Getting Casual

My roommate/running partner and I didn't go running faithfully the past two weeks due to weather and being tired. One morning though, we went running and started with the workouts that we were scheduled to do last week. Our workout that morning was one that we had previously done, and the first time we had done it, it seemed relatively easy. That morning, however, I felt strained and she really had to push me so I could get through it. In addition to the added difficulty, I was also much slower than I had been. As we were talking, she shared with me something that her high school track coach had said, "missing one workout can set you back a whole week." I thought about how true this was as I was plodding up the stairs to our apartment, and I thought about how this concept applies to so many categories of life.

When we don't continue to be faithful in situations,  it's easier to not do that action. Once she and I missed one workout, it was easier to miss two. Once I slept in one day, it was easier not to get out of bed on-time the next day. One we don't soak our heads in the Word one day, it's easier to skip it the next day too!

God says that when we are faithful in little things (like dishes, reading The Word, practicing good hygiene, etc.) we can be given more responsibility to be faithful in much (moving The Word, delivering people from the hands of the wicked, leading God's people, etc.).

Luke 16:10-13

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?  No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 It's so important to not get casual with God or each other but to be faithful to exert the effort. We endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). We walk circumspectly with wisdom (Ephesians 5:15-16). We continue to renew our minds to the Word and get busy serving to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:2). It's hard work, but we get rewarded for doing it (James 1:12, II Timothy 4:7-8)! We faithfully take heed to ourselves and continue in the doctrine that we have been given (I Timothy 4:16).

As we are faithful and don't get casual about doing The Word, we get abundantly blessed and it's easier to remain faithful. We keep the momentum going to go far and fast with our heavenly father!

three blessings

One day, on my lunch break from work, I went to a local buffet (after much indecision on my part) for lunch. Three things really blessed me from this lunch.

The first was that I had been craving a variety of foods, and they were each included in this particular buffet. This particular buffet also gives a 10% discount to my coworkers and I at our particular employer which makes it a better deal than any of the other restaurants that would have had the types of foods I was wanting. That in itself made this an Ephesians 3:20 lunch!

In addition to that, the second thing that really blessed me was that the people working at this particular buffet all wore smiles on their faces. And girl even smiled bigger whenever she saw that there was something for her to do. I even heard her humming joyfully as she cleared dishes and wiped tables! It was such a blessing to see people willing to work and to find joy in it! God created us to be able tot work. Somewhere along the way, many in our culture have become "me-minded" and have decided that work is a bad thing or a burden. God states that we should work and have joy in work.

Romans 12:6-13

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 

 Ephesians 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Colossians 3:17, 23, 24b

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and hte Father by him... and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men...for ye serve the Lord Christ.

 (for more on this, read "Laborers Worthy of Our Hire" by Rev. Gene Bianchi in the most recent Way Mag.)

The third big blessing was that I was able, using my pohone, to read my friend's blog (that's similar to this on, and that actually inspired me to start mine). It was amazing to me that while I was eating lunch by myself at a restaurant on my lunch break, I was able to receive wonderful and simple teachings from God's Word by a friend of mine that lives an 11-hour drive away from me! God's Word is so accessible in our day and time, but God has been ensuring that people have always had access to His magnified Will!

Psalms 19:1, 3, 4

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork... There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard...Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun.

 Hebrews 1:1-2

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets...Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

 Throughout history, God has worked in men and women to ensure that His Word is available to all that need it. It started when God taught Adam, and has yet to stop. He always makes known His Will for His people, and He is always. there. God is so faithful!!!!! He does the real work by making His Word accessible to be known. all we have to do is learn it and do it!

All in all, it was a wonderful lunch...

Part two

Psalm 27:1, 11

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?...Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 

 Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24

O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee....Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

 David trusted God to be his light and for God to discern the way that he should go. David even wrote by revelation how much he trusted God to do this. We can have that same trust in God to tell us what is or isn't right. One of the things that helps us do this in this day and time is leadership. God works in people to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). This is especially true in members of leadership.
Romans 13:1-6, 12-14

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing... The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

 This section clearly states that disciples are to be subject to ministers who are ordained of/by God. Now, this isn't to say that people are perfect just because they are in a leadership position, far from it! The Word says that scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, and correction, not people (II Timothy 3:16). However, when the men and women that have committed their lives to leading and serving God's people give people the rightly divided truth of God's Word, their words hold weight. Regardless of who is speaking the Word, it has weight; God works in people to speak the right words. He works mightily in leadership to see the things that are going on behind the scenes. God sees the heart and motivations of individuals, and he tells leadership when things need to be addressed. The gift ministries were given to the church and are operated by individuals who have made the commitment to make their lives gifts to the church.

Ephesians 4:11-15

And he gave some apostles; ans some prophets; and some evangelists; ans some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a stature of the fulness of Christ. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ;

 The gift ministries are how God ensures that the household continues growing and maturing. Without them, the household is missing an incredibly important part. The impact that these men and women have because of their stands and hearts to give are forever intertwined with their ability to function. Without them functioning, giving, serving and leading, their functioning is null. Without people with which to function, to whom to give, who they could serve and lead, they are unable to contribute to the church, and the body doesn't grow and mature as God designed. People are the members of the body of Christ. Nothing happens without leadership, and the people are necessary for leaders to lead. Leaders stand up for their people and work hard to keep the household clean (free from negative influences and darkness).



Again, this doesn't mean that the people in positions of leadership are perfect, but it does mean that the rightly-divided Word that they speak and apply is. The Word of God is perfect. It is always perfect, regardless of the source. When leadership is acting based on understanding, inspiration or revelation from God, it is important to listen. I have found that this is an invaluable resource that God has made available, and it helps because personal understanding can sometimes be limited and clouded. God gives perspective to leadership as he works in them to will and to do of his good pleasure. God works mightily in mature believers, and men and women that have been called to lead God's people are mature believers within whom God works. The Word works. It discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. The Word is what cuts the crap in life. It's what discerns whether something is good or evil. It's what tells whether something is in or out of the realm of God's will. I know that this was a long series, and that it sounded like I was on a soap box, but this is what I've been working, and what has been on my heart.

a recess...

I've been on a recess from this blog for a while. It's been a crazy and fantastic time seeing God go to work in my life and the life of others. I've been seeing God bless me by opening up a possible new source of employment working with a believer. I've been living my life on the give and have seen God open doors of learning and growth for me and those around me. It's been incredible to see one particular disciple who I have been undershepharding grow in her ability to discern good from bad and right from wrong based on the Word. God has really been making his Word and will apparent. Hebrews 4:12 says:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

When we apply the Word in life's situations, it's easier and easier to see what God's will is in those situations. In Ephesians 1:17-18, Paul prays by revelation for them that God would give them spiritual wisdom and revelations knowledge, that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened and that they would know the hope of the calling and inheritance that they would have in the mystery. We can also have that prayer for ourselves to know the spiritual wisdom and revelation knowledge in life's varied situations, not just as they pertain to our calling or inheritance, but in every aspect of life. We can seek knowledge and allow God to let us know what is the correct choice for us and for others in our life. God can direct our steps by making our way plain.

Psalms 119:104-105

Through thy [God's] precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The Word shines as a light that makes our way plain. It illuminates our lives and gives us insight into choices and situations. God's word also shines light in order to dispel darkness. The first time that we see this is in the beginning of this world. 

Genesis 1:2-4

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

He was able to, just by speaking, dispel the darkness. Just with four simple words (in English at least), God completely dispelled the darkness that was upon the face of the deep. The darkness originated when the angel of light, Lucifer, fell from grace. That cataclysmic event brought the darkness, but God ensures that His light is always available. All that we have to do is flip the switch. How? We go to God.



II Samuel 22:29-35

For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

David looked to God, and God came through for him every time. David screwed up every now and again,  but God was his light and shield.

Psalm 27:1, 11

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?...Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 

 Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24

O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee....Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

 David trusted God to be his light and for God to discern the way that he should go. David even wrote by revelation how much he trusted God to do this. We can have that same trust in God to tell us what is or isn't right.