1 Chronicles 29:9 (ESV)
Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
When is the last time you rejoiced when the plate was passed around? Truthfully think about this. Do you give because you have to or because you want to? (2 Corinthians 9:7). Sometimes it becomes a habit for me and I forget that giving is worship. When I give I acknowledge that the Lord is my sustenance (Matthew 6:11; John 4:34; Philippians 4:19). When I give I remember the blessings and how God has continually and faithfully provided needs. I remember what Christ gave for me on the cross and I acknowledge that everything including me (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) belong to God.
Why should I rejoice when I give? Because He has given me so much, with the most important gift is His love shown through the grace imparted to me by the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ to restore me to God the Father.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Gentleness in Love
Philemon 8-9 (ESV)
Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, [9]yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus.
I believe in this statement all of us can practice more. Paul was writing to Philemon regarding his slave, Onesimus, and asking him to take back his slave (more than likely had stolen from his master and ran away to Rome). Paul had led Onesimus to Christ (Philemon 10) and this slave had become a great servant to him.
Now that we have the background lets concentrate on the attitude presented in the statement in verses 8 and 9. Paul, as a spiritual leader and mentor, had the authority to command Philemon to do what was proper concerning Onesimus. Paul chose instead to appeal to Philemon on Onesimus’ behalf. Instead of forcing Philemon to do something, Paul chose to act in love by instructing Philemon why he should accept Onesimus back.
I find it awesome that Paul did not force a younger Christian to do something, but rather left it up for that Believer to choose to act in a way that proclaimed Christ. As a person who disciples others, I find myself wanting to tell folks what they should do. I am not the Holy Spirit. The best thing I can do is take time and search the scriptures with the person and let them be convicted by the Holy Spirit who will lead them in all truth. Notice also that I said that we need to take time and search the scriptures together – those of us in authority are held responsible, and we don’t want to twist the Bible to enable us to control others to our own will (Romans 15:1). We should desire that those we teach and instruct go to God’s Word and pray for guidance before they even consider coming to us concerning an issue or decision.
God is so patient with us (2 Peter 3:9) – we also should be patient and never use position to force or coerce another into a decision that pleases us.
Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, [9]yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus.
I believe in this statement all of us can practice more. Paul was writing to Philemon regarding his slave, Onesimus, and asking him to take back his slave (more than likely had stolen from his master and ran away to Rome). Paul had led Onesimus to Christ (Philemon 10) and this slave had become a great servant to him.
Now that we have the background lets concentrate on the attitude presented in the statement in verses 8 and 9. Paul, as a spiritual leader and mentor, had the authority to command Philemon to do what was proper concerning Onesimus. Paul chose instead to appeal to Philemon on Onesimus’ behalf. Instead of forcing Philemon to do something, Paul chose to act in love by instructing Philemon why he should accept Onesimus back.
I find it awesome that Paul did not force a younger Christian to do something, but rather left it up for that Believer to choose to act in a way that proclaimed Christ. As a person who disciples others, I find myself wanting to tell folks what they should do. I am not the Holy Spirit. The best thing I can do is take time and search the scriptures with the person and let them be convicted by the Holy Spirit who will lead them in all truth. Notice also that I said that we need to take time and search the scriptures together – those of us in authority are held responsible, and we don’t want to twist the Bible to enable us to control others to our own will (Romans 15:1). We should desire that those we teach and instruct go to God’s Word and pray for guidance before they even consider coming to us concerning an issue or decision.
God is so patient with us (2 Peter 3:9) – we also should be patient and never use position to force or coerce another into a decision that pleases us.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Be On Guard: Division
Titus 3:10-11 (ESV)
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, [11]knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
One of Satan’s best tricks is to pit us against one another. It is something we must guard ourselves against. This passage in Titus tells us to approach those who are causing divisions. In the context of scripture we should be doing this in a gentle manner in order to restore (see “Correction” from September 3rd). We are not trying to condemn others, but lift them up when they fall.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (HCSB)
Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. [10] For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.
Any condemnation comes from God’s word from turning away from it. The New Living Translation of verse 11 points this out in a straightforward manner: “For people like that have turned away from the truth. They are sinning, and they condemn themselves.” God’s law brings us to Christ in order for us to receive grace through Christ (Galatians 3:25; Romans 7:7-12). We can choose to be under grace or to reject the conviction from turning from the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:19). All this to say, when we approach someone over being divisive we must do it in truth and gentleness and let God’s word through the Holy Spirit take care of the rest (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Verse 10 tells us to have nothing to do with this person if there is no change after warning them a couple of times. Is this to punish them? I think it is more for our benefit; we don’t want to stir up division ourselves.
1 Corinthians 15:33 (HCSB)
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
Proverbs 13:20 (HCSB)
The one who walks with the wise will become wise,
but a companion of fools will suffer harm.
Seek to restore a brother, but be careful not to follow him in his transgression.
Galatians 6:1-2 (HCSB)
Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won't be tempted also. [2] Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, [11]knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
One of Satan’s best tricks is to pit us against one another. It is something we must guard ourselves against. This passage in Titus tells us to approach those who are causing divisions. In the context of scripture we should be doing this in a gentle manner in order to restore (see “Correction” from September 3rd). We are not trying to condemn others, but lift them up when they fall.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (HCSB)
Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. [10] For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.
Any condemnation comes from God’s word from turning away from it. The New Living Translation of verse 11 points this out in a straightforward manner: “For people like that have turned away from the truth. They are sinning, and they condemn themselves.” God’s law brings us to Christ in order for us to receive grace through Christ (Galatians 3:25; Romans 7:7-12). We can choose to be under grace or to reject the conviction from turning from the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:19). All this to say, when we approach someone over being divisive we must do it in truth and gentleness and let God’s word through the Holy Spirit take care of the rest (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Verse 10 tells us to have nothing to do with this person if there is no change after warning them a couple of times. Is this to punish them? I think it is more for our benefit; we don’t want to stir up division ourselves.
1 Corinthians 15:33 (HCSB)
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
Proverbs 13:20 (HCSB)
The one who walks with the wise will become wise,
but a companion of fools will suffer harm.
Seek to restore a brother, but be careful not to follow him in his transgression.
Galatians 6:1-2 (HCSB)
Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won't be tempted also. [2] Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Above Reproach
Titus 2:7-8 (ESV)
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, [8]and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
Can you always be above reproach? Is this possible? I can tell you first hand, not on my own strength. The charge to Titus here is straightforward: Live what you profess! And when you teach be pure, honest and genuine (live what you profess) with truth. If you are living in God’s truth through Christ, then being above reproach goes hand-in-hand with yesterday’s teaching (Titus 1:15).
Remember that we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and there to guide us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We have also been charged to put God first and behave in a way that proclaims Him (Romans 12:1-2). To achieve “above reproach” is all about living for God and not for self (John 3:30).
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, [8]and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
Can you always be above reproach? Is this possible? I can tell you first hand, not on my own strength. The charge to Titus here is straightforward: Live what you profess! And when you teach be pure, honest and genuine (live what you profess) with truth. If you are living in God’s truth through Christ, then being above reproach goes hand-in-hand with yesterday’s teaching (Titus 1:15).
Remember that we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and there to guide us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We have also been charged to put God first and behave in a way that proclaims Him (Romans 12:1-2). To achieve “above reproach” is all about living for God and not for self (John 3:30).
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Pure or Unbelieving?
Titus 1:15-16 (ESV)
To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. [16]They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Verse 15 is a test for myself: “do I always think the best of people?” I can honestly say “no.” As a self-preservation mode, I believe there are those that have impure motives and I need to protect myself from them. Two statements I just made show that I can be unbelieving (self-preservation & protect myself). God has promises I need to trust in at all times:
Psalms 28:7 (HCSB)
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
Therefore my heart rejoices,
and I praise Him with my song.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (HCSB)
The LORD is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
I’m learning to let the Lord protect and sustain me. I am fiercely independent by nature, but I have been learning over the last few years that real strength is in dependence on the Lord.
We still need to be wise on how we behave around others using the proper wisdom (James 3:17). Titus 2:7-8 (the next devo) gives us a good model of conduct around others so we can continue to be pure and trust in the Lord for the protection.
To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. [16]They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Verse 15 is a test for myself: “do I always think the best of people?” I can honestly say “no.” As a self-preservation mode, I believe there are those that have impure motives and I need to protect myself from them. Two statements I just made show that I can be unbelieving (self-preservation & protect myself). God has promises I need to trust in at all times:
Psalms 28:7 (HCSB)
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
Therefore my heart rejoices,
and I praise Him with my song.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (HCSB)
The LORD is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
I’m learning to let the Lord protect and sustain me. I am fiercely independent by nature, but I have been learning over the last few years that real strength is in dependence on the Lord.
We still need to be wise on how we behave around others using the proper wisdom (James 3:17). Titus 2:7-8 (the next devo) gives us a good model of conduct around others so we can continue to be pure and trust in the Lord for the protection.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Be Ready in the Word and Persevere
2 Timothy 4:1-5 (ESV)
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: [2]preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. [3]For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, [4]and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. [5]As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
How well do you know the Word of God? It’s a question we all should ask ourselves. Are you ready in season and out of season?
It has only been in the last couple of years that I have been able to memorize scripture (Psalm 119:11) – but what I have memorized helps me on a daily basis. I used to fall on the excuse that if I could remember what God’s word said, in general, I was doing good – this is the way I’m wired. So basically I was blaming God for my inability to memorize. What I was missing was discipline (and persistence) in my ability to be ready in the Word. We have a discipleship ministry at our church that focuses on teaching doctrine in seventeen lessons. With each lesson is 3 memory verses that support the doctrine being taught. The way I explain it to folks is that the memory verses are tools for our walk with Christ and the lesson is the instruction manual for using those tools.
How many of you have gone through “Masterlife,” “Experiencing God,” or any other discipleship/Christian life material and remember all the verses? Have you made the same mistake I have? Put more importance on mankind’s interpretation of scripture than on scripture itself? When we do that we put ourselves in danger of what Paul was talking about in verses 3 & 4. Know God’s Word. Be ready in season and out of season. Use interpretations and explanations to help apply the scripture better (as long as the interpretation/explanation agrees with scripture).
I believe the charge Paul gives Timothy applies to all believers, not just pastors. First, keep your wits about you – trust in what you know (God’s Word) more than what you feel (that midnight pepperoni pizza may influence you more than you think). Endure suffering (II Tim 3:12; 1 Peter 3:17). Share the Good News of Jesus with people (Matthew 28:19-20). Fulfill your ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12); all Christians are called to ministry for the building up of the body of Christ (the Church).
Rely on God’s Word and go forward in His strength.
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: [2]preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. [3]For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, [4]and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. [5]As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
How well do you know the Word of God? It’s a question we all should ask ourselves. Are you ready in season and out of season?
It has only been in the last couple of years that I have been able to memorize scripture (Psalm 119:11) – but what I have memorized helps me on a daily basis. I used to fall on the excuse that if I could remember what God’s word said, in general, I was doing good – this is the way I’m wired. So basically I was blaming God for my inability to memorize. What I was missing was discipline (and persistence) in my ability to be ready in the Word. We have a discipleship ministry at our church that focuses on teaching doctrine in seventeen lessons. With each lesson is 3 memory verses that support the doctrine being taught. The way I explain it to folks is that the memory verses are tools for our walk with Christ and the lesson is the instruction manual for using those tools.
How many of you have gone through “Masterlife,” “Experiencing God,” or any other discipleship/Christian life material and remember all the verses? Have you made the same mistake I have? Put more importance on mankind’s interpretation of scripture than on scripture itself? When we do that we put ourselves in danger of what Paul was talking about in verses 3 & 4. Know God’s Word. Be ready in season and out of season. Use interpretations and explanations to help apply the scripture better (as long as the interpretation/explanation agrees with scripture).
I believe the charge Paul gives Timothy applies to all believers, not just pastors. First, keep your wits about you – trust in what you know (God’s Word) more than what you feel (that midnight pepperoni pizza may influence you more than you think). Endure suffering (II Tim 3:12; 1 Peter 3:17). Share the Good News of Jesus with people (Matthew 28:19-20). Fulfill your ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12); all Christians are called to ministry for the building up of the body of Christ (the Church).
Rely on God’s Word and go forward in His strength.
Friday, September 4, 2009
God Gives Us What We Want
Psalm 81:10-12 (KJV)
[10]I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
[11]But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
[12]So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.
Just a reminder – God will always be willing to fulfill our needs when we follow Him. He will also give us up to our own lusts and wisdom. We have a choice between God or the world and the Lord will let us have our desire.
[10]I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
[11]But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
[12]So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.
Just a reminder – God will always be willing to fulfill our needs when we follow Him. He will also give us up to our own lusts and wisdom. We have a choice between God or the world and the Lord will let us have our desire.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
