{"id":432,"date":"2010-03-12T13:02:16","date_gmt":"2010-03-12T20:02:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/?p=432"},"modified":"2011-06-29T06:43:30","modified_gmt":"2011-06-29T13:43:30","slug":"calibrating-your-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/?p=432","title":{"rendered":"“Calibrating Your Life”"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n[Translate]<\/a>\"\"\n
\n<\/div>\n
\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The sky is perfectly clear here in Las Cruces, and it\u2019s clear that the Lord has blessed us
\nwith another beautiful day! With the recent storm that passed through Las Cruces, it
\nreally helped to clean the air and filter the sky of all its impurities. It\u2019s almost as if God
\nhas renewed the day. It\u2019s amazing how such pristine skies help to give us clarity to see
\nthings we otherwise would not even notice. You might view this as God\u2019s way of
\nrefreshing both our physical and Godly senses \u2013 a renewing of our Spirit!<\/p>\n

What a glorious day it is to be alive in Christ! Praise the Lord!<\/p>\n

When I think about God\u2019s ability to renew things, I begin to consider that the Bible states
\nthat God had a plan for all that has taken place, all that is, and all that ever will be.
\nReflect on the well known verse in Genesis 1:1, \u201cIn the beginning God created the
\nheavens and the earth.\u201d and John 1:3, \u201cAll things were made through Him, and
\nwithout Him nothing was made that was made.\u201d Clearly God is incredible, and His
\nplans are eternal. In fact, He even has a plan for you and me!<\/p>\n

\u201cFor I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plan to prosper you and not
\nto harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.\u201d (Jeremiah 29:11)
\nI like that\u2026 a hope and a future! We must never let the world get in the way of this
\nblessed hope, for God\u2019s plan for us is truly eternal, and it is uniquely designed for each of
\nus. Have you ever asked, \u201cHow do I fit into God\u2019s plan for my life?\u201d<\/p>\n

This is an interesting question, for just when we begin to think we know what God\u2019s plan
\nis for our life, the world steps in and off we go in another direction! Ever had that
\nhappen? I think we all can relate to that \u201cfeeling\u201d. One way to battle this confusing
\ndilemma is to ground yourself in the Truth, and this truthful and significant fact: You are
\ncurrently living out God\u2019s plan for your life. That\u2019s right\u2026 You\u2019re already plugged in!
\nAnd since you are already walking in Christ, follow what it says in Philippians 3:17,
\n\u201cJoin with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live
\naccording to the pattern we gave you.\u201d<\/p>\n

One way to view this is that when you accepted Christ in your life, as your Lord and
\nSavior, you \u201cconsciously\u201d began the process of executing God\u2019s plan for your life \u2013 one
\nday at a time. God also knew that in order for you to execute His unique plan for your
\nlife, you would need instruction (the Bible) and a counselor (the Holy Spirit) to help
\nalong the way. Take time to read the Bible, listen to the Holy Spirit and allow God to
\nreveal His loving plan for your life.<\/p>\n

Much like any plan that goes into effect, it involves a process that is filled with
\nmilestones (to mark progress) that ultimately lead to the completion of a goal \u2013 as
\nChristians — a heavenly goal. If we correlate the milestones we come to in life to that of
\nour Christian walk, we might come to realize that God\u2019s plan means we are under a
\nconstant state of transformation and refinement. In reality, each milestone represents a
\ncontinual renewing of our spirit that is underway \u2013 all with consideration and focus
\ntoward the eternal goal that God has placed in our hearts. Fix your eyes on Jesus\u2026
\nImagine a broad milestone chart of God\u2019s plan for your life \u2013 it might look something
\nlike this: Accept Christ — Grow in Christ — be obedient to God \u2013 eternal life in Heaven.
\nShort and overly simplistic\u2026 right? I agree! After all, I did leave a few things out!
\nWhere are the cars, the boats — the condo on the beach, the joys and hardships, etc., etc.?
\nPlaces to go, things to do\u2026 I think you might get the point\u2026 That is part of what makes
\nit so difficult to execute God\u2019s plan and remain on track \u2013 that is, our ongoing desire and
\nlust for the world, versus our desire for God! Consider the warning in Ephesians 4:22,
\n\u201cYou were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old
\nself, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;\u201d<\/p>\n

As we execute God\u2019s plan for our life, we need to remind ourselves that our ultimate goal
\n(blessed hope) is to serve our God in Heaven! (Revelation 22:3) However, it\u2019s the
\n\u201cgrowing in Christ\u201d and \u201cbeing obedient to God\u201d part of the plan that tends to make our
\nwalk here on earth a bit challenging at times \u2013 sometimes beyond what we think we can
\nendure! After all, life is dynamic with lots of detours along the way. However, don\u2019t
\nworry, for God considers everything in your life, and He never made a plan that was not
\nintended for good — and He will never gives you more than you are able to handle. In
\nthis regard, having guidelines in our life will help us to fulfill God\u2019s plan. These
\nguidelines come from the truth found in God\u2019s Word and the Holy Spirit that dwells in
\neach of us.<\/p>\n

We all understand that while we are in this world, we must seek to do God\u2019s will. Listen
\nto what it says in Joshua 22:5, \u201c\u2026 love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to
\nkeep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and
\nwith all your soul.\u201d<\/p>\n

May I say that as we are living out God\u2019s plan for our lives, it is helpful to reassess our
\nprogress and understanding of \u201cthe plan\u201d at various milestones along the way. Consider
\nthis assessment as part of what I\u2019ll call \u201cCalibrating Your Life\u201d. We do this to ensure
\nwe are maintaining a \u201cstandard\u201d in our life that \u201ckeeps pace\u201d and is acceptable with
\nGod\u2019s plan. We do this to stay \u201con track\u201d with the milestones God has set for us. But
\nwhat does this calibration metaphor imply, and how might it be useful as applied toward
\nyour life?<\/p>\n

Think of this \u201ccalibration process\u201d as determining how you can get rid of the so-called
\n\u201cworldly noise\u201d in your life. These are the sinful distracters and obstacles (evil and
\ndestructive in some cases) in life that slow or impede your progress toward
\naccomplishing God\u2019s plan for your life. Such \u201cworldly noise\u201d only serves to clutter your
\npath and cloud visibility toward your recognized heavenly goal.<\/p>\n

I might point out, that when we truly \u201cvisualize\u201d our heavenly goal, we will tend to
\nexecute God\u2019s plan for our life with greater effectiveness and purpose \u2013 no matter what
\ncircumstances we are in, or what we face in life.<\/p>\n

Allow me use an astro-imaging \u201canalogy\u201d here to help you visualize this so-called
\ncalibration process.<\/p>\n

When I set about taking an astro-photograph of one of God\u2019s heavenly creations, a galaxy
\nfor example, I must first make a plan to correctly setup the observatory, telescope and
\nvarious systems, and then set about \u201cexecuting the plan\u201d for the night\u2019s imaging session.
\nThis involves going through a series of processes that ultimately yields a final astroimage.
\nI know from my worldly experience with telescopes and imaging equipment \u201cwhat I can
\nand can\u2019t do\u201d. Under these guidelines, once the image data is acquired, I must enhance
\nthe good data (signal), and get rid of the \u201cnoise\u201d that resides in the raw image data. I do
\nthis so as to yield a good final image result. Here is an example of what I mean in the
\nimage examples shown below:<\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This first image below is what we call \u201craw data\u201d\u2013 it\u2019s a galaxy. This is what it looks
\nlike coming directly out of the highly sensitive CCD camera attached to the telescope \u2013
\none of many sub-exposures taken during a typical imaging session. It may be interesting,
\nbut it\u2019s not all that impressive. How can we improve the image from this \u201craw data\u201d?
\nAs part of this analogy, let me make some parenthetical (connections) to the above idea
\nof \u201ccalibrating your life\u201d with that of processing an astro-image.<\/p>\n

The noise within the image above represents all the distractive elements (the world) in the
\nimage raw data (our life) that are masking the true signal within the image (God\u2019s Truth –
\n– heavenly goal). You can somewhat make out the shape of the galaxy, but to the trained
\neye (God) there is a large amount of \u201cnoise\u201d (sin) in the image raw data that obstructs our
\nview (sinful behavior) of what this heavenly object really looks like. We know it\u2019s there,
\nbut we can\u2019t quite see it (worldly distractions). How do we get rid of the noise in the
\nimage raw data?<\/p>\n

In processing CCD images, we first make the decision (acknowledge sin) to eliminate the
\nnoise in the raw data (repent of sin) by applying various filtering methodology (accept
\nChrist). The image below is the result of a process called \u201ccalibration\u201d (sanctification) of
\nthe raw image data. In effect, the noise that was once reflected in the imaging system
\n(sins of the world) have been imputed (by Christ) for the calibrated image data
\n(Believer).<\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The result of the \u201ccalibrated image\u201d shown above is quite striking. We are beginning to
\nsee our goal take shape (purpose in life). Our imaging session includes a series of
\ncalibrated images that are then combined (life\u2019s experiences) to make up a master image
\n(our character). Several master images are made (service to God) using different colored
\nfilters can be further combined (worship and fellowship) to form a final color image
\n(Christ-like walk) as shown in the final image below. Are you beginning to clearly see
\nthe goal now? We\u2019re not done yet\u2026<\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This final image result shown above can be further processed with more techniques, such
\nas contrast and sharpening (commitment to a Christ centered life) to enhance and more
\naccurately represent this heavenly object. Count the stars if you can! The true
\nrepresentation of this galaxy can then be presented for people to see (spreading the Good
\nNews) in all its glory (our Lord and Savior \u2013 Jesus Christ). That\u2019s it! How does your
\nsoul feel\u2026 You just processed your first astro-image!<\/p>\n

By the way\u2026 The image above is a heavenly object called M31, \u201cThe Great Andromeda
\nGalaxy\u201d. This wide-field image was taken from my JMSM Observatory near Mayhillm
\nNM. It is the nearest \u201cneighbor galaxy\u201d to our own Milky Way Galaxy \u2013 our home in the
\nuniverse! This spiral galaxy is located some 2.9 million light years distant from our
\nearth, and is part of what is called our \u201clocal group\u201d of galaxies. Notice also the
\nprominent companion galaxies M32 and M110.<\/p>\n

As you can see from the process above, there was quite a lot to consider when executing
\nour imaging plan (same with God\u2019s plan) to achieve our finished astro-image, with the
\n\u201ccalibration process\u201d being critical to yielding a good image result. So too, if we desire
\nto remain on-track with God\u2019s plan, we need to pay attention to how we are processing
\nand executing everything in our life \u2013 all the while obeying the commandment given by
\nJesus,<\/p>\n

\u201cLove the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
\nstrength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.\u201d (Luke 10:27)
\nIn bringing this analogy to a close, let\u2019s look at some of the \u201cstructural considerations\u201d
\nassociated with God\u2019s plan for your life. Consider the following:<\/p>\n

– Recognize that God\u2019s plan for you is unique, and it is matched perfectly just for
\nyou.<\/p>\n

– God knows your strengths and weaknesses, your fears and what is good for you.
\n– All of your experiences (good and bad) fit into God\u2019s plan. He knows where you
\nhave been and He knows where you are going.
\n– Abide in the Lord, and work to serve His Kingdom.
\n– Walk in Christ and present yourself pleasing to the Lord.
\n– Realize that God has a specific calling for your life \u2013 learn what it is.
\n– Use the gifts God has given you.
\n– God\u2019s plan for your life is simple \u2013 don\u2019t make it more complicated than it is.
\n– God\u2019s plan requires obedience to His commandments \u2013 flee from sin.
\n– Read and apply God\u2019s Word in your life so you may understand and seek His
\nwill.
\n– Communicate with God through prayer and meditation.
\n– Walk in faith.
\n– Live by God\u2019s grace and mercy, not for yourself.
\n– Listen to the direction of the Holy Spirit.
\n– Stay focused on God in everything you do.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m sure you can think of additional considerations that may relate toward applying
\nGod\u2019s plan in your life. Good\u2026 Add them in! God want you to get connected with
\nHim! Seek God in all you do, for this will bring clarity to the plan you are executing.
\nOnce again, we are talking about God\u2019s plan for YOUR LIFE.<\/p>\n

Understanding the scope of God\u2019s plan for your life is one thing, but now we must work
\nto execute this plan and remain on-track. This is where the \u201cCalibrating Your Life\u201d
\ntheme of this message comes into play.<\/p>\n

I would like to encourage you that putting God\u2019s plan for your life \u201cinto action\u201d is as
\nsimple (and as difficult) as this:<\/p>\n

Daily — in EVERYTHING you do in life, weigh the consequences of your worldly
\nencounters against God\u2019s Truth — then ask this question: \u201cDoes this encounter,
\nconsideration, or action in my life bring me closer to God\u2019s plan, or does it take me
\nfarther away from God\u2019s plan?\u201d If the answer is \u201ccloser to God\u2019s plan\u201d, then feed your
\nsuccess and do more of what brings you closer to God. If the answer is \u201cfarther away
\nfrom God\u2019s plan\u201d, then starve your failures, and do more of what brings you closer to
\nGod.<\/p>\n

Remember, as you execute God\u2019s wonderful plan for your life, keep in mind the
\nsignificance of your eternal journey, and the opportunities you have serving God through
\nyour faith in Christ Jesus. Be reminded of your eternal goal, and that God\u2019s plan
\nremains in you \u2013 and you in faithful obedience to God.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also
\nwill remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us\u2014 even
\neternal life.\u201d (1 John 2:24-25)<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that God\u2019s sacrifice for you was His Son Jesus (John 3:16) — so know that
\nthe life you live is very important and has eternal consequences. Strive to stay on a
\nstraight path (Matthew 7:13-14), and remember your calling! Keep God\u2019s
\ncommandments close to your heart, and do not deny the opportunity share the Good
\nNews of Jesus Christ with those that have ears to hear\u2026<\/p>\n

In closing, reflect on the above. As you set about \u201cCalibrating Your Life\u201d, do it with
\nGodly intent and purpose, with the full knowledge that God is actively refining,
\npurifying, and transforming you in Christ Jesus \u2013 all part of His eternal plan for \u201cyour
\nlife\u201d. Yes\u2026 God cares about YOU!<\/p>\n

May the Lord place someone in your path this weekend to share with them the Good
\nNews of Jesus Christ. Amen!<\/p>\n

Have a great day!<\/p>\n

Your brother in Christ,
\nMike Sherick<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[Translate] <\/p>\n

The sky is perfectly clear here in Las Cruces, and it\u2019s clear that the Lord has blessed us with another beautiful day! With the recent storm that passed through Las Cruces, it really helped to clean the air and filter the sky of all its impurities. It\u2019s almost as if God […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/432"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=432"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/432\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1326,"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/432\/revisions\/1326"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=432"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=432"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=432"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}