Truth

In one of my favorite dialogues of all time in "A Few Good Men," the following takes place:

Jessep: You want answers?
Kaffee (Tom Cruise): I think I'm entitled to them.
Jessep: You want answers?
Kaffee: I want the truth!
Jessep: You can't handle the truth!

Every time I listen to that scene I get goosebumps. Deep down inside we want truth, not just answers. The challenge presented is that we are told today that "truth" is relative. And, this is no new concept. Listen to the other great dialogue I love:

You are a king, then!" said Pilate.

Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

³⁸"What is truth?" Pilate asked.

Even in Jesus day, truth was seen as something that is relative. Like beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder. The problem with that world view as a Christ follower is that truth is not a concept. It's not relative. In fact, it is a person. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life..."

Truth is a person and his name is Jesus. What I am not communicating is that there is always a black and white answer on all things. There's not. And, that's why it is so important for us to understand that the person of truth wants to lead you into truth in your life.

As Christ followers, we must stand firm on the clear cut truth of the word. We must extend grace in areas of grey. And, for our own specific life issues, we must seek Truth. Be careful, though. If you just want "answers," he's not the right person to speak with. Sometimes, truth is hard to handle.

Ask, God for truth the ability to handle the truth as it applies to your life.

Bottle Caps

Words. They matter. We are told they can destroy or build. We are told to use words that edify the hearer of them. And then, there are words that you and I just need to hear. From God. There are times when we need a timely affirmation from God. The question is what manner will he use to communicate to us? I don't want to speak about the conventional ways he uses -- the bible, friends, etc. I want to talk about the fact that the God of the universe can use whatever medium he desires. And, so about bottle caps....

Two nights ago I had just received some messages from someone that were not nice. While not overly upset, i was frustrated by this person. A little later, I took off the bottle cap to a drink I was going to have. And for some reason i looked at the underside. I didn't know there were words on it. It said, "all we need is humble patience." I sat there and said, you're right ---Patience laced with humility.

God communicated to me in an unconventional medium. You cant convince me otherwise. God will speak. Even through a bottlecap....

Stone Rolling

Many times in our lives there are challenges and obstacles that are in our way. And, while we may be able to do "something" that something seem so miniscule in the grand scheme we wonder why we should even do that. It won't make a difference.....we say.

In John 11, Jesus performs the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. I believe he wants to do the miraculous in our lives as well. Let's look. Jesus arrives on the scene. Lazarus is dead. Jesus, standing at the tomb, says "take away the stone." The first thing to note is that this was something that COULD be done by those there. It was not something that required a miracle. And, yet, there was resistance....."he has been there four days." We do the same thing don't we? What does it really matter anyway? What will this accomplish....we say to ourselves. Jesus doesn't ask for our opinion. He asks for our action. And, so they act. And, upon acting, Jesus now acts where they cannot and calls Lazarus out of the tomb.

The second takeaway is a corollary to the first. God won't do for us what we can do ourselves. We must act. Action shows faith and in God's economy faith is the currency we spend. The general actions God wants to see are clear -- love one another, be kind to one another, show mercy, be tenderhearted, have honest scales, etc. The specific actions God wants you to take will either be an application of these principles to your daily walk and relationships or a word from God in concert with these principles and his Word. Then, we are in a position to see God do only that which he can do.

Are you wanting God to act? If so, what has God equipped you to do? Start there.

20/20 Vision

When I was a kid, I didn't want to wear glasses. I had 20/40 vision and an astigmatism. Not really bad vision and nothing that affected my ability to play sports. And, I just didn't want to wear glasses -- not cool, not really needed. But, the reality is that with glasses things would become much clearer. I would have 20/20 vision. In John 9, Jesus talks about vision and the division created by lack of vision.

Jesus healed a man blind from birth. And, when he did, the blind man accepted the undeniable fact of Jesus though it was unexplainable how the healing took place -- miracles are unexplainable if you don't have 20/20 vision. And, when he explained to the leaders of the synagogue what took place it lead to a division because of a vision problem. Some of the leaders couldn't see because they wanted an explanation on their terms and their vision didn't allow them to see (their worldview lenses). If it could not be explained on their terms, then it wasn't true. And, they didn't want to trade in the old lenses for new ones.

We act the same way in our lives. We are told by Jesus to act certain ways. To speak a certain way. To think certain ways. And, when it doesn't seem clear, at times, we opt to remain with 20/40 vision. The problem with this is that when we don't change our lenses and embrace the lenses of God's worldview, we will never truly see clearly. And, we will miss out on God's plans for us. I had a friend tell me yesterday "well God will work it out for the best." That's not true. It's not Biblical. As we talked -- and agreed -- God will work it out but we can't wave magic Jesus "dust" over bad decisions and say "it will work out for the best." There are built in consequences to our actions. At times, God saves us from them. But, how much better would it be for me -- us -- to ask God what the right decision is based on 20/20 vision? Jesus, wants to commune with you and speak to you giving you 20/20 vision.

How's your vision? Pause and ask God for 20/20 vision today. Oh, and by the way, I have 20/20 vision now. I wear glasses....

Free

We all want to be free. Free from stress. Free from fear. Free from debt. Jesus talks about a freedom that is transformational not momentary. He says in John 8:21& 22, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. ³²And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

There are a few interesting points about this. The Jews that heard this claimed they were never not free. Funny considering that the Jewish existence had been one marked by captivity with intermittent periods of freedom (i.e. Egypt, Babylon). But, I think this goes to a deeper issue. A core issue. Jesus said that those who sin are slaves to sin. The Jews (and we) don't want to believe that. We want to believe that we are free to make wise choices on our own. And, yet, Jesus says only if we are faithful can we be free to make wise choices.

The starting point is believing Jesus is who he said he is. And, if you do, now you can begin to be free. But, then, we must remain "faithful" to what he says to do. And, honestly, many times I think I am just smarter, wiser. Or, my flesh pulls. But, Jesus bids us to remain faithful to his teachings and if we do the truth will set us free. The truth will come from basic Biblical principles like the one below and from his spirit communing with and speaking to us.

Do you want to be free, really free? Be faithful.

Oh, one cool proverb I read today: Prov. 11:24&25 "Give freely and become more wealthy;be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."

Focus

I was speaking with a friend last week about prayer and it was interesting to me that when Jesus ended his discussion on prayer, he says in Luke 11:11: "how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" What is interesting to me is that Jesus diverts the focus of prayer from a need to a person -- the Holy Spirit, basically saying focus on Spirit led prayer and that will take you to what you really need not what you want. That's important because all of us take time in our day to tell God what we want -- and that's important (though He already knows), but it seems to imply that there's a more core issue and that is: who is leading the prayer.

Do I go to God with my needs only or do I go "asking God to fill [me] with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding?" (Col. 1:9). This seems to be the wiser choice but so many times I discard the person and focus on the needs.

Random Thoughts

I normally have a plan when I write. Today, I feel compelled to write some random thoughts after reading Luke 6.

1. Behavior modification or transformation? I am sure all of you have heard about the hearsay rule "that's hearsay!" shouted the attorney in court. Normally, there are many statements that cannot be used in court because they lack authenticity. However, there is one exception I want to point out -- excited utterances. The courts recognize them as true. The reasoning follows that what you state just after a heightened state -- like an accident -- is normally true. Jesus says about the same: "For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." You want to know what's in your heart? See what comes out when you are pressed, stressed. The problem is that we have focused on behavior modification in the christian life. God wants to transform your heart.

2. Construction. I have heard many times it said, "if you can trust Him for eternity, why not with all other things?" My response is simple, "I can't CONTROL eternity, I can control things in this life (so I think)." Jesus says, "I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built." Here's the problem. If you build a house to withstand hurricane winds of 180 MPH, you don't know if it works until the winds come. But, Jesus says, if you trust me and put into practice my words, WHEN (not if), they come, you will stand. The other problem is that you can't decide to reconstruct the house when the winds come. It's too late.

3. Measuring. We all want the benefit of the doubt in our relationships. And, yet, we are not too willing to extend the same courtesy. Jesus says, "For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Are you into behavior modification or transformation?

Are you putting into practice God's principles?

Are you extending the benefit?

Giving

I wanted to spend a few moments and think about giving and how our lives should be characterized regarding giving. To frame the discussion, I want to note that giving can only occur if we have margin in our lives -- financial, emotional, and time margin. If we have no "excess" planned in our lives, there is nothing to give out of. Second, I do not desire to get into a debate re a "tithe" in this entry. Though, I would note only that re the tithe during the Israel days there was more than one and it occurred under a theocratic form of government. But, I don't want to get into a debate because giving is so much more than a percentage.

I believe giving most clearly demonstrates to the outsiders an inside reality and shows our maturity as believers. Love motivates us to give. Not fear of a lack of a blessing or a curse. We give out of desire not duty. And, many times we mess this up. We fail to realize that it is a honor and privilege that God allows us to partner with Him by giving. In fact, God, "gave his one and only son," to demonstrate His love for us.

Moving on to some general concepts re giving:

1. If we hold on to what we have, we will end up having less: Prov. 11:24 "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty."

2. We reap what we sow. Gal. 6:7 "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."

The hardest thing about the N.T. for believers is that we cannot legislate and say, "this is black and white" on many issues. It is difficult because we want to be able to have clear answers. But, at the same time, this couldn't be any better for His children. The reality is that God wants to abide with us and speak with us. And, if the life were just a set of checklists, there would be no need for communion. So, God gives us some heart questions to make sure our hearts are good. Because on the outside they could look good but upon inspection they could be very hard. Here's his five part checkup, specifically, about giving:

a. Generous. 2 Cor. 9:6. Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously

b. Proportionate. 2 Cor 8: 10 & 11. And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.

c. Cheerful. 2 Cor. 9:7. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

d. Consistent. 1 Cor. 16:2. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

e. Sacrificial. 2 Cor. 8:3 "For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing."

Are you generous. What does that mean for you? Ask God. We are to be proportionate, which is pretty simple. The next one can be more difficult -- cheerful. Do you look at giving as an opportunity to partner with God and be used by Him? Are you a consistent giver. Is is a planned event or an emotional one? God tells us to plan it. And, lastly, are you sacrificing "beyond [your] ability." C.S. Lewis has an interesting thought on monetary giving saying that if you can do all that your non-christian friends do at the same economic level, they you are probably not giving enough.

All of these principles can be applied to our giving in relationships, of our time, our abilities, and our money. I'm convinced if we really took time to allow these verses to saturate our hearts, God would take hold and guide us to the application of them to our lives in all areas of giving -- with relationship, your abilities, and your money.

Are you willing for the Shepherd to lead you?

(On a related note, we give more than a "tithe" to the local church because it is where the Shepherd has lead us).

A Not So New World Order

When we say the word "order," I am sure a lot of things come to mind. I order food. I ordered him to do this. But, what I want to speak about is God's natural order -- His Not So New World Order.

God reminds us consistently through His word that there is an order to life that He wants to bring His children to. And, God is a God of order and of plan. For a moment, I want us to think about His order of life in general. I explain.

For example, there is an order to running -- you crawl, fall, walk, and then learn to run. It can't be bypassed. God has an order for His children. Work on the most important first and then the rest will come in time. For example, Prov, 24:27: "Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house." To be very practical, I think the message is, you have got to eat and put the work in first on your fields. Then, you build the house. To build the house and have no food puts the cart before the horse. No food, no need for a house (you won't be alive :-)).

Applying that very simplistic principle, our "outdoor work" as His children is our character. It's like a field because it has to be continually, tilled, plowed, checked for weeds, fertilized, and fumigated to kill insects (sin and self). But, there MUST be a commitment to our fields -- our hearts. If not, there's no sense in building a house. The house to me would be anything else that adds to life. Our tedency, however, is to go after, the car, literally the house, the spouse, etc. without making a commitment to the field. When this happens we put His order upside down. And, so, we must make a commitment to the HARD outside work of our hearts and developing our character. Now, here is the cool promise, as we make that commitment and we push we are told in Heb. 10:36 & 39: "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. ... But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved."

We will receive what He has promised -- you put in what that means to you. For me, John 10:10b -- ABUNDANT LIFE.

Are you tilling the field? Do you have a commitment to the outdoor work? If so, take refuge in this -- you will receive what He has promised!

I Got Your Back

While growing up, a saying that was popular was "I got your back," or a question "You got my back." Basically, the question was, are you willing to look after me and be committed enough to me that if I need your help you WILL help me. The statement in the affirmative was, "I am in it with you."

As Christians, we are told that if Christ means anything to us, then we should have the back of others. Paul says in Philip. 2:3-4 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

We are told to have each other's backs. It begins with a recognition of what Jesus did for us, then, checking our own motives, making a decision to ascribe worth to others, and because of that we look out for the interests of that person.

Think about it this way for a second in a very simplistic manner: what do you value? Your car, house, watch, boat, shoes..... How do you treat this possession. If it's your car, you may park far away so no one can ding it. And if they do, watch out!. You have ascribed value to that thing. Now, look at a person in your life. Act towards him/her as if it had more value that that thing. How would you behave? You would look to make sure his/her interests are protected. He wasn't "dinged."

Who's back do you got? Who's interests are you saying, I will look out for your interests as well. It's countercultural. Of course, most of the Bible's teaching are. Are you concerned that if you look after someone else's yours won't be? Think about this, "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD." You look after others and trust the LORD to bring you the victory.

Thankfulness

Colossians 1:7 says, "overflowing with thankfulness." It stuck out today. Do I overflow? I should. I don't. I will. At least today. At least this hour, minute, second..... I will choose to overflow with thankfulness.

A Worthy Life

All of us want to know that our lives count. We all want to know that we we have done made a difference. That our times has not been wasted. And, at times, we just need to keep on pushing ahead with determination, It's hard at times when we don't know whether what we are doing matters. That's why I like what Paul has to say in Colossians.

In Colossians 1, Paul encourages us to live a "life worthy of the Lord." He goes on to say that this is done by "bearing fruit," "growing in knowledge," and "being strengthened with all power." The interesting conclusion to this is that the result of us living a life this way is "great endurance and patience." But, the beginning of all this is "spiritual wisdom and understanding." And, Paul says he was praying for "them" to receive this.

Thus, it is fairly straightforward: Pray for spiritual wisdom and understanding so you bear fruit, grow in knowledge and are strengthened with all power resulting in "great" endurance and patience. Ask someone to pray for you. Pray for someone else. And, ask God for wisdom and understanding.

Kingdom Agenda

Probably my favorite verse in the Bible is Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

I was on the plane back from Monterrey and God's spirit spoke to me saying. "Do you have time for me? If not, I can arrange it." Many of us can go back to a time in which we had time in our "busy" day for God. But, as He blessed us, we had too much to do to give thanks to Him who provided it. There is an easy solution. If all the blessings are too much for me to handle, He can just take them away. And, that's where "seeking" comes in. On a daily basis am I seeking his kingdom and his righteousness?

Clearly, there are general "kingdom" and "righteousness" issues. But, to really seek them for my life, I have got to be still and listen. I have to take time out to receive His guidance. I was convicted by what went through my mind: "God can do more in 7 hours devoted to Him than 12 hours without Him." We all know this. We know that the majority of successes come from "breaks." You can have the best product or be the best attorney but you must have clients or investors or the right opportunities. And. what am I learning is that when I seek His kingdom for my life he provides "breaks" -- God ordained relationships. Relationships I could have never imagined of. But, it begins with seeking. That's it. So simple and yet so difficult. Life screams and God whispers.

Note to self: Be still, get rid of the noise and listen for the whisper.

Rich Toward God

Luke 12:21 finishes the story of the rich fool (whose life was taken from him) by saying, "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

I got to thinking what does "rich toward God" mean? I timothy 6: 18&19 regarding the rich say, "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." Clearly, there is an element in the Bible that specifically addresses those that are "rich." The Bible says that we can be "arrogant" and are prone to put our "hope" in wealth.

So, the question now turns to who is rich? We would all probably say the person that has a "little more than I do." But, the reality is that most of us that read this entry are rich. Rich in the sense that we can fall into the trap of putting our hope in wealth and thinking that life is best in the abundance of possessions. Yet, Jesus tells us that this is wrong thinking.

The rich fool used the pronouns "I or my" EIGHT times in TWO verses. My perspective is that any of us can be that rich fool because it is a condition of the heart. I have seen many people that have very little and yet be very greedy and possessive. At the same time, I have seen very wealthy people be generous toward God. The reality is that it boils down to our hearts and when we have money it reveals our priorities in life. Being rich toward God is an internal, personal issue that we all must struggle with. But, I leave you with a few questions:

1. When you give, do you give freely with a gratefule heart or do you ask what is the minimum I can give?

2. While we are stewards of the possessions we have, do you disproportionately get angry if you child dings your car with his bike?

3. Do you make decisions largely based on "me, myself, and I"?

4. When is the last time you decided to not go on a vacation and instead give the money away?

5. When is the last time you did a "good deed" for someone that could not pay you back?

Take a few moments and think about these. Ask God to reveal to you where you have done well and where you can grow. If you are really daring, ask a friend.

Words

Yesterday, I talked about names. Today, words. Words give life or kill. A timely word of encouragement can be the fuel someone needs to keep on. And, words reflect what is going on inside us.

Ephesians 4 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." A few observations:

1. Paul contrasts "unwholesome" with "building others up."

2. It seems to imply that there is more than just the receiver of the "talk" because he says "those who listen."

Words have meanings that we ascribe to them. So, a word today may be "unwholesome" and yet in fifteen years it is fine. But, I think Paul is getting into the heart of the intention behind the words. Sure, I think our words -- generally -- must be fitting. But, I think Paul is also speaking about when we are talking with others to make sure that our words are measured to: (a) the person's needs that we are speaking to and (b) the listeners. That is to say, what you may say to one person alone is not appropriate to that same person in a group. And, what you say to one person alone may not be appropriate for another person also alone.

It's real simple and yet not easy. Measure your words. They matter.

A name

What's in a name? When Stephanie and I were looking for names for our children, we took a lot of time deciding. We wanted names that had a special meaning. Ones that we could talk to our children about and explain to them why we named them the names we did. Names matter. God has many many names. My favorite is Jehovah-Jireh (God provides). That name was revealed when God provided the sacrifice to Abraham instead of Isaac.

In Ephesians 3:14, Paul says, "for this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name." Our name is derived from the Father in heaven. We all have a common last name with God in it. What comes to your mind when you hear "rockefeller, walton, gates"? Those names mean something. But, if the person with that last name was unaware of or confused as to whom he belonged, he would not be able to appropriate all the benefits (blessings) that come from those names. He might not even mention the name in a conversation.

As a Christ follower our names have changed. But, we act at times as those they haven't. This happens because the devil convinces us or trials cause us to take the focus off whose we are. We get confused. But, the reality is that I am no less Jeff Jehovah-Jireh(son) because of my actions. Neither are you.

Earlier in Ephesians, Paul said,"In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." And, in Hebrews 4:16 is it said, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Because of our name, we can approach God with freedom and confidence and who we are approaching is on a throne of GRACE! It's like Sam Walton's son approaching Sam and asking for a million dollars. Sam's got nearly unlimited funds. Would say "no"? But, we approach God who does have infinite, unlimited GRACE. And, when we approach Him there is grace and mercy no judgment because of our name.

God has many names. What name of God means the most to you? There's power in the name. In fact, Jesus said in John 17:11b "Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one."

Take some time today. Do a search on the names of God. Acknowledge that you are Jeff Jehova-Jireh(son). Live in his name.

Approach his throne of grace. It's unlimited.

Control

I titled this entry "control" and yet I start with a verse about "faith": "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

My nature is to want to control things, control outcomes, the end game. I want certainty, to minimize risk, to quantify the upside. To put it bluntly, I want to know that my efforts will produce "x" and I control it.

Control is quite a joke. Of all people, as Christ followers, we ought to know that we control one thing -- our character (how we respond to circumstances) and the development of it. The results, however, are not of our doing. Consider for a moment:

Joseph: Sold to slavery, accused of rape, put in prison, and yet, "while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him." (Gen. 29:20-21).

Job: Job was "blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." And, he looses his children, wealth, and his wife (at least her support).

There are countless other stories but the thread that we will see is that these ancients live by faith. The faith that while the outcome is not know the DECIDER of the outcome is known. They had faith in the Person through the process.

Now, if what I have communicated is true, then our goal should be character development. Paul put puts it this way in Romans 12: "2Do not conform any longer 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 Colossians he says, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[b] 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

In Eph. 4:22 he says, "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds."

The world SHOUTS Control the outcome
God whispers Trust the Person

Here's what we know, it could all be wiped away by a tornado, flood, fire, accident, or any other act. But, if we focus on transformation to Christ then our character will reflect God's and the results will ultimately be His. We also know that we really control nothing but our character.

Paul used strong words re our sinful nature "death" ad "put off," some questions:

1. Does your interaction with employees reflect God's grace and mercy?
2. Does your interaction with clients reflect God's care for them?
3. Is your humility evident to all people?
4. How's your anger?
5. Is there something different about your business negotiations from the world's?

Fanning the Flame

I was reading 2 Timothy today. Paul charged Timothy to be a Good Soldier, an Approved Worker, a Careful Believer, and a Good Work Producer. But, as I read all that Timothy was to be, I realized that it all began with his spiritual gift. Wow! We cannot be any of those things mentioned before if we do not identify God's gifting and then fan the flame of the gift.

We are told in 2 Timothy 1:5-7 that with faith comes the gift. In fact, Paul says in Romans 12:6, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." And, later Paul says in Eph. 4 that the purpose of the gifting is so "that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine....[that we] may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."

What is clear is that we all have a gifting and God has placed each person in the body to cause the body -- all the members of the body -- to grow.

The challenge presented to the member is to fan the flame. And, we should fan the flame because God has given us power, love, and self discipline. Thus, we should walk boldly in our gifting. To do otherwise would be an insult to God. See the parable of the minas (Luke 19:11-24). We are stewards over our gifting and must recognize that we should always walk in love but that the gifting comes with power and self discipline.

The challenge presented to the body with respect to the member is to use the member, identify and confirm the gifting, and then to allow the member to fan his/her flame. You see the reason a flame is fanned is that it needs oxygen and when fanned oxygen is funneled into the flame causing it to explode. The body's responsibility is provide the environment in which fanning can take place. To not do so retards a flame and does not acknowledge what Paul communicated so clearly in Ephesians.

If the members and the body do not act in this way, then the member will never be able to fully be a Good Soldier, an Approved Worker, a Careful Believe, and a Good Work Producer. Thus, the member will suffer. And, at the same time, the Body will not receive the nourishment intended when God placed the member in the Body.

1. Do you want to be Good Soldier, an Approved Worker, a Careful Believe, and a Good Work Producer? Find your gifting. Ask your body to confirm it.

2. Are you fanning the flame? God has given you power, love, and self discipline.

3. Lastly, are you an encourager to others like Paul to Timothy? Paul said to Timothy, " I remind you to fan into flames." Sometimes, we just need a reminder or encourager. Be that today to somone.

Blame Game

I don't know about you but when something goes wrong my first inclination normally is the blame game. If you would have done this then that wouldn't have happened. Or, if you would have just listened to me, then we would have this. Joseph knows there is a chance for the blame game with his brothers.

In Genesis 45, Joseph reveals who he really was -- Joseph son of Israel -- and the brothers were "stunned," "speechless." They were not only in front of the person that could provide for them they were also in front of the judge and jury for their behavior towards that person. Joseph, however, doesn't mention one word of what took place in the past except for "don't be angry with yourselves." I think this is so because Judah (the tribe where Jesus came from) offered take the place of Benjamin in jail. Quite a stark contrast to the last encounter with a brother (selling Joseph into slavery).

Joseph tells them to get his father and says, “Don’t quarrel about all this along the way!” Joseph knew there would be the blame game. He stopped it. And, he had the authority to because he had forgiven his brothers of their debt completely. This brings me to marriage and our response to our spouses.

In the story of Joseph -- while literal -- it is also depicting God's plan for all of us. Judah offers himself for Benjamin (as Christ did for us). Joseph, acting as king, forgives them all (as God did for us). And, then says, no blaming.

If you think for a moment that God has canceled your debt and then says this in Eph. 5:21: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." No blame game for what the other did.

1. How does what Christ did for you impact how you submit to your spouse?

2. Read 1 Pet 2:21-31 and just pray and ask God to guide your thoughts and practices re Eph. 5:21.

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Forget Me Not

All of us want to be wanted. We want to be remembered. Please, forget me not. Joseph can tell us a story of when he felt forgotten. Forgotten by man. Forgotten by his brothers. Forgotten by his father. And, perhaps, he felt forgotten by his heavenly Father.

In Genesis 40, Joseph is asked to interpret the dreams of the baker and the cup bearer while in the dungeon. He does and gives all the credit to God "Do not interpretations belong to God?" One is to be killed (baker) and the other is to return to his position out of the dungeon (cup bearer). He asks one thing, "But when all goes well with you, remember me [forget me not] and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. For I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon." All Joseph had done was honor God and refuse to sin with potiphar's wife. We are told that "the chief cup bearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him."

How many of us feel forgotten? By our bosses? By our friends? By our spouses? By God? We have done all that we have known to do. And, all we ask is that we are remembered for the good that we did, and, yet, it seems as though no one remembers. Aren't you glad that our feelings don't dictate reality? There's more to Joseph's story.

In Genesis 41, we learn, "when two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream .... In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him....Then the chief cup bearer said to Pharaoh, "Today I am reminded of my shortcomings....[Joseph] interpreted them [our dreams] for us, giving each man the interpretation of his dream. And things turned out exactly as he interpreted them to us: I was restored to my position, and the other man was hanged."
God caused Joseph to be remembered, and he was asked to interpret the dreams. This was an emergency for the king and the only solution was Joseph. Once again, he gave credit to God saying,"I cannot do it ... but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Because of his ability to interpret the dreams, he was "put ... in charge of the whole land of Egypt."

Some basic thoughts:

1. Do you feel forgotten, overlooked? Joseph had to wait two years for the CIRCUMSTANCES to be right for him to be "remembered" by people. God is at work behind the scenes. "But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law." Gal. 4:4. Don't you want the right time and not your time? Then, maybe, you will be the only solution?

2. Do you give credit to God for all that has been accomplished?

3. Are you in a dungeon? Be thankful. God is in the business of taking his children from the dungeon to the throne in a matter of moments.

4. Are you keeping a record? Joseph seems to have the uncanny ability to not record keep. Wow! Not a word to the cup bearer, potiphar, or potiphar's wife (the cause of his imprisonment). I want to camp out here for a moment for our marriages. Record keeping. We get historical on our spouses. It's so easy. And, yet, God tells us that love "keeps no record of wrongs." I Cor 13:5. What do you think? How do we not keep record of wrongs? What does that passage even mean?

Back to the story. We are left with Joseph -- The Second in Command. Sold into slavery. Forgotten by his brothers. Thought dead by his father. Forgotten by Potiphar and his wife. Forgotten by the cup bearer. Remembered by God. And, we know this from the following verse which seems, nearly impossible for me to ever utter in his circumstances, "don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives."

GOD REMEMBERS HIS CHILDREN.

See you Thursday night

Debt/Debtor

We live in a society that tells us to follow our hearts. Do what you want when you want. You deserve it. Jesus, however, is countercultural. He tells us to do what's right until it feels right. He tells us that feelings will come as you do the right thing. But, deep down inside it seems hard to believe and society doesn't agree with it. Why should I? Simple, I trust him to bring me home why can't I trust him in other areas of my life and in this instance marriage?

So, I got home last night, wrestled with JT (that's always fun). Steph left the room and I heard CC crying (she doesn't want to go to bed but mama insists) and then I hear the dishes rattling. Steph comes back and the boys have finished their rendition of Gladiatior on the bed. We pop in the movie for JT and tuck him in. Clothes from the dryer hit the bed. I hit play on the DVR. Time for some Idol. And, then I was hit:

"Will you do it, Jeff." Do what? Say, "thank you." hmmmm. But, she's just doing her job......man, how much is that ingrained in us? We put ourselves into a contractual relationship with our spouses. S/he has a job to do and if it is done, perfect. Life moves forward. And, if not, well then, let's see.

To be honest, I didn't "feel" like saying "thank you." But, I make JT say it to us ALL the time cuz it's right! I can't say "thank you?" Come on! And, yet, I battled. Finally, I lay on the bed and say, "Thanks, Steph, for doing the laundry and the dishes." She pauses, and says "thanks for coming home." Sounded strange. Strange but good. Nice to be appreciated. Valued. Wanted.

How about you? How difficult is that little word or two? Are you willing to try?

And, oh yea, I forgot one....Steph, thanks for putting down CC.

A simple Phrase

"A male and female of each kind entered, just as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord closed the door behind them." Gen. 7:16.

I am sure I have read that part of the Noah story many times. God told Noah to build an ark for the rain (a phenomena that had never occurred prior to the flood). He told him to take at least two of every kind of animal. Noah does. Game on. Only one issue remained: who will close the door to the ark?

Last night it was windy -- very much so. And, JT was scared because of all of the wind. So, he came into our room at least 10 times. Finally, I went to where he was and went to sleep. It wasn't the most comfortable but I did. When JT woke up, he asked, "why did you sleep all night there daddy? You could have left." I said, "because you were scared." To which he replied, "but once I went to sleep, you could have left." Well, I wasn't going to leave. And, it's because I wanted him to know I was near.

Back to the door closing. I would assume Noah had a way to close the door. I mean he opened it when the flood was over. I see a few possibilities, both of which are comforting. Maybe, the Lord closed the door as a way of letting Noah know, I am with you every step of the way. I am near. Then again, the door could have been too heavy to close. If that were the case, another principle is shown: Do all that you know to do and can do, and trust the rest to the Lord. Either way, we see a God that is personal and powerful.

Do you need to know He is near? He knows the number of hairs on your head and will never leave you nor forsake you.

Do you need to see His power? Do all you know to do and can do and then wait.