I just started teaching at a university where the subject is introduction to logic and design. It is a computer course designed to teach the principles of programming without actually programming. Huh? Hang on, it will make sense in a minute.
One does not even need to know a programming language or even have a computer in order to learn how to program. In fact it is designed that way on purpose. By ignoring the complexity of learning a programming language you can focus on the principles of logic and design of programs.
Reading the bible, along with it's parables, gives us the core principles for us to apply to or lives. It doesn't tell us how to apply it. That is our choice. I heard somewhere recently that we have freedom of choice in life but that doesn't give us freedom from consequences.
Then the question becomes what comes of my plans and choices that I make in this life? You probably already know the answer. We shouldn't fool ourselves into believing that we are in charge. Proverbs 16:9 says: We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
In talking with my friend Jim, I agree with his view that if God deems our decision appropriate for his purpose for us and, it is aligned with life principles in the bible, he will allow our needs and desires to be met, gracing us with joy and peace along the way. If not, then it is a clear message that we need to grow or character or take another path.
God bless
This week has been a lesson in the value of knowing how things work. As I was watching the Bible series episode for this week, I found myself especially attuned to how Jesus spoke to others. I've read some of those scriptures over and over again but when you see it in the context of a conversation, it adds even more power to the words. The pain of seeing his temple being used by tax collectors rather than being a place of worship was clear without words.
The old saying goes that the lord works in mysterious ways. His ways may be mysterious to us but there is a reason for everything. Getting into the word can reveal how God works through parables and stories of times past. We need only equate them to the times we live in now and find the principles to live by.
This week at work, we upgraded our database system and broke a lot of business reports in the process due to changes contained in the upgrade. Knowing how the system works allows us to quickly identify the broken areas and repair them to minimize customer impact. Otherwise, we would be stuck in a reactionary mode trying to fight fires with no real direction.
The same could be said about our biblical lives. Are you studying God's word to understand his purpose for our lives? Have you applied the word to your life and your perspective? Knowing how it works will give you clear direction in your life and purpose for your soul.
Putting our worries and challenges into God's hands can be daunting if not impossible for many of us. We struggle with truly trusting our Lord and having faith enough to relinquish control of our problems to allow him to carry out his plan for our lives. Think for a moment. Let's say you had total control over your destiny. Could you possibly dream up a destiny as great as the one God has already planned for you? We are like drivers in the night. We have headlights and can see a short distance ahead of us. We have enough faith that the road won't suddenly disappear, or some obstacle won't jump in the way. We have a sense of direction and signs along the way that are illuminated at the right time and place for use to change directions to ultimately arrive where we want to go.
The difference in life is that we do not know the plan God has for us. We don't know where we will arrive or even when our journey on this earth will be complete. God is our light, he will illuminate the path at the right time and place for us to change direction along the way, in order to fulfill his purpose for our lives. We need only turn the key and step on the gas. Have faith, and enjoy the ride.
Job 23:14 NLT
So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny.
I think one of our biggest challenges as believers is understanding God's power, authority, and depth of love for us. We tend to frame God from our perspective and from a human point of view. If we do this, we inadvertently place limits on what we think God can do in our lives. We pray for help and mercy based on human abilities rather than supernatural solutions. Often, when we think our prayers haven't been answered, it's because God may be answering them in ways we cannot understand. Because we can only imagine what we would do to solve a problem, we ask him for a specific solution instead of just asking him to solve the problem.
So, the next time you ask God for help or for his favor, ask for help, but don't tell God how to solve your problem, he will know what's best. Trust him.
As a new believer, I observe my fellow Christians a lot in order to learn from them and to understand more about what it means to be a Christian. Yesterday, on the radio, I listened to the disk jockey talk about how she was faced with a dilemma. She went on a cruise and purchased two identical pairs of earrings. While wearing the first pair, she lost one of them. She originally purchased the second pair as a gift for someone back home. Her dilemma was whether to keep the second pair and get another gift for her friend or to give the second pair of earrings to her friend. There wasn't any moral dilemma necessarily as only she knew she had even bought the earrings. It was more of a personal dilemma.
The Facebook page of the disk jockey was soon inundated with posts from fellow Christians that were judgmental and harsh saying that she was selfish if she were to keep the ear rings. She observed correctly how sad it was that we, as Christians, should be without judgment of our people. It's just not our job to be judgmental or to have a holier than thou attitude.
Looking inward, I find it a constant battle to refrain from being judgmental and prejudicial of others. I think that as we walk our journey of life and build our relationship with God, we tend to be very proud of our accomplishments. Conversely, we tend to believe others should be on the same path as we are and, if they are not, we judge them harshly.
If someone appears to be walking a dangerous path in life, it is our job to connect with them and guide them, not to ridicule them and put them down.
We help each other see the light but ultimately, even God can't make us do anything. But, he can make us wish we did. He gives us the gift of free will and choices to make a difference in our lives and other's.
"A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of a sinner is laid up for the just." (Proverbs 13:22)
My wife and I are hosting Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey for our church. I subscribed to Dave's ten day devotional just to keep me motivated and to share with the class.
Today, I read an interesting observation from Dave. It was talking not only about being out of debt in order to leave a financial inheritance, but it also talked about how he raised his kids to be financially secure through biblical teachings. His point was that money is money but what you do with it is what really counts. The best legacy you can leave for the younger generations is the character traits to manage money carefully and wisely. That will change your family tree more than any amount of money.
As with all blessings, they can be appreciated and passed on or, they can be squandered and lost. The choice is ours.
This weekend, our pastor spoke about how God chooses to work through us at just the right moment that he has planned for you. The Greek word 'Kairos' means the right moment, opportune moment, or the supreme moment. It is also referred to as the time of possibility.
This got me thinking about how we, as humans, tend to chase after God's will and search for signs that point is in the right direction so we can be at the right place at the right time to serve God's will.
What would happen if we just stopped and looked around instead of always thinking we are in the wrong place at the wrong time?
Perhaps, where we belong is in the present, right here, right now. What if God's plan was to have you exactly where you are now in order to work either on your character or to help someone that already exists in your circle of influence?
There is a natural inclination to chase the 'Kairos' but perhaps, it is chasing us instead, and we're running away from it. Maybe?
Character is the level of consistency between outward actions and inner convictions. Most of the chapter deals with defining character and how, without character, our actions will speak volumes about where we are in our walk with God.
A contrite heart, or a broken heart has no opposition to God and is fully surrendered. By fully surrendering to God, we show the willingness for him to live through us through the holy spirit. The more we allow God to mold our hearts and to use us, the more he can trust us with great deeds and responsibilities. On the other hand, if we are held captive by things, money, or sin, he cannot use us for his glory.
"No one can have a heart in one condition and produce fruit of an opposite condition. The condition of your heart will affect your actions, and your actions will reflect your heart" --Henry and Tom Blackaby
I just Finished a book by Ted Dekker. It was a purely fictional tale with an obvious Christian undertone. That's not a bad thing. Its why I read Ted Dekker. The story was about how the evil in the world can pull the wool over our eyes convincing us of truths that conflict with God's promises. God tells us when we can't tell the difference between truths and lies, trust him to guide you. See the world through a biblical perspective and you will have the clarity you seek.
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. (Hebrews 12:15)
Not only should we forgive each other for our trespasses, if we trespass against another, apologize quickly and ask for forgiveness. If you know someone won't forgive you, often, taking the first step will help them reconcile their feelings and begin the healing. By making the first move, you are helping them receive the grace of God for he forgives our sin and tells us to do the same.
This week I'm beginning "The man God uses" by Henry and Tom Blackaby. This will be a seven week reading, study and discussion with my friend Jim. I am looking forward to recording my observations and thoughts through this first real bible study. I invite you to comment with your thoughts and prayer requests as we go.
God allows us to face difficult situations and trying times not to punish us but, to build and refine our character. As Jim alluded to today, God refines or character much like a silversmith refines silver. It is burned and melted down in order to remove impurities and what is left is more valuable and beautiful. When we are hurting, or God doesn't answer or prayers the way we'd like, chances are, there's a reason and a purpose for what you are facing even if we don't understand why. Hang on to your faith with all of your strength and let the word be your comfort.
