Success ... Failure

How many times have you heard, or said, that you learn from your mistakes, from your failures? A variation of the theme of: those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it? Do you? Do you learn from your missteps... regardless of the attendant emotion? How about successes? Do you learn from them too? Can you say: I also learn from my accomplishments, the 'right' actions or words because if I don't... how will these positives become part of my 'modus operandi'?

I've always been a tad mystified that the 'saying' never included incorporating those aspects that enable future successes. Granted we don't need to get a 'big head' about our accomplishments but to ignore them is throwing away important information ... at least that's my thinking (and I intend to stick with it). Learning is the point and we can learn in all sorts of ways but to not learn those 'good' lessons is just plain silly.

If something has been successful - an approach, a plan, etc. - then this learning can possibly be applied to a new but similar situations. Yes? Then why not focus your learning on the positives as well as the 'life lessons'? And what about sharing with others what has worked for you when they need, or ask, for your opinion?  This isn't bragging, I think it's a form of bearing one another's burdens by helping the other person to look at (fill in the blank) from a different perspective.

Have you ever thought that sharing scriptures with another person, your experiences when you were faced with difficulties is a form of sharing your successes? It is. Look at the affect testimonies have on the listener. When you first came to the Lord, or your journey with Him as you've continued becoming you - none of those are failures. Actually it's expressing the success that came from the failure. 

If you are the only one learning and growing from failures... isn't that a failure? We never should put the other person in a 'my way or the highway' but how you moved from failure to success, how you adapted or changed your perspective - aren't these successes from failure? Please, don't be the only one that can learn from others' mistakes. 

Failures happen for all sorts of reasons. When, after the fact, we look at what happened and why, we can gain a great deal of learning. The same point can be made about success. Then again... success, like failure, is in the mind of the beholder.

Hear... Open

On your scale of priorities, where is ‘belonging’? Crucial? Important? Not really necessary? I suppose we should start with a definition first. So how would you define the word? For example: does the definition include- equality? Everyone involved is equal in standing? Everyone is equally valued? Actually, 2 different components.

When I searched the dictionary for a definition of 'belonging' it was: a close and intimate relationship. I've discussed belonging before but as I observe 'the times' it seems that this need has increased, perhaps Covid added to our separate-ness or maybe it is we've been burned by others or maybe it's a concern about identity theft... let's face it - our society isn't safe! So we distance. Unless we've had previous experience or a close person 'vouches', many people are not interacting as 'in days gone by'. And this increases the need for 'safe' belonging. 

When I sought a scriptural definition of belonging I discovered this: 'True belonging means being fully known and fully loved by God and one another.' (source unidentified) Fully. Fully known, fully loved. That is the heart of belonging. I could use other adjectives such as accepted but 'fully' is a kind of belonging is a forever reality with the Lord. It's a reliable, it's real, it forever because the Father said so.

How do You belong to/with the Lord? He is more than your creator - though that's a good start. Perhaps the questions is... do you allow yourself to belong? Do you put obstacles in your way: I'm sinful, How can the God of Creation want me, what do I need to 'give up'/change in order to belong that I don't want to give up? All sorts of 'excuses' that really are only your way to keep the Lord at arms length unless it's a crisis situation.

   "Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me." [Revelations 3:20]

I find myself using that scripture a great deal (in a number of different applications). And did you notice that it's not a one time knock and then leave but... continually knock. Did you also notice the one and only requirement you have (remember, this is said to the Christian... not an unbeliever)? Opening the door. Upon hearing, that's all anyone has to do... open the door. When you do you'll understand - you belong.

Prayer is.....

Relationship building time. Have you ever consider this? That when you pray, when you take the time to take your eyes off your world and yourself and place it on the Lord that you are building on your relationship with Him.?! And how cool is that!!! Or don't you think that we should try and build a relationship with the Lord? That somehow that thinking is disrespectful? Why? Isn't He your Father and your elder brother (joint heir)? 

In one place in scripture Jesus tells His disciples that He calls them 'friend'. Google states it this way: 

   "When Jesus tells his disciples, "You are my friends if you do what I command"  (John 15:14 ), the components of association, loyalty, and affection all appear. If one can be a friend of God or of God's Son, this friendship can extend as well to others who are also friends of God."

John 15:12-16 

   "12 This is My commandment, that you [a]love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you keep on doing what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you [My] friends, because I have revealed to you everything that I have heard from My Father. 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."

If you want to build your relationship with the Lord, look at not just that Jesus called His disciples 'friends' but what this means, how it came about, and what occurs as a result of this 'status'. Probably the first question is not so much that doing so is not what the Lord wants as it is that you haven't decided that you want this?

What kind of relationship would the Lord want? Scripture has the answer. Part of it is found in the above reference - verse 15. Also, in Hosea, repeated in Matthew we see how the Lord views relationship with us>

Hosea 6:6

   "For I desire and delight in [steadfast] loyalty [faithfulness in the covenant relationship], rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." [AMP]

   "I’m after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings." (MSG]

This message is repeated in Matthew 9:13

   "13 Go and learn what this [Scripture] means: ‘I desire compassion [for those in distress], and not [animal] sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call [to repentance] the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to change], but sinners [those who recognize their sin and actively seek forgiveness].”

Just these 2 scriptures confirm the kind of relationship that the Lord seeks from us. He does want a relationship with us but He is also telling us what He isn't wanting. But there are others that demonstrate His Love for us and His desire to be with us. Genesis 1:26, Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5, Isaiah 49:16, Jeremiah 13:5 are only a few of the verses that tell us how the Creator of the Universe, our Triune God looks at us. Since the beginning He has offered relationship:

   " Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me." [Revelations 3:20]

What more do you need to know about God's attitude toward relationship. It is always your choice to choose....

Last Days?

It makes little difference if you call the 'times we're living in' as last days or end times or any other descriptive words that indicate this designation. How much does it matter to you? It should, you know. Why? Because your attitude dictates what you do with the time you have. 

I'm not getting into a discussion on pre, mid, post rapture of the church. That's a different discussion. I'm looking at the fact that all that Revelation states WILL come to pass. And ALL of us will be standing before the Judgment Seat of Christ or at the Great White Throne Judgment. You, and only you, have the ultimate decision about which of those 2 judgments you'll face. Whether or not your view of today's society is heralding the times of the end or not, your attitude will reflect how you spend that quality called time. It is a limited quantity though.  

Ever since Jesus returned to His place at the right hand of the Father people have expected His return. Why do you think the martyrs and preachers and teachers through the centuries have been so intent, so passionate about 'being about our Father's business'? Because they believed the time of Jesus' return could be at any moment. (Luke 19:11-26, 21:28)

   "26 [Jesus explained,] ‘I tell you that to everyone who has [because he valued his gifts from God and has used them wisely], more will be given; but from the one who does not have [because he disregarded his gifts from God], even what he has will be taken away."

Plus, when Jesus left this world He told His followers:

   "Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and I will take you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also." [John 14:1-3]

This is the Christian's promise. But we are to be about our Father's business for as long as we are here. I don't read anywhere in scripture about retirement. All hands are needed! Though this will sound harsh, the church was told to occupy until His return. It appears that instead of occupying we are giving it all away. And the reason? To be popular? To be 'socially correct' regardless if it is biblically correct?

When, for the Christian, we stand before our Lord and Master, Jesus, what will we say? Will we hear the words that so many of us long to hear:

  "‘...Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’" [Matthew 25:23]

For Jesus to say this depends on how we have stewarded the gifts He has placed in us so that we may partner with Him in bringing many souls to Him. It was His choice to involve us - are we stewarding the gift in us? We can't afford to be shy, or stammering. The Lord never calls us to something we can't do with Him. I don't know if these are the last days... I just know that, like you, I've been called to Follow. 

   "“...The harvest is [indeed] plentiful, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” [Matthew 9:37-38]

Follow

Who? How? Why? These 3 questions need answering before one acts on following. 

'Why' is the basis for our 'who' and 'how' and 'What' is the reason and foundation for our why. Fundamentally, we need to have meaning, purpose in the reason. The result is a willing following that has foundation. Does that mean a giving up of who we are, our goals and plans? Absolutely not. It does provide that foundation for our who, goals, plans.

Do realize, though, that there is a difference between being a follower and following, at least in my world. Without belief, trust in who or what you are following there's little substance to being a follower. In the case of Jesus, He gave 8 invitations:

According to standard95.com Jesus Invites Men into a new way of Life. Here are 7 invitations He makes to all men. (Though this site doesn't say this, I tend toward the scripture Galatians 3:28 and whatever is said is applied to all)

"1.  Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest! -Matthew 11:28

2.  Jesus stood and cried, saying ... if any man thirst let him COME unto Me, and DRINK...  -John 7:37 

3.  Jesus said unto them, "COME and DINE!"  -John 21:12 

4.  Come and See  -John 1:39  

5.  Come and Take up your cross  -Mark 10:21

6.  Come away to a secluded place and rest  -Mark 6:31

7.  Come you blessed of my father and inherit the Kingdom -Matthew 25:34,

When Jesus calls men to Himself He says 2 words, “FOLLOW ME.” When Jesus find Peter He says follow me. "Follow me" is the first and last words Jesus physically spoke to Peter.

8.  To follow in Hebrew does not mean to walk behind me, it means to do what I do.

Rabbis had followers and they taught them how to do what they do. Followers do what that rabbis taught them, they do what they saw Jesus do. A follower was known as a disciple. In an old-world paradigm Rabbi’s and others wanted disciples for themselves, just like we want “followers” on social media. 

The real translation of disciple was a disciplined learner, an active participant. This is what the followers of Jesus are known as, disciples – participants and partakers.

Throughout scripture There are many designations of the Lord’s servants

  Bond-slaves of Jesus Christ

  Ministers of Christ

  Stewards of the mystery

  Fellow workers

ALL of these titles carry the meaning of delegated responsibility. In Hebrews 3:1 we are called "partakers"

 

These are invitations promises that are available to everyone. But a condition is you have to be hungry. Only those who are hungry are satisfied, only those who are thirsty drink."

A Follower? How do you Follow?

Saving for a rainy day...

Does that sentence end with a '.' or a '!' or maybe a '?' Why? Is that outfit you bought for a special occasion 5 years ago still hanging in the closet... unused? Did that 'special occasion' never occur or maybe wasn't special enough ... but why? We all do this about some item (whether apparel or tool or - fill in the blank) that we're 'saving' it for. What does this say about our mindset, our attitudes? (I realize that this post is clearly not the expected and probably will be dismissed as meddling... but is it?)

What is a rainy day? Does it ever come? If you don’t know what constitutes a ‘rainy day’ how will you recognize it if it does come... and act accordingly? Is it backup for an emergency? What constitutes an ‘emergency’? Perhaps you are building the funds up to get yourself something special? Does that ever happen? Or do you have to ‘borrow’ from the fund ‘intending' to repay? How did we get into the mindset of saving for later? Why? Or maybe this is a ‘condition’ only of a certain generation. OK - enough of the questions, I think you get my point. 

I remember writing on this subject early on in my blogging life. Somewhat immature? Possibly, but I was intrigued by the concept of saving in the context of a rainy day. Still am. Why do we do this... because most of us do? What are we trying to say? I suspect that this approach was used more often by earlier generations who did this with something specific in mind. The more 'instant gratification' we have become perhaps the less 'saving ...' we do. Then there's always monthly payments......

There are positives and negatives in waiting... and saving. If we postpone the gratification and we stop the seeming unending cycle of 'instant' - that's a positive. Why do you think this country has so much personal credit card debt? Because whatever we wanted... we wanted it now. The 'paying cash' frame of reference stopped being the primary MO decades ago. Proverbs 21:20 

   "There is precious treasure and oil in the house of the wise [who prepare for the future], But a short-sighted and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it."

How we got into the mindset of ... paying over time is so self defeating because 'over time' can be translated and defined in terms of INTEREST. When we use that little plastic card we aren't just appeasing our immediate want... it costs us far more than we realize when that cost plus is in the 20% bracket and above.We waste our future in our immediate because at some point the paying over time consumes far more of our 'dispensable' money and stops our spending. Or does it? Does this, in turn, mean that 'saving for a rainy day' could be the best approach? Oh yes.

Your 'paying over time' should really be not more than 10% of your DISPOSABLE income and your saving at least 10% of your TOTAL income. This way you can get some of the things you think you need/want and yet don't get into the constant paying Peter to pay Paul or overspending. Remember - whoever you are indebted to in a very real way you are their slave. 

I suspect I've meddled enough - but really, how you steward your finances says a great deal about who you are and how you express this. Saving for a rainy day is a kind of stewardship and can provide you with a needed cushion for those unexpected expenses. And at some point... you'll have all the funds you need for the rainy day purchase -  and it won't cost you. Besides... you'll be making interest FOR your future in that savings account. Win-Win.

Is THAT me!?

Do you ever accidentally look in the mirror and wonder who it is that is looking back mouthing the exact words you are saying? Surely not You! Do you do a double take to make sure there's no one standing behind you? I must admit that I didn't realize I LOOKED so old. Looking and physically not as able are the only 2 parts of me that are old. And... I have no intention of getting older in the parts of me that really count.

However, the thought struck me about old and age being a number and appearances. Bottom line is that you really are 'stuck' with what you have. Oh I know there are 'beauty regiments' one could follow or expensive treatments or surgeries but do you really want to go through all that. And the point? To look better! Honestly, it's your who and what and how that matters.

I remember remarking to someone that some people seem to be born old. Not an age question or issue - that something happened in their lives that aged them far beyond their physical age. I think we've all met or seen them. Happy would not be a word to describe them. Fatalistic, slightly depressed, negative,  never taking a risk - those are the descriptions. Frustratingly, I have no clue as to how to help them see who they can become instead.

I wondered how scripture responded to old and age. Pleasantly surprised about 'age'. Old, however is not so good.

   "palaios, "old," "ancient"): A term thrice used by Paul (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9) to signify the unrenewed man, the natural man in the corruption of sin, i.e. sinful human nature before conversion and regeneration. It is theologically synonymous with "flesh" (Romans 8:3-9), which stands, not for bodily organism, but, for the whole nature of man (body and soul) turned away from God and devoted to self and earthly things.

The old man is "in the flesh"; the new man "in the Spirit."

When we use 'old' in the secular sense this is the definition of old: being of advanced years and especially past middle age; older. elderly. ancient. over-the-hill. decrepit, doddering, etc. Definitely not flattering. And certainly not desirable.  

 

Does 'age' have a better rep? One site says:

   "Aging in the Bible is said to be a sign of experience. The Lord promises His continued love and concern for the elderly. “I will be your God throughout your lifetime -- until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you (Isaiah 46:4).  

  "The righteous will flourish like the date palm [long-lived, upright and useful];

They will grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic and stable]. Planted in the house of the Lord, They will flourish in the courts of our God. [Growing in grace] they will still thrive and bear fruit and prosper in old age; They will flourish and be vital and fresh [rich in trust and love and contentment];" [Psalms 92:12-14]

With these verses and interpretations... aging is a positive. I've always said that age is a number (not my quote). And for the most part, that's how I act. But these verses elevate aging. Never thought about this in that light. Sooo for those of you who are heading 'into the twilight years' (I really do hate this phrase and implication) - rest assured: God's not done with you yet!

Reconciliation

One of the greatest gifts- reconciliation. Let me try and put this into a context. If God was only God and man being man how can the two communicate? Why would they since God is Creator and man is the creation. God is perfect and man isn't even close to being perfect. God is omni and man is barely consciously intentional now. I could continue the comparison and man will never even come close to God which means... no relationship. Then again... man sinned and broke the relationship.

So man doesn't come even close thus the only way this could change is if God did something to allow, to provide a way ... to reconcile. It's like the kid standing outside the candy store with his nose pressed against the glass, looking at those who were inside and were laughing and receiving that special gift of candy while he was on the outside in the rain. But this isn't for the Christian - he IS inside.

   "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]. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]." [2 Corinthians 5:17-21]

...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].

Those words in verse 19 are powerful especially since they tell us not only who we are, reconciled, how we were placed in such a state, in Christ, and that ALL those in Christ are given the ministry and message of reconciliation. Never forgetting that this is restoration of favor with God. Remember when you first heard that through your act of accepting Jesus gift of eternal life based in your belief in Him that you were the recipient of so many priceless gifts. This is worth sharing with others so that they can live a new life.

There are many sites that focus on reconciliation, and there are many verses. Some of them are:

   "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more certain, having been reconciled, that we will be saved [from the consequences of sin] by His life [that is, we will be saved because Christ lives today]. 11 Not only that, but we also rejoice in God [rejoicing in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received and enjoy our reconciliation [with God]. Romans 5:10-11

   " For He Himself is our peace and our bond of unity. He who made both groups—[Jews and Gentiles]—into one body and broke down the barrier, the dividing wall [of spiritual antagonism between us],  ...

And [that He] might reconcile them both [Jew and Gentile, united] in one body to God through the cross, thereby putting to death the hostility." Ephesians 2:14-16

   "For it pleased the Father for all the fullness [of deity—the sum total of His essence, all His perfection, powers, and attributes] to dwell [permanently] in Him (the Son), and through [the intervention of] the Son to reconcile all things to Himself, making peace [with believers] through the blood of His cross; through Him, [I say,] whether things on earth or things in heaven. And although you were at one time estranged and alienated and hostile-minded [toward Him], participating in evil things, yet Christ has now reconciled you [to God] in His physical body through death, in order to present you before the Father holy and blameless and beyond reproach—"  Colossians 1: 19-22

Those are only a very few of the teachings on reconciliation - the Who, why, what of reconciliation. There is another reconciliation that I feel is crucial as well:

   "So if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and while there you remember that your brother has something [such as a grievance or legitimate complaint] against you, leave your offering there at the altar and go. First make peace with your brother, and then come and present your offering." Matthew 5:23-24

There are some versions that describe making 'peace' as being reconciled. As you can see, there is no definition of 'brother'. It can be a brother in the Lord or a blood brother. In both cases, reconciliation is crucial. I might add that if we are to live reconciled to the Lord, how can we not be reconciled to one another?

 

Who and What

   "Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and

    carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered

    Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy].

    But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and

    iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us

    was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and

    made whole.[Isaiah 53: 4-5 AMPC]

Have you ever taken the time to read Isaiah? He has more prophetic verses and description of the who and what of the coming Messiah than any other book. 

Have you looked at what Jesus HAS done for us? And do you see the results of His ministrations toward us - what we receive as a result of being born again? We've just celebrated Easter... what does that mean to you? Do we only focus on the Risen part? Well... yes, that is the most important because we'd still be lost in our sins if Jesus hadn't risen, but... can you stand back a moment and look at the entire picture?

Who is the Jesus you know? Is it the same Jesus you share? Are you living your life as if Jesus is still in the tomb. Is this you? Why stop without the victory? If He was a man then we are still dead in our sins. If we don't see Jesus as the Christ (anointed one), Risen then we are still dead in our sins. That is not a place to inhabit. 

The Jesus I know is constantly with me. He understands me better than I do. He's always there. Sometimes we have to expand the verses we stand on to get a fuller, more complete picture/understanding. If you reallllly want to know this Jesus, His Who and What, think on this:

   "12 For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account. 14 Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. 15 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 4:12-16. AMP

This begins and can form the foundation for discovering Jesus. He is a then/now/future all in one. And the Father tells us He does not show partiality, Romans 2:11 (among other verses). I've learned that this means if He will do 'it' for you... He will do it for me and if He does 'it' for me... He will do so for you. What more is needed?

Discovering Who and What Jesus did, is, and continues is really summed up in:

   "Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever."  Hebrews 13:8

And you can discover this as you study the Word but remember... this is a forever discovering.