13 ...But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Today I think of perseverance. Paul talks often talks about the lack of value of earthly things and going through suffering towards the end goal of getting closer to Jesus and this chapter is no different. Today he adds the comment forgetting what is behind, being forward looking. I don't feel I've had much suffering, certainly not like Paul but we all go through challenges of life and I need to remember to keep my eye on the prize, if I make a mistake or have a challenge press past it but don't dwell on it--persevere with Jesus in mind.
have a great day!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Philipians 2
This one starts out talking about humility. Imitating Christs humility. I can't imagine letting myself be shrunk down in nature, to be inserted into an ant hill, and then to be killed by the ants, for something I didn't do.......now THAT'S humility! Its a target for sure.
Then Paul walks into the lesson of doing things without grumbling. Its not even written in a such a way that it might be confusing. Do grumble when you're asked to do things.....plain and simple.
These two things might seem unrelated, but I don't think they are. Basically, what Paul is saying is serve the Lord with a happy, willing heart. If you serve him and others that way, you getting a glimpse of what it means to be "Christ-like".
have a good week
Then Paul walks into the lesson of doing things without grumbling. Its not even written in a such a way that it might be confusing. Do grumble when you're asked to do things.....plain and simple.
These two things might seem unrelated, but I don't think they are. Basically, what Paul is saying is serve the Lord with a happy, willing heart. If you serve him and others that way, you getting a glimpse of what it means to be "Christ-like".
have a good week
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Philipians 1
The thing that strikes me in this chapter is the longing that Paul has to be with Christ. You can feel it in what he writes.
23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
He would rather die and go be with Christ, but knows that the gospel is better served by having him here, so he perserveres.
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Whether your promoted or demoted, whether your house burns down or you win the lottery. Paul is saying here that we should live with an attitude worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Good advice!
23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
He would rather die and go be with Christ, but knows that the gospel is better served by having him here, so he perserveres.
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Whether your promoted or demoted, whether your house burns down or you win the lottery. Paul is saying here that we should live with an attitude worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Good advice!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Ephesians 6
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The word of God is the only Offensive weapon listed here. Actually, it could be said that the sword is both defensive and offensive. That's why its been so huge to do this for the past 10 months. I can tell a difference when I approach difficult situations. Often times, a verse will pop into my head that we've read and discussed. There is absolutely no substitute for being in the word everyday. Its really hard to make it to church every Sunday during the summertime. Its easy to slip out of a good God mindset, but reading everyday puts me right there. To me, its the difference between being a fed Christian vs being a self-feeder. I definitely want to be a self-feeder.
have a good Tues
The word of God is the only Offensive weapon listed here. Actually, it could be said that the sword is both defensive and offensive. That's why its been so huge to do this for the past 10 months. I can tell a difference when I approach difficult situations. Often times, a verse will pop into my head that we've read and discussed. There is absolutely no substitute for being in the word everyday. Its really hard to make it to church every Sunday during the summertime. Its easy to slip out of a good God mindset, but reading everyday puts me right there. To me, its the difference between being a fed Christian vs being a self-feeder. I definitely want to be a self-feeder.
have a good Tues
Monday, July 23, 2012
Ephesians 5
Two things stick with me;
1. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
This one because, as I wrote before, I tend to like the joking....its my defense mechanism.
2. 15 Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
This one freightens me. The reference to the days being evil. That says a LOT to me. It tells me that there is evil all around us, trying to take over everything. So, we must be very mindful of our actions.
later
1. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
This one because, as I wrote before, I tend to like the joking....its my defense mechanism.
2. 15 Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
This one freightens me. The reference to the days being evil. That says a LOT to me. It tells me that there is evil all around us, trying to take over everything. So, we must be very mindful of our actions.
later
Friday, July 20, 2012
Ephesians 4
This is probably my favorite chapter in the entire Bible. I love the wording. I love the content. I love the practicality.
2 Be completely humbe and gentle; be patient, bear with one another in love. 3 make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit,....5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
WOW!!! i love that.
from verse 17 through the end, where paul is a giving instructions for living as a Christian....that's GOLD Jerry, GOLD I tell ya.
here's the one that always get me,
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to thier needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
this one hits my square between the eyes everytime I read it. I have a tendency to be slightly sarcastic, and funny at the expense of those that can't hear me........I'm workin on it.
later
have a good weekend.
2 Be completely humbe and gentle; be patient, bear with one another in love. 3 make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit,....5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
WOW!!! i love that.
from verse 17 through the end, where paul is a giving instructions for living as a Christian....that's GOLD Jerry, GOLD I tell ya.
here's the one that always get me,
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to thier needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
this one hits my square between the eyes everytime I read it. I have a tendency to be slightly sarcastic, and funny at the expense of those that can't hear me........I'm workin on it.
later
have a good weekend.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Ephesians 3
To be honest, I didn't pull a lot out of this one. It seems like an extension of chapter 2.
Paul is again dealing with the equality issues between the Jews and Gentiles. I think its a really smart move for him to give credit to the awesome power of God, for this reconciliation. Through Christ, they can both be saved.
BOOM!
done
Paul is again dealing with the equality issues between the Jews and Gentiles. I think its a really smart move for him to give credit to the awesome power of God, for this reconciliation. Through Christ, they can both be saved.
BOOM!
done
Monday, July 16, 2012
Ephesians 2
this first chapter starts out with a resounding "Glory to God"....
this one starts out with a "we are not worthy....we all need help"
then Paul starts into a "can't we just get along" speech. I can't imagine the Jew vs Gentile issues that must have been going on in those days. It seems that it comes up in every one of his letters. It must have been really difficult to be separate groups....separate by beliefs, traditions, and culture....and then all of the sudden have someone come along and say that both groups are ONE now.
short and sweet today....its monday
tp
this one starts out with a "we are not worthy....we all need help"
then Paul starts into a "can't we just get along" speech. I can't imagine the Jew vs Gentile issues that must have been going on in those days. It seems that it comes up in every one of his letters. It must have been really difficult to be separate groups....separate by beliefs, traditions, and culture....and then all of the sudden have someone come along and say that both groups are ONE now.
short and sweet today....its monday
tp
Friday, July 13, 2012
Ephesians 1
Its curious how Paul starts this book uniquely from the last 2 that we read.
He begins by acknowledging God's ultimate power. Its almost like he feels that he need to re-establish the hierarchy of things to the people of Ephesus. Paul has such a grasp of what is really important in life. He doesn't pray that the people of Ephesus are successful, or that their marriages are blessed....although I think those would be important....he prays that the people might use and recognize the "ultimate power" of God, that he has freely given to us....to be closer to him. That's a pretty deep mindset. He definitley has the bigger picture in mind.
I think its great how he pumps them up a little in the beginning.....get the troops excited about themselves, and about God. Cause I know he's gonna blast em later. After all, these letters that Paul writes are usually to get the church back on track when he hears they are floundering.
have a good one
He begins by acknowledging God's ultimate power. Its almost like he feels that he need to re-establish the hierarchy of things to the people of Ephesus. Paul has such a grasp of what is really important in life. He doesn't pray that the people of Ephesus are successful, or that their marriages are blessed....although I think those would be important....he prays that the people might use and recognize the "ultimate power" of God, that he has freely given to us....to be closer to him. That's a pretty deep mindset. He definitley has the bigger picture in mind.
I think its great how he pumps them up a little in the beginning.....get the troops excited about themselves, and about God. Cause I know he's gonna blast em later. After all, these letters that Paul writes are usually to get the church back on track when he hears they are floundering.
have a good one
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Galations 6
8Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
I like this part. I think being in this mindset is really hard. I find it easy to be a reflection of God's love to others for a day.....or maybe two. But, then I get tired and slip back to my own wishes/thoughts/desires/ambitions. Sometimes I can only muster an hour. This goes along with what you wrote yesterday. Being zealous for the Spirit, and showing love to those around us.
I had to laugh when I read chapter 5, where it was talking about doint the opposite of the desires of the flesh. It made me think of the George Costanza theory of "doing the opposite". That's really what it come down to. Does what I'm doing, or thinking about doing, reflect a selfish ambition or is it an action that come from a vantage point of God?
I know I'm a day early on this one.....but, Galations is only 6 chapters long, and you had done them ALL!
have a good one
I like this part. I think being in this mindset is really hard. I find it easy to be a reflection of God's love to others for a day.....or maybe two. But, then I get tired and slip back to my own wishes/thoughts/desires/ambitions. Sometimes I can only muster an hour. This goes along with what you wrote yesterday. Being zealous for the Spirit, and showing love to those around us.
I had to laugh when I read chapter 5, where it was talking about doint the opposite of the desires of the flesh. It made me think of the George Costanza theory of "doing the opposite". That's really what it come down to. Does what I'm doing, or thinking about doing, reflect a selfish ambition or is it an action that come from a vantage point of God?
I know I'm a day early on this one.....but, Galations is only 6 chapters long, and you had done them ALL!
have a good one
Galatians 5
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
My tight connection to the Spirit is required to reap these fruits and avoid listening to the natural desires of the flesh which we are told are contrary to the Spirit. So one way to build my connection is to get into the Word which I think this past year we have been working on together. But something I need to do but don't do a lot is spend time in prayer, my time seems to be fleeting moments--so I have a to do.
My tight connection to the Spirit is required to reap these fruits and avoid listening to the natural desires of the flesh which we are told are contrary to the Spirit. So one way to build my connection is to get into the Word which I think this past year we have been working on together. But something I need to do but don't do a lot is spend time in prayer, my time seems to be fleeting moments--so I have a to do.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Galatians 4
18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.
The question this made me ask myself is am I the same person all the time or do I always openly share my faith no matter the company I share. Am I one way in the company of my good friends at church, another at work another at the races? I'd like to think I'm the same in all environments but I think the reality is I'm not. I should be zealous in my faith always.
For me, I don't think I'm an overly zealous or passionate person in general (I don't get the highs or lows some people do...kind of boring I guess). So being zealous in my faith always may not mean being a being an extroverted evangelist but I certainly hope I would never shy away from letting it be known what I believe and be 'zealous' in a Chris sort of way in the future.
The question this made me ask myself is am I the same person all the time or do I always openly share my faith no matter the company I share. Am I one way in the company of my good friends at church, another at work another at the races? I'd like to think I'm the same in all environments but I think the reality is I'm not. I should be zealous in my faith always.
For me, I don't think I'm an overly zealous or passionate person in general (I don't get the highs or lows some people do...kind of boring I guess). So being zealous in my faith always may not mean being a being an extroverted evangelist but I certainly hope I would never shy away from letting it be known what I believe and be 'zealous' in a Chris sort of way in the future.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Galatians 3
8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”[d] 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
I didn't have any specific take away, but it is interesting to read and see how the Old and New Testament fit like puzzle pieces together. The law's of the old testament given as the path to God followed by the coming of Jesus and faith in Him being the only path in the future. It seems we are lucky to be alive in this time, faith and grace.
I didn't have any specific take away, but it is interesting to read and see how the Old and New Testament fit like puzzle pieces together. The law's of the old testament given as the path to God followed by the coming of Jesus and faith in Him being the only path in the future. It seems we are lucky to be alive in this time, faith and grace.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Galatians 2
16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[d] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
thank goodness for His grace! no big take here, just a clear reminder there is nothing I can do on my own to be worthy and saved I must place my faith in Jesus.
thank goodness for His grace! no big take here, just a clear reminder there is nothing I can do on my own to be worthy and saved I must place my faith in Jesus.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Galatians 1
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
I like the how this intro of Galatians sets up a bit of Paul's history, how he was changed by Gods grace. I like this verse too, it is a clear and simple reminder that I shouldn't worry about what people's opinions might be of me as long as I am focused on serving God. I don't think I go around trying to wins peoples approval, but by the same token I probably am careful not to do things that I think may turn them off or make them uncomfortable. Simple example, we pray out loud as a family before most meals but I'm unlikely to do the same in our office cafeteria--why?
for reference here is a site I when to to read a little on the origins of Galatians.
http://www.biblica.com/niv/study-bible/galatians/
I like the how this intro of Galatians sets up a bit of Paul's history, how he was changed by Gods grace. I like this verse too, it is a clear and simple reminder that I shouldn't worry about what people's opinions might be of me as long as I am focused on serving God. I don't think I go around trying to wins peoples approval, but by the same token I probably am careful not to do things that I think may turn them off or make them uncomfortable. Simple example, we pray out loud as a family before most meals but I'm unlikely to do the same in our office cafeteria--why?
for reference here is a site I when to to read a little on the origins of Galatians.
http://www.biblica.com/niv/study-bible/galatians/
Monday, July 2, 2012
2 Corinthians 13
5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you —unless, of course, you fail the test?
I was reading my friend Tom's blog and he picked out this verse which I also liked. I thought it was a good reminder for me to do an honest regular checkup on myself and my faith in Jesus. Do my thoughts and actions reflect Him? Hopefully the answer is yes, but if not do something about reignite my relationship if I have drifted.
have a great day!
I was reading my friend Tom's blog and he picked out this verse which I also liked. I thought it was a good reminder for me to do an honest regular checkup on myself and my faith in Jesus. Do my thoughts and actions reflect Him? Hopefully the answer is yes, but if not do something about reignite my relationship if I have drifted.
have a great day!