Hebrews 11-13
December 31, 2014
In Chapter ll the entire conversation is about having faith. Here's the deal: faith is simply accepting that what God (whom we have not seen) exists, and that He has an interest in you personally. It doesn't do any good to accept the first part without the second, because it is through the second part that all the ancients are commended. What I mean is this: in every case the people spoken of in Chapter 11 (and many more) did something that didn't seem to make sense simply because they believed that God wanted them to. Building an ark when it hasn't ever rained is idiotic. Unless God says "build it". Then obedience becomes faith.
If you want to have faith, then you must DO something. If you never act, then you cannot be said to truly have faith. Look at the people listed again....every one of them took some action, something that was truly beyond themselves.
Sometimes I read quickly over these names, looking for the great challenges and promises of the next chapters. But the promises are only for those who understand and live by the guidelines in chapter 11.
Most people smile and cheer at "casting off everything that hinders" but then doubt or fear prevent them from doing whatever it was the God whispered in their ear. It might be offering a testimony, changing a job, ...anything. Maybe the big step of faith is having the baby instead of getting an abortion. Maybe it's saying "no" to a bad habit...who knows? God could ask you anything.
I encourage you today to be a person who lives by faith. In order to do that, you will have to ask God every day what He wants of you...and then be listening for His voice.
I promise that if you practice this, you will become a true person of faith, and you will never regret it.
PR
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Monday, December 29, 2014
Hebrews 7-10
December 30, 2014
Most of this passage can be explained fairly simply, even though it seems convoluted when I read it. Apparently there is a Sanctuary in heaven that is the model for the one that Moses built. Moses was given very specific instructions as to what to build and how to design it. He didn't come up with any of the ideas on his own.
In the tabernacle that Moses had constructed there were many special items, each one was used only in the tabernacle, and no where else. The rules for how each of these items were to be used were also handed down from God thorough Moses, to the priests. There were specific punishments if any of the rules were broken. God told the people that if all the rules were followed, then He would bless them, and take care of them. If they broke the rules, then they would lose His favor, and incur His wrath.
The primary activity in the tabernacle was the sacrifice. It was the offering that men gave to God, presented for them by the Priests. The priests had to present the offerings, because God set it up that way. The priests had to offer sacrifices for themselves, and then for the people. They offered for themselves because they weren't perfect either. Ordinarily you couldn't even appear before God to offer a sacrifice (since you were impure) but God permitted the priests to do it. However, no one else was allowed, only the priests.
The priests had very specific rules about how the sacrifice was to be offered. One of those rules concerned the blood of the sacrifice. The blood had to be taken into the holiest part of the tabernacle, and sprinkled on all parts of the altar. The blood was the only part of the sacrifice that would cause God to overlook the sin of the people, and again show them His favor.
Here's the good part: God never intended for the blood of an animal to take away sin, He set that system up so that we would use it, and then recognize the significance of His Son when He came. Jesus dying for our sins was always the plan to take away sin. Everything else in the law was simply to help us understand how big of a mess we were in. The rules God handed down simply proved that we couldn't do it on our own. Every one of us is guilty, no exceptions. Since it was God's plan from the beginning, obedience to the sacrificial system disconnected the sins from the person. They were still there, they still needed to be paid for, but they weren't on the account of the people who obeyed the law.
When Jesus died, He died for all sins.,. past, present and future. He is the perfect sacrifice. Since He never dies, there never needs to be another "high priest" like their used to be. He is the last one we will ever need. So now we really don't need the law (as it pertains to sacrifice and the forgiveness of sins) The way that God is pleased these days is by repentant hearts and changed lives.
That's why Paul says "don't forget to keep meeting together". We need to gather and encourage each other, pray for each other and enjoy one another's company. While we are together we can praise God together, which should bring us great joy. It's not a matter of going to church so you can make it into heaven....it's more like going to church because you're on your way to heaven, and church is about as close as it gets. (when it's being done right!!)
My friends at church are my true family. I understand and appreciate them, and they truly understand and appreciate me. They love me, forgive me and work with me. I simply could not EVER ask for a better family. The love of God overflows from them to me, and I am blessed when I am around them. I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I have no idea how anyone goes through the trials of life, or even the successes of life without a church family to share those experiences with.
Christ paid for our sins, it's over. We can be free to be together both here and for eternity.
The great High Priest has united us all, just as the earthly priests used to do in the past.
Praise the Lord!
PR
December 30, 2014
Most of this passage can be explained fairly simply, even though it seems convoluted when I read it. Apparently there is a Sanctuary in heaven that is the model for the one that Moses built. Moses was given very specific instructions as to what to build and how to design it. He didn't come up with any of the ideas on his own.
In the tabernacle that Moses had constructed there were many special items, each one was used only in the tabernacle, and no where else. The rules for how each of these items were to be used were also handed down from God thorough Moses, to the priests. There were specific punishments if any of the rules were broken. God told the people that if all the rules were followed, then He would bless them, and take care of them. If they broke the rules, then they would lose His favor, and incur His wrath.
The primary activity in the tabernacle was the sacrifice. It was the offering that men gave to God, presented for them by the Priests. The priests had to present the offerings, because God set it up that way. The priests had to offer sacrifices for themselves, and then for the people. They offered for themselves because they weren't perfect either. Ordinarily you couldn't even appear before God to offer a sacrifice (since you were impure) but God permitted the priests to do it. However, no one else was allowed, only the priests.
The priests had very specific rules about how the sacrifice was to be offered. One of those rules concerned the blood of the sacrifice. The blood had to be taken into the holiest part of the tabernacle, and sprinkled on all parts of the altar. The blood was the only part of the sacrifice that would cause God to overlook the sin of the people, and again show them His favor.
Here's the good part: God never intended for the blood of an animal to take away sin, He set that system up so that we would use it, and then recognize the significance of His Son when He came. Jesus dying for our sins was always the plan to take away sin. Everything else in the law was simply to help us understand how big of a mess we were in. The rules God handed down simply proved that we couldn't do it on our own. Every one of us is guilty, no exceptions. Since it was God's plan from the beginning, obedience to the sacrificial system disconnected the sins from the person. They were still there, they still needed to be paid for, but they weren't on the account of the people who obeyed the law.
When Jesus died, He died for all sins.,. past, present and future. He is the perfect sacrifice. Since He never dies, there never needs to be another "high priest" like their used to be. He is the last one we will ever need. So now we really don't need the law (as it pertains to sacrifice and the forgiveness of sins) The way that God is pleased these days is by repentant hearts and changed lives.
That's why Paul says "don't forget to keep meeting together". We need to gather and encourage each other, pray for each other and enjoy one another's company. While we are together we can praise God together, which should bring us great joy. It's not a matter of going to church so you can make it into heaven....it's more like going to church because you're on your way to heaven, and church is about as close as it gets. (when it's being done right!!)
My friends at church are my true family. I understand and appreciate them, and they truly understand and appreciate me. They love me, forgive me and work with me. I simply could not EVER ask for a better family. The love of God overflows from them to me, and I am blessed when I am around them. I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I have no idea how anyone goes through the trials of life, or even the successes of life without a church family to share those experiences with.
Christ paid for our sins, it's over. We can be free to be together both here and for eternity.
The great High Priest has united us all, just as the earthly priests used to do in the past.
Praise the Lord!
PR
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Hebrews 1-6
December 29, 2014
Sometimes what Paul says is a little hard to understand, and I want to reassure anyone reading about something he says in Chapter 6. Paul seems to be saying that we don't get any second chances. If we accept Christ and operate for a time under the power of the Holy Spirit, and then fall away, we can never come back. Even though that's what he seems to be saying, it doesn't line up with the rest of the Bible. For instance, in Ezekiel 18 it says in several places that "if righteous people begin to sin they will die, and if unrighteous people quit sinning they will live". Therefore, if we chose to reject Christ, we will die in our sins. If we at some later point realize the error of our ways and repent again, we will be saved from our sins.
Jesus himself said that we should forgive the sins of others "seventy times seven" which is a figurative way of saying "as many times as it takes". Or take the nation of Israel as an example. When the nation was just, they were blessed, but when they began to sin they were rejected. The same people who were rejected then repented, and they were blessed again. This is the message that God intended to give to us through the prophet Hosea, who was commanded to take an unfaithful wife, and even go to her and accept her back when she had been unfaithful several times. The illustration is of God's people being unfaithful to God, and He keeps taking us back.
If He wasn't going to accept us and give us a second chance, these accounts wouldn't be in the Bible. Since they are, and the Bible cannot conflict with itself, Paul must be speaking of some other truth.
Maybe what Paul was trying to say was this: If we know Christ, and then as some point reject the idea that He is the way to salvation...there isn't any other way to heaven, so we are lost. We cannot enter into heaven if we reject the only way in. In that way of thinking, it is "impossible to be forgiven" because we have closed the door on the only person who is able to forgive us.
If however, we realize the error of our ways and repent again, then I think we are able to be forgiven. This is the promise of God, that He will forgive if we confess. I have a person interest in this passage, because today I feel the presence of the Lord within me, and in my work. I see the evidence of His mighty hand working in my life. And I have asked for forgiveness several times. I believe that each time God was faithful to forgive me, but I was not deeply enough in love with Him to remain in His love. The desires of live pulled me back in, because I wanted them more than I wanted God.
There came a time when I called out again, a little later in life. And this time I was open enough to allow the Lord to take root in my life. None of us is impervious to sin and or failure, so I won't put myself on any pedestal. The Lord knows that I don't need to be there....probably more than most.
However, I was a christian, then clearly was not one, and then became one again. This is the faith in which I now stand, and I testify that God is able and willing to forgive you.
If you think you are beyond His grace, you are mistaken. His grace and mercy are unfathomable. You cannot get beyond His compassion for you. Even in your sin He loves you more purely than any human ever could. You have only to be truly repentant and you will experience life anew.
If you need forgiveness, I pray that you ask!
PR
December 29, 2014
Sometimes what Paul says is a little hard to understand, and I want to reassure anyone reading about something he says in Chapter 6. Paul seems to be saying that we don't get any second chances. If we accept Christ and operate for a time under the power of the Holy Spirit, and then fall away, we can never come back. Even though that's what he seems to be saying, it doesn't line up with the rest of the Bible. For instance, in Ezekiel 18 it says in several places that "if righteous people begin to sin they will die, and if unrighteous people quit sinning they will live". Therefore, if we chose to reject Christ, we will die in our sins. If we at some later point realize the error of our ways and repent again, we will be saved from our sins.
Jesus himself said that we should forgive the sins of others "seventy times seven" which is a figurative way of saying "as many times as it takes". Or take the nation of Israel as an example. When the nation was just, they were blessed, but when they began to sin they were rejected. The same people who were rejected then repented, and they were blessed again. This is the message that God intended to give to us through the prophet Hosea, who was commanded to take an unfaithful wife, and even go to her and accept her back when she had been unfaithful several times. The illustration is of God's people being unfaithful to God, and He keeps taking us back.
If He wasn't going to accept us and give us a second chance, these accounts wouldn't be in the Bible. Since they are, and the Bible cannot conflict with itself, Paul must be speaking of some other truth.
Maybe what Paul was trying to say was this: If we know Christ, and then as some point reject the idea that He is the way to salvation...there isn't any other way to heaven, so we are lost. We cannot enter into heaven if we reject the only way in. In that way of thinking, it is "impossible to be forgiven" because we have closed the door on the only person who is able to forgive us.
If however, we realize the error of our ways and repent again, then I think we are able to be forgiven. This is the promise of God, that He will forgive if we confess. I have a person interest in this passage, because today I feel the presence of the Lord within me, and in my work. I see the evidence of His mighty hand working in my life. And I have asked for forgiveness several times. I believe that each time God was faithful to forgive me, but I was not deeply enough in love with Him to remain in His love. The desires of live pulled me back in, because I wanted them more than I wanted God.
There came a time when I called out again, a little later in life. And this time I was open enough to allow the Lord to take root in my life. None of us is impervious to sin and or failure, so I won't put myself on any pedestal. The Lord knows that I don't need to be there....probably more than most.
However, I was a christian, then clearly was not one, and then became one again. This is the faith in which I now stand, and I testify that God is able and willing to forgive you.
If you think you are beyond His grace, you are mistaken. His grace and mercy are unfathomable. You cannot get beyond His compassion for you. Even in your sin He loves you more purely than any human ever could. You have only to be truly repentant and you will experience life anew.
If you need forgiveness, I pray that you ask!
PR
1 Peter 1-5
December 28, 2014
Having read through all of 1 Peter, I have decided to limit my comments to Chapter 1, given that there is far too much information in the letter to do justice to it all here.
1. Jesus is the cornerstone, the key part of the building that ensures the rest of the building is square and true. The cornerstone identifies the rest of the building. So as He identifies himself as the cornerstone we must choose to accept that truth. If we do not, then He becomes the "stumbling stone" the rock that trips men up. There are many people who simply cannot accept the idea that Jesus Christ is who He said He was. Probably because if they did, they would have to accept His teachings as well.
2. Beginning in verse 9 Peter identifies the Church as a Priesthood, a Nation and a People. There's probably a good sermon right in that verse. In my own thoughts I often return to the idea that Christians by confession have become citizens of a new kingdom. Some of us are from the United States, some from Africa, Russia, Iran or wherever...but all of us are citizens of one great kingdom. That kingdom has one ruler, Jesus Christ, and combined we are called the Church. Our citizenship in the kingdom of God must take first priority. If the earthly nation to which we claim citizenship should ask us to do things that our heavenly father disapproves of, then we cannot do them. As heavenly kingdom citizens we should obey the lawful commands of earth, but always as foreigners and travelers...which is what we have become in Jesus Christ. Therefore, I have a political opinion, but I am willing to listen to both sides of the issue, for after all...I am first and foremost a citizen of a different place where local politics don't really matter.
It's easy to become caught up in the day to day drama that the newsreel feeds us. Sometimes I think that the constant diet of "sports, politics and entertainment" is really just a way to keep us from realizing what is really going on around us. It keeps our focus off the fact that people are starving in other parts of the world, and that Christian brothers and sisters are being tortured and displaced from their homes because of their faith. Here in the State we don't hear too much about it, because it isn't deemed of high importance for this nation.
But for the heavenly nation I think it is of utmost importance. While we are busy trying to decide "Who said what to whom" on our weekly TV shows, the real work of the kingdom isn't getting enough attention.
Living as an "alien or stranger" in the world demands that we behave in a different manner. The challenge has been issued, and all kingdom citizens should rally behind the Master, living lives of full submission, and using our resources in love to help others.
PR
December 28, 2014
Having read through all of 1 Peter, I have decided to limit my comments to Chapter 1, given that there is far too much information in the letter to do justice to it all here.
1. Jesus is the cornerstone, the key part of the building that ensures the rest of the building is square and true. The cornerstone identifies the rest of the building. So as He identifies himself as the cornerstone we must choose to accept that truth. If we do not, then He becomes the "stumbling stone" the rock that trips men up. There are many people who simply cannot accept the idea that Jesus Christ is who He said He was. Probably because if they did, they would have to accept His teachings as well.
2. Beginning in verse 9 Peter identifies the Church as a Priesthood, a Nation and a People. There's probably a good sermon right in that verse. In my own thoughts I often return to the idea that Christians by confession have become citizens of a new kingdom. Some of us are from the United States, some from Africa, Russia, Iran or wherever...but all of us are citizens of one great kingdom. That kingdom has one ruler, Jesus Christ, and combined we are called the Church. Our citizenship in the kingdom of God must take first priority. If the earthly nation to which we claim citizenship should ask us to do things that our heavenly father disapproves of, then we cannot do them. As heavenly kingdom citizens we should obey the lawful commands of earth, but always as foreigners and travelers...which is what we have become in Jesus Christ. Therefore, I have a political opinion, but I am willing to listen to both sides of the issue, for after all...I am first and foremost a citizen of a different place where local politics don't really matter.
It's easy to become caught up in the day to day drama that the newsreel feeds us. Sometimes I think that the constant diet of "sports, politics and entertainment" is really just a way to keep us from realizing what is really going on around us. It keeps our focus off the fact that people are starving in other parts of the world, and that Christian brothers and sisters are being tortured and displaced from their homes because of their faith. Here in the State we don't hear too much about it, because it isn't deemed of high importance for this nation.
But for the heavenly nation I think it is of utmost importance. While we are busy trying to decide "Who said what to whom" on our weekly TV shows, the real work of the kingdom isn't getting enough attention.
Living as an "alien or stranger" in the world demands that we behave in a different manner. The challenge has been issued, and all kingdom citizens should rally behind the Master, living lives of full submission, and using our resources in love to help others.
PR
Friday, December 26, 2014
Titus 1-3
December 27, 2014
Titus must have been a young man, because Paul is encouraging him to "let no one despise" him. I guess he could have said that to an older man, but it seems more likely to be directed to someone younger. Titus is tasked with going to a fairly rough crowd and teaching them to obey the Gospel.
This intrigues me, because there is a growing number of places that are fairly rough in the U.S. Here in northwest PA, we have oil fields, timber forests and steel mills. Most of these places are known for off color jokes, humor and activities. The list goes on from there. I often sympathize with the men who work in prisons, or in law enforcement. They are exposed to some pretty seedy individuals. Which is why I take interest in what Paul wrote to Titus.
Titus is encouraged to select his leaders carefully. The list is fairly detailed, and quite challenging. In fact, I wouldn't make the list. I wonder if Paul is saying these things specifically because the Cretans are so carnal? Paul is right not to put a younger person, or young Christian into a demanding leadership role, because the pressures are great, and too often they overtake a young Christian.
The most important advice that Paul recommends for the young men is to "control themselves". He doesn't put any heavy demands on them, but instead encourages Titus to set them a good example.
I guess the most important thing I see today is that when you are trying to reach people who are fairly wild in their behavior, the best approach is to insist on a fairly humble, obedient lifestyle. Also, there doesn't appear to be much room for "gray areas" when ministering here. Paul insists on sober mindedness, strict obedience to all authorities and industriousness.
I wonder how many of our young people today would meet the requirements? I happen to know quite a few, actually. Young men and women with whom I am very proud to be acquainted. But outside the church, I see a pretty large vacuum of self control and responsibility. Thank the Lord for godly people within our churches that are training our children!
I like to crack jokes, be funny and sometimes slightly less than "sober minded and self controlled". So, if I plan to minister to people in the community who are raucous, I had better change my behavior, or I will be working against myself.
PR
December 27, 2014
Titus must have been a young man, because Paul is encouraging him to "let no one despise" him. I guess he could have said that to an older man, but it seems more likely to be directed to someone younger. Titus is tasked with going to a fairly rough crowd and teaching them to obey the Gospel.
This intrigues me, because there is a growing number of places that are fairly rough in the U.S. Here in northwest PA, we have oil fields, timber forests and steel mills. Most of these places are known for off color jokes, humor and activities. The list goes on from there. I often sympathize with the men who work in prisons, or in law enforcement. They are exposed to some pretty seedy individuals. Which is why I take interest in what Paul wrote to Titus.
Titus is encouraged to select his leaders carefully. The list is fairly detailed, and quite challenging. In fact, I wouldn't make the list. I wonder if Paul is saying these things specifically because the Cretans are so carnal? Paul is right not to put a younger person, or young Christian into a demanding leadership role, because the pressures are great, and too often they overtake a young Christian.
The most important advice that Paul recommends for the young men is to "control themselves". He doesn't put any heavy demands on them, but instead encourages Titus to set them a good example.
I guess the most important thing I see today is that when you are trying to reach people who are fairly wild in their behavior, the best approach is to insist on a fairly humble, obedient lifestyle. Also, there doesn't appear to be much room for "gray areas" when ministering here. Paul insists on sober mindedness, strict obedience to all authorities and industriousness.
I wonder how many of our young people today would meet the requirements? I happen to know quite a few, actually. Young men and women with whom I am very proud to be acquainted. But outside the church, I see a pretty large vacuum of self control and responsibility. Thank the Lord for godly people within our churches that are training our children!
I like to crack jokes, be funny and sometimes slightly less than "sober minded and self controlled". So, if I plan to minister to people in the community who are raucous, I had better change my behavior, or I will be working against myself.
PR
1 Timothy 1-6
December 26, 2014
Paul's teaching on women is often at odds with people within the church. Some want to take the teaching literally, and not allow women to have any authority, others look at the passage as being addressed to their culture, not ours.
I think that there is truth in both points of view. Let me explain.
Paul lived in a different culture, a culture in which women were regarded almost the same as property. No one is saying that is right, but it simply was what it was. In fact, Paul himself was born into this culture so he must have some leaning toward it. Therefore, there's no reason why women should insist that they share leadership roles...Christianity dictates that we are all to consider ourselves as servants, not leaders. If the Bible says "one sex is in charge" that cannot mean that they are superior, or even the authority...since all leading and direction come from God. Even within the men, there are few that are chosen to lead and all the rest follow. No one complains about that, because everyone understands that the vast majority are to follow, not lead. We also understand that leaders are followers as well. There is always another leader above us, and Christ above all.
When it comes to being in charge, there are many things to be in charge of. Women are often in charge of those things most valuable, and most personal. Children must be taught and provided with a home, and women are often the leaders there.
I suppose this seems sexist, and I don't mean it to be at all. So let me explain a little further.
If God clearly anoints a women to be in charge, like he has before in the Old Testament (Deborah) then that person should be followed without regard for their sex. When God speaks and calls and gifts a person who are we to second guess that? But in the absence of any specific calling or leading from the Lord, we should default to having men in charge.
I have learned from experience that I am more likely to be effective if I am in a role where much is expected from me. If I am one of the helpers, I tend to be far less effective. I have noticed that most men will "drift away" from the job if they aren't in charge of something. On the other hand, women most often stay on the job, even when they aren't in charge.
I wonder if God set this idea up for our benefit, and not because he thought men were superior in some way? there's nothing in scripture that tells us that men are superior, and as for Paul's argument that sin came through a woman, he also balances that by saying that the Savior was also born of a woman. Without women there is no salvation...Christ could not have come. I think in Paul's way of thinking that "evens the score".
All of this to say that we should encourage our men to take the roles that God has called them to. The Church needs all of us, and none of us are any better than the others. Men should fill the role that God called them to, and so should women. Because our culture is different, and women are viewed with more liberality that they were in the first century, we should not take the position that women cannot be in charge. Clearly, God has placed women in charge in the past. Regardless to whom the mantle of leadership falls, we should obey with great joy, because God has spoken, and will bless those who are obedient.
PR
December 26, 2014
Paul's teaching on women is often at odds with people within the church. Some want to take the teaching literally, and not allow women to have any authority, others look at the passage as being addressed to their culture, not ours.
I think that there is truth in both points of view. Let me explain.
Paul lived in a different culture, a culture in which women were regarded almost the same as property. No one is saying that is right, but it simply was what it was. In fact, Paul himself was born into this culture so he must have some leaning toward it. Therefore, there's no reason why women should insist that they share leadership roles...Christianity dictates that we are all to consider ourselves as servants, not leaders. If the Bible says "one sex is in charge" that cannot mean that they are superior, or even the authority...since all leading and direction come from God. Even within the men, there are few that are chosen to lead and all the rest follow. No one complains about that, because everyone understands that the vast majority are to follow, not lead. We also understand that leaders are followers as well. There is always another leader above us, and Christ above all.
When it comes to being in charge, there are many things to be in charge of. Women are often in charge of those things most valuable, and most personal. Children must be taught and provided with a home, and women are often the leaders there.
I suppose this seems sexist, and I don't mean it to be at all. So let me explain a little further.
If God clearly anoints a women to be in charge, like he has before in the Old Testament (Deborah) then that person should be followed without regard for their sex. When God speaks and calls and gifts a person who are we to second guess that? But in the absence of any specific calling or leading from the Lord, we should default to having men in charge.
I have learned from experience that I am more likely to be effective if I am in a role where much is expected from me. If I am one of the helpers, I tend to be far less effective. I have noticed that most men will "drift away" from the job if they aren't in charge of something. On the other hand, women most often stay on the job, even when they aren't in charge.
I wonder if God set this idea up for our benefit, and not because he thought men were superior in some way? there's nothing in scripture that tells us that men are superior, and as for Paul's argument that sin came through a woman, he also balances that by saying that the Savior was also born of a woman. Without women there is no salvation...Christ could not have come. I think in Paul's way of thinking that "evens the score".
All of this to say that we should encourage our men to take the roles that God has called them to. The Church needs all of us, and none of us are any better than the others. Men should fill the role that God called them to, and so should women. Because our culture is different, and women are viewed with more liberality that they were in the first century, we should not take the position that women cannot be in charge. Clearly, God has placed women in charge in the past. Regardless to whom the mantle of leadership falls, we should obey with great joy, because God has spoken, and will bless those who are obedient.
PR
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Philippians 1-4
December 25 2014
I'm glad today's reading wasn't on gluttony.... way too much turkey, and dessert salads. Merry Christmas!
This time as I read through Philippians I catch the word "rejoice" in several different places. Paul even says "it's no problem for me to repeat this again to you" ...and then says it two or three more times. He is suggesting that if they are rejoicing in Christ, they will experience power and unity.
One of my favorite passages is here, in Chapter 4 Paul says "whatever is noble, true, trustworthy....etc....think about such things" I truly believe that our minds are transformed as we "train" them to think differently. Just like a nut can be cross-threaded onto a bolt, and in so doing can ruin the bolt, our thoughts can be ruin our bodies if we don't keep them straight. The devil attacks us on the thought level. Then it moves to our heart, and eventually we speak it or act on it.
In a recent Christmas eve service we encouraged the attendees to "insist on peace". Our worship team leader shared the account of the WWI "Christmas Truce" where men chose to see each other as human beings, instead of targets. It didn't last past Christmas, and it never happened again, which is sad. I think those men chose to think differently while they were hunched inside their trenches. They chose to think of peace, and helping one another. If the soldiers don't have an argument with each other why are we fighting in the first place? To satisfy the lust for power of some crazed leader? I wonder why we don't force our leaders to find a peaceful solution to our world problems...there must be some possible solution...if they felt they MUST find it.
Here in the United States it has been a time of significant turmoil. We need to change the way we think. We need to begin thinking about what is right, and true and lovely and pure. This business of teaching people to hate each other, and to think less of one another has got to stop.
PR
December 25 2014
I'm glad today's reading wasn't on gluttony.... way too much turkey, and dessert salads. Merry Christmas!
This time as I read through Philippians I catch the word "rejoice" in several different places. Paul even says "it's no problem for me to repeat this again to you" ...and then says it two or three more times. He is suggesting that if they are rejoicing in Christ, they will experience power and unity.
One of my favorite passages is here, in Chapter 4 Paul says "whatever is noble, true, trustworthy....etc....think about such things" I truly believe that our minds are transformed as we "train" them to think differently. Just like a nut can be cross-threaded onto a bolt, and in so doing can ruin the bolt, our thoughts can be ruin our bodies if we don't keep them straight. The devil attacks us on the thought level. Then it moves to our heart, and eventually we speak it or act on it.
In a recent Christmas eve service we encouraged the attendees to "insist on peace". Our worship team leader shared the account of the WWI "Christmas Truce" where men chose to see each other as human beings, instead of targets. It didn't last past Christmas, and it never happened again, which is sad. I think those men chose to think differently while they were hunched inside their trenches. They chose to think of peace, and helping one another. If the soldiers don't have an argument with each other why are we fighting in the first place? To satisfy the lust for power of some crazed leader? I wonder why we don't force our leaders to find a peaceful solution to our world problems...there must be some possible solution...if they felt they MUST find it.
Here in the United States it has been a time of significant turmoil. We need to change the way we think. We need to begin thinking about what is right, and true and lovely and pure. This business of teaching people to hate each other, and to think less of one another has got to stop.
PR
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