Philippians 1
3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
As I read and study the Bible, lots of themes come up: Jesus' sacrifice, God's will, God's plans, our sin, God's love for us. Today, though, the focus was on Philippians: a letter of encouragement.
Oddly enough, Paul starts the letter by explaining about how he is imprisoned for telling the Gospel and he is writing this letter of encouragement to the Philippians from prison. Even more odd, he is trying to encourage the people who are not in prison! You would think they would be trying to encourage him.
Then he explains. He explains how a miracle happened and their chains were broken. He explains how they remained in the prison even though their chains had been miraculously removed, so that the guards would not get in trouble. He explains that is how the guard and his family eventually accepted Jesus as their savior
Paul is still spreading the Gospel even though imprisoned. He is singing hymns and praying aloud and talking about Jesus while chained up. It is from this position that he decides he needs to encourage the Philippians. I don't think he was unconcerned with his own situation. I think he was focused on the Father and what needed to be done to share the Gospel, so that all could be saved whether imprisoned or not. So, he was delighted and grateful when the guard's family became Christians, not depressed about his chains. From this perspective of gratitude, he is telling the Philippians to hang in there. God will finish what He started. Look at what God is doing through Paul's imprisonment!
What do we get from this? We need to encourage one and another! We are all in this together. Look for the good!
Father, please help me to look for the good in every situation and to encourage others rather than be a discouragement. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Just one thing...
Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
-Philippians 1:27
This morning I was concerned about a neighborhood Bible Study. My neighbor and I had planned a meeting with our neighbor ladies, a social, to get to know them. We were hoping to start a Bible Study from it. To our dismay, it turned out very differently.
Based on their feedback during our first get together last night, we are going to start a regular time of socializing instead, at this point. Sounds pathetic compared to starting a Bible study,right? Except that these ladies are disinterested in God and Jesus and the Bible! Whoa! However, they are interested in getting to know each other and making friends in the neighborhood. So, my idea of a Bible study is dead in the water! Complain! Complain! Complain!
Then I read my devotional this morning. I am supposed to be living my life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Well, that includes getting to know the ladies in my neighborhood and sharing the love of God with them through relationships. I realize now that I should be celebrating. I am part of God's plan. I, and my neighbor, are His hands and feet. I met eight ladies last night that God wants to use my neighbor and I to talk to and get to know...and EVENTUALLY to tell them about Him. Along the way, we will show them His love through our actions and words. What a privilege!
So, I have gone from disappointed to honored...only our God can do that!
-Philippians 1:27
This morning I was concerned about a neighborhood Bible Study. My neighbor and I had planned a meeting with our neighbor ladies, a social, to get to know them. We were hoping to start a Bible Study from it. To our dismay, it turned out very differently.
Based on their feedback during our first get together last night, we are going to start a regular time of socializing instead, at this point. Sounds pathetic compared to starting a Bible study,right? Except that these ladies are disinterested in God and Jesus and the Bible! Whoa! However, they are interested in getting to know each other and making friends in the neighborhood. So, my idea of a Bible study is dead in the water! Complain! Complain! Complain!
Then I read my devotional this morning. I am supposed to be living my life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Well, that includes getting to know the ladies in my neighborhood and sharing the love of God with them through relationships. I realize now that I should be celebrating. I am part of God's plan. I, and my neighbor, are His hands and feet. I met eight ladies last night that God wants to use my neighbor and I to talk to and get to know...and EVENTUALLY to tell them about Him. Along the way, we will show them His love through our actions and words. What a privilege!
So, I have gone from disappointed to honored...only our God can do that!
Grumbling
Philippians 2
14 Do everything without complaining*or arguing,
Ouch! Do everything without complaining or arguing (grumbling)? Really? Well, what about when someone forgets to do something important and something I am doing doesn't work out because, after I reminded them multiple times, they forgot to do it? What about when I am sick and can barely move; can't I grumble then? What about when everything is going wrong; can't I at least complain a little bit about that?
Well, according to Philippians 2:14, nope! We are supposed to focus on God and remember the good things He has done for us, the love He given us by sending His Son to die for our sins so we can be with Him in heaven someday. We should remember that the person who failed to do their part, may have lots of other issues that we know nothing about. Complaining and grumbling about them, or to them, won't change the results and it will worsen the other persons already cumbersome issues.
What if they don't have any issues you ask, but need to know that they are doing things incorrectly? Well, through prayer, if you believe God is telling you to discuss this issue with them, then you should do it as lovingly as you can. That doesn't mean it will turn out perfectly, but it does mean that you still should not complain or grumble to them or behind their backs. If you have a problem with someone, you should discuss it with them, not others. In the long run, they appreciate it (and that may be a VERY LONG, long run)!
If you are the one who is feeling messed up because of an illness or everything is going wrong, remember that you too, should seek advice first from God through prayer. Remember, everything going wrong might not even be about you! It could be God has something else going on which you know nothing about.
So, "Do everything without complaining or arguing." Easier said than done initially, but in the long run, easier to do than to undo!
Father, please help all of us to love each other as you love us. Please help us to keep our focus on you and then others and not on us! In Jesus' Christ name I pray. Amen
Ouch! Do everything without complaining or arguing (grumbling)? Really? Well, what about when someone forgets to do something important and something I am doing doesn't work out because, after I reminded them multiple times, they forgot to do it? What about when I am sick and can barely move; can't I grumble then? What about when everything is going wrong; can't I at least complain a little bit about that?
Well, according to Philippians 2:14, nope! We are supposed to focus on God and remember the good things He has done for us, the love He given us by sending His Son to die for our sins so we can be with Him in heaven someday. We should remember that the person who failed to do their part, may have lots of other issues that we know nothing about. Complaining and grumbling about them, or to them, won't change the results and it will worsen the other persons already cumbersome issues.
What if they don't have any issues you ask, but need to know that they are doing things incorrectly? Well, through prayer, if you believe God is telling you to discuss this issue with them, then you should do it as lovingly as you can. That doesn't mean it will turn out perfectly, but it does mean that you still should not complain or grumble to them or behind their backs. If you have a problem with someone, you should discuss it with them, not others. In the long run, they appreciate it (and that may be a VERY LONG, long run)!
If you are the one who is feeling messed up because of an illness or everything is going wrong, remember that you too, should seek advice first from God through prayer. Remember, everything going wrong might not even be about you! It could be God has something else going on which you know nothing about.
So, "Do everything without complaining or arguing." Easier said than done initially, but in the long run, easier to do than to undo!
Father, please help all of us to love each other as you love us. Please help us to keep our focus on you and then others and not on us! In Jesus' Christ name I pray. Amen
It's not about you
Philippians 3
17Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity 1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
It is not about you. Rick Warren started out his book Forty Days Of Purpose with this sentence. I have never forgotten it! If I keep my focus on God, and God's plan through prayer and reading/studying the Bible, it will be about God, not me. By the same token, I, whether I like it or not, am an example to the rest of the world of Christ! So, even though it is not about me, everything I do and say demonstrates to others God's love (or not, if I am having a bad day)!
Bad days! Not fun! What I have discovered over the years is that bad days are days when I am focused on what I want, what I think I need, what I think others need to do. Are you seeing the theme? It is all about me. Eventually prayer, scripture, or the look on someone's face, or their words, bring me back to the reality, once again, that I am off track and focused on the wrong person. It is not about me!
Everything is about God.
Father please help me to focus on you, your love for everyone, including me, your faithfulness, your protection, your plan, your power! In Jesus name I pray! Amen
17Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity 1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
It is not about you. Rick Warren started out his book Forty Days Of Purpose with this sentence. I have never forgotten it! If I keep my focus on God, and God's plan through prayer and reading/studying the Bible, it will be about God, not me. By the same token, I, whether I like it or not, am an example to the rest of the world of Christ! So, even though it is not about me, everything I do and say demonstrates to others God's love (or not, if I am having a bad day)!
Bad days! Not fun! What I have discovered over the years is that bad days are days when I am focused on what I want, what I think I need, what I think others need to do. Are you seeing the theme? It is all about me. Eventually prayer, scripture, or the look on someone's face, or their words, bring me back to the reality, once again, that I am off track and focused on the wrong person. It is not about me!
Everything is about God.
Father please help me to focus on you, your love for everyone, including me, your faithfulness, your protection, your plan, your power! In Jesus name I pray! Amen
Our reality is a Shadow of things to come
Colissians 2
16Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
The reality is Christ. Rest in that. The reality is Christ. We don't have to worry whether what others are doing is correct or Christian-like. We don't have to make up rules to prove we are Christians. We just need to follow Christ; to strive to be now like Him every day. Christ wants each of us to be us...but with our focus on Him.
So, what one person believes they should do, may not be what another thinks they should do. That is okay, and it is okay according to God! Isn't it interesting that we decide people must do this or that our say certain things or follow certain things before we are comfortable with their salvation! Wow! Did you just see what I wrote? Until we are comfortable with their salvation.
This scripture verse not only teaches us that we have the right, the obligation, to follow the Holy Spirit about what we think is right for us to do or not do, but it teaches us we don't have the right to judge others. That business is between God and them, just like our business is between God and us.
So..."mind your own business" as my parents used to say. That doesn't mean I am not watching to see if someone needs help or a shoulder to lean on, but it does mean I withhold judgment about their spirituality. It is not my place to judge. Do you really want them to judge you?
16Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
The reality is Christ. Rest in that. The reality is Christ. We don't have to worry whether what others are doing is correct or Christian-like. We don't have to make up rules to prove we are Christians. We just need to follow Christ; to strive to be now like Him every day. Christ wants each of us to be us...but with our focus on Him.
So, what one person believes they should do, may not be what another thinks they should do. That is okay, and it is okay according to God! Isn't it interesting that we decide people must do this or that our say certain things or follow certain things before we are comfortable with their salvation! Wow! Did you just see what I wrote? Until we are comfortable with their salvation.
This scripture verse not only teaches us that we have the right, the obligation, to follow the Holy Spirit about what we think is right for us to do or not do, but it teaches us we don't have the right to judge others. That business is between God and them, just like our business is between God and us.
So..."mind your own business" as my parents used to say. That doesn't mean I am not watching to see if someone needs help or a shoulder to lean on, but it does mean I withhold judgment about their spirituality. It is not my place to judge. Do you really want them to judge you?
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Conflict among Christians. How to find peace.
Philipians 4
2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
This is a about a huge conflict between two Christians. Paul wants them to resolve it...to be of the same mind as the Lord.
What peace these verses give me today. We are in the middle of a conflict amongst some Christians. I keep stressing over it, and then repeatedly give it back to God when I realize I am worrying about it instead of trusting Him.
Now for the good news. I don't know how the other party is feeling, because they are not talking to us. However, I have come to realize that because of this rift in our relationship with these people I have more time to focus on Bible study, my husband, my neighbors, my other family members, my extended family. So, because of a rift, there are areas in my life that are better than before. Plus I am learning to keep my focus more on God and learning to pray constantly. I think that is so cool. This demonstrates how God can take any situation and make something great out of it!
I know this situation will not resolve itself anytime soon, but I also trust God will take care of it eventually...I do not need to be the one to do it! What a relief!
Here is a checklist from shereadstruth.comb that helps me focus on what to do in worrisome situations:
2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
This is a about a huge conflict between two Christians. Paul wants them to resolve it...to be of the same mind as the Lord.
What peace these verses give me today. We are in the middle of a conflict amongst some Christians. I keep stressing over it, and then repeatedly give it back to God when I realize I am worrying about it instead of trusting Him.
Now for the good news. I don't know how the other party is feeling, because they are not talking to us. However, I have come to realize that because of this rift in our relationship with these people I have more time to focus on Bible study, my husband, my neighbors, my other family members, my extended family. So, because of a rift, there are areas in my life that are better than before. Plus I am learning to keep my focus more on God and learning to pray constantly. I think that is so cool. This demonstrates how God can take any situation and make something great out of it!
I know this situation will not resolve itself anytime soon, but I also trust God will take care of it eventually...I do not need to be the one to do it! What a relief!
Here is a checklist from shereadstruth.comb that helps me focus on what to do in worrisome situations:
1. Rejoice in the Lord (v. 4). Have I reminded myself of the joy in knowing Christ and that He, no matter the conflict I’m in, has already triumphed over it all? Though it may be the last thing I feel like doing, I am called to rejoice!
2. Practice grace and patience (v. 5). Am I being gracious and patient as I wait for the Lord and HIS resolution?
3. Pray steadfastly (v. 6). Have I poured out my heart to God, asking for His help and showing gratitude that He hears me and is already working on my behalf
4. Dwell on Him, not the problem (v. 8). Am I focusing on God’s Word and His character— His beauty, compassion, righteousness, grace— instead of on the conflict?
5. Obey Him (v. 9). Am I letting God be God, regardless of the conflict, holding onto my faith and obediently following His will? Or am I abandoning His truth and being driven to sin?
Thank you, Father, for reminding us what we need to do to have your peace. Amen
Monday, October 5, 2015
Do you want to be happy?
Philippians 1
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace
Grace and peace. Grace is God's gift to us. Free. No charge. No work prerequisite. No perfection. No awards. Just believe in Jesus Christ. That he died. Was in the tomb three days. God raised Him from the dead. He is in heaven. He is our intermediary between a Holy God and sinful man, us. We can talk to God because of Jesus. God talks to us because Jesus makes us holy!
Peace.
I Peter5
5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”[a]
How do we find peace? Humility. Count others better. Serve others. Most importantly, serve God. If you serve God, you will serve others. You will be humble. You will be at peace.
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace
Grace and peace. Grace is God's gift to us. Free. No charge. No work prerequisite. No perfection. No awards. Just believe in Jesus Christ. That he died. Was in the tomb three days. God raised Him from the dead. He is in heaven. He is our intermediary between a Holy God and sinful man, us. We can talk to God because of Jesus. God talks to us because Jesus makes us holy!
Peace.
I Peter5
5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”[a]
How do we find peace? Humility. Count others better. Serve others. Most importantly, serve God. If you serve God, you will serve others. You will be humble. You will be at peace.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Are difficult people the enemy?
Romans 13
8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 10Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 11And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.[c]
Are difficult people the devil? Are difficult people all sinners? I know you are probably thinking, YES! Well, maybe, and maybe not. What about people who are not difficult? Are they not sinners just because they are not difficult?
Well, let's look at difficult people. First, there must be some sin or they wouldn't be "difficult" right? However, we must never let ourselves fall into the trap of focusing on others' faults. Remember, we are ALL sinners! No one is perfect. So, we can't say they are sinners outright. Maybe they just disagree with us? Or maybe they really are bigtime sinners? Well, unfortunately for that argument, we all are!
So, let's switch our focus from the difficult person to perhaps a cause of their (and our sin). Let's look at the originator of sin, Satan. Satan came into the garden and really messed things up (remember Adam and Eve made some bad choices also). Eventually, Satan was thrown out of heaven and lost the battle in heaven when Christ died on the cross and God raised Him from the dead. Yea! Well, guess where he is now! You guessed; right here! Satan and his cohorts are right here on the earth right now! He is waging war here since he has lost in heaven. This won't last forever. He was only given a period of time by God to be down here, and then he is a goner. The Bible tells us he only has a limited time. However, while he is here, he wants to do as much damage as possible. How? Well, the best way? Use the Christians!!!! Make Christians think they are better than others. Make them think difficult people are the problem.
That brings us right back to difficult people in our lives. Basically, difficult people are not the problem; sin is. Satan is. The good news is, God sent His son to cover all of our sins and set us free from the yoke of sin. If you know someone who is difficult, instead of complaining, share Christ with them. As a Christian, I am still a sinner, but I am a sinner set free from the guilt and shame of sin! So, I should want to share that with others. Shouldn't I?
What should we do everyday? Love everyone, and remember when they are difficult, it is the sin you should not like, not them. We must remember that we have the armor of God to protect us from falling for Satan's temptations. We must be in the Word and pray unceasingly! We must share the Good News!
Father, please help me to remember that I should hate the sin and love the sinner of which I am foremost. In Jesus name. Amen
8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 10Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 11And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.[c]
Are difficult people the devil? Are difficult people all sinners? I know you are probably thinking, YES! Well, maybe, and maybe not. What about people who are not difficult? Are they not sinners just because they are not difficult?
Well, let's look at difficult people. First, there must be some sin or they wouldn't be "difficult" right? However, we must never let ourselves fall into the trap of focusing on others' faults. Remember, we are ALL sinners! No one is perfect. So, we can't say they are sinners outright. Maybe they just disagree with us? Or maybe they really are bigtime sinners? Well, unfortunately for that argument, we all are!
So, let's switch our focus from the difficult person to perhaps a cause of their (and our sin). Let's look at the originator of sin, Satan. Satan came into the garden and really messed things up (remember Adam and Eve made some bad choices also). Eventually, Satan was thrown out of heaven and lost the battle in heaven when Christ died on the cross and God raised Him from the dead. Yea! Well, guess where he is now! You guessed; right here! Satan and his cohorts are right here on the earth right now! He is waging war here since he has lost in heaven. This won't last forever. He was only given a period of time by God to be down here, and then he is a goner. The Bible tells us he only has a limited time. However, while he is here, he wants to do as much damage as possible. How? Well, the best way? Use the Christians!!!! Make Christians think they are better than others. Make them think difficult people are the problem.
That brings us right back to difficult people in our lives. Basically, difficult people are not the problem; sin is. Satan is. The good news is, God sent His son to cover all of our sins and set us free from the yoke of sin. If you know someone who is difficult, instead of complaining, share Christ with them. As a Christian, I am still a sinner, but I am a sinner set free from the guilt and shame of sin! So, I should want to share that with others. Shouldn't I?
What should we do everyday? Love everyone, and remember when they are difficult, it is the sin you should not like, not them. We must remember that we have the armor of God to protect us from falling for Satan's temptations. We must be in the Word and pray unceasingly! We must share the Good News!
Father, please help me to remember that I should hate the sin and love the sinner of which I am foremost. In Jesus name. Amen
John 3:30
John 3:30
He must increase, and I must decrease.
I have heard this verse several times in the past few days. At church, as 32 people were baptized and we celebrated College Park's 30th year anniversary, this is what I heard over and over again! The pastor pointed out this is a God thing; it is not about us. He must increase; we must decrease. If we focus on God, the focus on Him increases. If everything focused on God, how could life not be perfect!
When we say He must increase, and we must decrease, we don't mean that we do not have to do anything anymore. We don't mean God will do everything...although He can if He wants to. God likes to include us in the things He is working out here on this earth. He likes us to be part of things...to learn...to grow...to be His hands and feet. We just have to ensure we don't make ourselves the focus instead of God. This focus on self is easy in our generation. Everything is all about instant gratification! So, focusing on God, is counter-intuitive to this day and age. However, when we do focus on God, instead of our instant gratification, we will see wonderful things happen. For instance...
Today, my devotional was about being in unity in Ephesians 4:1-16 - Unity and Diversity. It seems to connect so well to the increase/decrease theme. The church is one, yet we are all diverse and given unique talents. If we focus on ourselves, we start comparing/contrasting our talents, jealousy and envy set in, discord has arrived. However, if we focus on God, we realize we shouldn't be envious of other's talents as they are gifts from God for a specific purpose. God ensures everyone will have the gift(s) they need, so that His will is accomplished. So that He can increase and we will decrease.
So, whatever your gift, or gifts, use them regularly and humbly, so that Christ will become greater and we will become less. Praise others for using their gift(s) regularly and humbly.
All for His kingdom!
He must increase, and I must decrease.
I have heard this verse several times in the past few days. At church, as 32 people were baptized and we celebrated College Park's 30th year anniversary, this is what I heard over and over again! The pastor pointed out this is a God thing; it is not about us. He must increase; we must decrease. If we focus on God, the focus on Him increases. If everything focused on God, how could life not be perfect!
When we say He must increase, and we must decrease, we don't mean that we do not have to do anything anymore. We don't mean God will do everything...although He can if He wants to. God likes to include us in the things He is working out here on this earth. He likes us to be part of things...to learn...to grow...to be His hands and feet. We just have to ensure we don't make ourselves the focus instead of God. This focus on self is easy in our generation. Everything is all about instant gratification! So, focusing on God, is counter-intuitive to this day and age. However, when we do focus on God, instead of our instant gratification, we will see wonderful things happen. For instance...
Today, my devotional was about being in unity in Ephesians 4:1-16 - Unity and Diversity. It seems to connect so well to the increase/decrease theme. The church is one, yet we are all diverse and given unique talents. If we focus on ourselves, we start comparing/contrasting our talents, jealousy and envy set in, discord has arrived. However, if we focus on God, we realize we shouldn't be envious of other's talents as they are gifts from God for a specific purpose. God ensures everyone will have the gift(s) they need, so that His will is accomplished. So that He can increase and we will decrease.
So, whatever your gift, or gifts, use them regularly and humbly, so that Christ will become greater and we will become less. Praise others for using their gift(s) regularly and humbly.
All for His kingdom!
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Amazing. We know that we don't get to heaven through doing good things (works). It is only by God's freely given gift of Jesus Christ that we get to pray directly to God, have the Holy Spirit in us for guidance and wisdom, and know that we are free because Christ has already taken the punishment for every sin we could commit. That is fantastic news! Can't get any better than that, right? Then I read Ephesians 2:10, and it turns out life can get better!
Not only is all of this given to us freely, but God knows we will be so grateful and want to show our love for Him to others out of gratitude that, according to Ephesians 2:10, He has already decided there are some things we could do to help others learn about the truths we have learned and have the freedom we have. He has already planned some "good works" for us to do! We are always in His thoughts, His plans, His love.
Anyone who thinks this creation came from some explosion that accidentally put everything together, has not read the Bible. Only in the Bible, can you see how God has been weaving everything together since the beginning of time!
What an awesome God we have! What a privilege to be part of His plan!
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Amazing. We know that we don't get to heaven through doing good things (works). It is only by God's freely given gift of Jesus Christ that we get to pray directly to God, have the Holy Spirit in us for guidance and wisdom, and know that we are free because Christ has already taken the punishment for every sin we could commit. That is fantastic news! Can't get any better than that, right? Then I read Ephesians 2:10, and it turns out life can get better!
Not only is all of this given to us freely, but God knows we will be so grateful and want to show our love for Him to others out of gratitude that, according to Ephesians 2:10, He has already decided there are some things we could do to help others learn about the truths we have learned and have the freedom we have. He has already planned some "good works" for us to do! We are always in His thoughts, His plans, His love.
Anyone who thinks this creation came from some explosion that accidentally put everything together, has not read the Bible. Only in the Bible, can you see how God has been weaving everything together since the beginning of time!
What an awesome God we have! What a privilege to be part of His plan!
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Control yourself, not others
Colossians 3:23-24
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Today's devotion was about submission. You know in Ephesians 5 where it tells wives to submit to their husbands, husbands to love their wives as themselves, slaves to honor their masters, children to obey their parents, father's not to exasperate their children, and masters to treat their slaves correctly? So, basically, no matter what is going on in this fallen world, we are to be submissive, or respectful, to others for their sake not ours.
Well, well, well. That is a really great idea, but let's get a reality check. This is really hard to do! How hard is it to do? One person commented that when they became a Christian, people noticed a change in them. They became a good person: no more swearing or lying or course jokes. However, then they noticed that there were a lot of people who appeared to be "good" and many of them were NOT Christians. That is so true; I know lots of people I think are much kinder and more considerate of others than I am and these people are not Christians.
So, what is the difference? How am I a good example if people who are not Christians can be kinder and more patient than I can? How can people tell Christians apart from this world? The answer: Ephesians 5. Submit yourselves one to another. If you submit to one another, you don't have to have your way, you want what Christ wants. You do what others want, as long as it is in God's will, because it is the right thing to do and it allows others to know they are important to us and God. We seek God and His teachings and pray unceasing to stay close to Him, so that we can know His will and submit to it.
If God knows everything and is everywhere and is all powerful, we would be crazy not to submit to His will...His perfect will. We need to submit to others, not our own little agenda in order to reflect Christ. We need to control ourselves first, through the strength of Christ, and not try to control others. God will take care of "the others." Then, and only then, will people look at us and say, they are different; they are not just kind and good. They are different! We are different, because our focus is on serving Christ!
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Today's devotion was about submission. You know in Ephesians 5 where it tells wives to submit to their husbands, husbands to love their wives as themselves, slaves to honor their masters, children to obey their parents, father's not to exasperate their children, and masters to treat their slaves correctly? So, basically, no matter what is going on in this fallen world, we are to be submissive, or respectful, to others for their sake not ours.
Well, well, well. That is a really great idea, but let's get a reality check. This is really hard to do! How hard is it to do? One person commented that when they became a Christian, people noticed a change in them. They became a good person: no more swearing or lying or course jokes. However, then they noticed that there were a lot of people who appeared to be "good" and many of them were NOT Christians. That is so true; I know lots of people I think are much kinder and more considerate of others than I am and these people are not Christians.
So, what is the difference? How am I a good example if people who are not Christians can be kinder and more patient than I can? How can people tell Christians apart from this world? The answer: Ephesians 5. Submit yourselves one to another. If you submit to one another, you don't have to have your way, you want what Christ wants. You do what others want, as long as it is in God's will, because it is the right thing to do and it allows others to know they are important to us and God. We seek God and His teachings and pray unceasing to stay close to Him, so that we can know His will and submit to it.
If God knows everything and is everywhere and is all powerful, we would be crazy not to submit to His will...His perfect will. We need to submit to others, not our own little agenda in order to reflect Christ. We need to control ourselves first, through the strength of Christ, and not try to control others. God will take care of "the others." Then, and only then, will people look at us and say, they are different; they are not just kind and good. They are different! We are different, because our focus is on serving Christ!
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