DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
FEAR AND TREMBLING
Phil 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
NIV
It is almost if these words are coming from Jesus himself. Once he was in the presence of humankind and those who walked with him certainly were thought of as ones who obeyed. Now he is absence from humankind in the physical sense but as I am so aware he is always with me in a spiritual sense. However, here in this physical realm, I am on my own, so to speak, with the ability to refuse acknowledgement of his presence. Yet I am still exhorted to continue to work out my salvation with fear and trembling. The rub is, of course, how do I work out my own salvation? Has not that all been done at Calvary? Have I not experienced all that at the altar? What then is the work, and why with fear and trembling? It seems to me after making a commitment to follow Jesus; I have some traveling to do. I must travel from a life of being addicted to sin to one of purity and holiness. Although I have the Lord to travel at my side, in a spiritual sense, I still must make the journey and the road is filled with many pot holes which can cause me to trip and fall plus many detours hiding at every turn endeavoring to get me to turn off course. They are bandits as well who will try their very hardest to steal my joy, my peace, my love, and yes even my salvation. Is it any wonder I should travel this road with fear and trembling? Fear of falling prey to the pot holes, detours and bandits. Trembling at the thought of my destiny, should I stray completely from my following Jesus.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Work, Work, Work
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
WORK, WORK, WORK
Phil 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
NIV
Work you say, work out, you say, work out your own salvation. What just a minute! I thought that was a gift from God. Did I not go down to the alter and give my life to him? Did I not confess my one and only sin and repent, determining I would never do that again? I am sure all that happened and yet here I am told I have to work out my salvation for myself. I thought I was saved by grace and not by works, least I boast. True enough but I must continue the journey. I must walk the walk, and move from that moment in time, which is history, and not only live the present, but move into the future.
I most grow and mature in my understanding and my attitudes and actions as I live my life out loud in front of a depraved and lost world. This is my work; this is my vocation, my calling, my place. This is working out my own salvation, continuing to move forward and onward with my Lord and Savior, becoming more and more submissive to his leading, and more and more dependent on him. I must work, work, work.
PHILIPPIANS
WORK, WORK, WORK
Phil 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
NIV
Work you say, work out, you say, work out your own salvation. What just a minute! I thought that was a gift from God. Did I not go down to the alter and give my life to him? Did I not confess my one and only sin and repent, determining I would never do that again? I am sure all that happened and yet here I am told I have to work out my salvation for myself. I thought I was saved by grace and not by works, least I boast. True enough but I must continue the journey. I must walk the walk, and move from that moment in time, which is history, and not only live the present, but move into the future.
I most grow and mature in my understanding and my attitudes and actions as I live my life out loud in front of a depraved and lost world. This is my work; this is my vocation, my calling, my place. This is working out my own salvation, continuing to move forward and onward with my Lord and Savior, becoming more and more submissive to his leading, and more and more dependent on him. I must work, work, work.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Self
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
SELF
Phil 2:5-11
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
NIV
When I consider verse 5 and the following I surely can see how Paul is exhorting me to take on an attitude of humility. My attitude, this is not my actions but my attitude, how I think, how I perceive myself in relationship to God and to others. Certainly I agree I am not equal to God, after all he is the creator and I am the created. He is the master, I am the servant. He is the Lord and I am the Lord’s. No question about that at all. The rub comes when I take on the same attitude of Christ and then consider myself better then someone else. Oh I say I don’t? I have to consider for a moment, how many times I have felt negatively about another. When I see a person who may be overweight, if I am not, or a person who is very thin, if I am not, or a person who is very good looking and I am not, or I see someone I consider not as good looking as me, and the list goes on. Come on now and be honest with myself, do I judge another by their appearance? I may even judge another by their actions or things they say, how they say them, why they say what they say. Then I have to examine how I interact with those others. Do I get my feeling hurt? Does another cause me to get upset and angry? Do others make me feel inferior or superior? And then what about thinking I just might be more spiritually mature then another.
Again I could list so many feelings and reactions to the actions of others this would be a book rather then devotion. The point is this; if I have the same attitude of Christ then I would not have those feelings because I would always consider the other person before myself. Instead I must ask myself, do I always or many of the times, consider myself and my feelings and my own self interests, getting upset with others because they do not consider me before themselves? I have to conclude if every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, then I alone with everyone else are all the same, sinners saved by grace and therefore what room is there for self.
PHILIPPIANS
SELF
Phil 2:5-11
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
NIV
When I consider verse 5 and the following I surely can see how Paul is exhorting me to take on an attitude of humility. My attitude, this is not my actions but my attitude, how I think, how I perceive myself in relationship to God and to others. Certainly I agree I am not equal to God, after all he is the creator and I am the created. He is the master, I am the servant. He is the Lord and I am the Lord’s. No question about that at all. The rub comes when I take on the same attitude of Christ and then consider myself better then someone else. Oh I say I don’t? I have to consider for a moment, how many times I have felt negatively about another. When I see a person who may be overweight, if I am not, or a person who is very thin, if I am not, or a person who is very good looking and I am not, or I see someone I consider not as good looking as me, and the list goes on. Come on now and be honest with myself, do I judge another by their appearance? I may even judge another by their actions or things they say, how they say them, why they say what they say. Then I have to examine how I interact with those others. Do I get my feeling hurt? Does another cause me to get upset and angry? Do others make me feel inferior or superior? And then what about thinking I just might be more spiritually mature then another.
Again I could list so many feelings and reactions to the actions of others this would be a book rather then devotion. The point is this; if I have the same attitude of Christ then I would not have those feelings because I would always consider the other person before myself. Instead I must ask myself, do I always or many of the times, consider myself and my feelings and my own self interests, getting upset with others because they do not consider me before themselves? I have to conclude if every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, then I alone with everyone else are all the same, sinners saved by grace and therefore what room is there for self.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
One Purpose
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
ONE PURPOSE
Phil 2:1-4
2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Are these rhetorical questions or a slight hint of sarcasm? I dare to consider that idea, but surely I see something in this word “if”. Would not it be a given that a person united with Christ find encouragement? Would it not also be a solid fact that a person found comfort from his love? And how could it not be one would have fellowship with the Spirit and exhibiting tenderness and compassion from that fellowship? Of course being a believer in the Gospel of Christ has to include all of these conditions, encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness and compassion. Thus any teacher, such as Paul, would find great joy in seeing those he has spent time sharing the gospel with being like-minded. Again, if I consider these truths for my own life within the body of Christ and see how each member is filled with those same attributes, then I also would be like-minded with them, and would have the same love including being one in spirit and purpose.
Here again I see the concept of the individual setting aside personal pursuits for the benefit of the others in the body. Being told to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit seems rather straight forward, leading the way to humility. Even my service to others could be motivated by selfish ambition, to be lifted up, spoken well of, and thought of as a person of humility, when in fact the opposite is true. How careful I must be of my own reasons and motivations. The underlying ability to really consider others better then me appears to be the key to true humility. To actually see them as people of great worth, as people who God loves deeply and cares for them the same as he does for me. Then I believe I might be able to set aside my own interests. That is to stop doing something in order to help another, to give up an activity to allow them time for something is one way I see this attribute in action. How guarded I can become of my own time, seizing those moments of solitude or personal time and I may not be willing to sacrifice that for another. Does this verse speak to me or what? I think it is alright for me to consider my own interest, but not at the expense of the interests of others, but are best.
PHILIPPIANS
ONE PURPOSE
Phil 2:1-4
2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Are these rhetorical questions or a slight hint of sarcasm? I dare to consider that idea, but surely I see something in this word “if”. Would not it be a given that a person united with Christ find encouragement? Would it not also be a solid fact that a person found comfort from his love? And how could it not be one would have fellowship with the Spirit and exhibiting tenderness and compassion from that fellowship? Of course being a believer in the Gospel of Christ has to include all of these conditions, encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness and compassion. Thus any teacher, such as Paul, would find great joy in seeing those he has spent time sharing the gospel with being like-minded. Again, if I consider these truths for my own life within the body of Christ and see how each member is filled with those same attributes, then I also would be like-minded with them, and would have the same love including being one in spirit and purpose.
Here again I see the concept of the individual setting aside personal pursuits for the benefit of the others in the body. Being told to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit seems rather straight forward, leading the way to humility. Even my service to others could be motivated by selfish ambition, to be lifted up, spoken well of, and thought of as a person of humility, when in fact the opposite is true. How careful I must be of my own reasons and motivations. The underlying ability to really consider others better then me appears to be the key to true humility. To actually see them as people of great worth, as people who God loves deeply and cares for them the same as he does for me. Then I believe I might be able to set aside my own interests. That is to stop doing something in order to help another, to give up an activity to allow them time for something is one way I see this attribute in action. How guarded I can become of my own time, seizing those moments of solitude or personal time and I may not be willing to sacrifice that for another. Does this verse speak to me or what? I think it is alright for me to consider my own interest, but not at the expense of the interests of others, but are best.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Stand Firm
PHILIPPIANS
STAND FIRM
Phil 1:27-30
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
NIV
Yet another thought from these same verses, because of these being one thought of Paul, yet with so much to contemplate I am impressed to divide some thoughts of my own. First I noticed conducting myself in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Now I see I am to stand firm in one spirit with other believers. The idea of each person being able to stand firm on their own within their own abilities and strength seems to have been struck a severe blow in this statement of verse 27. Standing firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel sure seems to imply each person cannot, should not, must not stand alone. If I think for one moment that I am an island forging through life on my own then, I believe I am in disobedience to the word of God. I desperately need to stand side by side with others, working together, sharing life with others of the same belief in Christ, contending as one, not as many.
Yes, each person has the skills and talents which are individual in nature and may very well be used in such a wide array of areas within life to serve society as well as pursue those individual goals each has within. However these individual pursuits must submit to the greater good of the community of believers, in fact these talents and skills, which are God given can in fact, be used within the body of believers for its own good, a good which serves the function of standing firm as one man. Each person instructing, correcting, serving, promoting and encouraging the other to greater service to our Lord and all this in the face of those who oppose the very core beliefs of the gospel, without fear of how they may react or act toward us.
STAND FIRM
Phil 1:27-30
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
NIV
Yet another thought from these same verses, because of these being one thought of Paul, yet with so much to contemplate I am impressed to divide some thoughts of my own. First I noticed conducting myself in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Now I see I am to stand firm in one spirit with other believers. The idea of each person being able to stand firm on their own within their own abilities and strength seems to have been struck a severe blow in this statement of verse 27. Standing firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel sure seems to imply each person cannot, should not, must not stand alone. If I think for one moment that I am an island forging through life on my own then, I believe I am in disobedience to the word of God. I desperately need to stand side by side with others, working together, sharing life with others of the same belief in Christ, contending as one, not as many.
Yes, each person has the skills and talents which are individual in nature and may very well be used in such a wide array of areas within life to serve society as well as pursue those individual goals each has within. However these individual pursuits must submit to the greater good of the community of believers, in fact these talents and skills, which are God given can in fact, be used within the body of believers for its own good, a good which serves the function of standing firm as one man. Each person instructing, correcting, serving, promoting and encouraging the other to greater service to our Lord and all this in the face of those who oppose the very core beliefs of the gospel, without fear of how they may react or act toward us.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Conduct
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
CONDUCT
Phil 1:27-30
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
NIV
Whatever happens is a phrase which puts a light in life itself. Does not the course of one’s life flow with ebbs and tides? Do I not have those ups and downs, mountain top and deep valley experiences? Do I not have those moments of hardship as well as times of rejoicing? And here it is, right in my face, whatever happens; conduct your self in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. This does not leave much room for my own pitiful excuses of why I acted or reacted in or to a situation or comment or action by another. How guilty I am, especially in my own personal relationships, seeking justification for responding inappropriately. Dare I question you when I stand condemned of this command? I say no, yet it must be said to all of us, as I fear many have the same failures I do.
Certainly I could assume these people Paul was addressing were living within a culture, a society which was neither conducive nor tolerate of their faith walk and thus were subject to some form of suffering. As I transform my thoughts into this society and culture do I find similar patterns? Again, as I examine the world as a whole I can find those people of faith under such conditions, however, here in this great land of the free and home of the brave I find a certain freedom to worship in the manner I chose. So the suffering I experience now certainly is of a different kind, a personal type, a relational sort, and thus I must conclude, no matter what comes my way, no matter how someone else treats me, or says about me, or judges me, or corrects me, or tells me how I might be wrong in my thinking or actions….I must conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
PHILIPPIANS
CONDUCT
Phil 1:27-30
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
NIV
Whatever happens is a phrase which puts a light in life itself. Does not the course of one’s life flow with ebbs and tides? Do I not have those ups and downs, mountain top and deep valley experiences? Do I not have those moments of hardship as well as times of rejoicing? And here it is, right in my face, whatever happens; conduct your self in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. This does not leave much room for my own pitiful excuses of why I acted or reacted in or to a situation or comment or action by another. How guilty I am, especially in my own personal relationships, seeking justification for responding inappropriately. Dare I question you when I stand condemned of this command? I say no, yet it must be said to all of us, as I fear many have the same failures I do.
Certainly I could assume these people Paul was addressing were living within a culture, a society which was neither conducive nor tolerate of their faith walk and thus were subject to some form of suffering. As I transform my thoughts into this society and culture do I find similar patterns? Again, as I examine the world as a whole I can find those people of faith under such conditions, however, here in this great land of the free and home of the brave I find a certain freedom to worship in the manner I chose. So the suffering I experience now certainly is of a different kind, a personal type, a relational sort, and thus I must conclude, no matter what comes my way, no matter how someone else treats me, or says about me, or judges me, or corrects me, or tells me how I might be wrong in my thinking or actions….I must conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
What Shall I Choose
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
WHAT SHALL I CHOOSE
Phil 1:18-26
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
NIV
Paul certainly makes the case for a believer to desire to come to the end of this time on Earth to enter into the presence of our Lord and Savior. So often we can see believers struggling against all odds to stay here, to do whatever it takes to extend their lives. The question is why? For what reason should I endeavor to remain in this present state within the physical realm, the limited state of the human condition? When I examine the words of Paul I see he truly desires to leave and be with Christ, yet because of his love for the Lord and the deep desire to do God’s work he knows that should the Lord allow him to stay it is for a fruitful purpose and that purpose is not for his own gain, but for the benefit of others. Should I not examine my motives? Should I not look deep within my being? What is my purpose? If I am to stay here, in this human state should it not be for the fruitful labor for others? Should it not be for the service and glory of God? If not I might better just die and go to be with Him. I am convinced I am here because of my prayer in that Emergency room some years back. That prayer when I asked God if I could stay in order that Patty would not be alone. That I chose to stay with her because I was on my way to be with him, but I will continue with her for her progress and joy in the faith and through my being with her, her joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. And maybe, just maybe, a few others as well, thank you Lord for being so loving and kind to me.
PHILIPPIANS
WHAT SHALL I CHOOSE
Phil 1:18-26
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
NIV
Paul certainly makes the case for a believer to desire to come to the end of this time on Earth to enter into the presence of our Lord and Savior. So often we can see believers struggling against all odds to stay here, to do whatever it takes to extend their lives. The question is why? For what reason should I endeavor to remain in this present state within the physical realm, the limited state of the human condition? When I examine the words of Paul I see he truly desires to leave and be with Christ, yet because of his love for the Lord and the deep desire to do God’s work he knows that should the Lord allow him to stay it is for a fruitful purpose and that purpose is not for his own gain, but for the benefit of others. Should I not examine my motives? Should I not look deep within my being? What is my purpose? If I am to stay here, in this human state should it not be for the fruitful labor for others? Should it not be for the service and glory of God? If not I might better just die and go to be with Him. I am convinced I am here because of my prayer in that Emergency room some years back. That prayer when I asked God if I could stay in order that Patty would not be alone. That I chose to stay with her because I was on my way to be with him, but I will continue with her for her progress and joy in the faith and through my being with her, her joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. And maybe, just maybe, a few others as well, thank you Lord for being so loving and kind to me.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Christ is Christ
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
CHRIST IS CHRIST
Phil 1:15-18
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
NIV
In these verses we surely see Paul was not concerned as to how Christ is preached or who is preaching Christ, but that Christ is preached. It is true today we have men and women who use the Gospel as a means of selfish gain, both financially and for fame and glory. The question is, are they preaching Jesus Christ crucified? If so then it is a great thing these people do. They are out on the front lines sharing the Gospel with those who need to hear, repent and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Motives are something I, who am human, cannot be the judge of. These things are up to the divine creator of all mankind and it is he alone who will pass judgment on all people. As Paul does, I need only rejoice because of the preaching of Christ to the lost and dieing world. Among those who hear and come to Christ could be the next D L Moody, or Billy Graham, or perhaps some unknown soul who does the will of the Father in some less public forum. The case is I must rejoice because of Christ is being preached. True I should discern if in fact Christ is being preached or just the teaching of doctrine. I know both true and false teaching and preaching is occurring. But when Christ is preached, I too must rejoice!
PHILIPPIANS
CHRIST IS CHRIST
Phil 1:15-18
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
NIV
In these verses we surely see Paul was not concerned as to how Christ is preached or who is preaching Christ, but that Christ is preached. It is true today we have men and women who use the Gospel as a means of selfish gain, both financially and for fame and glory. The question is, are they preaching Jesus Christ crucified? If so then it is a great thing these people do. They are out on the front lines sharing the Gospel with those who need to hear, repent and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Motives are something I, who am human, cannot be the judge of. These things are up to the divine creator of all mankind and it is he alone who will pass judgment on all people. As Paul does, I need only rejoice because of the preaching of Christ to the lost and dieing world. Among those who hear and come to Christ could be the next D L Moody, or Billy Graham, or perhaps some unknown soul who does the will of the Father in some less public forum. The case is I must rejoice because of Christ is being preached. True I should discern if in fact Christ is being preached or just the teaching of doctrine. I know both true and false teaching and preaching is occurring. But when Christ is preached, I too must rejoice!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Why I pray for You
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS 1
WHY I PRAY FOR YOU
Phil 1:10-11
10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.
NIV
To be able to discern what is best rather then what is better has completeness to the matter. When I discern what is better it carries the implication of comparing one item, one idea, to another discerning which of those is better then the other. Both may very well be bad ideas, bad actions, bad emotions but one is better then the other. But when I am able to discern what is best and the implication of the Greek certainly concerns itself with the goodness of things, I am able to understand a Christ focused mind. That is I can discern it is Christ who has redeemed me, it is Christ who has assumed my sin upon himself for me, it is Christ who has satisfied the justice the Father requires for sin. In doing this, I may be pure and blameless until Christ returns for me. It is not because I can live one day without sin, but it is because of Christ I am pure and blameless. This fruit I am filled with is in fact the righteousness of Christ, not mine. So why can’t I always remember this? Why do I still compare myself to others, thinking either I am not quite as sinful as one or I am more sinful then another? Who is better? Neither! We are all sinners and in need of the saving grace of our Lord. We are all the best, pure and blameless because of Christ. Praise Him! I will pray for others and hope that others pray for me that in fact we both will be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.
PHILIPPIANS 1
WHY I PRAY FOR YOU
Phil 1:10-11
10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.
NIV
To be able to discern what is best rather then what is better has completeness to the matter. When I discern what is better it carries the implication of comparing one item, one idea, to another discerning which of those is better then the other. Both may very well be bad ideas, bad actions, bad emotions but one is better then the other. But when I am able to discern what is best and the implication of the Greek certainly concerns itself with the goodness of things, I am able to understand a Christ focused mind. That is I can discern it is Christ who has redeemed me, it is Christ who has assumed my sin upon himself for me, it is Christ who has satisfied the justice the Father requires for sin. In doing this, I may be pure and blameless until Christ returns for me. It is not because I can live one day without sin, but it is because of Christ I am pure and blameless. This fruit I am filled with is in fact the righteousness of Christ, not mine. So why can’t I always remember this? Why do I still compare myself to others, thinking either I am not quite as sinful as one or I am more sinful then another? Who is better? Neither! We are all sinners and in need of the saving grace of our Lord. We are all the best, pure and blameless because of Christ. Praise Him! I will pray for others and hope that others pray for me that in fact we both will be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sharing God's Grace
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
SHARING GOD’S GRACE
Phil 1:7-8
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
NIV
What does is mean to share in the grace of God? I believe we first need to see just what is this grace Paul speaks about in verse 7. The Greek word he uses is:
charis
NT:5485 charis (khar'-ece); from NT:5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):
It is this especially definition I draw my attention to, “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude.
Each believer shares in the divine influence upon his heart, which means God is speaking and directing each heart that has yielded itself to him. To be a partaking in this divine influence does require the setting aside of self. It is so easy to be influenced by myself, my own desires or by some out side source, some other voice calling out for my attention. To be influenced by my own demands or by society’s demands, either has its roots in humanity rather than in God. The scripture is clear regarding the heart of mankind.
Ps 119:36-37
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
NIV
This is the prayer of my heart, I do not want to see and desire, or hear those voices and respond, and I want to see and hear God and thus have his influencing my life. I also want this for my fellow believers; I want to share the Grace.
PHILIPPIANS
SHARING GOD’S GRACE
Phil 1:7-8
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
NIV
What does is mean to share in the grace of God? I believe we first need to see just what is this grace Paul speaks about in verse 7. The Greek word he uses is:
charis
NT:5485 charis (khar'-ece); from NT:5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):
It is this especially definition I draw my attention to, “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude.
Each believer shares in the divine influence upon his heart, which means God is speaking and directing each heart that has yielded itself to him. To be a partaking in this divine influence does require the setting aside of self. It is so easy to be influenced by myself, my own desires or by some out side source, some other voice calling out for my attention. To be influenced by my own demands or by society’s demands, either has its roots in humanity rather than in God. The scripture is clear regarding the heart of mankind.
Ps 119:36-37
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
NIV
This is the prayer of my heart, I do not want to see and desire, or hear those voices and respond, and I want to see and hear God and thus have his influencing my life. I also want this for my fellow believers; I want to share the Grace.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
In My Heart
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
IN MY HEART
Phil 1:7-8
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
NIV
Being thankful for another believer is the reason I see Paul saying it is right for him to feel this way. It is right for me to feel this way toward other believers, it is right to feel an attitude of thanksgiving to God for them. The statement which may cause me to sit and reflect for a moment or so is “Since I have you in my heart”. What is it that is in my heart?
The scripture which declares God will give me the desires of my heart Psalm 20:4 and 21:2 would imply as I desire for the things of God; He is gracious and gives with joy to me those things. Is it the desire of my heart to have for myself, or is it the desire of my heart to be thankful for my fellow believers because they, not my own self, are in the core of my heart? And this feeling, this having them in the center of my heart is not dependent on the condition of my life or the condition of theirs. I can certainly feel well about those who have less then me and seek God’s best for them, but can I feel and desire God’s blessing on those who have more then me? Do I alter my love and desire for others to share in the Grace of God based on my position in the body or theirs? The answer should surely be no!
PHILIPPIANS
IN MY HEART
Phil 1:7-8
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
NIV
Being thankful for another believer is the reason I see Paul saying it is right for him to feel this way. It is right for me to feel this way toward other believers, it is right to feel an attitude of thanksgiving to God for them. The statement which may cause me to sit and reflect for a moment or so is “Since I have you in my heart”. What is it that is in my heart?
The scripture which declares God will give me the desires of my heart Psalm 20:4 and 21:2 would imply as I desire for the things of God; He is gracious and gives with joy to me those things. Is it the desire of my heart to have for myself, or is it the desire of my heart to be thankful for my fellow believers because they, not my own self, are in the core of my heart? And this feeling, this having them in the center of my heart is not dependent on the condition of my life or the condition of theirs. I can certainly feel well about those who have less then me and seek God’s best for them, but can I feel and desire God’s blessing on those who have more then me? Do I alter my love and desire for others to share in the Grace of God based on my position in the body or theirs? The answer should surely be no!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Praying with Joy
DEVOTION
PRAYING WITH JOY
Phil 1:3-6
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
NIV
How many times have I told someone, I will pray for you”, and bowed my head and began with a sad, solemn continence? Beginning and bringing my praise to God for being who he is, and thanking him for being God, then lifting the needs of my friend to the throne may be well, may be good, but it may not be the best. Paul tells his readers when he prays for them he prays with joy. How many times do I even pray with joy? The reason Paul says is because the people he is praying for are partners in the gospel. Oh to be joyful regarding another persons’ salvation. Oh to be joyful because someone who I know also knows Christ.
As well as being joyful because it is God who began this great work in them. I see the Holy Spirit convicting of sin and need of repentance, and Jesus Christ dieing on the Christ to take away those sins, and the forgiveness of the Father all the beginning of this great work. I also can be filled with joy because it is also God who will complete this work, bringing people along, walking beside them on their spiritual journey, speaking into their hearts and minds. Leading them in paths of righteousness, being a light onto their path, being a lamp for their footsteps, each step along the way until the day of Jesus Christ is revealed by God himself.
I will pray with joy.
PRAYING WITH JOY
Phil 1:3-6
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
NIV
How many times have I told someone, I will pray for you”, and bowed my head and began with a sad, solemn continence? Beginning and bringing my praise to God for being who he is, and thanking him for being God, then lifting the needs of my friend to the throne may be well, may be good, but it may not be the best. Paul tells his readers when he prays for them he prays with joy. How many times do I even pray with joy? The reason Paul says is because the people he is praying for are partners in the gospel. Oh to be joyful regarding another persons’ salvation. Oh to be joyful because someone who I know also knows Christ.
As well as being joyful because it is God who began this great work in them. I see the Holy Spirit convicting of sin and need of repentance, and Jesus Christ dieing on the Christ to take away those sins, and the forgiveness of the Father all the beginning of this great work. I also can be filled with joy because it is also God who will complete this work, bringing people along, walking beside them on their spiritual journey, speaking into their hearts and minds. Leading them in paths of righteousness, being a light onto their path, being a lamp for their footsteps, each step along the way until the day of Jesus Christ is revealed by God himself.
I will pray with joy.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Get It Done
DEVOTION
COLOSSIANS
GET IT DONE
Col 4:17
17 Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."
NIV
The last of my devotions from this letter to the Colossians and to all the church at large throughout these generations since it was written. It certainly is an admonishment to continue on with what I am doing for the kingdom of God. Whatever that is I should say. In any event this verse absolutely clarifies in my mind; I need to complete my assigned task. The calling upon my life must not ever be placed upon the back burner for any reason. I am not sure if I can actually complete this work. That would imply I have a finishing point, a time where I would be done, having to stop and sit back to admire my handy work. So in thinking this through I have come to the conclusion this word complete needs further study and in seeing the total meaning of the Greek I now understand. I am to replete the work, I am to cram it in, to level it up, to get as much of my calling as I can in. It is an ongoing type of competing, a process of cramming as much of my calling in as I can possibly do, to fill my life with efforts for the Kingdom of God. I should not allow myself to get sidetracked with the minutia of life. This is not an easy truth to apply. I enjoy doing certain activities which may not be within the realm of my calling. However, again in thinking about this, I can see whatever I am engaged in, I can still execute a portion of that which God has called me to do. As I walked along my life’s path I am always in contact with other people and this is what I am called to. I am called to live my life with the divine influence upon my heart and reflect that to others. I am called to teach, to preach, and to share the message, in words and deeds. I am called to write, to share truths God has shown me so maybe others might gain from whatever I say or do. I can only complete this task engaged with others in some forum whether that be online or in person. I know for sure I cannot isolate myself from interaction with people. What a change God has done. Before Christ I was an island, not in need of anyone, nor did I want to give to anyone. No one was allowed into my life, so they could not harm me. Yet here I am Lord, see what you have done. I am trying to complete the work you have given me to do. I will get it done.
COLOSSIANS
GET IT DONE
Col 4:17
17 Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."
NIV
The last of my devotions from this letter to the Colossians and to all the church at large throughout these generations since it was written. It certainly is an admonishment to continue on with what I am doing for the kingdom of God. Whatever that is I should say. In any event this verse absolutely clarifies in my mind; I need to complete my assigned task. The calling upon my life must not ever be placed upon the back burner for any reason. I am not sure if I can actually complete this work. That would imply I have a finishing point, a time where I would be done, having to stop and sit back to admire my handy work. So in thinking this through I have come to the conclusion this word complete needs further study and in seeing the total meaning of the Greek I now understand. I am to replete the work, I am to cram it in, to level it up, to get as much of my calling as I can in. It is an ongoing type of competing, a process of cramming as much of my calling in as I can possibly do, to fill my life with efforts for the Kingdom of God. I should not allow myself to get sidetracked with the minutia of life. This is not an easy truth to apply. I enjoy doing certain activities which may not be within the realm of my calling. However, again in thinking about this, I can see whatever I am engaged in, I can still execute a portion of that which God has called me to do. As I walked along my life’s path I am always in contact with other people and this is what I am called to. I am called to live my life with the divine influence upon my heart and reflect that to others. I am called to teach, to preach, and to share the message, in words and deeds. I am called to write, to share truths God has shown me so maybe others might gain from whatever I say or do. I can only complete this task engaged with others in some forum whether that be online or in person. I know for sure I cannot isolate myself from interaction with people. What a change God has done. Before Christ I was an island, not in need of anyone, nor did I want to give to anyone. No one was allowed into my life, so they could not harm me. Yet here I am Lord, see what you have done. I am trying to complete the work you have given me to do. I will get it done.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Assured
DEVOTION
COLOSSIANS
ASSURED
Col 4:12-13
12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
NIV
Well now, I am not sure with whom I identify with. Should I look at Epaphras and how he wrestles in prayer for these people or should I identify with the people? Maybe a bit of both is the right thing to do. Yet I cannot help feeling like Epaphras in the sense I know I have been called to share the Word of God with others. I know I have been called to encourage others in their faith. I know I have been called to teach and admonish others to a mature life in Christ. So there is no question here, in my mind. Yet the question still rattles around in my mind; am I standing as firm as I should in all the will of God? I have to ask myself if I am as mature as I should be and am I fully assured. I think the opposite of all that would reveal an individual who is wavering in their faith. It might be one who is tossed to and fro by ever wind of doctrine. That is to say, being influence by so many voices. I know for sure, that is not me. I stand as firm as firm can be in all the will of God. I know what I know about Christ and salvation and no one is going to ever convince me otherwise. But as far as being mature, I would have to say I am surely no infant, nor child and not even an adolescent when it comes to my journey with Christ. I would have to admit to myself I am mature, but whether I act as mature as I think I am may be another story. I do know that when I see the word assured, and not just assured but fully assured that has to be without any doubt at all. I am not sure is others ever experience doubt about the reality of the Kingdom of God. I am not sure if others ever wonder if God is really real. Is there a difference between knowing in your mind the facts explained in the bible are true and the feeling from deep within? Knowing because even secular history bears record to the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ is a fine thing, but being fully assured deep within is another. Having no doubts ever may not be completely possible. Is that just part of the human condition? Is that the work of the evil one, trying to plant that doubt? I think both at factions at work on the within of me. So I stand firm, I will not be moved. I will continue to grow being mature in my walk with him. I will and am fully assured of my salvation, of the reality of the Kingdom of God. I will overcome both the human condition within and the temptations from without for I have Christ; I have the power of the Holy Spirit working within me. I can say and believe, I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.
COLOSSIANS
ASSURED
Col 4:12-13
12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
NIV
Well now, I am not sure with whom I identify with. Should I look at Epaphras and how he wrestles in prayer for these people or should I identify with the people? Maybe a bit of both is the right thing to do. Yet I cannot help feeling like Epaphras in the sense I know I have been called to share the Word of God with others. I know I have been called to encourage others in their faith. I know I have been called to teach and admonish others to a mature life in Christ. So there is no question here, in my mind. Yet the question still rattles around in my mind; am I standing as firm as I should in all the will of God? I have to ask myself if I am as mature as I should be and am I fully assured. I think the opposite of all that would reveal an individual who is wavering in their faith. It might be one who is tossed to and fro by ever wind of doctrine. That is to say, being influence by so many voices. I know for sure, that is not me. I stand as firm as firm can be in all the will of God. I know what I know about Christ and salvation and no one is going to ever convince me otherwise. But as far as being mature, I would have to say I am surely no infant, nor child and not even an adolescent when it comes to my journey with Christ. I would have to admit to myself I am mature, but whether I act as mature as I think I am may be another story. I do know that when I see the word assured, and not just assured but fully assured that has to be without any doubt at all. I am not sure is others ever experience doubt about the reality of the Kingdom of God. I am not sure if others ever wonder if God is really real. Is there a difference between knowing in your mind the facts explained in the bible are true and the feeling from deep within? Knowing because even secular history bears record to the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ is a fine thing, but being fully assured deep within is another. Having no doubts ever may not be completely possible. Is that just part of the human condition? Is that the work of the evil one, trying to plant that doubt? I think both at factions at work on the within of me. So I stand firm, I will not be moved. I will continue to grow being mature in my walk with him. I will and am fully assured of my salvation, of the reality of the Kingdom of God. I will overcome both the human condition within and the temptations from without for I have Christ; I have the power of the Holy Spirit working within me. I can say and believe, I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Comforting
DEVOTION
COLOSSIANS
COMFORTING
Col 4:10-11
10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. NIV
To be a fellow worker for the Kingdom of God is a great thing to be. I have this sense which I believe has been instilled within me of the reality of the Kingdom of God. So often I think I get a little distracted by the kingdom of earth, looking at the beauty of this created state by God for the purpose of my living this physical life upon it. But in all truth this is simple a temporary place and the Kingdom of God is the eternal place in which I will reside forever. So if that is the case, then I should indeed be putting forth my efforts in the direction of the eternal Kingdom of God. Now if I am doing that the way I think this verse speaks to, I should be of some comfort to my fellow workers as well. I should prove to be a comfort. The words I say, the things I do, the way I live, should all have some kind of comforting effect on others. That to me would be the opposite of being an irritation to others. This being a comfort really requires a lot of selflessness. Just simply not causing difficulty for others, like not making a mess, someone else has to clean up. Or not saying something which causes hurt feelings. It means giving up some of my alone time, or maybe doing something I really don’t want to do. How come God had to include this verse? But there it is and I have to deal with it. Of course this concept is all throughout his Word. So I must continue to work on being a comfort to others, to my fellow workers for the Kingdom of God. But it is also comforting to know my fellow workers are trying their best to be a comfort to me.
COLOSSIANS
COMFORTING
Col 4:10-11
10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. NIV
To be a fellow worker for the Kingdom of God is a great thing to be. I have this sense which I believe has been instilled within me of the reality of the Kingdom of God. So often I think I get a little distracted by the kingdom of earth, looking at the beauty of this created state by God for the purpose of my living this physical life upon it. But in all truth this is simple a temporary place and the Kingdom of God is the eternal place in which I will reside forever. So if that is the case, then I should indeed be putting forth my efforts in the direction of the eternal Kingdom of God. Now if I am doing that the way I think this verse speaks to, I should be of some comfort to my fellow workers as well. I should prove to be a comfort. The words I say, the things I do, the way I live, should all have some kind of comforting effect on others. That to me would be the opposite of being an irritation to others. This being a comfort really requires a lot of selflessness. Just simply not causing difficulty for others, like not making a mess, someone else has to clean up. Or not saying something which causes hurt feelings. It means giving up some of my alone time, or maybe doing something I really don’t want to do. How come God had to include this verse? But there it is and I have to deal with it. Of course this concept is all throughout his Word. So I must continue to work on being a comfort to others, to my fellow workers for the Kingdom of God. But it is also comforting to know my fellow workers are trying their best to be a comfort to me.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Informed
DEVOTION
COLOSSIANS
INFORMED
Col 4:7-9
7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. NIV
At first glance I did not notice but then it dawned on me how these people were concerned about the lives of each other. I have to think if I am so concerned about the lives of the people who I know. I have to ask myself do I want to hear all about everything that is going on in their lives. Do I desire to be aware of all their circumstances? True back then a messenger was the only form of news. Today I have the telephone, text messaging, the newspaper, radio, television and the internet bombarding me with information about circumstances of other people. I am more aware of the world around me then those people could have ever imagined. But this is not what Paul was talking about. I need to ask myself if I really am concerned about real people who I interact with, not pretend people. What? The real people, those who actually want the same thing, to know about what is going on in my life as well are the ones I am thinking about here. Do I belong to a body of believers like what Paul was engaged with? Am I encouraged by hearing about the lives of others? What does that imply? Are others encouraged about hearing about my life? What does that imply? I think maybe if I am living a life filled with the Spirit, reflecting the divine influence on my heart, engaged in living out my faith, showing the fruit in my life and how God is blessing me spiritually, emotionally and physically others around me would be encouraged, unless, of course, they were envious or jealous instead and I have to ask that of myself regarding them as well. I am sure I do not have feelings like that. I wish everyone could enjoy their journey with Christ as much as I do and I do actually enjoy hearing about how things are actually really going with those I know and I do desire to encourage them whenever I can. Thinking about that I simply have to be amazed at what God is doing for me, in me and through me.
COLOSSIANS
INFORMED
Col 4:7-9
7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. NIV
At first glance I did not notice but then it dawned on me how these people were concerned about the lives of each other. I have to think if I am so concerned about the lives of the people who I know. I have to ask myself do I want to hear all about everything that is going on in their lives. Do I desire to be aware of all their circumstances? True back then a messenger was the only form of news. Today I have the telephone, text messaging, the newspaper, radio, television and the internet bombarding me with information about circumstances of other people. I am more aware of the world around me then those people could have ever imagined. But this is not what Paul was talking about. I need to ask myself if I really am concerned about real people who I interact with, not pretend people. What? The real people, those who actually want the same thing, to know about what is going on in my life as well are the ones I am thinking about here. Do I belong to a body of believers like what Paul was engaged with? Am I encouraged by hearing about the lives of others? What does that imply? Are others encouraged about hearing about my life? What does that imply? I think maybe if I am living a life filled with the Spirit, reflecting the divine influence on my heart, engaged in living out my faith, showing the fruit in my life and how God is blessing me spiritually, emotionally and physically others around me would be encouraged, unless, of course, they were envious or jealous instead and I have to ask that of myself regarding them as well. I am sure I do not have feelings like that. I wish everyone could enjoy their journey with Christ as much as I do and I do actually enjoy hearing about how things are actually really going with those I know and I do desire to encourage them whenever I can. Thinking about that I simply have to be amazed at what God is doing for me, in me and through me.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Seasoned
DEVOTION
COLOSSIANS
SEASONED
Col 4:6
6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
NIV
A strange combination here I do find. Grace and salt sure seem sort of weird in a sense to be put together. Yet here it is, when I have conversations with people I should always be aware of my words being full of grace. Graciousness, yet still in the sense of the fullness of this word which is the divine influence upon my heart and how that is reflected in my life. Now I must, in my words, demonstrate this influence. Sometimes that is not always easy to do with some people. But nevertheless that is what I am supposed to do. Now as to adding this salt to my words I must also do. What do I do with salt, pour it into the wounds I create with my words? I don’t think so. Yet to add salt to my conversation has a bit of the flavor in it. To be the salt of the Earth, to be ready willing and able to give an account of the Gospel message has to be in the mix. I need to be ready to let people know they are going straight to hell if they do not accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. But I need to say that with a lot of grace, with the influence of God in it because he has already been at work in their life. I am not sure how well I am at this. I think I am aware and willing to converse. But there are times I think the people just don’t want to listen. Was I too full of grace, or too full of salt? Did I say it the wrong way? Was God not working on them? Or maybe they just are people who simply want to refuse. Whatever the case, I cannot be stilled. I must always be ready to have the conversation as I am influenced by God and as I season it with salt.
COLOSSIANS
SEASONED
Col 4:6
6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
NIV
A strange combination here I do find. Grace and salt sure seem sort of weird in a sense to be put together. Yet here it is, when I have conversations with people I should always be aware of my words being full of grace. Graciousness, yet still in the sense of the fullness of this word which is the divine influence upon my heart and how that is reflected in my life. Now I must, in my words, demonstrate this influence. Sometimes that is not always easy to do with some people. But nevertheless that is what I am supposed to do. Now as to adding this salt to my words I must also do. What do I do with salt, pour it into the wounds I create with my words? I don’t think so. Yet to add salt to my conversation has a bit of the flavor in it. To be the salt of the Earth, to be ready willing and able to give an account of the Gospel message has to be in the mix. I need to be ready to let people know they are going straight to hell if they do not accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. But I need to say that with a lot of grace, with the influence of God in it because he has already been at work in their life. I am not sure how well I am at this. I think I am aware and willing to converse. But there are times I think the people just don’t want to listen. Was I too full of grace, or too full of salt? Did I say it the wrong way? Was God not working on them? Or maybe they just are people who simply want to refuse. Whatever the case, I cannot be stilled. I must always be ready to have the conversation as I am influenced by God and as I season it with salt.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Be Wise
DEVOTION
COLOSSIANS
BE WISE
Col 4:5
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
NIV
If I ever wanted to be on the stage, that is being an actor in a play, I need not go to Broadway. No not on my life, for I am already on stage. The outside world is watching my every move. None believers know how I am suppose to behave, sometimes even better than I do. Why is that? I know that God put the knowledge of himself into every being, but some, the outsiders choose to suppress that knowledge with their own evil ways. But they still know about him and watch me to see if I behave like I and suppose to. So I need to be wise in my behavior so that when I have an opportunity to speak about the gospel message I have a credible voice. Outsiders, none believers, do not listen to hypocrisy. They know the choice they made and are up front about not believing in having to accept Jesus to be saved. But they will not listen to my voice if I shout it from the rooftops if I do not live my life without hypocrisy. I must walk the talk, it is that simply. Then I can speak when I have an opportunity and what I say may well be heard, as long as the Holy Spirit has gone before me and convicted them of their need for salvation. That is truly being wise in how I act toward them. I need to hear from God, when, where, who and how to make the most of every opportunity. Yet I must be ready, living in such a manner what I have to say is valid in their eyes. The truth is still the truth, but it must be delivered in truth.
COLOSSIANS
BE WISE
Col 4:5
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
NIV
If I ever wanted to be on the stage, that is being an actor in a play, I need not go to Broadway. No not on my life, for I am already on stage. The outside world is watching my every move. None believers know how I am suppose to behave, sometimes even better than I do. Why is that? I know that God put the knowledge of himself into every being, but some, the outsiders choose to suppress that knowledge with their own evil ways. But they still know about him and watch me to see if I behave like I and suppose to. So I need to be wise in my behavior so that when I have an opportunity to speak about the gospel message I have a credible voice. Outsiders, none believers, do not listen to hypocrisy. They know the choice they made and are up front about not believing in having to accept Jesus to be saved. But they will not listen to my voice if I shout it from the rooftops if I do not live my life without hypocrisy. I must walk the talk, it is that simply. Then I can speak when I have an opportunity and what I say may well be heard, as long as the Holy Spirit has gone before me and convicted them of their need for salvation. That is truly being wise in how I act toward them. I need to hear from God, when, where, who and how to make the most of every opportunity. Yet I must be ready, living in such a manner what I have to say is valid in their eyes. The truth is still the truth, but it must be delivered in truth.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Right or Wrong
DEVOTION
COLOSSIANS
RIGHT OR WRONG
Col 3:25
25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
NIV
This is a hard pill to shallow. What does this mean? God will repay me for my doing wrong. I understand this is part of the slave doing for the master part. I understand the concept here that an employee should work with all his heart for his employer and that is he cheats his employer that is wrong and God will see that, and repay him for his wrong. But how does he do that? God simply cannot show favoritism or in order words I understand he does not respect one person more than another. All people including me are the same in his eyes. I also understand he does not count the outward circumstances of my life, but counts the condition of my heart. If my heart is right, then I will do what is right. If the condition of my heart is wrong, then I will do what is wrong. I am going to make mistakes, a nice word for sin. I know I am not perfect; I am going to fail him, another nice word for sin. Is that considered the wrong here? I have to identify with Paul here. The things I want to do (the condition of my heart) I don’t always do and the things I don’t want to do( not the condition of my heart) I do at times. My heart is in the right place at least most of the time. Wait a minute, how can that be? What am I saying here about myself? Do I really change the condition of my heart? I don’t think so, but how do I do what is wrong if the condition of my heart is bent toward what is right? I am just a man, like all others. This has to boil down to the simple fact that accepting Christ into my life is what is right and thus traveling with God allowing him to work in my life is good and just. On the other hand, refusing Christ is simply the wrong thing to do and anyone who refuses will be repaid for making the wrong choice. Ever person has that right to that choice; God does not favor one over another. I think I feel better now. But I still have to work.
COLOSSIANS
RIGHT OR WRONG
Col 3:25
25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
NIV
This is a hard pill to shallow. What does this mean? God will repay me for my doing wrong. I understand this is part of the slave doing for the master part. I understand the concept here that an employee should work with all his heart for his employer and that is he cheats his employer that is wrong and God will see that, and repay him for his wrong. But how does he do that? God simply cannot show favoritism or in order words I understand he does not respect one person more than another. All people including me are the same in his eyes. I also understand he does not count the outward circumstances of my life, but counts the condition of my heart. If my heart is right, then I will do what is right. If the condition of my heart is wrong, then I will do what is wrong. I am going to make mistakes, a nice word for sin. I know I am not perfect; I am going to fail him, another nice word for sin. Is that considered the wrong here? I have to identify with Paul here. The things I want to do (the condition of my heart) I don’t always do and the things I don’t want to do( not the condition of my heart) I do at times. My heart is in the right place at least most of the time. Wait a minute, how can that be? What am I saying here about myself? Do I really change the condition of my heart? I don’t think so, but how do I do what is wrong if the condition of my heart is bent toward what is right? I am just a man, like all others. This has to boil down to the simple fact that accepting Christ into my life is what is right and thus traveling with God allowing him to work in my life is good and just. On the other hand, refusing Christ is simply the wrong thing to do and anyone who refuses will be repaid for making the wrong choice. Ever person has that right to that choice; God does not favor one over another. I think I feel better now. But I still have to work.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Rewarded
DEVOTION
COLOSSIANS
REWARDED
Col 3:24-25
24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
NIV
I know this was a part of the thought of the last verses about doing whatever as for the Lord, but I wanted to leave this thought about my inheritance from the Lord as a reward a separate idea. I am overwhelmed just thinking about the fact I have an inheritance coming from my Lord. When I think of the inheritance people leave to others, the amounts of money and possessions, I see how dismal it all is compared to this inheritance I will receive from my Lord. Now I know people are intending those gifts for good, and the intentions are an honorable thing. I have things, items I have already pasted on. Things my grandfather left to me, and they have meaning. I do not think I am dismissing the idea and the significance of human inheritances. I am, however, in awe what I will be inheriting from my Lord. I know my reward is great; it is far above and beyond what any person could ever leave to me. This reward, this inheritance is eternal life. Eternal life in the new city of Jerusalem with a dwelling place in it made for me by Jesus himself. I simply cannot imagine how great that is going to be. I do envision what this city will look like as I have been given a far description by the Apostle John in his revelation. I can see in my mind’s eye the glory and magnitude of this city. I am wowed by it. To think this is my inheritance, my reward and not because I desire it. This reward has nothing to do with how good I am either. True, I must do my level best, to live a life pleasing to my Lord. True, I must work at whatever I do as though I am doing for Jesus. Yet, nothing qualifies me for this inheritance except Jesus himself. Nothing I can do would meet the requirements to receive this inheritance, this reward, except accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior. For that act of faith, for that submission to his Lordship in my life, I am rewarded.
COLOSSIANS
REWARDED
Col 3:24-25
24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
NIV
I know this was a part of the thought of the last verses about doing whatever as for the Lord, but I wanted to leave this thought about my inheritance from the Lord as a reward a separate idea. I am overwhelmed just thinking about the fact I have an inheritance coming from my Lord. When I think of the inheritance people leave to others, the amounts of money and possessions, I see how dismal it all is compared to this inheritance I will receive from my Lord. Now I know people are intending those gifts for good, and the intentions are an honorable thing. I have things, items I have already pasted on. Things my grandfather left to me, and they have meaning. I do not think I am dismissing the idea and the significance of human inheritances. I am, however, in awe what I will be inheriting from my Lord. I know my reward is great; it is far above and beyond what any person could ever leave to me. This reward, this inheritance is eternal life. Eternal life in the new city of Jerusalem with a dwelling place in it made for me by Jesus himself. I simply cannot imagine how great that is going to be. I do envision what this city will look like as I have been given a far description by the Apostle John in his revelation. I can see in my mind’s eye the glory and magnitude of this city. I am wowed by it. To think this is my inheritance, my reward and not because I desire it. This reward has nothing to do with how good I am either. True, I must do my level best, to live a life pleasing to my Lord. True, I must work at whatever I do as though I am doing for Jesus. Yet, nothing qualifies me for this inheritance except Jesus himself. Nothing I can do would meet the requirements to receive this inheritance, this reward, except accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior. For that act of faith, for that submission to his Lordship in my life, I am rewarded.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Work
DEVOTION
COLOSSIANS
WORK
Col 3:22-24
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
NIV
Clearly I am not a slave. Clearly slavery is not a part of the society I live in and so how do I apply this verse to my life. Should I just pass it by and dismiss it as one of those verses which was intended for the people of that time? Not on my life! That whatever I do part surely has meaning for me. Not to mention applying master as employer and me as employee. Now granted I am self employed and thus I must obey myself. But I am still stuck with this whatever I do part, and working at it with all my heart, and working as though I was working for the Lord not men, or even myself. So how do I do that? As I look back over my life, I have to ask have I done that and I have to answer; I think so. But what about now, I am sort of backing off a bit. I know I am getting a little older and I have always said, I don’t think the Lord ever intended man to retire. I really do not want to retire either, I do enjoy my work. I guess I simply have to be a little prudent about how I do my work in today’s economy. But the fact remains I have to do what I do and do it as though I am doing it for my Lord rather than for myself. That does put things in perspective.
COLOSSIANS
WORK
Col 3:22-24
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
NIV
Clearly I am not a slave. Clearly slavery is not a part of the society I live in and so how do I apply this verse to my life. Should I just pass it by and dismiss it as one of those verses which was intended for the people of that time? Not on my life! That whatever I do part surely has meaning for me. Not to mention applying master as employer and me as employee. Now granted I am self employed and thus I must obey myself. But I am still stuck with this whatever I do part, and working at it with all my heart, and working as though I was working for the Lord not men, or even myself. So how do I do that? As I look back over my life, I have to ask have I done that and I have to answer; I think so. But what about now, I am sort of backing off a bit. I know I am getting a little older and I have always said, I don’t think the Lord ever intended man to retire. I really do not want to retire either, I do enjoy my work. I guess I simply have to be a little prudent about how I do my work in today’s economy. But the fact remains I have to do what I do and do it as though I am doing it for my Lord rather than for myself. That does put things in perspective.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Family
DEVOTION
COLOSSIANS
FAMILY
Col 3:18-21
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. NIV
It would seem this is a section of the scripture which a lot of guys quote when they want to exercise authority over their wives, but I am not too certain about this. It has always been a thought in my mind about responsibility not authority. I see myself as having to stand accountable for my family. If, in fact, God installed me as the spiritual head of my household, and as Joshua states that we must make a choice but for him and his household he will serve the Lord, I too must choose for my household. It is not for me to follow my wife but for her to follow me. I have the responsibility to lead my family in the ways of serving God. Of Course I am not to use a leash or harness dragger her to God, I am to love her, and within the context of the love of Corinthians 13 harshness just does not fit at all. I also am to be the leader of my children, now I have to say I did not, turn over the responsibility of my children to my wife either. I had to been involved in leading them to the Lord, being an example of Christ to them. But all these verses still speak to the heart of the man of God. I am to be the leader not the follower, I have the responsibility and therefore I must have the authority. Now if I am the man of God I am suppose to be then my wife will have absolutely no problem submitting to my leadership. Even though my children are all grown married and have children of their own, I still must be the leader, showing Christ in my life. I know I such not be directing them, and have authority over them at this point, but I still must lead in the Christ like attitudes and still love my wife and not embitter my children. I cannot see at what point I should stop that. I pray that God will always give me the spiritual wisdom and strength to be the man I am in need of being.
COLOSSIANS
FAMILY
Col 3:18-21
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. NIV
It would seem this is a section of the scripture which a lot of guys quote when they want to exercise authority over their wives, but I am not too certain about this. It has always been a thought in my mind about responsibility not authority. I see myself as having to stand accountable for my family. If, in fact, God installed me as the spiritual head of my household, and as Joshua states that we must make a choice but for him and his household he will serve the Lord, I too must choose for my household. It is not for me to follow my wife but for her to follow me. I have the responsibility to lead my family in the ways of serving God. Of Course I am not to use a leash or harness dragger her to God, I am to love her, and within the context of the love of Corinthians 13 harshness just does not fit at all. I also am to be the leader of my children, now I have to say I did not, turn over the responsibility of my children to my wife either. I had to been involved in leading them to the Lord, being an example of Christ to them. But all these verses still speak to the heart of the man of God. I am to be the leader not the follower, I have the responsibility and therefore I must have the authority. Now if I am the man of God I am suppose to be then my wife will have absolutely no problem submitting to my leadership. Even though my children are all grown married and have children of their own, I still must be the leader, showing Christ in my life. I know I such not be directing them, and have authority over them at this point, but I still must lead in the Christ like attitudes and still love my wife and not embitter my children. I cannot see at what point I should stop that. I pray that God will always give me the spiritual wisdom and strength to be the man I am in need of being.
Monday, August 2, 2010
So Much for Self
DEVOTION
COLOSSIANS
SO MUCH FOR SELF
Col 3:17
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
NIV
So much for taking credit for anything, that is for sure. It just doesn’t get any plainer then this. I cannot stand there and claim I have any talent, any ability, any accomplishments, anything at all on my own. Everything I am, everything I say, everything I do is because Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life. It is because his word is dwelling richly within. It is simply because of the power of my Lord and Savior that I can do or say anything. I am amazed at some of the things I am able to do, or say either in preaching, teaching, or writing. I am amazed because I know in my heart how unable I am. I have no training, no education in those fields, yet God is using me and because I have none, he has all. I give him all the credit, all the glory, all the honor and praise for whatever I am able to say and do. There just isn’t any question about this at all. I know it. I am in awe ever time he uses me. Not in awe of me, but him. I ask myself, why me? Why does he what to use me, then I realize it is because I have nothing, I have no ability, and it is completely because of him, therefore he does get all the credit. Thank you Father!
COLOSSIANS
SO MUCH FOR SELF
Col 3:17
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
NIV
So much for taking credit for anything, that is for sure. It just doesn’t get any plainer then this. I cannot stand there and claim I have any talent, any ability, any accomplishments, anything at all on my own. Everything I am, everything I say, everything I do is because Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life. It is because his word is dwelling richly within. It is simply because of the power of my Lord and Savior that I can do or say anything. I am amazed at some of the things I am able to do, or say either in preaching, teaching, or writing. I am amazed because I know in my heart how unable I am. I have no training, no education in those fields, yet God is using me and because I have none, he has all. I give him all the credit, all the glory, all the honor and praise for whatever I am able to say and do. There just isn’t any question about this at all. I know it. I am in awe ever time he uses me. Not in awe of me, but him. I ask myself, why me? Why does he what to use me, then I realize it is because I have nothing, I have no ability, and it is completely because of him, therefore he does get all the credit. Thank you Father!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Richly
DEVOTION
COLOSSIANS
RICHLY
Col 3:16-17
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
NIV
Is there a difference between the word of Christ dwelling in me and dwelling in me richly? Never really thought about that, but it is time to do just that, think about it. There certainly seems to be this action of teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom, and of course doing that while I am singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in my heart to God. I suppose it would be quite impossible to accomplish all those things, if the word of Christ simply just dwelled in me but not richly. I suppose I could go through the motions of teaching. I guess I could try to admonish others with wisdom, but I think those two would fall flat. I do enjoy greatly singing the psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. I enjoy singing when I am alone in my car driving down the bylaws of my territory. That, of course, is the best place I sound good. But still I enjoy singing in church with my fellow believers as well. I am lifted in his presence at those times and I am filled with gratitude because of Christ and what he did for me. At those times I do feel as though his words are dwelling in me richly. I am feeling blessed and loved by God. It is almost as if I am walking side by side with him. I need this richly part so much in my life because I also know he has called me to teach and admonish. But this is for everyone else too. Everyone has been called here to teach and admonish as well. It is for everyone. How does that work? It does require each and every one of us to continue to have a teachable spirit open to what others have to say as long as they have the word of Christ richly dwelling in them. All I know is that is the desire of my heart. I desire his word to be richly dwelling in me. I need his word to dwell in me richly for without that there is nothing.
COLOSSIANS
RICHLY
Col 3:16-17
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
NIV
Is there a difference between the word of Christ dwelling in me and dwelling in me richly? Never really thought about that, but it is time to do just that, think about it. There certainly seems to be this action of teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom, and of course doing that while I am singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in my heart to God. I suppose it would be quite impossible to accomplish all those things, if the word of Christ simply just dwelled in me but not richly. I suppose I could go through the motions of teaching. I guess I could try to admonish others with wisdom, but I think those two would fall flat. I do enjoy greatly singing the psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. I enjoy singing when I am alone in my car driving down the bylaws of my territory. That, of course, is the best place I sound good. But still I enjoy singing in church with my fellow believers as well. I am lifted in his presence at those times and I am filled with gratitude because of Christ and what he did for me. At those times I do feel as though his words are dwelling in me richly. I am feeling blessed and loved by God. It is almost as if I am walking side by side with him. I need this richly part so much in my life because I also know he has called me to teach and admonish. But this is for everyone else too. Everyone has been called here to teach and admonish as well. It is for everyone. How does that work? It does require each and every one of us to continue to have a teachable spirit open to what others have to say as long as they have the word of Christ richly dwelling in them. All I know is that is the desire of my heart. I desire his word to be richly dwelling in me. I need his word to dwell in me richly for without that there is nothing.
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