Without

Can’t take the credit… my friend Keith penned and pinned the following to one of my posts that I really felt was apt:

       "Faith without works is dead!

        Love without expression is dead!

        Hope without articulation is dead!

        Worship without the spirit and truth is dead!

        The Body without the spirit is dead!

Have no idea if this original with him or he read it. Doesn’t diminish the truth. If we are 'without' in any of these areas, we are in need of life! Can you honestly, as a born-again Christian, see yourself as having and displaying Faith without works... or Love and not express it... or Hope without articulating what your hope is and built upon ... or Worship apart from doing so in spirit and trust... or your body apart from your spirit. Each one ends in a death of some kind. But that's what 'without' does, it's how it's define - without.

James (2:14) clearly states that if there are no works, then it's impossible to see Faith in existence. Supporting this is Ephesians 2:10 which tells us that the Father has prepared, ahead of time, works that we should walk in them! Works are an expression of our Love, Trust, and Obedience because even our faith doesn't come from us. 

   "For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. [2:8-9]

Works are expressions of our understanding... coming from the foundation of Faith and built on Love. Can you really express anything of value apart from Love? Does acting on your sense of duty... or obligation... or responsibility not come from Love? Not necessarily... maybe, maybe not. But those 3 do have a lot of baggage associated with them that can get in the way of seeing or diminishing Love.

Interestingly enough… we choose our attitude, we choose our expression. Do we want others to see Love? Or what, precisely, do we want them to see from our actions? It is our decision. With? or Without? For me 'without' smacks of hopelessness. Praise God - we, who place our hope in Jesus. are always With!

Well done

   “Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:23)

Do you long to hear that? Confirming that what you are doing is meaningful, that makes a difference? A question I do have for you - do you know that you are 

important? That you are valued? That you are touching lives and making a difference? If the answers to those 3 questions isn’t YES then you aren’t seeing you nor your a/effects. Orrr... if it is true, YOU can change this.

My thesis is that none of us are particularly adept at accepting compliments and encouragement until we begin to understand who this new creature is that’s being created. A corollary to that thesis is the realizing that we aren't in this alone. We have the best of all partners, the Holy Spirit, to help us accomplish the Father's business. When we choose to grow then we take the first step toward being in this state. 

FIRST, we need to realize that we have a new identity! And with this awareness, this understanding we can ‘use’ this as foundation. Identity is really the starting point because if we don’t know who we are how could we possibly do what we desire to and become that faithful servant to the Lord? I’m not going to share all of the discoveries that scripture provides about our identity, but I would like to share a few as encouragement.

Listen to how our Identity once we are born again is described:

                         You are chosen   [John 15:16]

  “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My representative] He may give to you.”

No mistake about our status - we are chosen. All we need do is to believe and act on this.

                          You are a new person  [2 Corinthians 5:17]

   “Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in  Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].”

You are a NEW PERSON, one interpretation is a creature never before seen. The important point is that you NOW are new and are on adventure to discover your new. 

                        You are an heir of God  [Romans 8:17]

   “And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory.”

The thought of being an heir is kind of difficult to get your head around… doesn’t make it less true. This is how the Father looks at us. We don’t earn it, we certainly can’t purchase it - it is a gift.

  

                           You are blessed   [Ephesians 1: 3-4]

   “Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ, just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, 

consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love…”

Blessed with every spiritual blessing! That does cover it all. In partnership with the Lord, you can do great things. These were only 3 parts of who you are, your identity. There are more. But until you choose to have them become your identity - they remain only words.

Listen to the words from 1 Chronicles 28:20

    ““Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” 

 

Our command, commission, and comfort is the last sentence - He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. Finished?! Never finished... NEVER FORSAKEN. 

Who's in Charge?!

And when I say … ‘who’s in charge’ your mind should immediately go to - of what?! And isn’t that the point? A number of people may be the answer depending of the 'what'. When it comes to us, our lives, the answer is often a shrugged shoulders. Or maybe the answer is - it depends on the focus. Or maybe you place the decision-making as a external to you - someone else is in charge. How about you! Are you ever in charge? Do you need or want to be? Do you turn to the Lord? Is your spirit your director?

I suspect that I could create a variety of scenarios and the one in charge would continue to change. Where's the stability in that?! But that’s not how it should be and the only one that can change or affect this is .., you. Bottom line really is that it should always be your spirit who is in charge, you can trust that and it doesn't fail. Our minds, our wills, and especially our emotions (description of our soul) can and often does get us in terrible straits. I'm reminded of the catch phrase - 'Look at what you've done! Another fine mess you've gotten me into!'

If really doesn't have to be that way. Yes we will mis-hear or not understand, but when we consciously and intentionally follow the spirit's leading we'll be in a much better (need I say 'safer') place. But this begins by trusting your own spirit... which, in my opinion begins with having your spirit in relationship with the Holy Spirit, who is all that He's been given to do (John 14:26).  But is this really for us... too? Can we be in charge by our spirit? I think so, but it isn't instantaneous - it's a process we continue to grow in/by. My proof? Scripture.

Remember the scripture that says we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14). Now couple that with the Father’s words that says He knows us from the womb (Jeremiah 1:5a). And as an added accompaniment to this is that He, the God of the Universe, breathed into us the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). Now how do you think about you!

Who knows us best? God. Who says He will never leave or forsake us? God Hebrews 13:5). Who says nothing can ever separate us? God (Romans 8:33-39). Who tells us that we’re a new creation? God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). And who said that we are to come boldly to the throne? God (Hebrews 4:16). And I could go on because there are so many examples - but the point should be made - what is man that you are mindful of him (Psalms 8:4)? Why??? He is.

And how do we respond to all this love lavished upon us? Do we not just take but make time for fellowship with Him? Is our time set aside, planned to just rest in Him. not an unthinking few minutes? I’m not being critical or condemning. I’m not pointing fingers. But if even the smallest amount of understanding doesn’t make us think, it should! We all need to look at how we go about being us and doing those works that God has prepared before hand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).

If we aren’t in close communion with the Lord, if we don’t rest in His rest then how effective can we be? What is your purpose? What do you want to do, not in repayment for what the Lord has done (we can't), but to share the wonderful experience, good news that you know? When your spirit is in charge, you will be led to opportunities to witness - just ask... this will be given. 

Answers

I ask a lot of questions though I rarely give answers. There are a couple of reasons for this … one is I don’t like to teach and write from the answer. Teaching, writing from the question is far more creative and fun. And yet, when it is spiritual matters there really is only one answer and the source never changes. The scriptures really are the only source for the answer. So I've slightly amended my thinking to: teach, write, learn from scripture, but still ask questions to help the reader/student/self continue seeking their understanding FROM scripture. 

Another reason is that answers have to be personalized and operationalize and will be more internalized when you make the discovery for yourself. Of course I provide my answer but I always challenge the reader/student. I’m not infallible and we do see through a mirror dimly, which means I’m always open to iron sharpening iron. And I may 'hint' at my answer but I want the person to make their discoveries so that whatever is discovered is theirs and not just the 'teacher'. 

And NO, this does not mean that there are multiple answers to the same question. What scripture says IS the answer. But I also challenge the person to find supportive scriptures because they are always there and confirm the answer. Obviously the danger is taking a scripture verse in part and not the whole nor in context, which can change the meaning and also understanding how the words are defined. All this is involved in our growing. With a question based approach we are on a mutual journey of discovery.

Admittedly, I do enjoy the give and take of learning and teaching but it is truth that we are discovering not bending what you think you've discovered to blend with what you think. The Spirit is ALWAYS the guide, the director in this and we need His help to know what we know and act on it from a base of confidence.

   "But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you." [John 14:26]

This verse accomplishes a great deal: 1. It indicates Who is coming and Why, 2. Who the source is, 3. The specifics of what He will do: reach, help us remember.

Point being... the Holy Spirit will aid us in understanding. And look at the role of the Holy Spirit: helper/comforter/advocate/intercessor/counselor/strengthener/

standby.

   " Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. 

If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him." [James 1:3-5]

To me James is telling me that it is alright to question as long as we turn to the answer-er, the Father. He isn't upset with questions, but I might suggest that He might be disappointed if we stop there. Answer abound in scripture, the Father has given the Bible to us to aid in our growth, understanding AND application. He never temps, He does test and correct so that we are lacking in nothing.

The road to Answers is found in our desire and commitment to learn and apply our lessons, to share what we've discovered to expand our answers. For me, questions are the path to answers.

Definitions and such

 Definitions are important! Mandatory even. Without them we really don’t know if we are speaking the same ‘language’. You (listener/reader) may not agree with the speaker/writer’s definition, but at least you know why they are saying what they are saying. However we can never use our definitions as litmus tests. One of the fun opportunities is for an ‘iron sharpening iron’ experiences. WHY does the person define the word the way they do? WHY do you? This kind of conversation grows us, expands our understandings.

I suspect the question really is - do we want our messages to be heard and understood? I realize that sounds lame... but there are those whose goal is not understanding, it can be orders, or my way or the highway, or obfuscation (just listen to politicians and media pundits). The purpose of the communication starts this process. 

I realize I've spoken about this before but the 'do you want your message understood' status can't be ignored. And if this isn't a priority then why are we surprised when 'things don't go as planned'? Yes the listener has the responsibility to seek clarification... but sometimes they don't know what the question is. I believe the main responsibility is the speaker's - if they want the message understood then it's up to them to be aware and responsive to the 'audience' to make certain others are understanding. 

If the message is important, then the definitions are. Leaving an unclear or incorrect understanding should never be slighted. Definition and clarity are intricately woven and are foundational. And it really isn't all that difficult, unless the speaker/writer isn't concerned or interested. But how does our attitude dictate what we do? More important... what does scripture say/model?

One source says:

   "The doctrine of the clarity (or perspicuity) of Scripture (that the central message of the Bible is clear and understandable, and that the Bible itself can be properly interpreted in a normal, literal sense) has been a cornerstone of evangelical belief ever since the Reformation."

Another comment:

   "The clarity of scripture means that “the saving message of Jesus Christ is plainly taught in the Scriptures and can be understood by all who have ears to hear it.” May you be encouraged and devoted to read and study the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit because scripture is clear.

The clarity of Scripture does not deny that some passages of Scripture are difficult to understand (2 Peter 3:15–16). It does mean that anyone who studies the Word of God can discern the basic message of salvation and what it means to please the Lord."

2 Peter 3:18 tells us:

   "...but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

To be able to accomplish a heard message, we need clarity, and clarity comes from understanding what is being said, and understanding is based in definitions - even or maybe more so... when mixed messages, or assumptions of understanding, or misunderstanding occurs. This responsibility for understanding is ALWAYS both the speaker/writer and listener/reader responsibility.

Another time

I'm feeling somewhat melancholy right now. Another of my classmates died the other day. And, if you say, at your age not a big surprise. And yet...

We were babies in the WWII vintage. This was an entirely different time and yes, that can be said of each generation, but it was really true for us. Our fathers went off to war and missed some of our 'growing up'. Mothers had to do more than take care of the family, they became co-breadwinners. Then, families looked out for all the children not just their own. And yet, it was a wonderful time to grow up because we got to be kids. Children today don't have that luxury. 

I came from a small midwestern town where everybody knew everything about everyone. We started our school day saying the Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer. No child was forced to say a prayer... but all did because God was still allowed in education. School class sizes were small because there still were one room school houses for the farmer's children (until junior high - same as today's middle school). With a smaller class size everyone was part of the 'group' - no one was excluded. Oh yes, by high school there were sub mini groups but still we all saw ourselves as one group. This got translated into everyone participated in everything - plays, sports, band, etc. 

Nope, no TV until high school (no access, we were in a valley) so I grew up on books. We did stay outside playing till dark but never one minute more. If we got in trouble at school... we got in trouble at home. There never were any school events on Wednesday night because that was church night even if your church didn't have a Wednesday night service. Monday nights were reserved for church youth groups. School events were on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - never on a weekend (except for Graduation).

A simpler time? Of course. Bring it back? No way to, besides I'd miss my techie toys. But the attitudes, actions - yes. 

All that got me to thinking about how we remember. Are you an all things or only good things or only bad things remember-er? It does say a great deal about the kind of person you are. No value judgments. A hint though... good remembering is a warm fuzzy. Bad remembering is cold. All remembering is more rounded. But those memories, those times helped form who you are today. 

Celebrate you... even if you are the only one who hears the music and dances.

Devotional

I may have taken a right when I should have continued straight ahead, but I got intrigued with the word - devotional. Do we really know what it means? Do we know how to ‘do’ it? So I did a bit of a deep dive. Most of the scriptural references on this word are found in the Old Testament… not so much the New - which surprised me. Then I looked at the secular definition and this is what i found:

   “Definitions of devotion https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/devotion

       noun: commitment to some purpose; feelings of ardent love; religious zeal;
                the willingness to serve God; religious observance or prayers (usually
                spoken silently)

Help you any? If you said 'not really' - me too. When I looked at scriptural definitions, they were primarily examples from the Old Testament. While kinda helpful, not so much. This led me to the thought that maybe a 'devotional' is so individually defined and practiced that there is no commonality. The point is that we have devotional times.

I would like to share a devotional that I presented recently... this gives you an example of what a devotional is in my world - a teaching, a pondering, ...

***

Let me ask you a question… when you turn to the Lord, is it only in crisis situations? Or maybe when “all else fails”? What kind of a relationship is this? 

Now visualized yourself sitting in your favorite chair and the Lord sitting across from you and you two were just chatting? You weren't praising, or worshiping, or seeking an answer to anything specific ... just talking. Maybe He was teaching or showing you something. Maybe you were acknowledging something you were contemplating and needed His assistance. Maybe it was reflecting on the previous day. Or maybe it was looking at your 'to do' list and wondering. 

First of all, is it even possible you can get your head around the possibility of such a personal relationship? How does that visualization make you feel? Are you uncomfortable with such an informal, personal approach?  Do you feel guilty about even having such a thought? You shouldn’t. Remember Jesus calling His disciples - friends? (John 15). But when He called them friends…isn’t that extended to us as well? Read the chapter because it is also addressed to us. The End Game in all this is our perception on the word ‘relationship’ and how 

this applies to the Triune God. 

What IS your relationship? Would you like to have this type of personal relationship with the Lord or is it being too irreverent? Soooo what kind of relationship are you building? Do you come to the Lord only in crisis situations? Do you know Him apart from His acts? Do you know Him from His Word? 

Many questions but the bottom line is that we can co-build our relationship. Remember that righteousness (who we are made according to 2 Corinthians 5:21) is the foundation to relationship. Another point to consider is that it is YOUR relationship that determines everything you believe and think about in terms of spiritual matters. 

So, I’ll leave you to ponder. If it’s fellowship you desire - you can have as deep a relationship as you are willing to develop. And remember, no relationship should ever be in cement. It will always grow… if this is what you want. The danger to not growing is atrophy. 

***

If having just read this - how does this grow your devotional time? Do you begin to understand how important it is to take the time and become you - the you the Lord has always seen. Devotion underscores a devotional time. It's yours to create but never let it become routine. Let it always ... breathe.