In April, 2020 a Grace Covenant Church's article stated:
"Biblical waiting is not a passive activity, but is demonstrated by active
dependence upon and obedience to God."
I'm sure others have also come to this realization. Too often we do think that if we wait, that's what we do... wait (think - twiddle thumbs). I don't think this is the case. If you look at God's nature, He doesn't waste anything - including time we are waiting, so why should we. The other part to this is our definitions of 'dependence' and 'obedience'. Neither of those two words are passive and inactive. We grow our understanding about both words as they come under attack.
This article by David Giarrizzo* lists 9 things we can do as we wait:
1. ACKNOWLEDGING GOD’S SOVEREIGN CONTROL OF ALL THINGS
2. COMING TO TERMS WITH OUR DEPENDENCE UPON GOD
3. SEEKING SPIRITUAL STRENGTH FROM THE LORD
4. BEING PATIENT AND QUIET
5. REFRAINING FROM NEEDLESS FEAR AND WORRY
6. CONTINUING TO LEARN AND OBEY GOD’S COMMANDS
7. EXPECTING THE LORD TO SAVE
8. SEEKING THE LORD THROUGH CONSTANT PRAYER
9. LONGING FOR CHRIST’S FINAL RETURN
If you are anything like me you can quickly identify the number 1 issue you would have - #4 for me. Regardless, these nine points are worth considering because our lives do encompass times of waiting. And as much as I typically deplore waiting on anything or anyone, this is rarely a position that is faced at different times. Waiting can really be a great ally for us as we interact with our lives. It can help us focus on whether our next step is what we need to do... or are able to do.
Since waiting IS a fact of life, how we choose to spend that time is important. How we define and act on waiting can speak volumes. When you look at these 9 points, something should become apparently clear: acknowledging, coming, seeking, being, refraining, continuing, expecting, seeking, longing are all action works. They are words that require our active involvement. They are anything but simply 'waiting' words and behaviors.
Never waste your waiting times. To be honest, one of my favorite Bible verses talks about waiting:
"But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in
Him] will gain new strength and renew their power;
They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles
[rising toward the sun];
They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow
tired." (Isaiah 40:31, AMP)
This becomes the issue... what or who are we waiting on. If we wait for the Lord's timing, how He would have us act, then in the process we WILL gain new strength and power... we WILL run and not become weary... and walk and not grow tired. How's that for a promise. If this isn't happening, then who has stopped you and made you wait?
How we spend our waiting time really speaks more about who we are...
*To read this article, go to: https://www.gccgilbert.org/blog/2020/
4/23/9-ways-we-wait-upon-the-lord
Friday, November 6, 2020
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
The Start... The Beginning
The Beginning in any writing is always critical because it sets the 'mood, flavor' for what's coming next - the main message. It may be a teaser, a question, a declaration, etc. but it does have to capture the reader's attention or they may not get to the crux of what the writer wants to say. With that thought in mind, the Gospels are absolutely critical for the Christian. We all need to know. I had never taken the time to compare the 4 Gospels though I read them many times. For some reason I got to wondering about how the 4 Gospels began and ended their books.
The focus for all four books is Jesus: who He was, what He did, how He did what He did, and what happened to Him.That thought got me to thinking about how each of the gospels shared what they thought was important and how they would speak to a specific audience. (Understand that this is my understanding, my lessons and interpretations.)
"The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son (descendant)
of David, the son (descendant) of Abraham:" (Matthew 1:1, AMP)
"The beginning of the [facts regarding the] good news of [a]Jesus Christ,
the Son of God." (Mark 1:1, AMP)
"Since [as is well known] many have undertaken to compile an orderly
account of the things which have been fulfilled among us [by God],."
(Luke 1:1, AMP)
"In the beginning [before all time] was the Word Christ), and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God Himself." (John 1:1, AMP)
Matthew was speaking to his fellow Jews and knowing their concern about lineage, started with what would be most important to them. He recounted the lineage of both Jesus' Father and Mother. This would provide what Matthew ultimately would emphasize and share, a strong foundation of understanding and acceptance.
Mark was more of the firebrand. He started with the 'facts' and aimed this, I think, at the generation that was frustrated by the Roman occupation. His words throughout his book are action oriented and shared a Jesus would was involved, uncompromising, and strong.
Luke's account came much later and his audience was the Gentiles. So he would be concerned about helping them understand that they are also part of the ministry of Jesus.
John spoke to the hearts of his readers. He wanted them to understand the essence of who Jesus was and why He did what He did. I believe his focus was to help us understand the fullness of Jesus, who and how He acted, and what this meant.
All four focus on the person of Jesus but they each present the information slightly differently depending on the audience they are writing to. Matthew is talking to his fellow Jews and provides justification by showing Jesus' lineage. Luke is talking to the Gentiles. I might argue that Mark is talking to our heads and emotions and John to our heart. Regardless, in the end they all state the same belief: Jesus came to bring us Life and life abundantly, He taught, He healed, He lived, He was crucified, AND He rose from the dead. That being said, it all only touches the surface... but it is a start.
Equally important as the beginning is the ending, In my writing, I spend as much time on the ending as I do the beginning. Yes, the end is sometimes a summation, sometimes a call to action, a directive and sometimes a confirmation... and sometimes 'all the above'.
"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 circum-
stance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:19-20, AMP)
"So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up
into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went
out and preached everywhere, while the Lord was working with them
and confirming the word by the signs that followed.]" (Mark 16:19-20, AMP)
"While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into
heaven. And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with
great joy [fully understanding that He lives and that He is the Son
of God]; and they were continually in the temple blessing and prais-
ing God." (Luke 24:51-53, AMP)
"This is the same disciple who is testifying to these things and has
recorded them; and we know [without any doubt] that his testimony is
true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if
they were recorded one by one, I suppose that even the world itself
could not contain the books that would be written." (John 21:24-25, AMP)
Matthew states Jesus command, Mark relates the actions by the Apostles, Luke tells us about the impact that was the result of the understanding that Jesus went to heaven, and John affirms who he is and his veracity. Personally, it is John's final two sentences that have always intrigued me: not everything is recorded and even the world could not contain. I believe the one point that can be gleaned from all four accounts is that though this is the start of the the beginning... there's much more to come.
The Start may be only the Beginning. It does lead to an eventual End? Actually the start may herald a beginning, a new. And in the case of Jesus... this is still going on. The impact of who He was and what He did still echos and affects our now and future. It is a beginning... it is not an end. Perhaps the only question is... what will you do with this understanding, how will it impact your life?
Bottom line truly is: what difference do these words mean to you and the world you live in? If they aren't life to you, if they don't bring you understanding an d joy... what do they say, how do they speak to you?
The focus for all four books is Jesus: who He was, what He did, how He did what He did, and what happened to Him.That thought got me to thinking about how each of the gospels shared what they thought was important and how they would speak to a specific audience. (Understand that this is my understanding, my lessons and interpretations.)
"The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son (descendant)
of David, the son (descendant) of Abraham:" (Matthew 1:1, AMP)
"The beginning of the [facts regarding the] good news of [a]Jesus Christ,
the Son of God." (Mark 1:1, AMP)
"Since [as is well known] many have undertaken to compile an orderly
account of the things which have been fulfilled among us [by God],."
(Luke 1:1, AMP)
"In the beginning [before all time] was the Word Christ), and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God Himself." (John 1:1, AMP)
Matthew was speaking to his fellow Jews and knowing their concern about lineage, started with what would be most important to them. He recounted the lineage of both Jesus' Father and Mother. This would provide what Matthew ultimately would emphasize and share, a strong foundation of understanding and acceptance.
Mark was more of the firebrand. He started with the 'facts' and aimed this, I think, at the generation that was frustrated by the Roman occupation. His words throughout his book are action oriented and shared a Jesus would was involved, uncompromising, and strong.
Luke's account came much later and his audience was the Gentiles. So he would be concerned about helping them understand that they are also part of the ministry of Jesus.
John spoke to the hearts of his readers. He wanted them to understand the essence of who Jesus was and why He did what He did. I believe his focus was to help us understand the fullness of Jesus, who and how He acted, and what this meant.
All four focus on the person of Jesus but they each present the information slightly differently depending on the audience they are writing to. Matthew is talking to his fellow Jews and provides justification by showing Jesus' lineage. Luke is talking to the Gentiles. I might argue that Mark is talking to our heads and emotions and John to our heart. Regardless, in the end they all state the same belief: Jesus came to bring us Life and life abundantly, He taught, He healed, He lived, He was crucified, AND He rose from the dead. That being said, it all only touches the surface... but it is a start.
Equally important as the beginning is the ending, In my writing, I spend as much time on the ending as I do the beginning. Yes, the end is sometimes a summation, sometimes a call to action, a directive and sometimes a confirmation... and sometimes 'all the above'.
"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 circum-
stance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:19-20, AMP)
"So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up
into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went
out and preached everywhere, while the Lord was working with them
and confirming the word by the signs that followed.]" (Mark 16:19-20, AMP)
"While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into
heaven. And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with
great joy [fully understanding that He lives and that He is the Son
of God]; and they were continually in the temple blessing and prais-
ing God." (Luke 24:51-53, AMP)
"This is the same disciple who is testifying to these things and has
recorded them; and we know [without any doubt] that his testimony is
true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if
they were recorded one by one, I suppose that even the world itself
could not contain the books that would be written." (John 21:24-25, AMP)
Matthew states Jesus command, Mark relates the actions by the Apostles, Luke tells us about the impact that was the result of the understanding that Jesus went to heaven, and John affirms who he is and his veracity. Personally, it is John's final two sentences that have always intrigued me: not everything is recorded and even the world could not contain. I believe the one point that can be gleaned from all four accounts is that though this is the start of the the beginning... there's much more to come.
The Start may be only the Beginning. It does lead to an eventual End? Actually the start may herald a beginning, a new. And in the case of Jesus... this is still going on. The impact of who He was and what He did still echos and affects our now and future. It is a beginning... it is not an end. Perhaps the only question is... what will you do with this understanding, how will it impact your life?
Bottom line truly is: what difference do these words mean to you and the world you live in? If they aren't life to you, if they don't bring you understanding an d joy... what do they say, how do they speak to you?
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Majoring on the minors
Do we do this? If it's one of our 'pet' beliefs, and not necessarily a widely held one, will we push its adoption to the max? Why? If it is critical, wouldn't it be a 'major' rather than a minor? Do remember we aren't infallible and, as such, can be wrong. Our interpretation (assumption?) can be a 'mis'. And saying that 'God told you so' is not proof if He hasn't also told others (2 Peter 1: 20-21). Remember too that if you are right, you have scripture that confirms your point and other scripture that supports it as well. You don't need to 'defend' your point.
"So come on, let’s leave the preschool finger painting exercises on
Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ.
The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on
“salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God; baptismal
instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal
judgment. God helping us, we’ll stay true to all that. But there’s so
much more. Let’s get on with it!" (Hebrews 6:1-3, MSG)
[Sometimes the Message translations put the thought more forcefully. 'Let's get on with it!' is a perfect example.] What's this verse telling us and how does it relate to this topic? There are a couple of points... 1. The verse is telling us to 'get on'. We've all had the basic teachings and they are our foundation. We all hold the same ones. Do we realize this? Do we trust the learning in ourselves as well as in others? It also identifies the foundational instructions that we all can hold in one accord.
We should always looks to our 'sameness' of beliefs to underscore how we relate to one another. THEN we look at those areas that we may not share. Always 'judge' them against the foundational components. If you feel that what you've learned is also important... then present it in that way.. Share. Not make it a bone of contention, separation. If it is crucial then the truth will present itself in such a way as to be understood.
In the final analysis... too often disagreements among brothers and sisters really are minor issues - one person's understanding, experiences versus another's. We shouldn't let this separate us. Remember, together we are the church and have an incredibly important assignment to complete - touching the world with the truth (majors) of Jesus.
[Also... nothing pleases our arch enemy more than when brothers and sisters in the Lord grumble and fight and don't display the one behavior, attitude that we are commanded to do... Love.]
"So come on, let’s leave the preschool finger painting exercises on
Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ.
The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on
“salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God; baptismal
instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal
judgment. God helping us, we’ll stay true to all that. But there’s so
much more. Let’s get on with it!" (Hebrews 6:1-3, MSG)
[Sometimes the Message translations put the thought more forcefully. 'Let's get on with it!' is a perfect example.] What's this verse telling us and how does it relate to this topic? There are a couple of points... 1. The verse is telling us to 'get on'. We've all had the basic teachings and they are our foundation. We all hold the same ones. Do we realize this? Do we trust the learning in ourselves as well as in others? It also identifies the foundational instructions that we all can hold in one accord.
We should always looks to our 'sameness' of beliefs to underscore how we relate to one another. THEN we look at those areas that we may not share. Always 'judge' them against the foundational components. If you feel that what you've learned is also important... then present it in that way.. Share. Not make it a bone of contention, separation. If it is crucial then the truth will present itself in such a way as to be understood.
In the final analysis... too often disagreements among brothers and sisters really are minor issues - one person's understanding, experiences versus another's. We shouldn't let this separate us. Remember, together we are the church and have an incredibly important assignment to complete - touching the world with the truth (majors) of Jesus.
[Also... nothing pleases our arch enemy more than when brothers and sisters in the Lord grumble and fight and don't display the one behavior, attitude that we are commanded to do... Love.]
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Whose in charge?
Ever wonder about this? Or since there is a sufficient amount of drama and chaos that whoever should be in charge... isn't. Who should? Should you be in charge? Maybe you should but you don't have the authority? Does this only happen in work situation or volunteer ones as well ... in your family? All of those are fraught with power issues and jockeying for control. So... what do you do when you are enmeshed in these situations? Do you try and bring a bit of organization and sanity to it? And how did that go? Do you simply throw up your hands? Do you look to see how you can be an advocate for a proactive approach, regardless if you are the leader or not?
Perhaps an additional question should be - in the absence of (visible) leadership, is this a role you want? are willing to accept? take the responsibility? Actually... what does 'being in charge' mean? It may not be what you think. If you think that glamour and prestige automatically occur - think again. If you think it means that you're first... wrong! Especially when you are the leader, you are suppose to direct, to challenge, to help those who are being led to do their best which will also mean helping them share their giftings for the benefit of all and assisting them to experience ownership in (fill in the blank).
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional
motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither
arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than
yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests,
but also for the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, AMP)
Whoever's in charge... they juggle a number of important considerations: the success of the project, the people involved and their involvement/ownership of what's going on, the best plan to accomplish the goals, how to help people maximize their gifting for the success, etc. The 'leader's' personal wants and desires come in last. Leaders also lead by example - they don't issue orders from a safe distance. Leaders surround themselves with excellent and gifted people and then give them the authority over parts of the project that are relevant. These are only some of the characteristics and qualities of good leaders.
We've all be in situations that the people in charge are the least equipped to lead. That is incredibly frustrating for those who are subordinate but actually it's also difficult for the one attempting to lead. If you are out of your depth, the wisest though most humbling thing to do is to admit and ask for help. Always look to your motivation, your goals in making decisions as to what you do and when.
We do have a guide in scripture that underscores who we should be and how we should act... if we are 'in charge':
"Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who
are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their
powerful men exercise authority over them [tyrannizing them]. But
this is not how it is among you; instead, whoever wishes to become
great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be
first and most important among you must be slave of all. 45 For even
the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give
His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45, AMP)
Perhaps an additional question should be - in the absence of (visible) leadership, is this a role you want? are willing to accept? take the responsibility? Actually... what does 'being in charge' mean? It may not be what you think. If you think that glamour and prestige automatically occur - think again. If you think it means that you're first... wrong! Especially when you are the leader, you are suppose to direct, to challenge, to help those who are being led to do their best which will also mean helping them share their giftings for the benefit of all and assisting them to experience ownership in (fill in the blank).
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional
motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither
arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than
yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests,
but also for the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, AMP)
Whoever's in charge... they juggle a number of important considerations: the success of the project, the people involved and their involvement/ownership of what's going on, the best plan to accomplish the goals, how to help people maximize their gifting for the success, etc. The 'leader's' personal wants and desires come in last. Leaders also lead by example - they don't issue orders from a safe distance. Leaders surround themselves with excellent and gifted people and then give them the authority over parts of the project that are relevant. These are only some of the characteristics and qualities of good leaders.
We've all be in situations that the people in charge are the least equipped to lead. That is incredibly frustrating for those who are subordinate but actually it's also difficult for the one attempting to lead. If you are out of your depth, the wisest though most humbling thing to do is to admit and ask for help. Always look to your motivation, your goals in making decisions as to what you do and when.
We do have a guide in scripture that underscores who we should be and how we should act... if we are 'in charge':
"Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who
are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their
powerful men exercise authority over them [tyrannizing them]. But
this is not how it is among you; instead, whoever wishes to become
great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be
first and most important among you must be slave of all. 45 For even
the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give
His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45, AMP)
Sunday, October 25, 2020
I'm my own worst enemy
You too? Do you find, far more often than you like, that sometimes you shoot yourself in the foot of cut off your nose to spite your face? WHY!!!? Why do we do this! And never respond with - I'm only human. Duh. Of course you're human! Not to be despised or used as a excuse. Never forget that God breathed the breath of life into us! YOU have been made in the image of the Creator of the universe!
Why we engage in these self-defeating behaviors is not a simple answer... which means that the change/correction answer is not easy. There are myriad of reasons why we do this and the subsequent resolutions. However... you aren't alone in this dilemma. Even Paul found himself bemoaning this fact.
"For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered
by them]. I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very
thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness—my
sinful capacity]." (Romans 7:15, AMP)
For me, Paul's acknowledgement of his condition lets me know that I'm not alone in this. And it gives me hope that the Lord can still use me in my unrefined condition... right where I am. But... You do realize that you don't need to continue doing this... at least as often or for as long. I think that a big part of our dilemma is that we don't have a good perspective of ourselves.
It really isn't always a poor self image as much as it isn't a correct or complete one. Yes we have flaws, yes we sin and make mistakes, yes we aren't worthy, yes, yes, yes. But that isn't the whole picture of us. We are made in God's image, we have His breath that gave us life, we are trying to become our best, yes, yes, yes. Point: if God hasn't given up on you... why should you! If you are really trying to do and be your best - that's all He's asking. He never wanted us to stay in the condition we were in when He saved us, so He is always present to help us.
"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." (Hebrews 4:15, AMP)
Turn to Him and He will give you peace, rest, encouragement, and an understanding that should fortify us to continue. Don't buy the lies and half truths. Discover who you are and act on it, because then you can be your gift to Him.
Why we engage in these self-defeating behaviors is not a simple answer... which means that the change/correction answer is not easy. There are myriad of reasons why we do this and the subsequent resolutions. However... you aren't alone in this dilemma. Even Paul found himself bemoaning this fact.
"For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered
by them]. I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very
thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness—my
sinful capacity]." (Romans 7:15, AMP)
For me, Paul's acknowledgement of his condition lets me know that I'm not alone in this. And it gives me hope that the Lord can still use me in my unrefined condition... right where I am. But... You do realize that you don't need to continue doing this... at least as often or for as long. I think that a big part of our dilemma is that we don't have a good perspective of ourselves.
It really isn't always a poor self image as much as it isn't a correct or complete one. Yes we have flaws, yes we sin and make mistakes, yes we aren't worthy, yes, yes, yes. But that isn't the whole picture of us. We are made in God's image, we have His breath that gave us life, we are trying to become our best, yes, yes, yes. Point: if God hasn't given up on you... why should you! If you are really trying to do and be your best - that's all He's asking. He never wanted us to stay in the condition we were in when He saved us, so He is always present to help us.
"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." (Hebrews 4:15, AMP)
Turn to Him and He will give you peace, rest, encouragement, and an understanding that should fortify us to continue. Don't buy the lies and half truths. Discover who you are and act on it, because then you can be your gift to Him.
Thursday, October 22, 2020
The 'every day'
What does your 'every day' look like? Does it make you shudder? Are you bored with it? See no glamour? Do you think that others' every days are more exciting, more fulfilling than yours? How do you populate your 'every day'? Because in the last as well as the first analysis - it is you defines (who and what) your every day. And remember - the days don't all have to be the same nor excite-less.
If your every day is a same o, same o, then change the order of what you feel HAS to be part. No, don't do a major dinner for breakfast... unless you want to. If you have others living their lives with you, you'll probably need to consult with them on the shared components. But take a long look at you and your every days - is a change going to be a positive option? What is not included now that needs inclusion and are there 'things' that have a place but don't need to be daily? What do you do with any 'down time' in the day?
Yes, it does begin with our attitudes and what they are telling us about our selves and time. If you aren't beginning your day with a sense of adventure or anticipation about what could happen, then I think you start your day by shooting yourself in your attitude foot. I remember a time when I was basically grousing about the never changing life I was leading. Yoo Hoo... it's my life... only I could do something about it and if it didn't begin with my attitude, then it really didn't begin.
"I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But
I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously
reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I
count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal,
where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running,
and I’m not turning back." (Philippians 3:13-14, MSG)
What does scripture have to do with 'every day'. Everything... at least for me. When I begin my day with the Lord in prayer or study, then my attitude immediately is different than when I don't. I am more positive, more energized when I start this way. Just a recommendation. When I realize:
"It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed,
Because His [tender] compassions never fail
They are new every morning;
Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness."
(Lamentations 3:22-23, AMP)
If we engage in a new every morning... if we rely on what the Word teaches us, then we too can be new every morning. We can be creative and involved in our day because, yesterday is no more and tomorrow hasn't come. So let's enjoy our day regardless of its routine. Are your eyes on your goal? At the end of the day, what will make you happy. Your 'happy' needs to be woven into the fabric of your every day.
If your every day is a same o, same o, then change the order of what you feel HAS to be part. No, don't do a major dinner for breakfast... unless you want to. If you have others living their lives with you, you'll probably need to consult with them on the shared components. But take a long look at you and your every days - is a change going to be a positive option? What is not included now that needs inclusion and are there 'things' that have a place but don't need to be daily? What do you do with any 'down time' in the day?
Yes, it does begin with our attitudes and what they are telling us about our selves and time. If you aren't beginning your day with a sense of adventure or anticipation about what could happen, then I think you start your day by shooting yourself in your attitude foot. I remember a time when I was basically grousing about the never changing life I was leading. Yoo Hoo... it's my life... only I could do something about it and if it didn't begin with my attitude, then it really didn't begin.
"I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But
I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously
reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I
count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal,
where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running,
and I’m not turning back." (Philippians 3:13-14, MSG)
What does scripture have to do with 'every day'. Everything... at least for me. When I begin my day with the Lord in prayer or study, then my attitude immediately is different than when I don't. I am more positive, more energized when I start this way. Just a recommendation. When I realize:
"It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed,
Because His [tender] compassions never fail
They are new every morning;
Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness."
(Lamentations 3:22-23, AMP)
If we engage in a new every morning... if we rely on what the Word teaches us, then we too can be new every morning. We can be creative and involved in our day because, yesterday is no more and tomorrow hasn't come. So let's enjoy our day regardless of its routine. Are your eyes on your goal? At the end of the day, what will make you happy. Your 'happy' needs to be woven into the fabric of your every day.
Monday, October 19, 2020
Defending
"Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss
a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your
speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation,
not put them down, not cut them out." (Colossians 4:5-6, MSG)
Have you ever been in the position of having to defend your faith? How did you feel? While the situation may not have been pleasant, did your faith increase because of what you did... and how you expressed yourself?
"If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be
stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give
the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your
hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready
to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you
are, and always with the utmost courtesy." (1 Peter 3:15, MSG)
This identifies the reason and your best way of responding when you are in a position to defend. I believe that the reason I'm attempting to address this subject is based in my belief that the Church is under attack. It's not that the Church is a threat and, for most Christians, they do not advocate or participate in any 'civil disobedience'. BUT, for many opposition people, the mere fact Christianity exists is an offense in their eyes. Controversial statement? Really????
"I solemnly charge you ... preach the word [as an official messenger];
be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your
sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or un-
favorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or
unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn
[those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing
toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and
[faithful] teaching." (2 Timothy 4:1-2, AMP - mine)
I think that correct, warn, exhort, encourage are the best definitions of 'defend'. We can never compromise our defense nor can we be belligerent. Our goals is to convince so HOW we go about defending is critical. We never want to be viewed as hypocrites - saying one thing in one place and the opposite in another. Actually, when we do this, what kind of testimony or witness are we providing to our newer brothers and sisters in the Lord?
In terms of giving a defense for the hope in you, I would suggest that it's wise to know who you are speaking to and who they are. Listen to their words, their attacks, their understanding so you will have an entry for correction and understanding. Just remember that in your defense you may be speaking to their wall of defense. Personally, I tend to turn the discussion by asking them questions. Never use words that are not in the attacker's frame of reference, they won't understand.
"But the natural [unbelieving] man does not accept the things [the
teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolish-
ness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understand-
ing them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, [and
he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters]." (1 Corinthians 2:14, AMP)
What's our purpose, our motivation in our defending? It should be to bring light. How we go about doing this determines if we are heard and the message is understood. I'm not attempting to tell you what to do, I'm suggesting that you
know and are prepared to defend.
a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your
speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation,
not put them down, not cut them out." (Colossians 4:5-6, MSG)
Have you ever been in the position of having to defend your faith? How did you feel? While the situation may not have been pleasant, did your faith increase because of what you did... and how you expressed yourself?
"If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be
stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give
the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your
hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready
to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you
are, and always with the utmost courtesy." (1 Peter 3:15, MSG)
This identifies the reason and your best way of responding when you are in a position to defend. I believe that the reason I'm attempting to address this subject is based in my belief that the Church is under attack. It's not that the Church is a threat and, for most Christians, they do not advocate or participate in any 'civil disobedience'. BUT, for many opposition people, the mere fact Christianity exists is an offense in their eyes. Controversial statement? Really????
"I solemnly charge you ... preach the word [as an official messenger];
be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your
sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or un-
favorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or
unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn
[those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing
toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and
[faithful] teaching." (2 Timothy 4:1-2, AMP - mine)
I think that correct, warn, exhort, encourage are the best definitions of 'defend'. We can never compromise our defense nor can we be belligerent. Our goals is to convince so HOW we go about defending is critical. We never want to be viewed as hypocrites - saying one thing in one place and the opposite in another. Actually, when we do this, what kind of testimony or witness are we providing to our newer brothers and sisters in the Lord?
In terms of giving a defense for the hope in you, I would suggest that it's wise to know who you are speaking to and who they are. Listen to their words, their attacks, their understanding so you will have an entry for correction and understanding. Just remember that in your defense you may be speaking to their wall of defense. Personally, I tend to turn the discussion by asking them questions. Never use words that are not in the attacker's frame of reference, they won't understand.
"But the natural [unbelieving] man does not accept the things [the
teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolish-
ness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understand-
ing them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, [and
he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters]." (1 Corinthians 2:14, AMP)
What's our purpose, our motivation in our defending? It should be to bring light. How we go about doing this determines if we are heard and the message is understood. I'm not attempting to tell you what to do, I'm suggesting that you
know and are prepared to defend.
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