Titus 1:5 "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in
order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed
you.."
I hate unfinished business. Although my personality is far from
"obsessive-compulsive", unfinished tasks are big stress-producers for
me. "Loose ends" wake me up in the middle of the night; throughout the
day they lurk in the back of my mind, subtly pressing for my attention.
They affect my emotions and drain my energy. Oh, what a relief it is
when I'm able to "tie them up"!
One of the reasons Paul wrote to Titus was to "set in order what
remains". There was unfinished business, a need to bring some order to
the churches of Crete. There were several congregations, lots of
Christians, but no organization, no leadership. Titus was in Crete to
remedy the situation.
It's not just unfinished tasks that fill my "to do" list. In working
with people, I often find that there are "loose ends" in relationships.
The Holy Spirit relentlessly prods me to tie them up. He convicts me
when I've hurt someone with my words, when I've neglected to express
appreciation, when I don't follow through with a commitment, when I hold
on to offense, when my pride gets in the way of reconciliation.
Resolving those situations, painful as it may be, brings with it peace
and joy, relief.
Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your tenacity. You never let me off the
hook. Please help me to keep my accounts short, my communication open
and loving, my relationships honest and sincere. I need Your help in
tying up any loose ends. Amen.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Liar, Liar...
Titus 1:2 " in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago..."
In the 1997 comedy, "Liar Liar", Jim Carrey portrayed a career-obsessed lawyer who was a compulsive liar. He did and said whatever it took to advance through the ranks of his firm Truth was seemingly not in his vocabulary until his son made a birthday wish for him to speak nothing but truth for an entire 24 hours. The results are hilarious and life-changing for him!
Truthfulness is a foundational character trait of God. Paul describes Him as the "not-lying God". Jesus describedi Himself as, "The Truth". Everything about Christianity, especially our hope of eternal life, is built squarely on that foundation. Remove truth and everything else crumbles.
Satan, on the other hand, is portrayed in Scripture as "the Father of Lies." It is his nature to "spin the truth". We see it from Genesis to Revelation. That same inclination is "standard equipment" in each of us. It is foundational to our "sin nature", our "flesh".
As a child of God who is in the process of being transformed into the image of Christ, God expects me to reflect His nature. For that to happen, truth needs to become the baseline of my life, too. David says that those who would have fellowship with God must "walk with integrity, work righteousness, and speak truth in his heart." If I am honest with myself and with God (Who already knows the truth!), those words don't always describe me.
God, I confess to You my natural inclination to "spin" truth. Thank You for Your patience with me, for mercy and grace and forgiveness. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your relentless intervention in my heart. Please, Lord, let me reflect You; help me to think and speak Truth throughout this day. Amen.
In the 1997 comedy, "Liar Liar", Jim Carrey portrayed a career-obsessed lawyer who was a compulsive liar. He did and said whatever it took to advance through the ranks of his firm Truth was seemingly not in his vocabulary until his son made a birthday wish for him to speak nothing but truth for an entire 24 hours. The results are hilarious and life-changing for him!
Truthfulness is a foundational character trait of God. Paul describes Him as the "not-lying God". Jesus describedi Himself as, "The Truth". Everything about Christianity, especially our hope of eternal life, is built squarely on that foundation. Remove truth and everything else crumbles.
Satan, on the other hand, is portrayed in Scripture as "the Father of Lies." It is his nature to "spin the truth". We see it from Genesis to Revelation. That same inclination is "standard equipment" in each of us. It is foundational to our "sin nature", our "flesh".
As a child of God who is in the process of being transformed into the image of Christ, God expects me to reflect His nature. For that to happen, truth needs to become the baseline of my life, too. David says that those who would have fellowship with God must "walk with integrity, work righteousness, and speak truth in his heart." If I am honest with myself and with God (Who already knows the truth!), those words don't always describe me.
God, I confess to You my natural inclination to "spin" truth. Thank You for Your patience with me, for mercy and grace and forgiveness. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your relentless intervention in my heart. Please, Lord, let me reflect You; help me to think and speak Truth throughout this day. Amen.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Here come da Judge...
2 Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body,
according to what he has done, whether good or bad." (See also Rom
14:10-12; 1 Cor 3:10-13)
I laughingly remember a recurring comedy skit on the 1970's TV show, "Laugh In" in which Sammy Davis Jr. walked across the stage announcing, "Here come da judge, here come da judge; everybody look out 'cause here come da judge!" His entrance never failed to produce a chuckle, but at the same time, in the back of my mind, it reminded me of an appointment I have with THE JUDGE.
Paul, in a way, is the precursor to the Sammy Davis Jr. character. In several passages he forewarns us of an encounter each of us will have with Jesus. The judgement seat he describes is not one of condemnation, but of rewards. The Greek term pictures a raised platform in the stadium at the original Olympics games. There the judge places a wreath on the head of the winning competitor. It is ancient version of the medal ceremony we witnessed at last summer's Olympic Games in London.
When our time on this earth is completed, we will each stand before our Saviour and He will review our stewardship of the gifts and opportunities afforded us as Christians. His piercing, all-knowing eyes will evaluate our motives, our attitudes, our priorities, our actions. Only those things that have eternal significance will stand up under His scrutiny. We will be rewarded based on how we have run the race.
Lord, please help me to tun the race this day in light of eternity. I want to invest every moment as a wise steward. Please help me to recognize opportunities and respond to them in such a way that it brings You honor and pleasure, and draws someone else closer to the Kingdom. Amen.
I laughingly remember a recurring comedy skit on the 1970's TV show, "Laugh In" in which Sammy Davis Jr. walked across the stage announcing, "Here come da judge, here come da judge; everybody look out 'cause here come da judge!" His entrance never failed to produce a chuckle, but at the same time, in the back of my mind, it reminded me of an appointment I have with THE JUDGE.
Paul, in a way, is the precursor to the Sammy Davis Jr. character. In several passages he forewarns us of an encounter each of us will have with Jesus. The judgement seat he describes is not one of condemnation, but of rewards. The Greek term pictures a raised platform in the stadium at the original Olympics games. There the judge places a wreath on the head of the winning competitor. It is ancient version of the medal ceremony we witnessed at last summer's Olympic Games in London.
When our time on this earth is completed, we will each stand before our Saviour and He will review our stewardship of the gifts and opportunities afforded us as Christians. His piercing, all-knowing eyes will evaluate our motives, our attitudes, our priorities, our actions. Only those things that have eternal significance will stand up under His scrutiny. We will be rewarded based on how we have run the race.
Lord, please help me to tun the race this day in light of eternity. I want to invest every moment as a wise steward. Please help me to recognize opportunities and respond to them in such a way that it brings You honor and pleasure, and draws someone else closer to the Kingdom. Amen.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
A recipe for godliness...
Titus 1:1 "Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus
Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the
truth which is according to godliness..."
My wife really knows her way around the kitchen. I enjoy watching her bake, and I enjoying tasting the results even more! Baking doesn't come naturally to me. I need a recipe unless it's something I regularly prepare... like pancakes. I've been the designated Saturday morning pancake maker since I was 11 years old, so it's second nature to me. I still have to be careful to measure the ingredients and be sure that I haven't forgotten any, but I no longer need step-by-step instructions.
My walk with God is similar. Paul gives Titus the recipe for a godly lifestyle. Faith (trusting God) combined with knowledge (experience) of the Truth will produce godliness (a life pleasing to God). The longer I follow the Lord, the more His truths, His principles become a part of who I am. Walking with Him each day transforms "knowledge" into "experience".
When I am careful to follow His recipe - spend time with Him each morning, actively listen to the Holy Spirit throughout the day, and respond according to His prompting - I sense His pleasure at the end of the day. If I become careless or overconfident, I make mistakes and the end result is not as pleasant.
Lord, thank You for giving me Your recipe for living a godly life. I know what to do, but I confess that I tend to become preoccupied with other things and I neglect to include all of the ingredients in their proper proportion. Please let my walk today result in a fragrant aroma and delicious treat for You. I'm following the recipe! Amen.
My wife really knows her way around the kitchen. I enjoy watching her bake, and I enjoying tasting the results even more! Baking doesn't come naturally to me. I need a recipe unless it's something I regularly prepare... like pancakes. I've been the designated Saturday morning pancake maker since I was 11 years old, so it's second nature to me. I still have to be careful to measure the ingredients and be sure that I haven't forgotten any, but I no longer need step-by-step instructions.
My walk with God is similar. Paul gives Titus the recipe for a godly lifestyle. Faith (trusting God) combined with knowledge (experience) of the Truth will produce godliness (a life pleasing to God). The longer I follow the Lord, the more His truths, His principles become a part of who I am. Walking with Him each day transforms "knowledge" into "experience".
When I am careful to follow His recipe - spend time with Him each morning, actively listen to the Holy Spirit throughout the day, and respond according to His prompting - I sense His pleasure at the end of the day. If I become careless or overconfident, I make mistakes and the end result is not as pleasant.
Lord, thank You for giving me Your recipe for living a godly life. I know what to do, but I confess that I tend to become preoccupied with other things and I neglect to include all of the ingredients in their proper proportion. Please let my walk today result in a fragrant aroma and delicious treat for You. I'm following the recipe! Amen.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Are you an accredited Christian?...
2 Corinthians 13:5 "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith;
examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that
Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?"
Our school is one of about 25% of Christian schools that is accredited. Accreditation is a rigorous, ongoing process of accountability and, at the elementary school level, is strictly voluntary. The process requires thorough self-evaluation based upon ten non-negotiable standards, followed by an intense three-day evaluation by a non-partial team of educators.
Why would anyone in his right mind voluntarily submit himself and his staff to such a pressure-packed, nerve-wracking ordeal? I have asked that question of myself on many occasions. The answer is simple: We want our school to be the best it can be; we want to keep getting better. In order to do that, we need someone to hold us accountable.
In his closing words to the church at Corinth, Paul challenges the believers to go through a similar process of self-evaluation. He encourages them to examine themselves against the standards of the Gospel to verify their position in Christ, discovering their strengths as well as the areas where they need to grow.
Each of us is a work in progress; none has "arrived". Romans 8:29 tells us that we are in the process of being shaped into the image of Christ. So, what does the "image of Christ" look like? What are the standards against which I can measure myself? Here are a few to start with:
1. Standard of godly character Gal 5:22
2. Standard of godly priorities Matt 6:33; Col 3:1-4
3. Standard of godly attitudes Phil 2:1-5
4. Standard of godly words Ps 19:14; Col 4:6; Jas 1:26
5. Standard of godly works Jas 1:22, 27; Eph 2:10
6. Standard of godly relationships 1 John 4:7-8; Eph 4:32; Phil 2:1-4
7. Standard of a repentant heart 1 John 1:9-10
Lord, I gladly, humbly submit to Your evaluation of my life. Holy Spirit, You live in me and know me intimately. I already know several areas in which I need to grow. Please reveal to me those "blind spots" of which I'm not aware. Help me to hear you clearly and respond obediently. I want to be an "accredited Christian"!
Our school is one of about 25% of Christian schools that is accredited. Accreditation is a rigorous, ongoing process of accountability and, at the elementary school level, is strictly voluntary. The process requires thorough self-evaluation based upon ten non-negotiable standards, followed by an intense three-day evaluation by a non-partial team of educators.
Why would anyone in his right mind voluntarily submit himself and his staff to such a pressure-packed, nerve-wracking ordeal? I have asked that question of myself on many occasions. The answer is simple: We want our school to be the best it can be; we want to keep getting better. In order to do that, we need someone to hold us accountable.
In his closing words to the church at Corinth, Paul challenges the believers to go through a similar process of self-evaluation. He encourages them to examine themselves against the standards of the Gospel to verify their position in Christ, discovering their strengths as well as the areas where they need to grow.
Each of us is a work in progress; none has "arrived". Romans 8:29 tells us that we are in the process of being shaped into the image of Christ. So, what does the "image of Christ" look like? What are the standards against which I can measure myself? Here are a few to start with:
1. Standard of godly character Gal 5:22
2. Standard of godly priorities Matt 6:33; Col 3:1-4
3. Standard of godly attitudes Phil 2:1-5
4. Standard of godly words Ps 19:14; Col 4:6; Jas 1:26
5. Standard of godly works Jas 1:22, 27; Eph 2:10
6. Standard of godly relationships 1 John 4:7-8; Eph 4:32; Phil 2:1-4
7. Standard of a repentant heart 1 John 1:9-10
Lord, I gladly, humbly submit to Your evaluation of my life. Holy Spirit, You live in me and know me intimately. I already know several areas in which I need to grow. Please reveal to me those "blind spots" of which I'm not aware. Help me to hear you clearly and respond obediently. I want to be an "accredited Christian"!
Monday, October 22, 2012
"Fight on..."
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war
according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the
flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are
destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the
knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the
obedience of Christ...
Our friends, Judy and Larry, returned to their home in Kenya over the weekend, having been "Stateside" for the last couple of months. They have been serving the Lord in Nairobi since the early 1970's. God has blessed their ministry over the years and they have seen an abundant harvest. But it hasn't been easy. They have learned to adapt to the rationing of water and the intermittent electricity, among other "inconveniences". The real challenges are much more serious. Deadly.
Kenya is a battleground. Bombings and grenades in churches, riots, and other violent activities have become a way of life. There is no escaping it. The real battles, however, occur behind the scenes. It's like a scene from Daniel, with Michael and his angelic army engaged in battle with"the Prince of Kenya" and his demonic host. Satan and his minions are not at all happy with the inroads God is making in his territory, and he is doing everything in his power to reclaim what he has lost. Judy and Larry live in the midst of that struggle, behind enemy lines.
As I pray for my friends in Kenya, God reminds me that the same war rages right here where we live. The outward manifestation of violence may not be as intense, but the fighting behind the scenes is every bit as real. The Enemy is at hand and the Lord wants His people (you and me!) to engage him, to fight for the survival of our country.
Lord, when I received Your gift of salvation, I also enlisted in Your army. I have put on my spiritual armor and am ready to do battle today. Please help me to be alert to enemy strategies, attentive to your commands, and courageous in battle. Fight on, Lord Jesus!
Our friends, Judy and Larry, returned to their home in Kenya over the weekend, having been "Stateside" for the last couple of months. They have been serving the Lord in Nairobi since the early 1970's. God has blessed their ministry over the years and they have seen an abundant harvest. But it hasn't been easy. They have learned to adapt to the rationing of water and the intermittent electricity, among other "inconveniences". The real challenges are much more serious. Deadly.
Kenya is a battleground. Bombings and grenades in churches, riots, and other violent activities have become a way of life. There is no escaping it. The real battles, however, occur behind the scenes. It's like a scene from Daniel, with Michael and his angelic army engaged in battle with"the Prince of Kenya" and his demonic host. Satan and his minions are not at all happy with the inroads God is making in his territory, and he is doing everything in his power to reclaim what he has lost. Judy and Larry live in the midst of that struggle, behind enemy lines.
As I pray for my friends in Kenya, God reminds me that the same war rages right here where we live. The outward manifestation of violence may not be as intense, but the fighting behind the scenes is every bit as real. The Enemy is at hand and the Lord wants His people (you and me!) to engage him, to fight for the survival of our country.
Lord, when I received Your gift of salvation, I also enlisted in Your army. I have put on my spiritual armor and am ready to do battle today. Please help me to be alert to enemy strategies, attentive to your commands, and courageous in battle. Fight on, Lord Jesus!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Stepping out of my comfort zone...
2 Corinthians 12:7, 9-10 "Because of the surpassing greatness of the
revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was
given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to
keep me from exalting myself! And He has said to me, “My grace is
sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly,
therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of
Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses,
with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for
Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. "
Last Saturday I went with some friends to Mexico. We took food and supplies to some very needy people who live in really difficult circumstances. I went somewhat nervously because I had been thrust into the lead position and my Spanish is not the best. I had prayed for God's intervention, for Him to communicate beyond my own linguistic skills. Once there, the conversations flowed easily and more than once, my Mexican friends commented that my Spanish had improved. I came home that evening overflowing with joy at how the Lord had so graciously answered my prayers.
I think that God uses me best when I step out of my comfort zone. It is when I am stretched beyond my own resources, when I am forced to humbly and purposefully depend on His provision, that I grow spiritually. It produces thanksgiving in me, blessings to others, and praise to our Heavenly Father.
Lord, I don't like being stretched. I confess that I enjoy being comfortable. Please help me today to trust You enough to step out of my comfort zone and allow the Holy Spirit to work through me. I look forward to seeing what You do! Amen.
Last Saturday I went with some friends to Mexico. We took food and supplies to some very needy people who live in really difficult circumstances. I went somewhat nervously because I had been thrust into the lead position and my Spanish is not the best. I had prayed for God's intervention, for Him to communicate beyond my own linguistic skills. Once there, the conversations flowed easily and more than once, my Mexican friends commented that my Spanish had improved. I came home that evening overflowing with joy at how the Lord had so graciously answered my prayers.
I think that God uses me best when I step out of my comfort zone. It is when I am stretched beyond my own resources, when I am forced to humbly and purposefully depend on His provision, that I grow spiritually. It produces thanksgiving in me, blessings to others, and praise to our Heavenly Father.
Lord, I don't like being stretched. I confess that I enjoy being comfortable. Please help me today to trust You enough to step out of my comfort zone and allow the Holy Spirit to work through me. I look forward to seeing what You do! Amen.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
"Inside...Out"...
"Inside Out"...
"Inside Out" is the theme for our Junior High this year. It is a simple phrase, yet it encompasses everything about us. It describes a key, foundational principle found throughout Scripture: "being precedes doing."
Why do we do what we do? There are a multitude of motivations for my actions, but what pleases God is when what I do flows from Whose I am. In Luke 2, Jesus is described as having the grace of God upon Him, and the passage goes on to say that "He grew...in favor with God and man."
Paul describes the Macedonian Christians as existing in deep poverty, yet they "set the bar" for generosity as they gave beyond their means to help their suffering brothers in Jerusalem. What motivated them? It wasn't guilt or duty; it was the response of a tender heart moved with compassion by the Holy Spirit. Their giving reflected God in them!
Lord, I want to be like those Macedonian Christians. I give You myself today to do with whatever You please. It's a little scary, but also really exciting! Please let my words, my attitude, my actions reflect Who is inside me; make me sensitive to Your nudging. Please bless someone through me today.
Monday, October 15, 2012
"Rejoicing in sorrow..."
2 Corinthians 7:9-10 "I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful,
but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you
were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not
suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to
the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to
salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death."
Chemotherapy. I just have to say the word, think the word, and I can feel the nausea beginning to creep up my throat. Why would anyone in his right mind agree to having poisonous chemicals pumped into his body? Who would willingly go through that process every week for 18 months? I did. And it wasn't a pleasant experience; it was "sorrowful", but it was necessary. And it led to life.
Paul had written a pointed, confrontational letter to the church at Corinth. There was a "malignancy" growing within the congregation and it needed to be removed. Paul's harsh words were painful, both for him to write and for them to read. However, because they responded to his admonition, both he and they were eventually able to rejoice.
Each of us experiences occasions when we need words of admonition -- painful, confrontational words; words that will wake us up and turn us around. There are also times when we need to confront a friend who is making wrong choices. Both situations are difficult and hurtful. Yet in both cases, the pain is necessary for healing and restoration. Ignoring it, hoping it will just go away is akin to ignoring a malignant tumor. Ignorance is not bliss!
Lord, thank you for putting people in my life who love me enough to hold me accountable. You use them to keep my feet pointed in the right direction. Please give me the discernment and courage to do the same for others . Amen.
Chemotherapy. I just have to say the word, think the word, and I can feel the nausea beginning to creep up my throat. Why would anyone in his right mind agree to having poisonous chemicals pumped into his body? Who would willingly go through that process every week for 18 months? I did. And it wasn't a pleasant experience; it was "sorrowful", but it was necessary. And it led to life.
Paul had written a pointed, confrontational letter to the church at Corinth. There was a "malignancy" growing within the congregation and it needed to be removed. Paul's harsh words were painful, both for him to write and for them to read. However, because they responded to his admonition, both he and they were eventually able to rejoice.
Each of us experiences occasions when we need words of admonition -- painful, confrontational words; words that will wake us up and turn us around. There are also times when we need to confront a friend who is making wrong choices. Both situations are difficult and hurtful. Yet in both cases, the pain is necessary for healing and restoration. Ignoring it, hoping it will just go away is akin to ignoring a malignant tumor. Ignorance is not bliss!
Lord, thank you for putting people in my life who love me enough to hold me accountable. You use them to keep my feet pointed in the right direction. Please give me the discernment and courage to do the same for others . Amen.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Risky Business...
2 Corinthians 6:11 "Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide....Now in a like exchange--I speak as to children--open wide to us also."
Here in Southern California we have to lock everything or we risk it being broken into or stolen. We even had thieves come on campus and steal our trash cans! Now we have them chained to poles!! Contrast that to the little town in Utah where my daughter lives. Everything is wide open, nothing is locked, people trust each other.
It's like that with our hearts. Because of past hurts or perceived danger, we sometimes close them up and lock them securely. We don't allow anyone to get too close; we shrink back from revealing anything personal. And, in so doing, we rob ourselves of the joy that comes with true fellowship. Paul acted unilaterally. He took the first step and opened his heart to the Corinthians. Even though they had hurt him before, he took the risk, became vulnerable.
Isn't that what God did for you and me? How can I do less in my relationships with my Christian brothers and sisters?
Lord, You know I don't like being hurt. It's easier, safer to pull in, close up, protect myself. Yet, I know You want me to reach out, open my heart, trust You enough to become vulnerable. Loving others like You do is risky business. Help me to do it today. Amen..
Here in Southern California we have to lock everything or we risk it being broken into or stolen. We even had thieves come on campus and steal our trash cans! Now we have them chained to poles!! Contrast that to the little town in Utah where my daughter lives. Everything is wide open, nothing is locked, people trust each other.
It's like that with our hearts. Because of past hurts or perceived danger, we sometimes close them up and lock them securely. We don't allow anyone to get too close; we shrink back from revealing anything personal. And, in so doing, we rob ourselves of the joy that comes with true fellowship. Paul acted unilaterally. He took the first step and opened his heart to the Corinthians. Even though they had hurt him before, he took the risk, became vulnerable.
Isn't that what God did for you and me? How can I do less in my relationships with my Christian brothers and sisters?
Lord, You know I don't like being hurt. It's easier, safer to pull in, close up, protect myself. Yet, I know You want me to reach out, open my heart, trust You enough to become vulnerable. Loving others like You do is risky business. Help me to do it today. Amen..
Monday, October 8, 2012
"You ain't seen nothin' yet..."
2 Corinthians 6:4-9. "but in everything commending ourselves as servants
of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,
in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness,
in hunger,........ in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness,
in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of Truth, in the power
of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,
by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as
deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold,
we live; as punished yet not put to death..."
I used to be afraid of needles, hated going to the doctor, getting shots. Then I experienced cancer. Needles and shots became a way of life, a way to preserve my life. I used to think the 24 hour flu was unbearable. Then I experienced chemotherapy and its side-effects.
As I ponder and absorb this partial résumé of Paul's experience, the truth begins to sink in that, compared to his, my life as a Christian has been relatively tame and untested. Sure, I've had a few trials, but nothing as intense as this.
How do I respond when I do encounter difficulties? I am usually surprised, taken back, wondering what to do next. Then I look at the 2nd half of Paul's list. I'm ashamed to admit that my response to trials falls way short of his.
As Christians in America, we live a sheltered, protected life. We blithely go about our daily business, unaware of the reality that our brothers and sisters around the world experience. They know first hand what Paul was talking about; they are living it out! I'm also afraid that we aren't far behind. Our country is moving in that direction. Unless things change, our résumés will also mirror Paul's.
Lord, I understand that there is a battle underway and that I am not on the front line. I get into an occasional skirmish, but nothing like the daily fire-fights my fellow-soldiers in other countries face. Please help me to faithfully pray for them, and please continue to prepare me for the battles ahead. Although I "ain't seen nothin' yet", You see everything , including Your eventual victory. I love being on the winning side!! Amen.
I used to be afraid of needles, hated going to the doctor, getting shots. Then I experienced cancer. Needles and shots became a way of life, a way to preserve my life. I used to think the 24 hour flu was unbearable. Then I experienced chemotherapy and its side-effects.
As I ponder and absorb this partial résumé of Paul's experience, the truth begins to sink in that, compared to his, my life as a Christian has been relatively tame and untested. Sure, I've had a few trials, but nothing as intense as this.
How do I respond when I do encounter difficulties? I am usually surprised, taken back, wondering what to do next. Then I look at the 2nd half of Paul's list. I'm ashamed to admit that my response to trials falls way short of his.
As Christians in America, we live a sheltered, protected life. We blithely go about our daily business, unaware of the reality that our brothers and sisters around the world experience. They know first hand what Paul was talking about; they are living it out! I'm also afraid that we aren't far behind. Our country is moving in that direction. Unless things change, our résumés will also mirror Paul's.
Lord, I understand that there is a battle underway and that I am not on the front line. I get into an occasional skirmish, but nothing like the daily fire-fights my fellow-soldiers in other countries face. Please help me to faithfully pray for them, and please continue to prepare me for the battles ahead. Although I "ain't seen nothin' yet", You see everything , including Your eventual victory. I love being on the winning side!! Amen.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
"Empty Grace...."
2 Corinthians 6:1 "And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain..."
I still chuckle when I remember my son's 3rd birthday. The living room was crowded with family and friends and Michael was sitting on the floor amidst a pile of brightly colored presents. One by one he tore them open and then he came to the one from his aunt and uncle. It was beautifully wrapped, its size and shape promising something good inside. Michael tore off the paper and bow, opened the box, paused with a puzzled look on his face, and exclaimed, "Auntie Anne, it's empty!" Anne was so embarrassed. In her rush to wrap the present she had forgotten to put it in the box!
Paul was concerned that the Corinthian Christians resembled that birthday present. They had received a bountiful measure of God's grace, but it was not bearing fruit in their lives. It was like an empty birthday present, full of promise yet devoid of substance.
This kind of "Christian" life prompts unbelievers to label Believers as hypocrites, justifying their reluctance to receive God's grace for themselves. Paul goes on to describe what people should see when they get past the pretty paper and open the box. In verses 6 & 7 he says that in the midst of all sorts of suffering God's grace showed through him "in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left..."
Lord, I don't want to be superficial. I want Your grace to produce substance, so that when circumstances peel away the trappings, people will see genuine evidence of your power at work in my life. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for your relentless renovation of my soul!
Sent from my iPad
I still chuckle when I remember my son's 3rd birthday. The living room was crowded with family and friends and Michael was sitting on the floor amidst a pile of brightly colored presents. One by one he tore them open and then he came to the one from his aunt and uncle. It was beautifully wrapped, its size and shape promising something good inside. Michael tore off the paper and bow, opened the box, paused with a puzzled look on his face, and exclaimed, "Auntie Anne, it's empty!" Anne was so embarrassed. In her rush to wrap the present she had forgotten to put it in the box!
Paul was concerned that the Corinthian Christians resembled that birthday present. They had received a bountiful measure of God's grace, but it was not bearing fruit in their lives. It was like an empty birthday present, full of promise yet devoid of substance.
This kind of "Christian" life prompts unbelievers to label Believers as hypocrites, justifying their reluctance to receive God's grace for themselves. Paul goes on to describe what people should see when they get past the pretty paper and open the box. In verses 6 & 7 he says that in the midst of all sorts of suffering God's grace showed through him "in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left..."
Lord, I don't want to be superficial. I want Your grace to produce substance, so that when circumstances peel away the trappings, people will see genuine evidence of your power at work in my life. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for your relentless renovation of my soul!
Sent from my iPad
Monday, October 1, 2012
"Pry open my heart..."
2 Corinthians 6:11 "Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians,
our heart is opened wide. You are not restrained by us, but you are
restrained in your own affections. Now in a like exchange--I speak as to
children--open wide to us also."
Unilateral. That word is risky, inherently trusting someone without any guarantees that he will reciprocate. It infers vulnerability, opening oneself up to hurt; but it also opens one up to joy. It is liberating.
Paul unilaterally opened his heart wide to the Corinthians. They, in turn, were cautious, fearful, restrained in their love for him. He urges them to respond to his example, to trust him enough to cast aside their restraints and love him wholeheartedly, unconditionally
That kind of love is frightening, yet with great risk there is great reward. When you and I are open-hearted towards each other, we create the opportunity for pure fellowship. We can communicate freely and honestly. We personalize 1 Corinthians 13... "love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things..."
I want that kind of relationship, but how do I get it? Where do I start? How do I trust someone enough to risk it? It won't happen if I just sit and wait. It starts with me. Actually, it starts with God! His Holy Spirit lives in me and is pushing me in that direction. I need to listen to Him, trust Him, and take the first step.
Lord, I don't want to get hurt. It's safer to hold back, protect myself. Yet, I know that You want me to love others extravagantly, like You love me. Please help me to take a step in that direction today. Pry open my heart. Amen.
Unilateral. That word is risky, inherently trusting someone without any guarantees that he will reciprocate. It infers vulnerability, opening oneself up to hurt; but it also opens one up to joy. It is liberating.
Paul unilaterally opened his heart wide to the Corinthians. They, in turn, were cautious, fearful, restrained in their love for him. He urges them to respond to his example, to trust him enough to cast aside their restraints and love him wholeheartedly, unconditionally
That kind of love is frightening, yet with great risk there is great reward. When you and I are open-hearted towards each other, we create the opportunity for pure fellowship. We can communicate freely and honestly. We personalize 1 Corinthians 13... "love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things..."
I want that kind of relationship, but how do I get it? Where do I start? How do I trust someone enough to risk it? It won't happen if I just sit and wait. It starts with me. Actually, it starts with God! His Holy Spirit lives in me and is pushing me in that direction. I need to listen to Him, trust Him, and take the first step.
Lord, I don't want to get hurt. It's safer to hold back, protect myself. Yet, I know that You want me to love others extravagantly, like You love me. Please help me to take a step in that direction today. Pry open my heart. Amen.
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