Christian Commitment
in Today's World
1 Thessalonians 3 (The Message)
1-2So when we couldn't stand being separated from you any longer and could find no way to visit you ourselves, we stayed in Athens and sent Timothy to get you up and about, cheering you on so you wouldn't be discouraged by these hard times. He's a brother and companion in the faith, God's man in spreading the Message, preaching Christ.
3-5Not that the troubles should come as any surprise to you. You've always known that we're in for this kind of thing. It's part of our calling. When we were with you, we made it quite clear that there was trouble ahead. And now that it's happened, you know what it's like. That's why I couldn't quit worrying; I had to know for myself how you were doing in the faith. I didn't want the Tempter getting to you and tearing down everything we had built up together.
6-8But now that Timothy is back, bringing this terrific report on your faith and love, we feel a lot better. It's especially gratifying to know that you continue to think well of us, and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you! In the middle of our trouble and hard times here, just knowing how you're doing keeps us going. Knowing that your faith is alive keeps us alive.
9-10What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God for all the joy we experience before him because of you? We do what we can, praying away, night and day, asking for the bonus of seeing your faces again and doing what we can to help when your faith falters.
11-13May God our Father himself and our Master Jesus clear the road to you! And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers.
For Reflection
It is no easier now than in the days of this letter. Bearing allegiance to God means that we give up allegiances to other things. What allegiances has your faith made difficult? Where do you find encouragement in difficult times? What Gifts has God given to you to endure suffering times? What gifts do you offer others in pain?
Pray for strength in difficult times. Give praise and thanksgiving for the gifts God has provided. Pray that you will be God's gift to others.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Supported by God's People
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Acts 18:1-11 (The Message)
7-8He walked out and went to the home of Titius Justus, a God-fearing man who lived right next to the Jews' meeting place. But Paul's efforts with the Jews weren't a total loss, for Crispus, the meeting-place president, put his trust in the Master. His entire family believed with him.
8-11In the course of listening to Paul, a great many Corinthians believed and were baptized. One night the Master spoke to Paul in a dream: "Keep it up, and don't let anyone intimidate or silence you. No matter what happens, I'm with you and no one is going to be able to hurt you. You have no idea how many people I have on my side in this city." That was all he needed to stick it out. He stayed another year and a half, faithfully teaching the Word of God to the Corinthians.
For Reflection
It seems as though even Paul became discouraged from time to time.
Sometimes we have no idea how we have influenced others. Just because we don't get the expected response, we think others aren't listening. Some are!
Some seeds are tiny. With proper soil preparation, care and feeding even the smallest grow into a proper plant.
In a world that seems not to listen, Pray that you will have confidence in God and the gumption to stick it out.
in Today's World
Acts 18:1-11 (The Message)
Corinth
1-4After Athens, Paul went to Corinth. That is where he discovered Aquila, a Jew born in Pontus, and his wife, Priscilla. They had just arrived from Italy, part of the general expulsion of Jews from Rome ordered by Claudius. Paul moved in with them, and they worked together at their common trade of tentmaking. But every Sabbath he was at the meeting place, doing his best to convince both Jews and Greeks about Jesus. 5-6When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was able to give all his time to preaching and teaching, doing everything he could to persuade the Jews that Jesus was in fact God's Messiah. But no such luck. All they did was argue contentiously and contradict him at every turn. Totally exasperated, Paul had finally had it with them and gave it up as a bad job. "Have it your way, then," he said. "You've made your bed; now lie in it. From now on I'm spending my time with the other nations."7-8He walked out and went to the home of Titius Justus, a God-fearing man who lived right next to the Jews' meeting place. But Paul's efforts with the Jews weren't a total loss, for Crispus, the meeting-place president, put his trust in the Master. His entire family believed with him.
8-11In the course of listening to Paul, a great many Corinthians believed and were baptized. One night the Master spoke to Paul in a dream: "Keep it up, and don't let anyone intimidate or silence you. No matter what happens, I'm with you and no one is going to be able to hurt you. You have no idea how many people I have on my side in this city." That was all he needed to stick it out. He stayed another year and a half, faithfully teaching the Word of God to the Corinthians.
For Reflection
It seems as though even Paul became discouraged from time to time.
Sometimes we have no idea how we have influenced others. Just because we don't get the expected response, we think others aren't listening. Some are!
Some seeds are tiny. With proper soil preparation, care and feeding even the smallest grow into a proper plant.
In a world that seems not to listen, Pray that you will have confidence in God and the gumption to stick it out.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Encouraged by the Scriptures
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Romans 15:1-6 (The Message)
1-2 Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?"
3-6That's exactly what Jesus did. He didn't make it easy for himself by avoiding people's troubles, but waded right in and helped out. "I took on the troubles of the troubled," is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we'll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
For Reflection
It's not just a matter of doing the right thing; if we can ever figure out what that is! It's a matter of responding to the love and call of God. What does it mean to look after the good of the people around us? To me, it is not a matter of the Holy Gotcha! It's more a matter of warm personal support in the direction God calls us to go. How is it for you?
Pray to become a member of the choir of those who provide steady constant calling and warm personal counsel rooted in scripture and the mediating love and grace of God.
in Today's World
Romans 15:1-6 (The Message)
1-2 Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?"
3-6That's exactly what Jesus did. He didn't make it easy for himself by avoiding people's troubles, but waded right in and helped out. "I took on the troubles of the troubled," is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we'll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
For Reflection
It's not just a matter of doing the right thing; if we can ever figure out what that is! It's a matter of responding to the love and call of God. What does it mean to look after the good of the people around us? To me, it is not a matter of the Holy Gotcha! It's more a matter of warm personal support in the direction God calls us to go. How is it for you?
Pray to become a member of the choir of those who provide steady constant calling and warm personal counsel rooted in scripture and the mediating love and grace of God.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Encouraging New Leaders
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Deuteronomy 3:23-49 (The Message)
23-25 At that same time, I begged God: "God, my Master, you let me in on the beginnings, you let me see your greatness, you let me see your might—what god in Heaven or Earth can do anything like what you've done! Please, let me in also on the endings, let me cross the river and see the good land over the Jordan, the lush hills, the Lebanon mountains."
26-27 But God was still angry with me because of you. He wouldn't listen. He said, "Enough of that. Not another word from you on this. Climb to the top of Mount Pisgah and look around: look west, north, south, east. Take in the land with your own eyes. Take a good look because you're not going to cross this Jordan.
28 "Then command Joshua: Give him courage. Give him strength. Single-handed he will lead this people across the river. Single-handed he'll cause them to inherit the land at which you can only look."
29 That's why we have stayed in this valley near Beth Peor.
For Reflection
Moses only got a glimpse of the promised land. However, he got the chance to encourage another to take his place.
Last Sunday I sat in the choir which gives a wonderful perch from which to observe (or conduct surveillance) the congregation. A lot was happening -- a baptism, announcements of mission trips, gifts to the Gideons, children's sermon, ushers helping others to find seats and conferring in the background, hymns sung, confessions made, prayers offered, assurances given, families enjoying each other's fellowship. I found my self wondering where all these young people came from!
Then as we sang I was There to Hear your Borning Cry, I," not old but no longer young," like Moses, was looking at the future. I saw a multitude of Joshuas having been encouraged by the faithful taking their proper role to encourage others to sustain the living gospel. To what extent do you feel the joy of seeing the return of your sustaining support of your church? Take time to rejoice in it.
Pray for an increase in abiding love for one another in the communities that make up the Kingdom of God. Pray for the body of Christ and for the encouraging and steadfast concern and support each member has for another. Offer thanksgiving for the opportunities to support in times of difficulty and the opportunity to share the rejoices. Encourage through God's grace.
in Today's World
Deuteronomy 3:23-49 (The Message)
23-25 At that same time, I begged God: "God, my Master, you let me in on the beginnings, you let me see your greatness, you let me see your might—what god in Heaven or Earth can do anything like what you've done! Please, let me in also on the endings, let me cross the river and see the good land over the Jordan, the lush hills, the Lebanon mountains."
26-27 But God was still angry with me because of you. He wouldn't listen. He said, "Enough of that. Not another word from you on this. Climb to the top of Mount Pisgah and look around: look west, north, south, east. Take in the land with your own eyes. Take a good look because you're not going to cross this Jordan.
28 "Then command Joshua: Give him courage. Give him strength. Single-handed he will lead this people across the river. Single-handed he'll cause them to inherit the land at which you can only look."
29 That's why we have stayed in this valley near Beth Peor.
For Reflection
Moses only got a glimpse of the promised land. However, he got the chance to encourage another to take his place.
Last Sunday I sat in the choir which gives a wonderful perch from which to observe (or conduct surveillance) the congregation. A lot was happening -- a baptism, announcements of mission trips, gifts to the Gideons, children's sermon, ushers helping others to find seats and conferring in the background, hymns sung, confessions made, prayers offered, assurances given, families enjoying each other's fellowship. I found my self wondering where all these young people came from!
Then as we sang I was There to Hear your Borning Cry, I," not old but no longer young," like Moses, was looking at the future. I saw a multitude of Joshuas having been encouraged by the faithful taking their proper role to encourage others to sustain the living gospel. To what extent do you feel the joy of seeing the return of your sustaining support of your church? Take time to rejoice in it.
Pray for an increase in abiding love for one another in the communities that make up the Kingdom of God. Pray for the body of Christ and for the encouraging and steadfast concern and support each member has for another. Offer thanksgiving for the opportunities to support in times of difficulty and the opportunity to share the rejoices. Encourage through God's grace.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Son of Encouragement
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Acts 4:32-37 (The Message)
32-33The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, "That's mine; you can't have it." They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.
34-35And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person's need.
36-37Joseph, called by the apostles "Barnabas" (which means "Son of Comfort"), a Levite born in Cyprus, sold a field that he owned, brought the money, and made an offering of it to the apostles.
For Reflection
Leave it all behind! Yes, all of it! What you are is not what you have. What you are is not even what you have had. What you are is not independent of the community of believers. In Jesus Christ we are all one not only in spirit but in fact. For these early believers sacrifice was not just symbolic. Sacrifice of all they had and were was essential. What do you sacrifice? What do you bring to the community of believers?
Pray That you give all that you possess, all that you are to sustaining the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Pray to be a powerful witness to the resurrection -- to your rebirth into the fellowship of grace.
in Today's World
Acts 4:32-37 (The Message)
32-33The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, "That's mine; you can't have it." They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.
34-35And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person's need.
36-37Joseph, called by the apostles "Barnabas" (which means "Son of Comfort"), a Levite born in Cyprus, sold a field that he owned, brought the money, and made an offering of it to the apostles.
For Reflection
Leave it all behind! Yes, all of it! What you are is not what you have. What you are is not even what you have had. What you are is not independent of the community of believers. In Jesus Christ we are all one not only in spirit but in fact. For these early believers sacrifice was not just symbolic. Sacrifice of all they had and were was essential. What do you sacrifice? What do you bring to the community of believers?
Pray That you give all that you possess, all that you are to sustaining the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Pray to be a powerful witness to the resurrection -- to your rebirth into the fellowship of grace.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Pleasing To God
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (The Message)
1-2So, friends, it's obvious that our visit to you was no waste of time. We had just been given rough treatment in Philippi, as you know, but that didn't slow us down. We were sure of ourselves in God, and went right ahead and said our piece, presenting God's Message to you, defiant of the opposition.
9-12You remember us in those days, friends, working our fingers to the bone, up half the night, moonlighting so you wouldn't have the burden of supporting us while we proclaimed God's Message to you. You saw with your own eyes how discreet and courteous we were among you, with keen sensitivity to you as fellow believers. And God knows we weren't freeloaders! You experienced it all firsthand. With each of you we were like a father with his child, holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into his own kingdom, into this delightful life.
For Reflection
Evangelize. Not something I do easily. Going door to door? Can't see myself doing that. Engaging others in conversations about God? Yeah, I've done that. Worked beside others to help them and provide an opportunity for God's grace flow through me. Oh yeah. I am quite comfortable with that. Maybe I evangelize more than I think. Maybe I just can't help it!
Each has his or her own way to bear the Gospel. How comfortable are you to evangelize?
Pray that you become so committed to God that you become a living testament to his power and grace. Pray that God will use you. Pray that you will give in to God when He presents opportunities to bear the Gospel. Pray that you become mindful of the qualities of sharing the Gospel
in Today's World
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (The Message)
1-2So, friends, it's obvious that our visit to you was no waste of time. We had just been given rough treatment in Philippi, as you know, but that didn't slow us down. We were sure of ourselves in God, and went right ahead and said our piece, presenting God's Message to you, defiant of the opposition.
No Hidden Agendas
3-5God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. Be assured that when we speak to you we're not after crowd approval—only God approval. Since we've been put through that battery of tests, you're guaranteed that both we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you. 6-8Even though we had some standing as Christ's apostles, we never threw our weight around or tried to come across as important, with you or anyone else. We weren't aloof with you. We took you just as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children. We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did.9-12You remember us in those days, friends, working our fingers to the bone, up half the night, moonlighting so you wouldn't have the burden of supporting us while we proclaimed God's Message to you. You saw with your own eyes how discreet and courteous we were among you, with keen sensitivity to you as fellow believers. And God knows we weren't freeloaders! You experienced it all firsthand. With each of you we were like a father with his child, holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into his own kingdom, into this delightful life.
For Reflection
Evangelize. Not something I do easily. Going door to door? Can't see myself doing that. Engaging others in conversations about God? Yeah, I've done that. Worked beside others to help them and provide an opportunity for God's grace flow through me. Oh yeah. I am quite comfortable with that. Maybe I evangelize more than I think. Maybe I just can't help it!
Each has his or her own way to bear the Gospel. How comfortable are you to evangelize?
Pray that you become so committed to God that you become a living testament to his power and grace. Pray that God will use you. Pray that you will give in to God when He presents opportunities to bear the Gospel. Pray that you become mindful of the qualities of sharing the Gospel
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Doing What Pleaes God
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
1 John 3:18-24 (The Message)
For Reflection
It is not all about you! Tear off the robes colored by who you think you are. Sacrifice yourself. Ignore self doubt. Be free before God. Believe deeply. Live deeply. Follow the Spirit.
Pray deeply for the courage to trust in God. Pray to act on impulses of love.
in Today's World
1 John 3:18-24 (The Message)
When We Practice Real Love
18-20My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. 21-24And friends, once that's taken care of and we're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we're bold and free before God! We're able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we're doing what he said, doing what pleases him. Again, this is God's command: to believe in his personally named Son, Jesus Christ. He told us to love each other, in line with the original command. As we keep his commands, we live deeply and surely in him, and he lives in us. And this is how we experience his deep and abiding presence in us: by the Spirit he gave us..For Reflection
It is not all about you! Tear off the robes colored by who you think you are. Sacrifice yourself. Ignore self doubt. Be free before God. Believe deeply. Live deeply. Follow the Spirit.
Pray deeply for the courage to trust in God. Pray to act on impulses of love.
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