For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. (1 Thessalonians 4:7, 8 ESV)
We are called to cast off this impurity and live for God, and it's often easy to forget that when we disobey, we aren't disobeying man but God. When we sin, we are choosing something else over the living God who is in us. It's much simpler when we forget this and think that our actions only affect other people rather than having the ability to affect our relationship with the eternal God. I hope and pray that we will put him first and choose him over whatever else today and every day rather than being lured in by sinful pleasures and temptations.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
1 Thessalonians 2
For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:3, 4 ESV)
I think this was an important passage for me to hear this morning especially bringing up the point that as people who know the truth, we should no longer speak to please man but rather to please God. We don't make exceptions for the truth or water down the truth just because some people may not like the conviction that it causes them (including us sometimes). We can still show them love but cannot lie to them.
I think this was an important passage for me to hear this morning especially bringing up the point that as people who know the truth, we should no longer speak to please man but rather to please God. We don't make exceptions for the truth or water down the truth just because some people may not like the conviction that it causes them (including us sometimes). We can still show them love but cannot lie to them.
Monday, March 25, 2013
1 Thessalonians 1
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:4, 5 ESV)
I really like the way that the gospel is portrayed here. I think it is so true of the word of God that it brings power, the Holy Spirit, and full conviction. Just think about it in your reading of God's word how it always has the power to both convict and transform us which is often what we desperately need is to be redirected to the truth and have God's word work in us. How we receive it and how we allow him to work in us is often our choice as many times we aren't willing to change and give up personal pleasures, but don't forget the power of his word which is why it is important to always have it on our hearts.
I really like the way that the gospel is portrayed here. I think it is so true of the word of God that it brings power, the Holy Spirit, and full conviction. Just think about it in your reading of God's word how it always has the power to both convict and transform us which is often what we desperately need is to be redirected to the truth and have God's word work in us. How we receive it and how we allow him to work in us is often our choice as many times we aren't willing to change and give up personal pleasures, but don't forget the power of his word which is why it is important to always have it on our hearts.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Psalm 11
The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. (Psalms 11:5 ESV)
I think that this concept of testing is important to remember. The Lord works in all different ways and often allows us to be tested so that we can be corrected but also as a possible way to show that we can overcome. Not always right away, but I think this is an important thing to remember as was seen in Job. I think this verse also points at the contrast between the testing that God does and the hatred that he has. These are two separate things even though we often confuse him testing a correcting us with hatred, but the first is done out of love.
I think that this concept of testing is important to remember. The Lord works in all different ways and often allows us to be tested so that we can be corrected but also as a possible way to show that we can overcome. Not always right away, but I think this is an important thing to remember as was seen in Job. I think this verse also points at the contrast between the testing that God does and the hatred that he has. These are two separate things even though we often confuse him testing a correcting us with hatred, but the first is done out of love.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Psalm 9
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. (Psalms 9:1, 2 ESV)
While things have been really busy lately, I know that God has been helping me through it or I definitely would not be as far as I am. He has also been helping me see again how blessed I am to have this opportunity and be where I am today. So I feel like this Psalm started with much deserved praise and thankfulness. I have seen how easy it is to get caught up in always looking forward to the next thing, the next step, or the next stage of life rather than delighting in the here and now and the opportunities and blessings of today. I hope that we don't allow ourselves to fall victim to the trap but rather remember that each new day of life is a blessing and not a guarantee, and we should delight in one more day of being a part of God's great plan here on earth. This life is temporary, but our souls are eternal.
While things have been really busy lately, I know that God has been helping me through it or I definitely would not be as far as I am. He has also been helping me see again how blessed I am to have this opportunity and be where I am today. So I feel like this Psalm started with much deserved praise and thankfulness. I have seen how easy it is to get caught up in always looking forward to the next thing, the next step, or the next stage of life rather than delighting in the here and now and the opportunities and blessings of today. I hope that we don't allow ourselves to fall victim to the trap but rather remember that each new day of life is a blessing and not a guarantee, and we should delight in one more day of being a part of God's great plan here on earth. This life is temporary, but our souls are eternal.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
Psalm 7
Hey guys,
I figured we could do a little transition with some Psalms again, and it might be a better for those of you on spring break this week that still want to keep up.
I figured we could do a little transition with some Psalms again, and it might be a better for those of you on spring break this week that still want to keep up.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
1 Peter 3
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8, 9 ESV)
So at risk of getting repetitive, verses 8 and 9 stuck out to me as well, but for specific reasons. Verse 8 I think really focuses on this call to love and have compassion on others rather than condemn. We are not the one judge but rather an instrument that God can use to show his love to other sinners that can potentially bring them back to him. He has the power to change lives completely, and I pray that he can use us to do that. I think this is especially important because people who don't know God may only see rules to follow and know that they don't meet those and think it's not for them. I've had people say to me before that religion isn't for them just because they realize that they are sinful and think that they aren't good enough. But that thinking just just makes me think of 2 Corithians 5:17 and Galatians 2:20. And in order to do that instrument of God's to other people, sympathy and a tender heart are necessary so that we don't just ignore or condemn (both verbally and mentally) the people in our lives already and others who are deep in sin.
At the same time, I often struggle with how best to integrate love while still convicting others and not coming off as indifferent to sin. Because it's quite safe to say that Jesus often called those out on their sin when they were wrong and directed many parables at the Pharisees and others, but he also died for us even though we are sinners and died to make us right with God even though we often turn from him in sin.
The last thing that this made me think of is the call to love our enemies. Not just loving those who are easy to love and are nice to us, but also loving your enemy and praying and even blessing those who persecute you. Those are incredible heavy commands to ask God to bless someone who is opposing you for you faith, but they are the ones who truly need God's power to work in their lives if they are that opposed to him.
Anyways, these were some of the convictions that came to me reading this. The Bible is such a good resource for just that teaching and reminding us of the power and mercy of God but still convicting and correcting us to a closer talk with him.
So at risk of getting repetitive, verses 8 and 9 stuck out to me as well, but for specific reasons. Verse 8 I think really focuses on this call to love and have compassion on others rather than condemn. We are not the one judge but rather an instrument that God can use to show his love to other sinners that can potentially bring them back to him. He has the power to change lives completely, and I pray that he can use us to do that. I think this is especially important because people who don't know God may only see rules to follow and know that they don't meet those and think it's not for them. I've had people say to me before that religion isn't for them just because they realize that they are sinful and think that they aren't good enough. But that thinking just just makes me think of 2 Corithians 5:17 and Galatians 2:20. And in order to do that instrument of God's to other people, sympathy and a tender heart are necessary so that we don't just ignore or condemn (both verbally and mentally) the people in our lives already and others who are deep in sin.
At the same time, I often struggle with how best to integrate love while still convicting others and not coming off as indifferent to sin. Because it's quite safe to say that Jesus often called those out on their sin when they were wrong and directed many parables at the Pharisees and others, but he also died for us even though we are sinners and died to make us right with God even though we often turn from him in sin.
The last thing that this made me think of is the call to love our enemies. Not just loving those who are easy to love and are nice to us, but also loving your enemy and praying and even blessing those who persecute you. Those are incredible heavy commands to ask God to bless someone who is opposing you for you faith, but they are the ones who truly need God's power to work in their lives if they are that opposed to him.
Anyways, these were some of the convictions that came to me reading this. The Bible is such a good resource for just that teaching and reminding us of the power and mercy of God but still convicting and correcting us to a closer talk with him.
Monday, March 11, 2013
1 Peter 2
There were a lot of really good points and areas for deep thought and reflection in this chapter, but I chose this verse because it really hit on some points that I needed to hear tonight.
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,
(1 Peter 2:4 ESV)
This verse first reminds of the beauty and acceptance that God has for us, and the incredible role that he allows us to play in his plan. I'm not trying to oversimply this and say ok, God love me, good, let's move on. I think that's what we do all too often (or at least I do) and we miss what a beautiful picture this is. Men will pick out our imperfections and shortcomings and will laugh at us for this when we often get deceived into seeking their acceptance, but in that moment where we can feel so dejected, "but in the sight of God chosen and precious." He treasures our life and treasures us as his creation even when we are sitting around hating ourselves for something someone said or something that we failed at. Talk about an instant confidence boost no matter what people might say to me. I am chosen and precious in God's eyes, and he has something incredible planned for my life.
I hope this is something that we can all remember on a daily basis. Not that I think that we hate ourselves all of the time, but it's easy to get discouraged and feel insufficient and let other people convince us of just that.
I'm praying for yall. I hope that we can see that whatever happens tomorrow, good or bad. God is preparing us for his great plan which as the chapter also talks about, often involves suffering.
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,
(1 Peter 2:4 ESV)
This verse first reminds of the beauty and acceptance that God has for us, and the incredible role that he allows us to play in his plan. I'm not trying to oversimply this and say ok, God love me, good, let's move on. I think that's what we do all too often (or at least I do) and we miss what a beautiful picture this is. Men will pick out our imperfections and shortcomings and will laugh at us for this when we often get deceived into seeking their acceptance, but in that moment where we can feel so dejected, "but in the sight of God chosen and precious." He treasures our life and treasures us as his creation even when we are sitting around hating ourselves for something someone said or something that we failed at. Talk about an instant confidence boost no matter what people might say to me. I am chosen and precious in God's eyes, and he has something incredible planned for my life.
I hope this is something that we can all remember on a daily basis. Not that I think that we hate ourselves all of the time, but it's easy to get discouraged and feel insufficient and let other people convince us of just that.
I'm praying for yall. I hope that we can see that whatever happens tomorrow, good or bad. God is preparing us for his great plan which as the chapter also talks about, often involves suffering.
Friday, March 8, 2013
1 Peter 1
Hey guys,
I apologize for letting myself fall a little bit behind this week. My research work has taken up morning and night preparing for my thesis defense. That is no excuse so I apologize and will be caught up today.
On another note, today we start 1 Peter which won our vote. If you have any ideas or suggestions for the next book, let me know as this one is only 5 chapters so it will be done soon. I will try to make the next transition smoother with only a day or two of psalms.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:3, 4 ESV)
This was a difficult chapter for me to choose between verses, but I feel like the message that this first section conveys was something that I desperately needed to be reminded of recently. Verse 3 first stuck out to me because it made me really think about all the things that God really did for us in the resurrection. Specifically for those of us who are not of Jewish descent, the opportunity of salvation as it has not extended to all of those who believe. That was really a heavy thought that I often looked past in the death and resurrection of Jesus. It's also so fitting that Christ didn't just die accomplishing these things for us, but he rose and gave us this living hope to sustain us until we see the beautiful inheritance alluded to in verse 4. "An inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading." Those three descriptors beautifully describe of us of the unimaginable that awaits. While sorrow will often be felt at the end of someone's life on earth, if we have confidence in our faith, then we should also rejoice because they are finally receiving their inheritance in heaven and get to be with God and glorify him.
My prayer is that you and I can remember these three adjectives that describe our inheritance to sustain us in times of trouble and the help remind others when they are struggling in their faith or dealing with death.
imperishable, undefiled, and unfading
I apologize for letting myself fall a little bit behind this week. My research work has taken up morning and night preparing for my thesis defense. That is no excuse so I apologize and will be caught up today.
On another note, today we start 1 Peter which won our vote. If you have any ideas or suggestions for the next book, let me know as this one is only 5 chapters so it will be done soon. I will try to make the next transition smoother with only a day or two of psalms.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:3, 4 ESV)
This was a difficult chapter for me to choose between verses, but I feel like the message that this first section conveys was something that I desperately needed to be reminded of recently. Verse 3 first stuck out to me because it made me really think about all the things that God really did for us in the resurrection. Specifically for those of us who are not of Jewish descent, the opportunity of salvation as it has not extended to all of those who believe. That was really a heavy thought that I often looked past in the death and resurrection of Jesus. It's also so fitting that Christ didn't just die accomplishing these things for us, but he rose and gave us this living hope to sustain us until we see the beautiful inheritance alluded to in verse 4. "An inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading." Those three descriptors beautifully describe of us of the unimaginable that awaits. While sorrow will often be felt at the end of someone's life on earth, if we have confidence in our faith, then we should also rejoice because they are finally receiving their inheritance in heaven and get to be with God and glorify him.
My prayer is that you and I can remember these three adjectives that describe our inheritance to sustain us in times of trouble and the help remind others when they are struggling in their faith or dealing with death.
imperishable, undefiled, and unfading
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Psalm 5
For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. (Psalms 5:4-6 ESV)
I really enjoyed this Psalm because I found this first part to be especially true and convicting. It is one that I really need to take to heart and keep on my mind when struggling with the temptation of sin. Our God, while all powerful, is incredible merciful and sometimes it's easy to settle into sin and rely on his forgiveness rather than continue to fight against it, but we need to be on our guard against this complacency because this is giving in to the devil and sin without fighting against it. Which is essentially allowing ourselves to be ok with behavior that God abhors. I think this section of verses point out three major types of sin (not the only types but 3 major) that we need to fully grasp that they are sin and against God. I see them as: general wickedness when evil is dwelling in us, boastfulness and pride that creeps into our everyday thoughts and actions all too often, and the deceitfulness and lies that we let come out of our mouthes.
The pride and deceitfulness are ones that I struggle with the most, and I think it's often because we take so much of a short sighted approach that we don't see the implications. Dishonesty and deceitfulness takes root in our desire to live up to the expectations of others and put forward a version of ourselves that is a lie for others to see (I'm sure you can see too how this ties into pride). Often times we lie to people for fear of judgement and exposure of our sin. I had to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all recently as God was helping me to see a lot of this in my own life. Think about it. We are sinful Christians who have a loving, merciful God, but because we don't want people to see our brokenness and sin, we hide it from one another (which the devil loves when we do) and put on the I'm a perfect Christian face and smile and walk and talk and go through the day avoiding being confronted with the most important thing for us to talk about and that is our sin! We meet together in churches in front of our God who urges us to confess and repent, but we're each so afraid to let the other know that we're sinful and we put up these walls to who we really are rather than let it out. How silly is that. A church full of broken people afraid to let the next person know what the exact thing that Bible already told us for thousands of years: we are a broken people that fall victim to see.
This is how a sinner can feel so out of place at a church because we've gotten so good and putting on this mask and not wanting others to know.
Why do you think they call us hypocrites?
Why do you think they laugh and mock us when our elaborate plans to hide our sin become exposed?
I'm not saying this is every Christian by any means, but we are shooting ourselves in the foot by feeling like we have to be perfect and not wanting anyone to know when we fall short. God already knows, and he is the only one who matters so admit your sin and help others admit theirs so we can help each other and fight the battle together rather than turning into something that is more a comedy of lies (and pride).
I really enjoyed this Psalm because I found this first part to be especially true and convicting. It is one that I really need to take to heart and keep on my mind when struggling with the temptation of sin. Our God, while all powerful, is incredible merciful and sometimes it's easy to settle into sin and rely on his forgiveness rather than continue to fight against it, but we need to be on our guard against this complacency because this is giving in to the devil and sin without fighting against it. Which is essentially allowing ourselves to be ok with behavior that God abhors. I think this section of verses point out three major types of sin (not the only types but 3 major) that we need to fully grasp that they are sin and against God. I see them as: general wickedness when evil is dwelling in us, boastfulness and pride that creeps into our everyday thoughts and actions all too often, and the deceitfulness and lies that we let come out of our mouthes.
The pride and deceitfulness are ones that I struggle with the most, and I think it's often because we take so much of a short sighted approach that we don't see the implications. Dishonesty and deceitfulness takes root in our desire to live up to the expectations of others and put forward a version of ourselves that is a lie for others to see (I'm sure you can see too how this ties into pride). Often times we lie to people for fear of judgement and exposure of our sin. I had to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all recently as God was helping me to see a lot of this in my own life. Think about it. We are sinful Christians who have a loving, merciful God, but because we don't want people to see our brokenness and sin, we hide it from one another (which the devil loves when we do) and put on the I'm a perfect Christian face and smile and walk and talk and go through the day avoiding being confronted with the most important thing for us to talk about and that is our sin! We meet together in churches in front of our God who urges us to confess and repent, but we're each so afraid to let the other know that we're sinful and we put up these walls to who we really are rather than let it out. How silly is that. A church full of broken people afraid to let the next person know what the exact thing that Bible already told us for thousands of years: we are a broken people that fall victim to see.
This is how a sinner can feel so out of place at a church because we've gotten so good and putting on this mask and not wanting others to know.
Why do you think they call us hypocrites?
Why do you think they laugh and mock us when our elaborate plans to hide our sin become exposed?
I'm not saying this is every Christian by any means, but we are shooting ourselves in the foot by feeling like we have to be perfect and not wanting anyone to know when we fall short. God already knows, and he is the only one who matters so admit your sin and help others admit theirs so we can help each other and fight the battle together rather than turning into something that is more a comedy of lies (and pride).
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Psalm 4
Man, I'm loving these Psalms so much that I'm having a tough time wanting to more on to the next book haha. We almost have a majority in the voting and we'll probably start the next book on Thursday.
This one led me on at first because verse 1 reminded me so much of Psalm 3, but then verse 2 knew exactly what to say to really convict me on my sinfulness in a number of different aspects. It talks about our love for vain words which hit hard at my pride and desire for approval especially when it follows the first part of that verse that said "how long shall my name be turned into shame?" As tough as it is to face, we are doing just that. I am shaming the name of the Lord when I know his promises but still seek acknowledgements and approval elsewhere. I am instead saying that I desire the approval of lying, sinful people over the eternal love of the perfect creator who made me exactly according to his plan and for his purposes. This was definitely a realization that I needed to hear today because often I really am shaming the name of the Lord in my actions and I thank him for putting this realization on my heart and pray that I can be more aware of it in my life.
This one led me on at first because verse 1 reminded me so much of Psalm 3, but then verse 2 knew exactly what to say to really convict me on my sinfulness in a number of different aspects. It talks about our love for vain words which hit hard at my pride and desire for approval especially when it follows the first part of that verse that said "how long shall my name be turned into shame?" As tough as it is to face, we are doing just that. I am shaming the name of the Lord when I know his promises but still seek acknowledgements and approval elsewhere. I am instead saying that I desire the approval of lying, sinful people over the eternal love of the perfect creator who made me exactly according to his plan and for his purposes. This was definitely a realization that I needed to hear today because often I really am shaming the name of the Lord in my actions and I thank him for putting this realization on my heart and pray that I can be more aware of it in my life.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Psalm 3
Verses 3 and 4 are definitely ones that I'm feeling and hit the nail right on the head from me now, but I just need to take them to heard and rely on him. I must say that this has been a very encouraging verse that I've needed to hear these last couple days because I've been pretty run down by he has blessed me greatly and continues to renew my spirit with his word. What a blessing!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Psalm 2
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
“Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
(Psalm 2:2-3 ESV)
While this may seen like an odd passage to pick as something that stood out to me, this reminded me a lot of Romans 12:14 that I was reading earlier today:
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
(Romans 12:14 ESV)
When I first read this, I had to really think about it for a while because I have been convicted a lot on this concept of showing God's love to all people lately and trying to let that manifest itself in my life. But I was having a really difficult time imagining myself being able to not only forgive but bless someone who might persecute me for what I believe in. Not only am I a little afraid of this type of situation arising, but I feel like I would have a difficult time holding back my anger. I would like to think that I would be able to contain my anger so to not respond in cursing or hatred, but it is a difficult command to stop that anger from welling up in our hearts and instead, ask God to bless them. This is why I think it is particularly fitting that it repeats itself. It's like Paul is saying, "that's right, you read that correct. Bless, not curse."
I think this was also really weighing hard on me as I thought about the persecution that may come in our lives as we stand up for what we believe in. I often struggle with my fear of confrontation which many times causes me to stay quiet even when I disagree with something that is being said because it is easier to stand idly by than speak up and challenge someone. Part of it can be attributed to a desire to please people/for acceptance and probably part for fear of being challenged on something myself and not being able to successfully defend my point. I often pray for boldness and courage that I may not deny what I truly believe in and that the Lord will give me strength not to back down when given the opportunity to proclaim his message. Which also reminds me of Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
(Joshua 1:9 NIV)
So anyways, I will leave yall with that and just ask that you pray for me on these things, and I will continue praying for you as well.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Psalm 1
I figured that while we're picking out the next book, we can transition by reading through a few Psalms. So today we're looking at Psalm 1. If there is a different Psalm that is speaking to you today, you're welcome to post on it instead, and we'll continue with this through the weekend as I'll send out some options for the next book.
but his delight is in the law of the Lord , and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalms 1:2, 3 ESV)
I like how this psalm was convicting in its talk of evildoers and judgement but also encouraging as it starts in verses 2 and 3. For we all hopefully are at least understanding and feeling some of that desire to walk in the way of the Lord, and here it talks about the promises that parallel that. I also enjoy the visual of mediating on the law and instructions of the Lord day and night as we try to better know and understand God (Maybe it's just the nerd in me). That's why I think it's very important, no matter the circumstances, to make time for God day and night so that we put him in the place of honor where he belongs in our lives rather than on the back burner for when I have extra time. As always, this is much easier said than done, but we need to make sure this is a priority for us.
but his delight is in the law of the Lord , and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalms 1:2, 3 ESV)
I like how this psalm was convicting in its talk of evildoers and judgement but also encouraging as it starts in verses 2 and 3. For we all hopefully are at least understanding and feeling some of that desire to walk in the way of the Lord, and here it talks about the promises that parallel that. I also enjoy the visual of mediating on the law and instructions of the Lord day and night as we try to better know and understand God (Maybe it's just the nerd in me). That's why I think it's very important, no matter the circumstances, to make time for God day and night so that we put him in the place of honor where he belongs in our lives rather than on the back burner for when I have extra time. As always, this is much easier said than done, but we need to make sure this is a priority for us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)