A Somewhat Frivolous Post... with a point

(I think I shall blame this on my mood when I penned this.) 

The following conversation you may never have experienced - I did. You can reverse the parent role, but the dialogue was always the same.

  Me: Mom can I go to (fill in the blank - movie, local teen hangout, etc.)

 Mom: Ask your Dad.

  Me: Dad can I go to (fill in the blank - movie, local teen hangout, etc.)

 Dad: Ask your Mom.

After experiencing this a number of times, I decided that I would change tactics.

  Me: Mom, Dad says that I can go to (fill in the blank - movie, local teen hangout, etc.) if it's OK with you.

 Mom: Well, if it's OK with your Dad then - yes.

  Me: Dad, Mom says that I can go to (fill in the blank - movie, local teen hangout, etc.) if it's OK with you.

 Dad: well, since it's OK with your Mom....

Again, you can reverse the initial parent role, I tried it with whoever was closest. The two factors I didn't take into account were: 1. they talked with each other... and 2. at one time they were teens too! They let me string this out a couple of times before confronting me. I countered with that I really wasn't lying and that I did consult both of them and that I knew from previous experience that if one of them said OK, the other one always did too! (I did warn my brother that this didn't work.) 

After a good laugh by all 3 of us we did talk about the underlying point - lying. It's where I learned there were no 'little white lies', no fibs (which were construed to be a lesser form of lying) because a lie is a lie - period.

Do you excuse yourself with the 'little white' or 'fib' categories? Doesn't work you know. And honestly, why engage in such behavior? Eventually you're going to get caught! What does scripture say:

   "... behold, you will have sinned against the Lord; and be sure that your sin will find you out." [Numbers 32:23b]

                                                        AND

   "Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known." [Luke 12:2]

                                                        AND   

   "He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy." [Proverbs 28:13]

What you need to remember is that the Lord is always with us and is aware of what we do and say and how we 'excuse' it to ourselves. Does this ever work for you? As adults, do we do a 'variation on a theme' when it comes to this issue? The words that tend to compound the problem is when we say... 'but that's not what I meant' or 'I didn't intend...' Additionally you have to remember what you said to Person A so that the same understanding occurs with Person B. 

My point? It's a corollary/example to the scripture that says:

  

   "He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much." [Luke 16:10] 

No - I'm not adding to scripture, I'm applying the thought/concept to the everyday things in our life, like lying to get out of (and into) 'something'. Think about it! If we don't fight those small, irritation we engage in and overcome them, then what condition are we going to be in when the battle is far more important!?! Nearly as important... what do we gain by lying? Remember, we have all we need with us or in us to win these skirmishes and our new identity which provides us with the armor of God to take control and win. What is it we're lacking??? Is it really worth it to continue the behavior?

A Privilege?

How do you consider your free will? A privilege? A burden? Impossible? A challenge? If you are a nurture v nature person, you might consider free will as impossible because people are as their environment gives experiences. Actually the nature advocates use that as their reasoning too... they just substitute family/friends rather than experiences.

Both are right and wrong. A burden then... now every choice and decision always brings with it the 'burden of responsibility' (accepted or not). A big 'yuk'! For a moment consider if you didn't have free will. Would you be irritated? frustrated? angry? Feeling you received a 'raw deal'? But without free will every action, thought is based in fatalism - no choice. Would this be what you'd want? If you feel you wouldn't be 'controlled' by fatalism... what would replace free will? Unless you are totally capricious in your behavior, actions and words are always based in something. Free will is placing the opportunity, responsibility, authority, choice squarely in your hands.

From a different perspective, have you ever consider that the God of the Universe has gifted you with free will - that it is a privilege? That He was willing to allow you complete decision-making always? So how do you handle this gift? Gleeful that (nobody, nothing) controls you? Do you act cavalierly? Trying to avoid the responsibility? Privilege is the total opposite of all that. One source says:

   "The privileged are those who belong to a class that enjoys special favor. Certainly, that's true of believers. We as Christians belong to a class who enjoy special favor. We have rich spiritual privileges in Christ."

Again... it's how we look at, define, and display our definition of words. If we believe we cannot succeed because we aren't strong enough to combat the forces arraigned against us the we've lost before we've begun. I've always found it interesting that when I study free will that nearly all of the resources, scripture verses used are negative. Almost that we should flee from free will. Isn't it interesting... and I wonder (tongue in cheek) where the opposition is coming from.

There are verses designed to help be confident that when our free will is being attacked, we have help to sustain us in making the right decisions. We have the privilege and two books tell us (1 Corinthians and Hebrews).

   "No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy]." [1 Corinthians 10:13]

This verse acknowledges  that there are forces seeking to control our free will but at the same time we see that there is NO temptation that is beyond our ability to resist sin. Remember too that we have Jesus, our High Priest:

   " For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. 16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]." [Hebrews 4:15-16]

 

Never give away a privilege and free will (extended to all) is precisely that - a gift to us whether or not we accept it. But with privilege comes responsibility - ours! We need to accept the ramification and consequences of our choices, our decisions. And never forget 1 John 1:9 - restoration is always available.

 

Earn… Purchase… DESERVE

Is that the point? WE Deserve! As Christians, can we get it through our heads (misplaced pride) and realize that when it comes to spiritual matters - earn, purchase, deserve are never the reason for all that we have - they aren't even considered! It's all, as in ALL, the result of accepting the free GIFT of salvation that Jesus purchased for us. 

Salvation is the door of entry into an entirely new and different mindset. And when we walk into our inheritance because we accepted the Lordship of Jesus... nothing is the same. It may not be instantaneous... that's not the point. The condition/status that makes the difference. As we continue 'to work out our salvation' [Philippians 2:12] we grow in our knowledge and understanding.

Why is it that we tend to complicate teachings, concepts, commands, etc. in scripture when God uses 'plain speak'? Grace... it's all about God's Grace. God, the Father, is showing His compassion, His acceptance of our decision, His Grace which helps us toward acceptance [Ephesians 2]. When it comes to Grace, we use a simple definition, God's unmerited favor toward us, and then proceed to redefine it to the point of creating confusion. It's almost like what the early believing Jews were doing to new believing Gentiles - adding to what needs no addition. (Galatians 2:7,14)

Paul teaches us (in nearly every letter he wrote) about Grace and how it is available for us and expands the reasons and purposes:

2 Corinthians 9:8: 

   “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 

(Now, that seems to picture grace as a power or an influence for obedience.)

2 Corinthians 12:9: 

  "Jesus says to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

1 Corinthians 15:10: 

  “By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder [that was the effect of grace] than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.”

In all three of those texts — and they’re not the only ones — grace is not only a disposition or a quality or an inclination in the nature of God, but is an influence and a force and a power and an action of God that works in us to change our capabilities for work and suffering and obedience and joy and peace and meaning and ...

Grace is a predisposition, a frame of reference that we extend in our world, knowing how much grace has been extended to us - FOR us by a loving Father. I would propose that Grace changes everything and I also would suggest that you get Pastor Robert Morris's latest book, "GRACE" [Grace Period]. It will significantly change your perspective.

Friend? Family? Or...GOD

How do you 'see' the God of the Universe? Friend? Family? GOD? Do you consider the Triune God soooo very 'out of your league' that the only thing you know how to do is to keep Him as God and untouchable? If so, then I find that incredibly sad. No blame... no foul - just sad. However, you might find me too presumptuous. 

I just asked myself... if you were whisked away to heaven right now, how would you react on first seeing Jesus or the Father or the Holy Spirit? What would you do? My answer was that I know I should fall on my face in worship. But... what I'd probably do would be to run up to them as fast as I could and give each of them the biggest hug I know how to give. [Now you know the reason for the title.] Would my words and/or actions be offensive to the Creator?

I think that the relationship we build is demonstrated in our initial encounter. And I also believe that the encounter is based in what kind of relationship we deeply desire and hopefully build. Jesus called His disciples 'friends' (John 15:15-17). Abraham was known as the friend of God (James 2: 21-23). These are just 2 scriptures that tell us we can become friends. And what an honor! 

Do you know what the first words out your mouth might be? Would you be so awed that you'd be mute? Or maybe a question? Perhaps seeking information? Maybe it would be words of praise and honor? For me, I'm fairly certain that it would be a kind of bursting forth of saying 'I Love You'. There really don't seem to be any right or wrong things we can say.  

Back to the wondering... friend? family? GOD? How about - Yes! Because the God of the Universe, the Great Creator is unmistakably God. It's how He introduce Himself to His people - I Am. He is all He says He is and we get to spend time with Him discovering this. He never keeps us at arms length - on the other hand, we do. He really has to be all He says He is. Why argue the point? The delightful discovery is that He doesn't stop there. 

There are many scriptures that affirm that God has called various people as friends such as Exodus 22:11, James 2:23. He also tells us what doesn't constitute friendship when we are friends of the world (James 4:4). The most famous scripture about friendship is by Jesus when He was talking with His disciples.

But... is there any evidence about family? Yes. There are over 100 verses that tell us we are part of God's family:

    John 1:12  

  "But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God,"

    1 John 3:1-2   

  "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." 

    Ephesians 2:19-22  

  "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,"

Sooo... how do you interact with, speak to your human family? Giving them hugs, telling them you love them....... doesn't that demonstrate family?  Does this apply to your Spiritual Family?

We leak...

We do... no argument. But... Why do we leak? And leaking what? 

We leak: who we are as a new creation, what we can do, though Ephesians tells us in chapter 2 that the Father says:

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

And how many times do we forget who we are and what we can do? We leak.

Why do we leak? Because we have an enemy who will stop at nothing to stop us. He hates it when we defy him and accept the gift of salvation in Jesus... but let me tell you - he gets livid when we try and live the life that's been purchased for us! The abundant life Jesus gave His life for because that does include our witnessing to others about the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:13).

Why do we leak? Because we take our eyes off of where they should be (Hebrews 12:2, Psalms 40 especially verses 1-3)). We buy into the lies of the devil on all issues rather than resisting him and keeping our eyes on the prize (Philippians 3:14-16). We also don't take the time to study, to grow, to understand - we're basically lazy. We like the spoonfed words over the Word. Harsh? Probably, but am I wrong? Example: in this paragraph I have given you the scriptures that gives the answer without copying them for you to read. I did that purposely so that you would look them up for yourself, that the Word would come alive in you.  

Why do we leak? Because we don't consciously and intentionally put on the whole armor of God so that we are always prepared, ready to do our part. We are not a solo act - we are part of the body of Christ - read again the words in 1 Corinthians 12 that talk about the gifts that have been placed in us and that we are part and not solo (verses 12-13). 

Do we have to leak? I don't think so. I think that as we begin discovering who we are, what the Lord continues to do, how the Holy Spirit enables and empowers us, who and how our brothers and sisters in the Lord are that we bind up those leaky places. Because of Jesus, we can be so much more than a leaky vessel. We can become, in Him-through Him, a vessel of use, walking in the works that have been prepared for us by the Father.

Without

Can’t take the credit… my friend Keith penned and pinned the following to one of my posts that I really felt was apt:

       "Faith without works is dead!

        Love without expression is dead!

        Hope without articulation is dead!

        Worship without the spirit and truth is dead!

        The Body without the spirit is dead!

Have no idea if this original with him or he read it. Doesn’t diminish the truth. If we are 'without' in any of these areas, we are in need of life! Can you honestly, as a born-again Christian, see yourself as having and displaying Faith without works... or Love and not express it... or Hope without articulating what your hope is and built upon ... or Worship apart from doing so in spirit and trust... or your body apart from your spirit. Each one ends in a death of some kind. But that's what 'without' does, it's how it's define - without.

James (2:14) clearly states that if there are no works, then it's impossible to see Faith in existence. Supporting this is Ephesians 2:10 which tells us that the Father has prepared, ahead of time, works that we should walk in them! Works are an expression of our Love, Trust, and Obedience because even our faith doesn't come from us. 

   "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]. [2:8-9]

Works are expressions of our understanding... coming from the foundation of Faith and built on Love. Can you really express anything of value apart from Love? Does acting on your sense of duty... or obligation... or responsibility not come from Love? Not necessarily... maybe, maybe not. But those 3 do have a lot of baggage associated with them that can get in the way of seeing or diminishing Love.

Interestingly enough… we choose our attitude, we choose our expression. Do we want others to see Love? Or what, precisely, do we want them to see from our actions? It is our decision. With? or Without? For me 'without' smacks of hopelessness. Praise God - we, who place our hope in Jesus. are always With!

Well done

   “Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:23)

Do you long to hear that? Confirming that what you are doing is meaningful, that makes a difference? A question I do have for you - do you know that you are 

important? That you are valued? That you are touching lives and making a difference? If the answers to those 3 questions isn’t YES then you aren’t seeing you nor your a/effects. Orrr... if it is true, YOU can change this.

My thesis is that none of us are particularly adept at accepting compliments and encouragement until we begin to understand who this new creature is that’s being created. A corollary to that thesis is the realizing that we aren't in this alone. We have the best of all partners, the Holy Spirit, to help us accomplish the Father's business. When we choose to grow then we take the first step toward being in this state. 

FIRST, we need to realize that we have a new identity! And with this awareness, this understanding we can ‘use’ this as foundation. Identity is really the starting point because if we don’t know who we are how could we possibly do what we desire to and become that faithful servant to the Lord? I’m not going to share all of the discoveries that scripture provides about our identity, but I would like to share a few as encouragement.

Listen to how our Identity once we are born again is described:

                         You are chosen   [John 15:16]

  “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My representative] He may give to you.”

No mistake about our status - we are chosen. All we need do is to believe and act on this.

                          You are a new person  [2 Corinthians 5:17]

   “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].”

You are a NEW PERSON, one interpretation is a creature never before seen. The important point is that you NOW are new and are on adventure to discover your new. 

                        You are an heir of God  [Romans 8:17]

   “And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory.”

The thought of being an heir is kind of difficult to get your head around… doesn’t make it less true. This is how the Father looks at us. We don’t earn it, we certainly can’t purchase it - it is a gift.

  

                           You are blessed   [Ephesians 1: 3-4]

   “Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ, just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, 

consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love…”

Blessed with every spiritual blessing! That does cover it all. In partnership with the Lord, you can do great things. These were only 3 parts of who you are, your identity. There are more. But until you choose to have them become your identity - they remain only words.

Listen to the words from 1 Chronicles 28:20

    ““Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” 

 

Our command, commission, and comfort is the last sentence - He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. Finished?! Never finished... NEVER FORSAKEN. 

Who's in Charge?!

And when I say … ‘who’s in charge’ your mind should immediately go to - of what?! And isn’t that the point? A number of people may be the answer depending of the 'what'. When it comes to us, our lives, the answer is often a shrugged shoulders. Or maybe the answer is - it depends on the focus. Or maybe you place the decision-making as a external to you - someone else is in charge. How about you! Are you ever in charge? Do you need or want to be? Do you turn to the Lord? Is your spirit your director?

I suspect that I could create a variety of scenarios and the one in charge would continue to change. Where's the stability in that?! But that’s not how it should be and the only one that can change or affect this is .., you. Bottom line really is that it should always be your spirit who is in charge, you can trust that and it doesn't fail. Our minds, our wills, and especially our emotions (description of our soul) can and often does get us in terrible straits. I'm reminded of the catch phrase - 'Look at what you've done! Another fine mess you've gotten me into!'

If really doesn't have to be that way. Yes we will mis-hear or not understand, but when we consciously and intentionally follow the spirit's leading we'll be in a much better (need I say 'safer') place. But this begins by trusting your own spirit... which, in my opinion begins with having your spirit in relationship with the Holy Spirit, who is all that He's been given to do (John 14:26).  But is this really for us... too? Can we be in charge by our spirit? I think so, but it isn't instantaneous - it's a process we continue to grow in/by. My proof? Scripture.

Remember the scripture that says we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14). Now couple that with the Father’s words that says He knows us from the womb (Jeremiah 1:5a). And as an added accompaniment to this is that He, the God of the Universe, breathed into us the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). Now how do you think about you!

Who knows us best? God. Who says He will never leave or forsake us? God Hebrews 13:5). Who says nothing can ever separate us? God (Romans 8:33-39). Who tells us that we’re a new creation? God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). And who said that we are to come boldly to the throne? God (Hebrews 4:16). And I could go on because there are so many examples - but the point should be made - what is man that you are mindful of him (Psalms 8:4)? Why??? He is.

And how do we respond to all this love lavished upon us? Do we not just take but make time for fellowship with Him? Is our time set aside, planned to just rest in Him. not an unthinking few minutes? I’m not being critical or condemning. I’m not pointing fingers. But if even the smallest amount of understanding doesn’t make us think, it should! We all need to look at how we go about being us and doing those works that God has prepared before hand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).

If we aren’t in close communion with the Lord, if we don’t rest in His rest then how effective can we be? What is your purpose? What do you want to do, not in repayment for what the Lord has done (we can't), but to share the wonderful experience, good news that you know? When your spirit is in charge, you will be led to opportunities to witness - just ask... this will be given. 

Answers

I ask a lot of questions though I rarely give answers. There are a couple of reasons for this … one is I don’t like to teach and write from the answer. Teaching, writing from the question is far more creative and fun. And yet, when it is spiritual matters there really is only one answer and the source never changes. The scriptures really are the only source for the answer. So I've slightly amended my thinking to: teach, write, learn from scripture, but still ask questions to help the reader/student/self continue seeking their understanding FROM scripture. 

Another reason is that answers have to be personalized and operationalize and will be more internalized when you make the discovery for yourself. Of course I provide my answer but I always challenge the reader/student. I’m not infallible and we do see through a mirror dimly, which means I’m always open to iron sharpening iron. And I may 'hint' at my answer but I want the person to make their discoveries so that whatever is discovered is theirs and not just the 'teacher'. 

And NO, this does not mean that there are multiple answers to the same question. What scripture says IS the answer. But I also challenge the person to find supportive scriptures because they are always there and confirm the answer. Obviously the danger is taking a scripture verse in part and not the whole nor in context, which can change the meaning and also understanding how the words are defined. All this is involved in our growing. With a question based approach we are on a mutual journey of discovery.

Admittedly, I do enjoy the give and take of learning and teaching but it is truth that we are discovering not bending what you think you've discovered to blend with what you think. The Spirit is ALWAYS the guide, the director in this and we need His help to know what we know and act on it from a base of confidence.

   "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." [John 14:26]

This verse accomplishes a great deal: 1. It indicates Who is coming and Why, 2. Who the source is, 3. The specifics of what He will do: reach, help us remember.

Point being... the Holy Spirit will aid us in understanding. And look at the role of the Holy Spirit: helper/comforter/advocate/intercessor/counselor/strengthener/

standby.

   " Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. 

If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him." [James 1:3-5]

To me James is telling me that it is alright to question as long as we turn to the answer-er, the Father. He isn't upset with questions, but I might suggest that He might be disappointed if we stop there. Answer abound in scripture, the Father has given the Bible to us to aid in our growth, understanding AND application. He never temps, He does test and correct so that we are lacking in nothing.

The road to Answers is found in our desire and commitment to learn and apply our lessons, to share what we've discovered to expand our answers. For me, questions are the path to answers.

Definitions and such

 Definitions are important! Mandatory even. Without them we really don’t know if we are speaking the same ‘language’. You (listener/reader) may not agree with the speaker/writer’s definition, but at least you know why they are saying what they are saying. However we can never use our definitions as litmus tests. One of the fun opportunities is for an ‘iron sharpening iron’ experiences. WHY does the person define the word the way they do? WHY do you? This kind of conversation grows us, expands our understandings.

I suspect the question really is - do we want our messages to be heard and understood? I realize that sounds lame... but there are those whose goal is not understanding, it can be orders, or my way or the highway, or obfuscation (just listen to politicians and media pundits). The purpose of the communication starts this process. 

I realize I've spoken about this before but the 'do you want your message understood' status can't be ignored. And if this isn't a priority then why are we surprised when 'things don't go as planned'? Yes the listener has the responsibility to seek clarification... but sometimes they don't know what the question is. I believe the main responsibility is the speaker's - if they want the message understood then it's up to them to be aware and responsive to the 'audience' to make certain others are understanding. 

If the message is important, then the definitions are. Leaving an unclear or incorrect understanding should never be slighted. Definition and clarity are intricately woven and are foundational. And it really isn't all that difficult, unless the speaker/writer isn't concerned or interested. But how does our attitude dictate what we do? More important... what does scripture say/model?

One source says:

   "The doctrine of the clarity (or perspicuity) of Scripture (that the central message of the Bible is clear and understandable, and that the Bible itself can be properly interpreted in a normal, literal sense) has been a cornerstone of evangelical belief ever since the Reformation."

Another comment:

   "The clarity of scripture means that “the saving message of Jesus Christ is plainly taught in the Scriptures and can be understood by all who have ears to hear it.” May you be encouraged and devoted to read and study the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit because scripture is clear.

The clarity of Scripture does not deny that some passages of Scripture are difficult to understand (2 Peter 3:15–16). It does mean that anyone who studies the Word of God can discern the basic message of salvation and what it means to please the Lord."

2 Peter 3:18 tells us:

   "...but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

To be able to accomplish a heard message, we need clarity, and clarity comes from understanding what is being said, and understanding is based in definitions - even or maybe more so... when mixed messages, or assumptions of understanding, or misunderstanding occurs. This responsibility for understanding is ALWAYS both the speaker/writer and listener/reader responsibility.

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, ...

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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. 

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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.