Letting go... Moving on...

Not always so easy... is it? Doesn't eliminate that we may have a need to let things go - both the good as well as the bad. And yes, both define us... actually, how we respond to both of these 'states'. In my world, 'letting go' is the first step but step 2 is also critical - moving on.

Paul teaches about this in Philippians 3:13-14

   "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but

    one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies

    ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward

    call of God in Christ Jesus."

We see in these verses one of the key components to moving on - forgetting and reaching forward... Paul had a goal. If we don't have a goal to pursue then it becomes very difficult to move on. What are we supposed to do now? Likewise if we are holding on to where we are, what we do then we don't let go. Yes... start with the Lord to find His teachings and plans for you. Then decide if you want His Lordship? This too is our decision. I could be wrong but I think that when we seek the Lord's plans for us then we have the opportunity to invite Him into the process. Some people seek, discover, but don't ask. Silly of us.

Letting go... moving on involves reaching forward. When we hold on to who we are, what we do with a tight fist... nothing can be put into our hands. Remember Ephesians 2?

   " For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ 

    Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined

    (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time],

    that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and

    made ready for us to live]." [verse 10]

If you see... works is an 'S' not a one only. Which underscores our need the let go and move on - not take up residency where you are. You were created to be constantly growing, becoming. And no, I'm not diminishing the difficulty. One cue I've used is that to know that what I'm involved in has ended for me and I've completed my part is an inner confidence. Another cue is a kind of restlessness in my spirit. And my last cue is that there is someone else who can take the project, goal, plan on to the next level and if I remain... I'm kinda in the way. Instead... 'reaching forward' to what lies ahead.

Still More Miscellaneous Thoughts on PRAYER, Part 8

I've probably written on this a number of times... but repetition can be a great method for understanding (and thus agreeing... or not). This point:  do you realize that when we act in 'one accord', the power of this action is greatly increased? Actually, you really don't have as strong a foundation when we don't act in one accord, when there is hesitation or lack of understanding or opposing approaches. First we should look at Jesus' instructions about love... second look at His outline/method for praying... and understand the way we demonstrate praying... and the focus/purpose/reason for the praying.

Let me give an example: personally I do not like the 'unspoken prayer'. How can I possibly agree with the person requesting prayer if I don't know what I'm praying for/about? Why would you trust me to pray but not trust me with the need in the prayer? There is no 'one accord' in this scenario. And yet it is a well practiced method of requesting prayer - it's what's taught!

The scripture talks about that when 2 or 3 are gathered in His Name - He is there. Do we acknowledge His presence? He knows He's with us, we know He's with us, but what do we do with that information - what do we do to acknowledge and act on this? How do we treat Him? Do we talk to Him? Not just in the sense of asking for help but the joy we feel and know when we are together. Does praise or worship spring forth? Do we treat Him as a friend? Knowing He's available isn't enough in my thinking, I believe we need to invite Him in so that He has access to US as well (and give Him opportunity to speak).

In prayer, especially, never assume. And when it comes to one accord... make certain you all are on the same page with the same definitions. Simply in the same place and maybe even the same focus - you may not have the same motives, purposes, etc. One site listed 10 different reasons for prayer... none that I disagree with. One of the greatest benefits for us in prayer is that it strengthens our relationship with our Triune God. Our trust, our understanding grows confidently the more we spend time with the prayer answerer. 

This brings up my second point. I believe God always answers prayer. However, it isn't always the answer we want. We do tend to have preconceived expectations (though rarely stated) of how things should work (who, what, when, where, how). We're to bring the requests, ask in Jesus' Name, believe we have the answer, and discover what it is. When we pray the scriptures over the request I think we are on a stronger foundation. Personally I like to couple Philippians 4:6

   "Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every

    circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue

    to make your [specific] requests known to God."

Now look at verse 7 - peace is what we receive when we follow this mindset, attitude. 

Also Hebrews 4:

   "Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the

    throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we

    may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in

    time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]."

And you see what happens here... blessing - just at the right moment.

And when it comes to answered prayer... never assume a 'wait' is a 'no' and don't assume your answer is His or the only answer. When we pray the Father's 'will be done' we are giving whatever the request is to Him for final determination. It would always be the 'right' answer! And when we stand on the scriptures... we have peace and blessing.

Motives ... and more

Typically I don't begin with the end of the discussion... choosing different in this conversation.

   "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others

    growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a

    clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. And if I have the gift of

    prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand

    all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so

    that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I

    am nothing. If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my

    body to be burned, but do not have love, it does me no good at all." 

    [1 Corinthians 1: 1-3]

We tend to focus on the next verses... about what love is. But this 'introduction' is also important. What do you think? Is Love your motivation? Do you see the results of your 'noble' acts when it isn't from the foundation of Love? The rest of the verses in chapter 13 define what love is and does but the first 3 verses show the results when our actions aren't based in love.

 

What are your motives? It is an 's'. If you're anything like me, some are quite good and may even merge into noble. However... there are those times that they are less than 'good' ones. Quite honestly, and somewhat disturbingly... Me-ism does get in the way still. Most irritating but often unaware until later - that's worse. I never want to act 'unintentionally' and yet I do and when I look at the core of those acts, somehow Me-ism is the reason. You do realize that 'good' and 'bad' motives do not co-exist. So 'I meant...' or 'that wasn't what I intended' have little support. It's quicker to do a self-exam and place the 'blame' precisely where it belongs. Then you can discover when these attitudes emerge, what you can do to change, and IF you are willing to do so. 

Let's look at the word for a minute. I suspect we all know the definition [ Egotism; a focus on, or obsession with, oneself.] but we all don't display this 'disease' in the same way. Results - yes, expression - not necessarily. While I could list some of our manifestations, the point is - do you know yours? There's no way to make a change without an understanding. This one though will require a lot more than we expect because it is so entrenched. Not impossible... just painful.

The reason I believe we can accomplish this is found in Ephesians 4:22-25 

   "... and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh,

    untarnished mental and spiritual attitude]. and put on the new self [the

    regenerated and renewed nature]. created in God's image, [godlike] in the

    righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God

    your gratitude for your salvation]. Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether

    lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these].

    speak truth, each one with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one another

    ]and we are all parts of the body of Christ]."

Never forget that we are never asked to do something we can't and that we will always have the Lord and what He brings so that we can succeed. Never try to do this on your own... why should you? But it IS our choice, decision to put on the new self. Give yourself some grace... you may not get it 'right' the first time. Keep on learning, growing, becoming.
 

Even for just one

Do you remember Jesus' parable about the Shepherd leaving the 99 and going after the lost 1?

   "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost,

    will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one

    that is lost? And if it turns out that he finds it, I assure you and most solemnly

    say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not get

    lost. So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little

    ones be lost." [Matthew 18: 12-14]

There are a number of lessons in this parable though we tend to focus only on the fact that the Shepherd went after and found the lost one.

Let's look at what's being said and done a tad closer. First, back up a verse to 11:

   "[For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.]"

In those 13 words, Jesus summed up Who He is, Why He came, What He does, and How He goes about it. And it isn't the first time that He tried to explain all that. Point being that even if YOU were the only lost sheep, or strayed away sheep, He still would have searched for you. Do you even comprehend just how important you are? Jesus, gave His life for YOU (and all who believe on Him)... willingly, knowing from the beginning what the end would be.

I have heard 'others' say... so what happened to the 99 - He left them defenseless! Does it say that? NO! Why would anyone do that... then they would have to seek out the rest of the 99 now lost sheep - would that make sense? Of course not. The Shepherd secured the 99 until He could return. He would have done what needed to be done for them before proceeding after the lost.  Now put that into the context that the Shepherd always goes after the 1.

Would He go back on His Word that tells us that He would never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)? Has He EVER gone back on His Word? No (Numbers 23:19). And He doesn't lie (Hebrews 6:18). And I have never believed that the 1 is more valuable or precious to Him than the 99 - it's that the 1 was in need while the 99 weren't. God does not show partiality... period (Deuteronomy 10:17, Romans 2:11)!!

  "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world

   [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be

   saved through Him. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as

   personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no

   rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has

   decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one

   has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in

   the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly

   unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him]." 

   [John 3: 17-18]

The Lord always takes care of His own and goes to great lengths to keep them safe. But ultimately it is always OUR decision. I wonder how much, how far we would go to save the 1? And for us all, once you are saved you have the Bible available for you to learn who You are becoming, what's available to assist You, who You have been made to be, and the glorious future awaiting you. While the 99 are important... so is the 1. And remember... once you were a 1.

Wah... Wah.... Wah

Do you have wah, wah, wah times? There sometimes are 'legitimate' reasons for this and... but most of the time - not. The biggest mistake I've found (at least for myself) is to ignore this. Ignoring rarely makes a wah time leave. If it isn't attended to it will make itself known, typically to your own embarrassment.

I've probably written on this 'state' before but guess where I am right now. So... I decided to write about it. I am not a great person to be around when in this state... I would avoid me! Just a word to the wise - wide berth, wide berth. The real problem that it typically is triggered by something unrelated and totally trivial, But that doesn't make any difference. I have learned that when I am in such a place that I should: 

  1. steer clear of unsuspecting people (it is both embarrassing and frustrating to have to apologize - explanations rarely are understood - others look at you like a deer in headlights, 

  2. give some time for the pity party, to let it express it self, and 

  3. get it together.

Is there a scripture to turn to. Isn't there always? Of course. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  jumps to mind as well as Philippians 4: 6-7. Galatians 6:9 and those begins the number of verses that talk about what we should be doing and thinking and praying about. But there are also the 'who' you are's: Romans 8: 31-39, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, John 16:33, John 15: 4-11 and again, this only begins the litany of who we are as a result of making Jesus our Lord. Nowhere is it even suggested that we should wallow... basically in self-pity. So unattractive.

If you keep this post and/or write down the scriptures, and read them when you're in a similar mood - trust me, you realllly will feel embarrassed and more than just a little silly. The reason(s) we slip or fall or grouse or whatever causes us to be in this state are multitudinous. Sometimes we forget to duck. But since this isn't my first encounter with this mess... I also know, not just believe or hope or think - KNOW that though the Lord may allow a moment or 2 for this counter productive, self-serving, crippling behavior; there is no way He will leave us there. He is always available when we turn to Him. 

Wallowing seems to be a thing that happens. But we need not remain there. So, check to see where your armor is and if not on, put it on. Discover if you bought into a lie or just succumbed. Remind yourself as well as the deceiver that 'Greater is He who is in you, than He who is in the world.' (1 John 4L4) 'No weapon formed against you shall prosper.' (Isaiah 54:17) 'You are more than a conqueror.' (Philippians 4:13) And... STAND (Ephesians 6: 13-16).

Remember that wah, wah, wah land is not unfamiliar. You will land back there some time but never make it your residence. There is absolutely nothing that is enticing about wah land. You have a great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) cheering you on... YOU CAN DO IT! 

"There's a crocodile coming for us (you, me)...

but there's more to the story." Gosh I wish I had said that. What a great line!. To give you a context, the line is a combination from a little 3 year old girl and my friend, Cary, based on Peter Pan. However we can provide a spiritual connection.

   "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they

    may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it

    overflows]." [John 10:10]

The 'crocodile' is the devil. The 'more to the story' is what the Lord brings as contrast - have and enjoy life... in abundance...; and He doesn't say - eventually.  Seems like a simple decision? It isn't. For some reason our 'I can do it myself' too often gets in the way. So does our hesitancy to 'give' control of ourselves. The problem is that people don't always realize/understand that there is ALWAYS a decision. Plus, with choosing the Lord there is freedom. provision, fellowship... and I could go on. The crocodile only maims. 

We either come to Jesus, accepting Him as our Lord, acknowledging all He did and continues to do and become grafted into His family, becoming a joint heir with Him....... or we serve the devil. We may not realize we are choosing to follow the devil's camp - but we are. If you cry out with a ... 'but I'm a good person! Just look at who I am.' According to whose standard? What do you do with the baggage that you carry because of your previous mistakes, sins? Do you ever feel free? Does your spirit ever rest? Are you whole?

And let's look at your 'freedom' apart from the Triune God... do you have peace in your life? Are your relationships full and joyful? Do you have meaning and purpose in your life? All these questions are really just the tip of the iceberg, I'm not asking the tough questions. Sometimes our 'problems' are what we don't know - questions can highlight this. 

Back to decision: what stops You from becoming all you can be? Why accept less? Knowing you HAVE to make a choice... why would you choose the crocodile? 

A series of miscellaneous thoughts and one-liners

What follows is a gathering of many one sentence ideas, thoughts that have yet to be developed into a complete discussion. At present, they are like one liners or paragraphs. But the underlying thought may be fascinating. 

*Love is more than just the absence of the opposite.

*Sometimes ‘can’t’ is spelled -  ‘w o n’ t’.

 

*What do you hear? The definition of ‘You hear’ has to include our definitions, how we listen, how we respond, the messenger, (and our relationship with that person - remember God used a donkey in one case and even an 'enemy' can bring a word of understanding... albeit, unaware), as well as the message.

.

*Weakness is not Wickedness  Don’t mix or merge these 2. They aren’t the same though 1 can grow into the other,

*Do you know what our contribution to being righteous is? Our faith. As simple as that. We can't ear nor purchase righteousness. Isaiah tells us that our righteousness is as dirty rags. BUT we also have 2 Corinthians 5: 21 which tells us: 

  "He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in

   Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be

   made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His

   gracious lovingkindness]."

Therefore, by faith we are righteous. And no, that isn't a license to sin - we all do that quite naturally.

*Trial and ERROR:  Before you poo poo trial and error, I can attest to the fact that it is an excellent way to learn not only the 'right' answer but a whole lot of wrong ones. That's not necessarily all bad. 

*I would argue that one of our ‘components’ is communication. We need, as in NEED, to talk and listen to others. Communication is never an afterthought. And the most significant ‘other’ is the Father - this is called Prayer. The forms and methods vary drastically - never an issue and definitely not the point. The kicker is that communication is based in relationship, so this is where we begin … what’s your relationship with the God and Creator of the Universe?!!

*Thanksgiving is not a day. It is a mindset, a frame of reference that we demonstrate not just use the words.

[Part 2 later]