Going on vacation ... will return Monday, July 9.
As we celebrate Independence, let's not forget our DEPENDENCE on HIM!
Still reading ...
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday's Reading, June 29 Luke 3
John was one crazy, righteous dude. He spoke in great truth ... "live your life without taking anything from anyone one and love everyone around you." He spoke in judgement and in grace all at the same time. I wish I had his sense of boldness. His confidence in the Lord is inspiring. Can it be obtained? Or was it just for such a time as his?
Just Walk Across the Room reminds me that we MUST obey the Holy Spirit's promptings in order to fulfill His will for our lives. I want that desperately. John understood it well and lived it out. What he did was not in his own strength ... but in the Lord's. That IS available to all today!
Speak Lord - help me listen!
John was one crazy, righteous dude. He spoke in great truth ... "live your life without taking anything from anyone one and love everyone around you." He spoke in judgement and in grace all at the same time. I wish I had his sense of boldness. His confidence in the Lord is inspiring. Can it be obtained? Or was it just for such a time as his?
Just Walk Across the Room reminds me that we MUST obey the Holy Spirit's promptings in order to fulfill His will for our lives. I want that desperately. John understood it well and lived it out. What he did was not in his own strength ... but in the Lord's. That IS available to all today!
Speak Lord - help me listen!
Thursday's Reading, June 28 Luke 2
This amazing story leaves so many questions in my mind. Not questions that lead to doubt, but rather, questions of awe and wonder about this wonderful tale.
? Why did the Lord proclaim his favor to shepherds? - they were the scum of the town! they were on the bottom rung! It's awesome how Jesus enters to a angelic choir, and the front row seats were given to those who didn't deserve it ... if I could only grasp this, my understanding of my "undeservedness" would be some much more in focus.
? How did Simeon and Anna realize the Christ at 8 days old? The seeker (Simeon) and the worshipper (Anna) understood the magnitude of this baby better than anyone else did for the rest of his 33 year life. They gained this insight because of their walk with the Father and Holy Spirit.
? Where did Jesus sleep for 6 days? Even Christ was homeless. I've never been. I've never known that I would have a place (inside) to lay down, brush my teeth, and use the restroom. Never.
Thank you for coming, Lord Jesus!
This amazing story leaves so many questions in my mind. Not questions that lead to doubt, but rather, questions of awe and wonder about this wonderful tale.
? Why did the Lord proclaim his favor to shepherds? - they were the scum of the town! they were on the bottom rung! It's awesome how Jesus enters to a angelic choir, and the front row seats were given to those who didn't deserve it ... if I could only grasp this, my understanding of my "undeservedness" would be some much more in focus.
? How did Simeon and Anna realize the Christ at 8 days old? The seeker (Simeon) and the worshipper (Anna) understood the magnitude of this baby better than anyone else did for the rest of his 33 year life. They gained this insight because of their walk with the Father and Holy Spirit.
? Where did Jesus sleep for 6 days? Even Christ was homeless. I've never been. I've never known that I would have a place (inside) to lay down, brush my teeth, and use the restroom. Never.
Thank you for coming, Lord Jesus!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Wednesday's Reading, June 27 Luke 1
"Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught."
These sound the words of a committed servant who wants to make sure that everything they write is 100% correct. That gives me some confidence in what I'm about to read. Interestingly enough, I found myself reading the accounts of John's and Jesus' birth more from the position of reading a newspaper than the Bible.
Thank you for coming Jesus. You first lived in Heaven, but you willingly came to Earth for me. I can't say thanks enough. I should say it more and more.
"Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught."
These sound the words of a committed servant who wants to make sure that everything they write is 100% correct. That gives me some confidence in what I'm about to read. Interestingly enough, I found myself reading the accounts of John's and Jesus' birth more from the position of reading a newspaper than the Bible.
Thank you for coming Jesus. You first lived in Heaven, but you willingly came to Earth for me. I can't say thanks enough. I should say it more and more.
Tuesday's Reading, June 26 Philemon 1
"And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people."
I read these verses and thought, "understanding often comes by putting things into action." I can't understand the joy of jumping on a trampoline but only watching others do it. I need to climb onboard - which I personally find more pain than joy on those ... Back to the point: if we are to understand the things of God, we must "put into action" this new found faith. Hearing about people "walking across the room" and living this faith out, puts wind in my sails (refreshes my heart)!!!
"I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. "
These few verses lead me to believe that the first century church had a problem in forgiving others. (sound familiar?) Onesimus must have been a typical A.D.D. kid who had burned all of his bridges. But, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and Paul, he changed and became a useful tool for the Kingdom. THIS GIVES ME GREAT HOPE FOR YOU AND ME!! If Onesimus can change - so can we!
What about the change in me? It's still happening! Praise the Lord!
"And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people."
I read these verses and thought, "understanding often comes by putting things into action." I can't understand the joy of jumping on a trampoline but only watching others do it. I need to climb onboard - which I personally find more pain than joy on those ... Back to the point: if we are to understand the things of God, we must "put into action" this new found faith. Hearing about people "walking across the room" and living this faith out, puts wind in my sails (refreshes my heart)!!!
"I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. "
These few verses lead me to believe that the first century church had a problem in forgiving others. (sound familiar?) Onesimus must have been a typical A.D.D. kid who had burned all of his bridges. But, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and Paul, he changed and became a useful tool for the Kingdom. THIS GIVES ME GREAT HOPE FOR YOU AND ME!! If Onesimus can change - so can we!
What about the change in me? It's still happening! Praise the Lord!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Monday's Reading, June 25 Colossians 4
"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart" Last night, I woke up with a strange feeling ... an oppressive feeling actually. I really felt scared and wondered if there were strange things going on (spirit world kind of things). I know this might sound strange, but it was really weird. The phrase that caught my attention, "with an alert mind" reminded me of that experience last night.
Wouldn't you love to get your name in scripture. I wonder what it would have been like to have been on those "front lines" with Paul and the other apostles. Aristarchus must have been a strong believer - he was in jail with Paul. We've heard a lot about Barnabas but did you know that his cousin was in the ministry, too? His name was Mark. And this struck me too ... at the time Jesus lived, his name was pretty normal ... like John or Bill today, I guess. It didn't take long for people to realize the power of that name and stop using it for anyone. There is another Jesus mentioned here ... but they changed his name to clarify who they were speaking of.
"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart" Last night, I woke up with a strange feeling ... an oppressive feeling actually. I really felt scared and wondered if there were strange things going on (spirit world kind of things). I know this might sound strange, but it was really weird. The phrase that caught my attention, "with an alert mind" reminded me of that experience last night.
Wouldn't you love to get your name in scripture. I wonder what it would have been like to have been on those "front lines" with Paul and the other apostles. Aristarchus must have been a strong believer - he was in jail with Paul. We've heard a lot about Barnabas but did you know that his cousin was in the ministry, too? His name was Mark. And this struck me too ... at the time Jesus lived, his name was pretty normal ... like John or Bill today, I guess. It didn't take long for people to realize the power of that name and stop using it for anyone. There is another Jesus mentioned here ... but they changed his name to clarify who they were speaking of.
Friday's Reading, June 22 Colossians 3
Do you ever daydream? I used to all the time. I don't think I do that much of it anymore. Maybe I do and I'm not aware of it ... "Let heaven fill your thoughts." (v.2) If I were to dream, what would fill my thoughts? I don't believe I think about heaven enough.
This is how it's supposed to work: "... for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds. In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you." (v. 9-10)
How huge is this? >> "You must make allowance for each other's faults ... " (v.13) Honestly, I need lot's of spiritual help on this one. That's huge for me. Help me Jesus!
Do you ever daydream? I used to all the time. I don't think I do that much of it anymore. Maybe I do and I'm not aware of it ... "Let heaven fill your thoughts." (v.2) If I were to dream, what would fill my thoughts? I don't believe I think about heaven enough.
This is how it's supposed to work: "... for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds. In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you." (v. 9-10)
How huge is this? >> "You must make allowance for each other's faults ... " (v.13) Honestly, I need lot's of spiritual help on this one. That's huge for me. Help me Jesus!
Thursday's Reading, June 21 Colossians 2
As I led worship yesterday, I was struck by the faces of our congregation. We were singing "Friend of God" and I was loving it! What a wonderful song with powerful words! After we were done, I had to comment on what I was seeing - 200 people who didn't seem very excited about being called "friend" to God. Can we really grasp it? I know it's a lot - but it really thrills me that God looks at Terry and sees me as his son ... his friend. I want believer to be thrilled by this concept.
Verse 2 says it well, "I want them to have full confidence because they have complete understanding of God's secret plan, which is Christ himself." I want the confidence of Christ to fill me - encourage me.
Another great life verse: "Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught." (v7)
I had a thought about v. 23: have you ever considered the Muslim and been inspired by their devotion? Don't get me wrong, I believe they are following a lie. But I consider their devotion with a sense of awe. Consider then these words ... "These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires."
As I led worship yesterday, I was struck by the faces of our congregation. We were singing "Friend of God" and I was loving it! What a wonderful song with powerful words! After we were done, I had to comment on what I was seeing - 200 people who didn't seem very excited about being called "friend" to God. Can we really grasp it? I know it's a lot - but it really thrills me that God looks at Terry and sees me as his son ... his friend. I want believer to be thrilled by this concept.
Verse 2 says it well, "I want them to have full confidence because they have complete understanding of God's secret plan, which is Christ himself." I want the confidence of Christ to fill me - encourage me.
Another great life verse: "Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught." (v7)
I had a thought about v. 23: have you ever considered the Muslim and been inspired by their devotion? Don't get me wrong, I believe they are following a lie. But I consider their devotion with a sense of awe. Consider then these words ... "These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires."
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Wednesdays Reading June 20: Colossians 1
Paul starts this letter by saying "we have heard that you ..." Got me thinking ... what have others heard about me lately? Have I been making a difference in the Kingdom so that others have been talking? Would another brother or sister in Christ have any idea that my ministry even exists? The church in Colosse had been faithfull and loving enough that Paul and his ministry team had heard about it ... others were talking about it. Sweet - I want that! Not in a Varoocka way (Charlie and the Choc Factory... "I want a pony!") ... but in a holy way.
I want others to be inspired by my church's ministry. I want to do big things for Christ.
I love this phrasing of v6: "God's great kindness to sinners." Isn't that to true?!
I'll say it again : "God to give you a complete understanding ... be wise with spiritual wisdom ... learn to know God better and better." Paul tells every church - "you must be growing your faith and gaining more and more wisdom. Never stop learning!"
"I depend on Christ's mighty power that works within me." AMEN!!
Paul starts this letter by saying "we have heard that you ..." Got me thinking ... what have others heard about me lately? Have I been making a difference in the Kingdom so that others have been talking? Would another brother or sister in Christ have any idea that my ministry even exists? The church in Colosse had been faithfull and loving enough that Paul and his ministry team had heard about it ... others were talking about it. Sweet - I want that! Not in a Varoocka way (Charlie and the Choc Factory... "I want a pony!") ... but in a holy way.
I want others to be inspired by my church's ministry. I want to do big things for Christ.
I love this phrasing of v6: "God's great kindness to sinners." Isn't that to true?!
I'll say it again : "God to give you a complete understanding ... be wise with spiritual wisdom ... learn to know God better and better." Paul tells every church - "you must be growing your faith and gaining more and more wisdom. Never stop learning!"
"I depend on Christ's mighty power that works within me." AMEN!!
Tuesdays Reading June 19: Philippians 4
How is your day going? Have you rejoiced in the Lord? Many days that's tough, but I'll say it again, we must REJOICE in the Lord!
> thank you for saving me
> thank you for giving me life
> thank you for my family!
> thank you for my calling
> thank you for wisdom and understanding
> thank you for giving JOY when the world is in the business of taking it away
FIX YOUR THOUGHTS on what is true, honorable, and right (v 8). Can't go wrong with that!
How is your day going? Have you rejoiced in the Lord? Many days that's tough, but I'll say it again, we must REJOICE in the Lord!
> thank you for saving me
> thank you for giving me life
> thank you for my family!
> thank you for my calling
> thank you for wisdom and understanding
> thank you for giving JOY when the world is in the business of taking it away
FIX YOUR THOUGHTS on what is true, honorable, and right (v 8). Can't go wrong with that!
Mondays Reading June 18: Philippians 3
Back to JOY :: Paul is so convinced that JOY is vital to the church that he even admits, "I never get tired of telling you this." Later in chapter 4, he says, "I'll say it again, REJOICE!" Corbin had to learn that verse for his part in our Kidz Praize Musical last month.
Paul pretty much takes any human element out of our salvation equation in this chapter. He says, "if there is anyone who deserves the best from God it was me ... but it's not through what I've done that I have this joy ... it's all because of Him."
"For God's way of making us right with himself depends on FAITH" (v. 9) So simple - yet so challenging! How is my faith today? Do I believe Him more - with an increasing faith?
Back to JOY :: Paul is so convinced that JOY is vital to the church that he even admits, "I never get tired of telling you this." Later in chapter 4, he says, "I'll say it again, REJOICE!" Corbin had to learn that verse for his part in our Kidz Praize Musical last month.
Paul pretty much takes any human element out of our salvation equation in this chapter. He says, "if there is anyone who deserves the best from God it was me ... but it's not through what I've done that I have this joy ... it's all because of Him."
"For God's way of making us right with himself depends on FAITH" (v. 9) So simple - yet so challenging! How is my faith today? Do I believe Him more - with an increasing faith?
Fridays Reading June 15: Philippians 2
This is still tough for the church today: "agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose." Lord why are there divisions in the church? Why can't we all get along perfectly? Why can't we see every situation the same way? I'm sure you have a plan ... but honestly, I'm sure want us to live better than we are. Help me to put away my own point of view and start living in harmony with all of your children.
One of my favorite areas of the scriptures: Phl 2.5-11!
I have felt this very much lately: "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him." (v.13) Thank you Lord!!
This is still tough for the church today: "agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose." Lord why are there divisions in the church? Why can't we all get along perfectly? Why can't we see every situation the same way? I'm sure you have a plan ... but honestly, I'm sure want us to live better than we are. Help me to put away my own point of view and start living in harmony with all of your children.
One of my favorite areas of the scriptures: Phl 2.5-11!
I have felt this very much lately: "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him." (v.13) Thank you Lord!!
Thursday Reading June 14: Philippians 1
Several times throughout Philippians, Pauls mentions the need for JOY in our lfe. (more about this in chapter 3 and 4). He is still using the language of "growing in your knowledge and understanding" as well as this need to be "live worthy of the Good News". Our lives are no longer our own! We must "work out our salvation" by: good deeds, saying no to sin, forcing our bodies to obey (disciplining them to follow God's path), etc.
This was a gut check: "some are preaching out oof jealousy and rivary. Both others preach about Christ with pure motives." (v15). Which side of that do I fall on? Do I preach because I want to be good at what I do, because I want to be admired, because I want preach better than anyone else? Or do I want to preach with pure motives ... so that Christ is received and glorified? Lord, beat me if I'm not serving you with pure motives today!
What a great life verse: " For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or die."
Several times throughout Philippians, Pauls mentions the need for JOY in our lfe. (more about this in chapter 3 and 4). He is still using the language of "growing in your knowledge and understanding" as well as this need to be "live worthy of the Good News". Our lives are no longer our own! We must "work out our salvation" by: good deeds, saying no to sin, forcing our bodies to obey (disciplining them to follow God's path), etc.
This was a gut check: "some are preaching out oof jealousy and rivary. Both others preach about Christ with pure motives." (v15). Which side of that do I fall on? Do I preach because I want to be good at what I do, because I want to be admired, because I want preach better than anyone else? Or do I want to preach with pure motives ... so that Christ is received and glorified? Lord, beat me if I'm not serving you with pure motives today!
What a great life verse: " For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or die."
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Wednesday June 13: Ephesians 6
This hits home: "Fathers, don't make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord." This is where I'm at most of the time - trying to figure out the balance between making my children angry and giving them proper discipline.
I try my best to offer strong discipline but often it backfires. Often, I'm out of line. I wonder if people look at me like I'm a freak because of it. I want the BEST for my kids - I don't want them to be angry.
Help me Lord! "Be strong with the Lord's mighty power!" (10)
This hits home: "Fathers, don't make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord." This is where I'm at most of the time - trying to figure out the balance between making my children angry and giving them proper discipline.
I try my best to offer strong discipline but often it backfires. Often, I'm out of line. I wonder if people look at me like I'm a freak because of it. I want the BEST for my kids - I don't want them to be angry.
Help me Lord! "Be strong with the Lord's mighty power!" (10)
Tuesday, June 12 Reading: Ephesians 5
As I read these areas to avoid and the areas to focus on in the Christian faith, I'm reminding that the language being used here is saying "I have better life for you ... don't live below what I have for you." (v15) "So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise."
As I read these areas to avoid and the areas to focus on in the Christian faith, I'm reminding that the language being used here is saying "I have better life for you ... don't live below what I have for you." (v15) "So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise."
Monday, June 11 Reading: Ephesians 4
Happy Anniversary to me (and Tammy) ... 13 years!
We say this often - and I know it's very true - we are not worthy of the grace, love and forgiveness God has freely offered us by sending Jesus to us. However, we are to live a life that is considered worthy according to the scriptures and the Holy Spirit living in us. That's the significant difference between our Christian cultures ... one culture could say, "you're never worthy enough to receive God's favor so don't worry about and live life how you want" while another culture would say "you've got to work harder at being worthy for God's favor so give more, try harder and if you fail, you're hopelessly lost."
Both are dead wrong. We weren't worthy to receive the gift of God's love, but now that we have, let's live in a way that demonstrates our appreciation for that miracle! "live a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God." (1)
I love this language about the body - it's suppose to work in such a way "that when one part does it's special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Here are my questions:
1) are you doing your special part - do you know your gift?
2) are you helping other parts grow?
That's pretty challenging for me. Good stuff.
Happy Anniversary to me (and Tammy) ... 13 years!
We say this often - and I know it's very true - we are not worthy of the grace, love and forgiveness God has freely offered us by sending Jesus to us. However, we are to live a life that is considered worthy according to the scriptures and the Holy Spirit living in us. That's the significant difference between our Christian cultures ... one culture could say, "you're never worthy enough to receive God's favor so don't worry about and live life how you want" while another culture would say "you've got to work harder at being worthy for God's favor so give more, try harder and if you fail, you're hopelessly lost."
Both are dead wrong. We weren't worthy to receive the gift of God's love, but now that we have, let's live in a way that demonstrates our appreciation for that miracle! "live a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God." (1)
I love this language about the body - it's suppose to work in such a way "that when one part does it's special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Here are my questions:
1) are you doing your special part - do you know your gift?
2) are you helping other parts grow?
That's pretty challenging for me. Good stuff.
Friday, June 8 Reading: Ephesians 3
Confidence is a funny word. Too much of it and your boastful, arrogant and useless. Not enough of it and your weak and also useless (but in a different way). But "in Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." (12)
Quite possibly my new favorite verse (replacing Prov. 3.5-6) "And I pray that you , being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, 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."
God's love for us is hard to understand. We are unlovable many times (most times). Yet he loved us first - and He will not give up on us. No matter how much we deserve hell, He wants to give us Heaven.
I think the best way to grasp how wide, long, high and deep His love is for us we must become good at giving it away. Give God's love away and He'll restore you with more than you started with! Offer compassion to someone else and you'll find more compassion in your heart then when you began. Offer forgiveness to a friend and you'll see that you've been forgiven of more than you can grasp.
It's a bottomless supply of God's love ... it's a buffet that you can eat from and never get full of! That's what I'm talking about!
Confidence is a funny word. Too much of it and your boastful, arrogant and useless. Not enough of it and your weak and also useless (but in a different way). But "in Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." (12)
Quite possibly my new favorite verse (replacing Prov. 3.5-6) "And I pray that you , being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, 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."
God's love for us is hard to understand. We are unlovable many times (most times). Yet he loved us first - and He will not give up on us. No matter how much we deserve hell, He wants to give us Heaven.
I think the best way to grasp how wide, long, high and deep His love is for us we must become good at giving it away. Give God's love away and He'll restore you with more than you started with! Offer compassion to someone else and you'll find more compassion in your heart then when you began. Offer forgiveness to a friend and you'll see that you've been forgiven of more than you can grasp.
It's a bottomless supply of God's love ... it's a buffet that you can eat from and never get full of! That's what I'm talking about!
Thursday, June 7 Reading: Ephesians 2
Who doesn't need this today >> "But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It's only by God's special favor that you have been saved!)" (4-5)
God's favor. I don't deserve it. I don't earn it. I don't control it. I am nothing without it.
Who doesn't need this today >> "But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It's only by God's special favor that you have been saved!)" (4-5)
God's favor. I don't deserve it. I don't earn it. I don't control it. I am nothing without it.
Wednesday, June 6 Reading: Ephesians 1
I wish this for every true Believer: "I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and undersanding." Instead, we sit back and judge if the pastor is preaching well, if the music was sung well, if the ushers were friendly enough or if there was enough French Vanilla Mocha latte (I don't even know if that's real).
Our spiritual backbones have turned soft. Why? Because we are lacking in spiritual wisdom and understanding. We desperately need it!! We need to pray and seek it (7 days a week!).
I wish this for every true Believer: "I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and undersanding." Instead, we sit back and judge if the pastor is preaching well, if the music was sung well, if the ushers were friendly enough or if there was enough French Vanilla Mocha latte (I don't even know if that's real).
Our spiritual backbones have turned soft. Why? Because we are lacking in spiritual wisdom and understanding. We desperately need it!! We need to pray and seek it (7 days a week!).
Tuesday, June 4 Reading: Romans 16
v5 :: this "house church" concept isn't so new. That WAS the church at first. When and why did we become so formal and structured? I could do without all of that sometimes.
This is my prayer for my kids:
V19 :: "but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil."
I've noticed in my readings around God's Word lately about the use of the word "mystery". I think we've lost the idea that God can't be completely understood or fathommed. There is a "mystery" that surrounds His ways. Much of Him is still hidden to us. Don't keep in your box of "God's ways." He's much, much bigger than that! Let God stir you into the "Zone of the Unknown" - the mysterious place where His best work is accomplished (www.justwalkacrosstheroom.com)
v5 :: this "house church" concept isn't so new. That WAS the church at first. When and why did we become so formal and structured? I could do without all of that sometimes.
This is my prayer for my kids:
V19 :: "but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil."
I've noticed in my readings around God's Word lately about the use of the word "mystery". I think we've lost the idea that God can't be completely understood or fathommed. There is a "mystery" that surrounds His ways. Much of Him is still hidden to us. Don't keep in your box of "God's ways." He's much, much bigger than that! Let God stir you into the "Zone of the Unknown" - the mysterious place where His best work is accomplished (www.justwalkacrosstheroom.com)
Monday June 3 Reading: Romans 15
Aren't you tired of pleasing others? Me too, many times over. But I'm more sick and tired of pleasing my self. I find more joy in helping, serving and living in harmony with others than taking care of Terry.
Verse 5: May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other - each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other.
Aren't you tired of pleasing others? Me too, many times over. But I'm more sick and tired of pleasing my self. I find more joy in helping, serving and living in harmony with others than taking care of Terry.
Verse 5: May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other - each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other.
Friday, June 1 Reading: Romans 14
This chapter could not have been more timely for me. We struggle with these issues in our culture today. How do we handle those who say we can drink. My upbringing was strong against the use of alcohol but I've made some great friends who are strong believers in Christ and they drink. It's not cut and dry for me anymore.
Paul says in verse 5 that everyone should have an opinion on this matter. Here's mine: I'm glad I don't drink. I don't want my kids to ever start. There is too much destruction that can come from it - I believe that staying away from it is the best choice.
Paul didn't say that everyone should have just one opinion about this matter ... but rather, "an" opinion.
17-18: For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God."
This chapter could not have been more timely for me. We struggle with these issues in our culture today. How do we handle those who say we can drink. My upbringing was strong against the use of alcohol but I've made some great friends who are strong believers in Christ and they drink. It's not cut and dry for me anymore.
Paul says in verse 5 that everyone should have an opinion on this matter. Here's mine: I'm glad I don't drink. I don't want my kids to ever start. There is too much destruction that can come from it - I believe that staying away from it is the best choice.
Paul didn't say that everyone should have just one opinion about this matter ... but rather, "an" opinion.
17-18: For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God."
Thursday, May 31 Reading: Romans 13
Last weekend, I posted my thoughts about this chapter then lost my internet connection and my post was lost as well. Here goes the abbreviated version:
I find it interesting how we all "rate" sins. Drunkeness for expample seems obvious so we conclude that drunks are lost sinners. Paul here lists "jealousy" alongside wild parties, getting drunk, adultery and immoral living. Do we look at those who are jealous the same way as we do the drunk. Hmmm ...
(I said abbreviated ... :)
Last weekend, I posted my thoughts about this chapter then lost my internet connection and my post was lost as well. Here goes the abbreviated version:
I find it interesting how we all "rate" sins. Drunkeness for expample seems obvious so we conclude that drunks are lost sinners. Paul here lists "jealousy" alongside wild parties, getting drunk, adultery and immoral living. Do we look at those who are jealous the same way as we do the drunk. Hmmm ...
(I said abbreviated ... :)
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