Leadership and being an effective leader has been a recent issue that has come up in my life on several fronts. The first front is meeting a new person who is in leadership training of sorts, at least its a topic he is taking a class in. Another front is watching the leadership of my place of work, and some of their actions. Finally there is my leadership, since I am in a position of that kind of sorts. I almost forgot - our national leadership.
This has led me to think of the guidelines in Timothy and Titus (Bible) for leaders. Also of the passage in Isaiah about they will be led by children. If the proper credentials (Bible ones) of a leader are not there then it will be just like being led by a child. There is also Jesus example of leadership- being a servant to those under you. That is rarely seen today. I'm also reading in Jeremiah, and those times prior to Babylonian overthrow of Judah are much like the times we live in today.
I'm teaching a math class this summer and I was thinking about the need to pray for my students. Some come in and try to do the minimum to get by, others have family and personal life issues that are not conducive to being successful in class. Its a wide range and throw in the fact that they need different amounts of help. Some younger students have only forgotten the concepts, and pick back up on them quickly. Other students have never seen the concepts and it takes them longer to grasp and apply them.
One of my strategies I am planning to use is to post a math problem every day, or have a quiz every day, to make that their HW grade. God has recently led me to the knowledge to be able to do that, I just hope I will follow through effectively.
I got thinking about infinity. I thought God is infinity in math terms. We can catch a glimpse, but can never fully understand or comprehend. Then I thought about ways to define infinity, and one of my favorite ways to consider it is 1/0. Technically and this is taught by math instructors the world over "division by zero is undefined", "not allowed", I don't know what you have heard. It is precisely true - we cannot define God, so I like it.
God is the "one", He can be more than that but He says "I am", He exists. We (all humans everywhere are the zero. Without God we are but a bucket of dust (just add water). When we place God over us (1/0 -His rightful position) then infinity is possible, anything and all things are possible. When we try and put ourselves over God (0/1) we have exactly zero or nothing, as any math person will tell you.
The neat thing is that God truly is everywhere in our lives. We try an compartmentalize our spiritual life and keep it separate from our secular life, but we cannot. He brought this to my attention today, and I'm so grateful for it.
The other thing that came to mind is our need to find truth. I'm starting Jeremiah 9 and its about how we as people tell lies. We do it so often and so well we lose sight of the truth. We must go to God to find truth and no other. Why no other? Because the truth is another person may really be convincing, but a liar just the same. Parents can lie to you (most don't have that intention, but it is possible), grandparents, good friends, etc. The only Persons you can trust is the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The only thing we can truly trust is our time spent with God and what He tells us.
Another thought I've been contemplating is this: if you are dis-satisfied with another person (spouse, mom, dad, child, co-worker) and you complain about this person, are you not acting out of selfishness and pride? The reason I say this is because God has been merciful to us, each of us has broken the 10 commandments (probably several- maybe close to all), so we deserve a life of misery. Justice would dictate we deserve punishment, yet God is merciful and places good things in out lives. Your spouse, child, parents, may not be perfect and probably are far from it, but they have occasionally done nice things for you in all likelihood. Considering what you a sinner deserves, there has been blessing in your life and yet since those people aren't perfect you focus on the times they let you down, so I ask my question again - are you being selfish and prideful? Are you dis-satisfied with the blessings God has given you because it isn't enough (as many or the kind you want)?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Between Isaiah and Jeremiah and before our Wednesday night activities ended for the summer, our group studied Collosians. In looking in my New testament notes, I noticed that I hadn't made notes on Collosians, So I took it as God's perfect timing.
I've been delayed in posting these notes due to the end of the semester seriousness at work. I'm getting around to it though.
The youth showed a movie, and we had praise and worship that prevented our group from meeting for Jeremiah.
All in all - just busy.
Col 1
Its interesting that although Paul didn't start this church, or ever meet them, he took their profession of faith as being legitimate. He prayed for these people that their walk with God would be wonderful. What a wonderful example of un-selfishness, and un-selfcenteredness. Praying for those you don't personally know and wanting the very best for them. Its also an example of realizing He did not know the hearts of these people, but that God did. Do we really know anyone's heart- only God does.
Now an incomparable Christ, these folks had had some influences that had caused Jesus to be on the same level of comparison to other influential people. Paul is telling them that Jesus is God and He is above others to such an extent that comparison takes away from God, and adds to the stature of those compared to God. They were not placing an emphasis on God, He may have been a part of their lives, but He was not the focus. Do we do that today?
God through Jesus created everything, and then He Himself poured Himself into flesh to dwell among men, and gain their redemption.
We formerly are ignorant of God and consequently do our own things. Once we realize our nature we must cling to Him. Paul rejoices in his sufferings for another's sake. This sounds to me like a sacrficial suffering, a giving up of something for the good of others. Do we do that? Do we risk our own suffering for the good of others?
We should proclaim Jesus and admonish men to turn to Christ through God's power. Its our great commission, and just like Paul was sent we are sent. Furthermore we don't haveto be the center of the world, but God is. Others are working where we are not.
The mystery spoken of in this chapter that Jesus in us, the hope of glory. God kept it from the saints, and satan thought by killing Jesus (who really gave up His life) he would thwart God's plan.
Col 2
Paul struggled for those he had not met. He is calling for unity- where does unity in a church come from? focusing on Christ- making Him the leader.
Christ is the source of ALL wisdom and knowledge. So things are to be measured against God's word, in this way we can't be deluded. People who hide things and "roll them out" it just isn't scriptural.
He rejoices in the Spirit, and warns about becoming a captive of the traditions of men. Or men's deception and empty philosophy.
Christ alone makes us complete, not our educational level, or our work. Our baptism is our action of acceptance of Christ's work on the cross. Men could torture him, brutalize Him, and nail Him to a cross, but He was still in control. He gave up His spirit. He came back. Men are helpless against the will of God, but we don't like to admit it.
Yet we still listen to men rather than God. We should seek that fellowship with Him in all things. Do we. Certainly we should obey those in authority over us (it is commanded) but God will also (if we let Him and listen for Him) reinforce the things that He wants. Wouldn't it be a joy to have a boss ask you to do something, and at the same time hear God reinforcing that you should indeed do what is asked. I think this is why the apostles asked should they follow God or man? They were pointing out that there should be agreement. If there is not it can be a witnessing opportunity, and definitely a prayer topic.
In 1 Cor 10:13 it speaks of temptations, temptations allow us to get better, they are a test review, allow us to see different variations of God's word and His ways. The comforting part is we won't actually be tempted beyond our ability to handle it for God is watching out for us.
This chapter speaks of focus, we should be Christ focused and not our works, not our suffering (self focused), and certainly not comparing our walk to that of
another.
If Christ asks you to do something will He be with you? -YES
If you are focused on others, are you focused on Christ? - NO
If you are focused on the task at hand, or the fear of an upcoming trial, are
you focused on Christ? -NO
If you are focused on a specific goal personal and not Christ's) are you
focused on Christ? - NO
If you submit to the decrees of others- are you focused on Christ? - NO We
should submit to authority, but in checking with Christ.
If we focus on Christ only then fleshly indulgence be removed. Focus on Him.
Focus on Christ
Col 3
He continues the focus theme, having Paul admonish us to focus on Heaven and His kingdom, On His son Christ. We are to set our minds on the things above - not on earth.
A life hidden with Christ, this means we have given up all of our self focus for and have focused our efforts on doing His work. In glory we will be revealed. A focus on our self leads to fleshly results. The selfishness of the world will be what brings about God's wrath. Debt, spending future earnings for pleasures now is really very selfish.
Selfishness is something we all have exhibited, and we still have to be aware of its effects. Most pronounced is that it takes our focus off of God.
Selfishness brings about anger - you hurt me,
I'm going to get you back - is an exhibition of wrath. Maybe done
malice and slander (gossip). It all stems from a "me" focus and a "me" interest. Don't lie is commanded - If our old self is truly laid aside, why would we need to lie? Or even feel the need to lie?
If we let God renew us- through learning about Him (which takes action and effort on our part), and then we let God lead us. Physical differences between people fade. Race prejudice goes away.
One of the themes that is often brought to my attention is the way people get to where they don't care for each other. lame is often fixed on the other person, "he did this", "she said that" and it reminds me of just how self focused we are. Consider for a moment eternity and spending it with that person you "hate" or "don't care to be around", or "I can't forgive". I'm sure the argument came to your mind that you are "not" the problem, and it is the other person. I'm sure examples came to mind of actions they have done that convince you that their heart is not where it needs to be. Your's however is in the right place - isn't it?
God's prescription: put on a heart of compassion. Now this sounds good but how? Give up self interests and its easy to do. Let the "hurt" go, holding onto it is selfish. Not letting go of self interests make putting on a heart of compassion impossible (at least very hard).
Bear other's burdens - forgiving - who and what you need to let go of in order to give up your self. Once you die to self (ever heard that?) then you can forgive. Love brings about unity.
More on how to give up self- let the word of Christ dwell within you, you have to act (study) to get it there. It gets there through study.
Then once selfishness is rejected and Christ's ways adopted, do everything for the Lord as unto the Lord- What do you get? Why do you care- your selfish ways have been rejected. Back to the person(s) you don't care for, God is a part of the relationship, and if you let Him (by rejecting your selfish wants) he will lead you. He will steer you if you let Him. This is "doing His work", this is hiding yourself in Christ. This is the only way we can be assured we don't do wrong.
Col 4
In a submitted position (we realize we have a Master), and we will grant justice and fairness. We will also constantly be in fellowship with Him (in prayer), and we will exhibit the attitude of thanksgiving. In this submitted position and consequently an attitude of prayer, we will then be in position for God to use us for His glory and act through us. He will put the words in our mouths. This comes from prayer.
If we do all this what happens? We will feel lonely, like we are the only ones. Part of that is our selfishness trying to sneak back in. Part of that is assuming we can know the hearts of other - which we cannot. So how does Paul end the letter? by reminding them that they are not alone in their walk. We not alone either, many people are praying for us, we don't even know who. What parent doesn't pray and want the best for their children? What spouses don't want the best each other? Children even pray for their parents. That is just immediate family. There is then those in your extended family, and those in your church family. You are not alone.
I've been delayed in posting these notes due to the end of the semester seriousness at work. I'm getting around to it though.
The youth showed a movie, and we had praise and worship that prevented our group from meeting for Jeremiah.
All in all - just busy.
Col 1
Its interesting that although Paul didn't start this church, or ever meet them, he took their profession of faith as being legitimate. He prayed for these people that their walk with God would be wonderful. What a wonderful example of un-selfishness, and un-selfcenteredness. Praying for those you don't personally know and wanting the very best for them. Its also an example of realizing He did not know the hearts of these people, but that God did. Do we really know anyone's heart- only God does.
Now an incomparable Christ, these folks had had some influences that had caused Jesus to be on the same level of comparison to other influential people. Paul is telling them that Jesus is God and He is above others to such an extent that comparison takes away from God, and adds to the stature of those compared to God. They were not placing an emphasis on God, He may have been a part of their lives, but He was not the focus. Do we do that today?
God through Jesus created everything, and then He Himself poured Himself into flesh to dwell among men, and gain their redemption.
We formerly are ignorant of God and consequently do our own things. Once we realize our nature we must cling to Him. Paul rejoices in his sufferings for another's sake. This sounds to me like a sacrficial suffering, a giving up of something for the good of others. Do we do that? Do we risk our own suffering for the good of others?
We should proclaim Jesus and admonish men to turn to Christ through God's power. Its our great commission, and just like Paul was sent we are sent. Furthermore we don't haveto be the center of the world, but God is. Others are working where we are not.
The mystery spoken of in this chapter that Jesus in us, the hope of glory. God kept it from the saints, and satan thought by killing Jesus (who really gave up His life) he would thwart God's plan.
Col 2
Paul struggled for those he had not met. He is calling for unity- where does unity in a church come from? focusing on Christ- making Him the leader.
Christ is the source of ALL wisdom and knowledge. So things are to be measured against God's word, in this way we can't be deluded. People who hide things and "roll them out" it just isn't scriptural.
He rejoices in the Spirit, and warns about becoming a captive of the traditions of men. Or men's deception and empty philosophy.
Christ alone makes us complete, not our educational level, or our work. Our baptism is our action of acceptance of Christ's work on the cross. Men could torture him, brutalize Him, and nail Him to a cross, but He was still in control. He gave up His spirit. He came back. Men are helpless against the will of God, but we don't like to admit it.
Yet we still listen to men rather than God. We should seek that fellowship with Him in all things. Do we. Certainly we should obey those in authority over us (it is commanded) but God will also (if we let Him and listen for Him) reinforce the things that He wants. Wouldn't it be a joy to have a boss ask you to do something, and at the same time hear God reinforcing that you should indeed do what is asked. I think this is why the apostles asked should they follow God or man? They were pointing out that there should be agreement. If there is not it can be a witnessing opportunity, and definitely a prayer topic.
In 1 Cor 10:13 it speaks of temptations, temptations allow us to get better, they are a test review, allow us to see different variations of God's word and His ways. The comforting part is we won't actually be tempted beyond our ability to handle it for God is watching out for us.
This chapter speaks of focus, we should be Christ focused and not our works, not our suffering (self focused), and certainly not comparing our walk to that of
another.
If Christ asks you to do something will He be with you? -YES
If you are focused on others, are you focused on Christ? - NO
If you are focused on the task at hand, or the fear of an upcoming trial, are
you focused on Christ? -NO
If you are focused on a specific goal personal and not Christ's) are you
focused on Christ? - NO
If you submit to the decrees of others- are you focused on Christ? - NO We
should submit to authority, but in checking with Christ.
If we focus on Christ only then fleshly indulgence be removed. Focus on Him.
Focus on Christ
Col 3
He continues the focus theme, having Paul admonish us to focus on Heaven and His kingdom, On His son Christ. We are to set our minds on the things above - not on earth.
A life hidden with Christ, this means we have given up all of our self focus for and have focused our efforts on doing His work. In glory we will be revealed. A focus on our self leads to fleshly results. The selfishness of the world will be what brings about God's wrath. Debt, spending future earnings for pleasures now is really very selfish.
Selfishness is something we all have exhibited, and we still have to be aware of its effects. Most pronounced is that it takes our focus off of God.
Selfishness brings about anger - you hurt me,
I'm going to get you back - is an exhibition of wrath. Maybe done
malice and slander (gossip). It all stems from a "me" focus and a "me" interest. Don't lie is commanded - If our old self is truly laid aside, why would we need to lie? Or even feel the need to lie?
If we let God renew us- through learning about Him (which takes action and effort on our part), and then we let God lead us. Physical differences between people fade. Race prejudice goes away.
One of the themes that is often brought to my attention is the way people get to where they don't care for each other. lame is often fixed on the other person, "he did this", "she said that" and it reminds me of just how self focused we are. Consider for a moment eternity and spending it with that person you "hate" or "don't care to be around", or "I can't forgive". I'm sure the argument came to your mind that you are "not" the problem, and it is the other person. I'm sure examples came to mind of actions they have done that convince you that their heart is not where it needs to be. Your's however is in the right place - isn't it?
God's prescription: put on a heart of compassion. Now this sounds good but how? Give up self interests and its easy to do. Let the "hurt" go, holding onto it is selfish. Not letting go of self interests make putting on a heart of compassion impossible (at least very hard).
Bear other's burdens - forgiving - who and what you need to let go of in order to give up your self. Once you die to self (ever heard that?) then you can forgive. Love brings about unity.
More on how to give up self- let the word of Christ dwell within you, you have to act (study) to get it there. It gets there through study.
Then once selfishness is rejected and Christ's ways adopted, do everything for the Lord as unto the Lord- What do you get? Why do you care- your selfish ways have been rejected. Back to the person(s) you don't care for, God is a part of the relationship, and if you let Him (by rejecting your selfish wants) he will lead you. He will steer you if you let Him. This is "doing His work", this is hiding yourself in Christ. This is the only way we can be assured we don't do wrong.
Col 4
In a submitted position (we realize we have a Master), and we will grant justice and fairness. We will also constantly be in fellowship with Him (in prayer), and we will exhibit the attitude of thanksgiving. In this submitted position and consequently an attitude of prayer, we will then be in position for God to use us for His glory and act through us. He will put the words in our mouths. This comes from prayer.
If we do all this what happens? We will feel lonely, like we are the only ones. Part of that is our selfishness trying to sneak back in. Part of that is assuming we can know the hearts of other - which we cannot. So how does Paul end the letter? by reminding them that they are not alone in their walk. We not alone either, many people are praying for us, we don't even know who. What parent doesn't pray and want the best for their children? What spouses don't want the best each other? Children even pray for their parents. That is just immediate family. There is then those in your extended family, and those in your church family. You are not alone.
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