Rom 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.(NAS)
It seems like I've been living this verse lately. Maybe I should explain better. It feels like lately, this verse has been telling me to live this verse. What is it that I can do to live at peace with those around me? As the verse says, it is not always possible, some people just don't want to live at peace with you, but if you can, you should. The next question could be: when is it impossible to get along with someone, and at what point do you stop trying? Obviously, we should do our best to live in a manner so as to avoid conflict, and in so doing, have a certain level of peace even with those "difficult people."
At the same time, the Bible says not to throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample you (Matt. 7:6). In other words, there comes a point where you can't continue to actively "force" someone to get along with you. You shouldn't become rude and treat that person with contempt, to the contrary, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:21). But sometimes the only way to live at peace with someone is to not be too close to them.
I think it's interesting to put this verse in its broader context and see what else it is saying. Romans 12 focuses on our response to God's faithfulness and salvation discussed in previous chapters. It talks about our "spiritual service of worship."
Rom 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, {which is} your spiritual service of worship.(NAS)
It makes clear throughout the following chapter that "your bodies" goes far beyond the physical. In fact, it concentrates more on other ways of worshipping God: living at peace. Most of the statements in chapter 12 can be boiled down to living at peace with others and how we can achieve that.
One of the most important verses that I saw in this chapter, perhaps especially with connection to verse 18, is here:
Rom 12:3-5
3 For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.(NAS)
If we believe that we are better than everyone else, we are not going to live at peace with others. Verses four and five go even further with that, saying that as members of the body of Christ, we each have different gifts. God wired each of us differently for our own unique ministry in the body of Christ, and sometimes that can even cause conflict, but the point is that it shouldn't. This last portion obviously doesn't apply to unbelievers, but the command in verse 18 does. It says to "be at peace with all men." Not just believers, but all men.
What I'm trying to say, and having a hard time saying it, is that living peacefully is not just a command, it is a worshipful response to God's goodness. By living at peace with everyone, we're praising God and pointing others toward Him with our example.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Speaking
I continue to find it amazing how the Bible, a book that was written in part 2000 years ago, and in part, 3 or 4 thousand years ago, can speak to me now. A letter originally written to a church on the Mediterranean in the first or second century AD can speak to me in Washington in 2008. I think that's amazing. And I'm not talking about the "I can kind of relate to that" or "that's a nice story" type speaking to. The word brings conviction, comfort, understanding, and sometimes cuts deep, showing way for improvement.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.(NAS)
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.(NAS)
Monday, April 28, 2008
Prolonged Testing
Today I finally got back my first Spanish test. The test that was taken a week ago. I still haven't gotten my first paper back from writing, the paper that I turned in... a week ago. And there's no hope of getting that paper back before Wednesday. I guess I need to learn to be a little more patient.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Not Alone
Heb 4:14-16
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.16 Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.(NAS)
When we struggle with temptation, this should be an encouragement. Jesus endured all the same temptations that we face daily, but he never sinned. He understands the temptations that we face, and He can help us fight those temptations through His grace for His glory. I don't know about you, but I can't begin to imagine going through all the temptations I face and never once giving in, but always remaining holy. I said this a couple nights ago, but for those of us that are believers, we serve a great God.
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.16 Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.(NAS)
When we struggle with temptation, this should be an encouragement. Jesus endured all the same temptations that we face daily, but he never sinned. He understands the temptations that we face, and He can help us fight those temptations through His grace for His glory. I don't know about you, but I can't begin to imagine going through all the temptations I face and never once giving in, but always remaining holy. I said this a couple nights ago, but for those of us that are believers, we serve a great God.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Sing!
Ps 100:1-5
1 Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.2 Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing.3 Know that the LORD himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; {we are} His people and the sheep of His pasture.4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving, {and} His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name.5 For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations.(NAS)
Tonight at youth group, we talked about why we worship, why we sing, why we're thankful. The basis was the above passage. We sing because God made us. We're thankful because God is good. It is important that we not get caught up in the motions, going to church, singing the songs, but keep our minds on the reasons behind the things we do. We serve a great God. I pray that I remember that and don't get "caught up" in the motions.
1 Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.2 Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing.3 Know that the LORD himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; {we are} His people and the sheep of His pasture.4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving, {and} His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name.5 For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations.(NAS)
Tonight at youth group, we talked about why we worship, why we sing, why we're thankful. The basis was the above passage. We sing because God made us. We're thankful because God is good. It is important that we not get caught up in the motions, going to church, singing the songs, but keep our minds on the reasons behind the things we do. We serve a great God. I pray that I remember that and don't get "caught up" in the motions.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Wineskins
Luke 5:36-39
36 And He was also telling them a parable: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment; otherwise he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.37 "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined.38 "But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.39 "And no one, after drinking old {wine} wishes for new; for he says, 'The old is good {enough.} "(NAS)
The word "also" in the Greek used here is apparently often a word involving cumulative force with previous statements. Before this, Jesus was talking about why His disciples did not fast, because "...You cannot make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you?" (Luke 5:34). In other words, Jesus was with His disciples here on earth, what need did they have to fast? Taking this context into the meaning of the parable, it could be that Jesus is comparing the Jewish traditions that had been corrupted to the old patch or the old wineskins. The problem at hand didn't need the same old temporary fix that had been in service for hundreds of years, instead a "new patch" was needed. That permanent fix to the problem of sin and forgiveness of that sin is found in Jesus.
The part that caught me off guard is that last verse (39). Humans have a habit of sticking to what we're used to. We cling to things because they are comfortable or familiar. Why try something new when what we have works fine? Why should I trust in Jesus for my salvation when I have Moses' sacrificial system to purify me? Why should I try to grow spiritually when I'm secure in my salvation through Jesus Christ? The problem obviously takes on many forms, but the main point is that we should not be content with staying put, but instead growing.
36 And He was also telling them a parable: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment; otherwise he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.37 "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined.38 "But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.39 "And no one, after drinking old {wine} wishes for new; for he says, 'The old is good {enough.} "(NAS)
The word "also" in the Greek used here is apparently often a word involving cumulative force with previous statements. Before this, Jesus was talking about why His disciples did not fast, because "...You cannot make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you?" (Luke 5:34). In other words, Jesus was with His disciples here on earth, what need did they have to fast? Taking this context into the meaning of the parable, it could be that Jesus is comparing the Jewish traditions that had been corrupted to the old patch or the old wineskins. The problem at hand didn't need the same old temporary fix that had been in service for hundreds of years, instead a "new patch" was needed. That permanent fix to the problem of sin and forgiveness of that sin is found in Jesus.
The part that caught me off guard is that last verse (39). Humans have a habit of sticking to what we're used to. We cling to things because they are comfortable or familiar. Why try something new when what we have works fine? Why should I trust in Jesus for my salvation when I have Moses' sacrificial system to purify me? Why should I try to grow spiritually when I'm secure in my salvation through Jesus Christ? The problem obviously takes on many forms, but the main point is that we should not be content with staying put, but instead growing.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Time For Action
Ezek 33:11 "Say to them, 'As I live!' declares the Lord GOD, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?'(NAS)
I wish I could always share God's loving attitude toward others. To have my one desire be that those trapped in sin would turn from those ways and be saved! The attitude is often there, but often it never goes beyond the thought in my head, or maybe a prayer. Don't get me wrong, a prayer is great, but there is a time to do something else, and I'm sure I've missed some of those times.
I wish I could always share God's loving attitude toward others. To have my one desire be that those trapped in sin would turn from those ways and be saved! The attitude is often there, but often it never goes beyond the thought in my head, or maybe a prayer. Don't get me wrong, a prayer is great, but there is a time to do something else, and I'm sure I've missed some of those times.
Monday, April 21, 2008
God on Earth
Heb 1:2-3
2 in these last days has spoken to us in {His} Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;(NAS)
The part of this passage that sticks out to me the most is in verse three. Jesus is the exact representation of God's nature. When Jesus came to earth, it was a true glimpse of who God is. Jesus truly was God among us. And now, after rising from the grave having died for our sins, He reigns in Heaven with God. In fact, He is God. To my limited understanding, the Greek word translated "exact representation" could be more accurately stated as character. Jesus is the "character" of God.
2 in these last days has spoken to us in {His} Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;(NAS)
The part of this passage that sticks out to me the most is in verse three. Jesus is the exact representation of God's nature. When Jesus came to earth, it was a true glimpse of who God is. Jesus truly was God among us. And now, after rising from the grave having died for our sins, He reigns in Heaven with God. In fact, He is God. To my limited understanding, the Greek word translated "exact representation" could be more accurately stated as character. Jesus is the "character" of God.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
The Word
Heb 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.(NAS)
In Sunday school today, the lesson was on these verses and those preceding it. The word of God is a powerful thing. It is able to tell us the good or evil motivations behind our thoughts and actions. Reading the Word lets us know how we are doing spiritually because it opens us up and looks inside the heart. That is why the metaphor of the sword is used here.
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.(NAS)
In Sunday school today, the lesson was on these verses and those preceding it. The word of God is a powerful thing. It is able to tell us the good or evil motivations behind our thoughts and actions. Reading the Word lets us know how we are doing spiritually because it opens us up and looks inside the heart. That is why the metaphor of the sword is used here.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Staying Out of Trouble
Ps 119:9-16
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping {it} according to Thy word.10 With all my heart I have sought Thee; do not let me wander from Thy commandments.11 Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.12 Blessed art Thou, O LORD; teach me Thy statutes.13 With my lips I have told of all the ordinances of Thy mouth.14 I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.15 I will meditate on Thy precepts, and regard Thy ways.16 I shall delight in Thy statutes; I shall not forget Thy word.(NAS)
Sometimes it is difficult living in a world of sin to remain pure. Okay, always it is difficult. The key is having the Holy Spirit to guide us. Aside from that, we also have the Sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Many of us (myself included) neglect the important aspect in our faith of scripture memorization. But this is important, and shouldn't be forgotten. As it says in verse 11 of the above passage: "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee." To remain pure, scripture memorization and meditation on the scriptures is important.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping {it} according to Thy word.10 With all my heart I have sought Thee; do not let me wander from Thy commandments.11 Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.12 Blessed art Thou, O LORD; teach me Thy statutes.13 With my lips I have told of all the ordinances of Thy mouth.14 I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.15 I will meditate on Thy precepts, and regard Thy ways.16 I shall delight in Thy statutes; I shall not forget Thy word.(NAS)
Sometimes it is difficult living in a world of sin to remain pure. Okay, always it is difficult. The key is having the Holy Spirit to guide us. Aside from that, we also have the Sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Many of us (myself included) neglect the important aspect in our faith of scripture memorization. But this is important, and shouldn't be forgotten. As it says in verse 11 of the above passage: "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee." To remain pure, scripture memorization and meditation on the scriptures is important.
Friday, April 18, 2008
It's Not a Race
"You beat me yesterday."
"It's not a race."
We were talking about the math quiz yesterday. Sometimes it feels like a race. With only the last twenty minutes of class to finish our weekly math quiz, if/when it takes longer, it is almost guaranteed to be rushed, and therefore not one's best work, and then the delay makes everyone late to whatever class happens to come next. This week wasn't so bad. I think almost everyone finished before the next class period. That's what I was trying to say in the above conversation. The thing is, it's a math quiz; it shouldn't need to be a race.
One thing that is like a race is our relationship with God.
Heb 12:1-2
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.(NAS)
It's not about who gets done first. What it is about is ever pursuing the goal of Jesus and the perfection of our faith. The metaphor is talking about putting the kind of focus that is needed in a race into our spiritual lives. In a race, you can't think of anything except for the goal at the end. All of your efforts are fixed on crossing the finish line. That's what this verse is talking about.
"It's not a race."
We were talking about the math quiz yesterday. Sometimes it feels like a race. With only the last twenty minutes of class to finish our weekly math quiz, if/when it takes longer, it is almost guaranteed to be rushed, and therefore not one's best work, and then the delay makes everyone late to whatever class happens to come next. This week wasn't so bad. I think almost everyone finished before the next class period. That's what I was trying to say in the above conversation. The thing is, it's a math quiz; it shouldn't need to be a race.
One thing that is like a race is our relationship with God.
Heb 12:1-2
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.(NAS)
It's not about who gets done first. What it is about is ever pursuing the goal of Jesus and the perfection of our faith. The metaphor is talking about putting the kind of focus that is needed in a race into our spiritual lives. In a race, you can't think of anything except for the goal at the end. All of your efforts are fixed on crossing the finish line. That's what this verse is talking about.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Well hello!
Today a new life came into the world (there's an overused cliche). Anyway, her name is Anna Jane Fitzgerald, and she was 6 lbs 3 oz and 18 inches long. Once again, I find myself being an uncle (number 3). There's one picture here, but for more, visit my sister and brother-in-law's blog. I'm sure there's more to come on theirs.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Leave It
When Jesus called the disciples, it's amazing that through their faith, they knew that they should follow Him, and completely left their old lives behind them. It's very seldom in modern America that such commitment is seen. This doesn't mean that we should all "quit" our lives and pursue full-time ministry, but God should be first. Anything that gets in the way of that should be left behind.
Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,(NAS)
Luke 5:27-28
27 And after that He went out, and noticed a tax-gatherer named Levi, sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, "Follow Me."28 And he left everything behind, and rose and {began} to follow Him.(NAS)
Levi had a very lucrative business going on. As a tax collector, his only requirement was to collect what the Roman government requested and then collect however much more he wanted to on top of that for himself. It wasn't an honest business, though, and God had different plans for him. Better plans for him.
Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,(NAS)
Luke 5:27-28
27 And after that He went out, and noticed a tax-gatherer named Levi, sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, "Follow Me."28 And he left everything behind, and rose and {began} to follow Him.(NAS)
Levi had a very lucrative business going on. As a tax collector, his only requirement was to collect what the Roman government requested and then collect however much more he wanted to on top of that for himself. It wasn't an honest business, though, and God had different plans for him. Better plans for him.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Nothing Useless
John 6:1-13
1 After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias).2 And a great multitude was following Him, because they were seeing the signs which He was performing on those who were sick.3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.5 Jesus therefore lifting up His eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to Him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?"6 And this He was saying to test him; for He Himself knew what He was intending to do.7 Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little."8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him,9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?"10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.11 Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.12 And when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost."13 And so they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten.(NAS)
Wow, that looked a lot shorter in my Bible study program. Anyway, most of us have heard this story before. It is a great story of Jesus' ability to provide whatever needs there are. But something that isn't as often thought about is that it shows how God uses our gifts, no matter how insignificant, for His glory. As MacArthur states:
"Of course, Jesus didn't even need to have that boy's lunch in order to serve the crowd. He could have created food from nothing just as easily. But the way He fed the five thousand illustrates the way God always works. He takes the sacrificial and often insignificant gifts of people who give faithfully, and He multiplies them to accomplish monumental things."
1 After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias).2 And a great multitude was following Him, because they were seeing the signs which He was performing on those who were sick.3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.5 Jesus therefore lifting up His eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to Him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?"6 And this He was saying to test him; for He Himself knew what He was intending to do.7 Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little."8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him,9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?"10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.11 Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.12 And when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost."13 And so they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten.(NAS)
Wow, that looked a lot shorter in my Bible study program. Anyway, most of us have heard this story before. It is a great story of Jesus' ability to provide whatever needs there are. But something that isn't as often thought about is that it shows how God uses our gifts, no matter how insignificant, for His glory. As MacArthur states:
"Of course, Jesus didn't even need to have that boy's lunch in order to serve the crowd. He could have created food from nothing just as easily. But the way He fed the five thousand illustrates the way God always works. He takes the sacrificial and often insignificant gifts of people who give faithfully, and He multiplies them to accomplish monumental things."
Monday, April 14, 2008
Picking Up The Pace
I guess being three weeks into the quarter means that it's time for more homework and building stress levels. Even if that's not what it means, it's happened anyway. I ONLY spent FIVE HOURS just doing homework for one subject today, and I'm still not done. All this was assigned today and most of it is due Wednesday. That means break is even more officially over than it was three weeks ago, and it's time to get back into real school mode.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
"Bloom Where You're Planted"
The pastor taught out of 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 today:
17 Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And thus I direct in all the churches.18 Was any man called {already} circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but {what matters is} the keeping of the commandments of God.20 Let each man remain in that condition in which he was called.21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that.22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord's freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ's slave.23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.24 Brethren, let each man remain with God in that {condition} in which he was called.(NAS)
God has us where we are for a reason. To think even for a moment that God can't use us exactly where and how we are is severely underestimating Him. As the pastor said, "Bloom where you are planted." We need to be content and work hard exactly where God has us instead of saying things like: "I'll serve God after I get married," or "I'll find a ministry to involve myself in after I get a better job." We should be content because God knows what He's doing far better than we do.
17 Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And thus I direct in all the churches.18 Was any man called {already} circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but {what matters is} the keeping of the commandments of God.20 Let each man remain in that condition in which he was called.21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that.22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord's freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ's slave.23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.24 Brethren, let each man remain with God in that {condition} in which he was called.(NAS)
God has us where we are for a reason. To think even for a moment that God can't use us exactly where and how we are is severely underestimating Him. As the pastor said, "Bloom where you are planted." We need to be content and work hard exactly where God has us instead of saying things like: "I'll serve God after I get married," or "I'll find a ministry to involve myself in after I get a better job." We should be content because God knows what He's doing far better than we do.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Reward
Prov 11:31 If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!(NAS)
This verse could mean a few different things. First of all, it definitely implies that there is a judgement outside of this earth. I first took it to mean that on this earth, it often seems like the wicked prosper more than the righteous, but in the judgement to come, the righteous will finally receive their reward, and the sinners will receive their judgement. Another spot in the scripture that talks about earthly rewards versus heavenly rewards is Matthew 6. One spot being Matthew 6:1-2.
Matt 6:1-2
This verse could mean a few different things. First of all, it definitely implies that there is a judgement outside of this earth. I first took it to mean that on this earth, it often seems like the wicked prosper more than the righteous, but in the judgement to come, the righteous will finally receive their reward, and the sinners will receive their judgement. Another spot in the scripture that talks about earthly rewards versus heavenly rewards is Matthew 6. One spot being Matthew 6:1-2.
Matt 6:1-2
1 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.2 "When therefore you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.(NAS)
The other possibility that this proverb could signify is that the righteous get some reward on earth for their good deads, but the unrighteous get part of their punishment here on earth. The reward of the righteous is to come more often after the judgement, and the punishment for sin more often is seen in this life as well as the next. This second possiblility is the opinion of Matthew Henry in his commentary, and both could be possible meanings of the verse. It's hard for me to say for sure which it might be.
In either case, one thing remains true: the reward of the righteous may come early on occasion, but the bulk of the reward comes later. This should be an encouragement to believers to pursue righteousness and a closer walk with God, as we can look forward to a reward at Jesus' second coming.
The other possibility that this proverb could signify is that the righteous get some reward on earth for their good deads, but the unrighteous get part of their punishment here on earth. The reward of the righteous is to come more often after the judgement, and the punishment for sin more often is seen in this life as well as the next. This second possiblility is the opinion of Matthew Henry in his commentary, and both could be possible meanings of the verse. It's hard for me to say for sure which it might be.
In either case, one thing remains true: the reward of the righteous may come early on occasion, but the bulk of the reward comes later. This should be an encouragement to believers to pursue righteousness and a closer walk with God, as we can look forward to a reward at Jesus' second coming.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The Heart of a Servant
Luke 4:38-39
38 And He arose and {left} the synagogue, and entered Simon's home. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever; and they made request of Him on her behalf.39 And standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and she immediately arose and waited on them.(NAS)
In these two verses the obviously amazing thing is what Jesus did, He instantly healed Simon's mother-in-law of a severe fever. With the amount of medical care available at that time, who knows what a bad fever could mean. It may be possible that she was in danger of dying. On the other hand, in other places where those Jesus healed were in danger of death, they were said to be dying, not suffering from a fever. In either case, we see another example of Jesus' authority over disease.
The thing that strikes me in this verse is the last part: "...and she immediately arose and waited on them." This woman had just been in bed with a fever, and yet as soon as she was out of bed what did she do? She started waiting on those present! Now that's a spirit of servant-hood!
With guests Friday, today was a house-cleaning day. I did better than last time in the complaint department, but I've still neglected to take out the two bags of garbage in the kitchen. I pray that I can have a more willing (and perhaps less "forgetful") attitude.
38 And He arose and {left} the synagogue, and entered Simon's home. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever; and they made request of Him on her behalf.39 And standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and she immediately arose and waited on them.(NAS)
In these two verses the obviously amazing thing is what Jesus did, He instantly healed Simon's mother-in-law of a severe fever. With the amount of medical care available at that time, who knows what a bad fever could mean. It may be possible that she was in danger of dying. On the other hand, in other places where those Jesus healed were in danger of death, they were said to be dying, not suffering from a fever. In either case, we see another example of Jesus' authority over disease.
The thing that strikes me in this verse is the last part: "...and she immediately arose and waited on them." This woman had just been in bed with a fever, and yet as soon as she was out of bed what did she do? She started waiting on those present! Now that's a spirit of servant-hood!
With guests Friday, today was a house-cleaning day. I did better than last time in the complaint department, but I've still neglected to take out the two bags of garbage in the kitchen. I pray that I can have a more willing (and perhaps less "forgetful") attitude.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Losing My Marbles?
If you see someone sitting with their laptop in the cafeteria looking very bored and irritated and talking in a foreign language to their computer, don't worry, I'm just working on online Spanish homework.
For my Spanish class, I have to go online and practice pronunciation by repeating words to the computer through a headset microphone. This wouldn't be too bad except that at our house we have dial-up, which means that I can't work on all of my Spanish homework in the privacy of my home (where people already know that I'm crazy, so it doesn't matter as much).
But no matter how you slice it, other people around or not, it's hard not to feel foolish when you're saying little random words in Spanish to your computer and wearing a rather ridiculous little headset, especially when you have to try multiple times to get the pronunciation right.
For my Spanish class, I have to go online and practice pronunciation by repeating words to the computer through a headset microphone. This wouldn't be too bad except that at our house we have dial-up, which means that I can't work on all of my Spanish homework in the privacy of my home (where people already know that I'm crazy, so it doesn't matter as much).
But no matter how you slice it, other people around or not, it's hard not to feel foolish when you're saying little random words in Spanish to your computer and wearing a rather ridiculous little headset, especially when you have to try multiple times to get the pronunciation right.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Wait, what was that again?
Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, {it is} the gift of God;(NAS)
I know this verse was in the passage from yesterday, but it kind of got neglected. Actually, I think I've had a previous blog on this verse. In fact, it may just be that this is one of my favorite verses. Salvation as absolutely nothing to do with us. We live because of God's grace through faith in what Jesus did for us. On top of that, the faith to believe is a gift of God as well. It goes on to explain that all the credit belongs to God, not what we've done, but what He's done:
Eph 2:9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast.(NAS)
I know this verse was in the passage from yesterday, but it kind of got neglected. Actually, I think I've had a previous blog on this verse. In fact, it may just be that this is one of my favorite verses. Salvation as absolutely nothing to do with us. We live because of God's grace through faith in what Jesus did for us. On top of that, the faith to believe is a gift of God as well. It goes on to explain that all the credit belongs to God, not what we've done, but what He's done:
Eph 2:9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast.(NAS)
Sunday, April 6, 2008
WOO-HOO
Eph 2:1-8
1And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly {places} in Christ Jesus,7 in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, {it is} the gift of God;(NAS)
The message in church today was out of this passage. For believers, it shows where we were before we were saved, now, and where we will be in the future. As unbelievers, we were hopeless failures, spiritually dead, objects of God's wrath. But God showed His mercy by raising us up with His son so that through eternity He could show us His grace. THROUGH ETERNITY. God's grace, brought to us throughout all eternity. As our pastor said: WOO-HOO!
1And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly {places} in Christ Jesus,7 in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, {it is} the gift of God;(NAS)
The message in church today was out of this passage. For believers, it shows where we were before we were saved, now, and where we will be in the future. As unbelievers, we were hopeless failures, spiritually dead, objects of God's wrath. But God showed His mercy by raising us up with His son so that through eternity He could show us His grace. THROUGH ETERNITY. God's grace, brought to us throughout all eternity. As our pastor said: WOO-HOO!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Simon Peter
In Twelve Ordinary Men, MacArthur points out an interesting fact about Peter.
Jesus not only gave him a new name when He called Simon, but He continued to use the old name as well. When Peter was doing right, Jesus called him Peter, but when Peter messed up, Jesus reminded him by calling him Simon again.
Sometimes Peter did a good job, and sometimes he didn't.
According to MacArthur:
"Peter was exactly like most Christians--both carnal and spiritual. He succumbed to the habits of the flesh sometimes; he functioned in the Spirit other times. He was sinful sometimes, but other times he acted the way a righteous man ought to act. This vacillating man--sometimes Simon, sometimes Peter--was the leader of the Twelve."
Jesus not only gave him a new name when He called Simon, but He continued to use the old name as well. When Peter was doing right, Jesus called him Peter, but when Peter messed up, Jesus reminded him by calling him Simon again.
Sometimes Peter did a good job, and sometimes he didn't.
According to MacArthur:
"Peter was exactly like most Christians--both carnal and spiritual. He succumbed to the habits of the flesh sometimes; he functioned in the Spirit other times. He was sinful sometimes, but other times he acted the way a righteous man ought to act. This vacillating man--sometimes Simon, sometimes Peter--was the leader of the Twelve."
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
¡Hola!
Today in Spanish class, we finally reached a consensus on a grading scheme (with the help of the professor). That means we actually started learning some Spanish.
Having heard some slightly scary stories about very quick moving Spanish classes, I was a little apprehensive. Honestly, I think it will be just fine. The only part I'm not going to like is the online portion of the class. The idea of reciting Spanish to the computer doesn't sound very fun to me.
Having heard some slightly scary stories about very quick moving Spanish classes, I was a little apprehensive. Honestly, I think it will be just fine. The only part I'm not going to like is the online portion of the class. The idea of reciting Spanish to the computer doesn't sound very fun to me.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Spiritual Warfare
In talking about the Armor of God, the main point was obviously spiritual warfare and the tools used.
The battle for truth has raged on earth ever since Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the garden. Satan's first recorded words are seen here:
Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?"(NAS)
Satan's first recorded words were questioning God's truth. And this has been going on ever since. With the Exodus, God proved that he was God and the "gods" of Egypt were not. Through Elijah, God showed that Baal was not the true God.
In fact, truth is so vital that when Jesus was asked why He came, this is what He said:
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say {correctly} that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
Of all the answers Jesus could have given, He said the reason He came was to testify to the truth. Something about that makes me think it's important.
The battle for truth has raged on earth ever since Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the garden. Satan's first recorded words are seen here:
Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?"(NAS)
Satan's first recorded words were questioning God's truth. And this has been going on ever since. With the Exodus, God proved that he was God and the "gods" of Egypt were not. Through Elijah, God showed that Baal was not the true God.
In fact, truth is so vital that when Jesus was asked why He came, this is what He said:
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say {correctly} that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
Of all the answers Jesus could have given, He said the reason He came was to testify to the truth. Something about that makes me think it's important.
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