Well, we have come to the end… I always feel a little melancholy when I come to the end of a book that I am reading. It’s hard to explain why… I guess it’s because I allow myself to become a part of the story as I read it, and, so, when I come to the last page, it’s also feels like the end of an experience for me. There’s just something special when you read a great story and receive the joy as the words dance off the pages as you experience them for the first time. Of course, I have read through the New Testament through more times than I can count, but it all still seems so fresh to me!
Do you remember why we did this in the first place? At the end of last spring semester, I “broke my silence” about the “lover’s quarrel” I had with our own ministry. Although I didn’t know what to expect in response, you had “ears to hear,” and responded with joy and renewal. Soon came the end of the semester and our scattering for the summer… And with it, the “fear” that we would forget! It seemed a small thing, but I thought it would be “helpful” to do something TOGETHER that would cross the miles between us… Thus, the suggestion that we read the New Testament TOGETHER. Yes, it’s always “good” to read the Bible, but I was in hopes that something more would happen than just accomplishing an endurance race in reading God’s Word -- I was also hoping that, as we stayed on the “same page TOGETHER,” the Holy Spirit (the Agent) would use the Word (His instrument) to continue to mold us TOGETHER. The lingering question to me is this -- “Well, did it?”
OH, yes, my actual assignment was the ending of the book of Revelation. Hmmmm… Well, I have over the years, spent time studying this “odd” NT book, and attempted to grasp it. There are no short-cuts to entering this cosmic drama. If you want to understand it, you have no choice but to do some serious study. So, if you really want to know, then do that... Study!! The benefits are outstanding :-) BUT… as you think back about what you read, this might help -- Revelation is not intended to be a Christian version of tarot cards, but an exhortation and an encouragement. And so, amidst the strange imagery of what is called “Apocalyptic” language lays a purpose (do you really want to know?)… It will help you if you understand that “Apocalyptic language” was common in both the OT Prophets (& other ancient Jewish writings)... And that there are certain things that define the use of this language- - #1 It’s used in communicating during Troubled Times, and #2 It’s used to accentuate that God is in Control... In other words, Apocalyptic Language reveals that when you experience “God’s history,” it’s not simply human activity, but God Himself intervening to make something happen... & So, In apocalyptic Language the point is this – “God Has an answer, He’s on our side, Trust Him, He is our Only Hope… So, Don’t Quit!”… And you want to know why?... because “WE WIN!!!” That is the Ultimate End! (I still think you ought to take the time to study Revelation, though) :-) ENJOY!
Jim Brinkerhoff
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Day 74: Hallelujah Anyway—In Russian!
From Mr. Tom Steed--
“Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Revelation 14:7
A few years ago I was listening to NPR (National Public Radio). They were broadcasting a performance of Handel’s Messiah in Russian. The Messiah is a beautiful piece of music that tells the story of the life of Christ. It begins on a happy note when they sing about the birth of Jesus but then in the section on the crucifixion, the music turns dark and heavy. Most people only know the best and happiest part of the music—the Hallelujah Chorus. Because of the influence of communism, it was the first time in over one hundred years that the Messiah had been performed in Russia. Quite frankly, I didn’t understand the words (it was in Russian!). But I will tell you this—when they got to HALLELUJAH, I knew what that was. IT WAS AWESOME! “Hallelujah, for he shall reign forever and ever”.
This is like my experience of reading this section of Revelation. I don’t understand all of it. But it is clear: some very bad things are going on. Bowls of sorrow and plagues passed out---some very bad stuff, heavy. But when you get to chapter nineteen—look out! “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.” I almost start singing—Salvation belongs to our God, who sits upon his throne—and unto the lamb (Ok, I did sing). It is a beautiful picture and it emerges out of the darkness and plagues visited upon the world. I don’t get everything about Revelation but I know the good guys are going to win! Hallelujah----This literally means, Praise YHWH—Yahweh, aka Jehovah. Praise Jehovah. So we have the darkness of much of our existence capped buy the victory of the Lamb. And we burst out in song—Hallelujah!
Tomorrow, if you make it, you will have finished an incredible journey. I have been on the journey along with you. I have to admit that I cheated----I listened to quite a bit of the NT on CD in my car as I drove around town. I read a lot while I was at the beach with my family. Of course, I have read it all before but the old story is *new all over again*. The life of Jesus, the stories of Acts, the challenges of the epistles and the imagery of Revelation all have the ability to inspire and motivate.
I am very proud to be associated with you as a group. I am proud for your dedication to God’s word. You have developed a wonderful habit of reading on a daily basis. Let’s continue to grow in the knowledge of God’s word and our dedication to Him! This has been a great project; Thanks to Jim for organizing it and to Andy for producing this blog.
--Tom Steed
“Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Revelation 14:7
A few years ago I was listening to NPR (National Public Radio). They were broadcasting a performance of Handel’s Messiah in Russian. The Messiah is a beautiful piece of music that tells the story of the life of Christ. It begins on a happy note when they sing about the birth of Jesus but then in the section on the crucifixion, the music turns dark and heavy. Most people only know the best and happiest part of the music—the Hallelujah Chorus. Because of the influence of communism, it was the first time in over one hundred years that the Messiah had been performed in Russia. Quite frankly, I didn’t understand the words (it was in Russian!). But I will tell you this—when they got to HALLELUJAH, I knew what that was. IT WAS AWESOME! “Hallelujah, for he shall reign forever and ever”.
This is like my experience of reading this section of Revelation. I don’t understand all of it. But it is clear: some very bad things are going on. Bowls of sorrow and plagues passed out---some very bad stuff, heavy. But when you get to chapter nineteen—look out! “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.” I almost start singing—Salvation belongs to our God, who sits upon his throne—and unto the lamb (Ok, I did sing). It is a beautiful picture and it emerges out of the darkness and plagues visited upon the world. I don’t get everything about Revelation but I know the good guys are going to win! Hallelujah----This literally means, Praise YHWH—Yahweh, aka Jehovah. Praise Jehovah. So we have the darkness of much of our existence capped buy the victory of the Lamb. And we burst out in song—Hallelujah!
Tomorrow, if you make it, you will have finished an incredible journey. I have been on the journey along with you. I have to admit that I cheated----I listened to quite a bit of the NT on CD in my car as I drove around town. I read a lot while I was at the beach with my family. Of course, I have read it all before but the old story is *new all over again*. The life of Jesus, the stories of Acts, the challenges of the epistles and the imagery of Revelation all have the ability to inspire and motivate.
I am very proud to be associated with you as a group. I am proud for your dedication to God’s word. You have developed a wonderful habit of reading on a daily basis. Let’s continue to grow in the knowledge of God’s word and our dedication to Him! This has been a great project; Thanks to Jim for organizing it and to Andy for producing this blog.
--Tom Steed
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Day 73: Reality
I have done many crazy things in my life. For the most part they have not been all that bad, but still they would definitely be characterized as weird. For example, I went through a period where i thought it was a good idea to eat really strange items (just to prove that I could do it). This era of my life unfortunately coincided with my time at Auburn. My senior year at the ACSC included “public swallowings” of a goldfish and a lizard. Fortunately for the goldfish, it was more of a Jonah experiment, and he was brought back into the fresh air in a few minutes, ready to live his new life as my pet. The lizard, on the other hand, well...may he rest in peace.
You may wonder why I am even talking about this, but as I was reading my section of verses this week I was reminded that there are many parts of scripture that are hard to swallow. Here in Revelation we have a clear picture of God’s judgment. Often we just want to focus on His love and His forgiveness and His compassion. It is so easy to forget that His judgment is very real.
I really like Rev. 10:10 where it says, “I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.” Knowing the truth about His return is such a beautiful thing to those who believe (sweet as honey), but it is terrifying to know that it will be the downfall of so many people (turned sour). Verses like this are a constant reality check. It is so easy for me to get caught up in my own life and what I want or need, that I often forget we are living in a dying world. The reality is that one day, all of these things that we know and love here on earth will be no more.
So, what now?
In light of these few chapters in Revelation, I have to ask myself some questions. What is really important to me? Am I living with purpose? Do I taste the sour along with the honey (Rev. 10:10)?
I believe that the first question is answered by the way that we live. We often spend the majority of our time doing the things that are the most important to us. Where is my time being spent? The second question is a little more difficult. Do I wake up every day with a clear mission? There is a sense of urgency in these verses that I feel like we often need to hear. Our daily walks should be intentional and full of purpose. The last question is one that we can only answer for ourselves. Do I care? Do I hurt knowing that there are lost people in this world? That is the real question. Honestly, I am ashamed to say that many times I do not care enough; however, the Word challenges me to love people with the kind of love that my Savior has poured out on me.
Yes, reading about beasts, dragons, fire raining down on the earth, plagues of locusts, destruction, etc. is not exactly the most encouraging thing in the world. In a way, though, it is a clear reminder that life is not all about clouds and rainbows. The decision we have made to follow Christ is a very serious thing. One of the greatest privileges we have as His disciples is to live lives that point others to Him. Let’s not squander that.
Thanks again for letting me be a guest blogger! My name is Clay Hartzog and I graduated from Auburn in 2006. My wife Lori was a guest blogger last week. She is also a former Auburn student. We live in Knoxville, TN. We both love Auburn very much and miss it.
WAR EAGLE!!
-Clay Hartzog
Monday, August 10, 2009
Day 72: Worthy
As I read this morning I felt both wholly satisfied and completely terrified.
On one hand, I think "Yes! Jesus finally gets the glory he's due." This is the first time since the Garden when all is right and as it should be. The span of the Bible from Genesis 3 til this point is covered with sacrilege, rebellion, sin, outright defiance against God. The part of me that desires justice delights to see Jesus finally encircled with honor rather than spat upon.
The part of me that loves familiarity, though, is a little bit uncomfortable in this reading. Just like we have a way of conceiving a God made in our image, I think we've fabricated a Heaven made in earth's image. Then when we read this, our only real point of reference is something along the lines of science fiction...winged creatures covered in eyes, a bloody seven-horned lamb, lots of lightning, thunders, rainbows. Whether it be symbolic or literal, I've got to believe John is greatly inhibited by trying to define an extraordinarily OTHER place with a language from our ordinary world. I'm not sure we have words available to describe the splendor of His majesty.
Question I hope you can answer for me...What makes God Worthy? If He's not worthy, this scene suddenly looks pretty arrogant. Clearly He is worthy though--it's repeated over and over and over--but why? Sometimes I get the cart before the horse in following after him, even giving my whole life to him, but never stopping to think about WHY He is worthy to make this bold claim on my life. It's not a retorical question...I would like to hear your opinion please.
On one hand, I think "Yes! Jesus finally gets the glory he's due." This is the first time since the Garden when all is right and as it should be. The span of the Bible from Genesis 3 til this point is covered with sacrilege, rebellion, sin, outright defiance against God. The part of me that desires justice delights to see Jesus finally encircled with honor rather than spat upon.
The part of me that loves familiarity, though, is a little bit uncomfortable in this reading. Just like we have a way of conceiving a God made in our image, I think we've fabricated a Heaven made in earth's image. Then when we read this, our only real point of reference is something along the lines of science fiction...winged creatures covered in eyes, a bloody seven-horned lamb, lots of lightning, thunders, rainbows. Whether it be symbolic or literal, I've got to believe John is greatly inhibited by trying to define an extraordinarily OTHER place with a language from our ordinary world. I'm not sure we have words available to describe the splendor of His majesty.
Question I hope you can answer for me...What makes God Worthy? If He's not worthy, this scene suddenly looks pretty arrogant. Clearly He is worthy though--it's repeated over and over and over--but why? Sometimes I get the cart before the horse in following after him, even giving my whole life to him, but never stopping to think about WHY He is worthy to make this bold claim on my life. It's not a retorical question...I would like to hear your opinion please.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Day 71: The Letters to the Seven Churches
Revelation:
The mystery begins…I began reading Revelation thinking about what it must have been like to hear the prophecies given to the Jews and them not understanding. The scholars would debate and argue over God’s words so when the fulfillment of the prophecy came they would recognize it. It is clear in the texts that we have read this summer that faith is needed in order to recognize these Jesus’-fulfilled prophesies. So, I assume the same is to be expected as we read through Revelation.
Another question that I ask when reading such prophesy is how to distinguish between literal words and figurative language. So far it has been easy to tell the difference. The letters to the churches are quite literal while the similes of the image of God attempt to describe someone never seen before. And the introduction of the Speaker to each church seems to have something to do with the praise and warnings God gives to each.
Finally, I settle on the Letter to Ephesus. They have forsaken their first love yet get praised for their work ethic. Yet again we are reminded that without love our deeds are dead. In fact, they – the ones who endured much and took the time to test questionable prophets to preserve the truth of Christ – are threatened with loosing their place as God’s Church.
From this I learn that I can do everything at the right time, in the right order, and even come across as a wonderful servant and believer but all this means nothing without the love that is to propel. Many times I do not feel propelled to accomplish the tasks that are designed to further the Kingdom of God. And when this happens to us it is clear that what we lack is love. In order to continue what has started we must not loose sight of the Love of Christ.
The mystery begins…I began reading Revelation thinking about what it must have been like to hear the prophecies given to the Jews and them not understanding. The scholars would debate and argue over God’s words so when the fulfillment of the prophecy came they would recognize it. It is clear in the texts that we have read this summer that faith is needed in order to recognize these Jesus’-fulfilled prophesies. So, I assume the same is to be expected as we read through Revelation.
Another question that I ask when reading such prophesy is how to distinguish between literal words and figurative language. So far it has been easy to tell the difference. The letters to the churches are quite literal while the similes of the image of God attempt to describe someone never seen before. And the introduction of the Speaker to each church seems to have something to do with the praise and warnings God gives to each.
Finally, I settle on the Letter to Ephesus. They have forsaken their first love yet get praised for their work ethic. Yet again we are reminded that without love our deeds are dead. In fact, they – the ones who endured much and took the time to test questionable prophets to preserve the truth of Christ – are threatened with loosing their place as God’s Church.
From this I learn that I can do everything at the right time, in the right order, and even come across as a wonderful servant and believer but all this means nothing without the love that is to propel. Many times I do not feel propelled to accomplish the tasks that are designed to further the Kingdom of God. And when this happens to us it is clear that what we lack is love. In order to continue what has started we must not loose sight of the Love of Christ.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Day 70
I feel so challenged by this reading and the many lessons that John covers here. He challenges us to walk in the light like Jesus, to love our brother, to not love the world, to show our love through our actions, and to lay down our life for our brother. These are such radical callings, and I struggle with the selflessness that these things require. I get so comfortable taking care of myself and my needs and having my worldly things that the call to carry out these lessons scares me a little bit. How difficult is it to not love the world? This is where we are, and these things are in front of us constantly – I find that a constant struggle and have to depend on God’s grace to not only forgive that but to pull me out of it. He has to constantly remind that he has blessed me with all of these things, and they aren’t mine to begin with.
What does love for our brother really look like? I was in Bible class on a Sunday morning recently at my church here in Birmingham, and we were talking about the church and how people should know us by the love we show to them and the love we show to each other and how that isn’t just saying we love each other and seeing each other on Sunday – it is actual feeling one another’s pain, as well as helping any way we can. One individual in the class was brought to tears and said that their family business isn’t doing well, and that she hasn’t shared that with anyone because she is afraid that her vulnerability could be used against her. We went on to discuss how she should not only be able to trust that no one would take advantage of that vulnerable state, but also that her brothers and sisters would take care of her if needed. This is the love and community that we should have together – your pain is mine and mine is yours – sharing our burdens and walking together.
This same unselfish love needs to be shown to unbelievers around us so that they see something appealing about the love of Christ. People are not impressed by our ability to follow rules and go to church – they are impacted by the way that the love of Jesus truly enters our lives and spreads to others. The selfishness that I constantly feel to take care of myself and my things not only doesn’t allow me to love others the way that I must to reach them, but also doesn’t allow me to depend on God to reach them through me and show his incredible love and mercy through my life.
While I feel the constant struggle and inadequacy to follow faithfully the teachings that John discusses here, he offers us hope with these challenges, which is so encouraging. I love the promise that he gives – that we have one who speaks on our behalf. Throughout these letters, he talks a good deal about having confidence before God. How do I have confidence before a pure, perfect, and holy God when I struggle constantly with all of these things? I am certainly not worthy. But the promise of Jesus speaking on our behalf and purifying us from all unrighteousness is so uplifting and gives us reason to stand in confidence and not be ashamed before God. I love that God sees Jesus and his incredible sacrifice when he looks at me, and with that I can stand in confidence before Him. Also, I don't have to meet all of these challenges alone - I can depend on God to do these things in me.
I miss you all and know that God is doing many things in the lives of each of you and the life of your ministry. I pray for you constantly and miss the time that I had in Auburn with that ministry and with many of you. Thanks for letting me join in on a portion of this journey with you that you have been taking this summer.
What does love for our brother really look like? I was in Bible class on a Sunday morning recently at my church here in Birmingham, and we were talking about the church and how people should know us by the love we show to them and the love we show to each other and how that isn’t just saying we love each other and seeing each other on Sunday – it is actual feeling one another’s pain, as well as helping any way we can. One individual in the class was brought to tears and said that their family business isn’t doing well, and that she hasn’t shared that with anyone because she is afraid that her vulnerability could be used against her. We went on to discuss how she should not only be able to trust that no one would take advantage of that vulnerable state, but also that her brothers and sisters would take care of her if needed. This is the love and community that we should have together – your pain is mine and mine is yours – sharing our burdens and walking together.
This same unselfish love needs to be shown to unbelievers around us so that they see something appealing about the love of Christ. People are not impressed by our ability to follow rules and go to church – they are impacted by the way that the love of Jesus truly enters our lives and spreads to others. The selfishness that I constantly feel to take care of myself and my things not only doesn’t allow me to love others the way that I must to reach them, but also doesn’t allow me to depend on God to reach them through me and show his incredible love and mercy through my life.
While I feel the constant struggle and inadequacy to follow faithfully the teachings that John discusses here, he offers us hope with these challenges, which is so encouraging. I love the promise that he gives – that we have one who speaks on our behalf. Throughout these letters, he talks a good deal about having confidence before God. How do I have confidence before a pure, perfect, and holy God when I struggle constantly with all of these things? I am certainly not worthy. But the promise of Jesus speaking on our behalf and purifying us from all unrighteousness is so uplifting and gives us reason to stand in confidence and not be ashamed before God. I love that God sees Jesus and his incredible sacrifice when he looks at me, and with that I can stand in confidence before Him. Also, I don't have to meet all of these challenges alone - I can depend on God to do these things in me.
I miss you all and know that God is doing many things in the lives of each of you and the life of your ministry. I pray for you constantly and miss the time that I had in Auburn with that ministry and with many of you. Thanks for letting me join in on a portion of this journey with you that you have been taking this summer.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Day 69: Surrounded
Wow. Talk about sooooo many amazing verses in today's section. I could really write a book about how many cool things we can learn about hope and trust and endurance from these verses. But I will restrain myself...and just share one or two cool things that stuck out to me. :)
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is one of my favorites! Here we have a list of awesome people of God (Enoch! Noah! Abraham! Moses! Rahab! and so many more!) who are used to show us the importance of living by faith. They faced so many obstacles, and yet still had the faith to see God in the midst of it all. Oh, if only I could have faith like that!!
As much as I love this "faith chapter" of Hebrews, it's really the next few verses that caught my attention: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith," -aka...all these amazing people who LIVED out what faith is- "let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress." (Hebrews 12:1a)
Wow. How cool is it that we are not alone in our faith struggles? We are surrounded by these mighty witnesses who have already lived the life of faith...we have footsteps we can follow! By reading about the mountains they faced, we can have a reason to keep pushing through the valleys of our lives too. We are not alone!!
I don't know about you, but that is super exciting to me. There are times where my faith, well, it just flounders. Especially when I have to make major, life-changing decisions.
Like where to go after leaving Auburn. (aka, the saddest day of my life.)
I remember sitting in the student center, borderline devastated about having to leave the family I had found in Auburn, just trying not to let doubt or fear overwhelm me. I began pouring over the story of Abraham...how he had faith to leave what had become his home and follow God's path...how "he went without knowing where he was going"(Heb 11:8b)...how he trusted and followed....and when he got there "he lived by faith" (Heb 11:9). It was such a relief to me to see this example of faithfully following God's path. I knew that as long as I let God guide me, and had faith like Abraham to follow God's path, then I would be totally fine. It's times like that where I am so thankful for this "crowd of witnesses to the life of faith." Because God used them to teach me to trust Him. He is so faithful like that.
Before I go, I have to share my absolute favorite verse from this reading: "And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." (Hebrews 12:1b) Woohoo! The runner in me is rejoicing in the symbolism of this verse!! I could go on and on about the parallels between running a marathon and running God's race, but since I promised not to write a book, I'll have to save that for another time. Ha!
Thank you for the opportunity to be a guest blogger! I hope that you too can be encouraged by the faith leaders found in these verses. I pray that as obstacles come up in your life, your faith in God will be strengthened by the awesome crowd of witnesses that went before you.
Get excited, God is good!!
-Lori (Thomas) Hartzog
{In case you don't know me, I went to the ACSC from 2000-2006. My heart belongs in Auburn, and I miss it so much!! I also had the amazing privilege to serve the ACSC as an intern. It really was the best job ever! Since my time in Auburn, I have been blessed to marry Clay, my best friend from the ACSC, and we now live in Knoxville, TN. So...when yall come up here for the AU-UT game...come say hi!! War Eagle!}
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is one of my favorites! Here we have a list of awesome people of God (Enoch! Noah! Abraham! Moses! Rahab! and so many more!) who are used to show us the importance of living by faith. They faced so many obstacles, and yet still had the faith to see God in the midst of it all. Oh, if only I could have faith like that!!
As much as I love this "faith chapter" of Hebrews, it's really the next few verses that caught my attention: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith," -aka...all these amazing people who LIVED out what faith is- "let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress." (Hebrews 12:1a)
Wow. How cool is it that we are not alone in our faith struggles? We are surrounded by these mighty witnesses who have already lived the life of faith...we have footsteps we can follow! By reading about the mountains they faced, we can have a reason to keep pushing through the valleys of our lives too. We are not alone!!
I don't know about you, but that is super exciting to me. There are times where my faith, well, it just flounders. Especially when I have to make major, life-changing decisions.
Like where to go after leaving Auburn. (aka, the saddest day of my life.)
I remember sitting in the student center, borderline devastated about having to leave the family I had found in Auburn, just trying not to let doubt or fear overwhelm me. I began pouring over the story of Abraham...how he had faith to leave what had become his home and follow God's path...how "he went without knowing where he was going"(Heb 11:8b)...how he trusted and followed....and when he got there "he lived by faith" (Heb 11:9). It was such a relief to me to see this example of faithfully following God's path. I knew that as long as I let God guide me, and had faith like Abraham to follow God's path, then I would be totally fine. It's times like that where I am so thankful for this "crowd of witnesses to the life of faith." Because God used them to teach me to trust Him. He is so faithful like that.
Before I go, I have to share my absolute favorite verse from this reading: "And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." (Hebrews 12:1b) Woohoo! The runner in me is rejoicing in the symbolism of this verse!! I could go on and on about the parallels between running a marathon and running God's race, but since I promised not to write a book, I'll have to save that for another time. Ha!
Thank you for the opportunity to be a guest blogger! I hope that you too can be encouraged by the faith leaders found in these verses. I pray that as obstacles come up in your life, your faith in God will be strengthened by the awesome crowd of witnesses that went before you.
Get excited, God is good!!
-Lori (Thomas) Hartzog
{In case you don't know me, I went to the ACSC from 2000-2006. My heart belongs in Auburn, and I miss it so much!! I also had the amazing privilege to serve the ACSC as an intern. It really was the best job ever! Since my time in Auburn, I have been blessed to marry Clay, my best friend from the ACSC, and we now live in Knoxville, TN. So...when yall come up here for the AU-UT game...come say hi!! War Eagle!}
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Day 68: Christ is Superior
Just like Matt wrote yesterday, it's definitely clear that the writer of Hebrews is really trying to get the point across that Jesus is superior and the old covenant is gone and the new one is here...a concept that has STILL not been accepted by the Jewish people to this day. I guess to me the section that stood out the most is the one titled "Christ's Covenant Greater".
It's just a couple of sentences, but the title makes me think of how I sometimes think of what I've got to do to keep my side of the deal of God; how many times I have to help someone else, how often I need to pray or go to church or how long I must observe quiet, conversation time with God. It helps remind me sometimes when I read these sections of scripture that no matter how good, nothing I can do, no laws or commandments I keep and none of my accomplishments or personal sacrifices will get me into Heaven. I know that there is often debate on faith and works and such and I can't say I quite understand it all, but I do think that if we truly believe in the new covenant God has made with us through his Son, that service and love to others in the name of God's Kingdom just comes naturally. It's the essence of living up to what we profess we believe. Just pure wholehearted belief in God's Son and His covenant is what it's all about. The old is irrelevant.
Just to copy a few of the section headers from this reading...our sacrifices are only temporary, Christ is the perfect sacrifice and His covenant is greater.
It's just a couple of sentences, but the title makes me think of how I sometimes think of what I've got to do to keep my side of the deal of God; how many times I have to help someone else, how often I need to pray or go to church or how long I must observe quiet, conversation time with God. It helps remind me sometimes when I read these sections of scripture that no matter how good, nothing I can do, no laws or commandments I keep and none of my accomplishments or personal sacrifices will get me into Heaven. I know that there is often debate on faith and works and such and I can't say I quite understand it all, but I do think that if we truly believe in the new covenant God has made with us through his Son, that service and love to others in the name of God's Kingdom just comes naturally. It's the essence of living up to what we profess we believe. Just pure wholehearted belief in God's Son and His covenant is what it's all about. The old is irrelevant.
Just to copy a few of the section headers from this reading...our sacrifices are only temporary, Christ is the perfect sacrifice and His covenant is greater.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Day 67: The Beginning of Hebrews
How great is our God! The writer of Hebrews (whoever it is) makes it his mission to clearly establish the superiority of Christ and God’s plan in comparison to people and situations familiar to Christians with a Jewish heritage. He compares Christ to angels, Moses, and Joshua, claiming the superiority of Jesus over all of them. It might seem simple to us, but do our lives reflect how superior Christ is to this world? Are our priorities positioned in a way that honors God?
One of the passages that really stuck out to me was in Hebrews 3:12-13. It says, “See to it, brothers, that NONE of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” It really calls us to the same kind of community that we all want to experience in this upcoming school year. We have to start looking out for one another spiritually, not leaving anyone behind, and doing “even the hard things.” Easier said than done obviously, but that doesn’t change its importance. These two verses also speak to encouraging our brothers and sisters DAILY! Not just on Sunday, and not just at devo on Tuesday night. We have to become consistent encouragers, to help each other in the spiritual battles we are all in.
The other thing that caught my eye is in chapter 5. In verses 7-9, the author writes, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” We always talk about how Jesus suffered like we do. But I have never thought about the idea that Jesus learned obedience from his sufferings for our sins.
In our readings the last few weeks, submission in the Lord has been in a major theme. It strikes me that according to verse 7, Jesus was heard BECAUSE of his submission. That kind of submission is an attitude that has to be developed over time. It requires a change in mindset, putting others before ourselves, and acting as our Lord Jesus would. I hope these principles will be seen more clearly in our ministry this year, as we hit the ground running in the next few weeks.
One of the passages that really stuck out to me was in Hebrews 3:12-13. It says, “See to it, brothers, that NONE of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” It really calls us to the same kind of community that we all want to experience in this upcoming school year. We have to start looking out for one another spiritually, not leaving anyone behind, and doing “even the hard things.” Easier said than done obviously, but that doesn’t change its importance. These two verses also speak to encouraging our brothers and sisters DAILY! Not just on Sunday, and not just at devo on Tuesday night. We have to become consistent encouragers, to help each other in the spiritual battles we are all in.
The other thing that caught my eye is in chapter 5. In verses 7-9, the author writes, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” We always talk about how Jesus suffered like we do. But I have never thought about the idea that Jesus learned obedience from his sufferings for our sins.
In our readings the last few weeks, submission in the Lord has been in a major theme. It strikes me that according to verse 7, Jesus was heard BECAUSE of his submission. That kind of submission is an attitude that has to be developed over time. It requires a change in mindset, putting others before ourselves, and acting as our Lord Jesus would. I hope these principles will be seen more clearly in our ministry this year, as we hit the ground running in the next few weeks.
Day 66: Second Letter by Peter
First of all, let me apologize about the late posting. I know that many of you probably would have already read this had it been available. Things are sort of crazy right now with the new job and all. Anyway, here are my thoughts on today’s reading.
It struck me that Peter sure was using some harsh words about the false teachers, and he certainly didn’t lighten up any when he began telling us about the scoffers of the last days. It seems to me that he wants us to realize that group of people is up to no good at all. Peter wants us to see that what they are doing is SO wicked that we should always be alert to their presence.
The problem that I see is that I don’t think I would always recognize a false teacher—or at least one who does not have the right intentions. Let’s face it, we all live in a lazy Christian bubble where we tend to rely on figures like Jim and Tom (I’m not saying that they’re false teachers. I’m using them as examples because they are our most “obvious” teachers.) to tell us what is and isn’t, what’s right and wrong, what’s holy and unholy, etc. It’s crazy that most of us do not even search the Word on our own to make sure that we are not being misled by anyone. (Please bear in mind I am not referring to anyone here in Auburn being a “false teacher.” Examples I am thinking of are those friends, co-workers, or classmates that you will meet here and there in life.) Sometimes I grimace at the idea that church-culture has almost completely limited itself to sermons and preachers. At every church that I’ve ever visited, I almost always have heard phrases similar to “I just didn’t feel it in the sermon today” or “He is a really poor speaker.”
So what?! The delivery is so much less important that the message! What we should be MORE concerned with is that Peter wants us to be constantly growing, adding and developing godly virtues to our faith. He wants us to delve into the Word continually, seeking growth and answers from the only source that can never lead you astray. After all, if you’re always going to be on guard for those who WILL lead you astray, you’d better be familiar with the TRUE way of life.
So, what should you do? Well, I’m not going to tell you. Go and read 2 Peter 3: 11-13 and you’ll have a good idea where to start.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Day 65: Printers and Peter
Every day I interact with a piece of technology that haunts most, if not all, office buildings in America. The printer. This particular looming and dreary cube of equipment has something in common with its human creator. We both share mood swings. One day you go to print a 26 black and white flyers while the printer happily obliges to produce your exact request, yet within the next five minutes it decides to devour your 11x17 calendar as its screen blinks “paper lodged in the bowels of my toner intestines. Safety glasses required for extraction.”
Thanks so much for letting me be a guest blogger here! 1st Peter is just full of delicious nuggets of wisdom and sadly I only could take on one, but I encourage you to keep digging, discussing, and meditating on this book! It will surprise you every time.
- Megan Forrester
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Day 64: Do we REALLY believe this stuff?
So I think James has officially become one of my new favorite books of the Bible. I guess I just never gave it much credit beforehand, or never actually sat down and REALLY read it. Yeah, we always use it to talk about "faith" and "works" in the neverending debate on, "How are you saved?" But, for real, I think that really strips the book of everything else it has to say.
Firstly, I'm reminded of the intense persecution faced by the early church. We've just read the last recorded correspondence of Paul (which made me a little sad...we spent about 30 days with Paul, and all the sudden, he's gone...), and James addressed these themes of oppression and persecution. When I put James' exhortations regarding "deeds" into the context of persecution, it takes on a MUCH deeper meaning. All too often we limit James' words to going to visit a nursing home, serving a soup kitchen, going on a mission trip to [insert appropriate 3rd-world country], or giving money to the collection plate. Don't get me wrong...none of these things is wrong, bad, or unworthy of our time and attention. But think about the early church--each deed they did for Christ could've been their last. Every time they put their neck on the line for Jesus, someone could've persecuted them (with death) for it. It seems pretty convenient for someone to claim faith in Jesus behind closed doors and simply do nothing with deeds out in the open.
Now think of us...how many true DEEDS do we do? How many NEEDS are we meeting DAILY? It's not too hard to meet needs on a mission trip once a year...but what about the other 48-51 weeks of our lives? If we really believe James and what he has to say, why aren't we doing anything? Why isn't the church actively taking a stance on poverty in our country? Maybe because we're still caught up on issues like whether you have to wear a suit, tie, and loafers every Sunday morning...maybe because too many of us are in this mindset of, "Oh...I've worked REALLY hard to get where I'm at today. What are those poor people who don't have jobs or insurance or money and are just living off welfare doing to better themselves? Maybe they should work a little harder." Sorry guys...I never heard Jesus or Paul use that argument.
It really is time for the church to serve as social activists against poverty, against abuse, against hunger, against druge use and alcoholism...and how do we need to stand up against these things? Not by judging (that's for Jesus), not by condemning, not by throwing petty sympathies from our ivory towers or making excuses as to why someone deserves what they've got...it's getting down and dirty and RISKING something in our lives to fight these strongholds Satan has in our own backyard. It's about finding a TRUE NEED and meeting it.
Firstly, I'm reminded of the intense persecution faced by the early church. We've just read the last recorded correspondence of Paul (which made me a little sad...we spent about 30 days with Paul, and all the sudden, he's gone...), and James addressed these themes of oppression and persecution. When I put James' exhortations regarding "deeds" into the context of persecution, it takes on a MUCH deeper meaning. All too often we limit James' words to going to visit a nursing home, serving a soup kitchen, going on a mission trip to [insert appropriate 3rd-world country], or giving money to the collection plate. Don't get me wrong...none of these things is wrong, bad, or unworthy of our time and attention. But think about the early church--each deed they did for Christ could've been their last. Every time they put their neck on the line for Jesus, someone could've persecuted them (with death) for it. It seems pretty convenient for someone to claim faith in Jesus behind closed doors and simply do nothing with deeds out in the open.
Now think of us...how many true DEEDS do we do? How many NEEDS are we meeting DAILY? It's not too hard to meet needs on a mission trip once a year...but what about the other 48-51 weeks of our lives? If we really believe James and what he has to say, why aren't we doing anything? Why isn't the church actively taking a stance on poverty in our country? Maybe because we're still caught up on issues like whether you have to wear a suit, tie, and loafers every Sunday morning...maybe because too many of us are in this mindset of, "Oh...I've worked REALLY hard to get where I'm at today. What are those poor people who don't have jobs or insurance or money and are just living off welfare doing to better themselves? Maybe they should work a little harder." Sorry guys...I never heard Jesus or Paul use that argument.
It really is time for the church to serve as social activists against poverty, against abuse, against hunger, against druge use and alcoholism...and how do we need to stand up against these things? Not by judging (that's for Jesus), not by condemning, not by throwing petty sympathies from our ivory towers or making excuses as to why someone deserves what they've got...it's getting down and dirty and RISKING something in our lives to fight these strongholds Satan has in our own backyard. It's about finding a TRUE NEED and meeting it.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Day 63
From Val--
Paul is in jail again?! Paul has suffered so much for Christ! Sometimes it blows me away how much Paul goes through to preach the word of God, and he never complains about it. How many times do we complain about simple things on a daily basis? We complain about being hungry, tired, classes, traffic, etc. I think something that our culture struggles with big time is impatience. If something does not end on time or it goes a little longer than expected, we get upset. Where is our patience in the Lord? It clearly states that Jesus wants us to be patient in love. Anyways, I just think it is absolutely amazing how much Paul suffers for Christ. How much do we suffer? Are we persecuted for Christ? If we are being persecuted for Christ, then that means we are doing something right. I don't think we suffer enough. I know that the times have changed and that we have freedom to believe in Christ Jesus, but are we even putting ourselves in uncomfortable situations? We should be uncomfortable in Christ as Paul was. Every time I read the Letter to Timothy, I am amazed. It absolutely baffles me how Paul could remain cheerful about his coming death. If it were me, I would be dreading the death that was coming to me, but instead, Paul was welcoming it. Because he understood that when he died, he would be with Christ Jesus, and if he stayed here on earth, he would be continuing to labor. Something we all forget sometimes is that "to die is to gain."
~Val Tomme
Paul is in jail again?! Paul has suffered so much for Christ! Sometimes it blows me away how much Paul goes through to preach the word of God, and he never complains about it. How many times do we complain about simple things on a daily basis? We complain about being hungry, tired, classes, traffic, etc. I think something that our culture struggles with big time is impatience. If something does not end on time or it goes a little longer than expected, we get upset. Where is our patience in the Lord? It clearly states that Jesus wants us to be patient in love. Anyways, I just think it is absolutely amazing how much Paul suffers for Christ. How much do we suffer? Are we persecuted for Christ? If we are being persecuted for Christ, then that means we are doing something right. I don't think we suffer enough. I know that the times have changed and that we have freedom to believe in Christ Jesus, but are we even putting ourselves in uncomfortable situations? We should be uncomfortable in Christ as Paul was. Every time I read the Letter to Timothy, I am amazed. It absolutely baffles me how Paul could remain cheerful about his coming death. If it were me, I would be dreading the death that was coming to me, but instead, Paul was welcoming it. Because he understood that when he died, he would be with Christ Jesus, and if he stayed here on earth, he would be continuing to labor. Something we all forget sometimes is that "to die is to gain."
~Val Tomme
Friday, July 31, 2009
Letter to Titus
"...to the pure all things are pure but to those who are corrupted and do not believe,nothing is pure..."
To live a godly life we need to strive to be as pure as we can.Sometimes that is very difficult to do.The world gets in our way sometimes.We sometimes fight among our selves over things that don't really matter.We even sadly teach things that aren't justified by scripture.This seemed to be a problem that Paul was trying to address and sadly it still affects us today.
How do we overcome this?Paul tells us that we need to not rely on the world. We need to rely on God.If we rely on the world then yes we will argue among each other and we will not see things as being pure but as being corrupt.But, if we rely on God and depend on his grace then it will become easier for us to begin to be kinder to each other.Our lives begin to become pure as they need to be.
If we chose to live as Godly as we can then as Paul says it will be beneficial to everyone,even those who don't believe.If we keep our life as pure as it can be ,then we can be uplifting to each other.We all seem to have a part to play in this family together.The old are to be temperate and the young are to be self controlled and have integrity.We can only be this way when we don't argue among ourselves and we accept God into our hearts.
As we all go out into the world we always need to try to to do what is good and be as peaceful as we can.We shouldn't slander anyone's name,especially our fellow brothers and sisters!And the biggest thing to remember is to humble in your life.
To live a godly life we need to strive to be as pure as we can.Sometimes that is very difficult to do.The world gets in our way sometimes.We sometimes fight among our selves over things that don't really matter.We even sadly teach things that aren't justified by scripture.This seemed to be a problem that Paul was trying to address and sadly it still affects us today.
How do we overcome this?Paul tells us that we need to not rely on the world. We need to rely on God.If we rely on the world then yes we will argue among each other and we will not see things as being pure but as being corrupt.But, if we rely on God and depend on his grace then it will become easier for us to begin to be kinder to each other.Our lives begin to become pure as they need to be.
If we chose to live as Godly as we can then as Paul says it will be beneficial to everyone,even those who don't believe.If we keep our life as pure as it can be ,then we can be uplifting to each other.We all seem to have a part to play in this family together.The old are to be temperate and the young are to be self controlled and have integrity.We can only be this way when we don't argue among ourselves and we accept God into our hearts.
As we all go out into the world we always need to try to to do what is good and be as peaceful as we can.We shouldn't slander anyone's name,especially our fellow brothers and sisters!And the biggest thing to remember is to humble in your life.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Day 61...wow!
So, the church in Ephesus is apparently REALLY messed up. I felt like the whole time I was reading this section that Paul is like just pointing out everything that the C of E was doing wrong and then telling Timmy how to make it right. Which, I guess is a good thing...because Paul was like--super in-tune with God and, I guess I really respect him for being bold enough to call C of E out. Because I know that it's definitely a lot easier to sit back and do nothing--even when you know that someone is doing something wrong, than it is to confront them.
Also, I really appreciate how encouraging Paul is to Tim. Sometimes its really hard when you're trying so hard to do something, and you just feel like you're not succeeding; but then someone else comes along and tells you, "fight the good fight" and "take hold of the eternal life to which you were called". I think that these things Paul is saying to him are really powerful things. And while I was reading this section I was thinking about how a lot of times we don't take care of widows, and we have ungodly women, and separation between believers, and there are a lot of people out there teaching the wrong stuff. But God knew that these things would happen back in the day, and in the now, and Paul's powerful words were probably really encouraging and helpful to Timothy, and I think that they're really encouraging to us today.
So, yeah. I didn't talk about the role of women....can we say controversial? I'm sure Megan would have if she had the blog this day.....
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Day 60: Find The Silver Lining
One of the first things I saw when I started this reading was the heading "Imprisonment A Blessing". I read this section closely because I think, "How could that ever be a blessing?" However, Paul finds the "silver lining" in that whole situation. He believes that because of his imprisonment, he has advanced the gospel and helped people "speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly." I find it pretty amazing that Paul can still be rejoicing and praising God after being locked up in a prison. If that were to happen to us, how fast would we be to blame God? I would hope that we could lean on God and believe that we were there for a reason, but I would imagine that would be pretty hard, to say the least. I hope that we take to heart the fact that Paul can continue rejoicing through every trial and tribulation. Hopefully, we can all learn to put our full faith in God and lean only on him through every hard time.
Another thing that I find throughout this text is that Paul continually pleads with them to be united and be humble and think of others over themselves. To me, this proves the point that even in churches back then had to work at being a family. Paul knew that if they weren't selfish and began to work together for the work of the Lord, that many good and amazing things would come out of the church. We need that same mindset. If we are going to do amazing works to glorify God, we have to work together as a family, or it won't work. We have to develop bonds with our brothers and sisters that cannot be broken and trust in God to work wonders in our family, because it's definitely possible.
"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4: 4-7)
Another thing that I find throughout this text is that Paul continually pleads with them to be united and be humble and think of others over themselves. To me, this proves the point that even in churches back then had to work at being a family. Paul knew that if they weren't selfish and began to work together for the work of the Lord, that many good and amazing things would come out of the church. We need that same mindset. If we are going to do amazing works to glorify God, we have to work together as a family, or it won't work. We have to develop bonds with our brothers and sisters that cannot be broken and trust in God to work wonders in our family, because it's definitely possible.
"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4: 4-7)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Day 59
“Everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible”
Last summer I was playing around with an old 35mm film camera and I took a picture in Conway Acres right before a singing. It was 10pm and it was completely dark outside. But when I got the pictures developed I found a picture of a field that looked like it had been taken at noon. Nothing in the picture was dark—I could see trees way off in the distance that I had never seen that night. It blew my mind, realizing that such a small amount of moonlight and street lights could expose everything that seemed to be in the dark.
A lot of times we think we are in complete darkness, but in fact there are very few places on this earth where you can escape from light—it is everywhere.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are the light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” We are the light— and I’ve learned that even a small light can saturate a large area. Darkness is weak.
Something else that struck me: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We were created to do good works. That’s cool.
“Be careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…” Today, or this week, think about this last verse. Are you making the most of every opportunity? Are you taking the opportunities that God gives you—opportunities to help others, opportunities to be a LIGHT to those in the DARK. Let us not become comfortable here and now. We have much to do.
Monday, July 27, 2009
The 58th Day
I feel like this is the book that sums everything up. This book is the refresher lesson that we all need once in awhile. But I'm just going to go into detail on one section, because I have the power of the blog today :)
If you were in Nersha and James' small group last night, this will probably sound familiar so.. my bad. Onto the lesson! Colossians 3:5-11 is what I will be discussing.
"In the image of the Creator" there are no labels, no class or ethnic distinctions. There is really no difference between those that are in Christ, because Christ is all. How amazing would the church be if we were all just "followers"? Don't you think people would be amazed at how accepting and loving we all were towards each other because we finally understood that JC is what matters most and differences are no cause for separation from Him? But, alas, we are so into labels and staying within our 'groups' that we like to limit people to their respective boxes. Instead of circumscribed or uncircumscribed, today it's black or white, rich or poor, Democratic or Republican, vegetarian or carnivore, and the list goes on. But putting people in nice boxes is not Biblical! I'm reminded of the story of Jesus and the sinful woman. When Jesus is at that Pharisee's house eating dinner, she is on the ground crying and washing His feet and the first thought in the Pharisee's mind is: "She is a sinner!" Thanks for proving my point Mr. Pharisee! Jesus knows this fact, but He doesn't write her off- He forgives her! (Luke 7:36-50)
So do you want me to tell you which boxes to put me in? Like my life is a scantron for the SAT's? All right. I'm 22, Caucasian, Democratic, low-middle class, from a broken home, a sinner, went to a public high school, a Christian.. so what are you? If you think it's important, maybe you'll have to fill out a form at the pearly gates, but I'm pretty sure that's not talked about in Revelations.
Love, accept and remember that "Christ is all, and is in all."
If you were in Nersha and James' small group last night, this will probably sound familiar so.. my bad. Onto the lesson! Colossians 3:5-11 is what I will be discussing.
"In the image of the Creator" there are no labels, no class or ethnic distinctions. There is really no difference between those that are in Christ, because Christ is all. How amazing would the church be if we were all just "followers"? Don't you think people would be amazed at how accepting and loving we all were towards each other because we finally understood that JC is what matters most and differences are no cause for separation from Him? But, alas, we are so into labels and staying within our 'groups' that we like to limit people to their respective boxes. Instead of circumscribed or uncircumscribed, today it's black or white, rich or poor, Democratic or Republican, vegetarian or carnivore, and the list goes on. But putting people in nice boxes is not Biblical! I'm reminded of the story of Jesus and the sinful woman. When Jesus is at that Pharisee's house eating dinner, she is on the ground crying and washing His feet and the first thought in the Pharisee's mind is: "She is a sinner!" Thanks for proving my point Mr. Pharisee! Jesus knows this fact, but He doesn't write her off- He forgives her! (Luke 7:36-50)
So do you want me to tell you which boxes to put me in? Like my life is a scantron for the SAT's? All right. I'm 22, Caucasian, Democratic, low-middle class, from a broken home, a sinner, went to a public high school, a Christian.. so what are you? If you think it's important, maybe you'll have to fill out a form at the pearly gates, but I'm pretty sure that's not talked about in Revelations.
Love, accept and remember that "Christ is all, and is in all."
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Day 57: Shipwrecked
The reading for today is fairly straight forward. Nonetheless the reading got me thinking about some things...things that relate to devo last Tuesday and some things in my own life. Paul sets out for Rome with his own personal guard on what seems to be a very uneventful trip...well it seems that way, but we both know the trip was anything but uneventful. Paul tells the men that the "voyage is going to be disastrous" and warns them to not go, but nobody listens and they go anyway. Throughout the journey the men doubt. Paul reassures them after getting a visit from the Lord that they will make it alive. Then they doubt again and Paul reassures them again. Finally crashing, they all get safely to shore. The one thing that kept sticking out to me while reading this passage was the magnitude of respect the men had for Paul at times and then at other times the unbelievable lack of respect they had for him. They respected to him and listened to him the most after Paul and them had a "I told you so moment". Then after Paul promises a safe passge, the men try to escape...after Paul just told them that they were going to be ok. He had to reassure them again so they would eat something.
I found myself getting a little annoyed with the men on the boat. Why weren't they listening to Paul? Everything was going to be ok. Why did they keep on insisting to save themselves? Why didn't they just trust? This is the point when I started thinking about last Tuesday and Jim's message...that's when things started clicking and I immediately took a second to look back at my life. I realize I do the same thing. In my life when the storms come I take comfort in God and then still insist on doing things my way and saving myself. I don't trust like I ought to. This is one of my biggest struggles--trying not to control EVERYTHING. Let me tell you, its hard. There have been times when I didn't listen to God and went anyway or did whatever and God still took care of me when I know I didn't deserve it. That's the beauty of grace, it makes life not fair (thanks Relient K). My point is this: I see my life mirrored in some ways in how the men treated Paul and how I treat God sometimes.
The great thing though is that if I can look at Paul's example and realize that being bold and daring and trusting without ceasing, all in the name of Christ Jesus, then in the end, at the end of the day, it's all going to be ok. Paul trusted, he had faith in what God told him and even though he was human and dealt with alot, his faith was something to be looked at and admired. I truly believe because Paul had been through so much (the storms in his life) God brought him out the other side and strengthened him in ways that enabled him to get through that storm on the way to Rome. Sometimes the storms in our lives strengthen us and our faith enabling us to help those around us. In a way hard times makes our faith legitimate, real, and honest. Storms in life are a good thing because when you come out on the other side the Lord is still there and hopefully a lesson has been learned and we can be like Paul "boldly and without hindrance" preaching the kingdom of God. Why would we hinder or be meek about it? God has already shown us through the storms and has shown us that we strong with Him because He is our strength. To me, that's a great thing to know.
I found myself getting a little annoyed with the men on the boat. Why weren't they listening to Paul? Everything was going to be ok. Why did they keep on insisting to save themselves? Why didn't they just trust? This is the point when I started thinking about last Tuesday and Jim's message...that's when things started clicking and I immediately took a second to look back at my life. I realize I do the same thing. In my life when the storms come I take comfort in God and then still insist on doing things my way and saving myself. I don't trust like I ought to. This is one of my biggest struggles--trying not to control EVERYTHING. Let me tell you, its hard. There have been times when I didn't listen to God and went anyway or did whatever and God still took care of me when I know I didn't deserve it. That's the beauty of grace, it makes life not fair (thanks Relient K). My point is this: I see my life mirrored in some ways in how the men treated Paul and how I treat God sometimes.
The great thing though is that if I can look at Paul's example and realize that being bold and daring and trusting without ceasing, all in the name of Christ Jesus, then in the end, at the end of the day, it's all going to be ok. Paul trusted, he had faith in what God told him and even though he was human and dealt with alot, his faith was something to be looked at and admired. I truly believe because Paul had been through so much (the storms in his life) God brought him out the other side and strengthened him in ways that enabled him to get through that storm on the way to Rome. Sometimes the storms in our lives strengthen us and our faith enabling us to help those around us. In a way hard times makes our faith legitimate, real, and honest. Storms in life are a good thing because when you come out on the other side the Lord is still there and hopefully a lesson has been learned and we can be like Paul "boldly and without hindrance" preaching the kingdom of God. Why would we hinder or be meek about it? God has already shown us through the storms and has shown us that we strong with Him because He is our strength. To me, that's a great thing to know.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Day 56: Confidence
On first reading, listening to Paul’s defense has always irked me. I feel like I can detect a hint of a smart mouth when he speaks to King Agrippa, a bit of pride when he defends himself and his actions. Perhaps I’m alone in this (but I don’t think I am). Anyways, after I read it a few more times (and thought about it a lot), I realized that he wasn’t speaking with a smart mouth- he was speaking with the confidence that comes from knowing that what you are speaking is TRUTH.
Sometimes Jesus does this: you know, he goes from telling some really great parable to saying “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Something ingrained in me is “rubbed wrong” because it doesn’t sound “humble.” But where did I get the idea that humble means softening the truth until it is no longer truth? Jesus IS the way, the truth, and the life!
But back to Paul and today’s readings. Paul speaks with confidence about his own actions, about God’s promises, and even about his own rights as a citizen. He can have this confidence because he knows what he says is TRUE. People listen to those who speak with confidence (if you don’t believe what you are telling me, why should I?). There is no need to equivocate when you speak truth.
Paul’s example today shows us that we should speak boldly and confidently about God’s promises, but he also demonstrates confidence in his own actions. He is open and honest about his persecution of the saints, but equally upfront about his obedience to God. I think sometimes we feel as though this is being “proud” but it is not: no more than Jesus was “proud” when he proclaimed that he was the Son of God. Is it not the truth?
So, for today: I hope everyone reading this will think about how they speak. Are we always honest, speaking confidently in truth? Or do we equivocate and soften to make our speech more palatable to others’ ears?
On a side note: does this blog still have readers? There's a lot of silence out here in the interwebs...
Sometimes Jesus does this: you know, he goes from telling some really great parable to saying “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Something ingrained in me is “rubbed wrong” because it doesn’t sound “humble.” But where did I get the idea that humble means softening the truth until it is no longer truth? Jesus IS the way, the truth, and the life!
But back to Paul and today’s readings. Paul speaks with confidence about his own actions, about God’s promises, and even about his own rights as a citizen. He can have this confidence because he knows what he says is TRUE. People listen to those who speak with confidence (if you don’t believe what you are telling me, why should I?). There is no need to equivocate when you speak truth.
Paul’s example today shows us that we should speak boldly and confidently about God’s promises, but he also demonstrates confidence in his own actions. He is open and honest about his persecution of the saints, but equally upfront about his obedience to God. I think sometimes we feel as though this is being “proud” but it is not: no more than Jesus was “proud” when he proclaimed that he was the Son of God. Is it not the truth?
So, for today: I hope everyone reading this will think about how they speak. Are we always honest, speaking confidently in truth? Or do we equivocate and soften to make our speech more palatable to others’ ears?
On a side note: does this blog still have readers? There's a lot of silence out here in the interwebs...
Day 55: The Smell of Death
Paul's words from 2 Corinthians 2 really start to ring true here. The Jerusalem leaders praised God when they'd heard the results of Paul's teachings among the Gentiles. They went so far as to devise a plan in an attempt to pacify those who were upset about rumors of Paul...the sweet aroma of Christ at work.
However, they couldn't pacify everyone...as witnessed by the last 3/4 of today's readings. These people were SO threatened by Paul's message, they tried to kill him...sound familiar? Both literally and figuratively, the gospel was the smell of death to these people. They feared it so much because it threatened to destroy and kill the religion they had created for themselves. However, their rejection of it also brings them separation from Jesus, separation from God, and separation from true life.
Paul's testimony also has an impact on me. I think it might be these strongest apologetic to the ministry of Jesus. Listen to what Paul says and see what he is put through: beatings, stonings, assassination attempts. Paul (as Saul) had it all...he was a well-respected Pharisee, effectively threatening the spread of Christianity, and probably had a lot of Pharisee friends. He was living the good life. And all this begs the most obvious question of the New Testament (at least to me)...WHY IN THE EARTH WOULD PAUL GIVE IT ALL UP IF GOD DIDN'T CALL HIM? He, literally, would've had to be insane...had some brain tumor, hallucinated a visit from Jesus, and went off the deep end following this stuff. And given the fact that he was able to write these letters at least halfway intelligibly, I'd say he was fairly sane. Paul's story is a strong testament to the validity of Jesus. He only would've given up the "good" life if there was something even better waiting...
However, they couldn't pacify everyone...as witnessed by the last 3/4 of today's readings. These people were SO threatened by Paul's message, they tried to kill him...sound familiar? Both literally and figuratively, the gospel was the smell of death to these people. They feared it so much because it threatened to destroy and kill the religion they had created for themselves. However, their rejection of it also brings them separation from Jesus, separation from God, and separation from true life.
Paul's testimony also has an impact on me. I think it might be these strongest apologetic to the ministry of Jesus. Listen to what Paul says and see what he is put through: beatings, stonings, assassination attempts. Paul (as Saul) had it all...he was a well-respected Pharisee, effectively threatening the spread of Christianity, and probably had a lot of Pharisee friends. He was living the good life. And all this begs the most obvious question of the New Testament (at least to me)...WHY IN THE EARTH WOULD PAUL GIVE IT ALL UP IF GOD DIDN'T CALL HIM? He, literally, would've had to be insane...had some brain tumor, hallucinated a visit from Jesus, and went off the deep end following this stuff. And given the fact that he was able to write these letters at least halfway intelligibly, I'd say he was fairly sane. Paul's story is a strong testament to the validity of Jesus. He only would've given up the "good" life if there was something even better waiting...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Day 54: Just Do It
Since I have been at Auburn, I have become friends with several people who are not followers of Christ. Coming from a small private school, it's a little bit of a culture shock at first that not every single person on this campus loves God, knows God, or even cares for God. And the sad part is, since I've been here, I have done nothing about it. I mean, let's face it, bringing up God in a conversation with a nonbeliever is definitely not an easy task. It's downright intimidating, but so what?! It's not about us; it's about helping others find God, and if a little discomfort is the only negative side effect, well that sounds like a pretty awesome trade off to me. I admire Paul's confidence in his life. He says, "I have NOT HESITATED to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you PUBLICLY... I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
I found those verses so encouraging because I have been struggling so much about how, when, and where I'm gonna try to introduce God into these people's lives. But really, worrying about all that stuff is pointless. Without faith in God I have nothing. I need to relax and let Jesus take the wheel for a while. I know he will help me and give me the strength, just as he helped Paul. Something to think about: what if years down the road, I meet up with these friends, and they ask me, "So, all that time we hung out together, why is it that you never once invited me to church?"... I just can't imagine how many people yearn so badly to come to church, and hesitate only because they haven't received the invitation.
I guess what I'm trying to do is encourage you (myself included) to put your doubts aside and get proactive. I desire to have Paul's confidence in his life. He impacted every single person he came into contact with. People truly grieved at his farewell because of the major influence Paul had in their lives. How will people react when you leave? What will you leave with them? God placed every single person in your life for a reason. I would like to think that maybe one day that reason is to bring someone to Christ. Don't hesitate. Just do ita
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Day 53 To Be A Christian
This section is one of my favorites in the NT. The earthly scribe, who we are pretty sure is Paul, points out some of the core essentials to living a daily life as a Christian. Actually, so much is said in this section that I don't have the room to share my thoughts on it all! Some of the major things that stood out to me...:
"Just as each of us has one body with many members,
who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us."
This is very familiar yet I feel so seldom it is applied. It is exactly what I was talking about the night of the singing at summer reunion. We are all blessed with very different, yet equally amazing gifts and talents. Whether it be leading a small group or dorm bible study, volunteering on the praise team at devo, being a prayer warrior, serving our family and community or even giving financially, our ministry will NOT work and be what we, and ultimately God wants it to be if we don't use all of them with great passion. Very similar to what we read in I Corinthians, an eye, no matter how perfect, can't work alone.
who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us."
This is very familiar yet I feel so seldom it is applied. It is exactly what I was talking about the night of the singing at summer reunion. We are all blessed with very different, yet equally amazing gifts and talents. Whether it be leading a small group or dorm bible study, volunteering on the praise team at devo, being a prayer warrior, serving our family and community or even giving financially, our ministry will NOT work and be what we, and ultimately God wants it to be if we don't use all of them with great passion. Very similar to what we read in I Corinthians, an eye, no matter how perfect, can't work alone.
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted
to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."
to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."
Love, love and more love! Love God, love your neighbors, your friends, family, brothers and sisters in Christ and especially, especially your enemies. If we all share a passion for building up others and placing them and God's love for all above our own well-being and desires, we do nothing but grow closer to God. It's not easy, it's hard for anyone to be "only-loving". Just try it today. Don't gossip, don't think negative about someone, don't say (even minor) unkind things, don't worry about anything but putting everyone and your thoughts about them above yourself. Can you do it?
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Day 52: The Olive Tree
Today's reading is a tough one. Here are some observations and questions to think and pray about as you wrestle with some of the concepts in Romans 9-11.
- We, as Americans in 2009, tend to think of a relationship with God on an individual level. We say things like, "What has God been doing in your life this week?" There is a very personal element to our relationships with God. However, God also cares about us as groups of people: as communities, tribes, and nations. That's the way Paul is talking about the Jews here. We know that many Jews had believed in Jesus (name a follower of Jesus you meet in the Gospels and you're probably naming a Jew), but as a whole, the nation of Israel hadn't accepted Jesus as the Messiah. There is a faithful remnant (11:1-6), but the nation of Israel has rejected Jesus.
- Paul was intensely Jewish. He studied at the feet of the best Jewish scholar of his time. Paul, in his heart of hearts, wanted the Jews to know Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah.
- The Jews have a historical relationship with God that Gentiles don't.
- We are adopted sons and daughters of God, achieving the righteousness through faith that the Jews didn't achieve.
- Please, please, please take Romans 10:14-17 personally. "How then, can they call on the the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?" As the body of Christ on the Earth, the church is responsible for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- The roots of the olive tree support us. Pray that other branches will choose to come back to the tree. There are big gaps in the crown of the tree without them.
Hope that helps some.
Emily Stutzman
- We, as Americans in 2009, tend to think of a relationship with God on an individual level. We say things like, "What has God been doing in your life this week?" There is a very personal element to our relationships with God. However, God also cares about us as groups of people: as communities, tribes, and nations. That's the way Paul is talking about the Jews here. We know that many Jews had believed in Jesus (name a follower of Jesus you meet in the Gospels and you're probably naming a Jew), but as a whole, the nation of Israel hadn't accepted Jesus as the Messiah. There is a faithful remnant (11:1-6), but the nation of Israel has rejected Jesus.
- Paul was intensely Jewish. He studied at the feet of the best Jewish scholar of his time. Paul, in his heart of hearts, wanted the Jews to know Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah.
- The Jews have a historical relationship with God that Gentiles don't.
- We are adopted sons and daughters of God, achieving the righteousness through faith that the Jews didn't achieve.
- Please, please, please take Romans 10:14-17 personally. "How then, can they call on the the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?" As the body of Christ on the Earth, the church is responsible for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- The roots of the olive tree support us. Pray that other branches will choose to come back to the tree. There are big gaps in the crown of the tree without them.
Hope that helps some.
Emily Stutzman
Monday, July 20, 2009
Day 51: Salvation
First of all, I'm pretty glad we're free from all this law-business. It's fairly confusing, and today's reading was a lot to take in. I don't think I got it all...or even half of it...and I think a bulk of the discussion at Small Group on Sunday might center around some of the topics Paul tackles here.
But what is easy for my mind to comprehend is that Jesus died to free us...free us from the legalism the law subjected to the Jews, free from the guilt of constantly breaking the law and being reminded you'll never be good enough to fulfill it, and free from the sin that the law was instituted to constantly remind us of.
I might not've understood all of today's reading, but there were some verses that really stood out to...ones that I feel that if I "get," I can live my life knowing that even though I didn't understand the rest of Romans 5-8, I'm ok.
5:6--"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Chris died for the ungodly...While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
6:4--"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
6:11--"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus."
8:38'ish--"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Chris Jesus our Lord."
I'm just encouraged the no matter what, I'm free from sin. EVERY DAY I die to sin, but am found alive in Christ...EVERY DAY! I don't have to go to church every Sunday, slaughter a sheep on Tom Steed's lecturn, and ask for his blessing. EVERY DAY I wake up to find myself with new life in Jesus...and that makes me pretty darn happy.
But what is easy for my mind to comprehend is that Jesus died to free us...free us from the legalism the law subjected to the Jews, free from the guilt of constantly breaking the law and being reminded you'll never be good enough to fulfill it, and free from the sin that the law was instituted to constantly remind us of.
I might not've understood all of today's reading, but there were some verses that really stood out to...ones that I feel that if I "get," I can live my life knowing that even though I didn't understand the rest of Romans 5-8, I'm ok.
5:6--"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Chris died for the ungodly...While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
6:4--"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
6:11--"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus."
8:38'ish--"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Chris Jesus our Lord."
I'm just encouraged the no matter what, I'm free from sin. EVERY DAY I die to sin, but am found alive in Christ...EVERY DAY! I don't have to go to church every Sunday, slaughter a sheep on Tom Steed's lecturn, and ask for his blessing. EVERY DAY I wake up to find myself with new life in Jesus...and that makes me pretty darn happy.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Day 50: Signature of God
The part of today’s reading that sticks out to me the most is the passage about the Gentiles rejecting God. Paul says, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” According to Paul (indirectly God) we have no excuse not to believe in God. It has always baffled me how someone can “intelligently” come to the conclusion that there is not a God. His signature is written on nearly everything we see and it is most clearly seen in ourselves. God created a world that has his name written all over it. He wanted us to be able to see him. He did not try to hide all evidence of himself in his work, but left it there so through it, we could see him.
I would like to think that he meant the same for us as Christians. Just as everything in creation points to him, everything about us, as Disciples of Christ should point to him as well. The way we live our lives should be screaming JESUS! We are not merely supposed to confess that Jesus is the Christ and then go on blending in with the rest of the world but everything about us should point to something more than ourselves, to the one person who can truly sustain us, Jesus Christ. We are called to live by the Spirit (Galatians 5). If we do, then the work of God should be clearly evident in our lives, not only to us but also to all of those around us.
Speaking of how we should act, there also seems to be a lot of indirect talk of hypocrisy in today’s reading, saying one thing yet doing another. Paul talks of people preaching against something and yet still being guilty of it in their own lives. Words have always seemed to be easier to come by than actions. It’s very easy to talk about leading a life that points to Jesus but an entirely different thing to actually do it.
I would like to think that he meant the same for us as Christians. Just as everything in creation points to him, everything about us, as Disciples of Christ should point to him as well. The way we live our lives should be screaming JESUS! We are not merely supposed to confess that Jesus is the Christ and then go on blending in with the rest of the world but everything about us should point to something more than ourselves, to the one person who can truly sustain us, Jesus Christ. We are called to live by the Spirit (Galatians 5). If we do, then the work of God should be clearly evident in our lives, not only to us but also to all of those around us.
Speaking of how we should act, there also seems to be a lot of indirect talk of hypocrisy in today’s reading, saying one thing yet doing another. Paul talks of people preaching against something and yet still being guilty of it in their own lives. Words have always seemed to be easier to come by than actions. It’s very easy to talk about leading a life that points to Jesus but an entirely different thing to actually do it.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Day 49: Test your faith!
“Examine yourselves to see whether your are in faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test.”
When was the last time you tested your faith, and do you know how and why we should test it? In this section, Paul is addressing some concerns about false apostles who have intruded and caused some to question his authority. After reasserting the validity of his ministry and a issuing stern warning, he concludes by challenging the readers to test their own faith. The purpose is so that if the Corinthians find, through their faith, they are genuine Christians they may also view Paul's ministry and authority as genuine and Christ-centered. We test our faith so that we may find ourselves to be genuine believers. As genuine disciples of Christ, we are reassured that those who are leading us are also genuine and trustworthy. But how do you test your faith?
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. “ (Hebrews 11:1) Testing our faith means believing in God for things that cannot be seen, but require His power. In other words pray with a BELIEVING heart, not a doubtful one. In Mark 11:22-24 Jesus tells us, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Believing when you pray requires being reliant on God and letting His power work. It is through Christ's power that we can do all things (Hebrews 4:13). When we try to make impossible things happen through our own will, we are not giving God a chance to work in our lives. If we are still trying to attain our goals and hopes through worldy means, then how are we any different than the world?
One thing you should be reminded of is that praying with a believing heart does not mean praying with a demanding heart. God answers our faith because He loves us and knows what is best for us. Ultimately your faith will be rewarded not to lift your own self up, but to glorify the mighty power of God. It is then that you know you have passed your test of faith. So please...challenge yourselves to believe in things that require God to be present!
When was the last time you tested your faith, and do you know how and why we should test it? In this section, Paul is addressing some concerns about false apostles who have intruded and caused some to question his authority. After reasserting the validity of his ministry and a issuing stern warning, he concludes by challenging the readers to test their own faith. The purpose is so that if the Corinthians find, through their faith, they are genuine Christians they may also view Paul's ministry and authority as genuine and Christ-centered. We test our faith so that we may find ourselves to be genuine believers. As genuine disciples of Christ, we are reassured that those who are leading us are also genuine and trustworthy. But how do you test your faith?
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. “ (Hebrews 11:1) Testing our faith means believing in God for things that cannot be seen, but require His power. In other words pray with a BELIEVING heart, not a doubtful one. In Mark 11:22-24 Jesus tells us, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Believing when you pray requires being reliant on God and letting His power work. It is through Christ's power that we can do all things (Hebrews 4:13). When we try to make impossible things happen through our own will, we are not giving God a chance to work in our lives. If we are still trying to attain our goals and hopes through worldy means, then how are we any different than the world?
One thing you should be reminded of is that praying with a believing heart does not mean praying with a demanding heart. God answers our faith because He loves us and knows what is best for us. Ultimately your faith will be rewarded not to lift your own self up, but to glorify the mighty power of God. It is then that you know you have passed your test of faith. So please...challenge yourselves to believe in things that require God to be present!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Forgiveness and Faith
There are many things in today's reading that are important. I am going to touch on a couple things that stuck out to me and leave the rest of it open for discussion.
I want to start with the section that talks about how the "Troublemakers to be forgiven" Paul says that he has forgiven in the sake of Christ so that Satan will not outwit us. I have never really thought about forgiveness in this way. Have you? That by not forgiving that you are helping Satan, you are playing into his hands. Satan brings sin in to destroy us, and by not forgiving you are allowing sin to win and in turn allowing Satan his small victory that he works so hard for. Something that is also hard, is how do we forgive without being a push-over? If we forgive and say that everything is ok then are we not setting that person up for them to do the same thing over again. I do not believe that forgiveness is saying that what a person did is ok or that it is alright. John Eldridge in the book "Wild at Heart" describes forgiveness as saying this "It was wrong, it mattered, and I release you" This has stuck with me. Forgiveness is not saying that the sin is ok, but rather you messed up, we acknowledge it was wrong and let's move on. We should not forget about it, but release the sin and move away from the sin, and allow the "Troublemaker" to move away from the sin as well. Bring them with you when you move away from the sin. We should always forgive and I mean truly forgive and not just say it. Mean it! When you forgive, you release that person from that sin against you, and of course they will be forgiven by God. Aren't we supposed to live like Christ? I don't think that anyone would argue that he will forgive the sins, so shouldn't we? I also don't believe that we should wait to forgive until we feel like it. Your feelings will heal after you take the time to forgive. So to sum up, I feel true forgiveness is releasing the sin not accepting it. I feel like this will help strengthen our relationships, if we can learn to honestly and truly forgive.
I also like the passage titled "Inner Strength" in that section there is a quote that says, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen" This is the description of faith. It has hard to believe what we cannot see. There is always the argument that if we could just see one miracle from God or one "Burning Bush" then it would be so easy to believe. Really? If you had been there with Jesus would you have gotten it if you didn't know what you know now? The disciples were with Jesus for his entire ministry and still had trouble with it. Also, What makes you thing that you have not seen a miracle and just not recognized it as a miracle? Think back through the events of you life and things you have prayed for. The things that cannot be explained. We sometimes just write them off as coincidence. The Holy Spirit is still moving and still lives inside each of us who have given our lives over to Christ. That to me is a miracle and should be all we need, the presence of God in our lives. I struggle with this all of the time and it is hard, but just think about it. Think about all the un-explained events in your life. Do you see God working? While we can't physically see with our eyes we still have the presence of God within us. I feel like this is what Paul means by believing in what is unseen. I don't believe he meant that God is no longer around us and no longer working, but that we have to look for him in the ways that he works.
I want to start with the section that talks about how the "Troublemakers to be forgiven" Paul says that he has forgiven in the sake of Christ so that Satan will not outwit us. I have never really thought about forgiveness in this way. Have you? That by not forgiving that you are helping Satan, you are playing into his hands. Satan brings sin in to destroy us, and by not forgiving you are allowing sin to win and in turn allowing Satan his small victory that he works so hard for. Something that is also hard, is how do we forgive without being a push-over? If we forgive and say that everything is ok then are we not setting that person up for them to do the same thing over again. I do not believe that forgiveness is saying that what a person did is ok or that it is alright. John Eldridge in the book "Wild at Heart" describes forgiveness as saying this "It was wrong, it mattered, and I release you" This has stuck with me. Forgiveness is not saying that the sin is ok, but rather you messed up, we acknowledge it was wrong and let's move on. We should not forget about it, but release the sin and move away from the sin, and allow the "Troublemaker" to move away from the sin as well. Bring them with you when you move away from the sin. We should always forgive and I mean truly forgive and not just say it. Mean it! When you forgive, you release that person from that sin against you, and of course they will be forgiven by God. Aren't we supposed to live like Christ? I don't think that anyone would argue that he will forgive the sins, so shouldn't we? I also don't believe that we should wait to forgive until we feel like it. Your feelings will heal after you take the time to forgive. So to sum up, I feel true forgiveness is releasing the sin not accepting it. I feel like this will help strengthen our relationships, if we can learn to honestly and truly forgive.
I also like the passage titled "Inner Strength" in that section there is a quote that says, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen" This is the description of faith. It has hard to believe what we cannot see. There is always the argument that if we could just see one miracle from God or one "Burning Bush" then it would be so easy to believe. Really? If you had been there with Jesus would you have gotten it if you didn't know what you know now? The disciples were with Jesus for his entire ministry and still had trouble with it. Also, What makes you thing that you have not seen a miracle and just not recognized it as a miracle? Think back through the events of you life and things you have prayed for. The things that cannot be explained. We sometimes just write them off as coincidence. The Holy Spirit is still moving and still lives inside each of us who have given our lives over to Christ. That to me is a miracle and should be all we need, the presence of God in our lives. I struggle with this all of the time and it is hard, but just think about it. Think about all the un-explained events in your life. Do you see God working? While we can't physically see with our eyes we still have the presence of God within us. I feel like this is what Paul means by believing in what is unseen. I don't believe he meant that God is no longer around us and no longer working, but that we have to look for him in the ways that he works.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Day 47: The Offering
From Val Tomme...
Wow! There is so much I could talk about on today's reading. But I guess the main thing that really stuck out to me is when Paul talks about the collection that we should take up every first day of the week. I am just going to be honest, I used to never give back to the Lord on Sundays. I have always had the mind set that I am a broke college student, so I can't give to God. I can't afford it. But that is so far from the truth! I have been blessed in so many ways, and the only way I have been able to survive thus far, is because of Jesus Christ.
I used to worry all the time, what if I don't make it this month? What if I run out of money and have to move back home? What if....what if....what if!? Those are a lot of what if's! But what I have learned over the years, and we hear this all the time, is that we don't have to worry! Jesus will not let us suffer, he will not let us down! Jesus is the only one who will never let us down. If we are running low on food and funds, he will work through other people and allow them to help you. He will ALWAYS be there for you, NO MATTER WHAT!
I personally believe that it is so important to give back to the Lord. We may be broke college students, but we can manage to give back to the Lord what he has already given to us. I personally did not give to God, until I heard a lesson on this very thing. I have learned to budget. When you get your paycheck, go ahead and take out what you will be giving to God. He should always come first! And I know it is hard to give a set amount every week because we are college students and a lot of us do not have set salaries and we get paid a different amount every pay check. But I can promise you this, if you are giving back to the Lord, he is providing for you. I don't want to sit and here and say to only give to receive, because we should be giving to the Lord anyways, and I am not saying to live by what I do, but I always remember this: If I am eating out a couple times during the week, or if I am able to buy a pair of shoes or an article of clothing; then I can give on Sunday morning.
I think us college students always forget that we don't need those things, God will provide for us. We have shelter. We have food. We have clothing. We have all we need, but we often get what we need with what we want confused. So when we go out to eat too much or we buy a few too many clothes that week, and then by the end of the week we are out of money, then what? How do we explain that? The first thing we should do every pay check is take out money for God. Now how much you take out is between you and God. I don't want to sound like I am preaching, but I just think it is so important that we realize that God will provide all we need and we need to trust that!
Everything else was good too!
~Val
Wow! There is so much I could talk about on today's reading. But I guess the main thing that really stuck out to me is when Paul talks about the collection that we should take up every first day of the week. I am just going to be honest, I used to never give back to the Lord on Sundays. I have always had the mind set that I am a broke college student, so I can't give to God. I can't afford it. But that is so far from the truth! I have been blessed in so many ways, and the only way I have been able to survive thus far, is because of Jesus Christ.
I used to worry all the time, what if I don't make it this month? What if I run out of money and have to move back home? What if....what if....what if!? Those are a lot of what if's! But what I have learned over the years, and we hear this all the time, is that we don't have to worry! Jesus will not let us suffer, he will not let us down! Jesus is the only one who will never let us down. If we are running low on food and funds, he will work through other people and allow them to help you. He will ALWAYS be there for you, NO MATTER WHAT!
I personally believe that it is so important to give back to the Lord. We may be broke college students, but we can manage to give back to the Lord what he has already given to us. I personally did not give to God, until I heard a lesson on this very thing. I have learned to budget. When you get your paycheck, go ahead and take out what you will be giving to God. He should always come first! And I know it is hard to give a set amount every week because we are college students and a lot of us do not have set salaries and we get paid a different amount every pay check. But I can promise you this, if you are giving back to the Lord, he is providing for you. I don't want to sit and here and say to only give to receive, because we should be giving to the Lord anyways, and I am not saying to live by what I do, but I always remember this: If I am eating out a couple times during the week, or if I am able to buy a pair of shoes or an article of clothing; then I can give on Sunday morning.
I think us college students always forget that we don't need those things, God will provide for us. We have shelter. We have food. We have clothing. We have all we need, but we often get what we need with what we want confused. So when we go out to eat too much or we buy a few too many clothes that week, and then by the end of the week we are out of money, then what? How do we explain that? The first thing we should do every pay check is take out money for God. Now how much you take out is between you and God. I don't want to sound like I am preaching, but I just think it is so important that we realize that God will provide all we need and we need to trust that!
Everything else was good too!
~Val
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Day 46: One Body
Ok, so if you had to choose a part of your body to give up which would it be? I mean if I realllllly HAD to choose… it might be my left pinky. Initially, I can’t think of much I use it for. Let’s see- I’m right handed, and it’s my smallest finger. But, when I actually think about it, that little pinky on my left hand helps me out with a lot…and I’m pretty sure God put it there for a reason. In fact, I probably wouldn’t realize how much I needed my pinky until I lost it.
Paul covers a lot in today’s reading about unity, love, and spiritual gifts – all of which are important. My favorite thing he talks about, however, is the importance of the body and every part of the body having its special function. Every separate unit serves a purpose, and together forms one unit. Also, Paul goes on to say that “there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it”. Just like with us - if one of us suffers, all of us suffer.
Just another little example: Andy Sanders had our Brazil team participate in a little exercise last year during our training. He made each of us, separately, lay down on a large piece of paper while the others traced a portion of our body until the body was complete. So in the end, what turned out to look like a poor discombobulated figure was made up of parts of 5 different people – all different shapes and sizes. All different, but necessary in completing the body outlined on this very large piece of paper. He went on to tell us that the 5 of us, all different, came together for one purpose. We all had different gifts, talents, personality traits, etc that were all necessary in our mission.
None of us are MORE gifted than the other. We all have talents. We all have roles that we play within the body of Christ. We are all one.
Paul covers a lot in today’s reading about unity, love, and spiritual gifts – all of which are important. My favorite thing he talks about, however, is the importance of the body and every part of the body having its special function. Every separate unit serves a purpose, and together forms one unit. Also, Paul goes on to say that “there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it”. Just like with us - if one of us suffers, all of us suffer.
Just another little example: Andy Sanders had our Brazil team participate in a little exercise last year during our training. He made each of us, separately, lay down on a large piece of paper while the others traced a portion of our body until the body was complete. So in the end, what turned out to look like a poor discombobulated figure was made up of parts of 5 different people – all different shapes and sizes. All different, but necessary in completing the body outlined on this very large piece of paper. He went on to tell us that the 5 of us, all different, came together for one purpose. We all had different gifts, talents, personality traits, etc that were all necessary in our mission.
None of us are MORE gifted than the other. We all have talents. We all have roles that we play within the body of Christ. We are all one.
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