God has a sense of humor.

The other night I lay in bed and realized how little I understood when compared to God's perspective and understanding. The current circumstance had made me realize this. (Christmas Day 2019)

Then a thought came to mind about the scriptures that mention that God creates the hearing ear and the seeing eye. Then I heard the Holy Spirit say "you'll begin to see better in 2020" Get it? 20/20 vision. I chuckled, then laughed.

I realized then, I didn't need to worry. God had it in hand!

PS. 06/28/2020 He has "Everything" in hand. The global shaking is His "Threshing" floor.

The potential in being "Born Again" of the Spirit?.. Emotional Health!

If we are Spirit, Soul, and Body as most Christians believe, how do I make sense of it?

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

I get "body/flesh", the physical, material container. That has a location and has a perspective that is limited by my 5 senses. But...

Genesis 2:7 states that Man was created as a "living soul."

7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.

The soul consists of the mind, the will, and the emotions.

Image from: www.salvationandsurvival.com/2019/12/christians-do-you-act-out-of-your-soul.html

In one who is born again, the soul and the spirit are mysteriously tied together and make up what the Scriptures call the heart.

The writer of Proverbs declares, " Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." (Prov. 4:23). We see here that the "heart" is central to our emotions and will.

Our "Heart" is comprised of our Soul and our Spirit. Our soul has free will, emotions, and a mind.

My mind through its intrinsic powers of reason and memory can be informed by the limited perspective that my flesh provides, or by the unbound perspective of the Holy Spirit through my Born Again spirit.

My emotions play an important role in many of the choices and decisions my free will allows me to make.

https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-much-of-my-decision-making-is-emotional

Proverbs 4:23
New International Version-
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

New Living Translation-
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

New American Standard Bible-
Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.

King James Bible-
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Contemporary English Version-
Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life.

Good News Translation-
Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.

Three Classes of People

Carnel, Spiritual and Fleshly

1 Corinthians 2:14-15 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.

1 Corinthians 3:1 Brothers, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ. 2. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, because you were not yet ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready, 3 because you are still fleshly.

Ministry before Relationship

Oh Lord! Do we build the Kingdom of God or our own Ministry?

Do we recognize what you are doing? Then take what you've taught, document it, and then try to replicate it because we believe it was you who revealed yourself. And then seek out our ministry in our understanding instead of trusting you with all our heart?

The Desert

The desert is a place where God “tests” his people. To see if they will obey him or not. Are they trustworthy? 

It is a place where He deals with issues that hinder the true believer from hearing his voice and walking in his ways. As long as we trust in our own understanding as long as we believe we know what to do, God cannot fully (bless) support our activities (the activity isn’t the issue). If we take credit (pride) we prove our untrustworthiness. 

His desire is to fellowship with us intimately. To share His inmost heart, what He thinks and how He feels about everything and everyone around us. If He can’t trust us, He is unable to share as much as He would like to. 

He is the truth, the way, and the life. Can God trust me with great insight and spiritual understanding? Humility – seeing who I am really. Dependence: seeing who God is…savior, Lord. God is the only source of wisdom and understanding. I don’t need principles of life; I need the Author of life. I don’t need things to make me happy. I need the joy that comes from making God happy. Am I committed to the journey? Do I walk according to what I already know? Do I believe that God will hold me accountable?

Are God’s priorities my priorities? (What did Jesus read out loud at the beginning of His earthly ministry Luke 4:18)

We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. Set the captive free. Mend the broken heart. Declare the acceptable year of the Lord. God wants to give me His heart (love) for those I come in contact with. He wants to tell me what He thinks and how He feels about all of those around me. Can He trust me? Lord I want to be trustworthy, Amen.

The vision to travel all over the world and take pictures for you, the promise to give me a wife and family motivated me when I saw them as goals that would fulfill me. Make me happy? Complete me? Activities? Jobs? Careers? What is God’s will? The promise motivates obedience. As we try to obey, God shows us all our weaknesses. All our sin that hinders. 

You purge us of pride, selfish ambition, selfishness, and self-centeredness. As we try to build our own reputations, as we try to secure our own comfort and security as we try to be happy and successful. You show us life. It’s in you, not apart from you. It’s not in acquiring knowledge of life principles that we find all the things we think we need. Apart from you, everything is vain and empty. Life is found at your feet in humble dependence. Eternal treasure is gained in trust and obedience.

Distraction.

I've come to realize that worry is a distraction. You may think your worry is justified. That the time you spend worrying about it is required because your love for the one on your heart needs help.

Have you done what God asked you to do? Then give it to him.

Pay attention to your present situation. Don't be distracted by what you have no control over. The tomorrow you think will happen, you have no idea. Proverbs 3:5-6

Who is the enemy?

Ephesians 6:12  For our battle is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. 

IT IS A SPIRITUAL BATTLE. Fought in the Spiritual realm. It is only successful for us in the physical realm, who have been born of the Spirit, when we proclaim "Not my will but yours be done" and then trust and obey His guidance in that moment.

https://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-realm.html

"Mindfulness" the latest buzzword for self-actualization.

Usually attributed to Buddhist practice but the Bible calls every believer to be aware of and submit every thought to the Lordship of Christ

https://activechristianity.org/how-do-i-take-every-thought-captive

Remember "truth separated from God becomes deception."

2 Corinthians 10: 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

https://activechristianity.org/is-it-even-possible-to-keep-my-thoughts-pure

The "Situation".

Refers to my inertial frame that exists as an identifiable circumstance even as things change around me

Fundamentals

Hosea 4:6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Prov. 29:18 Where there is no Vision (When people do not accept divine guidance) the people perish.

As the Father...

John 20:21-22 (GNT)

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit."

The Mission of the Christ

Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners; 

The greatest among you will be servant of all.

I just realized when I'm inconvenienced, that is the opportunity to serve.

Paraclete: The key to "Righteousness, Peace and Joy"

Paraclete first appearing in the Gospel of John

Here is the context of the passage in John 14:15-14:27 with the translation of Paraclete as "Advocate" shown in bold:

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid

God's Will?

“The will of God is not something you add to your life. It’s a course you choose. You either line yourself up with the Son of God…or you capitulate to the principle which governs the rest of the world.” ―Elisabeth Elliot

Salvation, Redemption...?

https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/salvation

Synonyms and Antonyms of salvation

the saving from danger or evil... We spent the night in the cellar praying for salvation from the tornadoes

Synonyms of salvation:

deliverance, rescue

Words Related to salvation:

ransom, recovery, redemption, extrication
defense, guard, protection, isafeguard, safeguarding, security

conservation, guardianship, preservation, safekeeping

Forgiveness.

2 Corinthians 2 : 9. My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ for your sake, 11. in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Transition or paradigm shift?

March 31st to April 1st.

April took me to a place I wouldn't wish for anyone. It started with an innocent pain in the lower abdomen that quickly went away. Little did I know my colon had perforated.

In the middle of the night the pain in my abdomen woke me up. I tried everything in the medicine cabinet. There was no relief.

Deciding to go to the hospital, I was surprised that the "Nurse" that came to the ER waiting room to take me to the examination room was 6' 8" tall and had tattoos all over his arms and neck. He asked if I was Rudolph and I said "yes that's me". I didn't think it was a good idea to correct him. Thus, April began. A Euroclydon of Calamity where God blessed me!

Think about your thoughts

Do you ever think about your thoughts? Have you ever realized that you were arguing with yourself? I'm not talking about a debate on what movie you should go see. I'm talking about putting forth excuses as to why you should do something that you know you shouldn't do. Or trying to convince yourself you should not do something you know you should do. What's up with that?

Paul said it well when he explained "the things I want to do I don't do and the things I don't want to do that I do."

Realizing this is the first step in understanding the " Battle for your Mind".

The enemy is present in your thoughts. When you find yourself arguing with yourself realize you are under attack. The battlefield is your mind.

There are several verses that you need to understand.

Take every thought captive to the Lordship of Christ.  We do not wrestle against flesh and blood. Pray without ceasing.

Mary Pondered in her heart.

Good advise. "Pondered". I take that as thought about it a lot.

I bring it up because I realize now, because of "social media" I can share way too soon. I don't think I'm Mary. I just want to learn from her example.

Too soon, before I've actually grappled with it on a personal level. Too soon, before I've understood what it means to me personally. Too soon before I can be a faithful example.

God's Grace, Favor, Mercy?

• Grace is free and unmerited blessings of God.
• Favor is God’s unusual liking to us.
• Mercy is God not punishing us as we deserve.

Reference: Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1998.

"For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:12

"Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands..." Psalm 90:17

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11

"...but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5

"...By your favor you make us strong..." Psalm 89:17

“My times are in your hands…” Psalm 31:15

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:3

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” Psalm 31:19

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

"Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him." Matthew 7:11

“And the Lord said...This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:17

“The mind of man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

“The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33

"And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." Genesis 12:2

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished."Luke 1:45

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23:6

"These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open." Revelation 3:7

Wait upon the Lord...

At first I thought about "wait" as a postition of inaction. Like waiting for my friend to catch-up with me.

Then "wait" as guidance to fit into the plan He was bringing about.

Now I see "wait" as "pay attention" and do only the thing I want you to do to bring about My plan.

Your situation does not define you.

Just learnt this.

Spend Time vs Pay Attention?

The world is full of distraction. It takes up our time, it occupies our attention.

It seems we have a lot to spare. In fact sometimes I prefer distraction when it comes to my current situation. Why? Because nothing seems to be happening...

At least from my perspective.

So I'm learning about the Bible verse that says... "Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength".

God's Grace?

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
God's Guidance = God's Grace! "The path I should go, the steps I should take."

Okay, a relationship where God guides and I am expected to trust and obey. My problem is I have an expectation of result. I seem to remember a promise. It created a hope. I paid attention because of it.

So I listened and obeyed. Okay, I'll admit I may have been distracted. I may have paid less then attention. So the "promise"? He is Faithful. Okay. TRUST AND OBEY! The promise was given on the basis of... "By grace, through Faith"

This is the "Key" to PEACE!

John 14:27. "I am leaving you with a gift... peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.

By Grace?

God does nothing except by GRACE!

Is this true? Hmm. What is God's Grace?

A free gift. Unearned. That no one should boast. Okay.

His Grace is enough, the song says.

His Grace is sufficient for me.

So. Somewhere in the Bible I read, "God pours out His rain on the just and the unjust".

Rain/Grace, he pours it out over all of us.

The question He's looking to answer? How will they respond?

How will you respond?!

Foibles, idiosyncrasies?

These are terms that define our uniqueness.

They are terms that from the observer are, to an extent, negative.

They are terms that give evidence to the need of each of us to be Overcomers.

Overcome what you may ask? Society defines the terms. But God prioritises. Fear Him, not man!

Happiness vs Joy

Happiness is reaping the fruit of your labour. Joy is knowing you stand blameless before the Lord of Eternity even when there is no fruit.

"Now" is the time for Joy and happiness. It can also be the time of regret and dread.

It all depends on who you trust and obey.

Peace

The key to peace is Prov 3:5-6.

My sheep hear my voice, I know them and they follow me...

He promises to guard our hearts and minds.

Biblical Faith?

In it's most basic form, it is simply participating in the relationship God wants to have with you through the Holy Spirit.

This can first be understood as a "Father and Child" relationship. 

He is the Dad we all need.

Paradym Shift in Awareness?

At first you think that your family and everything you experience in that sphere is how things are for everyone and you learn to deal with the situation. Then at sometime you experience a paradym Shift in your perspective. There are hints along the way but then it happens. And your perspective gets shaken with additional information that makes you question your previous assumptions.

,This is a good thing!

The Sacrificial Element in "Becoming".

We often tell young children "you can be/do anything you want".  But growing up means sacrificing all the "potential" to be anything and making a choice to be something.

https://youtu.be/JjfClL6nogo

original source: https://youtu.be/nsZ8XqHPjI4?t=2h5m17s

Competence?

To many definitions to firmly understand the meaning, yet...

Many think they are "highly" competent to represent the Kingdom of God. Their proof? Signs and wonders?... But!

1 Cor. 13:1-13

How can God “not” know someone?

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23. And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

The Movie - I "Heart" Huckabees: a Comedy!

This is a funny movie.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Heart_Huckabees ....

Existentialism?... The Father of Existentialism?... The "Wisdom" books of the Bible?... Their conclusion?

Acts 17:28

...“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;...

Your Full Potential?

Who am I? Why am I here? What's the point? Does anything matter?

The simple answer is... Yes you matter, you can make a difference, and you are here to be who God created you to be..

Your full potential is "only" found/discovered/obtained when you understand Proverbs Chapter 3 verses 5 and 6...

5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

6. In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will direct your paths.

Competence?

Is it an intrinsinct quality of character?

Competence?

I need to understand the meaning of the word.

The Promised Land in the old testament

Is the "Kingdom of God" in the new!

Speak the truth in love.

We should break it down.

Speak the truth in love.

3 words...

Speak. Truth. Love.

Inordinate

in·or·di·nate
inˈôrd(ə)nət/Submit
adjective
unusually or disproportionately large; excessive.
"a case that had taken up an inordinate amount of time"
synonyms:excessive, undue, unreasonable, unjustifiable, unwarrantable, disproportionate, unwarranted, unnecessary, needless, uncalled for, gratuitous, exorbitant, extreme.

A SIGN OF OUR TIMES!

James 4:17

James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Is it not wisdom to know what the right thing to do is? In doing that right thing, do we not feel justified? Can you do the right thing, all your life, according to your wisdom and Still Not be Justified in God's eyes?

Innocence

The Innocence of obedience? As a child it is unequivocal. But impossible to maintain. Parents are hardly an example to trust, but we are called to obey our parents "in the Lord".

And when you do, you fall into the trust of their own understanding.

Wisdom? The Bible is full of practical wisdom. Wait... Crap!  How does the book of "Job" fit Into your understanding?

Proverbs 3:5-6 makes more sense now.

Distraction?

Back to that I go.

Distraction. Occupy your time. Use it up.

If the enemy can't deceive you he will try to distract you. Not just with worthless entertainment but with causes that we perceive as worthy.

These "causes" satisfy our need to feel justified, but fall short of explicit obedience and trust of God's will for our lives.

MIND boggling - Daniel 3:16-18

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.

He is able, He will, and even if He doesn't...

They knew what to do. "NOT BOW DOWN". Their trust was in an "Able God" that had the power to save them. Yet. They acknowledged His Will not their own as reason to obey, instead of a desired outcome for themselves.

This is the faith that Jesus revealed on the cross as he cried out in Matthew 27:46...
"ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"

Mind boggling

Unity!

Unity does not equal uniformity. Diversity provides needed perspectives for unforeseen opportunity.

All that are led by the Spirit of God are the Children of God!   Romans 8:14

It's His unlimited perspective that provides insight to those who desperately rely on His guidance. They understand, like Job, not to trust in their own understanding. They recognize God's participation in their situation. How He goes before them to prepare the way. Because He has a plan for their life. And He will direct them through the obstacles that the enemy places to thwart God's will. Prov. 3:5-6

When all is said and done they shall proclaim...

HE IS FAITHFUL!

Take every thought captive to the Lordship of Christ?

Well, I certainly have been considering my thoughts. It's been quite... Educational... Inlightning... Convicting... OH CRAP!

I seem to be a little judgemental. It's most apparent on the highway. I won't be specific, you know what I mean...

Do I need to mention at home?...

"?..." means - think about it!!!

Take "every thought captive to the Lordship of Christ". Impossible without a desperate realization that you can't anticipate the next step in your future.

Play it by ear?

To play it by ear is to act according to the situation. Playing it by ear means you work with what you get.

The original meaning of this term was to play music without sheet music, meaning you improvised from what you heard and did your best to bring everything into harmony with a melody that everyone would appreciate.

Hmmm! I believe that's God's job.

Life is Hard!...

Why? Because things are unpredictable...

For us!

But not to the One who sees the beginning from the end. To the One who goes before those who trust in Him, and anticipates every decision that will be made by those who affect His desired plan for your life. He is able to bring His promise to pass. Just Trust and Obey. Walk through the valley of death. Cling to the promise of your understanding.

And your witness will be. HE IS FAITHFUL!

Jordan Peterson

Who you are, and on being responsible

Life is hard, you will suffer, and in order to handle that suffering, you will have to be prepared. Preparing means taking responsibility for yourself. That’s hard, too, so you may try to avoid it. You may use all manner of evasions and rationalizations to convince yourself that things will sort themselves out on their own, or that others will bail you out, or that if they don’t, it’s their fault and not yours. But that’s a lie. So stop lying. Accept responsibility for your fate.

God's Hand?

Today I found myself saying to a business colleague of mine that "I see God's hand in this opportunity". We agreed that we can't go wrong trusting in His Guidance, no matter what the outcome.

God's Hand is motivated by love, manifest through Grace, informed by "His" plan, guided by His will and committed to our highest good.

You can't go wrong knowing that He goes before you preparing the way. So trust in His guidance and act accordingly.

Proverbs 3:5-6

CONSTITUTION?

The way in which someone or something is composed.

The Holy Spirit is in the business of changing our Constitution.

Romans 12:2  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

THE LORD, A COVENANT GOD

Deuteronomy 7:9 
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, 

Hebrews 11:6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently search for him.

Hebrews 3:1. Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. 2. This is why the ancients were commended. 3. By faith we understand that the universe was formed by God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

By Faith we understand...

Matthew 9:20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” 22. Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

Matthew 8:5. When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help.6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” 7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” 8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. "But just say the word, and my servant will be healed." 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith... 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.

By the Holy Spirit we hear the promise. In hope we believe it's truth. In obedience we trust His Guidance. And in joy we proclaim His faithfulness.

BIBLICAL FAITH in its basic form...

God Initiates - We Respond

Blameless?

What does that mean?

When I first became a "christian" it was one of the first words that God spoke into my life that I was aware of.

"Be blameless"! It was in context to the current situation then. At the time, my first wife had left with my two kids and was pursuing another relationship. I was convicted of my own complicity in the situation and God said stop giving her reasons to justify her actions. Regret was the overwhelming emotion at the time. It was one of the reasons I "called on the Lord" in the first place.

This "regret" was the result of living a life as I saw fit and God was telling me that to be free of regret I needed to be blameless in all my relationships. It seemed simple enough. At least in concept. Just trust God to guide me in what I say and do and no one will be able to blame me for how things turn out. Yeah, right.

The issues...

• You have to really seek out and pay attention to the Holy Spirit's guidance. There are a lot of reasons we don't do that.
• People tend to blame others for their predicament. Mostly because we give them a reason.
• The enemy is constantly running around making accusations in our minds and in the minds of those around us.

I have come to realize "I am to Blame". But in that realization God's love covers my complicity and by the Blood of Christ I am forgiven. In the same realization I am called to "Trust in Him with all my heart and not trust in my own understanding. To recognize His presence in everything I do, and he will guide me on the path that leads to no regrets" Proverbs 3:5-6.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/blameless.html

THOSE WHO WAIT UPON THE LORD!...

Shall renew their strength!

The operative word here is "strength". It presupposes a strength already attained, that needs to be renewed, bolstered, made greater.

I am reminded of the scripture... "Be transformed by the renewal of your mind". Google it for now, It's speaks of a process of transformation by where your thinking is conformed by truth. This experiential truth, backed up by Biblical witness and refined in the Fire, has every answer to the accusations of condemnation and the perversion of truth that the "enemy" uses to lead us down the path of destruction.

Discerning my thoughts? Competing Voices!

Take every thought captive to the Lordship of Christ. WHY?

Because discerning my thoughts requires I understand that my mind is not a vault (Safe and secure from anyone else) where I bang around my thoughts and try to make sense of my life. But it is a "doorway" to the spiritual realm.

It's important to understand that I can be confused by "spiritual voices" because I think they are "my thoughts". But these voices originate in the spiritual realm from two sources. One voice, that "condemns" or "exalts",  and wants to lead me to destruction. And another voice that is the "Lover of my soul", that knows me intimately and wants to lead me in the way to "become" all that He created me to be.

OVERCOMER comes to mind. That is certainly God's "Will" for you! For all of us.

Be Intentional

Don't be swept along by your circumstance. Be Intentional.

Truth separated from God becomes deception.

There is one truth with a multitude of facets. Together each facet is valid.

As a simple example., take responsibility. Separate it from accountability and you get independance. Highly valued in western society. "I am my own man", "I am self sufficient" we say. This idea that I don't need anyone to be a success is a lie.

By Grace, through Faith...

It's not where you are at, it's how far you've come. It's not what you've been given, it's what you do with it.

"in all your getting, get understanding"

Prov. 4:7. Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

So wisely understand this...

Proverbs 3:5-6 (HCSB) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;  6. Think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.

Stupify. It's a great word!

I think much of what we do (chose/decide) stupifies God.

Not that He didn't know that it was possible for us to do such a "stupid" thing.

More about a sense of disappointment that we fell short of what He had planned for us

Prayer?

I don't understand intercessory prayer. Isn't God already doing all that He can do?

Then it hit me. Jesus said "I have come to destroy the works of the devil". Intercessory prayer should not be to ask God to do something. It should be to come against the enemy that tries to thwart God's will.

He has given "us" authority to do something. Intercessory prayer is needed to get our marching orders.

What does God want "us" to do?

Endure to the end as you contend for the faith

Phil. 3:12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

"Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" in the Bible.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Google it! It's one of the latest ideas in psychology. They seem to be realizing the truth of...

Romans 12:2  and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Contend for the Faith!

Jude 1:3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to "contend" earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Testify

Share what you have experienced, witnessed and been taught by the Holy Spirit.

Your assumptions?

Time to question what you believe and why you believe it.

Truth

Where do I get my ability to recognize truth? What does recognizing truth mean?

Does recognizing truth mean I will respond a certain way? Does recognizing truth demand a response?

Well, truth is revealed in reality. Reality? That's the problem. We all have our interpretation of reality.

There, that's it. The real problem. Our interpretation.

When you trust in your limited ability to comprehend reality you fall into a multitude of opportunities for the enemy of your soul to take you down a path to destruction... And broad is that way.

Truth separated from God (Yahweh of the Bible) becomes deception.

Truth, understanding, knowledge? If we trust in our understanding instead of God's perfect view of reality and then the Holy Spirit's creative guidance, we will be deceived.

RADICAL DEPENDENCE! It's what we were created for.

What Matters

What matters? Are there any clues to what matters? Where can we find them? Where do we look? What do we pay attention too? What do we know? What do we trust? Is what we know and trust really what matters.

The truth is what matters.

Is there more to what I know and trust? What do you know and why do you trust it? The time is now, that you know what you believe and why you believe it.

Question with humble boldness the very existence of God. He will give an answer.

The truth is hard to find but easy to understand once discovered

God's Creative Guidance

There is not a thing that you cannot overcome trusting in God's creative guidance.

Who do you listen to?

Anxiety, fear and panic are the end result of paying heed to the enemy of your soul. He is the author of lies and is committed to your eventual destruction.

Security, trust and rest are the end result of paying heed to the Lover of your soul. He is the author of truth and knows you intimately for He created you in His image. He has called you to be an overcomer.

Spiritual wounds?

The healing of the physical is a shadow of God's purpose to heal us Spiritually. The enemy of our soul uses spiritual wounds from our past to manipulate our present and to hinder us from responding to others with God's love and grace.

God's still, small voice?

"God speaks most clearly to us in this day through His Word. The more we learn it, the more ready we will be to recognize His voice when He speaks, and the more likely we are to obey what we hear."

https://www.gotquestions.org/still-small-voice.html

Present-tense: an attribute of the Holy Spirit.

Now is 'where" God is. Where "you are" is held together (action) by God in the now. He is present everywhere. He calls Himself "I Am". We "are" because "He is".

This all is going on in the present tense. Now!

Overcomers

1 John 5:4–5 “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Practicing the "Present-tense" of God

This is a play on the saying "Practice the Presence of God".

God is in the "present". "Now" is when we hear his voice. Now is when we should pay attention. Now is when He guides us. "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17) makes more sense when we understand we should not trust in what we understood in the past concerning His guidance today.

Prov. 3:5-6 also makes more sense.  "5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Hallmarks of Biblical faith

Anticipation and expectation are hallmarks of Biblical faith. They indicate the presence of hope that comes from even the smallest glimmer of understanding.

Not hope based on wishful thinking. But on a promise embraced. Not on a scripture verse claimed, but on a personal word spoken by the Holy Spirit that bears witness to Biblical truth and relates to our situation. Faith comes by "hearing" God's voice and hearing God's voice comes by knowing the written word of God. (Two witnesses)

"Developing an ear for His voice seems to be at the heart of this issue, for faith comes by hearing, not having heard (see Rom. 10:17). Faith implies a present tense relationship with God. What we know can keep us from what we need to know if we don't stay childlike in our approach to life and ministry." Bill Johnson

Signs?

"Then they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying "signs". Amen" (Mark 16:20).

Discernment.

Discernment begins with thinking about your thoughts.

Understand that your thoughts have 3 origins*

• A Thought can originate from a man’s spirit (Self)
• A Thought can originate from God’s Spirit (Good)
• A Thought can originate from another spirit, either angel (good) or demon (Evil)

And then it continues with "taking every thought captive to the Lordship of Christ."

You consider a thought by, asking does it line up with the character of Jesus Christ and, is it in harmony with the full counsel of God's written word. But it is with the Lordship of Christ, as we ask Him what He thinks, that we have the opportunity to accept or reject the thought we are thinking.

Reading the Bible and praying without ceasing,  are essential activities for success in the spiritual war the enemy wages against us.

Deut. 11:18 “You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 

2 Cor. 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

The battle takes place in our thoughts and we are to..

Jer. 7:23

But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’

Potential?

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 love, commitment and longsuffering.

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 overcomers, blameless, willing to admit our mistakes, dependent on His guidance. Willing to serve His purposes.

In this light we should make our CHOICES!

When seeking God’s will you shouldn’t be asking what does God want me to do. You should be asking who God wants you to be. It is then He will show us who we are.

Spiritual discernment.

https://www.gotquestions.org/double-minded.html

"A double-minded person is restless and confused in his thoughts, his actions, and his behavior. Such a person is always in conflict with himself. One torn by such inner conflict can never lean with confidence on God and His gracious promises.

Correspondingly, the term unstable is analogous to a drunken man unable to walk a straight line, swaying one way, then another. He has no defined direction and as a result doesn’t get anywhere. Such a person is “unstable in all he does.”

Repent, repentance... It's a lifestyle!

Call to repentance (noun) metanoeo leads to a change of mind,

repent (verb) metanoia which leads to a change of ways/action.

Repentance is an ongoing process of transforming the mind.

Tactics vs Strategy

"The terms tactic and strategy are often confused: tactics are the actual means used to gain an objective, while strategy is the overall campaign plan, which may involve complex operational patterns, activity, and decision-making that lead to tactical execution."

Games in the digital age.

A few years ago, my two sons, Hudson and Harrison invited a few of their friends over to play "video games."

Later in the evening, I went into the front room to see how things were going.

I was surprised to see only one of Harrison's friends in the room, Jacob.

Hudson was on the desktop computer with a headset and microphone. Talking to a number of online players that he was teamed up with as they battled another team on a multiplayer internet game.

Harrison had a PlayStation handset and was conversing with his teammates via his iPad as they battled on the big screen tv connected to the PS1 network.

I asked Jacob why he enjoyed playing these online games. He said "because I like overcoming obstacles, winning the battle, and discovering more of what the game has in store. I can be more than just me." 

Don't we all like feeling victorious? Feeling and "being" are two different things

Today I came across this...

http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/news/releases/getting-to-the-heart-of-the-appeal-of-videogames.html

It is interesting what the Lord said to me 8 months ago...

  http://www.randolphbrown.com/2015/12/vicarious-generation-that-been-occupied.html

Confession of a Fully Actualized Kingdom Saint?

https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/4009928.Avery_T_Willis_Jr_

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed.

I have the Holy Spirit's power.

The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made -- I'm a disciple of His.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with

low living,

sight walking,

smooth knees,

colorless dreams,

tamed visions,

worldly talking,

cheap giving,

and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by

faith,

lean in his presence,

walk by patience,

am uplifted by prayer,

and I labor with power."

"My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be

bought,

compromised,

detoured,

lured away,

turned back,

deluded,

or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifices, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity."

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must

go till he comes,

give till I drop,

preach till all know,

and work till he stops me.

And, when he comes for his own, he will have no problem recognizing me... my banner will be clear."

Crucible?

a place or occasion of severe test or trial.

"the crucible of combat"

a place or situation in which different elements interact to produce something new.

How is love expressed?

Certainly it is expressed by the willingness to die for your friend.

But for most of us, what is the common expression of love? Or should I ask the evidence of love?

It is a commitment to relationship no matter the response from the one you love. It is a commitment to their highest good even when they walk away.

It is a willingness to say, "please forgive me". When you have made a mistake.

This love can only be expressed, transfered or passed on when you have experienced it yourself. It comes from an overflowing understanding of your own unloveliness, and the price Christ paid to have a relationship with you.

It is the understanding that you aren't sinless but you can be blameless.

Leverage?

A pivot point where pressure is multiplied. Accusation is the pressure. The accuser has a case. The point is guilt. Guilt is a function of the Spirit. The mind tries, but can not reason it away. Excuse and blame give control away and the lever is lengthened. So we are lost and condemned. Yet.
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners.
Certainly good news.

Authentic Faith?

The difference between "authentic faith" and a "trust in their own understanding" has huge ramifications on how our "faith" is lived out and therefore passed on.

Biblical principles are made alive by the Holy Spirit as one realizes their need to be guided. Thus knowledge is acquired... If a man knows to do good and doesn't do it, that is sin

The problem is when we trust in our own understanding. (Prov. 3:5-6)

Faith implies a present-tense relationship with God. Present-tense is used in grammar for actions that are happening now. We reside/exist in the Now, and so does our relationship with God. It is impossible to have "Faith" in God without a relationship with Him where His presence is experienced in the present.

We think that we have the ability to anticipate the contingencies that our choices will propagate. But we forget "we see through a glass darkly"! Our perspective and therefore our understanding is limited. But God's is not.

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

The Battle Front.

In every battle there is the "front". In WW2 they were defined geographically. Initially though they were defined by ideas that individuals expressed. These ideas propagated, to influence other individuals in geographic locations. The real battle front is relational. It is the battle between truth and lies. It is a battle between the one who loves our soul and the one who wants to destroy us. It is a battle waged in the hearts of those who know His guidance, provision and care and those who need to know.

Priorities. The difference is between temporal and Eternal. Many will be surprised when they find out where their priorities were.

Knowledge shall increase.

Knowledge? It is knowing what is fact. Fact is truth. Fact becomes truth as it happens/occurs. Facts are knowable. And knowledge is increased as facts are shared. Knowledge puffs up. Makes you believe you can anticipate the future. Pride has only one predictable outcome. It is an unwelcome surprise for all who trusted in their own understanding/knowledge.

I am you father.

I would give my life for the chance that you would become all that God created you to be.

Go

Go to the brook Kidron. And there I will provide for you.

FAKS Framework Explains...

How you came to believe, what is happening in your life now. And where God wants to take you.

It has to do with what to believe and why.

It reflects the battle narrative of overcoming the flesh and the enemy of your soul.

Ever think about your thoughts?

Have you ever argued with yourself? How is that possible?

I believe what I believe. If there is contradiction in my "thoughts" then that is evidence that some of my thoughts are not my own.

Cognitive Dissonance?

Humanistic term that tries to explain the spiritual battle we all experience.

The "Goal" of Existential (Christian) Therapy

Existentialism --> life is pointless --> crisis reveals our helplessness --> Jesus reveals the solution --> Bible is the witness --> Holy Spirit is the guide --> Faith is how it is accomplished.

Potential.

It is why God never gives up on us.

Potential!

"If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of the potential, for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints, possibility never. And what wine is so sparkling, what so fragrant, what so intoxicating, as possibility!"
                                Soren Keirkegaard

Angst

Has everything to do about the future.

Keys to Wisdom.

Humility, a teachable heart and radical dependence on the counsel and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Is Wisdom "Acquired"?

Experience provides the opportunity for Knowledge to be gathered. Wisdom is the "state of mind" that gives one the potential for insight, discernment, good judgement and Understanding. This state of mind has its beginning in humility and is cultivated by a teachable heart.

Prov. 9:9 "if you correct a wise man, he will become all the wiser."

James 3:13-18 "Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

John 14: 26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

Trick's of the trade?

A clever ​method used by ​people who are ​experienced in a ​particular ​type of ​work or ​activity.

Through trial and error one can learn "tricks of the trade". We can all learn from "our" mistakes. At least a wise man can.

But there is another, some might say, better way. "Tricks of the trade" can be passed on from one to another, if the other has a teachable heart.

Experience and knowledge compared to Wisdom and understanding.

One does not mean you have the other. Experience and knowledge is a function of our ability to remember. Wisdom and understanding is a function of our ability to anticipate and reason. The problem is that knowledge puffs up, and pride is a stumbling block to wisdom.

Humility is the first step a wise man will make. A teachable heart is the path to understanding.

Relationships? Plumbing the depths of Prov. 3:5-6

How many do you have? I’m asking about relationships.

Take a moment; the total, though you underestimated it, will surprise you.

At home, at work, at school, at church... you get the idea.

Okay, I am defining "relationship" as anyone who knows you.... okay they might forget my name, but because I have interacted with them, they have established an opinion of me (You).

And therefore are predisposed to react to me in a certain way if confronted with me again.

That person, after experiencing you, after whatever time has passed, however, God has convicted you and provided Grace to overcome when your paths cross again, do you think you can possibly know what to say or respond?

Only God understands explicitly your relationships. Therefore, then, because of this, we should look to His insight and understanding to give us "the" response to those we should again come across and have to give an answer to. Of course "again" is the additive to the concept. The concept is that we should "look to His insight and understanding" in every situation, with every person, whatever our relationship, and trust and then obey. The obeying part speaks of our response to whomever we are relating to. The "whom-ever" are those in our path.

This is an argument for Prov. 3:5-6

Vicarious!

A generation that is being occupied and distracted from their own need to be overcomers.

http://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/vicariously

"Vicariously is the adverb form of the word vicarious, which also involves experiencing something through another person. The Latin influence is the word vicarius, which means “substitute.” If you experience something vicariously, in a sense you’re a substitute who’s getting something secondhand.

If you’re living vicariously, stop it. Get out and live life for yourself. Vicariously means that you’re experiencing something indirectly, like when your friend's adventure feels like your own."

Truth!

Valid for the micro and the Macro.

Radical Dependence?

It has been "my" experience that I am told by the Holy Spirit often "Pay Attention" and asked too often "What are you waiting for".

And then I ask "this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.”

Exasperated by the word "foibles"

Why? It's a word that is simple and that has no baggage of misunderstanding. Why? Very view have even heard it before.

Yet it's meaning has significance for us all. That's the rub. We think... "I'm just like everyone else. Ah, I'm not to blame.

Thus the exasperation.

Prayer of "Radical" dependance.

^{Matt. 6:9} “This, then, is how you should pray:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰ your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.

Identity

The key to success in the economy of God's Kingdom?... Know who He created you to be. You "ARE", So "BE" and you'll "DO".

Are, am, will be

Be, being, becoming

Do, act, action, actuate, actuated

You are "Justified".
You are being "Sanctified"
So let Christ be "Glorified" in all you do.

The "Good News" to this generation...

You are "Significant"! Turn (repent) from the path of self-actualization/reliance.

Quit trusting in what you think you know and turn to the one who knows you. He will guide you in the way that you should proceed.   Prov. 3: 5-6

And don't forget to do good.

Our Quest for Significance.

Significance? What we lost? Or what the enemy wants us to believe we lost?

I say this in the most historic of terms.

Significance. We all seek it out, and protect it once we think we have it. The more secure we are in our significance, the more we are able to be generous to others. Makes us feel more significant. Even when our significance is based on vapor. Ecclesiastes 1:2-4

Significance? Google its definition.

Then try to understand... "While you were yet a sinner, Christ died for you"!

Significant? Yes. You "are".

Back to Jer. 7:23

The first part now may be seen in it's proper role...

"Obey my voice and I will be your God and you will be my people."

The first promise is preeminent to the second "Walk in my ways", because life's unimaginable complexity is only fully comprehended by the one who created us..

Obeying His voice, as He answers our questions, as we walk with Him, is what "pray without ceasing" really means.

We all need a "Cluestick"

http://definithing.com/cluestick/

Why? Sure you are well equipped with biblical principles that you trust and apply. You have reaped the promise and it has gone well with you.

It's hard to argue with that kind of success. But. As I mentioned before "Practical wisdom separated from its source, becomes something we begin to trust in".

That is where "We all need a "Cluestick" really becomes an essential truth. Why?

http://www.randolphbrown.com/2011/06/creature-is-not-independent-of-creator.html

The Self-Help Christian Industry

Self-help Christianity emphasizes understanding principles to live by, that are expounded in the Bible. It is a path with a promise... "Walk in my ways and it will go well with you" (Jeremiah 7:23 )

We learn these principles from preachers and teachers that are well taught in the practical wisdom passed down to them. We all have some (practical wisdom) to give if you have been "born again".

The love and hope of the one who trains up his child in the way he should go, as he passes down the lessons he has learned, rarely brings about the hoped for result. Why?

Knowledge puffs up. What does that mean? Practical wisdom separated from its source, becomes something we begin to trust in. We see it as our own. And it is. It is wisdom we have acquired. It is wisdom we have operated on. It is wisdom that has blessed our lives. Because we have trusted it and acted upon it. We are accountable. If a man knows to do good and doesn't do it. That is sin.

If we know knowledge puffs up what are we to do. Your testimony reeks of biblical principles. God has met you where you were at. He spoke to you and made His wisdom known to you. I like to say, "He sharpened your axe". Certainly speak of the wisdom He has imparted...

Oh wait, do you have a testimony of what God has shared with you? Or are you just a student of practical wisdom?

Either way, the first part of Jeremiah 7:23 is what we all need to understand.

"But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you."

"Obey My voice" is a present tense imperative, progressive verb. You only hear Him in the present "here and now." That is when you should obey.

Christ is the Exemplar!

Present-day Christendom really lives as if the situation were as follows: Christ is the great hero and benefactor who has once and for all secured salvation for us; now we must merely be happy and delighted with the innocent goods of earthly life and leave the rest to Him. But Christ is essentially the exemplar, that is we are to resemble Him, not mere profit from Him.
― The Journals of Søren Kierkegaard

www.relevantmagazine.com/god/15-soren-kierkegaards-most-challenging-quotes#tH9ElbBkyEMZSEup.99

"Whose hearts are fully committed to Him"

I try to understand the meaning to this and I think of Haggai...

2 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house.’”

3 Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: 4 “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?”

5 Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. 6 You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”

7 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. 8 Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the Lord. 9 “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house.

Spiritual pushups

Take as much effort as physical pushups. Have you ever exercised your Faith?

Love, Listen, Discern. Then Respond.*

2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him ...
Time To Revive, Dallas TX*

Being. Continue to be. AKA: True Identity

The more you get to know God, the more you learn about yourself. And the more you are able to dependently (relationship) walk in your true identity. Doing those things that He has before ordained that you should do.

You are, so "be". And you will do. This is the place of true Joy!

Worship in Spirit and in Truth.

Faith

Is there a "Promised Land" for the Christian today?

Joshua led the Israelite's into the promised land. They crossed the Jordan river carrying the "Presence of the Lord". They overcame every stronghold of the enemy as they obeyed the Lords unique guidance in each situation. Where they did not obey His guidance they failed. The promise was where ever they walked God would give them the land. Joshua 1:3

The promised land for the Christian today is exactly the same. Whether it is in their personal life, the lives of people they know. Or the lives of those God guides them to come across.

The operative word here is "Overcome".

"Discipleship". A term right from the clavis of "Christianese". Rarely defined succinctly.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianese

Here is the best definition I have come across, from Greg Herrick's "Understanding The Meaning of the Term “Disciple”...

Let’s summarize what we’ve been talking about thus far. For our purposes, then, a “disciple of Christ” is someone who has been called first to know Christ, then to follow him, and then to make disciples of all nations. That is, in our knowing Christ we are becoming like him—thinking, feeling, and living as he commands. In this spiritual ambience of personal relationship with him, that is, in light of our experience of the kingdom, he summons us to be his disciples. We are to follow him, through thick and through thin, knowing that he is there and that he will reward us in his time; after all, he is the Master. But discipleship not only involves being with him, being like him, and following him, it also means that we make it our goal to disciple others—indeed, every nation under the sun. The Great Commission is not just another good idea—though it is that—it is the church’s marching order. As far as I know, he never communicated another plan.

A fresh wind is blowing.

I feel it on my face. Time to gather fire wood. It will be a big bonfire. Are you ready.

“Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.

Matthew 8:8–10
8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, 3 ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel 4 have I found such faith.

Who has?

Is there anyone in the Bible that has "operated in the fullness of God's guidence, provision and care"?...

YES! Jesus.

Has there been anyone in the Bible who has attempted to follow Jesus? Well Duh...

What an overcomer would say.

Philippians 3:12-16 (KJV)

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Rise up Oh Man of God!

Biblical knowledge and Spiritual principles

How is that different from biblical faith and spiritual guidence? The difference is huge.

Squeaky wheel gets the grease

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

All the promises find their yes in Him.

Knock and it will be opened up to you
Seek and you will find.

Asking for bread over and over until the owner of the inn finely gives it to you.

My sheep know my voice and I know them.

Do you know His voice? Does Jesus know you?

Have you knocked on His door? Have you been so convinced that you have not given up. Committed to "Travail" through until you receive the promise, to the end?

Faks

FULLY ACTUALIZED KINGDOM SAINT...

Operating in the fullness of God's guidence, provision and care. Being established holy and blameless before God.

2 Thes. 2:

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

LOOK IT UP!

Some more...

for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first.

Falling away? Because of a lie? Before Christ comes back?

A strong delusion? What could that possibly be?

Are you a student of current events?

Time Moves Forward.

Things change. But God doesn't. He is the constant. The source of unconditional commitment to our highest good. No matter how many mistakes we make, He comes up with the best plan forward. Will we trust Him this time and obey?

Character Traits.

Make sure that your pride in deference doesn't overshadow your need to reject passivity.

Truth separated from God becomes a lie (Deception)

The temptation of Jesus

Knowledge shall Increase

In the last days knowledge shall increase. Yet scripture says the people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
There are truths that have been hidden till this time to be revealed. We are called to not forsake the gathering of the brethren. When we gather each has something to share. This is team work, Unity expressed, the Body manifest as the Bride. Anticipating His return.

All about unity.

Yes. That is true. Biblical unity generated by the Holy Spirit's guidance to the Father and His Kingdom.

Who is the King?

Anyone who decides "I am in charge of my life".

The heart of the king

Proverbs 21 King James Version (KJV)
21 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

The mighty think their thoughts are their own. The humble wisely understand the still small voice is God's intimate guidance for them.

Pornography and video games.

Both are a poor substitute. One for sex with your wife and the other victorious living.

FAKS?

A fully actualized kingdom saint is second, charts their own course, utilizes what comes along. And is not passive but intentional.

Be an Overcomer!

It's not where you are at.

It's how far you have come.

It's not what you have been given, but what you have done with it.

You don't need permission. Trust the Lover of your Soul and obey.

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.

Iron Sharpens Iron.

There is a season for everything. And in that season, friends challenge what you think. They see first hand the consequence of your choices and ask questions about the veracity of your decisions. That is if they are a friend.

It's good to know what you believe, it's better to know why you believe it. Your friends may "trust in chariots and some in horses"... Google it.

It's all about radical dependence. That is if you are done with trusting your own understanding.

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?

Boom boom pow! really?

Went to work today. It's a new facility. Seems there are multiple speakers in the ceiling of every room. And the ability to flood those rooms with what ever radio station the one who has access to the controls decides to listen to.

It must be a "Top 10" radio station. Boom, Boom, Pow is now reverberating in my head. Its 11:40 pm. I left work at 4:30 pm

There is a lesson to be learnt, learned... here.

Who are you really?

Foibles. We all have them. Google it.

Freedom to pursue your own path of discovery.

You are responsible for the consequence of your choices.

Trust the Lover of your soul for guidance.

Be wise. Admit your mistakes and know God gives Grace to the humble.

Known?

Many people know you. Know the you, that you have created. Created according to what you saw others held in esteem. The herd has a mentality.

Struggle, frustration, and disappointment are not a stranger to you. There lies the clue.

Looking for acceptance, you gave up on your uniqueness and gave in to the demand of conformity. Yes you did.

Then. Your true identity sought differentiation.  To be noticed, recognized and accepted was not enough. The need to be known as a unique, one of a kind person demands no compromise.

Who are you really? There is only One who can answer that question for you. Seek out the Lover of your soul. "Become" the one He created you to be. REPENT.

To be "Known" by someone.

To be known by someone implies a degree of intimacy, marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity.

I am reminded of a verse I used to misquote. "My sheep hear my voice and they follow me". In fact most people will misquote it that way.

The actual verse is...
John 10:27. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;

This is in stark contrast to a verse where Jesus makes another statement about knowing someone.

Matthew 7:21:23  “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Recognized, Identified and Acknowledged.

We all want to be known. So much so we go to great lengths to get the attention, good or bad.

"Cheers" was a sitcom from my youth. It was centered around a neighborhood bar. It had a theme song that went... "You wanna be where everybody knows your name".

It was a big hit.

You are Becoming?

There's no getting around it. Change happens. Mostly deterministic. Everything is becoming something other than what it was. What it is, is not what it will be.

You are swept along by the interaction of mass and energy. But choice affords an alternative to determinism.  The truth for you and me, Christ died for us.

Now will you choose the Lover of your Soul? Because of what He did, you have a choice.

A better plan

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I never knew you?

Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV)
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
How can God not know someone?

My back deck

I was out on my back deck tonight. It had been raining but now the evening, though overcast, was warm and pleasant. I decided to start a fire.

I noticed that the wood had got rained on and was quite wet. But I made a nice pile of wood in my fire pit and thought if I put some fuel on it, that I could start a good fire.

As I lit the fuel the flames burst forth. But quickly died out because the wood had not caught on fire. So I put more fuel on the pile and lit another match. This time I thought if the flames started to die out I would just blow on the fire to try to keep it going. I blew and blew until I got dizzy and needed to stop. You could tell some of the wood had caught on fire because you could see faint amber's glowing, but they quickly died out.

I'm not one to give up so I again poured more fuel on the pile and lit it with another match. To my frustration the same thing began to happen all over again. But then out of nowhere the wind began to pick up. The trees in my backyard began to sway and I felt the wind on my face.

You could hear the flames whipping up as the wind began to fan the flames. My meager breath trying to blow the embers was nothing compared to the power of the wind that set the embers a glowing and they quickly met each other and started the fire that I was hoping for.

There is just one problem. The wood quickly burnt down and I had to go and find more.

Fresh wind, fresh fire needs fresh fuel. Go out and gather it.

The Will of the One who has "All Authority"

Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying,...

 “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth...

19 Go therefore (So now because of this go) and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Humble & Dependant

Dependant, Blameless and Repentant

Now is not a time to prepare for the future. To equip our youth with biblical principles of leadership and strategies to evangelize the nations. Now is the time to call our youth to a humble, dependant, day to day, walk with God. Where Proverbs 3:5-6 is the operative state and the goal is to be blameless and live repentantly. (Power & Strength is needed)

Tarry until and Occupy (A.B. Simpson)

WHAT DOES IT TAKE?

Not great skill or knowledge or learning. Not position or riches...

The Beatitudes!

Adam & Eve walked with God.
Enoch walked with God and God took him.
Elijah walked with God.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV) 16.These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

Question: "What does the Bible say about repentance? What does it mean to repent?"

Answer: The word repentance in the Bible literally means “the act of changing one’s mind.” True biblical repentance goes beyond remorse, regret, or feeling bad about one’s sin. It involves more than merely turning away from sin. Eerdmans Bible Dictionary includes this definition of repentance: “In its fullest sense it is a term for a complete change of orientation involving a judgment upon the past and a deliberate redirection for the future.” https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-repentance.html

Have a Hope

God says he has a plan for you. Are you paying attention?

Jeremiah 29:11 RSV  "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Who did Jesus say had the greatest faith? What did the Centurion understand? (Authority)

What did it motivate him to do?  He asked Jesus to "give the command". What was Jesus' answer?

A promise!

Abraham's faith was based on a promise. He believed God and it was accounted to him righteousness.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and is a rewarder to them that seek him.
What is the reward?

2 Corinthians 1:20.  For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

Hebrews 6:13  For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. 17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.