Everything

There’s a love song that Nat King Cole use to sing - “You’re my everything “. The word ‘everything’ started me thinking about relationships. This then led me to our relationship with the Lord… is He our everything? How would He, we know? Have you ever sang a love song to the Lord? No, not preposterous. He's done that for us! How so I know? Scripture is a love song... how many times does He tell us about love, how to love? Perhaps the question I need to ask is: how do you define 'everything' and do you apply this to relationships?

I sometimes think we only judge value, importance, etc. on the basis of time spent - quantity. When it comes to relationships - do we also focus only on quantity (self-defined) rather than quality? And yes, quantity includes multitasking in the worst definition of the word - when\if we apply this word to our time with the Lord. Distractions also intrude... primarily because we let them. While the Lord is with us always and is available always, there are 'special times' each day that we (should) spend (just) with Him. These times should be 'our' times. Scripture tells us that God looks on our hearts - multitasking is not applicable. 

But back to my initial question - is the Lord your (my) everything? How do we know - apart from quantity? Do we give Him our everything? Do we ‘allow’ Him access to all, everything good/bad/indifferent that is us? Do we give Him time to become involved in our everything? Do we look to Him as our everything? How? When? Yes, a lot of questions to ponder… but it really is important (far more than we realize). Look at the word ‘everything’ - this encompasses ALL, nothing eliminated no matter how small. The word kind of defines itself - if it’s everything then nothing is left behind, not seen.

Once you wrap your head around that - then what do you do? One of the first things is to look at the Bible with new understanding eyes. The Bible becomes more than a manual it becomes your life script, your source of answers, your source to grow from, your comfort, etc.

   “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: 16-17] 

 

Do you see anything that's missing from these 2 verses? We have the Bible as a constant aid. And those words were written for you, it is your answer to every question. Too much for you? Why? You aren't expected to know everything all at once, the moment you accepted Jesus as your Lord. We all are in a process of becoming. Process. The point is to be engaged in your own growth and your choice of 'teaching tools' is critical. However, there is also another scripture to rely on as you continue.

   "I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good

    work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ

    Jesus [the time of His return]." [Philippians 1:6] 

This is for/about YOU. It also should tell you that the Lord is doing EVERYTHING He is allowed by you to do for you. There's another verse that supports this thinking.

   "For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans

    for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

   Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your

    voice] and I will listen to you." ]Jeremiah 29: 11-12]

 

How's that for a promise! Where could you get a promise that would be more inclusive, extensive, and with a proven track record? Nowhere. This is the God of the universe telling YOU what 'everything' is that He will do. 

   "...indeed men swear [an oath] by [a]one greater than themselves, and with

    them [in all disputes] the oath serves as confirmation [of what has been said]

    and is an end of the dispute. In the same way God, in His desire to show to the

    heirs of the promise the unchangeable nature of His purpose, intervened and

    guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things [His

    promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who

    have fled [to Him] for refuge would have strong encouragement and indwelling

    strength to hold tightly to the hope set before us. 

    This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it

    cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—

    a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple,

    that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells] ..."  

    [Hebrews 6: 16-19]

Everything means EVERYTHING. It is our privilege to, with open hands, give Him our everything. Actually, He knows what our partnership can accomplish far better than we know, and by bringing our everything He will help us BE fruitful which is our best everything.

Denying an 'is'

I mean… why bother? Why deny an ‘is’ because if it is an ‘is’ it will make itself known regardless of what you attempt to do. In this case, it really isn’t an ignoring, it’s more of me moaning over something I have absolutely no, zero, zilch, nada control over. And those of you reading this who know me, even slightly, know that when it comes to the ‘I’ in me - I always want the last word!

So what’s so monstrous? AGE. I’ve always spoken those well known 'sayings' many, many times: ‘you’re only as old as you feel’, ‘age is a number not an identification’. Well, those statements are only partially accurate. Age IS a number and it will always let you know that It is in control. And ‘feel’ is the definer - you can’t always do what you did in your 40’s, 50’s, or even 60’s, your physically body WILL betray you, and not all of us are Caleb’s (ex: Joshua 14:11) Not that I ever did anything terrible to my body (that seems to be betraying me now)... didn't really think much about it. 

Since I seem to be on a vent of sorts... I didn't do those things that would cause my body harm and I still have all the original parts with no broken anythings. So I didn't totally mistreat. However, when I look at this in more adult moments, that behavior may not have anything to do with it. I'm simply irritated that I'm not the (physically able) person I was. So... now what? How do I live with this identity defining interference?

I think... being smart about what I really can and can't do is the starting point. This also applies to other 'is's' in our lives. Not all of them are negatives - some are informational and some provide us with understandings we didn't have before and some are downright 'FUN'. Some are fairly simple understandings such as... so you can't jump a 10 story building in a single bound? So? Could you ever? Did you ever? Do you need to? And the biggie, what are you trying to prove??? And yes, you can ask these same questions of yourself when faced by any 'is' that is challenging you. Remember, the challenge may not be the 'is's'... it may be you.

I know this whole discussion may sound incredibly tongue in cheek... partially guilty. The way I said it - probably 'yes'. The message... no. Because we all face times of trying to deny an 'is' in our lives. That is wasting time ...... and we know this. Doesn't stop us though. However, we really need to truncate the time we spend there and begin to discover ways of incorporating the 'is'. Since I started with using 'age' as the example, I'll return. 

Age can really stop us in our tracks. We don't really want to give up to those 'things' we've always enjoyed. But when those things are physical in nature... nature will dictate. So you can't do (fill in the blank) any longer. What can you put in place? It may not be a quid pro quo, but always add something that is what you enjoy and can still do. Maybe it becomes a priority shift... something that previously may have been a -7- is now a 3? It's OK. Give yourself a bit of grace and accept true 'is's' and make them all they can be. Pouting and complaining (though partially meaningful at the time) never lasts and is really a poorer representative of who you are.

TITHING!!!!!?

What!!! I thought I WAS tithing! No?  Do we really need to talk about this? Aaaa... yes. Maybe it's the definition, description of the word. Or maybe it's not following instructions correctly. But, read 

   “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘In what way have

    we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings [you have withheld]. You are cursed

    with a curse, for you are robbing Me, this whole nation! Bring all the tithes

    (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and

    test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the

    windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no

    more room to receive it. Then I will rebuke the devourer (insects, plague) for

    your sake and he will not destroy the fruits of the ground, nor will your vine in

    the field drop its grapes [before harvest],” says the Lord of hosts. “All nations

    shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight,” says the

    Lord of hosts." [Malachi 3:8-12]

To clarify:

  1. Obviously God is speaking to His nation of Israel. And before you say it's the Old Testament... or that you aren't Jewish, let me point out that The Old Testament is still part of the Bible.

   "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)

  2. As to not being Jewish. The Gentiles are grafted in - Romans 11 begin in verse 11 as well as 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3; 28 among others.

  3. 'into the storehouse' - that's the church you are associated with. And this doesn't mean you can split your tithe - the whole goes into the church. It's those who oversee this that are responsible. You've done what you should do.

  4. Do you SEE and understand what happens when you follow this command?!! God opens the window to blessings as well as rebuking the devourer and you will be called happy and blessed.

What could possibly stop us from following this? Us. Personally, I was brought up tithing... even as a child. I had to tithe a tenth of my allowance to the church and I had to save a tithe. The rest was all mine to use. However, when I got older and was employed, I still tithed but on the 'net' not the gross. And the Word says nothing about tithing on 'net'. WHOLE is the terminology.

Tithing is one of those subjects/issues that puts feet to any statement about believing that the Bible is the Word of God. If you do believe this then every word is there for a reason. It doesn't say we always have to like what's said - simply that we follow it. Scripture also says that we don't add, subtract from what's written (Deuteronomy 4:2) - which includes adding our definitions and interpretations. God says that He changes not (Malachi 3:6) which does not mean His mind, but His character. There are instances in scripture when God says He will do something but relents when His people change. repent, and return. Also, if He does change His mind - He says so and why (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Using the above as foundation, then there is no place in scripture that God says tithing is only for (fill in the blank) and until (fill in the blank) - it simply says that we are to tithe. Rather simple statement. Yet we do want to put our own spin in this. Which gets us???????

There is a slight catch in all this... at least according to my world. Scripture also says we should be cheerful givers, remembering our source  

   "And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in

    abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances,

    regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being

    completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work

    and act of charity. As it is written and forever remains written, 

        “He [the benevolent and generous person] scattered abroad, he 

         gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever!”

    Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and

    multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the

    harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness,

    and love]. You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and

    this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God

    [from those who benefit]." [2 Corinthians 9:8-11]

We want all the benefits, we want the abundance so why attempt to spin (spelled - rob) what God's Word has said. Does where in scripture make the difference as to whether you follow His words? If you look closely, Jesus also tithed. Do I hear a sputter from you? Again, it can be man's interpretation but Matthew 17:27 does seem to support it. And both Luke and Matthew speak to when Jesus rebuked the Pharisees about their tithing on mint and cumin but neglecting the weightier things. But even if He didn't, does that 'excuse' us? You may be giving offerings... but are you tithing?

You may not agree with what I've said... you may have a different standard and  understanding.... but when you stand before the Lord, do you know what you believe - your why, how, and scriptural support? This is what's important for you.

Thanking ... Praising ... Worshipping...

   "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: 6-7, AMP]

So... how do we DO this? How do we 'put' everything by petition WITH thanksgiving CONTINUE...? Read on in Philippians 4

   "Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of

    respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and

    wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of

    good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise,

    think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them

    in your heart]. The things which you have learned and received and heard and

    seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the

    source] of peace and well-being will be with you." [v. 8-9]

   '...But whatever [word] comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this

    is what defiles and dishonors the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts

    and plans, ..." [Matthew 15L18-19] 

All these verse are the basis for thinking about thanking, praising, worshipping... and the opposite. You do see that it is WE who do this. Let's look at each of these words.

Thanking:

First, a question. WHY do we thank God? Basically, what's our motivation? Do we thank Him in advance? for...? Is this an attempt to influence Him to do what we want? That's not what thanking is all about. Sometimes, it IS thanking the Lord for all He's done and acknowledging this. I think that sometimes we dash off a 'thanks' without much thought. Shouldn't do this. 

I read, "Would it surprise you to learn that THANKFULNESS is mentioned 73 times in the New Testament? 20 in the Gospels?" 73 times in the New Testament is really not much, especially since Genesis does this 20 times alone. My only conclusion is that we really aren't a very grateful creation and when we consider all that He's done and is continuing to do for us... that's shameful. And when we do thank Him... how do we express our thanks... with a grateful heart? And I would suspect we have something to be grateful for... daily.

Praising: 

Have you ever considered that praising the Lord, corporately, is part of your witness to others? It is. It's how you speak of the Lord to/with others. 

Simple example: when you were very young did you ever say to any of your mates: 'my Dad can do (fill in the blank) better than your Dad'? Maybe that's a different generational thing, I just know this happened when I was young. It was a way of setting your Dad apart from all the Dads and praising him to others. Question: do we do this about our Lord to others? For that matter, do we do this to Him in our words, in our prayers?

Personally, I like the use of the word, ‘praises’. I’ve seen far too many prayer meetings that only focus on needs, petitions, wants and praise gets lost. So, what should our corporate prayer meetings ‘look like’? When the time is over, how do and how should you feel? What is it you want from these times? Does it begin with understanding the Philippians’ scripture that talks about in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with     thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known…?

Worshipping:  

To me, worshipping is in a category all to itself. It's the 'entering into the holy of holies', it's where God lives. It's a difficult 'place' to describe and yet... once experienced one always wants to return.

The best 'voice' to express worship is the scriptures - these verses tell us the how, the what not's, the what's when it comes to our worship. 

   "But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship

    the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father

    seeks such people to be His worshipers." [John 4:23. AMP]

    "Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present

    your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy

    and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of

    worship." [Romans 12:1]

    "And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial

    values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you

    mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and

    ethical attitudes], so that you prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is,

    that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for

    you]."  [verse 2]

Is one - thanking, praising, worshipping - more important than the other? My answer would be no (even though I lean toward worshipping). Gratitude is critical in the qualities we display. Praising is our 'bragging on the Lord' and so we should do - because He has and continues to do great things. And Worship... it is indispensable because that's being in His presence. ALL should have a place in our daily mindset and expressions.

 

Planted

Have you ever thought of yourself as 'planted'? This thought 'popped' into my thinking just now. Putting this into a context, how did you get to the church you are attending? What prompted that first 'check out'? What stands out as the reasons you returned? The Preaching? The greeting by others attending? The music? There can be a host of 'reasons' that initially enticed you and spurred your continuing to attend. Yes? So now time has passed... are you still attending? Just attending? Or have you started to identify with the church as 'your' church? And... (I would quickly add that if you don't feel planted then you need to find a church in which you do feel this way.)

   "Only, let each one live the life which the Lord has assigned him, and to which

    God has called him [for each person is unique and is accountable for his

    choices and conduct, let him walk in this way]." [1 Corinthians 7:17)

If you are (in your church) , does it feel like your church home? If it is... what do you see as your part? You do realize that if you are attending, you've been planted. And if you've been planted then you belong. And if you belong you've not been called to be a pew sitter, so what's your role? Don't you feel a sense of participating? And if you feel a sense of participating... how will you express this?

I would contend that your church home needs to function with all involved. It's 'nice' being a guest but a guest is precisely that... not a member. And if you're injured - you wouldn't stand outside the hospital or clinic yelling that you're hurt would you? Wouldn't you go in to seek that help? Binding up the wounds, healing is part of what a church does and yes, you don't have to be a member to receive healing. 

   "...  and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to

    love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers

    for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one

    another;..." [Hebrews 10: 24b-25a]

Yes, I'm doing what I keep saying don't do - taking only a portion of scripture. My excuse is that the point needs to be confirmed by scripture. There's a powerful reasons to 'belong'... to be a part of a family. It's not that a non member won't be valued or heard and it is true that a prophet is without honor except in their own home (Mark 6:4) - HOWEVER... look what happens to those who do act on and accept the role of member - encouragement, love (and this doesn't end the litany of benefits).

I truly believe all believers are planted in a church AND for a reason. It may be for only a season, it may be permanent but planted - Yes. Sometimes the reason is a season of recuperating, I always think there are times of growing, perhaps a time to become better equipped in the call on your life, maybe there's a work you can do in that particular body of believers. The point is whatever was happening before (a different church split, a lifeless church that you can't influence, sin that you entered into), but you know it's a 'before'. You are where you are right now, right here and you need to seek the Lord to find out if you are also planted. If so, then make that statement and become a member. 

Planted, membership, commitment, involvement and I could go on is part and parcel of your now. I would also argue that there never is a time the Lord would want you unprotected, uninvolved. We all need one another to share, to grow, to become equipped, etc. Planted adds the element of belonging... which never is to be despised.

Attitude Adjustment? Paradigm Shift?

Hmmm .., I wonder. Is 'it' an 'adjustment' or is this a 'paradigm shift'? Related... not the same. From a different perspective, what if we considered every word and action in our day as a ministry outreach - regardless of person, place, or activity - including our job? What if we thought of our lives in terms of service [a paradigm shift?, adjustment?] ... what kind of difference would this be? What if we actually could share our hearts? Challenged? Does this scripture speak to this issue, this wonderment?

   "And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values

    and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature

    spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical 

    attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that

    which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]."

    [Romans 12:2]

When you study this verse you will be able to develop your definition based on the Word as to whether you view this verse as 'adjustment' or 'paradigm shift'. This verse not only tells us what not to do, but what we need to do and how to go about it, as well as the purpose. 

I strongly believe in paradigm shifts and I suspect we engage in this more often than we realize. It doesn't always have to be painful. I do think we need to be aware so we're involved. Too often we seem to allow the 'situation' or people to subtly sway us one direction or another. That is not how we should live our lives in my opinion.

Back in 2018 I wrote:

   "Our lives go through paradigm shifts often... sometimes so subtly that we

    don't seem to realize. It is only when we look back from the vantage point of

    passing time that we do see. Some of the shifts are defining moments in our

    lives, some are due to events that have preempted the shift, and some seem

    to be due to our own changes in thoughts, attitudes, and behavior.  ...  

    It is undeniable that change always, always causes us to confront who we are,

    where we are, and how we go about living in our now - another way for

    understanding and coping with any challenge.   ...

    What is always helpful is to realize that a paradigm shift is a good thing. It's

    meant to help us to grow, to develop, to become all we can in this life.  ... 

    The 'anything' may be your attitude, your thinking. Paradigm shifts cause the

    'new'. Not that the old was bad... unless we refuse to let yesterday be

    yesterday and not move into today."

When you engage in growing, in learning this sometimes does end up with a paradigm shift. In these cases we really are the ones directing rather than having it imposed. A paradigm shift is concerned in maturing us, and with us actively involved. It typically brings further understanding, refinement on what we had thought. 

Don't consider this a negative but as scripture warns us in 1 John 4: 1-6

   "Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed

    prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because

    many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world." [v. 1] 

We are told that we hear the leading, voice of our Shepherd (John 10:27) sod when we sense a check in our spirit we should always stop to follow the instructions from the Word. Caution rarely has to excuse itself because it is one of our defenses. But caution is not an excuse. But also, grant yourself some grace that when you are in error, you will be prompted to correct.

Whether it's an attitude adjustment or a more dramatic change - a paradigm shift. Look at them as tools to help you on your journey. Also realize that there are times you will make a mistake or believe a lie - but correction is always available and much preferred to disaster - defined as compounding the problem or error. Be bold. Be brave. It's you that can do the doing with the partnership of the Triune God.

The Prize

   "Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have

    already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of

    that (perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His

    own.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet;

    but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what

    lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the

    upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual

    perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different

    attitude, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us stay true to what

    we have already attained." [Philippians 3:12-16, AMP]

Hmmm. Interesting. Did you ever consider yourself on a quest? Do you believe that the prize is worth the effort? Are you actively involved in 'reaching'? What does this mean to you? How do you know? 

Perhaps we need to stop and back up first. Do you believe you are the Lord's own? Do you belong to Him? One 'proof' that we are is in the last part of verse 16: stay true to what we have already attained. Partially this is evidence to those around us and partially to the devil, but mostly for ourselves. In our journey we'd learned, we've grown but are we staying true? Part of staying true, in my opinion, is growing in understanding and demonstration of what we've learned. Then again, I don't believe any spiritual matter is a one and done, that there are always layers, plateaus, etc. I find it hard to believe that we ever hit the 'got it all together' stage.

The forgetting of yesterdays, again my opinion, is not the lessons but the pains and hurts from others... that we can put a done and dusted to. When we continue to carry those pieces of baggage, all we're doing is harming ourselves and never forget that if we don't forgive how can we expect to be forgiven? Forgetting is really an interesting aspect, component, use whatever word fits for you... but it is rarely easy, however... we never would be asked to do something we can't do.

As you can surmise... the prize includes doings and don'tings (yes I know that's not a word, but it does capture the thought - yes?). Example: if we don't do the forgetting how can we reach forward? Also, isn't the 'prize' worth the effort? Isn't becoming more mature, more Christlike, the upward call worth everything we can do to attain it? And the alternative? Are you willing to pay the price to throw away your quest? The behavior that demonstrates you aren't on a quest are: give up, yield, surrender (MWebster dictionary). Personally, the word 'surrender' has all sorts of negativity associated with it, not the least of which is disrespect. And I definitely don't want to be so described. 

The other component that can trip us up is comparing. Never, never, never compare your journey, how you grow with someone else. They too may be on the same quest as you - to attain the prize - but it isn't a contest to see who gets there first - this is a prize for all of us. So, if you can help someone else along the way... that's a positive. Comparing is always so exhausting and I tend to believe that there are many paths to the prize. Perhaps fanciful. But I believe that the Lord leads each of us according to HOW we grow and mature and WHEN we reach one plateau and are ready to continue the journey.

One lesson that I've learned is that the Lord considers us individually... He doesn't treat us as a group. I do believe there is only one way which is Jesus and making Him our Lord but after that it's individual. What's available for us is the same but how we accept and utilize the gifts is individual. Our experiences make us unique and different even when we all are experiencing the same thing. God does not show partiality so He would never give to one something that He wouldn't give to another. We may do that... He doesn't. 

Therefore... the prize IS the same for all. How we get there... now that's individual.