Proverbs 16 (NIV)
1 To man belong the plans of the heart,
but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.
4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD,
he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
8 Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.
9 In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth should not betray justice.
11 Honest scales and balances are from the LORD;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value a man who speaks the truth.
14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death,
but a wise man will appease it.
15 When a king's face brightens, it means life;
his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to choose understanding rather than silver!
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
he who guards his way guards his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
and pleasant words promote instruction. [a]
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it,
but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth,
and his lips promote instruction. [b]
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.
26 The laborer's appetite works for him;
his hunger drives him on.
27 A scoundrel plots evil,
and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse man stirs up dissension,
and a gossip separates close friends.
29 A violent man entices his neighbor
and leads him down a path that is not good.
30 He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity;
he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained by a righteous life.
32 Better a patient man than a warrior,
a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD.
Today I am reminded about how we plan for something and sometimes something completely comes of our plans. Sometimes things end up completely different than we plan. I participated in a watercolor workshop today because I love creating art, but I'm not great technically at it. I would love to be, but I've had very little professional training in the various mediums. So, I've embarked on an adventure to ease my fears, my insecurities in my artistic expressions. I have a clear plan before me, right?
Well, my experience at this workshop reminded me of my own frustration with my art. I plan one thing in my head, but by the end the art piece has taken on a life of it's own and becomes something I'd not planned. This isn't always bad, but it isn't alway good either. The main painting that we worked on through out the workshop was a typical subject that I paint--a landscape. But, there are certain techniques that I really struggle with thus the reason for taking the time to attend a workshop. Though I started with the intent to NOT do what I usually do, but old habits are hard to break. In the end, I still reverted back to what I knew well even thought I knew that it usually fails me when all was said and done. So, as far as creating a masterpiece I did not and it has eluded me once again, but I did learn a great deal. In fact, I learned much more than I'd planned.
All of this has led me down a path of asking a few questions. One, why do we plan in the first place when we know that it rarely works the way we planned? Two, when we get in a pinch why do we so easy throw the plan to the wind and revert back to what fails us? Three, why do we allow our fears and insecurities determine our path and/or our plan? I think that the first one I think is easy, at least for me, because I love knowing where to go next and have an idea of the result of a certain situation. This helps define what and why I am doing something, meaning what I'm doing has a purpose. We're all about finding purpose in our lives. The next question might be a little harder to answer because we don't always want to be as honest as is necessary with ourselves to answer it or maybe we don't see it in ourselves in the first place. As far as my art goes it's because I have always found acrylics easier to use and the techniques were much easier to wrap my head around, but these techniques aren't very useful when you are creating art work in watercolor. There are different brush strokes, methods of applying the paint to the surface being used, and how general concepts are interpreted in the process of artistic expression of light sources, shadows,varying hues...etc.
Now what does all of this discussion of watercolors have to do with Proverbs? Well, I was impressed with the failure of my plans to not do what I usually do, but I ended up doing. I have seen myself do this with so many things in my life whether it is my husband, my children, or things I should take to God, but convince myself that it's not necessary because it seems silly like my watercolor. Sometimes I do this with things that are important that I take to God, but because I may have experienced something similar and the last time I handled it well. The problem with the latter is that sometimes we are presented with similar situations so that we can learn something different or build on what we've already learned like in art. But when we fail to learn to lean on God to guide our paths what we lose usually is much more than just the need to start a painting over. Sometimes we say things we didn't plan. Sometimes we do things that we didn't plan that also end up hurting others or takes away things we love to do. But this Proverb in verse 3 reminds us that if we will "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."
So as I continue to explore other mediums in art that I will keep in mind the appropriate techniques for that medium, and continue to seek God even in the mundane, everyday little things that are so easy to take for granted.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Blameless Life
Psalm 101 (NIV)
Of David. A psalm.
1 I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.
2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life—
when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house
with a blameless heart.
3 I will set before my eyes
no vile thing.
The deeds of faithless men I hate;
they will not cling to me.
4 Men of perverse heart shall be far from me;
I will have nothing to do with evil.
5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret,
him will I put to silence;
whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,
him will I not endure.
6 My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
he whose walk is blameless
will minister to me.
7 No one who practices deceit
will dwell in my house;
no one who speaks falsely
will stand in my presence.
8 Every morning I will put to silence
all the wicked in the land;
I will cut off every evildoer
from the city of the LORD.
This past year, well almost a year, I have been meditating on walking blamelessly, or living the blameless life. This was an interesing Psalm I came across today. It's interesting the contrast here between the blameless life, the life of the wicked, and the end result of each.
I love how King David focuses on God's love and His justice. I rarely think positively about God's justice though I probably should. King David is praising God for His love and justice. It's similar to praise God in all situations, much easier said than done.
In verse 2, he says "I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house with a blameless heart." First, he comments that he will "be careful to lead a blameless life..." This is someting that really hit me like a brick the first time I was impacted by this concept of blameless. We have to be careful to be blameless, as in a very deliberate way. The second thing that is reallly striking is his statement that he "will walk in my house with a blameless heart." This seems odd to my human understanding because walking into one's home is seems like such a trivial activity, but this suggests that God is concerned with seemingly unimportant details. Meaning that we have to be conscience of every aspect of every moment of our lives and evaluating everything that is in our thoughts and hearts.
In verse 3, he states that he will "set before his eyes no vile thing." Again here the furthering of the concept that we have to be deliberate in all we do to walk blamelessly. It is less about the do's and don'ts of living this life and becoming more who God desires us to be, separate and blameless and holy.
In verse 6, when he says, "he whose walk is blameless will minister to me" we need to understand how our daily blameless walk not only sets us apart and is a witness to thoes who do not know God, but also it is an encouragement to our fellow believers. So often we focus so much on those who are lost that we forget about those who are wondering away from the flock in our distrating search for the one lost sheep. Both are very important to Him, and we have to focus on who God is telling us to minister to, as well as this understanding of the influence on all who see our daily walks.
So, I continue to long to walk blamelessly each day, though I know I am not completely there and as with all things will probably never get there until I am fully transfigured on the other side basking in God's glory!
Of David. A psalm.
1 I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.
2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life—
when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house
with a blameless heart.
3 I will set before my eyes
no vile thing.
The deeds of faithless men I hate;
they will not cling to me.
4 Men of perverse heart shall be far from me;
I will have nothing to do with evil.
5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret,
him will I put to silence;
whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,
him will I not endure.
6 My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
he whose walk is blameless
will minister to me.
7 No one who practices deceit
will dwell in my house;
no one who speaks falsely
will stand in my presence.
8 Every morning I will put to silence
all the wicked in the land;
I will cut off every evildoer
from the city of the LORD.
This past year, well almost a year, I have been meditating on walking blamelessly, or living the blameless life. This was an interesing Psalm I came across today. It's interesting the contrast here between the blameless life, the life of the wicked, and the end result of each.
I love how King David focuses on God's love and His justice. I rarely think positively about God's justice though I probably should. King David is praising God for His love and justice. It's similar to praise God in all situations, much easier said than done.
In verse 2, he says "I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house with a blameless heart." First, he comments that he will "be careful to lead a blameless life..." This is someting that really hit me like a brick the first time I was impacted by this concept of blameless. We have to be careful to be blameless, as in a very deliberate way. The second thing that is reallly striking is his statement that he "will walk in my house with a blameless heart." This seems odd to my human understanding because walking into one's home is seems like such a trivial activity, but this suggests that God is concerned with seemingly unimportant details. Meaning that we have to be conscience of every aspect of every moment of our lives and evaluating everything that is in our thoughts and hearts.
In verse 3, he states that he will "set before his eyes no vile thing." Again here the furthering of the concept that we have to be deliberate in all we do to walk blamelessly. It is less about the do's and don'ts of living this life and becoming more who God desires us to be, separate and blameless and holy.
In verse 6, when he says, "he whose walk is blameless will minister to me" we need to understand how our daily blameless walk not only sets us apart and is a witness to thoes who do not know God, but also it is an encouragement to our fellow believers. So often we focus so much on those who are lost that we forget about those who are wondering away from the flock in our distrating search for the one lost sheep. Both are very important to Him, and we have to focus on who God is telling us to minister to, as well as this understanding of the influence on all who see our daily walks.
So, I continue to long to walk blamelessly each day, though I know I am not completely there and as with all things will probably never get there until I am fully transfigured on the other side basking in God's glory!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Purpose In Our Struggles...
Ecclesiastes 2:17-26 (NIV)
Toil Is Meaningless
17 So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 18 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. 20 So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22 What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? 23 All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless.
24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26 To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
The simple concept to gleen from this passage, as I see it, is in verses 24-26: Life without God is without purpose, but a rather meaningless existance. I know it wasn't that hard to figure that out. :)
I think this isn't as easy to see when you are young. You see the world so differently. You have the idealistic and optimistic view that you can change the world. Now that I am older I believe I relate to this scripture more and more. My world is much smaller, and I truly understand how little I control and can change even less. But I am confident in my faith in what God does control, and what he can and does change. That may seem to some a very pessimistic view to take, but I believe it is the truth. We were not created to "chase after the wind" in this life. We were created to chase after the Living God. Our purpose can not be found apart from Him, nor can we continue to chase after our purpose all of our lives faithfully with out the ultimate faithful one.
Toil Is Meaningless
17 So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 18 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. 20 So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22 What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? 23 All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless.
24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26 To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
The simple concept to gleen from this passage, as I see it, is in verses 24-26: Life without God is without purpose, but a rather meaningless existance. I know it wasn't that hard to figure that out. :)
I think this isn't as easy to see when you are young. You see the world so differently. You have the idealistic and optimistic view that you can change the world. Now that I am older I believe I relate to this scripture more and more. My world is much smaller, and I truly understand how little I control and can change even less. But I am confident in my faith in what God does control, and what he can and does change. That may seem to some a very pessimistic view to take, but I believe it is the truth. We were not created to "chase after the wind" in this life. We were created to chase after the Living God. Our purpose can not be found apart from Him, nor can we continue to chase after our purpose all of our lives faithfully with out the ultimate faithful one.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Things To Be Mindful of During The Christmas Season...
Luke 1:46-55 (NIV)
Mary's Song
46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
This was one of the first major passages that I remember after becoming a Christian. It has always been intriguing to me. Knowing all that we do about Mary's age, position in life, and everything. It's interesting all of the little details, and even more so Mary's attitude. I don't know that I'd be so willing to serve God in this manner. There have been many things that God has asked me to do, and I struggled to be obeident-even at time down right refused. What God has asked me to do in the past is in no way on the same scale as this. How humbling is that?
One random thought that popped into my mind, last Sunday I believe...Mary and Joseph were like cousins. They were both a part of David's lineage. I don't know if I'd heard that before, but it definantly sunk in last Sunday. God sealed up any question of Jesus' royal lineage here on earth. The details God pay attention to blows my mind so often. I can only imagine how much heaven is going to blow my mind!
Mary's Song
46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
This was one of the first major passages that I remember after becoming a Christian. It has always been intriguing to me. Knowing all that we do about Mary's age, position in life, and everything. It's interesting all of the little details, and even more so Mary's attitude. I don't know that I'd be so willing to serve God in this manner. There have been many things that God has asked me to do, and I struggled to be obeident-even at time down right refused. What God has asked me to do in the past is in no way on the same scale as this. How humbling is that?
One random thought that popped into my mind, last Sunday I believe...Mary and Joseph were like cousins. They were both a part of David's lineage. I don't know if I'd heard that before, but it definantly sunk in last Sunday. God sealed up any question of Jesus' royal lineage here on earth. The details God pay attention to blows my mind so often. I can only imagine how much heaven is going to blow my mind!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Distraction of Christmas
1 Peter 4 (NIV)
Living for God
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for Being a Christian
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"[a]
19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
These are things that I have been meditating on this Christmas season. We watch a lot of Bollywood films, which imediately turns my attention to the persecution that is occuring in India right now. I often ask myself could I stand under such pressure. I hope that I would be able to, but I'm not so sure some days.
This turned my attention to my own excitement about this time of year...about Christmas and the messages I am conveying to my girls as to what this season is really about. Am I telling my girls that this season is about presents, parties, and all the other secular concepts of the winter holiday. Or am I telling them that this is the time to rejoice that God allowed his Son to be born into the confines of this life so that we might live more abundantly? Who knows how well I'm doing with this endevor but God.
This turns my thoughts back to persecution again because there does appear to be an assault on our celebration of the birth of our Lord. It progressively gets worse and worse. Should we fear this? No. God is still in control, and he "did not give us a spirit of Fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) Should we fight back? Not necessarily, because:
Titus 3
Doing What is Good
1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Then what should be our response to people who attack us and the celebration of our Lord's birth?
hilippians 2
Imitating Christ's Humility
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Shining as Stars
12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out[c] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Hummm...much to meditate on this Christmas and in such a way that I have never done before. So that I might be purified, and that my girls might know the Lord in a way that I did not at their tender ages. Lord, if only they could be drawn close to you and have unwavering hearts in this time of deprevation of women,mothers,family,and lack of reverance for You who first love us so that we might love others and be saved through your sacrifice of your Son. (1 John 4:7-21)
Will we remember this as we buzz here and there getting all the newest and coolest stuff that will lose its luster in just a few days? I don't know...
Living for God
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for Being a Christian
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"[a]
19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
These are things that I have been meditating on this Christmas season. We watch a lot of Bollywood films, which imediately turns my attention to the persecution that is occuring in India right now. I often ask myself could I stand under such pressure. I hope that I would be able to, but I'm not so sure some days.
This turned my attention to my own excitement about this time of year...about Christmas and the messages I am conveying to my girls as to what this season is really about. Am I telling my girls that this season is about presents, parties, and all the other secular concepts of the winter holiday. Or am I telling them that this is the time to rejoice that God allowed his Son to be born into the confines of this life so that we might live more abundantly? Who knows how well I'm doing with this endevor but God.
This turns my thoughts back to persecution again because there does appear to be an assault on our celebration of the birth of our Lord. It progressively gets worse and worse. Should we fear this? No. God is still in control, and he "did not give us a spirit of Fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) Should we fight back? Not necessarily, because:
Titus 3
Doing What is Good
1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Then what should be our response to people who attack us and the celebration of our Lord's birth?
hilippians 2
Imitating Christ's Humility
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Shining as Stars
12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out[c] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Hummm...much to meditate on this Christmas and in such a way that I have never done before. So that I might be purified, and that my girls might know the Lord in a way that I did not at their tender ages. Lord, if only they could be drawn close to you and have unwavering hearts in this time of deprevation of women,mothers,family,and lack of reverance for You who first love us so that we might love others and be saved through your sacrifice of your Son. (1 John 4:7-21)
Will we remember this as we buzz here and there getting all the newest and coolest stuff that will lose its luster in just a few days? I don't know...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
How Many Sermons Do You See?
Romans 9 (NIV)
God's Sovereign Choice
1I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit— 2I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, 4the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised![a] Amen.
6It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."[b] 8In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring. 9For this was how the promise was stated: "At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son."[c]
10Not only that, but Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. 11Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God's purpose in election might stand: 12not by works but by him who calls—she was told, "The older will serve the younger."[d] 13Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."[e]
14What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15For he says to Moses,
"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."[f] 16It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."[g] 18Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
19One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" 20But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' "[h] 21Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
22What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25As he says in Hosea:
"I will call them 'my people' who are not my people;
and I will call her 'my loved one' who is not my loved one,"[i] 26and,
"It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them,
'You are not my people,'
they will be called 'sons of the living God.' "[j]
27Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:
"Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,
only the remnant will be saved.
28For the Lord will carry out
his sentence on earth with speed and finality."[k]
29It is just as Isaiah said previously:
"Unless the Lord Almighty
had left us descendants,
we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah."[l]
I have been thinking more about Armianism and Calvinism lately. And so, this Scripture caught my eye. But, as I was reading throught it for like the millionth time I'm sure I felt bombarded by all that these 29 verses had to say. So many things I've discussed with others lately, in classes in college, and even in my study of Revelations came rushing towards me off the computer screen. So, I don't know which path to take with this passage, so I will allow it to speak for itself for now. This is why I have grown to love Romans as of late. There's just so much of God falling on me like a hurricane blowing onto shore. It's too awesome to really put into words if you know what I mean. How amazing is it that God can speak in such a way to someone like me? How humbling it is sometimes to dive into God's Word, but to emerge with boldness and overwehling love pouring off of you? Will we ask for even more, shall we be so bold to do so? Will be like Moses to tell God we want to see His Glory? Are we such a close friend to God as Moses was to have the boldness to ask such a tall request? I pray so, and if not I ask for all that I need to be found worthy to stand in the crack in the mountain to just catch a glimpse of the glory of the Living God, the Almighty.
God's Sovereign Choice
1I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit— 2I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, 4the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised![a] Amen.
6It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."[b] 8In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring. 9For this was how the promise was stated: "At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son."[c]
10Not only that, but Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. 11Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God's purpose in election might stand: 12not by works but by him who calls—she was told, "The older will serve the younger."[d] 13Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."[e]
14What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15For he says to Moses,
"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."[f] 16It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."[g] 18Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
19One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" 20But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' "[h] 21Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
22What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25As he says in Hosea:
"I will call them 'my people' who are not my people;
and I will call her 'my loved one' who is not my loved one,"[i] 26and,
"It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them,
'You are not my people,'
they will be called 'sons of the living God.' "[j]
27Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:
"Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,
only the remnant will be saved.
28For the Lord will carry out
his sentence on earth with speed and finality."[k]
29It is just as Isaiah said previously:
"Unless the Lord Almighty
had left us descendants,
we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah."[l]
I have been thinking more about Armianism and Calvinism lately. And so, this Scripture caught my eye. But, as I was reading throught it for like the millionth time I'm sure I felt bombarded by all that these 29 verses had to say. So many things I've discussed with others lately, in classes in college, and even in my study of Revelations came rushing towards me off the computer screen. So, I don't know which path to take with this passage, so I will allow it to speak for itself for now. This is why I have grown to love Romans as of late. There's just so much of God falling on me like a hurricane blowing onto shore. It's too awesome to really put into words if you know what I mean. How amazing is it that God can speak in such a way to someone like me? How humbling it is sometimes to dive into God's Word, but to emerge with boldness and overwehling love pouring off of you? Will we ask for even more, shall we be so bold to do so? Will be like Moses to tell God we want to see His Glory? Are we such a close friend to God as Moses was to have the boldness to ask such a tall request? I pray so, and if not I ask for all that I need to be found worthy to stand in the crack in the mountain to just catch a glimpse of the glory of the Living God, the Almighty.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Today I'm 30, and I Really Don't Feel Like It!!! And That's A Good Thing, Right???
Proverbs 2
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God. [a]
18 For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
I am thinking about wisdom today since I'm moving towards gaining gray hair...or whatever our idea of "wisdom" in this life might look like. I don't see myself as wise. In fact, I often thing I feel that I need to think more and say less. Too bad I don't always remember that before I speak. :) But, I have had others say that I have wisdom beyond my years because of all of the craziness that I've lived. So, perhaps in some ways I do have wisdom, but I would readily trade all the wisdom I do have for all that my little human brain that could hold of God's wisdom for my life becasue I know that His wisdom is something that has eternal power if you will.
Lord, help us to chase after your wisdom and not our own in the daily struggles, trials, mess ups, and all that come before us that requires decernment!
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God. [a]
18 For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
I am thinking about wisdom today since I'm moving towards gaining gray hair...or whatever our idea of "wisdom" in this life might look like. I don't see myself as wise. In fact, I often thing I feel that I need to think more and say less. Too bad I don't always remember that before I speak. :) But, I have had others say that I have wisdom beyond my years because of all of the craziness that I've lived. So, perhaps in some ways I do have wisdom, but I would readily trade all the wisdom I do have for all that my little human brain that could hold of God's wisdom for my life becasue I know that His wisdom is something that has eternal power if you will.
Lord, help us to chase after your wisdom and not our own in the daily struggles, trials, mess ups, and all that come before us that requires decernment!
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