Good Morning,
Ephesians 2:13, 17, 19-20 (NIV)
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
(I would strongly suggest that everyone take a couple of moments, it doesn't take long, and read all of this Chapter of Scripture. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%202&version=NIV this link is a shortcut for all.)
Verse 19, "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household," is the verse that came across my desk this morning. In looking at all of Ephesians Chapter 2, it caused me to wonder just how many of us forget...and some who have never known?...that we are, truly, members of God's household and fellow citizens in because we've accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Many of us, and I would say TOO many of us, have forgotten this fact. Many others of us, for whatever reasons, have never truly grasped this truth about really being members of God's household; of being fellow citizens and brothers and sisters of all Christians. Then, as it happens, there are those of us who lose sight of this fact from time to time and need to be reminded of it.
You and I are members of God's household. That means, at least to me, that we...you and I and all Christians...are brothers and sisters related by the blood of Jesus which was shed for ALL, and not for just a few. No matter who we are, where we are, what denomination or not we might belong to, men or women, young or old, we have ALL been accepted into the household of God. Jesus "came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near," which tells me that He preached to every human on the planet.
This is a very important and simple concept which we must keep close in our minds and in our hearts. Yes, things will be tough. Yes, we will have difficult seasons in our lives. Yes, life may be hard. Yes, we might struggle. But the fact remains that through any adversity or challenge, we have the fact that we are members of God's household and have our brothers and sisters to whom we can call on as in any family.
This message could be extremely long as the subject is worth any length. Today, however, I think it enough that we be reminded of the simple fact that we, every one of us, is related by the blood of our risen Savior and that we are members of God's eternal household.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Abba
Good Morning,
Isaiah 46:4 (New International Version)
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Romans 8:15 (New International Version)
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
As we grow older I think that we sort of lose the concept of who God is, in a way. I don't mean that we lose sight of the fact that He is God, no, not in any way at all. What I mean is that we lose sight of His "Daddy" aspect because, well, WE are getting old and gray, as we read in Isaiah.
The author of Romans points out that God IS our "Abba, Father," and the word "Abba" means, in Aramaic, "Daddy." That, my friends, is the concept we have difficulty keeping in our minds as we age and as our earthly parents pass away. You see, we don't have "Daddy" any more here on earth, so our minds sort of put aside the idea of "Daddy" in our daily lives.
However, we read today in Isaiah that God is ALWAYS there to sustain us, carry us, and rescue us. So, I read from that, and then when I read the passage in Romans, that God is our "Abba, Father" no matter what age we might reach on this earth. We can be 8 or 80 and we still have our Heavenly Daddy, our "Abba, Father" to help us throughout the trials of life which we face so regularly.
"Abba, Father!" we can cry out to Him whenever we want to...He's always there even "to your old age and gray hairs." His being our Daddy never changes. It is who He is and what He is to every believer. We can give thanks that Him being our loving and caring Daddy simply is and will never change in any way.
It is unfortunate that we lose some of our childish ways as we age. Some of them are so very useful throughout our lives. I think, and I feel in my heart, that THIS concept, this "Abba" part of our Heavenly Father, is one of those childish behaviors that we should NEVER lose; a behavior that would serve us well even if we live to be 101 years old; a behavior that can bring peace and comfort to us...at any age and any time.
So I pray, Abba, Father, please help us to come back to knowing you as our heavenly Father and, truly, as the Daddy that has always been and will always be. I ask you to open our child's eyes to see you as you are, in every way that you are, and to remember that for always you are our Daddy. Amen
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Isaiah 46:4 (New International Version)
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Romans 8:15 (New International Version)
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
As we grow older I think that we sort of lose the concept of who God is, in a way. I don't mean that we lose sight of the fact that He is God, no, not in any way at all. What I mean is that we lose sight of His "Daddy" aspect because, well, WE are getting old and gray, as we read in Isaiah.
The author of Romans points out that God IS our "Abba, Father," and the word "Abba" means, in Aramaic, "Daddy." That, my friends, is the concept we have difficulty keeping in our minds as we age and as our earthly parents pass away. You see, we don't have "Daddy" any more here on earth, so our minds sort of put aside the idea of "Daddy" in our daily lives.
However, we read today in Isaiah that God is ALWAYS there to sustain us, carry us, and rescue us. So, I read from that, and then when I read the passage in Romans, that God is our "Abba, Father" no matter what age we might reach on this earth. We can be 8 or 80 and we still have our Heavenly Daddy, our "Abba, Father" to help us throughout the trials of life which we face so regularly.
"Abba, Father!" we can cry out to Him whenever we want to...He's always there even "to your old age and gray hairs." His being our Daddy never changes. It is who He is and what He is to every believer. We can give thanks that Him being our loving and caring Daddy simply is and will never change in any way.
It is unfortunate that we lose some of our childish ways as we age. Some of them are so very useful throughout our lives. I think, and I feel in my heart, that THIS concept, this "Abba" part of our Heavenly Father, is one of those childish behaviors that we should NEVER lose; a behavior that would serve us well even if we live to be 101 years old; a behavior that can bring peace and comfort to us...at any age and any time.
So I pray, Abba, Father, please help us to come back to knowing you as our heavenly Father and, truly, as the Daddy that has always been and will always be. I ask you to open our child's eyes to see you as you are, in every way that you are, and to remember that for always you are our Daddy. Amen
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
"I will answer you..."
Good Morning,
Jeremiah 33:2-3 (New International Version)
"This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'"
So...You're sitting there quietly reading your Bible or maybe just thinking about this or that and, suddenly, a thought comes into your mind that you hadn't ever, at any point in your life, considered. Maybe it's about missions or mission trips. Perhaps about speaking at your men's or women's group. Possibly about sharing some insight you've never had with someone you know is having some problem or other. Well, the list, of course, is infinite of what could just "pop" into your mind.
And you wonder about it, of course, as we all do. Just where in the world did THAT come from? Why on earth would I consider something of that nature? Me? Speak in public? Go to some unknown village in South America or Asia? Am I losing my mind here???
I think the verse we read today gives a distinct possibility, even the probability, that these unsolicited thoughts might just come from God. Now, not only might this thought you've had come from God, it is also meant to be acted upon.
So, is it necessary this morning to write some long detailed treatise about this subject? I think not. I think, the thought that came to MY mind as I read this verse, that God is pointing out to us clearly the fact that He DOES place thoughts and ideas into our minds for His reasons and for us to carry out His suggestions in our lives.
The next time you have some "weird" thought about something, don't just ignore it. Stop and pray about it and ask God for more clarity. He'll answer you. He WILL make it clear.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Jeremiah 33:2-3 (New International Version)
"This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'"
So...You're sitting there quietly reading your Bible or maybe just thinking about this or that and, suddenly, a thought comes into your mind that you hadn't ever, at any point in your life, considered. Maybe it's about missions or mission trips. Perhaps about speaking at your men's or women's group. Possibly about sharing some insight you've never had with someone you know is having some problem or other. Well, the list, of course, is infinite of what could just "pop" into your mind.
And you wonder about it, of course, as we all do. Just where in the world did THAT come from? Why on earth would I consider something of that nature? Me? Speak in public? Go to some unknown village in South America or Asia? Am I losing my mind here???
I think the verse we read today gives a distinct possibility, even the probability, that these unsolicited thoughts might just come from God. Now, not only might this thought you've had come from God, it is also meant to be acted upon.
So, is it necessary this morning to write some long detailed treatise about this subject? I think not. I think, the thought that came to MY mind as I read this verse, that God is pointing out to us clearly the fact that He DOES place thoughts and ideas into our minds for His reasons and for us to carry out His suggestions in our lives.
The next time you have some "weird" thought about something, don't just ignore it. Stop and pray about it and ask God for more clarity. He'll answer you. He WILL make it clear.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Monday, August 2, 2010
Do
Good Morning,
James 1:22 (New International Version)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22 (New Living Translation)
But don't just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
Yes, we all know this short, meaningful verse of Scripture. We've heard it and read it countless numbers of times in many different forms. Still, though, too many of us don't seem to fully comprehend what it is that God is telling us through James' pen.
We do SOME of the things that we hear and read in God's word and the messages God gives to us through those He has chosen to speak to us. But, unfortunately, we aren't as obedient as we ought to be, I don't think. What we human beings do is take it on ourselves to decide which parts, pieces, and sections of God's Word we want to put into practice by DOING. If something fits our personal sense of "well, this seems good" then that is what we will take on and actually go out and "do." But, if there's something that we sort of don't agree with or that we feel doesn't fit our lifestyle or our sensibilities in the right way, well, then we just sort of pass on the "doing" of that.
God's Word is NOT multiple choice. It isn't a pick and choose buffet of some kind where we just "do" those things we like and enjoy and feel right about. What God has put down for us in the Bible are what He would have us "DO" on a regular and ongoing basis. Even when we're not comfortable with the doing. Even when we find it hard in the doing.
You and I both know those things that we don't "do" because, well, I guess we just don't want to. Yes, there are many, many things that need "doing" and not just listening in the Bible. Of course, not every believer is chosen to do every thing, or carry out every idea that God puts before us as individuals. However, I firmly believe that God DOES choose us...you for this and me for that...to DO what He has put before us in His Word. That, my friends, is when we have to put our personal likes, dislikes, desires, and wants on the back burner and carry out exactly what James writes for us in this verse.
When God calls we have to "not merely listen to the word" and what it is He's telling us, but we have to "Do what it says," and be obedient to His calling.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
James 1:22 (New International Version)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22 (New Living Translation)
But don't just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
Yes, we all know this short, meaningful verse of Scripture. We've heard it and read it countless numbers of times in many different forms. Still, though, too many of us don't seem to fully comprehend what it is that God is telling us through James' pen.
We do SOME of the things that we hear and read in God's word and the messages God gives to us through those He has chosen to speak to us. But, unfortunately, we aren't as obedient as we ought to be, I don't think. What we human beings do is take it on ourselves to decide which parts, pieces, and sections of God's Word we want to put into practice by DOING. If something fits our personal sense of "well, this seems good" then that is what we will take on and actually go out and "do." But, if there's something that we sort of don't agree with or that we feel doesn't fit our lifestyle or our sensibilities in the right way, well, then we just sort of pass on the "doing" of that.
God's Word is NOT multiple choice. It isn't a pick and choose buffet of some kind where we just "do" those things we like and enjoy and feel right about. What God has put down for us in the Bible are what He would have us "DO" on a regular and ongoing basis. Even when we're not comfortable with the doing. Even when we find it hard in the doing.
You and I both know those things that we don't "do" because, well, I guess we just don't want to. Yes, there are many, many things that need "doing" and not just listening in the Bible. Of course, not every believer is chosen to do every thing, or carry out every idea that God puts before us as individuals. However, I firmly believe that God DOES choose us...you for this and me for that...to DO what He has put before us in His Word. That, my friends, is when we have to put our personal likes, dislikes, desires, and wants on the back burner and carry out exactly what James writes for us in this verse.
When God calls we have to "not merely listen to the word" and what it is He's telling us, but we have to "Do what it says," and be obedient to His calling.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Galatians 6:1-10
Good Morning,
Galatians 6:1-10 (New International Version)
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
This section of Scripture found its way to me this morning and, as I read it carefully in several translations, I was led to think about what it said as it concerned ME; as the words Paul wrote pertained to the way I live MY life and how I live it. I didn't hear that a message ought to be written to send out to others as to what is meant here or what God wants us all to know. It was very, very personal...that which I was hearing about the verses here...and the thoughts were about what I've done, or not done, that are expressed in the words we read today.
So, if what I heard was directed personally to me, then why am I sending this short section of Scripture along to you and others who read these words? That, my friends, is because immediately following the questioning of my life and my actions, I heard clearly that I'm not alone in needing to read and think about what God has put down through Paul's pen so long ago.
So, what God has clearly said to me, after questioning me, is that we ALL need to look deep inside ourselves as individuals to see if we are being obedient to what God tells us here.
I'm not going to tell you what I have found about me, nor do I expect or want you to tell me...or anyone else...what you might find about you. That is extremely personal and between each of us and our Lord.
So, all I'll ask is that you read these words of Holy Scripture again. Then, I would ask that you might take a few minutes to read other translations to see what nuances might be a bit different so you can see, perhaps, more clearly what God wants you to see. Finally, I hear very clearly that God wants all of us to do what needs to be done in our lives, as individuals and as a community of believers, to come more into line with what He tells us here.
I pray we are all at peace with this today and every day as we live out our Christian lives.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Galatians 6:1-10 (New International Version)
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
This section of Scripture found its way to me this morning and, as I read it carefully in several translations, I was led to think about what it said as it concerned ME; as the words Paul wrote pertained to the way I live MY life and how I live it. I didn't hear that a message ought to be written to send out to others as to what is meant here or what God wants us all to know. It was very, very personal...that which I was hearing about the verses here...and the thoughts were about what I've done, or not done, that are expressed in the words we read today.
So, if what I heard was directed personally to me, then why am I sending this short section of Scripture along to you and others who read these words? That, my friends, is because immediately following the questioning of my life and my actions, I heard clearly that I'm not alone in needing to read and think about what God has put down through Paul's pen so long ago.
So, what God has clearly said to me, after questioning me, is that we ALL need to look deep inside ourselves as individuals to see if we are being obedient to what God tells us here.
I'm not going to tell you what I have found about me, nor do I expect or want you to tell me...or anyone else...what you might find about you. That is extremely personal and between each of us and our Lord.
So, all I'll ask is that you read these words of Holy Scripture again. Then, I would ask that you might take a few minutes to read other translations to see what nuances might be a bit different so you can see, perhaps, more clearly what God wants you to see. Finally, I hear very clearly that God wants all of us to do what needs to be done in our lives, as individuals and as a community of believers, to come more into line with what He tells us here.
I pray we are all at peace with this today and every day as we live out our Christian lives.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
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