Pastoring Is Easy as is the Christian Life Together, getting to know our Father in heaven
Thoughts for Meditation from Pastor Tom
“Terms of Engagement”
Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.Jn 14:23
Each person has their approach to relationship, their “terms of engagement” which they guard their heart with to avoid being hurt. These terms may be blatantly obvious or extremely subtle but exist within each person. These terms are the relational basis with which we also approach God. We would claim absolute transparency in approaching God however he takes that in stride to be dealt with in his time.
When you set the “terms of engagement” you maintain lordship of your life. A good illustration of this is the need to understand. You cannot function effectively in the kingdom if you insist on understanding, asking God to explain himself and his requests before you will act. This is the position of many Christians trying to follow principles before relationship. Yet the kingdom of God which “surpasses knowledge” and is “more than all we ask or imagine” functions beyond our understanding.
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,according to his power that is at work within usEph 3:19-20
Expect God to challenge your “terms of engagement” as your freedom and fulfillment is in the kingdom. The Lord desires a trust beyond reason.
Can you spit ? Consider this miracle and Jesus’ role: After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.Jn 9:6-7
Jesus spit - Jesus made mud - Jesus put it on the man’s eyes Jesus directed him
The first two instructions you would probably do with little resistance, the third is more challenging and requires greater trust, the forth removes you from experiencing the effect of your obedience. Ask the Lord to set the terms of engagement, then yield.
Remember: Jesus only said and did what the Father directed.
Learn to live loved
Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.Jn 14:23
Each person has their approach to relationship, their “terms of engagement” which they guard their heart with to avoid being hurt. These terms may be blatantly obvious or extremely subtle but exist within each person. These terms are the relational basis with which we also approach God. We would claim absolute transparency in approaching God however he takes that in stride to be dealt with in his time.
When you set the “terms of engagement” you maintain lordship of your life. A good illustration of this is the need to understand. You cannot function effectively in the kingdom if you insist on understanding, asking God to explain himself and his requests before you will act. This is the position of many Christians trying to follow principles before relationship. Yet the kingdom of God which “surpasses knowledge” and is “more than all we ask or imagine” functions beyond our understanding.
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,according to his power that is at work within usEph 3:19-20
Expect God to challenge your “terms of engagement” as your freedom and fulfillment is in the kingdom. The Lord desires a trust beyond reason.
Can you spit ? Consider this miracle and Jesus’ role: After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.Jn 9:6-7
Jesus spit - Jesus made mud - Jesus put it on the man’s eyes Jesus directed him
The first two instructions you would probably do with little resistance, the third is more challenging and requires greater trust, the forth removes you from experiencing the effect of your obedience. Ask the Lord to set the terms of engagement, then yield.
Remember: Jesus only said and did what the Father directed.
Learn to live loved