SO SORRY!!!
HAVE RUN INTO COMPUTER ISSUES SO WILL NOT BE POSTING FOR AT LEAST 2 WEEKS
(this will be terribly painful for me)
COME BACK IN MID JUNE.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Vision - Habakkuk 2:2-3
"Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run
who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but
at the end it will speak..."
Do you know what God's vision is for you? Have you asked Him? Or have you sought it? Perhaps you do know, but are you pursuing it? It rarely, if ever, just dumps into your lap. What are you doing with and about your vision? The point that is made in Habakkuk is that we are to write the vision. It's not suppose to reside solely in your head. It's when you write it that you put the vision into words that can also be seen... especially by you, the actor.
The second point Habakkuk makes is that simply because you know the vision, it may not be for this moment but there is an appointed time and it will speak. If God shows me the vision, isn't it something I should act on immediately? Not necessarily. Though, of course... if that's what He says then everything will be ready. You'll sense in your spirit that now... is. However, sometimes the reason that the vision isn't manifested now is because you aren't prepared yet or other 'conditions' aren't in place. But you need to know what it is so that you can act when the time is right. Remember the parable of the six wise and six foolish virgins... the wise prepared themselves for when the right moment came.
The Lord puts a great deal of emphasis on 'vision'. In various places, especially in Proverbs, He tells us that the people perish for the lack of a vision. (Proverbs 29:18, et al) I look on the word as a basis to judge two critical components: if I'm heading in the right direction, and to judge my behavior according to the standard of the vision. A vision is for it's time but it also influences what you do to get ready for that time. For me I've discovered that when I'm experiencing a heighten anticipation that the moment may be soon. But never should I rush in before the time... nor lag behind when it is.
Equally 'valid' is the question about do you see your vision from your view, do you see you in the vision? Once your vision is written and made plain, have you got your role verified? The Lord will give you all the equipping you need when you need it and that includes your role in the vision. Not in every case will you 'lead', you may find yourself part of a larger plan. The point is - do you know your vision and are you preparing yourself to act? A vision IS for a particular time and each of us needs to know what we need to know to be our part.
who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but
at the end it will speak..."
Do you know what God's vision is for you? Have you asked Him? Or have you sought it? Perhaps you do know, but are you pursuing it? It rarely, if ever, just dumps into your lap. What are you doing with and about your vision? The point that is made in Habakkuk is that we are to write the vision. It's not suppose to reside solely in your head. It's when you write it that you put the vision into words that can also be seen... especially by you, the actor.
The second point Habakkuk makes is that simply because you know the vision, it may not be for this moment but there is an appointed time and it will speak. If God shows me the vision, isn't it something I should act on immediately? Not necessarily. Though, of course... if that's what He says then everything will be ready. You'll sense in your spirit that now... is. However, sometimes the reason that the vision isn't manifested now is because you aren't prepared yet or other 'conditions' aren't in place. But you need to know what it is so that you can act when the time is right. Remember the parable of the six wise and six foolish virgins... the wise prepared themselves for when the right moment came.
The Lord puts a great deal of emphasis on 'vision'. In various places, especially in Proverbs, He tells us that the people perish for the lack of a vision. (Proverbs 29:18, et al) I look on the word as a basis to judge two critical components: if I'm heading in the right direction, and to judge my behavior according to the standard of the vision. A vision is for it's time but it also influences what you do to get ready for that time. For me I've discovered that when I'm experiencing a heighten anticipation that the moment may be soon. But never should I rush in before the time... nor lag behind when it is.
Equally 'valid' is the question about do you see your vision from your view, do you see you in the vision? Once your vision is written and made plain, have you got your role verified? The Lord will give you all the equipping you need when you need it and that includes your role in the vision. Not in every case will you 'lead', you may find yourself part of a larger plan. The point is - do you know your vision and are you preparing yourself to act? A vision IS for a particular time and each of us needs to know what we need to know to be our part.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Receive your believing - Romans 12:2
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind..."
I just read a post on Facebook by Rick Renner. He was talking about that we receive what we believe. That is a fantastic point. It is so obvious that it's nearly blinding. If we don't believe for (fill in the blank) then how can we expect to even see 'it' when it is in front of us? He goes on to say that when our eyes are downcast and our mind is consumed with what we don't have that we aren't in a position to see. Absolutely!
I suspect we all might go through these times - we often called them spiritual deserts. Though I think deserts need to be considered differently. The point that IF we are going through these times, we don't have to buy a house there and reside. What we need to focus on is found in Romans 12:2 - be transformed by the renewing of your mind. And no one is going to do the work of renewing your mind except you. No magic wand, no someone else doing it for you - your responsibility. And if it was all that simple, we wouldn't be instructed as many times as we are that it is critical. But it is also something we CAN do or we wouldn't be told to do it.
You can believe. But you don't have to receive. Why would anyone do this? Good question... but we do. We believe but we don't always see the manifestation and thus, don't receive. When it comes to receiving our believing we too often a: expect what we want to manifest in a particular way and time and/or b: don't see our answer. Remember what God says: "Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver?" (Isaiah 50: 2) Too often we catch ourselves in thinking whatever we need has to always be 'delivered' in a way that it always has. Not necessarily. Perhaps God is saying: "Behold I will do a new thing..." (Isaiah 43: 19).
I always like the story of Noah. God spoke to Noah to build an ark. Noah didn't know: what an ark was, what an ark did, what was 'rain'. However, he believed and followed the plan God gave him for building the ark. And for the next 70 years, though Noah heard nothing else from God, he persevered even with the ridicule of those around him. After following God's instructions, the rains came. And then the rainbow. I think this mindset is an important reminder of what we need to do to receive. Believe. Do what is asked. Keep on keeping on. And see... But this way of thinking requires us to be transformed, to renew our mind.
the renewing of your mind..."
I just read a post on Facebook by Rick Renner. He was talking about that we receive what we believe. That is a fantastic point. It is so obvious that it's nearly blinding. If we don't believe for (fill in the blank) then how can we expect to even see 'it' when it is in front of us? He goes on to say that when our eyes are downcast and our mind is consumed with what we don't have that we aren't in a position to see. Absolutely!
I suspect we all might go through these times - we often called them spiritual deserts. Though I think deserts need to be considered differently. The point that IF we are going through these times, we don't have to buy a house there and reside. What we need to focus on is found in Romans 12:2 - be transformed by the renewing of your mind. And no one is going to do the work of renewing your mind except you. No magic wand, no someone else doing it for you - your responsibility. And if it was all that simple, we wouldn't be instructed as many times as we are that it is critical. But it is also something we CAN do or we wouldn't be told to do it.
You can believe. But you don't have to receive. Why would anyone do this? Good question... but we do. We believe but we don't always see the manifestation and thus, don't receive. When it comes to receiving our believing we too often a: expect what we want to manifest in a particular way and time and/or b: don't see our answer. Remember what God says: "Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver?" (Isaiah 50: 2) Too often we catch ourselves in thinking whatever we need has to always be 'delivered' in a way that it always has. Not necessarily. Perhaps God is saying: "Behold I will do a new thing..." (Isaiah 43: 19).
I always like the story of Noah. God spoke to Noah to build an ark. Noah didn't know: what an ark was, what an ark did, what was 'rain'. However, he believed and followed the plan God gave him for building the ark. And for the next 70 years, though Noah heard nothing else from God, he persevered even with the ridicule of those around him. After following God's instructions, the rains came. And then the rainbow. I think this mindset is an important reminder of what we need to do to receive. Believe. Do what is asked. Keep on keeping on. And see... But this way of thinking requires us to be transformed, to renew our mind.
Friday, May 10, 2013
I CAN do - Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
This has always been one of my favorite scriptures for many reasons, 2 of which are: it takes a proactive approach - I can do, and I'm not alone in the endeavor - through Christ who strengthens me. My suspicion is that this comes from being confident in whatever situation we find ourself. Verse 19 tells us that "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." And from that verse I take my stand that whatever is needed to accomplish (fill in the blank) will be available and I 'can do'.
How we go about becoming confident that we 'can do' is discussed in John 15. Jesus tells us that we need to abide in Him in order to be fruitful and when we are fruitful that we honor the Father. Abide. What and how to abide is something we are able to do or we wouldn't be asked to do it, but exactly what is it and how do we get to that 'status'.
For me, this teaching begins in John chapter 12. Jesus is teaching regarding His purpose in coming, who He is and proceeds by giving the disciples the words that can lead them after He has gone. He is preparing them to continue the work by giving them the principles they will need. Example: love (13:34), believe (14:1), Holy Spirit (14:25), etc. And to encourage them says:
"...He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me
you can do nothing." (14:5)
What we need to realize is that Jesus' words to His disciples are meant for us as well. Meant for now. Apart from Him we really don't do anything that's of lasting value. Abiding is our 'method'. One of Webster's definitions of abide is to dwell. Dwell implies a taking up residency - and that's what we are to do, take up residency in Who Jesus was and what He did. We CAN do as a result.
This has always been one of my favorite scriptures for many reasons, 2 of which are: it takes a proactive approach - I can do, and I'm not alone in the endeavor - through Christ who strengthens me. My suspicion is that this comes from being confident in whatever situation we find ourself. Verse 19 tells us that "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." And from that verse I take my stand that whatever is needed to accomplish (fill in the blank) will be available and I 'can do'.
How we go about becoming confident that we 'can do' is discussed in John 15. Jesus tells us that we need to abide in Him in order to be fruitful and when we are fruitful that we honor the Father. Abide. What and how to abide is something we are able to do or we wouldn't be asked to do it, but exactly what is it and how do we get to that 'status'.
For me, this teaching begins in John chapter 12. Jesus is teaching regarding His purpose in coming, who He is and proceeds by giving the disciples the words that can lead them after He has gone. He is preparing them to continue the work by giving them the principles they will need. Example: love (13:34), believe (14:1), Holy Spirit (14:25), etc. And to encourage them says:
"...He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me
you can do nothing." (14:5)
What we need to realize is that Jesus' words to His disciples are meant for us as well. Meant for now. Apart from Him we really don't do anything that's of lasting value. Abiding is our 'method'. One of Webster's definitions of abide is to dwell. Dwell implies a taking up residency - and that's what we are to do, take up residency in Who Jesus was and what He did. We CAN do as a result.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Eyes and Ears - Jeremiah 5:21b
"...who have eyes and see not, and who have ears and hear not..."
I have read this verse in many places in scripture and it seems to always come with an admonition that we should not be like those who do have the ability to see and hear but don't. The 'don't' is a choice, a knowing choice. They know they can see and hear but don't want to. Probably because with the seeing and hearing they have the understanding and thus the responsibility. We might as well admit the fact that we don't always want to see and hear. It never resolves the problem but we do it anyway.
When God spoke these words to man it was at a time when the nation flagrantly was being disobedient. The nation had turned from God to serve idols and the prophets lied and spoke words that did not come from God. Obviously He was displeased and disappointed - but not surprised. He had spoken these words of seeing and hearing in Isaiah 6:10 and these words will also be quoted again in the New Testament.
However, as usual, God provides a way out, (2 Chronicles 7:14):
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves,
and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then
I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Whether individually or as a nation this is the 'formula' for redemption, reconciliation and renewal. It is OUR responsibility to: humble ourselves, pray, seek, turn. But the result is God will hear, forgive and heal. A terrific trade. Another way to look at this trade is that God always provides a way for us to 'win'.
As easy as it is to know what to do, the doing is never easy. The results are what we seek but the 'price' is the problem. Too often we don't look at the price we pay when we don't do this - and this is enormous. Because we are a 'stiff necked' creation, humility is not easy though it only requires us to admit the sin that separates us and then separate ourselves from it. We do this through prayer and seeking but we also need to turn - which is the definition of repentance: turning from evil and turning toward God.
When we do then we enact the trade and God WILL. Humble, pray, seek, turn - the behaviors needed. The choice is ours.
I have read this verse in many places in scripture and it seems to always come with an admonition that we should not be like those who do have the ability to see and hear but don't. The 'don't' is a choice, a knowing choice. They know they can see and hear but don't want to. Probably because with the seeing and hearing they have the understanding and thus the responsibility. We might as well admit the fact that we don't always want to see and hear. It never resolves the problem but we do it anyway.
When God spoke these words to man it was at a time when the nation flagrantly was being disobedient. The nation had turned from God to serve idols and the prophets lied and spoke words that did not come from God. Obviously He was displeased and disappointed - but not surprised. He had spoken these words of seeing and hearing in Isaiah 6:10 and these words will also be quoted again in the New Testament.
However, as usual, God provides a way out, (2 Chronicles 7:14):
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves,
and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then
I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Whether individually or as a nation this is the 'formula' for redemption, reconciliation and renewal. It is OUR responsibility to: humble ourselves, pray, seek, turn. But the result is God will hear, forgive and heal. A terrific trade. Another way to look at this trade is that God always provides a way for us to 'win'.
As easy as it is to know what to do, the doing is never easy. The results are what we seek but the 'price' is the problem. Too often we don't look at the price we pay when we don't do this - and this is enormous. Because we are a 'stiff necked' creation, humility is not easy though it only requires us to admit the sin that separates us and then separate ourselves from it. We do this through prayer and seeking but we also need to turn - which is the definition of repentance: turning from evil and turning toward God.
When we do then we enact the trade and God WILL. Humble, pray, seek, turn - the behaviors needed. The choice is ours.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Holiness - 1 Peter 1:15-16
"...but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct..."
Other than being an extremely 'big' word, do you have any idea of what this means? What it looks like? Whether or not you can do/be it? What is holiness? Or is that a 'quality' that only belongs to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Is it 'something' we all need to be concern with? Questions galore. The point that keeps echoing in my thinking is, but... if it wasn't something we should do, grow in we never would be told to do or be it. Not a question. A Statement.
I read somewhere that holiness is a seeking to be like God. Not to be God or above others, but a striving to be like God, like His qualities. Peter is telling us in these verses how we should be living, the standard by which we can judge our words and actions. The problem for most people is... what is this? How can I act holy without acting holier than thou? What do I need to do to ...
I think part of the problem is that we don't define the word operationally. We really don't know what holiness 'looks' like or we have this man made view that typically is expressed in an other worldly behavior. As much as I really don't have a complete understanding of holiness, I really think that the man made definition is totally off target. Holiness, I think, is expressed in our daily actions and reactions with others. My clue comes from Peter's words in verse 15 when he admonishes us to: "...be holy in all your conduct." It's a behavior.
Leviticus 19:2, "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." Holy in this sense means set apart for holy purposes (Spirit Filled Life Bible). Separation is defined as from those things profane and defiling - not life, not people. And it is a dedication to everything holy and pure. The only real model we have is Jesus' life. How He reacted and interacted with people. And while we may not feel we are successful in following this, it can be a goal as long as we have the components 'right'. He cried and got angry so these behaviors aren't not holy. Look at what he cried over and was angry about - it never was an individual. We can't do this from our own power and strength, we have to rely on the One calling us to holiness.
Other than being an extremely 'big' word, do you have any idea of what this means? What it looks like? Whether or not you can do/be it? What is holiness? Or is that a 'quality' that only belongs to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Is it 'something' we all need to be concern with? Questions galore. The point that keeps echoing in my thinking is, but... if it wasn't something we should do, grow in we never would be told to do or be it. Not a question. A Statement.
I read somewhere that holiness is a seeking to be like God. Not to be God or above others, but a striving to be like God, like His qualities. Peter is telling us in these verses how we should be living, the standard by which we can judge our words and actions. The problem for most people is... what is this? How can I act holy without acting holier than thou? What do I need to do to ...
I think part of the problem is that we don't define the word operationally. We really don't know what holiness 'looks' like or we have this man made view that typically is expressed in an other worldly behavior. As much as I really don't have a complete understanding of holiness, I really think that the man made definition is totally off target. Holiness, I think, is expressed in our daily actions and reactions with others. My clue comes from Peter's words in verse 15 when he admonishes us to: "...be holy in all your conduct." It's a behavior.
Leviticus 19:2, "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." Holy in this sense means set apart for holy purposes (Spirit Filled Life Bible). Separation is defined as from those things profane and defiling - not life, not people. And it is a dedication to everything holy and pure. The only real model we have is Jesus' life. How He reacted and interacted with people. And while we may not feel we are successful in following this, it can be a goal as long as we have the components 'right'. He cried and got angry so these behaviors aren't not holy. Look at what he cried over and was angry about - it never was an individual. We can't do this from our own power and strength, we have to rely on the One calling us to holiness.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Above all things... - 3 John 1:2
"Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in
health, just as your soul prospers."
I like this scripture, always have. Two important words are used here - prosper and health. There is a third word that too often gets missed - 'just'. But what prompted John to write this? What message was the Father imparting to us? Obviously there are many messages but what struck me was that this was a greeting. John was greeting us with a prayer that we prosper and be in health!
Many Christians who are standing on scriptures related to health and healing use this scripture as a focal point. When you look at the word 'health' in this context, the definition is far more expansive than only physical health. Health in this context, especially in light of 1st and 2nd John, is talking about soundness - soundness of faith. This means that there is also a spiritual component to health. I suspect most of us don't realize this as we focus on the natural issue of health. But before we go to the extreme, it also does mean physical health and healing.
One scholar (Spirit Filled Life Bible) suggests that 'prosper', "...should not be the end in itself. It ought to be the result of a quality of life... It is intended for every area of our lives..." Again this moves the word into a more lifestyle context rather than merely financial. So often we limit what a word means in and for our lives. We tend to apply the natural world's definition (which often is singular) to the spiritual. However, even if we only use the natural world, this verse is a great encouragement.
The third word, just, often is missed. In spiritual terms, 'just' is a link between two areas that on the face of it aren't or can't be linked. Prosper in all things... when we consider that phrase for a moment we see the link of 'just' to, as your soul prospers. For John this is 'demonstrated' in verses 3 and 4 when he says to those who received his letter, that this is a testimony of their actions:
"I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth
that is in you, just as you walk in the truth."
There's that word again. 'Just' is not an insignificant consideration. We need to be more cognizant of what is being said when 'just' is used.
"Above all things..." If nothing else, this should stamp the ensuing words with a level of importance. Granted it is a greeting but it conveys far more than a 'Hi there'. It is a statement of belief that the reader WILL prosper and be in health... above all things.
health, just as your soul prospers."
I like this scripture, always have. Two important words are used here - prosper and health. There is a third word that too often gets missed - 'just'. But what prompted John to write this? What message was the Father imparting to us? Obviously there are many messages but what struck me was that this was a greeting. John was greeting us with a prayer that we prosper and be in health!
Many Christians who are standing on scriptures related to health and healing use this scripture as a focal point. When you look at the word 'health' in this context, the definition is far more expansive than only physical health. Health in this context, especially in light of 1st and 2nd John, is talking about soundness - soundness of faith. This means that there is also a spiritual component to health. I suspect most of us don't realize this as we focus on the natural issue of health. But before we go to the extreme, it also does mean physical health and healing.
One scholar (Spirit Filled Life Bible) suggests that 'prosper', "...should not be the end in itself. It ought to be the result of a quality of life... It is intended for every area of our lives..." Again this moves the word into a more lifestyle context rather than merely financial. So often we limit what a word means in and for our lives. We tend to apply the natural world's definition (which often is singular) to the spiritual. However, even if we only use the natural world, this verse is a great encouragement.
The third word, just, often is missed. In spiritual terms, 'just' is a link between two areas that on the face of it aren't or can't be linked. Prosper in all things... when we consider that phrase for a moment we see the link of 'just' to, as your soul prospers. For John this is 'demonstrated' in verses 3 and 4 when he says to those who received his letter, that this is a testimony of their actions:
"I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth
that is in you, just as you walk in the truth."
There's that word again. 'Just' is not an insignificant consideration. We need to be more cognizant of what is being said when 'just' is used.
"Above all things..." If nothing else, this should stamp the ensuing words with a level of importance. Granted it is a greeting but it conveys far more than a 'Hi there'. It is a statement of belief that the reader WILL prosper and be in health... above all things.
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