Follow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4.  Come and See  -John 1:39  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Bond-slaves of Jesus Christ

  Ministers of Christ

  Stewards of the mystery

  Fellow workers

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

 

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

A Follower? How do you Follow?

Saving for a rainy day...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is THAT me!?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Reconciliation

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

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

   "Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him], that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that is, restoration to favor with God]. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]." [2 Corinthians 5:17-21]

...God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people's sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that is, restoration to favor with God].

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Who and What

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

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

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

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

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

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

    made whole.[Isaiah 53: 4-5 AMPC]

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

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

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

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

   "12 For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account. 14 Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. 16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]."   Hebrews 4:12-16. AMP

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

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

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

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

Hurt and Healed: Healed

Part 2  Healed

Are you more familiar with 'healed' than hurt ... or less? Maybe one of the questions is - when do you know you are healed? Feelings, yes but more - that knowing that goes beyond mere facts. And healed is more than the lack of pain. And where's the location of healing: spirit, soul, body?

Where are your thoughts on those statements and questions? Do you have your answers? Walking in health, being healed - this is not something to slight. You NEED to know. First issue: knowing you are healed. It's important to know if for no other reason then that you can be more totally involved, intentional. It can be too easy to slip into the 'not sick but not well' either frame of reference. Years ago they might have called it the 'blahs' - the not wrong, but not right. Incredibly unproductive in this state. So look at what you've been doing in the last 24-48 hours... accomplishments? Check your heart... peaceful? focusing outward and not inward all the time? Mind... active and creative. These all are little signs of health.

Next issue: more than the lack of pain. If you still feel pain... where's it's location? Body? Soul? If I were to be completely honest with myself, when I'm in 'pain' it's too often in my soul, emotions to be precise. Really quite silly of me, but there you are. So what's my 'remedy' when I'm in pain? First - allow myself a bit of time to moan - you gotta get the moaning out, you really can't progress if all you do is stuff it down. After the moaning, apologize to the Lord... again. Then look at your why of moaning. If it's legit then forgive whoever is the source, especially including yourself. Then look at what may be behind it - perhaps a spiritual attack? Do you really want to give him a 'win'? Yes, sometimes it does mean pulling yourself up by the bootstraps. But also remember, you have the Lord with you to aid in this.

If it's physical pain, then go to the healer. 

   "There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test. He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” [Exodus 25b-26]

I seem to be running to Him constantly... which I attribute to the fact that I live in an aging body. But He never turns me away, He always heals - perhaps not in the same way each time but I always am healed. 

I would suggest we all play a major role in being healed and living in health. But you need to decide that for yourself.

Taking for granted???

First, I'm not talking about you feeling you are taken for granted. Nor am I referring to You taking another person for granted. I'm talking about do you take the Lord for granted? The answer is a rousing - YES. But we all do. The fact that we all do is not a license that we can... or even should. It's a statement that we do.

I think that I would partially promote that this isn't all bad. If you are taking the Lord for granted it must be because you Trust Him. That He is faithful. That He is always with you (me). That His Word is true. That He has proven this many times over. That's the part that isn't all bad. But if this is all we ever do, the sum total of our involvement with the Lord... then this is a bad. Have you ever looked at scripture to define you? Have you ever considered what it is that the Lord expects from you (me).

   "And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be 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]." [Romans 12:2]

   "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]

   "But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  [John 4: 23-24]

   "Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth."  [2 Timothy 2:15]

   "Therefore I urge you, [b]brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship."  [Romans 12:1]

Shall I stop? I could go on. These scriptures represent WHO we should become and how we should act! Are these the Lord's expectations about/from us? The easy answer is - yes and it's a process. Granted. The difference I would suggest is in the behavior toward the one not fulfilling the 'expected', taking for granted. 

The Lord is well aware of our weaknesses and He also is involved moment-by-moment is helping us grow in these areas. Why would He give us His armor if He didn't want us protected? Why would the ministry of the Holy Spirit be so directed by bringing to our remembrances the Lord's teachings? Why is the Holy Spirit our teacher/guide/standby/etc. if He wasn't going to help us fulfill who and what we can be? Hebrews 4:15 states:

   "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."

And now... how do we act when what we want isn't fulfilled immediately? Rarely a pretty picture. I would suggest the behavior we should employ is:

   "7 Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened." [Matthew 7:7-8]

It's our ... and keep on...  that's important. Don't just 'toss a prayer' and I would also suggest that we not turn to the Lord only in crisis  situations. The Lord has made a way for relationship. Our involvement in growing and developing a personal relationship with the Lord stops us from simply assuming that the Lord, asked or not, will take care of us. Taking Him for granted is incredibly sad. This is the Creator of the Universe that is waiting for us...

   "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."  [Revelations 3:20. NIV]