Building a Relationship?

Question #1. Do you want to build a relationship with the Lord? Not… should I, could I but... want. Actually, this is the first question. Because if you don’t want to - you won’t.
#2. Do you think the Lord wants to build a relationship with you? How do you know He does or doesn't?

#3. How do you build a relationship?

Related to these questions is the following quote on a post on Facebook. I don't know who first said (wish I had).

   "God is still writing your story. Don't try to steal the pen Trust the Author."

That's brilliant because it does kind of mirror our thoughts and behaviors, whether or not we want to admit it. It's not that we don't want to build a relationship, it's more of a 'what's this going to cost me'? We do that rather than looking at what we gain. Plus... in a way you began building your relationship when you accepted Jesus as your Lord.

If your hesitation or wondering is based in the 2nd question - ask yourself why would the Lord go to all the trouble to tell us this in the Bible in so many different ways. Such as:

   "...for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” [Hebrews 13:5]

   "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]."  [James 1:17]

 

   "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,"  [Ephesians 1:3]

Those are only 3 of the hundreds of ways Father God is telling His people that He cares for them and wants to be in relationship with Him.

If your questioning is based in #3 then it's really much simpler than you might think. If you were to begin a relationship with anyone, what might you do first? Find out what they wanted, what they enjoyed doing...

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

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

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

   "And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment."  [Matthew 22L36-37]

                                            And

   "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”

[Matthew 13:34-35]

This is the beginning of building a relationship. It is knowing the Father from His Word and continuing to build on your understandings. Love is always the motivation for what the Lord does and how He does it. It is the foundation to relationship.

Holidays

So, what's your opinion about holidays? For 'em or agin 'em? Most holidays are more than just a day off from work... at least for those who don't have to work holidays. When it's a Christian holiday (my definition) then there really aren't that many: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter. And yes... there are a great many other holidays, but these 3, especially, spell f-a-m-i-l-y, at least in my world.

For a moment, look at Holidays from my perspective, my definitions. Admittedly, it is quite 'old fashion' - no apologies. First... holidays meant family. Probably should be second though. Second... holidays meant church, the avenue to praise the Lord for His hand of provision and protection. And third... holidays meant FOOD. My Mom was the world's greatest cook and she really shined during holidays. (You may argue that your Mom, Dad was the greatest cook - go for it. I just know mine was.)

Holidays meant laughter and the wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen. When it was Thanksgiving, it was a kinda dual activity with both Mom and Dad being involved, though Dad's activity was carving the turkey he never could resist cutting ever so slightly a bit of the bird 'to test it out'. Ya right. Mom would always make a mild comment about the cut letting all the juices out. It seemed to be a game they always played.

I can't even begin to talk about all the food she prepared from the homemade rolls to the apple or pumpkin or pecan (or all) desserts. And it wasn't just our family, the extended family was included which meant both Mom and Dad's Moms and my Uncle. As I look back I think I liked the times when I was much younger and we had no TV so Mom wouldn't have to try and time dinner to the halftime.

As I said... we talked, we laughed and we ate!

Christmas was even more grand. Same people, same cook. The meat dish would never be ham - that was for Easter. It wasn't chicken either - we had that or a roast on some Sundays. Sometimes it was a turkey again - but no one complained. In later years it often was a Prime Rib - and my mouth is watering so I best move on quickly. 

But in both of these holidays the salad and/or veg was typically brought by my Grandmothers. I still remember the cut up cranberries with small marshmallows and small pieces of walnut and celery with the lightest of dressings. My grand also made a ... I think it's called a Waldorf salad which was excellent too. Once in awhile one or other of the grands would try out a new recipe on us.  

Yes... holidays are more than just eating. But it's what goes on around the table as we eat. Ultimately, for me, holidays are all about having the opportunity to engage in relationship building. In this case, relationships are expressed in the holiday words and actions. All good memories. What I wouldn't give for just one holiday with yesterday blended with today. With those who have gone home to be with the Lord with those who are just beginning their journey. That will happen one day at the sound of the trumpet.

It's 2024 and we're heading into the Thanksgiving Holiday. I hope it is filled with laughter and joy, peace and hope for you. I realize that my reminiscing was rather heavy on the food end, but it inextricably tied to people and relationships.

And all that begins in our relationship with the Lord. It is our gratefulness for the Lord's hand of mercy and grace extended to us. It is the peace and joy of knowing Jesus will return... and soon and take His bride, the church, back with Him. It's the smile of welcome from a friend, the giggle from a child watching the expressions of love. And that begins the litany. If you don't know Jesus as your Lord - you can. And even if you're alone during the holidays, they can be filled with all the wonder of your salvation and the strength you receive to keep on going and touching lives with His love. Yes... we do have a great deal to be thankful for that the holidays remind us of... as long as our eyes don't stay on our condition, ourselves.

Our Faith

Look at the (multiple) times Jesus responded to His own disciples about their faith...Luke 8:25   " And He said to them, “Where is your faith [your confidence in Me]?” (That particular time was when they all were in the boat and a storm came up. Add to all this question:

   " And will not [our just] God defend and avenge His elect [His chosen ones] who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay [in providing justice] on their behalf? I tell you that He will defend and avenge them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [this kind of persistent] faith on the earth?”

[Luke 18:7-8]

Do you remember the scripture telling us that we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 11-12)? Have you ever thought about what they are doing? Just standing there? Why? What’s the and their reason? Do they poke the one next to them and say ‘… that’s going to be a disaster if they continue’, or ‘why would anyone make such a choice’, or ‘can you believe that’??? Of course they aren’t criticizing - so why are they there and what are they doing!!! If you read those chapters you see that they had placed their faith in God. But God, in His mercy, was waiting for US! So were they complaining to Him instead? No. 

The question in all this is faith. Where is our faith? I grant you that perhaps we aren't the strongest faith filled people, but how much do we need to remember the countless times the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have acted on our behalf before we rely on the world or other secular/carnal things? So why are we such wimps (most of us, much of the time) when it comes to our faith? It isn't that we don't have evidences of the Lord's words and actions. Remember Hebrews 13:8? If He said it... it's a done deal - He'll do it. But do read both before and after the verse you're standing on... you're not just an observer or a 'bystander'.

   "For the [true] love of God is this: that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments and His precepts are not difficult [to obey]. For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]."  (1 John 5:3-4)

Two of the more important comments God makes about His Word:

   "So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."  [Isaiah 55:11]

   "But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’” [Matthew 4:4]  

And what is scripture - the WORD OF GOD. While we may not always understand or appreciate what is said, there is no room for individual determination about what is or is not IS NOT an option. Often, too, we find other scriptures that provide understanding. Point being the Bible IS the Bible and is the basis for our faith and growing in faith.  While scripture says:

   "And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [a]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service].  (Romans 12:2-3]

 [look also at Acts 3:16, Philippians 1:29, 2 Peter 1:1].

Believe it or not... I'm quoting what Google says:

   "“The measure of faith” is the same for every believer, and it is the same faith that Jesus possessed. Different believers may have developed and strengthened their faith over time and by the Word, but their faith is no different than yours. You have that same capability."

While I'm tempted to bold, highlight, italicize, underling that entire paragraph, the point would get lost in all of that. But do see that if someone else appears to have 'more' faith than you, it's because they have taken the time to continually develop and strengthen their faith. 

We ALL start from the same beginning anointing of faith. What we do with it is how we grow.

Blessed???

I discovered the following today on a FB post

   "Blessed is the crisis that made you grow, the fall that made you look to heaven, and the problem that made you look for God." [author unknown]

What do you think!? Did it make you stop, like it did me, and muse a minute or 2? What struck me is that the 'made' is the word choice. The only way a crisis will make you, grow or the fall that makes you look to heaven, or the problem that made you turn to the Lord is... ? Easy answer. WE, it's we who determine this. 

This also reminded me of a scripture that was one of those... whhhaaaatttt?!!!

   "Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 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." [James 1: 2-4]

The first time I read this I think I must have just passed over it quickly. The next few times I would suspect my reaction would have been 'you've got to be kidding' or 'there must be some explanation... I'm sure that 'joy' must have another definition'. So what is this saying? When you start diving into these 3 verses you discover that trials and testing has a product, and to be honest... WE are the benefactorees of this. 

First look at the words. Trials, testing is of OUR FAITH. That is rarely manmade and faith may play no part so these trials and testings are what is the focus. And we are the focus because our faith is one of our cornerstones. So, what are trials, testings of our faith? It is founded in our faith in Jesus - the only path to salvation - and then it is in the Word, that is true and infallible. This begins our journey of discovering the parts in our faith. Example: do you believe that you were given a gift for expression in the body? Do you know that you are blessed with every spiritual blessing?

Now look at the results of the trials, testing - these produce endurance. And what is endurance? International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says:

   "bear up under," hardship, persecution, etc. (2 Timothy 3:11; 1 Peter 2:19); "to remain under" (Hebrews 10:32; 12:2; James 1:12; 5:11); "to be strong, firm" (Hebrews 11:27); "to persevere" beneath a heavy burden (Matthew 10:22).

The Amplified defines endurance as: "...spiritual maturity, and inner peace." Why? "...so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing." 

Just looking at those two explanations - I want endurance. That, dear friends, is definitely being blessed!

   "Jesus replied to them, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, if you have faith [personal trust and confidence in Me] and do not doubt or allow yourself to be drawn in two directions, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen [if God wills it]."  [Matthew 21:21]  

Further, if we return to the initial scripture and read on... see what else we are blessed in:

   "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. But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind."  [v. 5-6]

You, I, We are the blessed.

Occupy

   "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come." [Luke 19:10-13, KJV]

Sometimes, the KJV says it exactly the way I want it heard... this is one of those times. In most versions the word 'occupy' is rendered 'do business, invest, trade, put this money to use, operate...'. However, the word 'occupy' provides a totally different mindset. The other words used instead seem to connect easier with the fact that the owner gave them money and then gave the directions. How do you connect 'occupy' with the fact that the nobleman gave them money? The connection, I believe is with the context - when the kingdom of God should appear.

The Gospels, in relating this parable, come from Matthew 24:36,44 and Mark 13:32

   "Heaven and earth [as now known] will pass away, but My words will not pass away. But of that [exact] day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son [in His humanity], but the Father alone.

"Be on guard and stay constantly alert [and pray]; for you do not know when the appointed time will come."

I believe that each day we should be attentive to the day... to not let an opportunity to be who the Lord has designed us to be, to do those things that are pleasing in His sight, to act confidently based in His Word. Yes.. we don't know the time of His return but that shouldn't be our focus. What's at hand should be our focus. I also suspect that we don't always see the multitudes of opportunities presented to us - partially because we don't see but also we may have our eyes focused where they should be. 

Personally I do believe we are in the Last Days... but we've seen countless examples of the Church thinking it could be 'any day now'. And that goes back to the time of the Disciples... if you read (Thessalonians for example), the Disciples also thought it was only moments before Jesus' return. But how were they engaged? Yes. In bringing others to a saving knowledge. They were following the command of Jesus found in Matthew 28

   "Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” [18-20] 

They also remember the earlier words of Jesus [Matthew 9: 37-38] and spent their time following His directions. This is no less than what we should be doing. The occupying in my mind has a different definition... these are the times of discipling after someone gets saved. Too often they've been left to their own devices because we mature Christians haven't completed the directions.. "...make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words].

The act of 'occupying' is a high calling.

 

The Second greatest Sin

I believe that the first and greatest sin is something we, at least Christians, can agree on and it's what God gave to Moses in the first commandment: 

   "You shall have no other gods before Me." [Exodus 20:3]

Jesus explained that command when He said:

   "And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’ The whole Law and the [writings of the] Prophets depend on these two commandments.” [Matthew 22:37-40]

And it's the second that gets us in sooo much trouble. As Christians we are to put ourselves second, though it can be argued that the world places this as the first and  highest priority: 'what's in it for me', 'what about me', etc. The point is ... we ARE supposed to put ourselves second so we put others in the same category as ourselves. But do we rarely do this? We sometimes get into a 'Me-ism' state and feel oooh so deprived or misunderstood or not valued or... (fill in the blank). In this state do we do what scripture says in Matthew - love your neighbor as yourself? Hardly. I would question if we ever give anything or anyone a second thought when all our attention is on us. I've also discovered that eyes looking only inward continually bump into people and things or fall or get completely myopic. 

From a different perspective, I also believe that's why pride is such a problem. Pride was the downfall of Satan. And while we may quickly point out that we aren't trying to be God. Hmmm, then what are we attempting to do? Any and every time we place ourselves as first... what is this saying? Maybe ... do you ever say 'no' to the Father? Knowing that He wants you to do/be something, recognizing that He is the source of your free will, remembering He never asks you to do something you can't do or won't be equipped to accomplish, and that He never sets us up for failure... yet we say - no. 

When Jesus expanded on this [Matthew 23] He was indicating what the second greatest sin is, at least from my perspective, loving others as we love ourselves. 

Bottom line: do you really love those who are your 'neighbor'/other person? And... as yourself? What do your action say? For some it may be an issue of not really loving ourselves or not knowing what that means. Perhaps we're caught up in blame or unworthiness, maybe we feel shame. Is this something that's current or in your history? In a way the time isn't relevant - the only real question is.. have you sought forgiveness and do you feel sorry? If so, if you've acted on 1 John 1:9 and, if so, then walk free knowing He has cleansed you. But also know you can't use the former as an excuse.

Love is listed as the highest, best way by Paul in 1 Corinthians when he says he will show you/us a better way. Love is that better way. What kind of satisfaction do you get from not forgiving others, or revenge, or holding a grudge? You are the only participant in this - you are the one carrying the baggage. And how can you be expecting to be forgiven for what you do or say, or don't do/say? Why would the Lord forgive you when you won't forgive others?

The First greatest Sin is putting anything above God. Have you ever thought that not loving your neighbor is putting this above Him? His Word says - Love. Period.

 

Christian without Christ???

 I've had people tell me that they believe in God but that they don't believe in Jesus! Not certain how they can even begin to accomplish that.

Actually some would say that they are a Christian - though how can one be a Christian without believing in Christ??? Ohhh, they believe Jesus existed but not that He was the Son of God, our Savior and our only way to the Father. If He wasn't who He said He was and did what He did... what's the point? Then again I wonder if they don't believe that God is our Father.?! Or is it merely an excuse so they don't have to acknowledge not only Who Jesus was but What He did because they say and believe(?) they are a good person, which smacks of self sufficiency and all that is associated with that belief. 

Why do we find it so very difficult? (And how can we justify such a belief? - Personally, I can't.) I suspect we can point to many reasons why such a belief exists but mostly it comes down to the point that we want to do life... 'our way'. (And just how successful is that?) And that's just one confusion. What about - scripture is extremely clear about salvation.

   " For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him]." [John 3:17-18]

   "This Jesus is the stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief Cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].” [Acts 4:11-12]

Those are only 2 of the scriptures that describes HOW we are saved and WHO saves us. Period. Without Jesus the Christ we are still dead in our sins. DEAD. Believe only in God?

According to Google (and they ARE always right - yes?) but they say and cite their 'authority':

   "A person who believes in the existence of a god or gods is called a theist. The opposite of a theist is an atheist. 

- Dictionary.com

Theists believe in the existence of a god or gods. The word deist refers to someone who believes in God

- Wikipedia

More simply stated, Deism is the belief in the existence of God—often, but not necessarily, an impersonal and incomprehensible God...

 

Deism: The belief in God, but that God created the universe and then left it to be governed by natural laws. Deists often base their beliefs on rational thought, rather than religious authority. 

When you read those definitions, aren't you left a bit empty? What do you receive from such beliefs? But when you read the Bible you discover:

   "You believe that God is one; you do well [to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror—they have seen His wrath]!"   [James 2:17]

Do you really want to be counted among the demons!! Why do you not realize the significance of Jesus and all He has already done for you? In Him, your sins have been nailed to His cross. In Him you are blessed. In Him you are a joint heir with Him. There are so many 'things' that are yours... in Him. Cutting off your nose to spite your face? You cannot even count yourself a Christian without accepting Christ. 

In Him, Jesus, you have everything you need. What more do you need? There is a slight caveat to becoming a Christian... Jesus comes first because He is Lord.