Recognizing the Treasures in Life

My grandson received a metal-detector as a gift when he was at the seashore. He collected all sorts of odds and ends that were hidden from view in the sand. He even found a paperclip that was underwater. When we all set out to learn how to use this peculiar beeping machine, it seemed like it was going to be tough finding things. After reading the instructions carefully and seasoning the hunt with a large teaspoon of patience and diligence, the machine started to beep over certain spots.

The word 'treasure' implies something that is buried and precious. It is easy to find seashells all over the beach, but many of them are broken and chipped because they have been trampled on or tossed around by the rolling tides.  They have been exposed to the elements of the world.

The human heart contains great treasures. Everyone is different and sometimes we don't detect the gems buried deep within the heart of another. Loving another person or even oneself takes patience and diligence to find the treasure within. What is on the surface might be chipped or cracked but not necessarily what is on the inside. In a time where the culture seems to be magnifying 'offense' and accusation, it's time to dig for the buried treasure in relationships not the sand covering it.

The greatest way to live is to live by truth. Emerson said: "Truth is the property of no individual but is the treasure of all men." Shedding light on truth involves the question to what is truth?  God is the heart and designer of all that is created. It just seems that credit should be given where it is due. God has to be the source of truth.

The Word of God is a treasure. It is the property of no individual but is a treasure for all who seek it. It is not something that you get downloaded into your heart in a split second or get the fast food version from someone else. It takes time, patience and an effort to uncover its never ending treasures for yourself.  Jesus Christ showed us the way to live with God as our Father.

God's word teaches us so much about life and living with one another.  As we learn and apply it, experience reaffirms its validity and we become secure in the power that God endows us with. We have this great treasure in a earthen vessel:

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:6-10 

We all fail, at times; it is inevitable and we are among others who fail even though they may be trying not to.  Our New Year's resolutions will fade away, sooner probably than later, but the Word of God will endure forever. As I watch the beautiful sunrise this morning, I am reminded of God's faithfulness. When has the sun ever failed to rise?

Happy New Year

Pay It Forward - The Good Pleasure of His Good Will

Recently I saw an article on the "Law of Giving and Receiving". It was a type of 'new age' article that, as I thought over what it was saying, I related it to some religious groups who teach the same things. There is a whole lot more to 'giving' and 'receiving' than a law formula.  Giving is so much more than 'give and get'. Giving is not a legal prerequisite, but is a result of the heart:

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7

What makes a 'cheerful' giver?  The word 'cheerful' in the greek text is the word 'hilarios' from which we get the word 'hilarious'.  It's meaning indicates a response as being 'already inclined to do something' as a non-reluctant giver. Giving is an effusion of the heart. God loves a cheerful giver!

 We don't have to codify giving to make sure we are living up to our Christian beliefs. We give because we want to and we aren't looking for pats on the back. I enjoy seeing the 'pay it forward' ads on TV.  Spontaneous reactions of kindness do much more than we will ever know and that is spectacular!

Perhaps the greatest joys of giving are the freedom of choice and freedom from fear that result.  When it says "every man according as he purposeth in his heart' means to bring forward what is stored in your heart. When God is at the center of our giving there is nothing to fear. When God is at the center of our decisions we are wise.

13 For it is God which worketh (energizes) in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:1 

Sometimes the 'energizings' are little nudges and sometimes they are major nudges. A little nudge can make a huge difference, sometimes more than a giant nudge. That is God's prerogative. Our choice is to listen and act on it. Sometimes life gets so busy we don't listen well especially at this time of the year ironically 'the season of giving'.  When we get busy, we either neglect or go overboard on things rather than just allowing God to work. This is true in so many categories of life: marriage, relationships, work, parenting, learning and loving in general.

God has provided a way to 'pay it forward':

13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

God Answers Prayer

When I hear people talk about when and how long it takes for God to answer prayer, it puzzles me.  In Philippians 4:6-7, it says when we pray that the peace of God will keep our hearts and minds. The minute we turn to God and have a conversation about something that is going on, that peace is available. If peace is going to keep our heart and mind it has to arrive pretty quick.

Prayer is not one sided. The listening part is pretty important. Too often, however, we shut off the dialogue too soon. We don't allow God to prepare us for receiving the results of our prayer. People wait forever thinking that is just all you have to do.  Unfortunately, that prayer scenario seems to drift away from them and then they roll back into the 'God is distant' theology.

God answers prayers all the time. His first response gives us peace and then he starts the process of addressing the specifics.  (Actually the peace from God can be more exciting than the actual answer to the prayer.) There will be necessary information concerning the prayer to pay attention to either from the word or through the gift of holy spirit. Our job is to dig in an humbly learn. There could be a series of steps and it may take some time.  God will help us grow to take those steps by providing necessary information, wisdom to take action and things to avoid, including the world wisdom and people who promote it. Honestly, if you have to talk to someone, God is the best listener and the Bible is the best reading.

20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. 25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established (firm, solid). Proverbs 4:20-26

We should guard our communications either from our own heart or what we receive from others. In this day of FaceBook, Twitter, and messenger we are exposed to a plethora of contacts and viewpoints.  Something may sound so good and yet when you think about it it may resemble 'fast-food' theology rather than a true Biblical nutritious truth. Clever adages and culture proverbs often are short-lived in their effect. Good solid truth is very satisfying and relational with our God.  There is no mistaking the difference and it starts the moment we decide we want to do life his way and recognize that it is the best way.

Prosperity Doctrine -True or False?

Give Thanks!

In John 10:10, Jesus Christ made a statement about the benefits of understanding why he came:

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

In the context of that section in John, Jesus used the easily relatable 'gate of the sheep' analogy. Jesus Christ is the door to the fold. He is the 'way' to the abundant life. On the opposite side there is a thief that steals, kills and destroys. God wants us to live abundantly and His word keeps us within his desire.

I have read many articles on the 'prosperity doctrine' both for and against. Each side has a propensity  to veer off biblical logic to the extreme of its own side. Christianity is not a 'get rich quick' scheme nor is it 'church mouse poor theology':

8 Remove far from me vanity (uselessness) and lies (deception): give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient (what is prescribed) for me: Proverbs 30:8 

The Bible is full of wonderful principles on prosperity that apply to many of God's promises in general. It is full of practical, sound, powerful and successful precepts that we can trust from the very heart of God:

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 2

God wants us to prosper!  Every individual is different in what he or she needs. What is needed by one person may be different from another person's need. Poverty, however, is like an armed robber on the highway of life. (Proverbs 6:11, Proverbs 24:34) God has given us the power to be individually successful through his Word and the gift of holy spirit.

18 But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:16.

God loves us! He gives us 'the power to get wealth' (makes us heroes of strength). Deuteronomy is written to the Old Covenant believers where the spirit of God was upon certain people who led God's people. A New Covenant came on the Day of Pentecost with the gift of holy spirit. The gift equips all believers with distinct power tools.  If a man or woman practically applies God's word  and utilizes the power God has given each one of us, he or she will be abundantly blessed in all categories, not just financial ones. Our effort as believers is to dig the gold of the Word faithfully and consistently apply it.

The world will try and talk us out of it. It is full of stumbling blocks that are thrown down to deter us.  Sometimes, when something breaks down or we hadn't counted on a certain bill for us to pay, our hearts may sink into thinking that we have done something wrong and fear rears its ugly head. Don't rely on the stock market, news media,  the 'experts' or government. It doesn't hurt to try to get the best information we can, but we should run it all by God, the 100% reliable source.

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. I Corinthians 1:25 (Check out the rest of I Corinthians 1)

Things happen, but that doesn't change God's promises. Going to God and giving it to him is standing on the promise that perfect love casts out fear. We have God's ability to overcome and we are not to believe the lies of condemnation that we have failed somehow.  I used to think debt was sin. It is hard to believe that God wants us free economically when one is so worried about sin. When, in my own life, I dumped the sin conscientiousness and looked to God, the most amazing things happened.

  Going to God frees us.  Just knowing how much he loves us and how much he is willing to help us is the best place to be in our hearts. 

Falling Short or Overshooting God

The way I read verses today is different from the past.  I now remind myself of God's true intentions toward his kids as I read. The way I used to read Proverbs 28:13 was with fear.

 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13

Presently, I find a verse like this delightful! It is an opportunity to advance. Because of  previous teaching and differences in interpretation, it is hard to get to the heart of what it means to sin. When a person approaches the Word of God based on love and that there is no darkness with God, simple truth is refreshing and beneficial.  For us, it is like untangling a mess of yarn  to be able to use to knit together something we can use.

The 'covering of sin' is a natural human reaction. Yet that means that even though sin is hidden, it is still lurking about. Acknowledging sin and tossing it aside does more than cover, it brings freedom to our hearts.

Sin is falling short and maybe even overshooting the mark of God (this is a biggie because sometimes subtly we think we can do more; remember the serpent?).  Regardless, missing out on God's best for us is not what we should want to do. It limits God and it is faulty thinking on our part. God doesn't control us either; it is free will choice whether we check in with him or not. Our goal should be to hit the center of his will for us. He wants us to live in advancing abundance.

We see no greater example of what sin can do than that of what happened in the garden of Eden with the first humans, Adam and Eve.When they messed up, God sought them out and explained what had happened because of the serpent's influence and the consequences of listening to those influences. In Genesis chapter 3 there are various reactions such as,  arrogance, guilt, and blame, exposed. When God called out to them, Adam answered:

“I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” Genesis 3:1

We should never be afraid of God. We don't have to hide from him either.  Sadly, that is just what people do. If it gets bad enough they just rearrange their righteousness for themselves and maybe even their thoughts on the existence of God altogether. That is tragic!

God is a God of compassion and mercy, he loves us better than we can love ourselves. When we are having difficulties, the remedy is just a prayer away. Instead of hiding or making excuses we can ask for help from God and at the very moment we have peace that  things will work out.

Righteously Correct

In a mature individual, boldness, assertiveness and leadership are necessary tools of love. I John says there is 'no fear in love' and 'perfect love casts out fear'. Perfect love comes from God, along with power and  a sound mind (II Timothy 1.7). As a person matures in life, power, love and a sound mind are essential to a happy, peaceful, joyful life.

There are only two sources of power, namely good and evil. Evil can exert its tentacles in very subtle ways. Evil loves power in a greedy self-serving way.  When left unchecked evil will eventually show its full colors in its insatiable quest for more.

The godly kind of power grows with learning, humility and recognition of love. I Corinthians 13 sits like a diamond between two chapters outlining the existence and use of the power of God through the gift of holy spirit. This kind of power is fulfilling and peaceful.

We should never be afraid to be assertive with the truth, but we need to be assertive from the power base of God. Ephesians 6 talks about 'putting on the whole armor of God '.  Christians are not wimpy; they are bold and fearless when they recognize that God has their backs in righteous correctness. That is what it means 'to grow up into him' (Ephesians 4:15).

'Political correctness' functions to stunt maturity; righteous correctness causes growth. Poor leaders demand loyalty, Great leaders encourage interaction, learning and respect. Poor leaders dampen innovation, great leaders encourage it. Great studies on leadership abound in the Bible. Compare the interactions of Moses and Pharaoh, David and Saul, Jesus and the Pharisees. Much is written about their interactions.

We learn to be assertive with confidence and  and love.  Assertiveness tempered with patience allows people time to unwind their own thinking. Gossip has no function in relationships; neither does thinking evil or 'vain imaginations'.  Certainly, we need to recognize evil when it is in front of us and seek God's solution in handling it.

Approved

Recently, I was going over an old word study I had done on the word 'approved' (Greek = dokimos) that was used in II Timothy 2:15:

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

I picked that word to study because of a deep down yearning to be approved by God and not ashamed. It was the first real word study I ever did and I struck gold on the first try!

The first use of the word 'dokimos' is in Romans 14:           

17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Paul was addressing a situation that had arisen in regards to the eating of meat that had been devoted to worship sacrifices in the temple. Some believers enjoying their new found freedom from the rituals were offending those who had not reached the same level of understanding of their new freedom in Christ.

In the religion that I was raised in, meat was not supposed to be eaten on Fridays. I remember one specific incidence that happened while we were flying to the Philippines. I have often thought back on it as great teaching moment for a scrupulous 11 year old in loving God. Flying far above the sparkling Pacific Ocean through a beautiful blue sky on a gorgeous Friday afternoon through white fluffy clouds, I was totally enjoying the view when the stewardess came by and put a plate of steak and vegetables on my tray table. I was mortified. I told her it was Friday and she smiled back and told me it was no longer Friday and that we had just crossed the International Date Line. I remember thinking that that was pretty cool because I was hungry! I was free to enjoy to meal. God is so much more than rituals involving 'meat and drink.'

We have been set free  because of Jesus Christ's once and for all sacrifice.  Sacrifice has been replaced by righteousness, joy and peace.   We all know what peace and joy are and no one ever complains about an atmosphere of peace and joy.  The misconception of righteousness in some circles might evoke shame which is  totally opposite as to what it means. Righteousness is the Christian's right to God's heart without condemnation.  God wants the best for our lives; he created the universe with that in mind. Love and righteousness go hand in hand.  Love is at the creamy caramel at the center of righteousness.

When we have the love of God at the center of our lives will carry love peace and joy to others. These are the foundation blocks of service to God and others. The word 'dokimos' was used  as a term in metallurgy to describe the actual amount of precious metal in an ore . An assay or a test was used to discover the true genuine worth of an ore. Righteousness, peace and joy are the precious core of genuine relationships. This is acceptable to God and gets the approved stamp from others.

The Day of Atonement - The Scapegoat

Recently the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur was celebrated. It is a day that in some religious circles, people atone ritually for their sins and shortcomings. Leviticus 16 is a chapter in the Old Testament that details the ceremony of atonement.  Part of that service is the the choosing of two goats, one to be killed in sacrifice and a second goat to be used as a scapegoat:

8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat. 9 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. 10 But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.
And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the Lord commanded Moses. Leviticus 16:8-9, 34

According to current psychological lingo, a 'scapegoat' is a vulnerable person on whom others project their negative feelings upon to distract from their own vulnerabilities and mental anguish. It means that there is a transfer of guilt or blame, or other negative feelings on someone else.

In the Bible 'scapegoat' is used as a "type" of Christ. The word is used 4 (a number that represents the world) times in the Bible.  The sin offering in atonement is Jesus Christ and it is a one-time offering for all the sins of man.  He became the scapegoat for the world. Jesus Christ was loaded with our sin anguish and guilt and he carried it off into the spiritual wilderness. Our minds have been relieved from the heavy weight of dealing with the negative aspects of this world.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried (loaded up with and carried away) our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:4

After a long day of wrestling with the perplexities of life we can lay our heads down on the pillow and instead of  replacing all the negatives of the day with counting sheep or goats, we can rejoice in the work of Jesus Christ  and rest easy and wake up engulfed in 'sonshine' when we wake up.

Pains of Mind

Isaiah 53 is a beautiful section full of detailed prophecies and exquisite language worth digging as a fathomless supply of rich treasures  It was written many hundreds of years before the time that Jesus walked this earth. Verses from Isaiah 53 are quoted several times in the Gospels and New Testament and have significant meaning especially in our practical experiences of life.

Verses 4-5 of this chapter and subsequent verses prophecy of the purpose and coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ  exposed the adversary and his effect on a person's life.  Jesus Christ is the solution and answer. Life is full of pressures, twists, disappointments, problems along with the successes, excitements and  blessings. Jesus Christ as God's son is our way in dealing with both sides of life successfully.

4 Surely (Truly) he hath borne ('nasa' lifted, carried and taken) our griefs ('choli' - used 24x {3x as griefs and 21x sickness or disease}, and carried ('sabal' - carried the load for us) our sorrows ('makob' - sorrows, pain, grief, pains of mind) yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

Isaiah says that they would look at him as someone who 'was stricken, and smitten of God and afflicted.' Jesus did battle with the forces of evil, not God. He did it for all mankind.

5 But he was wounded (pierced through) for our transgressions, he was bruised (crushed, humbled) for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes (blows that cut in) we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5

I have been working the Hebrew word 'makob' found in verse 4. Everyone experiences 'pains of mind'. The word is used 16 times in the Old Testament. Two of them are in Isaiah 53 in verse 4 above and verse 3 where Jesus is described as a man of sorrows. Jesus was fully acquainted with the effect of sorrow and mental pain and he relinquished his pains of mind to his heavenly Father. In verse 4 above, we read that he will load up and carry off our anguish and mental pressures. He can do that when we remind our brain cells  to do just that. Projected fear and worry have no right to freeze our minds because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. We as sons of God and joint heirs with Christ have rights because of his sacrifice for us. 

Leadership and Teamwork

Do we agree with everybody? No! Every person in this world has a right to believe what they believe. God gave all human beings the ability to make choices. Can we have relationships with  people when we disagree? Yes and no. In my mind it depends on certain factors.  Obviously in this world we live in, it is evident there are reasons why it is difficult sometimes to develop relationships with some people over others.

God has exhibited his love for all human beings through the visible life of his son. God has given every individual that has ever lived, lives now or will ever live, the option of sonship with all of its benefits. People have been given the right to believe God or something else. Those who choose God and believe in the work of his son develop a relationship with the Father and his son. Jesus Christ is overseeing those who are God's. God has given him that authority.

Jesus Christ was the greatest example of leadership that ever walked this earth. He was truthful and walked in love. He treated all people well and part of that was that he confronted when it was needed. He stood up to oppressive religious leaders because he loved people. I love the story of Jesus confronting the religious group who were about to stone a woman caught in adultery. He didn't yell at them and say something like: 'You jerks, who do you think you are!!" He simply said 'You who are without sin, cast the first stone.' He also spoke to the woman. He told her to  'Go and sin no more' after her accusers had, one by one, dropped each stone and left. He was full of unbiased love, truth and boldness because he loved his Father and was bringing his Father's love into the world.

Just because someone believes in God doesn't mean he/she can't get along with someone who doesn't think the same way. The Constitution of the United States provided for differences in beliefs and free-will choice. However, when people start pushing on others in a negative way that is harmful, a line has to be drawn. That is why there are laws.

When we choose to develop a relationship with God we actually join a team called the 'body of Christ'. It is the church, a group of people who love God. Because the spirit of God has been given to us  at the time of this new birth, we have the right to function with and among others who also have the same spirit living in their hearts. After Christ's resurrection and ascension, all people both Judeans and Gentiles (other nations) were finally joined together in one group belonging to God. Prior to that time, Judeans and Gentiles were separate groups and did not exactly get along together. There had been lots of contention between the two groups throughout history.

Today we have many thousands of types of Christian groups.  As human nature would have it, even these groups develop animosities because of disagreement of beliefs. When Jesus Christ is truly the head of God's church, people are united by one spirit. Each and every member has access to the spirit of God and can do amazing things together to accomplish the work of God.  Too often we see division in these groups when one person starts sizing up their spirituality against another:

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. II Corinthians 10:12

Have you ever heard the expression "There is no 'I' in team"? This phrase probably gives the connotation that there is no 'ego' in team, but it shouldn't mean there are no 'individuals' that function in a team. Individuality is important in a team and necessary for team benefits. When the spirit of God has been given to all and really functioning, there is no spiritual elitism nor a restricting hierarchy and certainly no competition.

We are all wired differently. God did not make us carbon copies of each other. Some are managers, some are pioneers. Some lead, some blaze trails, some lift up and support and some double check the details. My boss was a 'detail thinker.'  I was so thankful for her skills because she could look at the small parts and put them together.  My brain works the other way around. I get the big picture quickly before I start to see the small parts. If people respect and see how different skills fit together, production soars.

My husband is a 'detail' person like my boss.  Since my thinking runs at high speed at times we had to figure out how to work together and not get frustrated. Having different skills should be a bonus not a frustration. That is what growing together is all about. Respect, patience and love make marriages more successful:

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Just as I am typing this, the Cubs just played a great 1st inning.  Zobrist (the lead-off guy) batted first.  He didn't swing for the hills. He put a very well-placed hit in right field and got on base. Bryant did the same exact same thing to left field. Schwarber( a powerful homerun hitter) then swung for the hills for a home run and 3 runs scored. Every run counts one point whether it's a homerun or a hit. It was a great example of leadership, teamwork and success. Go Cubbies!

An amazingly beautiful reality:

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth (extending to everyone), and length (extending through all times), and depth, and height(higher and deeper than we can ever attain by ourselves); (the dimensions of love)

And to know (have first-hand knowledge) the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled (be complete) with all the fulness (completeness)of God.

Now unto him( God) that is able to do abundantly above ( this is big!) all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh (energizes within) in us, Ephesians 3:17-20

Fruit Production Comes From Within

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering (having a long fuse), gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

No can argue that the above list of these nine qualities are wonderful. We can't make ourselves peaceful or meek or  joyous by pushing our minds. They come by trusting God, exercising our rights and abilities as situations come up in our lives. It is via the spirit of God that is shed abroad in our hearts that fruit is produced. 

An apple tree produces fruit as a result of several biological processes. Light, water and rich soil cultivate fruit trees and promote pollination, seed production, photosynthesis, and transpiration. These are precedent to production. The same is true for the fruit of the spirit.

We all experience difficult times in our lives. God is not in control of the negatives that manipulate and try to influence our world. God is all good and he works in the trusting heart.  

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3:20

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (thoughts), shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Our thoughts sometimes race ahead when presented with fearful, dark and pressurized situations, but God comes through in flying colors for us with a peace that just can't be described. The same is true of joy. Inner joy just cannot be chased away very easily or at all. It is how we love the unlovable and stay still when we want to run and hide. The fruit of the spirit provides us with reassurance and builds a bigger trust that supersedes anything that the world has to offer.

Freedom

This morning is a particularly beautiful morning.  The sun is shining and there is a lovely breeze moving the air. I have opened the windows and let it all come in.  Maybe, just maybe, the air-conditioning days are coming to an end. The fresh air is revitalizing!

In Galatians 5:1 we are encouraged (and what encouragement it is!) to:

5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

We are invited into wholesome liberty by Jesus Christ. It is through him that we have obtain the third part of our nature, the spirit of God. We are born with a body and a soul and God has provided this third dimension if we so choose accept it. It is a refreshing gentle wind that  can enliven, inspire and comfort us in any situation that arises. It is true freedom that is not burdened with ritual law or enslaving 'anything goes' mindset.

Bondage is oppressive, it weighs down our heart and darkens our vision.  God wants us to freely avail of all of his blessings:

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

The reason  the word 'places' is in italics in the King James Version is that it has been added by translators for flow in translation.  'Heavenly' is not referring to a geographical place on earth. It is referring to a place above the physical earth and, in this context, more specifically, God's spiritual realm.

Despite the fact that we cannot see a physical spiritual realm, we can see the effects of it in our hearts.  It like the wind. We cannot see the wind but we can see its action by the movement of things around us. Recognizing and utilizing our spiritual nature produces fruit in our lives:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering(having a long fuse), gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

These are all great things! Nobody is against having love, joy and peace emanating from our innermost being! This list is a list of fruit. Fruit is a product of growth. Peace, goodness and gentleness cannot be fabricated.  Spiritual righteousness comes from the heart.

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk(keep step) in the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

God is Good

Did God say in 1 John 4:19 that he loves us because we first loved him?  No! We love him because he first loved us. 'God so loved that he gave'. God is the giver of all givers. Every human being that has ever lived has been loved by God! (John 3:16). That is grace. Every human being also has had the free-will choice to love him back.  God is all good, there is no darkness in him at all. He is not the cause of all misfortune and problems in the world. That is the devil's work.

The adversary has assumed authority over people in this world (since Genesis 3) and he is the author of misery and pain. Adam and Eve opened the door for him to usurp authority from God.  God never cursed Adam and Eve over this, he just explained what would come as a result of listening and heeding to the wrong spirit. Things became more difficult because the devil was given a place in their world. God was not to blame for any of the consequences that resulted from having the devil take over.

The devil is not some horned red guy with a pitch fork. He is a fallen spirit being. His doctrines and influences are carried by words and thoughts. Sometimes he deceives with what sounds like lovely words at times; things that hit right to the heart of an unsuspecting victim. Deception is part of his programming. We should be vigilant in relying on our spiritual radar from God to discriminate between what is light and darkness. This is especially true when we come across the many memes and quotes on the internet that are virally moving through the various platforms of social media at top speed. I have to admit, I sometimes get taken in by some seemingly inspiring wisdom only later to honestly think about it to find it really wasn't godly.

At other times the devil pushes events of fear and chaos that are blatantly visible as his work.  Fear is coupled with chaos to cast to deflect blame. Blame is a top tier tool of the adversary. All the evil and dark things that have happened throughout history are not done by God. It may seem to look like that when one reads the Old Testament, but God does not steal, kill or destroy. The Old Testament believers didn't fully get who the devil was.  In John 10:10 in the New Testament God sent his son to reveal the adversary. The devil is openly visible in the New Testament and his actions are on a list of seven things (Rms 1:13,11;25, I Cor 10:1,12:1, 2 Cor 1:8,2:11, I Thess 14:13) in the word that God does not want us to be ignorant about.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. I John 3:

God wants us to life a great life. He helps us navigate this world through the good and the bad. Everyday we are confronted with both. Somethings we may have to step through, step around or jump over, but He has given us plenty of resources for that in His Word through holy spirit and Jesus Christ.  God is a gracious God. His grace has been available to all.  We love him because of that and however imperfect we are, we have the joy of knowing he loves us. We can lovingly respond by heeding his Word and being thankful for all he has done for our lives. It is pure joy to use all the resources he has given us to really walk in his grace.

Shame should Not Be Equated With Humility

Sometimes shame shouts so loud, it upstages humility! Often humility and shame are linked together like a ball and chain by people who think they know what God is about. Humility is joyful; it is exciting and powerful. When true humility exists in the human heart, it outshouts and blows up nasty, sneaky dark thoughts.

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. Psalm 34:4-5

It is the conscience or 'knowledge from the Word of God within one's self' that should guide us, not shame. Shame says "I am stupid, guilt says "I did something stupid" and "conscience says I should be doing this instead which is more beneficial than how I behaved."

Now go read all of Psalm 34, it makes you want to dance and sing!!!! It is fun not to feel shame or any other feeling that engenders self-loathing. There is so much in those verses. We have so much to be thankful for!

Discerning Truth and Error

We all hold certain life experiences, learning and opinions that accumulate in our thinking through the years. As we grow older and hopefully wiser, we can be a resource for others to help them along if they need wisdom and understanding. And hopefully as we grow older we never cease to learn more ourselves and that we never get to the place where we think we have all the answers. Not growing and learning is so boring at any age!

There are so many opinions in the world. We are all assigned the task of discerning truth from error. As I got older I realized clearly that choosing the Word of God as a source for life issues was very important. It still is. Not only do things get clearer, they grow brighter and sparklier. Shedding light on darkness, fear and depression is a big first step to kissing these things good-bye. Darkness is not a "dear old friend".

We all have to have to filter out the bad from the good. Many choose the consensus to evaluate things, but that does not really separate the good from the bad and certainly not the best from the good.  So much depends on the quality of the consensus. Often evil comes at us disguised as good, although lately it has shown up boldly without a mask. Humans can be deceived and deception is dangerous. We need to be able to draw back the curtains in life. We are not sheep. God has given us so much more in the New Testament. When we keep God in our conversations we learn so much more about living a life that is meaningful and not just following an 'ism' for the sake of following an 'ism' or a cause because it is popular.

I prefer the 'clear eyed' approach and that is what I get when I trust and go to God's Word. I also like being around people that are humble to the creator of this beautiful universe who have matured a bit  spiritually in discerning truth from error. Discerning truth from error comes as we mature in Christ.

The Bible is not supposed to be just an aid to our worship of God. It is the path to 'life in its fullest' experiences. The events in the Old Testament are about life not just commandments.  If you look at the Bible merely as a rulebook, you miss out on truly understanding the love God has for us.

Recognizing The Reality Of Grace

God's grace is a gift and a wonderful reason to love God for his heart.  We love him because we recognize how much he really loves us (I John 4:19). But what if someone doesn't recognize his love?

What if someone gave you a gift and it was wrapped in a beautiful package. You certainly wouldn't ignore that person or scowl a him. What if you opened the package and there was nothing in there but a piece of paper with the word 'grace' written on it? You might feel let down and empty. That is sometimes how I felt when I was trying to understand what God meant by grace.  I found definitions of grace galore like 'unearned favor, God's unmerited divine favor, divine favor etc. I get that we don't earn it, but oftentimes those definitions don't really get to the heart of what grace is and grace is a very big beautiful concept.

My husband I are really enjoying a new fancy camera. We HAVE TO read the instructions!  Both of us admit to not knowing how to use it. I am so thankful every time we change the settings to take a picture a little instruction blurb pops up on the monitor to explain the why of the setting. We found complete joy when we discovered the action setting and took pictures of our grandchildren sliding into base ( a brave action for a 5 year old), pitching and batting (making my 9 year old grandson look like a pro). I can't wait to use it on my dancing granddaughter and my toddler grandson (Mr. Personality).

Many people don't like to read instructions so they skip doing it altogether. I can't count how many times I've gone back to read the instructions on something and found a new way to apply and use it. This works the same way with God's word.

Grace is indeed God's unearned favor but it is so much more than just what dribbles from heaven.  It is God's heart, his presence, his forgiveness and his power. It is just, very simply, his love. Grace comes with an instruction manual. We should want to read the instructions and utilize his gift of grace fully. "Obedience" is not a bad word and it is not contrary to grace. It is simply knowing what is available and knowing that we have the right to accept God's unmatched blessing in our lives by receiving what he offers us. When we fully understand why we listen to God, why we read his word, why we pray, we look forward to it.  It is not a chore or something we have to do.

I used to follow a schedule for reading the Bible, but I soon found myself reading a chapter and thinking about a million other things and not remembering what I read, let alone applying it. I am reading through the Bible now but time is of no essence and sometimes something in the Old Testament brings something in the New Testament to my mind and I go there. Usually it is because I'm onto something that is right here and now in my life. It is amazing but not surprising that God can be so personable and close. Knowledge helps in recognizing God at work and having the freedom in your mind to let him expand the work of grace in your heart.

Keeping Busy With The Work of Love

Have you ever felt  God peacefully impressing love on your heart when praying for people? The apostle Paul expressed this sort of thing in the first chapter of Philippians :

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

The phrase 'bowels of Jesus Christ' refers to the innermost being of Christ that resided in Paul. We are connected to God and his son through the gift of holy spirit that we receive when we acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as God's son who was raised from the dead and now is the head of God's church.

What is so amazing about this type of prayer is that one can be at total juxtaposition with someone and still pray in this wonderful loving way for them without feeling any negative twinge at all. The more we mature and become more Christ-like, the more we pray with clear undiluted passion for people. We set aside hurts, negative thinking and anger to literally get that innermost heart that peacefully focus on the right and good path of being clear-eyed about love:

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9-10

Paul was in prison at the time he wrote this. He was in a tough situation. His life was in jeopardy, he was in prison and for what? Was he charged with murder, theft or fraud, lying or libel? No, in reality he was in jail for his beliefs. His state of mind and heart under the pressure of it all is readily apparent when reading the book of Philippians.  He kept busy with the work of love. His heart's desire for the Philippians was that they superabounded more and more in love that was guided by knowledge and judgement. He wanted the Philippians the clearly see God's heart at work in their lives so that they could separate truth from error.

Truth brings joyous abundance, error brings darkness and misery. Truth loves, error brings on more error and bondage. God can show us how to deal truthfully in love and that may mean speaking up or not worrying about political correctness at times. There are times 'minding your own business' can be quite hateful and there are other times that 'minding your own business' can be quite loving. God's love is the only way the way to discriminate between the two.

Life is all about 'judgement'. Of course it is, but the  words 'judgement' and 'judgmental' have taken on a negative connotation through the years. God made our brains in a way that we must weigh, discern, think and make decisions. With God's help love makes the best judgement. That is why prayer is so important. When we have a question or a problem, God can settle our hearts in prayer and we can live in the fullness of life and help others truthfully!

Perfect Love From a Perfect Father

Perfect love casts out fear and gives us true freedom. Real fear is obsessive! Fear grips, presses, engulfs and controls. We are meant to be free of all things oppressive, depressive and obsessive. Jesus Christ has set us free from these things through the truth. He has been our reconciliation to God. We have been given the spirit to settle our minds and hearts. That is what the New Testament is all about. That is why there is a New Testament!

With all that said, we see fear everywhere. Is perfect love so hard to see or is it hiding? No! It is everywhere! God wants the best for our lives and we see the effects of that in nature and in his word.

Many people choose to walk around in the dark without bothering to allow light in. Part of the reason for this is that people think they can't go to God directly, have not been taught and have had wrong teaching. There is nothing enlightening about darkness. There are sincere religious people around today that are no better than those who reject God and in some instances worse because they been fed with teaching laced with fear and all those 'sessives'. It is sad when someone doesn't believe there's a God but it is even worse when someone believes the wrong things about God.

Believing that God is love is a great place to start. God has lovingly made the creation and put man in it. He is our source for all that we need to enjoy life in all of its fullness.

When people truly see themselves as God sees them, life is much easier to deal with. Humans that interact with each other with the love of God in their hearts are very blessed by each other.  When we make people or even ourselves our only source, life fails.  If we humans mess up, God is very forgiving when we go to him and we access that wonderful 'peace that passeth all understanding' (Philippians 4:6-7). As a result can we have a clearer mind to see others as God sees them.

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.We love him, because he first loved us.  I John 4:16-19

A Very Present Help

Oh if people just understood this! What a different world it would be! This is not a passive verse nor is it contradictory! No need to fight! Stand up, stand strong, see the victory, do not be discouraged nor be afraid.  God will be in your life if you let him. Go out and face the challenge!  

Playing Well

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a 50 year reunion for a college baseball team that my husband played on. This team won a national championship during my husband's senior year. There were lots of activities planned to honor this team which culminated in attending the current team's game for the Division title.

I enjoyed meeting this legendary team's members and their wives and hearing their stories. Many of them stayed active in sports by playing in the pros, coaching, scouting and teaching. As I watched them interact, even after 50 years, there was camaraderie, laughter, respect and an ethical quality that might have been at the roots of why this team was so successful. They played the game well and still do.

Playing together is an important part of life. All sorts of books have been written about teamwork in athletics, families, business, and education.  The best book ever to speak on this subject is the Word of God. The Bible is written for its believers and it is a rich resource for those who expect to learn principles of life in its pages. God's principles work when understood correctly and fully. Some people happen on these principles during the course of life through the ups and downs, trial and error approach because they can work for anyone. There were periods in the history of the world when people didn't have access to the written word.  Today some people stay away from the Bible because they think it is too hard, or have heard things about what is written that is misunderstood or mistranslated. God's principles regardless work and are worth acknowledging and making an effort to understand how they apply to our lives.

In I Corinthians 12:27-28a , there is an interesting statement:

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church,.....1 Corinthians 12:27-28a

The body of Christ is a reference to the church. It is a called out group of people that believe in God and his son Jesus Christ. The word 'church' refers to the people of God, the members in particular (as individuals).

A baseball team has many members. There are pitchers, catchers, basemen and outfielders. Any given team could have as many as 14 or 15 pitchers.  The coach decides who is in or out at any given time. All players throw, field, bat and run, but in any one given inning, there is only one pitcher, first baseman or catcher or center outfielder. You never see three first base players standing on first base or 5 pitchers standing on the mound. That would be chaos. The same thing is true in the church.

In verse 27 above, Paul writes that 'God has set some in the church'. 'Has set' is in the middle voice, meaning that God has set for himself, for his own use in the church. All members are members individually. Submitting (Ephesians 5:21) one to another has respect for God as its foundation and is a key for success as to how we play well among the called out people of God.

But made himself of no reputation.....

Jesus Christ is our greatest example of a leader. He walked the earth knowing God was his father and yet 'made himself of no reputation' (Philippians 2:7) He did things very differently from the common world-view of success and leadership.

He certainly has had an influence on the world as no other man has. True power comes from God.  When Jesus said "I and my father are one" (John 10:30), he was showing who he was aligned with. He carried and is continuing to carry the purpose of God in his heart. He respected (and still does) the wisdom of God. He depends on the wisdom of God in helping people. In everything Jesus Christ did and does for people, God gets the glory.

Jesus took on the form of a servant. The servant offers the way. As a servant of God, he offers the truth and as a result, he offers life in effulgence (John 14:6).

God set Jesus Christ at his own right hand (God doesn't have a hand physically. This is a figure of speech representing the appointment of Jesus Christ to his position as head of God's church) :

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:17-23)

Jesus Christ made himself of no reputation. It is God that highly exalts him. He gets the pure joy of carrying out God's service which involves wisdom and knowledge of God, enlightened understanding, knowledge of the hope of God's calling, and the riches of the glory of his inheritance to us.

Resurrected Life

The word "resurrection' is believed to be derived from the old Latin word, 'resurgere'. We get the english word 'resurgence' from it. It can mean many things such as; rebirth, regeneration, revival,  and re-emergence . The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most significant moment in history. God raised him up and out of this world's doubts, negativity, brutality, and darkness to ascend to his right hand.  Jesus Christ, 'sitting at the right hand of the Father,' is a figure of speech meaning that God has made him Lord of his church. God has given him authority to act on his behalf and Jesus is not just sitting around twiddling his thumbs. He brings resurgence to us as well.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1

We have been risen with Christ and we are encouraged to seek those things above.  'Above' refers to  the right hand business of God. God provides perfect love. That is what he is all about! God is spirit, he doesn't really have a physical hand to sit at, but this figure (attributing human characteristics to God) helps us really think about what Christ is doing and has been doing for the last 2000+ years or so. We can be a part of that.

At a very early age Jesus realized who he was when he said; "wist ye not that I must be about my father's business?" (Luke 2:49). Later he taught to pray 'on earth as it is in heaven' (Luke 6:10), that God's will would be present in our life on earth.

We become connected by the gift of holy spirit, when we in our hearts realize that Jesus is Lord and that God raised him from the dead. (Romans 10:9-10) It is really so simple and has results that are far beyond anything we could think of on our own. We too can be raised up and out of doubt, negativity, fear and anything else that attempts to pull us back down into the mud spiritually. This is also how we can help each other now in this life. We also can look forward to permanent resurrection life physically in the future.  We have a lot to celebrate and  be thankful for and its is a great time to think about being about our father's business too.

Superabounding Prayer

Philippians has some great truths about the believer's adequacy and completeness. The world is not a perfect place. God gave man managerial power to take care of this planet. There is much in this world that is great and at the same time, man has made some mistakes.  God would not have given Adam the commission he did as recorded in the early chapters of Genesis, if he didn't think he was adequate for the job. God gave him the knowledge and ability to manage the earth the way it should be managed.  Adam and Eve messed up and listened to someone else other than God. The results were not so great.

God wants his people to utilize all that he has provided for the benefit of their own lives. He designed the human body so that a human being is a very capable organism. Good magnifies this ability, evil corrupts it.

Paul's prayer in the 1st chapter of Philippians shows perfectly God's love and will for completeness;

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9-10 (KJV)

God's heart is that mankind will superabound more and more through knowledge and in every judgement (perception of ethical and good). The language in this verse is beautiful. God wants us to weigh everything with what he has given us in the word to really have the best. We are to compare and separate out those things that are not in our best interest by seeing those things that cause us to superabound.

God wants us to be sincere by walking in full sunlight. Our actions can be revealed by that sunlight so that we are not tripped up. We don't have to grope around in darkness trying to figure things out. God wants us to walk in his light until the day of Christ.

What is a great example of prayer! This is what we want for ourselves and the way we should for pray for  others!

What does Holy Spirit Mean To Us?

God is spirit according to John 4:24:

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

 God has given us a gift of what he himself is. We receive the gift of holy spirit when we recognize Jesus Christ as Lord and believe God raised him up from death. It gives us access to the throne of God and his wonderful son. We become sons of God through the spirit.

So what does that mean? I Corinthians gives us some amazing information in  chapters12, 13, 14 and it is something God does not want us to ignorant about. We must understand how that spirit works in us.  The profit that result from our utilization of the gift manifests itself as we rely on God:

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 

8 For to one (profit) is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another(again referring to the profit and in all the rest of the list) the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. I Corinthians 12:8-11

How do these benefits profit us?:

1. Word of wisdom - it is no accident that this is listed first. God's wisdom supersedes all other wisdom.  We have access to that wisdom spiritually. God can inform us what to do about a given situation.
2. Word of knowledge -  It also applies to what is specifically going on around us. God can provide us knowledge about what is happening above what we know by our five senses.
3. Faith is our spiritual believing so necessary to enlist the power of God. Our minds may be shaky but our innermost being can rise to God's level of carrying out what seems impossible.
4. Gifts of healing - healing is a gift of God.  We are surrounded by things that man created that are not the best for our health. God is the true healer and can pull us out of whatever challenge we face.
5. Working of miracles - the energizing of things that happen that are beyond our natural man ability. When healing takes place instantaneously, working of miracles has been energized by God.
6. Prophecy - speaking forth the heart and word that God wants spoken. There are many examples of this in the Old Testament with individual men and women upon whom the spirit of God rested on.  There were even times in the Old Testament when the spirit rested upon others, not just the leaders (Numbers 11:25-29).  God's will is that he can communicate with any believer and that believer can speak forth the words of God. The New Testament provided this access.
7. Discerning of spirits- separating good from evil. God does not want us to be fooled.
8. Speaking in tongues- This refers to praying in the spirit. Sometimes we don't know what to pray for or maybe we don't have to know the details of what is going on. Maybe it is none of our business. We can still pray in the spirit. Praying is our business. Praying spiritually is so much easier than praying with our understanding sometimes.
9. Interpretation of tongues - when in a gathering, this explains what is spoken in a tongue so that all can be edified and built up.

God may give us a word of knowledge about something and then not tell us to do anything about it. Also, God doesn't have to give us information on everything. The important thing to understand is that he's the one who is the source and knows what is best.  Great lessons in life are learned when we rest in God's wisdom.  Our brains were designed by God and we can think. To see spiritually, which is to see things that are hidden behind what we see, we need the spirit of God informing us. Something may appear so wonderful on the surface, but God may show us something totally different.

In I Corinthians 14:1, Paul writes that we are to follow after the love of God (I Corinthians 13) and desire spiritual matters and especially that we may prophesy.  Speaking God's heart and word is what we all need. The gift of holy spirit is what inspires and reveals God's solutions.

7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; 8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Colossians 1:7-9

Confusing Weakness and Strength

There is an inordinate amount of confusion in this world as to what is strength and what is weakness. Weakness is confused with strength and strength is confused with weakness. The apostle Paul had many challenges. He was strong and knew where his strength came from:

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient (be content enough) for thee: for my strength (dunamis- potential power) is made perfect (complete) in weakness(lack of strength. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities (frailty), in reproaches (insolence, insults and injury), in necessities (needs), in persecutions, in distresses (narrowness of room) for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong(capable). II Corinthians 12:8-10

Recognizing weakness in one's own life has the potential to produce true strength in an individual. It takes guts to stand up for what one learns and believes. It doesn't take adamance and loud proclamations either as we see so frequently around us.  Paul said he would rather glory in his challenges. The word 'glory' represents confidence in a godly solution. It is the word 'kauchaomai' which means 'to hold one's head up high'. It is always found in the middle voice which means the person does this for himself. One can hold his/her head up high if he/she puts confidence in God and the resurrection power of Christ.

To live in this world takes work. The hard part often is in accepting God's help. Sadly, many people accept the world's solutions rather than the word's solutions. Some don't know God, some mock, some just don't take the time to patiently wait for a solution. However, once a person sees how eager God is to help, it builds to trusting him again and again and again.

Whatever challenges arise can be dealt with in confidence when we trust God and apply his word to the situations. We just have to find out what God has to say about whatever problem arises. We can believe to get out of debt, be a blessing to others and live a free life, Whatever gets in our way can be dealt with effectively if we trust God and act. 

Effectual Fervent Prayer

Yesterday I  decided to catch up with the news and not to my surprise, nothing had changed. The news echoed the same ole same ole drone of futility and negative banter as usual. It offered the fullest range of conspiracy, blame, shame, accusation, and defamation it could conger up and then repeated it from program to program, hour to hour.

Enough is enough! Life should not be as complicated or as sinister as is danced out in front of us in every newspaper, commentary and media presentation. People need to stand up and call it what it is. It is not about hiding our heads in the sand, nor is it about swimming with the sharks.  It is about telling the truth. It is only within truth that answers come.

James 5:16: Confess your (added by translators- leave it in or take it out) faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

The world is full of things that are wrong; things that God never intended for this world.  By openly agreeing and acknowledging what is off the mark, we open the doors to putting things right. We should do this together and cleave to what is right for one another other. Hiding is not 'effectually fervent'. Prayer is to be 'effectually fervent' and full of energy to get things done. Prayer is openingly acknowledging God's power and love.

'Healing' is the result. the first use of 'healing' is used in Genesis 20 in the Old Testament. It is a great example of this verse in James.  Abraham had gotten into a bad situation in Gerar because of some second guessing peppered with fear. To may a long story short (Read the record! It is exquisite) Abrahams wife ended up in the Philistine ruler's  (Abimelech) harem and things started going awry.  No more children were being born in Abimeleh's household and Abimelech spoke openly to Abraham (a prophet) about it. It was open acknowledgement of the truth and will of God. In the end, Abraham prayed and things were set right and everybody benefited.

A 'righteous man is one who has been justified by Christ and can stand in the presence of God without fear, shame or guilt.  What a privilege! What a comfort! It is very powerful in our lives. We can do this together and make a difference!

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16