2 Corinthians 11
"Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!...Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their action deserves" (vs 11,14,15).
These verses stand out to me as I prayerfully read chapter 11 of 2 Corinthians. Paul continues to record his experience with the Corinthian church as they battle between how they first believed - based on Paul's preaching and teaching and the drawing of them by the Holy Spirit - and these false teachers and waxing eloquent speakers who were 'fronting' Paul! Paul found it necessary to recount not only the trials he went through in order to minister the Gospel to the Corinthians, but also to be "foolish" as the false teachers by recounting his royal birth, credentials, and worldy accolades! Foolish in the sense that Paul needed to let the Corinthians as well as the false teachers know that he actually was as qualified if not more so, according to the worldly standards that the false teachers were using, even if his presentation wasn't as catchy as theirs!
It is clear from the reading that Paul was uncomfortable in "boasting" in his earthly credentials - but he did so because of his great love for the Corinthians! Acting in love sometimes is uncomfortable! It isn't always easy to act in the best interest of those we love! Yet Paul recorded earlier that he became all things to all people if it would help to win even a few! And so it was in the boasting - he went toe-to-toe with the false teachers in order to prove along the lines of their standards, that he was qualified and could be trusted! Now, does this mean that we should do this when we find ourselves in similar situations? It depends. It depends on how the Holy Spirit leads us - sometimes yes, sometimes no. Always though, in humility and gratefulness...and out of Love! Love for God and those we are serving.
The second reality that struck me, is Paul's exposing of Satan in the mix of the Corinthians being led away in error. Satan was masquerading as an angel of light - he was looking attractive and appealing to the Corinthians, through the false teachers. Paul exposes the demonic activity through the false teachers, and then lets folks know what their end will be...Satan, his demons, and the false teachers....their actions will reveal their deserved end.
The world, the flesh, and the devil were at work, together in deceiving the Corinthian believers. As it is with any (of us!) today who would be deceived by false teaching and preaching. Beware...we must seek the Lord in the Holy Spirit and read the Word of God ourselves in order to measure the truth being taught to and around us. We don't have to be familiar with the details of the false teaching and/or evil. We just need to know the Truth in the Spirit through the Word - and we will be able to distinguish the "angel of light" when, not if, we encounter him.
"Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to us! Thank You for residing within us through Your Spirit! Thank You for the Word that aides us in growing in relationship with You! All Glory and Honor to You! Thank You for Loving us! Help us God to go and do likewise!"
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Monday, February 7, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Whatever Circumstance
2 Corinthians 6:3-13
No matter what comes my (our) way. Wow. The Apostle Paul and his co-laborers stood "firm in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (Ephesians 6:10)! No matter what. This list of some of the life circumstances and his approach and response, bears repeating:
"In great endurance;
In troubles, hardships and distresses;
In beatings, imprisonments and riots;
In hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;
In purity, understanding, patience and kindness;
In the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;
In truthful speech and in the power of God;
With weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
Through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report;
Genuine, yet regarded as imposters;
Known, yet regarded as unknown;
dying, and yet we live on;
Beaten, and yet not killed;
Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;
Poor, yet making many rich;
Having nothing, and yet possessing everything" (vs 4a-10).
No matter what comes my (our) way. Wow. The Apostle Paul and his co-laborers stood "firm in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (Ephesians 6:10)! No matter what. This list of some of the life circumstances and his approach and response, bears repeating:
"In great endurance;
In troubles, hardships and distresses;
In beatings, imprisonments and riots;
In hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;
In purity, understanding, patience and kindness;
In the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;
In truthful speech and in the power of God;
With weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
Through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report;
Genuine, yet regarded as imposters;
Known, yet regarded as unknown;
dying, and yet we live on;
Beaten, and yet not killed;
Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;
Poor, yet making many rich;
Having nothing, and yet possessing everything" (vs 4a-10).
These are the types of environments he and his co-laborers found themselves in as a result of preaching and teaching the Gospel to those to whom God had called them! It is clear that Paul didn't look solely at his circumstances as an indication of God's will for him! When Paul said that he "learned to be content in whatever circumstances" (Philippians 4:11), we can see by the above recording, that indeed, Paul learned through his experiences!
He later in this same chapter, states that his heart was opened wide to the Corinthians - to those to whom he was ministering and doubtless, found himself in some of these circumstances as he was ministering to them. If his heart was not opened wide to them, and in the Living Christ - the power of the Holy Spirit - he would not have (been able to) endured these circumstances. In an earlier reading we see that Paul was "compelled by the love of Christ." It had to be so. He has the "right" to ask the Corinthians, "open wide your hearts also." We trust that some did, and some did not, even as we read later on in 2 Corinthians.
So what about you and me? Are we learning to be content in whatever circumstance we are in, as we commend ourselves as ministers of the Gospel? You might be thinking, "I'm not a minister of the Gospel." Actually, you are...perhaps not in the same way as Paul - his life work and breath - but we read earlier in 2 Corinthians 5 that all of us who are saved, are "ministers of reconciliation, ambassadors of Christ, having God make His appeal through us, to others, to be reconciled (saved, receiving forgiveness through Christ, becoming new creations in Christ) to God through Christ.
"Lord, thank You for calling us to Yourself and for making us Your ambassadors. I pray that I, and we, would so find ourselves hidden in You, that we step out, regardless of circumstance, and appeal to others to be reconciled to You through Christ, in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help us Lord to get to the point of learning to be content in whatever circumstance, as we walk in You. Thank You Lord for the High Calling with which You have called us."
He later in this same chapter, states that his heart was opened wide to the Corinthians - to those to whom he was ministering and doubtless, found himself in some of these circumstances as he was ministering to them. If his heart was not opened wide to them, and in the Living Christ - the power of the Holy Spirit - he would not have (been able to) endured these circumstances. In an earlier reading we see that Paul was "compelled by the love of Christ." It had to be so. He has the "right" to ask the Corinthians, "open wide your hearts also." We trust that some did, and some did not, even as we read later on in 2 Corinthians.
So what about you and me? Are we learning to be content in whatever circumstance we are in, as we commend ourselves as ministers of the Gospel? You might be thinking, "I'm not a minister of the Gospel." Actually, you are...perhaps not in the same way as Paul - his life work and breath - but we read earlier in 2 Corinthians 5 that all of us who are saved, are "ministers of reconciliation, ambassadors of Christ, having God make His appeal through us, to others, to be reconciled (saved, receiving forgiveness through Christ, becoming new creations in Christ) to God through Christ.
"Lord, thank You for calling us to Yourself and for making us Your ambassadors. I pray that I, and we, would so find ourselves hidden in You, that we step out, regardless of circumstance, and appeal to others to be reconciled to You through Christ, in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help us Lord to get to the point of learning to be content in whatever circumstance, as we walk in You. Thank You Lord for the High Calling with which You have called us."
Thursday, November 4, 2010
But Have No Love
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."
Wow...basically the Apostle Paul is telling us that we could have all kinds of gifts/talents from the Holy Spirit, we could do all kinds of good works empowered by the Holy Spirit - but unless we have a heart of love, unless we carry out these great feats with a heart of love - then it not only amounts to nothing - but it is quite irritating (like listening to a gong or clanging...) - worth nothing, and in fact I am nothing....
I think this is enough to meditate on for now! Next time we will turn to the rest of the passage that describes exactly what Love looks like....
"Lord please forgive me (us) for the times that I minister/help/take action that is good, but without a spirit of love, compassion, and kindness - without the 'best interests' of the other in my heart. Lord, I (we) need You to fill me (us) with Your unconditional love - I (we) can't muster it up myself (ourselves) - You have to do that within. I (we) need Your help in receiving, continually the Love You have for me (us) so that I (we) can give Love to others. The measure of Love I (we) am/are able to receive from You, is the measure I (we) can give to others. Thank You Lord that You are able. Thank You for giving me (us) the desire to do/act all things out of Love. And not to just love others that love me (us), because that is not love, that is selfish motivation. But to love because You first loved me (us) and gave Yourself up for me (us). Thank You Lord."
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."
Wow...basically the Apostle Paul is telling us that we could have all kinds of gifts/talents from the Holy Spirit, we could do all kinds of good works empowered by the Holy Spirit - but unless we have a heart of love, unless we carry out these great feats with a heart of love - then it not only amounts to nothing - but it is quite irritating (like listening to a gong or clanging...) - worth nothing, and in fact I am nothing....
I think this is enough to meditate on for now! Next time we will turn to the rest of the passage that describes exactly what Love looks like....
"Lord please forgive me (us) for the times that I minister/help/take action that is good, but without a spirit of love, compassion, and kindness - without the 'best interests' of the other in my heart. Lord, I (we) need You to fill me (us) with Your unconditional love - I (we) can't muster it up myself (ourselves) - You have to do that within. I (we) need Your help in receiving, continually the Love You have for me (us) so that I (we) can give Love to others. The measure of Love I (we) am/are able to receive from You, is the measure I (we) can give to others. Thank You Lord that You are able. Thank You for giving me (us) the desire to do/act all things out of Love. And not to just love others that love me (us), because that is not love, that is selfish motivation. But to love because You first loved me (us) and gave Yourself up for me (us). Thank You Lord."
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Love and Freedom
1 Corinthians 8
"So the weak brother [sister], for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your brothers [sisters] in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother [sister] to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him [her] to fall" (vs 11-13).
Paul is talking about the freedom we have in Christ, and how to walk in wisdom, as we walk in our freedom. All of us have what Paul may call 'weak' areas. The things that tempt me are not the same things that tempt you. Particularly when I was a new believer, I had things that if more mature believers exercised their freedom in certain areas, would have caused me to stumble, fall, and/or sin. But even as a more mature believer, each of us have 'blind spots', areas in which we are particularly vulnerable. Wisdom would tell us that it is important for us to know those areas for ourselves. And yet, Paul is pointing to an area of responsibility, which is predicated - in the context of - Christian Love, in the Love of Christ as the body of Christ. Paul highlights that walking in Love for others, is more important than walking in our freedom! It is more important to Love than to have the last word, or win the argument....(ouch).
By way of illustration (like Paul illustrates his point through the eating of foods/meat, sacrificed to idols - which was clear to the folks of his day), I share with you about the 'red dress.' This experience is from years ago. I was part of a body of believers in which my church tradition was different...actually, I didn't really have a church tradition because I was not raised attending church.
One Sunday, a dear 'mother of the church' came up to me quite serious and with a warning in her voice. She is now gone to be with the Lord. At the time she was @ 65 ish years of age, a matriarch of the community, raised in an African-American church tradition. This dear Mother pulled me aside and said, "only 'ladies of the night' wear red...never wear a red dress to church!" "Ladies of the night' is my translation of Mama's phrase which was in her own, Mother style :):). (some of you are saying, "Mother of the church...what is that?...because you are from a different tradition than one in which their are older women who are viewed as 'mother's of the church body" :)).
I was stunned, felt really sorry that I offended her, and didn't quite know what to say! I think I stammered and apologized. I had never heard of this understanding. Yet, as I prayed about the situation, I was led to not wear a red dress to the church again! At the time I'm not sure if I came to that decision because I wanted to 'fit in' or if I didn't want to offend this dear one, or anyone else who thought that way. The outcome however, relates to Paul's admonition. If my red dress, caused Mother to think about brothels and the like, then I didn't want to be a stumbling block to her! One may argue that she needed to 'understand' that wearing a red dress, just like Paul's illustration of eating meat, didn't mean anything....But - it was likely that this ingrained idea in Mother's mind was not going to change. I was "free in Christ" to wear a red dress... but really, was it more important for me to wear a red dress, or for Mother's mind and heart to be focused on Christ?
So, what is it today, that is cause for others to stumble, that is part of my Christian liberty? How about you, is there something that if you ceased, would be cause to help another continue to grow in their walk w/Jesus? This is a matter of prayer - because there isn't one 'rule', instead it is something that through prayer, the Holy Spirit will reveal to you and to me.
"Lord, show each of us today, anything that, while I'm free in You to engage in, it does not edify another and actually is cause for anothers stumbling. Give me the wisdom and grace to see this, and with humility follow You in it. Lord, help me not to judge another in this, but instead to act in and through Love...because while I pray over this/these situations, others are praying to not be a stumbling block for me. The ground at the cross is level, and we all stand there. Thank You Lord."
"So the weak brother [sister], for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your brothers [sisters] in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother [sister] to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him [her] to fall" (vs 11-13).
Paul is talking about the freedom we have in Christ, and how to walk in wisdom, as we walk in our freedom. All of us have what Paul may call 'weak' areas. The things that tempt me are not the same things that tempt you. Particularly when I was a new believer, I had things that if more mature believers exercised their freedom in certain areas, would have caused me to stumble, fall, and/or sin. But even as a more mature believer, each of us have 'blind spots', areas in which we are particularly vulnerable. Wisdom would tell us that it is important for us to know those areas for ourselves. And yet, Paul is pointing to an area of responsibility, which is predicated - in the context of - Christian Love, in the Love of Christ as the body of Christ. Paul highlights that walking in Love for others, is more important than walking in our freedom! It is more important to Love than to have the last word, or win the argument....(ouch).
By way of illustration (like Paul illustrates his point through the eating of foods/meat, sacrificed to idols - which was clear to the folks of his day), I share with you about the 'red dress.' This experience is from years ago. I was part of a body of believers in which my church tradition was different...actually, I didn't really have a church tradition because I was not raised attending church.
One Sunday, a dear 'mother of the church' came up to me quite serious and with a warning in her voice. She is now gone to be with the Lord. At the time she was @ 65 ish years of age, a matriarch of the community, raised in an African-American church tradition. This dear Mother pulled me aside and said, "only 'ladies of the night' wear red...never wear a red dress to church!" "Ladies of the night' is my translation of Mama's phrase which was in her own, Mother style :):). (some of you are saying, "Mother of the church...what is that?...because you are from a different tradition than one in which their are older women who are viewed as 'mother's of the church body" :)).
I was stunned, felt really sorry that I offended her, and didn't quite know what to say! I think I stammered and apologized. I had never heard of this understanding. Yet, as I prayed about the situation, I was led to not wear a red dress to the church again! At the time I'm not sure if I came to that decision because I wanted to 'fit in' or if I didn't want to offend this dear one, or anyone else who thought that way. The outcome however, relates to Paul's admonition. If my red dress, caused Mother to think about brothels and the like, then I didn't want to be a stumbling block to her! One may argue that she needed to 'understand' that wearing a red dress, just like Paul's illustration of eating meat, didn't mean anything....But - it was likely that this ingrained idea in Mother's mind was not going to change. I was "free in Christ" to wear a red dress... but really, was it more important for me to wear a red dress, or for Mother's mind and heart to be focused on Christ?
So, what is it today, that is cause for others to stumble, that is part of my Christian liberty? How about you, is there something that if you ceased, would be cause to help another continue to grow in their walk w/Jesus? This is a matter of prayer - because there isn't one 'rule', instead it is something that through prayer, the Holy Spirit will reveal to you and to me.
"Lord, show each of us today, anything that, while I'm free in You to engage in, it does not edify another and actually is cause for anothers stumbling. Give me the wisdom and grace to see this, and with humility follow You in it. Lord, help me not to judge another in this, but instead to act in and through Love...because while I pray over this/these situations, others are praying to not be a stumbling block for me. The ground at the cross is level, and we all stand there. Thank You Lord."
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Righteousness, Peace, Joy in the Holy Spirit
Remembering those who died on Sept 11, 2001 in terror-ism. Also remembering their families and friends who miss them.
Food for Life:
Romans 14
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing God and approved by men" (Romans 14:17,18).
Paul is addressing the quarrels and disagreements and down right judgments that believers often place on one another - even against ourselves! He knew that folks of that time, as of today, would go beyond what Scripture says; that we would have a tendency to place our preferences and opinions on others and call it sin in matters where we are free to choose! Paul uses the example of eating and drinking because during his time-period folks would prepare food and drink as offerings to their gods - their idols.
Today we might call what Paul was addressing legalism. As you may know, legalism is when a person, a group, a local church, or even denomination takes a stand on something that may be a wise and good thing, or merely a preference, and call it a command or mandate of Scripture - which if not followed is sin. You might be able to think of some of those things.
A personal illustration has to do with music. When I first became a believer, I immediately got rid of all the music I listened to and started to only listen to music that was distinctly worship music or music whose lyrics were about God. Now, this was a personal choice/conviction of mine because I found that the music that I use to listen to took me to places in my mind and heart that were not edifying - it drew me thoughts away from Godly things. And it seemed to me, that for me, I would be sinning because of the music's effect on me. So - if I then took my conviction further and also took the position that EVERYONE must do what I did - they must only listen to "Christian" music - this would be what Paul is speaking against. "...everything that does not come from faith is sin" (14:23). For me, this issue was a matter of faith...I could not in good-conscious listen to the music I use to listen to. Does that mean, however, that everyone must give up all the music they use to listen to when they are born-again? Not necessarily. If there is music that folks listen to that builds them up in faith - that is enjoyable, that is artful and creative, and does not bring their minds to places of temptations - then it would be totally acceptable and even praiseworthy to do so!
An excerpt from Bible commentary is instructive: 14:1, "Who is weak in faith and who is strong? We are all weak in some areas and strong in others. Our faith is strong in an area if we can survive contact with sinners without falling into their patterns. It is weak in an area if we must avoid certain activities, people or places in order to protect our spiritual life. It is important to take a self-inventory in order to find out our strengths and weaknesses. Whenever in doubt, we should ask, "Can I do that without sinning? Can I influence others for good, rather than being influenced by them?" In areas of strength, we should not fear being defiled by the world; rather we should go and serve God. In areas of weakness, we need to be cautious. IF we have a strong faith but shelter it, we are not doing Christ's work in the world. If we have a weak faith but expose it, we are being extremely foolish" (p2053 NIV Study Bible).
"Lord, help us to have wisdom to know where we are in You. To know that which builds us up and others around us, and that which compromises and tears down. Lord, help us to ask, "Does this bring You Glory, Lord" and then be willing to follow You in what we hear. Help us to take our liberty in Christ and live fully and richly; help us to not take our liberty in Christ and squander it on that which does not honor You. Thank You Lord. We love you."
Food for Life:
Romans 14
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing God and approved by men" (Romans 14:17,18).
Paul is addressing the quarrels and disagreements and down right judgments that believers often place on one another - even against ourselves! He knew that folks of that time, as of today, would go beyond what Scripture says; that we would have a tendency to place our preferences and opinions on others and call it sin in matters where we are free to choose! Paul uses the example of eating and drinking because during his time-period folks would prepare food and drink as offerings to their gods - their idols.
Today we might call what Paul was addressing legalism. As you may know, legalism is when a person, a group, a local church, or even denomination takes a stand on something that may be a wise and good thing, or merely a preference, and call it a command or mandate of Scripture - which if not followed is sin. You might be able to think of some of those things.
A personal illustration has to do with music. When I first became a believer, I immediately got rid of all the music I listened to and started to only listen to music that was distinctly worship music or music whose lyrics were about God. Now, this was a personal choice/conviction of mine because I found that the music that I use to listen to took me to places in my mind and heart that were not edifying - it drew me thoughts away from Godly things. And it seemed to me, that for me, I would be sinning because of the music's effect on me. So - if I then took my conviction further and also took the position that EVERYONE must do what I did - they must only listen to "Christian" music - this would be what Paul is speaking against. "...everything that does not come from faith is sin" (14:23). For me, this issue was a matter of faith...I could not in good-conscious listen to the music I use to listen to. Does that mean, however, that everyone must give up all the music they use to listen to when they are born-again? Not necessarily. If there is music that folks listen to that builds them up in faith - that is enjoyable, that is artful and creative, and does not bring their minds to places of temptations - then it would be totally acceptable and even praiseworthy to do so!
An excerpt from Bible commentary is instructive: 14:1, "Who is weak in faith and who is strong? We are all weak in some areas and strong in others. Our faith is strong in an area if we can survive contact with sinners without falling into their patterns. It is weak in an area if we must avoid certain activities, people or places in order to protect our spiritual life. It is important to take a self-inventory in order to find out our strengths and weaknesses. Whenever in doubt, we should ask, "Can I do that without sinning? Can I influence others for good, rather than being influenced by them?" In areas of strength, we should not fear being defiled by the world; rather we should go and serve God. In areas of weakness, we need to be cautious. IF we have a strong faith but shelter it, we are not doing Christ's work in the world. If we have a weak faith but expose it, we are being extremely foolish" (p2053 NIV Study Bible).
"Lord, help us to have wisdom to know where we are in You. To know that which builds us up and others around us, and that which compromises and tears down. Lord, help us to ask, "Does this bring You Glory, Lord" and then be willing to follow You in what we hear. Help us to take our liberty in Christ and live fully and richly; help us to not take our liberty in Christ and squander it on that which does not honor You. Thank You Lord. We love you."
Friday, September 10, 2010
"The hour has come.."
Romans 13 (continued)
"And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed" (Romans 13:11).
What are we "to do?" As we reflected last writing, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Love as in 1 Corinthians 13 style. Love as in acting in the best interest of another (which, as you know, is not always what one is asking for, or always in agreeing with someone...BUT whatever action is taken or word spoken - is always in love). Love as in thinking of another before ourselves - that doesn't mean we don't think about ourselves, as in not respecting ourselves...but as in not being selfish, self-centered, and "I'm # 1 attitude...
"...understanding this present time." What is this present time? How can Paul mean the same thing in @ AD 57 and we read this in AD 2010, as 'this present time?' How can 'the hour has come' in 57 and 2010? Paul is speaking from God's perspective - in God one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. There are volumes of commentary written on just this verse - and my approach is very simplistic. However, when it comes right down to it, simplicity is how we live out the Word of God day to day. Simply put, we are told that we don't know the hour of Jesus' return. We don't know when 'life as we know it (on this earth), will end. But we DO KNOW that we are to be ready...and in this present time, Jesus could come....even before you read this writing.
Additionally, today is the day, this moment is the moment to 'love our neighbor as ourselves'; today is the day to wake up from our slumber - each moment is precious - today 'our salvation (the 2nd coming of Jesus) is nearer now than when we first believed'...
Are you and I living in expectation of meeting Jesus face to face, right now? Are we 'putting aside the deeds of darkness and putting on the armor of light? Are we behaving decently...not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery ("excessive indulgence in sensual pleasure"), not in dissension ("Strong disagreement or contention, discord") and jealousy'(13:12,13)?
Instead of these things, are we 'clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ (the qualities of Jesus - love, humility, truth, servant-heart) and not thinking about how to gratify desires of the sinful nature'(13:14)?
"Dear Lord, please forgive us for anyways we have not loved our neighbor as ourselves (show us these things individually Lord). What have we not done that we ought, and what have we done that we ought not have done? We are sorry. Please help us to live today in light of seeing You face to face any moment; help us to love as You love us, putting on the qualities of You - we need Your Holy Spirit to help us - we can't do these thing, love the way You do, in our own power or strength. We can't really even want to love as You do, without You giving us the desire. Thank You Lord for Your continue grace and mercy, which enables us to grow in You. Even so, come Lord Jesus, come."
"And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed" (Romans 13:11).
What are we "to do?" As we reflected last writing, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Love as in 1 Corinthians 13 style. Love as in acting in the best interest of another (which, as you know, is not always what one is asking for, or always in agreeing with someone...BUT whatever action is taken or word spoken - is always in love). Love as in thinking of another before ourselves - that doesn't mean we don't think about ourselves, as in not respecting ourselves...but as in not being selfish, self-centered, and "I'm # 1 attitude...
"...understanding this present time." What is this present time? How can Paul mean the same thing in @ AD 57 and we read this in AD 2010, as 'this present time?' How can 'the hour has come' in 57 and 2010? Paul is speaking from God's perspective - in God one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. There are volumes of commentary written on just this verse - and my approach is very simplistic. However, when it comes right down to it, simplicity is how we live out the Word of God day to day. Simply put, we are told that we don't know the hour of Jesus' return. We don't know when 'life as we know it (on this earth), will end. But we DO KNOW that we are to be ready...and in this present time, Jesus could come....even before you read this writing.
Additionally, today is the day, this moment is the moment to 'love our neighbor as ourselves'; today is the day to wake up from our slumber - each moment is precious - today 'our salvation (the 2nd coming of Jesus) is nearer now than when we first believed'...
Are you and I living in expectation of meeting Jesus face to face, right now? Are we 'putting aside the deeds of darkness and putting on the armor of light? Are we behaving decently...not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery ("excessive indulgence in sensual pleasure"), not in dissension ("Strong disagreement or contention, discord") and jealousy'(13:12,13)?
Instead of these things, are we 'clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ (the qualities of Jesus - love, humility, truth, servant-heart) and not thinking about how to gratify desires of the sinful nature'(13:14)?
"Dear Lord, please forgive us for anyways we have not loved our neighbor as ourselves (show us these things individually Lord). What have we not done that we ought, and what have we done that we ought not have done? We are sorry. Please help us to live today in light of seeing You face to face any moment; help us to love as You love us, putting on the qualities of You - we need Your Holy Spirit to help us - we can't do these thing, love the way You do, in our own power or strength. We can't really even want to love as You do, without You giving us the desire. Thank You Lord for Your continue grace and mercy, which enables us to grow in You. Even so, come Lord Jesus, come."
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Law of Love
Food for Life:
Romans 13
Today let's stop at 13:1, because if you are like me, you read that and had a lot of questions...especially when looking at the present state of governing authorities throughout the world; and past governing authorities! Let's read a short commentary on 13:1...and prayerfully we will hear the Lord speak to our questions related to 13:1.
Romans 13:1, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
"Christians understand Romans 13 in different ways. All Christians agree that we are to live at peace with the state as long as the stat allow us to live by our religious convictions. For hundreds of years, however, there have been at least three interpretations of how e are to do this:
1) Some Christians believe that the state is so corrupt that Christians should have a s little to do with it as possible. Although they should be good citizens as long as they can do so without compromising their beliefs, they should not work for the government, vote in elections, or serve in the military.
2) Others believe that God has given the state authority in certain areas and the church authority in other areas. Christians can be loyal to both and can work for either. They should not, however, confuse the wot. In this view, church and state are concerned with two totally different sphere - the spiritual and the physical - and thus complement each other but do not work together.
3) Still others believe that Christians have a responsibility to make the state better. They can do this politically, by electing Christian or other high-principled leaders. They can also do this morally, by serving as an influence for good in society. In this view, church and state ideally work together for the good of all.
None of these views advocate rebelling against or refusing to obey the government's laws or regulations unless those laws clearly require you to violate the moral standards revealed by God. Wherever we find ourselves, we must be responsible citizens, as well as responsible Christians" (p2052 NIV Study Bible).
We read farther down in Romans 13:8-10 - "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to his neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
As followers of Christ, we can be sure we are following the laws of the state and our higher governing authority, God - by loving others...which is a 'debt' we can never repay. This debt of love we owe because of the Love God showed us through Jesus Christ. And what if there is a state law that is apart from God's law of Love? I think of slavery, I think of abortion - those are not the only two, but they are what comes to mind. Slavery - enslaving another human being as being less than human - is clearly against God and God's law of Love. Abortion - taking the life of an innocent one in the womb - is clearly against God and God's law of Love.
So, whether slavery (was legal in the US at one time) or abortion (which is legal NOW in the US) is the law of the governing authorities or not; as believers, we are to obey God - the law of Love and denounce both - even if it is legal....
"God help us to hear Your voice above the din of our surrounding culture, the voices of loved ones, and our own voice - help us to read and meditate on You in Your Word in a way that makes a difference in the way we think, feel, and act out the precious lives You have given us to live, today. Thank You for loving each one of us. We love You."
Romans 13
Today let's stop at 13:1, because if you are like me, you read that and had a lot of questions...especially when looking at the present state of governing authorities throughout the world; and past governing authorities! Let's read a short commentary on 13:1...and prayerfully we will hear the Lord speak to our questions related to 13:1.
Romans 13:1, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
"Christians understand Romans 13 in different ways. All Christians agree that we are to live at peace with the state as long as the stat allow us to live by our religious convictions. For hundreds of years, however, there have been at least three interpretations of how e are to do this:
1) Some Christians believe that the state is so corrupt that Christians should have a s little to do with it as possible. Although they should be good citizens as long as they can do so without compromising their beliefs, they should not work for the government, vote in elections, or serve in the military.
2) Others believe that God has given the state authority in certain areas and the church authority in other areas. Christians can be loyal to both and can work for either. They should not, however, confuse the wot. In this view, church and state are concerned with two totally different sphere - the spiritual and the physical - and thus complement each other but do not work together.
3) Still others believe that Christians have a responsibility to make the state better. They can do this politically, by electing Christian or other high-principled leaders. They can also do this morally, by serving as an influence for good in society. In this view, church and state ideally work together for the good of all.
None of these views advocate rebelling against or refusing to obey the government's laws or regulations unless those laws clearly require you to violate the moral standards revealed by God. Wherever we find ourselves, we must be responsible citizens, as well as responsible Christians" (p2052 NIV Study Bible).
We read farther down in Romans 13:8-10 - "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to his neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
As followers of Christ, we can be sure we are following the laws of the state and our higher governing authority, God - by loving others...which is a 'debt' we can never repay. This debt of love we owe because of the Love God showed us through Jesus Christ. And what if there is a state law that is apart from God's law of Love? I think of slavery, I think of abortion - those are not the only two, but they are what comes to mind. Slavery - enslaving another human being as being less than human - is clearly against God and God's law of Love. Abortion - taking the life of an innocent one in the womb - is clearly against God and God's law of Love.
So, whether slavery (was legal in the US at one time) or abortion (which is legal NOW in the US) is the law of the governing authorities or not; as believers, we are to obey God - the law of Love and denounce both - even if it is legal....
"God help us to hear Your voice above the din of our surrounding culture, the voices of loved ones, and our own voice - help us to read and meditate on You in Your Word in a way that makes a difference in the way we think, feel, and act out the precious lives You have given us to live, today. Thank You for loving each one of us. We love You."
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Overcome evil with good.
Often Paul writes so clearly that explanation muddles! What is the Holy Spirit saying to you as you read these Words of Life?
" Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. IF it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:9-21).
"Speak to our hearts Holy Spirit in the things that are for each one of us today. I thank You that all this is possible in the power of Your Holy Spirit; none of it is possible in our own strength or will. Thank You for loving us Lord."
" Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. IF it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:9-21).
"Speak to our hearts Holy Spirit in the things that are for each one of us today. I thank You that all this is possible in the power of Your Holy Spirit; none of it is possible in our own strength or will. Thank You for loving us Lord."
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Faith, Hope, and Love
Romans 5:1-5
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love" (1 Corinthians 13:13a). This is Paul's summary of his chapter on 'the most excellent way, Love.' These three - faith, hope, and love are highlighted in 5:1-5 of Romans:
"Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
Faith, Hope, and Love.
The progression starts with the gift of faith that God has given us. We have hope because of the glory of God and that hope grows as we walk through the trials and troubles of this earthly life by faith (faith in the hope of the glory of God!). And having this hope (JESUS is our hope!), increasingly, we are not disappointed because God has given us His love, He poured out His love into our hearts (and does so continually) by the power of the Holy Spirit.....who lives within us!
Faith, Hope, and Love - "God thank you for these gifts - faith, hope, and love that originate in You and grow by the power of Your Holy Spirit within us as we walk through the terrain of this earthly place. I pray that these gifts would increase within each one of us, as we depend and trust in You. Then Lord, along the way, help us to convey these three to all we meet, that they too would have Faith, Hope, and Love. Thank You Lord!"
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love" (1 Corinthians 13:13a). This is Paul's summary of his chapter on 'the most excellent way, Love.' These three - faith, hope, and love are highlighted in 5:1-5 of Romans:
"Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
Faith, Hope, and Love.
The progression starts with the gift of faith that God has given us. We have hope because of the glory of God and that hope grows as we walk through the trials and troubles of this earthly life by faith (faith in the hope of the glory of God!). And having this hope (JESUS is our hope!), increasingly, we are not disappointed because God has given us His love, He poured out His love into our hearts (and does so continually) by the power of the Holy Spirit.....who lives within us!
Faith, Hope, and Love - "God thank you for these gifts - faith, hope, and love that originate in You and grow by the power of Your Holy Spirit within us as we walk through the terrain of this earthly place. I pray that these gifts would increase within each one of us, as we depend and trust in You. Then Lord, along the way, help us to convey these three to all we meet, that they too would have Faith, Hope, and Love. Thank You Lord!"
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