8/1/12- Praying Abba, Father

⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:“‘Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name, (Mt. 6:9)

¹⁶ Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

¹⁵ 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.” (Rom. 8:15)

³⁶ “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will. (Mark 14:36)

(Jesus in Garden of Gethsemane praying- Warner Sallman 1942)

SCQ. 100 What does the preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us?
A. The preface of the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father in heaven", teaches us to come near to God with full, holy, reverence and confidence, as children come to a father who is able and ready to help us.  It also teaches us to pray with and for others. 

Thoughts: God is not just a father- he is "abba father."  When Jesus was facing his torture and death he still called out "abba, father."  In some ways having faith in God is being able to trust in Him as our father calling him "abba" (an endearing term for a father- similar to "daddy").  Paul says that we do not need to scared of God we are God's adopted children who can call him "abba father."  We can pray with confidence because we know God loves us, cares for us, provides for us, sustains us, watches over us. 

7/31/12- God our Father

⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:“‘Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name, (Mt. 6:9)

SCQ. 100 What does the preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us?
A. The preface of the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father in heaven", teaches us to come near to God with full, holy, reverence and confidence, as children come to a father who is able and ready to help us.  It also teaches us to pray with and for others. 

(Michelangelo- Sistine Chapel- Vatican)

Thoughts: Any language of God will be limited, and in this case, no father can fully represent the fatherhood and love of God.  Yet, the idea of a perfect father is not to be given up easily.  Jesus' point in not only allowing but encouraging us to call God "Father" is so that we may know of the personal care of God, and that we should trust in God as a child trusts in their father.  God is not so far removed from us that He cannot help or care.  Yet in calling God "Father" versus the pagan "mother" of almost all the surrounding cultures and religions, Jesus is pointing to the subtle separation in creation.  Creation is not God- we are not linked to God simply by our being- forming from His womb.  There is no umbilical cord to cut. Pantheism and panentheism are denied, but so is deism and atheism.  God cares for us though we are separate from Him.  While God is like or similar to a mother (Isa. 66:12), scripture never calls God mother or feminine, and to portray God in that way goes against how God is portrayed in scripture.  God is separate from us- in heaven.  He is the good father- where earthly fathers fail.  He is the father in a different place and so deserves our reverence.  But since He is our Father- we can approach the holy one with confidence.

Prayer: Father, help me to trust and call on you- finding you my provider, sustainer, and help.

[Modern Translation: Q. 100. What does the beginning of the Lord’s prayer teach us?
A. The beginning of the Lord’s prayer (Our Father in heaven) teaches us to draw near to God with
completely holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father who is able and ready to help us. It also teaches that we should pray with and for others.]

7/29/12- Teach Us to Pray

11 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

² He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.

³ Give us each day our daily bread. ⁴ Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.  And lead us not into temptation.

Thoughts: If you could ask God how we should pray, wouldn't that be helpful?  God in the flesh gave us a prayer that acts as a living, breathing model.  It is not static, but applies to each person each day (for example everyone needs the daily bread- daily forgiveness, daily seeking God's will).
The Lord's Prayer was a prayer meant to be memorized.  In Luke 11:1 we see that it was common practice for teachers (rabbis) to sum up their teaching in a prayer- so Jesus sums his up here. There are two parts to the prayer (with an introduction and doxology surrounding the whole).  One part focuses on God, and the other on us.  There are three petitions- or talking points to each part (6 petitions in all).  This prayer teaches us about God and ourselves.  It is clear from both Matthew 6 (the other rendition of this prayer) and Luke 11 that Jesus simply wishes us to talk to God and do so from the heart.  

Prayer: Lord, do not just teach me to pray- help me to pray- with groans and longings from your Spirit.  Draw me ever closer by the mystery of prayer into the mystery of your love and presence. 

7/27/12- God's World

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mt. 28:16-20)

Thoughts: Watching the Olympics, I can't help but think of these verses.  For it tells us that Jesus is in charge of all the world.  I have a hard time knowing where each of these countries are.  But God not only knows where each country is, but knows each athlete, each person by name.  If a computer can know it, and that is just a human creation, why can we not grasp that God not only knows about each area, but as maker also shapes each area. God also cares that the whole world know about Jesus Christ.  Our task is to spread the good news to all the world.  Not just teaching for information- but also teaching to listen and heed what God says.  His promise is not only to be there to the ends of the earth- but also to the end of the age. The olympic rings symbolize unity among diverse peoples, but the best unity is found in the Creator who makes us all diverse.
   As I watch the Olympics tonight I think of my church friends flying even now to Peru as ambassadors for Christ. 


Prayer: Lord, give me a heart for the world because that is your heart. Give me grace to be a good ambassador for you wherever I go. 


(Jerusalem- unofficial hymn of United Kingdom)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKaJ4b0XYmI

7/27/12- Opportunity to Share Faith

Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should.  Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.  (Col. 4:4-6)

Thoughts: Paul was always looking for an opportunity to share his greatest love- his Lord.  He asked for prayer to get the word out and encouraged them to make the most of every opportunity.  Paul asked that their conversation be full of grace and seasoned with salt.  That is it was to be kind, listening, but not afraid to speak up for God.  The world needs to know of the love of God- that they are not alone, and may have hope and a purpose.  When we speak with grace and salt trying to honor God- the Holy Spirit gives us wisdom so we may answer everyone who has questions.   Paul asks for prayer because it is God who helps us speak, using the most of the mission opportunities before us.


Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to the mission opportunities before me this day.  Let my words be sweet and salty- and honoring toward you.

7/26/12- Specific Prayers

Ad don't forget to pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains.

Thoughts: Paul's request for prayer is not just for listening and for vague generalities.  Christian prayer is not simply meditation or for comfort.  We have a God who acts and is King of the universe.  So the Lord is the one who opens doors of opportunity for us.  We do not simply ask God for strength that we may open the door, or cope when the door is closed.  Our secular culture has seeped into our churches, because we seem to have lost faith that God can do anything.  Some falsely try to protect God by thinking they cannot ask God to do anything.  God had blessed us so much, but we seemed to have lost faith in His ability to bless (much less curse or withhold blessing) or open doors that are shut.  God is not so far removed, so deaf, with an arm that is so short that He cannot act in His creation.  We do not serve a God who simply created the universe like a clock maker winds a clock and then leaves- maybe until it is broken.  But we serve the God who opens doors when they are shut- who does impossibly more than all we ask or imagine- who raises Christ when He is dead.  So live like that today, and pray like that too!

Prayer: God, there are doors shut in your way- that are blocking your glory.  Open those doors- and use me to go through them, and take the opportunity to honor you today- for Christ's sake- for your honor- in Jesus' name- Amen.

7/24/12 Devote Yourself to Prayer

"Devote yourself to prayer" (Col. 4:2)

Thoughts: Prayer and devotion go together like ham and eggs in the spiritual realm.  In fact prayer is often defined as devotion and vice versa,  It takes a whole lot of prayer to stay devoted to God.  It takes devotion to God to be motivated to pray. 
But how much do we have to pray in order to fulfill this command?  The answer is not quantifiable.  We should not expect to find a line in the sand on which this side lies devotion and the other is not enough devotion.  The Spirit leads us, promts us, and helps us pray.  Perhaps our task is to listen and respond in prayer when we are motivated to do so, but that is not quite the point of this command.  We should have some order or plan to our prayerfulness.  The discipline ofprayer comes out of this desire to be devoted to prayer.  Monks and nuns pray at certain set times.  Calvin invited all to pray five times a day: when we awake, eating 3 times, and when we sleep.  The point is to have purpose In your time.
Perhaps too we should seek purpose in our content.  If you have a list to pray about, it might help to be devoted.  Perhaps this list could be family members, officials, pastors or leaders in the church, members of your church/Clas/group,  a list of those who need faith, missionaries.  Perhaps even a set prayer to pray (like the prayer of Jabez).  Some suggest praying for different groups on different days.  God is less concerned with the how or pattern as much as that we do it.  It takes effort to talk to God properly, and yet it is the easiest thing to do.  It is easy to pray impromptu.  It is work to be devoted in prayer.

Prayer: In my prayer , Lord, may I grow in devotion, but more importantly, grow closer to you.

7/23/12- Devoted to Prayer

² Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2)

(Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane- Hoffman- where he said to watch and pray)


Thoughts: For most in the secular West, prayer is something we do when we're in trouble, sad or grieving, caught in a jam or don't know where to go.  But here the advice given not only to the Colossians but to all of us is to devote ourselves to prayer.
    Prayer is conversation with God.  It is talking to God in a relationship, but as many who have a consistent prayer life say, it is also listening.  While the Spirit of God speaks through the Word, the Spirit speaks in providence and in that still small voice when we are watching for it as Elijah was watching for God's presence.
    Our passage says we should be watchful and thankful.  Jesus said it in the garden- watch and pray lest you fall into temptation (Mt. 26:41).  Watching means watching like watchmen in a tower looking for the enemy, but also for a relief column.  We are to be people looking for God's hand and thankful for it.  The world is not watching for God and are blind to His movements.  But we are called to watch and be thankful.
    The way to watch, the way to listen is to pray. Not just a rote prayer- or someone else's prayer.  But developing your own prayer list, your own prayer life.  A prayer list may be for government officials by name, for specific requests for your family members,church leaders and members, sunday school or Bible study group, and people you work with if you work.  Taking a long, slow time to pray is important if you want to be devoted to prayer.

Prayer: Help me to watch and pray with thanksgiving, Lord.  Help me to be devoted to you by being devoted to prayer. 

7/22/12- Who We Serve

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. (Colossians 3:23,24)

(Mural in Bethany commemorating Mary's anointing of Jesus.  Every time we see Mary she is at Jesus' feet).

Thoughts: When people treat us unfairly we should not be surprised.  I used to tell my children who wanted to have the exact same measure of everything given to them- that while we tried to be fair, sometimes it was not possible, and that the world is not fair.  When the teacher does not give you a fair shake; when the boss recognizes another's work before yours; when you are punished for something that you did not do; when someone is rude to you when you did not deserve it; when the world is not fair to you- then remember, Paul says, you have someone who sees it all.  He holds people to account and will repay them for their wrongs (vs. 24)- even if they are important and powerful by human standards.  Christians do not give up when the world treats them unfairly.  We remember how the world treated Jesus- and how we treat Him too.  Instead of giving up- we serve the unrighteous as if we are serving Christ- this is part of turning the other cheek.  Unrighteousness, ironically, is overcome when the righteous do not give up when they are treated unjustly.

Prayer: Look out for us Lord, especially when we are treated unfairly.  Help us to have the grace and strength to serve others because ultimately we serve you.

7/21/12- It is Christ that we Serve

 ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.¹⁸ Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

²¹ Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵ Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

(Mary Magdalene anointing Christ's feet- serving Him)

Thoughts: The context of the advice to wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves (1/3 of the Roman empire were slaves and most of the early gentile church were slaves), is "whatever you do" (vs. 17 and vs. 23).  So the whole passage is an explanation of "whatever you do."  It is like saying, "wherever you are" or "wherever you find yourself" this is some advice for you.  Verse 17 says that whatever we do should be done in Christ's name. Verse 23 says that we should do "whatever we do" with all our heart.  We should do our best- not just to win other's approval- to get prestige and human honor- but to honor God.  Verse 24 points out that God rewards His servants (25 points out God punishes those who do wrong).  Verse 24 also points out that we are not serving just human beings, but Christ.  So, when we run into the complaining customer, the critic, the grouchy family member, the harsh or embittering father, or the overbearing boss, we should think of that sinner as someone God has made and cares about.  We serve them not because they deserve it, but because Christ deserves to be glorified.  If we take this seriously, it could change our life!

Prayer: Help me to serve you, O Lord, and honor you in whatever I do. 

7/20/12- Focus on the Name

¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.


Thoughts: Perhaps this is one of the greatest verses of meaning in life. There is to be a purpose, a direction in what we do.  This speaks to all of life being lived for Christ- not just our words- but our deeds, and not just our deeds but our words too.  Our walk must match our talk, but our talk must explain our walk. Some speak of their faith but do not live it- but most Christians live their faith but refuse to explain it to anyone.
This passage also gives importance to the "name of Jesus" for we are to do everything in this name.  In a day of pluralism, we tend to hide the name of Jesus lest it be offensive to anyone.  The trend in the last five years is to say, "In his name we pray."  But "his" can be nebulous and inoffensive.  It is Jesus that is narrow and particular.  But it is Jesus' name that has power and strength.  It is Christ who enables us to give thanks to God the Father.  It is the name of Christ that heals, strengthens, frees, and gives life and meaning. To do things in Jesus' name means to not do anything contrary to His will.  It means that we are stewards- his hands and feet who do His will for His sake.  


Prayer: Help me, strengthen me, to call on your name, to act on your name, and speak your name. 

7/18/12- Household lists

¹⁸ Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

²¹ Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.

Thoughts: There are several household lists in the scripture and especially the New Testament- Ephesians 5 and 1 John 2 are two prime examples.  I have heard some say that such passages are no longer valid for us because they are written by a primitive,patriarchal culture and we know so much more today.  There is some truth that we must appreciate the culture that the Bible was written in- otherwise it would not make any sense at all.  For example, we do not have slaves today in America (unless you want to call those who are in debt up to their eyeballs slaves- or indentured servants).  On a side note- the Bible does not encourage slavery- but it limits slavery and debt (the year of Jubilee, for example, all Hebrew slaves were set free and debts forgiven). Yet there are some major principles here from which we can learn. I would contend that we are not more civil than the culture in the scripture.  There is much more divorce (it has hovered around 50% since the great rebellion in the 60's), more abuse, and more drug abuse, anxiety and depression than ever.
      Let's look at some principles here:
1) Submission- Eph. 5:21 and 1 Peter 2:13ff. speak of the need of everyone to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.  

2) Love- love is something all are called to do as well.  In our society that values lust over love, selfishness over sacrifice- love is God's claim upon us. 

3) Not being harsh- harshness is similar to meanness.  It is degrading and demeaning others.  Those who have the ability to be harsh without repercussions need to be sensitive and kind.  A great example of this regard is Boaz. 
4) Obedience- We are all called to live a life of obedience to those over us.  Yes, there are times when God delivers us (like Moses from Egypt, Gideon from the Midianites, Hezekiah from the Assyrians, Elijah from Jezebel, Peter and John from the authorities).  We must always, when there is a conflict, obey God rather than humans.
5) Not embittering- It is too easy to rub someone's nose in the dirt just because you can.  Parents especially need to be kind to their children- welcoming them back as the prodigal, not insisting in their own way. 
6) Work- when we are called to work we should work not just for money or because we have to ("I owe, I owe so off to work I go").  Christians are called to do the best we can- the best work possible as a witness to our faith- going the extra mile- not just for show or to maintain our job, contributing to society. 
7) Sincerity and reverence- All Christians are called to live our lives deeply, transparently, purely.  "Sincerely" means literally "without wax."  Wax was used to cover up and protect what was waxed over, and it was also used like bondo on cars- to fill in- but it was not as strong.  Reverence for God- respect for Him breeds sincerity and purity in the way we live. 
In our day of selfishness, selfishness, harshness, having to have our own way, embitterness, poor-work ethic, deceptiveness and lack of respect and holiness- this passage teaches us a different- and I believe- better way to live. 


Prayer: In a world full of heartache and selfishness , Lord teach me a different way- your way of peace. 

7/15/12= The Balance

Put to death therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature- sexual immorality, lust, evil desires and greed...rid yourselves of anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language. Do not lie to each other...As God's chosen people and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiving each other and above all else put on love. (Colossians 3)

(Maria Spelterini- walking across Niagara Falls with a balancing pole 7/4/1876). 

Thought: If you have ever watched a tightrope walker "walk across the air" with a balancing pole, it is important that one side of the pole not be heavier than the other.  The earthly things weigh us down and throw us off the path to God-- these must be gotten rid of.  The heavenly things are ethereal and keep us up.  So we are to add on weight to the heavenly side and take off the bad things that tend to pull us down to the ground.  Many are clamoring that we cannot make it- that we should fall like they did- that the task of living for Christ is impossible.  But they forget the invisible hand that not only tells us how we can get across (the commandments), but also graciously balances us- even catching us when we fall- enabling us to get back up and start again.  God's grace helps us have balance every single day. 

Prayer:  Help me, Lord to rely on you to help me across the crevice.  Balance me.  Help me to not hold onto this world.  Help me too, to know that when I fall your net of grace is there for me. 

7/14/12- Change of Speech

⁸ But now you must rid yourselvesof all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ⁹ Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. ¹¹ Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.¹³ Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Thoughts: vs. 8 says to rid ourselves of three sins of speech- slander, filthy language and lying.  The word slander here in the Greek is blasphemia- from which we get our word "blasphemy."  When used of God it is the highest form of degradation- worthy of death in the Old Testament (and blasphemy of the Spirit was the unpardonable sin in the New Testament).  Instead of blasphemy- we are called to be kind.  Filthy speech- is cursing.  In place of cursing we are called to be pure.  In place of lying we are called to be true.  Today people have a hard time defining truth, but in our heart we understand truth. 

Prayer:  Let my words be kind, pure, and true for you, O Lord. 

7/13/12- The Mercy of the Gospel

⁵ Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.⁶ Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.⁷ You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ⁸ But now you must rid yourselvesof all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ⁹ Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. ¹¹ Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.¹³ Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

(1998 poster of Les Miserables)

Thoughts: Just watched Les Miserables (1998 version).  The homeless thief, Jean Valjean, was welcomed into the bishop's home.  There Valjean tried to steal the bishop's silverware and hit the bishop.  When Valjean was caught and brought to the bishop, the bishop said he had given him the silverware and even said he had forgotten the candlesticks- giving them to him.  Then in private the bishop said he had purchased his soul and that Valjean should keep his saying that he would be a "new man." Valjean was changed. The miserable people- were not the very poor, but the evil people who could not enjoy the life God had given them- and could not show mercy.   

    This passage is full of mercy- there is no Greek, Jew, circumcised, or uncircumcised.  The gospel- of compassion and kindness- that elicits us to forgive each other as God forgives us- has grabbed Paul and changed him.  He reminds us the power of God transforms the old "disobedient man" into someone full of love and grace.  

Prayer: Thank you Lord, that we do not need to walk in the ways of sin, but in the ways of kindness. 

Putting the Trash Out

Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these the wrath of God is coming.  (Col. 3:5,6)

We have been raised with Christ (vs.1), so we are above the grave.  The grave is full of things that are unholy. Jews could not touch a dead body, lest they become unclean.  So we are unclean when we who are raised go back to the grave- like things that pull down our soul.  There are really only two sins mentioned here in different ways: sexual immorality and greed.  Both want what is not ours to have.  Both start with lust and evil desires.  Both spurn contentment with what God has given us.  Both put ourselves in God's place as if we know better.  So, in a sense both sexual immorality and greed are idolatry.  Both put earthly desires ahead of heavenly desires.  And yes, both are prevalent in western culture today.  Our recessiin is fueled by greed-- too much debt.  America is known as the country that peddles pornography and adultery and has distinguished itself in many states and some churches by saying homosexuality suddenly is no longer a sin.  Sodom and Gomorrah are visible examples of this passage, for God's clear wrath came upon them.  Jesus told us to "remember Lot's wife" ( Lk- 17:32).  Lot's wife had a hard time not going back to her city's old ways.  She didn't want to leave so many friends and things behind.  It is hard to put these things to death, but we should not fool ourselves into thinking it is impossible.  Jesus own life shows us it is possible. 

Prayer: Help me, O God, to put to death a lust for more and more.  Help me grow in trust and contentment in you.

7/9/12 Dead to Earth- Alive to Christ

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³ For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your life,appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4)

Diving Bell- Having to swim down to go up. 


Thoughts: These verses contain the classic Christian theme that you have to go down in order to go up- and if you go up- you don't want to go down again. In former days divers made use of a diving bell.  One would dive down and then come back up to get air inside the bell.  Going down allowed the diver to be safe and breathe.  In order to obtain eternal life, we must be willing to die- to humble ourselves; to deny ourselves.  In some ways criticism, persecution, worldly failure are not enemies to our souls, but enemies to our pride.  They are means that help bring us down to our selves in order to be brought up to God.  Too many are trying to hold onto the temporary floats of this world.  Christians are born into a different world, and we do not need to try to hold onto the old one  We are not to long for more and more of the world, but for more of Christ's presence- even His appearing.  Those who hold tightly to this world- and more and more of it- will find it hard to long for Christ to come.  But this world is not our home. 


Prayer: Help me, Lord to be willing to be humbled in order to rise up. 

Ascetisim apart from God is Value-less

²⁰ Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: ²¹ “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²² These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.²³ Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.


Thoughts: Legalistic law keeping and spiritual pride seem to go together.  The Pharisees were ascetics about external things- but they had little mercy, were quick to judge, and their heart was not humble before God.  Here Paul is complaining about a kind of Pharisee-like practice that was coming back.  We must always be on our guard again just keeping the Law, spiritual pride, and judgmentalism.  Amazingly, Paul says that ascetic practices don't have value for restraining sensual indulgence.  He is indicating that simply restraining ourselves by our own power and ability- without God's mercy, grace, and help means little.  Sensual indulgence should be resisted, but not by common sense or our own strength.  Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord.  


Prayer: Help me to resist sensuality relying on your grace, mercy, and power Lord. 

7/5/12- The Day After Freedom

³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
³³ They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
³⁴ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. ³⁵ Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. ³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Thoughts: Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying after the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, "We must all hang together or we will assuredly all hang separately."  
This is also a great principle of the Church.  United we stand, divided we fall.  Yet there are many who seek to divide the church in order to achieve their own ideal.  Our common enemy, evil and sin, is always lurking a the door- like a roaring lion looking to devour those who stray away.
    The Church is not a perfect place, nor a place where everyone agrees.  We put up with a lot in patience and love in order to further the kingdom of God.
     We must also adhere to our constitution- our basic document- the Bible.  To stray from this in the name of any ideal means our demise.  We have seen this in the Church for the last thirty years in America.  It is the truth that sets us free.  Ignoring the truth or skirting around the truth does not frees us- but traps us.  Covering up the truth and excusing untruths take much more energy than following the truth- keeping our eyes on the northern star- our true north- Jesus.  
     It is time to be honest with ourselves.         
It is time to get honest with Jesus- humbling ourselves before His truth- His person- His love.  In humbling ourselves we put up with each other and hang together. 


Prayer: Help us, O Lord, to balance a thirst for truth with grace and patience with each other.  Help us to know it is your truth that frees us, but it is patience with each other that preserves us.