Who are you?

• But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right / authority / power / privilege to become a "Child of God". John 1:12
• For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  Romans 8:14
• The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Romans 8:16

These verses from John and Romans are powerful affirmations of the Christian identity as children of God. They offer the Biblical basis for understanding how believers are integrated into God's family.

1. John 1:12 - highlights the transformative power of receiving Christ. The original Greek word used here, "ἐξουσίαν" (exousian), can be translated as "right," "authority," "power," or "privilege." This emphasizes the profound change in status for those who accept Jesus: from being separated to being granted the divine right to be called children of God. This status is not just a title; it confers the authority and liberty inherent in being part of God’s family.

2. Romans 8:14 - identifies a key characteristic of those who are children of God: they are led by the Spirit of God. This is not just about passive belief but active guidance by the Holy Spirit in daily decisions and actions. Being led by the Spirit indicates a life that is responsive to God’s direction and presence, marking the believer as part of God's family.

3. Romans 8:16 - Here, Paul speaks of the intimate reassurance that the Holy Spirit provides to believers. The Spirit Himself affirms the believer's identity as God's child, which is a deep spiritual experience of assurance that transcends external proof. This internal testimony is crucial for personal faith and identity, confirming the believer’s status in a way that is both personal and profound.

Together, these verses affirm the standing of believers as children of God and outline the dynamics of this relationship: it’s received through faith in Christ, evidenced by following the Holy Spirit’s leading, and confirmed by the Spirit’s testimony within us. This understanding can be a central theme in understanding your relationship with God, as it encapsulates the transition from knowing about God to experiencing His reality and guidance in your life.

The New Testament provides several passages reinforcing the concept of being a Child of God. The idea of being "Born Again" and evidencing believers as children of God. Here are some significant scriptures that further explore these themes:

1. John 3:3-7  Jesus Himself introduces the concept of being "born again" in His conversation with Nicodemus. He explains that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again, emphasizing the necessity of being born of water and the Spirit. This spiritual rebirth is distinct from physical birth and is essential for entering God’s Kingdom.

2. 1 Peter 1:23  Peter talks about being born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. This passage highlights the role of God’s word as a living force that brings about spiritual rebirth, transforming believers into new creations.

3. Galatians 3:26-27  Paul explains that through faith in Christ Jesus, all believers are children of God. He elaborates that those who have been baptized into Christ have clothed themselves with Christ, signifying their new identity and status as God’s children.

4. 1 John 3:1-2  John marvels at the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God—and that is what we are. This passage not only affirms the identity of believers as children of God but also reflects on the profound nature of divine love that makes this relationship possible.

5. 1 John 5:1  John states that everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. This highlights belief in Jesus as the Christ as the essential criterion for being considered born of God, linking doctrinal affirmation with spiritual rebirth.

6. Ephesians 1:13-14  In this passage, Paul speaks about believers being marked with the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession. The presence of the Spirit is a marker of divine ownership and a child’s status in God’s family.

These scriptures collectively illustrate the multifaceted biblical understanding of being born again and the assurance of being a child of God, which involves spiritual rebirth, faith in Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and transformation through God’s word. These foundational truths can be powerful points of reference in understanding your journey as a "Child of the King."

Do not let yourself be decieve!

QUESTION:

In The Bible, especially the new testament, what verses communicate the idea of "Do not let yourself be deceived" or any verbiage that communicates that idea?

ANSWER:

In the New Testament, there are several verses that convey the idea of "do not let yourself be deceived" or a similar message. Here are some key passages:

• Matthew 24:4-5 (NIV): "Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many.'"

• Mark 13:5-6 (NIV): "Jesus said to them: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many.'"

• Luke 21:8 (NIV): "He replied: 'Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.'"

• 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV): "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ."

• Ephesians 5:6 (NIV): "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient."

• 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (NIV): "Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction."

• 1 John 3:7 (NIV): "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous."

These verses serve as a reminder to remain vigilant and discerning to avoid being deceived by false teachings or individuals claiming to be the Messiah.

QUESTION:

When I think about deception, I also think about being distracted from the truth. Are there ways that I can let myself be distracted so that I do not pay attention to the truth?

ANSWER:

Yes, there are various ways in which you can be distracted from the truth. Some common distractions include:

• Personal biases: We all have our own biases and preconceived notions that can prevent us from seeing the truth objectively. It's important to recognize these biases and challenge them to avoid being misled.

• Emotional reactions: Emotions can sometimes cloud our judgment and distract us from the truth. Practicing emotional regulation and self-awareness can help in making more objective decisions and recognizing the truth.

• Peer pressure: The opinions and beliefs of those around us can greatly influence our own thoughts and actions. It's crucial to think critically and independently, even when faced with peer pressure, to avoid being swayed from the truth.

• Sensationalism and misinformation: With the prevalence of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, it's easy to be inundated with sensationalized headlines and misinformation. Always verify the sources of your information and question the credibility of the news before accepting it as the truth.

• Busyness and overstimulation: Our modern lives can be filled with distractions, from work to social media, which can prevent us from focusing on the truth. It's important to make time for reflection, meditation, or prayer to stay connected with the truth.

• Materialism and worldly desires: Pursuing material wealth and worldly success can distract us from the truth and lead us away from our core values. Maintaining a balance between personal, spiritual, and material growth can help keep us grounded in the truth.

• Ignorance and lack of education: A lack of knowledge or understanding can prevent us from recognizing the truth. Continuous learning and seeking knowledge can help us stay informed and make better decisions.

• To avoid being distracted from the truth, it's essential to develop self-awareness, critical thinking skills, and a willingness to challenge your own beliefs. Stay informed and seek knowledge from reliable sources, and make time for self-reflection and spiritual growth.

QUESTION: 

In the context of this conversation, I am assuming that the truth is found in the Bible.

ANSWER:

In the context of this conversation and considering the truth as found in the Bible, there are specific ways you can avoid distractions and stay focused on the biblical teachings:

1. Regular Bible study: Engage in consistent Bible reading and study to deepen your understanding of the Scriptures. This will help you stay focused on biblical truth and prevent distractions from other sources.

2. Prayer and meditation: Regularly praying and meditating on the teachings of the Bible will help you maintain a strong connection with God and keep your focus on His truth.

3. Fellowship: Surround yourself with fellow believers who share your commitment to the truth found in the Bible. This supportive community will help you stay focused and strengthen your faith.

4. Discernment: Develop your discernment skills to differentiate between biblical teachings and distractions that may lead you away from the truth. This includes examining your own biases, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, and consulting with trusted spiritual mentors.

5. Prioritize spiritual growth: Ensure that your spiritual growth remains a priority in your life. This may involve setting aside time for personal devotion, attending church services, or participating in Bible study groups.

6. Guard against worldly distractions: Be aware of the potential distractions that can lead you away from biblical truth, such as materialism, secular entertainment, or unhealthy relationships. Make conscious choices that align with your commitment to the truth found in the Bible.

7. Share your faith: By sharing your faith and biblical knowledge with others, you reinforce your understanding of the truth and create opportunities for growth and learning.

By focusing on these practices, you can strengthen your connection with the biblical truth and avoid distractions that might lead you astray.

Choices and Decisions.

We all have a path we are walking. It's a unique path that no one else has walked. When Jesus says "narrow is the way" He is speaking about the path I'm on and how narrow it is. The guard rails are the same, but the lessons to learn are uniquely different. Yet my testimony will be a prophetic glimpse that God wants to work in your life.

The natural state of our spirituality?

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to know the Father except through me.

Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God they are children of God.

John 14:16. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever. 17. the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.…

Colossians 3:15  "The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make;"

Compared to...

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Matthew 24:5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.

1 Peter 5:8-9 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."

Dependance. It's all about "Who" you should put your trust in.

Dependence. In the culture of North America it is a negative term. You should not depend on anyone but yourself. Of course that is folly.

What? I am the maker of my own destiny.

Yes, certainly, that is the folly. You think your "I Am" equates to the Lover of your souls "I AM" and His understanding of who you are.

Only He sees your path clearly. Only He can navigate you through the challenges you are faced with now. Why? He sees it all now, and you have no ability to comprehend the consequence of everyone's decisions that will impact your life.

Not even your own decisions.

Prov. 3: 5:6   Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;  6.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Battle of the minds.

Have you ever considered your thoughts? Do you ever think about your thoughts? Why are your thoughts like having a conversation?  Have you ever argued with yourself?

Your thoughts are an integral part of your life. They reside in the realm of your mind. Every choice and every decision you make is a result of the "thought processes" that go on within your mind. The Bible says "as a man thinks in his heart so is he."

What you believe has everything to do with what you think. What you think will be revealed in what you say and what you do. These choices and decisions have their consequence, good or bad! They become unalterable facts in the gist of your life. Will they be lessons for you today?

So what you believe affects what you think, what you think affects your decisions and choices, which creates unalterable facts about you.

This all takes place in your mind. A battleground of competing thoughts, where a conversation is carried on and sometimes even arguments happen.

How do you explain it all? VOICES?

Memory is selective.

Tracy and I were talking. She said, "remember when"? I had to say, "no".  It was then I realized memory is very selective for each of us. I realized then my memories or the ability to remember was a function of the Spirit and not an ability of my mental capacity.

What does this mean? It means that our memories are the way the Spirit brings to remembrance those things that help us see the present more clearly and His motivation is to help us make decisions for the "future". He helps us remember today, what He said yesterday, so that we can make wise decisions for tomorrow.

Keep a journal and make it easier on yourself. Oh yeah, don't ever forget to always "Call on the name of the Lord".

Incongruity?

Have you ever watch a commercial by a pharmaceutical company? Incongruity? Somehow they convince you to buy while telling why you shouldn't. This is the best illustration of the society we live in. Truth is not the prime factor. They sell hope without the need to change (repent). They make you think that the consequence of your decisions can be avoided.

But we all reap what we sow.

It used to be.

There was a time in the past when someone could be alone. In fact it was normal to be alone much of the time. Left alone with our thoughts. Then the strategy of the enemy was lies. He could explain our situation in our thoughts as we perceived them as our own and made decisions that led to our destruction.

Now we are connected, never alone. We have access to lies, but also the truth, if we just but seek. The truth sets us free. How does the enemy now stop us from discovering it?

Distract and occupy our time. There is much more to be said about that.

Potential

1. The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or coming into being.

2. Something possessing the capacity for growth or development.

WHEN WE THINK ABOUT OUR IDENTITY it is important to understand that God sees us from a perspective of our potential. It is this potential that is the foundation of His commitment and long-suffering toward us. With insight and understanding of our God-given potential He rebukes, chastises, and disciplines us with exhortations of humility, honesty, and demonstrations of unconditional love. He calls us to be over-comers, blameless, willing to admit our mistakes, dependent on His guidance. Willing to serve His purposes. 

In this light, we should consider our choices and decisions!

Reality's Nature?

Is our interpretation of our unique perspective a reliable foundation to base all our choices and decisions?

Do we have a clear understanding of how, what we decide, will propagate forward?

Do we have it in our capacity to comprehend reality's nature and the influence our free will has on the circumstance made available to others that experience that influence?

The answer to these questions make me think, "Oh crap!".

.

Life is pointless without God. With God,... what's the point?

Life is pointless without God. I don't have a problem with that. Just read Ecclesiastes, but it falls short in telling me... With God, what's the point?

Okay, I am here in the now, where God is. I understand "now" is what exists and it is where I make all my choices and decisions. I also understand that my choices are unalterable once made. I understand that I am unable to comprehend the infinite complexity of Now and my relationship to it, here where I am.

So what's the point? With God, I have the one who is everywhere (Omnipresence) and therefore knows everything (Omniscient) that is happening. As my counselor, He Knows exactly how I should respond in any given situation I might find myself in because He is able to anticipate every possible contingency I might be faced with, in the now of my existence. So that in that very hour I will be given what to say.

So when you hear "pay attention" I pray you will be awake and not distracted.

Chaos Theory, Choices, Decisions and Actions.

Who we will become is determined by our choices, decisions and actions. The choices, decisions and actions that we take in the now create facts that cannot be altered.

In chaos theory, the idea that a butterfly's wings might create tiny changes in the atmosphere that may ultimately alter the path of a tornado or delay, accelerate or even prevent the occurrence of a tornado in a certain location, reveals that even a small action has the potential for an extraordinary consequence.

The "Now" is what exists. Reality is the cosmological temporality of tensed facts that are created in the "Now". A fact cannot be altered. Change is a constant in the "Now". The illusion of time is created by this observance of change brought about by movement. The movement is deterministic outside of our ability to choose. Choice is what gives us the ability to be creative. But it is also the ability to destroy.

Who we can be is not yet determined because we still have the ability to choose. Past facts cannot be altered yet potential still exists. We can choose to tear down or to buildup. There is no other choice before us.