The Three Rs of Scripture: Ruined by the Fall; Redeemed by the Blood; Regenerated by the Spirit. (by Dwight L. Moody)
"The reward of service is more service." Dwight L. Moody
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
READY for a New Year!
Happy New Year!
It's hard to believe we have finished our journey through the Bible and have already begun a new year. What an incredible 2011 is was! Michael and I were SO proud that Caleb (11) read through the whole Bible with us last year. I was in high school before I did that!
Last January I created this blog as a way of tracking together with you as we read through all of Scripture. So when the new year rolled around, I wasn't sure if I should continue blogging or not. I also had to figure out what I was going to do for my time in God's Word without my handy-dandy reading plan.
But God seems to be putting more thoughts on my heart, and now I am co-leading the youth group at LifeBridge as well as starting up a women's Bible study group with a friend. I'm sure thoughts will arise from both of those groups that will spark great blogging points. So, as long as God seems to be giving me something to say, I'll share it.
I must admit that I often wonder if anybody is actually reading these blogs, or if I'm just sending this into a cyberspace void. The stats make it look like folks all over the world are viewing, but those have to be skewed somehow. If you are reading this, I would love to hear from you. Just a "hey" to let me know your part of this community would be fun. So feel free to add to the comment section any time!
So...
READY for the King 2012!
First, I want to start with a refresher of what READY stands for.
Read God's Word
Extend God's glory
Approach God in prayer
Dedicate yourself to community
Yield your money sacrificially
Read God's Word
Last year, we commited to read through God's Word in a year. Even though we may not be doing that again this year (you are certainly encouraged to do it as many times as you want!), it is crucial for you to still be in God's Word. Get a great devotional. I have come to love my new one: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. But if you've never read My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers or Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman, I highly recommend those.
You can also choose certain books of the Bible to read...at a slower pace than we did last year, for sure! I am reading a Psalm, one portion of Psalm 119, a Proverb, half a chapter of Romans, and half a chapter of James each day. Nothing magical or special about that plan. Just what God layed on my heart. Ask God to lead you to the book(s) He wants you to read each month.
Last fall I discovered something that I have been patiently waiting for January 1st to begin: A Bible Memorization Booklet: Colossians in a Year. Our oldest two children are doing this with me, and our women's study group as well. You basically memorize two verses a week for a year, and you've memorized the whole book! Love it! I have never memorized more than a long passage, so I'm incredibly excited about this new challenge. (I'm weird that way.)
Extend God's Glory
Specifically last year, we challenged folks to extend God's glory in a different context. That is still something we should all strive to do. But what I want to ask you is this: How are you extending God's glory in the world?
As members of the Body of Christ, we each have a purpose and function within that body. What is your role?
"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:4-8 NIV
Now you just have to read it in The Message version! We gotta have fun in Jesus' name, gang!
4-6In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.
6-8If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face. (Rom. 12:4-8 MSG)
Paul writes about this again to the Corinthian church. (Message version again)
25-26The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance.
27-31You are Christ's body—that's who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your "part" mean anything. You're familiar with some of the parts that God has formed in his church, which is his "body":
apostles
prophets
teachers
miracle workers
healers
helpers
organizers
those who pray in tongues.
But it's obvious by now, isn't it, that Christ's church is a complete Body and not a gigantic, unidimensional Part? It's not all Apostle, not all Prophet, not all Miracle Worker, not all Healer, not all Prayer in Tongues, not all Interpreter of Tongues. And yet some of you keep competing for so-called "important" parts.
But now I want to lay out a far better way for you. (1 Corinthians 12:25-31, MSG)
And lastly, Peter had some excellent reasons for us to use our gifts among the our local body of believers as well as to benefit the Body of Christ in the world.
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:7-11 NIV, emphasis mine)
From Ephesians 2:10, we know that we were "created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." When you put together all we have just read from God's Word, wouldn't you agree that each of us has a role in the Body of Christ and gifts to be used for the mutual benefit of all?
Ponder the question I asked earlier, and see how you can answer. How are you extending God's glory in the world? What is your role at LifeBridge and the Church at large?
See if you can fill in these blanks:
If you are not able to fill in those first two blanks, may I encourage you to ask God to show you what gifts He has given you and how He wants you to use them? Ask one of the leaders at LifeBridge what areas of need there are and see how you can fill one of those needs. For those of you in other churches reading this, do the same in your church with your pastor or a leader. Find out what your role in the body is. Don't be that chopped off finger or toe!
That's enough to chew on for today. We'll talk about the other three components of READY next time.
It's hard to believe we have finished our journey through the Bible and have already begun a new year. What an incredible 2011 is was! Michael and I were SO proud that Caleb (11) read through the whole Bible with us last year. I was in high school before I did that!
Last January I created this blog as a way of tracking together with you as we read through all of Scripture. So when the new year rolled around, I wasn't sure if I should continue blogging or not. I also had to figure out what I was going to do for my time in God's Word without my handy-dandy reading plan.
But God seems to be putting more thoughts on my heart, and now I am co-leading the youth group at LifeBridge as well as starting up a women's Bible study group with a friend. I'm sure thoughts will arise from both of those groups that will spark great blogging points. So, as long as God seems to be giving me something to say, I'll share it.
I must admit that I often wonder if anybody is actually reading these blogs, or if I'm just sending this into a cyberspace void. The stats make it look like folks all over the world are viewing, but those have to be skewed somehow. If you are reading this, I would love to hear from you. Just a "hey" to let me know your part of this community would be fun. So feel free to add to the comment section any time!
So...
READY for the King 2012!
First, I want to start with a refresher of what READY stands for.
Read God's Word
Extend God's glory
Approach God in prayer
Dedicate yourself to community
Yield your money sacrificially
Read God's Word
Last year, we commited to read through God's Word in a year. Even though we may not be doing that again this year (you are certainly encouraged to do it as many times as you want!), it is crucial for you to still be in God's Word. Get a great devotional. I have come to love my new one: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. But if you've never read My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers or Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman, I highly recommend those.
You can also choose certain books of the Bible to read...at a slower pace than we did last year, for sure! I am reading a Psalm, one portion of Psalm 119, a Proverb, half a chapter of Romans, and half a chapter of James each day. Nothing magical or special about that plan. Just what God layed on my heart. Ask God to lead you to the book(s) He wants you to read each month.
Last fall I discovered something that I have been patiently waiting for January 1st to begin: A Bible Memorization Booklet: Colossians in a Year. Our oldest two children are doing this with me, and our women's study group as well. You basically memorize two verses a week for a year, and you've memorized the whole book! Love it! I have never memorized more than a long passage, so I'm incredibly excited about this new challenge. (I'm weird that way.)
Extend God's Glory
Specifically last year, we challenged folks to extend God's glory in a different context. That is still something we should all strive to do. But what I want to ask you is this: How are you extending God's glory in the world?
As members of the Body of Christ, we each have a purpose and function within that body. What is your role?
"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:4-8 NIV
Now you just have to read it in The Message version! We gotta have fun in Jesus' name, gang!
4-6In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.
6-8If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face. (Rom. 12:4-8 MSG)
Paul writes about this again to the Corinthian church. (Message version again)
25-26The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance.
27-31You are Christ's body—that's who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your "part" mean anything. You're familiar with some of the parts that God has formed in his church, which is his "body":
apostles
prophets
teachers
miracle workers
healers
helpers
organizers
those who pray in tongues.
But it's obvious by now, isn't it, that Christ's church is a complete Body and not a gigantic, unidimensional Part? It's not all Apostle, not all Prophet, not all Miracle Worker, not all Healer, not all Prayer in Tongues, not all Interpreter of Tongues. And yet some of you keep competing for so-called "important" parts.
But now I want to lay out a far better way for you. (1 Corinthians 12:25-31, MSG)
And lastly, Peter had some excellent reasons for us to use our gifts among the our local body of believers as well as to benefit the Body of Christ in the world.
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:7-11 NIV, emphasis mine)
From Ephesians 2:10, we know that we were "created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." When you put together all we have just read from God's Word, wouldn't you agree that each of us has a role in the Body of Christ and gifts to be used for the mutual benefit of all?
Ponder the question I asked earlier, and see how you can answer. How are you extending God's glory in the world? What is your role at LifeBridge and the Church at large?
See if you can fill in these blanks:
- On Sunday mornings, my role is _______________________________________
- My regular service for God outside Sunday morning is ______________________________
- Other ways I extend God's glory throughout the week are ____________________________
If you are not able to fill in those first two blanks, may I encourage you to ask God to show you what gifts He has given you and how He wants you to use them? Ask one of the leaders at LifeBridge what areas of need there are and see how you can fill one of those needs. For those of you in other churches reading this, do the same in your church with your pastor or a leader. Find out what your role in the body is. Don't be that chopped off finger or toe!
That's enough to chew on for today. We'll talk about the other three components of READY next time.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
The Marriage of the Lamb
6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” (Revelation 19:6-9; emphasis mine)
O for the day when these words will be declared because they have been fulfilled!
It has been quite a journey we have taken together through the Word of God this year. A beautiful pilgrimage! I hope you have enjoyed reading through the Scriptures as much as I have. I would love to hear the insight you have gained as you have been taught by the Teacher and Master and Lord.
God's Word ends where it began--a new creation of heavens and earth, God fellowshipping with those made in His image, and the tree of life. But this time, Satan has been destroyed (Rev. 19:11-21) by our Prince of Peace on his white horse, and mankind is given access to the tree of life!
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. (Rev. 22:1-5; emphasis mine)
O for the day when we see Him face to face!
12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Rev. 22:12-16; emphasis mine)
I don't know about you, friends, but that makes me want to cry aloud, "Come, Lord Jesus!"
17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
(Rev. 22:17, 20; emphasis mine)
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” (Revelation 19:6-9; emphasis mine)
O for the day when these words will be declared because they have been fulfilled!
It has been quite a journey we have taken together through the Word of God this year. A beautiful pilgrimage! I hope you have enjoyed reading through the Scriptures as much as I have. I would love to hear the insight you have gained as you have been taught by the Teacher and Master and Lord.
God's Word ends where it began--a new creation of heavens and earth, God fellowshipping with those made in His image, and the tree of life. But this time, Satan has been destroyed (Rev. 19:11-21) by our Prince of Peace on his white horse, and mankind is given access to the tree of life!
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. (Rev. 22:1-5; emphasis mine)
O for the day when we see Him face to face!
12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Rev. 22:12-16; emphasis mine)
I don't know about you, friends, but that makes me want to cry aloud, "Come, Lord Jesus!"
17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
(Rev. 22:17, 20; emphasis mine)
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Erasing Hell
"Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11)
Back in the summer, while we were on vacation visiting friends, Michael and I journeyed into a bookstore on a date. As I was perusing the books in the Christian section, one caught my eye. It was a new release by an author with whom I was familiar, and I was curious to check out his book.
I picked it up and began doing what I always do--flip it over and read the description on the back cover. I was shocked. I quickly went to find Michael so he could read for himself. Really? Could this man, who appeared in some excellent videos we used in Bible class a number of years ago, and I used at some of the women's retreats at which I spoke, really have written a book based on these beliefs? I was dumbfounded.
This morning, while getting ready for church, I decided to go to the Cornerstone Church website to see if there were any recent sermons by Francis Chan (I love listening to him preach). Since I had watched the short video of him that we would be using in Bible class, I was hungry for more.
I was incredibly intrigued when I saw the title of his most recent sermon: "Erasing Hell." I knew exactly what it was about, since a few months ago I noticed he had written a book by that title. I immediately guessed it was a response to Rob Bell's book, and it was.
Since in our Bible readings right now we are witnessing the early church taking off and growing, as well as the apostles having to confront and refute false teachings among the brethren, I thought this was very timely. It is exactly what we see Paul and Peter doing over and over again.
This is one of our modern-day false teachings, folks. You may have had co-workers, friends, or family members mention this book (Love Wins) and the beliefs it lays out about heaven and hell. Are you prepared to refute false teachings? Do you know how to redirect them to the truth?
With all we are discussing in our Bible class right now, this entire message ties in amazingly perfect. Not only does it discuss this false teaching that many folks are reading and considering, but it also speaks to the other realities of the disciples' lives and how our own lives should look, if God still speaks to people today and tells them what to do for Him, and other topics that we have discussed.
I encourage you to make time to watch this video of Francis Chan and a few other men discussing this false doctrine, and then teaching the beautiful truth of Scripture. It seems God IS talking to us, dear friends!
"Erasing Hell" (you will need to scroll down to the date 6/19/11 in the list of sermon dates and topics, click on it, then click where it says "watch")
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15)
Back in the summer, while we were on vacation visiting friends, Michael and I journeyed into a bookstore on a date. As I was perusing the books in the Christian section, one caught my eye. It was a new release by an author with whom I was familiar, and I was curious to check out his book.
I picked it up and began doing what I always do--flip it over and read the description on the back cover. I was shocked. I quickly went to find Michael so he could read for himself. Really? Could this man, who appeared in some excellent videos we used in Bible class a number of years ago, and I used at some of the women's retreats at which I spoke, really have written a book based on these beliefs? I was dumbfounded.
This morning, while getting ready for church, I decided to go to the Cornerstone Church website to see if there were any recent sermons by Francis Chan (I love listening to him preach). Since I had watched the short video of him that we would be using in Bible class, I was hungry for more.
I was incredibly intrigued when I saw the title of his most recent sermon: "Erasing Hell." I knew exactly what it was about, since a few months ago I noticed he had written a book by that title. I immediately guessed it was a response to Rob Bell's book, and it was.
Since in our Bible readings right now we are witnessing the early church taking off and growing, as well as the apostles having to confront and refute false teachings among the brethren, I thought this was very timely. It is exactly what we see Paul and Peter doing over and over again.
This is one of our modern-day false teachings, folks. You may have had co-workers, friends, or family members mention this book (Love Wins) and the beliefs it lays out about heaven and hell. Are you prepared to refute false teachings? Do you know how to redirect them to the truth?
With all we are discussing in our Bible class right now, this entire message ties in amazingly perfect. Not only does it discuss this false teaching that many folks are reading and considering, but it also speaks to the other realities of the disciples' lives and how our own lives should look, if God still speaks to people today and tells them what to do for Him, and other topics that we have discussed.
I encourage you to make time to watch this video of Francis Chan and a few other men discussing this false doctrine, and then teaching the beautiful truth of Scripture. It seems God IS talking to us, dear friends!
"Erasing Hell" (you will need to scroll down to the date 6/19/11 in the list of sermon dates and topics, click on it, then click where it says "watch")
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15)
Friday, November 18, 2011
Follow...Lead
"And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles." (Acts 2:43)
"For the Sake of the Call--re.creation"
Nobody stood and applauded them
So they knew from the start
This road would not lead to fame
All they really knew for sure was Jesus had called to them
He said "Come follow Me" and they came
With reckless abandon they came
Empty nets lying there at the water's edge
Told a story that few could believe
And none could explain
How some crazy fishermen agreed to go where Jesus led
With no thought for what they would gain
For Jesus had called them by name...
...and they answered
CHORUS :
We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call
Drawn like the rivers are drawn to the sea
There's no turning back for the water cannot help but flow
Once we hear the Savior's call we'll follow wherever He leads
Because of the love He has shown
And because He has called us to go...
...we will answer
CHORUS :
We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call
BRIDGE :
Not for the sake of a creed or a cause
Not for a dream or a promise
Simply because it is Jesus who calls
And if we believe we'll obey
...And we'll answer
CHORUS :
We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call
(this new version of an old hit is absolutely beautiful--it gavethe song new meaning)
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (Matt. 5:6)
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Hungry
"The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the Word of the Lord." (Acts 13:44)
Do the readings from Acts these past two weeks make you hungry? I am CRAVING what I read!
The work of the early church after Christ's ascension into heaven is full of adventure. It overflows with abundant work of the Holy Spirit in a continually growing body of believers. Their bold faith leads them to proclaim the good news to all who will listen, and "as many as were appointed to eternal life believed." (Acts 13:48)
Astounded by what they witness the Holy Spirit doing in the hearts of their hearers, the church not only rejoices but sends off their best preachers to take the Gospel to other places (Acts 13:2-3). The Holy Spirit takes Philip, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and others off to various towns so that not only the Jews but the Gentiles can hear and believe as well. What an amazing time that must have been!
It was probably similar to what the Christians in places like Nepal are experiencing, when the Gospel is still new and many are hearing the name of Jesus for the first time. I can hardly wait to hear all of the stories Michael will bring back from this trip.
One thing that really jumped out at me from our readings so far is how often the early church fasted and prayed. In fact, all throughout our readings this year we have seen not only individuals like Daniel, Moses, and even Jesus fast, but whole nations as well. So it has always confused me why such a powerful practice from the Bible is not a more regular part of what we do as a church today.
Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount seems to focus in on three specific directives to His followers: giving, praying, and fasting (Matt. 6:1-18). From His instructions in this portion of Scripture, Jesus tells His disciples, "...when you give...(v. 2)...when you pray (v. 5)...when you fast (v. 16)." How else are we supposed to read this except that Jesus expects us to do all three?
Jesus also tells us to do these acts of worship without announcing it to others, so maybe all of you fast regularly and I just don't know because we never talk about it. I know of friends who fast when there is an intense need for fasting and prayer in a situation or when they long to hear God's voice or see His power at work in their lives. I just think it is strange that we don't talk about it more commonly the way we do prayer and giving. Probably because going without food is so hard. We have to take our stomachs off the throne and let God have that place, and I know that is hard for me.
But as I read the book of Acts, I am HUNGRY for God's power to work the way in which I see Him working among the early church. I also can tell from these readings that many who heard the Good News were hungry for more of the Spirit, too. They CRAVED the only One who could fill and satisfy!
Those in leadership positions took Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount seriously. They didn't want to miss anything God might have for them or do through them.
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" (Acts 13:2) --wisdom for whom to send
"Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off." (Acts 13:3) --anointing to preach
"And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed." (Acts 14:23) --anointing to lead groups of believers
I don't know if these verses jumped out at you in your readings, but I pray the Lord will help us take them to heart. I pray He will show us what He wants to do through us as He did to the apostles and the early church.
Fast to fill.
The upside-down economy of God.
Do the readings from Acts these past two weeks make you hungry? I am CRAVING what I read!
The work of the early church after Christ's ascension into heaven is full of adventure. It overflows with abundant work of the Holy Spirit in a continually growing body of believers. Their bold faith leads them to proclaim the good news to all who will listen, and "as many as were appointed to eternal life believed." (Acts 13:48)
Astounded by what they witness the Holy Spirit doing in the hearts of their hearers, the church not only rejoices but sends off their best preachers to take the Gospel to other places (Acts 13:2-3). The Holy Spirit takes Philip, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and others off to various towns so that not only the Jews but the Gentiles can hear and believe as well. What an amazing time that must have been!
It was probably similar to what the Christians in places like Nepal are experiencing, when the Gospel is still new and many are hearing the name of Jesus for the first time. I can hardly wait to hear all of the stories Michael will bring back from this trip.
One thing that really jumped out at me from our readings so far is how often the early church fasted and prayed. In fact, all throughout our readings this year we have seen not only individuals like Daniel, Moses, and even Jesus fast, but whole nations as well. So it has always confused me why such a powerful practice from the Bible is not a more regular part of what we do as a church today.
Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount seems to focus in on three specific directives to His followers: giving, praying, and fasting (Matt. 6:1-18). From His instructions in this portion of Scripture, Jesus tells His disciples, "...when you give...(v. 2)...when you pray (v. 5)...when you fast (v. 16)." How else are we supposed to read this except that Jesus expects us to do all three?
Jesus also tells us to do these acts of worship without announcing it to others, so maybe all of you fast regularly and I just don't know because we never talk about it. I know of friends who fast when there is an intense need for fasting and prayer in a situation or when they long to hear God's voice or see His power at work in their lives. I just think it is strange that we don't talk about it more commonly the way we do prayer and giving. Probably because going without food is so hard. We have to take our stomachs off the throne and let God have that place, and I know that is hard for me.
But as I read the book of Acts, I am HUNGRY for God's power to work the way in which I see Him working among the early church. I also can tell from these readings that many who heard the Good News were hungry for more of the Spirit, too. They CRAVED the only One who could fill and satisfy!
Those in leadership positions took Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount seriously. They didn't want to miss anything God might have for them or do through them.
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" (Acts 13:2) --wisdom for whom to send
"Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off." (Acts 13:3) --anointing to preach
"And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed." (Acts 14:23) --anointing to lead groups of believers
I don't know if these verses jumped out at you in your readings, but I pray the Lord will help us take them to heart. I pray He will show us what He wants to do through us as He did to the apostles and the early church.
Fast to fill.
The upside-down economy of God.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Good morning precious friends!
Thank you for all your prayers. We still have not met with Terrance's mom, but the visitation is rescheduled for today after his four-month well-check. Keep praying, and I'll let all of you know how it goes.
I opened Sally Clarkson's blog today, and it began with one of my very favorite poems!
Such a wonderful post, so I have to share with all my mom friends!
I Take Joy
What a privilege to be a mom...and such a great responsibility than I am never up to on my own. Thankfully I have a God who is the perfect parent and fills in all the many gaps I leave as I lean on and trust in Him.
It was amazing to me this morning in early dawn, as I had my time with Jesus, that the verse which was strongly on my heart to pray during our corporate prayer time Sunday morning--that the same power which raised Jesus Christ from the dead is at work within each of us to accomplish whatever God asks of us--was one of the verses for my Jesus Calling devotion today. Then my readings for the week had me on the Resurrection today.
As I take Terrance to meet his mom for the first time, I am so reassured by my Savior that His resurrection Power is with me! Thank you, Jesus! You are so beautiful!
Thank you for all your prayers. We still have not met with Terrance's mom, but the visitation is rescheduled for today after his four-month well-check. Keep praying, and I'll let all of you know how it goes.
I opened Sally Clarkson's blog today, and it began with one of my very favorite poems!
You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be –
I had a Mother who read to me.
Richer than I you can never be –
I had a Mother who read to me.
--Strickland Gillian
Thank you, MOM!
Such a wonderful post, so I have to share with all my mom friends!
I Take Joy
What a privilege to be a mom...and such a great responsibility than I am never up to on my own. Thankfully I have a God who is the perfect parent and fills in all the many gaps I leave as I lean on and trust in Him.
It was amazing to me this morning in early dawn, as I had my time with Jesus, that the verse which was strongly on my heart to pray during our corporate prayer time Sunday morning--that the same power which raised Jesus Christ from the dead is at work within each of us to accomplish whatever God asks of us--was one of the verses for my Jesus Calling devotion today. Then my readings for the week had me on the Resurrection today.
As I take Terrance to meet his mom for the first time, I am so reassured by my Savior that His resurrection Power is with me! Thank you, Jesus! You are so beautiful!
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