Destination

Since everyone knows that this life is not the end to our existence (there is 1 of 2 destinations - everyone goes to one or the other), that there is a new life awaiting us... since we know this - do we know it personally?

   "This Jesus is the stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief Cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].” [Acts 4:11-12]

If there is any doubt about your destination, there is the ONLY path to a new life: with/in Jesus. No questions, no doubts, the one and only way. You can argue you are a good person and should be included. You are - but ONLY, ONLY in accepting the gift of salvation that is in Jesus. Scripture points and Jesus spoke it - there is no one 'good' but God (Mark 10:18)

If your retort is that my proof comes from scripture - absolutely! What is your authority... something man made? Can we really trust 'man made'? And do you really trust another source? Look at your WHY you don't accept Jesus' gift, WHY you don't believe in Him. He IS more than just a teacher. Is your response that He is only another man? Really. All of the healings and miracles He did came from only a man? Look at why He HAD to be a man.

If Jesus had not put away His divinity how could the sin be put away?

   "Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility], who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it]; but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man].  After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely-appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross.  For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father. [Philippians 2:5-11]

So why DID Jesus come? Believer and non-believer are familiar with John 3:16. But there's so much more to know - read verses 17-22: 

   “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life." (v. 16)

  "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. 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]. 

This is the judgment [that is, the cause for indictment, the test by which people are judged, the basis for the sentence]: the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned. But whoever practices truth [and does what is right—morally, ethically, spiritually] comes to the Light, so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are—accomplished in God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence on Him].” [John 3:16-22]

    Jesus speaking: “Do not think that I came to do away with or undo the Law [of Moses] or the [writings of the] Prophets; I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished."  [Matthew 5: 17-18]

Yes I have used a great deal of scripture. It's so you KNOW just how much God is giving us LIFE. So that you see there is a plan, a method available to all. We have been given free will to make our decisions. God never wanted robots or that's what He would have created. He created man in His image and breathed the breath of life into us so that we could have relationship with Him.

   "So it is written [in Scripture], “The first man, Adam, became a living soul (an individual);” the last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving spirit [restoring the dead to life]. However, the spiritual [the immortal life] is not first, but the physical [the mortal life]; then the spiritual. The first man [Adam] is from the earth, earthy [made of dust]; the second Man [Christ, the Lord] is from heaven. As is the earthly man [the man of dust], so are those who are of earth; and as is the heavenly [Man], so are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the earthly [the man of dust], we will also bear the image of the heavenly [the Man of heaven]." [1 Corinthians 15:45-49]

As always - your choice, your decision. But if I could implore you... choose God's Family.

[To the reader... if you'd like, please feel free to share this with those that need to hear what's said. Mine were the hands that typed this - I believe it is was the Lord who focused the writing.]

Have you ever said

right out loud... right in front of others or even alone - I love you Lord. I love you Father. I love you Holy Spirit. I love you Jesus. A gentle, somewhat quiet, peaceful proclamation of love to the God of the universe. I know the Lord loves us and we're responding with our actions demonstrating love, but words are important too. If you haven't, in your prayer time, in your being rescued time, by yourself, with others ever said - I love you Lord. Why not?

If you are married - have you used those words with your spouse? If you have children - have you used those words with them? Do the humans in your life know by your words that they are loved and appreciated and valued by you? I know that for some people saying 'I love you' is incredibly difficult. Perhaps you have been wounded in the past? Perhaps you've seen those words used to manipulate you or others? There can be all sorts of 'excuses/reasons' - valid? If your feelings are of love... what words do you use?

Even in the quiet, alone moments when you stop long enough to consider all that the Lord has done for you... and continues to do. Don't you sense His love? You may not be the world's greatest example of loveable, but look at all the words,  that  the Lord has used to tell you of His love. The entire Bible is a love letter to His creation.

Though there are countless verse that the Lord uses to describe His love for us, for YOU, and say the words out loud, I'm only going to indicate 4 as my evidence of His Word(s) of love:

   "And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself]." [Ephesians 3:17-19]

   " Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. 

[1 Corinthians 13:4-8]

   "Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Just as it is written and forever remains written, “For Your sake we are put to death all day long; We are regarded as sheep for the slaughter.”

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. 

For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." 
[Romans 8:35-39]

   "By this the love of God was displayed in us, in that God has sent His [One and] only begotten Son [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind] into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [that is, the atoning sacrifice, and the satisfying offering] for our sins [fulfilling God’s requirement for justice against sin and placating His wrath]."  [1 John 4:9-10]  

These are words of love that are directed toward us. The God of the Universe owes us nothing, but He gives us everything and the most priceless gift is His love and how this is demonstrated, beginning with our salvation. How could we ever question a love like this? Why would we throw away our great reward? Why do we we not say - boldly, confidently, humbly 'I Love you Lord. With everything that is in us, that I can ever say, nothing is greater than being able to say those 4 words.

I Love you Lord

A Meaningful Life

Do you know what 'a meaningful life' is, means? Do you have your definition so that when 'life' happens, you recognize whether or not it's part of your definition? At the end of the day as you are lying down and putting your head onto the pillow - what are your thoughts? Are you 'happy' with your day? Did you spend time with the Lord and felt renewed and refreshed in the process... perhaps I should ask if you've made time for the Lord? Is there a sense of peace and satisfaction?

When you consider 'meaningful' is it the big things you've accomplished? Did you have a set number of these or is one sufficient? Do rest on your laurels and point to this as your statement about being meaningful? By the way... who defined 'big' for you? You? And... I don't remember reading anything about retirement. Did I miss it? If it exists - can you point me to the confirming verses? 

It's true that 'meaningful' is individually defined but sometimes we haven't taken the time to do our defining. And if we don't... how will we recognize it? I also tend to think that when we have done something meaningful, we typically recognize it (if we even recognize it) after the fact. And if we, in considering either/both our words and actions, we consider it no big thing - does meaningful always have to be a 'big' thing?

Let me share: https://applygodsword.com/how-can-you-live-a-meaningful-life/#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20you%20will%20not,22%3A37%2D39). 

       [I will indicate the most important]

  "1.  You Need a Personal Relationship With God

We need an ongoing and growing relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Without connecting with God in a personal and intimate way every day of your life, you will be missing out on the joy available to you. ... 

But without Christ you will not have a meaningful life read again what Paul said in Philippians 4:12-13"

 2.  You Need to Love and Be Loved By People

... God himself still said in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” This statement by God was not just about the relationship between a husband and wife. No, it was a bigger proclamation about the need for human community in general.  ...

In short, you will not have a meaningful life if you do not receive love from others and if you do not give love to others. (Matthew 22:37-39). Whenever God speaks of loving him he almost always reminds us that we must also love His people. ...  The church needs God, but the church also needs each other.

 3. You Need to Know Your Purpose

Meaning and purpose are very similar words. But to me “meaning” has more to do with our personal feelings and “purpose” has more to do with the designer’s intent. In other words, you will not feel like you are living a meaningful life unless you live your life with the specific purpose that God designed you to have.

...

But what does the Bible say? Why did God really create us? What is our ultimate purpose? According to Scripture, we really do have one ultimate purpose, and our purpose is to glorify God. God created us to glorify him.  Isaiah 43:7 ... and why in 1 Corinthians 10:31 Paul says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

 

 4.  You Need Personal Passion Projects that Serve People and Glorify God

Here we culminate everything we discussed into personal expressions. The above three points are true of every human ever created. Without God, without people, and without purpose, you will not live a meaningful life.

While God has created all people the same in some senses, he has also created each of us uniquely different as well. In other words, the way we love God, the way we interact with people, and the way we accomplish our purpose to glorify God should be uniquely expressed through our individual, God-given personalities.   ...

In Romans 12:4-6 Paul teaches: 

   “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them . . . .”

These passion projects need three elements: They need to be enjoyable to you, they need to be helpful to other people, and they need to be done for the glory of God. So if you want to live a meaningful life, you must always have passion projects going on in your life."

I couldn't have said this better. Bottom line: I'd like to point out that many times this is defined in the little things, your actions or words that touched someone else - that cup of water. But whether 'big' or 'small' the point is meaningful is  defined in terms of relationship(s). Meaningful really can't be if you isolate yourself from life and all its joys and pains,

Walk THROUGH the storm

There’s a wonderful song by Rogers and Hammerstein:

   “When you walk through a storm, keep your head up high, and don’t be afraid of the dark…”

This has been a favorite of mine almost from the first time I heard it. When it’s sung, it’s more than powerful because the music and words complement each other that not all songs can create. Another song by this duo that also strikes that balance - “Climb every mountain”. Both of these songs are incredible encouragement.

   "And don't be afraid of the dark, at the end of a storm there's a golden sky ...

Walk on through the wind. Walk on through the rain. For your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart, and you'll never walk alone"

WE are told: to not be afraid, there is an end to the storm, walk on with hope in our heart and we'll never walk alone. Scripture also tells us that the Father has promised us: 'that He would never leave nor forsake us' (Hebrews 13:5). And, we know that He never lies - if He says it, that's the end of the argument.

Words are incredibly important and sometimes we miss them. We see and read them but we don't put them in context or we forget WHO said the words and how they have always been true. One example is the word - through. And that's the point - we walk through a storm, we don't stop and we don't bewail our condition - we continue to walk... through. I think we do the same thing when we read the Bible. We see, we read but do we read with understanding, do we see with eyes that don't skim the words. 

I don't know about you but sometimes I forget the - through - part. Sometimes my behavior reallllly lacks maturity because I moan or wallow or 'sit'. None of those actions accomplishes anything and only extends the time I'm in the 'in' part not the 'through' part. Did I forget the words the Lord has said? No, not really but I certainly didn't apply them. Once I realize what I'm doing, after apologizing to the Lord, I refocus.

Remember the words Jesus spoke about this condition?

   "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]  (John 16:33)

Consider... IF we've accepted the Lord's gift of salvation and IF we have read His Word and are beginning to grow in who we are IN HIM and IF we are applying His Words then why aren't we going through? We have the authority to do this, we should have the understanding that we can do this... 'through' sounds like a mighty good behavior. Bottom line: it's up to us to proactively do the through. Oh, and by the way... you did see that you have a companion as you walk through - hope. 

   " Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." [Romans 5:5]

The Value of 1

This thought passed through my thinking as I was attending a meeting recently. We sometimes forget that -1- can make a tremendous statement. Now... apply this to you and what you do and say (and don't). I've heard it said that it really isn't all that important since it was only me (1). Not true. Sometimes -1- can be even more effective than a group.

Let me give a few examples. Jesus. He was only 1. Yes, He did draw others to Him and the increase made an incredible statement. But... it began with 1. Look at the Old Testament prophets - many of them were an 'only 1' and one can't say they didn't have tremendous impact. It is true that sometimes they had an assistant/one who they were mentoring to take their place... but I suspect they began alone.

[Slight rabbit trail: if you are in leadership and you haven't begun mentoring someone to fill your shoes once you aren't involved any longer...  if what you are doing is important then having a replacement is crucial. End of sermon.]

I think the important point is WHY don't you think your 1 isn't important? You don't see your affect on anyone or thing? Remember the parable about the sower? That's what he did - he sowed. Farmers, I believe, understand this. Not every seed will bring a harvest for a variety of reasons. But if that's where you're focused - you are definitely focused on the wrong thing/person. Your eyes should be on the thing/person. That's what is now.

Back to the sower... you really don't know if your words, behaviors are making an impact because you reallllly don't know the state of the person you are talking to - what they are going through, how they listen, etc. If what you are sharing is important (and salvation is everything) then again - wrong focus. You don't bring the increase - God does (1 Corinthians 3:7). In modern day parlance - you do your thing and let God do His.

Back to the sower... looking at 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 we read Paul talking about planting, watering, harvesting. We never know the impact of our words. Let me illustrate by a simple example: if there was no word planted... what's the use in watering dirt? if there was a seed planted but it never was watered... what do you think will happen to that seed? And if there is a seed... and if it was watered... why would we not harvest?

One (1) has great value whichever place in the process you enter. The value is definitely there in the doing.

What about meeeeee

That whine is really most unbecoming. And we do this in so many ways and times. For the Christian it really should never pass our lips … but it does even though we are told to take off the old man and put on the new man…

   “If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude]"  [Ephesians 4:21-23, AMP]

   "Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you." (MSG)

   "Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new [spiritual] self who is being continually renewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self—" 

[Colossians 3:9–10]

   "We know that our old self [our human nature without the Holy Spirit] was nailed to the cross with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin." [Romans 6:6]

   "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, 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 12:1–3]

The multiplicity of verses on what we need to do to control our Me-ism, our old self, ways of acting, thinking points on what IS important. We are in a refining process but we aren't in this alone. We may do the doing, but we have a helper to assist and come along side so that we are successful. 

There are a number of 'take aways':

   1. We do the doing - but remember that the Lord never asks us to do something we can't accomplish

   2. There is an order - we take OFF FIRST and then begin the process of putting on 

   3. The location of this change - in the spirit of your mind or a life renewed from the inside 

For me, another positive is that all this is a process. No one is born again and then immediately becomes mature. We will make mistakes, we will sin, but we also have 1 John 1:9 that provides a way back into relationship. 

If your question is how to do the taking off/putting on... or maybe you question why this is even necessary. The answers are found in scripture. One is: Philippians 2:12, another is 2 Timothy 3:16, another - Ephesians 2:10, and Romans 12:1. And the list goes on. Part of this is refocusing away from our own meeee. The Lord is with and for us - Hebrews 13:5. 

We have switched allegiances when we accepted the free gift of salvation that can only come from a belief in and acceptance of Jesus - who He was, what He did, what He continues to be and do - AND our only way to God. Our old allegiance was to the devil (the only other option and if we aren't in the Book of Life we are in the devil's) and that former allegiance needed breaking for our sake, for our knowledge, and for satan's - he no longer has a right to us. 

The incredible joy is when we begin to see not meeee but who the Lord sees in us and the grace and mercy that's extended to us (Hebrews 4:14-16) we KNOW

   "What is man that You are mindful of him," 

      Psalm 8:4

   "Indeed, I have inscribed [a picture of] you on the palms of My hands;"
      Isaiah 49:16

   "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own];"

      Jeremiah 1:5

   "For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. 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 3:16-18

You always were in the mind and heart of God. He chose to be in relationship with His creation. What more meeee do we want?

Weary

    "Now may the God who gives endurance and who supplies encouragement grant that you be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, .so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify and praise and honor the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." [Romans 15:5-6, AMP]

However, before we get into the meat of these 2 verses, consider how the Message Bible, beginning in verse 3 states this thought:

   "That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for Himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “I took on the troubles of the troubled,” is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it’s written for us. God wants the combination of His steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever He will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!"

And we get weary. Why? Perhaps, our weariness is part of trying to do everything on our own? Maybe it's that we feel WE have to do it all? Sometimes it's a control issue - who's in charge and if it's me then we do 'it' my way? There are as many reasons that weariness crops up as there are of us who experience it.    

I do love the poetry and image of the phrase "... our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem." We should think about these verses, especially during times of weary-ment. And let's face it - we all get weary at times and how best to both express that feeling as well as not wallow in it is really important. What, How would you define that phrase? What pictures are painted in your mind? 

An important question is - do you want to be part of a choir? I'm really a choir type - I love listening to all the various voices singing baritone or bass, contralto, 2nd soprano, soprano, alto - the fullness can't be matched by a solo. The verse in Romans makes it clear that it isn't a solo that's the focus, it's: "...with one accord you may with one voice glorify and praise and honor God..." Together we are doing this and it's our choice. Besides, when we are part of a choir we can do so much more, quicker and more effectively. Plus, our part is part - not the whole. For me, this realization mitigates the weariness. 

Compromise

   I guess I shouldn’t be surprised but I’ve just discovered that I am terrible about compromising. It’s not that I view myself as infallible - I’ve been so very wrong so many times. I think it’s based in the fact that I am pretty much black or white. Rarely, if ever. both simultaneously. and not a swatch of gray either. Add to that I almost always see both sides to the issue. It can get complicated. Dichotomous together. Oxymoron anyone?

   It really isn’t a ‘my way or the highway’ stance. I can and do change my thinking but I rarely try and blend or go the route of you give a little, I’ll give a little because that way no one ends up with anything except a bad taste in the mouth. Why am I seemingly intractable? I think it comes from my application of the scripture that tells us that our ‘yes’ should be yes and our ‘no’, no [Matthew 5:37]. ‘Maybe’ doesn’t even come to the discussion. Or at least I don't tolerate it well. Is a 'maybe' legitimate? Yes - when you don't have sufficient information to make a reasoned decision but the time of decision is also indicated when the 'maybe' is.

  I do know that we seem to live in a culture that thrives, endorses, and expects compromise... as long as you accept their definitions and actions. I have yet to meet someone who is suggesting 'compromise' that really has any intention of compromising. Basically, it's a strategy to get you to accept their way. Don't like the subterfuge. 

  Is there a place for 'you do your thing', 'I'll do my thing', and we'll get together to compare notes at the end? Isn't that a form of iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17)? And isn't this a form of learning? Why do our disagreements need to end up as wars, as lost friendships - isn't there a place for ... come, let us reason together (Isaiah 1:18)? However, maybe this is a form of 'you win, or you lose and I hate losing'? In our competitive society has our standing determined by how may wins and losses one has.?

  Compromise seems to always end up in a place where one upmanship (an incredibly old concept) rules. My ability to get you to see my way or for you to cede the biggest loss is the focus and the goal and means to it are irrelevant.??? Then again... maybe I'm in one of my Don Quixote moods. Maybe I'm trying to inject a note of logic. Maybe I'm only talking to myself.............

A test or trial? … or... A temptation?

Believe it or not, it IS easy to tell the difference between a test and a temptation or attack. Always start with checking out the source and your spirit. Do you feel embarrassed or even worse - condemned? If so... not the Lord, not how He works. Sometimes, your emotions give you a sense of the source of your feelings. Don't dismiss them out of hand. But also, never use them as an excuse. 

We make mistakes. We sin. We do rash and/or unthinking things or speak those words. However... we aren't a wretch any longer and we have a way back into fellowship when we do the things we don't want to do and not do the things we do/should want to do.

   "If we claim that we experience a shared life with Him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we’re obviously lying through our teeth—we’re not living what we claim. But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges all our sin.

If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—simply come clean about them—He won’t let us down; He’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of Him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God." [1 John 1:6-10, MSG]

ALWAYS remember who we turn to and what He understands. And... He is never surprised at our actions, words, decisions. But the glorious truth can be found in Hebrews.

   "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]. 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: 14-16, AMP)

I needed to share with you the reality of not only that you are Human (created by God in His image) but you, like everyone, are a fallen Humanity - we all have this stain. BUT we also have a Savior (Jesus) who understands and is ready to help us - it takes our faith, our belief in all that Jesus said and did and continues to do for us. He will always be available when we turn to Him - whether it be a test (helping us to know what we know and what we still need to learn), a trial (sometimes of our own making, but those dry, desert places and times - though He is still with us when we finally turn to Him). 

But a temptation - this the Triune God NEVER does. If it is a temptation... you know the source - your enemy, the devil. More important - do you know that it is a temptation that you (always) CAN stand against? The devil wants us to feel (we sometimes put aside what we know and allow 'feel' to lead and dictate). Never, never forget John 10:9-10

   " I am the Door; anyone who enters through Me will be saved [and will live forever], and will go in and out [freely], and find pasture (spiritual security). The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]."

What a vivid comparison of the thoughts and behaviors - plus we know who is the strongest, who never slips, never betrays, and tells us He will never leave us. On the other hand, our arch enemy will use every opportunity to trip us up especially misquoting scripture. You, however, always have a way back into fellowship with the Triune God [1 John 1:9]. A test or trial... never a temptation and if you are facing a temptation, that's never from the Lord.

   " Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God." [Philippians 4:6]

Jack v Master

When I was growing up in the dark ages, one of the more favorite sayings was ‘jack of all trades and the master of none’ typically preceded by a somewhat critical tone implying either - is this what you want to become or applied to another person. I think that the implicit assumption/judgement was that it should never be your intention to be in the ‘jack’ camp.

Another accompanying saying was: 'that (I/the other person) knew enough about (fill in the blank) to be dangerous'. And if that was true that those who were daring were even worse and avoid them!!! Now as an ‘argument’ against that thinking are the inventors and other creative types. What if they had simply stopped/given up after one try? And what about another saying that exhorts us: 'if at first you don’t succeed try, try again'. Do the advocates of the 1st two sayings simply ignore, turn a blind eye to the try, try approach?

Relevance? When it comes to spiritual matters, we really can't be dabblers. I would also advise against being inattentive or inactive students.

   " 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]

We don't seem to have much difficulty feeding our bodies... we need to be as attentive and intentional to feeding our souls. Neglecting our minds, wills, and emotions can cause many errors not the least of which is our inability to act as Paul instructed Timothy. I know that there are few of us who welcome tests and trials but it is the best way to know what it is we know and what we still need to know.

Why only dabble in 'something', why not learn as much as you can so that you are equipped to be effective? Mediocre and less is nothing to aspire to. Do you really want to be know as someone who only know a bit about (fill in the blank) so can't be relied upon to be of much help? It's like reading only the Introduction to a book and not read more to learn, know more, what's important because you stopped with the Intro. It also can be likened to a person whose response in rarely 'yes' and/or 'no' because it's mostly - maybe. 

When it comes to spiritual matters, being a 'jack' is truly harmful. Because of a lack of study, you could easily mislead someone as well as yourself. Being 'iffy' about what scripture actually says plays into the devil's plans. He is a 'master' of twisting scripture to his own advantage. Why would you want to be in partnership with him?!!!

   "...  you have known the sacred writings (Hebrew Scriptures) which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus [surrendering your entire self to Him and having absolute confidence in His wisdom, power and goodness]. All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work."

[2 Timothy 3:15b-17]

You did see that scripture is 'profitable' for: instruction, conviction, correction, and training. Yes? That's the path to being more than a 'jack'.