Finding Significance and Fulfillment

Well, it's been a week or so, and I've had good intentions to do this post, but every day something seemed to have me busy. Poor excuse, so here it is, the company has left, and I'm finally setting down with some peace and quiet. I want to cover the other seven areas of our "Personal Guidelines and Belief System" from the book study on Victory Over the Darkness. I discussed "Success" last post and talked about how my thinking on "success" has changed throughout my life. This post let's take look at significance and fulfillment in God's eyes.

2. Significance. Key Concept: Time


"Significance is a Time issue. What is forgotten in time is of little significance. What is remembered for eternity is of great significance."


Version: NAS
1 Corinthians 3:10-14


10. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each man be careful how he builds upon it. 11. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12. Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13. each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is [to be] revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. 14. If any man's work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward.

How many of us are wives, moms, and grandmothers? Dads and husbands? Do we take care of our homes and families? Do we work outside the home? Do we get up everyday and hop on the hamster wheel and seemingly rarely get off? How many of us feel pretty insignificant in the "grand scheme of things"?  I know this concept of significance is similar to the previous one of success, but that is really the point. Taking the time to ponder our significance in life will eventually cause us to ask the age old question. "Am I a success?" and then, "Am I leading a successful and significant life?"


We've all heard the thought about lying on our deathbed and remembering the times with our family and children, and not the amount of money we made or the material "things" in life. When it all comes down to it, material things don't cut it; success and significance in our life have to come from inside our spirit. Our heart, mind and soul are the determining factors. The old saying of "whoever dies with the most toys wins" is a real joke.

The author, Neil Anderson, recalls a conversation he had with a young pastor who had recently been diagnosed with cancer. He had only been given a few months to live. The young man was greatly concerned about his "significance" in God's eyes and spoke of the fact that he had only led a few hundred people to the Lord. Neil reminded him that each of those people now have an eternity with Jesus. And that each one of those people were influencing others and so on and so on. What we may think of as insignificant, if it is done for God, then has lasting and eternal glory attached.

Version: NAS

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Success and significance are not measured in earthly terms. They are measured in spiritual. Fame is not equivalent to success or significance. How many people out there are famous for their lifestyle, fortune, or No 1. hits at the box office? How many people think they are living the dream when in reality when their time comes to meet Jesus face to face, they too late, will realize all their worldly fame and fortune cannot buy them the most important thing in eternity... the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.


3. Fulfillment. Key Concept: Role Preference
 Fulfillment in life comes when we realize that God has a specific plan and calling for us; that He has a place where He desires each of us to be for a specific time and purpose. Then as we understand that purpose, fulfillment will come. If we understand our "significance" in life, then we can realize "fulfillment" in our life. And submitting our "goals" to God, will ultimately be the test of our success or failure. I believe the scripture that says "with Christ all things are possible". The key phrase just has to be "with Christ". Are your life plans and goals, "with Christ"? And are they in His proper timing?


1 Peter 4:10
As each one has received a [special] gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Seeking God for our giftings and plans and goals will make our life make more sense. I've learned that if I'm struggling with something, be it a project or desire or plan, I need to be sure that I've received direction and approval from God concerning it. That doesn't mean it will always be easy or a "piece of cake", but it will mean that you know deep in your heart that God is walking ahead of you through it.

God has a unique place and plan for each of us. Seeking Him for His plan for our life ensures that we will be successful and find the significance we are looking for. And we know that each of us is most precious in God's eyes. He loves us like His own Son. We're the apple of our Daddy's eye.

Love in Jesus,
Debra

God's Guidelines for our Walk of Faith: God's View of Success

I want to go back in the book-study today with Victory Over the Darkness. Remember the 8 areas of our life we talked about a few weeks ago? Success, Significance, Fulfillment, Satisfaction, Happiness, Fun, Security, and Peace. These eight areas are how we determine our core values. Let's think about how these can be lived out in our lives when we allow the Word of God to be applied to them.

I don't want this to feel like "Psychology 101", but I DO know how much taking these concepts apart and really thinking and praying about them has changed my whole life. If you'll let God speak to you about these areas, you may be surprised at what He might be trying to say and show to you about living your daily life.


2 Peter 1:3-10

3. seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of [the] divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in [your] moral excellence, knowledge; 6. and in [your] knowledge, self-control, and in [your] self-control, perseverance, and in [your] perseverance, godliness; 7. and in [your] godliness, brotherly kindness, and in [your] brotherly kindness, love. 8. For if these [qualities] are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9. For he who lacks these [qualities] is blind [or] short-sighted, having forgotten [his] purification from his former sins. 10. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;
 
 
1. Success. Key concept: Goals

This has been a huge one for me, so I'll spend some time here with this one.

I never really had a lot of major life "goals" until about ten years ago. At that time, I had a radical season of God flooding my life. Baptised in the Holy Spirit. However you want to put it, my life drastically changed. He became the all consuming focus of my life. Ministry opportunities came about, miracles were happening, my life took on a whole new dimension in the Spiritual realm. I felt a huge tug and calling on my life and it looked like a personal "ministry" was developing. THEN...the dreaded heart attacks came along, and my life changed once more. After just a few weeks, I got back on my spiritual "feet" again, but because of my fragile health the momentum was lost. God's power was still in my life, I just wasn't out there "doing" things for Him in the same way I had been.

Some people said the devil had a victory in my life, or that I was somehow to blame for what happened with my health. That really hurt emotionally, because I had never been closer to God than I was at that specific time. I was not prideful or walking out of God's parameters. Life just "happened". God knew all along that this was waiting for me around the corner. Did He plan it? No, it just happened. God doesn't bring sickness or disease on His children, any more than WE would put sickness or disease on our OWN children. Is He with us as we walk through it? You KNOW it! He's right there with us.

For several years after I really was miserable. Praying and still wanting things to be the way they were before, but they weren't. I felt like I was literally banging my head on the floor in prayer. Why, oh why, had this happened? I had let God down, I was missing out on my life calling, etc. etc....

Then several years ago, I gradually came to the understanding that I needed to be grateful for my life, however it was that I was living it. I wasn't a failure in God's eyes and I shouldn't consider myself one in my own eyes. I was alive, I have my family, God is providing...I'm still walking in faith. Maybe it's not what I "envisioned", but it's where I am right now. God had given me a "watchman's anointing" to see what is coming. It hasn't changed. But in my personal life I can now get up everyday, be thankful, and ask to be doing God's will, whatever that may entail.

We might never be "famous", rich, or powerful. We might never get to Paris. We may not be riding the wave, so to speak, but if we look to God and let Him lead us EVERYDAY, then we will be doing what God is asking of us. And when you get down to it, isn't that what it's all about anyway? A personal relationship with Jesus Christ that honors Him in our daily life. Then He can use us. Use us in ways we never imagined...but we have to be willing to set aside our personal agenda, and live our lives as God truly has called us. everyday. amen.

I'm asking for your prayers for health, healing, and peace for Debbie and Danny York. We all know them as "Trash" and "Cat Daddy". Debbie reads this blog faithfully and I consider her a dear friend, soulmate, and Christian Sis. I've never met her, but I know her. CD has been in the hospital since Sunday with a staph infection. Please be in agreement with all of us that he will be well soon and that they will find peace and rest in God's hands.

Update on the prayer request: Cat Daddy is out of the hospital and doing well.
God stepped in and sounds like Danny's getting back to his ornery self!!
Thank you everyone for your prayers!

love,

Debra

Are feelings a "Red Flag"?

The last time we looked at the Book, Victory Over the Darkness, we were talking about our "feelings" and how we cannot base who we are on how we "feel". Our emotions are so deceptive, can cloud our judgement, and hamper our faith in God.

Today, I thought it was time to get back to the book study, maybe I need the lesson here! Let's talk more about emotions and feelings and see where some of them come from and where they might be taking us.

When I started sharing with you all out of this book back in late winter, I told you what a critical role this book played in changing my life. I lived by my feelings at that time. Depression, anger, anxiety, just to name a few. Things were happening in my family dynamic that had put me over the edge. My life and emotions were out of control. OK, we can blame a little on the "H" word, hormones and oh yea, menopause.(sorry guys).
But you know, those DO factor in to how we react and function; good or bad. No getting around it for us gals. Physiology and our health play a big role in our emotions. Just ask any husband or boyfriend and they will agree.

I learned so much at this time of my life about being spiritually prepared. Get our spiritual life in order and then it's easier to maintain our "physical"and emotional life, and vice-versa. If any one of these is out of whack our lives can be a roller coaster. Depression can be a "physiological" issue, but then it can turn into a spiritual issue. The enemy sees our state of "being" and then can use that against us. If we need medication for physical issues, then pray about it, and then we probably need to get to the doctor. I had a low thyroid for years without realizing it. I think many women do, but go undiagnosed. I'll try not to play doctor here, but if you are continuously depressed then there's probably more to it than just having the "blues". None of us want to be using medication as a crutch. I know I want God to show me where I'm out of whack spiritually, but if there is a real medical need, don't be afraid to let a doctor help. I've made this mistake many a time and it has cost me dearly.

OK, back to the book study looking at emotions.

In the words of the author, Dr. Neil Anderson:

"I believe that God desires all His children to be successful, fulfilled, secure, (remember those 8 values we have?) significant, satisfied, happy, ability to have fun, peace. Don't you? From birth you have been developing in your mind a means for expressing these eight values and reaching other goals in life. Consciously or subconsciously you continue to formulate and adjust your plans for achieving these goals.
But sometimes your well-intended plans and noble sounding goals are not completely in harmony with God's plans and goals for you. "How can I know if what I believe is right?" you may be wondering. "Must I wait until I am 45 years old to until I experiences some kind of mi-life crisis to discover that what I believed in these eight areas was wrong?"  I don't think so. I believe that God has designed us in such a way that we can know on a moment-by-moment basis if our belief system is properly aligned with God's truth. God has established a "feedback system" which is designed to grab your attention so you can examine the validity of your goal. That system is your emotions. When an experience or relationship leaves you feeling angry, anxious or depressed, those emotional signposts are there to alert you that you may be cherishing a faulty goal which is based on a wrong belief."

I'll share a recent example of this. Now granted, when this happened I was not in good health. I wasn't taking any medication (that I should have been). I didn't realize how bad I felt, but my emotions should have been a red flag, but I ignored them. I hold no one responsible here except myself. So if you were personally involved, just know that I love you all, and I was at fault.

Several years ago. I was heavily involved in the antique buying and selling scene. I had had several booth spaces at several different stores, and I was wearing myself out. Here is where my health should have been a consideration, but like the bull headed person I frequently become, I ran past my feelings, physical and emotional. My nerves were shot, I griped, complained, and frequently had semi- "meltdowns" over one thing or another. I knew I didn't feel great, but hey, not the first time, I have things to do. (anyone else see themselves in this scenario?) I knew God had had me start in this business, but unfortunately I was on "auto pilot" and was no longer listening to anything He might be trying to say to me.
Every day there was some sort of issue. Frustration, anger, and did I say "anger"?... took over my life. I look back on it now and think, "good grief, what was I thinking?" That was a hard lesson to learn as I was starting another heart attack by the time I finally got to the emergency room one evening. Reading and studying this book has had me think again about stress and upset. Not a good combination for ANYONE!

Next time we will look at these three red flags of our emotions: anger, anxiety and depression. In the meantime ask God to show you any areas of your life that these are manifesting. Let Him help you take a look at what and how you are feeling with any particular situation or relationship. Maybe He's trying to tell you something.

Romans 12:1-2

1. I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship. 2. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

 

Love in Jesus,

Debra

Quotations and concepts taken from Victory Over the Darkness
by Dr. Neil Anderson

Finding Our Way With Personal Values

Think about standing at the front of your drive way. The target is the front door. Now cover your eyes and start walking. We're assuming there are no stairs, large trees, or other big obstacles, we're just walking... heading for our door. We are walking straight, staying on course. We have seen the goal and we are purposing to walk a straight path. OK, done? Now take off your blindfold. How close are you to the door? Are you close?...right there?...5 feet off? worse?...are you still even in your own yard?

                                                 

                                          

Now let's think of this illustration when it comes to our own life and belief system. When we are young it takes a while to form our belief system. Being a "little off" isn't that bad. Hopefully we've grown up in a Bible believing church and home, that makes it a little easier. Some of us have been blessed with this, others of us have not. But still, we sometimes can get off track and not even know that we are. Focusing on Jesus and having a good grasp of the Word of God are essential in our having a correct value and personal belief system. We've all heard the saying about climbing the ladder of success, to only get to the top and find we're against the wrong building!

The older and more mature we get it is critical that we are not "walking blind", in our lives. We need to know the Truth of God's Word and let that be a beacon for us to walk in. The light of God's Word, will keep us on track and on course in life. We don't want to let misinformation and unbelief sidetrack us or cause us to miss what God has for us.

We each have our own set of values. Being a Christian, our love of God and our relationship with Him should be above everything else. Sadly many Christians are not there. We may think that we are, but a lot of the time, children, a spouse, personal goals etc. can take over the top spot. It's really easy to let all those things crowd out our holding God above it all.

Exodus 20:3-4

3. "You shall have no other gods before Me.
4. "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.

The 10 Commandments are proof of the importance of putting God first. First off, there are no other "gods"; this word is referring to anything or anyone of earthly importance that takes first place in our lives. We're not talking about Hindu, Islam or any other religion or ideology. There is no other God than "Jehovah".

The second commandment is not just referring to "idols" in the form of little metal or wooden statues. This means there should be nothing that stands between you and Father God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Anything is an "idol" that takes first place in our lives besides God.

Example, I've seen people so into sports that it became an idol. How about shopping? Does the concept make you lose control and put yourself in a place of financial jeopardy? Any addiction, from shopping, drinking, smoking, lust, drugs, to "keeping up with the Joneses" can become an "idol". Pretty scary thought, huh? 

How about our kids. Does seeing them win, or get recognition take precedence over what is godly and right? What about trying to please our spouse or even friends? Do we overstep proper personal boundaries to get attention or importance in their eyes? I'm bringing this up, because if anything or anyone, including ourselves is numero uno in our lives, our whole belief system and set of values will be skewed.

Below is a "Personal Worth Appraisal". Please take a look at it. Make a copy or write it down. Now, be honest in your answers. I'm going to ask you to really read, think and pray about this. We'll have a few days. Take the personal challenge in this. Some of you took me up on the "Faith Challenge" I extended a week or so ago. So let's do the same with this. Don't just use the number system. Write down your thoughts on the individual topics. Why and what are the reasons and circumstances that you are unhappy, dissatisfied, feeling unsuccessful, etc. Let it get inside your head and heart.

I think if you're honest you'll be surprised at how you really feel and what God will show you if you take this little quiz. I'll give you my honest answers and discuss them on the next post.

Success, significance, fulfillment, satisfaction, happiness,

fun, security, peace.

How do all these areas in our personal life line up with God's Word,

and His perfect will for our lives?

Remember, we're being really honest.

 You don't have to share if you don't want, so keep it real!

If you'd like to leave a comment on this idea,

 we'd all love to hear it.

Next time, you will be hearing all my personal stuff concerning this.

love, in Jesus,

Debra

(personal worth appraisal taken from

Victory Over the Darkness)

What Happens When We Stumble in Our Walk of Faith?

Have you felt as if you were living on the edge of God's patience with you? That you were at two strikes, and felt another one on the way? So many of us have stumbled in our Faith Walk that we feel like God must truly be so tired of us that he's ready to walk away and be done with us...but that is just not true.

"The primary truth you need to know about God in order for your faith to remain strong is that His love and acceptance is unconditional. When your walk of faith is strong, God loves you. When your walk of faith is weak, God loves you. When you're strong one moment and weak the next, God loves you. God's love for us is the great eternal constant in the midst of all the inconsistencies of our daily walk."

1 John 2:1-2
1. My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2. and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for [those of] the whole world.

We can think of this scripture as in a courtroom setting. We are the defendant. Thing is, we are guilty as charged. Jesus is our advocate, like an attorney pleading our case before "the Judge". He is in constant intercession for us before the throne of God. Now, I used to feel uncomfortable with this scenario; like Jesus was always having to talk God into forgiveness. But it's more like Jesus is our constant "defense". Because He is there, we are made right before our Heavenly Father when we sin. So for me it is pretty constant. I would be before the bench a lot.


Hebrews 7:25
Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.


We know that God desires that we strive to do the right thing; to not be in a place of constant sin. He helps us, leads and directs us, but He also knows that we are human and that we fail. I cannot count the times daily that I would re-do a decision or action or word out of my mouth. Some of us do a better job than others, but we all stumble. And maybe it's not the little things everyday, maybe it's some big hurdles we fall over.

I've had some big hurdles where I just fell flat on my face. I would be going along just fine and then before I knew it my life was a mess and I was feeling like God had abandoned me. My life may have been a mess, but God in no way abandoned me. Our adversary, the devil, does what he can to get us out of the will and fellowship of God. He takes advantage of our weaknesses and plays upon them. Then when he gets us in the place of sin, he bombards us with the notion that God is done with us...over...finito.


Romans 8:26-27,34
26. And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for [us] with groanings too deep for words;
27. and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to [the will of] God.
34. who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

Jesus is our "intercessor". He's always there guiding, helping, watching out for our interests.


Romans 5:8
 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us", so if He knew and loved us before we knew and loved Him, would He not still love us, no matter if we stumble? The important thing to remember, is if we stumble (when we stumble), don't lay down and call it quits. Get back up and keep moving forward.

Jesus always tells us to move forward. Don't give in to looking at the past. Don't wallow in regrets and past mistakes. We all have them. We can find ourselves in a place of paralysis if we aren't careful; frozen, fearful and unable to get up and get moving. If you are struggling with past mistakes and sin, ask God to show you how to receive forgiveness and then let it go. He wants us to not repeat our mistakes over and over, Jesus wants to walk you through the admission of our sins, but then He asks us to let them go. He says he forgets and removes them from His "memory". He expects us to let them go also.


Psalm 103:11-13
11. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13. Just as a father has compassion on [his] children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
 No condemnation, only love and acceptance. Jesus  still loves us and calls us back to His fellowship and open loving arms.

Love, In Jesus,

Debra

quotes and concepts taken from

Victory Over the Darkness

by Neil Anderson

20 Cans of Success

The world knows that there is power in positive thinking. Countless books and infomercials are testimony to that concept. Yet as believers in Jesus Christ, we can move beyond that doorway and walk into the Truth of God's Word.

Below are twenty scriptures that emphasize what we can do in the strength and power of the Holy Spirit. The following list was compiled by the author of Victory Over the Darkness, Neil Anderson. 

"Someone once said that success comes in "cans", and failure in "cannots". Believing that we can succeed at our Christian growth and maturity takes no more effort than believing that we cannot. So why not believe that we can walk in faith and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Let's believe that we can resist the temptations of the world, and that we can grow into maturity as a Christian.

The following 20 Cans of Success, taken from God's Word, will expand your knowledge of our faith-object, the Almighty God."

Twenty Cans Of Success

By: Neil Anderson

1. Why should I say I can't when the Bible says, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)?


2. Why should I lack when I know that, God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)?


3. Why should I fear when the Bible says, God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)?


4. Why should I lack faith to fulfill my calling knowing that, God as allotted to me a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)?


5. Why should I be weak when the Bible says that, the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God (Psalm 27:1; Daniel 11:32)?


6. Why should I allow Satan supremacy over my life when, He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)?


7. Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that, God always leads me in triumph
(2 Corinthians 2:14)?


8. Why should I lack wisdom when, Christ became wisdom to me from God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for it (1 Corinthians 1:30; James 1:5)?


9. Why should I be depressed when, I can recall to mind God's lovingkindness, compassion, and faithfulness and have hope (Lamentations 3:21-23)?


10. Why should I worry and fret when, I can cast all my anxiety on Christ who cares for me (1 Peter 5:7)?

11. Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that, there is liberty where the Spirit of the Lord is  (2 Corinthians 3:17)?


12. Why should I feel condemned when, the Bible says I am not condemned because I am in Christ (Romans 8:1)?


13. Why should I feel alone when, Jesus said He is with me always and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)?

14. Why should I feel accursed or that I am the victim of bad luck when, the Bible says that Christ redeemed me from the curse of the law that I might receive His Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14)?


15. Why should I be discontented when I, like Paul, can learn to be content in all my circumstances (Philippians 4:11)?


16. Why should I feel worthless when, Christ became sin on my behalf that I might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21)?

17. Why should I have a persecution complex knowing that, nobody can be against me when God is for me (Romans 8:31)?


18. Why should I be confused when, God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledge through His indwelling Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:33; 2:12)?

19. Why should I feel like a failure when, I am a conqueror in all things through Christ (Romans 8:37)?


20. Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when, I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its tribulations (John 16:33)?



As you read these verses let God point out to you which ones He is speaking to you personally about. Look up the scripture and let Him fix it in your heart.

Click here to find the link so that you may copy them to keep personally. When I found these I was in deep depression, and reading these scriptures over and over gave me great confidence in God's Power and His great love for me. Even better to read them out loud, so that they go into our ears and our heart. I hope that you will find them equally as comforting.

My husband's mom is fighting a battle right now that is critical to her survival. About 4 weeks ago she made the long overdue decision with her sons, to have her husband of over 65 years placed in a facility for Alzheimer's patients. She is overwhelmed with grief and loneliness. We are stressing with her in deep compassion, to speak out the affirmative of God's Word. She is in a place where that is difficult for her to do. It grieves us, because we know the importance of giving each and every situation over to God. Our mindset and frame of reference can make all the difference in whether we can move forward in life, or if we give in, and succumb to the trials and emotions of whatever hurdles we face.

A while back I did a post on Praying God's Word, If you haven't read it, then you might like a little more in depth look on why this concept is such a blessing and help.

love, in Jesus,

Debra

quotes and concepts taken from

Victory Over the Darkness,

by Neil Anderson.

Down to Earth Faith

Coming back to our book study today in Victory Over the Darkness, I want to share 3 important facts about our everyday "faith". The author covers them so well, I'll take some passages and quotes from the book.
Each of these are aspects of our faith that maybe we are, or are not, aware of. I like breaking a concept down into the "nuts and bolts"; practical principles and ideas to help us get a better grasp of what "faith" really is.

1. Faith depends on it's object.


What happens when our faith in a person is shattered; a friendship, spouse, doctor, pastor? How do we react when someone we respect lets us down, or doesn't live up to our expectations? It can take years to re-build our faith in a person. It can hurt and scar us, and it can shatter our lives. I once had a pastor that said frequently that if we were looking to him as a faith object he would let us down. Guess what?...it didn't take long for that to happen. Men are men, and we all fail. So very true. We may not mean to let others down, sometimes through no fault of our own, sometimes because we lack character, but either way man in his humanity isn't a very reliable faith object.

God on the other hand, should be the source and foundation of our faith. This is where it becomes important to know God intimately. I've mentioned before how I was having faith about something and when it didn't happen when I thought it should, I was crushed. I felt like I couldn't trust God anymore. What I didn't know at that time, was that it wasn't God who had let me down. I didn't have all the facts and I had jumped to "faith conclusions". I learned a hard lesson about timing and attitude during that ordeal. It made me conscious about my faith being directed by and to God, and not the circumstance.

Version: NAS


Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today, [yes] and forever.


Numbers 23:19
"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

The fact that God never changes and that He is constant, is the reason He is eminently trustworthy. He is the great "I Am", the Alpha and Omega, first and last for eternity.


"If you have little knowledge about God and His Word, you will have little faith. If you have great knowledge of God and His Word, you will have great faith".



2. The depth of your Faith is determined by the depth of your knowledge of the object.


When people struggle with their faith in God, it's not because their faith-object is insufficient. It's because people have unreal expectations of God. They expect Him to operate a certain way or answer prayer a certain way; their way, not His.



Romans 10:17
So faith [comes] from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
 
And what does that mean?

Reading God's Word on a regular basis, letting it soak into your mind and heart. We won't have great faith if we don't read God's Word, the Bible. Participating in a Bible Study, daily Bible reading and prayer, Sunday School and church attendance. All these things should put us in a place to hear God's Word and meditate on it. This is foremost in our ability to have faith. We must hear and know what God is saying.


2 Peter 1:4
For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of [the] divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

2 Corinthians 1:20
For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes; wherefore also by Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.

There are many many promises in the Bible, it's up to us to know them. This is where one of the small pocket books will help, "Promises for You" by Zonderman is one such book, you can order it on-line or at almost any Christian book store. It shows us the promises and helps us pray back God's Word.
 
"Believing doesn't make God's Word true, His Word IS true, therefore I believe it."
 
3. Faith is an action word.
 
James 2: 17-18
17. Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, [being] by itself. 18. But someone may [well] say, "You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Matthew 14:25-31

25. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were frightened, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. 27. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." 28. And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." 29. And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30. But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" 31. And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Without action there really isn't any faith. We can talk all day long about how we have faith in God, but the true test comes when we are in a situation that we have to choose; "Do I trust God in this"? I don't want to be a Spiritual Couch Potato. Someone who sits around while things need to be done. We know that there are daily matters that just take our ability to believe God for good. And to allow Him to be in charge.

I'm going to throw out a little challenge; an exercise. Let God show you where you can trust and have faith in Him for a particular situation. Don't think of it as asking for trouble. Maybe it's something that you are dealing with right now. Just let God lead and direct your faith. He'll show you how if you will only ask!

More on faith next time. Remember, if God is nudging you leave a comment or question, please do. I love to hear them and so does everyone else!

love in Jesus'

Debra

concepts and quotes taken from
Chapter 6, Victory Over the Darkness
by Neil Anderson

What's "Faith" Got to do with it?

Tina Turner might ask the musical question "What's love got to do with it?" but Biblically speaking, Faith seems to be another aspect of the equation. What does "Faith" have to do with our life, walking in the Spirit, and most important, living a life that is responsive to God's will?

Version: NAS

Hebrews 11:1-3
1. Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2. For by it the men of old gained approval. 3. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

The entire chapter of Hebrews 11 is essential for our understanding about what "faith" really is. It chronicles many of the "heroes of faith" from the Old Testament. Take a few minutes and read it for yourself to get the full impact of this thing called faith.

In the beginning of this post I knew there were many things to be said about "having faith", "walking by faith", and "living by faith". This is a huge subject and we may be studying and talking about "faith" for the next week or so.

I want to start out by saying that faith is not a "four letter word" like so many people have unfortunately made it out to be. Once we start talking about "faith", it's possible that some people can get "riled up" and rightly so. The concept of faith has been bandied about by the best of them. Talking about faith can lead us down some pathways that I think are important for us to explore. So let's start out with what Faith is NOT:

Faith is not the "willing" of something to be so, nor is it "wishing" for something. Faith cannot be equated with the idea and concept of "wishing", nor using our "will" to get something accomplished. Do not get "faith" and these two confused. Wishing for something is not Biblically grounded and is something out of our head, not our spirit. Do not fall for the line that says "if you believe it you will receive it", unless it is truly something that God has placed in your spirit. Believing to win Publisher's Clearing House Mega Sweepstakes might be a great "idea", but God probably hasn't placed that thought and concept in your heart and spirit. Chances are, that comes from our "head".

Now, I'm not contradicting scripture here, but trying to give further explanation.

Matthew 21:22
"And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive."

Mark 11:22-24
22. And Jesus answered saying to them, "Have faith in God." 23. "Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be [granted] him. 24. "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be [granted] you.

If you'll read these two verses carefully you will see there is a common word and phrase used in both, and that is "asking and believing in prayer". If God has put something in your heart to believe in, you will feel confident and comfortable asking for it in prayer. God will give you the "release" and conviction that it is right and permitted to pray for. Here is where we need to be being led by the Spirit. If it's something not from God, then ask Him to remove it from your prayers and mind. Let the Holy Spirit direct you in your prayer life.

An example from my own life has been in the area of buying and selling our homes. God would always start preparing me for a house move, often times months in advance. I have totally given over to Him the concept of where we live. There was a period of time that I really wanted to build a house. We looked for plans, decided on one, even had the lot on which to build, but it never materialized. In hindsight I know that it was a "dream" out of my head, but not something that God had placed in my heart and spirit. No matter how much I wanted it, it never happened. I couldn't will it or wish it into existence. I released it to God, with difficultly I might add, and after that, He was able to take us where He truly wanted us to be.

So in these next posts, we'll be talking and learning about many of the aspects of "faith". I'd love to hear some of your own experiences about this. Leave a comment if you feel the "nudge" of the Holy Spirit. We'd all love to hear them.

love, in Jesus,

Debra

Walking in the Spirit by being Led

If you read my other blog, you'll know how much I love sheep and lambs. I've just always had an affinity for the babies. The look of their sweet faces and the trust that they convey. Purity, gentleness, helplessness. I follow several blogs of sheep owners, and if in another time in my life I could have had sheep, I would have done so.

The images of Jesus as a shepherd are especially dear to me in that He is Our Good Shepherd. Jesus' gentleness and kindness has always been manifest to me in the thought of Him being the Shepherd.  Living in the Middle East in Jesus' day, sheep and shepherding was a way of life. There were not farms or ranches like we have today, but smaller flocks herded for a family or community. There was always a shepherd "on duty" to watch over their safety and keep the predators at bay.

In the Bible there are many references and analogies pertaining to sheep and lambs. They were destined for martyrdom in that they were called to be the sacrifice at the temple for remittance of sin. The number of sheep and lambs killed for sacrifice upon the Israelites' alters would be mind boggling. It always bothered me that something so gentle would have the dubious honor and calamity of being the sacrifice. So also, Jesus was known as the Lamb of God as He too became our sacrifice.


Isaiah 53:61.
All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.


Jeremiah 50:6
"My people have become lost sheep; Their shepherds have led them astray. They have made them turn aside [on] the mountains; They have gone along from mountain to hill And have forgotten their resting place.


Matthew 9:36
And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.


1 Peter 2:25
For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.



When I sat down to do this post it made me wonder about what sheep were really like. I know I love them, but not having been around them much I guess I really don't know much about them. The following came from a Christian site and I thought it was very telling why Jesus used the analogy of "sheep". Not only were they very common in Jesus' day, most people had come into contact with them up close and personal. So don't be offended, but read these characteristics and think of us, as human beings. These sort of sound like a few of us out here, me included.


Characteristics of Sheep

1. timid, easily panicked, fearful

2. dumb stupid, gullible


3. very vulnerable to fear, frustration, pests, hunger


4. easily influenced by a leader, by the shepherd


5. stampede easily, vulnerable to mob psychology


6. little or no means of self-defense; can only run


7. easily killed by enemies


8. the shepherd is most effective, calming influence


9. jealous, competitive for dominance


10. constantly need fresh water, fresh pasture


11. have very little discernment in choosing food or water


12. best water source is early morning dew


13. perverse, stubborn - will insist on their own way , even eating poisonous
      plants or drinking dirty water


14. easily "cast" - flipped over on their back, unable to right themselves
       will die of starvation if not turned over by shepherd; helpless


15. frequently look for easy places to rest


16. don't like to be sheared, cleaned


17. too much wool can cause sheep to be easily "cast"


18. creatures of habit; get into "ruts"


19. need the most care of all livestock


20. need to be "on the move"; need a pre-determined plan, pattern of grazing


21. totally dependent of shepherd for every need


22. need "rod and staff" guidance
 
 
Hmmm... I saw a few characteristics that I share. Now let's look at what a Good Shepherd is about.
 
 
Characteristics of A Good Shepherd



1. loves his sheep and develops a close, intimate relationship with them so that they know his voice and trust him.


2. understands the needs of the sheep better than they do


3. understands what threatens sheep and what makes them sick


4. works tirelessly to provide protection, security


5. leads them to fresh pastures and fresh water


6. searches out sheep when they stray


7. defends sheep against all their enemies


8. provides protection while they sleep


9. shears them and examines each one for injury or disease


10. goes ahead of sheep and prepares the path


11. disciplines and corrects them


12. comforts sheep when they are hurt or fearful


13. keeps sheep "on the move" so they don't get into a rut


14. Liberally anoints them with oil to prevent disease or to heal an injury


15. keeps sheep from fighting, from hurting each other


16. cares for, loves sheep and sacrifices his life for them.


17. rejoices in health, well-being and prosperity of his flock


18. will leave the flock to search for lost sheep and


19. experiences great joy in finding lost sheep


20. carries the lamb s close to his heart,


21. gently leads those with young


22. gets deepest satisfaction from seeing that sheep are contented, well-fed, and safe

 
Psalm 23
1. Psalm of David]. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. 5. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
 

(Taken from the website of Calvary Chapel of Fredricksburg, Virginia)
What Our Good Shepherd Provides



Psalm 23


Perfect Protection— "The Lord is my Shepherd"


Perfect Satisfaction — "I shall not want. "


Perfect Rest— "He maketh me to lie down. "


Perfect Nourishment— "In green pastures "(pastures of tender grass)


Perfect Guidance— "He leadeth me."


Perfect Peace— "Beside the still waters"


Perfect Restoration— "He restoreth my soul"


Perfect Walk— "The paths of righteousness"


Perfect Confidence— "I will fear no evil"


Perfect Companionship— "Thou art with me."


Perfect Discipline— "Thy rod,"


Perfect Support — "Thy staff,"


Perfect Consolation— "They comfort me."


Perfect Fellowship— "Thou preparest a table before me"


Perfect Triumph— "In the presence of mine enemies."


Perfect Strength— "Thou anointest my head with oil."


Perfect Joy— "My cup runneth over."


Perfect Love -- "Goodness and mercy shall follow me"


Perfect Habitation— "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

 Now, thinking about this scripture in light of our speaking about Walking in the Spirit, in the East the Shepherd stays with his sheep, even sleeping with them. He is a companion. He talks to them. When it is time to leave he lets them hear his voice, gives a command, then they follow him. In the West we treat sheep like we treat cattle, "driving" them. Many times dogs barking at their heels. Rounding up and "driving them", no personal contact, and no speaking in a calm voice; no guidance or direction, just orders.
 
John 10:27
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

Romans 8:14
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

I like to think of Jesus as my Good Shepherd, and then also in Walking in the Spirit,  I sure prefer the Holy Spirit's kindness and gentleness; that He is with me leading, guiding and directing. He's not a cowboy, racing with a lasso, dogs nipping at me. He's the loving shepherd, that will search until He finds each one, and lays down His life for his flock.

Blessings for this Holy Week

as we prepare for Easter and all that it signifies.

love,

Debra