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. 

Crossroads

Are you at or headed for a crossroad? How does that make you feel! Fearful? Slightly excited? Looking for a way out? So many other thoughts and emotions! Being at a crossroad really isn't a new experience, however each time you've been at one - it rarely is the same emotional experience. Soooo are all crossroads diametrically opposed? Is there any both/and? Whether you agree with my definition or not - what I'm attempting to say is shared for understanding to occur.

Crossroads definition: First, you can't do both. And you have to be at a 'T' - you have to chose one or the other. You can't retreat and go back either.

Google says:

   "A crossroad is a place of decision that will affect the course of one's life. Jacob faced a crossroad when he wrestled with the angel at Peniel (Gen. 32:24). Jesus Christ faced a crossroad when He struggled with His own soul in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36-42).

Actually, not a bad statement... a place of decision that will affect the course of one's life.  There are those that contend that a crossroad runs the gauntlet from the mundane and relatively no real affect to life changing. I have great trouble accepting the definition that downplays the reality of being at a crossroad. What you decide IS life changing... it is never a 'little thing'. 

Another approach can be found in the study at:  https://

www.candidlychristian.com/6-things-to-consider-when-you-are-at-a-crossroad/

This discussion suggests how to approach crossroads:

  1. Stand. [I think we've heard that word used before...] Stop, stand still, and listen. Psalm 46:10

  2. Look past the current moment. Look up and down that road. Research the best way to go. How could this potentially affect the future? What is most important to God? Psalm 57:2

  3. Remember those before you that have made mistakes and have crossed the

same paths before you. Remember those that have made sound decisions and have been successful. Seek the advice of a loving Christian 

  4. Glorify God in the Good Way  Ask where the good way is” – All decisions should have the goal of glorifying Jesus. Pray and ask for His direction in all that you do. Seek guidance in the Bible. If it is clearly stated in the Bible that if it is forbidden by God, don’t go that way. God wants the best for you. 

  5. Walk Faith takes action. God says to walk! The opposite of faith is fear. Don’t let fear paralyze you ... don't get what is called “analysis paralysis.” Don’t continue analyzing and be paralyzed. Choose the road and walk, even when the way isn’t clear.  (I Thes.5:24 NLT)

[Note: while this sounds contradictory to point 1 it isn't. It's the behavior after you've come to your decision.]

  6. Rest  There is nothing more satisfying, peaceful, and completing for your soul than to be so in tune with God. When you walk His chosen path, you are glorifying Him and that’s what we are created to do (Isaiah 43:7. Exodus 33:14)

I am providing only one approach, and I've chosen only selected parts but you have a website to check if you are interested. The point is. Never underestimate the importance of your decisions, especially crossroad decisions. I suspect the important questions are: recognizing a crossroad time, knowing your own beliefs that underscore significant decisions. 

You ultimately have to 'decide' your style of handling a crossroad. Never fight or ignore crossroads because even that approach affects the decision, especially the quality. I try and look at crossroad times as an opportunity to make a change. And no, what is doesn't always need changing. But we don't live as if we are the sole definers - what we do affects those in our world. These times can also be points of stopping and remembering and deciding what role they play in our decision. 

There are so many attributes that can be attributed to crossroads (positive and negative) and accepting that regardless of what we decide to do - there will be both good and bad 'consequences'. Example. Leaving a tried and true, a comfortable, current reality for an 'outta the box' approach can be scary at the same time it is exhilarating. The result(s) can be disaster or something brand new. And how you look at 'failure', your attitude will determine your reaction. For some it is one more option that can be discarded as not effective. For others it does verge on the side of disastrous. 

Remember that life is an adventure, an opportunity to expand and grow. A crossroad may be a expression of an adventure, or an impetus to one. I would suggest that in your 'down time' you might want to consider how you got to a crossroad. What was it you did, and didn't do, that you found yourself there. The reason to do this is not to avoid crossroads in the future... but it may provide you with some signs, clues as to why you are there. These too can be aides in deciding which path to take at your crossroad.

REPENT!!!!!!!

Frightening word????? Bad person?? When you hear the word, repent, do you immediately feel guilty? And if 'guilty'... of what? Do you try and distance yourself from whoever spoke the word regardless of circumstances? But do you realize that you repent often. Every time you change your mind... you repent, and I realize that this is not what the majority of people think. Should I repeat what I just said?! Every time you change your mind... you repent. Look to the definitions. Betcha you never thought about 'repent' in this light. Yes, repentance is the door to being born again, saved. Simply you have to say NO! to the devil and accept the gift from Jesus by making Him your Lord. However, you need to focus on the person who is the basis of your change - Jesus. Who is He, what has He asked?

I think the point is that you have to change your feelings about the word. I was listening to a podcast by Pastor Robert Morris and he was pointing out that we have totally misunderstood what the word is saying. When you go back to the Greek, the word means to 'change your mind'. If you have the wrong understanding of (fill in the blank) and come to this realization, regardless of method, do you continue being 'wrong'? Or, do you change your mind? Most of us would accept our initial misunderstanding and change to the more correct interpretation. The change was/will be subsequently incorporated into our frame of reference. Did we experience ill effects from the change? Hardly.. maybe less skinned noses and knees though.

If our answer is that being corrected and changing to a more correct or proper interpretation enhanced rather than punished, then why not apply this definition across the board to other areas? The point is that the change was better than before we repented. I do believe that the word has been used as a huge hammer over people's heads to make them 'better'. How long do you think this will be the norm?

Never forget it is scripture that is the last determination (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The following are excerpts from Ephesians 2:1-9

   "And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, in which you once walked.  ...

Among these [unbelievers] we all once lived in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by the sinful self], indulging the desires of human nature [without the Holy Spirit] and [the impulses] of the [sinful] mind. We were, by nature, children [under the sentence] of [God’s] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind]. 

But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s judgment). ...

[and He did this] so that in the ages to come He might [clearly] show the immeasurable and unsurpassed riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us in Christ Jesus [by providing for our redemption]. 

For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]." 

And 2 Corinthians 6:1-2

   “Working together with Him, we strongly urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain [by turning away from sound doctrine and His merciful kindness]. For He says,

         “At the acceptable time (the time of grace) I listened to you,

          And I helped you on the day of salvation.”

Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—" 

So what will you choose? How will you react? The decision is in front of you right here, right now. You.....???

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.]

Teaching... Teacher

I believe that a teacher is defined by their attitude. There are many who teach but really aren't teachers. Teaching is not about telling ... it's about asking. At least this is the reason I use questions in my approach. Granted I love to teach - my purpose is to touch the life of the 'person-student', where they are and come along side to help them on their journey. My purpose is NOT simply to talk (which can be a form of loving to hearing my own voice), nor relating my experiences (except when relevant and is shared as an example). As a teacher I have to continue to study, to know my 'subject'. I should know more about what's being  discussed than the student, simultaneously also discovering what it is they do know.

I really can't think of any other gift that I could ever want, covet outside of the one the Lord blessed me with. Then again, everyone who knows their gifting and acts on it feels this way. I often wonder if the 'caution' found in 1 Corinthians 12 about the fact that we all are one together so all are involved and important, doesn't exist or is not relevant in the hearts and minds of those who don't know their gifting. If you covet another gift, this is not knowing the value of your gift.

Teaching is really great fun. However, I also know the warning scripture provides:

   "Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly]. For we all stumble and sin in many ways." [James 3:1-2a] 

And yet, it is the only thing I passionately love to do... outside of writing which I interpret as an expression of teaching. I think James' warning is to keep the teacher humble, to help the one teaching to realize that they truly don't know it all so all must be considered. Yes, we are to test the spirit (1 John 4:1) but we also have the method of test (1 John 4:3). And still... the Word tells us:

   "For though by this time you ought to be teachers [because of the time you have had to learn these truths], you actually need someone to teach you again the elementary principles of God’s word [from the beginning], and you have come to be continually in need of milk, not solid food. For everyone who lives on milk is [doctrinally inexperienced and] unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a spiritual infant. But solid food is for the [spiritually] mature, whose senses are trained by practice to distinguish between what is morally good and what is evil." [Hebrews 5:12-14]

And no, the Hebrew verses do not contradict James. James is a warning for the teacher to not be lax or cavalier in preparation and presentation. The Hebrews scripture is an encouragement to continue the journey, to grow, to become that workman the Lord can use.

There is so much more I could say that this post could end up becoming a book! Perhaps part of what I'm trying to say is.  to the student: you have an opportunity to learn what the 'teacher' knows... but never stop there and do share your discoveries because you too could be not fully apprehending the fullness or understanding. to the teacher: you have a great opportunity and responsibility to the student and to the subject. Never 'wing it' unless the Holy Spirit is leading you. Please, always invite the student into the process of learning.