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. 

It’s a matter of degree

Let’s admit it - we all are people pleasers to some degree. Is that so bad? It can be… depending on the degree. I believe that the degree is dependent on our belonging need, unmet need, and how/if/we value our belonging. Where is your comfort level (and we all have different points at which we are 'comfortable'.

Sooo... what constitutes a met need in this area? Do you even know? Should you care is a given 'yes' answer. If you are the type that agrees with whomever you last spoke to then you are at one end of the continuum. At the other end is the person that plunges on ahead without any regard to the consequences that could occur to others. Quite honestly, there's a wide tightrope of considerable length in between. So where do you fall? Do you care? 

On one hand 'people pleasers' really get a bad rap because they are seen as wishy washy. They are seen as trying to be all things to all people - and that's not just a flawed philosophy, it's totally impossible to sustain. But is that really the definition of a people pleaser? Is there no saving grace to this position? OK, maybe that last sentence was a bit overboard, but sometimes one has to do this in order to get others' attention.

Bottom line is that I do think we all are people pleasers to some degree. Most of us want the best for that other person, even when it's not reciprocated. If you're a Christian, we're kinda meant to be this was. However, I've always seen a slight caveat.

   "But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’ [a firm yes or no]; anything more than that comes from the evil one."  [Matthew 5:37]

This unmistakably means - you don't say 'yes' to one person and then to the next person you speak with on the same subject, you say 'no'. Doing this reinforces the realization by others that you are untrustworthy, because your reputation will precede you when you are seen in this light. I tend to think these people who act this way are trying to avoid conflict at any cost - even of their own reputation. Would you ask the opinion of such a person because you will never know their true thinking and acting? As a support they linger at the very back of the group so they don't have to acknowledge anything. But this is the extreme.

If you want to consider a different definition then look to scripture as to how we are to treat others. There are many verses speaking to this, I'm going to share 4:

   "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."  [Philippians 2:3-4]

   " Treat others the same way you want them to treat you."  [Luke 6:31, 

Matthew 7:12]

   "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence]. Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you."

[Ephesians 4:31-32]

You could possibly make an argument or redefinition of the first 3, but this last one puts a period.

   "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another."  [John 13:34]

When we try to follow Jesus' command we really are fulfilling those first 3 scriptures. This can probably be looked at as the pinnacle of direction and definition of being a 'people pleaser'. 

Create and Renew

   "Hide Your face from my sins And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right and steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit."  [Psalms 51: 9-12]

Sometimes we take the kernel out without realizing the significance of the verses pre and post the kernel. I chose only 1 before and 2 after the verse 10 but see how it expands the thought. Hide and blot begin the plea. We know that God knows when we have transgressed His law and purposes. He knew it before (?) or at least during our act. It's impossible to hide what we did/said or didn't do/say. So we come to ask that He hide and blot out our sins and iniquities. As a Christian I rely heavily on 1 John 1:9. But again... look at the verses before the answer in verse 9.

   " If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness [of sin], we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. If we say that we have not sinned [refusing to admit acts of sin], we make Him [out to be] a liar [by contradicting Him] and His word is not in us." [1 John 1:6 -10]

It's like the verses book end. Verses 6-8, punctuated by 10 tell us probably what we already know. But 9 reveals what we receive when we act according to His principles. I doubt seriously that He ever expects perfection out of us, I don't believe He is surprised when we slip, fall, believe the lie, purposely lash out, SIN. But I do believe He is disappointed when we don't seek restoration and forgiveness from our wrongs. The Father has provided for EVERY situation and continues to provide how we can restore the gift we received when we made Jesus our Lord - we receive relationship.

Do we really want the Lord to 'create' a new heart in us?  How about 'renewing' a right and steadfast spirit within me? Are we willing to pay the price for this to occur. For that matter, are we willing to pay the price if we don't? Is relationship important to us? 

Are we a willing spirit? We have free will, we were born with it just like the sin nature. I sometimes think that we have free will because the Father wanted us to make our decision, our choices freely - not coerced or tricked or misled. He wanted us to want Him, to choose Him freely. The devil, on the other hand only uses deceit and trickery remember the scripture that defines this: 

   "Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]" [1 Peter 5: 7-8]

Why anyone would ever follow someone/something that there only object was to place you in harm defies understanding... yet there are those that do. Our choice is to follow such as that or follow the one that says:

   "I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep." [John 10:10b-11]

No wonder that the Psalmist wrote, "Create in me a clean heart..." We can't do it alone nor do we have to because we have one that walks with us who is more than able.