Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
February 27, 2013
HDJW? (How Did Jesus Witness?)
So far I have written about Jesus knowledge of scripture and his public identification with God as two of his witnessing tools. A third arrow in Jesus' witnessing quiver will be prephaps one of the most difficult for some. That is the development of a winsome personality. Jesus Christ was a person other people wanted to be around.
So far I have written about Jesus knowledge of scripture and his public identification with God as two of his witnessing tools. A third arrow in Jesus' witnessing quiver will be prephaps one of the most difficult for some. That is the development of a winsome personality. Jesus Christ was a person other people wanted to be around.
- His first miracle was at a wedding celebration. (John 2:1-22)
- When he asked people to leave all behind and travel with him, they immediately complied. (Luke 5:11-28)
- There are multiple recordings of when Jesus was eating meals with a variety of people. A few examples of these times are located in Luke 7:36, Mark 2:13-15, and Luke 10:38
Often times as Christians we like to offer up the excuse, "Well it is because I am a Christian that no one eats with me at work or invites me to the after work get togethers." While that may well be the legitimate reason in some cases, I surmise that all too often this exclusion from social events may revolve around how the Christian acts/reacts in social situations. No one likes a saved or unsaved know-it-all. People tend to shun judgementals regardless of their heaven-status. Self-centered individuals are seldom included even if their name is written in the Book of Life.
If you are treated as a social pariah at work or school, examine how you relate to others on a personal level. Jesus, God incarnate, perfect in thought, word and deed was involved in social events throughout his life and ministry. If his Christianity did not make him a social outcast, why should we use ours as an excuse?
Pray that God will make us individuals to which others will be drawn. If the Holy Spirit convicts you (me) in this area, make this an intentional area of self-improvement. Allow God to shape and mold your (my) personality in a manner that it will draw, rather than repel, others.
We can't talk to people about Jesus if people won't talk to us about the Oscars.
We can't talk to people about Jesus if people won't talk to us about the Oscars.
Friday, February 22, 2013
February 22, 2013
HDJW?
Yesterday I wrote about importance of Bible study and Bible knowledge in regards to witnessing. One caveat to that point- Don't let a lack of scriptural prowess be an excuse not to witness. The power of your personal salvation story along with how Christ has changed your life can never be under estimated.
Perhaps these first few entries should be grouped into "prewitnessing" preparation.
One of the first mentions of the adult Jesus comes in the first chapter of Mark, the third chapter of Luke and the third chapter of Matthew. These three separate accounts tell of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. I have chosen to include this in the HDJW? because is illustrates the importance of making a very public profession of faith and a public connection to God.
Jesus' baptism was not done behind the closed doors of a temple, church, or cathedral. His baptism was held in the Jordan River, a very public place and was most likely witnessed by devout Jews and nonbelieving Gentiles. I wonder just how public many Christians want their relationship with Christ to be? Is our conversation different? Are the movies we see and then talk about at work the same Hollywood fare as nonbelievers watch? What would be the harm of a Christian fish bracelet or lapel-pin cross?
If we are not publicly Christian, then I worry our personal testimony might be diluted. Just how important is God to me if my t-shirt collection consists of only Starbucks, Life is Good and Nike logos?
I realize the external trappings have nothing to do with salvation and many people who outwardly identify with Jesus Christ in no way live a Christian life, but if our relationship with Jesus Christ is truly the most important thing in the world, then why not make the connection as public as possible?
Jesus made a very public profession of his faith. We should do no less and that profession should not be a one-time thing in a Sunday morning baptistry. That public profession should be an on-going, intentional part of our lives.
Yesterday I wrote about importance of Bible study and Bible knowledge in regards to witnessing. One caveat to that point- Don't let a lack of scriptural prowess be an excuse not to witness. The power of your personal salvation story along with how Christ has changed your life can never be under estimated.
Perhaps these first few entries should be grouped into "prewitnessing" preparation.
One of the first mentions of the adult Jesus comes in the first chapter of Mark, the third chapter of Luke and the third chapter of Matthew. These three separate accounts tell of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. I have chosen to include this in the HDJW? because is illustrates the importance of making a very public profession of faith and a public connection to God.
Jesus' baptism was not done behind the closed doors of a temple, church, or cathedral. His baptism was held in the Jordan River, a very public place and was most likely witnessed by devout Jews and nonbelieving Gentiles. I wonder just how public many Christians want their relationship with Christ to be? Is our conversation different? Are the movies we see and then talk about at work the same Hollywood fare as nonbelievers watch? What would be the harm of a Christian fish bracelet or lapel-pin cross?
If we are not publicly Christian, then I worry our personal testimony might be diluted. Just how important is God to me if my t-shirt collection consists of only Starbucks, Life is Good and Nike logos?
I realize the external trappings have nothing to do with salvation and many people who outwardly identify with Jesus Christ in no way live a Christian life, but if our relationship with Jesus Christ is truly the most important thing in the world, then why not make the connection as public as possible?
Jesus made a very public profession of his faith. We should do no less and that profession should not be a one-time thing in a Sunday morning baptistry. That public profession should be an on-going, intentional part of our lives.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
February 21, 2013
HDJW? (How Did Jesus Witness?)
Disclaimer:
1. This series of entries, HDJW?, will not contain a multipage bibliography, quotes from religious leaders throughout the ages or life-changing insights. I encourage differing opinions, additions or just downright disagreements.
While I have a bias toward this first HDJW? entry, I believe it is still valid.
Jesus had a sound grasp of the scripture and had spent time with like-minded people studying those scriptures.
Luke recounts the story of when Jesus was 12 years old and got separated from his parents during a festival in Jerusalem. For over two days Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus. Imagine the panic they must have felt. The sleepless nights. When they found the young Christ, where was he? In the temple "sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions." (Luke 2:45)
Jesus knew the value of Bible study and face-to-face discourse. When he spoke with people about the kingdom of heaven, he was able to support his position with Old Testament scripture he had learned growing up in the temple. There are also numerous accounts of when as an adult, Jesus would return to the temple to teach and exchange ideas.
There is a danger of becoming too academic in ones approach to witnessing. A robotic presentation of the Roman Road is not likely to move anyone toward salvation; however, the importance of a a working knowledge of some basic "salvation" scripture cannot be overlooked.
Jesus had some advantages in the area of Bible study. First, he was raised in a godly home. Both parents must have had great faith considering the uniqueness of Jesus birth. The family vacation consisted of visiting Jerusalem for a religious festival. Second, while next to nothing is known about Jesus' childhood, I have always assumed that as the Son of God, he would have been blessed with a particularly sharp mind and sensitivity to all things God. Luke writes about the young Jesus, "he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him." (Luke 2:40)
Christ most definitely had a head start. However, each of us can spend time in Bible study. Whether you were a pew babies or a 45-year old new believer, reading the Bible with an evangelical bent is something each of us can do. Few will become a Ravi Zacharias or Charles Stanley, but each of us can have a working knowledge of the what and whys of salvation.
What are some "essential" evangelical verses?
Disclaimer:
1. This series of entries, HDJW?, will not contain a multipage bibliography, quotes from religious leaders throughout the ages or life-changing insights. I encourage differing opinions, additions or just downright disagreements.
While I have a bias toward this first HDJW? entry, I believe it is still valid.
Jesus had a sound grasp of the scripture and had spent time with like-minded people studying those scriptures.
Luke recounts the story of when Jesus was 12 years old and got separated from his parents during a festival in Jerusalem. For over two days Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus. Imagine the panic they must have felt. The sleepless nights. When they found the young Christ, where was he? In the temple "sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions." (Luke 2:45)
Jesus knew the value of Bible study and face-to-face discourse. When he spoke with people about the kingdom of heaven, he was able to support his position with Old Testament scripture he had learned growing up in the temple. There are also numerous accounts of when as an adult, Jesus would return to the temple to teach and exchange ideas.
There is a danger of becoming too academic in ones approach to witnessing. A robotic presentation of the Roman Road is not likely to move anyone toward salvation; however, the importance of a a working knowledge of some basic "salvation" scripture cannot be overlooked.
Jesus had some advantages in the area of Bible study. First, he was raised in a godly home. Both parents must have had great faith considering the uniqueness of Jesus birth. The family vacation consisted of visiting Jerusalem for a religious festival. Second, while next to nothing is known about Jesus' childhood, I have always assumed that as the Son of God, he would have been blessed with a particularly sharp mind and sensitivity to all things God. Luke writes about the young Jesus, "he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him." (Luke 2:40)
Christ most definitely had a head start. However, each of us can spend time in Bible study. Whether you were a pew babies or a 45-year old new believer, reading the Bible with an evangelical bent is something each of us can do. Few will become a Ravi Zacharias or Charles Stanley, but each of us can have a working knowledge of the what and whys of salvation.
What are some "essential" evangelical verses?
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
February 20, 2013
One Thing You Can't Do In Heaven
I am currently reading OTYCDIH written by Mark Cahill. The one thing Mark writes you can't do in heaven is share the gospel message with a lost person. Hadn't really thought about that, and it was kind of sobering. Cahill writes about the importance of viewing EVERY encounter with people as an opportunity to share the gospel message. Airplanes. Shopping malls. Music concerts. Even what appear to be casual conversations head down an evangelical path.
That got me to thinking. . . What examples are there in the NT of Jesus Christ sharing the Gospel message to individuals and how can those examples shape the way we share the story of salvation?
Over the next few/several days I will be taking a look at how Jesus witnessed to individuals.
One closing thought. Cahill writes on page 79, "I have them (temporary friends) as friends for the express purpose of loving them like Jesus would, talking to them about Jesus as I have opportunity, and eventually seeing them in Heaven for all eternity." Is this a healthy way to view a friendship? Thoughts?
I am currently reading OTYCDIH written by Mark Cahill. The one thing Mark writes you can't do in heaven is share the gospel message with a lost person. Hadn't really thought about that, and it was kind of sobering. Cahill writes about the importance of viewing EVERY encounter with people as an opportunity to share the gospel message. Airplanes. Shopping malls. Music concerts. Even what appear to be casual conversations head down an evangelical path.
That got me to thinking. . . What examples are there in the NT of Jesus Christ sharing the Gospel message to individuals and how can those examples shape the way we share the story of salvation?
Over the next few/several days I will be taking a look at how Jesus witnessed to individuals.
One closing thought. Cahill writes on page 79, "I have them (temporary friends) as friends for the express purpose of loving them like Jesus would, talking to them about Jesus as I have opportunity, and eventually seeing them in Heaven for all eternity." Is this a healthy way to view a friendship? Thoughts?
Monday, February 18, 2013
February 18, 2013
Romans 15:1-7 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
February 17, 2013
Although I have not been subjected to the belly of a big fish, I have been unsettled these past several days because of my disobedience to God.
Several month ago, the Holy Spirit directed me to investigate the possibility of a mentoring program similar to the Jericho Commission that would serve some of the people we are meeting through the Sunday lunches at the Gathering Tree. I had a meeting with one of the board members, attended some training, received the materials, and then. . .nothing. The folder has sit on my desk at home gathering dust, a constant reminder of my avoidance of God's directive to me.
If I am going to avoid the big fish's belly, I need to get moving.
It is interesting how God chooses to "discipline" his children for disobedience. Scripture is replete with God's discipline, correction and punishment.
The Israelites were constantly being overrun by other nations because of their disobedience. Forty extra years in the desert as a result of a graven image. Jonah was sentenced to three days in the Halibut Hilton for his refusal to obey God. Old Testament discipline/correction was harsh and obvious.
Those OT examples of discipline are nonexistance in the NT. In the NT God chooses to guide/correct in a more relational style. Peter received multiple verbal rebukes. James and John were taught the error of their thinking when arguing over where each would sit in God's kingdom. Jesus moved from OT physical discipline to a personal, relational approach. That is what I have been experiencing these past several days.
Unsettled. Ill-at-ease. No giant fishes. No invasion of the Philistines. Just that purple folder on my desk remind me of my unwillingness to take the next step. That still, small voice reminding me of my disobedience.
Several month ago, the Holy Spirit directed me to investigate the possibility of a mentoring program similar to the Jericho Commission that would serve some of the people we are meeting through the Sunday lunches at the Gathering Tree. I had a meeting with one of the board members, attended some training, received the materials, and then. . .nothing. The folder has sit on my desk at home gathering dust, a constant reminder of my avoidance of God's directive to me.
If I am going to avoid the big fish's belly, I need to get moving.
It is interesting how God chooses to "discipline" his children for disobedience. Scripture is replete with God's discipline, correction and punishment.
The Israelites were constantly being overrun by other nations because of their disobedience. Forty extra years in the desert as a result of a graven image. Jonah was sentenced to three days in the Halibut Hilton for his refusal to obey God. Old Testament discipline/correction was harsh and obvious.
Those OT examples of discipline are nonexistance in the NT. In the NT God chooses to guide/correct in a more relational style. Peter received multiple verbal rebukes. James and John were taught the error of their thinking when arguing over where each would sit in God's kingdom. Jesus moved from OT physical discipline to a personal, relational approach. That is what I have been experiencing these past several days.
Unsettled. Ill-at-ease. No giant fishes. No invasion of the Philistines. Just that purple folder on my desk remind me of my unwillingness to take the next step. That still, small voice reminding me of my disobedience.
Friday, February 15, 2013
February 15, 2013
Revelation. Epiphany. Realization. As I become more involved in various ministries, my prayer life has to increase in its consistency, regularity and intensity. The 7/24 model served its purpose when I was involved on a surface level, but as the Lord draws Kristi and I deeper into various service opportunities, that model may not equip me for all God has planned.
In WWI, submarines with carbon steel hulls were limited to dives of 328'. Depths of 656' were achieved in WWII due to the introduction of high-strength alloyed steel. Titanium alloys enabled submarines to operate at depths of more than 3000'. Accordingly, as God directs and redirects my service opportunities, my spiritual "hull" will need to be redesigned.
Perhaps longer periods of prayer will be necessary. Or perhaps allowing the Holy Spirit to change how I pray. Bible study sessions may have to become more intense and focused.
I don't know where the Holy Spirit will lead my spiritual development, but what I do know is that my current level of Bible study, quiet time and prayer is being outstripped by the service opportunities God is placing in my life.
In WWI, submarines with carbon steel hulls were limited to dives of 328'. Depths of 656' were achieved in WWII due to the introduction of high-strength alloyed steel. Titanium alloys enabled submarines to operate at depths of more than 3000'. Accordingly, as God directs and redirects my service opportunities, my spiritual "hull" will need to be redesigned.
Perhaps longer periods of prayer will be necessary. Or perhaps allowing the Holy Spirit to change how I pray. Bible study sessions may have to become more intense and focused.
I don't know where the Holy Spirit will lead my spiritual development, but what I do know is that my current level of Bible study, quiet time and prayer is being outstripped by the service opportunities God is placing in my life.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
February 12, 2013
It's BAAAAAAAAAACK!The past couple of weeks I have climbed back on the worry train--toot-toot. Test scores. Finances. Committee commitments. All are working together to rob me of sleep, motivation and joy. This morning I said, "No more."
Worry is a sin. It is disobedience. The scripture is replete with verses that tell Believers not to worry. Easy to say, harder to do.
I Googled verses about joy. Some help there. I prayed to God. More help there. What finally got me over the top this morning was a realization I had when reading Psalm 16.
Last year, Psalm 16 was the first selection in my ambitious scripture memorization plan. I was going to start memorizing whole chapters of the Bible. Well, that fell by the wayside, but this morning I was drawn back to the 16th chapter of Psalm.
As I was reading the words of David, I realized just how personal God was to David. "For in you I take refuge." "You are my Lord." "You alone are my portion." "You make my lot secure." "With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." David's God was not a god of the pulpit or the collective "we". David's God was a personal, one-on-one God. God had plans, protection, comfort designed specifically for David.
In education we talk a lot about individualized instruction, tailoring lessons to meet students' specific learning goals and styles. God has an individualized plan for each of us. The Holy Spirit indwells each of us as an individual.
God know my fears, my distress, my anxiety. He also knows the comfort, rest and peace I need as an individual. My peace will come with I lay claim to that individual, personal relationship with Ha-Melitz.
Monday, February 11, 2013
February 11, 2013
Uh-oh---solo. This week I will be spending my 7/24 sans prepared readings from our Faith Family. Since we served the homeless lunch yesterday, we did not receive the handouts that contained the daily readings. It will be interesting to see where the Spirit leads me.
Nehemiah was brought to mind as I meditated this morning. In particular chapter 4:19-20. 19"Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, 'The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. 20Whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!'"
The trumpet being referenced was to be sounded if the Israelites were attacked as they rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem. As Christians do we rally around our brothers and sisters when the trumpet of distress is sounded? When a family is attacked with sickness, death, unemployment how many in the body of believers heed the sound of the trumpet? This is an opportunity for improvement in my life. A card, a call, an email, while not time consuming, could possibly be what a person needs to get through a rough day. How long does it take to bake a batch of Pillsbury c.c. cookies and take them next door? A 99-cent card and a 43-cent stamp are within the means of most of us.
Nehemiah was brought to mind as I meditated this morning. In particular chapter 4:19-20. 19"Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, 'The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. 20Whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!'"
The trumpet being referenced was to be sounded if the Israelites were attacked as they rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem. As Christians do we rally around our brothers and sisters when the trumpet of distress is sounded? When a family is attacked with sickness, death, unemployment how many in the body of believers heed the sound of the trumpet? This is an opportunity for improvement in my life. A card, a call, an email, while not time consuming, could possibly be what a person needs to get through a rough day. How long does it take to bake a batch of Pillsbury c.c. cookies and take them next door? A 99-cent card and a 43-cent stamp are within the means of most of us.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
February 10, 2013
Proverbs 22:9 The generous will themselves be blessed,
for they share their food with the poor.
The last two readings for this week have focused on greed, storing up treasures on earth and a giving spirit. For me this verse from Proverbs 22 provides a wonderful picture of Christian giving. "Share their food". In ancient Middle Eastern cultures, meal times were not just a time to eat. Meals were a time for fellowship and sharing. It was as much as about the interaction as the nutrition. In our society, television, drive-thrus and crowded schedules have turned the American dinner into 10-minute shovel fests. Leisure, love and laughter are strangers to most American tables.
Sharing of food in years past meant not only food, but fellowship. A person got to know more about someone by breaking bread. Discussions were had. Ideas exchanged. Relationships built.
The "poor" referred to in Proverbs 22:9 might not be just the materially poor. Do you have a neighbor who is in poor health? Take a casserole over with a card of encouragement. Is a friend in the middle of a rough patch in a marriage? Find a time for a meal to open the door for a needful conversation. Those around you may have material possessions but be mired in emotional, relational or spiritual poverty.
Sharing food through by giving to a food drive or donating to a food pantry is needed in today's America. So many people would go hungry without such resources, but one-on-one food sharing opens the door for Christ-conversations that might fill the soul and not just the stomach.
for they share their food with the poor.
The last two readings for this week have focused on greed, storing up treasures on earth and a giving spirit. For me this verse from Proverbs 22 provides a wonderful picture of Christian giving. "Share their food". In ancient Middle Eastern cultures, meal times were not just a time to eat. Meals were a time for fellowship and sharing. It was as much as about the interaction as the nutrition. In our society, television, drive-thrus and crowded schedules have turned the American dinner into 10-minute shovel fests. Leisure, love and laughter are strangers to most American tables.
Sharing of food in years past meant not only food, but fellowship. A person got to know more about someone by breaking bread. Discussions were had. Ideas exchanged. Relationships built.
The "poor" referred to in Proverbs 22:9 might not be just the materially poor. Do you have a neighbor who is in poor health? Take a casserole over with a card of encouragement. Is a friend in the middle of a rough patch in a marriage? Find a time for a meal to open the door for a needful conversation. Those around you may have material possessions but be mired in emotional, relational or spiritual poverty.
Sharing food through by giving to a food drive or donating to a food pantry is needed in today's America. So many people would go hungry without such resources, but one-on-one food sharing opens the door for Christ-conversations that might fill the soul and not just the stomach.
Friday, February 8, 2013
February 8, 2013
Luke 12:15-21 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
After a closer reading of today's selection, I believe these verses have been misunderstood, misinterpreted and mispreached over the years. So often this section is used to warn against the accumulation of wealth. I do not believe that is the correct message Jesus wanted us to glean.
The overarching message is how do we use our wealth and what is our relationship with God. The farmer had a windfall harvest. Who provided that harvest? God caused the crops to grow and be plentiful. So the message is not totally about the accumulation of wealth. If a Christian invests in a start-up company that hits it big and a tripling of stock value ensues, the increase in wealth is not held against that Christian.
Once again, Christ is calling people to look at their hearts. Is the accumulation of wealth so one can "take life easy; eat, drink and be merry"? Or is it so we can further God's kingdom here on earth? Do we say "I am going to" or is "what does God want" the question we ask ourselves?
A billionaire can have a life that is "rich toward God" as can a welfare recipient. A welfare recipient can be greedy as can a billionaire. Today's verses are a statement about attitudes, not accumulation. Middle class is not a sign of spirituality nor is being a 1-percenter or is taking a vow of poverty. Do we recognize all we have is a gift from God? Indeed it belongs to God. Are we willing to allow God to direct our plans and the use of our resources? Are we "rich toward God"?
After a closer reading of today's selection, I believe these verses have been misunderstood, misinterpreted and mispreached over the years. So often this section is used to warn against the accumulation of wealth. I do not believe that is the correct message Jesus wanted us to glean.
The overarching message is how do we use our wealth and what is our relationship with God. The farmer had a windfall harvest. Who provided that harvest? God caused the crops to grow and be plentiful. So the message is not totally about the accumulation of wealth. If a Christian invests in a start-up company that hits it big and a tripling of stock value ensues, the increase in wealth is not held against that Christian.
Once again, Christ is calling people to look at their hearts. Is the accumulation of wealth so one can "take life easy; eat, drink and be merry"? Or is it so we can further God's kingdom here on earth? Do we say "I am going to" or is "what does God want" the question we ask ourselves?
A billionaire can have a life that is "rich toward God" as can a welfare recipient. A welfare recipient can be greedy as can a billionaire. Today's verses are a statement about attitudes, not accumulation. Middle class is not a sign of spirituality nor is being a 1-percenter or is taking a vow of poverty. Do we recognize all we have is a gift from God? Indeed it belongs to God. Are we willing to allow God to direct our plans and the use of our resources? Are we "rich toward God"?
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
February 6, 2013
1 Chronicles 29:10-20
David’s Prayer
10 David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
“Praise be to you, Lord,
the God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
the God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 15 We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. 18 Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. 19 And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, statutes and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.”
20 Then David said to the whole assembly, “Praise the Lord your God.” So they all praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the Lord and the king.
Tested hearts. Integrity. Given willingly. Honest intent. The older I get, the more I realize that so much of what pleases God is the condition of my heart. While my actions may fool others, and possibly even be of benefit to others, God knows the thoughts and intent behind those actions.
If I spend every Sunday serving lunch downtown, but do so out of a sense of obligation, am I pleasing God? Does a top-notch Sunday school lesson please God if the teacher hates homosexuals? Is God pleased with the million-dollar building campaign giver who belittles his wife and children? "All our righteous acts are like filthy rags." Isaiah 64:6
How many of us are modern-day Pharisees and Sadducee? Bible-toting, verse-quoting, Sunday-school- attending Christians who look good on the outside but are lucky our thoughts are not shown in thought bubbles over our heads for all to see? The world sees our actions, but God sees our hearts. Who would you rather please?
Tested hearts. Integrity. Given willingly. Honest intent. The older I get, the more I realize that so much of what pleases God is the condition of my heart. While my actions may fool others, and possibly even be of benefit to others, God knows the thoughts and intent behind those actions.
If I spend every Sunday serving lunch downtown, but do so out of a sense of obligation, am I pleasing God? Does a top-notch Sunday school lesson please God if the teacher hates homosexuals? Is God pleased with the million-dollar building campaign giver who belittles his wife and children? "All our righteous acts are like filthy rags." Isaiah 64:6
How many of us are modern-day Pharisees and Sadducee? Bible-toting, verse-quoting, Sunday-school- attending Christians who look good on the outside but are lucky our thoughts are not shown in thought bubbles over our heads for all to see? The world sees our actions, but God sees our hearts. Who would you rather please?
Monday, February 4, 2013
February 4, 2013
Romans 12:9-21 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This is off topic from today's verses, but something I struggle with most mornings---How to pray for a Faith Family prayer list. Should each request be prayed for individually each morning? Lift up the list as a whole on a daily basis? Apportion it out so a different set of requests receives prayer each morning? I know there is not God-prescribed method, but I would be interested in others' opinions.
This is off topic from today's verses, but something I struggle with most mornings---How to pray for a Faith Family prayer list. Should each request be prayed for individually each morning? Lift up the list as a whole on a daily basis? Apportion it out so a different set of requests receives prayer each morning? I know there is not God-prescribed method, but I would be interested in others' opinions.
Friday, February 1, 2013
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