When you think about it for only a moment you must admit that there is a great deal of darkness in our world. Everywhere we read (or see) that there is violence - people physically hurting one another and then there are the untold acts of psychological violence. The 'news' that's reported reminds one of the scriptures, 2 Timothy 3, that tells us that in the last days there will be terrible times. The total disregard for life, the lack of integrity by those who lead, and the lack of morality - these all speaks to this. Pointing fingers won't help, holding those accountable who act in these ways will.
There is some light but it seems to be only a pin point. However, it's surprising how much darkness can be disbursed with only a tiny amount of light. The other amazing fact is that this tiny pin point can be seen by multitudes for great distances. According to one report, "vision scientists conclude that one could make out the faint glimmer of a candle flame up to 30 miles away." (livescience.com) That is remarkable!
Paul, in his teaching on unequal yoking, (2 Corinthians 6:14)
"...For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And
what communion has light with darkness."
Strong defines 'darkness' as: "The word is used literally for physical darkness and metaphorically for spiritual, moral and intellectual darkness. The darkness arises from error, ignorance, disobedience, willful blindness, and rebellion. Darkness is an evil system absolutely opposed to the light."
Scripture tells us:
"You are the light of the world..." (Matthew 5:14 - Jesus' words)
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good
works and glorify your Father in heaven." (v. 16)
The question: if we don't fulfill our opportunity and responsibility to be light in the world we populate, who will? If we aren't salt and light then the darkness will be all that is known. Without light all that will be seen and known is the darkness of disobedience, blindness, rebellion. It isn't a question of whether or not it is 'easy' to be light, we are simply to be light wherever we are. "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8)
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Certainty and Faith
Recently I heard (where?) a very fascinating statement: "Certainty is fleeting that's why we need faith." I would gladly attribute this to whomever spoke or wrote it but, alas, I don't know the originating source. The point though is that this comment should cause all of us to pause and look at 'certainty' and 'faith' and where, on this continuum, we stand when it is the essential and eternal issues of life.
You can probably place all issues on a sliding scale from certainty to faith. There are certain issues that have become statements of faith in our lives. We believe without the tangible evidence. We stand on Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." And this should cause us to pause as we read that faith is the 'substance' and 'evidence'. The entire chapter gives evidences of people believing, operating in faith without seeing the results, the proof of their faith, yet continuing to stand in faith.
Certainty, according to Webster: "a fact about which there is no doubt, the quality or state...on the basis of evidence". Some of the synonyms are: confidence, conviction, surety, etc. The point is that whatever 'it' is, there is no doubt - it is a given. Facts don't require any personal involvement because whether or not you like them, they are indisputably true. But is it always a provable fact? To complicate this even more, "...God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3) and "...whatever is not from faith is sin." (Romans 14:23). How do those scriptures influence and direct us in knowing what we believe is certainty and what we are standing in faith. To muddy this even further, in both cases of faith and certainty, does doubt play a role?
It may not be scriptural but I believe doubt's role is as the catalyst that causes us to reconsider what it is we believe and why. It is also what causes us to reassess where we are on the continuum on the issue of (fill in the blank). The point is - never try to ignore or hide from doubt, let it assist you to determine as much why as what it is you believe, and the strength of your believing. You need to know for yourself ... does a high level of certainty need to exist before faith can be the foundation? Or does certainty undermine standing on faith? Does faith rely on certainty? All these questions are individually determined.
You can probably place all issues on a sliding scale from certainty to faith. There are certain issues that have become statements of faith in our lives. We believe without the tangible evidence. We stand on Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." And this should cause us to pause as we read that faith is the 'substance' and 'evidence'. The entire chapter gives evidences of people believing, operating in faith without seeing the results, the proof of their faith, yet continuing to stand in faith.
Certainty, according to Webster: "a fact about which there is no doubt, the quality or state...on the basis of evidence". Some of the synonyms are: confidence, conviction, surety, etc. The point is that whatever 'it' is, there is no doubt - it is a given. Facts don't require any personal involvement because whether or not you like them, they are indisputably true. But is it always a provable fact? To complicate this even more, "...God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3) and "...whatever is not from faith is sin." (Romans 14:23). How do those scriptures influence and direct us in knowing what we believe is certainty and what we are standing in faith. To muddy this even further, in both cases of faith and certainty, does doubt play a role?
It may not be scriptural but I believe doubt's role is as the catalyst that causes us to reconsider what it is we believe and why. It is also what causes us to reassess where we are on the continuum on the issue of (fill in the blank). The point is - never try to ignore or hide from doubt, let it assist you to determine as much why as what it is you believe, and the strength of your believing. You need to know for yourself ... does a high level of certainty need to exist before faith can be the foundation? Or does certainty undermine standing on faith? Does faith rely on certainty? All these questions are individually determined.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Pleasing
Are you pleased with you? Pleased with who you are, who you are becoming, how you go about being you, how you present yourself...? A more important, yet difficult question is - do you think the Lord is pleased with you? Do you know why or why not... and equally important, how do you know? And why is this important?
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who
comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a
rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
... impossible to please? Do you have faith? That's the start, because scripture clearly states that without faith you can't be pleasing. It is impossible without faith. Without faith you won't believe. And if you don't believe, you'll never even see or understand the reward that's prepared for you because you will never diligently seek. And yes, if you diligently seek - you will find (Matthew 7:7).
In my opinion these are the 4 key concepts in Hebrews 11:6 - faith, believe, rewarder, diligently seek. You must believe He rewards those who seek Him because why seek if you don't believe you will find? But He also tells us that He doesn't hide from us. Actually, it's a double win since you are rewarded for being pleasing because you are acting on faith. Maybe it's a triple win.
Too often we spend our energy in attempting to be pleasing to others and expect some form of 'reward' from them as a result. Wrong emphasis. We should be kind and understanding, helpful and not critical toward others expecting nothing in return. Others' reactions to us should never be our focus because, at best, it is a fleeting 'reward'. However, we do have One who has done everything for us so that we can be healthy and happy, fruitful and live abundantly - now that's someone to focus our thinking and behavior toward, that's the One we should please.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who
comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a
rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
... impossible to please? Do you have faith? That's the start, because scripture clearly states that without faith you can't be pleasing. It is impossible without faith. Without faith you won't believe. And if you don't believe, you'll never even see or understand the reward that's prepared for you because you will never diligently seek. And yes, if you diligently seek - you will find (Matthew 7:7).
In my opinion these are the 4 key concepts in Hebrews 11:6 - faith, believe, rewarder, diligently seek. You must believe He rewards those who seek Him because why seek if you don't believe you will find? But He also tells us that He doesn't hide from us. Actually, it's a double win since you are rewarded for being pleasing because you are acting on faith. Maybe it's a triple win.
Too often we spend our energy in attempting to be pleasing to others and expect some form of 'reward' from them as a result. Wrong emphasis. We should be kind and understanding, helpful and not critical toward others expecting nothing in return. Others' reactions to us should never be our focus because, at best, it is a fleeting 'reward'. However, we do have One who has done everything for us so that we can be healthy and happy, fruitful and live abundantly - now that's someone to focus our thinking and behavior toward, that's the One we should please.
Monday, January 12, 2015
I...accent on the wrong sy-lla-ble?
Have you ever wondered if we put the accent on the wrong sy-lla-ble? Do we over focus on us, me, I? Of course we do! Our mindset, our frame of reference, our needs and wants, our understanding... all that begins with us/me/I. But while we are the focus from which we react and interact with our world, we aren't, or shouldn't be, the foundation. We aren't our creator. And many times that's precisely how we act.
We really need to refocus on our Creator God and what He wants for and from us. I don't think it takes much knowledge of scripture to observe that the spiritual emphasis is fully on us. Is this good? It is a given, but isn't there much more? Isn't it equally important to recognize and respond to this state with our own commitment? And we also need to remember that this is never a one and done. We are always in the state of becoming... becoming who we are doing what we do. Always recognize that we are a 'work in progress'.
Personally, I think that what got Solomon into his 'vanity of vanities' statement and condition was looking inward - at himself, what he did, what was relevant to him. After beginning with God, he went to other places. Do we do the same? Realizing that we are God's focus do we take it for granted and not value it? I remember an admonition from Paul that we shouldn't, having once begun in the spirit, turn to the carnal (Galatians 3:3). Does that describe how we are? It is always the temptation.
However, once we step back and reassess, we can change. We can put the accent on the right syllable and that is the best way to put the accent in the proper context in relation to ourselves. It really isn't an either/or situation because we always will look at our world from our perspective but we can enlarge our vision and allow the Lord to work in this. The result of putting the Lord in the proper position is that then we are in the proper position.
We really need to refocus on our Creator God and what He wants for and from us. I don't think it takes much knowledge of scripture to observe that the spiritual emphasis is fully on us. Is this good? It is a given, but isn't there much more? Isn't it equally important to recognize and respond to this state with our own commitment? And we also need to remember that this is never a one and done. We are always in the state of becoming... becoming who we are doing what we do. Always recognize that we are a 'work in progress'.
Personally, I think that what got Solomon into his 'vanity of vanities' statement and condition was looking inward - at himself, what he did, what was relevant to him. After beginning with God, he went to other places. Do we do the same? Realizing that we are God's focus do we take it for granted and not value it? I remember an admonition from Paul that we shouldn't, having once begun in the spirit, turn to the carnal (Galatians 3:3). Does that describe how we are? It is always the temptation.
However, once we step back and reassess, we can change. We can put the accent on the right syllable and that is the best way to put the accent in the proper context in relation to ourselves. It really isn't an either/or situation because we always will look at our world from our perspective but we can enlarge our vision and allow the Lord to work in this. The result of putting the Lord in the proper position is that then we are in the proper position.
Friday, January 9, 2015
Using your 'know'...
I could have said, 'application' but since I write about applying what you know as often as I do, I thought I'd state it slightly differently. Webster: "...an act of putting to use; a use to which something is put". Obviously, not a particularly enlightening definition, but accurate. But I would suggest that the only way we really know something is when we use it. Otherwise, how do we really know? How do we refine what we've learning and understood unless it is 'tested'?
Knowledge that we attain, whether it be by book or experience, is something that is never unlearned. And once you 'know' you are responsible for that. How you (and others) know you know is when and what they see in what you do. Knowledge always impacts on action.
From a different perspective:
"We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love
edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows
nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one
is known by Him." (1 Corinthians 8:1-3)
Being a great supporter of knowledge this is an 'ouch'. Sadly, much of the time Paul's accusation that knowledge puffs up is all true. In some cases it is more, in that it gives a platform for arrogance. Ouch again. But... truth is truth.
Perhaps this too is a situation of our 'how'. How we use, apply what we know and how we present it to others says a great deal about who we are, why we are providing our knowledge, and how we make others feel when we 'share'. Our 'how' indicates if our intention is to parade our knowledge, or provide another perspective to consider. Our 'how' is heard in our voice - arrogant, helpful, etc. The point is - how we use our 'know' is critical, especially if we want others to seriously consider what we say.
I believe that knowledge and understanding is a gift. And I believe that the source of that gift is the Lord. (James 1:17) He gifts us and what we do with that gift, with the application of our knowledge and understanding is our gift back to Him. How we present what we know determines our effectiveness in the 'use' of the gift. Knowing can be our source of pride or it can be returned to others in the form of sharing. How do you use your 'know'?
Knowledge that we attain, whether it be by book or experience, is something that is never unlearned. And once you 'know' you are responsible for that. How you (and others) know you know is when and what they see in what you do. Knowledge always impacts on action.
From a different perspective:
"We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love
edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows
nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one
is known by Him." (1 Corinthians 8:1-3)
Being a great supporter of knowledge this is an 'ouch'. Sadly, much of the time Paul's accusation that knowledge puffs up is all true. In some cases it is more, in that it gives a platform for arrogance. Ouch again. But... truth is truth.
Perhaps this too is a situation of our 'how'. How we use, apply what we know and how we present it to others says a great deal about who we are, why we are providing our knowledge, and how we make others feel when we 'share'. Our 'how' indicates if our intention is to parade our knowledge, or provide another perspective to consider. Our 'how' is heard in our voice - arrogant, helpful, etc. The point is - how we use our 'know' is critical, especially if we want others to seriously consider what we say.
I believe that knowledge and understanding is a gift. And I believe that the source of that gift is the Lord. (James 1:17) He gifts us and what we do with that gift, with the application of our knowledge and understanding is our gift back to Him. How we present what we know determines our effectiveness in the 'use' of the gift. Knowing can be our source of pride or it can be returned to others in the form of sharing. How do you use your 'know'?
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
It's never an if...
Have you noticed that with the Lord, if He said it then He will do it. No worries. No questions... it's a done deal. This doesn't mean that we don't have our role, our responsibility but if He said it He will do it - period. However, do we act on this assurance? Not always. But look at the word - assure: to make safe, to be confident - "to give confidence to (us) and hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts." (1 John 3:19) We need to put aside our doubts, our questions, our fears and act on who He is and what He said He would do. We need to walk by faith.
When it comes to our responsibility, He also never asks us to be or do something we can't. He will ALWAYS provide and equip us to accomplish what He asks of us. When you doubt this then read again:
"(May the God of peace) make you complete in every good work
to do His will..." (Hebrews 13:21)
"... for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ..." (Ephesians 4:12)
"... that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for
every good work..." (2 Timothy 3:17)
God is always present to prepare and provide that which is lacking. But it is also necessary that we see and accept the equipping.
When you study 'equip' to understand the fullness of your preparation you discover (Strong's) that it means making fit, preparing, training, perfecting, making fully qualified for service. Without question our equipping is to be used for the strengthening and completion of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4: 7-16). The point is that God chooses each one of us for a particular role and equips us to be able to fulfill our responsibility. He wants us to be fruitful.
Rather than causing fear, this reality should strengthen us and give us the understanding that we are part of a great army to bring light to our world. This is both a tremendous responsibility but also a great honor that the God of the Universe chooses to work with and through us rather than simply using His own abilities or work through others. We are important. We are an integral part of His plan. We have everything we need to do our job. All that we need do is to present ourselves to be available for His use - in His time. With God... it is never an 'if'.
When it comes to our responsibility, He also never asks us to be or do something we can't. He will ALWAYS provide and equip us to accomplish what He asks of us. When you doubt this then read again:
"(May the God of peace) make you complete in every good work
to do His will..." (Hebrews 13:21)
"... for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ..." (Ephesians 4:12)
"... that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for
every good work..." (2 Timothy 3:17)
God is always present to prepare and provide that which is lacking. But it is also necessary that we see and accept the equipping.
When you study 'equip' to understand the fullness of your preparation you discover (Strong's) that it means making fit, preparing, training, perfecting, making fully qualified for service. Without question our equipping is to be used for the strengthening and completion of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4: 7-16). The point is that God chooses each one of us for a particular role and equips us to be able to fulfill our responsibility. He wants us to be fruitful.
Rather than causing fear, this reality should strengthen us and give us the understanding that we are part of a great army to bring light to our world. This is both a tremendous responsibility but also a great honor that the God of the Universe chooses to work with and through us rather than simply using His own abilities or work through others. We are important. We are an integral part of His plan. We have everything we need to do our job. All that we need do is to present ourselves to be available for His use - in His time. With God... it is never an 'if'.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
We all matter
You, I, we all matter. Every day - who we are, how we go about being us, it matters. We do not have the right to diminish ourselves - remember that we have been bought and brought into freedom and should never betray that cost. Should I repeat this? WE do not have the right to consider who we are and what we do as unimportant. If you are a Christian then you were bought by a terrible price (1 Corinthians 6:20). You are important, you are equipped and enabled regardless of what you feel. The Lord has us where we are for a reason - it is not the wrong time or place. Our daily quest should be walking in all we know what this is to be.
If, in any way, you doubt what I've said... read what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12 beginning in verse 12. We are all equal, but we aren't all the same in all things. Your gift may not be the same as mine, that's why everyone matters and is wanted and needed. v. 18: "But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased." As the clay (Romans 9:21), do you have the right to question the potter? No. You can make your case but the end result is that it is your decision to accept and follow what the potter wants. Will you submit?
Since we all matter, we need to treat one another as partners in this life so that together we can strengthen the body. We are to supply, each one of us, what has been given to us:
"...for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the
faith..." (Ephesians 4:12-13)
This is no small thing because we all think we know 'best' but we are told to esteem one another (Philippians 2:2). However, I've never read that as we are to be one another's floor mats or to never express our opinions. It's often in how we do this that makes for good decisions.
We aren't blessed with foresight so our understanding is limited by what we see right in front of us. That's why faith is so critical - it is always our choice to act on this faith, to believe that the One who is in charge has our best interest at heart, knows what's best for us and in the situation, and will always be with us in this. Bottom line is that you matter. Ephesians 4 teaches us that when we act as the body and present our gift then;
"...the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint
supplies, according to the effective working by which every part
does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself
in love." (16)
If, in any way, you doubt what I've said... read what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12 beginning in verse 12. We are all equal, but we aren't all the same in all things. Your gift may not be the same as mine, that's why everyone matters and is wanted and needed. v. 18: "But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased." As the clay (Romans 9:21), do you have the right to question the potter? No. You can make your case but the end result is that it is your decision to accept and follow what the potter wants. Will you submit?
Since we all matter, we need to treat one another as partners in this life so that together we can strengthen the body. We are to supply, each one of us, what has been given to us:
"...for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the
faith..." (Ephesians 4:12-13)
This is no small thing because we all think we know 'best' but we are told to esteem one another (Philippians 2:2). However, I've never read that as we are to be one another's floor mats or to never express our opinions. It's often in how we do this that makes for good decisions.
We aren't blessed with foresight so our understanding is limited by what we see right in front of us. That's why faith is so critical - it is always our choice to act on this faith, to believe that the One who is in charge has our best interest at heart, knows what's best for us and in the situation, and will always be with us in this. Bottom line is that you matter. Ephesians 4 teaches us that when we act as the body and present our gift then;
"...the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint
supplies, according to the effective working by which every part
does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself
in love." (16)
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