Receive

Something has occurred to me recently about the average Christian.  Few know how to receive from The Lord.  Instead we work hard to earn what God has given for free.  Consider what Jesus said:

Matthew 7:7-11 NKJV

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Jesus declares that our "requirement" for receiving is asking.  Yet in many ways we have added so much to the simple equation.  God says:

ASKING = RECEIVING

We have decided, however, to "fix" the equation.  Think of some of the things we have added to the asking side.  We say

ASKING +

1. Having the right person pray for us = RECEIVING.

2. Following all of the correct theological stipulations = RECEIVING.

3. Begging and convincing God of our worthiness = RECEIVING.

4. Determining the seriousness of our own need as compared to someone else = RECEIVING.

5. Giving the right amount at the right time = RECEIVING.

The reality is that this is a short list that could go much larger.  We have made difficult so much of what God has declared. He says ask and you shall receive. We must quit adding our thoughts and opinions to the equation. 

Soulish Living

In my previous blog I discussed the concept of walking in a soulish manner as opposed to walking in the Spirit or flesh.  In this blog I want to address some common characteristics that accompany walking in a soulish manner.

1. A person who walks in a soulish manner will have a roller coaster life with  high peaks and low valleys.  The peaks and valleys will also happen rather closely together.

2. A person who walks in a soulish manner will quickly neglect sound biblical truth that does not align with their will, desires or feelings.

3. A person who walks in a soulish manner will pull away from or distance themselves from anyone who speaks truth that is opposed to their stance.

4. A person who walks in a soulish manner will attract others by appearing strong, spiritual and authoritative.  In their opinion others need what they have.

5. A person who walks in a soulish manner will assume their desires and wishes are the voice of God in their life as they have superimposed their will into their prayers.

6. A person who walks in a soulish manner will navigate to and return to whatever gives them the highest peak in their roller coaster ride of life.

There are more characteristics that we will consider in the coming days.  God calls us to walk in the Spirit and to not satisfy their flesh.  Yet many end up living in the middle realm of their soul, and that is a dangerous place to be. 

Walking in the Spirit or . . .

How often do we hear the call to walk in the Spirit? Jesus did it and encouraged it. The first apostles did it and encouraged it.  Paul did it, taught it and encouraged it.

Today we talk about it, but do we do it?

We have come to the place where we are convinced a person either walks in the Spirit or they walk in the flesh.  That causes us to believe that as long as we are not pursuing and constantly gratifying our flesh that WE MUST be walking in the Spirit.

But is that true?

How much of what we call walking in the Spirit is really walking in our souls? How much is driven by the soulish side of us - that which makes up our feelings, our will and our emotions?

We may be free of providing for our flesh and the lusts thereof; but what about our selfish desires and emotionally driven will?  We can so quickly and easily become tied to our soulish nature to where every circumstance of life establishes our spiritual condition. And yet we call that walking in the Spirit. 

We tell ourselves to break through in prayer, but the feelings and drive of our soul can become so strong that we superimpose our own will into our prayer and what we "hear" from God. We find ourselves basing God's leading on our own false pretense.

The answer,  therefore, to this challenge is the Word of God.  The writer of Hebrews says this:

Hebrews 4:12 AMP

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

The Word of God divides the soul and spirit. It brings us to a place of reckoning. It causes us to have our minds renewed. It transforms our lives to a place that is beyond ourselves.

To walk in the Spirit is to walk in God's will. God's will is always found in God's Word.  God's Word possesses the power to get us away from our soulish and selfish desires and into alignment with God's plan.

I Am Losing It

Weight that is . . . .

I had been sensing God dealing with me about being disciplined in all areas of my life, and this was the glaring area of lack.  Therefore, on September 21, 2013, I began a journey of discipline in regards to my eating habits, exercise, and overall physical condition.  I must say it has been the best decision I have made in quite some time.

What Have I Done?

I have not done anything special really.  The primary things that have changed has been portion control and increased exercise and activity.  I have been helped tremendously by a couple of phone apps - MyFitnesPal and Pedometer Pro.

MyFitnessPal has allowed me to track my daily calorie goal and intake as well as cardio and strength exercise.  It helps me to make disciplined decisions on what I eat and how much I eat.  I am so glad I found this app.  I have to give a shout out to Rob Duffie - pastor in Monmouth - who mentioned this app on his Facebook page.  It has been fun to be able to enter lower weight totals and to see my calorie goal shrink as I meet milestones and goals.

Pedometer Pro has been a help in tracking when I walk or jog.  It measures my speed of movement, distance, and calories burned.  When Kim and I first began in September we did quite a bit of outdoor walking and this app was used quite often.  With winter we have not done as much walking, but I am really looking forward to getting back into that come spring.

I must also say that we have "played" The Biggest Loser on Wii as a form of exercise.  This has worked on core, upper & lower body, and even thrown in some Yoga stretching.  I will no longer assume yoga stretching is for sissies.  :)  Recently, we have added a 30-day challenge video by Jillian Michaels.  It is quite intense and I am starting to notice how it is helping tone some areas of my body which is much needed.

I keep saying "WE" because I am excited that my wife decided to join me on this journey.  Very glad we are doing this together.  She encourages me tremendously.

What Do I Eat?

Pretty much whatever I want.  The only thing I have completely eliminated is soda.  I have always been a HUGE fan of Mountain Dew.  Early on, however, I realized a large from Taco Bell was worth 410 of my daily calories and decided I didn't want to drink my daily goal.  :)

Other than that I have become more disciplined in terms of portion control.  MyFitnessPal allows us to see the caloric value of the food we are about to eat.  With that I pre-determine how much I am going to eat.  I have learned that I do not have to leave the table stuffed.  I can leave the table with a slight feel of hunger and that is not going to destroy me.  The hardest portion control for me has been sweets and desserts.  I love desserts.  I still have them from time to time, but not in a binge way like I did many times before.  Moderation is key for me.

Something else I have changed is consistency of having breakfast and adding in healthy snacks.  Who knew I would have such an affinity for granola bars???  Fruit has also become more of a consistent staple in our home.  I do not feel like I am missing out at all in terms of eating.  We still do our fair share of eating out, having pizza, devouring a steak, etc.  I just do not make eating such an adventure any more.  :)

What Are the Results?

Since beginning this journey on September 21, 2013 I have personally lost 35 pounds.  I have gone from a 38 waist pant to a 34 waist.  I have begun buying and wearing Large shirts instead of XL.  I have added many holes to my belts (next on the list to buy).  I have given away suits that no longer fit, as my size changed from 48 Regular to 44 Regular.

Beyond those changes, I feel great.  I have a higher level of energy.  I have more confidence.  I generally feel better.  I have come to greatly enjoy exercise.  I must say that I plan to remain on this journey for the rest of my life.

My goal at the outset was to lose 50 pounds.  I would still like to get to that place, but losing weight has become more difficult.  I find myself focusing in on muscle toning and burning away more fat.  I know if I am going to reach my goal it is going to require greater effort and even more eating discipline.  Plus, I realize it is going to require patience which is not a strength of mine.  :)

I think my most favorite part about this is that I have done this during the last quarter of the year - during holiday season.  I enjoyed Halloween candy, Thanksgiving feasting, and Christmas goodies in a healthy and disciplined way.  I even came home from our Christmas trip to find I had lost 2.5 pounds that week.  That stuff will keep me motivated.

Well, I have had many questions about what I have been doing to lose weight.  I thought this might be the best way in which to give the details and information.  Thanks for your support.  Thanks for reading this blog.  If anyone has any questions or wants more information or even accountability on their own journey, please let me know.  I am not an expert.  I am not a trainer.  I have simply found what works for me and I love it.

Thanks!  God bless!  Happy New Year!
Rodney

Oh How We COULD Harmonize!

For years I have preached, taught and stressed the need for and importance of unity.  While I still adhere to those convictions I have come to realize that we often have a misconstrued understanding of unity.

In many ways we wrongfully assume that in order for there to be unity among a group of people, it means they all must be doing the same thing.  It feeds an idea that any level of disagreement to the established “way” is discord and division, and the person responsible must acquiesce or be shot.  Well maybe not that extreme – but close.

How effective, however, is a unity that is forced?  In what way does that genuinely benefit anyone?  Unity from a standpoint of harmony has become my focus, drive and desire.  Before going any further let me define both words.

Unity can be defined as “a condition of harmony.”  It can also be defined as “the quality or state of being made one,” otherwise known as unification. [1]

Harmony for our purposes is best defined as a “pleasing or congruent arrangement of parts.” [2]

What I believe is often called unity is actually a desire for unification.  While I agree that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, we also must realize that without the parts there would be no whole.  The whole is made better by the characteristics of the parts.  Therefore, genuine unity is a condition based upon a pleasing or congruent arrangement of parts.

In Acts 2 we are told that when the Day of Pentecost came the believers were “with one accord” (2:1).  A look into the Greek of this word “accord” brings this important nugget to light.

A unique Greek word, used 10 of its 12 New Testament occurrences in the Book of Acts, helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community.  Homothumadon is a compound of two words meaning to “rush along” and “in unison.”  The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonize in pitch and tone.  As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master, so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of Christ’s church. [3]

This is harmony.  This does not speak of unification or unity that is forced or fabricated.  This is what we as the church are called to by God.  The intent of unity is to meld together the various passions and gifts of each person into a common passion and goal.

---

[1] Merriam-Webster

[2] Merriam-Webster

[3] www.blueletterbible.org

I WILL or I AM?

Have you ever noticed the contrast?  On one hand you have Lucifer making these declarations:

^12 12 “How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
¹³ For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
¹⁴ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.’
¹⁵ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol,
To the lowest depths of the Pit.
Isaiah 14:12-15

And on the other hand, Jesus makes these statements:

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." John 6:35

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”  John 8:12

“Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep." John 10:7

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." John 10:11

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." John 11:25

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

The contrast here is quite sharp.  Whereas Lucifer was discontent within himself and was left making declarations of aspiration; Jesus was fully confident and comfortable in Who He was and made definitive statements.

So which are you?  Which am I?  Do we walk in uncertainty, making declarations of aspiration because we do not have the first clue who we truly are in Christ?  Or, do we walk in confidence and comfort in who we are in Christ?  

There is something supernatural that takes place in a person when they come to terms with themselves as they have been created and designed by God.  Rather than making aspiring statements of grandeur and selfishness, they simply walk in the authority and position as given to them by Christ.  

Today's question, then, is are you an I WILL or an I AM?  

What is Your Bread of Choice?

Do you remember the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 with just 5 loaves and 2 fish?  Following the account in John 6, we read about Jesus walking on the water to catch up to His disciples as they were on their way to the other side of the lake.   That is where the story begins to get interesting to me. Yes, the miracle feeding and water walking are interesting. But, I mean interesting in what Jesus does next in teaching the people an important principle. 

Those who had enjoyed the miracle feeding and experienced a supernatural encounter return to the place where the encounter had taken place. Much to their surprise Jesus was no longer there. Oftentimes we too can find ourselves going back to where we encountered Jesus, expecting Him to still be in the same place ready for us to experience Him again. Yet, Christ will often move on to a new place; many times in a manner we would not expect. In this case, the Guy walked on water. Pretty sure nobody saw that coming. 

We discover in this story that like many of us the people were expecting to find Jesus in the way they remembered Him and encounter Him as they had before. When something works for us the first time we cannot imagine it would change. But, perhaps God is wanting to stretch us beyond our box or ideology and cause us to see what is the real point. So, what is the real point you ask? 

The point is to know Jesus in a real way and not just experience Him for what He can do. 

I must give props to the people in our story for we find they went looking for Jesus. Many simply give up and turn away when they don't find Jesus as they remember or expect. Yet, notice what Jesus says when they find Him. 

And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:25-29 NKJV)

Jesus drives home a valuable lesson. The point in seeking or pursuing Him is never to be about what He has done or can do. The point is to pursue Him for Him - to have relationship. 

We labor for or pursue the benefits or blessings of God which perish or fade. What is real life is laboring for and pursuing that which is eternal - a relationship with Jesus Christ. While the people were rightfully excited for partaking in the miracle meal; it is almost as if they were ready to plant 5 & 2 Assembly to commemorate what had taken place. 

Jesus goes on in John 6 to declare Himself to be the Bread of Life. Life that is eternal is found in consuming Him and in turn being consumed by Him. As much as anyone I thoroughly enjoy the experiences of and in God's presence. However, no blessing or experience is the destination. It is all part of the journey in pursuit of Christ.