What does it mean to be Tempered??

March 17, 2023 / The WheatandTares

Being in the church culture these days, I hear much said about what a Christian should or shouldn’t say, how a Christian should or shouldn’t respond.

There’s always a new vantage point, a new opinion they needs to be heard, and typically, there will be two or three in oration at various times, even if these are in opposition to one another.

So, who is right and who is wrong?

Who are we to listen to?

Who are we to follow?

Well, for Jesus followers, the answer is abundantly clear, or at least, it would be argued that it “should be.”

Yet, even in the Church Body, there are varying opinions, beliefs and denominations that cause us all to land at various points of standards concerning any one given “biblical rule.”

So again, who is right and who is wrong?

Who are we to listen to?

Who are we to follow?

We definitely need to start in the Word of God. If you claim to be a Jesus follower, that truly should be your book of preference for daily living and lifestyle.

And then, we definitely should start with the life of Christ. If He’s your main guy, then mirroring His examples will definitely be helpful.

And finally, starting with the specific things God loves (there are seven actually listed in specificity), and maybe the greatest commandments of which Jesus Himself spoke might be great beginning.

By the time I do these three suggestions to their fullness, it’s usually bedtime, and I don’t have a lot more time to add more opinions or fingers to point toward all the things everyone might be getting wrong.

Maybe we should all take a step back and begin again.

Maybe we should all take a moment in front of the mirror and take a really long, hard look inside.

Maybe we should grab His love letter to us and begin reading for what it has for US and to convince US instead of all it doesn’t have for THEM and has to condemn THEM.

And maybe, just maybe, by the time we do these three things, we will have given enough time for Him to begin to change us from the inside out.

And then, maybe there will begin to be a whole lot less wrong AMONG US, and we can become a whole lot more effective FOR HIM…

But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lordyour God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 22:34-40

And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:3-5

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Matthew 7:15-20

Flame Walker, Fire Journey

March 14, 2023 / The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

There are moments in life when reality settles in. When the hard work of living pauses for just a moment, and you’re able to look back and recognize where you’ve been, what’s been accomplished, and where you’re going.

There comes a time when you realize some sacrifices were necessary to carry on; some were foolish, and still more were simply necessary for survival.

Then, there’s that season of recognition when the fear of the pain is passed, the apathy of the seared feelings has diminished, and all that is left is the confidence of your preservation.

When you’ve walked through the flames of life, innocence may be lost and intimidation may be vanquished, but the growth and strength that rises cannot be denied.

So, walk on, my friend. Walk on.

Be a flame walker. Take the fiery journey.

You can endure.

And then, go and rescue someone from that same inferno.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
Jude 1:20-23

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen.
Jude 1:24-25

Knee Deep Waters

March 7, 2023 / The WheatandTares

There’s a song by Kathy Mattae, “Standing Knee Deep In A River.” She talks about friendships that we take for granted, and we let them slip on by.

As I grow older, I realize this is a hard truth that many of us either recognize early enough to rescue the few that may remain, or we acknowledge way too late that they’re already gone.

Friendships that are found to be easy and never have “a bump in the road,” a confrontation, or a season where questions arise if it’s really worth it to keep going, are truthfully, not those knee deep waters.

Knee deep water is when you can still jump around and splash, but one slip, and you’ll be under water fast.

Knee deep water is when you can still feel secure in your footing, but let the current get a little faster, and that footing will be tested and reevaluated.

Knee deep water is when you can choose to go a little deeper, explore a little more, or you can choose to step back in the shallow, safer waters and not take the risk.

Knee deep waters is when real friendships learn to survive.

Friendships that are made to last will be found more valuable and cherished when those waters rise.

What kind of friendships are you keeping today?

It might be one that will be a lifeline to your survival tomorrow…

A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24

Being an Effective Leader

March 1, 2023 / The WheatandTares

To be an effective leader, you’ve got to have the temperament of both a lion and a lamb.

If you are only portrayed as a lion, you will be fierce, fearless and free.

But you can also be too sharp, intimidating and terrifying.

If you are only portrayed as a lamb, you will be calm, cautious and caring.

But you can also be too hesitant, timid and fragile.

Oh. But to have a beautiful balance of both characteristics of the lion and the lamb, you will be effective, encouraging and excellent.

Boldness without love turns to arrogance.

Courage without caution turns to recklessness.

Freedom without awareness (of others) turns to abuse and neglect.

Let’s be the leaders we were meant to be.

And if we are Christians, let’s simply follow the example our God set before us of being both the Lion and the Lamb.

But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”
Revelation 5:5

And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”
John 1:36

Fear Not

February 3, 2023February 3, 2023 / The WheatandTares / 7 Comments

*I do not own this post, and I do not know this person. So, I am not endorsing or condoning anything of his other than this post alone.*

I screenshot this post way back in 2020 as a simple reminder for myself and others.

During those hard months of 2020, I felt myself tempted to be fearful.

Then, I felt myself tempted to grow angry at some who decided to walk in fear of the future.

Then, I felt tempted to get “preachy” at what Christians should and shouldn’t be doing.

Then, I just stopped and had what you might call an epiphany…

At times, there is an expectation from the culture around, maybe even a demand, that we, as Christians, should never worry, fear, fail or be sinful.

As Christians, I believe we often can have the same expectation or demand of each other.

As humans, truthfully, we should all realize this is a false reality that will only bring more pain, disappointment, and often, more sin and failure to each of us.

Being a Christian doesn’t mean we will never have troubles about which to be concerned.

Being a Christ follower doesn’t mean we will never face a terror by night, a tragedy or certain death that might bring fear.

Being a believer certainly doesn’t mean we somehow never fail or never fall into sin and live a perfect, “Pollyanna” lifestyle.

And if anyone ever told you those lies, or you picked them up for yourself along the way; then, I pray you will grab your Bible right now and start reading it, cover to cover.

Our faith isn’t based on some fairytale that paints a false reality.

Our faith doesn’t result from some superpower of strength and knowledge that alters the world in which we live.

And our faith certainly isn’t founded on a plethora of perfect people, living perfect lives.

No, our whole history is filled with the wretched, the broken, the flawed and the desolate.

The only difference between my life and someone who isn’t saved is my Savior, Jesus Christ!

Because with Him, I may not always be fearless, but I will certainly fear less.

Because of Him, I may not be ever be without doubt, but I will certainly doubt less.

Because of His grace, I may not be perfect, but I can definitely live my life seeking His perfection.

Because of His mercy, I may not become sinless, but I will definitely sin less as I pursue His purpose and His plan rather than my own.

So, if you’re struggling today to live out this Christian faith without mistakes, give yourself a break and just have a little talk with Jesus.

And if you don’t know “that guy,” I challenge you to simply say His Name. Take a minute and talk to Him, too.

You might be amazed at what you’ll find…

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 41:10

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.
Hebrews 7:26-28

Have a Funny Monday!

January 9, 2023 / The WheatandTares

I know it’s Monday.

I know it’s the typical day to be grouchy.

But try something different.

Try something new.

Slide on a shiny coat.

Put on a bright smile.

Put a spring in your step and a skip in your walk.

And if that doesn’t work, then just stop.

Take a deep breath and take a moment to daydream for awhile.

Dream of a land far, far away that you’ll one day run to.

You’ll have no more worries, now more tears, and no more pain.

And have a Happy, Fun Monday!

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4

Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5b

Flush It

January 6, 2023 / The WheatandTares

Start this new year by flushing those things you don’t need.

Flush the anger. Flush the pain.

Flush negative thinking and self degradation.

Flush laziness, apathy and procrastination.

Let it all flow away from you and embrace those things that are best.

Embrace love. Embrace peace. Embrace joy.

Embrace positive thoughts and self evaluation.

Embrace determination, tenacity and advancement.

Let it consume you and propel you to a better tomorrow, a higher mountain top.

The valleys may come. The storms may rage.

But if you are pressing forward toward the best ahead, you can learn to dance in the rain.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do,forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14

What’s Your Filter?

January 5, 2023 / The WheatandTares

Everybody’s got a filter.

You hear through that filter.

You see through that filter.

Your perspective is guided, cleared and clouded by that filter.

You can choose to allow your filter to be filled with your pain or your victory.

You can choose to create your filter to be filled with good things or evil.

Th choice is yours.

Choose today for 2023.

Choose well.

Extra Note: I love coffee, but it’s not a great filter filler for my life. 😉😂

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15

Live in Harmony

January 4, 2023 / The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

Great words to live by today and for this new year.

If your life is in harmony with God, you can withstand the storms that may come.

If your life is in harmony with God, your security will be found in Him not them.

If your life is in harmony with God, your peace will be solidified in His will, His way, and His purpose not this world.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Be You, Not Them

December 29, 2022 / The WheatandTares

There is such a push in modern culture to do the same things, wear the same things.

There is such a demand to be the same as everyone else, compare and correlate.

If you are a follower of Christ, He never designed for this pattern.

Look at His disciples. Look at His creation.

Peter and John seemed to be polar opposites.

Snowflakes and raindrops are never identical.

He called you to be you, tempered by His Spirit, molded by His Son.

Find yourself in His design. Find yourself in His plan.

You’ll be amazed at what you discover.

You’ll be overwhelmed by what you reclaim.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2