Do all and More

Are you a ‘Do all things’ and ‘More than a conqueror’ Christian?  

   “I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP

   “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us].” 

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭37‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Yes, I am linking 2 scriptures - do you see the words? Would you let them define who you are - how the Lord sees you? Do you see the source in both scriptures and let it be the foundation for your words and actions? Do these 2 scriptures paint a picture for you?

Many times a 'can't' slips into our spoken words. But are you confident that your 'can't' is accurate? You have the Lord working in you when you accepted Him as your Lord - right? And He really CAN do all things - right? Then if He is calling you to it....... He is/has already equipped you for it - yes? If our 'no' is based on our perception of who we are then perhaps you could be right. But......... if He IS your Lord, if He is who He says He is and if He has come to make a home in you [John 14:23]... doesn't that make you a 'more than' and a 'can do'? Certainly, you can't be arguing with scripture??????

I could provide you with other confirming scriptures, but I think the point's made. We really can't be 'can'ts' and all and more at the same time. Don't be dismayed, I think most of us have bought the lie satan sends us about who we are, even after we have been born again. Sometimes I don't think we understand that when we have accepted Jesus' Lordship that that's when the devil gets really riled and tries to throw every possible doubt our way. Remember... simply because he throws it doesn't mean we have to catch it.  

Where... a ? or !

 So do you know where you are? What season are you in? Where do you want to be? Are you willing to pay the cost of getting there? and/or Not getting there? I suspect, in some respect, I'm asking you what you are doing with your free will. Saying you don't have it is completely untrue - you do! Not using it is using it. The Father chose to make His ultimate creation, man, have the ability to make his own decisions. But this is not in a vacuum - we have all the directions, understandings available to us to make Good decisions - it's called, The Bible. All your questions are answered there.

And notice I did not say you will always understand... or even like the answers. Not the point - the answers are there and we have the free will to accept it or not. But remember, not accepting it comes with more consequences than following it. I also discovered that the Lord never gets upset with all my 'why's'. He always patiently explains through His word. Then again, I don't approach my why's with a rebellious spirit - my intent is to understand. Interestingly enough when I get to that point of accepting or rejecting - liking isn't one of the options. I may not like it... but will I follow it? 

Sometimes the problem seems to be that we don't always like the decisions we make. Or maybe we feel rushed (by whom?) to make a decision we aren't confident in? Perhaps it's a case of accepting the lesser of evils? When we begin heading in the direction of a decision, do we also begin to develop our scapegoat in case things don't go positively?

Remember too that we have different seasons. Sometimes we are in a highly active time in which time just flies by. Other times we seem to be in a learning time. Do we recognize this and take advantage of the opportunity to learn, to grow? Still other times appear to be testing times. As uncomfortable as those times are - do we choose to learn through them? My belief (based in scripture - James 1L13) that the Lord will never tempt me. Test, on the other hand - absolutely. 

Why tests? Because that tells us what it is we do know and understand and what we still need to know. Tests are as much for us, making certain that we are learning and incorporating into our MO what we learn and know AND still need to learn. So back to the initial question. Do you know WHERE you are and is it a ! or a ?, and what will You do about it?

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.