SOAP - Help me see the first step
Scripture
2 Corinthians 8:13-15, 9:7,11 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." ... Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ... You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion...
Observation
Paul is encouraging the generosity of the Corinthians.
Application
In parts of what Paul is saying it sounds like the Corinthians have been very generous in the past and have over time become less generous. I can totally believe that. For the most part I've not been frustrated by the gifts I feel called to give, but there are certainly times when I think of things I'd like to have, places I'd like to go and focus on that giving... thinking that if I had some of that back I could do the fun things I want to. That's not really what spoke to me in this scripture, just something I noticed that I can relate to. Anyway, it's the words "but that there might be equality" that get me. Yikes! Really? We are all meant to give such that among everyone there is equality? Among the whole world? I feel like God is calling me to give more, maybe time, maybe money, resources, who knows what. But when I think of giving all I can see is the overwhelming picture of trying to make the whole world equal. And that is totally unapproachable to me. I know there is a smaller step out there somewhere. That is where I need to start.
Prayer
Dear Lord, please help me see the smaller picture of where I can increase my giving. Help me see the first step to take. Forgive me for my resistance to being generous. Lord help me have a generous heart. Thank you Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Let light shine out of darkness...
SOAP - Let light shine out of darkness
Scripture
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Observation
I think Paul is telling about how God has helped them in their ministry.
Application
I think for my this kind of goes along with what I wrote the other day about love. My love is pathetic... God's love is amazing and he helps us share his love with people. In this case I figure without God we just have darkness, but he fills us with light so that we can help each other and share his light and his love. I think I have a bad habit of thinking that every kind thing I do or say has to feel a certain way, like I should always enjoy it and if I'm not enjoying it then I won't bother to do it. But I feel like God wants me to still reach out and try to help someone, still reach out and try to love someone even when my heart feels like it is filled with darkness. He can make his light shine out of the darkness. It might be hard for me. And maybe when I'm not feeling great I'd rather just do nothing, but I know that God is not sitting around waiting for me to be perfect before he can use me. He wants to use all of us right now just the way we are. If we have shortcomings, he's God, he's not gonna have any trouble making up the difference. So what does God want me to be doing? Hmmm... I'll put some thought into that. :-)
Prayer
Dear Lord, I am often afraid that my efforts will be messed up by any kind of darkness that might be within me. I know that is silly because you can make your light shine out of the darkness. Lord yesterday I heard a great sermon, some other great mini sermons, great music and felt very close to you and lifted by your love. I feel like there were some messages for me throughout the day. And I pray that you would help me see what they were. They are not all clear now, but with some prayer and reflection I think there is great value to be found from yesterday. Lord please help me find that value, your message. Thank you. Amen.
Scripture
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Observation
I think Paul is telling about how God has helped them in their ministry.
Application
I think for my this kind of goes along with what I wrote the other day about love. My love is pathetic... God's love is amazing and he helps us share his love with people. In this case I figure without God we just have darkness, but he fills us with light so that we can help each other and share his light and his love. I think I have a bad habit of thinking that every kind thing I do or say has to feel a certain way, like I should always enjoy it and if I'm not enjoying it then I won't bother to do it. But I feel like God wants me to still reach out and try to help someone, still reach out and try to love someone even when my heart feels like it is filled with darkness. He can make his light shine out of the darkness. It might be hard for me. And maybe when I'm not feeling great I'd rather just do nothing, but I know that God is not sitting around waiting for me to be perfect before he can use me. He wants to use all of us right now just the way we are. If we have shortcomings, he's God, he's not gonna have any trouble making up the difference. So what does God want me to be doing? Hmmm... I'll put some thought into that. :-)
Prayer
Dear Lord, I am often afraid that my efforts will be messed up by any kind of darkness that might be within me. I know that is silly because you can make your light shine out of the darkness. Lord yesterday I heard a great sermon, some other great mini sermons, great music and felt very close to you and lifted by your love. I feel like there were some messages for me throughout the day. And I pray that you would help me see what they were. They are not all clear now, but with some prayer and reflection I think there is great value to be found from yesterday. Lord please help me find that value, your message. Thank you. Amen.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Each one is beautiful!
SOAP - Each one is beautiful!
Scripture
1 Corinthians 15:39-41 All flesh is not the same: Men have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.
Observation
Ok, I confess, I'm not entirely sure what Paul was trying to explain here. :-)
Application
For me, this scripture makes me think of the beauty of all of God's creation. No two people are the same. Each one is beautiful. We live in a beautiful part of the world. We are surrounded in nature by beauty. And it all reminds me of God and how awesome he is.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray that you would help me appreciate the unique beauty of all of your creation, all the people who's paths I cross in life. Each one is beautiful and as John said a few weeks back, each one is your masterpiece. Lord it seems difficult to tell people about your amazing love and tell people that they are beautiful, they are your masterpiece... when we don't treat them that way. Lord help me see how I should treat the people I cross paths with everyday and also my loved ones. Help me help them see that they are all beautiful. :-) Thank you Lord, Amen.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 15:39-41 All flesh is not the same: Men have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.
Observation
Ok, I confess, I'm not entirely sure what Paul was trying to explain here. :-)
Application
For me, this scripture makes me think of the beauty of all of God's creation. No two people are the same. Each one is beautiful. We live in a beautiful part of the world. We are surrounded in nature by beauty. And it all reminds me of God and how awesome he is.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray that you would help me appreciate the unique beauty of all of your creation, all the people who's paths I cross in life. Each one is beautiful and as John said a few weeks back, each one is your masterpiece. Lord it seems difficult to tell people about your amazing love and tell people that they are beautiful, they are your masterpiece... when we don't treat them that way. Lord help me see how I should treat the people I cross paths with everyday and also my loved ones. Help me help them see that they are all beautiful. :-) Thank you Lord, Amen.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Love!
SOAP - Love!
Scripture
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...
Observation
Paul's description of love.
Application
I remember the first time I studied this scripture as an adult. It hit me pretty hard. I read it and thought "Oh no, I don't love anyone... ". I felt really really bad that even though I claimed to love my friends and family, in reality, my love didn't look much like this at all. I suppose it still doesn't. I guess the way I see it is that our human love falls short, and this scripture is telling about God's amazing love. And God gives us his love to use to love our families, friends, even total strangers. For me, it seems like this is the greatest gift God can give me. My love is so pathetic. I desperately need his. I'm honored that he would love me and also share his love with me so that I can love others with this amazing love. This is often the saddest place where I see the effects of my choosing my own way, ignoring his guidance in my life. The more little steps I take away from him, the more I am left with only my own love to give, and that's pretty harsh. I need his love to give my family, my friends and those strangers that cut me off in traffic. His love is amazing. :-)
Prayer
Dear Lord. Thank you that you would even consider loving me and sharing your love with me. Thank you so much for the times when, through your love, I can love people in a way similar to what this scripture describes. I pray that you would help me open my heart to you, to receive your amazing love and love people more and more like Paul says we can. Thank you Lord, thank you so very much. Amen.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...
Observation
Paul's description of love.
Application
I remember the first time I studied this scripture as an adult. It hit me pretty hard. I read it and thought "Oh no, I don't love anyone... ". I felt really really bad that even though I claimed to love my friends and family, in reality, my love didn't look much like this at all. I suppose it still doesn't. I guess the way I see it is that our human love falls short, and this scripture is telling about God's amazing love. And God gives us his love to use to love our families, friends, even total strangers. For me, it seems like this is the greatest gift God can give me. My love is so pathetic. I desperately need his. I'm honored that he would love me and also share his love with me so that I can love others with this amazing love. This is often the saddest place where I see the effects of my choosing my own way, ignoring his guidance in my life. The more little steps I take away from him, the more I am left with only my own love to give, and that's pretty harsh. I need his love to give my family, my friends and those strangers that cut me off in traffic. His love is amazing. :-)
Prayer
Dear Lord. Thank you that you would even consider loving me and sharing your love with me. Thank you so much for the times when, through your love, I can love people in a way similar to what this scripture describes. I pray that you would help me open my heart to you, to receive your amazing love and love people more and more like Paul says we can. Thank you Lord, thank you so very much. Amen.
Each of us for the common good
Job 37, 38
1 Corinthians 12
SOAP - Each of us for the common good
Scripture
1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the spirit is given for the common good.
Observation
Paul is telling the Corinthians that the Lord blesses each of us with gifts of different abilities all to be used for the good of everyone.
Application
We've probably all been part of Bible studies or read stuff about spiritual gifts. I know I have. I could probably use a refresher course. Right now I just like this scripture because I like the idea of working for the common good and I like it that it says "to each one". I'm really not sure what spiritual gift I may have. But for some reason this scripture offers me reassurance that there is something he's wanting me to do, and he's given me what I need to be able to do it. I personally think there are tons of different kinds of spiritual gifts. And maybe some people that have a combination of gifts instead of one in particular. As I said, I really have no idea what mine might be... tempted to think mine varies a good bit. And I'm also tempted to think that the "gifts" I have now are very different than the gifts I had five years ago, and that five years from now, they will have changed again. I know I can't be a pastor's wife and stay as shy as I'd like to. God's already worked on me a lot there and shows no sign of stopping. Anyway, like I said, this scripture is comfort to me in a time when things have been changing a lot in my life. And it's also exciting to know God is working in my life and to think of "working for the common good". I hope my response to his efforts will be good and not resistance.
Prayer
Dear Lord. Thank you for the work you've done in my life, the work you are doing in my life and all the you have planned. It's kinda crazy to me that you would care about this little random life out there... thanks for that. I pray that you would help me as I try to follow you and learn about the person you want me to be. Amen.
1 Corinthians 12
SOAP - Each of us for the common good
Scripture
1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the spirit is given for the common good.
Observation
Paul is telling the Corinthians that the Lord blesses each of us with gifts of different abilities all to be used for the good of everyone.
Application
We've probably all been part of Bible studies or read stuff about spiritual gifts. I know I have. I could probably use a refresher course. Right now I just like this scripture because I like the idea of working for the common good and I like it that it says "to each one". I'm really not sure what spiritual gift I may have. But for some reason this scripture offers me reassurance that there is something he's wanting me to do, and he's given me what I need to be able to do it. I personally think there are tons of different kinds of spiritual gifts. And maybe some people that have a combination of gifts instead of one in particular. As I said, I really have no idea what mine might be... tempted to think mine varies a good bit. And I'm also tempted to think that the "gifts" I have now are very different than the gifts I had five years ago, and that five years from now, they will have changed again. I know I can't be a pastor's wife and stay as shy as I'd like to. God's already worked on me a lot there and shows no sign of stopping. Anyway, like I said, this scripture is comfort to me in a time when things have been changing a lot in my life. And it's also exciting to know God is working in my life and to think of "working for the common good". I hope my response to his efforts will be good and not resistance.
Prayer
Dear Lord. Thank you for the work you've done in my life, the work you are doing in my life and all the you have planned. It's kinda crazy to me that you would care about this little random life out there... thanks for that. I pray that you would help me as I try to follow you and learn about the person you want me to be. Amen.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
For the good of others
Psalm 122
1 Corinthians 9-11
SOAP - For the good of others
Scripture
1 Corinthians 10:24&31 Nobody should seek his own good but the good of others. So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Observation
I think in this part of 1 Corinthians Paul is telling them that it's ok to eat things you wouldn't normally eat if it makes sense at the time in order to help minister to someone about God. I guess that probably applies to other aspects of life as well. If someone invites you to a meal and you want to tell them about the Lord, it's probably not going to go over all that well if you refuse to eat the meal they've made for you. You don't have to follow some strict set of rules all the time, just be sure that what you are doing is for God's glory. That is the impression I get from this scripture... maybe it means something totally different? Anyone know?
Application
Sometime over the last few days my mind has totally shutdown and cannot seem to come up with words to say about any of this scripture. I don't know if it's just scripture that doesn't speak to me strongly or what. I thought if I started writing today something would come to me but it really hasn't. I'm really looking forward to Thursday because I think getting together to talk about what we've been reading helps me when I come to a standstill. Anyway, I do hope that as I go about my days I can do things for the good of others instead of my own good, even when it's not easy. And I hope that I can take notice of my actions and priorities in life and see if they are for the glory of God or just for the comfort and pleasure of Kristy.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I guess I'm kind of struggling right now, but I know you are there and I know you love me. I don't want to take my struggle as an opportunity to run around doing as I please. Lord I pray that you would help me live well for you even in times when it doesn't come easily. Thank you Lord for all that you do for us. Lord, the words are not there in my mouth to speak or write, but I pray that you would write your words on my heart that I may follow you. Amen.
1 Corinthians 9-11
SOAP - For the good of others
Scripture
1 Corinthians 10:24&31 Nobody should seek his own good but the good of others. So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Observation
I think in this part of 1 Corinthians Paul is telling them that it's ok to eat things you wouldn't normally eat if it makes sense at the time in order to help minister to someone about God. I guess that probably applies to other aspects of life as well. If someone invites you to a meal and you want to tell them about the Lord, it's probably not going to go over all that well if you refuse to eat the meal they've made for you. You don't have to follow some strict set of rules all the time, just be sure that what you are doing is for God's glory. That is the impression I get from this scripture... maybe it means something totally different? Anyone know?
Application
Sometime over the last few days my mind has totally shutdown and cannot seem to come up with words to say about any of this scripture. I don't know if it's just scripture that doesn't speak to me strongly or what. I thought if I started writing today something would come to me but it really hasn't. I'm really looking forward to Thursday because I think getting together to talk about what we've been reading helps me when I come to a standstill. Anyway, I do hope that as I go about my days I can do things for the good of others instead of my own good, even when it's not easy. And I hope that I can take notice of my actions and priorities in life and see if they are for the glory of God or just for the comfort and pleasure of Kristy.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I guess I'm kind of struggling right now, but I know you are there and I know you love me. I don't want to take my struggle as an opportunity to run around doing as I please. Lord I pray that you would help me live well for you even in times when it doesn't come easily. Thank you Lord for all that you do for us. Lord, the words are not there in my mouth to speak or write, but I pray that you would write your words on my heart that I may follow you. Amen.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Life by the Spirit
Job 31-33
Galatians 5-6
1 Corinthians 1-3
SOAP - Life by the Spirit
Scripture
Galatians 5-6 ... do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." ... Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the sinful nature. ... The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. ... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. ... Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Observation
Paul is trying to explain what a life lived for Christ is like.
Application
Unfortunately I definitely see the presence of more than a couple of the "acts of the sinful nature" in my life. The fruit of the Spirit is there too and in much greater amounts than it used to be. But I worry that too much of the good stuff is just in my head, a feeling rather than faith and love put into action. I supposedly feel love toward someone, but is it really love if it doesn't produce action. Can laziness be included in the acts of the sinful nature? Laziness and the ability to ignore the callings placed before us, whether it is the Lord telling us to help someone else, or the Lord telling us to make changes of our own. I definitely include laziness and willful avoidance in my sinful nature. What would my life look like if I had less of the sinful nature, and more of the fruit of the spirit put into action? How do I spend my time now? Mostly on myself? How would my priorities change? How would I spend my time then? All kinds of excuses to keep things just the way they are come to mind. I already feel pretty busy so I'm really reluctant to add more things to take up my time. But I know God will bless my efforts and it wouldn't surprise me at all to feel less busy when I'm spending more time serving the Lord. Of course now my question is, what should I do? And my answer is, I don't know, so I think I'll stick with "nothing". I know, that's not right. The answer is that you really can't go wrong with an attempt to serve others, so pick something, and get to it! Take steps in that direction and the path will become more clear as you go. Or perhaps God will just enjoy watching you randomly wander about trying to do the right thing... he's allowed to have a good laugh right? Anyway, the new Toby Mac song says it well... "If you gotta start somewhere why not here? If you gotta start sometime why not now? If we gotta start somewhere I say here. If we gotta start sometime I say now." :-)
Prayer
Dear Lord. I'm scared to tell you I'm going to put my faith into action, because that means I'll actually have to do it instead of just writing about it and continuing to avoid it. I know that laziness is keeping me here. I don't really feel scared but I suppose some amount of fear is keeping me here too. I know the excuse of not knowing what to do is no good. Dear Lord, I don't really know what to say. I want to trust you and I need your help. Lord I will find some new way to put my faith into action. Thank you Lord, Amen!
Galatians 5-6
1 Corinthians 1-3
SOAP - Life by the Spirit
Scripture
Galatians 5-6 ... do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." ... Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the sinful nature. ... The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. ... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. ... Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Observation
Paul is trying to explain what a life lived for Christ is like.
Application
Unfortunately I definitely see the presence of more than a couple of the "acts of the sinful nature" in my life. The fruit of the Spirit is there too and in much greater amounts than it used to be. But I worry that too much of the good stuff is just in my head, a feeling rather than faith and love put into action. I supposedly feel love toward someone, but is it really love if it doesn't produce action. Can laziness be included in the acts of the sinful nature? Laziness and the ability to ignore the callings placed before us, whether it is the Lord telling us to help someone else, or the Lord telling us to make changes of our own. I definitely include laziness and willful avoidance in my sinful nature. What would my life look like if I had less of the sinful nature, and more of the fruit of the spirit put into action? How do I spend my time now? Mostly on myself? How would my priorities change? How would I spend my time then? All kinds of excuses to keep things just the way they are come to mind. I already feel pretty busy so I'm really reluctant to add more things to take up my time. But I know God will bless my efforts and it wouldn't surprise me at all to feel less busy when I'm spending more time serving the Lord. Of course now my question is, what should I do? And my answer is, I don't know, so I think I'll stick with "nothing". I know, that's not right. The answer is that you really can't go wrong with an attempt to serve others, so pick something, and get to it! Take steps in that direction and the path will become more clear as you go. Or perhaps God will just enjoy watching you randomly wander about trying to do the right thing... he's allowed to have a good laugh right? Anyway, the new Toby Mac song says it well... "If you gotta start somewhere why not here? If you gotta start sometime why not now? If we gotta start somewhere I say here. If we gotta start sometime I say now." :-)
Prayer
Dear Lord. I'm scared to tell you I'm going to put my faith into action, because that means I'll actually have to do it instead of just writing about it and continuing to avoid it. I know that laziness is keeping me here. I don't really feel scared but I suppose some amount of fear is keeping me here too. I know the excuse of not knowing what to do is no good. Dear Lord, I don't really know what to say. I want to trust you and I need your help. Lord I will find some new way to put my faith into action. Thank you Lord, Amen!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Galatians!!!
Job 28-29
Galatians 1-2
Job 28:28 And he said to man, "The fear of the Lord - that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding." Thanks Lord for the reminder of what you've shown me in the past weeks about "fearing" you. :-)
SOAP - Galatians!!!
Sorry, this kinda turned into a rant...
Scripture
Galatians 1:6-7 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel, which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
Observation
Paul was teaching that we are saved by grace and can never earn God's love. Others were trying to tell the people that as Christians they still needed to follow the law in detail and had to earn their way into heaven. At the beginning of this letter Paul is trying to set straight some of the confusion between what he taught these people and what others are trying to teach them.
Application
I think this kind of confusion still happens a lot. There are parts of the Bible that make it sound like there is way more to it than grace. And there are parts that sound like grace is the only thing we need. And of course there is the thought that if we really have faith and believe in God's grace, God's love, Christ's sacrifice... our actions will change and we will in effect be following "the law". Actually in the present day it seems even more confusing because we want to love everyone, even when they are big time sinners. It's not our place to evaluate whether someone is a sinner, we are just supposed to love them. But then it's hard to keep from trying to "fix" people when we see the same sin in their lives that we've struggled with and see how much better our lives are now that we've let go of that sin. But we can't fix people, God does that part. I just know that I get confused. I've never been inclined to sit anyone down and point out their sins. But I do notice things going on in other peoples lives that I have struggled with too.
Actually, to me it's confusing for other reasons too. There are things God has convicted me of that I struggle with a lot. I really want to do the right thing. I really want to do what he has told me. But then I see what looks like entire congregations that are doing exactly what he's told me to avoid. And it makes me mad. Why should I have to struggle with this and yet he has apparently told this whole group of people not to worry about it? I don't understand the church's that have spent thousands of dollars on something like a cool lighting system, huge TV screens, extravagant decorations, etc., when two miles down the road there are homeless people out in the cold, hungry and freezing. There are probably even families within their own congregation that are struggling to get by. There are needs that are not being met everywhere we look! I'm not saying I use all that the Lord has blessed me with to feed the poor or help those in need, but I definitely feel a calling to improve there. So it confuses me when I see a church, an establishment I'd like to look to for guidance, that has embraced and attitude of glamour and self indulgence. To me, that is just confusing. I know the church won't be perfect and I try to keep from expecting it to be perfect, but I guess I want to look at it and see evidence that they are talking to the same God as I am. Ok, sorry for the rant. I know this is my problem and I shouldn't be worried about what other people are doing.
Prayer
Dear Lord. I get the feeling that the answer you have for me is that it doesn't matter what other people are doing. You are not asking me to serve you based on the actions of others, you are asking me to serve you based on what you've placed on my heart. Lord please help me stop looking at others and evaluating what they are doing. I know it serves no purpose. Lord I'm sorry that I'm so inclined to do that. Help me see clearly the things you have place on my heart. Thank you Lord for the many many blessings I have in this life. Thank you for your love and your grace. Amen.
Galatians 1-2
Job 28:28 And he said to man, "The fear of the Lord - that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding." Thanks Lord for the reminder of what you've shown me in the past weeks about "fearing" you. :-)
SOAP - Galatians!!!
Sorry, this kinda turned into a rant...
Scripture
Galatians 1:6-7 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel, which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
Observation
Paul was teaching that we are saved by grace and can never earn God's love. Others were trying to tell the people that as Christians they still needed to follow the law in detail and had to earn their way into heaven. At the beginning of this letter Paul is trying to set straight some of the confusion between what he taught these people and what others are trying to teach them.
Application
I think this kind of confusion still happens a lot. There are parts of the Bible that make it sound like there is way more to it than grace. And there are parts that sound like grace is the only thing we need. And of course there is the thought that if we really have faith and believe in God's grace, God's love, Christ's sacrifice... our actions will change and we will in effect be following "the law". Actually in the present day it seems even more confusing because we want to love everyone, even when they are big time sinners. It's not our place to evaluate whether someone is a sinner, we are just supposed to love them. But then it's hard to keep from trying to "fix" people when we see the same sin in their lives that we've struggled with and see how much better our lives are now that we've let go of that sin. But we can't fix people, God does that part. I just know that I get confused. I've never been inclined to sit anyone down and point out their sins. But I do notice things going on in other peoples lives that I have struggled with too.
Actually, to me it's confusing for other reasons too. There are things God has convicted me of that I struggle with a lot. I really want to do the right thing. I really want to do what he has told me. But then I see what looks like entire congregations that are doing exactly what he's told me to avoid. And it makes me mad. Why should I have to struggle with this and yet he has apparently told this whole group of people not to worry about it? I don't understand the church's that have spent thousands of dollars on something like a cool lighting system, huge TV screens, extravagant decorations, etc., when two miles down the road there are homeless people out in the cold, hungry and freezing. There are probably even families within their own congregation that are struggling to get by. There are needs that are not being met everywhere we look! I'm not saying I use all that the Lord has blessed me with to feed the poor or help those in need, but I definitely feel a calling to improve there. So it confuses me when I see a church, an establishment I'd like to look to for guidance, that has embraced and attitude of glamour and self indulgence. To me, that is just confusing. I know the church won't be perfect and I try to keep from expecting it to be perfect, but I guess I want to look at it and see evidence that they are talking to the same God as I am. Ok, sorry for the rant. I know this is my problem and I shouldn't be worried about what other people are doing.
Prayer
Dear Lord. I get the feeling that the answer you have for me is that it doesn't matter what other people are doing. You are not asking me to serve you based on the actions of others, you are asking me to serve you based on what you've placed on my heart. Lord please help me stop looking at others and evaluating what they are doing. I know it serves no purpose. Lord I'm sorry that I'm so inclined to do that. Help me see clearly the things you have place on my heart. Thank you Lord for the many many blessings I have in this life. Thank you for your love and your grace. Amen.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Thanks for the words!
SOAP - Thanks for the words!
Scripture
Mark 13:11 "Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given to you at the time, for it is not you speaking but the Holy Spirit."
Observation
Jesus is telling the disciples not to worry about knowing the right thing to say when they are arrested because the Holy Spirit will be there with them and give them the words they need.
Application
I like this scripture just because this has happened to me and every time I read it I am so thankful and it reminds me of a time when I felt like God was right there beside me. This summer I was kind of in charge of a big project at work. But in most of the meetings my boss had done all the talking. Well, we came to the day of a meeting that knew would be potentially nasty. I had been feeling sorry for her that she'd have to stand up to other peoples ideas at the meeting and try to convince everyone to go along with our plan. The meeting was about to start and she was not there. I don't remember where she was. I think she may have had to go to another meeting and trusted me to take care of things. I considered leaving and just dealing with the consequences of potentially losing my job. I did not want to go in there. It's not that I'm not good at meetings like that... I just flat out can't do it! But thankfully God went with me, gave me peace of mind, gave me the calm I needed to talk in front of people and gave me words to say so that I could be polite but still stand up to people. It was amazing. It really felt almost like I was just sitting back watching myself be guided by God. It's funny to me that I have this GREAT experience and yet I still hesitate in other areas of life when God gives me words to say, like when I feel him telling me I should talk to someone, try to be more outgoing, tell someone about our church. I still resist. I still cling to the shy personality that comes so easily to me. But I know God will give me words to say. And I know there is no greater thing than to serve the Lord and let his love speak through me.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you so very much for all that you have done for me. Thank you for being with me in that meeting and allowing me to be someone that I cannot be on my own. Lord I pray that you would help me have courage to be the person you are calling me to be all the time, not just when I've asked for your help, but also when you've asked me to do something for you. Thank you Lord. Amen.
Scripture
Mark 13:11 "Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given to you at the time, for it is not you speaking but the Holy Spirit."
Observation
Jesus is telling the disciples not to worry about knowing the right thing to say when they are arrested because the Holy Spirit will be there with them and give them the words they need.
Application
I like this scripture just because this has happened to me and every time I read it I am so thankful and it reminds me of a time when I felt like God was right there beside me. This summer I was kind of in charge of a big project at work. But in most of the meetings my boss had done all the talking. Well, we came to the day of a meeting that knew would be potentially nasty. I had been feeling sorry for her that she'd have to stand up to other peoples ideas at the meeting and try to convince everyone to go along with our plan. The meeting was about to start and she was not there. I don't remember where she was. I think she may have had to go to another meeting and trusted me to take care of things. I considered leaving and just dealing with the consequences of potentially losing my job. I did not want to go in there. It's not that I'm not good at meetings like that... I just flat out can't do it! But thankfully God went with me, gave me peace of mind, gave me the calm I needed to talk in front of people and gave me words to say so that I could be polite but still stand up to people. It was amazing. It really felt almost like I was just sitting back watching myself be guided by God. It's funny to me that I have this GREAT experience and yet I still hesitate in other areas of life when God gives me words to say, like when I feel him telling me I should talk to someone, try to be more outgoing, tell someone about our church. I still resist. I still cling to the shy personality that comes so easily to me. But I know God will give me words to say. And I know there is no greater thing than to serve the Lord and let his love speak through me.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you so very much for all that you have done for me. Thank you for being with me in that meeting and allowing me to be someone that I cannot be on my own. Lord I pray that you would help me have courage to be the person you are calling me to be all the time, not just when I've asked for your help, but also when you've asked me to do something for you. Thank you Lord. Amen.
The Fig Tree
SOAP - The Fig Tree
Scripture
Mark 11:13-14 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again."
Observation
I've always had trouble with this scripture. I'm a wimp so I feel sorry for the fig tree. The scripture says that it wasn't the season for figs, and yet Jesus gets mad at the tree for not having any figs. That seems a bit harsh to me.
Application
Thankfully, William Barclay has an explanation of this scripture that allows me to feel at least a little better about it. I kinda think I might be getting distracted by feeling sorry for a fig tree, and missing the point. Anyway, Barclay says that this scripture shows us two important things. 1) It shows us that uselessness invites disaster. Jesus needed food. The fig tree didn't have any so it was useless to him and thus was doomed. That's still pretty harsh to me. I feel pretty useless a lot of the time. But I also know that if I truly give all of myself to the Lord, I will not be useless at all. 2) (I like this explanation better) It also shows us that profession of faith without practice is condemned. The tree had leaves; the leaves represent a claim to have figs, but there were no figs and thus it's claim was false. Barclay notes that the profession of faith without practice has been throughout the ages the curse of the church. He also quotes Gandhi: "The congregation did not strike me as being particularly religious; they were not an assembly of devout souls, but appeared rather to be worldly-minded people going to church for recreation and in conformity to custom." This explanation gets through to me. I understand it. And it seems very applicable in life. I can't go around claiming to be a christian and then having my actions directly contradict that. I have to do my best to put my faith into practice. Of course I am not going to be perfect and neither is anyone else, but I can't just carelessly go about doing as I please.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for offering us the opportunity to serve you. I pray that you would give us courage and strength to do that even when it's so much easier to just go our own way. Give us a heart for you and a desire to go your way. Thank you. Amen.
Scripture
Mark 11:13-14 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again."
Observation
I've always had trouble with this scripture. I'm a wimp so I feel sorry for the fig tree. The scripture says that it wasn't the season for figs, and yet Jesus gets mad at the tree for not having any figs. That seems a bit harsh to me.
Application
Thankfully, William Barclay has an explanation of this scripture that allows me to feel at least a little better about it. I kinda think I might be getting distracted by feeling sorry for a fig tree, and missing the point. Anyway, Barclay says that this scripture shows us two important things. 1) It shows us that uselessness invites disaster. Jesus needed food. The fig tree didn't have any so it was useless to him and thus was doomed. That's still pretty harsh to me. I feel pretty useless a lot of the time. But I also know that if I truly give all of myself to the Lord, I will not be useless at all. 2) (I like this explanation better) It also shows us that profession of faith without practice is condemned. The tree had leaves; the leaves represent a claim to have figs, but there were no figs and thus it's claim was false. Barclay notes that the profession of faith without practice has been throughout the ages the curse of the church. He also quotes Gandhi: "The congregation did not strike me as being particularly religious; they were not an assembly of devout souls, but appeared rather to be worldly-minded people going to church for recreation and in conformity to custom." This explanation gets through to me. I understand it. And it seems very applicable in life. I can't go around claiming to be a christian and then having my actions directly contradict that. I have to do my best to put my faith into practice. Of course I am not going to be perfect and neither is anyone else, but I can't just carelessly go about doing as I please.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for offering us the opportunity to serve you. I pray that you would give us courage and strength to do that even when it's so much easier to just go our own way. Give us a heart for you and a desire to go your way. Thank you. Amen.
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