Friday, August 31, 2012
Help! I Married the Wrong Person!
No you didn’t!
Instead God drew you into a mystery that won’t be solved but can be appreciated and enjoyed while it lasts!!!!!!!
“As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one."
Ephesians 5:31-32 (NLT)
Reflect
“the two become one”. This really is a mystery and it is really amazing. In some ways we can sense this. Spouses begin to “think the other’s thoughts” or intuit where the other is “coming from”. Sometimes they even being to look a little bit like each other. But it’s way deeper than that. Spouses are one like God is one, unique, different yet inseparably one.
It was neat to watch the synchronized diving a few weeks ago in London. The pairs needed to practice, talk, strategize, sacrifice, listen, be coached, learn to “know” the other, and to genuinely care about one another in order to compete well. And when one did not do well, I suspect it didn’t help for the other to complain, criticize or hold a grudge. I suspect that those who did didn’t make it very far.
Reread all the words of sentences two and three in the paragraph above. Which ones describe your approach to your marriage?
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Help! I Married the Wrong Person! 4
No you didn’t! Wives, now it's your turn. Here's your job and you have none bigger if you want a great marriage."the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:33
Reflect
I think that one of the best things any woman can do for her marriage is to read the book Love and Respect by Dr. Emmerson Eggerich. If you are a man reading this post ask your wife if she would be willing to read it and discuss it with you. If you are a woman reading this I suggest that you do an experiment. Buy the Book, read it without his seeing the book or knowing you’re reading it, and then begin to apply the key learnings. When your husband asks “what’s going on here?”, tell him about the book and see what happens.
For many women it comes as a surprise, even as a shock, that a husband’s heartfelt need is not for love as a woman desires to be loved herself, rather his need is to be respected by his wife.
He loves his wife. She respects her husband. Each gives to the other what the other is built to need and each gives it unilaterally, often unreciprocated, and frequently when it is unmerited.
No you didn’t! Wives, now it's your turn. Here's your job and you have none bigger if you want a great marriage."the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:33
Reflect
I think that one of the best things any woman can do for her marriage is to read the book Love and Respect by Dr. Emmerson Eggerich. If you are a man reading this post ask your wife if she would be willing to read it and discuss it with you. If you are a woman reading this I suggest that you do an experiment. Buy the Book, read it without his seeing the book or knowing you’re reading it, and then begin to apply the key learnings. When your husband asks “what’s going on here?”, tell him about the book and see what happens.
For many women it comes as a surprise, even as a shock, that a husband’s heartfelt need is not for love as a woman desires to be loved herself, rather his need is to be respected by his wife.
He loves his wife. She respects her husband. Each gives to the other what the other is built to need and each gives it unilaterally, often unreciprocated, and frequently when it is unmerited.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Help! I Married the Wrong Person! 3
No you didn’t!
Now here’s what a husband is supposed to do. (Wives you probably have a husband who doesn’t do this very well. But before you complain check yourself against tomorrow’s passage for wives)
“husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. 27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. 29 No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. 30 And we are
members of his body.” Ephesians 5:25-30(NLT)
Reflect
This passage defines what is probably the most important job a married man will have in his lifetime. Love your wife as Christ loved you, by giving up his life for you without your deserving it. When you meet Jesus imagine yourself presenting your wife to Jesus so loved, cherished and adored that she is radiant and in love with God . . . Why is she so? . . . To a great extend this will have been enabled or prevented by how you have or have not loved and cherished her.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Help! I Married the Wrong Person! 2
No you didn’t!
Now here’s what yesterday’s verse means. Do this . . . . . . .
“wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.
“husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word” Ephesians 5:22-26 (NLT)
Reflect
The “s” word isn’t popular. Can you say it without choking?
Okay, wives, here it is. You’re supposed to choose to submit to a man who leads the way in your home by submitting himself to your needs. He’s supposed to go first. Would you be willing to submit to a man like that?
Bottom line: we’re back to verse 21. Submit to each other. God, (Father Son and Holy Spirit) are the example. They love and laugh (yes they do!) and live in joyful submission to one another. If you have a husband who isn’t in on this “100% leading in submission” thing, you’re not alone. No wife has a one hundred percenter. What then? Do what women throughout he ages have done. Love the guy anyway and do so by partnering with him in every way you legitimately can. Fighting him every step of the way won’t work, as I’m guessing you’ve figured out by now.
NOTE: This is not “doormat theology”. There is a time for stepping away from an abusive situation for safety and in order that the other spouse will come to his or her senses and choose to change. A good book on this subject is Love Must Be Tough by James Dobson.
No you didn’t!
Now here’s what yesterday’s verse means. Do this . . . . . . .
“wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.
“husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word” Ephesians 5:22-26 (NLT)
Reflect
The “s” word isn’t popular. Can you say it without choking?
Okay, wives, here it is. You’re supposed to choose to submit to a man who leads the way in your home by submitting himself to your needs. He’s supposed to go first. Would you be willing to submit to a man like that?
Bottom line: we’re back to verse 21. Submit to each other. God, (Father Son and Holy Spirit) are the example. They love and laugh (yes they do!) and live in joyful submission to one another. If you have a husband who isn’t in on this “100% leading in submission” thing, you’re not alone. No wife has a one hundred percenter. What then? Do what women throughout he ages have done. Love the guy anyway and do so by partnering with him in every way you legitimately can. Fighting him every step of the way won’t work, as I’m guessing you’ve figured out by now.
NOTE: This is not “doormat theology”. There is a time for stepping away from an abusive situation for safety and in order that the other spouse will come to his or her senses and choose to change. A good book on this subject is Love Must Be Tough by James Dobson.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Ephesians 5
Help! I Married the Wrong Person!
No you didn’t!
Now here’s what to do . . . . . . .
“submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” Ephesians 5:21 (NLT)
Reflect
What’s wrong with submitting? Are you afraid you won’t get submitted back to? (I know I dangled my preposition and otherwise mangled the sentence). So what if you don’t get submitted back to? What’s that got to do with it? Here’s the truth . . . 50-50 doesn’t work because that implies score keeping and no one scores correctly. The score keeper always gets the highest score and when the scorekeeper wins, what does the scorekeeper win? Resentment, that’s what! How’s that for a prize?
Try submitting for one day, or one hour, or maybe one instant. Many things will happen (yes, including your resentment at non reciprocation), but what this means is that God is now working in you to do things his way. Maybe if you work on you instead of on him or on her, things might change a bit.
In short, right after God, your spouse is your number one object of love and on this your final grade at judgment day will greatly depend.
Help! I Married the Wrong Person!
No you didn’t!
Now here’s what to do . . . . . . .
“submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” Ephesians 5:21 (NLT)
Reflect
What’s wrong with submitting? Are you afraid you won’t get submitted back to? (I know I dangled my preposition and otherwise mangled the sentence). So what if you don’t get submitted back to? What’s that got to do with it? Here’s the truth . . . 50-50 doesn’t work because that implies score keeping and no one scores correctly. The score keeper always gets the highest score and when the scorekeeper wins, what does the scorekeeper win? Resentment, that’s what! How’s that for a prize?
Try submitting for one day, or one hour, or maybe one instant. Many things will happen (yes, including your resentment at non reciprocation), but what this means is that God is now working in you to do things his way. Maybe if you work on you instead of on him or on her, things might change a bit.
In short, right after God, your spouse is your number one object of love and on this your final grade at judgment day will greatly depend.
Friday, August 24, 2012
CARE . . . Listen . . . Pray
STOP AGAIN SOMETIME TODAY and pray this second incredible prayer for someone whom the Lord brings to your mind.
“I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen” Ephesians 3:14-21 (NLT)
Thursday, August 23, 2012
CARE . . . Listen . . . Pray
Are you willing to stop somewhere today, allow God to put another person into your mind, and then pray this prayer for them? Pray it slowly allowing its full impact to talk hold of you.
“I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself”. Ephesians 1:16-23 (NLT)
Are you willing to stop somewhere today, allow God to put another person into your mind, and then pray this prayer for them? Pray it slowly allowing its full impact to talk hold of you.
“I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself”. Ephesians 1:16-23 (NLT)
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
CARE . . . Listen . . . Pray
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers" Ephesians 1:16
Reflect
Imagine for a moment what it would be like to discover that someone not only feels this way (above scripture) about you, but actually does the two things the passage says.
For me that would be a “wow” and a “double wow”.
Perhaps the greatest challenge in life is to give thanks continually for all the people you know. All of them . . .even the ‘egr’s’ (extra grace required) folks. Did you know that the most holy thing you will ever encounter on planet earth is the person in front of you at any given moment? That person is created as an unceasing spiritual being with an eternal destiny in God’s great universe, but if this destiny is rejected for whatever reason, the person in front of you is headed for a destiny which the polar opposite. And how you and I related to others is part of creating their destiny. Is this verse descriptive of how you view and act toward others?
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” Ephesians 1:16
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
CARE . . . Listen . . . Pray
"You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry"
James 1:19
Reflect
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Theodore Roosevelt
Listening is often described as a skill. It's hard for me to imagine any description of listening that is worse than that one. I don't want to converse with someone who has to learn the skill of listening. I want to converse with someone who actually listens, and that means listen to me, not just to words, or to verbal content, but actually caring about me and what I have to say.
Are you quick to listen . . . actually listen? Do you listen to others as a springboard to what you want to say, rather than truly "hearing" the other person, even beyond the words?
Suggestion: In your next conversation with another, be all about the other person. Be interested, ask questions which show your interest in that person without turning the conversation back to yourself.
Sometimes I wonder if listening isn't among the highest of all forms of caring.
"You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry"
James 1:19
Reflect
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Theodore Roosevelt
Listening is often described as a skill. It's hard for me to imagine any description of listening that is worse than that one. I don't want to converse with someone who has to learn the skill of listening. I want to converse with someone who actually listens, and that means listen to me, not just to words, or to verbal content, but actually caring about me and what I have to say.
Are you quick to listen . . . actually listen? Do you listen to others as a springboard to what you want to say, rather than truly "hearing" the other person, even beyond the words?
Suggestion: In your next conversation with another, be all about the other person. Be interested, ask questions which show your interest in that person without turning the conversation back to yourself.
Sometimes I wonder if listening isn't among the highest of all forms of caring.
Read Ephesians 1-4
CARE . . . Listen . . . Pray
"Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us . . . .God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family . . . . and it gave him great pleasure." Ephesians 1:4-6(NLT)
Reflect
What images do the words “adoption” and “family” evoke in you? As an adoptive parent I have a special vantage point from which to imagine what God’s heart toward us might be. Adopted children are planned, chosen, delighted in before they are ever met. Knowing nothing about the children in advance, the adoptive parent loves that child already. It’s an irrevocable love, one that can’t be removed even in the worst of circumstances.
This is a glimpse of how God loves you. When you “get” this it changes everything. You discover that you matter to the Father who, through the largest price ever paid, His Son on a cross, adopted you.
There is a very big step to take before you can effectively love another person. It is this step. It is believing you are loved. Once you “get” this, the knowledge that you are secure in your Father’s love, then there is the possibility that your life can be spent in loving others as the Father has loved you. You can grow up to the point where others matter more to you than yourself.
Now you are free to care, to listen, to pray for others with nothing in it for you. But when you do, you gain the world.
CARE . . . Listen . . . Pray
"Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us . . . .God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family . . . . and it gave him great pleasure." Ephesians 1:4-6(NLT)
Reflect
What images do the words “adoption” and “family” evoke in you? As an adoptive parent I have a special vantage point from which to imagine what God’s heart toward us might be. Adopted children are planned, chosen, delighted in before they are ever met. Knowing nothing about the children in advance, the adoptive parent loves that child already. It’s an irrevocable love, one that can’t be removed even in the worst of circumstances.
This is a glimpse of how God loves you. When you “get” this it changes everything. You discover that you matter to the Father who, through the largest price ever paid, His Son on a cross, adopted you.
There is a very big step to take before you can effectively love another person. It is this step. It is believing you are loved. Once you “get” this, the knowledge that you are secure in your Father’s love, then there is the possibility that your life can be spent in loving others as the Father has loved you. You can grow up to the point where others matter more to you than yourself.
Now you are free to care, to listen, to pray for others with nothing in it for you. But when you do, you gain the world.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Philemon and Onesimus
"Onesimus ran away for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord." Philemon 1:14-16
How to be (a little bit) like God
Philemon is the only private letter that we have from Paul. He is writing to Philemon, the Christian owner of the slave, Onesimus, asking to take Onesimus back into his household. It seems Onesimus had run away, found his way to Rome and had become a believer under Paul’s influence. Paul must have found out about his having run away from Philemon so he insists that he return to Philemon, the leader of a local house church back in the province of Asia. (No, Paul does not denounce slavery, although the horror of it must have been gut-wrenching to him . . . Paul apparently follows Jesus’ teaching teaching that submission and repentance rather than rebellion are the great witness)
It strikes me that the phrase “ran away for a little bit so that you can have him back” could apply to parenting. The clingy child you cherished and raised rebels and leaves home in anger. You grieve because she has done you much damage. Can you ever forgive. One day he returns repentant. What do you do? We don’t know what Philemon did.
Paul mirrored God’s heart. Reconciliation is at the top of God’s list, even at the cost of another, in this case Paul (who was willing to reimburse whatever Onesimus may have stolen when he became a runaway)
Prayer
“Lord, please use me in any way you wish as an agent of reconciliation. Amen."
"Onesimus ran away for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord." Philemon 1:14-16
How to be (a little bit) like God
Philemon is the only private letter that we have from Paul. He is writing to Philemon, the Christian owner of the slave, Onesimus, asking to take Onesimus back into his household. It seems Onesimus had run away, found his way to Rome and had become a believer under Paul’s influence. Paul must have found out about his having run away from Philemon so he insists that he return to Philemon, the leader of a local house church back in the province of Asia. (No, Paul does not denounce slavery, although the horror of it must have been gut-wrenching to him . . . Paul apparently follows Jesus’ teaching teaching that submission and repentance rather than rebellion are the great witness)
It strikes me that the phrase “ran away for a little bit so that you can have him back” could apply to parenting. The clingy child you cherished and raised rebels and leaves home in anger. You grieve because she has done you much damage. Can you ever forgive. One day he returns repentant. What do you do? We don’t know what Philemon did.
Paul mirrored God’s heart. Reconciliation is at the top of God’s list, even at the cost of another, in this case Paul (who was willing to reimburse whatever Onesimus may have stolen when he became a runaway)
Prayer
“Lord, please use me in any way you wish as an agent of reconciliation. Amen."
Thursday, August 16, 2012
How to Foster a Family in the Image of God Part 3
Scripture Checklist: Which of the following does/does not describe your home? Part 3
"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord”.
“Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly”.
“Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord”.
"Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged”. Colossians 3:18-21
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”
“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity”
"Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone”. Colossians 4:2-6
Prayer
“Father, we don’t do submission well. We submit to our demands of our covetous hearts but we choose hardened and prideful hearts in relation to one another. Forgive us Lord. Please lead me to the exercise of the kind of wisdom that comes from you, one modeled by humility, submission and gratitude”. Amen”
Scripture Checklist: Which of the following does/does not describe your home? Part 3
"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord”.
“Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly”.
“Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord”.
"Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged”. Colossians 3:18-21
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”
“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity”
"Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone”. Colossians 4:2-6
Prayer
“Father, we don’t do submission well. We submit to our demands of our covetous hearts but we choose hardened and prideful hearts in relation to one another. Forgive us Lord. Please lead me to the exercise of the kind of wisdom that comes from you, one modeled by humility, submission and gratitude”. Amen”
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
How to Foster a Family in the Image of God Part 2
Scripture Checklist: Which of the following does/does not describe your home? Part 2
“Always be thankful”
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives”
“Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives”
“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts"
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father”
Prayer
“It has been said that grateful people are happy people. No wonder. You tell us in these passages that joy and gratitude are two parts of the same whole. I want that Lord. Please give me the strength to choose it. Amen”
Scripture Checklist: Which of the following does/does not describe your home? Part 2
“Always be thankful”
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives”
“Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives”
“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts"
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father”
Prayer
“It has been said that grateful people are happy people. No wonder. You tell us in these passages that joy and gratitude are two parts of the same whole. I want that Lord. Please give me the strength to choose it. Amen”
How to Foster a Family in the Image of God
Scripture Checklist: Which of the following does/does not describe your home? Part 1
“Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience”
"Make allowance for each other’s faults”
“Forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others”
"Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony”
"Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts For as members of one body you are called to live in peace” Colossians 3:12-15
Prayer
“Lord, make me an agent of love, kindness, forgiveness and peace in my home. Show me which of the above passages is for me today. Let it permeate my heart, soul and will so that my part in my home honors and communicates You. Amen”
Scripture Checklist: Which of the following does/does not describe your home? Part 1
“Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience”
"Make allowance for each other’s faults”
“Forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others”
"Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony”
"Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts For as members of one body you are called to live in peace” Colossians 3:12-15
Prayer
“Lord, make me an agent of love, kindness, forgiveness and peace in my home. Show me which of the above passages is for me today. Let it permeate my heart, soul and will so that my part in my home honors and communicates You. Amen”
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Colossians 1-4 & Philemon
God Made the Basic Unit of Society, the Family
“Christ . . . is supreme over all creation . . . Everything was created through him and for him . . . and he holds all creation together. ”
Colossians 1:15-17 (NLT)
“Then God said, 'Let us make human beings in our image, to be like ourselves . . .' So God created human beings in his own image . . . .; male and female he created them ” Genesis 1:26-27
“This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. ” Genesis 2:24
Therefore
“set your sights on the realities of heaven ” Colossians 3:1
Prayer
“Lord, as husband, wife and children mirror your three in one (Trinitarian) nature, please help each of us to set our sights on how you are plural but one. Help us to seek to foster the kind of love, unity, mutual sacrifice and service that is your essence, your character. May you (re)create our families in your image, so that they witness to you. Amen”
God Made the Basic Unit of Society, the Family
“Christ . . . is supreme over all creation . . . Everything was created through him and for him . . . and he holds all creation together. ”
Colossians 1:15-17 (NLT)
“Then God said, 'Let us make human beings in our image, to be like ourselves . . .' So God created human beings in his own image . . . .; male and female he created them ” Genesis 1:26-27
“This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. ” Genesis 2:24
Therefore
“set your sights on the realities of heaven ” Colossians 3:1
Prayer
“Lord, as husband, wife and children mirror your three in one (Trinitarian) nature, please help each of us to set our sights on how you are plural but one. Help us to seek to foster the kind of love, unity, mutual sacrifice and service that is your essence, your character. May you (re)create our families in your image, so that they witness to you. Amen”
Friday, August 10, 2012
How to Vote in November: Part 5
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. ” Titus 3:1-2 ESV
Is God Democrat or Republican?
Do you submit to authority? If so, do you do it because you honor, respect and understand the need for it, or because you don’t want to get caught? What happens to your right foot when you see a police car while driving?
Do you ever speak evil of anyone running for office or in office? Do you quarrel over politics? Are you gentle and courteous in your comments about our leaders?
Do ever think or say something like either of the following . . . . . .
Is it in any way, shape, or form possible that a democrat can be a real Christian? How in the world could a Christian ever support an abortion rights agenda?
Is it in any way, shape, or form possible that a republican can be a real Christian? How in the world could a Christian ever support what looks like a militaristic “one God under nation” instead of “one nation under God”?
When you vote, do so humbly, knowing that your politics may fall just as short of the glory of God as the next guy’s politics do.
Prayer
“Lord, protect each of us from the danger of demonizing those "on the other side of the isle". Help each of us to articulate our views with gentleness and respect. Amen."
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. ” Titus 3:1-2 ESV
Is God Democrat or Republican?
Do you submit to authority? If so, do you do it because you honor, respect and understand the need for it, or because you don’t want to get caught? What happens to your right foot when you see a police car while driving?
Do you ever speak evil of anyone running for office or in office? Do you quarrel over politics? Are you gentle and courteous in your comments about our leaders?
Do ever think or say something like either of the following . . . . . .
Is it in any way, shape, or form possible that a democrat can be a real Christian? How in the world could a Christian ever support an abortion rights agenda?
Is it in any way, shape, or form possible that a republican can be a real Christian? How in the world could a Christian ever support what looks like a militaristic “one God under nation” instead of “one nation under God”?
When you vote, do so humbly, knowing that your politics may fall just as short of the glory of God as the next guy’s politics do.
Prayer
“Lord, protect each of us from the danger of demonizing those "on the other side of the isle". Help each of us to articulate our views with gentleness and respect. Amen."
Thursday, August 9, 2012
How to Vote in November Part 4
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth ”
I Timothy 2:1-6 ESV
Before Casting Your Ballot
I have always found it hard to pray for our president because he’s so big and my prayers feel so small. But I can’t let that feeling win. If God says pray, he must think it accomplishes something!
Apparently one thing it helps accomplish is to provide the wisdom needed to make decisions that bring and maintain peace in society so that people can live well. I could even say if I don’t pray for our leaders then it’s my fault if I don’t get good leadership!
But there’s also one more thing it accomplishes.
Praying for our leaders enhances the chances for establishing and maintaining a society that is peaceful enough and honors the dignity of individuals enough so that the society is conducive to the broad disseminating of the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ and the Cross to all its members.
Which candidate do you feel cherishes this mandate the most and will therefore work to ensure that this kind of society is actively fostered? Although I personally accept at face value the Christian profession of faith of both candidates, I also do not think it necessarily follows that the best protector of this kind of society needs to be a Christian.
Prayer
“Lord, you want all people to come to a knowledge of the truth of your love for all through Jesus Christ. Help me, Lord, to continue to pray for leaders to arise who will at the very least strongly protect the freedoms that Christians need in order to practice their faith. Amen."
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth ”
I Timothy 2:1-6 ESV
Before Casting Your Ballot
I have always found it hard to pray for our president because he’s so big and my prayers feel so small. But I can’t let that feeling win. If God says pray, he must think it accomplishes something!
Apparently one thing it helps accomplish is to provide the wisdom needed to make decisions that bring and maintain peace in society so that people can live well. I could even say if I don’t pray for our leaders then it’s my fault if I don’t get good leadership!
But there’s also one more thing it accomplishes.
Praying for our leaders enhances the chances for establishing and maintaining a society that is peaceful enough and honors the dignity of individuals enough so that the society is conducive to the broad disseminating of the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ and the Cross to all its members.
Which candidate do you feel cherishes this mandate the most and will therefore work to ensure that this kind of society is actively fostered? Although I personally accept at face value the Christian profession of faith of both candidates, I also do not think it necessarily follows that the best protector of this kind of society needs to be a Christian.
Prayer
“Lord, you want all people to come to a knowledge of the truth of your love for all through Jesus Christ. Help me, Lord, to continue to pray for leaders to arise who will at the very least strongly protect the freedoms that Christians need in order to practice their faith. Amen."
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
How to Vote in November Part 3
“You also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. ” Romans 13:6-7 ESV
Taxes!
Yep. God is behind taxes too. In fact the IRS is a minister of God! How do you like that?
It certainly looks like fudging on taxes is a sin against God. It also looks like God cares a whole lot about not getting into debt and getting out of it once you are in it.
Therefore, which president will be most effective in at least lowering American Debt in a way that also respects and honors all the people of the United States the way God wants them to be respected and honored?
Each candidate subscribes to a worldview different very different from one another and to a very different economic theory and approach to the issue of debt. I think this passage might lead one also to ask where a candidate stand on the issue of third world debt.
My suggestion? As you evaluate worldviews and economic approaches be careful not to mix up nationalism, or capitalism, or socialism with what God wants for America. God is not a nationalist, nor a capitalist nor a socialist.
Prayer
“Lord, as far as I know, the heart of each candidate is one that reflects a desire for justice. Help me to discern which candidate's fiscal policy will reflect your heart for all people and also be able to actually accomplish that goal in practical ways. Amen."
“You also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. ” Romans 13:6-7 ESV
Taxes!
Yep. God is behind taxes too. In fact the IRS is a minister of God! How do you like that?
It certainly looks like fudging on taxes is a sin against God. It also looks like God cares a whole lot about not getting into debt and getting out of it once you are in it.
Therefore, which president will be most effective in at least lowering American Debt in a way that also respects and honors all the people of the United States the way God wants them to be respected and honored?
Each candidate subscribes to a worldview different very different from one another and to a very different economic theory and approach to the issue of debt. I think this passage might lead one also to ask where a candidate stand on the issue of third world debt.
My suggestion? As you evaluate worldviews and economic approaches be careful not to mix up nationalism, or capitalism, or socialism with what God wants for America. God is not a nationalist, nor a capitalist nor a socialist.
Prayer
“Lord, as far as I know, the heart of each candidate is one that reflects a desire for justice. Help me to discern which candidate's fiscal policy will reflect your heart for all people and also be able to actually accomplish that goal in practical ways. Amen."
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
How to Vote in November Part 2
“Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ” Romans 13:2-5 ESV
Governments as Servants of God?
For one thing this probably means some of us need to change our attitude toward Government. God provided for it and we mess it up. I’m pretty sure that if you or I were to take over government, it would still be a mess. In short, we have seen the government and the government is us. Its flaws are mine and yours.
Second, if you get in trouble with the law then it’s not a cranky, sleep deprived police officer who is nick-picking, it’s you. You sped and you’re a lawbreaker and that ticket is God’s wrath upon you! Hey, it’s better than wrecking the car.
NOTE: To be fair, Acts 5:29 (and other passages) tells us that there are times we should disobey the government (peacefully ala MLK or more controversially ala Dietrich Bonhoeffer) But we better be on solid ground in doing so. Some have even wondered if Christian leaders of the American revolution were right to revolt.
Third obey the law so you don't go around feeling guilty. And if you don't go around feeling guilty, then you should! Laws are made for people like you!
Vote for someone who is competent to maintain order in society so that people can flourish, living out God's calling rather than cower, living in fear of the mayhem that may engulf them.
Prayer
“Lord, help me to discern which presidential candidate will be most effective in justly maintaining order in such a way that the gifts You have given all Americans can be exercised for you. Amen”
“Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ” Romans 13:2-5 ESV
Governments as Servants of God?
For one thing this probably means some of us need to change our attitude toward Government. God provided for it and we mess it up. I’m pretty sure that if you or I were to take over government, it would still be a mess. In short, we have seen the government and the government is us. Its flaws are mine and yours.
Second, if you get in trouble with the law then it’s not a cranky, sleep deprived police officer who is nick-picking, it’s you. You sped and you’re a lawbreaker and that ticket is God’s wrath upon you! Hey, it’s better than wrecking the car.
NOTE: To be fair, Acts 5:29 (and other passages) tells us that there are times we should disobey the government (peacefully ala MLK or more controversially ala Dietrich Bonhoeffer) But we better be on solid ground in doing so. Some have even wondered if Christian leaders of the American revolution were right to revolt.
Third obey the law so you don't go around feeling guilty. And if you don't go around feeling guilty, then you should! Laws are made for people like you!
Vote for someone who is competent to maintain order in society so that people can flourish, living out God's calling rather than cower, living in fear of the mayhem that may engulf them.
Prayer
“Lord, help me to discern which presidential candidate will be most effective in justly maintaining order in such a way that the gifts You have given all Americans can be exercised for you. Amen”
Monday, August 6, 2012
Read Romans 13, 1 Timothy 2, Titus 3
How to Vote in November
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” Romans 13:1 ESV
Yes, You Read that right!
In this passage we read that God set up the concept of authority as well as actual systems that exercise that authority. Therefore there is no authority which did not come into power apart from God’s provision for such to occur.
But does this actually mean that God has actively instituted every single ruler, ever, no matter how evil? An Old Testament review of the kings of Israel and Judah reveals a whole lot of really, really “bad” kings. And a review of all of human history reveals a whole lot of really, really evil rulers.
God made government for order. One of my big “aha’s” from Bible study is that God who is perfect is perfectly willing to enter our mess and work in it and with it and in doing so allows even evil rulers to ascend. This must mean that humans really need order. It also must mean there’s something in us beyond the short, temporal life that we live that is valued by God so much that He allows what to us is almost incomprehensible suffering.
Practically speaking we’ve got two choices in November (for President). God’s behind giving us these two choices. Let’s thank Him for putting us in a country where He gives us the responsibility and honor of partnering with Him in choosing a president who will be “instituted by God”
Prayer
“Lord, forgive my cynicism toward Government. You created the concept and the reality. I accept the honor of gratefully and responsibly participating in your choice of president. Amen”
How to Vote in November
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” Romans 13:1 ESV
Yes, You Read that right!
In this passage we read that God set up the concept of authority as well as actual systems that exercise that authority. Therefore there is no authority which did not come into power apart from God’s provision for such to occur.
But does this actually mean that God has actively instituted every single ruler, ever, no matter how evil? An Old Testament review of the kings of Israel and Judah reveals a whole lot of really, really “bad” kings. And a review of all of human history reveals a whole lot of really, really evil rulers.
God made government for order. One of my big “aha’s” from Bible study is that God who is perfect is perfectly willing to enter our mess and work in it and with it and in doing so allows even evil rulers to ascend. This must mean that humans really need order. It also must mean there’s something in us beyond the short, temporal life that we live that is valued by God so much that He allows what to us is almost incomprehensible suffering.
Practically speaking we’ve got two choices in November (for President). God’s behind giving us these two choices. Let’s thank Him for putting us in a country where He gives us the responsibility and honor of partnering with Him in choosing a president who will be “instituted by God”
Prayer
“Lord, forgive my cynicism toward Government. You created the concept and the reality. I accept the honor of gratefully and responsibly participating in your choice of president. Amen”
Friday, August 3, 2012
This Week’s Topic: My Life is a Hopeless Mess
A Workable Plan for Escaping Your Mess
“. . . here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. 2 Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you” Romans 12:1-2 (MSG)
Embrace and Erase
I find the above paraphrase wonderful. It captures the essence of what a believer is supposed to do with all the incredible teaching in the previous 11 chapters of Romans.
1.Begin the day, by saying “today is about you, Lord, not me” and do your best to mean it.
2. Embrace whatever comes your way. WHATEVER comes your way, good or bad and do your best to honor God in and through it.
3. Refocus on God during the day as best you can
4. Choose habits which connect with God and begin to erase habits that connect you to all the stuff that disconnects you from God.
Prayer
“Lord, with your help I will embrace what is from you and make difficult choices to erase from my daily habits what is not of you. Amen”
A Workable Plan for Escaping Your Mess
“. . . here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. 2 Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you” Romans 12:1-2 (MSG)
Embrace and Erase
I find the above paraphrase wonderful. It captures the essence of what a believer is supposed to do with all the incredible teaching in the previous 11 chapters of Romans.
1.Begin the day, by saying “today is about you, Lord, not me” and do your best to mean it.
2. Embrace whatever comes your way. WHATEVER comes your way, good or bad and do your best to honor God in and through it.
3. Refocus on God during the day as best you can
4. Choose habits which connect with God and begin to erase habits that connect you to all the stuff that disconnects you from God.
Prayer
“Lord, with your help I will embrace what is from you and make difficult choices to erase from my daily habits what is not of you. Amen”
Thursday, August 2, 2012
This Week's Topic: My Life is a Hopeless Mess
Romans 8 - You can apply it - Part 2
“we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
Application
Choose to believe this about everything. Your attitude is your choice. You are not a victim. No matter what you face, God will use it as raw material for creating something new and good.
“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" Romans 8:31 (NLT)
Application
God is for you. God is for you. God is for you. Believe and remind yourself of this over and over. Circumstances are irrelevant to this.
“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39 (NLT)
Application
Read this passage until you "get it" . . . really get it. What does this do for you?
Romans 8 - You can apply it - Part 2
“we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
Application
Choose to believe this about everything. Your attitude is your choice. You are not a victim. No matter what you face, God will use it as raw material for creating something new and good.
“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" Romans 8:31 (NLT)
Application
God is for you. God is for you. God is for you. Believe and remind yourself of this over and over. Circumstances are irrelevant to this.
“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39 (NLT)
Application
Read this passage until you "get it" . . . really get it. What does this do for you?
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
This Week's Topic: My Life is a Hopeless Mess
Romans 8 . . . You can apply it
“there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (we) no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. 2 A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ” Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)(MSG)
Application
Picture yourself as accepted, loved, not condemned. God is not “mad at you” rather he cherishes you. Picture the wind blowing away a dark cloud of condemnation over you,never to return.
“You received the Spirit of Sonship and by Him we cry ‘Abba’ , Father’ . . . and if we are children we are heirs of God . ." Romans 8:15,16 (NIV)
Application
Imagine the perfect Father, loving yet a commander of respect. He is your father and delights in you. He may discipline you, but never without saying “Son I love you”, “my daughter, I delight in you” (see Zeph. 3:17)
“what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later” Romans 8:18 (NLT)
Application
ALL suffering is temporary. It will end. The hardest thing is not the last thing. Don’t quit. Realize that pain and this life are God’s training ground to prepare you for Heaven.
“the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words." Romans 8:26 (NLT)
Application
Even the act of directing your inner inexpressible distress toward God, with no words whatsoever, is a powerful act of prayer which is received by God. Many of your most powerful prayers will include no words.
Romans 8 . . . You can apply it
“there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (we) no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. 2 A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ” Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)(MSG)
Application
Picture yourself as accepted, loved, not condemned. God is not “mad at you” rather he cherishes you. Picture the wind blowing away a dark cloud of condemnation over you,never to return.
“You received the Spirit of Sonship and by Him we cry ‘Abba’ , Father’ . . . and if we are children we are heirs of God . ." Romans 8:15,16 (NIV)
Application
Imagine the perfect Father, loving yet a commander of respect. He is your father and delights in you. He may discipline you, but never without saying “Son I love you”, “my daughter, I delight in you” (see Zeph. 3:17)
“what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later” Romans 8:18 (NLT)
Application
ALL suffering is temporary. It will end. The hardest thing is not the last thing. Don’t quit. Realize that pain and this life are God’s training ground to prepare you for Heaven.
“the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words." Romans 8:26 (NLT)
Application
Even the act of directing your inner inexpressible distress toward God, with no words whatsoever, is a powerful act of prayer which is received by God. Many of your most powerful prayers will include no words.
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