Ephesians

   Hello faithful readers and welcome to my next entry!!
   As you may know, I've been trying to get up early more consistently in 2014 and I'm not making any promises, but so far it's been good.  I read Ephesians today!
   So a note on "reading the Bible".  Yep, I said it, there it is.  Reading the Bible, like any spiritual discipline likely has some baggage attached to it.  Christians say you should read your Bible, go to church, pray, the list goes on.  I only l say this to acknowledge that I know it's not that easy to read the Bible.  I get it, but that being said, I think Ephesians is a good short letter mostly full of the good news with a few other things.  All in all, a fairly digestible letter (only 6 chapters).  Allow me to summarize what I got out of it today and that will close  this entry.  

The primary message of this letter is two fold:  1) Know, understand, realize, remember your place as a child in God's family.  2) Lead your life from that place.  You are on God's team, He's given you a jersey, so follow in Christ's example and wear it as a dearly loved child of God.  

That's really it, I could (and maybe should) stop, but I got a few more notes/specifics.  If you're interested keep reading, if you don't have the time re-read the highlight above and ponder ;)

Ch 1: This letter is written to the peeps of faith, those that believe, God's people (good to keep in mind as we read the letter).  
Ch 2:  Paul reminds us were we were (far from God, chasing the desires of the flesh) and where God has brought us (into His family, His will, His purpose, His calling, His grace, His peace).  Paul also reminds the reader that God's plan is for everyone in equal share (the Jew and the Gentile alike).  
Ch 3:  One family and endless treasures from God (not earthly, but where the earth and our lives intersect.  See John 10:10).  
Ch 4:  Some ways to lead our life in Gods family (point 2 from the highlight above):  humble, gentle, patient, loving, united, full of peace.  We each have unique gifts from God.  Use them for God.  Quit following your old nature, but life life from your new nature.  Tell your neighbor the truth, we are all one family.  Encourage others with your words.  Kind, tenderhearted and forgiving.  
Ch 5:  Follow Christ's example.  In every situation, answer from WWJD?  Shine the light of Christ.  Thankful to God.  Be careful and intentional in how you live.  Make the MOST of every day living life to the fullest (joy, peace patience, etc.).  Don't waste one day, make every one count.  
Ch 6:  Work hard for your boss as if you are working for God.  Stay alert and pray for Christians everywhere.  

That's it!  Thanks for reading.  I pray that your are encouraged by my words.  
Let me know what you think and enjoy the day (don't forget who you are).  

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

     In the spirit of new years resolutions, here I am with a little word to share with you...

1. Action verses for the New Year
   1. Make the most of each day for the days are evil (Eph 5:15-16)
   2. Whatsoever (whatever) you do to the least of these, that you do unto me (Matt 25:40)
2. Be in the Word (for the New Year)
   1. Repeat it, talk about it all the time, remind self & others (Deut 11:18-21 or 6:7-9)
   2. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto thy path (Ps 119:105)

That's what I got for you today.  :)

     Also, FYI, I do not have an official "new years resolution" but I do have some things I want to do more in 2014.  All related, but in a nutshell, I want to get up earlier more often, spend a little time in the office to center before starting my day (see verses above).  I think that this could lead to many other good and productive things in my life in the New Year.  Feel free to ask me how that's going.  I'd welcome your accountability.  

Sincerely,

Benjamin

Giving it all to God?

   I was pondering this morning and said, "Lord I want to give you 100% and be 100% about your business and not my own."  Then I thought, do I really want to do that?  What am I giving up?  What will I have left if I give it all away?  The Bible says to count the cost before you build right?  So I have a few questions:  1) What will it cost?  2) What will I get?  3)  Is it worth it?  4) Do I want to do it?  5) What does it look like.  All good questions...  Let's ponder...

1) What will it cost?  Now this is a tricky question and it depends on how you measure and see currency.  As an example, if I buy an ATV on Craigslist and pay $3,500 for it, that's a clear transaction.  The cost for the ATV was $3,500.  I gave $3,500 and in return I got an ATV.  My money is gone and in it's place I have an ATV. 
   So what does it cost to give 100% of your life to God?  Well, I have 24 hours a day now and if I give it all to God, I still have 24 hours.  What may be different is my priorities and agenda with those 24 hours, but I still have 24 hours to spend and invest in relationships, ministry, work and life.  For me (and it's a daily process, take up your cross daily) that's pretty much what my life is.  On the one hand, I'd say I've already given my life 100% to God, but on the other hand, I need to remember to do it daily, every day.  So many distractions, temptations, etc. which is why it's a daily process. 
   So what does it cost to give your life 100% to God?  I'd say it's like buying the ATV for $3,500 except...  a) You get the $3,500 back with the ATV and God says, use it wisely my servant.  Give generously.  b) You get a bigger better ATV (like the one you bought, but newer, new tires, EFI, and all the extras).  Yes, that's what it's like when you give 100% to God.  You get it all back plus extra and a spirit of freedom, peace, joy, peace, patience, etc.  Not a bad deal. 

I think we've answered the other 4 questions already:  We get a new better life.  Yes, it's worth it.  Yes, I want to do it.  It looks like fun, freedom, peace, purpose, joy, etc. 

Here's a few verses on the topic:
Mark 10:28-31  ROI for investing in God.
Rom 12:1-2  Giving it all to God
Mark 4:19 = life of distractions.  Mark 4:20 = multiplying the investment
1 Cor 3:10-15  Consider carefully how you build/spend your time
Heb 12:1-3  Run the race, don't be entangled in sin
2 Tim 2:4-6  Don't be entangled in the world's ways, but race and compete...

Col 3:17 & 23  Whatever you do, do it for the Lord (whole chapter is great)

Luke 9:23  Take up your cross daily

Phil 2:3-4  Consider others needs above yourself

Real life practical example:  (rubber hitting the road)  So it just happens to be that I did buy an ATV off Craigslist.  The guy didn't give me my money back.  It's gone.  The guy didn't put a winch on it for free.  It's pretty basic.  BUT I do have a nice ATV which is fun, freeing and has afforded for joy solo (riding around the lake this winter) and with friends (driving through the woods in the summer).  So all in all, I like it and it's a fun toy.  I'm not trying to justify my toy, the point is not the toy (could be any non-necessary excess we Americans indulge in), the point it how we invest our time and our money (the only two things we have).  I've invested some money in an ATV and I invest some time taking care of it and playing on it.  When I'm doing those things (recreation) I'm thankful to God (Eph 5:20) for the ATV and the wilderness and I'm mindful of others (Eph 5:21 & Phil 2:3-4).  In the end it's ultimately between you and God (and whoever you want to share it with along the way). 

Death Bed Wisdom

Got this article from a good friend.  Check it out. 

My request:  Don't read it, say that was nice and then leave unchanged (unless you are living 100% they way you want to).  Rather, apply it.  The time is now...

http://inspirationandchai.com/Regrets-of-the-Dying.html

Grace

Today's topic is grace and I'd like to bring it home.  There's the church definition (ethereal, heavenly, spiritual, etc.) but what does that mean in real life?  What is the real life application?  If we understand and are impacted by grace, how does it impact the lives we lead and the people we interact with?  

I think if the impact of grace fully hits/impacts us, then the second part (how others are impacted by us) will naturally flow.  

Let's start with grace, what it is and how it works.  Let's look at two very familiar Bible stories:  1) woman caught in adultery and 2) thief on the cross.  Note that in both of these stories, there are two main characters: in #1, it's the woman and Jesus.  In #2, it's the thief and Jesus.  So before we get into either story, let me say that grace begins between us (individually) and Jesus (nuff said).  

These two stories are somewhat similar:  Both have a sinner being condemned by society.  In the woman's case, Jesus' words turned the crowd’s thoughts towards their own sin and slowly, one by one, they dropped their accusations (starting with the older ones).  Then, Jesus also, forgave the woman of her sins, and asked her to go, and sin no more.  He forgave her and asked her to stop sinning because He knew that this would be the BEST life for her (see John 10:10).  

This is not in the Bible, but I imagine that if Jesus came through that town 10 more times and was presented with that same woman, caught in that same sin, I'm convinced that Jesus would respond lovingly, "your sins are forgiven, go now, and sin no more".  That my friends, is grace.  

Now, on to the thief:  Unfortunately (from an earthly perspective) the people have already delivered the death sentence to the thief.  He is hanging, bleeding and dying.  Sure, God could have removed him from the cross, healed his wounds and said, "go now and sin no more".  Interestingly enough, the thief, did not even ask for that!  The words the thief chooses are profound and describe what he desires.  Check it out...

³⁹ One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” ⁴⁰ But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? ⁴¹ And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” ⁴³ And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

This my friends is grace.  The first thief is mocking.  The second recognizes his sin and that he deserves to die.  He also recognizes, Jesus' innocence and yet they are both under the same death sentence.  Then, from a place of humility, all he asks is "remember me when You come into Your Kingdom".  In these few words, the thief says that Jesus is King and asks to be remembered.  This thief is saved per Romans 10:9 "If you declare with your mouth 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

OK, so now we got the church definition of grace and we unpacked two familiar Bible stories.  Let's get down to brass tacks:  How does all this church stuff impact how we walk?  I see three main facets:  1) Humbled 2) Justified & 3) Changed.  Both characters in the stories and ourselves (see Rom 3:23) are guilty of sin.  From this place of humility, guilt we are impacted/motivated to go and sin no more (end facet 1).  Now that we have received the free gift of grace (see Eph 2:8) we are justified 100% fully members of God's family, we are confident of our place.  This is a great place to be. We are forgiven, loved and can have peace and joy in life/relationship to God.  So now, to the third facet, how this naturally flows into our lives at work, play, friends, family, etc.  

What we have been freely given, we are to freely give.  Love one another (John 13:35).  In humility, consider others over yourself (Phil 2:3).  Why do you look at the spec in your brother's eye? (Matt 7:3)  We have great power:  If you forgive anyone his sins they are forgiven (John 20:23).  And lastly one reason we don't need to judge and point out others sin is because the Holy Spirit is on it and will do it (see John 16:8). 

So how are you doing?  I’ll leave you with this:  You can tell a tree by it’s fruit (Matt 7:16).  What fruit are you producing?  Can an observer of your life tell that you are saved by grace and distributing love and grace?  What are some tangible ways this is seen?  What evidence is there? 

Second question:  Are you 1) humbled?  2) Justified?  3) Changed?

Stay tuned for our next topic:  Talking about God vs. Talking with God. 

The Wisdom of Aging

   Today we'll explore the various phases of life, how we learn, change & grow.  Lots here that can apply to every phase of life (they overlap significantly).
   There are 5 phases of aging:

1) Training
2) Apprentice
3) Pursuit/Establishment
4) Wisdom in living
5) Final years

   1) Training (roughly birth through 22 yrs) is probably the most critical phase since it establishes the platform for the rest of life.  These are the formative years where we learn potty training, how to share, who we are, what's good/bad.  If our parents/society/college were successful we graduate this phase of life with the problem solving skills to make good choices. 
   2) Apprentice (roughly 22 though 27, but possibly 35 or the rest of your life):  These years start when the young (~22) individual truly enters the real world.  Probably includes a first "real" job (might call it the start of a career?).  The main characteristic of this phase is a steep learning curve.  Generally speaking, one example is the new college graduate.  They've got the degree, but little to no real experience.  In those first few years, they usually put things together at a quick pace.  Note:  this phase can be repeated with a significant life/job change.  
   3) Pursuit/Establishment (roughly 25-35, but can be significantly different):  This one ties back to training (our values) and what society tell us (values).  We're adults so we choose (to some degree) what values we embrace or discard.  At a minimum, most individuals establish a home (apartment, house, etc.) and a routine.  Some individuals establish a family (I'm not an expert on that, but I hear it's a pretty big undertaking (smile)).
   There is a key choice during this phase which dictates how long it lasts.  If you subscribe to materialism (more is better) and the american dream (I'll be happy if I'm always upgrading cars, houses, cabins, etc.) this could be a very long phase of life.  If you are content with less and focused differently this phase can be shorter.
   Before we get to the 4th phase (Wisdom in living), let's talk about the 1st Enlightenment:  This is a milestone that typically is realized between 30 & 40 yrs.  It may occur in Phase 3 or 4.   1st Enlightenment can be many things, but in a nutshell it is realizing our mortality in a more profound way which leads to many things:  different perspective on time, money, things, people, relationships, family, etc.  It can lead to a true purpose, vision or a calling.
   4)  Wisdom in living (roughly 35 to 65 years):  This is the longest phase we've discussed so far.  Hopefully there's some sense of arrival.  You've been through training and the fast learning of the apprentice phase.  During your pursuit/establishment phase you've established ____, ____ & _____.  Hopefully you've had your 1st enlightenment which will guide you during this phase.  Another way to think of the "wisdom in living" phase is to "keep on keeping on".  We practice, test things, grow, apply our growth, try again, try new directions.  As you can imagine, this phase can have ups, downs and significant changes of course.  Keep on keeping on (smile).
   5) Final years & 2nd Enlightenment (roughly 65 to 100 (expiration)):  For today, I'll disregard finances & health and assume they are both non-factors which isn't the case, but to keep it simple...  With 65+ years of experience and the world politics, economics & technology changing faster than ever, you now have TIME and the world at your finger tips.  Not that you didn't accomplish and achieve great purposeful things in your first 65 years, but now you are financially free (asssumed healthy) but generationally set apart.  Your kids are in one of the aformentioned phases and your grandkids are in training.  So now what?!
   So many paths from here, but the one thing remains constant in every phase of life is here too:  Time and Money (the currency of life).  Money is easier so we'll start with it...   Make sure your money outlasts you, not the other way around.  Plan for when you are gone to maximize the money that they (your kids or favorite charity) will get.  Money is for spending and you can't take it with you.  Spend it on good investments that build and provide a return:  education, the young, charity, family, friends, start a foundation, invest in yourself (a trip, seminar, etc.), invest in others (contribute to someone elses phase of life).
   Now on to time, the harder of the two...  Actually it's not harder because the answer is the same!!  Spend it on good investments that build and provide a return:  education, the young, charity, family, friends, start a foundation, invest in yourself (a trip, seminar, etc.), invest in others (contribute to someone elses phase of life). 
   Write a book, teach a seminar (see note 1), but whatever you do with your time and money, make sure it's after your 2nd Enlightenment:  Its not about you, your establishement or accomplishments.  It never was!  True enlightenment is to die to yourself daily.  To pick up your cross daily.  Not in the hopes that there will be enough left over for you at the end, but to be poured out completely, empty yet lacking nothing because you need nothing.  Difficult to maintain this place of freedom, peace and contentment in a society that screams otherwise, but it can be done and its up to YOU!

THANKS FOR READING!!!!

Note 1:  Teaching from the "final years" phase can be difficult.  Relevancy will escape you and if you do not adjust accordingly two things will happen:  your audience won't get it and you will get frustrated.  Similar to Nicodemus' question to Jesus "how can a man be born again when he is old?" you must delve into the prior phases, but not from your past, but from people's current experience (this may involve becoming a student yourself!  It will be a roller coaster.).  Learn and teach, but above all else put on love (see Col 3:14 and 1 Cor 13).

Discussion Questions (for individual or group reflection):
1) What phase are you currently in?  What happened good or bad in previous phases that is making the road challenging or easy? 
2) From your story, what would you add or change to the 5 phases listed above?
3)  Have you had your 1st enlightenment?  What was it?  How is it impacting your day to day?  How do you practically incorporate it into life?  Can you give examples?
4)  Same question for 2nd enlightenment.
5)  Can you steal things from future phases and apply them in your current phase?  Why or why not? 
6)  What was one nugget or item that stuck out to you as you read/reflected on these topics?
7)  What are you going to try to do differently in the future?  How will you apply this? 

I'll be "home" for Christmas?

Will you be "home" for Christmas?  This word "home", where is it anyway?  How do we get there?  Should we stay there?  I've heard "home is where the heart is".  Is that true?  Where is your "home"?

I'm going to define "home" as  that comfortable, safe place.  Where we are content, we have perspective.  Home is where you are accepted, just as you are.  No striving, just peace.  You may not have everything you want (or think you need) but you are content.  In fact, home to you might be a place of thankfulness. 

Now that we have a definition, let me ask:  When was the last time you were home?  When were you last in that place of peace?  How long did you stay?  What was it that took you away from "home"?

For me, places where I'm home include with my wife, in my home office or in the outdoors.  Another "home" for me is when I pause, take a deep breath and let it out slowly.  It's amazing the perspective I can regain by taking a 15-20 second break.  Another place where I'm home is blogging.  When I take time to think, reflect, process & share.  Yep, I'm home right now.  (smile)

What places are "home" to you? 

In contrast, what places are less homelike?  Where or when are you when it is less homelike?

What do we do (or not do) to be and stay home?  Where do we go (physically or emotionally) or not go to stay "home"?

More questions than words in today's Blog.  I'll leave you with this closing thought...

STAY HOME.  BRING HOME WITH YOU.  GIVE YOUR HOME AWAY. 

Yes, stay home, keep your self in that place.  Bring that place with you everywhere you go and give away your home, your peace, contentment, thanks, acceptance.  You may find that you have a VERY BIG home indeed. 

Additional Reading:  Col 3:1-4  Set your mind on the things and priorities above, where your true home is.  Matt 6:10  May your Kingdom come, here on earth, in my life, work, relationships.  Home is big.  Very very BIG. 

Application:  The holidays are coming up.  Right around the corner.  Sometimes homecoming can be stressful or anxious.  Try to bring your home with you and keep it and share it.