Perspectives
Recently I’ve heard about a certain new fact, that January 21^st is officially recognized as “quitters day”. This has gotten me thinking a bit, as my heart felt a bit disturbed. Friends, I’ll be the first to admit that many years before, I too have made new years resolutions only to end up short, and most of them ended in January, therefore I felt the urge to prepare an article regarding the exploration of the topic: foundations vs resolutions, so that we could dive together and find out, why is it that most fall short and how can we set ourselves up for success instead?!

Today I want to talk about Godly vs worldly perspectives – specifically: what are foundations and what are resolutions, as well as: where is the disconnect taking place at; why do we fall short of resolution?

Process of Faithfulness
Last year we’ve covered in great detail how the journey on earth has a purpose in maturing our character and our expression of love, and that ‘this growth’ takes place through the refinement process of afflictions, which are typically experienced amidst our loved ones. We’ve all been invited into an intimate relationship, with and for God, “so that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places through the Ecclesia (the united Church body)” {Ephesians 3:10-11}.

This intimacy is developed, or recognized, through diving deeper into the Creators heart and the Word (into the Truth and His Promises), which must RICHLY dwell in our heart first, in order for us to be able to minister (from overflow) into other people’s hearts (via sharing our stories). God is a giver, giving us all things for life and godliness in abundance – that’s why, if we’re pressing into Him earnestly, we will Always receive more than we ask for. Can you honestly say that this is where you find yourself at with Him today?

Even as we face insurmountable obstacles and our dreams appear to be crushed, God is still at work in our lives – always faithful to His promises and He will even use the most challenging circumstances for our good and for His glory. Our call is to intentionally posture ourselves to continue extending mercy unto others, regardless of what we face. We must choose, yes,… consciously CHOOSE to Not be offendable when others hurt us, for we truly cannot control other folks actions as they act out as immature children.

Dark World?
Friends, it is no secret that this world and its people are broken, yet we’re invited to stay confident in our True Light Source, the Alpha and Omega, Who is still in control, Extending forgiveness for everyday trip-ups, offenses, and misconceptions. This is the only way that we can be secure in this lifetime, and we learn this through being shepherded as obedient sheep, allowing Divine Wisdom to bring eternal blessing to us. This takes place through those intimate moments as we learn to Focus on His Truth, which is the Divine Empowerment in neutralizing all that takes place around us in this 3D matrix world, which God does not want us to be distracted by.

For, so very often do we chase squirrels that one day as we look back and around us, we don’t even notice how time flew by or when we’ve slightly gone off-track, nor do we recognize that His faithfulness is still present and some of our prayers have indeed been answered. The longer we tend to focus on the Giants and the Walls of Jericho, the more frequent we’ll give up and give into the feelings of defeat, depression, pain, bitterness, and all kinds of darkness which engulfs us daily.

Spiritual Armory
Just as the Lord spoke to Joshua (as He brought him and the Israelites through the 40 year journey and up to their promise land, in order to usher them in) He continues to remind us today of the correct perspective to hold (that it’s a spiritual, not a carnal battle) and reminds us of the true powerful weapons and style of warfare to engage in. We’ve covered them briefly a few weeks back:

The 3 W’s:

1. WORSHIP: Praise and lift His name for it is only His faithfulness which acquired us and takes us through into eternity. We are called to Lift our eyes, to get a correct perspective, that this is truly first and foremost a spiritual battle, therefore God shows up and exchanges swords with us and equips us with spiritual weaponry.

• WALK: Maturity and growth is about obedience, about walking (marching) in what He’s called me to be in. There’s a rhythm in marching; It is orderly, connected, and under command of the leader. Stay plugged in at your church, small groups, etc. How desperate are you for a true impactful change in your life?! Show up until your giants/mountains are gone – until you’re free, until whatever God has promised is manifested and experienced as reality! Don’t stop short, revive your perspectives and your hope, endure till the end!
• WAR: How often are we giving into things which we are called to confront instead? In Hebrews 11:30 we read “by Faith the walls of Jericho fell down”! Adapt and swing that sword the spiritual way: Speak the word against that oppression, against those walls! This is the sword of the spirit: when the Bible found within me comes out of my mouth!

 

Foundations vs Resolutions
Friends, let us be confidently reminded that God still miraculously liberates people; He still does miracles – though often times there is a process attached to it, and often these miracles are attached to other people as well. Don’t give up because you “believed for the instantaneous”, for we are called to “participate” in the journey to obtain miracles – just as the lepers “went…” they received healing (along the journey).

Therefore, let us now examine some definitions that may shed some light on why is January 21^st an official “quitters’ day”? We will now examine what the American Heritage Dictionary has to say about the following words: Resolution & Foundation.

• Resolution:
  • 1. The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination
  • 2. A firm decision to do something: ie: made a resolution to get more exercise.
  • 3. A formal statement of a decision or expression of opinion put before or adopted by an assembly such as the US Congress.
• Foundation:
  • 1. The act of founding, especially the establishment of an institution with provisions for future maintenance; to lay groundwork.
  • 2. Architecture: A wall or other structure, as of concrete or masonry, usually extending below ground level and forming the base upon which a building rests upon.
  • 3. Something that gives rise to or supports something else, such as funds for the perpetual support of an institution; an endowment.

 

In a nutshell,
Resolution is “A course of opinion or action firmly determined (or decided on) to be stated or expressed” [surface level].
Foundation is “A base usually extending below ground level that gives rise to or supports something, with provisions for future growth” [below ground level].

Heart of the Matter
I believe you have already caught my drift. One, although may be a firm determination or decision, has nothing to remain sturdy on; while the other is the definition of sturdiness itself. Resolutions arise in our hearts quiet often, if we’re honest with ourselves – for we all want a better life, a stronger family dynamic, a healthier relationship with spouse, a higher income, etc., but this reminds me of what James mentions “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your own pleasures.” James 4:3.

Friends, if I were to stop there, I would not be providing you the full picture, nor feeding you the appropriate bread. So let’s explore the heart of the matter and read a few more verses shall we? I love how the MSG version expresses it:

“You are spoiled children, each wanting your own way. You’re cheating on God! If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance that you get, you end up being enemies of God and His way. Or do you suppose that God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “He is a fiercely jealous lover” and what He gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find of this world.” James 4:4-5

What Am I Building My Life On
We all get only one chance in this life, so it’s crucial we make the most of it for an absolute best experience we can get. This is Not selfishness, so long as we build on the right foundation.

         “It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.” So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud NO to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and He’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin (selfish desires). Purify your inner life. Get really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.” James 4:6-10 MSG.

James goes out of his way to make it really clear and apparent to us, that the spiritual world is unlike the physical carnal plane. In order to rise up, we must first go down. This aligns perfectly with the whole context of a ‘foundation’.

In our world today, we have more options and information about “what everyone else is doing” than any previous generation had before today’s age. It’s no wonder that society is anxious and worries about missing out (fomo). That’s why each of us needs a guide, a plan that maps out the correct perspective on what really matters in this lifetime, so that we can make the correct choices, starting from a proper understanding of what our true foundation really is. Far too many of us live in partial attention, never fully present. When we ignore the difficult process of determining what we truly care about the most, we will always therefore be left with unmet expectations and constant disappointments.

How To Make A Change That Lasts
When a person puts their trust in Christ as their Savior and Lord, they repent (change their mindset) from their old ways of thinking (their natural thoughts and desires) to a new life, new way of thinking (putting their hope in Jesus to make them right with God). Repentance therefore is the bedrock of a new way of living. It is the daily commitment to change and obey as the Spirit of God leads and guides us. This is called the process of sanctification (the lifelong journey of becoming the person God created us to be) as we continue to follow Jesus, our example, the express image of Divinity.

In honor of MLK day we have just celebrated on 1.15.24, let us recall his famous quote “a Christian life is marked by repentance”. Friends, let me again clarify for the religious mindset (yes, I’m calling you out), that repentance is not what we’ve been taught as confession before one another or God, rather, it’s a renewing or changing of the mind/thoughts, from what we carnally (as human wisdom teaches) think/consider, to align with heavenly truth and Papa’s affirmations of us, His approval of us, His righteousness that we received in and through Jesus, His only begotten son!

The natural, healthy response for a Christian who makes a poor choice is to not give up on his faith, or question whether his relationship with God was ever genuine – it is simply to repent, turning away from the unhealthy thoughts, attitudes, and actions that move us away from Jesus, and turn towards moving back to Christ. Repentance isn’t just turning away from something, it’s also a turning towards something else. We all love the benefits of a changed lifestyle, but rarely does anyone appreciate the process of change itself. All change begins with the painful realization of where you really are, currently. You must see the real you, confront the brutal facts – and as painful as this can be, the truth of the matter is: it’s a gift from God that gives us this spiritual discernment and realization, revealing our need to change.

Sorrows
Once we face the brutal facts, we can respond in two ways: (1) receive truth and apply changes to our lives or (2) resist and stay trapped. Recall earlier in James “It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.” So let God work His will in you.”

Therefore, let us now tune into the difference between sorrows: Godly vs worldly, as outlined in 2 Corinthians chapter 7.

–  Worldly sorrow is feeling sorry for ourselves because we were challenged or critiqued. We don’t feel bad for what we did, rather we feel bad because we were called on it; we were caught! Therefore, this kind of carnal sorrow has no power to change you. That is why, typically, in your self-pity, you are driven back to make the poor choices that got you into this mess in the first place.

–  Godly sorrow is a whole different ballgame, where we are able to see ourselves from the right perspective and we are willing to do whatever it takes to actually experience a real change of lifestyle, even, and especially when it’s painful. This is where the true power of Holy Spirit’s conviction enables us to grow, change, and mature. This is true biblical “repentance”, and it’s extremely important to keep in mind and understand that this kind of repentance is truly a gift from God!

Lordship & Obedience
What does God want from us? Have you ever thought about “what is God’s love language”? Whether we realize it or not – God made Jesus “Lord”! We demonstrate our true love toward Him by becoming the person He created us to be through obeying what He asked us to do. I propose to you that this is God’s love language: our obedience is what gets Him all fired up! This is the expected response for all followers of Christ.

“..set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts.” 1 Peter 3:15

What does it mean to call someone Lord? It means “master”, and signifies authority, highest honor, and ultimate allegiance. In Luke 6:46-49 we read where Jesus is asking the people ‘why are they calling Me Lord if they are not willing to do as I ask of them?’ We’ve already covered in previous articles and alluded to earlier today, that none of us could/can ever live up to righteous living in order to earn a relationship with God. So what is Jesus after?

Practice & Foundation
As we read through Luke chapter 6, we notice a common thread, and the two most important words that stand out are “practice” and “foundation”. You see, no one practices with perfect accuracy, for ‘practice’, in itself, is the process of improvement; changing our patterns based on repetition toward a clearly stated goal. That’s why in 1 John 3:10 we read about how the children of God are obvious because they “practice righteousness”. This doesn’t mean they’re perfect in obedience, but it does mean that they’re making clear progress, growing up into maturity.

Now back to foundation: this is the “framework” that everything else is built on. It determines the shape and function of the rest of what follows. Here is where we can check our hearts, for if our foundation of life is “Jesus is a wise teacher” or “Jesus is a friend”, this will be made manifest and determine how we relate to Him. If, however, we build on the foundation that “Jesus is Lord”, this will mean that even when we don’t agree or understand, we commit to follow and obey. It doesn’t mean we’ll always do everything perfectly, but it does mean we’ve chosen to give Him the final say.

Marriage Relations
Perhaps “lordship” scares us because it feels positional and impersonal? Yes, if we approach it as a student or friend, conceivably. But throughout scripture we find that the Bible uses this concept far more relationally than we imagine. We find that in 5 of the prophetic books of the Old Testament (Ezekiel, Jerimiah, Isaiah, Hosea, and Joel) the theme of God as a loving husband to His people is sounded over and over. Jesus also, well aware of this metaphor, picks up on it in all 4 Gospels, and we further read about it in 2 Corinthians and Revelation, but nowhere else as clearly as in Ephesians chapter 5.

Friends, here is the mystery we must understand deep in our hearts, that God compares His relationship with His people to that of a husband and wife. When a man and a woman exchange vows, they verbally commit to a covenant agreement stating, “I choose you above all others.” This is the foundation of their relationship. Love is the only lasting motivation for obedience. We understand that we won’t be perfect as humans, but we trust in our exclusive commitment to one another that we willingly gave up all other options in our choice of each other.

A marriage relationship is Not contingent upon each person’s ability to perfectly fulfill the other’s expectations. They are making a promise to put each other first for the rest of their lives. They are intentionally restricting their own options out of the commitment of their hearts, with one clear goal: to grow/mature in love, consideration, and faithfulness to one another for the rest of their lives.

Genuine Lordship Relations
When we said (and say daily) “yes” to our Lord and Groom, we ultimately bring all of who we are and offer it, willingly. This is how we mature in our ability to demonstrate a life of holiness and commitment. Therefore, if we have a genuine relationship with Him, we freely give up the right to say, “You cannot have this area of my life”.

In our relationship with God, He perfectly fulfills and upholds His love for us. Here is the key takeaway though, pay attention: He doesn’t expect us to reciprocate in our performance – but He does expect faithfulness in our hearts!

The concept of lordship and obedience causes us to dodge because we don’t know if we can live up to it, and obedience driven by obligation (or a desire for perfect spiritual standards) is weak and fades quickly. Thus, if we have an obedience problem, we really have a love problem – we’ve lost our way by giving over our hearts to something else. As James states, we’ve become

“Adulterous people, cheating on God, wanting it our own way, flirting with the world every chance we get, thus ending up enemies of God and His way!”

Eternal Life
Moments before being arrested, less than 24hrs before Jesus dies, in John 17:3 He says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” He isn’t just speaking about quantity of life, measured in years or time which never ends. He’s talking about the quality of life – the life we were created to live!

“ THE LIFE WE WERE ALL CREATED TO LIVE IS BUILT ON THE
FOUNDATION OF KNOWING GOD AND JESUS CHRIST! “

Paul says that it was by God’s grace that He laid a foundation like a skilled Master Builder, outlining in His response to the Corinth church in chapter 3, that there is only one foundation for a wise person to build on: Jesus Christ! The mission of God, His kingdom, and His church are all advancing through the earth today because of the foundation of Jesus Christ, and God offers this same hope to you and me today.

“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, not some homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are utterly foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life (putting them into practice), you are like a wise carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

But if you just recite my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a senseless carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.” Matthew 7:24-27 MSG

Foundational Cornerstone
In architecture, particularly with stone, the cornerstone is the most vital piece of the foundation. Not only does it fasten and secure the foundation, but it sets the alignment of the entire structure. Every other stone fits into its place based on its relationship with the cornerstone. Until the cornerstone is secure, nothing else can be built.

Psalm 118 is a song about God’s goodness and how He offers salvation, and in verse 22 it says, “the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”. It’s a prophetic picture of how God offers Jesus as the foundation for life. We further read in Isaiah 28:16 that God says He “lays a precious cornerstone and the one who relies on it will never panic (be anxious or terrified)”.

How are you building today? Tomorrow will definitely come. What are you building on, friend? Whether we acknowledge it or not, we all have a cornerstone, be it your career, family, finances, or yourself and your own plans. While these things are good and God has a purpose for them, they ultimately can be shaken and washed away.

“ WE NEED SOMETHING ETERNAL TO PLACE OUR
TRUST IN AND BUILD OUR LIVES UPON. “

The question not only is “will you hear Jesus’ words” but also “will you act on them, practicing daily?” Jesus is after your heart – will you trust Him fully? Will you say ‘yes’ and keep taking necessary steps to follow Him, even as you and I stumble? You can do it friend! Holy Spirit was given to us for that very reason, to ensure the guarantee of His faithfulness played out in and through our lives.

What’ll It Be For You?
Today we opened the topic of Foundation vs Resolution. I hope that by now you have a more clearer picture of what the two represent and where each leads. I believe you now have a better formed understanding of why it is that most folks end up quitting, or falling short of their deep longings or desires, as they’re not built on the proper foundation.

Friends – Christianity isn’t a religion! Sadly though, it’s been portrayed as such, and today the overall “church body” displays a very pathetic picture of its true meaning. But in all honestly though, stop and think about the following for a moment.

Don’t be surprised that the church is still under construction; don’t be dismayed by the few who got it wrong amidst the many who are seeking truth. The church has been put through hell and back, yet still remains and is very much alive, real, present, and powerful – and God is the builder of her! Jesus came to define a people who would be separated unto Him and do good works. This isn’t about perfect people, rather about transforming brokenness! At its best it’s a symbol of grace, where the lonely find family and the broken find healing – we are the Bride of Christ!  We never mature out of needing church. It’s how God designed it for the growth of His fullness in and through us, His body!

Identity and Purpose
Today we have names and identities as definitions of what we’re supposed to be and what we’re to be connected to. In all honesty, we can be “used” for many things but we have been created for a very specific purpose, and we’ll not be able to find our own destiny until we get connected to something bigger than ourself – and that connection truly liberates us!

Take a guitar string for example: the guitar has a head, a stock, and a body, and the string has to be connected in order to function as it’s designed to. All you’ll get from being disconnected from the body is a lack of purpose (and very little sound) – unless you get connected to the Head AND the Body!! This is how we access what God has created us for. The only way for sound to come through the guitar is: the string has to be cut and stretched, and then played and tightened continually! Tension babe, tension!

We live in a culture that “individualizes”, isolates, and cannibalizes each other, calling it success, unfortunately. We are raising a generation to criticize – criticizing one another and the church as a whole. Not only have we failed ourselves, but we’re failing the next generation, because if church isn’t our priority, then it won’t be theirs either! Faith needs friends! That is precisely why God uses the church to bring us into our purpose; it’s where we realize our potential, in the midst of the “rubbing shoulders – iron against iron”.

Discipleship
So, what is a church needed for? What is the body of Christ for? Why attend church services? To grow of course – to mature yourself and to assist the next generation! To provide answers to the nations. When we’re doing what Jesus is asking us to do, it’s not always instant (usually never), and it takes time (a process) to germinate and flourish. It will be slow: it’s counter cultural, it’ll be tedious: that’s why we grow in it, continually. Getting unhinged in the lives of other people is painful: they’ll let you down and hurt you! You’ll be unnoticeable at first, but the result is glorious. Discipleship fruit makes impact, keep growing, keep flourishing yourself first. Then pour yourself out into others.

How can I do it – how can I develop a disciple if I am barely keeping up with my own growth, you ask? Let’s start with increasing our own commitment to holiness. 1 John 2:5-6. When we live isolated Christianity, we’re not pressed to maturity. The oil comes out of the olives when they’re pressed. Spend time with the young ones like with an apprentice (not like a student); model the living. Christianity is more caught than taught. Go back and dig down into the roots (foundation) of faith and salvation from a sinful, purposeless, perishing lifestyle. The best way for you to grow is to teach others. Show them how it works. Let them get in the game with you: John 13:15. We’re Not looking for expertise, rather faith, availability, teachability, and being present. Be willing to have hard conversations. 2 Tim. 4:2. Build relational influence in order to speak truth into their hearts so that they’re able to receive and flourish with time. Also, be open to hearing confrontation yourself, in truth and love; and implementing necessary change as required for pure display of holy lifestyle.

Presence In Midst Of Trials
How long shall I press in, you ask? If the Lord tarries, will I succumb in self-pity, anguish, and depression? Don’t allow you faith to falter, friend! Let’s double up on our devotions. The journey may be too great for me alone, therefore Arise and Eat (as the angel told Elijah)! Press in! Read. Confess, stay plugged in! Double up on the Word and it’ll bring you through the most difficult periods of life.

When crises comes, run in the right direction, towards the house of god and your home-group, your men/women friends – don’t isolate! Double up for the presence; for Supernatural grace comes when running in the right direction. Get out of your ego, your flesh. Don’t stay in self-pity (“I’m the only one…, wha wha wha”). Go out and stand in the Lord’s silence.

We as a nation and world are standing on the cusp of a major shaking and change. Stand tall therefore, and strong in God and faith. We’re so often moved in life by the external rather than Eternal. Press in. Don’t ask to be taken out, stop awaiting the rapture as your escape – allow the process to continue and mold you to perfection, to maturity. Wrap your face in your cloak and wait upon the Lord at the entrance of the cave.

Hear the voice speaking to you today: “what are you going to do?”

God whispers because He wants us to focus on the inner peace, not the external reality driven by the wind and fire. Now then, refine your perspective:

1) head space: my sheep hear my voice (not self-pity’s voice) and follow me.
2) spiritual heart burn: know that Holy Spirit is speaking daily. Luke 24:31-32. Read the Word until your heart burns, and when that fire touches the oil of Holy Spirit, it burns away all unbelief allowing faith to rise!
3) holy hollering: the Lord says to Elijah “Go Return. Go, make a disciple, reproduce yourself!”

Friend – present yourself to the Lord again today. The real crises we face is ourselves. The real reality is our internal world, not the external distractions of 3D illusions. All this on earth only reveals the internal reality, therefore celebrate the shaking – celebrate the Armageddon (which means “unveiling”), allow all the instability to shake off of your life, and renew your foundation today. Resolutions do not last, they have a ‘form of godliness, but lack the power thereof’. Does this remind you of something else very similar? (hint: religion, institutions).

Blessing of Salvation
Let’s close tonight with a promise from Papa’s heart. Remember, we are not so much discussing salvation from “hell” as some may refer to it. That’s done and over with in Jesus. What I’m talking about today and calling your attention to is maturity in the body of Christ, so that we can reign in authority, experiencing the fullness of the completed work of Jesus on the cross – this is the true and the full salvation, overflowing into All areas of our lives! Let’s march out together in cadence and lead the next generation into eternal fullness, ushering in its manifestation here on earth today, as it is in heaven!

“You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you are my refuge. I trust in you and I am safe!”

That’s right—He rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge, outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; His arms fend off all harm.

You’ll walk un-harmed among lions and snakes,
    and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
“If you’ll hold on to Me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust Me.

Call Me and I’ll answer, I’ll be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then I’ll throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of eternal salvation!” ~Love Papa
Psalms 91

> > Friends, check out the new Melodies section for upliftin