Of Use

Have you ever asked yourself... what are the requirements I need to 'possess' in order to be of any use, any value to the Lord? I have - many, many times. Somehow I suspect we all have to have minimum requirements before we can be of any use. That's my belief... not sure you would find that in scripture. So what do I think are the minimum requirements?

First is belief. Belief in Who Jesus was and is, and what He did and does. That's the start. So ... to Belief in Jesus, we have to believe that He chooses and wants to use us! Do you honestly believe He needs us to accomplish His plans? Do you believe He wants to use you? The evidence is found in Ephesians 2:1-10, but look at verse 10"

   "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]."

It really isn't we who sets what/where/when of the works, we walk in those the Lord has prepared for us, chosen for us. Unbelievably, He allows us to make the decision about whether we will or won't walk according to His plan for us. Which leads to the next set of requirements: trust and obey.

There's an old gospel song that says:  

   "When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word

    What a glory He sheds on our way!

    While we do His good will, He abides with us still

    And with all who will trust and obey

    Trust and obey, for there's no other way

    To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey..."

Read Don Moen's lyrics and you'll see other 'things' we receive when we trust and obey. It starts with 'trust' and the response is 'obey'. Trust is a critical decision we all have to make. Do we trust the Lord with ourselves... Do we trust scripture as the final answer... Do we use our trust as the basis for our actions and obey?

I believe that there are other 'requirements' but that these 3 are the most crucial. Without them our thoughts, our words, our actions are full of hesitations, such as - is this from the Lord? Does He really mean He'll stay with us? Why, when the Lord has proven over and over His faithfulness do we doubt, and hesitate? What is it we are looking at rather than the Lord? What lies are we buying into?

I would like to believe that it is inherent in us to want to be of use, of value. And still, when faced with opportunities to do precisely that do we not immediately accept the call and say 'send me'? Do we, like Peter who took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the storm and then began to sink, do we think we'll sink? Have you ever thought of these times as opportunities to prove our faith? How many times will it take to trust? I don't believe we are of value until we act on trust and obey.

Christmas

What does this day mean for you? Do you recognize the significance? Or do you get caught up in all the attendant activities associated with the day? Are your memories warm and fulsome? Or sad and empty? Is the day focused on the reason for the day - Jesus? Or that jolly Santa? Both?

There’s a small book written by Dr. David Jeremiah, “Why the Nativity” that I would highly recommend. It asks those questions that pierce through the sometimes unthinking and superficial and force us to consider the deeper understandings and insights that this event, Jesus’ birth, represent. Why, is the question. Why to all the who, what, when, where, how questions.

For just a moment, place yourself in Jesus' understandings. Granted, it's impossible but can you from this vantage point consider all that Jesus did know and understand from His entry into this world. 

   "Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility], who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it]; but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man]. After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely-appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,"  [Philippians 2:4-9]

Can we, even a small part of us, understand what Jesus did and why? And there wasn't a moment's hesitation on Jesus' part. He came in the form of a man because it was only a spotless man that could redeem us. Read 1 Corinthians 15:45-58, especially verse 45:

   "So it is written [in Scripture], “The first man, Adam, became a living soul (an individual);” the last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving spirit [restoring the dead to life]."  

I believe that the Nativity marks the beginning of our salvation. Yes, that is obvious but do we ponder on this incredible gift by Father and Son FOR us at Christmas? Restoration, Reconciliation began at Christmas.

Now look at how Paul approached this issue - Philippians 3:7-11. Can you say the same think about yourself. Do you count it as of no consequence what was as compared to what is now that you have made Jesus your Lord? Have you laid aside those longings, hopes, desires that were your motivators?

   "But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]."  [v. 7]

Both the Father and the Son knew the lengths they would travel, alone, in order to bring back the opportunity for man to become who he was always intended to be. So how will you respond? What will you consider about this gift - will you accept it?

What season are you in

That's a question - do you know? We all have times of sadness, but also joy; pain, but also healing; confusion, but also confidence, deserts, but also times of learnings and good works. We have multiple kinds of seasons. Do you sense, know them when you are experiencing them? Mostly, do you learn as well as rest during those times?

Seasons are not punishments. It isn't because you do/did/didn't do something you should/shouldn't. I think they are times for us to reassess, review, refine, rest. Goodness... you need to know what season you're in, then look to the why. Remember scripture that has taught you. Know you can ask and that you will find answers.

In terms of seasons, one example:  If you have the 'doing' gene it is easy to get caught up in doing, doing, doing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a strong advocate of application, of putting feet to what is known and understood. However, it's important to make time for input too. Actually, this is almost the opposite of the sponge approach. The sponge person takes, takes, takes but never applies what's been learned. I do think there's a 'happy' medium.  Everyone knows:

   "There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven— 
A time to be born and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to [a]tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to keep silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace."  [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8]

Many times we only see (feel?) the extremes. First - do you really think the Father only sees the negative things you do and say? Do they outweigh the good things? Second... think about the source of your sight (feelings) - is it condemning? criticizing? shaming? If so, then that doesn't come from the Father. Yes, He corrects and chastises but He never shames or condemns. If that's what you're thinking and/or feeling, then the source is our primary enemy. He hates us. He stands accusing us day and night to God (Revelation 12:10). And what does God do?

   "For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  [1 Samuel 16:7b]

The Father already knows we are weak and frail, prone to danger and fear. Still, He loves us enough to give us free will to make our own decisions. But also He gives us strength and once we have accepted Jesus' Lordship - the Holy Spirit within us to do the right and resist the wrong.

Every season has pluses and minuses but we can grow, understand, apply what we learn in every situation. I realize that many people operate from the basis that they learn more from their mistakes. It really would be sad if they didn't take the time to learn from their successes too. Just as you can redirect from mistakes you can apply those aspects that do work. So learn from the season you are in. Apply what you know is pleasing to the Lord and learn those things that are not pleasing. 

A season is simply that. Once that time is over, don't regret you didn't take advantage of what you could have... but don't repeat the wasting either.

Be-lieve

  Have you ever noticed how many times the word ‘Be’ is used in scripture? Often. And I got to thinking about this and I’ve come to the following observations:

'Be' is always stated strongly. There can be no doubt when the word is used that this is something WE do… and not later, but Now. Therefore it’s relative to the context. If we are told to ‘be’ something then obviously it is something we can do. It is our choice but it’s also for Our benefit if we follow. Personally, I think it often verges on a command. If we follow we can’t turn back and do the opposite.

It’s a special word, and I would argue, used by the Lord to remind us of whose we are.

If we look at how scripture uses the word, we read:

  *be not afraid (multiple times)

  *be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9)

  *be on your guard (1 Corinthians 16:13)   

  *be still (and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)

  *be merciful (Luke 6:36)

There are over 100 ‘be’ references, those 5 are only the tip of The Father’s ‘be’ statements. And look at them again - some are warning, some are commands, some for comfort, some for doing. 

Be is an active word, an action as well as a mindset, attitude. Is the Lord speaking that word softly in your spirit? What is He asking of you? Remember:

     He never sets you up for failure.
     He never asks you to do something you can’t.
     He is always with you and will make a way out if you misstep.
     His favor is upon you. 

     And the most important when you don’t believe you can - if He’s telling you

       then His Word always accomplishes what He sends it forth to do. 

Be brave and courageous. Believe these words are for you.

You are so loved

Do you believe this? Do you know the truth of this? How? What's your proof!

Do you KNOW, deep down and without a doubt that the God of the Universe, the Creator, Omni in every aspect LOVES YOU! That He has gone to great lengths to tell you, to demonstrate in your life, to give you words, to show you His great love for you? Tell me, if you don’t believe/know this, why He would go to the trouble of helping you know this? Remember, He knew there was only one way to reconcile His creation to Himself. The sin that happened could only be resolved by a spotless, human life – freely given - because we would never be able to save ourselves.

You know the story of how the Creator’s Son was the only way we could be once again reconciled with our Father. Jesus was and remains the only way to salvation. It is such a small step but a gigantic gulf that separates us. But we have a way, do we choose it? Many have and will continue to live in that step of faith. Sadly, many don’t. However, if you have made Jesus your Lord – you really have a responsibility to everyone living in your world to at least share your story of salvation with them so that they can have the same opportunity. Their response is not your responsibility – it’s theirs. But your story, your experiences can be a path to their opportunity. Perhaps your story will be the seed… or maybe it will water someone else’s seeding… or maybe you’ll have the joy of leading someone to the Lord. 

Do you have to tell your story? Why wouldn’t you? But scripture does tell us in Romans 10:5-13 that yes we need to tell our story – verse 9

   “9 because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation.”

That’s a promise, that’s a gift, and that’s evidence that You are Loved. He has told us precisely what we need to do and in our doing it is done, And all this is His LOVE for you.

Wounded Healer

  [I wrote, in 2015, on the issue that we are all wounded healers at least in some areas of our Christian walk, but I am building on my initial post.]

Does 'wounded healer' describe you? Or are you only wounded? Do you feel a pain that goes so deep that it seems to be beyond even touching it, almost like it is impossible to reach the bottom? Do you hold that pain close to you, hoping you aren't jarred? I remember when I first became a Christian (different from a christian) that I heard from others that Christians were the only ones that shot their wounded. Sadly, I discovered that in all too many cases this was true. 

But why? Why do we do that to our brothers and sisters? Even in the world, when someone is injured or wounded in some way, many people attempt to help the individual get to a doctor in order to receive the needed help. So, why don't we act this way toward others, especially fellow believers? Whenever the need for correction and regardless of the individual receiving the correction - anger, belittling, humiliating, and not restoring the erring brother to fellowship is never the proper action. 

If we are the wounded then our feelings become heightened during these times. The reaction of brothers and sisters can make us feel rejected or worse, betrayed. While it never is helpful, we also tend to wallow a bit in our plight. I'm not certain that the intent is to gain further commiseration, I think it's partly a method to understand what is happening and why. Why did we get wounded!?! And what is the source? The hope is in the form of another reality - we are all wounded healers. 

Look to Jesus' words:

   "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.” [John 13:34-35]

These scriptures are specific - being know by love is a wonderful 'quality' and it is a command (John 13:34 - the key to understanding this and other statements about love is to know that this love (the Greek word agape) is not so much a matter of emotion as it is of doing things for the benefit of another person, that is, having an unselfish concern for another and a willingness to seek the best for another.)

I know we are to love the brethren - Jesus' words are that His disciples would be known by their love (John 13:35). And when/if they are in error we are to correct one another (2 Timothy 2:23-26, Galatians 6:1, Colossians 3:13, and Ephesians 4:2 - among others). This is a confirmation, NOT abrogation, of our responsibility to speak the truth, especially if error is involved. While speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) is the intent, it may not be perceived that way. Never an excuse.

I think the lesson(s) I've learned is that we all, in some way, may be wounded healers so I need to hear correction from others in this way. It also gives me clues about my 'how' of correcting error I see - gently, firmly, in love, and with scriptures that support the correction. 
 

Compassion

… is a verb, not a noun. We have as our example, our model - Jesus. There are many scriptures talking about Jesus showing compassion and doing something. Compassion is an action verb, it doesn’t just commiserate! Empathy is wonderful but compassion is so much more. 

Abundant Life (https://livingproof.co/what-is-biblical-compassion/#:~:text=

Compassion%20in%20the%20Bible%20can,giving%20to%20those%20in%20need.) states:

   [[ "If God is compassionate, and you are made in His image, then you too are to exhibit compassion. Have you ever felt as though you were a sheep without a shepherd? God felt compassion for you (Matthew 9:36). As a result, you have likely been moved by deep compassion. Perhaps someone has wronged you. Perhaps someone who seems undeserving needs your forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us that we must be kind to one another, forgiving each other because Christ forgave us.

The truth of God’s compassion transforms us. When we see others who are suffering, in need, and desperate to know the love of God in a practical way, let's decide to exhibit Biblical compassion—feeling and acting in a way that displays living proof of a loving God. 

(some) Bible Verses About Biblical Compassion

“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.”—Psalm 86:15

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”—
Lamentations 3:22-23

“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.”—
Psalm 145:8

“And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…’”—Exodus 34:6-7

“Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. And He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, ‘See how He loved him!’”—John 11:33-36

“And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.”—Matthew 14:14

“Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, ‘If You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’”—Mark 1:40-41

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”—Colossians 3:12-13
 

“But the Lord was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regarded them, because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence.”—2 Kings 13:23" ]]

This gives us an understanding of what compassion is - it DOES. These verses show us how we should respond, what we can do. When you look at the Colossian verses, we see how the Father responds to us by telling us what compassion looks like: mercy, kindness, forgiving. These are all attitudes and actions we do. And this should be what we seek in our times of need. 'Oh woe's me' does sound good for a moment... but it does little to affect the need. If all you're willing to do is to cry with the other person or pat them on the back or give some trite expression - save your breath. 

Missing

Nostalgia is lovely. Reminiscing is like a warm blanket on a cold day - warm fuzzies.  The old saying goes that you can never go back home. Nonsense. In your thoughts and memories you can. Some of us remember everything - the good and the bad, some of us remember only the bad, and some of us remember only the good. I think I camp in the last remembering. Quite honestly, I love sharing the 'good old days', because for me - they were. So I have no problem sharing my 'then'.

However, they can get in our way and we miss what's happening around us right now. I really don't want to do this because right now will become that reminiscing in the years that come. What is your view of all this - are you the nostalgia type? Do you use nostalgia to replace the pain of now? I would hope for the first question and pray that the second isn't yours. Nostalgia was never meant to replace, it is to celebrate and enjoy what was.

Now is important. And, if it isn't what you want it to be, can you help create closer to what you want? And if that's also a 'no' then make nostalgia times in your day but don't get bummed by what is (when it isn't what you want) you could be missing something 'good'. 

One thing that definitely dictates the nostalgia is the people that populate the memories. If they aren't positive influencers in your life then, then they can't be now. People are really the content of the memories. But you also have to 'let them go' or all you'll do is cry over what you are missing. If you didn't miss it then (and memories kinda tell that story), you won't miss it now. 

Miss the yesterday? It's OK, just don't try and live in your yesterday missed. Let it go and make memories of now. Missing now is truly sad, and once gone, never available again. But you can stop the missing by focusing on the blessings you have in your life now. Celebrate them. 

Blessed

When I stop long enough to breathe in and breathe out, when I look, really look around me; and when I hear all the sounds that accent the sight - then I am almost overwhelmed by how blessed I am. The word tells me:

   "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]

Blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing... too often we stop at the 'punch line' only to discover that the verses that come before and/or after give us even greater understanding and appreciation. This is one of those cases. Read on:

... 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 He predestined and lovingly planned for us to be adopted to Himself as [His own] children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the kind intention and good pleasure of His will— to the praise of His glorious grace and favor, which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved [His Son, Jesus Christ]. In Him we have redemption [that is, our deliverance and salvation] through His blood, [which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in] the forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin, in accordance with the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and understanding [with practical insight] He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, with regard to the fulfillment of the times [that is, the end of history, the climax of the ages]—to bring all things together in Christ, [both] things in the heavens and things on the earth." [v. 4-10]

I probably could have highlighted this entire text but I chose the ones that still astonish me that in accepting Jesus as my Lord, are part and parcel of accepting the FREE gift of salvation in Jesus. This realization enhances all that I read that become my new identity, my new me in Him. 

And still... it is my choice to accept and act on all of that as well. Astounding as that sentence is - it is true. The Creator God, who created the Universe and everything in it also granted His creation free will. We can choose to accept what He gives us, what He plans for us - all our choice. Even after we accept His gift of salvation - we can still choose to stay as babies. Remarkable. 

Why would we not accept all that He provides? Good question. There are as many reasons as there are those who don't act on who they've become, what they can do. Fear, accepting satan's lies, unsure, etc. are some of the reasons (excuses). We always can choose the higher ground or stay where we are - but goodness - our loss. 

Yes we are blessed. Yes, with every spiritual blessing. However, it is our choice to act on the blessing. You can't ignore it, you can't hide, it may be 'silent' but you know what's available. The word tells us:

   "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion and pity for them, because they were dispirited and distressed, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “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: 36-38]

Jesus had compassion and pity - do we? Will we answer His call about the harvest being plentiful but the workers few? We have been blessed... will we extend the hand of truth and freedom to others - a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker, and yes, even unto the ends of the world? It is our choice.