Get Fit!

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This is the time of year when a lot of people (including me) are focused on working through their New Year’s Resolutions.  It’s time to get healthy, time to get fit, time to make goals, time to change way of thinking/way of doing, time to become more of who we want to be (however that may be formed into a resolution).

I see it as the time to build our muscles.  Hit the gym, so to speak (or literally!).

At the end of 2016 (3 days before Christmas), I was given the opportunity to build my muscles.  My faith muscles that is.  I was taken off a work project that I thought would last a good year or so.  Suddenly (and not conveniently), I had no income.

Funny word I chose there:  opportunity.  However it is truly an opportunity!

It’s the opportunity to work on my faith muscles.  Just like hitting the gym each day in order to build muscles, its time to hit the Bible (believe what He says in it, and work on my relationship with Him) to build my faith muscles.  The good news is I didn’t stop “going to the gym” (Bible, hearing from God) prior to this news, as He actually prepared me ahead of time.  I kept up the muscle maintenance needed for moments just like this.  I’m actually very excited that this is the season to “bulk up.”  I’m learning to appreciate what James said:

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” (James 1:2 NLT)

I’m learning that when I go through “stuff” I get the chance to experience different aspects/qualities of God.  For instance, when I was afraid and had a sort of “bully” in my life, I experienced God as my refuge and strength, and as my vindicator. (“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1 NLT;  and “For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants” Psalms 135:14 ESV)  When I was laid off from my job of 11 years, I experienced God’s rest as never before. (“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 ESV)  When I was single for so many years, I experienced God as my husband.  (“For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.” Isaiah 5:54 ESV)

You can never change my mind or convince me now that God is not my refuge and strength, or my vindicator, or my rest, or my husband.  I KNOW those things and nothing will ever change that because I experienced and lived it!  Those muscles are toned baby!

Continuing what James said after he said to consider the trials/troubles opportunities, he gives us the reason: “For you know that when your faith is tested (or faith muscle is built up – my words), your endurance has a chance to grow (bulk up – my words). So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. ”  In other words, the yuck in life is the opportunity to build up your faith muscles!  Then you will not need anything else and realize all you need is God alone!  He is enough!  He is all you will ever need in every situation.  Good or bad, God is all you need.

Want to come work out with me?

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:10 NKJV)

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Filed Under: Becoming, Believe, Faith Tagged With:

Show-Off

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Happy Good Friday!  (Sounds strange saying that as today represents the day that Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried in a tomb – should be a sad day? But even so, it is all good because He did it for us!) But I digress.

God is a show-off: “God demonstrates…” I started writing down this verse this morning, and realized that God showed us something and didn’t just tell us about it. He demonstrates by His actions. He could’ve said, “I love you” and left it at that.

But He didn’t. He shows it.

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NKJV)

Makes me think about my own relationships. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “actions speak louder than words,” but do we really take that to heart and DO it? Am I really showing people love? Am I walking in forgiveness and letting them off the hook? Am I showing mercy? Am I putting others needs before my own (aka loving my neighbors as myself)?

Convicting isn’t it? How much do I really show people I love them? We are called to ask ourselves just that question:

“Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5a AMP)

But I thought faith was about believing God for the next promotion and taking the “steps of faith” in asking my boss for a raise? I think it can be that as well, but if I really believe that God is more interested in changing/growing me than my circumstances than “faith” takes on a different meaning.

Do I have faith that God is changing me/developing me into Christ-likeness?

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” (James 2:14 ESV)

What types of works? The verses that follow (verse 15+) talk about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, etc. But what about the verses before…

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:12-13 NIV)

Follow me here…we are to be merciful to (love!) others knowing that we ourselves will be judged with or without mercy (love) depending on how we have treated others. As I’m examining myself here (as mentioned earlier), I am struggling that just doing stuff for people with the mindset (heart) to do it in order to save myself from judgment without mercy seems selfish – not self-less.

And that is where I conclude that the works of my faith are more a heart issue than a works issue. If my heart is truly to become like Jesus, then my heart will be to do what He did and so will my actions. If He forgave, I forgive. If He spoke truth in love, then I speak truth in love. If He was patient, then I am patient.

Can I really do those things?  Yes! because He is in me to do it! To finish the verse…

“Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves. Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 AMP)

How would we really act and show our faith (love others) if we know Who is in us? What power would we have? What confidence and boldness could we walk in? What mercy, grace, love could we show others? Do you not realize it? Christ is in you! Christ is in me!

God, work in me to be less-self, and more-You in me. I want to be a show-off and demonstrate Your love to others just as You do for me!

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Filed Under: #GodsLove, Becoming, Faith, Love

Seeking

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If you’ve ever been in the position of having to look for a job, you know it’s a huge drag. I’m currently seeking employment. Wondering “who out there needs someone like me?” It makes the world seem so big and fuzzy – in other words, there are soooo many companies and industries how in the he$$ do I figure out where to apply let alone have one person in that company look at me?! It’s very fuzzy and daunting.

And so I pray. God, lead me to apply to the right places. Show me where and when to be at the right place at the right time. God, bring me to the front of the stack. May my resume be highlighted in their eyes. Etc.

I’ve had so many miracles when it comes to jobs that it’s hard to identify them all. God has shown up when I had no money to pay the mortgage. He has brought me Christmas presents (on Christmas Day!) of an unexpected bonus. God has blessed me with multiple promotions in one year even when that was unheard of in the company.  And so much more!

But today, I saw an interesting scripture like I’ve never seen it before:  “Jesus answered them and said, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.'” (John 6:26 NKJV)

This was right after Jesus had done a miracle and fed 5,000+ with just a few loaves and fish. The people who ate, then followed Jesus across the water Galilee to another city. Jesus recognized that they were seeking something from Him.

They were not seeking Him.

I’ve heard it put another way…are you seeking His hand (what He can do) or are you seeking His face (who He is).

I liken it to popcorn prayers. I do them: God help me with this EFG. God show me which drapes to buy. God give me strength to walk up this hill. God bless my family. God give me favor with everyone I come into contact with today. Etc.

The tragedy comes when that is all we do – seek what He can do for me today (His hand) and forget to seek HIM!

He is not a Santa Claus, nor does He exist just to bless us. God also disciplines us. God leads us. God sanctifies us (sanctify means “to make holy; to free from sin; purify; to declare or render productive of or conductive to holiness, blessing, or grace”). Some of these are not fun. He may point out where you are wrong and your faults or lead you into the desert!

God is the great “I AM.” He is not the great “I will do this for you.” Is He a blesser? Absolutely! Does he want to bless us? Absolutely! But does He want more from us – say a real relationship that goes through ups and downs? Absolutely!

“This is Jacob (Jodi), the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face.” (Psalms 24:6 NKJV)

“When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ My heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek.’” (Psalms 27:8 NKJV)

“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!” (Psalms 105:4 NKJV)

Today, and every day, Lord, may I seek You and get to know You more, not just what You can do for me. I want to know You. I want to feel what you feel.  Think what You think. Follow You wherever You lead. I want to know what You are doing today so that I can join in! May I be called a person/generation who seeks You! And I know that You will take care of the rest. I trust You in that.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (HIM!), and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

Seek Him.

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Filed Under: Becoming, Discipline, Faith, Trust

What He Didn’t Do

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If you’ve been a Christian for very long, you probably fully know what Jesus did for us on the Cross. You know that Jesus, who is God, humbled Himself and became a fragile man, suffered under man’s torture (both physically and emotionally being abandoned by best friends), died on a cross for our sins taking what we deserved on Himself, and ultimately conquering death and being raised from the dead is now sitting at the right hand (of blessing) of the Father. Jesus took all our sins and wiped us clean! He made a way for us to have communication with the King of Kings! He chose to give us an option for eternity in Heaven! He gave us life and life more abundantly at that very moment and on-going! And so much more!

That is awesome! When I meditate on this understanding sometimes it can be so overwhelming.

Just this past weekend in church as I was worshiping God, however, I thought about what He didn’t do.

God, who is perfect and holy, didn’t kill Adam and Eve on the spot when they took that first bite.

God didn’t yell and cuss at us when we disobeyed Him.

God didn’t pay us back for hurting Him when we ignored Him.

God didn’t decide that we were too much trouble for what we’re worth and give up on us.

God didn’t torment us until we agreed with Him.

God didn’t talk with the angels behind our back and mock us when we were different.

God didn’t toss us away when we didn’t function right.

God didn’t turn His back and say “talk to the hand” when He didn’t like us at the moment.

God didn’t then, and He doesn’t now. It is amazing when you think about the fact that we have a relationship with God who is love. Not hate. Not fear. Not punishment. Not anger. Not confusion. Doesn’t toy with us.

He has every right to do and act as He pleases – for heaven’s sake He is God! But He chooses to love – or He IS love (to be more accurate).  How cool is that! That is the God we have!

Anyway…just a day to reflect on what God doesn’t do, when He very well could.

“God suffers long and is kind; God does not envy; God does not parade Himself, God is not puffed up; God does not behave rudely, does not seek His own, God is not provoked, thinks no evil; God does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; God bears all things, God believes the best in all things, God hopes in all things, God endures all things. God never fails us.” (I Corinthians 13:4-8ish NKJV)  I took the liberty of replacing God with the word “love,” because God is love.

Now this is a God I love! And I want to be just like my Daddy and give that same type of love to others.

What has God not done for you lately?

P.S. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Filed Under: #GodsLove, Faith, Love Tagged With:

Fruit

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Is the tomato a fruit or a vegetable?  Believe it or not, you can argue it both ways.  I’m not really the one to debate the issue – frankly, I just don’t care.  I like tomatoes and that’s really all I care about that.  I am, however, interested in the fruit mentioned in the Bible.

There are several mentions of fruit in the Bible.  There’s the very first fruit mentioned that Adam and Eve tinkered with – and ended badly!  There’s olives and olive trees.  There’s the infamous fig tree that didn’t product figs and was cursed by Jesus.  Then there’s the fruit of the Spirit we are all familiar with:  “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience/longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)  But there is yet another fruit mentioned.  It is the fruits of righteousness.

Before I get ahead of myself, being the student of everything God and His Word, I looked up the word “fruit” in the dictionary.  You would think I would know what fruit is, but do I really?!? Besides being just the product of a tree or bush, the definition is also (and may be more comprehensive): “a result, reward, effect, or consequence that comes from some action or activity.”  In other words, it’s the result.  It’s not the action to get the result.  It’s the result itself.

So with this context in mind, makes you re-think the fruit of the Spirit, doesn’t it?  In other words, I’m not to be working to get more faithfulness or patience because those are just a result.  Result of what? Some other action or activity (per the definition).  The action or activity is abiding.  The action we can do to get more faithfulness or patience is not to pray harder for them or go through a tough time to get them.  The action we do is to abide.  Then the result of abiding will be faithfulness, patience – all the fruit!

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.  I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5 NKJV)

As an aside, the plural of fruit is fruit (no “s”).  If I had several oranges, I would call them fruit.  But if I had a basket of different kinds/types of fruit, I would be proper in saying I have fruits (with an “s”).   So the fruit (no “s”) of the Spirit is the same type of fruit.  Love, joy, peace, etc. are all the fruit of the same tree – the Holy Spirit.

All of that to say, in the Bible I came across fruits (with an “s”) of righteousness.  Hmmm.  What is that?!?  To take from what I’ve learned so far here, there must be different kinds of fruit of righteousness (based on the definition of plural fruit).  With fruit being the result, what are the fruits of righteousness?  In looking at several different versions, I see righteousness not only as “right standing with God”, but also as: “active goodness, kindness, and charity” or “right doing.”  And I think there are ALL sorts of kinds of “right doing.”

SOOO, I conclude that the result (or fruit) of being in right standing with God (righteousness) is active goodness, kindness, charity, and right doing.  The more we understand and get the revelation that we are all good with God, the more we will be good to others!  It’s just a natural fruit!

The context of the scripture I first came across today was about sowing and reaping:  “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9:10 NKJV)  In other words, the more you give, the more you will naturally give more and more and do right because that’s the fruit of it.  Kinda cool, eh?

“I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11 NKJV)

I don’t have this all sorted out myself yet, but definitely something I’m going to meditate on.  I want to give more of myself to others in a way that is a blessing because God has so blessed me.

Anyway, time for some bruchetta!

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Filed Under: Faith, Fruit, Righteousness