Tell me... how's that working for you? Comfortable? Stable? If you have or are trying this, you quickly discover that this is incredibly difficult as you constantly are focusing on maintaining your balance. Is this how you want to live? Is this what defines who and what you are and do? More important, is this the behavior that characterizes the church at Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6, MSG and defines the future?
"Write this to Sardis, to the Angel of the church. The One holding the
Seven Spirits of God in one hand, a firm grip on the Seven Stars with
the other, speaks: I see right through your work. You have a reputation
for vigor and zest, but you’re dead, stone-dead. “Up on your feet! Take
a deep breath! Maybe there’s life in you yet. But I wouldn’t know it by
looking at your busywork; nothing of God’s work has been completed.
Your condition is desperate. Think of the gift you once had in your
hands, the Message you heard with your ears—grasp it again and turn
back to God. If you pull the covers back over your head and sleep on,
oblivious to God, I’ll return when you least expect it, break into your
life like a thief in the night. You still have a few followers of Jesus in
Sardis who haven’t ruined themselves wallowing in the muck of the
world’s ways. They’ll walk with me on parade! They’ve proved their
worth! Conquerors will march in the victory parade, their names
indelible in the Book of Life. I’ll lead them up and present them by
name to my Father and his Angels. Are your ears awake? Listen.
Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.”
Rather scathing... isn't it? And let's be honest. If we are seemingly to be standing on one foot and then the other, it probably is because we are trying to live with the world's standard (carnal) and hoping that God's (spiritual) isn't in conflict. We never can succeed to make God's standards compatible with the world's - never will work.
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the
world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world,
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, comes
not from the Father but from the world." (1John 2:15-16)
"They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They
are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good." (Titus 1:16 )
James 4 is also a warning about trying to live in both 'camps'. Romans 8:7 tells us:
"For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not
submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot." (ESV)
All of these scriptures reinforce the reason for renewing our minds. We should never be standing on shifting sand (Matthew 7:24-27) and when we equivocate what we believe and Who we believe then that is a good image of what standing on one foot and then the other. Can you imagine the spectacle you present when you do?
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Find your purpose
Yes I know... sometimes it seems like this is the most incredibly difficult thing to accomplish. But those times of being completely confident are worth the search. When you do then everything seems to fall into place. The things that aren’t part tend to evaporate of their own accord. Finding your purpose centers you and everything you do and say is evaluated against this standard.
Does your purpose 'change'? Do you experience success? If you do then I believe your purpose, not the essence, but the expression or depth of understanding does increase. If this is the definition of 'change' then yes - your purpose changes. My caveat on this is that it is dependent upon whether you've accomplished what you need to. You can never move on with danglings (my word for unfinished 'business'). Mostly I believe that rather than a change it is more of a refining, a deeper revelation that then spurs the search.
However, I also believe that this starts from a foundation of belief that You aren’t here by mistake. You are not a mistake. And you are where you are supposed to be. If you don't believe this then life takes on a shifting sand basis of understanding. Simultaneously, I believe we all need to know and accept that there are certain aspects of our walk that do not change. All this begins in our relationship with the Lord.
Scripture gives us countless verses that declare that God doesn't change. That when He says something, it always happens (Isaiah 55:11). The point is - we NEED stability, we need to know what never changes. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8). When we know and believe this then we can act confidently.
Does your purpose 'change'? Do you experience success? If you do then I believe your purpose, not the essence, but the expression or depth of understanding does increase. If this is the definition of 'change' then yes - your purpose changes. My caveat on this is that it is dependent upon whether you've accomplished what you need to. You can never move on with danglings (my word for unfinished 'business'). Mostly I believe that rather than a change it is more of a refining, a deeper revelation that then spurs the search.
However, I also believe that this starts from a foundation of belief that You aren’t here by mistake. You are not a mistake. And you are where you are supposed to be. If you don't believe this then life takes on a shifting sand basis of understanding. Simultaneously, I believe we all need to know and accept that there are certain aspects of our walk that do not change. All this begins in our relationship with the Lord.
Scripture gives us countless verses that declare that God doesn't change. That when He says something, it always happens (Isaiah 55:11). The point is - we NEED stability, we need to know what never changes. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8). When we know and believe this then we can act confidently.
To be fruitful and fulfilled you have to find your purpose. So how do you go about actually doing this? 1. Discover what's at your hand that needs doing and act because you are equipped and enabled. 2. Discover what YOU like to do, what brings meaning to your days. Examples: for me, it's writing - this brings meaning and purpose, for some it's working with their hands to create (fill in the blank), for others it may be doing those acts that bring comfort or joy to someone else. Actually, if you do those 2 'Discover' things, you'll probably be acting according to your purpose. The question might be: When you finish doing whatever you are - can you stand and feel 'good' about it? If so, then that is further confirmation. You may not always see the fruit, but knowing you did what you could ... priceless.
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Protection
Do you need protecting? And is it you need someone/thing to do the protecting? or add to your protection?Why do you need protecting? Most important, protection from....? Identifying who/what you need protecting from is critical. And, what is it you can do to enhance your own protection?
There are many scriptures, over 30, that relate to protection, examples (AMP):
"Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid
armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to
[successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies
and the deceits of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11)
Though it's God's armor, it is we who have to put it on. The enemy is identifies, the reason for the armor is explained, and our responsibility is indicated.
"So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, 'The
Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will
man do to me?'” (Hebrews 13:6)
Comfort, encouraged, confidently, not afraid - and the reason is the Lord.
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before
them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail
you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31.6)
What we do (be strong and courageous), what we don't do (be afraid or tremble), and the promise that the Lord will not fail or abandon us.
“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every
tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn.
This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition]
is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication
from Me,” says the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17)
This protection is summed up in the words... "No weapon...will succeed..."
These are only a few of the verses in scripture that demonstrate how protection is provided for us in every aspect of our lives. Why would we fear? We have nothing to fear - we are overcomers!
"For [a]everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world;
and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—
our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]." (1John 5:4)
There are many scriptures, over 30, that relate to protection, examples (AMP):
"Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid
armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to
[successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies
and the deceits of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11)
Though it's God's armor, it is we who have to put it on. The enemy is identifies, the reason for the armor is explained, and our responsibility is indicated.
"So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, 'The
Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will
man do to me?'” (Hebrews 13:6)
Comfort, encouraged, confidently, not afraid - and the reason is the Lord.
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before
them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail
you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31.6)
What we do (be strong and courageous), what we don't do (be afraid or tremble), and the promise that the Lord will not fail or abandon us.
“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every
tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn.
This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition]
is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication
from Me,” says the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17)
This protection is summed up in the words... "No weapon...will succeed..."
These are only a few of the verses in scripture that demonstrate how protection is provided for us in every aspect of our lives. Why would we fear? We have nothing to fear - we are overcomers!
"For [a]everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world;
and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—
our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]." (1John 5:4)
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Saviour
Simple definition? Is it? What does this word mean to you? Rescuer? From what? To... something? If 'to'... What? On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is this? What's the value? And now ... what do you do about your Saviour? Is it only a momentary 'relief' or is your life forever changed?
Perhaps what we need to do, often, is to remember, review, refine Our basics. And the first is - saviour, because that is the foundation/source from which everything starts and proceeds.
[As an aside... it's interesting to note that in the secular world, the word is spelled - savior (though it is acknowledged as a variant spelling). However, in scripture it is spelled - saviour.]
Webster:
"someone who saves something or someone from danger, harm, failure,
etc. —used by Christians to refer to Jesus Christ."
Synonyms: deliverer, redeemer, rescuer, saver
The site, biblestudytools.com provides this definition:
"Saviour: one who saves from any form or degree of evil. In its highest
sense the word indicates the relation sustained by our Lord to His
redeemed ones, He is their Saviour. The great message of the gospel
is about salvation and the Saviour. It is the "gospel of salvation." Faith
in the Lord Jesus Christ secures to the sinner a personal interest in the
work of redemption. Salvation is redemption made effectual to the
individual by the power of the Holy Spirit."
However, the important point is how YOU define the word. Does (how) the word impact your life... what you do, what you say, how you do both of them? Are you conscious that your Saviour is actively involved in you life? Bottom line: who is your Saviour and what is your relationship! This is what's important. Jesus didn't come, do all He did, suffer, die, and rise again to be only an addendum to your life.
He is the ONLY way to abundant life here and a home to return to when you die. If you've studied any of the other 'religions' - which, how many of them have as their foundation a Saviour who has done all that He has, especially to take on our sins ((2Corinthians 5:17-20) so we can live a new life. Right! No one. No one could because:
"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name
under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No
one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)
This is what Jesus did for us... Who He is, What He did, and Why. Your response...
Perhaps what we need to do, often, is to remember, review, refine Our basics. And the first is - saviour, because that is the foundation/source from which everything starts and proceeds.
[As an aside... it's interesting to note that in the secular world, the word is spelled - savior (though it is acknowledged as a variant spelling). However, in scripture it is spelled - saviour.]
Webster:
"someone who saves something or someone from danger, harm, failure,
etc. —used by Christians to refer to Jesus Christ."
Synonyms: deliverer, redeemer, rescuer, saver
The site, biblestudytools.com provides this definition:
"Saviour: one who saves from any form or degree of evil. In its highest
sense the word indicates the relation sustained by our Lord to His
redeemed ones, He is their Saviour. The great message of the gospel
is about salvation and the Saviour. It is the "gospel of salvation." Faith
in the Lord Jesus Christ secures to the sinner a personal interest in the
work of redemption. Salvation is redemption made effectual to the
individual by the power of the Holy Spirit."
However, the important point is how YOU define the word. Does (how) the word impact your life... what you do, what you say, how you do both of them? Are you conscious that your Saviour is actively involved in you life? Bottom line: who is your Saviour and what is your relationship! This is what's important. Jesus didn't come, do all He did, suffer, die, and rise again to be only an addendum to your life.
He is the ONLY way to abundant life here and a home to return to when you die. If you've studied any of the other 'religions' - which, how many of them have as their foundation a Saviour who has done all that He has, especially to take on our sins ((2Corinthians 5:17-20) so we can live a new life. Right! No one. No one could because:
"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name
under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No
one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)
This is what Jesus did for us... Who He is, What He did, and Why. Your response...
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Rocket Science
I always describe my writing as not being rocket science ... which got me to thinking about how salvation can be characterized as not being rocket science. Think about it a moment. What are we told? "That whosoever believes will be saved (John 3:15) and "There is no other name (Jesus - Acts 4:12). Simple and straightforward - yes? Then what's our problem!?!
Is it not that the first declaration we make, stops us: "...with the mouth one confesses" (Romans 10:10)? Or perhaps the realization that our lives will never be the same. It can't be a continuation because what we have now understood is transformative - we aren't who we were before salvation (2Corinthians 5:15-20! But what is it that we now need to do?!
Actually there are a number of things we need to do... but some of them aren't always obvious. We need to remember that we have now begun a new adventure but that we are also enabled, equipped, and empowered and that all this is a process of discovery. But specifically I believe that the beginning steps are crucial or we don't begin what we've started. One of these first steps is to begin reading scripture. The Bible is our handbook for living but sitting on the table accomplishes nothing. Now... where to begin?
For new Christians I always recommend starting with John. John provides a wealth of information in terms of Jesus' teachings. It starts with...
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God." (John 1:1, ESV)
Translations are important, and the more you have the more it will expand your understanding. Starting with the NASB or NKJV is always my suggestion. But the point is... begin reading. John helps us to put into a context who we are, Whose we are, and what the teachings reveal. As you grow in understanding then you have a wealth of knowledge as you read the New Testament.
Simultaneously, find a Bible believing and preaching church that meets your needs so that you have fellowship with other believers who will also assist in your growth. (Hebrews 10:25). Quite honestly, we need one another since none of us has all the truth and understanding. It's as we share what we know that when our understanding isn't complete, we sharpen one another (Proverbs 27:17). Always use scripture to verify what is said, test the spirits to prove truth (1John 4:1-6).
Again... none of this is rocket science, but I don't believe it's meant to be. We all come just as we are to a knowledge and recognition of our need for a saviour. But Jesus never expects us to stay there. He wants the best for us and that always begins with growing.
Is it not that the first declaration we make, stops us: "...with the mouth one confesses" (Romans 10:10)? Or perhaps the realization that our lives will never be the same. It can't be a continuation because what we have now understood is transformative - we aren't who we were before salvation (2Corinthians 5:15-20! But what is it that we now need to do?!
Actually there are a number of things we need to do... but some of them aren't always obvious. We need to remember that we have now begun a new adventure but that we are also enabled, equipped, and empowered and that all this is a process of discovery. But specifically I believe that the beginning steps are crucial or we don't begin what we've started. One of these first steps is to begin reading scripture. The Bible is our handbook for living but sitting on the table accomplishes nothing. Now... where to begin?
For new Christians I always recommend starting with John. John provides a wealth of information in terms of Jesus' teachings. It starts with...
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God." (John 1:1, ESV)
Translations are important, and the more you have the more it will expand your understanding. Starting with the NASB or NKJV is always my suggestion. But the point is... begin reading. John helps us to put into a context who we are, Whose we are, and what the teachings reveal. As you grow in understanding then you have a wealth of knowledge as you read the New Testament.
Simultaneously, find a Bible believing and preaching church that meets your needs so that you have fellowship with other believers who will also assist in your growth. (Hebrews 10:25). Quite honestly, we need one another since none of us has all the truth and understanding. It's as we share what we know that when our understanding isn't complete, we sharpen one another (Proverbs 27:17). Always use scripture to verify what is said, test the spirits to prove truth (1John 4:1-6).
Again... none of this is rocket science, but I don't believe it's meant to be. We all come just as we are to a knowledge and recognition of our need for a saviour. But Jesus never expects us to stay there. He wants the best for us and that always begins with growing.
Monday, August 26, 2019
Victim? ... or Victor?
I refuse to be a victim! But do I do what needs doing in order to be a Victor?! I think I've discovered that you can not be a victim but you aren't acting as a victor either. But why would we ever stop ourselves from being victorious... or is it an issue of the focus of our victory? Is there ever anything we shouldn't celebrate a victory over? Off the top of my head, I can't think of anything. Then again, it may be my definitions.
When I look at the victim v. victor I have to start with the focus. When I look at the scriptural verses about victory, I discover that there are over 22 that speak to being a victor. There are so many powerful ones that also include the focus of our victory and what we need to do to become victorious.
"...for the LORD your God is He who goes with you to fight for you
against your enemies, to give you the victory." (Deuteronomy 20:4)
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is
faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with
the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be
able to endure it." (1Corinthians 10:13)
"I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In
the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome
the world." (John 16:33)
" For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And
this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith." (1John 5:4)
Those 4 verses are only a sampling of what we are attempting to overcome, Who is with us in this, and what we need to do. It should give us tremendous confidence to Stand (Ephesians 6). We are equipped, enabled, empowered to act confidently because we KNOW Whose we are.
Victimology is never what we should believe or act on - never buy the lie. We do. But we really don't need to act as a victim or believe we are - regardless of our circumstances. The Lord has told us so many times that He is with us, will never leave us, and will help us to become all we can be. And being a victim is never what we are supposed to be. Never, never forget Romans 8:37:
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him
who loved us."
When I look at the victim v. victor I have to start with the focus. When I look at the scriptural verses about victory, I discover that there are over 22 that speak to being a victor. There are so many powerful ones that also include the focus of our victory and what we need to do to become victorious.
"...for the LORD your God is He who goes with you to fight for you
against your enemies, to give you the victory." (Deuteronomy 20:4)
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is
faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with
the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be
able to endure it." (1Corinthians 10:13)
"I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In
the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome
the world." (John 16:33)
" For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And
this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith." (1John 5:4)
Those 4 verses are only a sampling of what we are attempting to overcome, Who is with us in this, and what we need to do. It should give us tremendous confidence to Stand (Ephesians 6). We are equipped, enabled, empowered to act confidently because we KNOW Whose we are.
Victimology is never what we should believe or act on - never buy the lie. We do. But we really don't need to act as a victim or believe we are - regardless of our circumstances. The Lord has told us so many times that He is with us, will never leave us, and will help us to become all we can be. And being a victim is never what we are supposed to be. Never, never forget Romans 8:37:
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him
who loved us."
Friday, August 23, 2019
Running...
away from? or to? If you are running, do you know why? Do you have a direction or a plan in mind... or is it only a (momentary) escape? I'm not trying to dis anyone who is in a state of running, only asking them to reassess if it is necessary... and do they have a time when they anticipate they'll stop running?
Not much of a long distance runner myself, however I have discovered that I do sprints at times. Regardless, for me it's a condition of discovering that this is what I'm doing rather than a thought out decision to run. Thought out or surprise 'discovery', we all need to eventually stop, catch our breaths, and determine a better way to respond. Was it 'fear' that occasioned the run, what is our why!? Temptations? Our own sin?
So often running only results in a worsen condition than if we had dealt with it at the time we realized. Perhaps we need to develop a good defense to be ready for use when the need arises... because it will arise. Point being that running is rarely a successful approach to problems, issues, temptations, etc. We tend to forget Who is working with us in these times and we are enabled and strengthened to face them.
"But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against
the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3, ESV)
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you
to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But
rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also
rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." (1Peter 4:12-13, ESV)
While there is little support for running, whatever caused you inclination to run does come with benefits when you stand.
"Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1: 2-4, ESV)
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering
produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character
produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's
love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has
been given to us." (Romans 5: 3-5, ESV)
Our 'benefits' of standing and facing over running is becoming perfect and complete, lacking in nothing, and the product of hope. That is a strengthening. We can, we can't succeed in running.
Not much of a long distance runner myself, however I have discovered that I do sprints at times. Regardless, for me it's a condition of discovering that this is what I'm doing rather than a thought out decision to run. Thought out or surprise 'discovery', we all need to eventually stop, catch our breaths, and determine a better way to respond. Was it 'fear' that occasioned the run, what is our why!? Temptations? Our own sin?
So often running only results in a worsen condition than if we had dealt with it at the time we realized. Perhaps we need to develop a good defense to be ready for use when the need arises... because it will arise. Point being that running is rarely a successful approach to problems, issues, temptations, etc. We tend to forget Who is working with us in these times and we are enabled and strengthened to face them.
"But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against
the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3, ESV)
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you
to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But
rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also
rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." (1Peter 4:12-13, ESV)
While there is little support for running, whatever caused you inclination to run does come with benefits when you stand.
"Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1: 2-4, ESV)
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering
produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character
produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's
love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has
been given to us." (Romans 5: 3-5, ESV)
Our 'benefits' of standing and facing over running is becoming perfect and complete, lacking in nothing, and the product of hope. That is a strengthening. We can, we can't succeed in running.
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