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,

Finisher

     "let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." [Hebrews 12:1c-3]

And yes... this is an extremely difficult mindset and behavior to adopt and  accomplish! Let's be honest... who among us wants pain and suffering? Exactly. But our Triune God realized that so before we asked, before we even knew, He had provided someone who understood and knew the difficulty of this. Hebrews tells us that Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 4) but Jesus went through every temptation, every seduction, everything that we go through so that He would be able to help us when we face these issues.

I've always liked the word 'finish' It was spoken by Jesus on the cross which let us know that He chose to accept our punishment and our reconciliation. He said, "It is Finished" (John 19:30). Do you realize all that happened at this point? Two of the incredible components were: we were dead in our sins and we had absolutely no way out... until Jesus. And, when Jesus spoke those words He was letting all know that He had completed the act of reconciliation. Now... it's up to us. Will we accept His gift of salvation, especially realizing that apart from our choosing to be chosen, we have no way of being reconciled? Other than the many faces of pride, what really stops us from accepting Jesus' gift?

Most people are familiar with John 3:16 - and it is a wonderful verse telling us precisely what we need to do to be saved... but read a bit further.

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

That defines what we are saved from. That actually defines 'finisher'. It may sound quite limiting but I believe there are only 2 'types' of people: believers and unbelievers. I also believe that those who are believers have a responsibility to the unbelievers to make absolutely certain that unbelievers completely understand that when they don't accept Jesus, they reject Him. Believers don't have this responsibility? Look again at 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

   "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]."

Kinda puts a period to what our responsibilities are. I didn't say it was easy... I'm simply pointing out believers' responsibility. By extension I believe that we have the message of 'Finished' that we can share. Jesus is the Finisher and He has given that message for us to share. A responsibility, an opportunity to touch lives.

 

Horrors! A mistake

Is this your problem - you are afraid to make a mistake? Do you know why you’re afraid? We all make mistakes, sometimes many in one day. And haven’t you said, many times, that you learn more from your mistakes? So why your hesitancy? Why the concern that looks a great deal like fear?

I’m learning that when I go to the Lord about an issue, a need, a want etc. that I must come how the Lord’s says. First is my attitude and Hebrews 4 answers this:

   “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. 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 4:15-16]

There is something very comforting about talking with someone who understands what and why we are feeling and acting the way we are. There is also the feeling of freedom of expressing when we say things to complete strangers that we expect to never see again. One is comfort of understanding and the other an sense of freedom because they have no control over us. The big difference is that when we choose to approach the Lord we have One who has all the answers. We can approach without fear that we can't or shouldn't and realize that since the Lord has the answer(s) we will know what to do. I think that maybe forgiveness is the strongest reason.

I've always like the understanding that there is mercy and grace awaiting me when I act in confidence. How can I receive His mercy and grace if I have no confidence He will provide this. How many times does the Lord have to prove His faithfulness toward me for me to accept this. For me, 1 John 1:9 is a constant reminder of the truth of what Hebrews is telling me.

   "If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. 10 If we say that we have not sinned [refusing to admit acts of sin], we make Him [out to be] a liar [by contradicting Him] and His word is not in us. 

My little children (believers, dear ones), I am writing you these things so that you will not sin and violate God’s law. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate [who will intercede for us] with the Father: Jesus Christ the righteous..." [1 John 1:9-2:1]

Sins, mistakes, errors all need to be confessed so that they can't define us. If we hold on to that baggage, they will. All of that is a burden that we don't need to carry. Learn from - absolutely. We live in a fallen world, we have the stain of sin in our lives but with the Lord's help we will grow from these conditions and incidents. Never take your sins, mistakes, errors lightly... but don't let them control you either. Jesus tells us that He came to bring us life, and life more abundantly (John 10:10)

Resolutions

Did (Do)any of you do the old fashion act of making New Year Resolutions? And how long do you expect that you will make the attempt of following them? Actually, if you have no confidence in yourself about following them, then making them is an exercise in futility - a waste of time. That may have sounded harsh - but true. 

When I was a child and we were going through this annual ritual, I must admit I was quite ambitious about the act of developing them until my Mother gave some sobering advice.  She said: rather than attempting a complete makeover, why not pick 2 or at the most 3 attainable (the operative word) things that I could, and would actually take the time and have the possibility of making a change for the 
better. Did I actually follow through and try to change/improve? Yes, at least 
longer than trying to do the complete makeover.

We do realize that the act, the mindset of investing in our own growth is not always a simple task. All growth and change requires a commitment and follow through on our parts for this to even occur. None of that will occur through a kind of no effort, no thought osmosis. Besides, if it could be, do you want your own personal growth to be based in fatalism, in a kind of que sera, sera? Do you want this to be an act in which you are only the recipient of what you experience without any basis in an authority (and that, not man)?

So now we come to the focus of this discussion - your spiritual growth. What are you doing to grow: understand, practice? Can you look back to a year ago and see your own growth? You haven’t opted for a status quo approach… did you? Remember Paul’s declaration:

   "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you." [Philippians 3:13-15]

Does this sound like a resolution? It is. Now let me share another of my beliefs... any day is a good day to take stock of who you are and where you are headed and make a resolution(s) to recommit - even if this is a daily act. Because it is in our thinking on and committing to that determines if/how/when we grow. resolutions require actions... you can't just think it.