There was an interesting story on the news tonight, supposedly we may be capable of generating some kind of stem cells from our own body. I think its neat God has led scientists to this discovery. I also wonder if this technique would have been found if use of embryonic stem cells hadn't been opposed. We'll never know.
Christians being right, and God's ways being best just aren't seen as being politically correct in this day and age. I marvel at the way God set things up, and am regularly amazed at the faith it takes to deny Him. More it seems than the faith to accept Him.
Come quickly Lord, the world needs Your touch.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Absence or denial of God
All our troubles come about because of a lack of focus on God. I made that statement several years ago, and the more I live the more I see the truth of it. We need Him in our lives. I just read the passage about Zedekiah in Jeremiah. He was king, the city was surrounded and he met secretly to ask if Jeremiah had a message from God for him. Jeremiah did- surrender the city, Zedekiah would be protected and honored, and live out his life. Don't surrender the city, it would be burned, he would be killed and unburied, his family would be destroyed.
Looking at it from our side of scripture, the choice seems clear. Most of us would even boast that we would have done what God asked. Are you sure? Have you ever remembered a time when you felt God leading, and yet you didn't act? Maybe you listened to the dirty joke, maybe you continued the spread of what you realized was gossip. Why did you do those things? Were you afraid of what someone might think or do if you didn't "go along". Isn't that what Zedekiah did? He let his fear of man trump what God asked him to do, and we today in a lot of ways do just the same thing.
I see two reasons, our understanding of God is limited. Zedekiah believed God could not protect him from men. I see myself "called on the carpet" if I share my faith too much in class, and a student decides that he/she could use that to their advantage. I see the scene clearly. If God wants me to share to a lost and dying world, He probably will protect me, but I entertain doubt- like Zedekiah. Doubt leads to actions- a very true statement.
Health care has been in the news, and this is the example I've been thinking of that has brought me back to my original statement. We as a people have lost our focus on God. It is a tragedy that people suffer for lack of health care. It is even a greater tragedy that a lack of the knowledge of God is what is fueling this. People generally have denied God, or turned from Him leading them to the conclusion that this life is all there is. If that is so then "I" need to live as long as "I" can. Therefore "I" need health care. ("I" is there to emphasize a selfish voice).
Along another fork there is the mentality that since this life is it, I need to be rich. If "I" can sue a doctor for malpractice, then I'm set for life. Doctors are human, humans make mistakes, allowing for other humans to come along and take advantage of this. Do you know of any lawyers in Congress that have made part of their fortunes seeking damages to "injustices"? Isn't it interesting that their fee is based on settlement amount? Some doctors are careless, others make decisions that ultimately are incorrect. How this ties into health care costs is that those doctors are going to order every test possible in order to limit the possibility they are incorrect. These tests costs, which isn't a problem because if you have insurance they will "cover it".
Another fallacy "its covered". In order for insurance to work as designed more people have to pay in more than they will ever get back in claims. Also part of what is paid in goes to the salaries and overhead of the insurance companies. So paying for health care through insurance is more expensive than out of pocket as the need arises. Couple that with the prices of procedures and it becomes a runaway freight train.
"Government health care will let your doctor decide what is best for you"- this sounds wonderful, but what aren't they telling you? At some point your doctor may say its best for you to die, because its too expensive to treat you. To truly control costs procedures will be limited that someone decides would gain the most benefit.
I'm out in the weeds, if your focus is on God, and you have a relationship with Him, then you aren't self focused. You know there is life beyond this one, and you long for it. So why want to live as long as you can here? You realize doctors are human, and sometimes they make mistakes, and you aren't looking to be set for life (you and your children), so you wouldn't be looking to litigate. If you are a Christian doctor and you realize your mistake (or that someone is suffering) you are going to do your part to rectify that mistake in this lifetime. Litigation goes away from both sides. Malpractice insurance (with their premiums goes away)- health care costs are reduced. Lawyers have to get real jobs. Side note - lawyers should read through the Bible yearly- actually everyone should. See how the lack of focus on God has got us to where we are at? Both forks end at the Cross.
We need to be less like Zedekiah. I was going to say - "and more like the Apostle Paul", but he penned the lines about doing things he didn't want to, and not doing the things he should. He too was closer to the human condition than we sometimes want to acknowledge. The human condition of selfishness and this life focused- as opposed to God focused.
Looking at it from our side of scripture, the choice seems clear. Most of us would even boast that we would have done what God asked. Are you sure? Have you ever remembered a time when you felt God leading, and yet you didn't act? Maybe you listened to the dirty joke, maybe you continued the spread of what you realized was gossip. Why did you do those things? Were you afraid of what someone might think or do if you didn't "go along". Isn't that what Zedekiah did? He let his fear of man trump what God asked him to do, and we today in a lot of ways do just the same thing.
I see two reasons, our understanding of God is limited. Zedekiah believed God could not protect him from men. I see myself "called on the carpet" if I share my faith too much in class, and a student decides that he/she could use that to their advantage. I see the scene clearly. If God wants me to share to a lost and dying world, He probably will protect me, but I entertain doubt- like Zedekiah. Doubt leads to actions- a very true statement.
Health care has been in the news, and this is the example I've been thinking of that has brought me back to my original statement. We as a people have lost our focus on God. It is a tragedy that people suffer for lack of health care. It is even a greater tragedy that a lack of the knowledge of God is what is fueling this. People generally have denied God, or turned from Him leading them to the conclusion that this life is all there is. If that is so then "I" need to live as long as "I" can. Therefore "I" need health care. ("I" is there to emphasize a selfish voice).
Along another fork there is the mentality that since this life is it, I need to be rich. If "I" can sue a doctor for malpractice, then I'm set for life. Doctors are human, humans make mistakes, allowing for other humans to come along and take advantage of this. Do you know of any lawyers in Congress that have made part of their fortunes seeking damages to "injustices"? Isn't it interesting that their fee is based on settlement amount? Some doctors are careless, others make decisions that ultimately are incorrect. How this ties into health care costs is that those doctors are going to order every test possible in order to limit the possibility they are incorrect. These tests costs, which isn't a problem because if you have insurance they will "cover it".
Another fallacy "its covered". In order for insurance to work as designed more people have to pay in more than they will ever get back in claims. Also part of what is paid in goes to the salaries and overhead of the insurance companies. So paying for health care through insurance is more expensive than out of pocket as the need arises. Couple that with the prices of procedures and it becomes a runaway freight train.
"Government health care will let your doctor decide what is best for you"- this sounds wonderful, but what aren't they telling you? At some point your doctor may say its best for you to die, because its too expensive to treat you. To truly control costs procedures will be limited that someone decides would gain the most benefit.
I'm out in the weeds, if your focus is on God, and you have a relationship with Him, then you aren't self focused. You know there is life beyond this one, and you long for it. So why want to live as long as you can here? You realize doctors are human, and sometimes they make mistakes, and you aren't looking to be set for life (you and your children), so you wouldn't be looking to litigate. If you are a Christian doctor and you realize your mistake (or that someone is suffering) you are going to do your part to rectify that mistake in this lifetime. Litigation goes away from both sides. Malpractice insurance (with their premiums goes away)- health care costs are reduced. Lawyers have to get real jobs. Side note - lawyers should read through the Bible yearly- actually everyone should. See how the lack of focus on God has got us to where we are at? Both forks end at the Cross.
We need to be less like Zedekiah. I was going to say - "and more like the Apostle Paul", but he penned the lines about doing things he didn't want to, and not doing the things he should. He too was closer to the human condition than we sometimes want to acknowledge. The human condition of selfishness and this life focused- as opposed to God focused.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Two recent thought streams
Two things have been on my mind lately, and instead of continuing to mull them over, I thought I would share.
The first is the sanctuary temperature, but it could apply to your house, your business, your car. It is remarkable to observe people in the context of whether they feel they are too hot or too cold. Have you ever met anyone that was "just right" temperature wise. I regularly hear turn up the air (or down- the point being change the set point), because "I" am "burning up" or "I" am "cold". I feel the thermostat is set properly when I hear an equal number of requests for adjustment in opposite directions.
I've been told I over analyze so maybe I'm guilty. I'm starting to be more aware of the word "I". I am this, I want this, I think this. Can we really ever please "I"? Lets take the temperature and consider this. Instead of focusing on your own discomfort, consider this:
The temperature or environment could in some way clearly be worse- really hot, really cold, humid, in the sun, etc. So be thankful for the fact that it isn't.
The other thing is consider someone other than "I", are you willing to be a little hot if it means another person won't feel as cold? Or are you willing to be a little cold if it will make someone less hot.
This temperature discussion may seem silly but it is a pretty good indicator of how self focused a group of people tend to be. God in his wisdom even in families put this indicator. Are you willing to experience slight (compared to what it could be it is slight) discomfort in order that your brother or sister (wife, husband, child) will feel more comfortable.
Interesting....
Now for the other thought. I was reading in Jeremiah about Hannaniah the "prophet" who is as it turned out to be a false prophet that God let die. "False prophets" ordinarily ignored, considered in my mind to be people who "just don't know God", but then I wondered if I was one, and thought about the road that leads to that point.
A prophet is generally one that has messages from God for the people. That Hannaniah was called one to me indicates a history of some kind that he was recognized as hearing from God. Most of us don't get a label unless we have performed, or others have witnessed some evidence that supports the label. So someone recognized him as hearing from God - or at least there seemed to be evidence of it.
Well he then prophesizes good news - the Babylonian threat will be gone within two years and the temple restored, and treasures taken returned. In actual fact the temple was restored, and the treasures sent back. The only mis-information he proclaimed was the time frame. Instead of two years, it was actually after two generations of the king. So his prophecy wasn't as far off as you initially think, he got a word wrong. It was clearly false though.
Why did he say it, and he clearly said it with a passion. I wonder if he saw the truth (that the people would suffer and the city of Jerusalem would be destroyed) and talked himself into something other than what God had planned. All of us humans want to avoid suffering (then and today), I have heard recently of a statement that the rapture isn't clearly taught. Could it be that it won't happen, that I might have to endure the tribulation period -if that happens in my life time. Am "I" looking for the easy way out. Was Hannaniah so longing that Jerusalem would not be destroyed that he convinced himself of his position -even though it wasn't of God?
Of course the other side of the rapture coin is that - not expecting it, we don't have to prepare for Jesus' return. We don't have to live "ready", we don't have to be in a hurry to witness. That position also avoids human hardship or stress.
Back to Hannaniah, God let him die because he misled people. Was he misled by satan, similarly to the way Eve was in the garden? Satan confused Eve (and Adam) to the point where she acted on it resulting in her death.
OK I've over-analyzed enough. It is neat all the parallels in the Bible. The question remains - how do we not be misled. The people in Hannaniah's day listened to him, a part of them liked what they heard, so it became easier for them to believe him and agree with him. In our walks we also can be misled by people we think have God's message, that is a clear indicator of the need for us to seek God and personally learn to listen to Him on an individual level. Anything other than what we get ourselves from God could be misleading us.
Books written by Christian authors can be dangerous in this regard- read them yes, but ask God to confirm or deny for you - He will - He seeks relationship. I think the initial resistance to "anything but King James" is also a result of this (interesting that this came up last night), the reality that people can easily be misled by the works of man would naturally bring about resistance to a new version or versions of God's word. While it is possible for a Bible version or parts to be corrupted (unintentionally or intentionally) it is also possible that God actively protects His word.
He has definitely brought things to my mind when reading and contemplating His word. In many different versions too. The advice I heard once of "the best Bible version is the one YOU will read" is still true. God will speak to those who seek Him, He desires to.
The first is the sanctuary temperature, but it could apply to your house, your business, your car. It is remarkable to observe people in the context of whether they feel they are too hot or too cold. Have you ever met anyone that was "just right" temperature wise. I regularly hear turn up the air (or down- the point being change the set point), because "I" am "burning up" or "I" am "cold". I feel the thermostat is set properly when I hear an equal number of requests for adjustment in opposite directions.
I've been told I over analyze so maybe I'm guilty. I'm starting to be more aware of the word "I". I am this, I want this, I think this. Can we really ever please "I"? Lets take the temperature and consider this. Instead of focusing on your own discomfort, consider this:
The temperature or environment could in some way clearly be worse- really hot, really cold, humid, in the sun, etc. So be thankful for the fact that it isn't.
The other thing is consider someone other than "I", are you willing to be a little hot if it means another person won't feel as cold? Or are you willing to be a little cold if it will make someone less hot.
This temperature discussion may seem silly but it is a pretty good indicator of how self focused a group of people tend to be. God in his wisdom even in families put this indicator. Are you willing to experience slight (compared to what it could be it is slight) discomfort in order that your brother or sister (wife, husband, child) will feel more comfortable.
Interesting....
Now for the other thought. I was reading in Jeremiah about Hannaniah the "prophet" who is as it turned out to be a false prophet that God let die. "False prophets" ordinarily ignored, considered in my mind to be people who "just don't know God", but then I wondered if I was one, and thought about the road that leads to that point.
A prophet is generally one that has messages from God for the people. That Hannaniah was called one to me indicates a history of some kind that he was recognized as hearing from God. Most of us don't get a label unless we have performed, or others have witnessed some evidence that supports the label. So someone recognized him as hearing from God - or at least there seemed to be evidence of it.
Well he then prophesizes good news - the Babylonian threat will be gone within two years and the temple restored, and treasures taken returned. In actual fact the temple was restored, and the treasures sent back. The only mis-information he proclaimed was the time frame. Instead of two years, it was actually after two generations of the king. So his prophecy wasn't as far off as you initially think, he got a word wrong. It was clearly false though.
Why did he say it, and he clearly said it with a passion. I wonder if he saw the truth (that the people would suffer and the city of Jerusalem would be destroyed) and talked himself into something other than what God had planned. All of us humans want to avoid suffering (then and today), I have heard recently of a statement that the rapture isn't clearly taught. Could it be that it won't happen, that I might have to endure the tribulation period -if that happens in my life time. Am "I" looking for the easy way out. Was Hannaniah so longing that Jerusalem would not be destroyed that he convinced himself of his position -even though it wasn't of God?
Of course the other side of the rapture coin is that - not expecting it, we don't have to prepare for Jesus' return. We don't have to live "ready", we don't have to be in a hurry to witness. That position also avoids human hardship or stress.
Back to Hannaniah, God let him die because he misled people. Was he misled by satan, similarly to the way Eve was in the garden? Satan confused Eve (and Adam) to the point where she acted on it resulting in her death.
OK I've over-analyzed enough. It is neat all the parallels in the Bible. The question remains - how do we not be misled. The people in Hannaniah's day listened to him, a part of them liked what they heard, so it became easier for them to believe him and agree with him. In our walks we also can be misled by people we think have God's message, that is a clear indicator of the need for us to seek God and personally learn to listen to Him on an individual level. Anything other than what we get ourselves from God could be misleading us.
Books written by Christian authors can be dangerous in this regard- read them yes, but ask God to confirm or deny for you - He will - He seeks relationship. I think the initial resistance to "anything but King James" is also a result of this (interesting that this came up last night), the reality that people can easily be misled by the works of man would naturally bring about resistance to a new version or versions of God's word. While it is possible for a Bible version or parts to be corrupted (unintentionally or intentionally) it is also possible that God actively protects His word.
He has definitely brought things to my mind when reading and contemplating His word. In many different versions too. The advice I heard once of "the best Bible version is the one YOU will read" is still true. God will speak to those who seek Him, He desires to.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Another update
I feel led to. We have an intercessory prayer group at church, and we
meet on Tuesday night. After a discussion, and the naming of the sick
that were on our hearts to pray for, I was asked to pray. The words
came with difficulty. God can heal all those people, He wants to, but
often He doesn't - why?
meet on Tuesday night. After a discussion, and the naming of the sick
that were on our hearts to pray for, I was asked to pray. The words
came with difficulty. God can heal all those people, He wants to, but
often He doesn't - why?
Then in preparing my notes for Sunday night I opened to Jeremiah 19 -
eventually we get to the part where He is the potter and we are the
clay. We need to see things from His perspective and what He wants, and
not what we think should happen. He sees the eternal, we see now.
I had felt led to pray for Iran and its people. God has a presence
there, He does everywhere.
I had felt led to pray that He will make Jerusalem a light for the
world, and yet I did not.
So as I began to type my notes I thought I needed to type out my
prayers.
Come soon Lord.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
More recent thoughts
Well its been a while since I last updated this blog.
I created some additional ones- one for my trailwork activities. I was
corrected tonight, it should be called trail fun. It is a blast, and I
have a good time doing trailwork.
I created one for my math classes to post HW - pray that helps them.
I created one for my Sunday night Bible study. My notes had appeared in
this one, but no more.
I've read books- Battlefield of the mind by Joyce Meyers is one I would
recommend.
The Lord has worked, and I seek prayer concerning going after a PhD.
Apologetics interests me- the more I read the Bible the more I see that
we often don't live life as God intended- I'm included in "we"- I'm
hoping to get over myself and put Him first- even more so. Furthermore
His way is better than what we have been able to come up with so far.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Various recent thoughts
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)?
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)?
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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