1 John 1:2 (New International Version)
2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
John 1:14 (New International Version)
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[a] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1 (New International Version)
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
What happened here? What did Moses see? We don’t know exactly. We can try to imagine, but it’s difficult. God comes down in a cloud and stands beside Moses. He then covers him and obscures his view. Then, He passes by Moses while proclaiming His gloriousness It’s hard for me to imagine how this looked, but I can imagine how it sounded! You see, God told Moses he would see something then, God said something. He spoke … the Living Word. Herein lies the beauty of this episode. Here in this moment, we get a glimpse, just a glimpse of Jesus. This is what is regarded in theological speak as a ‘theophany’. A theophany in general terms is regarded as a physical manifestation or appearance of God. In Christian specific thinking, it is regarded as a pre-incarnate or Old Testament appearance of Jesus Christ. Faith comes by hearing beloved. God declared Himself by telling us how He is personified in the Son. What we know about Jesus today is what was declared on this remarkable day. Can you see it? You should be able to. It’s how we are created. We’re created to form images based on what we hear. In declaring Himself, God set forever in motion, a move of the Spirit that would continually activate faith wherever His declaration was heard. Listen to the words used: Love, Faithfulness, Gracious, Compassionate, Forgiving. He still declares these things about himself today. Every moment of every day He declares that He is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish. He declares that He’s made a Way out of no way. Just come to Jesus. Who wouldn’t want to serve a God like that? Go get your hat and c’mon…
Blessings,
♪ Come to Jesus ♪
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Sept. 19, 2010: God Rejects Idol Worship (Exodus 32:1-10)
Exodus 20:17 (New International Version)
17 "You shall not covet…
Colossians 3:5 (King James Version)
5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Ouch! (long pause) Ouch! This hurts. You see, it’s easy to look back at the Israelites and point the accusatory finger at them and say “What were they thinking?’ However, I looked at my hand and lo and behold, there were three fingers pointing back at me. Three! I’m as impatient with God’s silence as they were. I’m as covetous for comfort and luxury as these people were. I’m certainly as stiff-necked as they were. Come to the fiery smoking mountain of God and be shaken by the thundering of His voice again? No not me. Take up my cross and follow Him? I’d rather not. What about prayer and fasting? No, thank you. This may seem like an odd start to this weeks lesson, but let’s be honest… Isn’t there a little rebellion in all of us… Oops.. I’m not finger pointing in this one… just introspecting. You see, whenever I do this.. stand in the mirror and inspect closely.. and ..honestly.. , I completely understand why I need Jesus. Without Him, I would be completely adrift. Following after my every whim. Trying my best to get God to Bless my Mess. To somehow sanctify my selfish intentions beforehand and follow after me to cleanup my mess after I have pursued my personal agenda in His Name. I’m guilty. I can look at this week’s lesson and see myself in the Israelites.
And then I see something else.. His Majesty in my inadequacy. His Glory in my shame. His Mercy extended in my guilt. His Grace, His immeasurable Grace toward me though I could never and should never deserve it. You see, If the law condemns me. If it reveals the sin in my flesh. If God’s law exposes me for the ingrate that I really am, then it has accomplished it’s work in me. Bible says truly that there none righteous, Not any of us. Because I cannot save myself, God, who is Love, threw me a lifeline. He gave me Jesus. I don’t even know how to say ‘Thank You’. Really! What language expresses it best? How many times can I repeat it.. in one breath? I feel like a man who has been pulled from quicksand. I was helpless and Help came. I was hopeless and Hope showed up. I didn’t know love, then Love reached into the abyss and snatched me from disaster. I don’t know about you, but I got saved from something… Really! For that I’ll be eternally grateful and … going forward … a little more mindful of my own shortcomings. Thank God for rejecting idolatry. In doing so He separated a people unto Himself. We don’t worship a god after our own liking, but rather we have been brought (bought) to a place where His Holiness and Majesty could be revealed to us , a place where we can worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Brought to a place of everlasting peace through His son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hebrews 13:5 (King James Version)
5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
17 "You shall not covet…
Colossians 3:5 (King James Version)
5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Ouch! (long pause) Ouch! This hurts. You see, it’s easy to look back at the Israelites and point the accusatory finger at them and say “What were they thinking?’ However, I looked at my hand and lo and behold, there were three fingers pointing back at me. Three! I’m as impatient with God’s silence as they were. I’m as covetous for comfort and luxury as these people were. I’m certainly as stiff-necked as they were. Come to the fiery smoking mountain of God and be shaken by the thundering of His voice again? No not me. Take up my cross and follow Him? I’d rather not. What about prayer and fasting? No, thank you. This may seem like an odd start to this weeks lesson, but let’s be honest… Isn’t there a little rebellion in all of us… Oops.. I’m not finger pointing in this one… just introspecting. You see, whenever I do this.. stand in the mirror and inspect closely.. and ..honestly.. , I completely understand why I need Jesus. Without Him, I would be completely adrift. Following after my every whim. Trying my best to get God to Bless my Mess. To somehow sanctify my selfish intentions beforehand and follow after me to cleanup my mess after I have pursued my personal agenda in His Name. I’m guilty. I can look at this week’s lesson and see myself in the Israelites.
And then I see something else.. His Majesty in my inadequacy. His Glory in my shame. His Mercy extended in my guilt. His Grace, His immeasurable Grace toward me though I could never and should never deserve it. You see, If the law condemns me. If it reveals the sin in my flesh. If God’s law exposes me for the ingrate that I really am, then it has accomplished it’s work in me. Bible says truly that there none righteous, Not any of us. Because I cannot save myself, God, who is Love, threw me a lifeline. He gave me Jesus. I don’t even know how to say ‘Thank You’. Really! What language expresses it best? How many times can I repeat it.. in one breath? I feel like a man who has been pulled from quicksand. I was helpless and Help came. I was hopeless and Hope showed up. I didn’t know love, then Love reached into the abyss and snatched me from disaster. I don’t know about you, but I got saved from something… Really! For that I’ll be eternally grateful and … going forward … a little more mindful of my own shortcomings. Thank God for rejecting idolatry. In doing so He separated a people unto Himself. We don’t worship a god after our own liking, but rather we have been brought (bought) to a place where His Holiness and Majesty could be revealed to us , a place where we can worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Brought to a place of everlasting peace through His son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hebrews 13:5 (King James Version)
5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Sept. 12, 2010: God Makes a Covenant with Israel (Exodus 20:1-11)
Exodus 20:10 (New International Version)
10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
Exodus 20:18-22 (New International Version)
18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."
20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
22 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites this: 'You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven:
Hebrews 12:22-23 (New International Version)
22But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect,
You were there. Yes you were. You just didn’t know it. When God set his people apart, consecrated them unto Himself and gave them His Holy Word, you were there. What he established at Mt. Sinai on this day would impact every generation yet to come. You see, He cut Covenant with a Nation, an entire people. In doing so He foreshadowed the Church. In all prior events, He cut Covenant with an individual. He promised that their seed would be blessed, but each contract, heretofore, was with a single person at a time. This time, He assembled the nation of Israel and all who followed them from Egypt. All at one time. All in one place. They all heard Him. Together. At the same time. Corporately. Amen. In these few hours, God established a time for worship and a pattern for corporate worship that we the Church still follow today. God understood that we would need an established pattern to follow in worship. That we could not seek Him or find Him on our own, or on our own terms. He established a place and a time and a pattern. When we follow his pattern we are blessed. A day set aside for worship. A place to gather with other believers to worship. A Church. On Sunday. A Church. At Midweek service. Time set aside for worship. Corporately. Make sure you’re taking part in it. It’s God’s best for you..
Blessings,
Ezekiel 20:12 (New International Version)
12 Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the LORD made them holy.
Mark 2:27 (New International Version)
27Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
Exodus 20:18-22 (New International Version)
18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."
20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
22 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites this: 'You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven:
Hebrews 12:22-23 (New International Version)
22But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect,
You were there. Yes you were. You just didn’t know it. When God set his people apart, consecrated them unto Himself and gave them His Holy Word, you were there. What he established at Mt. Sinai on this day would impact every generation yet to come. You see, He cut Covenant with a Nation, an entire people. In doing so He foreshadowed the Church. In all prior events, He cut Covenant with an individual. He promised that their seed would be blessed, but each contract, heretofore, was with a single person at a time. This time, He assembled the nation of Israel and all who followed them from Egypt. All at one time. All in one place. They all heard Him. Together. At the same time. Corporately. Amen. In these few hours, God established a time for worship and a pattern for corporate worship that we the Church still follow today. God understood that we would need an established pattern to follow in worship. That we could not seek Him or find Him on our own, or on our own terms. He established a place and a time and a pattern. When we follow his pattern we are blessed. A day set aside for worship. A place to gather with other believers to worship. A Church. On Sunday. A Church. At Midweek service. Time set aside for worship. Corporately. Make sure you’re taking part in it. It’s God’s best for you..
Blessings,
Ezekiel 20:12 (New International Version)
12 Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the LORD made them holy.
Mark 2:27 (New International Version)
27Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Sept. 5, 2010: God Calls Moses (Exodus 3:1-6, 13-15)
Mark 16:15-18 (New International Version)
15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
1 Corinthians 1:21 (New International Version)
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
Proverbs 18:21 (New International Version)
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
God … Used …. One…. Obedient…. Soul… To…. Deliver…. His …. People…. From…. Four ….. Hundred…. .. Years…. Of …. Slavery….
Why am I focusing on this point? I find it interesting that God did not reveal himself to a crowd. He didn’t find the leaders of the peoples of Israel. He didn’t reveal himself to Pharaoh and his counselors. No, God revealed himself to Moses. Moses alone. And when He did, something glorious occurred. A nation was born out of captivity. Now it’s easy enough for the theologists (I made that word up J) among us to draw the obvious parallel between Moses and Christ. You know, one man delivered Israel, one man delivered the world… No, that’s not what I’m after. Not tonight. No, I noticed something else. Something I’d not seen before. You see, after God initiated this personal relationship with Moses (personal relationship… get it?), He followed Moses wherever he went and whenever Moses spoke, God moved. Mightily! How does that apply to me? To you? Exactly the same way. After He reveals himself to us through and in the person of Jesus Christ and we are changed, then He follows us. He keeps us company. He teaches us. He sustains us. And, when we speak, He reveals Himself through us, sometimes, with signs following (signs of His Majesty, His Omnipotence, His Glory). Whether it’s conversions, healings, miracles, deliverances, wonders; God follows us awaiting the opportunity to move on behalf of the people around us. Family, friends, coworkers, strangers, God is not a respecter of persons. He’s just waiting on us … to say something… I’ve probably said something like this before, but somebody’s deliverance, somebody’s healing, somebody’s redemption is right on the tip of your tongue (Selah). Moses spoke a nation into freedom. Who will you set free? Speak up. The Word is quick and powerful, able to deliver to the uttermost… if only we will say … something.
Blessings… wb
15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
1 Corinthians 1:21 (New International Version)
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
Proverbs 18:21 (New International Version)
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
God … Used …. One…. Obedient…. Soul… To…. Deliver…. His …. People…. From…. Four ….. Hundred…. .. Years…. Of …. Slavery….
Why am I focusing on this point? I find it interesting that God did not reveal himself to a crowd. He didn’t find the leaders of the peoples of Israel. He didn’t reveal himself to Pharaoh and his counselors. No, God revealed himself to Moses. Moses alone. And when He did, something glorious occurred. A nation was born out of captivity. Now it’s easy enough for the theologists (I made that word up J) among us to draw the obvious parallel between Moses and Christ. You know, one man delivered Israel, one man delivered the world… No, that’s not what I’m after. Not tonight. No, I noticed something else. Something I’d not seen before. You see, after God initiated this personal relationship with Moses (personal relationship… get it?), He followed Moses wherever he went and whenever Moses spoke, God moved. Mightily! How does that apply to me? To you? Exactly the same way. After He reveals himself to us through and in the person of Jesus Christ and we are changed, then He follows us. He keeps us company. He teaches us. He sustains us. And, when we speak, He reveals Himself through us, sometimes, with signs following (signs of His Majesty, His Omnipotence, His Glory). Whether it’s conversions, healings, miracles, deliverances, wonders; God follows us awaiting the opportunity to move on behalf of the people around us. Family, friends, coworkers, strangers, God is not a respecter of persons. He’s just waiting on us … to say something… I’ve probably said something like this before, but somebody’s deliverance, somebody’s healing, somebody’s redemption is right on the tip of your tongue (Selah). Moses spoke a nation into freedom. Who will you set free? Speak up. The Word is quick and powerful, able to deliver to the uttermost… if only we will say … something.
Blessings… wb
Friday, August 27, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for August 29, 2010: Upheld by God (Acts 28:16-25, 28-31)
Acts 27:23-24 (New International Version)
23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'
Philippians 4:11 (New International Version)
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
2 Corinthians 11:24-26 (New International Version)
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.
2 Timothy 4:2 (New International Version)
2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Paul was an opportunist. He took advantage of every apparent opening to spread the Gospel, with no thought for his own well being or safety. Stoned, beaten, imprisoned, no matter. Paul was more than willing to put himself and his Jesus out there. What about us? In Paul’s time, Christianity was regarded as a sect. Paul preached the gospel in the face of unbelief, skepticism and overwhelming opposition. It’s plausible to think that in order for the church to be what it has become today, it took every bit of the sacrifice that Paul and believers of his day endured. What will the church of tomorrow be? How much are we willing to sacrifice in order to see the church of tomorrow flourish? Actually, I believe that when pressed, Christians will stand up. Christ will stand up in us and through us. I believe that. Historically, when the church is persecuted, it flourishes. Anything that drives us to our knees, that makes us call on the name of the Lord works to perfect us and to establish our witness in the earth. Trials refine our faith. With pressure, we become as resilient and as brilliant as diamonds. Glorious in his eyesight and in the eyes of the world. Bright and shining lights in a wicked time and place. Reservoirs of hope and healing to the lost and hopeless. Be encouraged this week my friends. Wherever you are on this journey, God’s not done with you yet. Paul had some New Testament to write from the solitude of prison. What does God have in store for you?
Blessings,
.wb
23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'
Philippians 4:11 (New International Version)
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
2 Corinthians 11:24-26 (New International Version)
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.
2 Timothy 4:2 (New International Version)
2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Paul was an opportunist. He took advantage of every apparent opening to spread the Gospel, with no thought for his own well being or safety. Stoned, beaten, imprisoned, no matter. Paul was more than willing to put himself and his Jesus out there. What about us? In Paul’s time, Christianity was regarded as a sect. Paul preached the gospel in the face of unbelief, skepticism and overwhelming opposition. It’s plausible to think that in order for the church to be what it has become today, it took every bit of the sacrifice that Paul and believers of his day endured. What will the church of tomorrow be? How much are we willing to sacrifice in order to see the church of tomorrow flourish? Actually, I believe that when pressed, Christians will stand up. Christ will stand up in us and through us. I believe that. Historically, when the church is persecuted, it flourishes. Anything that drives us to our knees, that makes us call on the name of the Lord works to perfect us and to establish our witness in the earth. Trials refine our faith. With pressure, we become as resilient and as brilliant as diamonds. Glorious in his eyesight and in the eyes of the world. Bright and shining lights in a wicked time and place. Reservoirs of hope and healing to the lost and hopeless. Be encouraged this week my friends. Wherever you are on this journey, God’s not done with you yet. Paul had some New Testament to write from the solitude of prison. What does God have in store for you?
Blessings,
.wb
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Aug. 22, 2010: Growing in Joy and Peace (Philippians 4:1-14)
Philippians 3:20-21 (New International Version)
20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Joshua 1:8 (New Living Translation)
8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
Colossians 3:2-3 (New International Version)
2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Matthew 15:25 (Amplified Bible)
25But she came and, kneeling, worshiped Him and kept praying, Lord, help me!
The first word of this week’s lesson , Philippians 4:1, is the word ‘Therefore’. In order to determine what it is ‘there for’, we have to back up to the close of the previous chapter, Philippians 3:21-22.At the end of Chapter 3, Paul encourages the believers to follow the pattern of living that has been given to them. He reminds them that earth is no longer their home, Heaven is. As such, there are new rules, an alternate reality. They underwent a paradigm shift at the cross and down is now up, and up is down. Paul offers a couple of points of advice on how to find peace and contentment in this alternative reality, worship and meditation. As Christians, we emphasize the benefits of worship, but meditation, not so much. Yet, the Bible instructs us to meditate on God and His Holy Word. If I am to transcend the bounds of mortality and enter into the place of peace and joy that God has prepared for me, worship and meditation are key. I will rejoice, I will worship, I will set my mind on things above, I will meditate on the true, the noble, the right, the pure, the lovely, the admirable, the excellent, the praiseworthy. Meditation should not be a ‘clearing’ of the mind, but a filling of the mind with the things of Christ. I could go on and on. Set aside some time this week for meditation. A few minutes here, a few minutes there. A few minutes for worship directed to God. A few minutes of meditation and reflection guided by the Scriptures. What about it? Some one once said to me; ‘Don’t be so Heavenly minded, that you are no earthly good.” I would argue that exactly the opposite is true. Jesus would back me up saying ‘Ye are the salt of the earth, but if salt lost it’s saltiness, what good would it be?” Be Blessed this week. Enjoy the lesson.
.wb
20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Joshua 1:8 (New Living Translation)
8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
Colossians 3:2-3 (New International Version)
2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Matthew 15:25 (Amplified Bible)
25But she came and, kneeling, worshiped Him and kept praying, Lord, help me!
The first word of this week’s lesson , Philippians 4:1, is the word ‘Therefore’. In order to determine what it is ‘there for’, we have to back up to the close of the previous chapter, Philippians 3:21-22.At the end of Chapter 3, Paul encourages the believers to follow the pattern of living that has been given to them. He reminds them that earth is no longer their home, Heaven is. As such, there are new rules, an alternate reality. They underwent a paradigm shift at the cross and down is now up, and up is down. Paul offers a couple of points of advice on how to find peace and contentment in this alternative reality, worship and meditation. As Christians, we emphasize the benefits of worship, but meditation, not so much. Yet, the Bible instructs us to meditate on God and His Holy Word. If I am to transcend the bounds of mortality and enter into the place of peace and joy that God has prepared for me, worship and meditation are key. I will rejoice, I will worship, I will set my mind on things above, I will meditate on the true, the noble, the right, the pure, the lovely, the admirable, the excellent, the praiseworthy. Meditation should not be a ‘clearing’ of the mind, but a filling of the mind with the things of Christ. I could go on and on. Set aside some time this week for meditation. A few minutes here, a few minutes there. A few minutes for worship directed to God. A few minutes of meditation and reflection guided by the Scriptures. What about it? Some one once said to me; ‘Don’t be so Heavenly minded, that you are no earthly good.” I would argue that exactly the opposite is true. Jesus would back me up saying ‘Ye are the salt of the earth, but if salt lost it’s saltiness, what good would it be?” Be Blessed this week. Enjoy the lesson.
.wb
Sunday School Lesson for Aug. 15, 2010: Living into the Future (Philippians 3:4b-16)
Matthew 25:21 (Amplified Bible)
21His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, [a]admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the [b]blessedness) which your master enjoys.
Acts 7:55-56 (The Message)
54-56At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, "Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God's side!"
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (The Message)
6-8You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
Hebrews 12:1 (New International Version)
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Usain Bolt is arguably the fastest man in the world right now. For those who don’t know, he is a Jamaican sprinter who currently holds the World and Olympic records in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 4 x 100 meter events. He’s so fast, that near the end of his races, he often mugs for the cameras, runs sideways, or taunts his competitors and tantalizes the rest of us with what might have been possible had he pressed through the finish. As far as I know, he hasn’t lost a race ‘looking back’. However, Bolt’s example is not to be emulated by Christian. No, we are to stay focused until the end. Let me encourage you this week. For those of you who are in this race in earnest.. all of Heaven is cheering you on., waiting for you at the finish line. Listen, you can hear Heaven calling you, can’t you? I can. For those of you who may grow tired along the way. Cheer up! Be encouraged. Don’t lose hope. I can see the hand of the Father waving in the distance. I can see the hosts of Heaven rejoicing as you get closer. Hang in there. The rewards that await us far out weigh the challenges we endure along the way.
Blessings,
wb
21His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, [a]admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the [b]blessedness) which your master enjoys.
Acts 7:55-56 (The Message)
54-56At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, "Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God's side!"
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (The Message)
6-8You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
Hebrews 12:1 (New International Version)
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Usain Bolt is arguably the fastest man in the world right now. For those who don’t know, he is a Jamaican sprinter who currently holds the World and Olympic records in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 4 x 100 meter events. He’s so fast, that near the end of his races, he often mugs for the cameras, runs sideways, or taunts his competitors and tantalizes the rest of us with what might have been possible had he pressed through the finish. As far as I know, he hasn’t lost a race ‘looking back’. However, Bolt’s example is not to be emulated by Christian. No, we are to stay focused until the end. Let me encourage you this week. For those of you who are in this race in earnest.. all of Heaven is cheering you on., waiting for you at the finish line. Listen, you can hear Heaven calling you, can’t you? I can. For those of you who may grow tired along the way. Cheer up! Be encouraged. Don’t lose hope. I can see the hand of the Father waving in the distance. I can see the hosts of Heaven rejoicing as you get closer. Hang in there. The rewards that await us far out weigh the challenges we endure along the way.
Blessings,
wb
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)