13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
Paul humbly recognizes that he has not yet "taken hold of it". The "it" to which Paul refers and is identified in verses 9 through 11, is sanctification. He realizes that there is not an finish line for Christian growth this side of heaven. Each day presents more opportunities for spiritual growth. Our transformation is a life-long process, not a one-time event.
Tomorrow starts a new year and although the sun will rise as it has on the previous 364 days, New Years Day holds such a sense of promise for so many. New goal. Resolutions. Aspirations. But for many it can bring on a feeling of regret also. The list of "didn't do's" or "should haves" loom large in many people's minds.
Paul reminds us that we cannot change what was done or not done. Yesterday was. . . Great? Medicore? Awful? It doesn't matter. It was yesterday. Actions cannot be undone. Words cannot be unsaid. Thoughts cannot be unthunk.
When I first read these verses from Philippians, I associated it with forgetting our past mistakes, but I think it is just as important we do not put too much emphasis on past successes either. This can create complacency or arrogance.
Tim Tebow was recognized as college football's best player in 2007 when he received the Heisman Trophy. In fact, he was the first sophomore to ever win that award. In 2010, Tim was selected by the Denver Broncos as their first-round draft pick.
Fast forward to 2013. . . Tim is no longer an NFL football player. His professional football career was marked by a few stellar games, but more often than not, his performance was lackluster. Denver two years, New York Jets one year, New England Patriots three months. 2007- Heisman Trophy winner. 2013- unemployed.
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. . ." Sage advice from Paul. Spend some extra time with God today or tomorrow. Ask Him to help you release any damaging ties to 2013. Ask Him to help prepare you for 2014.
Diets? Health clubs? Quitting smoking? Perhaps all worthy 2014 goals. How about witnessing? A more powerful prayer life? Increased time in the word?
Let 2014 be a God-directed year.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
December 29, 2013
Goal setting has gotten a lot of press over the past several years in the educational world. When I did a Google search for "Books about goal setting for students" there were 83,300,000 results (in 0.38 seconds I might add!). This is with good cause. Many studies have shown a positive correlation between individual goal setting and student achievement.
Google returned 63,700,000 results for "books for goal setting in business". However the search "books for goal setting for spiritual growth" dropped down to a mere 4,830,000 results. But that is still a pretty heavy reading list.
If education, business and even faith-based writers and publishers seem to recognized the need for and benefit from goal setting, why it is not stressed more in small groups and from the pulpit?
The church I attend does have a pulpit-encouraged goal of 7/24. Seven days a week, 24 minutes spent in prayer, Bible study and meditation. This is a good start, but I believe it is just scratching the surface of the power of goal setting for a church.
All feedback welcome. . .
Possible areas of personal goal setting for individual Christians.
1. Time in the Word- something similar to the 7/24 challenge.
2. Sharing the Gospel- personal goal- weekly? Monthly? etc.
3. Scripture memorization- weekly passage? Monthly?
4. Convicted area of growth- This would be specific to each individual Christian. . . Perhaps an act of kindness each week. Or a decrease in cigarettes smoked or television watched. Or Wednesday night church attendance. Might be something that is readily accomplished each week, or a long-term goal that would need weekly steps.
Each Sunday small group members would take 5 minutes to review their goals with class member.
Cautions abound. . .
1. Becoming too legalistic.
2. Becoming discouraged.
3. Broken trust with small group member.
Benefits abound. . .
1. Encouragement for future growth
2. Active as opposed to static Christianity
3. Individual and collective spiritual growth (as iron sharpens iron)
Feedback welcome.
Google returned 63,700,000 results for "books for goal setting in business". However the search "books for goal setting for spiritual growth" dropped down to a mere 4,830,000 results. But that is still a pretty heavy reading list.
If education, business and even faith-based writers and publishers seem to recognized the need for and benefit from goal setting, why it is not stressed more in small groups and from the pulpit?
The church I attend does have a pulpit-encouraged goal of 7/24. Seven days a week, 24 minutes spent in prayer, Bible study and meditation. This is a good start, but I believe it is just scratching the surface of the power of goal setting for a church.
All feedback welcome. . .
Possible areas of personal goal setting for individual Christians.
1. Time in the Word- something similar to the 7/24 challenge.
2. Sharing the Gospel- personal goal- weekly? Monthly? etc.
3. Scripture memorization- weekly passage? Monthly?
4. Convicted area of growth- This would be specific to each individual Christian. . . Perhaps an act of kindness each week. Or a decrease in cigarettes smoked or television watched. Or Wednesday night church attendance. Might be something that is readily accomplished each week, or a long-term goal that would need weekly steps.
Each Sunday small group members would take 5 minutes to review their goals with class member.
Cautions abound. . .
1. Becoming too legalistic.
2. Becoming discouraged.
3. Broken trust with small group member.
Benefits abound. . .
1. Encouragement for future growth
2. Active as opposed to static Christianity
3. Individual and collective spiritual growth (as iron sharpens iron)
Feedback welcome.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
December 28, 2013
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Goodness.
Goodness.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
December 26, 2013
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
MW Online: Kindness
1. an act of kind assistance
2. the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune
3. sympathetic concern for the well-being of others
This was the first time I have ever bothered to look up the definition of "kindness". Prior to this morning, I had never given "kindness" much thought. But if pressed to give definition, I would have most likely put "kindness" in the same category with "nice". A sort of nebulous, feel-good word, but not a word of much weight.
After giving the Merriam-Webster definition, I realize that kindness is much more than a smile and a wave. Kindness involves an emotional response to another person's plight and, I would add, acting on that emotion.
Kindness involves action. A person cannot be kind unless he is involved in kind acts.
Kindness may be something small like getting that cup of coffee for your wife so she doesn't have to get up from the couch. Or kindness may be a casserole prepared for a grieving neighbor. It might involve making the study into a bedroom for your mother-in-law. Strangers, a child or even a parent may need an act of kindness. But whomever or whatever, kindness is action.
Since the early 80's the term "random acts of kindness" has been part of the American lexicon. For Christians, I am not sure about the "random" part. Should any part of a Christian's life be random?
Paul encourages Christians to "pray without ceasing". 1 Thess 5:17 (NIV) If we are indeed constantly in a state of prayer, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then nothing will be random. A spirit-filled, spirit-directed life will be marked by order and purposefulness.
Random acts of kindness speaks to a series of disjointed, feel-good deeds. Spirit-led acts of kindness change lives and help fulfill God's plan.
Pray that God will lead reveal to you opportunities for kindness and that He will strengthen you to perform those revealed acts.
MW Online: Kindness
1. an act of kind assistance
2. the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune
3. sympathetic concern for the well-being of others
This was the first time I have ever bothered to look up the definition of "kindness". Prior to this morning, I had never given "kindness" much thought. But if pressed to give definition, I would have most likely put "kindness" in the same category with "nice". A sort of nebulous, feel-good word, but not a word of much weight.
After giving the Merriam-Webster definition, I realize that kindness is much more than a smile and a wave. Kindness involves an emotional response to another person's plight and, I would add, acting on that emotion.
Kindness involves action. A person cannot be kind unless he is involved in kind acts.
Kindness may be something small like getting that cup of coffee for your wife so she doesn't have to get up from the couch. Or kindness may be a casserole prepared for a grieving neighbor. It might involve making the study into a bedroom for your mother-in-law. Strangers, a child or even a parent may need an act of kindness. But whomever or whatever, kindness is action.
Since the early 80's the term "random acts of kindness" has been part of the American lexicon. For Christians, I am not sure about the "random" part. Should any part of a Christian's life be random?
Paul encourages Christians to "pray without ceasing". 1 Thess 5:17 (NIV) If we are indeed constantly in a state of prayer, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then nothing will be random. A spirit-filled, spirit-directed life will be marked by order and purposefulness.
Random acts of kindness speaks to a series of disjointed, feel-good deeds. Spirit-led acts of kindness change lives and help fulfill God's plan.
Pray that God will lead reveal to you opportunities for kindness and that He will strengthen you to perform those revealed acts.
Monday, December 23, 2013
December 23, 2013
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Depending on the translation, the third fruit of the spirit is either forbearance, longsuffering or patience.
Forbearance: the quality of someone who is patient and able to deal with a difficult person or situation without becoming angry.
Longsuffering: suffering for a long time without complaining : very patient during difficult times.
Patience: the act of being patient. (Not much help unless you know the definition of "patient".)
In the 1990's, t-shirts, car bumpers and bracelets were adored with the four letters WWJD. What Would Jesus Do? While I would never presume to know what Jesus would do in any given situation, we can look at what Jesus did in certain situations by looking at scripture.
When did Jesus exhibit patience?
1. Bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint-- Matthew 27:11-12
Jesus Christ. God incarnate. The Creator. The Alpha and Omega. In the latter chapters in Matthew, Christ is being falsely accused, beaten, taunted, humiliated. Yet "he made no reply". His lot was given to him by his Heavenly Father.
Isaiah tell us "as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he (Jesus) did not open his mouth." Jesus knew obedience to his Father would be excruciatingly painful, extremely unfair and eventually fatal. Yet he did not grumble, grouse or gripe. No carping, caterwauling or croaking.
2. Manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain. The religious leaders of the day were some of Jesus' biggest antagonists. Multiple times in the scripture we see Phrasiees and Saducees challenging Christ.
Picture the scene in Matthew 12. Jesus and his disciples are walking down a dust road on the Sabbath in early April. Hunger starts to gnaw, bellies start to growl. What does a hungry group of men do? They find something to eat. In this case, some barley that has ripened.
The religious leaders of the day were waiting to pounce. "You can't harvest on the Sabbath! You have broken the law! Gloom, despair and agony!"
Did Jesus smite them? Did he call down fire and brimstone? No, he answered them with logic, reason and scripture.
Patience. Patience at work. Patience at home. Patience at the mall. Patience with trials. Patience.
Depending on the translation, the third fruit of the spirit is either forbearance, longsuffering or patience.
Forbearance: the quality of someone who is patient and able to deal with a difficult person or situation without becoming angry.
Longsuffering: suffering for a long time without complaining : very patient during difficult times.
Patience: the act of being patient. (Not much help unless you know the definition of "patient".)
Patient: 1: Bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint. 2: manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain. 3: not hasty or impetuous
4: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
At first blush, the words "forbearance" and "longsuffering" appealed to the academic ear. They sounded more "Biblical" and King-Jamesish", but after reading the multiple definitions for "patient", methinks that the rather pedestrian word "patience" is a more apt choice.
4: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
At first blush, the words "forbearance" and "longsuffering" appealed to the academic ear. They sounded more "Biblical" and King-Jamesish", but after reading the multiple definitions for "patient", methinks that the rather pedestrian word "patience" is a more apt choice.
In the 1990's, t-shirts, car bumpers and bracelets were adored with the four letters WWJD. What Would Jesus Do? While I would never presume to know what Jesus would do in any given situation, we can look at what Jesus did in certain situations by looking at scripture.
When did Jesus exhibit patience?
1. Bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint-- Matthew 27:11-12
Jesus Christ. God incarnate. The Creator. The Alpha and Omega. In the latter chapters in Matthew, Christ is being falsely accused, beaten, taunted, humiliated. Yet "he made no reply". His lot was given to him by his Heavenly Father.
Isaiah tell us "as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he (Jesus) did not open his mouth." Jesus knew obedience to his Father would be excruciatingly painful, extremely unfair and eventually fatal. Yet he did not grumble, grouse or gripe. No carping, caterwauling or croaking.
2. Manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain. The religious leaders of the day were some of Jesus' biggest antagonists. Multiple times in the scripture we see Phrasiees and Saducees challenging Christ.
Picture the scene in Matthew 12. Jesus and his disciples are walking down a dust road on the Sabbath in early April. Hunger starts to gnaw, bellies start to growl. What does a hungry group of men do? They find something to eat. In this case, some barley that has ripened.
The religious leaders of the day were waiting to pounce. "You can't harvest on the Sabbath! You have broken the law! Gloom, despair and agony!"
Did Jesus smite them? Did he call down fire and brimstone? No, he answered them with logic, reason and scripture.
Patience. Patience at work. Patience at home. Patience at the mall. Patience with trials. Patience.
Friday, December 20, 2013
December 20, 2013
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Peace. Is peace something or a lack of something?
MW online* defines peace in multiple ways.
A. state of tranquility
B. freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.
If this were a multiple choice test, my personal answer would be "B". My peace of so often hijacked by "disquieting or oppressive thoughts." Late at night or early in the morning, my mind races with "what-ifs" or a replaying of the day's mistakes, no matter how slight or insignificant.
Unlike the Sony alarm clock these early morning worry-fests don't have an "off" button. There might be a snooze button at times, but all too soon, the "disquieting or oppressive thoughts" creep or even barge back in.
Peace. Is peace something or a lack of something?
MW online* defines peace in multiple ways.
A. state of tranquility
B. freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.
If this were a multiple choice test, my personal answer would be "B". My peace of so often hijacked by "disquieting or oppressive thoughts." Late at night or early in the morning, my mind races with "what-ifs" or a replaying of the day's mistakes, no matter how slight or insignificant.
Unlike the Sony alarm clock these early morning worry-fests don't have an "off" button. There might be a snooze button at times, but all too soon, the "disquieting or oppressive thoughts" creep or even barge back in.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
December 19. 2013
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Joy.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
December 18, 2013
Whew! When did the holiday season become such a madhouse? Gifts, lights, trees, parties.
According to one online article*, the birth of Christ was not celebrated by the church until 336 A.D. It was originally a Christ mass, not the whole season from October 1 until December 25. Christmas was an event. A time of gathering together with other Believers to celebrate Christ's birth. To praise and worship. To read Luke's account of the virgin birth. To reflect on how a tiny baby's birth changed the world as well as individuals.
I don't deny loving the season as much as the next guy. Thanksgiving day our house will find me installing outdoor lights. Our tree goes up and the nativities are brought down from the attic. But how much of all that truly brings our attention back to Jesus Christ? The nativities, perhaps. Lights? Garland? Gifts? Not at all.
I have a friend who is a pagan. He likes to remind me that Christians "stole" ancient traditions and used Christmas to stamp out pagan celebrations. Historically that may be true, but I fear now that Christmas has been "stolen" by consumerism. Santa's workshop has replaced the manger. Flying reindeer have co-opted Heavenly hosts. Frosty has trumped baby Jesus.
What if the millions of dollars spent in Christian households on Barbies, Xboxes and ugly sweaters were rerouted to the poor? What if widows were showered with gifts rather than the family dog receiving a stocking full of dreck?
I am not pushing for a national movement to reclaim Christmas. Petitions to allow store clerks to wish shoppers a "Merry Christmas" are for others to draft. I would simply challenge each individual Christian to pray and reflect on what is truly important during this time of year. Jesus Christ gave up heaven for over 30 years so that we can spend an eternity with Him. It all started in a manger in Bethlehem. Simple. Humble. Miraculous.
(Note: The attached video was released in 1984, when videos were still in their infancy so don't expect flash and flair. And while the religious iconography may not be present, the music is beautiful and wondrous.)
http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/301-600/the-1st-recorded-celebration-of-christmas-11629658.html*
According to one online article*, the birth of Christ was not celebrated by the church until 336 A.D. It was originally a Christ mass, not the whole season from October 1 until December 25. Christmas was an event. A time of gathering together with other Believers to celebrate Christ's birth. To praise and worship. To read Luke's account of the virgin birth. To reflect on how a tiny baby's birth changed the world as well as individuals.
I don't deny loving the season as much as the next guy. Thanksgiving day our house will find me installing outdoor lights. Our tree goes up and the nativities are brought down from the attic. But how much of all that truly brings our attention back to Jesus Christ? The nativities, perhaps. Lights? Garland? Gifts? Not at all.
I have a friend who is a pagan. He likes to remind me that Christians "stole" ancient traditions and used Christmas to stamp out pagan celebrations. Historically that may be true, but I fear now that Christmas has been "stolen" by consumerism. Santa's workshop has replaced the manger. Flying reindeer have co-opted Heavenly hosts. Frosty has trumped baby Jesus.
What if the millions of dollars spent in Christian households on Barbies, Xboxes and ugly sweaters were rerouted to the poor? What if widows were showered with gifts rather than the family dog receiving a stocking full of dreck?
I am not pushing for a national movement to reclaim Christmas. Petitions to allow store clerks to wish shoppers a "Merry Christmas" are for others to draft. I would simply challenge each individual Christian to pray and reflect on what is truly important during this time of year. Jesus Christ gave up heaven for over 30 years so that we can spend an eternity with Him. It all started in a manger in Bethlehem. Simple. Humble. Miraculous.
(Note: The attached video was released in 1984, when videos were still in their infancy so don't expect flash and flair. And while the religious iconography may not be present, the music is beautiful and wondrous.)
http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/301-600/the-1st-recorded-celebration-of-christmas-11629658.html*
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
December 17, 2013
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
NOTE: It has been my practice to have each day's entry be a stand-alone. Subsequent entries are not related to the previous day's musings. However, I thought it would be interesting over the next few days to use the "fruit of the Spirit" as the base scripture and highlight examples from scripture where our Savior, Jesus Christ, exhibited these traits.
Love. Seems almost too easy. God is love. (1 John 4:8) Jesus was God. Ergo, Jesus is love. (Doesn't "ergo" make me sound learned? Or maybe just that I use an on-line thesaurus.) But while that may be the essence of Jesus, how did He show that love for us?
I can think of no better example of Jesus' love for us than Christmas and the manger birth.
Jesus Christ. The second person of the Trinity. Co-ruler in heaven. Object of adoration. Perfection. Why would He voluntarily of His own free will choose to leave that all behind for a birth in a manger? The heavenly for humanity. Adoration for ridicule. Streets of gold for alleys of dirt. Perfection for pain. The long and short of it is LOVE. Pure and simple.
"While we were yet sinners" Jesus gave up His heavenly kingdom. "While were were yet sinners" Jesus lived a hard-knock life. "While we were yet sinners" Jesus was mocked and ridiculed for us. "While we were yet sinners" Jesus died on the cross. "While we were yet sinners" Jesus rose in victory! His motivation- LOVE.
He received no promotion in heaven for He was already God. (John 1:1) He received no bonus for He has no need for "things". (Psalm 50) His love for us was His only motivation. His death and resurrection enable all who believe to spend an eternity with God, but the nexus of that salvation process was Jesus' birth in the manger.
So this Christmas season, let's celebrate not just Jesus' birth, but the love behind that birth.
NOTE: It has been my practice to have each day's entry be a stand-alone. Subsequent entries are not related to the previous day's musings. However, I thought it would be interesting over the next few days to use the "fruit of the Spirit" as the base scripture and highlight examples from scripture where our Savior, Jesus Christ, exhibited these traits.
Love. Seems almost too easy. God is love. (1 John 4:8) Jesus was God. Ergo, Jesus is love. (Doesn't "ergo" make me sound learned? Or maybe just that I use an on-line thesaurus.) But while that may be the essence of Jesus, how did He show that love for us?
I can think of no better example of Jesus' love for us than Christmas and the manger birth.
Jesus Christ. The second person of the Trinity. Co-ruler in heaven. Object of adoration. Perfection. Why would He voluntarily of His own free will choose to leave that all behind for a birth in a manger? The heavenly for humanity. Adoration for ridicule. Streets of gold for alleys of dirt. Perfection for pain. The long and short of it is LOVE. Pure and simple.
"While we were yet sinners" Jesus gave up His heavenly kingdom. "While were were yet sinners" Jesus lived a hard-knock life. "While we were yet sinners" Jesus was mocked and ridiculed for us. "While we were yet sinners" Jesus died on the cross. "While we were yet sinners" Jesus rose in victory! His motivation- LOVE.
He received no promotion in heaven for He was already God. (John 1:1) He received no bonus for He has no need for "things". (Psalm 50) His love for us was His only motivation. His death and resurrection enable all who believe to spend an eternity with God, but the nexus of that salvation process was Jesus' birth in the manger.
So this Christmas season, let's celebrate not just Jesus' birth, but the love behind that birth.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Sunday, December 15, 2013
December 15, 2013
You will notice a lack of scripture in today's lead in. The verse included with today's reading from Daily Strength for Daily Needs is Galatians 6:16. I have chosen not to include it because there is a pronoun referent that makes it a bit unclear. Even the commentaries could not agree. However, the excerpt from Havergal's writing was thought provoking, so I have included it. Although not scripture, I feel it was surely inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Begin at once; before you venture away from this quiet moment, ask your King to take you wholly into His service, and place all the hours of this day quite simply at His disposal, and ask Him to make and keep you ready to do just exactly what He appoints. Never mind about to-morrow; one day at a time is enough. Try it to-day, and see if it is not a day of strange, almost curious peace, so sweet that you will be only too thankful, when to-morrow comes, to ask Him to take it also,—till it will become a blessed habit to hold yourself simply and "wholly at Thy commandment for any manner of service." The "whatsoever" is not necessarily active work. It may be waiting (whether half an hour or half a life-time), learning, suffering, sitting still. But shall we be less ready for these, if any of them are His appointments for to-day? Let us ask Him to prepare us for all that He is preparing for us.
F.R. Havergal (1836-1879) Hymn writer and Christian author
"Quite simply" is a marvelous phrase for the Christian life. A Christian's attitude should be "quite simple". Whatever God's will for this hour, this day, this week, this year--those are your marching orders. "Not my will, but thine be done." Period. End of story. Finite. The actual living out of His will may be fraught with struggles, perils and challenges, but the spiritual attitude is one of simplicity- His will only.
Are we "ready" to do God's will. Havergal had italicized "ready". When I reread that particular sentence, Roxy, our dog came to mind. Roxy is a big, tail-wagging, fur-shedding canine that loves to play fetch. A stick on a pond. A tennis ball in the backyard. A Kong at the dog park. If you throw it, she will bring it back.
But it is the "ready" part of fetch that came to mind. When I take her Kong to the backyard, Roxy knows it's time. It's canine high-alert. Ears up. Eyes riveted. Muscles coiled. She is ready!
Do we have that same sense of readiness when it comes to God's will for this hour or this day? Are we all a-quiver with anticipation about how God will use us today? Are our spiritual ears up? Do we have our eyes glued to God's plan for our day? I daresay that our B.G.D. (big goofy dog) is more in love with her Kong than most Christians are with God's plan for their hour/day/life.
Eager readiness, not ho-hum resignation. Focused anticipation, not vague awareness. Let's be ready. Coiled. Desirous. Enthused.
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- December 15
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html
Friday, December 13, 2013
December 13, 2013 Friday
Friday the 13th. Black cats. Broken mirrors. Spilled salt. Walking under a ladder most likely will not bring one misfortune.
Neither will finding a heads up penny will not bring a person good luck. So many superstitions once believed to affect one's future. In today's scientific age, these beliefs are held to be humorous relics from a time gone by.
As Christians we would never hold with such archaic beliefs. But do we have our own set of superstitions? Are works part of our salvation guarantee? Do we have to tithe a certain amount to stay in God's favor? Do all prayers have to end with the phrase, "In Jesus' name."
What routines, beliefs or traditions are part of your Christian life? Have you tested each one of those using scripture as the ultimate litmus test?
Live by faith, but not blind faith. Let the Holy Spirit and the Word be your guide, not the delivery of a passionate sermon, the words of a slick publication, or the wise tales of an ancient relative.
As Christians we would never hold with such archaic beliefs. But do we have our own set of superstitions? Are works part of our salvation guarantee? Do we have to tithe a certain amount to stay in God's favor? Do all prayers have to end with the phrase, "In Jesus' name."
What routines, beliefs or traditions are part of your Christian life? Have you tested each one of those using scripture as the ultimate litmus test?
Live by faith, but not blind faith. Let the Holy Spirit and the Word be your guide, not the delivery of a passionate sermon, the words of a slick publication, or the wise tales of an ancient relative.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
December 12, 2013
I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart. Psalm 40: 8 (NIV)
I delight to do thy will, O my God:
yea, Thy law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8 (KJV)
Here is yet another case where a change in a word between translations gives a verse a much different feel.
"Desire" vs "Delight"
Desire- : to long or hope for : exhibit or feel desire for
Delight-1: a high degree of gratification : extreme satisfaction
In my mind "desire" speaks to a longing for, but lacks an inherent sense of joy, jubilation, glee. But "delight" brings to mind smiles, warmth, and happiness.
If asked, "Do you desire to do God's will?", most Christians would respond in the affirmative. However, if a slight change were made to, "Do you delight to do God's will?", there might be some hesitancy in the responses.
We can desire to do God's will with a lack of delight or joy.
St. Francis sets a standard for us below when he writes, "People of ordinary goodness walk in God's way, but the devout run in it, and at length they almost fly therein!" (exclamation point mine)
While both desire and delight may result in the same product here on earth- tithes given, volunteer hours logged, prayers offered, the difference is the mind set and heart condition of the individual.
Run in God's way. Skip joyfully down His path. Fly in God's will!
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- December 12
your law is within my heart. Psalm 40: 8 (NIV)
I delight to do thy will, O my God:
yea, Thy law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8 (KJV)
Here is yet another case where a change in a word between translations gives a verse a much different feel.
"Desire" vs "Delight"
Desire- : to long or hope for : exhibit or feel desire for
Delight-1: a high degree of gratification : extreme satisfaction
2: something that gives great pleasure
In my mind "desire" speaks to a longing for, but lacks an inherent sense of joy, jubilation, glee. But "delight" brings to mind smiles, warmth, and happiness.
If asked, "Do you desire to do God's will?", most Christians would respond in the affirmative. However, if a slight change were made to, "Do you delight to do God's will?", there might be some hesitancy in the responses.
We can desire to do God's will with a lack of delight or joy.
St. Francis sets a standard for us below when he writes, "People of ordinary goodness walk in God's way, but the devout run in it, and at length they almost fly therein!" (exclamation point mine)
While both desire and delight may result in the same product here on earth- tithes given, volunteer hours logged, prayers offered, the difference is the mind set and heart condition of the individual.
Run in God's way. Skip joyfully down His path. Fly in God's will!
Devotion is really neither more nor less than a general inclination and
readiness to do that which we know to be acceptable to God. It is that
"free spirit," of which David spoke when he said, "I will run the way
of Thy commandments, when Thou hast set my heart at liberty." People of
ordinary goodness walk in God's way, but the devout run in it, and at
length they almost fly therein. To be truly devout, we must not only do
God's will, but we must do it cheerfully.
St. Francis De Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Roman Catholic Saint
St. Francis De Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Roman Catholic Saint
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- December 12
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
December 11, 2013
10 Jabez
cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and
enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so
that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)
25 Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. Exodus 23:25 (NIV)
There is a fine line between the prosperity gospel and asking God to bless our earthly endeavors, for which there is scriptural support. These verses from the O.T. are just two examples.
If our God is the same today as yesterday, then shouldn't we approach Him with the same confidence and boldness as did our spiritual forefathers? Perhaps that success won't be measured in cattle, camels and concubines, but are we remiss if we fail to pray for the success of a meeting, report or new business venture?
If our plans and endeavors are aligned with God's will to the best of our knowledge, then we can approach God with confidence and ask for His blessings on our plans.
God can reveal Himself through success just as He can through adversity. A successful business can open just as many doors to witness as a failing enterprise. We can share how God blesses just as readily as we can tell of how He comforts.
Material blessings give us the time, energy and dollars to minister to those in need. If we give back to God, then it is much more likely He will continue to bless us in the material realm. Perhaps not to the Gates, Walton, Bennecourt level, but successful none-the-less.
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- December 11
1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)
25 Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. Exodus 23:25 (NIV)
There is a fine line between the prosperity gospel and asking God to bless our earthly endeavors, for which there is scriptural support. These verses from the O.T. are just two examples.
If our God is the same today as yesterday, then shouldn't we approach Him with the same confidence and boldness as did our spiritual forefathers? Perhaps that success won't be measured in cattle, camels and concubines, but are we remiss if we fail to pray for the success of a meeting, report or new business venture?
If our plans and endeavors are aligned with God's will to the best of our knowledge, then we can approach God with confidence and ask for His blessings on our plans.
God can reveal Himself through success just as He can through adversity. A successful business can open just as many doors to witness as a failing enterprise. We can share how God blesses just as readily as we can tell of how He comforts.
Material blessings give us the time, energy and dollars to minister to those in need. If we give back to God, then it is much more likely He will continue to bless us in the material realm. Perhaps not to the Gates, Walton, Bennecourt level, but successful none-the-less.
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- December 11
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
December 10, 2013
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- December 8
The elements of happiness in this present life no man can command, even
if he could command himself, for they depend on the action of many wills,
on the purity of many hearts, and by the highest law of God the holiest
must ever bear the sins and sorrows of the rest; but over the blessedness
of his own spirit circumstance need have no control; God has therein given
an unlimited power to the means of preservation, of grace and growth, at
every man's command.
J.H. Thom (1816-1872) Unitarian minister and author
Thom nailed it. Our happiness is dependent on so many things beyond our control. The "action of many wills, on the purity of many hearts, and . . .the sins and sorrows of the rest." Coworkers. Spouses. Politicians. Children. Happiness to a large extend depends on the deeds and words of a host of others, as well as nature itself. Typhoons. Tornadoes. Floods.
Ah, but what Mr. Thom calls the "blessedness" of one's spirit, that is beyond the control of the external. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that God's children are blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing. The Fruit of the Spirit are present in each Christian and are independent from life's circumstances. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
But how easy to sit here in a warm room with a hot cup of coffee and write about such platitudes. It is when adversity strikes that the challenge begins.
Peace amidst unemployment.
Faithfulness to an adulterous spouse.
Goodness toward an unkind boss.
Joy through cancer.
At last Sunday's homeless lunch I sat in on the Bible study. I was once again impressed with the spirit of some of the Gathering Tree guests. Julie remarked how her week had been better because she had gotten back in the Word. She pointed out that nothing about her situation had changed, but spending time with God had lightened her Spirit and changed her outlook. Her prayer request was that her husband, who was at another table, would join the Bible study next week. Not for a house. Not for a job. Not for money. But that her husband would get into the Word. Julie had her priorities right.
Christians have been "blessed with every spiritual blessing." It is there we should find our contentment, joy and peace. Not from the externals over which we have no control.
J.H. Thom (1816-1872) Unitarian minister and author
Thom nailed it. Our happiness is dependent on so many things beyond our control. The "action of many wills, on the purity of many hearts, and . . .the sins and sorrows of the rest." Coworkers. Spouses. Politicians. Children. Happiness to a large extend depends on the deeds and words of a host of others, as well as nature itself. Typhoons. Tornadoes. Floods.
Ah, but what Mr. Thom calls the "blessedness" of one's spirit, that is beyond the control of the external. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that God's children are blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing. The Fruit of the Spirit are present in each Christian and are independent from life's circumstances. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
But how easy to sit here in a warm room with a hot cup of coffee and write about such platitudes. It is when adversity strikes that the challenge begins.
Peace amidst unemployment.
Faithfulness to an adulterous spouse.
Goodness toward an unkind boss.
Joy through cancer.
At last Sunday's homeless lunch I sat in on the Bible study. I was once again impressed with the spirit of some of the Gathering Tree guests. Julie remarked how her week had been better because she had gotten back in the Word. She pointed out that nothing about her situation had changed, but spending time with God had lightened her Spirit and changed her outlook. Her prayer request was that her husband, who was at another table, would join the Bible study next week. Not for a house. Not for a job. Not for money. But that her husband would get into the Word. Julie had her priorities right.
Christians have been "blessed with every spiritual blessing." It is there we should find our contentment, joy and peace. Not from the externals over which we have no control.
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- December 8
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html
Saturday, December 7, 2013
December 7, 2013
“Submit to God and be at peace with him;
Job 22:21 (NIV)
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace
Job 22:21 (KJV)
All your children will be taught by the Lord,
and great will be their peace.
Isaiah 54:13 (NIV)
How much difference a translation can make. Take a look at the two translations of Job 22:21. "Submit" as compared to "acquaint". One implies control, dominance, authority. While the other stresses a relationship based on learning and knowledge.
All too often the "submit to" part of Christianity is stressed over the "acquaint with" part. Blind submission can lead to resentment and disobedience. Do you know to whom you are submitting? Not just the name or a vague idea, but really a deep, intimate knowledge.
The last line of Pusey's passage is a key to Christian living, "Learn to commune with Him in stillness, and He, whom thou hast sought in stillness, will be with thee when thou goest abroad." Knowledge, a true learning about who God is, is best obtained during periods of quiet, reflective time alone with Him and His Word.
Corporate worship is necessary. Group Bible studies can lead to growth. Accountability partners are helpful. But time alone with God is the foundation to knowledge of Him. And only through increased knowledge of Him can we increase our faith in and love for Him.
Find alone time. Jealously guard that time. Pull the iPad plug. Hit the "off" button on the remote. Cancel that 12th holiday party. "Be still and know that am God." Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- December 7
Job 22:21 (NIV)
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace
Job 22:21 (KJV)
All your children will be taught by the Lord,
and great will be their peace.
Isaiah 54:13 (NIV)
Yes! blessed are those holy hours in which the soul retires from the world
to be alone with God. God's voice, as Himself, is everywhere. Within and
without, He speaks to our souls, if we would hear. Only the din of the
world, or the tumult of our own hearts, deafens our inward ear to it.
Learn to commune with Him in stillness, and He, whom thou hast sought in
stillness, will be with thee when thou goest abroad.
E.B. Pusey (1800-1882) Regius Professor of Hebrew at Christ Church, Oxford for over 50 years
How much difference a translation can make. Take a look at the two translations of Job 22:21. "Submit" as compared to "acquaint". One implies control, dominance, authority. While the other stresses a relationship based on learning and knowledge.
All too often the "submit to" part of Christianity is stressed over the "acquaint with" part. Blind submission can lead to resentment and disobedience. Do you know to whom you are submitting? Not just the name or a vague idea, but really a deep, intimate knowledge.
The last line of Pusey's passage is a key to Christian living, "Learn to commune with Him in stillness, and He, whom thou hast sought in stillness, will be with thee when thou goest abroad." Knowledge, a true learning about who God is, is best obtained during periods of quiet, reflective time alone with Him and His Word.
Corporate worship is necessary. Group Bible studies can lead to growth. Accountability partners are helpful. But time alone with God is the foundation to knowledge of Him. And only through increased knowledge of Him can we increase our faith in and love for Him.
Find alone time. Jealously guard that time. Pull the iPad plug. Hit the "off" button on the remote. Cancel that 12th holiday party. "Be still and know that am God." Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- December 7
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html
Friday, December 6, 2013
December 6, 2013
He has kept and folded us from ten thousand ills when we did not know it:
in the midst of our security we should have perished every hour, but that
He sheltered us "from the terror by night and from the arrow that flieth by
day"—from the powers of evil that walk in darkness, from snares of our own
evil will. He has kept us even against ourselves, and saved us even from
our own undoing. Let us read the traces of His hand in all our ways, in all
the events, the chances, the changes of this troubled state. It is He that
folds and feeds us, that makes us to go in and out,—to be faint, or to
find pasture,—to lie down by the still waters, or to walk by the way that
is parched and desert.
H.E. Manning (1808-1892) English Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster
A.C.T.S.- A basic prayer acronym.
Adoration-start prayer time praising God.
Confession- confess to Him our sins.
Thanksgiving- give thanks to Him for blessings.
Supplication- place our requests before Him.
Not a bad way to structure our prayers, but it is with an eye to "thanksgiving" I write today.
Manning wrote, "He (God) has kept us folded from ten thousand ills when we did not know it."
Most of us remember to thank God for the blessings in our lives- stuff and people. Thank yous abound for physical healings, jobs secured, relationships restored. More often than not thankfulness is offered for salvation and forgiveness.
But, how often to we thank God for protection from "ten thousand ills" of which we have no knowledge? Car accidents avoided. Pink slips that never arrive. Furnaces that make it though another winter. As Manning points out, God protects, shields and covers us from a multitude of trials and tribulations that we most likely deserve, but in His perfect love and knowledge chooses to withhold.
Grace is magnificent. Without grace we would never see God's face. Without grace we would still be under the law. But mercy is not grace's ugly cousin.
Without mercy we would have to suffer on this earth for every stupid decision. We would not be spared the consequences of any careless deed. God's grace gives us what we do not deserve. But it is His mercy that protects us from what we do deserve.
It's not mercy or grace. But mercy and grace.
H.E. Manning (1808-1892) English Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster
A.C.T.S.- A basic prayer acronym.
Adoration-start prayer time praising God.
Confession- confess to Him our sins.
Thanksgiving- give thanks to Him for blessings.
Supplication- place our requests before Him.
Not a bad way to structure our prayers, but it is with an eye to "thanksgiving" I write today.
Manning wrote, "He (God) has kept us folded from ten thousand ills when we did not know it."
Most of us remember to thank God for the blessings in our lives- stuff and people. Thank yous abound for physical healings, jobs secured, relationships restored. More often than not thankfulness is offered for salvation and forgiveness.
But, how often to we thank God for protection from "ten thousand ills" of which we have no knowledge? Car accidents avoided. Pink slips that never arrive. Furnaces that make it though another winter. As Manning points out, God protects, shields and covers us from a multitude of trials and tribulations that we most likely deserve, but in His perfect love and knowledge chooses to withhold.
Grace is magnificent. Without grace we would never see God's face. Without grace we would still be under the law. But mercy is not grace's ugly cousin.
Without mercy we would have to suffer on this earth for every stupid decision. We would not be spared the consequences of any careless deed. God's grace gives us what we do not deserve. But it is His mercy that protects us from what we do deserve.
It's not mercy or grace. But mercy and grace.
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- December 6
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Decembe 3, 2013
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Grovel not in things below, among earthly cares, pleasures, anxieties,
toils, if thou wouldst have a good strong hope on high. Lift up thy cares
with thy heart to God, if thou wouldst hope in Him. Then see what in thee
is most displeasing to God. This it is which holdeth thy hope down. Strike
firmly, repeatedly, in the might of God, until it give way. Thy hope will
soar at once with thy thanks to God who delivered thee.
E.B. Pusey
What fills Christians with joy? Money? Job security? Social status?
A. Money
B. Job security
C. Social status
D. None of the above
Hopefully after reading Romans 15:13 you chose D. None of the above
The "God of hope" if our filler of joy and peace. It is through our trust in him that we are filled with joy and peace. All worldly things are fleeting, mostly beyond our control and certainly not eternal.
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- December 3
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Monday, December 2, 2013
December 2, 2013
You, therefore, have no excuse,
you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge
another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do
the same things. Romans 2:1 (NIV)
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- December 2
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- December 2
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html
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