Revelation 22:20
He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The end of the year is one of those times when we all tend to look back at what has happened over the past twelve months. With the aid of facebook it seems I've been looking back a lot further than that lately. But what's past is past. Whether fond memory or deep regret, those things can't be undone or relived.
Looking forward at the dawn of a new year is another of those things we do at this time. For me there's anticipation already of spring break or planning a summer vacation. There's nothing wrong with making plans and looking forward to something. But for so much of my life I've hoped Jesus would delay His coming until...
You know, the normal untils. No until I experienced high school. Not until I learned to drive. Not until I lived through college, got married, had kids... I'm sure we all have our own list of untils.
It has only been in these past few months that my attitude and focus have changed in earnest, that I've re-calibrated my way of thinking, renewed my heart and mind in a way that sets my eyes on the eternal in a never before experienced renewal. Though I still look forward to vacations, seeing my kids grow up, or retirement someday, Above any of those I agree with John. Come, Lord Jesus!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Revelation 15-18
OK, maybe my brain just isn't awake enough today. Or maybe I'm just not really prepared to receive what I'm supposed to from today's reading. But I'm not having a very easy time with the book of Revelation. Sure I know what some have speculated as to what it all means. But I'm not quite ready to just accept their views without question.
One thing is clear. God in His perfection is unchanging. It seems we like to paint this nice soft picture of God as a kindly old man who sends us nothing but grassy fields and clear streams. He's treated more like a genie in a bottle pulled out every so often to grant us a wish. Love, peace, love, kindness, that's what He's all about. But He is a jealous, holy, pure God. His ways are just and true, though not always pleasant and agreeable to our "civilized" way of thinking. All these plagues and this wrath of God stuff isn't easily reconciled with the "Sunday school" Jesus we've come to prefer. I need to see the complete picture of God so I can worship Him as He is and for who He is.
Revelation 15:3-4
They held harps given them by God and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb;
"Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages.
Who will not fear You , O Lord, and bring glory to Your name?
For You alone are holy.
All nations will come before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed."
One thing is clear. God in His perfection is unchanging. It seems we like to paint this nice soft picture of God as a kindly old man who sends us nothing but grassy fields and clear streams. He's treated more like a genie in a bottle pulled out every so often to grant us a wish. Love, peace, love, kindness, that's what He's all about. But He is a jealous, holy, pure God. His ways are just and true, though not always pleasant and agreeable to our "civilized" way of thinking. All these plagues and this wrath of God stuff isn't easily reconciled with the "Sunday school" Jesus we've come to prefer. I need to see the complete picture of God so I can worship Him as He is and for who He is.
Revelation 15:3-4
They held harps given them by God and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb;
"Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages.
Who will not fear You , O Lord, and bring glory to Your name?
For You alone are holy.
All nations will come before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed."
Monday, December 29, 2008
Revelation 10-14
Revelation 14:7
Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.
Judgment is usually not something that first conjures up very positive thoughts in my mind. The fear part, that comes easy. It's probably because I know how short I come to meeting God's perfect standard. But in these past three weeks since I've started my online journal, my focus has shifted, and still continues to shift, off of me and towards God.
He is the Creator of the heavens and earth. He deserves both my fear and worship. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. But His perfect love, the love that desires a relationship with us, the love that took form in Jesus life, death and resurection to conquer sin and rescue us from His wrath which I so deserve, this love drives me to my knees to worship Him. But not just for what He did for me. It's also so much about who He is.
I don't really understand much about what I'm reading here in Revelation. What is clear is God has a plan. He has been more than patient with mankind. But His holiness will not be compromised and His justice will be satisfied. The only safety from God's just wrath is by the blood of the Lamb.
Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.
Judgment is usually not something that first conjures up very positive thoughts in my mind. The fear part, that comes easy. It's probably because I know how short I come to meeting God's perfect standard. But in these past three weeks since I've started my online journal, my focus has shifted, and still continues to shift, off of me and towards God.
He is the Creator of the heavens and earth. He deserves both my fear and worship. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. But His perfect love, the love that desires a relationship with us, the love that took form in Jesus life, death and resurection to conquer sin and rescue us from His wrath which I so deserve, this love drives me to my knees to worship Him. But not just for what He did for me. It's also so much about who He is.
I don't really understand much about what I'm reading here in Revelation. What is clear is God has a plan. He has been more than patient with mankind. But His holiness will not be compromised and His justice will be satisfied. The only safety from God's just wrath is by the blood of the Lamb.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Revelation 5-9
Revelation 5:13-14
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them singing:
To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and paower forever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Every creature, all of creation was made to honor and worship the Creator. But mankind, we were also made for relationship with Him. IS is any wonder the elders fell down and worshiped? Yes, Jesus will redeem the earth and all of creation. But the Lamb was slain for me and you. His blood paid the price.
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them singing:
To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and paower forever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Every creature, all of creation was made to honor and worship the Creator. But mankind, we were also made for relationship with Him. IS is any wonder the elders fell down and worshiped? Yes, Jesus will redeem the earth and all of creation. But the Lamb was slain for me and you. His blood paid the price.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Revelation 1-4
Revelation 1:9
I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
I have very little idea what true suffering is like. Sure I've had a few traumatic events in my life. Isn't that just "life" anyway? But to really suffer has not been one of my experiences, (Not that I'm complaining.), let alone to have to suffer for my faith.
But how does one really suffer for their faith? How do I discern the difference between having to suffer for my faith, for standing for righteousness in how I live or even for speaking the Word of God, and doing something that causes me to suffer because it was just plain stupid or defending a cause rather than Jesus? Is there a difference? I bet if you asked Fred Phelps, he'd say he's suffering for his faith. Or want about something more mainstream like somebody getting arrested in an abortion protest. Here's John on Patmos, suffering because of his testimony.
I'll have to ponder this a bit. Yes, I need to live out my faith and try to ignore the consequences doing that might cause me in this world. But Christianity isn't just a passive, defensive faith. I need to also be able to hear God's voice when He's putting me in on the offense to make forays into enemy territory. But the key is in making sure He is the one putting me in and calling the play.
I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
I have very little idea what true suffering is like. Sure I've had a few traumatic events in my life. Isn't that just "life" anyway? But to really suffer has not been one of my experiences, (Not that I'm complaining.), let alone to have to suffer for my faith.
But how does one really suffer for their faith? How do I discern the difference between having to suffer for my faith, for standing for righteousness in how I live or even for speaking the Word of God, and doing something that causes me to suffer because it was just plain stupid or defending a cause rather than Jesus? Is there a difference? I bet if you asked Fred Phelps, he'd say he's suffering for his faith. Or want about something more mainstream like somebody getting arrested in an abortion protest. Here's John on Patmos, suffering because of his testimony.
I'll have to ponder this a bit. Yes, I need to live out my faith and try to ignore the consequences doing that might cause me in this world. But Christianity isn't just a passive, defensive faith. I need to also be able to hear God's voice when He's putting me in on the offense to make forays into enemy territory. But the key is in making sure He is the one putting me in and calling the play.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1
Psalm 119:131-136
I open my mouth and pant,
longing for Your commands.
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as You always do to those who love Your name.
Direct my footsteps according to Your word;
let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of men,
that I may obey Your precepts.
Make Your face shine upon Your servant
and teach me Your decrees.
Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for Your law is not obeyed.
This is where I want to be, at a place where I pant and long for God's commands, where God's law is such a part of me that it hurts me to the point of crying when it is broken.
Verse 127 says "I love Your commandments more than pure gold." Sure I find it easy to love God's word at church. But what about at work? Do I value it enough to not compromise even if it means less "gold" in my paycheck? In our wealthy nation it's easy to get wrapped up in valuing stuff and our comfort over following truth.
And verse 112 says "My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end." This morning I almost rolled right over and went back to sleep. But a little voice inside asked me if I can't even make myself get out of bed early to read my Bible, what makes me think I'd really stick to my faith if I were persecuted for it. This daily reading and focus on God's word is really helping to guide my footsteps and breaking the ability of sin to rule over me.
I open my mouth and pant,
longing for Your commands.
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as You always do to those who love Your name.
Direct my footsteps according to Your word;
let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of men,
that I may obey Your precepts.
Make Your face shine upon Your servant
and teach me Your decrees.
Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for Your law is not obeyed.
This is where I want to be, at a place where I pant and long for God's commands, where God's law is such a part of me that it hurts me to the point of crying when it is broken.
Verse 127 says "I love Your commandments more than pure gold." Sure I find it easy to love God's word at church. But what about at work? Do I value it enough to not compromise even if it means less "gold" in my paycheck? In our wealthy nation it's easy to get wrapped up in valuing stuff and our comfort over following truth.
And verse 112 says "My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end." This morning I almost rolled right over and went back to sleep. But a little voice inside asked me if I can't even make myself get out of bed early to read my Bible, what makes me think I'd really stick to my faith if I were persecuted for it. This daily reading and focus on God's word is really helping to guide my footsteps and breaking the ability of sin to rule over me.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
1 John 1-5
1 John 5:18
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.
There are a lot of verses in today's passage that could read as though somebody has to be completely perfect and live sinlessly to be considered a part of God's family. If I were guessing, I would say that in the original language this really doesn't mean if I commit any sin that must mean I'm not born again. Rather I think this is probably speaking more of continuing in one's old ways, continuing to commit the same habbitual sins over and over again with not effort or progress towards conforming more and more to the image and example of Christ.
Satan wants nothing more that to drag me backwards and cause me to feel defeated. One tool in his chest is to use my sins and mistakes against me. If I let my focus be me and how I've failed rather than looking to the work Jesus did and continues to do in my life, the evil one wins. I need to remind myself that Jesus does keep me safe. His righteousness is what the Father sees when He looks at me. Through Jesus' love, and nothing of my own doing, I am perfected and can stand without fear of punishment before Holy God. And since God doesn't condemn me, the accuations of the evil one have no validity. He has no claim on me. Merry Christmas. Thank you for coming, Jesus.
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.
There are a lot of verses in today's passage that could read as though somebody has to be completely perfect and live sinlessly to be considered a part of God's family. If I were guessing, I would say that in the original language this really doesn't mean if I commit any sin that must mean I'm not born again. Rather I think this is probably speaking more of continuing in one's old ways, continuing to commit the same habbitual sins over and over again with not effort or progress towards conforming more and more to the image and example of Christ.
Satan wants nothing more that to drag me backwards and cause me to feel defeated. One tool in his chest is to use my sins and mistakes against me. If I let my focus be me and how I've failed rather than looking to the work Jesus did and continues to do in my life, the evil one wins. I need to remind myself that Jesus does keep me safe. His righteousness is what the Father sees when He looks at me. Through Jesus' love, and nothing of my own doing, I am perfected and can stand without fear of punishment before Holy God. And since God doesn't condemn me, the accuations of the evil one have no validity. He has no claim on me. Merry Christmas. Thank you for coming, Jesus.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
John 19-21
John 21:21-22
When Peter saw him (John), he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me."
Jesus had just foretold Peter of his death. Always wondering how we do when compared to others (as seems to be human nature), Peter asks what's going to happen to John. But Jesus wasn't going to play that game. In the game of comparison with others, there are no winners.
Like Peter, I need to keep my focus on what Jesus tells me is His will for my life. He commands that I must follow Him. His wish is that all would follow Him. How is there unfairness in that? When I am free from the burden of comparison it allows me to better rejoice with those who are rejoicing and weep with those who are weeping. There is no jealousy over what I don't have or guilt over what I have that others do not. My identity, my contentment, and my peace are not tied to how I am doing on a relative scale compared to somebody else. But they are tied to my being in the center of God's will for me and how well I am following Him.
When Peter saw him (John), he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me."
Jesus had just foretold Peter of his death. Always wondering how we do when compared to others (as seems to be human nature), Peter asks what's going to happen to John. But Jesus wasn't going to play that game. In the game of comparison with others, there are no winners.
Like Peter, I need to keep my focus on what Jesus tells me is His will for my life. He commands that I must follow Him. His wish is that all would follow Him. How is there unfairness in that? When I am free from the burden of comparison it allows me to better rejoice with those who are rejoicing and weep with those who are weeping. There is no jealousy over what I don't have or guilt over what I have that others do not. My identity, my contentment, and my peace are not tied to how I am doing on a relative scale compared to somebody else. But they are tied to my being in the center of God's will for me and how well I am following Him.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
John 15-18
John 17:17
Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.
The times when I feel the least sanctified, holy, set apart for God's purpose, are when I am spending the least amount of time reading my Bible and praying. Obviously that makes sense. If I don't continue to learn truth I will easily follow a path of error. If I'm not searching in the places where I know God reveals Himself, then is it any wonder when I don't see God's clear leading or purpose in the situations of my life. I've got to keep "the cross before me, the world behind me. No turning back, no turning back."
Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.
The times when I feel the least sanctified, holy, set apart for God's purpose, are when I am spending the least amount of time reading my Bible and praying. Obviously that makes sense. If I don't continue to learn truth I will easily follow a path of error. If I'm not searching in the places where I know God reveals Himself, then is it any wonder when I don't see God's clear leading or purpose in the situations of my life. I've got to keep "the cross before me, the world behind me. No turning back, no turning back."
Monday, December 22, 2008
John 12-14
John 12:9-11
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of Him but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in Him.
Do people see in my life the powerful working of Jesus to such an extent that I am seen as a threat to the prince of darkness? It doesn't really say that Lazarus was going around preaching or doing anything to draw people to Jesus. He was just living his life. But everybody knew the only reason he had life, the very source of his life was Jesus. And seeing the life Jesus brought Lazarus was enough to compel others to put their faith in Him.
John 12:42-43
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise from men more than the praise from God.
Then you have this bunch who "believe" in Jesus but keep completely silent and don't want there to be a hint of Jesus in their outward living. They probably know what is really right and true. But they can't quite bring themselves to the point where they value pleasing God over pleasing men and themselves.
How I want to be a Lazarus! For I was dead in my sins and brought back to a new life in Jesus. I want my life to be an example of Jesus' wonderful power to the extend that people are drawn to Him. But it's no easy struggle fighting against wanting approval from men. Nobody want to be put out or rejected by those around them. But praise from men is just for a fleeting moment. I must ever be seeking God approval.
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of Him but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in Him.
Do people see in my life the powerful working of Jesus to such an extent that I am seen as a threat to the prince of darkness? It doesn't really say that Lazarus was going around preaching or doing anything to draw people to Jesus. He was just living his life. But everybody knew the only reason he had life, the very source of his life was Jesus. And seeing the life Jesus brought Lazarus was enough to compel others to put their faith in Him.
John 12:42-43
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise from men more than the praise from God.
Then you have this bunch who "believe" in Jesus but keep completely silent and don't want there to be a hint of Jesus in their outward living. They probably know what is really right and true. But they can't quite bring themselves to the point where they value pleasing God over pleasing men and themselves.
How I want to be a Lazarus! For I was dead in my sins and brought back to a new life in Jesus. I want my life to be an example of Jesus' wonderful power to the extend that people are drawn to Him. But it's no easy struggle fighting against wanting approval from men. Nobody want to be put out or rejected by those around them. But praise from men is just for a fleeting moment. I must ever be seeking God approval.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
John 9-11
John 9:33
If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.
How foolish I am to think I can do anything myself, in my own strength and abilities. No wonder the pharisees threw the healed blind man out. This simple statement cut right through them and they recognized the truth of it. They trusted in their own wisdom and power and in their keeping of their rules. They couldn't even come close to the miracles Jesus was doing because they were without God.
The converse of this is also a great truth. With God anything can be done. How often I don't even attempt to try something because I fail to recognize God will give me the empowerment for a task. Nooooooo. I'm always seeing things as having to be done within my own strengths and abilities. I limit God working in my life when I don't look to His power.
May I be humble enough to know I cannot do anything on my own and wise enough to recognize there is no such thing as impossible to God no matter what worldly wisdom is telling me.
If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.
How foolish I am to think I can do anything myself, in my own strength and abilities. No wonder the pharisees threw the healed blind man out. This simple statement cut right through them and they recognized the truth of it. They trusted in their own wisdom and power and in their keeping of their rules. They couldn't even come close to the miracles Jesus was doing because they were without God.
The converse of this is also a great truth. With God anything can be done. How often I don't even attempt to try something because I fail to recognize God will give me the empowerment for a task. Nooooooo. I'm always seeing things as having to be done within my own strengths and abilities. I limit God working in my life when I don't look to His power.
May I be humble enough to know I cannot do anything on my own and wise enough to recognize there is no such thing as impossible to God no matter what worldly wisdom is telling me.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
John 7-8
John 7:24
Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement.
It seems the older I get the less harsh I've become in my judgements. And I see this as a very good thing. When I was young and without any life experience I found it easy to see everything in clear black and white. To my youthful way of thinking gray was the devils play area where compromise happens.
Please don't misunderstand my change to be reflective of my shifting my worldview to the current culture of relative truth or of no absolutes. But over the years I've learned that I don't always know the real circumstances in every situation where I think I see a "violation" of a right standard. I'm learning to temper my "confrontations" with more love and understanding and grant grace in those situations where I might have once jumped in and slammed somebody over the head with the law. This verse doesn't say I'm not to judge. I just need to be very careful when I do, that I judge rightly.
This brings me to an internal issue I've been thinking about. I have been an observer of a situation, of which I am not a party to, involving somebody I really don't know all that well, that I have prejudged without knowing all the details. I haven't gossipped about this or even mentioned my thoughts on the situation to anybody else. Do I say anything to that person about how bad I feel for making such a judgement? Or since they don't even know about what I've judged in my heart do I just keep it between myself and God, confessing my jump to judgement without all the facts?
I'm thinking the last option. Clearly if I had talked to others about it I would not only have to confess to that person, but also have to issue a press release to retract my wrongly judged perceptions. Can you just imagine if that's really what people did when they judged something wrongly? Boy it would sure cut down on the gossip, don't ya think?
Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement.
It seems the older I get the less harsh I've become in my judgements. And I see this as a very good thing. When I was young and without any life experience I found it easy to see everything in clear black and white. To my youthful way of thinking gray was the devils play area where compromise happens.
Please don't misunderstand my change to be reflective of my shifting my worldview to the current culture of relative truth or of no absolutes. But over the years I've learned that I don't always know the real circumstances in every situation where I think I see a "violation" of a right standard. I'm learning to temper my "confrontations" with more love and understanding and grant grace in those situations where I might have once jumped in and slammed somebody over the head with the law. This verse doesn't say I'm not to judge. I just need to be very careful when I do, that I judge rightly.
This brings me to an internal issue I've been thinking about. I have been an observer of a situation, of which I am not a party to, involving somebody I really don't know all that well, that I have prejudged without knowing all the details. I haven't gossipped about this or even mentioned my thoughts on the situation to anybody else. Do I say anything to that person about how bad I feel for making such a judgement? Or since they don't even know about what I've judged in my heart do I just keep it between myself and God, confessing my jump to judgement without all the facts?
I'm thinking the last option. Clearly if I had talked to others about it I would not only have to confess to that person, but also have to issue a press release to retract my wrongly judged perceptions. Can you just imagine if that's really what people did when they judged something wrongly? Boy it would sure cut down on the gossip, don't ya think?
Friday, December 19, 2008
John 5-6
John 6:66-69
From this time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked of the Twelve. Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.”
Having been raised in a Christian home and not becoming very rebellious, I didn’t have a dramatic conversion experience that made me have to change very much about how I had been living before I came to a personal faith in Christ. But there certainly were times when I questioned if all this stuff about the Bible and Jesus were true.
However, even at my lowest points, even when I would get thoughts that it just wasn’t worth it, I could never turn back. In my heart of hearts I understood what Simon Peter expresses here, “You have the words of eternal life. We (I) believe and know that You are the Holy one of God.”
I can’t explain why I have been blessed in such a way, with such a faith that going away isn’t an option. There’s such a mixture of joy that it is so and feelings of unworthiness because I know Jesus deserves a much better folower than I could ever be. He is so patient.
Then I also have a deep sorrow when I think of those who hear Jesus teachings and turn away because it is hard to follow. A friend of mine from the the Christian college we attended together seems very grieved by the number of our classmates who have ceased following Christ. How does that happen? How can, after tasting of the life Jesus offers, one just turn away? Oh how it must break the Father’s heart.
I must never become casual in my following the Holy One of God. There are so many distraction and wiles of the enemy that attempt to side track my walk. And not only must I see that I am following whole heartedly. I need to be an encouragement and example to those who are facing those intersections of crisis in their lives where they will choose to either follow or turn away.
From this time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked of the Twelve. Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.”
Having been raised in a Christian home and not becoming very rebellious, I didn’t have a dramatic conversion experience that made me have to change very much about how I had been living before I came to a personal faith in Christ. But there certainly were times when I questioned if all this stuff about the Bible and Jesus were true.
However, even at my lowest points, even when I would get thoughts that it just wasn’t worth it, I could never turn back. In my heart of hearts I understood what Simon Peter expresses here, “You have the words of eternal life. We (I) believe and know that You are the Holy one of God.”
I can’t explain why I have been blessed in such a way, with such a faith that going away isn’t an option. There’s such a mixture of joy that it is so and feelings of unworthiness because I know Jesus deserves a much better folower than I could ever be. He is so patient.
Then I also have a deep sorrow when I think of those who hear Jesus teachings and turn away because it is hard to follow. A friend of mine from the the Christian college we attended together seems very grieved by the number of our classmates who have ceased following Christ. How does that happen? How can, after tasting of the life Jesus offers, one just turn away? Oh how it must break the Father’s heart.
I must never become casual in my following the Holy One of God. There are so many distraction and wiles of the enemy that attempt to side track my walk. And not only must I see that I am following whole heartedly. I need to be an encouragement and example to those who are facing those intersections of crisis in their lives where they will choose to either follow or turn away.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
John 2-4
John 4:25-26
The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us." Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am He."
I'm sure there was much more of the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman than what John records. Perhaps Jesus did really explain everything to her. Or at least the "everything" she needed to know to understand who He was in order that she would believe in Him. It sure seems that the coming of the Christ had been something she was waiting for.
Jesus didn't rebuke her or tell her that her expectation was unrealistic.
I know Christ has come and spoke and still speaks through His Word and the Holy Spirit and His people. And if the woman's words are correct, that He will explain everything when he comes, the question for me is am I listening? I know that the explination to everything in my life, the bad circumstances, the question about His will for me, the solutions to problems, all of these are found in His speaking. Just as I'm sure was the case with that woman, I need to sit on the edge of my seat and soak in every word of His that I can. I need to search out the explinations and not just wait around for one as if Christ had not yet come.
The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us." Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am He."
I'm sure there was much more of the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman than what John records. Perhaps Jesus did really explain everything to her. Or at least the "everything" she needed to know to understand who He was in order that she would believe in Him. It sure seems that the coming of the Christ had been something she was waiting for.
Jesus didn't rebuke her or tell her that her expectation was unrealistic.
I know Christ has come and spoke and still speaks through His Word and the Holy Spirit and His people. And if the woman's words are correct, that He will explain everything when he comes, the question for me is am I listening? I know that the explination to everything in my life, the bad circumstances, the question about His will for me, the solutions to problems, all of these are found in His speaking. Just as I'm sure was the case with that woman, I need to sit on the edge of my seat and soak in every word of His that I can. I need to search out the explinations and not just wait around for one as if Christ had not yet come.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
2 Peter 1-3, John1
2 Peter 1:5-8
For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I can't think of anybody who sets their goal be ineffective or unproductive at something. But I can think of many examples from my own life where some things came very easy to me and took very little effort on my part. But those "easy" things ended up being areas where I was not only inffective and unproductive, but also unfulfilled and discontented. Honestly speaking, with the exception of a few bursts here and there, many of my years as a Christian were completely wasted because I put forth a minimal effort. It was so easy to talk the talk and have the external walk when people were looking.
Living as God wants does take effort. It's that daily warring between faith and disblief, between love and selfishness, between godliness and worldliness. No wonder it seems I've had the words self-control and perseverance jumping off the pages this past week as I've been reading. This is hard work. But I need to and I will put in the effort so that these qualities do increase in my life. How can I look at the cross and claim Christ and do anything less?
For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I can't think of anybody who sets their goal be ineffective or unproductive at something. But I can think of many examples from my own life where some things came very easy to me and took very little effort on my part. But those "easy" things ended up being areas where I was not only inffective and unproductive, but also unfulfilled and discontented. Honestly speaking, with the exception of a few bursts here and there, many of my years as a Christian were completely wasted because I put forth a minimal effort. It was so easy to talk the talk and have the external walk when people were looking.
Living as God wants does take effort. It's that daily warring between faith and disblief, between love and selfishness, between godliness and worldliness. No wonder it seems I've had the words self-control and perseverance jumping off the pages this past week as I've been reading. This is hard work. But I need to and I will put in the effort so that these qualities do increase in my life. How can I look at the cross and claim Christ and do anything less?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
1 Peter 1-5
1 Peter 1:15
But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.
Well there it is. That's all I need to do is be holy in all I do. HA! How can I even come close to that? And just what does being holy in ALL I do look like? To some if I laugh too much or buy a lottery ticket I'm not being holy. Or if I wear jeans or an earring I'm not. Do I throw away my TV and stop working so I can devote myself to Bible studies? And even if I could meet all the external "requirements" of others it still doesn't address my heart, the only place that holiness really needs to happen.
Getting saved is a one-time deal. But the process of following, of conforming to the image and example of Christ, the sanctification at work to make my life be reflective of the relaity of my mew life in Christ is a struggle we all will face until our last breath. This passage is full of the "How to" words; self-control, love, obey, abstain from sin, submit yourselves,suffer for His sake, be humble and on and on.
1 Peter 4:1-2
Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. And as a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
Am I done with sin? I know I want to be. And I know if I ask, His Spirit will lead me toward His will and no my own.
But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.
Well there it is. That's all I need to do is be holy in all I do. HA! How can I even come close to that? And just what does being holy in ALL I do look like? To some if I laugh too much or buy a lottery ticket I'm not being holy. Or if I wear jeans or an earring I'm not. Do I throw away my TV and stop working so I can devote myself to Bible studies? And even if I could meet all the external "requirements" of others it still doesn't address my heart, the only place that holiness really needs to happen.
Getting saved is a one-time deal. But the process of following, of conforming to the image and example of Christ, the sanctification at work to make my life be reflective of the relaity of my mew life in Christ is a struggle we all will face until our last breath. This passage is full of the "How to" words; self-control, love, obey, abstain from sin, submit yourselves,suffer for His sake, be humble and on and on.
1 Peter 4:1-2
Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. And as a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
Am I done with sin? I know I want to be. And I know if I ask, His Spirit will lead me toward His will and no my own.
Monday, December 15, 2008
James 1-5
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray foreach other that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
I've often thought about the last half of this verse when I have some huge prayer request that I really want answered in a certain way. But never really kept it connected to the beginning part of the verse. But the lightbulb that clicked on today was that without confessing to and praying for one another I cannot be the righteous man whose prayers are powerful or effective.
Though not by an overt sermon emphasis, there seems to be a trickle of confessing to one another going on at my church recently. Not just necessarily confession of sin. But a willingness to be open, transparent and vulnerable. Yesterday I was prompted to speak to one of the people who had put themself out there, just wanting to thank them and encourage them.
And it was an amazing thing. I shared some of my simular experiences with them. We talked about how much hurt people hide behind their masks. Yet if we were all open and "confessed" our lives to one another it could bring such healing and encouragement to the body of Christ. By such openness we would also have opportunities to pray for one another that otherwise wouldn't happen because we'd all think things were fine.
I so need to throw off the idea that keeping my faults to myself and gaurding my personal space is so imporant. In reality it only hinders my becoming the righteous man I desire to be. I need my brothers and sisters to keep me staight. I need them to know my struggles so they can pray for me. I need to allow them to minister Christ to me and allow me to do the same for them.
I may provide only a few more drops to this trickle of confession and openness. But I have great expectations that it is just the beginnign of something really great. Prepare for a flood of righteousness!
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray foreach other that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
I've often thought about the last half of this verse when I have some huge prayer request that I really want answered in a certain way. But never really kept it connected to the beginning part of the verse. But the lightbulb that clicked on today was that without confessing to and praying for one another I cannot be the righteous man whose prayers are powerful or effective.
Though not by an overt sermon emphasis, there seems to be a trickle of confessing to one another going on at my church recently. Not just necessarily confession of sin. But a willingness to be open, transparent and vulnerable. Yesterday I was prompted to speak to one of the people who had put themself out there, just wanting to thank them and encourage them.
And it was an amazing thing. I shared some of my simular experiences with them. We talked about how much hurt people hide behind their masks. Yet if we were all open and "confessed" our lives to one another it could bring such healing and encouragement to the body of Christ. By such openness we would also have opportunities to pray for one another that otherwise wouldn't happen because we'd all think things were fine.
I so need to throw off the idea that keeping my faults to myself and gaurding my personal space is so imporant. In reality it only hinders my becoming the righteous man I desire to be. I need my brothers and sisters to keep me staight. I need them to know my struggles so they can pray for me. I need to allow them to minister Christ to me and allow me to do the same for them.
I may provide only a few more drops to this trickle of confession and openness. But I have great expectations that it is just the beginnign of something really great. Prepare for a flood of righteousness!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Hebrews 12-13; Jude
Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Yesterday in Hebrews 11 I read about all (I know, it wasn't ALL as in an exhaustive list.) the saints who lived by faith. Many of them, in spite of what they saw or knew or what common sense would have told them, followed God and did things that your average man would think is crazy. But their confidence in God was so great that they could do nothing else. They did not fear the judgments of man who they could see and who mocking them or tried to kill or torment them. They feared God.
I'm not one to really worry about what others think about the kind of car I drive or what clothes I wear or other things like that. But like most people, I don't like to be made fun of or mocked or be made to feel like I'm looked down upon. If it had been me trying to build the ark, would I have been able to stand up to the ridicule of my neighbors? Do I really have the kind of faith and confidence in God I'd like to think I have? IF I'm not always following Him in the small ways because I'm fearful of what man will do to me, how can I ever be entrusted to do something big for Him?
I need to be on constant guard that I do look to The Lord as my helper and that I do follow His leadings with confidence regardless of the reaction of the people around me. What can they do to me that He is not able to help me through?
So we say with confidence, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Yesterday in Hebrews 11 I read about all (I know, it wasn't ALL as in an exhaustive list.) the saints who lived by faith. Many of them, in spite of what they saw or knew or what common sense would have told them, followed God and did things that your average man would think is crazy. But their confidence in God was so great that they could do nothing else. They did not fear the judgments of man who they could see and who mocking them or tried to kill or torment them. They feared God.
I'm not one to really worry about what others think about the kind of car I drive or what clothes I wear or other things like that. But like most people, I don't like to be made fun of or mocked or be made to feel like I'm looked down upon. If it had been me trying to build the ark, would I have been able to stand up to the ridicule of my neighbors? Do I really have the kind of faith and confidence in God I'd like to think I have? IF I'm not always following Him in the small ways because I'm fearful of what man will do to me, how can I ever be entrusted to do something big for Him?
I need to be on constant guard that I do look to The Lord as my helper and that I do follow His leadings with confidence regardless of the reaction of the people around me. What can they do to me that He is not able to help me through?
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Hebrews 9-11
Hebrews 9:1
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary.
There are so many rich and wonderful truths in this passage that speak to me and stir my insides. But I cannot comment on them all. So I pick the above verse as a jumping off point, because it sets the tone for the entier reading to me. But I'm sure this will be a bit random today.
I (and you as well) have been given such a gift by living in a time after Jesus. We're so impatient we can't even wait through a commercial without changing channels. Those saints before His time had a mere promise and the shadow of what the law pointed at. By their continual sacrifices and the following of the regulations they looked forward in anticipation of a Redeemer and held fast to God's promise of things farther into the future than their earthly lifetime. Yet they were faithful.
I wonder if they could in their wildest dreams even imagine being able to enter the Most Holy Place anytime as we can. Their sacrifices were a constant reminder of their sin and the requirement of a Holy God. I think in our culture we've lost a lot of the fear of God and fail to understand just how holy He is. But I am oh so thankful that the only requirement I need is to claim the blood of Jesus as my sacrifice.
I don't need to follow regulations to worship. Anytime, anyplace I have access. Not because of anything I have done. But because the perfect, holy, blameless sacrifice of Christ. It makes me want to jump and shout and sing, and also fall to my knees and weep all at the same time. Can you believe it?! I can draw near to God with full assurance. ME. A debt I could never repay, a rescue I didn't deserve. Can I get an AMEN!
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary.
There are so many rich and wonderful truths in this passage that speak to me and stir my insides. But I cannot comment on them all. So I pick the above verse as a jumping off point, because it sets the tone for the entier reading to me. But I'm sure this will be a bit random today.
I (and you as well) have been given such a gift by living in a time after Jesus. We're so impatient we can't even wait through a commercial without changing channels. Those saints before His time had a mere promise and the shadow of what the law pointed at. By their continual sacrifices and the following of the regulations they looked forward in anticipation of a Redeemer and held fast to God's promise of things farther into the future than their earthly lifetime. Yet they were faithful.
I wonder if they could in their wildest dreams even imagine being able to enter the Most Holy Place anytime as we can. Their sacrifices were a constant reminder of their sin and the requirement of a Holy God. I think in our culture we've lost a lot of the fear of God and fail to understand just how holy He is. But I am oh so thankful that the only requirement I need is to claim the blood of Jesus as my sacrifice.
I don't need to follow regulations to worship. Anytime, anyplace I have access. Not because of anything I have done. But because the perfect, holy, blameless sacrifice of Christ. It makes me want to jump and shout and sing, and also fall to my knees and weep all at the same time. Can you believe it?! I can draw near to God with full assurance. ME. A debt I could never repay, a rescue I didn't deserve. Can I get an AMEN!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Hebrews 5-8
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God.
One of the key elements when we come to Christ is to repent of our sins. And of course as much as we may try not to sin therafter, we are not yet perfected so we do still sin. That sin strains our relationship with God and so confession and repentence are very vital parts of our walk. However, for some (perhaps even many) that cycle of sin, confession and repentence IS their walk.
If Satan can't keep us from accepting Christ, the next best thing is for us to become ineffective. If we are constantly pouring over every detail of how we've sinned or replaying over and over again sins in our past and asking to be "re-forgiven" for things He's already forgotten we will never grow. It also shows that perhaps we really don't understand His grace. When Jesus hung on that cross and paid the price for my sin, every sin I would ever commit was in the future. Yet His blood covered them all. His blood still covers them all, past, present and future.
Should we remember the past? Of course. Should we retell stories and recount how He's transformed us and called us to life in Him? We'd better. But the object isn't to focus on the sins and former things. We need to move forward and mature.
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God.
One of the key elements when we come to Christ is to repent of our sins. And of course as much as we may try not to sin therafter, we are not yet perfected so we do still sin. That sin strains our relationship with God and so confession and repentence are very vital parts of our walk. However, for some (perhaps even many) that cycle of sin, confession and repentence IS their walk.
If Satan can't keep us from accepting Christ, the next best thing is for us to become ineffective. If we are constantly pouring over every detail of how we've sinned or replaying over and over again sins in our past and asking to be "re-forgiven" for things He's already forgotten we will never grow. It also shows that perhaps we really don't understand His grace. When Jesus hung on that cross and paid the price for my sin, every sin I would ever commit was in the future. Yet His blood covered them all. His blood still covers them all, past, present and future.
Should we remember the past? Of course. Should we retell stories and recount how He's transformed us and called us to life in Him? We'd better. But the object isn't to focus on the sins and former things. We need to move forward and mature.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Philemon and Hebrews 1-4
Hebrews 4:12c-13
(The Word of God) judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.
I remember memorizing these verses at an early age. One thing that kept me from making a lot of bad choices or doing a lot of things back then was knowing that no matter how good I was at hiding stuff from my parents (and I was pretty good at that), God was always watching. And not only that, but someday I must give an account to Him for my actions. As a result, God spared me from developing bad habits or going down a lifestyle path of rebellion. But the passage doesn't say we'll give an account only for our actions.
For me the seeds of rebellion didn't result in many external actions. It sprouted in the fertile soil of my thoughts and attitudes. Ugly attitudes and thoughts that, instead of confessing and trying to change and clean up, I'd throw them in a closet within my heart. (We do love to compartmentalize, don't we?) When the closet got full I used the spare room, then the attic, finally the basement. And the more I'd try to keep those areas "off-limits" and locked up, the more space I take up trying to "hide" them, the less comfortable it was having Jesus around. Almost to the point of just locking Him out and deciding it's too hard of a mess to clean up now.
Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
I don't know how many dumpsters Jesus and I have already filled. We even ran across a twenty year old storage shed key the the other day that He's helping me with.
(The Word of God) judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.
I remember memorizing these verses at an early age. One thing that kept me from making a lot of bad choices or doing a lot of things back then was knowing that no matter how good I was at hiding stuff from my parents (and I was pretty good at that), God was always watching. And not only that, but someday I must give an account to Him for my actions. As a result, God spared me from developing bad habits or going down a lifestyle path of rebellion. But the passage doesn't say we'll give an account only for our actions.
For me the seeds of rebellion didn't result in many external actions. It sprouted in the fertile soil of my thoughts and attitudes. Ugly attitudes and thoughts that, instead of confessing and trying to change and clean up, I'd throw them in a closet within my heart. (We do love to compartmentalize, don't we?) When the closet got full I used the spare room, then the attic, finally the basement. And the more I'd try to keep those areas "off-limits" and locked up, the more space I take up trying to "hide" them, the less comfortable it was having Jesus around. Almost to the point of just locking Him out and deciding it's too hard of a mess to clean up now.
Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
I don't know how many dumpsters Jesus and I have already filled. We even ran across a twenty year old storage shed key the the other day that He's helping me with.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
2 Timothy 1-4
2 Timothy 1:6-7
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 4:5
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Like Timothy, I have a family history of faith, passed down from my grandfather to my father to me. The challenge for me is not to take that for granted or rest on the laurels of the past. I need to take to heart this reminder from Paul to fan into flame the gift of God, to not let the flame die down, to take advantage of the generous gift of the Holy Spirit (as read about yesterday) which will empower me to be bold rather than timid.
Another translation the beginning of 2 Tim. 4:5 says "keep a clear mind" and another "be watchful in all things." Oh how easily I let my mind become cluttered by other things that avert my focus from Jesus. I need to be more watchful that distractions and, at times, hardships don't sidetrack me and keep me from discharging the duties of my ministry.
Ah, and just what is my ministry? I know I do love the small part I play in worship through music. And I recognize being a husband and father is also a place I minister. So for now that seems to be it. But I still feel there's something else, some other task I'm being prepared for. I just don't have any clarity on it yet. But I do know if I persist God will be faithful to guide my steps. So for now I read and pray and listen.
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 4:5
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Like Timothy, I have a family history of faith, passed down from my grandfather to my father to me. The challenge for me is not to take that for granted or rest on the laurels of the past. I need to take to heart this reminder from Paul to fan into flame the gift of God, to not let the flame die down, to take advantage of the generous gift of the Holy Spirit (as read about yesterday) which will empower me to be bold rather than timid.
Another translation the beginning of 2 Tim. 4:5 says "keep a clear mind" and another "be watchful in all things." Oh how easily I let my mind become cluttered by other things that avert my focus from Jesus. I need to be more watchful that distractions and, at times, hardships don't sidetrack me and keep me from discharging the duties of my ministry.
Ah, and just what is my ministry? I know I do love the small part I play in worship through music. And I recognize being a husband and father is also a place I minister. So for now that seems to be it. But I still feel there's something else, some other task I'm being prepared for. I just don't have any clarity on it yet. But I do know if I persist God will be faithful to guide my steps. So for now I read and pray and listen.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
1 Timothy 5-6 and Titus 1-3
Titus 3:3-7
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Earlier in this passage Paul tells Titus to teach different people that they need to be self-controlled about five or six times. My problem is when I am foolish or disobedient or enslaved by passions or pleasures it's usually because I am trying to control things myself. Even after all these years I have to continue to fight the urge to do it on my own, to try in my own strength to earn some kind of brownie points with God by "acting" righteous. But really if I've died to self it is the Holy Spirit that is in control. It says right there that God generously pours the Holy Spirit out on us. What is it that keeps me from taking advantage of that?
God's kindness and love, His mercy and grace are always things that make my eyes well up when I think about them. (like even now) I keep going back to the cardboard testimony that read, "I'm more sinful than you know. I'm more forgiven than I deserve." God knows it all. All the muck and darkness that is kept hidden from everybody else. And He still loves and forgives me. Wow. Now that is powerful.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Earlier in this passage Paul tells Titus to teach different people that they need to be self-controlled about five or six times. My problem is when I am foolish or disobedient or enslaved by passions or pleasures it's usually because I am trying to control things myself. Even after all these years I have to continue to fight the urge to do it on my own, to try in my own strength to earn some kind of brownie points with God by "acting" righteous. But really if I've died to self it is the Holy Spirit that is in control. It says right there that God generously pours the Holy Spirit out on us. What is it that keeps me from taking advantage of that?
God's kindness and love, His mercy and grace are always things that make my eyes well up when I think about them. (like even now) I keep going back to the cardboard testimony that read, "I'm more sinful than you know. I'm more forgiven than I deserve." God knows it all. All the muck and darkness that is kept hidden from everybody else. And He still loves and forgives me. Wow. Now that is powerful.
Monday, December 8, 2008
1 Timothy 1-4
1 Timothy 4:15-16
15. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
In our Western way of thinking we tend to see our spiritual journey as a mostly individual endeavor. Sure we know the whole bit about being a part of the body. But we fail to grasp the inter-connectedness of one another. In his instruction to Timothy, Paul makes it very clear that our diligence, how we live our lives, and how true we stay to God’s word is not just a personal matter. It is a body matter.
Perseverance “will save both yourself and your hearers.” God isn’t the only one who examines my life. Whether or not I know it, people are watching my life. When I compromise it provides rationale for others to compromise. When I assert my comfort over what God desires, my life professes that He is not number one to me. When I fail to stand for truth and speak my on my own authority it’s just meaningless talk that can lead other astray.
Accountability and growing in the knowledge of God’s word aren’t just optional disciplines of the Christian life. They are central to it. I must always be diligent so that everyone can see my progress. And if they see no progress in me, I pray that they would have the boldness to confront me on it.
15. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
In our Western way of thinking we tend to see our spiritual journey as a mostly individual endeavor. Sure we know the whole bit about being a part of the body. But we fail to grasp the inter-connectedness of one another. In his instruction to Timothy, Paul makes it very clear that our diligence, how we live our lives, and how true we stay to God’s word is not just a personal matter. It is a body matter.
Perseverance “will save both yourself and your hearers.” God isn’t the only one who examines my life. Whether or not I know it, people are watching my life. When I compromise it provides rationale for others to compromise. When I assert my comfort over what God desires, my life professes that He is not number one to me. When I fail to stand for truth and speak my on my own authority it’s just meaningless talk that can lead other astray.
Accountability and growing in the knowledge of God’s word aren’t just optional disciplines of the Christian life. They are central to it. I must always be diligent so that everyone can see my progress. And if they see no progress in me, I pray that they would have the boldness to confront me on it.
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