Projection And Mis-Judging 2021

 This is a repost from 2017 that I still think is very timely:

This morning, I got to thinking about a wonderful verse in Ephesians:

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, Ephesians 1:18

It had popped into my head when I was pondering a phone conversation I recently had with someone when she called me back after I left a message to have her call me. When she called back, she immediately started talking to me about something I had no idea about. All I could figure out was that she was worried about what I was thinking in regards to something that she was handling. It was not what I was thinking about at all!  When I realized what was going on and a significant pause opened up, I stopped her and explained what  I wanted and assured her that my brain had not gone that way. In the end each of us was blessed. It is great for relationships to work things out like this when there is misinterpretation. Too often people run to others who don't even know what is going on and unload and cause further chaos and division. Many situations can be solved by talking to each other personally and not about each other. (Matthew 18:15)

'Projection' is an image in our mind that we 'project' on a situation when dealing with others based on our own thoughts within ourselves.  It happens a lot since we humans have busy minds. We can do it in both a positive and a negative sense based on the way we are feeling at the time. It is a form of mis-"judging". It is very prevalent in our news cycles, and all over political and religious circles. You can find examples of projection everywhere. 

This is a great reason to listen carefully to what people are saying and help free them from misconceptions about what they might be thinking if you get the opportunity. Sometimes people are so busy thinking thoughts they don't really have time to listen. What a great thing to pray for!

People often project their thoughts on God too! It is something to watch out for. It is possible to think God is mad at us, when he isn't. It is possible to think God doesn't even think about us or that we have no place in his heart. All you have to do is look at the beautiful spring gifts he has made to remind us of all the loving touches he put in this world to bless our lives.

The verse above in Ephesians came to mind and is very apropos to the spring cleaning that needs to go on in our minds periodically. (It's the first day of spring! Yea!). It is actually a prayer and it is a good one.  In fact it is beautiful! It is an effective prayer to pray and believe. Let in the light, open the windows, breathe and clear the cobwebs of our minds out!

Be The Person God thinks You Are

Recently I saw a quote on line that read ;"Be the person your dog
thinks you are". I have known a few wonderful dogs in my time and the dogs I have known have been loving, loyal friends. One thing I remember most about the dogs we have owned was seeing their eyes light up and their wagging tails that always greeted us when walked towards them on especially tough, tiring days. It was so heartwarming. Our Katy and Maggie could always make us smile.  

God made animals to bless us and they do offer us amazing lessons in life.  All of God's creation teaches us about how much he has provided for us and loves us. Getting back to the quote, I chuckled at the the spelling of the word 'dog'. It reminded me about being the person God thinks you are. God looks upon us as sons and daughters. Ok, maybe he doesn't wag his tail when we enter the throne room of his love, but he is certainly happy, loyal and excited when we do.

I didn't always know God as I do now and I'm very thankful that I know him now better than I ever did. Last night, I read a few of David's psalms after a very long day. Now don't get me wrong, the book Psalms is filled with beautiful prayers to God, but the ones I was reading didn't light up for me or chase away the gray cloud that was hanging over my head. David lived in Old Testament times, we live in the times of the New Testament which is all about Jesus Christ and what his life means to us in our connection to God. If you really want to know who God thinks we are, read the book of Ephesians, Colossians or I, II or III John! just as a start. 

God is faithful, loyal and he invented love! If we focus on our shortcomings, failures, and  downright sin, we tend to run away from God and hide like kids do when they mess up. Well, God even tells us that we all sin and come short of the glorious life God has for us. We should never hide from God because the minute we step into his light, our lives change and he remembers nothing about our sin. If he had a tail it would be wagging faster than a helicopter blade on a supersonic jet!

How do we step into his light? Read Ephesians, pour your heart out to him and make a list of things he has done for you. One day when I was feeling schmucky, I bought a little yellow spiral notebook and wrote down all the things I could remember of how God had blessed me. The list grew and grew and grew. I started remembering things from my childhood (and that was long ago). I remembered people who specifically taught me how much God loves us. Other things kept popping up and I'd write them in my book. Everyday something pops into my head.  It often occurs when I read a record in the Bible and it reminds me of an incident.  I get my yellow book and write it down so I don't forget.

There's a lot of garbage floating around this world to try and push us to forget God and what he has done for us, so it is good to go back and read these lists.  When I reread my list, I am amazed at the miraculous life I have lived! Forget the sin, the negatives and ask God to remind you of his work in your life. The only thing sin will remind us of, is its utter futility and distraction and traps. God himself, on the other hand, constantly reminds us what he thinks of us and lifts our heart.

Vision

Have you ever just come to the point where you have felt where there is just no solution in sight to where you are headed. You might even blame yourself for being just so stupid and deserving to have the word 'failed' stamped on your forehead. Probably everyone has frequently experienced such pressure. That's why we needed a person who felt all our pain to lift us up and out of this trap. That man is Jesus Christ. He is not a fairy tale, a myth or fable. How do we know that? We can know it by what is written and by experiencing it in the here and now because he still lives and he is God's right-hand man.

6 Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Have you ever noticed in the bible when Jesus is referred to, he is Jesus Christ, the Lord Jesus Christ  or Christ Jesus. Christ is not his last name. It is a title. When the title 'Christ' is first it emphasizes his risen Messianic position meaning he delivers and rescues as an agent of God. He is a savior.

We have been given the gift of holy spirit as a result of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.  We have an internal receiver that can hear the voice of God deep within our heart. In that gift are included word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, faith, miracles and gifts of healings among other things. Evil can stealthily dish out vision that can be quite deceiving, but  God's spirit in us can separate good and evil. Worry and fear can be pretty noisy, but God's quiet calm will shut them up. That's a miracle.

So how do we get us out of trouble and anguish, even trouble that we deserve? We have to look to God's word for our answers. We can also pray to God to know what to pray for and then we have pay attention to the answer. God provides answers many ways. Things may just happen right away or it may take some time. God can give us vision to see ahead and have that peace that passeth understanding if we have to wait. It may be in the form of assurance or comfort. It is supernatural light piercing through darkness and settling a new calm on the heart. We may not have all the specific details (just the details we need), but the peace is so different than just ordinary 'chillin' that it guards you from anxious thoughts. All you have to do is ask:

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally (generously, simply and sincerely), and upbraids not (without rolling his eyes -my definition); and it shall be given him. James 1:5

The more we do this and experience God's peace that passes understanding over and over the quicker, we will ask each time when we are presented with a negative situation.  God's peace will cause us to thrive and excel.

Morning by Morning

 Morning by morning, evidence of the deeply compassionate love of God never never fails to show up:

25 The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.26 It is good that a man should both expect and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Lam 3:25-26

 

Comfort -able?

Are we comfort-able? Can we receive comfort from God?  In 2nd Corinthians (the heart of reproof, 1st Corinthians is the head of reproof), the first chapter opens with much to be said about the comfort of God. It is a beautiful section of scripture and drives home the compassion that God has for us. We know that grace is undeserved favor, power and abounding blessings. Mercies refer to God withholding punishment for what we do deserve as a result of the weaknesses in our lives.

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 5 For as the sufferings (things to endure) of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual (active, efficient) in the enduring (remaining steadfast) of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. I Corinthians 1:3-6

Below is a list words used in this section from verse 3-6: (each color represents  the word being derived from the same Greek root)

mercies - God's deep feelings about someones's difficulty, compassion

comfort  -  a calling near or alongside of used 6x

consolation - counsel, comfort, help, advocate  used 3x

tribulation, trouble, afflicted - mental pressure, to be pushed into a narrow strait

salvation - wholeness (mentally, physically, spiritually), deliverance

Several years ago, when I would pray, I would pray specifically for a certain outcome. I would prescribe to God how something should work out. I would even use a list. In later years, through experience, I learned how limiting this can be. Many times now I just pray, especially in complex situations and challenges, for God's outcomes for everything and everyone involved. God has better answers for our prayers than we do.  Putting one foot in front of another, taking one day at a time, keeping thankfulness and patience in our hearts and staying away from negative influences and events is how we keep above the fray and not limit God. God's 'coming alongside' us means we want to stay alongside and not wander off.

We, as believers need to recognize how much God loves us so that we do look to him for our comfort, consolation and salvation.  The clearer the perception of God we have, the more we allow him to work in our lives. Our relationship with God is based on our trust in him.

Strong Women

There are many great examples of powerful women in the Bible. They did some amazing things despite the cultural attitudes of that time.  They simply want to be able to use their abilities and strengths to make a difference and glorify God. They loved  the  men who encouraged them, stood up for them, fought for them and appreciated their strengths. Today, I am not sure we fully understand 'woman power' in terms of what gets accomplished in our culture today.

The book of Judges has a wonderful record about a woman who was directly involved in a great victory for Israel.   It is the record about Deborah who judged in Israel during the era of the judges. She was the wife of Lapidoth. She engaged military leaders who depended on her judgement and believing to dispel the enemies of Israel. She was a remarkable woman who sang God's praises when she accomplished what God had her to do.

In Genesis 1:28-29 is additional understanding of how women of God were an integral part of God's community:

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

The image of God  is 'spirit'. The presence of God was with them. God expected them to have dominion over the earth. This authority did not end with the New Testament, it only became greater. Women have authority as well as men.

Godly authority is not competitive. That is where the word 'submit' fits in. It refers to a properly ordered arrangement. As relationships grow, maturity and confidence drive 'together' decisions. In today's fast-paced culture where both mom and dad work, a lot of active communication and mutual respect are  required. It takes time to weave these elements through a marriage. Hearing the truth in love is as important as speaking the truth in love. 

There is no question in my mind that Deborah and husband had a lot of pressure to work through as did Barak who led the army. Barak asked Deborah to go with him into the battle or he would not go. Barak was not a weak man and his respect for Deborah is inspiring. Deborah knew God and trusted and relied on him to save her people. Her strength and love for God is a strong motivator.

The Here and Now

Jesus did many amazing visible things when he was here on earth. Miracles, signs and wonderful deliverances were everywhere and in full view. Many people believed in him as a result.

23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 

24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. John 2:23-25

Was the end result of these magnificent works, the miracles themselves or was there something bigger?  Many people believed him but where did it go from there?  We love miracles, but was that the point?   The miracles made Jesus a celebrity. That was not his goal. His heart, vision and determination was in glorifying the love that God had for them.  He still teaches us today how much God loves us through his resurrected life.

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

God is interested in reconciliation. Confession of sin is not a prerequisite for reconciliation. God really doesn't dwell on our failures. Reconciliation is an exchange of love.  He wants our love. He wants to shower us with with pure grace!  As we get to know God and his son and the love they have for us, we can love others with the same love. I John 4 says that the reason we love God is because he first loved us. 

It sure would be heaven on earth if everyone knew the love of God. For now, heaven on earth exists in the hearts of those that know and love God. God has given us a lot of props to tell the truth: the word, Jesus Christ, the creation, the spirit that has been gifted to us and our own victories as a result.

Just because we have been reconciled to God doesn't mean we are perfect but that we have repented.(which is a religious word referring to changing our mind about God). God really doesn't dwell on our failures. When we truly get to know him, we are lovingly thankful for him.

It takes effort to find out who God is in reality, but it is well worth the time. Of course we have the option of looking at all the world offers too. Most of that stuff is temporary and limited and can be full of traps, but God gave us that decision to make for ourselves. Freedom of choice is part of love.

 

Vengeance ?

So often people equate 'vengeance ' with 'vindictiveness'. According to Merriam-Webster  both words are in the top 1% in popularity. According to today's use, these words represent  resentment, anger, spitefulness and a desire to hurt or at the very least, celebrating when someone gets his or her comeuppance.

We see a large amount of vindictiveness and vengeance in today's world. When we look into God's word it may be hard to understand vengeance in the proper way biblically if we read into it from current cultural understandings of its meaning.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:18-21

The word 'vengeance' in this verse is translated from the Greek word: ekdikesis:

There is no darkness in God; he is a just and loving father.. When I looked at the definition of ekdikesis, the result was vengeance and vindication (exoneration from  accusation.) God's justice is greater than any of us could ever imagine. He knows exactly when, why, and where to apply justice not with resentment or spite, but with love and redemption, grace, mercy and peace. That is why we leave it to him. He has a much bigger picture all that is involved than we do.

Many people in  our world today persist at challenging, confronting and acting like judge and jury to anything they disagree with.  'Virtue signaling' is at a premium as evidenced through the millions of memes and quotes all over media sites. God, however says to us that IF thine enemy hunger we are to feed him. It says IF he hungers whether it be for food, love, or kindness.  IF he thirsts for answers, answer him by speaking the truth in love. By doing so we're warming his head (mind), leaving the rest to God. It is a very peaceful and successful way to live.

It is easy to be angry with lies, hypocrisy and disrespect, but going after these things at the wrong moment or in the wrong way can start a hornet's nest buzzing. When we wait on God, we learn so much and our capacity to love grows bigger. Prayer dispels the anger while we wait.

When there is no justness in the sense of fairness and rightness people grumble and stumble and strike out at each other. When true justness abounds, when people are enjoying God's path, peace and joy abound. It brings God pleasure (enjoyment) and it blesses everybody who come into contact with it.

7 When a man's ways please  the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7

The Significance of the Resurrection

Son -  Rise
Ephesians 2:4-7

One Race

 Biologically, God created one race. The human race started with Adam and Eve. So why don't we all look the same?  Man in the middle to late 19th century began to understand the genetic material known as DNA and have continued to  learn much about how different traits came about. We have learned about dominant and recessive genes. The various combinations of genes can produce a variety of hair color, eye color and skin color. God built into the DNA of Adam and Eve different types of genes to provide the variety of human beings that we see today. 

24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: Acts 17:24-27

So where did racism come from?  There is so much depth scientifically in these verses about the times and bounds of habitation. Never the less there is still one race in God's eyes. The Bible says we all descended from one blood. Man has come up with the idea that there may be as many as 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 races. Racism didn't come from God's creation of one blood/one race. Racism has arisen because of the differences in the way men see things based of color of skin. Humans are responsible for racism.

Many years ago, my husband and I were involved in a fellowship in an urban community outside of Chicago. We were running a class on how to understand the Bible. We were the only ones in the room with white skin. I sat next to a wonderful lady who was very quiet at the start of class. During one session, the verses above in Acts 17 were taught and this beautiful woman elbowed me and then threw her arms around me smiling with joy. She got it and she knew I got it! It was something I will never forget. I realized then how powerful the Word of God is when it comes to dispelling racial issues. 

Many groups down through the ages of history have been marginalized and persecuted due to color of skin, religious beliefs, culture, status, wealth, profession and many other unsound excuses for men to divide against each other. There are racists in every culture, black, brown, white and red and yellow.  Jesus Christ was supposed to have dark skin. Does that mean that if a group doesn't have dark skin they have less of a relationship with him because they are white? That is silly. Human nature causes divisions not God.  We are all equal in God's eyes and everyone has the responsibility to believe and act accordingly. Life is pretty simple when it is viewed from God's point of view.

 

Individual Freedom

The Bible says quite clearly the 'the truth will set you free'. What does that mean to us really?

31 Then said Jesus to those Judeans which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:31-36

Jesus was addressing the Hebrews that recognized who he was. He told them they had to continue to soak up the word he spoke. He told them to stay at it.

Worldly wisdom offers "Yes, buts"  to the truth. The Hebrews asked a question that sounded like a "Yes but".  Jesus answered their question with the reason he was there. Abraham wasn't going to carry them, he was/is dead, but Jesus Christ was there now and after his death he was raised and is alive forever. God's word should not go in one ear and out the other. We need to think about enduring truth and find out what we can about how to apply it.

13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Matthew 13:13-17

Also in Matthew 13, Jesus speaks the great parable about the sower that sows seed. It a great record why some get it and some don't; why some hearts wax gross, have ears that are dull to hearing, and have shut their eyes.  The fowls represent the adversarial worldly wisdom that competes with the truth for our minds and tries to steal it away.. The seeds are the truth.

Birds on alert for food

There are some people who get excited hearing the truth but they fail to keep it and when something negative arises they just give way to the negative. Another thing that really chokes the truth is the 'deceitfulness of riches' when people get lulled into a self-sufficient sleep and are too busy for truth. There is nothing wrong with having money, but the love of it is a trap.

God does not offer traps! He wants us free and he wants us to see those things ahead of time that take us down a thorny path. He sent his son to help us live life to the fullest. Gloom, hurt, guilt, depression, anxiety, anger, frustration, fear are nasty weeds that need to be pulled. When we truly understand the reason for Jesus Christ we will be unequivocally free INDEED! (Matthew 13 is a great read in its entirety)