Only… Just

Those 2 words, only and just, are NOT descriptions! Nor should they be attributed to You or you attribute them to another person. What a gigantic put down. The problem, of course, is the definitions of those 2 words. Then again, many of our communication problems occurs because we assume we all define words in the same way... and we don't always.

I've discovered, when I've heard either of those 2 words attributed whether to me, someone or something else that the person speaking them might not (benefit of a huge doubt) realize what they are implying. Personally, I don't believe these two condescending words should ever be used with/about people. I certainly don't want to be described or seen as a 'just' or an 'only'. Not new behavior. I remember... a long time ago when I was probably 6 or 7 an 'adult' speaking to someone, that children were 'just'... I also remember saying that I may be many things but a 'just' was not one of them. (Only ever so slightly precocious.)

It wasn't until years later that I realized it was a put down (or a put in one's place) comment. It was meant to be condescending. It there is any behavior that immediately strikes a reaction in me is when someone is being patronizing. Part of my intense dislike is probably based in how I was raised. There's even a scripture that talks about this. We should never ascribe a certain elevated prestige that is not ours to 'proclaim'. And, scripture also tells us that we shouldn't esteem ourselves better and that God never shows partiality.  

If you doubt my scriptural reference, let me quote one source:

   "Several Bible verses speak to God lifting us up. James 4:10 states, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." 1 Peter 5:6-7 encourages, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Additionally, Psalm 3:3 says, "But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head."

John 12:43 says: "..for they loved the approval of men more than the approval of God." Now these scriptures put a period to self-esteem and simultaneously show us Who can grant and lift us up. 

If you think I just provided the argument for only and just - no. Look at the source - it's speaking to man about man and indicating Who should be the source. No one should put another person down for any reason - that's not your role or responsibility. You also need not follow them. 

Final thought. You really CAN become an 'only' or a 'just' - but that's your choice. Never choose this... there's no benefit.

I never met a Question I didn’t like

… the answer, on the other hand is a whole different matter. 

One suggestion I have about questions though is - never ask a question if you aren’t prepared to ‘hear’ the response. If all you want is affirmation or applause, you could be sadly mistaken.

A question is never a statement that you haven't thought about the subject, it suggests that you have and want to see if your understanding is met by another's or if there will be iron sharpening iron or something entirely different. It does indicate that though you may have at least a beginning understanding - you are seeking a greater depth. A question is also never a tease to gain others to your point of view.

One source says:

   "In the Gospels Jesus asks many more questions than he answers. To be precise, Jesus asks 307 questions. He is asked 183 of which he only answers 3. Asking questions was central to Jesus' life and teachings."

Reason for questions?

   "While God asks questions for many reasons, one of the broader patterns we see displayed in Jesus's questions is the dual need of noticing and confessing. Jesus always asks questions for our sake. And he's always bringing us to confess his Lordship and notice our need."

Which also affirms my personal reason that I ask so many questions - I want the person I'm talking with to discover and develop their own answers. In listening to the 'answer' to the question you can make a great many discoveries such as: does the speaker listen to what they are saying, how much the speaker has previously thought about the underlying premise, the level of confidence the speaker has in their opinion, how open they are to differences in understanding. 

The answer to those observations will give the 'listener' a great deal of information about how to discuss the topic with the speaker. When there is a 'meeting of conditions' when both agree on format, this can result in understanding, confirmation or change, and a new level of confidence in that you've discovered the 'answer' about the focus of the discussion.

Questions, in my world, are never idle they are paths to truth when your source is the Bible. God is never 'afraid' or angry with our questions - I think they are proofs of our intentions. If you are a person who wants to learn, wants to discover then one of the best ways is to ask questions. The paths of discovery of the answer is rarely a one and done. Typically one answered question leads to a new one. 

Enjoy the journey!!!

The choice is our how

    "... Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." [Romans 12:1-2, MSG]

If you look at that you can translate that into - '...be not conformed to the world (of) but be transformed by the word (in)' - at least that's one interpretation. Another way of looking at this is - if we aren't 'in' the world then we have little way to transform, bring a different perspective. But if all we are is 'of' then where's our witness? What are we providing as an alternative for others?

Reading further in Romans 12 it says:

   "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].    

                ...

I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service]." [v 2-3]

Personally, I can't think of a better description and definition of the difference (and basis of personal judgment) between being IN and OF  the world. There are clues of do's and don't's populating the first 8 verses of Romans 12. Here are some more standards in which to judge yourself.

  "For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use, so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other].  Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed; if service, in the act of serving; or he who teaches, in the act of teaching; or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others], with cheerfulness.' [v. 4-8]

Never say you have no way of determining if you are in or of. This outlines it perfectly. And, if you want further support of these scriptures, turn to 1 Corinthians 12 - the complete chapter, but especially verses 12-31. 

The choice is always our 'how' which comes after we choose if we will act 'in' or 'of'.

Power and Passion

In prayer. Perhaps I should say - in your praying.? Remember:

   "... pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]." [James 5:16]

Would you classify you as a persistent and righteous pray-er? Persistence is really an act of faith. It's not just requesting prayer results that you are focusing on but have yet to come to fruition. Do you ever use praise as your act of prayer when you haven't seen the hoped for results? How about understanding? Maybe acceptance?  Are you following the instructions in Hebrews (4:12. 16}? Confidence is never spoken in demanding terms, so what is your attitude when asking?

So, is your praying full of power? Of passion? Perhaps a definition would be in order. I would suspect that if there is no passion it’s unlikely that there’s much power. Harsh? Perhaps… but that doesn’t make it inaccurate. Power speaks confidence. Passion speaks personal involvement. Both are needed in prayer and without them, what does your praying look like?

When I use the word 'power' I'm not using it in terms of over other people. You can legitimately utilize influence, competence as two examples of the proper use of power. However, manipulation and threats do NOT apply. And exactly Who are you attempting to use that power over when the context is prayer?

Another component is how you view the various manifestations of God that He uses to help us understand Who He is and What He does and How He does it? Example: healing. Do remember that healing is more than physical, though that's part. When we think about healing I think we should think spirit, soul, and body. And look to the result - restored. 

Through prayer we can tap into all that is in the Father's will and can act with assurance because He's with us and helps us. Prayer is one of our communication tools that makes satan furious because we have the blessing and honor to talk with God - something satan never wanted. Why would we give up one of our greatest assets? 

As we pray, believing, our own power is increased against the work of the devil. Remember our weapons of warfare are not carnal. Actually I think the devil would want to deceive us in believing our warfare is carnal because then he can attempt to mislead us, lie, steal... and kill. Killing is more than just death of the body... it's the killing of our spirit that's the devil's target and he uses our soul to target our spirit. 

As long as we stay connected with the source - God in all His manifestations and attributes. When we come expecting, come confidently we do tap into this source. We are so much more than we realize and the devil spends a great deal of his time and energy directed at separating us from the loving Father. 

When you come confidently knowing, your power and passion is increased to be effective, to become the Ambassador to the world we live in. 

 

Who is the God You know?

I was asked to present a devotional the middle of next week, so I thought I'd share it with you. 

Who is the God You know? How do you relate to the Person? Do you have Him a box? Do you bring Him out only in times pf crisis? Do you only bring requests? How do you see Him interacting with you? Perhaps you see Him as so majestic that He is untouchable; and thus unreachable? Is He not to be bothered? Who is the God you know?

Since He is changeless is He who you discovered when you accepted Him as 

your Lord… and remained there? Have you taken the time to discover and know 

a changeless Creator? Do you know the God that you think you know? He is 

unchanging but He's also the Creator. Do you think He's stopped creating?

Has His Word led you into new understandings and appreciation? Do you see 

Him as the Old Testament God who seems vengeful against His Creation? Or 

is He only the New Testament God who has taken so much time and effort to 

help?

Yes, a whole lot of questions... but they aren't idle ones. The Father is vibrant, 

alive, involved never aloof. If He was removed from us by choice then He would 

go against His own word that tells us He will never leave us for forsake us. Also, 

would He have willingly had His own son killed for our sins? Yes they both had to 

agree, but the point is - that was the plan from the beginning. Does that give you any sense of how far He went to save you? Does it begin to define how He loves you? Don't you want to know Him more?

There's no way you can ever 'repay' the Father - and He doesn't expect you to. But since we are the clay to Him being the Potter, are we constantly jumping off the table? Why is it we're always trying to be the center of attention when in fact when it comes to the Creator of the Universe - we are? It's a matter of perspective. Why, do you think, that the Creator God places such significance on you? Part of it relates that He wants you to know Him. Know Him from His Word, know Him from your experience.

God IS God, and not only that but He's a Triune God [Father, Son, Holy Spirit]. He is Omni, He is Creator. But never stop there. Who is He in relationship with you? Is He Jehovah Jireh - your Provider, Jehovah Rapha - your Healer, Jehovah Tsidkenu - your righteousness. And that begins the discovery of Who He is, What He does, How He does it. The wonderful reality is that He will help you discover all that.

Got Questions says:

   "Only what God has chosen to reveal of Himself can be known. One of God’s attributes or qualities is “light,” meaning that He is self-revealing in information of Himself. The fact that God has revealed knowledge of Himself should not be neglected. Creation, the Bible, and the Word made flesh (Jesus Christ) will help us to know what God is like.

Let’s start by understanding that God is our Creator and that we are a part of His creation and are created in His image. Man is above the rest of creation and was given dominion over it. Creation is marred by the fall but still offers a glimpse of God’s works. By considering creation’s vastness, complexity, beauty, and order, we can have a sense of the awesomeness of God.

If you are interested in pursuing this more, I recommend you go to:

 https://www.gotquestions.org/content_God_nature.html

That can begin or reignite your own passion about the God you can know.

Sooooooo????

I checked. I have over 2,000 blog posts. 2,000. Perhaps not much according to those with a great deal more... maybe slightly impressive to those who are just beginning their blogging journey. One bit of advice ... or 2. Make whatever you are doing - yours. Don't listen to critics, naysayers, advice givers or any of that ilk. Once you are 'established' then you can listen. Some of the advice is really excellent, some is trash and can easily be discarded. Some will be a kind of 'hmmm' some might send you on a rabbit trail. But first and foremost your blog has to be YOU.

Quite honestly, I do enjoy creating blog posts. When I realized that I didn't have to produce a blog every x number of days I experienced a great sense of freedom. I could now write when I wanted to say something rather than feeling 'forced'. So that's my pattern now. I also have a variety of 'inspirational' sources to tap into. I find that sometimes my posts are basically tongue-in-cheek (great fun when this is recognized), some I feel have more 'worth' because it's seems to be a message that the Lord is teaching me (presumptuous - don't think so) - I especially enjoy sharing (in a iron sharpening iron sense - Isaiah) my discoveries, hoping for a dialogue to ensue. Rarely.

I didn't start out a blogger - have to credit my nephew on his suggestion. And when it came to journaling, I can't count the number of times I started doing that, which typically lasted about 2 weeks. Rob's suggestion that I write some of these thoughts (good, bad, indifferent, boring, challenging, etc.) and share them in the format of a blog. After that came a good friend, Todd, who thought I should turn them into books. I did. I then discovered I had absolutely no understanding about 'marketing'. There are 17 books languishing for want of readers. Ah well.

Bottom line, point: if you are reading this and have gotten this far... do you like to put your thoughts 'out there' for others to react to? If you have the gift of teaching, I think the answer is - yes. Blogging will challenge you on everything you think you believe and why. Remember - a challenge only becomes a threat when you view it as 'personal'. Don't go there. Let the challenge reinforce what you believe or cause you to rethink or refine. Never stop yourself from growing.

If your gifting is not teaching - you still have a voice and I always believe a voice should be heard... just not the unabridged yelling or a closed mind. A yelling voice always says to me that the 'speaker' may not really understand what they are saying ... nor why. Never forget the admonition of 'come, let us reason together' [Isaiah 1:18 taken slightly out of context]. Voices should always have an ear. And, NEVER say you have nothing to say - we all have a reaction, something to add to the conversation. Never, never silence your voice. If you have no listeners... then blog.

help?.

I have a question… one that I’ve mulled over countless times, but still without an answer. The question: why do so many of us have difficulty asking others to stand with us in prayer about something or someone? Do we see asking for someone(s) help sound like we aren’t trusting a loving Father and we don’t ever want to seem to be doing that! Is asking sound like doubting? If you believe that then you are forgetting that Jesus took His top 3 disciples when He went to pray before His betrayal! 

Perhaps the problem/issue doesn’t seem perilous enough to warrant ‘help’? And where does the Word say that your need has to be life threatening before it is 'legitimate' to ask? OK then maybe the problem is that you don’t know who you can trust to be discreet and who will actually stand with you? Also there is the issue of vulnerability, ours. 

You do realize that reaching out places your own expression of you at a disadvantage when you need help when you have appeared to 'have it all together' or you are mature enough not to need others? Do you realize that when you attempt to express either of those figments of imagination that we limit ourselves but also limit a blessing on someone else who will stand with you? 

An open outstretched seeking could be misconstrued. But You do realize that the person who takes hold of your hand is also vulnerable - yes!? Because when they do take your hand they are now responsible to stand with you - this is definitely a 2-edged sword. Committing to stand with another is not a rushed act because if you haven't discovered what you are standing with them on, it may not be what you thought. Never agree lightly and always find out what the other person is seeking in their asking - not the why.

Obviously my belief lies more in the category of your personal experiences in asking for help. Because - we are told to bear one another’s burdens. I also think that we all are novices when it come to prayer. Somehow, if we’re Christians, praying comes through some form of osmosis and we automatically are prayer warriors. Not!

When you accepted Jesus as your Lord and were born again - did anyone teach you about prayer? I think the answer is nearly unanimous in being - no. Look to the Word - what does it say about prayer? And remember that the disciples came to Jesus asking Him to teach them how to pray. Did, do you? I believe prayer has 2 major ‘benefits’: relationship and learning more about that the weapons of our warfare against the devil. Do you believe, have experienced the weapon of prayer? This is a weapon against our enemy - not other people. 

If prayer wasn't important then why would the apostles ask Jesus to teach them to pray? (You did see the word 'teach'?) Why would the Lord say: 

   "Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.” [Matthew 18:18-20, MSG]

Where 2 or 3 are gathered and in agreement... see the power? Can you get answers when you pray alone - absolutely. But there are times when we really need the help of a brother or sister in the Lord. I would argue that ALL of us needs at least 1 prayer partner that we trust and can turn to so that we double the power of the prayer. Never forget Deuteronomy 32:30.