Tuesday, March 31 -- Mark 5
Jesus deals with Legion, the woman is healed as he walks by, "Little girl get up"
This morning we had a breakfast for investment/financial professionals at the church. I did not recognize the name of a man who had made an RSVP. I was looking forward to meeting this man, who I thought might be someone new to our church. I was disappointed when he was not there when we began. I was excited when I saw the stranger walk in the door a little late. This stranger is not what I thought. He is essentially a homeless man traveling Las Vegas to Florida. He had done a google search for a men's bible study, found our website and the breakfast. Then he called to make RSVP. Not your normal homeless person. He had accepted Christ 5 weeks ago and since has been completely rejected by his family. As he was sharing his story, I thought of this passage I had read earlier. I imagine when Jesus got up in the morning Legion, the woman and the little girl were not on his daily planner. But there were the people God brought his way. Watch for who God brings your way today.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 30
Monday, March 30 - Mark 4
What type of soil am I? My desire is to be the good soil that Jesus describes, "Still other seed fell on the good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times." Unfortunately it seems that often times I am more like the thorny soil, "Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain....but the worries of life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." The constant temptation I face is to turn towards less significant things.
What type of soil am I? My desire is to be the good soil that Jesus describes, "Still other seed fell on the good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times." Unfortunately it seems that often times I am more like the thorny soil, "Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain....but the worries of life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." The constant temptation I face is to turn towards less significant things.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 29
Sunday, March 29 - Mark 3
"He appointed twelve - designating them apostles - that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons"
This is a very important act. Jesus is calling the twelve to not only follow him but to carry on his work. This is at the heart of what it means for us to be Christians, we are to follow Jesus and to carry out his work in the world. We represent Jesus wherever we go. We are to do Jesus' work in every situation of life.
"He appointed twelve - designating them apostles - that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons"
This is a very important act. Jesus is calling the twelve to not only follow him but to carry on his work. This is at the heart of what it means for us to be Christians, we are to follow Jesus and to carry out his work in the world. We represent Jesus wherever we go. We are to do Jesus' work in every situation of life.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Saturday, March 28
Saturday, March 28 - Mark 2
"He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all."
I heard someone say recently, I have forgotten who it was, that throughout history when the church was growing there were signs and wonders. Signs and wonders are dramatic events where God intervenes like this man being healed by Jesus. He went on to say that when the signs and wonders ceased the church began to die. He said the signs and wonders were the dramatic work of God in the midst people that gave evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The church in America is dying. Some individual churches are flourishing, but the church as a whole is not doing well. When do we see a sign or wonder? If we hear about one we tend to think of it being a hoax because that sort of thing just does not happen. I wonder what this says about us and our openness to relationship with God? We like God when we can put God in a box that we can understand. But what if we were open to how God saw life?
"He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all."
I heard someone say recently, I have forgotten who it was, that throughout history when the church was growing there were signs and wonders. Signs and wonders are dramatic events where God intervenes like this man being healed by Jesus. He went on to say that when the signs and wonders ceased the church began to die. He said the signs and wonders were the dramatic work of God in the midst people that gave evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The church in America is dying. Some individual churches are flourishing, but the church as a whole is not doing well. When do we see a sign or wonder? If we hear about one we tend to think of it being a hoax because that sort of thing just does not happen. I wonder what this says about us and our openness to relationship with God? We like God when we can put God in a box that we can understand. But what if we were open to how God saw life?
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday, March 27
Friday, March 27 - Mark 1
"and he was in the desert forty days, tempted by Satan"
Temptation comes in many forms. This morning as I was reading this chapter, one of our two cats would not leave me alone. She kept trying to lay down on my bible. I would set her on the floor and she would immediately jump back on the desk. After setting her on the floor for the 5th time, my irritation was rather high. The absurdity of it began to dawn on me, I was allowing a cat wanting attention to distract me.
What I thought about writing this morning....Now some in our household (primarily me) believe this is a very mean cat. Some might say that the cat was being led by Satan to distract me from God. Could this be a justification for getting rid of the cat? Hope began to arise. But the only biblical example I could think of when demons/Satan entered animals was when Jesus cast out "legion" and it went into pigs. They immediately ran into the lake and were drowned. I could not think of a time where animals were used by Satan to tempt people. I would rather not accept personal responsibility for this tempation to be distracted, instead I would like to use this as an excuse to get rid of the cat. If you can think of a good biblical justification for me to use, please let me know.
If you have tried to post a response in the past but were unable to do so because you did not have an account, that has been changed. You can now post without having an account.
"and he was in the desert forty days, tempted by Satan"
Temptation comes in many forms. This morning as I was reading this chapter, one of our two cats would not leave me alone. She kept trying to lay down on my bible. I would set her on the floor and she would immediately jump back on the desk. After setting her on the floor for the 5th time, my irritation was rather high. The absurdity of it began to dawn on me, I was allowing a cat wanting attention to distract me.
What I thought about writing this morning....Now some in our household (primarily me) believe this is a very mean cat. Some might say that the cat was being led by Satan to distract me from God. Could this be a justification for getting rid of the cat? Hope began to arise. But the only biblical example I could think of when demons/Satan entered animals was when Jesus cast out "legion" and it went into pigs. They immediately ran into the lake and were drowned. I could not think of a time where animals were used by Satan to tempt people. I would rather not accept personal responsibility for this tempation to be distracted, instead I would like to use this as an excuse to get rid of the cat. If you can think of a good biblical justification for me to use, please let me know.
If you have tried to post a response in the past but were unable to do so because you did not have an account, that has been changed. You can now post without having an account.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, March 26
Thursday, March 26 - James 5
"Above all, my brothers, do not swear - not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let you "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned."
Do people trust what I say? Have I been so consistent in my words and actions that I can tell someone "yes" and the person will believe me. Or have I lived in such a manner that saying "yes" is not enough? That in addition to "yes" I feel I must add "I promise" to persuade the person to believe me. James has reminded me many times in this short book the power of my words. But my words can lose that power when my actions and words are not consistent.
"Above all, my brothers, do not swear - not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let you "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned."
Do people trust what I say? Have I been so consistent in my words and actions that I can tell someone "yes" and the person will believe me. Or have I lived in such a manner that saying "yes" is not enough? That in addition to "yes" I feel I must add "I promise" to persuade the person to believe me. James has reminded me many times in this short book the power of my words. But my words can lose that power when my actions and words are not consistent.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 25
Wednesday, March 25 - James 4
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?"
These desires within me are a problem. The temptation to give into that which I know I should not is great. The problem is temptation never seems to go away. No sooner do I seem to get one temptation resolved then it seems a different temptation emerges. Or sometimes I think I have a temptation resolved, I let me guard down and suddenly the temptation has returned stronger than ever before. I need God's help every day to deal with my desires. Only by the grace of God can I win these battles.
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?"
These desires within me are a problem. The temptation to give into that which I know I should not is great. The problem is temptation never seems to go away. No sooner do I seem to get one temptation resolved then it seems a different temptation emerges. Or sometimes I think I have a temptation resolved, I let me guard down and suddenly the temptation has returned stronger than ever before. I need God's help every day to deal with my desires. Only by the grace of God can I win these battles.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 24
Tuesday, March 24 - James 3
"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the God's likeness."
Throughout this chapter I am reminded the power of my tongue. My tongue is a small part of my body, yet it sets the direction of my life. My tongue may be evil and destory or it may be good and build up. How I use my tongue is a decision I make every day.
"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the God's likeness."
Throughout this chapter I am reminded the power of my tongue. My tongue is a small part of my body, yet it sets the direction of my life. My tongue may be evil and destory or it may be good and build up. How I use my tongue is a decision I make every day.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, March 23
Monday, March 23 - James 2
"don't show favoritism"
I have had some concerns as we have moved forward with "ministry mile". Some of the individuals who live within a mile of our church are very different than the membership of FUMC. It is easy to talk about welcoming strangers into the church but what would the reality be when some new guests arrived? How would those who are very different than our church members be welcomed? Would issues like favoritism that James talks about in this chapter arise?
I am very thankful the manner in which the church has welcomed these new guests into our midst. I give thanks to God for how welcoming the church has been to the Spanish speaking people that now attend. I am also very thankful for the way which some of the very poor around us have been warmly welcomed into our church. There is one particular woman who was living a very difficult life, whose life have been transformed by the way she has been accepted at FUMC. It is wonderful to watch the church live out the words of James.
"don't show favoritism"
I have had some concerns as we have moved forward with "ministry mile". Some of the individuals who live within a mile of our church are very different than the membership of FUMC. It is easy to talk about welcoming strangers into the church but what would the reality be when some new guests arrived? How would those who are very different than our church members be welcomed? Would issues like favoritism that James talks about in this chapter arise?
I am very thankful the manner in which the church has welcomed these new guests into our midst. I give thanks to God for how welcoming the church has been to the Spanish speaking people that now attend. I am also very thankful for the way which some of the very poor around us have been warmly welcomed into our church. There is one particular woman who was living a very difficult life, whose life have been transformed by the way she has been accepted at FUMC. It is wonderful to watch the church live out the words of James.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday, March 22
Sunday, March 22 - James 1
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
I can't remember a moment when in the midst of a difficult time I had the joyful thought "this will help me grow in faith!" Usually I grumble or think how bad this is for me. James wants me to see the life through a different lens. A lens that views not just the moment but eternity. A lens that is filled with faith.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
I can't remember a moment when in the midst of a difficult time I had the joyful thought "this will help me grow in faith!" Usually I grumble or think how bad this is for me. James wants me to see the life through a different lens. A lens that views not just the moment but eternity. A lens that is filled with faith.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday, March 21
Saturday, March 21 - I Thessalonians 5
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing"
The Christian faith is lived out in community, not isolation. This is something that we do together. As children of God we are part of the family of God. A family gathers to celebrate in the good times and to support each other when life becomes difficult. As the family of God, we are to do the same. We need each other.
We are back from a great vacation. We went skiing at Wolf Creek in Colorado. The weather was perfect, in the 40s every afternoon.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing"
The Christian faith is lived out in community, not isolation. This is something that we do together. As children of God we are part of the family of God. A family gathers to celebrate in the good times and to support each other when life becomes difficult. As the family of God, we are to do the same. We need each other.
We are back from a great vacation. We went skiing at Wolf Creek in Colorado. The weather was perfect, in the 40s every afternoon.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Friday, March 20
1 Thessalonians 4
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
Paul gives the direction for our ambition. The ultimate ambition is to win the respect of those outside the faith. How is this done? By leading a quiet life, minding your own business. I guess Paul does teach that our actions are a large part of our witness.
I am on vacation this week. We are staying at a place that does not have web access, therefore I am posting this in advance.
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
Paul gives the direction for our ambition. The ultimate ambition is to win the respect of those outside the faith. How is this done? By leading a quiet life, minding your own business. I guess Paul does teach that our actions are a large part of our witness.
I am on vacation this week. We are staying at a place that does not have web access, therefore I am posting this in advance.
Thursday, March 19
1 Thessalonians 3
“So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.”
Kind of nice to hear Paul express stress. The stress of not knowing what was happening to his friends in Thessalonica. I find it helpful to read his humanness. That in the midst of being a great leader of faith, he is still a human being.
I am on vacation this week. We are staying at a place that does not have web access, therefore I am posting this in advance.
“So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.”
Kind of nice to hear Paul express stress. The stress of not knowing what was happening to his friends in Thessalonica. I find it helpful to read his humanness. That in the midst of being a great leader of faith, he is still a human being.
I am on vacation this week. We are staying at a place that does not have web access, therefore I am posting this in advance.
Wednesday, March 18
1 Thessalonians 2
“We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else”
How often do I do something hoping to be praised by others? It is always great to hear nice things from other people, but the question becomes how often do I act so that I can hear that praise? Paul makes it clear through his writing that he is not driven by the praise of humanity but to do the will of God. Can I always make the same claim?
I am on vacation this week. We are staying at a place that does not have web access, therefore I am posting this in advance.
“We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else”
How often do I do something hoping to be praised by others? It is always great to hear nice things from other people, but the question becomes how often do I act so that I can hear that praise? Paul makes it clear through his writing that he is not driven by the praise of humanity but to do the will of God. Can I always make the same claim?
I am on vacation this week. We are staying at a place that does not have web access, therefore I am posting this in advance.
Tuesday, March 17
1 Thessalonians 1
“We always thank God for you…”
This got me to think about giving thanks. I have many things for which I ought to give thanks but it is very easy for me to slip into wanting something else. God has been very generous with me. I will spend time today listing out the things for which I am thankful. I will focus my attention on giving thanks instead of wanting more.
I am on vacation this week. We are staying at a place that does not have web access, therefore I am posting this in advance.
“We always thank God for you…”
This got me to think about giving thanks. I have many things for which I ought to give thanks but it is very easy for me to slip into wanting something else. God has been very generous with me. I will spend time today listing out the things for which I am thankful. I will focus my attention on giving thanks instead of wanting more.
I am on vacation this week. We are staying at a place that does not have web access, therefore I am posting this in advance.
Monday, March 16
Colossians 4
Devote yourself to prayer….
I tried for a years to be pray for long periods of time at once, like an hour at a time. I found that to be a struggle. The type of prayer that works best for me is to slip in and out of it all day long. Like riding in the car with a friend where you have an on-going conversation that sometimes slips into silence. There is never really an “amen” to my prayer, except in public worship. I am not sure if this it what it means to be devoted to prayer, but it seems to keep me connected.
Devote yourself to prayer….
I tried for a years to be pray for long periods of time at once, like an hour at a time. I found that to be a struggle. The type of prayer that works best for me is to slip in and out of it all day long. Like riding in the car with a friend where you have an on-going conversation that sometimes slips into silence. There is never really an “amen” to my prayer, except in public worship. I am not sure if this it what it means to be devoted to prayer, but it seems to keep me connected.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sunday, March 15
Sunday, March 15 - Colossians 3
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
My bible gives this section the title "Rules for Christian Living". The first 16 verses give a listing of a number of "does" and "don'ts". Verse 17, listed above, is the summary of that section. This verse says everything I do is a reflection of my faith in Jesus Christ. The rules are not about being legalistic in my living but about remembering I am to reflect Jesus in everything I do.
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
My bible gives this section the title "Rules for Christian Living". The first 16 verses give a listing of a number of "does" and "don'ts". Verse 17, listed above, is the summary of that section. This verse says everything I do is a reflection of my faith in Jesus Christ. The rules are not about being legalistic in my living but about remembering I am to reflect Jesus in everything I do.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Saturday, March 14
Saturday, March 14 Colossians 2
"He forgave all our sins"
In this chapter Paul writes of the ways we get caught up in human traditions and philosophies that lead us away from God. In an attempt to stay close to God, we build barriers that keep us away from God. We try to define relationship with God with rules. It is sad that I/we/the church project this way of living with God. In doing so we miss the very relationship we desire.
The amazing aspect of our relationship with God is that God forgives even this. God does not forgive some of our sins, but all of our acts that separate us from God.
"He forgave all our sins"
In this chapter Paul writes of the ways we get caught up in human traditions and philosophies that lead us away from God. In an attempt to stay close to God, we build barriers that keep us away from God. We try to define relationship with God with rules. It is sad that I/we/the church project this way of living with God. In doing so we miss the very relationship we desire.
The amazing aspect of our relationship with God is that God forgives even this. God does not forgive some of our sins, but all of our acts that separate us from God.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday, March 13
Friday, March 13 - Colossians 1
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
I read what Paul prays for in the lives of the Colossians and compare it to mine. I confess that at times I get so caught up in praying for the immediate struggles and difficulties of my friends that I do not pray for that they might be filled with knowledge and wisdom. There is nothing wrong with praying for their immediate issues, but spiritual wisdom and understanding might transform their (and my) lives.
I am thankful I could sleep in my own bed last night. It is nice to be home even if the weather is miserable.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
I read what Paul prays for in the lives of the Colossians and compare it to mine. I confess that at times I get so caught up in praying for the immediate struggles and difficulties of my friends that I do not pray for that they might be filled with knowledge and wisdom. There is nothing wrong with praying for their immediate issues, but spiritual wisdom and understanding might transform their (and my) lives.
I am thankful I could sleep in my own bed last night. It is nice to be home even if the weather is miserable.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thursday, March 12
Thursday, March 12 - Philippians 4
This is one of my favorite chapters in the bible. There are so many great verses of encouragement of how we ought to approach life.
"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
I chose what I think about. At times, random thoughts just come. But once the thought is there it is my choice whether I focus on it or move on to something more honorable. When I get on the airplane today, I can think of how crowded it is or be thankful that I am not driving home. I have the opportunity today to make many such choices of where I focus my attention. It is my choice.
I resonate with this type of teaching. Where is pushing me towards the good instead of pushing me away from the bad.
This is one of my favorite chapters in the bible. There are so many great verses of encouragement of how we ought to approach life.
"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
I chose what I think about. At times, random thoughts just come. But once the thought is there it is my choice whether I focus on it or move on to something more honorable. When I get on the airplane today, I can think of how crowded it is or be thankful that I am not driving home. I have the opportunity today to make many such choices of where I focus my attention. It is my choice.
I resonate with this type of teaching. Where is pushing me towards the good instead of pushing me away from the bad.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wednesday, March 11
Wednesday, March 11 - Philippians 3
"but this one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind, straining forward to what lies ahead"
I am in San Diego for a conference on multi-site churches. I am trying to learn everything I can so we can make a good decision about Heritage becoming our satellite. The conference is very good but I am enjoying a side benefit. It seems like whenever I step away from the church to attend a conference, I am flooded with new ideas, new thoughts on how to deal with problems or how to communicate ideas. The experience helps me realize how easy it is for me to be so focused on everything that is happening around me, that I miss where God is calling me. When I have the opportunity to step away, I can turn my attention forward and move my life "to what lies ahead."
"but this one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind, straining forward to what lies ahead"
I am in San Diego for a conference on multi-site churches. I am trying to learn everything I can so we can make a good decision about Heritage becoming our satellite. The conference is very good but I am enjoying a side benefit. It seems like whenever I step away from the church to attend a conference, I am flooded with new ideas, new thoughts on how to deal with problems or how to communicate ideas. The experience helps me realize how easy it is for me to be so focused on everything that is happening around me, that I miss where God is calling me. When I have the opportunity to step away, I can turn my attention forward and move my life "to what lies ahead."
Monday, March 9, 2009
Tuesday, March 10
Tuesday, March 10 - Philippians 2
I am catching an early morning flight on Tuesday, so I am posting this on Monday evening. I will be in California for a couple of days.
"continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling"
I am to work at the life of faith. This passage is not about my working hard to deserve the gift of salvation, it is about my working hard at living the new life in Christ. I am to have an intentional effort in everything I do to "act according to his good purpose." The reason I have to work hard is that the life God calls me to requires a different way of living. It is much easier to go with the flow of culture than to follow the call of God.
I am catching an early morning flight on Tuesday, so I am posting this on Monday evening. I will be in California for a couple of days.
"continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling"
I am to work at the life of faith. This passage is not about my working hard to deserve the gift of salvation, it is about my working hard at living the new life in Christ. I am to have an intentional effort in everything I do to "act according to his good purpose." The reason I have to work hard is that the life God calls me to requires a different way of living. It is much easier to go with the flow of culture than to follow the call of God.
Monday, March 9
Monday, March 9 - Philippians 1
21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
Paul's has a stunning perspective on life. This perspective lays a foundation for all that he does. It allows him to deal with the struggles of his life (2 Corinthians 11) in a manner that I find amazing. His Christ centered life helps him find contentment in every situation (Philippians 4:11-12), to give thanks no matter what happens (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and to see the good in imprisonment (Philippians 1:13). I pray that grow into such a perspective.
21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
Paul's has a stunning perspective on life. This perspective lays a foundation for all that he does. It allows him to deal with the struggles of his life (2 Corinthians 11) in a manner that I find amazing. His Christ centered life helps him find contentment in every situation (Philippians 4:11-12), to give thanks no matter what happens (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and to see the good in imprisonment (Philippians 1:13). I pray that grow into such a perspective.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Sunday, March 8
Sunday, March 8 - Ephesians 6
"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
I am not sure how I could be a parent and not exasperate my child. I confess that at times I over react and at other times I don't push when I should.
Paul does focus my parenting. My task is to help my children grow in faith. So while I may fail at times as a parent, I need to remember the ulitmate goal is to raise children who know and follow the Lord.
"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
I am not sure how I could be a parent and not exasperate my child. I confess that at times I over react and at other times I don't push when I should.
Paul does focus my parenting. My task is to help my children grow in faith. So while I may fail at times as a parent, I need to remember the ulitmate goal is to raise children who know and follow the Lord.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Saturday, March 7
Saturday, March 7 - Ephesians 5
"Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the Lord consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord."
At times I wonder what the will of God is for me. I questions which direction God would have me go. What if God is not as nearly concerned about which direction I go, but more concerned about who I am? What if God's desire is the development of my character? What if God's concern is not where I go on vacation, which house I purchase or where I work, but that I am living my life in a way that pleases God?
"Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the Lord consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord."
At times I wonder what the will of God is for me. I questions which direction God would have me go. What if God is not as nearly concerned about which direction I go, but more concerned about who I am? What if God's desire is the development of my character? What if God's concern is not where I go on vacation, which house I purchase or where I work, but that I am living my life in a way that pleases God?
Friday, March 6, 2009
Friday, March 6
Friday, March 6 - Ephesians 4
My thoughts have changed dramatically over the last hour. The last hour is how long I have been trying to post something. During that hour my computer has crashed three times. This has been a very frustrating experience. Each time just as I was ready to hit the "publish post" button, it crashed. So now the part of the passage has my complete attention is:
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger...."
Enough said.
My thoughts have changed dramatically over the last hour. The last hour is how long I have been trying to post something. During that hour my computer has crashed three times. This has been a very frustrating experience. Each time just as I was ready to hit the "publish post" button, it crashed. So now the part of the passage has my complete attention is:
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger...."
Enough said.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Thursday, March 5
Thursday, March 5 - Ephesians 3
"to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God"
The life, death and resurrection of Jesus demonstrated the truth of these words. The love God is so great for me, that nothing can separate me from that love. The problem for me is the first two words, "to grasp". It is difficult to imagine such a love. The odd thing, is that while it is difficult to grasp, I must confess that at times I take it for granted.
"to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God"
The life, death and resurrection of Jesus demonstrated the truth of these words. The love God is so great for me, that nothing can separate me from that love. The problem for me is the first two words, "to grasp". It is difficult to imagine such a love. The odd thing, is that while it is difficult to grasp, I must confess that at times I take it for granted.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Wednesday, March 4
Wednesday, March 4 - Ephesians 2
"For it is by grace you have been saved, thruogh faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God - not by works, so no one can boast."
Grace is God's gift to me. The possibility of relationship with God is God's gift to me. I can not earn this, I can not deserve this. My only role in this is to decide whether to receive the gift. This passage puts my relationship with God in perspective. The relationship is built on God's goodness, not mine. I can never be good enough or work hard enough to earn the relationship. What I can do is live a life of gratitude in response to what God has done.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, thruogh faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God - not by works, so no one can boast."
Grace is God's gift to me. The possibility of relationship with God is God's gift to me. I can not earn this, I can not deserve this. My only role in this is to decide whether to receive the gift. This passage puts my relationship with God in perspective. The relationship is built on God's goodness, not mine. I can never be good enough or work hard enough to earn the relationship. What I can do is live a life of gratitude in response to what God has done.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tuesday, March 3
Tuesday, March 3 - Ephesians 1
In Greek verses 3-14 is one sentence. Paul is so caught up into giving praise to God that he keeps adding more reasons to give praise. He praises God for choosing the people to be his children, for redemption from sin, for the seal of the Holy Spirit..... So if Paul did that maybe I should. In my prayer time this morning I am going to spend time giving God praise. Praise for all that God has done for me and for those I love. I invite you to do the same.
In Greek verses 3-14 is one sentence. Paul is so caught up into giving praise to God that he keeps adding more reasons to give praise. He praises God for choosing the people to be his children, for redemption from sin, for the seal of the Holy Spirit..... So if Paul did that maybe I should. In my prayer time this morning I am going to spend time giving God praise. Praise for all that God has done for me and for those I love. I invite you to do the same.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Monday, March 2
Monday, March 2 - Galatians 6
Several people yesterday mentioned how I seem to be up in the middle of the night posting. The clock on this blog is wrong. Most mornings I am posting between 5:30 - 6:30 AM.
What passage spoke to you?
"A man reaps what he sows....Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
The basic principal is that as I treat others, they will treat me. There are always exceptions, but sometimes in America we get so caught up on the exceptions that we reject the principal. As I am kind, loving, and generous towards others, especially in the family of believers, they will be so towards me. What I reap in my relationships is what I have sown into them.
Several people yesterday mentioned how I seem to be up in the middle of the night posting. The clock on this blog is wrong. Most mornings I am posting between 5:30 - 6:30 AM.
What passage spoke to you?
"A man reaps what he sows....Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
The basic principal is that as I treat others, they will treat me. There are always exceptions, but sometimes in America we get so caught up on the exceptions that we reject the principal. As I am kind, loving, and generous towards others, especially in the family of believers, they will be so towards me. What I reap in my relationships is what I have sown into them.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Sunday, March 1
Sunday, March 1 - Galatians 5
What verse spoke to you in this chapter?
"For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the children of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord."
Who am I? What defines my life? How am I to live? Paul uses this chapter to answer these questions over and over. I am a child of God. I have come out of the darkness of sin to live in the light of God. What he is saying is that I should never forget this and allow this to shape how I live. This is the will of God for my life.
What verse spoke to you in this chapter?
"For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the children of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord."
Who am I? What defines my life? How am I to live? Paul uses this chapter to answer these questions over and over. I am a child of God. I have come out of the darkness of sin to live in the light of God. What he is saying is that I should never forget this and allow this to shape how I live. This is the will of God for my life.
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