Love One Another

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Requires Mutual Love

John 13:31-35

The Message

A New Command

^31-32 When he had left, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is seen for who he is, and God seen for who he is in him. The moment God is seen in him, God’s glory will be on display. In glorifying him, he himself is glorified—glory all around!

³³ “Children, I am with you for only a short time longer. You are going to look high and low for me. But just as I told the Jews, I’m telling you: ‘Where I go, you are not able to come.’
^34-35 “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”

For Reflection

With Christ as an example, how could we avoid understanding what we are intended to become. 

Pray

that you will become more Christ-like in your interactions with others.  Pray for those who do not know Christ.  Pray for those who have rejected the love of God. Pray that you will be a living example that attracts all who know you to the love of God in Christ.

Taught to Love

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Requires Mutual Love

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

The Message

6 ^1-2 This is the commandment, the rules and regulations, that God, your God, commanded me to teach you to live out in the land you’re about to cross into to possess. This is so that you’ll live in deep reverence before God lifelong, observing all his rules and regulations that I’m commanding you, you and your children and your grandchildren, living good long lives.

³ Listen obediently, Israel. Do what you’re told so that you’ll have a good life, a life of abundance and bounty, just as God promised, in a land abounding in milk and honey.
⁴ Attention, Israel!
God, our God! God the one and only!
⁵ Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!

^6-9 Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.

For Reflection

Armed with the commandment written inside you, they become so much a part of you that you don't even have to think about them.  They automatically guide you to a righteous decision. How do I make them and integral part of my being?  Study them. Talk with others about them.  Carry a reminder of them everywhere you go.  Teach them.

Are they simple? Yes.   Are they easy to follow? Not always. Is their an overriding rule?  Yes, love is a moderator.  Do following the commandments create dilemmas in your life?  Yes.  What if I err?  God's grace will return you to the fold. That which you do out of love for your God and mankind and which demonstrates that love is a righteous choice.

Pray

that you will be guided by God's love.  Pray that you will be a righteous example of God's way.  Pray for the wisdom to be obedient to God's law and consistent with His love.

Faithful Love

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Requires Mutual Love

Deuteronomy 7:7-11

The Message

^7-10 God wasn’t attracted to you and didn’t choose you because you were big and important—the fact is, there was almost nothing to you. He did it out of sheer love, keeping the promise he made to your ancestors. God stepped in and mightily bought you back out of that world of slavery, freed you from the iron grip of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know this: God, your God, is God indeed, a God you can depend upon. He keeps his covenant of loyal love with those who love him and observe his commandments for a thousand generations. But he also pays back those who hate him, pays them the wages of death; he isn’t slow to pay them off—those who hate him, he pays right on time.
¹¹ So keep the command and the rules and regulations that I command you today. Do them.

For Reflection

No need to get all puffed up!  Human kind isn't so "all that!"  In fact we are sort'a pitiful. We can transcend our human condition only through obedience to God.  Because God loves us, He made a promise to Israel and extended it to the whole world. His promise frees us from our human boundaries and frees us to live righteous lives in spite of our human weaknesses; in spite of our worldly pressures.  Our only obligation is to show our love to Him in grateful obedience.

Pray

that you will show your love for He who first loved you.  Pray that you will return His love in obedience to his will for your life.  Pray for the faithful who are persecuted in His name. Pray for the courage to live a righteous life.

I Love You, O Lord

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Requires Mutual Love

Psalm 18:1-6

The Message

A David Song, Which He Sang to God After Being Saved from All His Enemies and from Saul

18 ^1-2 I love you, God—
    you make me strong.
God is bedrock under my feet,
    the castle in which I live,
    my rescuing knight.
My God—the high crag
    where I run for dear life,
    hiding behind the boulders,
    safe in the granite hideout.

³ I sing to God, the Praise-Lofty,
    and find myself safe and saved.

^4-5 The hangman’s noose was tight at my throat;
    devil waters rushed over me.
Hell’s ropes cinched me tight;
    death traps barred every exit.

⁶ A hostile world! I call to God,
    I cry to God to help me.
From his palace he hears my call;
    my cry brings me right into his presence—
    a private audience!

For Reflection

 Some love God because they are afraid not to.  Some love God because they are grateful for living in the joy of His grace. Why Do you Love God?

Pray

that the love you have for God will continue to grow, maturing in wisdom, hospitality, and grace.

The Discipline of Faith

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Empowers Endurance

Hebrews 12:1-11

The Message

Discipline Strengthens Endurance

12 ^1-3 Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

^4-11 In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?

My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline,
    but don’t be crushed by it either.
It’s the child he loves that he disciplines;
    the child he embraces, he also corrects.

God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God

For Reflection

Sometimes we think of discipline as punishments for unwanted behavior.  Such action is usually a result of threats or promises made on the condition of either performing well or performing poorly.

But discipline can also be interpreted as training, or a field of study, or self-control, or a methodical system to which one adheres in order to accomplish. Certainly, discipline is connected to rewards, but, the rewards do not always have to be external.  The reward for a disciplined faith can be God's favor, of course.  However, the intrinsic rewards are equally relevant and more immediate.

Ask yourself, "Why do people who never win (and possibly, may have no potential for winning) compete?"  The act of competing itself seems to be a satisfying reward.  Striving and accomplishing personal bests is enough, as is just the pure joy of participation.

It seems that is the way of faith.  Participating with God in your faith journey. Participating in the joy of righteousness. Participating in the discovery of God's wisdom. Participating In the fellowship of the faithful. Participating in the comforting presence of the Spirit.  Participating in the grace of our Lord.  

Participating is its own reward!

Pray

that you will participate in God's plan for you.  Pray that you will go forth in joy, knowing the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the confidence found in the study of Scripture, and the trust that only a right relationship with God can bring.

Live the Life He Lived

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Empowers Endurance

1 Peter 2:18-25

The Message

The Kind of Life He Lived

^18-20 You who are servants, be good servants to your masters—not just to good masters, but also to bad ones. What counts is that you put up with it for God’s sake when you’re treated badly for no good reason. There’s no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you’re treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God.

^21-25 This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.

He never did one thing wrong,
Not once said anything amiss.

They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.

For Reflection

When is it right to disobey a worldly master-- good or bad?  Christ certainly did not obey worldly masters, but, it can be argued that He was good to all of them.

How is that so?

Suppose your boss or supervisor asks you to do something that is contrary to your faith?  You, like Jesus before the Pharisees, can not serve God's intention and the Pharisees. Christ was subject to criticism if He did or if he didn't -- a dilemma.  It would be wrong to be complicit to an untoward act.  It is not being good to the boss for you to partner in his unGodly act because it contributes to his ungodliness.

Will you suffer consequences?  if you are not creative and can be supportive without being compliant.  You might find an acceptable alternative.  However, if you cannot, continuing disobedience to the will of God will, over time, undermine your faith.

God will set things right.  Keep an eye on his Kingdom and God will name you righteous and keep you safe.  We are invited to suffer in joy and be steadfast in our faith, confident in God's promise, committed to his Kingdom. and trusting in His judgment.

Pray

Pray for the courage to remain obedient to your faith.  Pray that the Lord' will enter the hearts of your enemies.  Pray so that the Lord may comfort you and protect you when you choose goodness.

Death Becomes Life

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Empowers Endurance

Romans 6:1-11

The Message

When Death Becomes Life

6 ^1-3 So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we’ve left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn’t you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!

^3-5 That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.
^6-11 Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin’s every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That’s what Jesus did.

For Reflection

When we commit to God it is as though we have died and risen to a new person, confident in the Lord, trusting in his grace, and full of courage to risk this new life.  But this isn't instantaneous.  It is not like taking a before picture and immediately transformed into the after picture.

Dying to your old self is a slow sometimes agonizing death.  Parts of you seem to hang on and haunt your new life in Christ.  However, with God at your side, you can recognize and reject the creepy ghosts of self-past and live the life God intends for you; armored in God's protective shield of grace. 

Pray

that you will resist the urge to retain the elements of your old self-centered person that are not consistent with your God-centered self.  Pray that you will listen for God's voice to guide and comfort you.

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Empowers Endurance

Romans 6:1-11

The Message

When Death Becomes Life

6 ^1-3 So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we’ve left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn’t you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!

^3-5 That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.
^6-11 Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin’s every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That’s what Jesus did.

For Reflection

When we commit to God it is as though we have died and risen to a new person, confident in the Lord, trusting in his grace, and full of courage to risk this new life.  But this isn't instantaneous.  It is not like taking a before picture and immediately transformed into the after picture.

Dying to your old self is a slow sometimes agonizing death.  Parts of you seem to hang on and haunt your new life in Christ.  However, with God at your side, you can recognize and reject the creepy ghosts of self-past and live the life God intends for you; armored in God's protective shield of grace.

Pray

that you will resist the urge to retain the elements of your old self-centered person that are not consistent with your God-centered self.  Pray that you will listen for God's voice to guide and comfort you.

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Empowers Endurance

Romans 6:1-11

The Message

When Death Becomes Life

6 ^1-3 So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we’ve left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn’t you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!

^3-5 That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.
^6-11 Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin’s every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That’s what Jesus did.

For Reflection

When we commit to God it is as though we have died and risen to a new person, confident in the Lord, trusting in his grace, and full of courage to risk this new life.  But this isn't instantaneous.  It is not like taking a before picture and immediately transformed into the after picture.

Dying to your old self is a slow sometimes agonizing death.  Parts of you seem to hang on and haunt your new life in Christ.  However, with God at your side, you can recognize and reject the creepy ghosts of self-past and live the life God intends for you; armored in God's protective shield of grace.

Pray

that you will resist the urge to retain the elements of your old self-centered person that are not consistent with your God-centered self.  Pray that you will listen for God's voice to guide and comfort you.

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Empowers Endurance

Job 5:8-18

The Message

What a Blessing When God Corrects You!

^8-16 “If I were in your shoes, I’d go straight to God,
    I’d throw myself on the mercy of God.
After all, he’s famous for great and unexpected acts;
    there’s no end to his surprises.
He gives rain, for instance, across the wide earth,
    sends water to irrigate the fields.
He raises up the down-and-out,
    gives firm footing to those sinking in grief.
He aborts the schemes of conniving crooks,
    so that none of their plots come to term.
He catches the know-it-alls in their conspiracies—
    all that intricate intrigue swept out with the trash!
Suddenly they’re disoriented, plunged into darkness;
    they can’t see to put one foot in front of the other.
But the downtrodden are saved by God,
    saved from the murderous plots, saved from the iron fist.
And so the poor continue to hope,
    while injustice is bound and gagged.

^17-19 “So, what a blessing when God steps in and corrects you!
    Mind you, don’t despise the discipline of Almighty God!
True, he wounds, but he also dresses the wound;
    the same hand that hurts you, heals you.
From one disaster after another he delivers you;
    no matter what the calamity, the evil can’t touch you—

For Reflection

So, what's your beef?  God is gracious.  He surprises us with his grace.  He binds injustice.  So why are we  surprised when he corrects our course with loving discipline.  OK!  It might feel a bit rough.  Don't fight it.  Give the trouble back to God in prayer.  He will deliver you from disaster.  Listen to the God who loves you.

Pray

that you will have confidence in God.  Pray for trust in His loving hand.  Pray to God for deliverance from your calamity.

Serve in Gratitude

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Empowers Endurance

1 Timothy 4:6-10

The Message

^6-10 You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.

For Reflection

Those of us who have committed to God, who have trust and confidence in His counsel have an obligation to serve Him.  Not out of fear, not out of self reward, but rather we serve out of gratitude.  We commit completely to a disciplined life of study, prayer and witness to the living God. 

Pray

that you will serve Him with out reservation.  Pray that you will be a living testament to his mercy and grace.

Pursuing Peace and Holiness

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Inspires Gratitude

Hebrews 12:12-17

The Message

^12-13 So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!
^14-17 Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.

For Reflection

When have you traded away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite?  Hunger for the distant goal.  Hope for the Kingdom of God.

Pray

that you will not stumble on the common rocks, or seek to feed on weeds that grow strong on your journey's path.  Pray to live in sight of God's intention for your life.

Loving with God's Kind of Love

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Inspires Gratitude

Matthew 5:43-48

The Message

^43-47 “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
⁴⁸ “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

For Reflection

What does it mean to love your enemies?  Who are your enemies? Who or what seduces you away from a righteous path?  When you are in faith with God what can harm you, of what do you have to be afraid?

Pray

that living in the midst of enemies will not seduce you away from the God-self which resides within you.  Pray that you avoid the downward spiral of hate and vengeance.  Wipe the slate clean each day in prayer.

Giving Thanks for the Faithfull

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Inspires Gratitude

2 Thessalonians 1:1-7

The Message

1 ^1-2 I, Paul, together with Silas and Timothy, greet the church of the Thessalonian Christians in the name of God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ. Our God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you’re to be.

Justice Is on the Way

^3-4 You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you.

^5-10 All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You’re suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he’ll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. His coming will be the break we’ve been waiting for. Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they’ve done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. But on that very same day when he comes, he will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe—and all because you believed what we told you.

For Reflection

From the beginning, Christians were persecuted; sometimes harshly, sometimes subtly.  What was true then is still true today.  Christians, all over the world, are suffering because of their faith.  Because of God's extraordinary love, you and I love extraordinarily.  In the midst of our enemies we pray for them.  Hate is obliterated in us.  We are, above all, unconventional.  Because of us, the faithful, God's kingdom will reign.

Pray

That you will thank God often and earnestly for the things He has done.  Pray for those who do not know God.  Pray that they will find in God the path to salvation that He offers to all.  Pray that you will love extraordinarily.

Anticipating a Better Covenant

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Inspires Gratitude

Hebrews 8:1-7

The Message

A New Plan with Israel

8 ^1-2 In essence, we have just such a high priest: authoritative right alongside God, conducting worship in the one true sanctuary built by God.

^3-5 The assigned task of a high priest is to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and it’s no different with the priesthood of Jesus. If he were limited to earth, he wouldn’t even be a priest. We wouldn’t need him since there are plenty of priests who offer the gifts designated in the law. These priests provide only a hint of what goes on in the true sanctuary of heaven, which Moses caught a glimpse of as he was about to set up the tent-shrine. It was then that God said, “Be careful to do it exactly as you saw it on the Mountain.”
^6-13 But Jesus’ priestly work far surpasses what these other priests do, since he’s working from a far better plan. If the first plan—the old covenant—had worked out, a second wouldn’t have been needed. But we know the first was found wanting, because God said,

Heads up! The days are coming
    when I’ll set up a new plan
    for dealing with Israel and Judah.
I’ll throw out the old plan
    I set up with their ancestors
    when I led them by the hand out of Egypt.
They didn’t keep their part of the bargain,
    so I looked away and let it go.
This new plan I’m making with Israel
    isn’t going to be written on paper,
    isn’t going to be chiseled in stone;
This time I’m writing out the plan in them,
    carving it on the lining of their hearts.
I’ll be their God,
    they’ll be my people.
They won’t go to school to learn about me,
    or buy a book called God in Five Easy Lessons.
They’ll all get to know me firsthand,
    the little and the big, the small and the great.
They’ll get to know me by being kindly forgiven,
    with the slate of their sins forever wiped clean.

By coming up with a new plan, a new covenant between God and his people, God put the old plan on the shelf. And there it stays, gathering dust.

For Reflection

The old plan, legalistic, aimed at group behavior and faith, has been abandoned.  With the Christ event, the new plan begins.  Perhaps God tired of being disappointed.  Perhaps He was tired of feeling the pain of his people when they strayed from obedience.  Perhaps He had accomplished what He had intended through the old covenant.

Was He angry? Probably not.  Was he discouraged?  Absolutely not!  Was He still longing for the reconciliation of His people to Himself?  Absolutely!

He sacrificed Himself and the new covenant was signed in his own son's blood.  No grudge is harbored. His grace and His mercy are offered instead.  He works inside all of us.  Nothing lies between us and God except our own stubbornness to accept his call.  Praise be to God.

Pray

that you reaffirm God's call to you each day.  Pray prayers of re-dedication to His will for you.  Find time each day to discover God's intentions for your life.

Listening to the Spirit

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Inspires Gratitude

Revelation 3:1-13

The Message

To Sardis

3 Write this to Sardis, to the Angel of the church. The One holding the Seven Spirits of God in one hand, a firm grip on the Seven Stars with the other, speaks:

“I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you’re dead, stone-dead.
^2-3 “Up on your feet! Take a deep breath! Maybe there’s life in you yet. But I wouldn’t know it by looking at your busywork; nothing of God’s work has been completed. Your condition is desperate. Think of the gift you once had in your hands, the Message you heard with your ears—grasp it again and turn back to God.
“If you pull the covers back over your head and sleep on, oblivious to God, I’ll return when you least expect it, break into your life like a thief in the night.
⁴ “You still have a few followers of Jesus in Sardis who haven’t ruined themselves wallowing in the muck of the world’s ways. They’ll walk with me on parade! They’ve proved their worth!
⁵ “Conquerors will march in the victory parade, their names indelible in the Book of Life. I’ll lead them up and present them by name to my Father and his Angels.
⁶ “Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.”

To Philadelphia

⁷ Write this to Philadelphia, to the Angel of the church. The Holy, the True—David’s key in his hand, opening doors no one can lock, locking doors no one can open—speaks:

⁸ “I see what you’ve done. Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don’t have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn’t deny me when times were rough.
⁹ “And watch as I take those who call themselves true believers but are nothing of the kind, pretenders whose true membership is in the club of Satan—watch as I strip off their pretensions and they’re forced to acknowledge it’s you that I’ve loved.
¹⁰ “Because you kept my Word in passionate patience, I’ll keep you safe in the time of testing that will be here soon, and all over the earth, every man, woman, and child put to the test.
¹¹ “I’m on my way; I’ll be there soon. Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown.
¹² “I’ll make each conqueror a pillar in the sanctuary of my God, a permanent position of honor. Then I’ll write names on you, the pillars: the Name of my God, the Name of God’s City—the new Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven—and my new Name.
¹³ “Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.”

.
For Reflection

Revelation is always tough.  However, before you look for hidden meaning in every turn of phrase, look to the obvious truths. In Sardis, the faithful were consumed by the common place busy work of a church. so much so, that their reputation for zest and vigor was widely known. But, they lost their way in their zest for less significant work.  Their work, not God's became paramount.  In Philadelphia, in spite of God's help, some of the faithful seemed to claim independence from God.

To the few in both places, who remained truly faithful, God promised that He will keep them close in His fold, citizens of the New Jerusalem.  For those who stray from the faith He will strip off their pretensions and they will have little choice, but to bow to reconciliation.

God, the Spirit, whispers words of wisdom and encouragement.  Avoid that which distracts you from God's intention for your life.  Are you listening the the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches?

Pray

that you will listen to God's Word Whispers.  Pray that you will not be caught up in the every day demands of life that you will deceive your self and diminish your faithfulness.  Pray that you will listen patiently to the God Whispers.

Patience of Trust

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Is Assurance

Psalm 27:7-14

The Message

 ^7-9 Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs:
      "Be good to me! Answer me!"
   When my heart whispered, "Seek God,"
      my whole being replied,
   "I'm seeking him!"
      Don't hide from me now!

 ^9-10 You've always been right there for me; 
      don't turn your back on me now.
   Don't throw me out, don't abandon me;
      you've always kept the door open.
   My father and mother walked out and left me,
      but God took me in.

 ^11-12 Point me down your highway, God;
      direct me along a well-lighted street;
      show my enemies whose side you're on.
   Don't throw me to the dogs,
      those liars who are out to get me,
      filling the air with their threats.

 ^13-14 I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness
      in the exuberant earth.
   Stay with God!
      Take heart. Don't quit.
   I'll say it again:
      Stay with God.

For Reflection

God's time is not our time.  Patience, therefore, is of paramount importance.  Patience requires trust.  Patience requires confidence in the promise of God.  Patience requires the conviction that God will make it all right.  Patience requires waiting and listening and observing, looking for God's response.

Pray

for patience.  Pray for the wisdom to "stay with God."  Pray for confidence in the Lord.

The Confidence of Trust

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Is Assurance

Psalm 27:1-6

The Message

A David Psalm

 ¹ Light, space, zest— that's God!
   So, with him on my side I'm fearless,
      afraid of no one and nothing.

 ² When vandal hordes ride down
      ready to eat me alive,
   Those bullies and toughs
      fall flat on their faces.

 ³ When besieged,
      I'm calm as a baby.
   When all hell breaks loose,
      I'm collected and cool.

 ⁴ I'm asking God for one thing,
      only one thing:
   To live with him in his house
      my whole life long.
   I'll contemplate his beauty;
      I'll study at his feet.

 ⁵ That's the only quiet, secure place
      in a noisy world,
   The perfect getaway,
      far from the buzz of traffic.

 ⁶ God holds me head and shoulders
      above all who try to pull me down.
   I'm headed for his place to offer anthems
      that will raise the roof!
   Already I'm singing God-songs;
      I'm making music to God.

For Reflection

Being besieged by the common place world is the terror of our times.  So many things vie for our attention and distract us from the righteous path God intends.  Take some time today to think about what has happened in your life this day.  Try to remember those things which are so common in every-day occurrence that you never give them a second thought; perhaps a slow cashier at the grocery has frustrated you or a racist joke was told in your presence and your silence approved its telling.

Some times faith requires us to be alone, out of step with conventional wisdom in such small ways that we are often unaware of them.  And yet, these small things tend, over time, to slowly eat away at the roots of our faith and fear begins the rotting of our souls.

Step away from life for awhile.  Hold God's hand and pray for the confidence and trust that you can meet God's expectations as a witness to his Kingdom.

Pray

for the serenity that can only come from God.  Pray for confidence in the Lord.  Pray that your faith will not be compromised by common place occurrences.

The Security of Trust

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Is Assurance

Psalm 4

The Message

A David Psalm

 ¹ When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room;
   Now I'm in trouble again: grace me! hear me!

 ² You rabble—how long do I put up with your scorn?
   How long will you lust after lies?
   How long will you live crazed by illusion?

 ³ Look at this: look
   Who got picked by God!
   He listens the split second I call to him.

 ^4-5 Complain if you must, but don't lash out.
   Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking.
   Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.

 ^6-7 Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say.
   "More, more."
   I have God's more-than-enough,
   More joy in one ordinary day

 ^7-8 Than they get in all their shopping sprees.
   At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep,
   For you, God, have put my life back together.

For Reflection

"... In trouble again."  David's people have again disappointed him.

And so it is with us.  Time and time again we forget that we are born in God's image, imbued with the capacity for rationality, control and selflessness.   And yet, we succumb to irrationality, driven by fear and taken with lies and illusion.  When will we learn?  Have we so little faith that we lack common courtesy, humility and hospitality?

By faith and prayer cast your lot upon God. Leave to God the cares of this world,  And as for all of us, we would be better off if we conduct discussions of our differences civilly and in good faith.

Pray

that you will treat your words as windows into God's will;  listen to the words of the world with God's ear. listen to the words of scripture; listen to God's whispered wisdom.

The Prayer of Trust

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Is Assurance

Psalm 3

The Message

 ^1-2 God! Look! Enemies past counting! Enemies sprouting like mushrooms,
   Mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery:
   "Hah! No help for him from God!"

 ^3-4 But you, God, shield me on all sides;
   You ground my feet, you lift my head high;
   With all my might I shout up to God,
   His answers thunder from the holy mountain.

 ^5-6 I stretch myself out. I sleep.
   Then I'm up again—rested, tall and steady,
   Fearless before the enemy mobs
   Coming at me from all sides.

 ⁷ Up, God! My God, help me!
   Slap their faces,
   First this cheek, then the other,
   Your fist hard in their teeth!

 ⁸ Real help comes from God.
   Your blessing clothes your people!

For Reflection

I always have a problem with Biblical violence.  Recently our pastor, Will Robinson, suggested that one way to interpret this kind of Biblical violence is to think about the last time you were angry enough to write a hateful letter and not mail it or to scream, "He did what?  I'm gonna kill him!"  Perhaps this is just a psalmist blowing off steam.

If we focus on the last verses literally, we may miss the point.  This psalm shows me that the psalmist is deeply confident, committed and trusting that God will deliver him from that which threatens him.  The last lines if taken metaphorically shows that the psalmist trusts that God will handle the situations the psalmist faces.  The psalmist  knows that God will defeat His enemies. This is a plea from a real person with authentic feelings expressed without censure.  It is you and I over 2000 years ago.

How do you express your frustration?

Pray

To your God.  Tell Him how much you appreciate His support.  Be graphic in describing the outcomes of your faith.  Don't even hold back angry words.  Say, "God, it's me!"  He will understand.

The Trusting Child

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Is Assurance

Mark 10:13-16

The Message

 ^13-16The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: "Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.

For Reflection

Sometimes we think of children as though though they had inherent instinctive trust.  Perhaps as suckling infants children may, but over the years, I have realized the trust of a child has to be earned just like the trust of an adult.  Children learn to trust.  It may be a bit easier for them to trust in an unseen God than for an adult, but both learn to trust.

Jesus understood the connection between acts of faith and the power of the act to reinforce the faith.  His acceptance of the children (some of whom were undoubtedly reluctant to get close to Him) was not only about giving these children an experience that would lead to trust.  Jesus also wanted to assure the faithful that the faith which was strong enough to desire their children to experience a similar faith was a righteous act.

Many times I have heard parents remark that they did not want to influence their children's faith.  They thought that their children should make up their mind's when they were old enough to make an informed choice.  In my opinion, if a child has not experienced the community of the faithful early in his or her life, he or she has no base of comparison to chose a life within the community or outside the community.  How faithful are parents who do not trust their children to a faith community?

Children inside the faith community need as many faith experiences as possible.  Today's children are tomorrow' s faithful. 

Pray

for the children of this world, that they may know God.  Pray for parents that they may pass their faith in God to their children. Pray for the God's church, that it may provide a sanctuary for learning to trust God.