Reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 5:19

           "...God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself..."

  Reconciliation is another 'big' word. But it is a free gift given to us. Part of the path to reconciliation is acceptance of the free gift, Jesus, who has provided the way. Our free choice. Our decision. Part of the path is in the evidence in our behavior, such as forgiveness and loving. And it is understanding that there is a two fold (mine) interpretation that infuses reconciliation with both a spiritual standing as well as a behavioral purpose..

  First we are reconciled because we were loved so much that from the beginning God was placing His plan in action so that we could have the free choice and opportunity to be reconciled. Ephesians 2:4-5 tells that because of God's love for us:
          "...even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together
           with Christ (by grace you have been saved.)
Romans 5:11 reinforces this belief when Paul says,
          "...but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
           through whom we have now received the reconciliation."
This should put a period on what the reconciliation is based in - faith in Jesus.

  But reconciliation is also far more that just our salvation because,
          "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
           were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf,
           be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Obviously then, we have the assignment as ambassadors in the world in which we reside. This impacts our words and our actions if we are to fulfill this role. How? What to do? say? Demonstrate and share the word of reconciliation where and when we can. Colossians 1:20 - 21
          "...and by Him (Jesus) to reconcile all things to Himself (God),
           whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace
           through the blood of His cross.
           ... and you who once were alienated and enemies... yet now
           He has reconciled..."  

  We have a message for the world. That they are loved, they are reconciled, they having a calling - it's their choice. They only need to have faith and be willing to accept the gifts given...and to become a gift to others.

Good - Romans 8:28

          "And we know that all things work together for good to those who
           love God, to those who are the called according His purpose."

  This is one of those verses Christians do love to quote. However, there are 'requirements' for having this operational in your life are:  know, love God, called. Simple. Maybe not so much. Paul is sending this letter to the church in Rome, a place he has yet to visit and he wants to provide as much teaching and encouragement as possible. Chapter 8 is full of so many Christian principles that if you are an underline-r, you will probably be underlining most of the 39 verses. There is a feast of discovery in this book about who we are when we make Jesus our Lord.

  After talking about what the Law can't do in chapter 7, Paul begins to talk about what is available to those who make Jesus Lord. And he begin with a powerful statement in the first verse when he said that there is now NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus and that there is sonship through the spirit. Then right after talking about all things working to our good, he tells us that if God be for us, who can be against us, and ends this chapter with another powerful statement that nothing will separate us from God. God can work for us, work things to our good but only when we believe and act on this. It is our knowledge and our willingness to act that can demonstrates our love, our trust.

  I am aware of the discussion, some years ago, about 'what do we do when bad things happen to good people'. How do we handle these issues? Actually Job provides us an example of what we can do - trust in the One who has the answers. Since we live in a fallen world, bad things will happen - I don't think we are immune. How we react when bad things happen demonstrates our level of trust and reliance on the Lord. I've always believed that even in the darkest places, our behavior, our attitude will demonstrate and witness.

 Romans 12:21 tells us that we need to overcome evil with good. And if good resides in God alone, Jesus speaking in Matthew 19:17, then as we abide in Him we will be sharing the good. One of the things we need to keep in mind is timing. Our timing is not necessarily God's timing but He is promising us that as we love Him and allow Him to work in our situation, that good will occur. But do remember that it is His definition of good.

  We all like to quote this verse and many of us stand on it for our own lives. We know we are the called when we make Jesus Lord and we are fulfilling the requirements through our love. Thus... all things WILL work to the good according to His purpose. 

Plan - Psalm 139:16

     "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." 

  It can be quite startling to suddenly discover that you are the center of attention. I would speculate that you always are the center of your attention, but did you realize that you are also the center of God's attention. He knows you. He formed you. Looking at scripture, Isaiah 49:16 - "...See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands..." That's God talking to us! He not only knows us he has us firmly in His hand... until and unless we jump out of it. And yes, we do. But He comes and picks us up again.

  Many of us are great at drawing up plans and some of them we actually put in practice. But... do you ever consider your plans in light of God's plan for you? It really is important if you want to be in His plan, His will for you. Remember Jeremiah 29:12 
          "I know the thoughts I think toward you, thoughts of peace
           and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Proverbs 16: 9 explains this point by saying, "A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." Which confirms that the Lord is involved. However, His involvement is based on our relationship - if He actually is our Lord.

  Plans are a methodology, a way of getting to the goal. The moment we don't allow input then we limit our success. I'm a goal setter, a planner and I didn't always consciously involved the Lord in what I was thinking. Finally I came to the understanding that He was interested in being involved in my life, not just acknowledged on Sunday. It also means that I have a partner in my various endeavors, that I'm not alone. It doesn't mean that every venture I become involved in are ones that I should be, but it does mean that when I attempt to follow how He leads then I can move forward confidently.

  There's a great sense of peace when I know I am moving in God's plan for me. This also tells me that if I'm not feeling confident then I need to stop and assess what's happening. The plan may still be valid but the timing isn't. Or there are tweaks to the plan that need to occur. My point is that to not involve the Lord at the beginning of the planning session tends to waste time and cause regrouping. I do hope I learn to follow how He leads.

Workman - Ephesians 2:10

          "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
           which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

  I have been so encouraged by this scripture from the time I first read it and it made a connection to my heart and mind. For me, I've always coupled it with Jeremiah 29:11
          "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,
           thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
and 1 Corintians 3:9, "For we are God's fellow workers..."

  All that tells me that I have meaning, I have purpose, I have a calling - and that it's all good. Sadly, it doesn't say that I always follow that leading but it does reinforce the fact that I'm not a mistake and there is the opportunity to apply this understanding to and in my life. Soooo, what do I need to do to be God's workman?  One of the more obvious things I need to do is to take an assessment of my giftings and talents. What am I that can be of use to the Lord... and before that sounds too altruistic or, conversely, too self aggrandizing - it is a logical beginning point. What is it that I bring, what is my responsibility?

  When you read Paul's direction to Timothy, I think it is applicable to all of us:
           "...show yourself approved, a worker who does not need to be
            ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth..." (2 Timothy 2:15)
Obviously this would require us to know and apply, not just read, God's Word. The Bible is a great aid for us and can be the standard on which we stand. It is not designed, at least in my estimation, to hit people over the head.

  If the Bible is our basis then the scripture that should motivate us comes from Jesus' words when He says that His disciples will be known by their love. But this is a love  that is strong not gooey. If we are God's fellow workers then our motivation has to be a love that is typified by our example - Jesus and how He interacted with others. It does mean telling others when they are headed for danger but it doesn't threaten. The fine line that we have to walk becomes our strength and I know that sounds counterintuitive.

  Workman. This is an honorable profession. We can be light in a dark world but it depends on how we apply the scripture we 'know'. Remember always that we live in hope, we live in a future marked by peace. We can provide this to others in the world we live in - we can apply scripture to life.

what kind of workman are you? what are you building?

Content - Philippians 4:11

     "... for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content..."     

  Paul makes this comment toward the end of his letter to the Christians at Philippi. He is writing about the joy that comes from being in Christ and exhorts those reading his letter to act in harmony with one another. He also commends them on their generosity on behalf of other Christians (which, it would be my contention, is an element in joy and being content). 

  To be honest, 'content' really doesn't describe me very well. But how is 
content defined? For me this has to begin with an 'operational' definition (a definition that can show the word in action). Paul provides this when he uses himself as an example of learning to be content in whatever state he is in: "... to be abased and to abound... to be full and to be hungry..." And while these may be considered the extremes, it can also give us the understanding of the breadth involved and that we can thrive, not just endure, in these situations.

 However, don't mistake not being content with dissatisfaction or unhappiness. Yes, they can be mutually interconnected but not being content is not necessarily a discouragement unless you allow it to be. And, as you can see... Paul had the same issue, but he overcame it. He 'learned'... and that became my clue. Content can be learned. You are the determiner of being in order to act content. Continuing in verse 12, "I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Complaining is not an attribute of 'content'. Content can be the impetus to a higher calling.

  Paul 'learned' contentment but he also believed, I think because of his experience, that:
     "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always 
      having all sufficiency in all things may have an abundance for every good
      work." 2 Corinthians 9:8
'All' covers everything. I think what content does is to put your focus in the proper place. Rather than looking only at the situation you are in, whether 'good' or 'difficult', you place it on the One who has the answer and plan for you... right where you are.

  I think 'content' has become a goal for me, something to be attained but not completed yet. It's a project to be worked on. I've also come to the conclusion that it isn't something to strive after, but to work on. Paul sums up his condition and this discourse with one of the most oft quoted verses:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (v. 13)

... are you content?

Scripture's Authority

  Scripture's authority rests on the belief that the Bible is God's Word. How God describes and defines His Word becomes the basis for our belief. Scripture only has meaning as you give it authority. But, you can't pick and choose which verses, which parts you will accept. It must be accepted in its entirety. It is viable, effective and all encompassing only as you submit to its authority. The critical issue: How do you view scripture? Is the Bible God's Word infallible and irrefutable? Is it God speaking to us, to you now, though written by inspiration by God to man for man?

  There are verses in scripture that warn. There are verses that direct. Some comfort. Some provide deeper understanding as we ponder them. However, we have to begin with our initial premise – do we believe that Scripture IS the Word of God given through inspiration to man? Without that foundation and until and unless the Word is seen as the infallible, inspired Word of God, there is no foundation for discussion. 2 Timothy 3:16.17:

      "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
       for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man
       of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 
That scripture tells us: 1. how scripture comes - inspiration of God, 2. what its use is - reproof, correction, instruction; and 3. its purpose - that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped.  

  For me, one of my most important understanding and appreciation is found in Hebrews 6:13, "For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself..." and in verse 18 we are told, "... it is impossible for God to lie..." This was a 'crossing the t's and dotting the i's' revelation and stamped it pertinence, relevance, and basis for applicability. 

  The interesting dimension that emerges is ‘interpretation’. There’s enough controversy over man’s interpretation to cause sufficient problems. But prior to considering specific verses, how do we define ‘God’s Word’? And even before we get to our definition, how does God view His Word? 

      "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return
       to Me void, But if shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in
       the thing for which I sent it."  (55:10)
Revelations, though, put the final point for my belief in and reliance on God's Word. It is a warning.

     "...If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that
      are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of
      the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book
      of Life..." (22:18-19)
For me, that puts a period to all arguments. I have the choice to believe or not but that does not invalidate God's Word. If the Word is all that it says it is then our focus should be on understanding and applying His Word.

  Looking at just those few scriptures we have learned how God defines His word... very explicitly. Actually, He continues to talk about His Word throughout scripture. Examples: Genesis 8:3 we are told that, “...man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.” Lives… by every… fairly all encompassing.  Without question from the beginning (Genesis) to the end (Revelation) God has placed His Word above everything. Isaiah 40:8, “…the word of our God stands forever.”  

   Obviously I could cite other scriptures that state how important the Word is. But the point is – what do you believe? Will you accept the authority of the Word? I'm not asking you to necessarily 'like' every word or understand every word, I'm just asking if you believe and accept it as ultimate and total authority? Is the Bible personal - God speaking to You?!

  

Verse By Verse

  This post introduces my new blog, titled Verse By Verse. My hope and intent is to ‘dialogue’ with you on some of the scriptures that have been instrumental in my spiritual growth. Join me as I share my personal spiritual journey: my discoveries and my questions; and let it speak to you and your discoveries and questions. 

  I am not a Bible scholar and do not propose myself in that role, but I am a Bible student. I have been reading and studying scripture for years, but an authority I’m not and I would never make that claim. So why write this, especially since I’m not an authority? Because I’d like to share what I have learned and what questions arise from the study. I hope you will feel engaged in this as well. Don’t look on this as THE authority but as someone who is still learning. 

  What ‘validates’ or justifies me writing this is that my intent in not to dissect the verse word-by-word but to share how it has influenced me and has changed who I am and how I go about being me. It is what I have done with the understanding and how I applied the meaning to my life and behavior. The point is ‘applied’. While it’s nice to ‘know’ things, the more important learning are those that you incorporate into your life. A new paradigm, mindset.

As to format:
  1. The context IS scripture, primarily the NKJV (if I use a different translation I will indicate it). I will not start in Genesis and then proceed to Exodus, ending in Revelation. I will look at both the Old as well as the New Testaments but not ‘in order’.  
  2.  I will be sharing the verses that ‘spoke’ to me. I will look at confirming scriptures, the context of the scripture, my questions or wonderings. 
  3.  The posts will not be in the order of importance because I’ve discovered that ‘importance’ is a relative issue dependent upon what you currently are facing in your world. 
  4.  My current plan (always subject to refinement) is to use a (my) trigger word and the scripture reference in the title. So, as an example: The title might read – “Good Work – Philippians 1:6” and then this will become the context of that particular post.

  What I hope to do is to have us look at how we apply our understandings. Knowledge is good but wisdom (which is applying knowledge) is much more excellent! The Bible holds everything we need to lead productive and happy lives... it is our responsibility to understand with eyes that see and ears that hear.

 

                              UNDER CONSTRUCTION

             COMING SOON... MID TO LATE April