In the beginning days of human history, God went looking for Adam, calling out "Where art thou?" (Genesis 3.9, KJV). Has the questioned changed much over the course of human history?
This past Sunday I referenced Mark 1.21-22 in my sermon: "They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching..."
"They went into the synagogue…" They went to the place where God’s people were meeting. We approach church attendance so lightly these days, but I believe Jesus still has the same habit and pattern: he goes to church on Sunday!
"The people were amazed at his teaching..." Who was amazed? It was the people "in church" on the Sabbath! Now, I know that the church service is not the only place we will find Jesus. But, our casual approach to the services of the church belies an underlying sentiment that missing church is not such a big deal. We won't miss much.
That is troubling on a couple levels. First, it is an indictment against the leaders of the church. It should cause pause to pastors, board members, Sunday school teachers, praise team members. Those of us who pray, plan, and present the services of the gathered Church must feel the sting of rebuke.
But, it is also an indication of spiritual hunger and thirst on the part of this generation. It seems we don't care if we miss Jesus! We know that Jesus said that when even just two or three gather together in his name he is there in the midst of them. But we - for some reason - choose to limp along in our spiritual lives… It’s because we are not serious or we’re not hungry enough to go where Jesus said he would be…
Oh Church! We want to be amazed, but where are we when our Amazing Lord shows up? Like an old preacher friend of mine used to say, “I don’t want to miss. I’m afraid they will ‘cut the cake!’”
They say it’s a generational thing or a post-modern thing… But, I say it has more to do with our spiritual appetites! The early believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching… But within a generation the church had to be chided: Do not forsake assembling together as some are in the habit of doing…
You want God to bless your house? Sundays ought to find you in his house! You want to be amazed at Jesus? You need to be where he is! With the Church!
Where art thou?
Showing posts with label Admonition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Admonition. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Today’s Reflection:
In the devotion book On the Road – which I am reading with my two sons-in-law – Marshall Duke has an article, “Are You Hurricane Ready?” He concludes with “Better check your armor, for certainly a storm is brewing.” Wise counsel. I wrote the following (plus some other stuff) to Jon and Eric.
I remember something I read years ago when I was studying for the ministry. The author said something like this, and I paraphrase: Where you think you are the strongest you are the weakest. You need to be aware that Satan will attack you there because you don’t feel you need to defend that area. I didn’t believe it at first, but years of experience – both as a pastor and as a man trying to follow God – have shown me how right he is. I have learned that it is where I may feel safest that I need to pray most faithfully, “lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil.”
Several years ago I began praying – daily – that God would deliver me from certain things. The list started small – I think three things. Soon I added three more things. The funny thing was – I didn’t feel like I could stop praying about the first three. Over the past 5 or 6 years, I have added things occasionally. I actually have a list of them in my prayer book – just the first letters – so it maintains my privacy. I’ve prayed them so much, though, I have them memorized. It is humbling to know that I need so much grace! Today, I have 21 – that’s right 21! – things that I pray for victory over daily.
I use the Lord’s Prayer as my outline for prayer each day. When I get to the part where I pray, “and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil,” I pray, “God deliver me from the evils of…” and then I recount each of the 21 things before God. God is helping me, daily, but I continue to need his strength and deliverance. I am so weak, but Jesus is so strong!
I hope you have a wonderful day. And, don’t forget to pray as Jesus taught us: “Lead us not into temptation.”
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Ezekiel 36.25-27: I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws
In the devotion book On the Road – which I am reading with my two sons-in-law – Marshall Duke has an article, “Are You Hurricane Ready?” He concludes with “Better check your armor, for certainly a storm is brewing.” Wise counsel. I wrote the following (plus some other stuff) to Jon and Eric.
I remember something I read years ago when I was studying for the ministry. The author said something like this, and I paraphrase: Where you think you are the strongest you are the weakest. You need to be aware that Satan will attack you there because you don’t feel you need to defend that area. I didn’t believe it at first, but years of experience – both as a pastor and as a man trying to follow God – have shown me how right he is. I have learned that it is where I may feel safest that I need to pray most faithfully, “lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil.”
Several years ago I began praying – daily – that God would deliver me from certain things. The list started small – I think three things. Soon I added three more things. The funny thing was – I didn’t feel like I could stop praying about the first three. Over the past 5 or 6 years, I have added things occasionally. I actually have a list of them in my prayer book – just the first letters – so it maintains my privacy. I’ve prayed them so much, though, I have them memorized. It is humbling to know that I need so much grace! Today, I have 21 – that’s right 21! – things that I pray for victory over daily.
I use the Lord’s Prayer as my outline for prayer each day. When I get to the part where I pray, “and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil,” I pray, “God deliver me from the evils of…” and then I recount each of the 21 things before God. God is helping me, daily, but I continue to need his strength and deliverance. I am so weak, but Jesus is so strong!
I hope you have a wonderful day. And, don’t forget to pray as Jesus taught us: “Lead us not into temptation.”
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Ezekiel 36.25-27: I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jonah 1-2
NT: Jude
W&W: Song of Solomon 6
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jonah 3-4
NT: Revelation 1
W&W: Song of Solomon 7
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 1-2
NT: Revelation 2
W&W: Song of Solomon 8
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 3-4
NT: Revelation 3
W&W: Psalm 143
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 5-6
NT: Revelation 4
W&W: Psalm 144
Today’s Reflection:
The story of Jonah is a classic story in the Old Testament. You remember it don’t you? Jonah got swallowed up by a big fish when he was trying to get away from God. The fish spit him up on shore, but not until Jonah prayed this prayer: “With a song of thanksgiving, I will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD” (Jonah 2.9)
Several minutes ago I spoke with a friend who underwent surgery two weeks ago. After the surgery I had visited him at home and he was getting along great. But in the ensuing days, he suffered quite a bit of post-surgical pain and complications. He told me, "I cried out to the Lord in those days, and he was certainly there with me." Even in suffering and pain, my friend found the presence of the Lord reassuring.
Whether it's Jonah in the belly of a fish, my friend in the grip of post-surgical pain, or you in the midst of trials, we have so much to be thankful for.
I trust that you, dear reader, are singing a song of thanksgiving today. I hope that your thanksgiving hasn’t already faded away. Even in trying circumstances – even from the belly of a fish – we can find something for which we can be grateful: salvation comes from the LORD. I challenge you to read that, not as a declaration of the origin of salvation (although it is certainly that), but read it as an affirmation of certainty that your salvation is indeed coming from God! Even now!
I missed last week, but below are the daily readings for those wanting to catch up!
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 3
NT: 1 John 3
W&W: Song of Solomon 1
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 4-5
NT: 1 John 4
W&W: Song of Solomon 2
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 6-7
NT: 1 John 5
W&W: Song of Solomon 3
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 8-9
NT: 2 John
W&W: Song of Solomon 4
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Obadiah 1
NT: 3 John
W&W: Song of Solomon 5
OT: Jonah 1-2
NT: Jude
W&W: Song of Solomon 6
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jonah 3-4
NT: Revelation 1
W&W: Song of Solomon 7
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 1-2
NT: Revelation 2
W&W: Song of Solomon 8
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 3-4
NT: Revelation 3
W&W: Psalm 143
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 5-6
NT: Revelation 4
W&W: Psalm 144
Today’s Reflection:
The story of Jonah is a classic story in the Old Testament. You remember it don’t you? Jonah got swallowed up by a big fish when he was trying to get away from God. The fish spit him up on shore, but not until Jonah prayed this prayer: “With a song of thanksgiving, I will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD” (Jonah 2.9)
Several minutes ago I spoke with a friend who underwent surgery two weeks ago. After the surgery I had visited him at home and he was getting along great. But in the ensuing days, he suffered quite a bit of post-surgical pain and complications. He told me, "I cried out to the Lord in those days, and he was certainly there with me." Even in suffering and pain, my friend found the presence of the Lord reassuring.
Whether it's Jonah in the belly of a fish, my friend in the grip of post-surgical pain, or you in the midst of trials, we have so much to be thankful for.
I trust that you, dear reader, are singing a song of thanksgiving today. I hope that your thanksgiving hasn’t already faded away. Even in trying circumstances – even from the belly of a fish – we can find something for which we can be grateful: salvation comes from the LORD. I challenge you to read that, not as a declaration of the origin of salvation (although it is certainly that), but read it as an affirmation of certainty that your salvation is indeed coming from God! Even now!
I missed last week, but below are the daily readings for those wanting to catch up!
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 3
NT: 1 John 3
W&W: Song of Solomon 1
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 4-5
NT: 1 John 4
W&W: Song of Solomon 2
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 6-7
NT: 1 John 5
W&W: Song of Solomon 3
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 8-9
NT: 2 John
W&W: Song of Solomon 4
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Obadiah 1
NT: 3 John
W&W: Song of Solomon 5
Monday, November 16, 2009
Make Your Calling and Election Sure
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 13-14
NT: 2 Peter 1
W&W: Psalm 139.1-16
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Joel 1
NT: 2 Peter 2
W&W: Psalm 139.17-24
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Joel 2
NT: 2 Peter 3
W&W: Psalm 140
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Joel 3
NT: 1 John 1
W&W: Psalm 141
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 1-2
NT: 1 John 2
W&W: Psalm 142
Today’s Reflection:
Peter wrote to the early church to “Make your calling and election sure…” (2 Peter 1.10). We need to follow Jesus and check our bearings. The marks of a disciple help us to do just that. They serve as compass points to guide us in the way and to provide us feedback for the progress we are making. You can make your calling and election sure by asking yourself:
- Is my life centered on God, on knowing and worshiping him?
- Am I developing Christian relationships, reaching out to and supporting my brothers and sisters in the family of God? Do I show genuine family love?
- Am I growing in Christ, becoming more like him in love and holiness and sacrifice and service? Do I study his Word? Am I changing or stagnant?
- Do I live as a responsible citizen in all the “arenas” of my life? Do I go out to be salt and light in this world?
- Have I been sowing seeds of partnership with God and his people, faithfully giving, praying, inviting and serving in the church?
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
2 Peter 1.3a: His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Minister By Night
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 5-6
NT: 1 Peter 2
W&W: Psalm 135
Today’s Reflection:
This Psalm was from yesterday’s reading, but I couldn’t resist it:
Psalm 134
1 Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD
who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the LORD.
3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion.
The second phrase of verse 1 jumped out at me: “…who minister by night in the house of the Lord…”
It’s easy to praise the Lord in the confidence of sunlight. It’s a joy minister to my brother who walks in the daylight of happiness. But, do I minister by night in the "house" [We are God’s house…] of the Lord? When my friend is discouraged and discouraging, when she is depressed and depressing, do I minister in the night of her soul? Or, do I avoid her, saying, “She's a real downer. I don’t want to hang around her!”
Ask yourself:
OT: Hosea 5-6
NT: 1 Peter 2
W&W: Psalm 135
Today’s Reflection:
This Psalm was from yesterday’s reading, but I couldn’t resist it:
Psalm 134
1 Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD
who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the LORD.
3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion.
The second phrase of verse 1 jumped out at me: “…who minister by night in the house of the Lord…”
It’s easy to praise the Lord in the confidence of sunlight. It’s a joy minister to my brother who walks in the daylight of happiness. But, do I minister by night in the "house" [We are God’s house…] of the Lord? When my friend is discouraged and discouraging, when she is depressed and depressing, do I minister in the night of her soul? Or, do I avoid her, saying, “She's a real downer. I don’t want to hang around her!”
Ask yourself:
- Do I offer God’s hope when the darkness of despair falls over a brother or sister?
- When the light fades, am I the light of the world for my friend?
- When understanding ceases, do I – with confidence – point people to the One who works in all things for our good?
- When silence prevails, do offer words of encouragement and direction?
- When loneliness stalks the shadows, am I a friend who chases away isolation?
- When fear lurks around every bend, do I walk with my brother, holding light in hand to guide the way?
- When sorrow wounds the heart of my friend, do I walk with him through the valley of the shadow of death?
Friend, I challenge you and myself: minister by night in the house of the Lord!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 Peter 5.10-11: And the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Answered by a Stick of Wood
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 3-4
NT: 1 Peter 1
W&W: Psalm 134
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 5-6
NT: 1 Peter 2
W&W: Psalm 135
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 7-8
NT: 1 Peter 3
W&W: Psalm 136
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 9-10
NT: 1 Peter 4
W&W: Psalm 137
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 11-12
NT: 1 Peter 5
W&W: Psalm 138
Today’s Reflection:
“They consult a wooden idol and are answered by a stick of wood” (Hosea 4.10b).
The prophet Hosea warned the people not to be surprised when they received council as helpful as that from a stick of wood because they were looking for answers from idols made of wood. The same is true for us.
If we look on the bad side of things with suspicion and doubt, we will be answered by suspicion and doubt. But, if we are looking for good, we will find answers of trust and faith. It’s the old “Is your glass half empty or half full?” question.
If we insist on for “justice” then “justice” will be our answer. But, if we have an eye for mercy, the answer we receive will point us in the way of mercy. We will find that the ancient beatitude, “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy” will be a self-fulfilling reality.
If we seek our answers in things that end in death, we will ultimately be given over to death. But, if by faith in Jesus Christ and his resurrection, we look for answers in life-giving, God-believing principles, we will find life in God. Bob Dylan said it like this: “He not busy being born is busy dying.”
Where are you looking for answers? Remember, you will get your answers from where you look for answers. The answers may or may not be right, but you will always get them where you seek them.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 Peter 5.10-11: And the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
OT: Hosea 3-4
NT: 1 Peter 1
W&W: Psalm 134
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 5-6
NT: 1 Peter 2
W&W: Psalm 135
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 7-8
NT: 1 Peter 3
W&W: Psalm 136
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 9-10
NT: 1 Peter 4
W&W: Psalm 137
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 11-12
NT: 1 Peter 5
W&W: Psalm 138
Today’s Reflection:
“They consult a wooden idol and are answered by a stick of wood” (Hosea 4.10b).
The prophet Hosea warned the people not to be surprised when they received council as helpful as that from a stick of wood because they were looking for answers from idols made of wood. The same is true for us.
If we look on the bad side of things with suspicion and doubt, we will be answered by suspicion and doubt. But, if we are looking for good, we will find answers of trust and faith. It’s the old “Is your glass half empty or half full?” question.
If we insist on for “justice” then “justice” will be our answer. But, if we have an eye for mercy, the answer we receive will point us in the way of mercy. We will find that the ancient beatitude, “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy” will be a self-fulfilling reality.
If we seek our answers in things that end in death, we will ultimately be given over to death. But, if by faith in Jesus Christ and his resurrection, we look for answers in life-giving, God-believing principles, we will find life in God. Bob Dylan said it like this: “He not busy being born is busy dying.”
Where are you looking for answers? Remember, you will get your answers from where you look for answers. The answers may or may not be right, but you will always get them where you seek them.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 Peter 5.10-11: And the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Raise Your Sights!
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 4
NT: Hebrews 11
W&W: Psalm 126
Today’s Reflection:
Daniel 4.34 says, “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.”
Through his own vanity and pride, the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar, had found himself driven from the palace and living like an animal. He lived that way for 7 years before he came to his senses and raised his eyes to heaven.
Are you confused? Are you uncertain about the meaning of life? Are you afraid? Raise your eyes to heaven! God will give you wisdom and lead you in the way you should go!
Special Note to Jenny: As I prayed this morning, the Lord gave me this passage to share with you - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4.4-7). That would be a good one to memorize as you are waiting on the Lord to work things out in regards to "stuff."
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.
OT: Daniel 4
NT: Hebrews 11
W&W: Psalm 126
Today’s Reflection:
Daniel 4.34 says, “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.”
Through his own vanity and pride, the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar, had found himself driven from the palace and living like an animal. He lived that way for 7 years before he came to his senses and raised his eyes to heaven.
Are you confused? Are you uncertain about the meaning of life? Are you afraid? Raise your eyes to heaven! God will give you wisdom and lead you in the way you should go!
Special Note to Jenny: As I prayed this morning, the Lord gave me this passage to share with you - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4.4-7). That would be a good one to memorize as you are waiting on the Lord to work things out in regards to "stuff."
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Words and Actions (Talking and Walking)
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 33
NT: 2 Corinthians 10
W&W: Ecclesiastes 7
Today’s Reflection:
How many times have we rolled your eyes at one who boasted of what he was going to do? Or how many of us have boasted about things we planned to do? And, don’t you find it humorous when sports teams or players “trash talk” about how they are going to defeat their opponents only to be defeated themselves? The words of the Old Testament ring true in this regard: “One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off” (1 Kings 20.11).
In my message on Sunday, I preached about the time that Jesus healed the paralytic (Mark 2). Before he healed him, he pronounced that the man’s sins were forgiven. Those “religious muckety-mucks” who were in the congregation that day got a little incensed: “Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” Jesus responded in an interesting way. He observed that it is much easier to say “Your sins are forgiven” than it is to say “Rise up and walk” to a paralyzed man. The results the first pronouncement cannot be observed and measured, but the results of the second one can be observed and measured.
From today’s New Testament reading, an alternate translation of 2 Corinthians 10.13 and 15 reminds us not to boast about “things that cannot be measured.” Instead we should boast about (report on) what can be observed and measured:
• Results, not intentions
• Actions, not motives
And, I would add, this “boasting” should be of such a kind that the results speak for themselves.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.22: This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.
OT: Jeremiah 33
NT: 2 Corinthians 10
W&W: Ecclesiastes 7
Today’s Reflection:
How many times have we rolled your eyes at one who boasted of what he was going to do? Or how many of us have boasted about things we planned to do? And, don’t you find it humorous when sports teams or players “trash talk” about how they are going to defeat their opponents only to be defeated themselves? The words of the Old Testament ring true in this regard: “One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off” (1 Kings 20.11).
In my message on Sunday, I preached about the time that Jesus healed the paralytic (Mark 2). Before he healed him, he pronounced that the man’s sins were forgiven. Those “religious muckety-mucks” who were in the congregation that day got a little incensed: “Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” Jesus responded in an interesting way. He observed that it is much easier to say “Your sins are forgiven” than it is to say “Rise up and walk” to a paralyzed man. The results the first pronouncement cannot be observed and measured, but the results of the second one can be observed and measured.
From today’s New Testament reading, an alternate translation of 2 Corinthians 10.13 and 15 reminds us not to boast about “things that cannot be measured.” Instead we should boast about (report on) what can be observed and measured:
• Results, not intentions
• Actions, not motives
And, I would add, this “boasting” should be of such a kind that the results speak for themselves.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.22: This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Enjoy Life!
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 32
NT: 2 Corinthians 9
W&W: Ecclesiastes 6
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 33
NT: 2 Corinthians 10
W&W: Ecclesiastes 7
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 34
NT: 2 Corinthians 11
W&W: Ecclesiastes 8
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 35-36
NT: 2 Corinthians 12
W&W: Ecclesiastes 9
Friday’s Scripture Readings:OT:
Jeremiah 37-38
NT: 2 Corinthians 13
W&W: Ecclesiastes 10
Today’s Reflection:
In today’s Worship and Wisdom reading (Ecclesiastes 6), The Teacher encourages us to enjoy the things God has given us. This advice impacts us in two distinct ways:
1. God made us to enjoy his creation! Don’t think that it is somehow “unspiritual” to enjoy, family, hobbies, friends, and life itself. We just need to remember, as Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth: “Those who buy something [should live] as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world [should live] as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7.30b-31). Enjoy these things, but don’t hold on too tightly!
2. As we enjoy what we have, we should guard against continually seeking more. Do we really need the latest model, the flattest screen, the fastest computer, the longest drive? Don’t keep seeking bigger, better, faster. Enjoy what you have! Enjoy it now!
I close this posting with a thought from today’s New Testament reading: “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9.8)
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Moving on to Romans 3.22: This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.
OT: Jeremiah 32
NT: 2 Corinthians 9
W&W: Ecclesiastes 6
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 33
NT: 2 Corinthians 10
W&W: Ecclesiastes 7
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 34
NT: 2 Corinthians 11
W&W: Ecclesiastes 8
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 35-36
NT: 2 Corinthians 12
W&W: Ecclesiastes 9
Friday’s Scripture Readings:OT:
Jeremiah 37-38
NT: 2 Corinthians 13
W&W: Ecclesiastes 10
Today’s Reflection:
In today’s Worship and Wisdom reading (Ecclesiastes 6), The Teacher encourages us to enjoy the things God has given us. This advice impacts us in two distinct ways:
1. God made us to enjoy his creation! Don’t think that it is somehow “unspiritual” to enjoy, family, hobbies, friends, and life itself. We just need to remember, as Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth: “Those who buy something [should live] as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world [should live] as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7.30b-31). Enjoy these things, but don’t hold on too tightly!
2. As we enjoy what we have, we should guard against continually seeking more. Do we really need the latest model, the flattest screen, the fastest computer, the longest drive? Don’t keep seeking bigger, better, faster. Enjoy what you have! Enjoy it now!
I close this posting with a thought from today’s New Testament reading: “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9.8)
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Moving on to Romans 3.22: This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Godly Sorrow
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 28-29
NT: 2 Corinthians 7
W&W: Ecclesiastes 4
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 30-31
NT: 2 Corinthians 8
W&W: Ecclesiastes 5
Today’s Reflection:
Some thoughts from Thursday’s New Testament reading:
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7.10). Because of that we can say with Paul – of ourselves or our friends – “Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it… I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended…” (vv. 8-9, emphasis mine).
Godly sorrow should lead to:
Godly sorrow honors God and seeks genuine reconciliation through humility and repentance. Otherwise the sorrow is just a cover up for ungodly feelings. God doesn’t want us to dwell in sorrow, but through it to get to a place of joy and peace and victory. Sorrow is indispensable in that process, but it is the means, not the end of the journey.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
OT: Jeremiah 28-29
NT: 2 Corinthians 7
W&W: Ecclesiastes 4
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 30-31
NT: 2 Corinthians 8
W&W: Ecclesiastes 5
Today’s Reflection:
Some thoughts from Thursday’s New Testament reading:
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7.10). Because of that we can say with Paul – of ourselves or our friends – “Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it… I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended…” (vv. 8-9, emphasis mine).
Godly sorrow should lead to:
- Repentance over past failures
- Earnestness and eagerness to do what is right
- Indignation with yourself leaving a bad impression on others
- Alarm that you fell into sin
- Longing to be restored to full communion with Christ and his Church
- Concern that your behavior hurt others or led them astray
- Readiness to do whatever it takes to make it right
- A renewed sense of devotion to living a holy and uplifting life
- A desire to be encouraged in yourself and an encourager to others.
Godly sorrow honors God and seeks genuine reconciliation through humility and repentance. Otherwise the sorrow is just a cover up for ungodly feelings. God doesn’t want us to dwell in sorrow, but through it to get to a place of joy and peace and victory. Sorrow is indispensable in that process, but it is the means, not the end of the journey.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
How's Your Sight, II
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 26
NT: 2 Corinthians 5
W&W: Ecclesiastes 2
Today’s Reflection:
In Ecclesiastes, The Teacher said, “Wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness” (2.13). Even in his personal despondency and his despair of finding meaning in life, The Teacher saw that it is better to follow the path of wisdom and the way of light. The Teacher saw that wisdom was better than folly, light better than darkness – just on the basis of this life, not considering what comes after. How much more should we who know eternal life through Christ seek the path of wisdom, for we know that our physical death does not end our quest for God.
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul writes that we have even more cause for hope and assurance and meaning: “If the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan [as did The Teacher!], longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling [longing for hope and meaning] because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked… Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (5.1-3, 5)
How thrilling to know that there is a house we will one day inherit, a house that will stand forever!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
OT: Jeremiah 26
NT: 2 Corinthians 5
W&W: Ecclesiastes 2
Today’s Reflection:
In Ecclesiastes, The Teacher said, “Wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness” (2.13). Even in his personal despondency and his despair of finding meaning in life, The Teacher saw that it is better to follow the path of wisdom and the way of light. The Teacher saw that wisdom was better than folly, light better than darkness – just on the basis of this life, not considering what comes after. How much more should we who know eternal life through Christ seek the path of wisdom, for we know that our physical death does not end our quest for God.
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul writes that we have even more cause for hope and assurance and meaning: “If the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan [as did The Teacher!], longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling [longing for hope and meaning] because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked… Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (5.1-3, 5)
How thrilling to know that there is a house we will one day inherit, a house that will stand forever!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
Monday, August 3, 2009
How's Your Sight?
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 25
NT: 2 Corinthians 4
W&W: Ecclesiastes 1
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 26
NT: 2 Corinthians 5
W&W: Ecclesiastes 2
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 27
NT: 2 Corinthians 6
W&W: Ecclesiastes 3
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 28-29
NT: 2 Corinthians 7
W&W: Ecclesiastes 4
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 30-31
NT: 2 Corinthians 8
W&W: Ecclesiastes 5
Today’s Reflection:
In today’s Worship and Wisdom reading, The Teacher says: “the things that are done under the sun… are meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1.14). When I read that it struck me that throughout the centuries of man’s existence, cities have been built, nations have prospered, technology has increased, and history has been made. All these accomplishments of great men and women will pass away. But what is done by a boy or girl of 10 years of age who accepts Christ as Savior will outlive not only these things but all things! Praise be to God!
The New Testament reading is related: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4.18). In agreement with The Teacher, Paul, the writer of 2 Corinthians, says that we must lift our eyes above the immediate and proximate which presses in on us. We can “see” the eternal unseen things only through the eyes of faith. But this sight is one of inestimable worth and benefit.
The Psalmist said it thus: “I lift up my eyes…” Look, up, friend. You will find hope in heaven!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
For August we are going to commit Romans 3.21-25 to memory. Let’s start with v 21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
OT: Jeremiah 25
NT: 2 Corinthians 4
W&W: Ecclesiastes 1
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 26
NT: 2 Corinthians 5
W&W: Ecclesiastes 2
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 27
NT: 2 Corinthians 6
W&W: Ecclesiastes 3
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 28-29
NT: 2 Corinthians 7
W&W: Ecclesiastes 4
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 30-31
NT: 2 Corinthians 8
W&W: Ecclesiastes 5
Today’s Reflection:
In today’s Worship and Wisdom reading, The Teacher says: “the things that are done under the sun… are meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1.14). When I read that it struck me that throughout the centuries of man’s existence, cities have been built, nations have prospered, technology has increased, and history has been made. All these accomplishments of great men and women will pass away. But what is done by a boy or girl of 10 years of age who accepts Christ as Savior will outlive not only these things but all things! Praise be to God!
The New Testament reading is related: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4.18). In agreement with The Teacher, Paul, the writer of 2 Corinthians, says that we must lift our eyes above the immediate and proximate which presses in on us. We can “see” the eternal unseen things only through the eyes of faith. But this sight is one of inestimable worth and benefit.
The Psalmist said it thus: “I lift up my eyes…” Look, up, friend. You will find hope in heaven!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
For August we are going to commit Romans 3.21-25 to memory. Let’s start with v 21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Black and White
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 12
NT: 1 Corinthians 11
W&W: Psalm 97
Today’s Reflection:
The Psalmist said, “Let those who love the Lord, hate evil” (Psalm 97.10).
When I read that scripture, my mind went to other verses in the Bible that help us understand and apply this:
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.12: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
OT: Jeremiah 12
NT: 1 Corinthians 11
W&W: Psalm 97
Today’s Reflection:
The Psalmist said, “Let those who love the Lord, hate evil” (Psalm 97.10).
When I read that scripture, my mind went to other verses in the Bible that help us understand and apply this:
- John wrote: “Do not love the world or anything in the world…” (1 John 2.15).
- David wrote: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers…” (Psalm 1.1).
- David also wrote: “Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against you?” (Psalm 139.21).
- Jesus himself said, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6.24).
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.12: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Fightin' Dogs
Yesterday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 8
NT: 1 Corinthians 8
W&W: Psalm 94
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 9-10
NT: 1 Corinthians 9
W&W: Psalm 95
Today’s Reflection:
This week I attended the conventions on our district. One of the speakers asked us to consider The Apostle Paul’s words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4.7). We need to ask ourselves what fight we’re fighting. Too many times, we are fighting the wrong fight.
In any one day, there are so many things that we could get riled up over, so many opportunities to send our blood pressure soaring. But, are these things the good fight? Next time someone cuts you off in traffic or snubs you in a public setting and you want to respond with anger, ask yourself, “Is that worth fighting for?”
Sometimes, the cause may be good, but we simply don’t have a dog in that fight. If we fight too many battles, if we try to focus on too many fronts, we won’t win any battles. I have been overwhelmed this week at assembly by all the ideas. I need to listen carefully to my Commanding Officer’s orders. He knows what battles I need to engage.
My schedule has been so crazy for so long that I wonder if it will ever settle down.
Lana is recovering nicely and we are getting ready for a trip to the west coast next week for a conference with 3 others from our church. The next week it is a family reunion in NW Ohio.
Have a great weekend.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.9-11: Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
OT: Jeremiah 8
NT: 1 Corinthians 8
W&W: Psalm 94
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 9-10
NT: 1 Corinthians 9
W&W: Psalm 95
Today’s Reflection:
This week I attended the conventions on our district. One of the speakers asked us to consider The Apostle Paul’s words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4.7). We need to ask ourselves what fight we’re fighting. Too many times, we are fighting the wrong fight.
In any one day, there are so many things that we could get riled up over, so many opportunities to send our blood pressure soaring. But, are these things the good fight? Next time someone cuts you off in traffic or snubs you in a public setting and you want to respond with anger, ask yourself, “Is that worth fighting for?”
Sometimes, the cause may be good, but we simply don’t have a dog in that fight. If we fight too many battles, if we try to focus on too many fronts, we won’t win any battles. I have been overwhelmed this week at assembly by all the ideas. I need to listen carefully to my Commanding Officer’s orders. He knows what battles I need to engage.
My schedule has been so crazy for so long that I wonder if it will ever settle down.
Lana is recovering nicely and we are getting ready for a trip to the west coast next week for a conference with 3 others from our church. The next week it is a family reunion in NW Ohio.
Have a great weekend.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.9-11: Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Setting the Bar High
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 62
NT: Romans 14
W&W: Psalm 87
Today’s Reflection:
Romans 14 is a wonderfully challenging chapter in the Bible. Every Christian should read it regularly and it would be a help to anyone wishing to be a better person. In light of yesterday’s teaching from Romans 13 on our debt of love, it is particularly appropriate that Romans 14 deals very specifically with how we can make payments on that debt.
If you have ever – like me – been tempted to insist on your rights, hear again the Word of God from Romans 14:
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters (v. 1). For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. 8If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (vv 7-8). Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way (v. 13). Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (vv 16-19).
High standards for us all. Don’t be negative, critical, judgmental, or selfish. Instead be positive, supportive, merciful, and gracious. Don’t look for what’s wrong; look for what’s right! Instead of trying to humble your brother or sister in a mistake, look for what is right and help him or her overcome his stumblings. Pick him/her up! Don’t add your criticism to his/her failure and thus drive them lower.
Let us perfect love and holiness in fear of the Lord!
The Church of the Nazarene elected another GS last night: David Graves. But, uh oh, John Bowling rescinded his acceptance as GS this morning. So they’re back to voting in Orlando. Pray!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Dare we try a whole chapter? If you have been working on this by the week, you will be able to do it! John 1.1-10: 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write this to make our joy complete. 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
OT: Isaiah 62
NT: Romans 14
W&W: Psalm 87
Today’s Reflection:
Romans 14 is a wonderfully challenging chapter in the Bible. Every Christian should read it regularly and it would be a help to anyone wishing to be a better person. In light of yesterday’s teaching from Romans 13 on our debt of love, it is particularly appropriate that Romans 14 deals very specifically with how we can make payments on that debt.
If you have ever – like me – been tempted to insist on your rights, hear again the Word of God from Romans 14:
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters (v. 1). For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. 8If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (vv 7-8). Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way (v. 13). Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (vv 16-19).
High standards for us all. Don’t be negative, critical, judgmental, or selfish. Instead be positive, supportive, merciful, and gracious. Don’t look for what’s wrong; look for what’s right! Instead of trying to humble your brother or sister in a mistake, look for what is right and help him or her overcome his stumblings. Pick him/her up! Don’t add your criticism to his/her failure and thus drive them lower.
Let us perfect love and holiness in fear of the Lord!
The Church of the Nazarene elected another GS last night: David Graves. But, uh oh, John Bowling rescinded his acceptance as GS this morning. So they’re back to voting in Orlando. Pray!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Dare we try a whole chapter? If you have been working on this by the week, you will be able to do it! John 1.1-10: 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write this to make our joy complete. 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Museum, Mothballed, Cruiseship or Battleship
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 57
NT: Romans 9
W&W: Psalm 82
Today’s Reflection:
On the closing night of SWO Nazarene campmeeting, Evangelist Tim Hancock shared a message comparing the church to four different types of sailing ships.
Do we treat the church as one of the beautiful tall ships of old? Is the church like a museum, holding precious memories and offering nostalgic imaginations?
Does our church resemble a decommissioned warship, a mothballed vessel sitting at harbor and offering regular tours?
Perhaps we liken the church to a cruise liner. Everything on it is designed to make us “comfy” and offer us unimaginable luxury.
Or should we see the church as a battleship? On a battleship, the mission is preeminent over the memories. The members are not visitors coming for regular tours, but are committed sailors who stay with the vessel in safety and storm, in harbor and on hazardous journeys. The battleship, while serviceable, puts function over comfort.
May God enable us to see that the church is like a battleship, that we do have a mission, and that we have been commissioned in the spiritual warfare of the ages. We do not fight with the weapons of this world, nor do we measure success as does this world. Rather our victory comes when we are able to win the hearts and souls of people for whom Christ died and rose again.
All hands on deck! Battle stations!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Put 1 John 1.5-10 together: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
OT: Isaiah 57
NT: Romans 9
W&W: Psalm 82
Today’s Reflection:
On the closing night of SWO Nazarene campmeeting, Evangelist Tim Hancock shared a message comparing the church to four different types of sailing ships.
Do we treat the church as one of the beautiful tall ships of old? Is the church like a museum, holding precious memories and offering nostalgic imaginations?
Does our church resemble a decommissioned warship, a mothballed vessel sitting at harbor and offering regular tours?
Perhaps we liken the church to a cruise liner. Everything on it is designed to make us “comfy” and offer us unimaginable luxury.
Or should we see the church as a battleship? On a battleship, the mission is preeminent over the memories. The members are not visitors coming for regular tours, but are committed sailors who stay with the vessel in safety and storm, in harbor and on hazardous journeys. The battleship, while serviceable, puts function over comfort.
May God enable us to see that the church is like a battleship, that we do have a mission, and that we have been commissioned in the spiritual warfare of the ages. We do not fight with the weapons of this world, nor do we measure success as does this world. Rather our victory comes when we are able to win the hearts and souls of people for whom Christ died and rose again.
All hands on deck! Battle stations!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Put 1 John 1.5-10 together: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Grrr!
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 52-53
NT: Romans 6
W&W: Psalm 79
Today’s Reflection:
I had lunch with a new friend (and her family) on Father’s Day: Jess, a young lady who is going on the mission trip to Guatemala that our church is sponsoring. Anyway, as we were talking, she shared with me a ministry she is involved in in Lexington, through the church where she worships at college. It is a very “front-line” ministry. I was so proud of her as she told me about it. And I just told her to growl, “Grrr!” because I saw her as a tough warrior on the battlefield in the cause of Christ.
In my message yesterday, I shared the following from Nikos Kazantzakis in the Saviors of God: Spiritual Exercises, as quoted in A Guide to Prayer, pp 115-116:
I put my body through its paces like a war horse; I keep it clean, sturdy, prepared. I harden it and I pity it. I have no other steed.
I keep my brain wide awake, lucid, unmerciful. I unleash it to battle relentlessly so that, all light, it may devour the darkness of the flesh. I have no other workshop where I may transform darkness into light.
I keep my heart flaming, courageous, restless. I feel in my heart all commotions and all contradictions, the joys and sorrows of life. But I struggle to subdue them to a rhythm superior to that of the mind, harsher than that of my heart – to the ascending rhythm of the Universe.
The Cry within me is a call to arms. It shouts: “I, the Cry, am the Lord your god! I am not an asylum. I am not hope and a home. I am not the Father nor the Son nor the Holy Ghost. I am your General!
You are not my slave, nor a plaything in my hands. You are not my friend, you are not my child. You are my comrade-in-arms!
Hold courageously the passes which I entrusted to you; do not betray them. You are in duty – bound, and you may act heroically by remaining at your own battle station.
Love danger. What is most difficult? That is what I want! Which road should you take? The most craggy ascent! It is the one I also take: follow me!
Learn to obey. Only he who obeys a rhythm superior to his own is free.
Learn to command. Only he who can give commands may represent me here on earth.
Love responsibility. Say: ‘It is my duty, and mine alone to save the earth. If it is not saved; then I alone am to blame…
May God give us hearts like that, the kind of heart that will growl! Grrr!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Put 1 John 1.5-10 together: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Obsession
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 43
NT: Acts 26
W&W: Psalm 75
Today’s Reflection:
In the Apostle Paul’s defense before King Agrippa, he testified as follows:
“I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. (Acts 26.9-11).
That phrase, “in my obsession against them,” seized my thoughts. Paul explained his action against Christians and depicted his hatred toward them as an obsession. Webster defines an obsession as “a thought or emotion which comes strongly to mind with unwanted persistency.”
Paul, in Romans 7, testifies to his pre-conversion obsessiveness, those strong and uncontrollable thoughts that drove him against his will. In Romans 8 he presents the solution to his obsessions. The only thing that could control/eliminate his obsession against Christians was an encounter with Jesus Christ. Jesus delivered him in a miraculous and merciful appearance, knocking him to the ground to get his attention. (See Acts 9.)
Sadly, that word – obsession – seems to fit the behavior and motivating force of some people I have known. You have met them, too. They are inside the church and outside. May Jesus in mercy appear to those Christians who obsess against other Christians. May he knock them to the ground and deliver them from their obsession.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
OT: Isaiah 43
NT: Acts 26
W&W: Psalm 75
Today’s Reflection:
In the Apostle Paul’s defense before King Agrippa, he testified as follows:
“I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. (Acts 26.9-11).
That phrase, “in my obsession against them,” seized my thoughts. Paul explained his action against Christians and depicted his hatred toward them as an obsession. Webster defines an obsession as “a thought or emotion which comes strongly to mind with unwanted persistency.”
Paul, in Romans 7, testifies to his pre-conversion obsessiveness, those strong and uncontrollable thoughts that drove him against his will. In Romans 8 he presents the solution to his obsessions. The only thing that could control/eliminate his obsession against Christians was an encounter with Jesus Christ. Jesus delivered him in a miraculous and merciful appearance, knocking him to the ground to get his attention. (See Acts 9.)
Sadly, that word – obsession – seems to fit the behavior and motivating force of some people I have known. You have met them, too. They are inside the church and outside. May Jesus in mercy appear to those Christians who obsess against other Christians. May he knock them to the ground and deliver them from their obsession.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
