Good Morning,
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 (New International Version)
Therefore encourage each other with these words.
Something was pointed out to me this morning as I checked my e-mail. The fact that I learned was that Paul used the word "encourage" more than a dozen times in his various epistles. I guess I consider this an important fact because I firmly believe that God speaks to us important topics by repeating a word or thought several times so that we will not miss it. I would guess that encouragement is something that God wants us to do for one another on a regular and ongoing basis. Wouldn't you agree?
Then the thought came to me...or, rather, a question came into my mind...I wonder why we don't encourage more people and why we don't encourage more often? I mean, it's not that encouraging one another is a difficult thing to do, is it? We don't have to be financially well of to encourage. We don't have to be highly educated to encourage. We don't need an abundance of spare time to encourage. We really don't need ANYTHING at all to encourage one another...except caring enough for others and loving each other enough to encourage each other.
So why in the world does it seem such a difficult thing to do? This encouraging each other? Do YOU have an answer to this dilema? I surely don't. I guess it's simply because we find ourselves so busy at what we're presently doing and then just not thinking that encouraging is important enough to do. That and we are, too many of us, too self centered to think about the fact that our brothers and sisters in Christ really do NEED our encouragement to go on in something that they've taken on; something they might have taken on and could very well be struggling with.
The purpose of bringing this topic to our attention is, I'm sure, so that we will stop a while today and look to see where an encouraging word or action could be wisely used. I belive that God is sort of rapping at the door of our conciousness and telling us to get up and DO something that will bring some encouragement to someone who really does need it. It's a wake up call to us that we have a real responsibility to BE an encourager to those who are doing God's work in some way and may just need that one word or one action to get them over some struggle or other.
Let's don't hold back our encouraging one another. If God didn't want us to encourage each other, then He wouldn't have had Paul write about it so often and in so many different ways and contexts.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
One Church
Good Morning,
Romans 15:5-6 (New International Version)
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6 (Amplified Bible)
Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may [unanimously] with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
I hear today, after reading these two translations of these verses of Scripture, a call and a cry for unity in the ONE Church, the Church founded by Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. I hear in my mind and heart that we need to unite together, ALL of us no matter our earthly church or denominational affiliation, in order to be obedient to what Paul said to the Romans, "So that together, with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify God."
You see, I think it may be hard for even God to hear the praises sent up to Him through the cacophony of noise that we are making because of our differences that interfere with true worship, praise, and glorification of God. Now, I know that God can hear us, of course, even through the noise, that's just my way of saying I think He also hears all of the nonsense and bickering that we Christians are much too involved in on a regular basis. I also believe that the nonsense, noise, and bickering are a grief for Him to hear from us.
You and I probably worship in a different manner and at a different congregation. Some of us on Sunday mornings, some of us on Saturday evening, some of us on Wednesday, some of us on multiple days. Then, we argue and haggle about what is the right day or right time to worship. We haggle over the order of our worship services, claiming the way that "I" do it is more correct, or even the ONLY way worship ought to be done. We disagree on this word or that word, and what it means, in Scripture to the point that we simply cannot agree on almost anything...and, I hope that we all know, God will tell us what HE wants us to hear in any particular section of Scripture. Oh, we have so much dispute amongst us that it makes it almost impossible for us to be obedient to the many sections of Scripture that scream out for us to be united in our praise and glory to God.
I know that, perhaps, I "harp" on this particular subject and that it has been a regular topic of discussion for many years. I believe that what I hear about unity among Christians comes from God. I believe that God has given me the passion I have about being united as ONE Church so that I will continue to notice Scripture as it crosses my desk which deals with unity.
I'll leave this message with some other words we ought to be using that concern this subject...in no particular order: oneness, wholeness, unification, accord, harmony, cooperation, unanimity, compatibility, like-mindedness, rapport, peace, concord.
I'll leave it to you to use whatever, or however many, of these words and concepts God puts on your heart so that we can all leave behind our DISunity, division, and separateness as it concerns One Church.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Romans 15:5-6 (New International Version)
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6 (Amplified Bible)
Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may [unanimously] with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
I hear today, after reading these two translations of these verses of Scripture, a call and a cry for unity in the ONE Church, the Church founded by Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. I hear in my mind and heart that we need to unite together, ALL of us no matter our earthly church or denominational affiliation, in order to be obedient to what Paul said to the Romans, "So that together, with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify God."
You see, I think it may be hard for even God to hear the praises sent up to Him through the cacophony of noise that we are making because of our differences that interfere with true worship, praise, and glorification of God. Now, I know that God can hear us, of course, even through the noise, that's just my way of saying I think He also hears all of the nonsense and bickering that we Christians are much too involved in on a regular basis. I also believe that the nonsense, noise, and bickering are a grief for Him to hear from us.
You and I probably worship in a different manner and at a different congregation. Some of us on Sunday mornings, some of us on Saturday evening, some of us on Wednesday, some of us on multiple days. Then, we argue and haggle about what is the right day or right time to worship. We haggle over the order of our worship services, claiming the way that "I" do it is more correct, or even the ONLY way worship ought to be done. We disagree on this word or that word, and what it means, in Scripture to the point that we simply cannot agree on almost anything...and, I hope that we all know, God will tell us what HE wants us to hear in any particular section of Scripture. Oh, we have so much dispute amongst us that it makes it almost impossible for us to be obedient to the many sections of Scripture that scream out for us to be united in our praise and glory to God.
I know that, perhaps, I "harp" on this particular subject and that it has been a regular topic of discussion for many years. I believe that what I hear about unity among Christians comes from God. I believe that God has given me the passion I have about being united as ONE Church so that I will continue to notice Scripture as it crosses my desk which deals with unity.
I'll leave this message with some other words we ought to be using that concern this subject...in no particular order: oneness, wholeness, unification, accord, harmony, cooperation, unanimity, compatibility, like-mindedness, rapport, peace, concord.
I'll leave it to you to use whatever, or however many, of these words and concepts God puts on your heart so that we can all leave behind our DISunity, division, and separateness as it concerns One Church.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
He Will Not Forget
Good Morning,
Hebrews 6:10 (New International Version)
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
I'm sending this along as a reminder to all of us, and perhaps myself in particular, that the work we do to help God's children is NEVER forgotten or dismissed by God. Yes, we will all have times when we wonder if what we do in service to God does any good whatever. I'm sure that every one of us will have doubts about whether the work we are doing actually helps in any way at all. You see, we are human and as human beings we are subject to our human doubts and, again as humans, we will want to know the ultimate outcome of our work in the Lord's service.
Unfortunately...and I say this because it certainly applies to me...we will often never know what the final results of our work are. I use the word "unfortunately" because, like many others, I really DO want to see the fruits of my labors in the work I've tried to do as I have felt led by God to do it. I'm sure that many who read these words are much like me in this, as well.
However, it is very often not for us to know...at least in this human lifetime...what the consequences of our work will be. Again, very often, the results of our work won't even be attained until after we have gone home to the Lord.
Ok, today is a sort of "woe is me" kind of day, I guess, in that I'm having a day of "Huh! I wonder...???" Now that I've actually said and written that, well, it seems pretty silly and self centered. Especially after I go back again are re read today's verse of Scripture.
You see, God knows what I've done, what we've ALL done, in obedience to Him in taking on whatever work we have to help His children. And, as we read, "He will not forget your work..." We have this promise to rest on and keep close to our hearts, in our minds, to give us peace.
So, whenever we get this kind of melancholy feeling about whether or not we make a difference or if anyone notices or if we're being effective, let's just remember that God knows and, ultimately, He's the one who will remember and reward.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Hebrews 6:10 (New International Version)
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
I'm sending this along as a reminder to all of us, and perhaps myself in particular, that the work we do to help God's children is NEVER forgotten or dismissed by God. Yes, we will all have times when we wonder if what we do in service to God does any good whatever. I'm sure that every one of us will have doubts about whether the work we are doing actually helps in any way at all. You see, we are human and as human beings we are subject to our human doubts and, again as humans, we will want to know the ultimate outcome of our work in the Lord's service.
Unfortunately...and I say this because it certainly applies to me...we will often never know what the final results of our work are. I use the word "unfortunately" because, like many others, I really DO want to see the fruits of my labors in the work I've tried to do as I have felt led by God to do it. I'm sure that many who read these words are much like me in this, as well.
However, it is very often not for us to know...at least in this human lifetime...what the consequences of our work will be. Again, very often, the results of our work won't even be attained until after we have gone home to the Lord.
Ok, today is a sort of "woe is me" kind of day, I guess, in that I'm having a day of "Huh! I wonder...???" Now that I've actually said and written that, well, it seems pretty silly and self centered. Especially after I go back again are re read today's verse of Scripture.
You see, God knows what I've done, what we've ALL done, in obedience to Him in taking on whatever work we have to help His children. And, as we read, "He will not forget your work..." We have this promise to rest on and keep close to our hearts, in our minds, to give us peace.
So, whenever we get this kind of melancholy feeling about whether or not we make a difference or if anyone notices or if we're being effective, let's just remember that God knows and, ultimately, He's the one who will remember and reward.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Monday, May 17, 2010
We Need Each Other
Good Morning,
Proverbs 27:17 (New International Version)
As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.
Yes, once again we look at a very familiar verse of Scripture.
We, you and I, need one another. We, you and I...and all of our Christian friends, need each other in order that we walk the walk that God has chosen for us; in order that we stay on that path...that straight and narrow path...that we know is right for us. So...
I would like to pose some questions to the men who might read these words from time to time. Not being "sexist" here, but, well, I just feel that God is asking me to address men today. However, my good female friends, I think you'll know and understand what is being written today and you might feel led to, perhaps, forward it along to some of the men you know. Okay, that said...
Do you need to have an accountability group that meets regularly so you can deal with issues that you might not ever really face? Do you have the true need to have some other people around you on a regular basis to whom you can speak up and bare yourself of problems, challenges, sins that pervade your life? Do you need to have some other guys to whom you can be totally and 100% honest and open without fear of any kind of reprisal and be one of those who listens and helps others in the same way? Are you struggling with issues in your life...even right this very moment...that need to be addressed by you simply cannot bring yourself to talk about them with anyone you are "close" to at the present time...because you AREN'T really close ENOUGH to anyone you trust completely?
If you've answered "Yes" to even one of these questions, then I beg you, get back with me or with someone in your congregation...a pastor would be a great place to start...and discuss the need for a group of men who can get together on a regular, scheduled basis to help one another.
I'M BEGGING YOU TO DO THIS!!!
Now, I think that we all know what is being addressed here this morning. Men, for whatever reason or reasons, seem to have a challenge with purity in their lives and staying that way. Yes, we struggle, we males of the species, don't we? Okay, I'm sure that there are some who NEVER have a challenge with being tempted in this way. If you are one of those who does NOT have struggles in this way, then you are greatly blessed. But, let's be realistic, most of us aren't in that non-struggling camp, are we?
So, that brings us back to the crux of this message. That is, the fact that we...almost all men...need other men to whom they can relate in an open an honest way so that we can fight this fight together and not go it alone. The next fact is, if we DO try to "go it alone" in this battle, well, it's pretty much proven, we'll lose the battle.
Therefore, it comes back to getting with other men and joining forces so we will have a decent chance to win this battle. Then, when we have bonded together, we can help others to win it as well.
Perhaps this hasn't been well said or even properly presented, but I truly feel this is something we need to address...and we need to address it NOW!
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Proverbs 27:17 (New International Version)
As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.
Yes, once again we look at a very familiar verse of Scripture.
We, you and I, need one another. We, you and I...and all of our Christian friends, need each other in order that we walk the walk that God has chosen for us; in order that we stay on that path...that straight and narrow path...that we know is right for us. So...
I would like to pose some questions to the men who might read these words from time to time. Not being "sexist" here, but, well, I just feel that God is asking me to address men today. However, my good female friends, I think you'll know and understand what is being written today and you might feel led to, perhaps, forward it along to some of the men you know. Okay, that said...
Do you need to have an accountability group that meets regularly so you can deal with issues that you might not ever really face? Do you have the true need to have some other people around you on a regular basis to whom you can speak up and bare yourself of problems, challenges, sins that pervade your life? Do you need to have some other guys to whom you can be totally and 100% honest and open without fear of any kind of reprisal and be one of those who listens and helps others in the same way? Are you struggling with issues in your life...even right this very moment...that need to be addressed by you simply cannot bring yourself to talk about them with anyone you are "close" to at the present time...because you AREN'T really close ENOUGH to anyone you trust completely?
If you've answered "Yes" to even one of these questions, then I beg you, get back with me or with someone in your congregation...a pastor would be a great place to start...and discuss the need for a group of men who can get together on a regular, scheduled basis to help one another.
I'M BEGGING YOU TO DO THIS!!!
Now, I think that we all know what is being addressed here this morning. Men, for whatever reason or reasons, seem to have a challenge with purity in their lives and staying that way. Yes, we struggle, we males of the species, don't we? Okay, I'm sure that there are some who NEVER have a challenge with being tempted in this way. If you are one of those who does NOT have struggles in this way, then you are greatly blessed. But, let's be realistic, most of us aren't in that non-struggling camp, are we?
So, that brings us back to the crux of this message. That is, the fact that we...almost all men...need other men to whom they can relate in an open an honest way so that we can fight this fight together and not go it alone. The next fact is, if we DO try to "go it alone" in this battle, well, it's pretty much proven, we'll lose the battle.
Therefore, it comes back to getting with other men and joining forces so we will have a decent chance to win this battle. Then, when we have bonded together, we can help others to win it as well.
Perhaps this hasn't been well said or even properly presented, but I truly feel this is something we need to address...and we need to address it NOW!
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Do Not Fear
Good Morning,
Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version)
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
For many of us...probably ALL of us...there are times when we become very afraid; feel weak; feel that we have nowhere to turn. For some these feelings are fleeting and pass just as quickly as they come. For others of us, though, these feelings come and then they linger for much longer periods of time. Life is difficult for many of us even at the best of times and for those of us who do have ongoing and seemingly unending difficulties, these periods of fear and feelings of weakness are with us every day.
However, we don't have to cling to those feelings that come to us and even seem to overcome us. We have a place to turn and someone to turn to. We can turn to God. He is always there for us. He can take away our fears, if not the situations that cause those fears. He can strengthen us in the toughest of times in our lives. He will help during the trials we must go through. He will hold us in His "righteous right hand" (the NLT puts it, "my victorious right hand") at all times, no matter what we're going through.
This IS, truly, a promise from God Himself not only when Isaiah wrote these words, but for all time and for all who accept the Lord into their lives. It's something that we really do need to remember and hold on to during the hard times that come so regularly for some of us.
Now, that being said, I'd like to take just a moment to address those who DON'T seem to have much difficulty or trial in their lives. First, I certainly hope, if you are one of these, that you give thanks every moment of every day that God has blessed you in such a way. Secondly, I feel that YOU have a responsibility as a Christian believer to be God's helping hand to those who are suffering through difficulties. I don't mean only when someone comes to ask for help in some way, but that you LOOK FOR AND SEEK OUT THOSE IN NEED OF YOUR HELP! We, you and I and every believer, have a real and true responsibility to be God's eyes, ears, hands, and feet to help in any way we can wherever we see the need.
I believe strongly that THIS, helping those who are in need and giving strength to those who are weak, is, truly, our responsibility and duty in service to a loving God.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version)
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
For many of us...probably ALL of us...there are times when we become very afraid; feel weak; feel that we have nowhere to turn. For some these feelings are fleeting and pass just as quickly as they come. For others of us, though, these feelings come and then they linger for much longer periods of time. Life is difficult for many of us even at the best of times and for those of us who do have ongoing and seemingly unending difficulties, these periods of fear and feelings of weakness are with us every day.
However, we don't have to cling to those feelings that come to us and even seem to overcome us. We have a place to turn and someone to turn to. We can turn to God. He is always there for us. He can take away our fears, if not the situations that cause those fears. He can strengthen us in the toughest of times in our lives. He will help during the trials we must go through. He will hold us in His "righteous right hand" (the NLT puts it, "my victorious right hand") at all times, no matter what we're going through.
This IS, truly, a promise from God Himself not only when Isaiah wrote these words, but for all time and for all who accept the Lord into their lives. It's something that we really do need to remember and hold on to during the hard times that come so regularly for some of us.
Now, that being said, I'd like to take just a moment to address those who DON'T seem to have much difficulty or trial in their lives. First, I certainly hope, if you are one of these, that you give thanks every moment of every day that God has blessed you in such a way. Secondly, I feel that YOU have a responsibility as a Christian believer to be God's helping hand to those who are suffering through difficulties. I don't mean only when someone comes to ask for help in some way, but that you LOOK FOR AND SEEK OUT THOSE IN NEED OF YOUR HELP! We, you and I and every believer, have a real and true responsibility to be God's eyes, ears, hands, and feet to help in any way we can wherever we see the need.
I believe strongly that THIS, helping those who are in need and giving strength to those who are weak, is, truly, our responsibility and duty in service to a loving God.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Forgiveness and Mercy
Good Morning,
Matthew 18:21-35 (New International Version)
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
This section of Scripture is presented to us today in order that we might examine ourselves truthfully and in depth to see if we might be a bit like that first servant who begged forgiveness and mercy from his master, yet offered no forgiveness nor mercy on one who was indebted to him. So we will say, "Oh, no! God forbid that I might be anything like that ungrateful and wicked man! I would never be like him." Oh? Really? Think about it. Think for a while about it. Think about how you act in this world toward people.
Now, remember, we, every one of us, is exactly like the servant who owed the 10,000 talents. I say that because every one of us has sinned against God and is in huge debt to Him because HE HAS FORGIVEN THAT DEBT BY THE SUFFERING AND DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST! So, I would think we can agree that we, at least many or most of us, have a debt even larger than the 10,000 talents of that long ago servant. We've been forgiven much.
Now, think about those in debt to you. Those who have sinned against you. Those who have disappointed you in some way. Those who have caused you some suffering along this path of life. Is their sin, those who have sinned against YOU, as great or greater than that which you've been forgiven of? Or, again, are we like that servant who has no forgiveness or mercy in his heart toward one who has done something against us?
I don't offer answers to any of these questions for you today. It's difficult enough for me to face myself...and God...in that mirror to answer my own lack of forgiveness or mercy.
So, one might rightfully ask, what do we do about it? Why are you even bringing this up to us? I would answer that by simply saying I obey what God tells me to do. He has brought this before us so we can look hard at the actions we've done in this area of our lives. He says bring this up...I do it. Answers? No, I don't have them. I'm just like everyone else and have to seek my answers from the Lord and I'm sure they will be unpleasant answers for the sins in this area of my life. I'm also sure that the answers will take time and effort on my part...and probably forgiveness and mercy that I don't now have in my heart. I will need God's help, just like you.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Matthew 18:21-35 (New International Version)
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
This section of Scripture is presented to us today in order that we might examine ourselves truthfully and in depth to see if we might be a bit like that first servant who begged forgiveness and mercy from his master, yet offered no forgiveness nor mercy on one who was indebted to him. So we will say, "Oh, no! God forbid that I might be anything like that ungrateful and wicked man! I would never be like him." Oh? Really? Think about it. Think for a while about it. Think about how you act in this world toward people.
Now, remember, we, every one of us, is exactly like the servant who owed the 10,000 talents. I say that because every one of us has sinned against God and is in huge debt to Him because HE HAS FORGIVEN THAT DEBT BY THE SUFFERING AND DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST! So, I would think we can agree that we, at least many or most of us, have a debt even larger than the 10,000 talents of that long ago servant. We've been forgiven much.
Now, think about those in debt to you. Those who have sinned against you. Those who have disappointed you in some way. Those who have caused you some suffering along this path of life. Is their sin, those who have sinned against YOU, as great or greater than that which you've been forgiven of? Or, again, are we like that servant who has no forgiveness or mercy in his heart toward one who has done something against us?
I don't offer answers to any of these questions for you today. It's difficult enough for me to face myself...and God...in that mirror to answer my own lack of forgiveness or mercy.
So, one might rightfully ask, what do we do about it? Why are you even bringing this up to us? I would answer that by simply saying I obey what God tells me to do. He has brought this before us so we can look hard at the actions we've done in this area of our lives. He says bring this up...I do it. Answers? No, I don't have them. I'm just like everyone else and have to seek my answers from the Lord and I'm sure they will be unpleasant answers for the sins in this area of my life. I'm also sure that the answers will take time and effort on my part...and probably forgiveness and mercy that I don't now have in my heart. I will need God's help, just like you.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Monday, May 10, 2010
As To The Lord
Good Day,
Colossians 3:23 (New International Version)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23 (Amplified Bible)
Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.
Colossians 3:23 (New Living Translation)
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Colossians 3:23 (King James Version)
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.
I think it is very good to read various translations of Scripture. Personally, I find in extremely valuable because it shows, sometimes, the different nuance from one to another and helps me to understand more clearly what God is saying to me. That's why from time to time I include various translations. I hope it helps you, as well.
When I read this very familiar verse today I was struck by something that is probably obvious to many but maybe not so clear to others of us. That is the fact that if those who were responsible for creating the huge financial mess the world is in were to have put their efforts toward good things and Godly things...rather than trying to just line their own pockets with ridiculous amounts of money...well then, the world would be such a marvelous place right now.
Ok, that's pretty simple, I guess. And, as I said, pretty obvious. But, and here's the rub as I see it, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands, even hundreds of thousands?, of people who claim to be good, believing Christians who got caught up in this ridiculous and artificial creation of personal wealth instead of doing what they did "as to the Lord."
That's the point of this verse, of course. To do all we do as if we were working for God. And, to take it just one logical step further, if we're doing our work "as to the Lord" then we'll not be doing things that are against what God would have us do. Make sense? It certainly does to me. If I am doing whatever work I am involved in as if I'm working for God, then when something that isn't exactly Godly comes along, I shall obviously refuse to do it. Because doing something that isn't Godly in my endeavors would be anything BUT doing my work "as to the Lord."
Sometimes we need to see the logic that goes the next step when reading Scripture. I know, I know...that isn't "Scriptural" per se. But, it DOES make sense. And, if we'll open ourselves up to hearing what God tells us after we read Scripture, perhaps we will then hear even more than the thought expressed in the verse or verses we are reading. And I firmly believe that God wants us to use our God given brains and common sense when thinking about and applying Scripture to our lives.
Am I, today, doing my work as to the Lord? I wish I could say with 100% surety that the answer to that was "Yes," but of course, I cannot. Could I have done what I've done so far today in a more Godly way? "As to the Lord?" Of course. I would wager that most of us would say about the same. And one day is often better than another when we think about this idea given in this verse of Scripture. All we can do is to really etch this verse into our minds so we are more keenly aware of it and then etch it into our hearts so we will be more likely to actually live it out.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Colossians 3:23 (New International Version)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23 (Amplified Bible)
Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.
Colossians 3:23 (New Living Translation)
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Colossians 3:23 (King James Version)
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.
I think it is very good to read various translations of Scripture. Personally, I find in extremely valuable because it shows, sometimes, the different nuance from one to another and helps me to understand more clearly what God is saying to me. That's why from time to time I include various translations. I hope it helps you, as well.
When I read this very familiar verse today I was struck by something that is probably obvious to many but maybe not so clear to others of us. That is the fact that if those who were responsible for creating the huge financial mess the world is in were to have put their efforts toward good things and Godly things...rather than trying to just line their own pockets with ridiculous amounts of money...well then, the world would be such a marvelous place right now.
Ok, that's pretty simple, I guess. And, as I said, pretty obvious. But, and here's the rub as I see it, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands, even hundreds of thousands?, of people who claim to be good, believing Christians who got caught up in this ridiculous and artificial creation of personal wealth instead of doing what they did "as to the Lord."
That's the point of this verse, of course. To do all we do as if we were working for God. And, to take it just one logical step further, if we're doing our work "as to the Lord" then we'll not be doing things that are against what God would have us do. Make sense? It certainly does to me. If I am doing whatever work I am involved in as if I'm working for God, then when something that isn't exactly Godly comes along, I shall obviously refuse to do it. Because doing something that isn't Godly in my endeavors would be anything BUT doing my work "as to the Lord."
Sometimes we need to see the logic that goes the next step when reading Scripture. I know, I know...that isn't "Scriptural" per se. But, it DOES make sense. And, if we'll open ourselves up to hearing what God tells us after we read Scripture, perhaps we will then hear even more than the thought expressed in the verse or verses we are reading. And I firmly believe that God wants us to use our God given brains and common sense when thinking about and applying Scripture to our lives.
Am I, today, doing my work as to the Lord? I wish I could say with 100% surety that the answer to that was "Yes," but of course, I cannot. Could I have done what I've done so far today in a more Godly way? "As to the Lord?" Of course. I would wager that most of us would say about the same. And one day is often better than another when we think about this idea given in this verse of Scripture. All we can do is to really etch this verse into our minds so we are more keenly aware of it and then etch it into our hearts so we will be more likely to actually live it out.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Confession
Good Morning,
James 5:16 (New International Version)
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 (Amplified Bible)
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
The Book of James is, to me, some of the best instruction to be read other that what came from Jesus' own mouth. There is much instruction that was given to James, and therefore to all who would read his words, that ought to be put into everyday practice by everyone. It would be a good idea for all of us to read once again the wisdom contained in this marvelous book.
Today we read a verse that we all know well, I'm sure. However, it occurs to me that not enough of us follow what it tells us to do so that we might achieve the outcome it says we can have. That outcome, of course, is that we be healed...both physically and spiritually as is needed at any particular time. What we are to do is pretty clear...to confess to each other (to one another) our sins, slips, false steps, offenses, and faults. The problem, as I see it, is that we simply do NOT do the confessing part and therefore cannot achieve the healing we need.
So I ask today: How many of us really take this seriously, this confession of sins to another brother or sister in Christ? I ask of you...and also myself: When was the last time you went to a trusted friend in the Lord to confess wrongdoing of some kind; some sin that bothers and pervades in your life?
You see, when we have this unconfessed sin in our lives it just festers and boils inside and keeps us from the fellowship with God that we all need. It also can keep us from the fellowship with one another that is necessary for a full and complete Christian life. And it can...it will eventually...bring us down and keep us from being effective for the work of God.
Yes, I know, there are many who say that confession is only needed directly to God and that there is no necessity to confess to another human being. That's only for the Catholics. Well, I beg to differ with that point of view. Rather strongly in fact. As has been my personal experience and the experience of many with whom I've discussed this with, confession ONLY to God is simply NOT effective. I'm afraid that's just the truth. When we "confess" to God, too often it isn't really a heartfelt confession and it eventually becomes too easy. You know, "Oh, Lord! Please forgive me for (fill in the blank) that I did today. Help me to turn from my sin. I am so very sorry. Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. Amen." It almost becomes a rote prayer after anything we've done that we consider sinful. And it gets easier and easier as time goes on. It also becomes less sincere the more often we do it.
Okay, then what about when we openly confess verbally to another person? Oh, that's an entirely different story there! That's when we have to looks someone in the eye and admit that we've done whatever it is we need to confess to. It also gives us a real, human person with whom we then become accountable to in order to show that we've really turned from our sinful ways...or are at least making a true attempt. This confessing with our mouth to someone who is looking us in the eye isn't easy. As a matter of fact it is extremely difficult. Now, I'm not talking about that man behind the dark curtain in a confessional at a church building. I'm talking about someone you know and trust; a person you care about and that cares about you; a person who will actively help you to truly repent of your sin, to really turn away from that sin.
Now, I hope that this doesn't open some "can of worms" so to speak in the confession argument. Yes, we first need to confess: To our self and admit we've been wrong; To God, and ask His forgiveness; Then to another person so that our sin is out in the open. I believe we need to do all of that in order to be obedient to what we read in this verse of Scripture.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
James 5:16 (New International Version)
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 (Amplified Bible)
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
The Book of James is, to me, some of the best instruction to be read other that what came from Jesus' own mouth. There is much instruction that was given to James, and therefore to all who would read his words, that ought to be put into everyday practice by everyone. It would be a good idea for all of us to read once again the wisdom contained in this marvelous book.
Today we read a verse that we all know well, I'm sure. However, it occurs to me that not enough of us follow what it tells us to do so that we might achieve the outcome it says we can have. That outcome, of course, is that we be healed...both physically and spiritually as is needed at any particular time. What we are to do is pretty clear...to confess to each other (to one another) our sins, slips, false steps, offenses, and faults. The problem, as I see it, is that we simply do NOT do the confessing part and therefore cannot achieve the healing we need.
So I ask today: How many of us really take this seriously, this confession of sins to another brother or sister in Christ? I ask of you...and also myself: When was the last time you went to a trusted friend in the Lord to confess wrongdoing of some kind; some sin that bothers and pervades in your life?
You see, when we have this unconfessed sin in our lives it just festers and boils inside and keeps us from the fellowship with God that we all need. It also can keep us from the fellowship with one another that is necessary for a full and complete Christian life. And it can...it will eventually...bring us down and keep us from being effective for the work of God.
Yes, I know, there are many who say that confession is only needed directly to God and that there is no necessity to confess to another human being. That's only for the Catholics. Well, I beg to differ with that point of view. Rather strongly in fact. As has been my personal experience and the experience of many with whom I've discussed this with, confession ONLY to God is simply NOT effective. I'm afraid that's just the truth. When we "confess" to God, too often it isn't really a heartfelt confession and it eventually becomes too easy. You know, "Oh, Lord! Please forgive me for (fill in the blank) that I did today. Help me to turn from my sin. I am so very sorry. Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. Amen." It almost becomes a rote prayer after anything we've done that we consider sinful. And it gets easier and easier as time goes on. It also becomes less sincere the more often we do it.
Okay, then what about when we openly confess verbally to another person? Oh, that's an entirely different story there! That's when we have to looks someone in the eye and admit that we've done whatever it is we need to confess to. It also gives us a real, human person with whom we then become accountable to in order to show that we've really turned from our sinful ways...or are at least making a true attempt. This confessing with our mouth to someone who is looking us in the eye isn't easy. As a matter of fact it is extremely difficult. Now, I'm not talking about that man behind the dark curtain in a confessional at a church building. I'm talking about someone you know and trust; a person you care about and that cares about you; a person who will actively help you to truly repent of your sin, to really turn away from that sin.
Now, I hope that this doesn't open some "can of worms" so to speak in the confession argument. Yes, we first need to confess: To our self and admit we've been wrong; To God, and ask His forgiveness; Then to another person so that our sin is out in the open. I believe we need to do all of that in order to be obedient to what we read in this verse of Scripture.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge
Good Day,
Colossians 2:2-3 (New International Version)
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:2-3 (New Living Translation)
I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
"In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." I think we can all agree on that, can't we? It is through the knowledge of Jesus Christ and then accepting Him into our lives as Lord and Savior that we come to know "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" that are revealed through Scripture; revealed through God speaking directly into our hearts and minds; revealed through what is said by other Christians; and revealed in ways that sometimes we cannot fully comprehend, understand, or explain.
That said, it is also true that God reveals His "treasures of wisdom and knowledge" to each of us as He will and in such a way that may not be evident to all.
For that, I am grateful. I am grateful because what God shows me in His Holy Scriptures today may be of huge help to someone who is struggling with some understanding of it. On the other hand, I am also grateful because there are many times when I am struggling for understanding, for "wisdom and knowledge" that will come from a brother or sister in Christ because of how he or she understands some section of Scripture.
Will all of us fully agree on every aspect of Holy Scripture all the time? Well, on some things, certainly we will. On the fact that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He came to this earth in order that we be saved, we can have no difference of "opinion" on that. At least I hope not! On that fact that God is a loving, caring God? No, I think we all agree there. And, of course, there are many other things in Scripture that can have no argument in what they mean. However, there are some things in Scripture that aren't exactly so "black and white" so to speak. There are areas in Scripture that speak slightly differently even to one person from one reading at one time, to reading that Scripture on another occasion at a different point in time. We've all experienced that. It's God speaking to us in order to help us on our way along this path of life. But this path of life changes and sometimes God will allow us to see different insights at different times.
The challenge here is that too often we get embroiled in picking apart, sentence by sentence, thought by thought, even word by word, of someone's interpretation or understanding of Scripture. Even when we disagree with something that we read, perhaps, just perhaps...differing opinions can both be correct: For each person at each point in time along each one's journey.
God reveals to me what He wishes me to understand in the way He wants at that particular point in time. He does the same with you and with every one of us. How we see it and what we understand of it can depend on where we are on our own individual journey of our life path.
The most important thing is that we DO fully understand what David wrote, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105) And that we understand the "path" is that path of our life journey.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Colossians 2:2-3 (New International Version)
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:2-3 (New Living Translation)
I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
"In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." I think we can all agree on that, can't we? It is through the knowledge of Jesus Christ and then accepting Him into our lives as Lord and Savior that we come to know "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" that are revealed through Scripture; revealed through God speaking directly into our hearts and minds; revealed through what is said by other Christians; and revealed in ways that sometimes we cannot fully comprehend, understand, or explain.
That said, it is also true that God reveals His "treasures of wisdom and knowledge" to each of us as He will and in such a way that may not be evident to all.
For that, I am grateful. I am grateful because what God shows me in His Holy Scriptures today may be of huge help to someone who is struggling with some understanding of it. On the other hand, I am also grateful because there are many times when I am struggling for understanding, for "wisdom and knowledge" that will come from a brother or sister in Christ because of how he or she understands some section of Scripture.
Will all of us fully agree on every aspect of Holy Scripture all the time? Well, on some things, certainly we will. On the fact that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He came to this earth in order that we be saved, we can have no difference of "opinion" on that. At least I hope not! On that fact that God is a loving, caring God? No, I think we all agree there. And, of course, there are many other things in Scripture that can have no argument in what they mean. However, there are some things in Scripture that aren't exactly so "black and white" so to speak. There are areas in Scripture that speak slightly differently even to one person from one reading at one time, to reading that Scripture on another occasion at a different point in time. We've all experienced that. It's God speaking to us in order to help us on our way along this path of life. But this path of life changes and sometimes God will allow us to see different insights at different times.
The challenge here is that too often we get embroiled in picking apart, sentence by sentence, thought by thought, even word by word, of someone's interpretation or understanding of Scripture. Even when we disagree with something that we read, perhaps, just perhaps...differing opinions can both be correct: For each person at each point in time along each one's journey.
God reveals to me what He wishes me to understand in the way He wants at that particular point in time. He does the same with you and with every one of us. How we see it and what we understand of it can depend on where we are on our own individual journey of our life path.
The most important thing is that we DO fully understand what David wrote, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105) And that we understand the "path" is that path of our life journey.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
God's Temples
Good Morning,
2 Chronicles 7:12-15 (New International Version)
the LORD appeared to him (Solomon) at night and said:
"I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.
"When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
2 Chronicles 7:12-15 (The Message)
God appeared to Solomon that very night and said, "I accept your prayer; yes, I have chosen this place as a temple for sacrifice, a house of worship. If I ever shut off the supply of rain from the skies or order the locusts to eat the crops or send a plague on my people, and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'll be there ready for you: I'll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health. From now on I'm alert day and night to the prayers offered at this place.
2 Chronicles 7:12-15 (New Living Translation)
Then one night the Lord appeared to Solomon and said,
“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices. At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.
I know that many of us, if not all of us, are aware of this section of Scripture. At least we know, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." We, pretty much all congregations of believers, have read these words, heard them preached, and studied various lessons about this section of Scripture many times. We know that God is ready and willing to hear our prayers; to hear the prayers of ALL believers in our land and, therefore, ready to do as He promised and heal our land. He tells us clearly that His eyes will be open and His ears attentive to our prayers "offered in this place."
That, you see, is what God is speaking to me about today. Not so much the fact that we are to humble ourselves and pray; not that He will hear us...but He's speaking in my mind about "this place" where we gather to offer our prayers.
This is a section of Scripture that points out the importance of "this place" that we read here in these verses. "This place" I believe, is really MANY places and ALL are equally important. These places are our many and varied congregations, those places where we meet to worship each week or more often. Just as God spoke to Solomon about choosing for Himself "this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices" so also, I firmly believe and hear clearly, that He has chosen those places we gather, those places we call our churches, for Himself. He has chosen these places as the places where His eyes are always open and His ears always attentive to the prayers offered in them.
Sometimes we wonder about the importance and value of our congregational meeting places. What we read today should reinforce our concepts and beliefs about why they should have such significance in our lives.
Now, something else that we need to think about is HOW we use our temples, these houses of worship that we've built. Jesus told us, "The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,'but you have turned it into a den of thieves." (Mark 11:17 (NLT) This, then...being a house of prayer...should be our emphasis as to how we go about using our church buildings, our temples, our houses of worship. Somehow, though, too often is seems, we've converted these places into, if not a "den of thieves" that Jesus spoke of, then something other than the house of prayer which they ought to be.
Yes, we DO need to turn to God in all humility and pray. That goes without saying, I think. But we also need to pay attention to the context and meaning of entire sections of Scripture so we will more fully understand what God is telling us through them.
Today we have a couple of lessons to learn. I pray that we will all learn them.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
2 Chronicles 7:12-15 (New International Version)
the LORD appeared to him (Solomon) at night and said:
"I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.
"When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
2 Chronicles 7:12-15 (The Message)
God appeared to Solomon that very night and said, "I accept your prayer; yes, I have chosen this place as a temple for sacrifice, a house of worship. If I ever shut off the supply of rain from the skies or order the locusts to eat the crops or send a plague on my people, and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'll be there ready for you: I'll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health. From now on I'm alert day and night to the prayers offered at this place.
2 Chronicles 7:12-15 (New Living Translation)
Then one night the Lord appeared to Solomon and said,
“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices. At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.
I know that many of us, if not all of us, are aware of this section of Scripture. At least we know, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." We, pretty much all congregations of believers, have read these words, heard them preached, and studied various lessons about this section of Scripture many times. We know that God is ready and willing to hear our prayers; to hear the prayers of ALL believers in our land and, therefore, ready to do as He promised and heal our land. He tells us clearly that His eyes will be open and His ears attentive to our prayers "offered in this place."
That, you see, is what God is speaking to me about today. Not so much the fact that we are to humble ourselves and pray; not that He will hear us...but He's speaking in my mind about "this place" where we gather to offer our prayers.
This is a section of Scripture that points out the importance of "this place" that we read here in these verses. "This place" I believe, is really MANY places and ALL are equally important. These places are our many and varied congregations, those places where we meet to worship each week or more often. Just as God spoke to Solomon about choosing for Himself "this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices" so also, I firmly believe and hear clearly, that He has chosen those places we gather, those places we call our churches, for Himself. He has chosen these places as the places where His eyes are always open and His ears always attentive to the prayers offered in them.
Sometimes we wonder about the importance and value of our congregational meeting places. What we read today should reinforce our concepts and beliefs about why they should have such significance in our lives.
Now, something else that we need to think about is HOW we use our temples, these houses of worship that we've built. Jesus told us, "The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,'but you have turned it into a den of thieves." (Mark 11:17 (NLT) This, then...being a house of prayer...should be our emphasis as to how we go about using our church buildings, our temples, our houses of worship. Somehow, though, too often is seems, we've converted these places into, if not a "den of thieves" that Jesus spoke of, then something other than the house of prayer which they ought to be.
Yes, we DO need to turn to God in all humility and pray. That goes without saying, I think. But we also need to pay attention to the context and meaning of entire sections of Scripture so we will more fully understand what God is telling us through them.
Today we have a couple of lessons to learn. I pray that we will all learn them.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
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