Beyond

According to Google, abundant (more) is fullness of joy and strength:

   "More abundantly" (John 10:10) means to have a superabundance of 

    a thing. 'Abundant life' refers to life in its abounding fullness of joy 

    and strength for spirit, soul and body."

Abounding, beyond all define superabundance and a status we all can attain. It can be yours. But in order to experience it, you need to apply a scriptural  definition, my bias:

   "ABUND'ANT, 

    Plentiful; in great quantity; fully sufficient; as an abundant supply. In 

    scripture, abounding; having in great quantity; overflowing with.

    n. Great plenty; an overflowing quantity; ample sufficiency; in strict-

    ness applicable to quantity only; but customarily used of number, as 

    an abundance of peasants.

    adv. Fully; amply; plentifully; in a sufficient degree." (NKJ)

There are over 100 scripture verses that relate to abundance. From this fact we can understand that the concept is important... daily. Personally, I read 'superabundantly' as - 'beyond'. And, I must admit, the Ephesians scripture has to be one of my favorites. It provides such comfort and promise. All I have to bring to this scripture is my belief, my faith. 

   "Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly 

    more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest 

    prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within 

    us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all 

    generations forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, AMP)

There are other scriptures that confirm this scripture.

   "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." (Jeremiah 29:11, AMP)

   "And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned 

    about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for 

    those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and 

    purpose. For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose before-

    hand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son 

    [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would 

    be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers." 

    (Romans 8:28-29. AMP)

All 3 of these scriptures are words that demonstrate 'beyond'... at least this is what I believe. In the days we live in, it is increasingly difficult to even see the 'usual'. However, I do think that 'beyond' is individually defined. When it comes to spiritual matters, this is based in our own behavior, our behavior, our understanding. How we mature. If we're not growing, continuing to become then our definition is also in a state of a kind of superficial approach to beyond. If we want to experience 'beyond' then it is truly in our hands. Our understanding grows as we apply our faith. 

So... what is 'beyond' for you? Do you experience this?

Journey

   "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with 

    them, and they will be His people, and God himself will be with them 

    as their God.  ... Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, 

    'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'” 

    (Revelations 21:3, AMP)

A journey! And God tells us He is with us and has been and will be - until we come home. This should be an incredibly comforting thought. We aren't alone. And this foundation emphasizes newness as we walk out our journey in this life. It also can be a kind of context when we get discouraged... especially about ourselves and who we are.

The first day of the year is (or can be) very special. On this particular date, today is not just a new day, it is also the start of a new month... and it is the start of a new year. Clean slate. New beginning? Where and who do you want to be on your journey a year from now? What are you willing to do to attain this? Will you look back on you and be pleased? If we look at the day as a new, a fresh start - a time when the slate can be wiped clean and we can begin anew, then we walk into the new year with hope... and confidence. No... we can't eliminate dangling responsibilities, those holdover 'things' from the previous year, but we can put our minds in a state of new beginnings. Many times a new thinking, a fresh 'look' can resolve an old unsettled issue. 

At least for me, I've discovered that a 'clean slate' comes with the understanding that I have new expectations for myself. I really can't use the excuses from yesterday or expect an unending acceptance of any bad behavior I exhibit. My journey includes my responsibility to become that workman that does prove his worth. Perhaps not a 'new' frame of reference, but it is the one I need to embrace in order to continue my journey, walk on my path... continue to become who I have been created to be. It is C.S. Lewis' quote that provides my context:

   ""The question is not what we intended ourselves to be, but what He 

    intended us to be when He made us." (C.S. Lewis, "Mere Christianity")

Again, our focus comes into question. When our sole focus is ME and MY wants and 'needs' we can too easily get distracted. No, not abandoning them but looking and judging them against the Lord's plans.

   "I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I 

    am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously 

    reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I 

    count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal 

    where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, 

    and I’m not turning back." (Philippians 3:13-14, MSG)  

Sometimes the Message translation speaks to the heart of what we are trying to be and do. Where are our eyes? What is it we look at... for? How do we do this?  In this particular situation - are we seeing the goal? Do we know where we are headed? In my world of definitions, a 'new' provides this opportunity to stop, reassess, and double check if I am where I should be.

Our journeys are the result of our decisions, our plans (or lack of), our actions,  

our hopes and dreams, our wants and desires, OUR. Never apologize for your journey, embrace it all - including the good and bad decisions, the good and bad plans, the good and bad actions, the good and bad hopes and dreams, wants and desires. When 'bad' was the result, that would have been the time to apologize and repent and go a different way. You may make your journey... but your journey defines you.

The delight is that the Lord ALWAYS gives us second and third and fifty one plus chances to become who we have been intended to be. This means that a new year can become your new start. And when you stumble, remember that you can start from this new spot - never regret you stumbled... just 'pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again' (from "Swing Time",  1926 Fred Astaire movie)

Disobey 'Authority'?

1. God gave us minds.

2. God gave us free will

Ergo and thus... He expected us to use them. I also suspect that He expected us to use logic and compassion in our applications. Those 2 standards are not incompatible.

Then we face the knotty problem of how do we resolve the issue of obeying those in authority over us. Blindly following doesn't seem to fit the above. So how do we scripturally and effectively 'disagree'? A very dear friend asked me about how I resolve this particular conundrum. I still wrestle with this and am not confident in my stand, but, at least, I choose to stand on what I know. 

Obviously I am talking about human 'authority' and not God's. I suspect that blind obedience has never been my strong suit… probably still isn’t. The more I think about it, I think I'll blame my parents. They never gave me a 'because I said so' response to any question I had... especially regarding what they wanted me to do. Typically they supplied their 'why' before I asked. 

Ergo and thus, when this subject of 'authority' arises, my ‘passion’ related to it also rises, mostly because how scripture considers this subject. Without question, obedience without understanding is difficult for me… so I react. This particular subject fits this description (no understanding) as does the one that states that women should be quiet in services. (However, I have a partial response to that one.) 

In this issue, let’s begin at where I typically begin - starting with definitions: 

Obey:  Webster

     transitive verb

1: to follow the commands or guidance of  

2: to conform to or comply with, obey an order

     intransitive verb

: to behave obediently 

     Synonyms for obey

• adhere (to). comply (with), conform (to), follow, mind, 

     Words Related to obey

• defer (to), submit (to), surrender (to), yield (to), accede (to), acquiesce (to), agree (to), 

assent (to), attend, hear, heed, listen (to), (etc.) 

   

Summary: to follow, conform, comply, behave, Does this give us further understanding? Or produce more questions? 

Scripture

Romans 13:1-2. AMP

    Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God. Therefore whoever resists [governmental] authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves.

1 Peter 2:13-14. AMP 

   Submit yourselves to [the authority of] every human institution for the sake of the Lord [to honor His name], whether it is to a king as one in a position of power, or to governors as sent by him to bring punishment to those who do wrong, and to praise and encourage those who do right.

End of discussion? So how do we reconcile this with the words and acts of Christians… even the Lord? He threw moneychangers out of the temple. He rebuked the Pharisees, who were the ruling authority. [The Woes of the Pharisees is a list of criticisms by Jesus against scribes and Pharisees recorded in the Gospels of Luke 11:37–54 and Matthew 23:1–39. Mark 12:35–40 and Luke 20:45–47 also include warnings about scribes. Eight are listed in Matthew, and hence Matthew's version is known as the eight woes.]  And, from a 'human' standpoint - how do we reconcile the actions of our ancestors when we sought our independence?

From this do we understand that we should/can disagree openly against authority? Or is this only for the Lord? How does disagreeing and complying coexist? [Matthew 23:1-5. AMP] 

   "Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: 'The scribes 

    and Pharisees have seated themselves in Moses’ chair [of authority as 

    teachers of the Law]; so practice and observe everything they tell you, 

    but do not do as they do; for they preach [things], but do not practice 

    them. The scribes and Pharisees tie up [a]heavy loads [that are hard to 

    bear] and place them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not 

    lift a finger [to make them lighter]. They do all their deeds to be seen 

    by men;"

Obviously you can deduce from this lame discussion that questions still remain and I really don’t have it all together. Still… somehow my mind says – why give us minds if we aren’t to use them? IF the issue was in reference to what the scriptures say related to themselves - God, Jesus, Holy Spirit – I really have no problem there. If they say it then that’s the end of the discussion.

However, when it comes to man and his understanding… I think healthy debate, discussion should always prevail. Why have free will if it doesn’t? I realize this is an extremely banal example but… if the leader, let’s say mayor of PDC said, in the middle of the day, we are actually in the night, would we accept and follow this? We probably would start a petition to remove that person from office. Again, not a good example but is it still the prevail action we should be taking in regard to our leaders? Or, do we treat national leaders differently… and if so, why?

Duly notice that the scripture in Romans says, we will bring judgment (civil penalty) on ourselves. Understand that civil disobedience will/can bring civil penalty… but is this the question?

 

As you can see, I’m still wrestling with this. I don't know if it's the fact of disobeying or the method of disobeying...

Congruent

Do you know if you are congruent? Do you listen to what you say... and see what you do? Do you like you... despite your 'failings'? How do you know all that? Can one tell from your words and behavior? Are your words and behavior like shifting sand... all over the place, spilling over, not solid, you never know what either will be? Is 'fickle' a good descriptive word? Actually, I probably should have started with the question as to whether being congruent was important to you?

Ideally, we speak and act from our foundation, our pillars, who we are. And this is reliable... we are reliable. Not unchangeable, and not box-able, but there is a logical basis on who we are and how we go about being us. I think the best word to describe this is 'congruent'. Our words and behaviors do flow from our foundation.

According to Webster: "...the quality or state of agreeing, coinciding, or being congruent" (I realllllly hate it when they define a word by that word). Some of the synonyms are: accord, accordance, agreement, conformance, conformity, congruency, congruity, consonance, harmony, tune". I'm not particularly enamored by 'conformity'. But the underlying thought should be - understanding. Not assuming. Knowing yourself.

Too often we assume we are being understood or assume the definitions of the words used by the speaker (and listener) are the same as ours. Not necessarily. And the only way we truly know is when we begin to verify the connectiveness. Do we take the time... or just assume 'one accord' is in place? You do remember what happened the last time you just 'assumed'? 

Consistent. Does this describe you? And is your 'consistent' based in your beliefs? And... are your beliefs consistent and congruent?

   "Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, 

    always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and 

    doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor 

    ... in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose]." 

    (1 Corinthians 15:58, AMP)

Steadfast... immovable... aware are strong words. Undeniably, you can't be any of those 2 qualities without being congruent. However, to me, 'congruent' is a guide. It helps me to determine, especially when I have learned something 'new', how and where and if it is relevant to what I do believe. And if not, how to reconcile the difference or to help determine its incorporation into my preexisting beliefs. I believe that everything we learn either confirms or challenges us about what and how we say we are and how we do us. Incongruent should not immediately be dismissed as irrelevant, but should is 'scrutinized'. It may prove to be incompatible but at least we become aware of its existence.

Blindsided

Being blindsided... happen to you? I suspect we all get blindsided at times... by ourselves as well as by others and other types of 'triggers'. To be perfectly clear - being 'surprised' is not the same as being blindsided. Blindsided is always unbidden, unexpected, and not wanted. Sometimes it takes our breath away, sometimes it may result in tears... our response to being blindsided varies. I have also discovered, when I get blindsided, that what occasioned this blindsiding is not necessarily always the same - a person, place, scent, song, activity, etc. However, the point is - after we get over the surprise/shock of being blindsided - what do we do?  

If it happens often, then you need to take another look at how you order and understand your world and your experiences. What it is that you allow to control you and your responses. I don't believe that being blindsided is always all 'bad' or our 'fault', the issue really is our control over us. How do we allow our feelings to be expressed without hurting others ... or ourselves.

Sometimes... in order to figure things out, you need to stop and listen... admittedly, an extremely difficult task, especially when you are also dealing with the emotions of being blindsided. Could you have avoided being blindsided? That's an extremely good question. Not certain... but somehow I don't think so. What we can do is minimize the collateral damage and deal with (fill in the blank) rather than deny or ignore it. 

Your mindset, frame of reference, whatever you wish to call your foundation makes all the difference in these times. You need to know who you are, on what/who you base your actions, remembering previous similar situations, etc. If you do not have a firm foundation then overcoming these times of being blindsided is even more difficult.

   "The Lord is my light and my salvation — Whom shall I fear?

    The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life — Whom shall I dread?" 

    (Psalms 27:1, AMP)

   "God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable],

    A very present and well-proved help in trouble." (Psalms 46:1, AMP)

   "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] 

    peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, 

    but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; 

    I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory 

    abiding.]" (John 16:33, AMP)

Obviously, there are other scriptures to stand on when dealing with being blindsided. I have discovered that finding those scriptures that meet my need, what I am facing sometimes is even better when I do the discovering. Turning to scripture for answers, what to do, etc. is a great way of not letting being blindsided control you.

   

Unbearable

I think we all face at least one 'unbearable' in our lives. Actually, we probably experience many unbearables. Some of us feel like we have far more than our fair share. And realizing all this helps us get through those times. Because we need to have the mindset that unbearables is something we go through... we don't make it our residence. Unbearables are also very, very individual. We really experience these differently even when the 'cause' is the same.

What is an unbearable? It varies... it can emerge when we experience the loss of someone close, or it may be a different kind of loss - of hope, of being abandon, of betrayal, of...  the universal characteristic(s) is that it is personal and speaks of loss, it is significant, and the pain goes so deep that it takes your breath away. 

In an odd sort of way, it should be confirmation to us of the importance, the value of the focus of our unbearable. We may have 'known' before, but now it is undeniably true. This can become a new guide for us in terms of others who fulfill the same type/degree of importance and value. Never let them not know the depth of your feelings. We humans tend to not do a very good job of letting those we do value know they are valued.

When we seek comfort for our times of unbearable in scripture, Psalms is where I look (AMP):

   "The Lord also will be a refuge and a stronghold for the oppressed,

    A refuge in times of trouble;" (9:9)

   "For He has not despised nor detested the suffering of the afflicted;

    Nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for 

    help, He listened." (22:24)

   "The Lord is near to the heartbroken, And He saves those who are 

    crushed in spirit" (34:18)

   "Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and 

    uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken" (55:22)

Throughout the Bible there are scriptures that speak to our times of sorrow and despair to help us through our unbearable. However, it is we who have to choose - not to forget, but to be allow ourselves to be healed. Allowing healing is rarely a simple act, but it is critical in order to live and move on with our lives. I discovered that the pain didn't evaporate, but its hold has. It isn't forgotten, but it doesn't control. And I'll never forget... and I do choose living.

Forgiveness and Restoration

Do you remember the end of the verse of 1 John 1:9? As a reminder... "... and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." When we talk about the Lord's forgiveness there is always the act of restoration. John makes it perfectly clear - when we confess and truly do not want to repeat the behavior/words, earnestly desiring to change - then not only does the Lord forgive, but He restores the relationship. 

And to answer the question before asked - yes, He will do it repeatedly, remember His word to His disciples to forgive 70 times 7 (Matthew 18:22; Luke 17:3-4. AMP). If He tells us to forgive others that often, won't He do the same for us? Besides, unless your repetition is willful and rebellious, you were not attempting to throw His forgiveness away. Another example is when Paul rebuked the church in Corinth and reminded them of the need to discipline the case of the sinning brother. Once the brother did repent, Paul had to return to the church to bring the repentant brother back into fellowship.

The point is that restoration is part of the forgiveness process. When we have committed a sin and then sought the Lord's forgiveness, the Lord does cleanse us and bring us into righteousness. Also, remember that righteousness is not a big word, but it does have a big meaning  As simple and as profound as it is, being righteous means being in right relationship. Not only are we forgiven and cleansed, we are brought into right relationship.

Psalm 103:10-13,

   "He does not deal with us according to our sins,

     nor repay us according to our iniquities.

   For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

    so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him;

   as far as the east is from the west,

    so far does He remove our transgressions from us.

   As a father shows compassion to his children,

    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him

 

Many people continue to beat themselves over the head with their sin and don't walk in the forgiveness and restoration that's been provided. Psalm shows that in the mind of the Father, the sin doesn't even exist anymore. When we continue to seek forgiveness or act as unforgiven - we make a lie of Who the Lord is, What He's said.

   "For I will be merciful and gracious toward their wickedness, And I will 

    remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12)

Yes, this is from the Old Testament and Yes, God was speaking of His relationship with the nation of Israel and what God was doing in their midst - but how much more the fulfillment in our lives when Jesus is our Lord! Read Isaiah 43:25, Hebrews 10:17 as further confirmation. So, why do we hold onto sin that has been repented of, forgiven, and been restored. This is what we can walk in. This is who we now are, the sin no longer exists and the Lord does not remember it.

   "He shall again have compassion on us; He will subdue and tread under

    foot our wickedness [destroying sin’s power].Yes, You will cast all our 

    sins Into the depths of the sea." (Micah 7:19. AMP)