EFFECTIVE

Maybe especially when we think about praying, we want our prayers to be effective. But are they? And how do we know? Scripture talks about the effective fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much (James 5:16). It seems that there must be a way to enhance our probability. So how can we be that effective fervent pray-ers? Remember in the gospels the disciples saw Jesus praying and the effectiveness of this act? So they asked Jesus how to pray [I'm using the NKJV]

   " It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples. 

    "Our Father in heaven,

       Hallowed be Your name.

       Your kingdom come.

       Your will be done

       On earth as it is in heaven.

       Give us day by day our daily bread.

       And forgive us our sins,

       For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.

       And do not lead us into temptation,

       But deliver us from the evil one.”

Christian and non believer all know of this prayer. Have you ever considered what Jesus was teaching? While it is a prayer in and of itself, the prayer is also a model of how we should pray. Most pray this prayer but don't apply it.

So what are the elements? It begins by stating the relationship - Father and child and then immediately begins in praise and worship - honoring the Father and then attesting to who He is and how we should proclaim Him: Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done. Do we really want this? If so, how are our words and behaviors displaying this? Do we seek His will? Do we remember:

   "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (see verse 32) shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:33-34

Sometimes we stop at just verse 33 and we should continue the thought (v.34) And sometimes we don't connect this to how we pray. If we want to be effective in our prayer life then we have to put praying and we as pray-ers in the proper perspective. Do we bring praise and worship to the Triune God, Creator of everything? Do we honor Him or do we expect Him to know we honor Him even though we don't say anything?

"They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me" is a rebuke from Jesus (quoting Isaiah) in Matthew 15:8-9 and Mark 7:6-7 and we need to take this to heart. Praise and Worship does set the tone, the atmosphere in which to present the needs. Otherwise... are we only bringing needs to the One who can and does answer prayer? Praise and Worship really isn't for the God of the Universe... it's for us. To put us in a context.

[This is part 1 in a new series.]

Foundation???

 Do you act, teach from what you Know? Or Think? Or Hope for? Is there any collaboration among any of those positions? Do you have ‘verification’ for your stance from Scripture? Your Experiences? What you were Taught? What you Feel? Is there any correlation among your sources? What is YOUR foundation. Or... have you ever asked yourself afterwards - why did I ever  say/do that!? Join the club. Unless you are highly disciplined or have a very tight reign on your emotions… you probably have joined in what I call Paul's lament.

   "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]. Now if I habitually do what I do not want to do, [that means] I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good (morally excellent). So now [if that is the case, then] it is no longer I who do it [the disobedient thing which I despise], but the sin [nature] which lives in me. For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh [my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity]. For the willingness [to do good] is present in me, but the doing of good is not. For the good that I want to do, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want to do I am no longer the one doing it [that is, it is not me that acts], but the sin [nature] which lives in me."  Romans 7:15-20

Such a dilemma. Can we really gain control over our own sinful nature? I would suspect that the answer is - probably not. But this does NOT give us license to continue our known sinful actions... nor does it give us excuse nor freedom from responsibility. We always bear the consequences of whatever we say and do - we can never point fingers in another direction, regardless how often we may try. The point. The promise. We can never stopped trying to be our best selves. 

Our role on earth includes study, prayer, growing, applying. We can't be like one of the servants in the Parable of the Talents - Matthew 25:14-30. James talks about works describes our faith. It does. But if we are only learning, like an oversoaked unused sponge - we begin to stink. Our learning is the basis from which we share. How does our living bear out our testimony. What you do is critical - it's a witness. Again the point... the promise. 

   “For to everyone who has [and values his blessings and gifts from God, and has used them wisely], more will be given, and [he will be richly supplied so that] he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have [because he has ignored or disregarded his blessings and gifts from God], even what he does have will be taken away.  And throw out the worthless servant into the outer darkness; in that place [of grief and torment] there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger]." verse 29-30

You need to know which [10, 5, none] defines you. Look to your foundation and what you are building upon it. 

After the fact

A good example of an ‘after the fact’ is the word ‘could’da’ - often it means you knew ahead of time so it really was a should’ve. If we know - now - that we could’ve, then obviously it was a known option. I would also argue that it was a deliberate non-choice ‘cause you really didn’t wanna. Well that was kinda fun. 

How often, though, when it is after the fact do we exclaim- I should’ve? That’s why I say that it was a I don’t wanna!

One point is... do we live in the rear mirror? Are we always looking at those options after they are no longer options? And... do we ever accept the fact that we really could have made a decision rather than letting 'fate' take the blame? These are the: 'I really didn't have a choice' or 'there wasn't enough time to fully examine...' aka excuse. Of course we have a choice  - we always have a choice. Let me use a very simple example. 

There are those who deny their free will... selectively. Every thing that goes according to what they want is because of their astute decision. Those things that are not positive is because they 'had no choice'. Too many of us use the 'After the fact' approach - there are even those who begin to develop their 'after' as they begin their actions. Not sure how this squares with scripture though:

   "But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’ [a firm yes or no]; anything more than that comes from the evil one." Matthew 5:37

The obvious implication is that we (in fact) have the time and information to make a reasoned decision. Of course we have a choice. Let's face it - 'After the fact' is nothing more than a lame excuse. AND, we typically 'accept' that from others because we use it! But are we so lame, do muddleheaded, so people pleasing that we can't/don't stand for what we believe? As a Christian... do we compromise out faith?

Jesus asked:

   "And will not [our just] God defend and avenge His elect [His chosen ones] who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay [in providing justice] on their behalf? I tell you that He will defend and avenge them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [this kind of persistent] faith on the earth?” Luke 18:7-8

Compromise has no place in faith. What are we saying with our words and actions? After our compromise (and for what purpose???) do we habitually turn to the Lord seeking forgiveness? And do we do our 'after' often? Exactly what kind of Christian are we? Not the kind of faith He will be seeking? Never.

Harvest.org says:

   "True faith, the kind of faith that God requires, is a faith that always will bring results. It is a faith that shows itself in actions. Quoting James 2:14, 17 NLT says,

   “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? … So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless”  

This is what I like to call Now Faith. It is present, it is visible, it is not ... After.

But where’s the heart?!

Are we too quick to judge? Too slow? Are we too quick to say ‘you are wrong’? Too slow? What is our source of criticism… or is it condemnation? Do we stop and try to understand the what and Why the other person is trying to do or say? Or criticize them by our standards, our MO only? Do we ask questions in seeking understanding? Is there any possibility that WE could be in error? And most important- do we speak our truth in love? Are we seeking reconciliation and restoration when the issue is relationship?

I would recommend that we never head into reconciliation without first making certain we have the Word’s standards as foundation. Have you taken the time to look into the Word as to the ‘methodology’ of restoration? Now the point. How did the Father go about restoring our relationship? Did we first have to do

something? No… unless you count our accepting His gift [restoration] and condition [accepting Jesus as Lord and the only path to reconciliation]. Remember the song, “I Come”? … maybe I have the title wrong but I think all of us recognize the thought.

The thought that really is incredible is that the Son and the Father before those first words in Genesis (In the beginning God created…) were uttered had already accepted the only path (Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection) for the Father’s creation - us. Now consider how we go about reconciling and restoring broken relationships. Do we need to make certain the other person knows that we are extending our hand (martyrish?)  Do we place our conditions first before any moving forward? And do we subtly demand an apology? Is our heart ever the driving force?

If any words on our by us or any actions occur, we really need to check our hearts as to our motivations/intentions. What actions demonstrate our words? And where do our words come from... our hearts?

   "Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip."
Proverbs 4:23-24

   "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right and steadfast spirit within me."
Psalms 51:10

These are 2 of the most recognizable scriptures about the heart. There are over 57 different verses that speak to what the heart is and does.

   "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 7:34b 

All these scriptures reinforce the point that WE need to know where our heart is and how it is leading. And will we submit our minds to the leading of our heart? Sometimes our head doesn't filter our best selves. But do we know what the heart is. Ligonier.org says:

   "Put simply, the heart in Scripture conveys the totality of our inner self. We are governed from this one point of unity. From it “flow the springs of life” (Prov. 4:23). It is the control center—the source of every thought, the seat of every passion, and the arbiter of every decision. All of it is generated from and governed by this one point of undivided unity. That is why everything vital to the Christian life—your speech, repentance, faith, service, obedience, worship, walk, and love —must be done with “all your heart”

What a powerful definition... and conception... And it explains where the heart is and what it does (or should do). And this is not the easiest methodology for us to practice. But it is the truest. Never simply equate the heart with emotions. Not what it is ... or can do.

So what!?!

Have you ever asked yourself - who does God see when I wake into the day? What kind of difference do I make when I’m about in the day - regardless of how many ‘things’ I’m involved with? Who does the defining... me? the Lord? the details and/or things? And I could probably indicate a few other vying, clamoring voices. But what/who are the important contenders? More important... who's in charge?

There's an old phrase that's been running around church-ese for eons - when you wake into the day, the devil says 'crap, (s)he's up again'. It's meant to be humorous but it should be fact. However... what is fact? How do you wake into the day? And if you could, would that be what the devil would say? If not, would you like that to be your epitaph, how the devil views you?

It really isn't particularly difficult for the devil to have that reaction... and it has everything to do with you - your attitude, your priorities, your expressions (behavior), your you. Even with all we know from scripture, there are those believers who seem to try and hide... from every and anything spiritual. You do realize that you are in one or the other 'camps' - there's no such thing as neutral. However, we aren't to simply sit down and wait.

This points to the 'so what'. It is crucially important. When you are saved... you are saved to as much as being saved from what was/is. And Paul tells us that we are to work out our salvation - Philippians 2:12. Do you think that was just an idle comment by Paul? Look at Ephesians 2:10 and I could go on. Salvation isn't just a 'trump' card you play when you die. 

   "So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective]. But someone may say, “You [claim to] have faith and I have [good] works; show me your [alleged] faith without the works [if you can], and I will show you my faith by my works [that is, by what I do].” You believe that God is one; you do well [to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror—they have seen His wrath]! [James 2:17-19]

So the 'so what' is important. It is a mark of who you became and are becoming because God, in His grace and mercy, made a way for us all to be part of His family. That way is called - Jesus, Acts 4:12.  

Missed?

 Have you ever thought about what you would miss if you weren't any longer? Yes, you are now in your afterlife - I pray that it's Heaven for you because you chose to be a believer and accepted Jesus's gift of eternal life and continue to grow in the call the Lord has on your life. But, put aside where you are and can you think of anything you'd be missing? 

Would you miss family... or a specific family member? Do you know why? And, if you are a believer, did you ever take the time to know if that person was saved? How did you share with them? If it was a friend... or a 'bff' friend? Do you know why you would miss them? And, if you are a believer, did you ever take the time to know if that person was saved? How did you share with them? Would it be your job, the work the Lord gave you? Did it touch lives? What you did... was it meaningful?  How, Why was it meaningful? Was it a particular sport? or your leisure time activity? How, Why was it meaningful? These are part of our treasurers. Are you following my train of thought? 

   " “Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also." [Matthew 6:19-21]

There your heart will be also... that's the point. Do we follow this principle or do we focus on the tangible and here and now? Don't say you don't... I think we all do until we realize the significance. IF, and that's the motivation, if we want the people (forget things... we have no idea what we'll be seeing in Heaven but this earth's is merely a foggy image) to be with us, WE have to take the risk we might be rejected. It can come down to - which is most important? That the (person) be part of our now? Or that they have the opportunity to accept Jesus as their Lord and you'll see them again too? Never an easy call when it's family or a close friend. And really… it’s always our responsibility to at least check. If they are, you'll probably receive a knowing smile... if they aren't, you'll probably taste their anger.

Reward(s)

Everyone likes rewards! Somehow we give a greater value to our words and/or behavior when it’s associated with a reward. Rewards have a wide range of expressions… from an acknowledging smile and nod of head to something substantial (visible, tangible). Why? Because it’s a way of knowing what we did (said) is valued and therefore we are valued. And valuing is incredibly prized and important.

Do you know/understand your attitude toward 'reward(s)'? Actually, if what you do is only for rewards then you have put the emphasis on the wrong sy-lla-ble. While there probably is a somewhat universal definition of the word... but not all 'rewards' are created equal. What might be extravagant to one person would be more of a la-de-da to another. This kinda means that if you want to reward someone you need to have somewhat of a definition by the rewardee.

What/How does scripture treat the issue of reward(s)

   "When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame, But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind." ]Proverbs 11:18]

This speaks to our attitude... how we view rewards. And 'no!' they aren't intrinsically bad, evil. However, our attitudes do put a period. Matthew 5:12 also speaks to rewards - where they exist and what they represent. Consider James 1:12

   "Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

Though it doesn't use the word 'reward' the "[victor’s] crown of life" sounds like a reward to me. This is only 1 of many examples that the believer has of their rewardS. A reward may be a promotion... or a tangible 'present'... or a new understanding of a scripture(s) that is life changing, etc. Many times we limit or underestimate rewards. I believe the ultimate reward for believers can be found in Revelation 22:12,