Is this how you are living your life? Are you waiting for 'someday'? What does your lens show? Will you recognize your someday when it comes? Can you describe what it looks like and what would you be doing? Who also lives there? Or is this only a dream that you don't believe will ever be reality? Unless your 'someday' is a will of the wisp 'hope for' then you do need to have some idea of what it is that marks this place and time... if for no other reason than to recognize it when it manifests.
It takes a great deal of personal strength to follow your dream and not give up, especially during times of darkness or when you seem to be in a desert. When everything and everyone around you seems to shout - Never! - how do you believe, to continue? What you are willing to 'pay' for your someday? Or have you already given up your dream and are 'settling'. To settle for less than your dream takes another kind of attitude - but is this what you want?
No one ever said that it would be easy to arrive at your personal 'someday'. But if it's a dream worth pursuing, then the only one who can do this is you. No, not necessarily alone but no one will pursue your someday with the same determination, the same expectation, the same... hope and faith. Those 2 forces, hope and faith, are what will strengthen you when you are ready to give up. I doubt seriously anyone ever attains their 'someday' without resting on this foundation.
Someday is a very special place and time. It can be yours as long as you know what it is and why you want it. Your 'why' is critical because it speaks to who you are in your quest. The other person in your journey to someday is the Lord, if you invite Him to participate. His ability to aid us during the journey can't be underestimated. When you submit your someday to Him and ask Him to bless it then you are also telling Him that if He changes it, you have given Him that authority. I've also discovered that, for me, any improvements, refinements that He makes are always in my best interests. Also, with Him as my companion I find I don't stress about 'Someday'. I believe it will manifest... in its time.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
In for the long haul???
This may seem obvious but have you ever considered that you can't win the battle (typically against - fill in the blank) unless you are willing to fight? Until you take your stand (make sure that it's as much FOR something as against something else) and intentionally become a warrior that nothing will ever be accomplished - it will only remain an 'out there'. What, for you, is worth your effort? What will cause you to stay in for the long term?
We DO need to know what it is we are fighting so we don't spend our energies in wasted actions. Having fought such battles many times, I finally came to the understanding that unless and until I was willing to be and do what was necessary, that I'd never be victorious. Words cost us very little, it's the actions that speak.
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness
of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly
places. (Ephesians 6:12)
Simultaneously, we need to remember 2 Corinthians 10:4-5:
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God
for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every
high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing
every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
When we made Jesus our Lord, we enlisted in an army and became enemies of the devil (principalities, powers, rulers). But our Commander wins! The only thing stopping a complete victory is that He doesn't want anyone not to have the opportunity to be saved (2 Peter 3:9). In the meantime, we are to fight. We may be battered, but we always win. And this should be our mindset - that we will overcome.
As with any army, there are always those who have the responsibility to lead but there is also an equal responsibility in following. Paul taught (1 Corinthians 9:7) "Who ever goes to war at his own expense?" And, (2 Timothy 2:3) "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." If we didn't enter this war at our own expense then it follows that we will be led and clothed by our Commander. Never forget:
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him
who loved us." (Romans 8: 37)
It takes enormous strength to believe we are who we have been made, but it takes even more strength to act on this. Never forget the admonition Jesus said in Luke 9:62. This can be a standard to judge how we act.
We DO need to know what it is we are fighting so we don't spend our energies in wasted actions. Having fought such battles many times, I finally came to the understanding that unless and until I was willing to be and do what was necessary, that I'd never be victorious. Words cost us very little, it's the actions that speak.
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness
of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly
places. (Ephesians 6:12)
Simultaneously, we need to remember 2 Corinthians 10:4-5:
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God
for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every
high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing
every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
When we made Jesus our Lord, we enlisted in an army and became enemies of the devil (principalities, powers, rulers). But our Commander wins! The only thing stopping a complete victory is that He doesn't want anyone not to have the opportunity to be saved (2 Peter 3:9). In the meantime, we are to fight. We may be battered, but we always win. And this should be our mindset - that we will overcome.
As with any army, there are always those who have the responsibility to lead but there is also an equal responsibility in following. Paul taught (1 Corinthians 9:7) "Who ever goes to war at his own expense?" And, (2 Timothy 2:3) "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." If we didn't enter this war at our own expense then it follows that we will be led and clothed by our Commander. Never forget:
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him
who loved us." (Romans 8: 37)
It takes enormous strength to believe we are who we have been made, but it takes even more strength to act on this. Never forget the admonition Jesus said in Luke 9:62. This can be a standard to judge how we act.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Thanks, but...
You've been invited to an elegant, dress up in one's finery sumptuous dinner party. Pleased and excited, as you enter the parlor you see many people you know. Waiters are bustling around serving plates of hors
d'oeuvres. After milling and chatting with others and enjoying appetizers, you
leave the party and go home. What’s with this? You haven’t gone in to dinner
yet, you stopped before it began! Did you even pay your respects to the host?
Before you think I’m balmy, think about this scene... is this what we do
to the Lord? Do we stay for the beginning (salvation) and then depart before
we’ve even seen the sumptuous feast (abundant life) prepared for the guests?
Why? Why would anyone do this? Is there a concern about what would be required from you, that you would have to
reciprocate and you know you don’t have the means or ability to do this? Or maybe you think that
going further would exact an accounting from you? Perhaps if you don’t know then you
can’t be held responsible for what you didn't do?
There are all sorts of reasons we don’t continue and discover all the
Lord has for us. But, you've been invited! You have the opportunity to grow in your relationship with the Lord! The feast has already been prepared and it is waiting. And most important - it's for you! You have been adopted into the family of God (Ephesians 1:5) and you are now a joint heir with Jesus. (Romans 8:17) Why do we stop now?
Sometimes we stop because we don't know and we don't know because we don't read His word. And sometimes we stop because we are afraid to grow. Let's face it, we all like to be comfortable but being a Christian requires us to relinquish this comfort for the sake of our brothers and sisters. But we also know that He won’t leave us, He will equip us for
what He asks us to do – all He really asks is that we be available and study to
show ourselves an approved workman of the Lord
(2 Timothy 2:17). Never forget His words that He has plans for good for
us and that we are His workmanship created for good works (Jeremiah 29:11,
Ephesians 2:10). Don’t stop short...
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Every day
Every day is a step in our journey, unless we plant ourselves and refuse to move. Every day is an opportunity to live a life of purpose, of meaning... without striving. At the end of the day, do you take a moment to look back at the start of the day and see your journey? Did you learn your lessons for the day? Are you further ahead in accomplishing your long-range goals and becoming your best you? Do you look, with pleasure, at your progress? Or... do you simply drop with exhaustion onto your bed? How do you view your every day?
First: remember that if you make mistakes or even totally waste your day, you need not repeat this behavior the next day. I will never forget a lesson my brother taught me about golf. He said that simply because the shot you just made was terrible, you don't need to repeat it in your next shot. Application: sometimes we forget that yesterday is just that - yesterday. Too often we drag the problems, issues, mistakes of yesterday into the day. We need to assess what needs to be included and what has no value for the day.
Second: we often forget that mistakes are part and parcel of growing - they can be the input that assists us in being able to learn and it can broaden our options planning. Even in devastating situations, there always seems to be a way to resolve the problem - even with seemingly insurmountable issues. Unless we face each error or misstep with excuse or blame or digging in our heels, we can use every situation as a way to learn, to grow. We aren't perfect, our lives rarely reflect perfect but 'perfect' can be a positive impetus or it can beat us into the ground.
Every day should be celebrated! We need to begin our days with a mindset that, 'something good is going to happen to (me) today'. That phrase is over used but the thought is valid every day. And our 'good' doesn't need to be an over-the-moon event, it can come in those quiet moments of inspiration or in a new understanding. It does require strength to maintain this mindset because it will require our sensitivity to seeing 'good'. But this too will grow as we employ strength to our every day.
First: remember that if you make mistakes or even totally waste your day, you need not repeat this behavior the next day. I will never forget a lesson my brother taught me about golf. He said that simply because the shot you just made was terrible, you don't need to repeat it in your next shot. Application: sometimes we forget that yesterday is just that - yesterday. Too often we drag the problems, issues, mistakes of yesterday into the day. We need to assess what needs to be included and what has no value for the day.
Second: we often forget that mistakes are part and parcel of growing - they can be the input that assists us in being able to learn and it can broaden our options planning. Even in devastating situations, there always seems to be a way to resolve the problem - even with seemingly insurmountable issues. Unless we face each error or misstep with excuse or blame or digging in our heels, we can use every situation as a way to learn, to grow. We aren't perfect, our lives rarely reflect perfect but 'perfect' can be a positive impetus or it can beat us into the ground.
Every day should be celebrated! We need to begin our days with a mindset that, 'something good is going to happen to (me) today'. That phrase is over used but the thought is valid every day. And our 'good' doesn't need to be an over-the-moon event, it can come in those quiet moments of inspiration or in a new understanding. It does require strength to maintain this mindset because it will require our sensitivity to seeing 'good'. But this too will grow as we employ strength to our every day.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Too comfortable?
Is your life too comfortable? Are you moving into the 'complacent' stage? Have you stopped stretching yourself? The lack of 'stretching' is typically the best sign that you have succumbed to what is known, what is liked or enjoyed, and you are in an unruffle-able place. Is this really what you want? Ignoring those people, issues that would require you to act, perhaps in an uncomfortable situation, is this who you are or what you want? And yes, I've asked this question before. It typically is one we ask ourselves, or should, occasionally.
I have heard the 'explanation' by someone, that their 'comfortable times' were regrouping and refreshing times. I suspect some credence could be accorded this view... depending on the length of time in those places and times and then the subsequent behavior. Undeniably, everyone needs times of refreshing, of regrouping, of regeneration in order to once again enter into the fray (Webster: a usually disorderly or protracted fight, struggle, or dispute). It is illogical to go into battle (even if only a skirmish) if we are tired or ill equipped.
I'm not talking about regrouping and refreshing, I'm talking about not growing and not embracing our day and our world - a kind of snuggling in to where and who we are. We all tend to (fall into?) times of rose colored glasses viewing, but this only causes mistakes that need not happen. If we are doing the rose color thing, why? And yes, I do know I've talked about this 'state' before, but it is important that we not attempt to delude (or excuse) ourselves. If this is what we're doing (escape, denial) then we need to be honest with about this and decide what we will do next.
Absolutely! We all need times of comfortable-ness. We need to regroup or refresh or do whatever is necessary to catch our breaths before moving on, but we don't need to reside there. We live in a hurting world that needs who we are as a visible example. If we are 'too tired' then take the time to refresh but also take the time to determine what you can do after this interlude. We have not been put into this world to 'be comfortable' but to be salt and light. Remember, you are not doing the fighting from your own strength. You have a partner in this who will strengthen you to do and be all that is asked of you.
I have heard the 'explanation' by someone, that their 'comfortable times' were regrouping and refreshing times. I suspect some credence could be accorded this view... depending on the length of time in those places and times and then the subsequent behavior. Undeniably, everyone needs times of refreshing, of regrouping, of regeneration in order to once again enter into the fray (Webster: a usually disorderly or protracted fight, struggle, or dispute). It is illogical to go into battle (even if only a skirmish) if we are tired or ill equipped.
I'm not talking about regrouping and refreshing, I'm talking about not growing and not embracing our day and our world - a kind of snuggling in to where and who we are. We all tend to (fall into?) times of rose colored glasses viewing, but this only causes mistakes that need not happen. If we are doing the rose color thing, why? And yes, I do know I've talked about this 'state' before, but it is important that we not attempt to delude (or excuse) ourselves. If this is what we're doing (escape, denial) then we need to be honest with about this and decide what we will do next.
Absolutely! We all need times of comfortable-ness. We need to regroup or refresh or do whatever is necessary to catch our breaths before moving on, but we don't need to reside there. We live in a hurting world that needs who we are as a visible example. If we are 'too tired' then take the time to refresh but also take the time to determine what you can do after this interlude. We have not been put into this world to 'be comfortable' but to be salt and light. Remember, you are not doing the fighting from your own strength. You have a partner in this who will strengthen you to do and be all that is asked of you.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Leaning on... your understanding
Do you? Of course. It seems we all do. Not always a good idea. However we are warned not to do this. Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with ALL thine heart and lean NOT on your own understanding." (Caps, mine) But still, we will trust in ourselves first. I'm not certain that it is a lack of trust in the Lord in all things at all times, I think it is more that we just tend to (unthinkingly?) follow what we 'think'. Or is that really only an excuse?
Verse 6 completes the thought, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." The promise is that He shall direct. 'Shall' is not an equivocal word - it means precisely, shall. This means that as we intentionally acknowledge Him and His involvement in our lives, as we turn to Him to seek the steps we need to take that He will give us the direction. Direct, though, still leaves the following up to us. We do tend to overdo the independent mindset but it really is still our decision to follow or not. And yes, we do 'know' better but sometimes that isn't in the forefront of our thinking.
The parable about the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-34) tells the 'story' of a man who focused on his understanding, desires, and subsequent actions... and the result of this behavior is... (v. 20) This parable also give us a number of lessons that help us live our lives, if we choose to learn them, - about treasure, worry, seeking. We need to answer the questions of where our treasure is - earthly or divine. Why we are worrying and its effects (v. 22-28). And what it is we should seek (v.31). If we can resolve our concerns surrounding treasure, worry, and seeking then we do live in strength and not fear.
I also believe that there has to be a presumptive basis for truth, an ultimate source, 'expert', to rely on and for me this is scripture. This provides me examples and standards on which to judge my beliefs and actions. Scripture demonstrates the faithfulness and unchanging nature of the God of the universe. In doing this, it tells me that I can trust and lean on this for my understanding rather than 'hoping' I got it right when I lean on my own understanding.
Verse 6 completes the thought, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." The promise is that He shall direct. 'Shall' is not an equivocal word - it means precisely, shall. This means that as we intentionally acknowledge Him and His involvement in our lives, as we turn to Him to seek the steps we need to take that He will give us the direction. Direct, though, still leaves the following up to us. We do tend to overdo the independent mindset but it really is still our decision to follow or not. And yes, we do 'know' better but sometimes that isn't in the forefront of our thinking.
The parable about the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-34) tells the 'story' of a man who focused on his understanding, desires, and subsequent actions... and the result of this behavior is... (v. 20) This parable also give us a number of lessons that help us live our lives, if we choose to learn them, - about treasure, worry, seeking. We need to answer the questions of where our treasure is - earthly or divine. Why we are worrying and its effects (v. 22-28). And what it is we should seek (v.31). If we can resolve our concerns surrounding treasure, worry, and seeking then we do live in strength and not fear.
I also believe that there has to be a presumptive basis for truth, an ultimate source, 'expert', to rely on and for me this is scripture. This provides me examples and standards on which to judge my beliefs and actions. Scripture demonstrates the faithfulness and unchanging nature of the God of the universe. In doing this, it tells me that I can trust and lean on this for my understanding rather than 'hoping' I got it right when I lean on my own understanding.
Friday, March 13, 2015
What to do about... Jesus
Simply because you believe in one (thing, concept, person) doesn't necessarily translate into believing in the next association. Nothing is ever 'automatic', at least, I don't find this to be the case. For me believing in and accepting that there is a God was a given. He was 'introduced' to me when I was a young child and my belief really didn't change, though I'm not sure my understanding grew significantly.
However, once there was the realization that there is a need for salvation, you have to acknowledge who and what Jesus was and continues to be. Simple? Not easy for me. It wasn't that I was embarrassed about Jesus, I was embarrassed in front of Him. How could I possibly square who and what He did with who and what I was? No, I wasn't all that 'bad' - perhaps it would have been easier if I was. I just wasn't all that 'good' either and later discovered that I never could have been 'good enough' on my own. But that really didn't help either. What to do about Jesus? Not acceptance as an issue, the 'now what' part.
It is my belief that you just don't say that you accept Jesus as Lord and that's it - words. I believe acceptance demands more - actions as well as words. I believe it is impossible to ignore Jesus - His life and His words and actions. I think that we are required to build a relationship; because Jesus is never 'out there', he has always been 'here and now'. The fascinating discovery for me was that He never intrudes, He always is available but it is always our choice to develop a relationship.
Salvation is impossible without Jesus (Acts 4:12) and in acknowledging this, it's not possible for Him to be distant from us. Romans 8:29 tells us that Jesus is the first born among many brethren. Galatians 4:6 and Romans 8:15,16 teaches us that we are adopted and are children of God (v.17) and joint heirs with Jesus. With all this information you can't just dismiss Jesus or put Him safely on a shelf. There are countless other scriptures indicating His involvement with us. Among other acts, He is our intercessor (Hebrews 7:25) so He is concerned about who we are becoming.
What to do? Accept your unworthiness - yes, but don't stop there. Develop a relationship with Him - He's waiting for you. When you made Jesus your Lord, your acceptance of Jesus and who and what He did provided you with an acceptance by God because you were made the righteousness in Him (2 Corinthians 7:17-21). And you were invited into His work. You must be strong and resolute and walk in what Jesus has prepared for you... even if you were the only one.
However, once there was the realization that there is a need for salvation, you have to acknowledge who and what Jesus was and continues to be. Simple? Not easy for me. It wasn't that I was embarrassed about Jesus, I was embarrassed in front of Him. How could I possibly square who and what He did with who and what I was? No, I wasn't all that 'bad' - perhaps it would have been easier if I was. I just wasn't all that 'good' either and later discovered that I never could have been 'good enough' on my own. But that really didn't help either. What to do about Jesus? Not acceptance as an issue, the 'now what' part.
It is my belief that you just don't say that you accept Jesus as Lord and that's it - words. I believe acceptance demands more - actions as well as words. I believe it is impossible to ignore Jesus - His life and His words and actions. I think that we are required to build a relationship; because Jesus is never 'out there', he has always been 'here and now'. The fascinating discovery for me was that He never intrudes, He always is available but it is always our choice to develop a relationship.
Salvation is impossible without Jesus (Acts 4:12) and in acknowledging this, it's not possible for Him to be distant from us. Romans 8:29 tells us that Jesus is the first born among many brethren. Galatians 4:6 and Romans 8:15,16 teaches us that we are adopted and are children of God (v.17) and joint heirs with Jesus. With all this information you can't just dismiss Jesus or put Him safely on a shelf. There are countless other scriptures indicating His involvement with us. Among other acts, He is our intercessor (Hebrews 7:25) so He is concerned about who we are becoming.
What to do? Accept your unworthiness - yes, but don't stop there. Develop a relationship with Him - He's waiting for you. When you made Jesus your Lord, your acceptance of Jesus and who and what He did provided you with an acceptance by God because you were made the righteousness in Him (2 Corinthians 7:17-21). And you were invited into His work. You must be strong and resolute and walk in what Jesus has prepared for you... even if you were the only one.
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