The Intersection Of Our Lives

Like the edges of circles that overlap on a graph, so also human lives cannot escape intersecting. Our intersections or encounters with others may be brief as with a stranger, but then again friends, family and co-workers all start off as strangers from some point in life and hopefully move forward from there.

For the believers in Christ, I would challenge us all to take care of our circle, our world by keeping a close walk with Jesus before and as our circle intersects with others or as our life touches the lives of others. I know my life is always a work in progress and my world would be a better place if I would obey Jesus, because my world touches yours.

Jesus says to help others and point out their issue, but Jesus also says if we have the same problem, we need to deal with it first, then come and help our friend or family member. Jesus said it like this - 

"first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." (Matthew 7:5)

When Paul wrote the believers in Rome, he stated his situation and the same situation for many of the rest of us very well -

"For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing." (Romans 7:18-19)

We only have to wait until verse 25 of this same chapter to receive the answer and a synopsis of the problem, Paul states - 

"Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."

Until our bodies and minds are glorified or transformed at the rapture, there will be a constant battle between mind and body, thought-life and physical desires. However, Jesus is our deliverer in any situation or circumstance. So, here are three handles to grasp for help -

1. Walk with, talk with and obey Jesus.
2. Deal with whatever "it" happens to currently be in your life.
3. Aide others when you have dealt with "it" and/or help others.

The challenge with this process is to be in step with Jesus to the point that we place a huge pause on having to call on His delivering power while aiding others. The joy and affirmation that believers in Christ have is the assurance of the presence of Jesus with us, through it all, at The Intersection Of Our Lives.

Victories In Disguise

Problems are an excellent avenue or device to develop one's self further, change the negative situation for the better of all involved and take advantage of God's perspective.

In the heat of the moment, the middle of a problem is not usually the point where we remember and act on this idea. Fear not, there will be plenty of problems for training purposes. Life has a plethora of challenging opportunities for us to slow down, take a deep breath and reflect before moving forward or even speaking.

I don't mean to communicate we should invite more problems into our lives in order to grow as an individual. What I am saying is to simply be ready for when the especially frustrating complications of life come. We need to be alert, respond correctly and when we don't, then hopefully we will learn from our mistakes. Practice becomes permanent.

Have you ever been glad that your parents, an older brother or sister, or mentor experienced an obstacle you are experiencing so that you may draw from their advice? One great mindset to approach every problem in life is - someone has gone through my situation and beaten it. The person is Christ Jesus and John records Him telling the disciples and all believers throughout the ages - 

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Another encouraging verse like this one is from the writer of Hebrews - 

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." (Hebrews 4:15)

Every "weakness", every "temptation" has been conquered by Christ. The key is involving the Lord, preferably at the beginning, as you go into a situation. The ultimate de-stresser. This is a mindset to practice. This is a lifestyle to establish. Believers have the honor and privilege of addressing all problems as Victories In Disguise.  

Leading Under His Leadership

Whoever said, "Do as I say, not as I do." was the worst leader ever. Words are important but actions must support them otherwise one's credentials, especially as a leader, evaporate into thin air. When we are kids, we mimic the behavior of our parents and adults we deem as leaders or authority figures. We do not grow out of this, so the leadership style we choose to select as our own had better be successful.

Jesus was and is the best multi-tasker, manager and leader ever. If Christians ever desire to be effective for The Business/The Kingdom and fall in line with the training as future priests and kings ruling with Christ, then we must learn from and emulate His leadership and management.

Emulate Jesus CEO

Jesus managed many disciples, twelve in particular, that gave up their occupations immediately to follow Him. But not only did they follow Him, they joined Him in fulfilling His mission, though the full extent of it was veiled to them until the Resurrection.

“Jesus knew that He could not change the world alone. Whoever forms a team to carry out the best ideas wins. Jesus formed a team." (p.90-91, Jesus CEO, Laurie Beth Jones)

However, the team needed an example for this new line of thinking that was being presented and they had the best leader by example to execute God's Business Plan, which was three fold - reveal the Kingdom of God, seek and save the lost and destroy the works of the devil (Luke 19:10; 1 John 3:8).

An interesting tidbit about Jesus was that He managed from the inside out, not outside in. He did not allow outside influences to govern how He might manage His team.

For example, when taking care of the five thousand hungry people, Jesus did not bring in cooks from around the area nor send His disciples to a cooking seminar. He involved them immediately and miraculously provided the surplus needed.

That same kind of intimate, managing care is seen again when He counsels Mary and Martha's fuss over who is doing the right thing - working or waiting. Jesus did not send them to therapy to help settle their differences, He settled it right then and there, in-house.

Then in Luke 10, Jesus manages a larger team as He delivers explicit instruction to seventy-two disciples about witnessing concerning the Kingdom of God. Jesus did not leave it up to how other religious groups did it in the past or were doing projects then.

Again, "Jesus did not hoard or guard the power of His office. He kept teaching and sharing and demonstrating it so team members would learn that they, too, had the power to do what He had done." (p.151, Jesus CEO, Laurie Beth Jones)

Did you know that two of the greatest Leaders in Scripture, apart from Christ, came from the enemy’s camp? These two were called out of darkness and into God's marvelous light literally and in dramatic fashion. One leader was from the Old Testament and the other leader from the New Testament. Both had incredible similarities in their general faith journey but what strikes me most about these two leaders is the perseverance while leading in challenging times. These two men were Moses and Paul.

As a leader, they both had natural challenges. Among some of these natural challenges, Moses had the Red Sea and Paul was involved in 3 ship wrecks.

As a leader, they both experienced physical limitations during their ministry. Moses had a speech issue. Paul had a "thorn" in his flesh. 

As a leader, they were both challenged mentally. Moses had a million people to lead and Paul had to figure out how to start and maintain The Church.

As a leader, they both faced spiritual mountains. Moses attempted to observe and enforce The Law passed down to him from God. Paul tried to head-off Satan at "The Pass" within The Church by offering Godly instruction through letters to the churches.

The main observation is they did not stop being a leader nor did they pause in their leadership capacity while under these challenges. Yes, these men placed their trust in God and their help came from God. However, these men displayed there was still leading to do even under pressure from inside or outside influences. They proved to the Christian that in our distresses, in our life challenges, we should be Leading Regardless.

The Servant-Leader

What incredible servant-leaders Moses and Paul were to God and their people. The greatest servant makes the greatest leader. Do we want to be famous in God's eyes? In order to do that, in order to secure that leadership role, Jesus said - "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." (Mark 9:35). Notice Jesus had three requirements for being a disciple or follower under His leadership –

1. “If anyone wants to be first,”

2. “he must be the very last”

3. “and the servant of all.”

That "If" word means there are going to be some people that do not care to be first, therefore they will not care to serve. The thing is, whether you are a pursuer of firsts in life or not, if you join Team Jesus, His successful style of living is a servant-centered approach.

"whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28)

After understanding the Christian lifestyle is supposed to reflect a servant lifestyle then the Christian must be humble in position and action. The second statement by Christ states the positional humility in our lives – “he must be the very last”. Not among the last – “the VERY last”.

Then the final requirement in Christ’s Mark 9:35 statement is to have your actions mirror a servant’s and not just to a select group of people, but to everyone – “and the servant of all”.

Therefore, the believer's prayers, the prayers of Christian leaders should be fashioned around requesting God for - a better character, confidence, attitude, and lifestyle that would fit being "servant to all". Servant-hood, or putting others before yourself can be as simple as consideration or as serious as a life-sacrifice. In either situation and all points in-between, swallowing this Pill of Selflessness goes against the wiring of many, if not all of us. But the more a person serves another individual in the example of Christ, the more the person serving displays his/her Godly leadership qualities.

Godly Leadership Qualities to Pursue
Speaking of Godly leadership qualities that believers can pursue, here is a starting list -

1. Takes constructive criticism and consequences to heart by trying to be better.

"Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray." - Proverbs 10:17

2. Keep the utmost respect for The Lord - His name, His ways and His Word.

"The fear of the Lord leads to life;
then one rests content, untouched by trouble." - Proverbs 19:23

3. Right-standing with God leads to integrity-filled lives which leads to a blessed life.

"The righteous lead blameless lives;
blessed are their children after them." - Proverbs 20:7

4. Be diligent in your plans and your calling.

"The plans of the diligent lead to profit
as surely as haste leads to poverty." - Proverbs 21:5

"if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. - Romans 12:8

5. Remember your Godly leaders, consider their lives and imitate their faith.

"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." - Hebrews 13:7

6. Show confidence in other leaders and submit to their authority as it applies. You don't have to agree with their ideas, but Hebrews 13:17 states -

"Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you."

7. In addition, pray for your leaders and those in authority over you.

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." - 1 Timothy 2:1-4

8. Pursue the Fruits of the Spirit. The Christian actively pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) in their life reminds me of David's heart-cry - "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10). The key is requesting His will and declaring His promises into and over our lives as believers in Christ.

God has given us the best teachings to follow in the Bible, the best example to mimic in Jesus, and the best tool to produce fruit through the Holy Spirit. It is the Christian's asking, seeking, and knocking that has to take a more submissive and useful, servant-leading form. How else can we become a more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled follower of Christ?

Did you know in the next verse of Galatians 5 Paul writes - "Against such things there is no law." (v.23)? Seeing there are no laws against such things - believers should endeavor to pray to be more of a leader in each area so that they might serve everyone better, be a good and faithful Servant to God (Matthew 25:21) and be found Leading Under His Leadership.

The Holy Spirit Filter

In the previous parts to this series I spoke on the importance of aligning our hearts and minds with Christ, what the Scripture says to focus them upon, the captive mind of Christ and having the same heart as Jesus. In this last installment, I will be encouraging you and me to keep the Holy Spirit engaged in the whole process of decision-making. 

When you observe someone that purposefully slows down their response time to consider their answer of your question or comment, chances are the person has a personal discipline of listening before acting or speaking. Now-a-days this is rare. The opposite is quite prevalent and proves our responses show our choices which reveal our perspectives.

There have been times when I said something I did not mean because I dodged the Holy Spirit's leading in a situation. Don't do that. I have found the Holy Spirit is the ultimate gentleman and will help you with the knowledge of what to say or do, but you and I have to say or do it. So, fellow Christians, please do not by-pass the Holy Spirit Filter, doing that has potential for trouble.

Before we make any decisions in life, Scripture says in Proverbs 23:7 - "For as he thinks  within himself, so he is." The power of thoughts, especially about self-worth is evident here. The involvement of the Holy Spirit in accepting and believing your worth is crucial.

Ponder this - your thoughts, whether originating from the heart or mind, are as good as words to God. Luke 6:8; 11:17/Matthew 9:4/ and 1 Chronicles 28:9b all testify to Jesus knowing our thoughts before they become words or actions.

What is your heart and mind full of? Hopefully not evil thoughts like murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony and slander (Matt. 15:19). Who or what is the treasure of your heart and mind? "For where your treasure is, there your heart is also." (Matt. 6:21) Are you familiar with the battle between needs and wants? What does your heart communicate to your mind and your mind to your heart? Lastly, what makes it to your speech?

A few helps that will aide in having a Holy Spirit filtered lifestyle are - 

1. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you in this manner.
2. Drench yourself with time spent in reading His Word.
3. Continually seek the good things of Philippians 4:8.

Many times we have not because we ask not (James 4:2). But if we get around to asking the Holy Spirit to be our counsel on a regular basis, we will start asking for many more correct, Holy things as well.

In addition to asking the Holy Spirit for counsel every day and having Him as our filter - being saturated in the Scripture will enlighten us to God's will and desires. A major role of the Holy Spirit within the believer is to bring to mind and quicken in our hearts the Word of God for any given situation (John 14:26). But Christians must partake daily of His counsel by a regular reading of The Bible just like we eat every day to nourish the body and live (Ps. 119:105).

Thirdly, don't just think about whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, whatever is excellent or praiseworthy once in your heart and mind. Continually seek out the good things for the heart and mind to dwell upon that Philippians 4:8 lists. Make this a lifestyle, a mindset, a personality engraving.

When the believer in Christ accepts and utilizes God's Holy Spirit Filter - their  focus shifts to that of God's provisions, plan and perspective. The more Christians invite the Holy Spirit each day to filter between the heart, mind and mouth - the more good we will be for ourselves, others, the kingdom and God. What a blessed way to live. So, I encourage living this way because in this lifestyle, the only defining influence upon our  lives is God - The Holy Spirit Filter.

Having The Same Heart

In my previous post entitled "The Above Things" I taught why Christians should be mindful of their every thought and what kinds of thoughts the Scripture instructs believers to focus upon. Then in the next installment called "Of His Mind", I rallied around the idea of the captive mind of Christ with the analogies of the Roman soldier holding a captive at spear-tip and the remodeling of our homes as visual aides.

Today's word will be shifting to the other part of the anatomy that needs alignment with Christ - the heart. Whereas the brain is the organ that houses the mind, the heart is mentioned as a center piece or core-holding-term for where all of our emotions and spiritual experiences occur, are interpreted and flow.

Ever heard the phrase - "My heart is bursting with joy!"? The physical heart might be feeling that way due to an emotional overload, but chances are it will not burst. Acts 2:26 sites the same kind of experience.

Ever heard the phrase - "Cut to the core."? Usually these words do not mean that someone took a knife and filleted you open to the middle. This saying refers to words or actions that really hit home or touched a sensitive spot with the individual. Acts 2:37 uses the phrase "cut to the heart" to communicate this.

Acts 4:32 states, "All believers were one in heart and mind." Now all the Christians at that time did not take the hearts out of their chest and make one, big, physical community heart. This verse and many more like it refers to common ground - they all had the same compassion, same desires - they were all on the same page across the board, especially spiritually and emotionally.

Also in Ephesians 1:18, Paul says, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened...". The last time I checked, only potatoes and faces have eyes, not hearts. So this phrase, "the eyes of your heart" obviously means one's perception which is connected to our core make-up.

Again, the writer of Hebrews states, "do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness." (Hebrews 3:8) This does not mean the Israelites purposefully calcified their physical hearts. The verse speaks to being stubborn beyond approach in your person.

Hebrews also says the Word of God judges "the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Heb. 4:12). This is a verse that confirms to me that my "heart" has potential differing opinions than my mind on matters.

However, according to Scripture the heart is considered paramount because it is symbolically the starting line from which we operate. Proverbs 4:23 says this plainly - "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

How interesting the thought that anybody can hide anything from God. Proverbs 15:11 says, "Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord, how much more do human hearts!" Then, even when we acknowledge God's all-knowingness and omnipresence, many of us deny His ways and follow our own heart. Proverbs 21:2 says, "A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart."

Unfortunately our default heart condition is absolutely terrible. Jeremiah 17:9-10 states,

"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 'I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.'”

Matthew 15:19 records Jesus saying, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander."

How do those terrible thoughts get released - words and actions. Matthew 12:34 and Matthew 15:18 say, "The mouth speaks what the heart is full of." So is it any wonder Proverbs 4:23 warns us to guard our heart? In addition, Matthew contributes "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt. 6:21) In the tone of the commercial "What is in your wallet?"- What/who do you cherish? What/who is your treasure?

Hopefully, for my Christian sisters and brothers, the most precious treasure you have is your relationship with Christ Jesus. Nothing should trump that relationship. Acts 13:22 reminds us that David was a man after God's own heart. We should eagerly pursue this goal also.

Some helps toward this end of aligning the believer's heart, core, center or personality to and with Christ are -

1. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
2. "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." - Proverbs 4:23
3. Do you want The King for a friend? Do you desire to see God? Pursue a pure heart. Prov. 22:11 and Matt. 5:8
4. Set your heart on things above. Eternal perspective. Colossians 3:1

Besides keeping the negative things found in our heart at bay, another huge reason to have and live with the same heart as Christ is to enjoy the presence of Jesus. 

Christ says in Matthew 22:37 to "love the Lord your God with all your heart...". Notice mind came later, heart came first. Why? Paul answers - "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." (2 Cor. 1:21-22)

Since God's Holy Spirit is in the believer as a seal, a deposit - He promises to help us "stand firm in Christ". With His Majesty's presence inside our hearts, accompanying our personality, the Christian can take comfort in Christ, the Prince of Peace as one of many benefits. Philippians 4:6-7 recalls this truth -

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

A unified heart with Christ should sound logical to a Christian. Hearing about Christ in us and how He desires fellowship and exposure to others with great compassion is one thing, living that out is another. However, if you have not started training your mind or heart toward Christ, I suggest opening up both, but especially your heart first. In Hebrews 8:10 God placed The Law in the minds and wrote it on the hearts of the Israelites. Then two chapters later, Hebrews 10:16 says God placed His Law in their hearts and wrote it on their minds. A reverse of the first. God was performing a thorough engraving of His ways. God desires to do the same thing today with us by Having The Same Heart.

Of His Mind

In an earlier teaching entitled "The Above Things" I tackled why Christians should focus their gaze and perspective Heavenward and what the Scriptures say for our minds to dwell upon. In this post, I will be examining more of what a holy or set apart for Christ mind is suppose to resemble.

Maturity in the thought life of the Christian is a must. This call to a higher thought life is not easy, but has its own rewards. Paul explains this idea when he addressed the believers in Corinth the first time - 

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." (1 Cor. 13:11) 

The war on any decision or challenge in our lives begins on the battleground of our mind. Every skirmish, no matter what the size in our head or lives, needs to be filtered through The Word of God and His Holy Spirit. Paul encourages the believers in Corinth and Christians down through the ages - 

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Cor. 10:5)

Taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ is a major, life-long undertaking. 

However, in order to accomplish that and "demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God" the believer has to know God's thoughts on any given matter, the Christian has to know The Word of God.

Mr. Rick Renner qualifies the phrase "take every thought captive" by saying - "The words 'bringing into captivity' [KJV] are from the Greek word aichmalotidzo, which pictured a soldier who has captured an enemy and now leads him into captivity with the point of a sharpened spear thrust into the flesh in his back. The captured enemy knows that if he tries to move or get away, the Roman soldier will shove that spear clear through his torso and kill him. Therefore, this captive doesn't dare move but remain silent, submissive and non-resistant." (p.629, Sparkling Gems From the Greek)

There are a plethora of influences that can distract the believer's mind from God. While Satan manipulated Peter momentarily, Jesus said -

"...you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of man." (Matthew 16:23) 

Notice that Jesus stated Satan's agenda is keeping humanity's focus on ourselves - "the things of man". 

Paul, in his letter to the church in Ephesus, also spoke to Satan's tricks. 

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." (Ephesians 6:11) 

The word "schemes" translates to mind games. Remember what Christ told His disciples as He sent them out to minister? "Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16) The enemy is crafty, so believers must be and it all starts with the mind.

With Christ and Paul emphasizing this target - is it any real surprise that we have Paul encouraging believers to be spiritually prepared for battle against the devil's mind games with The Helmet of Salvation? (Ephesians 6:17) It is a piece of the armor of God that we can pray for that protects our thoughts. The helmet is also meant to keep our thoughts focused on God and His work of salvation in our lives - hince the name. I believe this goes a long way in fulfilling what Paul mentions in 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."

Ever wanted to know what God was thinking about in your life? Then keep renewing your mind and taking every thought captive to make it obey Christ. The battle, God's plan and the rewards all start with our thoughts.

The word for "renewing" in the original Greek means to totally remodel, to gut out and restructure. Therefore, the reward for having a renewed, remodeled or restructured mind to that of the things of Christ is - being "able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." 

Taking every thought captive is a challenge, but the more you practice the more you become Of His Mind.

The Above Things

The older we get, the more things we have to occupy our minds. These things can be good, bad or time wasters but they are there and sometimes even make it into our subconscious or dream-state.

Humanity has reached a record level of sources vying for our attention and consideration of their products or services. With all we have to think about as adults in this world to simply live, it is a wonder our brains don't explode from input overload. 

However, I think and believe Christians can derive wonderful counsel from God's Word in Mark 12:17. Jesus says in this verse - "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

In context, Christ was referring to proper monetary appropriation as He answered the Pharisees, but I believe this proper appropriation can be applied to life or the world and God or your journey with The Lord.

In Matthew 22:37, Jesus answered the Pharisees question about the greatest commandment by stating to love God with "all your mind". What does this look like? In Colossians 3:1-3, Paul gets us started by shifting our gaze and perspective heavenward.

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

This passage states the supremacy of Christ in that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, which according to Paul is "above" and that believers "have been raised with Christ" to this location because of Him.

Immediately Paul says a second time to align your thoughts on things above but then stresses "not on earthly things". And Paul elaborates - For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Paul echoes this idea in a letter to the believers at Corinth saying, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Cor. 5:17)

In the Colossians 3 passage, Paul mentions two parts of us that should purposefully seek Heavenly, Godly things - the heart and the mind. Why these parts? Because according to Romans 12:2 our minds need a renewing for our transformation into a better believer - 

"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."

In addition, according to Matthew 15:19 our heart needs refocusing.

"For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander."

Luke 6:45 adds in his account about the heart - "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."

I do not like the saying, "Do not be so heavenly minded you are no earthly good." I believe that proper understanding of the Scripture means the more focus toward God and Heaven, the more good we will be for ourselves and others. Plus, Jesus will help us take care of things here as we keep our perspective routed through Him.

Now that we know why to intentionally pursue Heavenly, Godly thoughts - what are believers to think about? Paul answers that in his letter to the believers in Philippi.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)

The end of The Good Book fulfills every criteria mentioned above that Christians can think, ponder and imagine to their heart and mind's content. I speak specifically of Revelation chapters 20-22. This is too lengthy to quote here so I will trust you will read it and allow your spiritual imagination to be guided by what Jesus had John write about - our future home, just some of - The Above Things.

The Mystery Of God's Healing Process

The fact that Jesus healed and had compassion on those that needed a miracle of some sort in their lives, be it for themselves or another in their family, before He paid the price with the flogging and crucifixion is amazing and wonderful. 

Jesus solved all kinds of problems for people because of His great compassion. He healed the blind, the deaf, the lame, the mute, those with leprosy, those demon possessed and those dead just to name a few conditions. Matthew says it like this - "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matt. 9:35-36)

What catches my attention is the speed at which the healing took place. Many, if not most of the curing encounters with Jesus included the word "immediately" or sense of that word to convey healing from Him. This is opposed to today, where I only hear of pockets of testimonies where "immediately" was the answer to someone's request of God for healing.

Matthew records one with leprosy that had no problem with Christ's ability, He just had a question about the willingness of Jesus to heal his plight. Matthew says, "A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, 'Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.'" (Matt. 8:2) See how the phrase "you can make me clean" emphasizes Christ's ability is not in question but is tied to the Lord's will? Matthew then recalls, "Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be clean!' Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy." (Matt. 8:3) There is that word immediately.

Right after this meeting, Jesus engages with a centurion soldier that recognizes Jesus has authority, His words are powerful and His immediate presence bedside is not required. 

"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. 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.'" (Matt. 8:8-9)

This faith impresses Jesus and He lets those around them know plus Jesus heals the centurion's servant "at that moment" - "'Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.' 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." (Matt. 8:10, 13)

Then there is the purposeful delay of Jesus to visit Mary, Martha and the one Jesus loved - Lazarus. Of course John would have something to say about that in John 13:23, 20:2 and 21:20 - calling himself "the one Jesus loved" or "the disciple Jesus loved". For the record, Jesus loves the whole world. 

As far as Lazarus was concerned, Jesus got word of the status of Lazarus when Lazarus was on his deathbed. Knowing that Lazarus died because Jesus is the Son of God, He tells His disciples twice the reason for returning to just outside Jerusalem.

"After he had said this, he went on to tell them, 'Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.'

His disciples replied, 'Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.' Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

So then he told them plainly, 'Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.'" (John 11:11-14)

This was a time where Christ waited a specific amount of time that seemed the end-all for us, death, but was no match for the Creator, the Word of God in flesh. 

As time has marched on society has gotten worse about wanting things instantly to the point where we expect immediacy with the technology and people skills we have acquired. I can testify that God still works in delay fashion as well as the immediate and sometimes He says, "No".

With all the Scripture there is about 

• the price He paid for our healing, 
• the promises of His healing touch, 
• power there is in His name, blood and spirit, 
• His nature that is still the same today - compassionate, 
• asking and receiving in His name 
• and being persistent in the seeking - why does God delay the cure we seek and pray for?

With some instances of healing being immediate, others through the process of doctors and medicine that God has blessed us with and still other situations where our prayers have been answered with the death of a loved one - all we have left to lean on is trust in the sovereignty of God as we work out on this side of heaven - The Mystery Of God's Healing Process.

Practitioner Of His Power

Christians are charged with sharing The Gospel or Good News of Christ Jesus according to Matt. 28:16-20. But when will believers in Christ return to a more regular, daily flow and demonstration in God's power? 

God's power must be evident in the believer's life and displayed to complement the Salvation message and one's testimony. Paul's life and his words in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 sets a great example of executing more than The Great Commission.  Here is what Paul said to the believer's in Corinth -

"And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."

Paul visited Corinth with a simple, straight forward message of salvation through Christ Jesus, while allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through him in power with all kinds of demonstrations - "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,". Why? "so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."

Operating in and with God's gift of His power is critical to overcoming anything and everything that will come against us every day and/or hinder our walk with God. Later on in the same letter to the Corinthians, Paul communicates an important concept - "the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but power." (1 Cor. 4:20). Notice within these two passages of Scripture how Paul is stressing salvation comes through Christ and Christ's kingdom arrives through His power.

Is it any wonder that the world and believers are looking for more of God's power? This verse above says - God's kingdom flows in action-packed power and that Christians weigh their speeches to be so important as to be the vehicle of God's power. This is in error. 

Speaking is a necessity to communicate God's love, Word and instruction especially in the five fold ministry spelled out in Ephesians 4:11 - somes as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. This is true also within the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7-11) and the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). 

However, as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:1 - "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." Many times actions speak louder than words and when Christians act with God's power, the results will be miraculous. I believe the Holy Spirit's power will come when more of His church is individually and corperately living daily in His power. 

There are many words used for the word "power" or "powerful" in Scripture. I would like to mention a few here and inform you that Jesus Christ has the ultimate power in every one of these definitions.

• Oz = strength; might (Ps. 62:11)
• Ischuros (is-khoo-ros) = powerful; forcible; mighty; superior to man in strength (Matt. 3:11)
• Dunamis = force; might; strength; explosive; dynamite (Matt. 13:54; Luke 4:36; Luke 9:1; Luke 10:19)
• Cheir (khire) = the grasping by the hands literally/figuratively of control or soveriegnty (John 13:3)
• Yad (yawd) = means, direction; potential influence - see James 3 for the power or influence of the tongue. (Prov. 18:21)

Receiving or seeking God's power on a regular basis is difficult for some people. Even as a free gift, some individuals take issue. But there is nothing that we could ever do, there is no amount of goodness or right-standing with God that would merit God infilling us with His power - outside a relationship with Christ. Jesus paid the total price for all the believer's many blessings.

Ephesians 1:18-21 tells us that the same power, that Christ used to secure humanity's eternal future and abundant blessings by picking Himself up from death, Hell and the grave - dwells within the Christian. 

Because of belief in Christ, Father God blesses Christians with His power as another wonderful gift. Paul writes to Timothy in a second letter and expresses God has "given" us His forceful, explosive, wonder-working power through Christ. He says, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." (2 Tim. 1:7)

Personally, I hear this verse quoted so many times I tend to gloss over it, say - "That's nice." and place that nice verse on a spiritual shelf. These three words - power, love and self-discipline - are action words meant to help all areas of the Christian's life. God's gifts, especially these, demand more than a gloss-over and shelf placement from me and any Christ follower.

Christians need to accept and move every day in His power. If the believer ever grasps this truth and begins practicing or better yet - living it out, God's kingdom will truly come and His will, will truly be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

How do Christians live a more God-powered life? 

1. Pray
2. Stay in God's Word
3. Be sensitive to and obey the Holy Spirit's leading

When believers pray we need to ask and seek God for His power. James 4:2 says, "You do not have because you do not ask God." His power is something He desires to equip His kids with so that it will flow in our lives, be evident to everyone and influence others unto salvation.

According to James 5:16, prayers of a believer who is in right-standing with God are powerful and effective. The original word for powerful in this verse is energeo (en-erg-eh-o) meaning active, efficient, mighty. When the believer's life is on track with God, his/her prayers are active, efficient and mighty because they align with God's will and kingdom purpose.

Prayer is also an avenue to powerfully declare God's promises. But how you know those promises of God in the first place is point number two.

Stay or remain in the Word of God. In John 15:1-17, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and He uses the imagery of the vine and gardener to urge His students to remain in His ways. When Christians today stay in God's Word, some benefits are - 

• mental, physical and spiritual nourishment
• enlightenment
• recalling His promises

Finally, Christians can live a God powered life by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit and obeying His leading. This sensitivity should manifest itself for the believer by putting a Godly Filter on everything you think, say and do. Once the Christian has the Holy Spirit filter in place and active, he/she will be able to discern God's good, pleasing and perfect will more effectively (Ro. 12:2).

In 1 Corinthians 1:24 and John 1:1-5, 14 -- the reader understands that Christ Jesus is the Power of God, the Wisdom of God and the Word of God. Jesus has paid too high of a price to share His Word, His Wisdom and His Power with those who would beleive to simply sit still with His gifts. Peter says, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." (2 Peter 1:3) Let us then be a Practitioner Of His Power.

His Commanding Presence

 

After a non-believer accepts Christ Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, the rest of the faith journey is spent being formed daily into the image and character of Christ until He returns to take believers home to Heaven.

My hope, prayer and practice is that the way I carry myself would exude a strong example of Christ's Presence in my life, but even more-so on my personage. I yearn to emanate God's presence, nature and aura whenever I enter a room or take a walk so that people are drawn to the Holy Spirit radiating from me.

Daniel, Peter and Paul. Daniel was noted by the angel Gabriel as being "esteemed". Daniel was regarded this way not only on earth, but Gabriel tells him three times - 9:23; 10:11, 19 - that Heaven deems him esteemed. I believe this notoriety was due to his time abiding with God in prayer and having a policy of no compromise.

Peter was seen as "highly regarded by people" in Acts 5:13-15. God's healing power was displayed even in Peter's shadow as a great way to showcase The Commanding Presence of God in Peter's life and person. Here again, this ministry of power comes from a close relationship that Peter had with Jesus.

We receive a heavy dose of God's Presence exemplified in Paul's life and person as we read his letter to the believers in Rome. Romans 8:38-39 says three huge words that nobody can attack and penetrate with Paul - "I am convinced...". 

Paul went through much hardship in his adult years. His suffering for Christ's sake was even foretold to Ananias by The Lord (Acts 9:15-16). However, it is not just Paul's spoken words that I am sure gave people inspiration. It is not just his and The Holy Spirit's written words that brought many direction and enlightenment. But when I observe Paul's life and hear him say - "I am convinced" - I know that life is the instrument and God is the Teacher of what I am to be convinced.

2 Corinthians 2:16 encourages the Christian to put off a Heavenly Scent or "an aroma that brings life". Matthew 5:15 instructs believers to not hide the light that has now been lit within your heart and life but "put it on its stand" especially for family and friends - "to everyone in the house". Ephesians 2:6 and Romans 8:37 infuse the disciple of Christ with His authority as they walk out their faith with Jesus.

However, even more than scent, light and authority - I desire His Spirit to pour out my pores. I want to glow with His radiance much like the shine Moses had when he spent time with God on the Mount. And I hope my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ do also.

The key to anyone who shares my passion is time or intimate, special conversation with the King. 

Ever spent so much time with somebody that their word choice, habits and quirks rubbed-off or influenced you to make them your own? 

Walking into any room, my desire is to introduce you to Jesus Christ without any words if possible. Even if you did not have any "spiritual glasses" on I would want you to see Jesus walk-in with me and speak through me in whatever atmosphere is given.

This is the idea behind spending time with Christ Jesus. The more time you spend with Him, the more you will smell like Him, shine like Him, speak like Him and act like Him - the more He will imprint on you His Commanding Presence.

God's Library

Did you know God has a Heavenly library? If you thought you have no privacy, you are correct. God is everywhere and His angels that surround us are not only interested spectators but participators of God's will for our lives. In addition to to this ever watchful care over our lives, God has our days numbered in a book, plus our good and bad deeds
are not only remembered but recorded or written down.

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

Our deeds are recorded in books, plural, according to Revelation 20:12 - "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books."

The following are names of Heavenly books and where you can find them in Scripture.

The Book of God

• Exodus 32:32-33
• Moses knows of God's accounting process and tries to intercede for the Hebrew people. God confirms this special book, but says the people must answer for themselves and the book will be registered accordingly.

The Book of Life

• Psalm 69:28
• Philippians 4:3
• Revelation 3:5; 17:8; 20:12; 20:15
• The book before Christ personalized it as The Lamb's Book of Life. If your name was found here, your eternal relationship with God was secure. If your name was not here, the influence of the Antichrist, False Prophet and/or Satan himself or your flat out denial of Christ's gift was a likely reason.

Court Books

• Daniel 7:9-12
• This is a future court scene that includes open books testifying against the Antichrist. 

Book of Truth

• Daniel 10:21
• This book is a book of prophecy that is given to Daniel by the angel Gabriel that lasts to the end of the book of Daniel. 

Book of Deliverance

• Daniel 12:1
• Part of the prophecy in the Book of Truth mentioned above that deals with Daniel's people, the Jewish people, whose names are written in the book, will be delivered.

The Lamb's Book of Life

• Revelation 13:8; 21:27
• The Lamb's Book of Life seems to be directly connected to the narrative of Christ and His bride, the Church. The Book of Life mentioned in earlier Scripture becomes possessed and/or personalized by Christ after His sacrifice and resurrection and after the Church's Rapture!

In researching all these books, I did not see one of them that you did not want your name enscribed in. The outcome of not having your name written in God's books was dire and tragic. Revelation 20:15 says, "Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire." The Lake of Fire is considered the second death for all those who do not acknowledge and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior over their lives.

So, what is crucial is a relationship with Jesus Christ through faith in Him as your personal Savior, Master and King. Not only will faith in Christ grant you redemption with Father God and citizenship into the New Kingdom and New Jerusalem, but belief in Jesus and a life with Him will get your name written for all eternity in God's Library.

Rushed The Wrong Thing

Hearing is what our ear does as one of our senses to receive sounds. Listening requires the entire process of gathering and more importantly understanding the incoming sounds or words. If there is anything we need to do quickly in this fast-paced, instant culture we live in today, it is to be quick to listen. Scripture supports this in James 1:19 by saying, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

I would like to bring out three points,

1. This instruction is good for "everyone"
2. There is one "quick to" phrase
3. There are two "slow to" phrases

Even though James addresses his spiritual family by saying, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:" before stating the teaching - he begins the enlightenment by including all people - "everyone". This guidance is excellent for non-believers as well as believers.

My second observation is that the only thing we are allowed to be quick to in this is listening. A big part to developing this skill is listen to understand, not respond. Ever met someone who loved to hear themselves talk? If your situation calls for a response, so be it. If your situation does not call for a response, soak in the information or wisdom and proceed. 

The third point emphasizes not one, but two identical phrases - "slow to". In this world of instant satisfaction, judging a book by its cover and knee-jerk reactions - this is certainly a challenge but still honorable goals when paired with "speak" and "become angry". 

Just think how much trouble we would avoid and how much hurt would not occur if we would not speak our minds sometimes. If we would at least be slow to speak, this process may give our thoughts time to catch up to our mouth and help choose our words wisely. The difficulty in taming the tongue is another topic James covers in James 3:1-12.

Hearing what you want to hear from the initial start of a conversation and not listening is the epitome of starting off on the wrong foot. This will lead to speaking out of turn and saying the wrong thing which will lead to embarrassment and anger on both parties.

Slowing down our option to speak, gives us time to think about what we may or may not say - avoiding a lot of hardship. This leads to being slow to anger. Count to ten, go in another room, step away from the situation or conversation for a while - do what you have to do to not sacrifice your reprutation or self worth because you Rushed The Wrong Thing.

Credit, Where Credit Is Due

You have probably heard the saying, "Be careful when you point because you have three fingers pointing back at you." This speaks to humanity's unquenchable desire to blame. This shifting of responsibility has been around ever since The Fall in the Garden of Eden. So, what naturally flows from this nature is to assign credit incorrectly.

Stone altars were erected to remember the place at which God intervened. In and of itself, the memorial is honorable, but the challenge is to not get caught up in the place, but do get caught up in God's intervening grace.

Another incorrect assignment of credit can take the form of a thing. The Hebrew people created a golden calf as an image to worship while Moses took to long to speak with God. Evidently an invisible deity was hard to accept by these liberated Hebrew people even after Yahweh split the Red Sea and drowned their enemies in it. They must have wanted a tactile object for worship. But they still misplaced their credit in a thing rather than God.

Later, the scene turns to the group of Jesus, Peter, James and John - The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13). With Peter droning on and on about building three booths - one for Elijah, Moses, and Jesus - Father God interrupts Peter to set the record straight about who should be worshiped.

"While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!'" (Matthew 17:5)

This declaration has the ingredients of the Baptism of Jesus with one extra bit of information that is followed by an exclamation point - "Listen to Him!" 

In this one sentence I can hear Father God raising His voice and emphasizing the word "Him", saying, Of all the people that have been born on earth and followed my will - this one here, my very own Son, whom I love and am well pleased - should be listened to!

Accolades are nice. Awards and rewards have their place in our culture and society. However, when placing anything next to Jesus, everything should fall away and He receive all glory. In fact, all credit for the ability to attain anything should go to The Creator and Sustainer of all - Christ Jesus.

One last example of improper credit was John kneeling before an angel and worshipping this being. John makes this mistake twice - Revelation 19:10 and 22:9. The angel was quick to reprimand and correct John's mistake.

"At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, 'Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.'” (Rev. 19:10)

"But he said to me, 'Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!'” (Rev. 22:9)

Worship is a key ingredient in bestowing credit to God. Worship goes beyond our grateful thanks, although that is accepted by The Lord. Worship moves us into acknowledging and declaring - we could not have lived, made it or done anything without Him in our lives. Worship helps accurately and wholeheartedly give credit where credit is due - unto God. 

An excellent Biblical example of this was Jesus catching up to the disciples while they were in their boat and in rough conditions. After Jesus saves Peter from drowning, they both board the boat - 

"And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'” (Matt. 14:22-23)

The entire collection of disciples on the boat gave all the credit for the storm leaving to the proper person - Jesus. They didn't carve a golden boat and worship it. They did not errect a buoy to memorialize the place. They simply worshipped the person from whom the blessing flowed. How many of us whether publicly, privately, within our family, circle of friends or under our breath at the very moment God acts administer Credit, Where Credit Is Due?