The Stumbling Stone – Scripture Dissection

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
The Stumbling Stone - Scripture Dissection
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Some years back, I accompanied my grandkids to a park. They were full of energy and expectation. Upon arrival, I gave the usual warning – “Now, be careful as you tackle this playground!” Their response? “O.K. We will!” Well, they climbed equipment, explored, and jumped from tree stump to every conquerable obstacle. The oldest mid-teen made a bounding leap – landing in a wipe-out. Boom! “Are you OK?” “Ya. I’m fine.” Then, another bounding leap – another wipe-out! Kersplat! “You still OK?” “Yup, I’m good.” Remarkably, yet another attempted giant leap for “teen-kind.” Ya-hoo-hoo-hoo! Trip-and-sprawl! Back up again – still grinning. Goodness! That brilliant offspring found every stumbling stone the park offered. Perhaps a successful visit?! I think it’s worth exploring what a stumbling stone is.

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Past, Present, Future: A Three-Strand Cord

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Past, Present, Future: A Three-Strand Cord
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Have you ever seen a good three-strand cord? It’s super strong! Basically, it’s impossible to rip apart. In fact, it looks strong enough to hold a ginormous military ship with aircraft landing strip, or perhaps a cruiser with intimidating deck canons and torpedoes – securely to a dock.

Today, we’ll explore a three-strand cord, but in a slightly different way. Essentially, your “past, present, and future.” You are a three-strand cord through all tenses of your life. Consequently, your history, your current scenario, and your future options are woven into one strong cord.

Past, Present, Future: A Three-Strand Cord

“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecc.4:12)

God loves humanity! He created their design to flourish.

A Three-Strand Cord

God weaves your past, present, and future together creatively. Remarkably, He’s had your life cord in mind before creation. In other words, you’re always on His mind always. Your life matters!

It’s hard to break a three-strand cord. However, much depends on how you respond to God’s creative weaving. God weaves His tenacious love into your three-strand cord life. But you must say “yes” or “no” to His weave. His unlimited creativity makes each tense matter.

Let’s explore.

Past

It’s hard to imagine a “less than healthy” past could contribute anything to a three-strand cord. Rather, it seems only a successful, positive past would be strong enough for such a cord. Not so. Christ redeems a whole life when you accept Him. Actually, even a good past (outside Christ) isn’t strong enough for a durable three-strand cord. God weaves your past in with tenacity and beauty when you completely surrender to Him.

Consider the Apostle Paul who literally hunted Christians. Incidentally, he knew they could be jailed, tortured, or killed. His past is rather despicable. Yet, his past was woven into his three-strand cord in a remarkable way to bring glory to God.

The Lord chose this man with a less-than-respectable past to be “His guy.”

Incredibly, the same is true for you – whatever your past.

Present

The only life tense you have any control over is your present. Sure, there are things you can prepare for in your future. You can also “call on” experiences in your past. However, your present is where you live.

Every thought, attitude, word, and deed takes place here – in your present. Essentially, today becomes tomorrow’s yesterday when all current choices are gone. Subsequently, this is the power of the present. Your will gives you the only control you have.

God steadies you if you let Him. Jesus makes Himself available to you at all times. In –

  • Problems.
  • Hurts.
  • Losses.
  • Trials.
  • Conflicts.
  • Illness.
  • Death.
  • Disappointment.

 

Jesus is with you. Here and now, in the present.

Some folks have made incredible contributions by “being present” each moment. Many have changed history, medical advancement, discovery, inventions, and so on. Most have the power to quietly make a significant difference in daily details.

Incredibly, the same is true for you – whatever your present.

Future

Your future is filled with possibilities. Essentially, you have blank pages waiting to be filled. Your part is to fill those blank pages with good choices that make a difference in your life and the lives of others. You can make choices that honor God.

God is your Partner. This sets you up for future successes. Jesus gives hope that reaches forward. Your future is best when you –

  • First, plant your past in Christ.
  • Then, work in your present by partnering with Him.
  • Finally, commit your future to honor God.

 

This will look differently than what you picture. Often, blessings flow out of difficulties as you rest in the Lord’s wisdom, timing, and interventions. God will never leave you without help if you eagerly connect with Him in your present.

God loves you. He never misses anything. He wants your three-strand cord life to succeed. Thousands of people have partnered with God. Consider Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Christ’s disciples, Apostle Paul. Now consider people you know who are committed Jesus followers. Some are famous. Many are not.

Incredibly, the same is true for you – whatever your future.

Respond To God For A Strong Cord

We’ve identified and defined past, present, and future. Now, let’s look at each again, but this time with deliberate response to God.

Cord #1 – Past

Whatever your past, God redeems all things. If you have a broken past, give it freely to Jesus. He makes brokenness and strife into something beautiful. If you have a faithful past, give it freely to Jesus. This is your service record. Regardless, God knows what to do to effectively weave your past into a strong three-strand cord.

Cord #2 – Present

The present is such a gift. It keeps on giving – if you engage it thoughtfully. This means you will live with purpose. Match every thought, attitude, word, and action to God’s Word and Christ’s character.

The Lord faithfully points out what’s not pleasing to Him. Immediately thank Him when He points it out. God wants you to succeed. Essentially, this means He will show you any missteps. Cooperate with His training. Fix issues. As for His help. As you accept His training, you bring the cord of your life into alignment with God’s Word.

Learn to think with Scripture’s strategies. Paul calls this – “work out your salvation.” This helps you lean into a sin-free life. (Phil. 2:12; Jn. 8:11)

Cord #3 – Future

The future is unknown. Yet, your future is filled with possibilities and opportunities that increase God’s work in lives. Determine to discover God’s intentions for your life. God’s design is strategic and He values your partnership. So, engage His strategies. Partner with God. As one would say in chess: It’s your move.

Life is like a game of chess. Interesting pieces placed on an equally interesting board of contrasting squares. Then it starts: strategies, choices, and patterns. It only takes a few minutes to realize you can’t play life chess without being very engaged and thoughtful. This content helps you identify strategies and action steps to make good choices and build strong, healthy life patterns. You can be confident each day by adopting God’s methods when It’s Your Move.

Your Life – Continually Woven

Your life is continually being woven. You’re a miracle from birth through eternity. We’ve mentioned regrets from the past. Plus, the unknowns of the future. Regardless, when you live your present by faith in Jesus, you partner with God in weaving your miraculous three-strand cord life. God wants you to enjoy His love and goodness at all times. Plus, He has great purpose for your life.

There are three “p” words that flow from your relationship with God:

  1. Power. Life is big. Sometimes too big. However, ” . . . with God, all things are possible.” (Mt.19:26) God’s power transforms your past, present, and future into a strong three-strand cord.
  2. Presence. God is present in your life at all times. The question is – are you present with Him at all times? Partnership means both parties are present. There’s no better way to have relationship with God.
  3. Promises. God has made many incredible promises to you. Claim them! They are yours! When you claim His promises and obey His instructions, you prove you love Him. Incidentally, you have promises to make and keep to God, too. How are you doing with that?

 

When you trusted God for salvation, He justified you. What does “justify” mean? Made right. Lined up. Straightened out. So, you have been made right with God.

Nevertheless, there’s something that comes first in receiving grace. Here are the steps:

  1. Confess you are lost without Christ. ADMIT.
  2. Repent of sins. REMORSE.
  3. Receive God’s forgiveness because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. HOPE.
  4. Accept you are now holy – as you would have been before the fall – covered by the blood of Jesus. FREEDOM.

 

God Weaves Your Three-Strand Cord

Interestingly, God weaves your three-strand cord together through daily situations of your life. You partner with Him by –

  • Faith and obedience.
  • Resting in Him when you would otherwise be anxious.
  • Defining the success of your life – His way.

 

How does God define “success”?

  1. Become increasingly like Jesus.
  2. Trust and obey God to form strong and beautiful character.
  3. Since Christ lives inside you, reach for the glory He created you to have.
  4. Rest in God’s goodness and grace. This seals your success as a believer.

 

These definitions help you be the person you were created to be. All of that together brings glory to God. 

Christ anchors you in all three tenses of your life. What if your past or present is filled with mistakes and regrets? Actually, Jesus addresses this. And He invites you to “get into His weave.” Rev. 21:5 says, “I am making everything new!” So, weave yourself into God with all your heart. A three-strand cord is woven.

Engage your present fully each day. The present becomes the past. The future becomes the present. Be a miracle. Live every present moment in Jesus Christ.

Application Thoughts And Questions

  1. Have you thought about your past, present, and future as powerful – even if there are broken parts and errors?
  2. Are you living in God’s power each day?
  3. Do you focus on God’s presence with you in each situation?
  4. How many of God’s promises are you claiming for your life?
  5. How are you doing with your promises back to God?

 

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Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.

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Unsure About Boundaries?

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Unsure About Boundaries?
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There are lots of resources about boundaries. Equally, there’s lots of confusion about that topic. I’ve heard many opinions about setting boundaries. Some are helpful. Others are uninformed. A few are arrogant. And some are rather judgmental. Basically, it seems many folks are unsure about boundaries.

So, is “boundaries” just another “buzz” word? What does God think about boundaries? And why would you set boundaries in your life?

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The Shame Thing – Scripture Dissection

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Alive and Active Life
The Shame Thing - Scripture Dissection
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I remember a funny quote in the movie, “Mulan.” : “Dishonor! Dishonor on your whole family! Dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow . . . ” Do you remember it? Incidentally, this rebuke is spoken by Mushu, a Chinese dragon – Mulan’s companion. Actually, dishonor is something like shame. In fact, dishonor is a strong match for shame according to a thesaurus. You might wonder if I’m going to suggest – – under no circumstances should you allow yourself to experience shame. Not so. Unfortunately, too many people don’t have healthy contrition anymore. Conversely, many people don’t know what to do with undeserved shame. Let’s explore the shame thing.

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A Fresh Look At Communion – Scripture Dissection

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Alive and Active Life
A Fresh Look At Communion - Scripture Dissection
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I remember communion from when I was a child. Even as a youngster, I wanted to understand the bread and cup. But honestly, I did wonder why the bread was so “itty-bitty.” And the cup was barely a good swig! Don’t you remember sticking your tongue into that tiny cup and licking every drop out when you were a kid? Nevertheless, it was clear to me as a child, that communion is not a meal – or even a snack. It’s about celebrating a precious sacrament – and remembering. Today, let’s take a fresh look at communion.

 

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Life Junk And Stuff

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Alive and Active Life
Life Junk And Stuff
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Do you take the trash out at your house on a regular basis? Or is that somebody else’s job? Have you ever had a pile-up of junk and stuff that needs to be thrown out? Realistically, keeping up with trash, junk, and stuff is part of living well. This is true for your inner person, too. I’m excited to get into this content.

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You Are Invited

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
You Are Invited
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You go to the mail box and pull out a crisp white envelope with an official seal. The exquisite handwriting specifies your name and address. Rather than ripping it open – like junk mail – you pull out your letter opener to surgically slide along the top envelope crease. From the open slot, you gingerly slip out a beautiful, heavy-weight card that says, “You Are Invited.” In surprise and wonder, you flip open the card to see – it’s the very event you’ve always wanted to attend! Up till now, you’ve never dreamed you’d have the opportunity.

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This Country!

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
This Country!
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Every nation goes through seasons of change. This election year in the United States brings a responsibility to remember who we are. And I, for one, still believe in this country of opportunity. Additionally, I’m thankful for freedom. As complicated and challenging as democracy can become, it’s still quite a worthy experiment. Matter of fact, Winston Churchill once said: “Democracy is the worst form of government – except for all the others that have been tried.” If that is true, then what responsibilities must we faithfully carry forward to preserve this country’s foundation? What is required of us to be worthy citizens, as well as followers of Jesus?

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Little gods – Scripture Dissection

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Little gods - Scripture Dissection
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As we explore “Little gods,” I’m thinking about a superhero movie – The Avengers. There’s an exchange between the Black Widow and Captain America. Oddly, they are discussing whether to go after Thor and Loki. If you’re familiar with the Marvel superhero movies, you’ll remember the conversation –

Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow): I’d sit this one out, Cap!

Steve Rogers (Captain America): I don’t see how I can!

Natasha Romanoff: These guys come from legend. They’re basically gods.

Steve Rogers: There’s only one God, Ma’am, and I’m pretty sure He doesn’t dress like that!

You know, it’s one thing to talk about make-belief superheroes as “gods.” But to talk about people like you and me being gods? Realistically, that’s a stretch! Interestingly, Scripture does. Consequently, what practical application does “little gods” have for you?

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Indignant!

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Indignant!
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Remember Downton Abbey – the television series and movies? If you watched this excellent period drama, I’m sure you’ll remember frequent times the Dowager Countess and Cousin Isobel are completely indignant toward one another. Their continual sparring is a unique dimension of their very unusual friendship. So, what exactly is “indignant?” Let’s look at what it means and who uses it.

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