they were primarily examples from the Old Testament. While kinda helpful, not so much. This led me to the thought that maybe a 'devotional' is so individually defined and practiced that there is no commonality. The point is that we have devotional times.

I would like to share a devotional that I presented recently... this gives you an example of what a devotional is in my world - a teaching, a pondering, ...

***

Let me ask you a question… when you turn to the Lord, is it only in crisis situations? Or maybe when “all else fails”? What kind of a relationship is this? 

Now visualized yourself sitting in your favorite chair and the Lord sitting across from you and you two were just chatting? You weren't praising, or worshiping, or seeking an answer to anything specific ... just talking. Maybe He was teaching or showing you something. Maybe you were acknowledging something you were contemplating and needed His assistance. Maybe it was reflecting on the previous day. Or maybe it was looking at your 'to do' list and wondering. 

First of all, is it even possible you can get your head around the possibility of such a personal relationship? How does that visualization make you feel? Are you uncomfortable with such an informal, personal approach?  Do you feel guilty about even having such a thought? You shouldn’t. Remember Jesus calling His disciples - friends? (John 15). But when He called them friends…isn’t that extended to us as well? Read the chapter because it is also addressed to us. The End Game in all this is our perception on the word ‘relationship’ and how 

this applies to the Triune God. 

What IS your relationship? Would you like to have this type of personal relationship with the Lord or is it being too irreverent? Soooo what kind of relationship are you building? Do you come to the Lord only in crisis situations? Do you know Him apart from His acts? Do you know Him from His Word? 

Many questions but the bottom line is that we can co-build our relationship. Remember that righteousness (who we are made according to 2 Corinthians 5:21) is the foundation to relationship. Another point to consider is that it is YOUR relationship that determines everything you believe and think about in terms of spiritual matters. 

So, I’ll leave you to ponder. If it’s fellowship you desire - you can have as deep a relationship as you are willing to develop. And remember, no relationship should ever be in cement. It will always grow… if this is what you want. The danger to not growing is atrophy. 

***

If having just read this - how does this grow your devotional time? Do you begin to understand how important it is to take the time and become you - the you the Lord has always seen. Devotion underscores a devotional time. It's yours to create but never let it become routine. Let it always ... breathe.

I sometimes wobble

In my own defense… I think we all do. What is a ‘wobble’? Typically unintentional as well as unthinking - it’s when we think, speak, or act without considering what we may be implying to the recipient (including ourselves) nor the consequences from those words or actions. Really, this is 'no little thing' - and wobbling is not really a good thing. I suspect the point is that when we catch ourselves wobbling, that we should stop and change what we're doing or thinking but only after we've taken stock of the potential 'whys' we may be wobbling. 

When wobbling, it's important to remember that intentional and intense are Not related. Intentional is being aware and intense is an expression - typically passionate. Ask yourself... why am I experiencing this? What have I done or not done that seems to lead me this way? Then ask yourself... how do I change where I am to where I should or need to be? I've discovered that sometimes when I'm wobbling, it's an excuse or an escape from what's going on. You?

My wobblings and yours may not be for the same reasons, but we need to know our reasons. But even more important... we need to know not just how to cope with these times, but to control them. I discovered this on Google:

   "The spirit of confusion is a weapon of the enemy. He unleashes demonic activity through mental, emotional or physical confusion in order to manipulate and assault our minds. Confusion, from its Latin root means “to pour together." This sense of being “poured together” is leaving many of us feeling overwhelmed."

That's a good description of 'wobble'! Confusion is what we're experiencing, at least in part. I decided that I would look to scripture for my answer(s). Are you experiencing confusion... do you know what to do? Consider 2 Corinthians:

   "We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body." (v. 8-10)

This is a description of wobble and an answer. Looking at other verses that discuss this 'condition', one confirmation is 2 Timothy 1:7

   "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]."

Sometimes a wobble occurs when we forget who we are and whose we are. We forget what's been done for us, what's available for us. When we do 'come to ourselves'... we can see who's behind our wobble and dispense with him. The 'sound mind' part of 2 Timothy should be preeminent. 

                               Wobbles: 0, Who I'm becoming: 1.

Every day is a blank sheet

 Today now is. The mistakes, sins, boo boos of yesterday are over. Absolutely! Learn from them but also learn from the positives as well - and accentuate those.

The not so positives and sins - run to Jesus and even if you’ve committed them before - remember 1 John 1:9 which gives a way to reestablish relationship. Let these be a check, reminder of what happened but never let it define you because that is the foundation of how you share you.

  Yesterday is a lesson not an identity. But that is your choice. I see very little value in hitting yourself over and over - learn, apply your understanding but stop there. Remember that when you seek forgiveness from Him then that sin no longer exists, it’s been removed as far as the east is from the west [Psalms 103:12].

  Just as an aside... why not build on the positive successes in the day as well? Or does that sound like bragging and bragging is always a no-no? Part of the problem when we only use our failures, our sins as our 'teachers' we have only part of the picture. There are very few that are all bad and evil (though some do exist) and neither are we. How WE see ourselves is critical to how we build a relationship with the Triune God. No matter how He sees us, ultimately we determine so much of the developing relationship because of our definition of our identity. of who we are.

  Even better is the realization that much of the 'blank sheet' is based in being forgiven and accepting this. (Do remember that you have to have forgiven others who may have - deliberate or unintentional - hurt us: Matthew 6:14-15.) I know that we may have difficulty accepting our forgiveness. 

  Part of difficulty may be based in the disappointment we have in ourselves. We had a test that we failed... so we're going to have to face it again. Or maybe it was a missed opportunity to encourage someone. There can be multiple reasons that we hang on to those pre today disappointments and they can discourage... but they never should be an excuse. 

  The point of forgiveness is the ability to grow from our mistakes and sins, to resolve to improve (though we may be in that class of needing to be forgiven 70 times 7). While there is little excuse for deliberate sins, mistakes we can even be forgiven from them - 1 John 1:9. I believe that if your mindset is to be pleasing to the Lord that He will honor this by helping us to become the person He's always seen. 

  In so many ways, not just forgiveness but the acceptance of forgiveness is the platform, resulting in that 'the every day is a blank sheet' is our opportunity. We can act on this ... or not.

A Done Deal!

If He said it …. do you believe it? Scripture says:

   “All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work." [2 Timothy 3:16-17]

  "Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." [The Message Bible]

Do you believe it? If you don't reeeaaallly believe, will you act? Bottom line and 'proof': do you ACT on it? Is scripture your foundation, your guide?

   "This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us. And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him." [1 John 5: 14-15]

I remember when I was a young, beginning Christian... there was sooo much to learn, to know, to remember. I began, not so much a journal as a Reminder Book, which were the basics, groundings from which I could build - a process. Well... at least for awhile I had the journal. The point being the 'praying the scriptures' approach to praying. Do you do this? If not - why?

Praying the scriptures is also an excellent method to hiding the Word in our heart. Referring to our armor... what's the sword? The Word of God. And should this offensive weapon simply be 'holstered'? Aren't we suppose to wield it? But the best (my opinion) way of securing the Word in our hearts is by praying the scriptures. You can't use what's not there.

Look again at 1 John 5. "...  And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him." And this is based in requesting according to His will. Confidence goes a long way toward helping us to this mindset. And I believe confidence is best displayed when we ACT on His Word.

This is the point - asking according to His will, He hears us! And those verses say it all. It IS a done deal!

Works don't come first...

but they DO come. They are an expression of our faith. Faith comes first because without it the works have no foundation. James 2:17-20

   " So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective]." (v. 17)

Had you ever thought and applied this to yourself? If you aren't engaged in the Father's business... what, exactly, are you doing? Just sitting there? Waiting for a flash from Heaven to tell you? Before you get any angrier at me... I'm not pointing fingers! I'm also not telling you what it is you should do. Bottom line is that you are NOT my servant... but you are the Lord's. Do you honestly believe that the gift that's been placed in you is inconsequential?

   "But someone may say, “You [claim to] have faith and I have [good] works; show me your [alleged] faith without the works [if you can], and I will show you my faith by my works [that is, by what I do].” You believe that God is one; you do well [to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror—they have seen His wrath]! But are you willing to recognize, you foolish [spiritually shallow] person, that faith without [good] works is useless?" (v. 18-20}

Faith without [good] works is useless... now that's strong. James was, in my opinion, trying to get our attention and point us in the right direction. He's not condemning, he's redirecting. Now read the entire scripture from the Message beginning with verse 14:

   "Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, “Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I’ll handle the works department.” Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.

Do I hear you professing to believe in the one and only God, but then observe you complacently sitting back as if you had done something wonderful? That’s just great. Demons do that, but what good does it do them? Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands?"

Now those are strong words based on an alive and active faith. Don't read any of this as condemnation... whenever did that prove to be an effective motivator? Exactly! Truly... this is an encouragement. The Lord has told us He has put a gift in us so that we can be part of building the body [Ephesians 4:12. 1 Corinthians 12]. He chose to do this. He wants us to grow into the people we can be. He has invited us (Great Commission) into this fantastic journey of bringing people into the family and helping them to get grounded and become effective.

The marvelous aspect is that it really is never too late to realize and act on that though works don't come first... they do come. Works express our faith and there is no little act. But you are needed. We can ask. The Lord can direct. BUT, it's always, always, always your decision. 

Come grab my hand and let us go forth into doing the Father's business.

Yesterday, Today, and Forever

   "For Jesus doesn’t change — yesterday, today, tomorrow, He’s always totally

    himself." [Hebrews13:8. MSG]

I believe most of us are familiar with that verse. It gives us comfort to know that the Lord is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). We can count on the indisputable fact that He will complete what He said. The question is - do we adopt the same foundation. Can we be relied on? Will we do what we have committed to? Is our character, our behavior follow the principle of being the same? And that doesn't mean not growing - it's the essential, the important areas of our lives - our foundation that is unchangeable.

Another component is in terms of being forgiven. Once we realize we have sinned, come to the Lord and confessed, repented, and received cleansing and restoration (1 John 1:9) do we drop the specifics of the sin but learn from our sin? Or.... do we continually bring the same subject up over and over and over? And if it is the latter we do - why? Don't we trust the Lord when He said He would remove our sin from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalms 103:1)? What stops us from accepting our forgiveness? Does this mean that we don't accept another person's apology when we have been hurt, lied to, etc. by them? Equally important is when we ask for forgiveness... is this not from our heart?

Can we be relied to be and do what we say? Or is our behavior one that tends to follow the last person we spoke with? Do we constantly change our minds? Which indicates building on shifty sands - actually this is called 'wishy washy'. Would you rely on such a person to have your back? If your history thus your character is characterized by consistency, then others (and ourselves) can rely on, believe who we are and what we say. Do remember though whether you are giving assurances or one receiving them - that life is defined as changes. The issue is when it affects what we've said (our word) then is our action one of letting the person know that there is a change? If so, then our reputation isn't damaged. If not........

   " For I am the Lord, I do not change [but remain faithful to My covenant with you]" (Malachi 3:6a) 

The Yesterday, Today, and Forever phrase is prefaced with the statement that the Lord is the SAME, that He does not change. But never forget the context: "... but remain faithful to My covenant with you..." This is more than a promise... more than an example... more than only applicable to Jesus. It is applicable concerning our foundation. It is a standard. 

And it is a solid foundation and standard we can stand on, adopt into our frame of reference (and action). Remember though that the "Same" does not mean a lack of change. Again... life is defined in change. But it is how we adopt and adapt the change into our standard. It is how we demonstrate the change within the standard. It is how we explain our why.

Communing ... Possible???

Have you ever visualized yourself sitting in your favorite chair and the Lord sitting across from you and you two were just chatting. You weren't praising, or worshiping, or seeking an answer ... just talking. Maybe He was teaching or showing you something. Maybe you were acknowledging something you were contemplating and needed His assistance on. Maybe it was reflecting on the previous day. Or maybe it was looking at your 'to do' list and wondering (fill in the blank). The list can be endless... the visualization is 'yes' or 'no'.

First of all, is it even possible you can get your head around the possibility of such a situation? How does that visualization make you feel? Are you uncomfortable with such an informal, personal, casual occurrence? (Silly question perhaps but how could you have a personal/intimate conversation without it being based in who you are - a human?) 

Do you feel guilty about even having such a thought? You shouldn’t. Remember Jesus calling His disciples - friends? (John 15). But when He called them friends… isn’t that extended to us as well? Read the whole chapter because it is also addressed to us - we who came after. The End Game in all this is our perception on the word ‘relationship’ and how this applies to the Triune God. 

What IS your relationship? Would you like to have this kind of relationship with the Lord or is it being too irreverent? Soooo what kind of relationship are you building? Do you come to the Lord only in crisis situations? Do you know Him apart from His acts? Do you know Him from His Words? Is it based in your experiences? Exactly What is your relationship, How do you know, and are you growing it? 

I did purposely use the word 'communing'. Know what this word means in your world of definitions? Read the following:

   "To commune is to converse confidentially and sympathetically. It is represented in both Hebrew and Greek by several words literally signifying to speak (compare Luke 6:11, dialaleo; also Luke 22:4; Acts 24:26, homileo). To communicate is to impart something to another, so that it becomes common to giver and receiver." [That definition is given by Google.]

One of the scriptural definitions is:

   "To commune means to focus on God, converse, talk, often with profound intensity, intimate communication or rapport as sharing your heart and mind with God in prayer: an interchange of ideas or sentiments, derived from French "comun" meaning - common, to share."

In crossways.com we read:

   "In all these communications, it is God himself that we most want to see. Communion with God is not merely learning about God but enjoying fellowship with God in the truth he reveals about himself. The apostle John, who enjoyed unusually close communion with Jesus while he was on the earth, said that he wrote his letters so that we might enjoy this fellowship: “That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). In other words, the Bible records the words and deeds of God so that by means of these we have fellowship—that is, communion—with God." 

I could go on and site other scriptures. That's really not the point. What, How do you define communing with God, being in relationship? What is it you would like to develop? If you desire a deep and personal relationship... this is available for us. What do you want... and what are you willing to do to help develop your personal relationship?

Prayer... Pray-er... Praying

The title of my next book is: “It ALL starts with Prayer”. Now… why would I write a book on prayer and titled it that way when there are millions (not an exaggeration) of books on prayer - all the who, what, where, when of praying? You have to admit that’s a logical question. 

But in my world, an ongoing prayer group has an identity just as the individual pray-er, a vision of who they are as a person AND as a group. This should never be interpreted as there is only one way to pray. Prayer is as varied as the pray-er. We all have our own attitudes and beliefs about prayer. Let me give a rather trite example: personally, I dislike the ‘unspoken prayer’. Why? Because of two main reasons: one is that if the prayer is unspoken, how do I know if I’m in agreement (the strongest prayer I know - see point 6 in https://www.bible-knowledge.com/prayer-of-agreement/) And reason 2 is because I’m expected to trust the person requesting prayer though they obviously don’t trust me with the request. And yet, there are denominations that not only support but teach on the unspoken prayer. But... is the unspoken prayer even implied in scripture? 

When you get down to basics... what is prayer (to/for you)? How do you go about the way you as a pray-er pray? When you consider prayer you need to start with the beginning - who are you praying to? Granted... that's an easy question. But your relationship with the 'who' is the basis on your 'how'. 

We have our model given by Jesus. We’ve (mankind) called it the Lord’s Prayer. Using the Matthew scripture (6: 9-13) from the Message Bible:

   “The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and He knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

        Our Father in heaven,

        Reveal who you are.

        Set the world right;

        Do what’s best— as above, so below.

        Keep us alive with three square meals.

        Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.

        Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.

        You’re in charge!

        You can do anything you want!

        You’re ablaze in beauty!

            Yes. Yes. Yes.

Do you see the action words, which imply the pray-ers beliefs: reveal, set, do, keep (x3) and then stating who the Person you are praying to is and does. And this begins our journey and adventure into discovering - Prayer.

There’s a lovely scripture that says: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Problem is that most of us are not good still-ers. That’s the first issue. Issue #2 is ‘know’. Do we know what we know? Or … what we need to know? And the 3rd issue is to define ‘God’ the way He shares Himself.

Very briefly, this is not exhaustive... I'm going to give some hints, some ways for you to find your answer to these 3 questions.

1. Being a 'still-er'
   Actually... that's your determination. Read Psalms 46 in its entirety but do so in the Amplified or Message to get a different perspective on being still and why. When our thoughts are fixed on the Father, there is a greater possibility that one's behavior will follow too. We can be still or we wouldn't be asked to. But when our thoughts are focused on our 'to do' list or something equally disengaging - then we are preoccupied or scattered or any number of different mindsets. This is the time to really let your heart lead.

2. Know

   Big word - know. Do you know what you know or think you know about prayer, you as a pray-er, and the One you are praying to? If you are new to praying then your experience base is being built. If you have prayed for years, you are still in the process of building your praying base. We aren't asked to be mindless in praying but it's crucial to have a relationship with the One being prayed to - FIRST. Formula praying really isn't based in a relationship. So HOW is your praying style?

3. Person

   According to https://christiananswers.net/dictionary/namesofgod.html God has  given Himself 967 different names! Wikipedia has granted God 72 names (sarcasm for those reading this who don't know me). The number is not the point. The point is - Why? Why would God give Himself so many names? My simple answer is that He knew we would have problems wrapping our heads around the concept as well as the Person - God. So He manifested Himself in smaller bite sized pieces as Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Rapha, etc. And as we begin to know Him as our provider, our healer we begin to know Him. (And yes, this is my answer and no, I have no scriptural proof/substantiation.)

Praying is really quite simple and gentle and life changing and complex and complicated, and, and. But it is never insignificant. Discover who YOU are in prayer, as a pray-er and praying.

Obligation

Quite honestly….. I don’t think ‘obligation’ is a good motivator. The ‘hafta’ foundation rarely produces the desired a and e ffect . Obligation carries with it the feeling you should wanna, regardless. And the status of obligation comes from...?

Take a look at some of the spiritual haftas - love, for example. But are there other haftas... most of them that sound like a hafta are really our choices, our decisions. Totally different. But, when it is love... for me, love is more of a wanna. What does scripture say?

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

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

And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?" [Micha 6:8] AMP

Listen to how the Message Bible states the Lord's desire:

   "But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, 

be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously—

take God seriously."

However it is phrased... is this really beyond us to do, be? Are these requirements of just, kind, walk humbly more than man can do? Or is this a mindset... a matter of our choices on our own frame of reference? You need to know: 1. the definition of obligation and 2. who's the originator of the obligation.

Bibletools.org says:

   "We come under obligation when we are rendered a service, producing indebtedness to the one who performed it. We feel required to respond by repaying the indebtedness, and in many cases, a heartfelt "thank you" is in order, at the very least. True obligation, closely related to accountability and responsibility, is a deep conviction that we owe someone something.  ...

   Notice this in I Peter 1:15-16: ". . . but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'" Because God, our spiritual Father whom we represent, is holy, we are under obligation to be holy ourselves. Peter draws on our sense of obligation to the Father to exhort us to obedient conduct. He then intensifies our sense of obligation by reminding us that we owe our lives to Christ because He redeemed us:"

 

Does 'obligation' stop us from doing 'something' we want to? Probably... because let's face it some of our 'wantings' really aren't good for us. When we have a check in our spirits that causes us (or should) to stop and reconsider - we need to listen to our checks. Is this a 'bad'? Of course not. I would argue that the spiritual obligations are those that are designed to help us become and do our best. And these are not burdensome, they are foundational, and keep us grounded. 

Bottom line is... what do YOU feel obligated about? Are you doing anything about the feeling? How do you handle what you believe are obligations? And... are they truly obligations?

Rest

   " So we see that they were not able to enter [into His rest—the promised land] because of unbelief and an unwillingness to trust in God.  Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still remains and is freely offered today, let us fear, in case any one of you may seem to come short of reaching it or think he has come too late. For indeed we have had the good news [of salvation] preached to us, just as the Israelites also [when the good news of the promised land came to them]; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not united with faith [in God] by those who heard. For we who believe [that is, we who personally trust and confidently rely on God] enter that rest [so we have His inner peace now because we are confident in our salvation, and assured of His power]    [Hebrews 3:19-4:3]

Soooo, if we desire 'rest' (and who doesn't) we need to have inner peace based in confidence and assured of His power.? Does that describe you? Actually, perhaps 'rest' needs defining first - because we all may not define and describe it in the same way. Example: in the Hebrews scriptures the 'rest' is defined as entering the promised land. And rest may use the word goal accomplishment in its description. But 'rest' may refer to something entirely different.

According to: Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - (I'm using only the New Testament descriptions of rest as a verb and noun but it is exhaustive )

   "The New Testament. The primary Greek words are the nouns anapausis [ajnavpausi"] and katapausis [katavpausi"], and the verbs anapauo [ajnapauvw] and katapauo [katapauvw].

In the Gospels the theology of rest is most clearly articulated in the words of Jesus: "come to me and I will give you rest and you will find rest for your souls" ( Matt 11:28-30 ). The rest he promises is certainly for the world to come, but it is also for this world. It is the sense of security and peace that flows from a right relation with God, the Father, through obedience to his Son, the Messiah, and membership in his kingdom.    ...

The rest is rightly called a "sabbath rest" because it is a participation in God's own rest. When God completed his work of creation, he rested; likewise when his people complete their service to him on earth, they will enter into God's prepared rest. Now, in this age, the rest is before them as their heritage and by faith they live in the light of it in this world.  ...

In Revelation 14:13-14 the heavenly voice speaks of the blessedness of those who die in the Lord and the Spirit replies: "They will rest from their labor for their deeds will follow them." Here a different dimension of the meaning of rest is being pointed to a rest that is not inactivity but is certainly free of the burdens of the flesh and of the present, evil age.

Finally, we note that as the Spirit of the Lord rests on the Messiah ( Isa 11:2 ), so in the new covenant, "If you [Christian believers] are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you" ( 1 Peter 4:14 )." 

If you are interested in more study then I recommend:  https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/rest/ 

Now THAT'S what I call a definition! We can read and see that rest is far more encompassing that originally thought by most. And the affects from this rest are far more important. We NEED to rest, to rejuvenate, to let the Lord restore us so we can continue our responsibilities here (and now). Among other things, Rest allows us a time to check, make certain we are doing what we set out to do, integrate any changes that are necessary, double check our perspective, seek the Lord. 

Bottom line is that it is we who choose to do the resting so that we can do the doing. [Oh yes... resting is more than simply taking a nap.]

Personalize

Strange title? The word just kinda jumped up at me. Do you know what it means? If your question is: is it really relevant for me? The answer is a resounding - YES! In it's simplest and beginning definition it would mean taking an idea, concept, belief and making that part of your frame of reference. The point though is... what do you do with it? Does it just become part of you externally or who you are internally?

Asked a bit more bluntly... what are you doing with your life? your gifts and talents? You!? Are you wasting all that? Are you dabbling? Maybe you're trying not to think about the 'subject'? And then there are a whole host of other responses. But I'm not speaking with the person to your right... nor to your left, not the person behind you or in front - this is YOUR question. Actually, it's all of us individually answering the question for ourselves. The point right now, right here is you - what are you doing? And how?

Do you feel you are in a season of developing/growing/preparing? And how long have you been in this season? It doesn't last indefinitely you know. At some point you will need to apply and act on what you know to this point. Remember... you are always in a state of 'the Lord's not done with me yet'. Growth is ongoing, it's never one and done and yes, sometimes this means skinned knees or bumped noses. We all go through these kinds of times... the Lord's refining us and helping us to be the best we can be.

We do have an aid in all this... actually more than one. But one of the keys is to know ourselves - who we are in the process of becoming. You do realize that it is nearly impossible to grow without an understanding of what we already know now. All this is a process. Knowing is to be applied, not just information. And applied is based in our personalization. If not then we are buffeted by the winds and cares of life without a foundation.

Personalization means to embody, express. A thought grows into a conviction based on study and subsequent understanding which is applied to living and all that begins with scripture. We all need an irrefutable source we can trust. Do remember though that this doesn't mean a casual understanding... we grow as we express and I believe we express as we embody the truth from scripture that we personalize. 

I am convinced that we all are provided opportunities to prove (primarily to ourselves, but also others) who it is we believe  [Jesus] and what it is that is our source [scripture] . And the purpose is so that we can be the Father's  harvesters' bringing many souls to Him to become born again and part of God's family. 

It begins once we are saved and present ourselves to the Lord who first loved us, to become His workman to walk in those works prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10). Can there be any higher calling? any greater gift we can share with others? any greater honor than being about our Father's business - become the who He's always seen? Personalizing the Word is the way we can become confident in who we are and how we do this. If you haven't taken the time yet, do a study on how the Father sees you and then begin to personalize what HE says. Honestly, He knows us far better than we know ourselves.

Reconciliation

Know what this means? Do you appreciate what this accomplishes? Do you practice this? I decided that I was wondering what the scriptural definition of 'reconciliation' was, however this is Google's:

   "Biblical reconciliation is the process of two previously alienated parties coming to peace with each other. Because God has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, we can reconcile with each other, no longer counting our offenses against one another." [Googles interpretation of a spiritual definition]

If you're interested in a more scriptural basis, the biblestudytools says:

   "Reconciliation comes from the Greek family of words that has its roots in allasso [ajllavssw]. The meaning common to this word group is "change" or "exchange." Reconciliation involves a change in the relationship between God and man or man and man. It assumes there has been a breakdown in the relationship, but now there has been a change from a state of enmity and fragmentation to one of harmony and fellowship. In Romans 5:6-11, Paul says that before reconciliation we were powerless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies; we were under God's wrath (v. 9). Because of change or reconciliation we become new creatures. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17 ).

Those scriptures confirm and reinforce the scriptural definition. Through our own choices and actions we WERE estranged and not in relationship with the Lord. Once we made Him our Lord and Savior then we had access to reconciliation. But never assume this is a one and done. Because of our nature, we continually get out of relationship. Ahhh but we have a way back, to resolve the lack of relationship: 1 John 1:9 dispenses forgiveness thus the way (in my estimation). Personally I love the way the Lord provides for us even when we sin. 

 

The familiar phrase of ‘what’s in it for me’ has wide implications but can be applied as we enter into a reconciliation, especially man to man. Let's face it... we want everything to be 'our way'. Many have the attitude of 'my way or the highway' - this is not reconciliation. But is it compromise? Secularly... probably.

Compromise doesn't play a role spiritually. Sometime do a study on compromise - it never means in the essential truths of scripture exchanged for something else. Truth is truth. Iron sharpening iron does help us grow and understand but also remember Paul's warning which he states in Galatians 1: 6-12 (especially verse 8) and 2 Corinthians 11:4

   "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we [originally] preached to you, let him be condemned to destruction! " (v.8)

   

Compromise should not be accepted when it goes against scripture - our strong defense.

When it comes to our Lord, reconciliation can be  summed up in the reality that it is all one sided - He gives us Everything. Deserved? No. Earned? No. Purchased? No. What was purchased is You and then, I believe, He set about protecting and providing for us.

   "Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him], that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that -is, restoration to favor with God]." [2 Corinthians 5:17-19]

This does appear that WE have a role in reconciliation too. We are the hands, feet, voice to others... that they can be saved, forgiven, and reconciled.

Searching the depths...

 Are you the searcher type? Do you like to dig in to whatever is interesting or intriguing you at the moment to discover 'more'? Now... do you apply this to you and growing in the Lord? Do you apply the search mentality to scripture? One of the scriptures that has always intrigued me is:

  "None of the rulers of this age recognized and understood this wisdom; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written [in Scripture],

     '“Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard,

       And which have not entered the heart of man,

       All that God has prepared for those who love Him [who hold Him in   

       affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the

       benefits that He has bestowed].”'

For God has unveiled them and revealed them to us through the [Holy] Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things [diligently], even [sounding and measuring] the [profound] depths of God [the divine counsels and things far beyond human understanding" [1 Corinthians 2:8-10]

Have you looked at these verses and decided to put them on the shelf... that they were beyond understanding. These were verses to know and accept but don't try to understand? My thinking is that if the Father had them included in scripture then they were understandable. Besides... how can you implement and incorporate the learnings into your frame of reference, your mindset if we aren't suppose to understand?! If it is in scripture... shouldn't that be the test that they are important for and to us?

In this particular search - what ARE these verses telling us? One biggie is... don't underestimate the Holy Spirit and who He is and what He knows and does. Which automatically leads me to the question: DO you seek the Holy Spirit for understanding and wisdom? He is represented as bring all truth to remembrance - do you believe this? John 14:26

   "But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.

Remember too the opening scripture in this discussion: "... the Spirit searches all things [diligently], even [sounding and measuring] the [profound] depths of God [the divine counsels and things far beyond human understanding" [1 Corinthians 2:10]. So if scripture is confirming scripture, then doesn't logic dictate that we should ask the 'Searcher', the Holy Spirit? Maybe the question begins with you... Do you want to become all you can be? Are you a searcher? 

Redeemed

Important? What is redemption and do you think about this very often? Actually... are you? Redeemed is more than freedom from what has been. I could be completely wrong, but... I also look at it as an invitation into what can be.

Dictionary.com defines redeem, redeemed, redemption as:

   "adjective - Theology. (in Christianity) 

having been saved or delivered from sin or its consequences:

Then shall all the redeemed saints appear in glory. [2 Thessalonians 1:10]

     noun - Theology. (in Christianity) 

Usually the redeemed .those who have been saved or delivered from sin or its consequences: We understand that all of us, even the redeemed, have a capacity for great evil.

    verb

the simple past tense and past participle of redeem.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/redeem-redemption/ provides the following

Deliverance of humankind from its state of alienation from God has been accomplished through the death and resurrection of Christ ( Rom 4:25 ; 2 Cor 5:18-19 ).

Another way of understanding redeemed is provided by 'GotQuestions': 

  "Everyone is in need of redemption. Our natural condition was characterized by guilt: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Christ’s redemption has freed us from guilt, being “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).

Look at all the adjectives associated with the word redeemed. There are the pluses, when we are redeemed... and the minuses, when we aren't. Point being that when/if you have made Jesus your Lord, then redemption is one of the gifts Jesus brought when He came. We never could attain redemption on our own, we can't buy it nor earn it. Unredeemed is our status until we see we are lost and seek to be part of the found. It is always our decision. God never makes us choose to be saved.

   "But now, this is what the Lord, your Creator says, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you [from captivity]; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.'" [Isaiah 43:1-2]

 Romans 11:11-31 helps us to begin to understand what we receive when we are redeemed.

   "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call]. Just as you once were disobedient and failed to listen to God, but have now obtained mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient so that they too may one day receive mercy because of the mercy shown to you." [verses 29-31]

Kinda covers everything... doesn't it? What? It was spoken to God's people so it doesn't apply now, for us - especially if we are Gentiles. Have you forgotten that if you are a Gentile, you are grafted in (Romans 11:11-31). We become God's people... not in place of God's chosen people the Jews, along side them.

Let me also ask you... what are you doing with all the gifts (including redemption) that the Lord gives all of us? Do you merely acknowledge this but don't apply them? Why? Though redemption means everything to you (whether or not you completely understand this) - what difference does it make in how you live your life in your world? Is it an example for others?

Timing

    "To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:" [Ecclesiastes 3:1] 

Now look at how this is stated in 2 other versions.

   "There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:" [Message]
   "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven" [NASB]

All saying the same thing... or??? The NASB uses the word 'appointed' time for everything and the Message uses the word 'opportune' time to do things. Also, the word 'time' is defined in the Message as 'right'. Do the words qualify and define the message?

   "There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven— A time to be born and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to keep silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace." [Ecclesiastes 3:1-9]

This is a listing of opposites but also each has a 'time'. I suspect that most people, believers and unbelievers alike, are aware of this scripture in Ecclesiastes. I also would suspect that it is the first part of verse 1 that is emphasized. But... do we understand the second part of this sentence - a time for every purpose under heaven? What does it mean 'every purpose' and whose purpose? What is the message? Yes, I know that we can get caught up in the minutia and entirely miss the message. So, do you know the message?

Why am I withering on about time? Timing is always an issue. We need to be sensitive to knowing if/when to (fill in the blank) which is ordered by time. Doesn't help? Probably not. Different example: we all tend to speak 'out of turn' and this we can control. If the message is important, if we want others to understand... then we need to be sensitive to the issue of timing. Remember... to EVERYTHING there is a right time...

IDENTITY

What is our identity? Who is the you that you present to the world? … And does your presentation match at all who you think you are? What’s your identity based on or in? First… are you a Christian? Have you accepted the free gift of salvation that Jesus has already purchased for all of us… and that does include you? Have you shared with anyone that you have accepted and made (2 different actions) Jesus as your Lord? If your answer to the last question is ‘Yes’ then you can find your answers for the previous questions. 

There’s an excellent book by Paul D. Tripp called LEAD, and in this book is a chapter on Identity. While the book is directed toward the leaders in the church, I think it should be required reading for us all who are called to a church (that would be all of us) and thus have responsibilities for being involved in the life of the church and act in our gifting (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians) to build the body (which, again, is all of us).

I am going to provide you with a portion of his study and the salient points:

      Scripture    Identity

2 Corinthians 5:17 A NEW creation
1 Peter 2:9 Chosen, Holy nation, God’s special possession
        Galatians 2:20         Faith in the Son of God
John 15:15 Friend
John 1:12         Child of God
Romans 8:16-17 Heir, Co-heir with Christ
Colossians 3:3         Dead to this world, Hidden in Christ
Galatians 3:26            Reborn, Children of God
Romans 8:1 NOT condemned
Philippians 3:20             Citizen of Heaven
1 Corinthians 12:27         Part of the Body of Christ – with a special
                                                  purpose & function
        1 Corinthians 6:19-20        Temple of the Holy Spirit, bought at a price   
        Ephesians 2:10                  God's own workmanship, ready for good works
        Ephesians 4:24                  Regenerated, renewed

I think we are indebted to Tripp for having taken the time to share with us his findings about our identity. I also believe that this is not an exhaustive list. And, we should read these scriptures from the Amplified Bible as well as The Message … and any other versions. Reading the scripture from more than one version allows us to expand what we are reading. It is crucial that we see what is said from the source (Bible). One bottom line benefit is that when we read and see and Apply what we know, our faith increases as does our confidence.

One bottom line benefit is that when we read and see and Apply what we know, our faith increases as does our confidence. However, I do believe this doesn’t happen TO us, it’s when we put off the old man and put on the new that we are able to become all that we can be. We need to make this ours by accepting these marvelous gifts of identity.

This is a NOW, not then identity. And just look at the expansiveness of our identity. It’s not that we are born this way, but we can choose to be reborn and if so, this is who we become. My only caveat on this is that once we see and understand then we need to decide what WE are going to do with this understanding. Remember… once you know, you can’t unknow. Ohhh... but what a fruitful adventure awaits us!

Lost?

Have you ever felt that you really weren’t off/away from the path and plans the Lord has for you… you just weren’t ON the path? Perhaps you (are) were walking parallel to the path so that meant you sometimes were in the ditch or brambles and the terrain was very uneven. Sometimes you may have slipped and gotten mud all over yourself. Sometimes you began walking on what you considered was solid ground only to discover that it veered one way or another and typically led to a rabbit trail. Been there? In my case I think it’s too many times to count.

Sooo how did that make you feel? Frustrated? Angry (person or 'thing' of said anger not acknowledged)? Confused? (Fill in your feeling) Did you happened to review when your misstep occurred? The Why and How? Did you consider when you realized your error? Then what did you do? Is this an experience you've encountered more than once? [I'll stop, though not finished with, all the questions.] But... at some point you do have to do something.

Let me share a little 'wisdom' that I've discovered... seeing is a big part of who we are, where we are. And seeing is based in our quest to be who our Lord would want us to be. Example: the Lord said that He came to give us life, and life abundantly. How do you define 'abundantly'? If it is only material things then I think you aren't seeing, don't have the right perspective. However, if you define the word in spiritual terms then you begin to see the vast abundance the Lord was referring to.

Our seeing is based on how much we 'allow' the Lord to work in our lives... then the more we see. Paul phrases this as:

   " I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." [Galatians 2:20]

I've come to believe that the Lord would never force Himself upon us - He gave us free will... even the will to not accept His gift. He never 'makes' people believe, He provides the opportunity. And then - it's up to us. Do we want to grow, to become, to share who the Lord is in our lives and invite others into the same family? The moment you do, you are no longer lost. You have a family, you have purpose, you have fruitfulness, you have abundance.

Even when we Are already part of the family, the found, there are moments of 'lost' when we get blindsided by our enemy, or go off on some rabbit trail that  turns into a dense forest. Do NOT worry because you are never out of the sight of our Father. He always knows. While He gives us opportunity to discover our plight, He also provides ways for us to return. He tells us many times and also provides examples of His Word that says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." [Hebrews 13:5] In my mind, when we come to our senses and realize and call for help, that He gently leads us back to the spot where we went astray and then leads us forward.

My bottom line is that where we are is our decision. If we choose to be lost, then we will be. If we choose the Lord's gift we enter into a marvelous journey of being found.

Asking...

Prayer is composed of praise, worship ... and asking. Do you ask the Lord for what you think (and even hope) you need? Do you think He's really not interested? Do you think you have no right to ask? And I think you could probably come up with some other questions. Point being: how do you act? Do you ask???

Some scriptural answers:

   "Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]." (Hebrews 4:16)

   "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)

   "So as for you, do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink; nor have an anxious and unsettled mind. For all the [pagan] nations of the world greedily seek these things; and your [heavenly] Father [already] knows that you need them. But [strive for and actively] seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." [Luke 12:29-31 but begin reading in verse 22]

There are a number of scriptures that talk about asking [1John 3:22; 5:15] or refine our understanding about asking (James 4:3)... not the least of which is: 

   "Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened." [Matthew 7:7-8]

Bottom line though is what YOU believe. What do you think the Lord will do to you if you ask? Will you receive what you ask about? Actually that question is easy to answer. If you come and ask according to His will (Word) you will receive. Period. 

   " This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us." (1 John 5:14)

While all these scriptures invite and encourage all to come and ask we don't always see or understand this so great a mercy and grace directed to the believer. Perhaps who you were is inhibiting you - you know you (at least on some level) and it isn't a pretty picture. And since the Lord was present when you did/didn't do, said/or didn't say and you remember. The Lord would too. Let me remind you:

   "... He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust." [Psalm 103:10-14]

   "...“For I will forgive their wickedness, and I will no longer remember their sin.” [Jeremiah 31:34b]

Read this again. Let that sink into you and who you are becoming. God is not sitting with a sledge hammer in His hand just waiting for the slightest error, sin so He can hit us. Look again at Psalm 103 - 'so great is His love'. He didn't have to love us - but He Does! Ohhh, and as an aside: 'fear' means awe, respect not fearful.

However, you may not have an issue with this... it's just that you look at your need, request as small potatoes, really not all that important and sometimes it's personal and doesn't even relate to the spiritual. Never forget that though we are in the world, we are not OF it. Perhaps one of the greatest scriptures to reinforce our ability and confidence is found in Hebrews 4:16. But He also tells us:

   "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 - see also Numbers 11:23]

See all those 'not's'. And before you jump in to say that isn't what you meant. You weren't doubting God, it was your request that was a 'little thing'. Nothing is to small for our God. Nothing is too insignificant:

   " But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you?" [Matthew 6:30]

This may sound somewhat counter intuitive but... I think it does bring a smile to the Lord's face when we bring ALL our questions, doubts, askings, etc. to Him because this is also a statement from us about our level of belief and trust in Him.