Becoming Like Wolves

 Every day, we are given a lot of information about the world around us. That information can come in many different forms, such as media, people, or just simple observations we make. In fact, a lot of what we learn comes from those simple observations, using logic and common sense, and forming a reasonable idea. Isn't that what also makes a good detective show? I may be telling on myself a little, but I like a good old classic Columbo episode to take the edge off the realities of the world these days. You remember–the guy with the trademark squint, wrinkly trench coat, and always smoking at the crime scene? Peter Falk–great old show! He seems to notice the small details that everyone else misses. I'm amused by the way he disarms the suspects by seeming to be taken in by their lies and flippant answers, and how he pretends to get distracted by trivial things just to throw them off.  It is clever, isn't it? The way foolishness or presumed charm covers up his deception? 

What about in this world? Think about the deception we encounter on a daily basis. The wolves prowling about. But what about the ones who seem like sheep? Matthew 7:15 Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. In this Biblical context, false prophets are the ones who are spreading false teachings of God, and are doing so out of motivations of money, power, and fame. They make themselves appear larger, but minimize the Word of God to do so. It has just enough truth to make it seem right, but it's not quite there. And how often are we also being fooled by the information we take in day after day because it sounds like what we want to hear, and has just enough truth to seem right? Billy Graham said, "There are two ingredients to deceit: a good bit of truth and a few little lies." 

 What happens to all of that information we are taking in? And how do we know if the people giving it to us are wolves? How much of it is good for our spirits and how much of it is doing damage of which we aren't even aware? We hear of becoming desensitized to things that we see over and over, because it becomes a standard after awhile. But just because we become used to something, it doesn't mean it's not doing a number on us quietly and slowly as we take it in. Are we becoming like Columbo suspects–committing "crimes" of not paying attention or not really listening, and then being caught unaware by the actual speaking or unveiling of facts? I think so, and probably every day. "False prophets" aren't just people in the ministries around the world. False teachers can be anywhere. I am often shocked by what we sometimes accept as truth or fact, before we even try to search out what we heard for ourselves. John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Not only do we need to be mindful of the information we take in, but we need to know the Word of God for ourselves so that we aren't fooled by those who aren't teaching it correctly or for the right reasons. When we are firmly planted, we aren't willing to just believe everything we hear as gospel truth. We will challenge it. 

I got tested at a store this past weekend. I was picking up a few things for my Chicken Coconut Curry recipe, and I happened to see someone wearing a shirt that boldly spelled out some polarizing social and political beliefs. I struggle on the word, "beliefs," as they were just downright mean words, and I was all up in my judge Judy-ness and disgust.  I struggled with my own angry feelings toward this person. "If you don't have anything nice to say...." as I broke my own rules in my head. As we got in the car to leave, I said, "Sometimes it's nice when people come with their own sign so I know how's it's going to be with them before I even start. Then I just won't bother to try." I felt unkind, to say the least. These types of "tests," if we are willing to challenge ourselves, show us the work we still need to do, not just in ourselves, but as a society. Because if we are still this angry after everything we've seen and everything we've heard, and we still haven't learned anything, we are at risk of becoming like the wolves. And contrary to some beliefs, in this context, being a wolf is not a compliment, nor a sheep an insult. It's not a grace-filled, Christlike, loving quality to want to tear into somebody because they are wearing an unnecessary (to say the least) shirt in a public place, clearly for the message to strike and wound someone. Yet there has been a lot of tearing going on for much less. It's a touchy world, and clearly, I'm still a little touchy too. Ugh! Egos are messy–theirs and mine. John 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. 

 One article I read recently indicated that the person being interviewed only wanted to be responsible for herself, and didn't think she should have to care about the needs or even the problems of others. In other words, "Every man or woman for themselves." But that very thinking will also affect them at the moment their own needs become greater than they can handle on their own. For when they do, they will find someone at their door, whether it is a stranger from a local church, a community member, a neighbor, a family member, or a friend. Or a stranger lending some time of physical rescue, or helping with a flat along the road. People need people, and even people we don't know who need things we may never need. But how long will the world actually stay this way? I'm feeling a bit of a shift when I start hearing these words being spoken, for the opposite used to be the norm. When one would be lauded for a Good Samaritan act, the words of the interviewed hero were always, "It's what anyone would do in the same situation." Those feel-good stories lifted everyone up and reminded them that people were still genuinely good and helpful. I feel sad that I'm not sure I have that trigger-quick assurance anymore. Grace seems to be like many in customer service these days–in a mass shortage of selfless helpers. I'm just noticing a lot of people shrinking away from the kind of help of which we were once accustomed. Philippians 2:4 (NIRV)None of you should look out for just your own good. Each of you should also look out for the good of others. 

People have become so pressed about many things. Finances, politics, education, work, religion, time, etc. And even as I say this, I realize people have always been pressed about these things. It's not that these topics have changed or that people have changed that much. It might be that our tolerance levels and our love for people may be changing. Or as I stated above, our grace levels are being drained at a time when we need them to be overflowing. We seem to be becoming more self-driven and self-focused, and selfish to the point that we can't tolerate things that don't line up with our beliefs (me and the shirt, for example), our income levels, our expectations, or our personal satisfaction. Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

 In a time when we seem to need each other more and more, people seem to be walking away from each other. I don't know about you, but this seems to be going in the opposite direction of what we all say we need. I want to be more loving, but I couldn't wait to get farther away from the shirt person. Is that what I need when I'm being a numbskull? I have a friend who gives me grace ALL the time. I don't deserve it, but I get it all the time. When we can't give other people grace for their mistakes, it's because we are full of ourselves and not full of God. We've forgotten that Jesus died for us while we were still sinners. Romans 3:23-24 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 

 God didn't ask us to judge everyone before we help them. Just like He didn't ask me to judge the person in the offensive (to me) shirt at the store. God asks us to love AND serve others in a way that glorifies Him, reflecting our love for Him, not our own opinions and our preferences. Matthew 25:40 The King will reply, ' I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'  I had to repent of the judgment and anger I felt over my reaction to that shirt, but pray also for the person who wore it. Luke 6:27 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If I had given the person a dirty look, how would that have reflected Christ who lives in me? I have to be careful that I don't become one of the people I talk about, as my mentor reminds me. "Don't become the problem you're writing about," he warns. My own ego and pride and wrong information can also grow into something ugly if I'm not turning to God for my influence on everything. 

 Matthew 16:11 How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." The yeast Jesus is talking about here is negative information that when listened to over and over, grows, influences and corrupts our own character. It's no secret that there are a lot of bad influences out there and there are some easy ways to spread them around. Some of them even seem pretty harmless, especially when they aren't measured up with the Word of God. When listened to enough, we begin to believe the voices that are louder than the hush of peace. Bolder than the still, small voice inside of us that continues to whisper, "Trust in me." The things we begin to believe–when they don't line up with what God says–serve to weaken us. One of those things that goes around is "the world is getting so terrible. You better hold on to what you have before someone tries to take it. You better get more before someone else gets it. You better stock up before it's all gone. Why should we help "those" people?"  When this is the constant narrative that is being served up and devoured, what exactly do we expect people to act like? Monks and nuns? More like savages and well, hungry wolves. 

Can we stand in the midst of uncertainty, in the yeast of the Pharisees, and still stand firm in the faith of God? I believe we can when we trust in God for our daily needs. When we turn to Him for our community needs. When we pray for the needs of our states, provinces, or territories in all of our countries. When we turn to Him and fervently hold up our leaders, every situation, every person, including ourselves, and entrust God with all of it, we will get His peace in return. We are His sheep. John 10:3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes out ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. We are under His protection and His watchful eye. All of us who know His voice have the assurance that He knows every need before we even speak of it. 

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  

 

The Gift of Awareness

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart 

be pleasing in your sight, 

O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. 

Psalm 19:14

 The problem with the use of self-help books is the same thing that can go wrong with a cookbook. If you don't know how to work a stove, the cookbook won't do you any good. Same with a person reading a self-help book. If you're not aware of what is going on inside you, a book about the self may seem like it's written in another language. But when we are looking for a kinder, compassionate, more loving world, we have to start with being kinder, more compassionate, more loving people as individuals. If we aren't aware of the things we may be doing or being that are in direct opposition of those things, we won't improve and neither will the world around us. I don't believe self-improvement, self-love, or self-care is selfish at all, but very necessary if we are to improve relationships with God and with others. It's the way we approach these things that really matter; not in a self-serving way, but in a way that enhances the relationships around us. Self love is simply loving who God created in His image. We are to love and respect the mind, body, and soul that He has given us on this earth. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought as a price. Therefore, honor God with your body. 

And before you think this is a "be the change you wish to see in the world" kind of thing, I'm not just repeating Gandhi. I am still learning to be more self-aware, and my learning years have been brutal.  I've been more on the train of "I better check myself before I wreck myself." As others' reactions to my past behaviors became crystal clear in the mirror to me, I had to humbly ask God for direction and correction. Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Then as He gave me insight and grace, I gave myself grace as I learned. Seeing yourself for who you are isn't always pretty, which is probably why some of us don't like to do it. It's much easier to look at everyone else and point out what's wrong with them. ("look over there, not at me" strategy) But facing our inner ugliness down will get to the root of the problem, and many times we realize the root of this problem is fear. John 10:10 The thief comes to kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. Satan loves to use fear to keep us down. He is cunning and convincing in his lies about us and to us. Sadly, when people in the world also join in to cut us down, it falls into  agreement with his lies. It can be a hard cycle to break on our own. There really is nothing too big for God to handle, though, and there is no condemnation in His love. 

 Looking back when I started out as a new believer, my belief in God and my love for Him were seemingly two different things. The difference between just believing in God and knowing what it is to love and follow Him could still be world issues today, and recognizing that others may struggle with that as I once did, shows me an area that needs a great deal of grace. But before we get to that, let's see what being "self-aware" means, according to a fairly loose definition on google search. 

Self-awareness refers to being able to recognize and tune in to your own thoughts, feelings, challenges, and strengths–being able to see yourself for who you truly are, clearly and objectively. This is who you are–not who you "wish" you could be, or who you want others to see. It's how you are when you're alone and no one is there to observe you or hear your thoughts. God sees us for who we truly are, because He designed us in His image. It's important to know this first, because we were made by Love, for love, and with love. With that said, we might have some work to do if we're noticing some grace shortages going on, either by us or to us. But if we can get back to knowing who we are, I think it's a step toward being more aware of who God plans for us to be. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

A self-aware person is mindful–they know how to "read a room," generally attentive to the other needs and personalities there. They tend to be humble, giving credit to others (and God, if a believer) easily, do not blame others, easily take criticism, are not in the center of drama or sharing gossip, do not hold grudges, will get more knowledge before they share information and are honest about their lack of knowledge on a subject (wisdom), do not force their beliefs(religious or otherwise)on others or try to control others in general, worrying whether others like them or not, judging the preferences of others, etc..., can flex their minds on different subjects and change their point of view–accepting new information, can listen instead of always the one talking, can accept disappointment in favor of long-term happiness, maintains a pretty positive outlook, doesn't spend time criticizing and cutting down, will not go out of their way to convince others of anything, but knows how to set healthy boundaries. (this is a list of qualities I obtained online) I'm sure at one point or another in my several decades, I have violated some or all of these! To date, the most self-aware person is Jesus. He's perfect, yes. But think about it. Jesus didn't force His beliefs on others. Matthew 10:14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. In fact, Jesus exemplifies all of these traits and more. 

 A self-aware person may come across as a person who is authentic, and a person that doesn't seem to work at having to keep themselves "in check," because being a healthy-minded individual comes naturally. How refreshing, right?  As I briefly studied this topic and stumbled onto these traits, I saw it as a basic outline of what not to do or be. These are not meant to make us feel shamed, but to remind us of what can happen when we become too self-focused, why we might be that way, and set about the changes for a better life. All of the above traits had one thing in common–no need for self-importance. Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Can you imagine the conversations going on if we were all more self-aware? I just imagined the most polite and uplifting conversations, did you? Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 

But how do we become self-centered in the first place? If the root is fear, and I believe it is, then what are we afraid of? Remember where fear comes from–the enemy. If Satan can get you believing his lies–that you are not good enough, for one, then it won't be long and you'll be rejecting yourself too. When people don't turn to God and His love and approval for what they lack, they begin to rely on outside sources and themselves–a lethal combination. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Turning inward, they begin to self-destruct. They believe the lies that they are ugly, can't adjust to change, won't succeed in life, not good for anything, and all the other lies Satan will make seem true. When we begin to repeat these lies or hear others validate them with us, we begin to live out the negative outcome we expected. As the letterboard in my home says, "The words you speak become the house you live in." (Hafiz)

I don't believe that people who are living in a lack of self-awareness are conceited. I believe they are living in a state of complete denial. They don't want to look in the mirror, for fear of what they see may be what they think in their minds is true. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. They have been living in a false world of seeking approval and pleasing others in order to hide the monster they think they are. But the irony of that is, people can smell self-rejection a mile away and see it in all the off-putting behaviors above. People can get rejected when their behavior is toxic, and it would do a world of good to actually look within and do away with those behaviors that can create those divides. Ephesians 4:22-24 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; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 

Encountering a bad moment in a person or ourselves can be kind of messy, but do you know what really shines in a person? Humility and love. Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. When you know you are loved by God and you believe it with all your heart, it can't help but change you. All the lies you've been believing will not be tolerated by you any longer. All your past hurts, rejections and disappointments will no longer be clouding up your reflection. You will see who God has been loving all along, and you will be able to love others with that same pure love. Joy will replace fear, anger, hurt and rejection, no matter what circumstance you find yourself in, because with God, you truly can live a life based in love and not fear. Romans 8:39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

It's important to remember that we all need grace, and we all need to extend it too. As I said before, in my unawareness of self, I went for years thinking just my belief in God was enough. I didn't understand what it meant to not only have a relationship with God, but to also allow the love in that relationship to grow and change me. This is key here, because "God is love" was very "bumper sticker" to me when I was new in the faith. I didn't know how it applied to me, and so I called it "faith" for a really long time until I started to get to know the character of God. Jeremiah 31:3 I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Until God got into my heart in a personal and genuine way, took root, and started growing in me, the relationship aspect didn't materialize in me. Up until then it was a lot of  following, going, and doing things right. It took me awhile to realize that God actually loves me as an individual and pursues me as His own. Yes, God is love. But God loves me, right there in my pink sweatpants and messy hair, not because I've earned it by "going, doing, and following." I didn't realize for a long time that although God didn't need my love, he wanted it and I needed to give it to Him. These are the gifts of becoming self-aware and God-aware at the same time. 

Until I started to let that sink in, I was going to be the same, rejection-filled, scripture-copying unhappy person walking around, very unaware of herself and how her actions were repelling the very people she wanted to attract. That was many years ago, and I'm happy to be retired from that, but in order to maintain an authentic relationship with God, I need to continue to stay real, and let Him love me, as imperfect as I am, and know that He accepts my love, as genuine as it is. This is the real unconditional love relationship we can have, and it's the one that allows mistakes, bad days, and everything we've ever done wrong in the past to be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. If we can't be our real selves and let God in to love us, how can we expect to be real with loving others? How can they know our love for them is even genuine? I was once impressed with a pastor's wife who pulled a worn slip of paper out of her old Bible, and it read, Jesus, help me love you more. I remember thinking how odd that was at the time, but now I get it. Love is a decision and an action, and both require us to be aware of what we need. If I want to know how to love God more, I will ask Him and He will show me more about Him. It is a relationship. How about that? 

 I don't believe a person can give away what they don't have. Easily and freely loving others is impossible when self-hatred and rejection is carried around in the heart day after day. Luke 6:45 For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.  When you meet a person who is full of love, it will overflow to everyone around them. When you encounter a person like that, you just know, don't you? You walk away feeling like they just shared a real part of their spirit, and if they are in Christ, you just received a part of Him too. To give people our authentic selves is what God means when He says in His Word, Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12) It's no trite thing to "be yourself" or to "love yourself" if it draws you closer to God and to loving the people around you as He intended. Becoming self-aware just means we are willing to look within and see any behaviors and habits that are keeping us from the true connections and blessings that God wants for us. 

Blessings and love to you! 

An Active, Silent Art

 I am not a scholar of anything in particular, but one thing I can do most of the time is learn new things, and that is saying a lot, as sometimes I can be quite distracted, depending on the situation.  I may not remember everything I've learned, but if something is important, my brain seems to lock that in like a laser. Sometimes when my brain seems to be on vacation, my spirit will quiet me, and remind me of something I need to know. This is the result of slowing down and listening to the still, small voice in me that is the Holy Spirit of God. It is being open to the One who knows all. This requires not being caught up in the noise of the world 24/7. I have to turn off all devices, open up my Bible, or commit my time to God and nothing else. But what I've learned is that my time needs to be committed to God 24/7, because if not, the world is jealous and sneaky for that time. If we put God first, He will help us keep the world in its rightful place. 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.  There are a lot of enticing things in this world. Many of them are in my house! But learning to hear for God's voice requires a bit of separation from those things and places. 

1 Kings 19: 10-13  And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He replied, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face, and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

How did Elijah know that the gentle whisper he heard was God? God's voice didn't come to him in a loud, thundering crash, but in a soft whisper, because Elijah's heart was ready—full of faith and humbled while waiting to hear for the Lord's voice. He shut out all the chaotic noise around him, came out, and waited. The other thing I caught was that he felt he was the only one left still fighting the cause, though that wasn't actually true. How often do we feel that we are the only ones who still care about something in this world or still fighting for something, when that can't possibly be the case? He was starting to go down the rabbit hole of self-pity, as we often do. Could a little bit of arrogance or ego keep us from hearing God's voice? That part of us that thinks "if we don't do it, no one else will?" or think it's our job to save people or situations instead of God's? While this is a trust issue, it's also a listening issue.

 Not listening to God is definitely a lack of trust in what He has already told us He will do. His Word is full of His Truth and wisdom, and yet we still think it's up to us to fix everything without Him. It's foolishness, to say the least. He may have been whispering to us the whole time, but if we're busy fixing or fixating, we are not in a humble, faith-filled position in which to hear. Jeremiah 25:7 "But you did not listen to me," declares the LORD, and you have provoked me with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves." I could write a whole post about the foolish things I've said and done that I should have consulted the Lord about first! In my young arrogance, I often proceeded without waiting to listen, and it always resulted in a self-created mess. Then–oh God, help me get out of this one. Kind of silly to go about it backwards that way. How many times do we just spout off or do something impulsive without really consulting with God? He is there for our guidance. The wise thing for us to do is get quiet, seek, ask, and listen for it. The peace He will return in that wait is worth it. How often do we struggle because we think we are the ones that have to come up with the solution to some big thing? Hebrews 6:16-17 Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what was said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. This is the only assurance I need. God assured me with the confirmation of His own oath in His own name. His promises are unchanging and unwavering. I need no further proof that I am in good hands. My ideas are not better than His.

As people, we don't all have the same propensity to pay attention and we don't all have the ability to give ourselves to always truly listen to what another person is saying. Maybe the problem with not listening, in general, is that when we don't listen to anyone, we also don't realize we may be fighting for or agreeing on the same things. How can we listen to the still, small voice of God when we can't even listen to the voices of the close people around us? 

Listening is an art that requires attention over talent, spirit over ego, others over self. -Dean Jackson

Have you ever been speaking to a person or a group of people, and suddenly you realize no one is paying any attention to you? Well, It depends on what you're talking about sometimes. I do think there are some topics that can be off-putting among people, especially in these volatile times.  But even then, a good listener with a gracious reply can be of benefit to a "gong-show worthy" comment. Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  People are great talkers and prolific social media posters about everything under the sun. Everyone has something to say—good or bad—and we can be oblivious of talking over others, but when it comes to actively listening, the ears seem to be boarded up sometimes. We all know the old saying, "God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason!" Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than him. Oh no. So a fool is going to get a break before someone who speaks impulsively. We could all be in trouble here! 

How offended we become when people dismiss us is only a fraction of how frustrated God must be when we blatantly ignore pretty much everything He says. How must He feel when one is speaking His Word to another, and they scoff, mock, change the subject, or tune out entirely? We are arrogant, ego-driven humans, but God is jealous. He wants our attention on Him at all times. Exodus 20:4-6 You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. God wants us all to turn to Him and be saved, and not worship other things (gods) for our identity and security, such as entertainment, careers, money, fame, other people, or any other worldly pleasures that control our energy or minds. God knew these things would be pleasurable to us, but did not want us to consider them above Him as the center of our lives. That is when the things of the world become our gods, and the still, small voice of God is hidden in the volcano, the wind, and the earthquake in all that chaos. 

Listening is an active, but silent art, and yes, it does require putting the needs of others above yourself. Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Listening is a big part of love, isn't it? We all want to be heard. It's a big part of needing to be understood, and when we feel understood, we feel loved. I think if we want to show love to someone, we should listen. God loves us, and He listens, even though He has so much more He could tell us in that moment, and He knows more than any of us and can shut all of us "experts" up! Malachi 3:16 Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. He listens and hears us! If God listens and hears us, then we know he completely understands us too. We who honor Him are His treasured possessions. Maybe the solution to some of these volatile problems is that we do more talking to God and waiting for His still, small voice. The kind of peace we keep talking about and searching for in this world may just start growing in our own hearts and spreading to everyone else. Just a thought. 

What Is My Responsibility Here?

 Sometimes when I just sit back and listen and observe the world objectively, I see and hear a commonality among people. Sure, there is anger, injustice, faith, love, hope, hate, and persecution among other things, but the one thing that always jumps out at me is plain old fear. Every day it seems a new fear is being presented, and it's being eaten up like candy. "Eat (fill in the blank) to cure this! NO! Don't eat (fill in the blank), you'll die!" "This (terrible thing) is going to happen! Be prepared to lose everything!" People are stockpiling,  worrying about everything, buying things they don't need to do things they don't need to do, in order to save themselves from some "thing" that isn't even happening. I often use the story of the Emperor's New Clothes to describe this type of hysteria. No one wants to expose the fact that these things are senseless or ridiculous, because the perceived "wisdom" of the day seems so highly vigilant or right. Usually because some so-called "responsible source" is spewing it to the masses. Hence, the non-existent "new clothes." This is nothing new under the sun. Sensationalism in media reporting has been used as a manipulation tactic time and time again. It's how they increase viewership, ratings, popularity, and acquire more of the almighty dollar. 

But what is our own personal responsibility here? Isn't it more than just being properly informed and armed with the right knowledge? It seems so to me, because that appears easy enough to do, but I think it goes deeper. I've really been sensing that the reason fear is so deeply rooted is because people just don't know who they are, what they should know, who they should trust, or where their security truly lies. They are looking for an outside leader, source, or some switch to pull to get us out of all of these world troubles, and the answer just isn't there. It makes them vulnerable to trusting people they don't know, because not only do they not know God personally, but they don't really trust themselves either. They either don't know or have lost touch with who they are created to be and even what and Who they are created to value.  

As the world continues to become more and more unstable, people can either choose to follow that instability, or they can choose to either search for or hold on to the stability in which they were formed. In other words, it's a choice to live the world's way or God's way. The question is, what side are we on? Yes, people can and are able to do great things here on earth, and there are people we enable and "trust" to make decisions for us, but we can't do anything apart from God. John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. So who does God say we are, even apart from him? 

Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." God knew you before you were born, that's who. You and I were SET APART and APPOINTED as a PROPHET to the nations. We were not put here to be neener nannies, whimpering about like cats with their tails caught in a mouse trap, buying a truck full of lemons to stockpile in our basements. Ephesians 1:4-6 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Okay, that is a lot to unpack here, but I will start by saying, we are CHOSEN, HOLY, BLAMELESS, PREDESTINED, ADOPTED AS SONS. First of all, I did just all-caps you, but I'm not yelling. But take that in first, because that is nothing a fearful person would be wearing around their neck. I will not fear, because I was set apart, appointed as a prophet, chosen, predestined, adopted by the Lord Himself. Say that. Mean that, because THAT is the truth I want you to know and repeat 24 hours a day instead of whatever else you are believing today. Nothing else can touch you, harm you, take you down, or make you start buying into that dubious propaganda. Not when you trust God first and foremost. Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. God IS our REFUGE and our STRENGTH. John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. The WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. Take that in too. Again, not yelling, but that all caps button is kind of fun. 

Why don't we live as if we know and believe this? Write it into our souls and onto the scripts of our hearts, to be read, where it belongs. 2 Corinthians 3:3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Why do we look at the world and say, "well, isn't this just terrible? I guess this is how it ends." Why are we so willing to accept evil and so hesitant to trust in God? First of all, I don't know what part of the world you are in, but I know there are parts that are so much worse than mine. I know there are horrible things going on, and that it looks bad! John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." It looks bad because it IS bad here, but the world is out of touch with Christ, and that's why. But when we choose peace, trust, and gratitude, we choose His way, and not the world's unstable way. 

I choose gratitude every day for my life, my blessings, and my freedom, and I pray for the ones who don't have what we have here. Deuteronomy 8:10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws, and his decrees that I am giving you this day. I pray for all leaders of all countries. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. I pray for all impossible situations. Luke 18:27 Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." I pray for healing for all people. James 5:15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 

In other words, I gather and claim what the Lord says for free. I don't buy into the world's unsettled version of what my future is. I'm on a need-to-know basis with the world, and a NEED basis with the One who actually holds my promised future in His hands. If we would spend as much time learning what God says as some of us spend watching the news and catching up on social media, we would be shocked at what we'd learn and comforted by the peace we'd discover. Imagine if those making all of those world decisions did the same? 1 Chronicles 16:11 Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.  I do know the world exists and it can be evil and rotten and I'm stuck in it, but that doesn't mean I have to succumb to the parts of it that stink just to survive it. I don't have to give in to fear and the insecurity it breeds.  Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. I know that Jesus died for our freedom. We are also not slaves to the world's every whim and desire. What we give our attention to also receives and creates our energy. I give my attention, my focus, and my power to the One who created me. 

Philippians 4: 6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.