November 18, 2014

I Do Not See That


Truthfully, what can we fully comprehend? 

How many times have we or others stated: there are always two sides to a coin, consider the pros's and con's, you have to take all things into consideration and so forth.

Can you imaging how long it would take us to see everything from all angles if we had to experience things from all sides before fully comprehending an experience?


 I state these observations in light of my own grappling with obtaining the fullness our faith. Sometimes I withhold sharing what I am studying for teaching and it becomes like the manna; no longer fresh.  I have come to understand that my position is to share what ever the Lord is given me for this day and allow Him to take care of the rest.

God does not expect us/me to be perfect, He expects us to keep seeking answers.  He understands that we all are growing in what we comprehend through application, testing, failing, tempting again.  He simply asks us to persevere until the final end.  This is a journey, and no one is fully perfected.  There is always somewhere we must venture, resist and continue to grow. The problems we face are usually criticisms from others, which cripple our desire to continue in a less than perfect form.

God, however, uses the imperfect. He asks us to be careful of desiring the accolades from broken things.  His desire is for us to join in His good pleasure, to participate in good faith and propel things which encourage His will in various ways.  He expects us to speak truth as we understand it, with a good conscience; not protecting our image but exuding the likeness of Christ.

The past 6 topics were leading out from what we are entering.  If you did not read those, click the link and get some thoughts under your belt to increase the view points.  It is "human" to consider things out from our own experiences and intellectual reasoning.  This does not make us Godly, righteous or even morally correct, it makes us right in our own opinions. Below the following points are the full verses for context.  Think about these points and prayerfully request truth to show up and grant us understanding as we sojourn:


  • We were made in the image and likeness of God
  • Adam and Eve regarded equality with God a thing to be grasped
  • Christ had to be made in the likeness of men and in our image
  • Christ had to become obedient just like mankind

Now let Us conceive a new creation—humanity—made in Our image,fashioned according to Our likeness. And let Us grant them authority over all the earth—the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, the domesticated animals and the small creeping creatures on the earth. ~ Genesis 1:26
Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”~ Genesis 3:22
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ~Phil. 2: 5-8

Christ was fully man and fully God, yet He chose to become obedient and not save His life.  When He died He died just like a man. Think about how obedient He had to become to not react as God, but time and time again, act in the for and likeness of a dying man.  Tomorrow we will go a bit further.

I pray that each of us come to the fullness of our faith in Jesus Christ and live well.

Kisses,
Candace

© Candace Huffmaster 2014, All Copy Rights Reserved
Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc°

November 11, 2014

More Than An Intervention




Jesus said, "The time has come, and the kingdom of God is  near.  Change the way you think and act, and believe the Good News." Mark 1:15





Yesterday, our topic was King of the Hill; which is the reason I was reminded of a client I had many years ago, who expressed to me her view point: Me being right, is not important in most cases; preserving my relationship with my husband is.  I do not know if my client believed in Jesus Christ or not, which seems very odd to me, the new Candace, but at the time I remember thinking: I wonder if she realizes that by not arguing and forcing her husband to acknowledge her "right", she is acknowledging his right - affirming how righteous she is behaving.  This is when I realized:

There is nothing, necessarily righteous about being right.  

Romans 3 refers to Isaiah 45, no one is righteous not even one.  Having a right is not equivalent to comprehending the path of peace and righteousness. God's word continues, expressing how all have turned away and  together we have become worthless; out from our mouths flow curses, lies and oppression, while our feet race to harm, leaving destruction all around us.  For this reason, God intervened with the law to muzzle us, to tie us down long enough to hopefully see our fatal flaws and tragic wounds.  Unless we can observe their serious nature, we will fail to notice our needs,  We are oblivious to the state we are capable of living in, therefore we settle for the state we are in, or one which is a bit more comfortable.

Isn't it obvious the reason Christ had to seek us out? Lost people do not know they need help any more than an alcoholic will admit there is a problem or life should be different. They surround themselves with common situations, which will not dismember their fractured life.  This is the reason I am making the parallel of Christ being the facilitator of an intervention. Christ was entering a universal catastrophe; this is a magnitude none of us are capable of comprehending. And He was sent to save us.  Was Christ's aim to clean up the addictions of humanity? To save us from our self and the harm of others? Or even to save us from dying?  As a child we might park on those things, but His desire was much more holy, righteous and pure than that:

His desire was to create in His body one new humanity from the two opposing groups, thus creating peace. Effectively the cross becomes God’s means to kill off the hostility once and for all so that He is able to reconcile them both to God in this one new body. Ephesians 2: 15, 16


Christ told a parable and said: Many are called or invited, but few are chosen.  Not everyone is uncomfortable in their irreconcilable state -that is a fact.  Some people do not desire to be rescued from their life.  For some their crutches are supporting their fatal wounds and they are happy to gimp on by. This is not the peace of God, which Christ told us to depend on.  Gods best is not to manage our dysfunctional state, he does not reform an addict; he transforms the condition or their soul and reconciles it within His One transcendent life.

Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.
 So, again, our part is to respond, to participate and allow His will to be accomplished through compliant obedience. In my opinion, the stronger a person we are, the more difficult this becomes.  As the bible tells us, the one who shows little love, is really showing how little forgiveness they've received...... Again, it is only showing how irreconcilable our ways, our life and form are.  Just as Christ reminds us not to be downcast in our soul, instead to renounce all the things that hide in shame; and refuse to live deceptively or use trickery. Our battle usually is exposed by the weapons of warfare we employ.  If God had pulled us from the battle field, we would never be challenged.  If we were never challenged, we would never pull out our artillery; our weapons of warfare..

As we are employed into battles, we now much chose the weapon we will wield. Since most of us have become skilled warriors handling Satan's artillery, let me remind us what Paul taught:
The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.
God fights "hard and holy" for us misfits; and then calls us fitting to be His family.  Why is it so hard for us to let go of our irreconcilable differences; the easy answer is pride, arrogance, bitterness, resentment etc, etc, etc. The more reasonable question is why would God fight such a undeserved battle for us?  I will let Him speak for Himself:
 He did this for a reason: so that for all eternity we will stand as a living testimony to the incredible riches of His grace and kindness that He freely gives to us by uniting us with Jesus the Anointed.  For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple.
We were not even around when God decided to do this for us; He did not have to, He just wanted to, no strings attached.  He did not cause our tragic and fatal flaw, but He did figure out a way to reconcile our differences.  Will we be obedient to the death of what is maliciously opposing His will?.  We will pick up here tomorrow.

Today, I praise God for the ministry of reconciliation and ask that each of us give in to the sovereign power which transcends all things.

With prayers for us to be of good cheer, because we are of the creator of good cheer - Amen?

Kisses,
Candace



© Candace Huffmaster 2014, All Copy Rights Reserved
Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc°

November 10, 2014

It Isn't Differences That Are Irreconcilable....

King of the Hill, 1943 by Arthur Zeipzig


So now, where is the philosopher? Where is the scholar? Where is the skilled debater, the best of your time? Step up, if you dare. Hasn't God made fools out of those who count on the wisdom of this rebellious, broken world?

I Corinthians 1:19,20 (The Voice)


Once again, all our paths lead back to one small patch of ground; and unfortunately it become a burial plot for many.  We cannot cover this small patch of ground in one day or I would bury you (pun intended); part 2 is tomorrow. Remember playing King of the Hill as a child. As adults we play it all the time, without even realizing it.  We stand, immovable, fighting over......the way we think or what we perceive is truth: about us, our life, our relationships, what we are entitled to, what's fair, who deserves to get what they've dished out......and the list goes on and on.

Whether we are fighting upon a hill or a mountain makes no difference in it's affect upon us, this battle always changes our ability to see clearly.  When our scope become so narrow things are deformed, disfigured, unrecognizable, but that does not mean what we see is real, outside of our mind, anyway..  Unfortunately or fortunately, you decide,  this is when others begin to see what IS real about US: the discrepancies and commonalities between what is inside us and our appearance among men.  The reason I believe this is fortunate is because unless we are challenged, we are not able to see the hidden deeper fatal flaws within ourselves.

Here is my focus in all this: Christ came that He might reconcile all things to Himself.  Because of this, if we are saved,  there are no differences, only commonalities ~ Because we are one body.  Usually we speak of this in marriage relationships, but let's think about one person, one body.  There cannot be anything uncommon to one body, even though every area of the body does not experience everything the same:  my toe may get stumped, but my hand feels fine;  my head may hurt, but my eyes see fine etc., So, we can conclude, whether the commonality is comprehended, denied or embraced the effect of the commonality, the unity of the body, is the same; as long as the body parts do not become dismembered.

Is it really our differences which make us irreconcilable or just us, our selfishness?  Logically, we must admit that, if we are indeed reconciled to Christ, it must be us. Christ called us to follow Him, He gave us one Ministry: The ministry of reconciliation.  This "movement" is not in and of our self. It is for God and of the Peace (His peace) dwelling within us.  Which means if there is anything true, of good repute, honorable, lovely or to be praised it does not originate from our common form. Which is the reason Paul was concerned for his flock, warning them to remember how Eve was tricked by Satan's wiles and that their hearts and minds could be lead astray from the single-minded love and devotion to Him.

Galatians 5:15 we are asked "why are you viciously gnawing each other?"  This is not the only scripture warning us to be careful or we will eat each other alive.  James 4:1, speaks about our endless conflicts coming from our constant pursuit of gratification raging inside us; one translation likens it to a uncontrolled militia.  Paul gives us another reason in 1 Corinthians 3:
How do I know (you are Spiritually immature babies)? Are you fighting with one another? Are you comparing yourselves to others and becoming consumed with jealousy? Then it sounds like you are living in the flesh, no different from the rest who live by the standards of this rebellious and broken world.
Sometimes we will forget to follow, we are all still growing, and we will need patience to not run away from His growth process.  When that happens remember that it happens to everyone, and you are not irreconcilably different.  Thank God He puts it in black and white; you do not have to rely on me saying it:

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.


With a blanket of love and prayers covering you,
Kisses,
Candace


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© Candace Huffmaster 2014, All Copy Rights Reserved
Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc°

November 7, 2014

S...T....R...E...TCH Aaaahhhh!

Think of how often our emotions drive us to escape discomfort in any way possible.  We numb ourselves, over stimulate and distract our focus on pondering the real reason for our lack of comfort.  Why do we seek comfort so much??? Who wants to be stressed, anxious, accountable, responsible for the pain we cause ourselves and others?  The list goes on but I will stop there.

Comfort is a state of being comforted.  It is a space in which your body feels physically relaxed, where we may have relief from pain or anxiety.  Comfort comes from an outside source, whether you go to a person or place or the person comes to you.  I will even go as far to say that if the environment has a person of encouragement then there could be a higher form of physical and possibly mental comfort as well.

Now think about peace:

Peace is a state as well. The state is calm and serene.  You can define when you are residing in this state due to the freedom from conflict.  Even in comfort you can have a vibe which is not tranquil and calm.  Peace is a quiet state, free from disturbances or noise.  It is a mental serenity where anxiety does not exist.  There is harmony among environment and individuals. 

We know God tells us to keep our peace, to hold our peace, to extend our peace.  He tells us to refrain from violence, avoid senseless arguments, to forgive when someone harms us, but not to allow those who do not repent and strive to be peaceable to enter or stay in our intimate space.

We are told to protect our heart because out of it flows the issues of life.  Peace resides in our heart.  God searches the depths of our heart or our intent.  He tells us to be mindful of all we do and not to grieve His holy spirit, which resides within our depths.  He also tells us we can prevent conflict ~ to be at peace with others as far as it depends on us.  But others “bother” our peace……..speaking for myself at least.  I am sure no one else has this problem.

In fact, as I am typing this, my peace is being tested, due to people who seem to be oblivious to others in their midst……..

So I must trust the elasticity and integrity of the Spirit in whom I am hoisted and sealed and participate in the STRETCH.  When my will becomes pliable, His will brings to realization that keeping my peace is up to me.  Leaving, when others do not desire to be considerate, is up to me as well.  Remember, yesterday, we discussed not knowing for sure if we should stay or leave; determining following is always our space.

  If others care enough and desire to continue in a relationship, they must not only receive peace but also extend it.  The truth is, peace takers are not to be allowed to devour or miss handle God's peace; it is a gift....  God expects us to speak up, in humility and love, so that others may realize the gravity of their actions.  What they do with that information is between them and God.

We must allow our emotions to be stretched out and examined; too many times we simply shoot off without considering our words or actions and their effects.  All of us are accountable and responsible for our use of the gift of self control.  Being a gift we cannot grow it, however God wills for us to comply with the working of His Holy Spirit.  Part of the buffeting is to relate with others, speak up even when they feel you are being unkind because you are causing them discomfort.  If you love them, you will encourage them to move beyond their desire for comfort and reach the higher state: PEACE, Shalom.  But remember they were given the right to free will.  Leave them in their state and you travel on to yours. 

The problem seems to be that people do not desire to leave the comfort of their discomfort to move on.  Realize this also though, look back at the definition; they do not want to be alone in their discomfort either – they need some outside source or place to ease their pain.  God is their ever present help in their time of discomfort.  He does not want you to hang around and comfort them when they are causing their own discomfort, as well as the discomfort to others.  So move on and hopefully they will find the strength to come into the state of Peace.

Comfort is actually the enemy of peace – Think about it…….please, think about it.  I know I am!

Kisses,
Candace

original discussion: Help Me Escape ©Candace Huffmaster 2012, All Copy Rights Reserved
©Candace Huffmaster 2014, update
Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc.®

November 6, 2014

I Am Not Comfortable With That!

A recurring theme seems to be popping up, or should I say spreading out: Comfort Zones

For convenience sake, these are the "zones" of comfort we previous spread out. If you would like a details, click the topic:
While we cannot be sure, sometimes, of God desires for us to stay in a situation or to leave one, there is a direction which is trustworthy in every scenario: Whether entering, exiting or staying, we are always to FOLLOW.

He knows we are inexperienced and lacking understanding, ergo He prepares our way, teaches us, encourages us, supports us, leads us, provides FOR us.  All we have to do is stay, be stretched and allow His spirit to produce fruit which will fully minister to our needs - these experiences effect our growth and maturity.  Will we stay? Will we allow it? Will we encourage ourselves to be stretched beyond recognition?

This MUST happen if we are to be transformed; He formed us, but now He trans-forms us.  He takes what we deformed and reforms us.  To the world we will be come somewhat unrecognizable, just as Christ was to His disciples to some degree.  He was different, but still Jesus; the higher form.

Romans 12:2 states it like this:

And so, dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God.  Let them be a living sacrifice, holy- the kind he can accept.  When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?  Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think.  Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you.


God is not a masochist; He likens himself to a potter.  And He says we are the clay.  While the experience will stretch us far beyond our comfort zone, it will obtain His sure end result - transformation of our heart, mind, soul and eternal form.   I pray that we become joyously pliable and do all we can to participate, knowing that the end of the thing is far better than the beginning.

Believe He is ever mindful of you and loves you dearly....
In Christ,
Kisses C
© Candace Huffmaster 2014, All Copy Rights Reserved
Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc°