Count 'em! part 1

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

"...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:17


Shot goes up and before the ball even descends through the orange hoop and white strings the person next to me predicts "Count 'em!"

Kicker kicks the pig skin and after only a second in the air a nearby fan celebrates "It's good!"


Too soon to call it? Not for these individuals evidently.

I am a sports fan of sorts. I love to cheer for the players but I know little of the skill or rules of the game be it football, basketball, baseball, etc. What I love most about sports are the win or loose plays when everyone is stressed out and the joy of a hard earned well deserved win...for my team!

You wanna see corporate prayer? Go to a game where the win is uncertain and watch the fans, watch the parents of the players, watch the team even. You wanna hear encouragement and praise? Be on the sideline with some true die hard fans rallied together for their team!

Recently, in prayer, the thought came to me "Count 'em."

I was petitioning God on behalf of someone else, interceding, concerning something crucial and something in me just wanted to know 1) that He heard my prayers and 2) that He was going to act. It was a situation I had to trust God in because it was outside of my ability to act physically other than to open my mouth, bend my knees and pray!

So regarding my prayers I was reassured to "Count 'em."

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16b

Looking back I can see that my presence in that crisis was not as useful as my prayers regarding that crisis.

It was my job to be the fan on the sideline speaking faith..."It's good!"
It was my position to let the team play and to cheer them on in the natural and in the spirit.

When things are looking bad it is so good to have someone on your side that has both the faith to speak life and the corresponding actions to support that faith. When the game of life is close it is time out for so called fans with their eyes closed tight begging "please, please, please" to an unknown god and who are too scared to look at what is going on with you...you need someone who will stare down that goal, that thing you are aiming for, and with conviction agree with you "It's good."

Enjoy your day!
Hungry Disciple
Hungry Church copyright 2010

Why

"Because I said so!" is viewed as the dreaded impasse and end of discussion between parent and child. Now-a-days this is viewed as poor parenting. Right or wrong, say what you will, the best of us want to, and do, draw that line at some point in life. Be it with a child, employee, or some other individual who is just not in agreement with us!

In my last blog "Why Not?", I said I would share a scripture that helps me regroup when I am doubting God's promises!

Maybe you are familiar with:
Why...God why...A question of despair.

Or, Why me?...How unfair of the universe to treat me, of all people, like this.

The child's why of curiosity and discovery.

Or, the Why on earth (excuse me)...Why on God's green earth of utter dismay.

My favorite why is more like saying, "Remind me again." Why I chose this path. Why I decided to say no to _____ and yes to Jesus. What was I hoping for? -So back to the helpful scripture.

Psalm 145:16 (NIV) reads: "You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." When I first truly discovered this verse I was in a "Why God why? / Why not?" funk. Loving as He is my answer was, "I open My hand and I satisfy you."

He shut down my sulking and nagging and wandering in a sobering and fatherly way. His Word beckons to me "Because I said so", and I am so taken by the love of those words from Him that they don't resemble earthly impasse and end of discussion. Like a trusting child, I have no cause to second guess the authority of those words. With God there is no "Do as I say, not as I do!" We can accept His final answer to our every need and His revealed approval and commitment to act! He is Righteous. He is Sovereign. He is a good Daddy! And as we do as He says we access what He does.

His words say, "Trust." They say, "Forget everything that is outside of Me and My hand. Look here, here, here." They say, "Have faith, have hope,keep going, don't settle, and try me. WHATEVER you need I've got it! Me! Me! ME!"

"I am Why!"


Hungry Disciple
copyright Hungry Church 2010

Why Not?

Read James 1:2-8


If I am making a decision and the thought "Why not?" comes to me here are two things I have learned. One, I have learned that in the process of time if that thing I was pondering was not the best choice I will eventually get one if not many answers to my own question! The answers scream "here is why not" and I reach a place where Experience has taught me what I once was uncertain of.

Second, as a result of Experience, I personally look at the question "Why not?" as a dare, and even an indication of doubt. Even what James refers to as the double mind. So now when I have that thought or someone approaches me saying "why not" it is a warning. Again, I said personally...

Learning what you don't want gives you an appreciation for what you really do want. However, sometimes we cannot predict the ramifications of just seeing what may happen, or just trying something out. "What is the worst that could happen?"----terrible position to willingly put ourselves in...If you have ever asked that and then found out the worst is the worst and then some...beyond what you probably bargained for and Experience has ultimately taught you not to preface choices in that way again, right?

Many times the "why not" comes up when we feel we are working God's plan and it doesn't seem to be working. Pressure and deadlines are key players too. Haven't had that baby I want yet so why not... Haven't seen the return on tithing yet so why not...Haven't felt that feeling I had when we first got married so why not...

Instead of having to take the hard knocks of learning why I should not make certain choices I refer to lists that remind me of the outcomes I really want and then go into deliberations on whether or not that thing I am thinking "Why not?" about is going to be beneficial in getting me there. No, it is not always easy to agree to the best thing especially when you do not know what the best thing is. Plus, having my free will makes me human not robotic even to the revealed will of God.

Do you have a 1, 3 or 5 year plan, a list of dreams, a list of scriptures you refer to when praying for specific things, or a list of promises God has made to you from His Word and in prayer?

Recently my Pastor reminded me to check my values and to stay clear of making decisions lead by my emotions. I revisited my values and I even was reminded of some promises in line with those values. As a result, the fog and division over the decision I was making became clear that I was dealing with fog and division not revelation, wisdom or the like. So once I dealt with that I was able to make a value choice; a wise choice. I am glad that wise counsel from actually a multitude of counselors has kept me safe rather than sorry more times that I can name.

The double mind in James does not produce the double blessing of Job. If you are tempted internally with a "why not" choice today turn it out of you and away from actions you have not made yet while there is still time. Ask God to give you wisdom and in that it is very likely you will get free answers with peace instead of paying precious pieces of your life to Experience to teach you!

Next blog will be "Why?" and I will share a scripture that helps me regroup when I am doubting God's promises!


Enjoy your day!
Hungry Disciple
copyright 2010 Hungry Church

Change can be good

Read 2Peter 1:3-11

A huge part of discipleship is taking on a new way of going about things we do naturally. The things we take in our gates (eyes, ears, mouths) and the things we allow out of our gates (eyes, ears, mouths). In my opinion this is as much an undertaking as becoming a theologian or bible scholar! (Comment if you must...) and maybe the more detrimental to our success as disciples! If the scripture points out nothing else it screams that our spiritual habits (divine natures) are linked to our natural habits.

I remember lying was markedly difficult for me to continue to do as a new convert but boy could I tell 'em before! With very little guilt... (Incidentally, I can judge when I am off course in my walk when I find myself lying now. I know I need to do some soul searching.) But telling the truth had to replace telling lies because I could not stand the conviction I felt as a consequence. (Incidentally, I find conviction to be an indicator of God's love for me, our relationship, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life as opposed to fear of the "fiery flames of hell".)

Make a plan for change and stick to it.

Sometimes we talk ourselves out of change because we think it is impossible because we have been doing something for so long.

For example, I have a new habit now of sneezing into my arm instead of into my hand. I think I learned to sneeze and cough into my hand (if no tissue was available) over 20 years ago! It is weird that it only took about three or four weeks to make the switch, and now I can't hardly imagine why I ever did the other. Albeit, when my arm is bare I am still a little hesitant and it is harder to wash the bend of your arm than your hand in a public restroom. Still, it seems like a better idea and time will tell if we are decreasing the risk of spreading our "germs" to others by making the change.

Change is not always comfortable.

Another new thing for me is remembering that I do not have to designate if I prefer non-smoking seats in a restaurant. Just indicating how many are dining will do. It feels like an important part of the initial intro of me and my party to the hostess and the restaurant is not there anymore and it has unnerved me like an awkward pause or elevator ride with strangers. The intro used to break the ice. "Three, non-smoking please...". I miss that but the change, again, is potentially great for health purposes.

A good accountability partner on your road to to change can help you add to your faith...if even to be a safe place for mistakes.

Social consequences and and rewards are good motivators too. How goofy do I feel when the host or my daughter reminds me that I don't need to say "non-smoking" anymore. But there is also the opportunity to reward myself (internally pat myself on the back) for remembering not to ask. No, it doesn't always take much for me.

A good accountability partner will always point you back to your goals (add to your faith goodness, to goodness knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, ...love)

For the person struggling with making the switch or breaking the old habit just think about what the CDC did. They put change in our faces. Posters and even trainings with pictures to learn a new way to catch a sneeze or cough. Find a way to see the change before it happens. Post pictures of your own of the goals you desire. Give your eyes an opportunity to take it in. I find having my own scriptural based affirmation and confession gives me spiritual change I can hear before I see it and I confess aloud with my mouth, repeatedly who I aim to be.

2 Peter 1:3a His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life...

or

His divine power has given me everything I need for godly life!

As easy or hard as it comes, as welcome or unwelcome as it may be change can be good!

Enjoy your day,
Hungry Disciple

Resources

Last night I unplugged my computers and printers, etc. because of the storm. This morning I went to put everything back like it was and tried to go online and couldn't.
Quick on the draw as I am I grabbed a paperclip and bent it (or unbent it...) to resolve the matter. "Reset the modem." I thought.

Seconds before I went poking around in the back of my modem the red light indicators started flashing and in a few more seconds they turned green. Thus, here I am blogging!

What have I learned?

I needed patience.
Resourcefulness comes second nature and I, for one, am very quick to "find a way fast". I may not have done any harm in this particular situation...but the solution was already on the way, so to speak. Pre-programmed, if you will. No need for my quick wit. Allowing the system time to come back online was more than likely a quicker fix than me resetting it.


Similar problems may have very different solutions.
As soon as I saw the problem I thought back to what I did some other time and thought "I know what to do." but that solution was for another problem. Same equipment, but still a different problem. Not this one.

This may sound silly, but Give God a Second!
Even today before you whip out your "paper clip" and go to your problems to fix them...pause. Pray. Is there something "pre-programmed" in God's mind that He wants to show you?

Look at what seems to be the same old issue with new eyes.
Chances are the issue has changed but you have not. Look again.

Also, it is a tragedy when we won't allow something (or someone) to be better because we are comfortable with it being broken. Sometimes it makes us feel good to provide temporary maintenance without permanent solutions. To feel needed or helpful.

Need me to clarify? The person who does not feel needed when people don't come to them with their problems. The person who doesn't have much to talk about when life is good for you but has lots to say otherwise. And Lord forbid the car repair person who makes work for themselves that was not there when you took your car in...I digress, but catch my drift?

Our resources are both earthly and heavenly. God has a part and so do we. For the person who prides his or herself on their own resourcefulness I challenge you to let God in the little things. Give Him a second. And then a minute...And so on, and so on. It is a great way to begin to see His providence in everything.

Enjoy your day!

Hungry Disciple
copyright 2010

This bread is my flesh…(John Chapter 6)

"It's raining cats and dogs."
"I'm in a pickle."
"Talk to the hand!"

I have enjoyed teaching my youngest daughter the meanings to many phrases we use in
our American culture, especially expressions that are "figures of speech". She is very literal and her reactions to some of these very colorful expressions can be comical!

The quick look up to check for cats and dogs falling overhead.
The cross look and wag of disagreement to assure me there were no pickles around and I definitely was not in one.

...And the AHA moment at the unveiling of those terms.

Her literal take on speech is a characteristic of Autism. The newly "discipled" or "un-discipled" may encounter expressions of scripture in much the same way my daughter encounters similes and metaphors. Odd? Yes, but only until unveiled.

"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread that comes down from heaven, which people may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6:47-51 TNIV

Eternal life sounds good. Never dieing sounds good, but pump the brakes..."This bread is my flesh"! Um, things a crazed, cannibal might say? Hardly. Yet these very words, to this day, stump the intellects of those both wanting to understand and follow the teachings of Jesus and those who desire to discredit the teachings of Jesus.

Admittedly, breaking down figures of speech for my daughter causes me to have to pick
things apart that I just say out of habit..."that means a very heavy rain, this means I am in a difficult situation". Likewise, the habit of Christian rhetoric causes me to pause at this moment of discussing how Jesus flesh is bread.

..."This bread is my flesh". Not so much "a hard teaching/ saying" once your spirit gets it. Jesus satisfies our spiritual needs like bread satisfies our physical needs. The miracle of the fish and barley loaves (John 6:11) occurred not long before Jesus announced Himself as The Bread of Life (John 6:35). People following Him may have wanted more bread literally; however, Jesus knew the best He could offer them was Him.

In Exodus (ch. 16), manna fell from heaven in the wilderness. This food sustained the Israelites natural lives. It was from God. As great a miracle as manna was and as great a miracle feeding thousands was still the greater miracle, wonder, and marvel stood before them in the flesh. The best thing (before or) since sliced bread!

Isaiah 55:2a says "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does
not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good..." What's good you ask? "...my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.", He answers.

Why not just say what He means? Didn't He? Yet, sometimes a great way to get
someone to hear something is to help them experience it with their other senses. Jesus imagery rang the figurative dinner bell to the masses as if to shout "Come and get it!" He might as well have turned on the "Hot Now" light to which most scratched their heads..."How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

"Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me." In this case you are who you eat. As food is to natural life Jesus is to spiritual life. Hungry for food? Eat bread. Hungry for spiritual food? Eat the true bread.

How do I eat the true bread? What do I hear between the lines in John Chapter 6?

I Look to the Son and believe in Him.
(The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing...)
I Come to Him as I am enabled to.
(Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.)
I Believe in Him
(Very truly I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life.)
I Know Him.
(The Son of Man, the son of Joseph)
I Learn from Him
(They will all be taught by God.)
I Follow Him.
(Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.)

It's all right there plain as day. The true bread is edible, full of Spirit and life. Let's eat 'till we pop! ...Or, as I would clarify for my daughter, 'till we are having and enjoying life to the fullest!


(c)Hungry Disciple

All scriptural references taken from The Holy Bible, Today's New International Version

Enjoy your day

Initial blog test-

Enjoy your day.

Signed,
Hungry Disciple