Do you need a long-overdue vacation? Or perhaps you want to pay off a loan quickly. Maybe you’ve never gardened, but you want to try one. Could be you’ve decided to change careers but need more education. Or you might commit to lose a few unwanted pounds. Regardless, whatever the scenario, you need a plan – or you’ll get nowhere fast. Similarly, you need a plan to be more like Jesus. Incidentally, it doesn’t just happen.
So, let’s look at a good plan to do just that.
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.
This past Christmas season, my family watched a wonderful concert of M.W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Michael Tait. It was so good! The vocals were beautiful, the band professional and creative, the lights and special features very well-done. Best of all, the message was inspiring. Worshipfully, the entire concert focused on Jesus Christ. One of the talking points impressed me. So, as I’ve been pondering it, I decided to write an article about “love, like, and fond-of.”
This is the perfect material for Easter week.
I’m sure it’s not just me. Surely, you’ve been there, too. Your computer, phone, or device just isn’t cooperating. So, you refresh. If that doesn’t work, you turn it off – and back on again. Plus, you take care of any updates. Worse case scenario, you back-up data and re-format your device. Honestly! A lot of management! Similarly, there’s management needed for a mindset to work well. However, it involves certain reboots, re-starts, updates, and even re-formats to have a positive mindset work.
Let’s see what Scripture says.
In our last article/podcast, “Refuse To Refuse,” we talked about living with hope. Since hope is so critical, it’s worth a look at how God tethers you to hope. Actually, it’s challenging to be a Jesus follower in today’s world. Equally, to live without hope is tragic.
Let’s explore how God tethers you to hope – and exactly what a tether is.
“No thank you. Perhaps some other time. Nah, not doin’ it! No – I don’t think so. Ask me next week.” Those are some ways people refuse something. But, what does it look like to “refuse to refuse.” Remarkably, this little phrase has been behind many world-changing events. It’s made heroes out of ordinary people. That means you and I can be heroes-of-a-kind. Interestingly, refusing to refuse provides constructive action that makes significant differences in your life. Often, it’s your best choice!
So, let’s look at “refuse to refuse.”
I don’t know about you, but the words – “It’s for your own good” – conjure up numerous memories. Think back to your childhood. Surely, you had adults and various others who had influence in your life . . . and said – “it’s for your own good.” Chances are, most of those folks were trying to cast a purposeful vision forward into your life. Plus – don’t you sometimes say the same thing now as you attempt to influence someone you care about? Whether or not you do – God does. In case you didn’t know, that phrase – “for your own good.” – is straight out of Scripture.
Now, let’s explore exactly “what” is supposed to be for your own good.
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 CordGod 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.
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.
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 –
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.
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 –
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.
We’ve identified and defined past, present, and future. Now, let’s look at each again, but this time with deliberate response to God.
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.
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)
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 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:
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:
God Weaves Your Three-Strand CordInterestingly, God weaves your three-strand cord together through daily situations of your life. You partner with Him by –
How does God define “success”?
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
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Have you ever wondered if God cries? Well, He does. In fact, God weeps! I suppose most people don’t think about it. Nevertheless, it likely happens more often than you or I can imagine. When God weeps, He connects with you and me. Actually, that’s quite comforting. Plus, it gives permission to you to weep when your life overflows with disappointment.
What does God weep about?
I’m sure you’ve heard warnings about looking straight at the sun during an eclipse. Well, what about looking straight at God? Recently, we published “Turn Your Face Toward It.” I recommend this article/podcast which explores a phrase right out of Scripture – “turn your face toward it.” The intent? Well, to turn your face toward God’s face. Especially interesting because Scripture says no one can look at Him and live! So, the question is – can you look at God?
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