Payday Musings

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:6‭-‬8 NIV

It's payday so I was paying bills...fun times. As I was writing checks and balancing the checkbook I stopped for a moment to thank God that we have wonderful jobs so that we can pay our bills. He's provided the wisdom to balance our budget and save for things we need. I also thanked him for our home and incredibly low mortgage payment. Most people don't even pay rent that low!

Then I proceeded to file an application for our daughter for financial aid for school. It's worth a shot, right?

If I gave into the flesh I probably would not have had a very good reaction to paying the bills or to the fact that we probably won't get financial aid for college. Why? Because I wouldn't have the peace thar comes with living in God's spirit. With him in my heart I know he will give the wisdom we need to make good choices and we can trust him to help our daughter pursue her dreams of a college degree. My heart sings knowing he will take care if us no matter what the balance is in our checking account. Money may make the world go round but God creates the world and put it into motion. So why should I worry when the creator has me in his hand?

Live by the spirit, live forever. Live by the sword and flesh, die by the sword and be forever separated from God.

I Need Webster

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:5‭-‬6 NIV

I conducted a day-long training event today. When I read this verse this morning I thanked God for the reminder and asked for his wisdom as I delivered the presentations. After six hours of teaching and answering questions, I was pleased with how the training went. As I was leaving the room one of the attendees stopped me. He said, "I like you so I say this to help you. It's pronounced 'cognitive' as in cognition. Everyone says it differently but I wanted to pull you aside rather than correct you in front of everyone."

Well after I recovered what was left of my pride....and stifled the biggest laugh I've ever felt coming on....I reminded him that we've also been pronouncing the word 'status' wrong for decades! He agreed and said that I was doing so well until I said cognitive wrong and I then lost all credibility.

I couldn't really do anything but say thanks. I mean what else can you say when you make such a horrible awful mistake in butchering the English language like that?

Lucky for us God doesn't find fault because we ask him for wisdom or discernment, even when we pronounce the words wrong. I think God would accept our praise and prayers regardless of the language, which by the way we use the word regardless wrong all the time. But I digress. God won't sit through you're PowerPoint and find fault with it. He won't point out your grammatical mistakes. He won't bring up the time you got tongue tied while talking or that last presentation where you mixed up the words. He's there to help you over those hurdles. He gives generously. Let him.

Now, go Google cognitive. You know you want to.

The Perfect Advocate

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1‭-‬2 NIV

If you were to find yourself in a tenuous situation the first thing I bet you would do is find someone to help you. Someone to speak on your behalf, who believes in you and trusts that you are on the right side. And even if you were wrong they still trust you want to make things right. I am blessed enough to have not just one advocate but several.

We also have Jesus who prays for us and pleads to the father on our behalf. I bet there's not an attorney anywhere who can negotiate like Jesus can! No matter how many times we mess up or act like only silly humans can, Jesus will be there to fight for us.

Flesh and Spirit

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Galatians 5:16‭-‬17 NIV

The hubby and I were just talking about this today. I am about to embark in a new job which is still somewhat in the field I've been in but I will miss the community I have grown to love. But in order for me to grow I need to move on. It's what's best for my family because it's not about me. It's about our future and what we want out of life. It's not about me. It's about where God wants me in preparing me for my future with him. It's not about mr. It's about preparing my children to chase their dreams. It's not about me.

Because me is flesh and the flesh cannot co-exist with the spirit. I must die to myself and live for God. That is how we ensure our eternity with him. I must die to myself so that I don't desire what the flesh desires. I think that's why as we get older material things mean less and less because we see the value in time.

God sees the value in us. Don't let what you want taint his view. Want after God and he will give you your desires. It's a win-win. Because remember: it's not about you.

Do I Have To?

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:35‭-‬36 NIV

Boy isn't this the hardest thing to do? How can you possibly have mercy on those who would do you harm? Who want to see you fail? Who laugh at your misfortune? Or worse...pretend to like you then spread lies about you. Be merciful? Love them? Come on. Jesus cannot be serious.

Oh but he is. What makes it harder still is that when we actually accomplish this type of heroic feat, we expect worldly rewards. But read again what he says about that: you will be children of the most high. That's your reward. To be a child of God. This means your reward is eternity with him if you truly have him in your heart.

We will all live to see someone reap a reward they didn't earn while we struggle and get no where. Our hope lies not in earthly goods or comforts but in knowing our eternity is secure. We have hope for a future they won't have unless they change. We do not fear physical defeat or death yet they live and die by the sword.

Our best answer is to heed Jesus' words and to pray for those who persecute us. For in doing so he fills our hearts with love for them that goes beyond human capacity for understanding.

Love for Puppies

But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5‭-‬6 NIV

It would take a while to unpack the simple statement of "live as Jesus did." I think we can safely say that he lived with love for his fellow man. A love that transcended their station, their age, their ethnicity, and their past. He operated with the intent of actively loving every person he came in contact with. He didn't live his life looking for glory or praise. He simply loved.

What if we operated like that? I have seen it in action. I hope that I have  exhibited it at some point. I witnessed it in no small portion this week as people put their love in action to help find a lost puppy a home. They didn't have to. They could have ignored the ask for help. But they opened their hearts to help because of love. Good, honest love and kindness for a fellow living creature.

Live in love and love for all. Live as Jesus lived.

The Master Craftsman

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 NIV

In my work I have created items such as manuals, policies, processes and more. I did research, worked with my team and we ended up with a good product. One that we trust and know inside and out. My husband built a deck in our back yard as well as a fire pit and some benches. He created those with his hands. He trusts the work and knows exactly what it's made of and what they can do.

I'm sure you have created things in your life and I bet you're proud of them. You know them, you trust them and they are a part of you.

So can you imagine how much pride God takes in each and everything he creates? He doesn't bring anything into existence without a specific purpose. He takes great care to carefully craft each line, corner, curve and trim. Everything has a unique purpose and he makes sure he makes it to fit that purpose. He took great care to create you and you...every curve, flaw, perfect feature or sassy attitude....he made you exactly like he needed you to be for his glory.

Revel in God's creation, including yourself.

The Peacemaker

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1‭-‬3 NIV

I fancy myself a peacekeeper, not the Colt 45 type, but a peacemaker of sorts. I passed on my quasi abilities to my older daughter who is so much braver than I am. She is the Colt 45 original peacekeeper. She has no time or energy for squabbles, fusses, or shenanigans. She speaks up, clears it up and then moves on. I marvel at how she has honed her ability over the years. I play-act at being a peacekeeper most of the time. She's the real thing.

But why shouldn't she be brave? If she's speaking in love, and handling things with humility and gentleness, she is abiding by the words in this verse. She knows that as adults we need to leave the antics to the kids who are still working out their place in the chain. But even children can be peacekeepers. She was. She was the one friend who didn't put up with "I won't be your friend if you talk to her" nonsense. And that happens in the adult world, all too often I'm afraid. We treat each other with disdain as if we all can't occupy the same general space in peace and unity.

This is what we are charged with. It takes time to learn this skill so of god has blessed you with the peacekeeper skill, please use them with humility.  We need people like you. Blessed are the peacekeepers.

Go Around

My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness. Isaiah 26:9 NIV

This morning while teaching some of our junior green and blue belts, I gave instructions on how to run the obstacle course. I told them to go around one of the blockers and watch out for others crossing their path. I was teaching them to be aware of their surroundings and to adjust quickly to avoid collision. Well, turns out they didn't quite understand the phrase 'go around'. They did everything but go around.  I don't know how many times we kept telling them to no good end.

Afterwards, I sat them down and explained the meaning of go around and why it's important. At some point in their life they will have to go around something to get where they want to go. Going through an obstacle may not be safe,  and you certainly can't occupy the same physical space as another person. It was a lecture of sorts, my version of judgement I guess.

I hope they heard me. Repetition breeds familiarity so we will work on it again next time. And as they learn we will make it harder so they can hone their skills. This is how they learn the right way to do a drill or obstacle course or a form.

God works the same way. We can learn his word and hone our skills or his judgement comes to correct us. Then we learn what's right and move on. I'd rather get it right the first time but we don't always have that luxury. Praise be that God's judgement is meted out with love. Just like I love those kids. We'll get it next time.

Cats and Dogs

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 NIV

I think some days this doesn't apply....especially when you have cats. You give them food, water, shelter, play toys, clean potties and love. What do you get in return? Cold stares that could wear down a rock. Yep, cats are aloof mythical creatures I will never understand. You will never get back what you put into loving a cat.

Now a dog is a different story. You can ignore them and they still come running. The more you love, the more they love.

But we aren't animals. We have eternal souls, the intent of which we are judged by. God sees our hearts. We can give a million dollars but if we give it to get attention or undue gain, then it's as though we didn't give it at all. God doesn't see the amount. He sees the intent of the heart.

Give with all you have and with a happy heart. For even farmers know you reap what you sow.

Sith and Jedi

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 NIV

When I read this verse I hear Yoda as he's training Luke on Degobah. "Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter." Rocks are only heavy if we think they are. We can move things with our mind. Well, ok that may be a stretch, but Yoda's teachings are proven within this verse. The battle between light and dark, good and evil, the Jedi and the Sith. It's a battle that's been waging long before humans arrived and will wage in the heavens long after we're gone.

We only think that we need help with bullies and people who would rather spit on you then talk to you. But it's not them that we must battle. We pray for them and lift their souls to heaven and let God work in their hearts. Money is not our problem. The love of it is and it's not about the money buy about our priorities. The broken down car is not the issue but the faith we have that God will provide the way to fix it.

The battle is not ours to fight. Lift it to God and let him fight. Do not give in to anger and hate for they lead to suffering. Yes, Yoda also knows this. Let God win.

Hilltops

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 NIV

One minute you're up, the next you're down. Humans are a fickle bunch and there's no way to know where the wind will blow them next. You've probably met one or two people in your lifetime who were truly people with dark souls. No matter what anyone did or said, they were negative, rude, angry and vindictive. As a Christian you would probably have pity on them, but more so you would be sad because you know their soul is lost. You shined as bright as you could but nothing changed them.

But I bet what you didn't know was how you changed those around you who were watching your actions. This is your hill top. People are watching you, especially if they know you are a professing Christian. They want to see what you will do in a crisis or tough situation.

Pray. This is where the pray without ceasing comes in handy. An open line of communication with god. But it doesn't happen overnight. It comes from time spent daily in reading and in prayer. You are the light on the hill. Lead others by shining brightly in all you do.

This Little Light

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NIV

The verses before this talk about lighting a candle. When you light a candle you don't hide the light, you let it shine on the whole house. It brings to my mind the song from my childhood, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." (Excuse me a moment while I sing the song...). While we don't want to brag about all the great stuff we do, we should shine through our actions and interactions with others. If your integrity is tight, you have nothing to fear. Your reputation will speak for itself.

There are some people though who want to hide your light. They don't want you to shine and it's sad and disheartening because you wish them no harm. You just want to love them like God has commanded we do. But they don't accept it. It's then you have to let them go. They may eventually know how you really are but that's not your battle. Your duty is to shine that light. Keep re-lighting it if it goes out. Surround yourself with others that can light it for you. Read God's word and spend time in prayer. Keep your light strong.

In this others will see and you will shine brightly for God.

Party Cakes

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 1 John 4:20 NIV

Watching Cake Boss, there was an episode where a New York socialite wanted to impress the rich, beautiful people and make her entry onto the social scene. She wanted an over the top cake using about $30 million...yes million...dollars worth of diamonds as decoration on the cake. Can anyone say liability? It turned out very pretty but once you took the diamonds off it was just a plain, white cake. She went through an awful lot of trouble just to get people like and accept her.

As a Christian I am charged with the first commandment to love God, and with the second commandment, to love my neighbor. I am only an empty vessel if I don't channel God's love to all those I meet, whether they like me or not and whether I like them. I am charged to love them. Period. They aren't supposed to impress me or bribe me. I should show them God's love, God's agape love.

I will strive every day to follow this commandment because I do truly love God and I don't need bribes to do so. But if you happen to throw a party with a $30 million dollar cake, I'm in!

Comfort Zone

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. Mark 8:34‭-‬35 NIV

Keeping the status quo is a safe way to go. You know what you have and what you can do. Life is mostly predictable. There are little to no surprises. What you have you have and will always have. There is comfort and peace in it.

The problem with this way of thinking is that you never grow. Growing can hurt. It's unpredictable and has an element of risk. But unless you move forward you will never gain ground.

As Christians we must realize God has a bigger plan. It's not about us, so if we want to serve him as we should, we have to trust him and unlearn what we have learned. We can no longer play it safe. We must operate outside our comfort zone and be willing to take the risk that comes with it. It's then that we will have true fellowship with him and understand what eternity really means.

We don't need the skills, just the will. Step outside.

Peek-A-Boo

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

Today was our granddaughter's first birthday. We went to her party and then stayed a little while since they live four hours away. After her bath we were playing and she started to do peek-a-boo. It was adorable of course. She'd tuck her head down then pop up and start giggling. She'd cover her eyes then move her hands away so we could see her. It was pure joy watching and interacting with her.

This simple child's game illustrates the attitude we should have towards God. We can't see God if we cover our eyes and act like he can't see us either. He is always there. We just have to be brave enough to look through our pain and shame. When we do we will discover he is there waiting. Just like I was there waiting for R to uncover her eyes. She found me and she always will be able to.

God's there waiting; we must be willing to look for him.

OJB, NIV, and KJV

Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:10 NIV

I discovered today that the Bible app now has a feature where you can compare verses in different Biblical versions. And there are many versions to choose from. I like NIV, but I prefer a good old KJV. Today I looked at another version that I'd never heard of, the Orthodox Jewish Bible. It's so cool. You get to see the Jewish origins of certain words.

Today's text includes the word "love". We think of love in a human way...flawed, conditional and fragile. But the word love in this verse in the OJB version is "agape", the love of God. Not just any love, God's love. Pure, holy, unconditional and strong. That's the love we are to have for others, loving them as God does, so much that he gave his son to die for them. Pure love, no strings attached. We are to love God first and then love others. Jesus said this is the greatest commandment.

Agape love. Knowing God's love for me is that strong I wonder how I can ever doubt him. I dont really, I just get lost sometimes. But his unending and patient agape love that draws me back.

Imagine what we could do as a human race if we loved each other like that.

Door No. 3

For your ways are in full view of the Lord , and he examines all your paths. Proverbs 5:21 NIV

We know that God sees through any face we put on for others. He sees our heart and knows our true intentions. Nothing can be hidden.

I'm focused on the part about where he examines all your paths. There are many paths your life can take, and does. Faced with choices about which way to go, which job to take, which house to buy (or rent), to get married or stay single, a person could go crazy trying to figure out which way to go. I mean it's not like God writes it out in the sky (but wouldn't that be cool?). So how do we know which way God wants us to go? What if there are two doors, or four or ten? If you choose the wrong one is it like a game show and you walk away with the consolation prize?

I don't know the answer which is why I'm asking the universe. Maybe we will never know. Maybe we are supposed to use our brains and figure it out on our own. All I know is when faced with a choice if you don't make one, life makes it for you and then all you have is a token called missed opportunity.

God knows and thankfully he's also forgiving and gracious.

Gods Ninjas

Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. Proverbs 13:6 NIV

Honesty. Integrity. Perseverance. Self control. Humility. These are a few of the tenets we teach in martial arts. The physical training is only one part of being a martial artist. In fact, I'd say the physical is probably only ten percent of the effort you put in. The remaining part is your mind set. Without the proper mentality your physical training will be for nothing. Train your mind to react properly and in a controlled manner to the world around you. Sense when something isn't right and be strong enough to walk away. Be confident in your abilities to let nothing sway you from your beliefs. These are all hallmarks of a student of martial arts. The longer you train, the better you get but you have to put the time in.

You've probably seen an action movie or two where the good guy is calculated and controlled. The bad guy is just swinging away at nothing and losing control. That's how he gets beat. His wickedness, his anger, got the better of him.

I'm not any more righteous than a blade of grass, but I value integrity.  It's important to me that people know they can trust me, that I'm honest and thoughtful. I fail miserably, a lot, but I still practice every day and hope I achieve some level of proficiency at some point. It's my constant striving that keeps me in check.

Training makes you stronger. Continue your training by staying focused.

God's Monopoly

The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught. Isaiah 29:13 NIV

I love board games. I think Clue and Battleship are my favorites. Monopoly is not bad either. Board games are just all out fun you can have with anybody. Like most things in life the games have rules we must follow in order to play fair. And like most things in life, no one really follows the rules as written. We all make up our own. I bet that in your family unit there is at least one game you play that has specific rules you made up. Anyone outside your family will be at a disadvantage because they won't know the secret family rules.

But board games are fairly forgiving. You can make up rules, still have fun, still play fair and someone eventually wins. God's rules are not negotiable. He set them. We must follow them. If all we do is talk a big game we won't get anywhere. It's not like we can talk our way out of being charged for landing on a hotel on Park Avenue owned by our kid.

We have to mean what we say and put actions with our words of worship. And not by human rules either. By God's rules. Only then will we realize true victory in him.

So leave the secret card to Ms. Scarlett with the rope in the Billiard Room. God's rules are right and true.

Puny Humans

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:37‭-‬38 NIV

The companion scripture to tbis verse is Deuteronomy 6:5. It's God telling his people not to forget him and all he's done when things go well for them. We've all been there. Any teachers out there? You know what I'm talking about. The kids are doing great and things are just sailing along. You fail to tell them they are doing well until something bad happens. At that point you might tell Johnny to do just like Sam because Sam is doing good. We do ok for a few days and then forget again to praise Johnny for doing it right. That is until he messes up again, which all kids tend to do from time to time. Well don't we all?

When things are going well we forget to praise God for the good times but are quick to run to him or get mad when things go wrong. Or sometimes God gives us smooth sailing so we can focus on helping others buy we get so self absorbed that we even forget to do that. We are puny humans.

But God is gracious and thankfully very patient. He's just waiting for us to acknowledge him and all he's done and lift others up in prayer. So when things go right, pay it forward and do for others who are having it tough. For soon you may find yourself there and needing a hand.

It's Power

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV

I teach Jazzercise. Most of the time I can put on a pretty good class. My body cooperates, my mind stays focused and I can give my customers what they paid for: a kickin hour of dance and sweaty fun. I could say on those days I have power to finish strong. The class goes well and the customers bring their friends, increasing the business.

Now think about the opposite. Bad classes cause customers to not bring their friends and eventually stop coming. No customers, no class, no business. Power to keep going is crucial.

Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we are unable to keep going.  We would not be able to spread the story, to bear witness to what God has done. Most days we won't feel the power, we may even feel weak and on our own. But he is always there. He is always with us, giving us his strength to keep going.

Let God's power guide you today.

Secret Santas

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3‭-‬4 NIV

I thought about this verse today and what it means for us. The obvious is tharbwe shouldn't shout from the rooftops every time we help someone. But what if it means a little bit more? I mean everywhere you look people are applauded for the charity work they do. College admissions panels want to know all the charitable and volunteer work potential students are doing, so it's not as if you can keep it all a secret. But we also have secret Santa's at Christmas, white elephant gift exchanges, and half the fun is knowing you made someone happy and they will never know it was you.

I've worked with federal funding programs almost my whole work life, all them helping those with low income. With federal money comes lots of regulations, one of which is intent. What is the intent of the money? What was the intent of the recipient when they used the money? I believe this verse hits at that intent. What's the intent of your heart when you launch into doing good deeds or volunteering at the food kitchen? Is it to get your name in the paper? Is it to make a good impression to the dean of admissions? Is it to satisfy a job requirement?

Or do you truly feel it's your duty as a Christian to help those less fortunate? Be the secret Santa. We can fight the war on poverty one person at a time. The poor will always be with us yet we are called to do what we can. We cannot possibly pay for a whole buggy of groceries if we cannot spare some change for the homeless person on the corner. It's not our place to judge why they are there; only to help when we can. To whom much is given, much is required. Are you ready to give?

This is the heart we must have. A servants heart. Do good because it's right, not because someone may be watching.

We Have Hope

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37 NIV

To paraphrase, we have tremendous victory through Christ who loved us. Loved us enough to give his life for ours. This verse doesn't talk about feeling victorious or that we will be of we do something. It states simply we have achieved the win. We've done it. But you don't feel it? Thats ok, neither do I. I'm not feeling very victorious today. That could change tomorrow, but human feelings are fleeting and are influenced too much by chemical changes in the brain. I could feel happier tomorrow simply because my coffee has a bit more sugar in it than usual. That's not true happiness or victory.

God doesn't work around our feelings. We must believe that we have won, that we have been forgiven, that he does have our best interests at heart. We don't always feel it but we should always know it. We may not understand it but we must always believe it. Otherwise our faith will fail us and hopelessness will take it's place.

Claim the victory today and every day.