Lessons in Firstfruit Fundamentals

Survey of Firstfruit Fundamentals

Lesson 1: Introduction and General Questions MP3 printer-friendly

Firstfruit Fundamentals …on the homepage of this section

"Success is nothing more than a few basic spiritual disciplines, practiced every day."

"Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals."

The purpose of this page is to discuss firstfruit fundamentals of Christian living. Here we deal with the basics. Here we present the primary and foundational elements that aid us in our day-to-day life encounters. The subject areas you see below are just some of the areas we are and will discuss. Each subject is a workshop. Each workshop runs between five and fifteen minutes, with some subjects in multiple parts. Each workshop is one single concept, principle or idea. Each presentation is given from the physical, emotional, mental, as well as spiritual viewpoints. This is essential knowledge, instruction and encouragement. This is practical information for life encounters, as well as tools for prayers, meditation and contemplation.

Current Topics Being Developed
Prayer - "Is God Listening?" done	Forgiveness done	General Questions done	Money done
Relationships done	Putting a face on God done	Self-righteousness	Treatment of others


Future Topics
Anger	Marriage & Being Single	Sex	Cheating
Choices/Goals	Sharing	Differences between Men/Women	Talents/Gifts/Abilities
Depression	Sorrow	"Doom & Gloom"	Church
"Who am I?"	"Why did God call me?"	Bad Habits	Friends, Friendship
Drugs	Liquor	"Hanging Out"	Truth
God's Laws	Love	The Salvation Process	"What does God want from me?"
"Where can I get encouragement?	Jobs/Careers	Success/Prosperity	Diet/Health
My Parents	My Sisters/Brothers	Education/Schooling	Music
Movies/Entertainment Choices	Facebook/Social Networking	Computers/Gadgets/Technology	Dress/Make-up
"Where can I get help?"	"I'm/We are pregnant!!"	Purpose	Pornography
Failure

The future topics is all about you in the congregation. Have a topic? Let me know and we will add it to the list.

Subject: General Questions
Question 1: How do I have and keep a positive attitude?

If we are going to talk about having and keeping a positive attitude, we must first make a clear distinction between thinking positive and the Positive Thinking Movement. The former is fully supported by the Word of God. That is, thinking in the positive and having a positive attitude is supported and encouraged by God through scripture. The Positive Thinking Movement is a pull yourself up by your bootstraps philosophy.

I, in no way, support anything to do with the Positive Thinking Movement, sometimes referred to as "positive psychology." I support, fully, the biblical idea of having a positive attitude and thinking positive thoughts. A problem arises due to the fact that both camps use the same jargon and techniques. This can lead to confusion on the part of the viewer interpreting which element you hold and practice.

The Bible is full of admonitions to think on positive things and therefore have a positive attitude. Following are just some of these admonitions from your Bible.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Matthew 15:11
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

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

Ephesians 4:31-32
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Hebrews 13:5
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Matthew 12:33-37
33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

2 Corinthians 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

This last verse, I believe, says it best. Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Since the Bible is the mind of God and Christ, all positive subjects and thoughts in those scriptures should be ours.

Let me answer the question specifically. To have a positive attitude, immerse yourself into the Word of God. To keep it, stay immersed in the Word of God. In addition, find secular sources that speak to the subject. Following are three videos that do.

Zig Ziglar - Attitude Makes All the Difference 9:28

Jack Canfield: Create Your Attitude 1:17

10 Ways a Positive Attitude Can Help You Win 2:24

Question 2: How do I respond positively to criticism from parents or bosses?

We are blessed in many ways to have direct access to information via the Internet. I simply took this question and put it into a search engine. I received a number of sites that speak to accepting criticism with grace, appreciation and a positive attitude. Some of them are listed
below with summaries.

First, we want to look at the situation and ascertain whether it is actually criticism. Ask yourself the following questions:

1] Is this communication of criticism designed to improve my actions or behavior. Its it what we would call positive or constructive criticism?
2] Is this communication actually an outburst of anger?
3] Is this communication actually an insult or personal attack?

In the case of items 2 and 3, you will have to invoke the equivalent of a Matthew 18 process where you sit down with the critic [boss, friend, parent] and voice your conclusion that the criticism was actually an outburst of anger and/or a personal attack on your character. Items 2 and 3 are not, by definition, offering anything of a positive nature with which we can make improvements. The information below will not apply to Items 2 and 3 above. That is, they will not deal with outburst of anger or personal attacks.

How to Accept Criticism with Grace and Appreciation

Summary:

1] Postpone your first reaction. Do not lash back and do not become defensive. If the communication is verbal, open a dialogue and ask questions. If it is an e-mail or letter, sit on it for an hour or a day and then respond.
2] Cool off. When the criticism comes, you are going to naturally have an emotional response. Allow the emotions to flow. Then cool off from the emotions.
3] Turn a negative into a positive. In every criticism there is a nugget of gold. Especially true if the criticism was truly constructive.
4] See it as an opportunity to improve.
5] Thank the critic. Even if they were harsh and rude. Maybe the critic is having a bad day. Thanking the critic and remaining positive can usually catch the critic off guard and win them over.
6] Learn from the criticism. Try to improve.
7] Be the better person. Do not attack the attacker, as this would be stooping to the critic's level.
8] Stay calm and positive. Respond to the "meat" or the "golden nugget" of the criticism.
9] Rise above the criticism. You do this by removing yourself from the criticism, and looking only at the actions criticized.
10] Taking the interjection as an opportunity to clarify. "Thanks for giving me an opportunity to clarify that situation."

How to Take Constructive Criticism Like a Champ

Summary:

1] Stop Your First Reaction
2] Remember the Benefit of Getting Feedback
3] Listen for Understanding
4] Say Thank You
5] Ask Questions to Deconstruct the Feedback
6] Request Time to Follow Up

Hopefully, by this point in the conversation, you can agree on the issues that were raised. Once you articulate what you will do going forward, and thank the person again for the feedback, you can close the conversation and move on.

That said, if it's a larger issue, or something presented by your boss, you may want to ask for a follow-up meeting to ask more questions and get agreement on next steps. And that's OK—it'll give you time to process the feedback, seek advice from others, and think about solutions.

Constructive criticism is often the only way we learn about our weaknesses—without it we can't improve. When we're defensive, instead of accepting and gracious, we run the risk of missing out on this important insight. Remember, feedback is not easy to give and it's certainly not easy to receive, but it will help us now and in the long run.

See Wikipedia on Criticism.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism

There are many resources on the Internet that speak to handling criticism, constructive criticism, angry outbursts and insults/attack on character.

Question 3:
How do I know the difference between lessons from God and being poked by Satan?
A read of the opening chapters of the book of Job and you will see that Satan can do nothing to a firstfruit without specific permission. Therefore, whether a direct lesson from God or an action by Satan, God is in charge. When a situation arises which we suspect as being either a lesson from God or an attack by Satan, we have to conduct an examination of both ourselves and the situation.

1] Is this a natural consequence of a bad decision?
2] Is this the result of a bad spiritual decision?
3] Is this the consequence of sin?
4] Is this a correction/rebuke from God?
5] Is this a test/trial from God?
6] Is this a direct attack/temptation from Satan?

Clearly the situation could be a combination of these things. Rather than trying to figure which of the six possibilities it could be, the firstfruit should address the cause of the situation. The handbook to all lessons/tests/trials is the Holy Bible. Notice:

2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

We are, in essence, being reproved and corrected throughout the Salvation Process. The primary purpose of reproof and correction is to keep us in alignment and going straight down the path of righteousness. Despite the fact God allows these tests and trials in our lives, He gives us all manner of instruction, encouragement and promises for going through them. Therefore, the best way to ascertain what is happening is to stay immersed in the Word of God. Unction of the Holy Spirit works best with a firstfruit immersed in scripture.

Proverbs 15:31
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

Ephesians 5:11-13
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Psalm 19:7-11
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Psalm 119:130
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Proverbs 6:23
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

Notice the commentary on this verse

Proverbs 6:23
For the commandment is a lamp - It illuminates our path. It shows us how we should walk and praise God.

And the law is light - A general light, showing the nature and will of God, and the interest and duty of Man.

And reproofs of instruction - Or, that instruction which reproves us for our sins and errors leads us into the way of life. ~Adam Clarke

Firstfruits should look upon every trial and test with a positive attitude and as an opportunity to improve and excel in the Salvation Process and know the will of God.

Question 4: How do you get the spark/first love back?

This is a most interesting question and one that virtually every firstfruit has asked or considered. I believe we can answer this question by looking at the definitions of a couple of words:

Excitement:
1] The condition of being excited.
2] Intensity of feeling or reaction.
3] Enthusiasm
4] Incitement
5] The feeling of lively and cheerful joy

Passion:
1] A powerful emotion such as love or joy.
2] Boundless enthusiasm.
3] Fervor, fire, zeal, ardor.

Zeal is strong, enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal and tireless diligence in its furtherance: "

Herein is the answer. To have that initial first love back and/or to maintain it, we have to have a strong, enthusiastic devotion to a cause or goal and diligence in its furtherance. I have been preaching for years of the importance of fervency, diligence and zeal in our spiritual lives. One cannot have fervency, diligence or zeal about the Salvation Process and their Godly Calling without something called "focus." Let us look at the definition of the word, "focus."

Focus:
1] A center of interest or activity.
2] Close or narrow attention or concentration.
3] A condition in which something can be clearly apprehended or perceived.
4] To adjust one's vision or an optical device so as to render a clear, distinct image.

Therefore, firstfruits have to make the Salvation Process the center of their interest and activity. They must concentrate on their calling. They must constantly be adjusting their vision so as to render their call to Salvation in distinct and clear image.

How to Focus:
1] Have a desire to obey God.
2] Pray for focus, as well as fervency, diligence and zeal.
3] Immerse yourself into the Word of God. Since the Word of God is our object of focus, immersing ourselves into it will result in excitement, joy and passion.

Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Proverbs 22:29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Proverbs 12:24
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

2 Peter 1:5-7
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

Psalm 77:6
I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

Colossians 3:23
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Notice here in Hebrews 11:6 the direct linkage between faith, which is absolutely required for salvation and diligence. We must diligently seek Him. This is done with prayer, study, meditation, fasting and immersion in His Word. That first love will manifest itself to the same degree you apply diligence and immersion into the Word of God.

Job 22:26
For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.

Job 27:10
Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?

Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psalm 37:4
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalm 40:8
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Psalm 119:174
I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.

How could any firstfruit read and strive after these six verses and not have first love?

This brings us to the end of Lesson 1. See you for Lesson 2. Until then, stay immersed in your Firstfruit Fundamentals.

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