Accept the responsibility for your freedom! (RFBC Meeting Notes: 03/23/2008)

Accept the responsibility for your freedom!

Accept responsibility for the fact that you have been set free.

Galatians 5: 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Exodus 16:32- through 17:7  

³² Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Two quarts of it are to be preserved throughout your generations, so that they may see the bread I fed you in the wilderness when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’”  ³³ Moses told Aaron, “Take a container and put two quarts of manna in it. Then place it before the LORD to be preserved throughout your generations.” ³⁴ As the LORD commanded Moses, Aaron placed it before the testimony to be preserved. ³⁵ The Israelites ate manna for 40 years, until they came to an inhabited land. They ate manna until they reached the border of the land of Canaan.
³⁶ (Two quarts are a tenth of an ephah.) 

Exodus 17 
¹ The entire Israelite community left the Wilderness of Sin, moving from one place to the next according to the LORD’s command. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.
² So the people complained to Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why are you complaining to me?” Moses replied to them. “Why are you testing the LORD?” ³ But the people thirsted there for water, and grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you ever bring us out of Egypt to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” ⁴ Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What should I do with these people? In a little while they will stone me!”  ⁵ The LORD answered Moses, “Go on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you. Take the staff you struck the Nile with in your hand and go.
⁶ I am going to stand there in front of you on the rock at Horeb; when you hit the rock, water will come out of it and the people will drink.” Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
⁷ He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites complained, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”

Numbers 33:11-14 (ASV)

11 And they journeyed from the Red Sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin. 12 And they journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, and encamped in Dophkah (Hebrew: דָפְקָה means knocking.)  13 And they journeyed from Dophkah, and encamped in Alush. 14 And they journeyed from Alush, (Hebrew: אָלוּש means leaven or crowding ׁ) and encamped in Rephidim, The name "Rephidim" (Hebrew: רְפִידִם) may mean supports.) where was no water for the people to drink.

There is a lot here, but the things we will deal with are:

God took them from the place of Idolatry, (things built on lies, false gods) to Knocking (seeking, a quest, unsurety) to Leavening (to make light by fermentation, separation, preparation) to Support. (foundation, strength)

The process took time

This passage points to Christ, in that: 1 Cor 10:4 (the rock is Jesus) John 19:34  But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

God gave the tools to remember, but they chose to forget Because they let their immediate circumstances divert them from the larger situation/goals/objectives  (v.3)

How often do we do that? Why does it seem that in times of difficulty, we resort to the comfortable, destructive behaviors first…

 

What does it mean to be free? Freedom is defined as:

1.  The condition of being free of restraints.

2. Liberty of the person from slavery, detention, or oppression.

3. Exemption from an unpleasant or onerous condition: freedom from want.  

4. The capacity to exercise choice; free will: We have the freedom to do as we please all afternoon  

5. The right to unrestricted use; full access:

6. The right of enjoying all of the privileges of membership or citizenship

The Three Edwards

Thomas Costain’s history book The Three Edwards includes the story of the life of Raynald III, a fourteenth-century duke in the country of Burgundy (now called Belgium). Raynald III was grossly overweight, and he was commonly called by his Latin nickname, “Crassus,” which means, “Fat.”

After a violent quarrel, Raynald’s younger brother Edward led a successful revolt against him. Edward captured his brother Raynald, but he did not kill him, as was the custom. Instead, he built a room around Raynald in the Nieukerk castle and promised him he could regain his freedom, his title and his property as soon as he was able to leave the room.

This would not have been difficult for most people since the room had several windows and a door of near-normal size, and none was locked or barred. The problem was Raynald’s size. To regain his freedom, he needed to lose weight. But Edward knew his older brother, and each day he sent a variety of delicious foods. Instead of dieting his way out of prison, Raynald grew fatter.

When Duke Edward was accused of cruelty, he had an available answer: “My brother is not a prisoner. He may leave when he so wills.”

Raynald stayed in that room for ten years and wasn’t released until after his brother Edward died in battle. By then his health was so ruined that he died within a year . . . a prisoner of his own appetite. – Dave Wilkenson

What can we learn from Raynald?

His freedom kept him a prisoner, because he would not discipline Himself.

We are free to do a great many things, the question always is: SHOULD WE? How often do we resort to the familiar to our own detriment, when the promise that lays before us is so much better, simply because we do not want to do the work, or we are afraid, or it’s hard, or (your excuse here) ?

Paul put it like this, in his 1st letter to the Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

God’s provision…..Deuteronomy 29:1, 16-19, 29 - 

1 These are the words of the covenant which Yahweh commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.

16  (for you know how we lived in the land of Egypt, and how we came through the midst of the nations through which you passed; 17 and you have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them); 18 lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turns away this day from Yahweh our God, to go to serve the gods of those nations; lest there should be among you a root that bears gall and wormwood; 19 and it happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart, to destroy the moist with the dry.

We can skip Verses 20-28, as they are the penalty phase, and we are not under this covenant…

29 The secret things belong to Yahweh our God; but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

We can break that passage down like this:

16-17: You have gone through Egypt to LEARN, and over the last 40 years you have seen many cultures to LEARN, because you are accountable for what you KNOW

18-19: You have been allowed to SEE so that you are not deceived. Don’t fool yourself, constantly check yourself

29: WE are RESPONSIBLE FOR REVELATION

Notice that this is from God to the people, a covenant with ALL the people, not just the Pastor, not just Moses…

God’s desire is for us ALL to KNOW HIM, be knowledgeable about Him, and be so attuned to His voice that we can be truly obedient.

Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

How I choose to exercise my freedom affects me, and impacts those around me…

Freedom. Like the Kingdom (Rom 14:17) is a gift, but it is up to us to maintain it.

Our thoughts, words and deeds are the factors that determine or situations, and though grace abounds, many times it is we who, like the Hebrews in the desert, wish to return to the comfortable in times of stress.

2 Corinthians 1:18  But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. 19  For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. 20  For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21  Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22  Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 24  Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. (read this in the NIV)

2 Corinthians 3:17  Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Grace is the gift, it is on us to obey…

In the two examples below, the gift was free, the follow-through, and maintenance were the responsibility or the recipient. It is the same for us today

John 9:7,11

7, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.  – 11,   He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

John 5:4-15

4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5  And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.6  When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?7  The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.8  Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.9  And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.10  The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.11  He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.12  Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?13  And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.14  Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.15  The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

(11- I know what You say, but the one that healed me said…)

That’s the line to use on your temptations, the line to use on the devil

(I know what You say, but the one that healed me said…)

Why we must know God Part 2 - (RFBC Meeting Notes 3.29.09)

It’s all relative

“Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong; rather, it is telling the difference between right and almost right.” – Charles Spurgeon

Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. - Job 38:3

1 - The Inconvenient Truth:

It is not enough for us to look at only at the manifestation/results, it is necessary for us to look at the intention/motivation

• Angel of light – 2 Cor 11:13-15
• Test every spirit – 1 John 4:1-4
• Roaring lion - Proverbs 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. &
• 1 Peter 1:5b - 11

Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Notice verse 8 says 3 things:

1 that you have an enemy,

2 who he is, but most importantly

3 he is not what he seems…

So much of our culture is built on appearances, not realities, but appearances. On Image

(Define Image again):

· persona: (Jungian psychology) a personal facade that one presents to the world; "a public image is as fragile as Humpty Dumpty"

· picture: a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction)

· the general impression that something (a person or organization or product) presents to the public; for the purposes of engendering good will or positive impression

• A mental picture of something not real or present

Therefore, Image is NOT REALITY!

2 - It is not enough for us to know when or what, we must also know the who and why

a) Jesus knew their thoughts – Matt 9:2-8

b) The Holy Spirit tells the Wise Men – Matt 2:1-12

c)  1 Cor 1: 21 - The world with its wisdom was unable to recognize God in terms of his own wisdom. So God decided to use the nonsense of the Good News we speak to save those who believe.

2 Cor 4:3-4 - 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

3 - Conviction vs. Opinion

Conviction

3 a: a strong persuasion or belief b: the state of being convinced to be convinced means: convinced(p): persuaded of; very sure;

1: to overcome by argument b: overpower, overcome

2: demonstrate, prove3: to bring (as by argument) to belief, consent, or a course of action: persuade

Opinion

1 a: a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter

b: approval, esteem

2 a: belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge

b: a generally held view

3 a: a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert

b: the formal expression (as by a judge, court, or referee) of the legal reasons and principles upon which a legal decision is based

Is it safe enough to say, based on your own personal experience, would you agree that, most people live according to opinion first, rather than conviction? Why is that? For one, relativism.

4 - Our society and relativism

Relativism: A theory, especially in ethics or aesthetics, that conceptions of truth and moral values are not absolute but are relative to the persons or groups holding them.

Our society is full of people who say that:

All roads lead to God

You cannot discount other religions because they all have some truth

According to a major 2007 Pew Forum survey, 59% in historically black churches hold that

“many religions can lead to eternal life.”

Fifty-seven percent of all evangelicals believe this. This belief kills missionary motivation.

Why go to others with the Gospel, if their own religion serves as well?

But My Bible says:

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Relativism breeds Inclusivism, which gives way to religious pluralism, which when it has run its course will lead to Universalism…it is already in through the back door, and is walking up the aisle…

Inclusivism, one of several approaches to understanding the relationship between religions, asserts that while one set of beliefs is absolutely true, other sets of beliefs are at least partially true.

Religious pluralism, which asserts that all beliefs are equally valid within a believer's particular context.

Universalism is a theology that generally holds all persons and creatures are related to God or the divine and will be reconciled to God.

Because we no longer have a standard for truth, so with no truth, there is no honor…

We don’t have a concept of honor in this relativistic society we live in:

Ex 1: The man who threw the shoes at President Bush. To us, it was no big deal. In fact many Americans thought this was quite funny. To an Iraqi however, that was the utmost insult, which is why the man just got sentenced last week to 3 years in jail, and yet another reason why many in the Muslim world view us with disdain.

Ex 2: A friend of mine in the military was stationed in Iraq. He told me a story much like the story of Achan in the OT. A man was caught and accused of robbing a Taxicab crime. He had not been tried. The tribal leader (mayor) came, and spoke to him; he told the tribal leader that he had indeed committed the crime. The leader then prayed with him, walked out of the cell, spoke to the guards, who then took him outside and executed him.

He could have said that he didn’t do it. He could have gotten away, but his sense of honor was more important than life…

Barbaric you say? Let’s look at Achan… Joshua 7

Joshua 22:20 - Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.

Where there is no honor, there can be no trust, and no shame, and where there is no shame…

Ex 3: We were told that the AIG bonuses had to go out because they were contracted in advance. But it was WRONG!

What does that mean? It means that in our society contracts hold more weight than the truth. More weight that ethics and morals.

Ex 4: Our schools teach evolution, and their worldview to our children EVERY DAY. We teach our values to our children once a week for 45 minutes. This is why (the 15 year old)

This is one of the reasons that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Though they are WRONG, there is structure, and honor….

We are no longer shocked by anything, we are not easily offended, and when we are, it is usually only until the next news piece comes on….

While our churches are spending time and energy redefining sin, the Government is redefining the laws of the land.

USING EMOTIONS to distract, in order to take away freedoms

Ex: The AIG bonus law, the Bush laws

I do not believe that there is supposed to be a separation of church and state and even if there was, there was NEVER supposed to be a separation of GOD and state

Little by little, our country, and our churches are moving away from God

What happens when God lets you go?

Samson… Judges 16:1-20

Rev 3:1-4 - And to the angel of the church in Sardis say: These things says he who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: I have knowledge of your works, that you seem to be living but are dead. Be on the watch, and make strong the rest of the things which are near to death; because as judged by me your works have not come up to God's measure. Keep in mind, then, the teaching which was given to you, and be ruled by it and have a change of heart. If then you do not keep watch, I will come like a thief, and you will have no knowledge of the hour when I will come on you. But you have some names in Sardis who have kept clean their robes; and as a reward they will go in white with me.

1Pe 1:13-25

So make your minds ready, and keep on the watch, hoping with all your power for the grace which is to come to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; Like children ruled by God, do not go back to the old desires of the time when you were without knowledge: But be holy in every detail of your lives, as he, whose servants you are, is holy; Because it has been said in the Writings, You are to be holy, for I am holy. And if you give the name of Father to him who, judging every man by his acts, has no respect for a man's position, then go in fear while you are on this earth: Being conscious that you have been made free from that foolish way of life which was your heritage from your fathers, not through a payment of things like silver or gold which come to destruction,

But through holy blood, like that of a clean and unmarked lamb, even the blood of Christ: Who was marked out by God before the making of the world, but was caused to be seen in these last times for you, Who through him have faith in God who took him up again from the dead into glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God. And as you have made your souls clean, being ruled by what is true, and loving one another without deceit, see that your love is warm and from the heart: Because you have had a new birth, not from the seed of man, but from eternal seed, through the word of a living and unchanging God. For it is said, All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of the grass. The grass becomes dry and the flower dead: But the word of the Lord is eternal. And this is the word of the good news which was given to you.

Jer 1:17-19

Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

God is looking for us to stand strong, and to declare the truth of the Gospel. The truth is that:

Jesus Said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

• That’s not inclusive, it’s the truth!!!

The truth is that Christians are held accountable for their actions, they are forgiven in Christ and their names were written in the “book of life from the creation of the world” (Revelation 17:8).

• That’s not Universalism, That’s Truth

The truth is that: “anyone’s name” that is not “found written in the book of life” will be “thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

• That’s not relative, That’s truth

It’s not politically correct, it is offensive, but is the truth, and THANK GOD FOR THE TRUTH! AMEN!!!

The Gift of forgiveness…

A letter to a friend who was in some distress a couple of years ago, unable to forgive themselves. How many of us find ourselves in that situation at some point in life...

Hey Xxxx, just so you know from the outset, it’s 2 am, and I am writing with my Pastor hat on (figurative), and a nice glass of Shiraz (actual)… ☺

According to Wikipedia: Forgiveness is typically defined as the process of concluding resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offense, difference or mistake, and/or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution. The Oxford English Dictionary defines forgiveness as:

'To grant free pardon and to give up all claim on account of an offence or debt'.

Forgiveness may be considered simply in terms of the person who forgives including forgiving themselves, in terms of the person forgiven and/or in terms of the relationship between the forgiver and the person forgiven. In some contexts, forgiveness may be granted without any expectation of restorative justice, and without any response on the part of the offender (for example, one may forgive a person who is incommunicado or dead). In practical terms, it may be necessary for the offender to offer some form of acknowledgment, apology, and/or restitution, or even just ask for forgiveness, in order for the wronged person to believe themselves able to forgive.

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. – Mohandas Gandhi

Molly what does that mean in the context of our conversation? How can we move this well-defined, good-intentioned concept to a reality for you? A couple of things jump out to me immediately.

1)    The first is that forgiveness is a gift, given by the forgiver to the one forgiven.

2)    Forgiveness can occur even in situations where the one being forgiven is unaware, unable to respond, or may not even care.

3)    If number 2 is true, then the implication is that the lack of forgiveness negatively impacts the offended more so than it does the offender. 

4)    Forgiveness is independent of (not bound to or by) any concept of justice or perceived fairness

5)    Forgiveness is not based in the worthiness, penitence or deservedness of the one forgiven.

If all of the above are true, it must then be asked of you why it is hard to offer yourself forgiveness? If you believe yourself unworthy, you see that this is not a criterion.  So you’ve got no foundation. If you think that you’re not able to forgive, consider it a gift to yourself, in the season of giving. 

The more you know yourself, the more you forgive yourself. - Confucius

If number 3 is true, you may be hurting yourself from two sides: One because you 

are offended, and two because you are unwilling/unable to forgive. So I would ask that you give yourself the gift of forgiveness, so that you can release yourself from the offense, even if you don’t believe yourself worthy of that. In this instance, it is ok to be selfish…

To forgive is indeed the best form of self-interest since anger, resentment, and revenge are corrosive of that "summum bonum," the greatest good. – Bishop Desmond Tutu

This is an important step in the process of understanding the concept of redemption. In its simplest terms, it can be viewed in much the same way as recycling a bottle; turn it in and it is repurposed, and redeemed for another use…

We talked about God’s love for us being unconditional, and an act of grace (grace being defined as unmerited favor). We cannot earn it; we do not deserve it, and truly are not by any works of our own, worthy of it. Yet it is given. That is after all, the nature of Love.

Forgiveness is choosing to love. It is the first skill of self-giving love. – Mohandas Gandhi

The Bible says of Love that:

Love is patient, love is kind; love does not envy; love does not boast, is not puffed up; does not behave disgracefully, does not seek its own, is not provoked to anger, thinks no evil;  does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails… Paul the Apostle, from his 1st letter to the Corinthians. chapter 13, verses 4 to 8a

Looked at in this way, it is easy to see how one could willingly shoulder the responsibility for someone else’s well being and care, and do so without complaint, even at great personal expense. You have seen in your parents, and example of true Love, and the same can be seen in Jesus the Christ.

You said that you cannot see how someone would give up their own life to pay your debt, and that this is but one of many truths. To that I say that just like the gift of forgiveness, it (this act of selflessness, and love) is without logical explanation, defies the norm, and done without expectation of reimbursement. In much the same way that your parents give of themselves to you each day, and you to them….

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John the Apostle, chapter 3, verse 16

In His Love and Peace

C

Musings on Reformed Theology

 I was asked by a sister why I am biased towards so-called 'Calvinism':

I grew up in the United Methodist Church, stayed there until I was 23 and then spent 17 years in a non-denominational quasi-charismatic Evangelical church. I then wandered a bit before settling in at what was at the beginning (at least in name) a teen pregnancy program. It was there that I received the remainder of my pre-Pastoral preparatory training. A dear friend & brother in Christ introduced me to Reformed Theology,  a.k.a. the Doctrines of Grace,  a.k.a. Calvinism in 2007, shortly before we were to start the Fellowship. It completely renovated my thinking, changed my view of God to the Biblical one and in the process radically changed my life. Hence my bias.

... In retrospect I was ready then, ripe as it were for the introduction to Reformed Theology, because having lived through the death of my Son in 2001, and the resultant pain and struggle with my faith and practice, I had found my Theological positions lacking, unable to sustain me, and patently unbiblical. I began to see that despite what I was taught from the pulpit, the Sovereignty all of God was in all things, and all circumstances and all over the Scriptures.

I know today that I have a grasp on what the Bible truly teaches about essential doctrines and I am humbled by, and better for it.

One unforeseen benefit/blessing of my embrace of the truth of Reformed Theology was, that since I had to accept the absolute Sovereignty of God in losing my son, I did not have too hard a time accepting the truth of Election. In that acceptance, I discovered the freedom from internal conflict re: The ‘morality’ of God, that it appears that many Christians and non-Christians alike wrestle with. I had already dispensed with the man-centered concept of ‘fairness’, in favor of the God-centered concept of Justice & Righteousness, but I realized in observing the struggles of others with the morality issue, especially in passages like 1^st Samuel 15, that this was not a struggle for me in the least.