1 Corinthians 6
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body" (1 Corinthians 6: 19,20).
Paul's focus in this portion of his letter relates to how believers are to approach disputes between one another and how believers are to view choices about how to conduct themselves. Paul admonishes believers to handle disputes among themselves, instead of taking their disputes before a worldly court system. Matthew 18:15-17 describes how we are to approach one another.
The second focus, which comes to my focus this morning is how we as believers ought to approach our choices. Paul points out that "Everything is permissible for me - but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me - but I will not be mastered by anything"" (vs 12). He then describes current Corinthian society situations to illustrate his point.
I would like to use an example that is current for us today. The Bible does not forbid the drinking of wine. Ephesians 5:18 does point out however that to be drunk with wine is dissipation; instead we ought to be filled with the Holy Spirit - drunk with the Holy Spirit - intoxicated not with alcohol, but with the Spirit - pneuma-holics (pheuma - Greek for 'breath' breath of God or the Spirit of God - Holy Spirit holics). Throughout Scripture we read how drunkenness has caused great havoc and destruction.
In our day, drunkenness causes great havoc and destruction - from the famous, to you and me. We have families that have been separated because of drunkenness; children have been abused at the hands of drunkenness; lives squandered; horrific life choices. Drunkenness is usually a symptom of an underlying issue(s) that is being handled through drinking - and handled poorly, leading to bigger issue(s) than the original issue!
Everything is permissible - it is not sin to have a glass of wine. Everything is not profitable - so much destruction takes place in wine/alcohol consumption...perhaps it isn't beneficial to have one drink...? so many folks turn to alcohol to handle problems, so many folks are tempted to indulge to intoxication....why even go there? So many become 'mastered' by the drink. What is the benefit as believers? How does this honor God?
These are my questions. This is one of my 'I'm permitted, but what is the benefit? Does any benefit outweigh the possible destruction? Personally, I have seen the devastation of drinking being used to handle struggles...and it caused much more destruction in addition to the original struggle. Professionally, in the field of child abuse and neglect - I have seen people die from too much drink; children abused; families neglected; lives destroyed.
So, for me, drinking is an example of something that is permissible, not but not beneficial. Not just non-beneficial, but destructive. How about you? What in your life is permissible, but not profitable for you or for others around you?
"Lord, I pray for each one of us today that you would reveal to us what may not be beneficial in how we are making choices. God, fill us so with Your Holy Spirit that the Spirit overrides whatever we would choose that is not beneficial, that does not bring You Honor and Glory. More Lord, more of You. Quench our thirst with Yourself. You are the Only True thirst Quencher and Satisfier of our hunger. Help us to then be portraits of Grace to others; even as we are now portraits of Your Grace, such as we are. We love You Lord, thank You for loving us."
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Grace, Mercy and Sin
1 Corinthians 5
"But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat" (1 Corinthians 5:11).
The operative word here is "brother." This admonition is directed toward a body of believers, who has in their fellowship someone who confesses Christ and at the same time is living in sin which s/he is 'proud of' - which s/he is publicly open about, reveals that s/he knows it is sin, and has every intention to continue in it.
This is not directed to believers who have in fellowship someone who is struggling with (a) sin which is debilitating, in which s/he is broken over and is seeking to put away, but hasn't been able to, as of yet. Otherwise, all of us, at one point or another would find ourselves outcast. This is not about judging the heart or motivation or intention of someone; it isn't about being legalistic or ungracious or unmerciful. This is not about categorizing people and dividing people. This is not about not associating with people who do not profess Christ - who are in sin.
One commentary has this to say about this verse: "Paul makes it clear that we should not disassociate ourselves from unbelievers - otherwise, we could not carry out Christ's command to tell them about salvation (Matt. 28:18-19). But we are to distance ourselves from the person who claims to be a Christian, yet indulges in sins explicitly forbidden in Scripture and then rationalizes his or her actions. By rationalizing sin, a person harms others for whom Christ died and dims the image of God in himself or herself... Church leaders must be ready to correct, in love, for the sake of spiritual unity" (p2068, NIV Life Application Bible).
"God, help us by Your Spirit to walk in such a way that reveals growth, healing, and wholeness in You; individually and corporately. Help us to be People of Presence - people who are filled with Your Spirit - who evidence Your Fruit - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-Control (Galatians 5:22). We then will be able to act loving - according to Your Love - to all around us - within and outside the body of Christ. Thank You Lord."
"But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat" (1 Corinthians 5:11).
The operative word here is "brother." This admonition is directed toward a body of believers, who has in their fellowship someone who confesses Christ and at the same time is living in sin which s/he is 'proud of' - which s/he is publicly open about, reveals that s/he knows it is sin, and has every intention to continue in it.
This is not directed to believers who have in fellowship someone who is struggling with (a) sin which is debilitating, in which s/he is broken over and is seeking to put away, but hasn't been able to, as of yet. Otherwise, all of us, at one point or another would find ourselves outcast. This is not about judging the heart or motivation or intention of someone; it isn't about being legalistic or ungracious or unmerciful. This is not about categorizing people and dividing people. This is not about not associating with people who do not profess Christ - who are in sin.
One commentary has this to say about this verse: "Paul makes it clear that we should not disassociate ourselves from unbelievers - otherwise, we could not carry out Christ's command to tell them about salvation (Matt. 28:18-19). But we are to distance ourselves from the person who claims to be a Christian, yet indulges in sins explicitly forbidden in Scripture and then rationalizes his or her actions. By rationalizing sin, a person harms others for whom Christ died and dims the image of God in himself or herself... Church leaders must be ready to correct, in love, for the sake of spiritual unity" (p2068, NIV Life Application Bible).
"God, help us by Your Spirit to walk in such a way that reveals growth, healing, and wholeness in You; individually and corporately. Help us to be People of Presence - people who are filled with Your Spirit - who evidence Your Fruit - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-Control (Galatians 5:22). We then will be able to act loving - according to Your Love - to all around us - within and outside the body of Christ. Thank You Lord."
Monday, September 27, 2010
Talk or Power?
1 Corinthian 4
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power" (1 Corinthians 4:20).
Faith and the power of God is not only or even primarily a cognitive discourse or exercise. Yes, we are to "be transformed by the renewing of our mind" but the Scripture doesn't end there. Paul's continues to write "THEN you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing, and perfect will" (Romans 12:2). Renewing our mind is not only a cognitive exercise, our minds are the part of us which reasons, thinks, feels, wills, perceives, judges... We ask the Holy Spirit to speak to us (yes, the Holy Spirit speaks today - audibly?, no (although don't rule that out...God moves in any way He deems fit..), but He 'speaks' in ways so loudly sometimes, or so softly sometimes - through our conscience, through impressions and senses, through others - all in accordance with the Scripture - that it seems audible.
Do you know what I mean? Have you heard from the Lord in a way that you just knew it was God? That is the Holy Spirit. That is the God of the universe(s) who knows you so intimately that He knows just what you need and how you need it....better than you know yourself. God knows how He has gifted you, how He wants to use you in the working out of His plan and purpose, in your story and in the bigger story around you, History, His story.
The power of God is manifested in many ways. All you need to do is to read Scripture and you can see how God moved in the lives of the folks portrayed and recorded in the Word. Does God manifest Himself in the same ways He did in years and centuries before us? There is debate among believers about this - there is great theological (study of God) discussion about this.
I am simple. As I read the Scripture of the New Testament, I see God moving in supernatural ways through and around His people...and through and around those who do not confess Him! I do not read that He does not act in the same ways...with power...as He did in previous days. I do not read that He has ceased His activity - in fact Jesus said that the disciples (which includes us) will do 'even greater things' than Jesus did....God is still supernatural.
So, if we are not seeing the power of God in, through, and around us...who changed? Or where is the hindrance? "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). God does not change (James 1:17).
The kingdom of God is not about talk but about power. There is a difference between talking about God, and believing and experiencing God. Paul said that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead...lives inside of us (those who have been regenerated, born-again, through the Spirit) (Romans 8:11). When was the last time you saw, sensed, the power - the presence of God - in, through, and around you?
"Lord, forgive us for relying and believing more in talk and our own thinking, than in You. Help us to think Your thoughts and to rely in Your moving of the Holy Spirit - in, through, and around us. Help us not to first focus on Your power, but as we focus on You, and we ask for eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to know, we will see You move in power. Thank You Lord."
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power" (1 Corinthians 4:20).
Faith and the power of God is not only or even primarily a cognitive discourse or exercise. Yes, we are to "be transformed by the renewing of our mind" but the Scripture doesn't end there. Paul's continues to write "THEN you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing, and perfect will" (Romans 12:2). Renewing our mind is not only a cognitive exercise, our minds are the part of us which reasons, thinks, feels, wills, perceives, judges... We ask the Holy Spirit to speak to us (yes, the Holy Spirit speaks today - audibly?, no (although don't rule that out...God moves in any way He deems fit..), but He 'speaks' in ways so loudly sometimes, or so softly sometimes - through our conscience, through impressions and senses, through others - all in accordance with the Scripture - that it seems audible.
Do you know what I mean? Have you heard from the Lord in a way that you just knew it was God? That is the Holy Spirit. That is the God of the universe(s) who knows you so intimately that He knows just what you need and how you need it....better than you know yourself. God knows how He has gifted you, how He wants to use you in the working out of His plan and purpose, in your story and in the bigger story around you, History, His story.
The power of God is manifested in many ways. All you need to do is to read Scripture and you can see how God moved in the lives of the folks portrayed and recorded in the Word. Does God manifest Himself in the same ways He did in years and centuries before us? There is debate among believers about this - there is great theological (study of God) discussion about this.
I am simple. As I read the Scripture of the New Testament, I see God moving in supernatural ways through and around His people...and through and around those who do not confess Him! I do not read that He does not act in the same ways...with power...as He did in previous days. I do not read that He has ceased His activity - in fact Jesus said that the disciples (which includes us) will do 'even greater things' than Jesus did....God is still supernatural.
So, if we are not seeing the power of God in, through, and around us...who changed? Or where is the hindrance? "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). God does not change (James 1:17).
The kingdom of God is not about talk but about power. There is a difference between talking about God, and believing and experiencing God. Paul said that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead...lives inside of us (those who have been regenerated, born-again, through the Spirit) (Romans 8:11). When was the last time you saw, sensed, the power - the presence of God - in, through, and around you?
"Lord, forgive us for relying and believing more in talk and our own thinking, than in You. Help us to think Your thoughts and to rely in Your moving of the Holy Spirit - in, through, and around us. Help us not to first focus on Your power, but as we focus on You, and we ask for eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to know, we will see You move in power. Thank You Lord."
Friday, September 24, 2010
United We Stand
1 Corinthians 3
United We Stand, Divided We Fall...
"So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God [is SOMETHING], who makes things grow" (1 Corinthians 3:7).
Paul is addressing the divisions through quarreling and jealousy that was taking place in the Corinthian Church. He chalked this up to the believers being in their infancy, spiritual infancy, which Paul equated with 'worldliness' rather than spiritual maturity - Godliness... Ouch.
So, when we are divided through disagreeing that leads to quarreling, bickering, judging, one upsmanship...we display our immaturity as believers. Paul exhorts believers to grow by graduating to the feeding of the meat of the Word - Paul points out that their viewpoint is to realize that what is important is God - who causes the growth. No matter who is doing the teaching, baptizing, leading....that is not the emphasis (which the believers were arguing about ...kinda like, "I'm a Baptist, I'm a Non-denominational, I'm a Methodist, I'ma I'ma I'ma....).
When I was at Rock of Our Salvation Evangelical Free Church (!!) in Chicago for many years, we had a focus of first helping reconcile people to God through Jesus and then helping breakdown walls of division between races; particularly black and white in the church. Some of us joined the Pastor in going to different churches to share the message of reconciliation - we would sing a song called "We Will Stand" by Russ Taff (check it out on youtube :) The lyrics focused on the fact that as believers, we are brothers and sisters - regardless of our differences - that most important reality was that we were one because of what Jesus did on the cross, and what the Holy Spirit did in our lives by drawing us to God through Jesus....that is what causes (d) us to stand.
As the Church goes, so does the world...if the Church - people of God - are united and intent on one purpose (Philippians 2:1-11) then we will be a powerful force for good, for God throughout the world. If we are divided, then we are revealing that the world is having more impact on us.
How do you see the Church's impact on our world today? How do you see your impact on those around you today?
"God, please forgive me and forgive us as Your people for the divisiveness and division we are perpetrating today...either by acts of commission (things we are doing) or acts of omission (things we are not doing). Lord, move by Your Spirit, help us to mature in Christ, moving from the milk of the Word to the meat of the Word (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). Give us as individuals and as a body the deep desire to be closer and closer to You. This is a desire that You will fulfill and that You will empower us to step into by our activities and actions. Show us the spiritual disciplines that will help position us for greater transformation, continual transformation into the Image of Your Son Jesus, the body of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Thank You Lord."
United We Stand, Divided We Fall...
"So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God [is SOMETHING], who makes things grow" (1 Corinthians 3:7).
Paul is addressing the divisions through quarreling and jealousy that was taking place in the Corinthian Church. He chalked this up to the believers being in their infancy, spiritual infancy, which Paul equated with 'worldliness' rather than spiritual maturity - Godliness... Ouch.
So, when we are divided through disagreeing that leads to quarreling, bickering, judging, one upsmanship...we display our immaturity as believers. Paul exhorts believers to grow by graduating to the feeding of the meat of the Word - Paul points out that their viewpoint is to realize that what is important is God - who causes the growth. No matter who is doing the teaching, baptizing, leading....that is not the emphasis (which the believers were arguing about ...kinda like, "I'm a Baptist, I'm a Non-denominational, I'm a Methodist, I'ma I'ma I'ma....).
When I was at Rock of Our Salvation Evangelical Free Church (!!) in Chicago for many years, we had a focus of first helping reconcile people to God through Jesus and then helping breakdown walls of division between races; particularly black and white in the church. Some of us joined the Pastor in going to different churches to share the message of reconciliation - we would sing a song called "We Will Stand" by Russ Taff (check it out on youtube :) The lyrics focused on the fact that as believers, we are brothers and sisters - regardless of our differences - that most important reality was that we were one because of what Jesus did on the cross, and what the Holy Spirit did in our lives by drawing us to God through Jesus....that is what causes (d) us to stand.
As the Church goes, so does the world...if the Church - people of God - are united and intent on one purpose (Philippians 2:1-11) then we will be a powerful force for good, for God throughout the world. If we are divided, then we are revealing that the world is having more impact on us.
How do you see the Church's impact on our world today? How do you see your impact on those around you today?
"God, please forgive me and forgive us as Your people for the divisiveness and division we are perpetrating today...either by acts of commission (things we are doing) or acts of omission (things we are not doing). Lord, move by Your Spirit, help us to mature in Christ, moving from the milk of the Word to the meat of the Word (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). Give us as individuals and as a body the deep desire to be closer and closer to You. This is a desire that You will fulfill and that You will empower us to step into by our activities and actions. Show us the spiritual disciplines that will help position us for greater transformation, continual transformation into the Image of Your Son Jesus, the body of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Thank You Lord."
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
God's Wisdom and the Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 2
This chapter is one of my favorites! There is so much packed into 16 verses! Paul is continuing to break-down the differences between God's wisdom, human wisdom, and who is able to discern/know the difference between the two. Further, Paul explains that unless one has the Spirit of God living within him/her, one can not know God's wisdom...indeed it is foolishness to him/her!
"The (wo)man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him/her, and s/he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Have you encountered folks who, in hearing Scripture or interpretation and application of Scripture either say they don't understand or say, "that is ridiculous, that is foolish, that makes no sense?" Perhaps upon hearing their reply, you have tried to explain the Word to them, and try as you may, it just 'doesn't make sense' to them. Perhaps you have gotten really frustrated and thought that they are either numb or just hopeless.
The reality that Paul is pointing out to us is clear. He is saying simply that when someone is not born-again and thus does not have the Holy Spirit living within, then the Word of God and it's expression or living out of it, is incomprehensible to him/her! S/he is NOT ABLE to get it...no matter how hard s/he tries. So, all your 'explaining' is for naught, until the Spirit lives within them.
So what are we, 'who are spiritual' (1 Corinthians 2:15) to do? Like Paul, we are to humbly approach others who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit - not in persuasive words (1 Corinthians 2:1) - sharing with them the Love of Christ, the power of sin, and Christ's overcoming sin through His shed blood on the cross, and His resurrection. For them. For you. For me.
One needs to receive the love and forgiveness of the cross, before understanding the wisdom of God. We need to rely on and trust in the Lord to convey this reality to folks, as we prayerfully 'share Christ and Him crucified' (1 Corinthians 2:2). Some time ago we talked about the 'order of things.' There is a way in which things work, even as revealed through God's Creation of natural order.
And so it is with the wisdom of God. One must have the Holy Spirit within, BEFORE understanding the things of God - until then God's wisdom is foolishness...
"Lord, thank You that You have made a way for us to know You and thus to understand, increasingly, Your Wisdom. I pray that all who are reading these words now, have the Your Spirit within. If not, right now Lord, move by Your Spirit, drawing each one to Yourself - filling with Your Holy Spirit unto salvation and growth in You Lord. Then, help us 'who are spiritual' exercise 'the mind of Christ' (1 Corinthians 2:16) which You have given us, in all things. We love You Lord. Thank You for loving us."
This chapter is one of my favorites! There is so much packed into 16 verses! Paul is continuing to break-down the differences between God's wisdom, human wisdom, and who is able to discern/know the difference between the two. Further, Paul explains that unless one has the Spirit of God living within him/her, one can not know God's wisdom...indeed it is foolishness to him/her!
"The (wo)man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him/her, and s/he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Have you encountered folks who, in hearing Scripture or interpretation and application of Scripture either say they don't understand or say, "that is ridiculous, that is foolish, that makes no sense?" Perhaps upon hearing their reply, you have tried to explain the Word to them, and try as you may, it just 'doesn't make sense' to them. Perhaps you have gotten really frustrated and thought that they are either numb or just hopeless.
The reality that Paul is pointing out to us is clear. He is saying simply that when someone is not born-again and thus does not have the Holy Spirit living within, then the Word of God and it's expression or living out of it, is incomprehensible to him/her! S/he is NOT ABLE to get it...no matter how hard s/he tries. So, all your 'explaining' is for naught, until the Spirit lives within them.
So what are we, 'who are spiritual' (1 Corinthians 2:15) to do? Like Paul, we are to humbly approach others who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit - not in persuasive words (1 Corinthians 2:1) - sharing with them the Love of Christ, the power of sin, and Christ's overcoming sin through His shed blood on the cross, and His resurrection. For them. For you. For me.
One needs to receive the love and forgiveness of the cross, before understanding the wisdom of God. We need to rely on and trust in the Lord to convey this reality to folks, as we prayerfully 'share Christ and Him crucified' (1 Corinthians 2:2). Some time ago we talked about the 'order of things.' There is a way in which things work, even as revealed through God's Creation of natural order.
And so it is with the wisdom of God. One must have the Holy Spirit within, BEFORE understanding the things of God - until then God's wisdom is foolishness...
"Lord, thank You that You have made a way for us to know You and thus to understand, increasingly, Your Wisdom. I pray that all who are reading these words now, have the Your Spirit within. If not, right now Lord, move by Your Spirit, drawing each one to Yourself - filling with Your Holy Spirit unto salvation and growth in You Lord. Then, help us 'who are spiritual' exercise 'the mind of Christ' (1 Corinthians 2:16) which You have given us, in all things. We love You Lord. Thank You for loving us."
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Wisdom vs. Foolishness
Food for Life:
We are focusing on a new book beginning today - Paul's (strong and straightforward) letter to the church at Corinth (written @ A.D. 55, Paul's third year/missionary journey in Ephesus). There were issues of immorality and idolatry in the church - as folks struggled to live out their faith in Christ in the midst of the corrupt and worldly city of Corinth! It appears that Corinth may have been a society much like we find ourselves in today in the USA!
Paul's focus was to assist believers in Corinth, and for us today, to identify the issues (jealousy, divisiveness, sexual immorality, and failure of the church to discipline members), offer solutions to the problems, and teach how to live as 'believers in a corrupt society" (NIV Study Bible p2059).
1 Corinthians 1
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God....For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of god is stronger than man's strength...Therefore, as it is written: 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord" (1:18,25, 31).
Has anyone ever said to you or communicated to you non-verbally that: the God-Man Jesus dying on the cross for you (your sin and theirs) and then rising from the dead and now living and will be returning again - is foolish? And that you are foolish for believing such? Or maybe you once thought it foolish.
This is the point of Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 1. That without faith, which is through God's grace, folks think it foolish to believe in the Gospel message that Christ came, was crucified, rose again, and is coming back - all for you because w/o Christ doing so, you and I would be lost. This world would be it for us. We wouldn't know the joy of real life here, and we wouldn't know the joy of Eternity with Christ. We would only have ourselves to boast in - our works, our accomplishments, our intelligence, our talents, our our our - me, myself, and I.
Without faith in Christ, we have it backwards at best. The reality is human's highest intelligence and wisdom is like God's 'foolishness.' Now, we know that there is no foolishness in God...but if there were, it would be more wise than we could possibly achieve!
And so, Paul is stressing to the believers at Corinth, and us, that we have no reason to be braggarts in ourselves or any one person - which ultimately cause divisions, quarrels, jealousies, and discord. Paul exhorts, calls them and us to 'boast in the Lord' if we are going to boast.
Boasting in anyone or anything apart from Christ, except for God, is...foolish.
"Lord, thank You for the reality and message of Christ. Thank You for all the gifts, talents, abilities, and blessings we have in our lives...they all are from You. You are the source of EVERYTHING that is good. Help us to recognize our dependence on You in all matters in this life and Eternity; and have grateful hearts for all the good that comes from within us...because You live...because You live in and through us. We love You Lord."
We are focusing on a new book beginning today - Paul's (strong and straightforward) letter to the church at Corinth (written @ A.D. 55, Paul's third year/missionary journey in Ephesus). There were issues of immorality and idolatry in the church - as folks struggled to live out their faith in Christ in the midst of the corrupt and worldly city of Corinth! It appears that Corinth may have been a society much like we find ourselves in today in the USA!
Paul's focus was to assist believers in Corinth, and for us today, to identify the issues (jealousy, divisiveness, sexual immorality, and failure of the church to discipline members), offer solutions to the problems, and teach how to live as 'believers in a corrupt society" (NIV Study Bible p2059).
1 Corinthians 1
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God....For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of god is stronger than man's strength...Therefore, as it is written: 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord" (1:18,25, 31).
Has anyone ever said to you or communicated to you non-verbally that: the God-Man Jesus dying on the cross for you (your sin and theirs) and then rising from the dead and now living and will be returning again - is foolish? And that you are foolish for believing such? Or maybe you once thought it foolish.
This is the point of Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 1. That without faith, which is through God's grace, folks think it foolish to believe in the Gospel message that Christ came, was crucified, rose again, and is coming back - all for you because w/o Christ doing so, you and I would be lost. This world would be it for us. We wouldn't know the joy of real life here, and we wouldn't know the joy of Eternity with Christ. We would only have ourselves to boast in - our works, our accomplishments, our intelligence, our talents, our our our - me, myself, and I.
Without faith in Christ, we have it backwards at best. The reality is human's highest intelligence and wisdom is like God's 'foolishness.' Now, we know that there is no foolishness in God...but if there were, it would be more wise than we could possibly achieve!
And so, Paul is stressing to the believers at Corinth, and us, that we have no reason to be braggarts in ourselves or any one person - which ultimately cause divisions, quarrels, jealousies, and discord. Paul exhorts, calls them and us to 'boast in the Lord' if we are going to boast.
Boasting in anyone or anything apart from Christ, except for God, is...foolish.
"Lord, thank You for the reality and message of Christ. Thank You for all the gifts, talents, abilities, and blessings we have in our lives...they all are from You. You are the source of EVERYTHING that is good. Help us to recognize our dependence on You in all matters in this life and Eternity; and have grateful hearts for all the good that comes from within us...because You live...because You live in and through us. We love You Lord."
Monday, September 20, 2010
Created for and with Purpose
This devotional encourages and confirms the gifting God has given to women. It encourages me as a woman who has not been married nor given birth to children. I experience what the writer is speaking of however, in 'giving birth' in writing, ministry offerings, pouring into others lives....relishing in seeing others grow and blossom as they grow in their relationship with the Lord!
I pray that for you today, wherever you are, whatever the circumstances of life, that today would be a day when you experience the deep Love of God for yourself. In God's deep Love I pray you get a glimpse of who you are created to be, and that the reality of who you are in Christ breaks forth to another level.
Blessings and joy to you today,
Robin
Sunday, September 19, 2010
To Mother
As large as the role our mothers have played, the word "mother" is more powerful when used as a verb than as a noun. All women are not mothers but all women are called to mother. To mother is to nurture, to train, to educate, to rear. As daughters of Eve, all women are uniquely gifted to help others in their lives become more of who they truly are - to encourage, nurture and mother them towards their true selves. In doing this, women partner with Christ in the vital mission of bringing forth life.
The nurturing of life is a high and holy calling. And as a woman, it is yours. Yes, it takes many shapes and has a myriad of faces. Yes, men are called to this as well. But uniquely and deeply, this calling makes up part of the very fiber of a woman's soul - the calling to mother.
All women are called to mother. And all women are called to give birth. Women give birth to all kinds of things - to a book (it's nearly as hard as a child, believe me), to a church or to a movement. Women give birth to ideas, to creative expressions, to ministries. We birth life in others by inviting them into deeper realms of healing, to deeper walks with God, to deeper intimacy with Jesus. A woman is not less of a woman because she is not a wife or has not physically born a child. The heart and life of a woman is much vaster than that. All women are made in the image of God in that we bring forth life. When we enter into our world and into the lives of those we love and offer our tender and strong feminine hearts, we cannot help but mother them.
The capacity of a woman's heart for meaningful relationships is vast. There is no way your husband or your children can ever provide the intimacy and relational satisfaction you need. A woman must have women friends.
It is here, in the realm of relationship that women receive the most joy and the profoundest sorrows. The friendships of women inhabit a terrain of great mystery. There is a fierce jealousy, a fiery devotion and a great loyalty between women friends. Our friendships flow in the deep waters of the heart where God dwells and transformation takes place. It is here, in this holy place that a woman can partner with God in impacting another and be impacted by another for lasting good. It is here that she can mother, nurture, encourage and call forth Life.
To have a woman friend is to relax into another soul and be welcomed in all that you are and all that you are not. To know that, as a woman, you are not alone. Friendships between women provide a safe place to share in the experiences of life as a woman.
(Captivating, 176-180)
I pray that for you today, wherever you are, whatever the circumstances of life, that today would be a day when you experience the deep Love of God for yourself. In God's deep Love I pray you get a glimpse of who you are created to be, and that the reality of who you are in Christ breaks forth to another level.
Blessings and joy to you today,
Robin
Sunday, September 19, 2010
To Mother
As large as the role our mothers have played, the word "mother" is more powerful when used as a verb than as a noun. All women are not mothers but all women are called to mother. To mother is to nurture, to train, to educate, to rear. As daughters of Eve, all women are uniquely gifted to help others in their lives become more of who they truly are - to encourage, nurture and mother them towards their true selves. In doing this, women partner with Christ in the vital mission of bringing forth life.
The nurturing of life is a high and holy calling. And as a woman, it is yours. Yes, it takes many shapes and has a myriad of faces. Yes, men are called to this as well. But uniquely and deeply, this calling makes up part of the very fiber of a woman's soul - the calling to mother.
All women are called to mother. And all women are called to give birth. Women give birth to all kinds of things - to a book (it's nearly as hard as a child, believe me), to a church or to a movement. Women give birth to ideas, to creative expressions, to ministries. We birth life in others by inviting them into deeper realms of healing, to deeper walks with God, to deeper intimacy with Jesus. A woman is not less of a woman because she is not a wife or has not physically born a child. The heart and life of a woman is much vaster than that. All women are made in the image of God in that we bring forth life. When we enter into our world and into the lives of those we love and offer our tender and strong feminine hearts, we cannot help but mother them.
The capacity of a woman's heart for meaningful relationships is vast. There is no way your husband or your children can ever provide the intimacy and relational satisfaction you need. A woman must have women friends.
It is here, in the realm of relationship that women receive the most joy and the profoundest sorrows. The friendships of women inhabit a terrain of great mystery. There is a fierce jealousy, a fiery devotion and a great loyalty between women friends. Our friendships flow in the deep waters of the heart where God dwells and transformation takes place. It is here, in this holy place that a woman can partner with God in impacting another and be impacted by another for lasting good. It is here that she can mother, nurture, encourage and call forth Life.
To have a woman friend is to relax into another soul and be welcomed in all that you are and all that you are not. To know that, as a woman, you are not alone. Friendships between women provide a safe place to share in the experiences of life as a woman.
(Captivating, 176-180)
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