Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Matthew 24:36-44 (The Message)
36"But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven's angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.
37-39"The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah's. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away.
39-44"The Son of Man's Arrival will be like that: Two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill—one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up.
For Reflection
The IVP New Testament Commentaries say, "Impenitent sinners shall see Him whom they have pierced, and, though they laugh now, shall mourn and weep in endless horror and despair." Taken literally, the threat that some will be left behind at the second coming always disturbed me. Is it really the fear that one will remain unselected that moves people to God? If so, how long can the fear be sustained?
I would rather believe that the resurrected Christ is here right now working to reconcile the world to God. Some respond to the call and some do not. What do you think? What difference does your answer make in the way you live your life? Could both interpretations be true? Are they mutually exclusive?
Pray that you will be ready to answer God's call. Pray to be a vessel to house God's Spirit. Pray to enable God to work his grace through you.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Listen to the Word
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Acts 19:1-10 (The Message)
1-2 Now, it happened that while Apollos was away in Corinth, Paul made his way down through the mountains, came to Ephesus, and happened on some disciples there. The first thing he said was, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Did you take God into your mind only, or did you also embrace him with your heart? Did he get inside you?"
"We've never even heard of that—a Holy Spirit? God within us?"
3"How were you baptized, then?" asked Paul.
"In John's baptism."
4"That explains it," said Paul. "John preached a baptism of radical life-change so that people would be ready to receive the One coming after him, who turned out to be Jesus. If you've been baptized in John's baptism, you're ready now for the real thing, for Jesus."
5-7And they were. As soon as they heard of it, they were baptized in the name of the Master Jesus. Paul put his hands on their heads and the Holy Spirit entered them. From that moment on, they were praising God in tongues and talking about God's actions. Altogether there were about twelve people there that day.
8-10Paul then went straight to the meeting place. He had the run of the place for three months, doing his best to make the things of the kingdom of God real and convincing to them. But then resistance began to form as some of them began spreading evil rumors through the congregation about the Christian way of life. So Paul left, taking the disciples with him, and set up shop in the school of Tyrannus, holding class there daily. He did this for two years, giving everyone in the province of Asia, Jews as well as Greeks, ample opportunity to hear the Message of the Master.
For Reflection
There it is -- that laying on of hands again. How do you handle mystery? God inside us? Transformational power in the laying on of hands? Obviously, not all who received the Spirit accepted it. How do you let the Spirit drive you?
Pray that you continue to make a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit who lives in you. Pray that you will listen to not just hear the word of the Spirit.
in Today's World
Acts 19:1-10 (The Message)
1-2 Now, it happened that while Apollos was away in Corinth, Paul made his way down through the mountains, came to Ephesus, and happened on some disciples there. The first thing he said was, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Did you take God into your mind only, or did you also embrace him with your heart? Did he get inside you?"
"We've never even heard of that—a Holy Spirit? God within us?"
3"How were you baptized, then?" asked Paul.
"In John's baptism."
4"That explains it," said Paul. "John preached a baptism of radical life-change so that people would be ready to receive the One coming after him, who turned out to be Jesus. If you've been baptized in John's baptism, you're ready now for the real thing, for Jesus."
5-7And they were. As soon as they heard of it, they were baptized in the name of the Master Jesus. Paul put his hands on their heads and the Holy Spirit entered them. From that moment on, they were praising God in tongues and talking about God's actions. Altogether there were about twelve people there that day.
8-10Paul then went straight to the meeting place. He had the run of the place for three months, doing his best to make the things of the kingdom of God real and convincing to them. But then resistance began to form as some of them began spreading evil rumors through the congregation about the Christian way of life. So Paul left, taking the disciples with him, and set up shop in the school of Tyrannus, holding class there daily. He did this for two years, giving everyone in the province of Asia, Jews as well as Greeks, ample opportunity to hear the Message of the Master.
For Reflection
There it is -- that laying on of hands again. How do you handle mystery? God inside us? Transformational power in the laying on of hands? Obviously, not all who received the Spirit accepted it. How do you let the Spirit drive you?
Pray that you continue to make a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit who lives in you. Pray that you will listen to not just hear the word of the Spirit.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Rejoice in Your New Life
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Psalm 16:7-11 (The Message)
7-8 The wise counsel God gives when I'm awake
is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I'll stick with God;
I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go.
9-10 I'm happy from the inside out,
and from the outside in, I'm firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell—
that's not my destination!
11 Now you've got my feet on the life path,
all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
I'm on the right way.For Reflection
Living the life that God intends is cause for celebration. Let the music of God flow through you. Dance, Sing, make joyful noises. (Well, at least SMILE.)
Pray prayers of joy. Thank God for His presence in your life. Think of a hymn and sing it all day.
in Today's World
Psalm 16:7-11 (The Message)
7-8 The wise counsel God gives when I'm awake
is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I'll stick with God;
I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go.
9-10 I'm happy from the inside out,
and from the outside in, I'm firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell—
that's not my destination!
11 Now you've got my feet on the life path,
all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
I'm on the right way.For Reflection
Living the life that God intends is cause for celebration. Let the music of God flow through you. Dance, Sing, make joyful noises. (Well, at least SMILE.)
Pray prayers of joy. Thank God for His presence in your life. Think of a hymn and sing it all day.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
We are God-Taught
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 (The Message)
4-5Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body, not abusing it, as is so common among those who know nothing of God.
6-7Don't run roughshod over the concerns of your brothers and sisters. Their concerns are God's concerns, and he will take care of them. We've warned you about this before. God hasn't invited us into a disorderly, unkempt life but into something holy and beautiful—as beautiful on the inside as the outside.
8If you disregard this advice, you're not offending your neighbors; you're rejecting God, who is making you a gift of his Holy Spirit.
9-10Regarding life together and getting along with each other, you don't need me to tell you what to do. You're God-taught in these matters. Just love one another! You're already good at it; your friends all over the province of Macedonia are the evidence. Keep it up; get better and better at it.
11-12Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You've heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts. We want you living in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, not lying around sponging off your friends.
For Reflection
To what extent is you life a demonstration of what it means to belong to a loving God?
Pray that you will be confident enough in your relationship with God that you live a life that pleases Him. Pray to remain open to His direction in your life.
in Today's World
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 (The Message)
You're God-Taught
1-3 One final word, friends. We ask you—urge is more like it—that you keep on doing what we told you to do to please God, not in a dogged religious plod, but in a living, spirited dance. You know the guidelines we laid out for you from the Master Jesus. God wants you to live a pure life. Keep yourselves from sexual promiscuity.4-5Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body, not abusing it, as is so common among those who know nothing of God.
6-7Don't run roughshod over the concerns of your brothers and sisters. Their concerns are God's concerns, and he will take care of them. We've warned you about this before. God hasn't invited us into a disorderly, unkempt life but into something holy and beautiful—as beautiful on the inside as the outside.
8If you disregard this advice, you're not offending your neighbors; you're rejecting God, who is making you a gift of his Holy Spirit.
9-10Regarding life together and getting along with each other, you don't need me to tell you what to do. You're God-taught in these matters. Just love one another! You're already good at it; your friends all over the province of Macedonia are the evidence. Keep it up; get better and better at it.
11-12Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You've heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts. We want you living in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, not lying around sponging off your friends.
For Reflection
To what extent is you life a demonstration of what it means to belong to a loving God?
Pray that you will be confident enough in your relationship with God that you live a life that pleases Him. Pray to remain open to His direction in your life.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Corner of Blessing and Curse
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Deuteronomy 11:26-32 (The Message)
26 I've brought you today to the crossroads of Blessing and Curse.
27 The Blessing: if you listen obediently to the commandments of God, your God, which I command you today.
28 The Curse: if you don't pay attention to the commandments of God, your God, but leave the road that I command you today, following other gods of which you know nothing.
29-30 Here's what comes next: When God, your God, brings you into the land you are going into to make your own, you are to give out the Blessing from Mount Gerizim and the Curse from Mount Ebal. After you cross the Jordan River, follow the road to the west through Canaanite settlements in the valley near Gilgal and the Oaks of Moreh.
31-32 You are crossing the Jordan River to invade and take the land that God, your God, is giving you. Be vigilant. Observe all the regulations and rules I am setting before you today.
For Reflection
How do we choose at the intersections of our lives? Moses had a way of putting it. Obedience to God is a right turn on Blessing Road. Take measure of your life. One can always leave Curse Blvd. for Blessing Road.
Pray for steadfast obedience to the word. Praise God for His forgiving grace and constant offer to re-direct our lives.
in Today's World
Deuteronomy 11:26-32 (The Message)
26 I've brought you today to the crossroads of Blessing and Curse.
27 The Blessing: if you listen obediently to the commandments of God, your God, which I command you today.
28 The Curse: if you don't pay attention to the commandments of God, your God, but leave the road that I command you today, following other gods of which you know nothing.
29-30 Here's what comes next: When God, your God, brings you into the land you are going into to make your own, you are to give out the Blessing from Mount Gerizim and the Curse from Mount Ebal. After you cross the Jordan River, follow the road to the west through Canaanite settlements in the valley near Gilgal and the Oaks of Moreh.
31-32 You are crossing the Jordan River to invade and take the land that God, your God, is giving you. Be vigilant. Observe all the regulations and rules I am setting before you today.
For Reflection
How do we choose at the intersections of our lives? Moses had a way of putting it. Obedience to God is a right turn on Blessing Road. Take measure of your life. One can always leave Curse Blvd. for Blessing Road.
Pray for steadfast obedience to the word. Praise God for His forgiving grace and constant offer to re-direct our lives.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Seek the Lord's Counsel
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Psalm 32:6-11 (The Message)
6 These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray;
when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts
we'll be on high ground, untouched.
7 God's my island hideaway,
keeps danger far from the shore,
throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.
8 Let me give you some good advice;
I'm looking you in the eye
and giving it to you straight:
9 "Don't be ornery like a horse or mule
that needs bit and bridle
to stay on track."
10 God-defiers are always in trouble;
God-affirmers find themselves loved
every time they turn around.
11 Celebrate God.
Sing together—everyone!
All you honest hearts, raise the roof!
For Reflection
Time out! Stop the world! A pause that truly refreshes! Brothers and sisters in Christ are offered the opportunity of re-birth daily. Reconciliation and rejuvenation are gifts that we can't afford to pass up. Seek the Lord's counsel. Take time to talk to God each day.
Pray to your everlasting Father. Let the peace that passes all understanding fall upon you and engulf you. Rest in the hollow of God's hand.
in Today's World
Psalm 32:6-11 (The Message)
6 These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray;
when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts
we'll be on high ground, untouched.
7 God's my island hideaway,
keeps danger far from the shore,
throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.
8 Let me give you some good advice;
I'm looking you in the eye
and giving it to you straight:
9 "Don't be ornery like a horse or mule
that needs bit and bridle
to stay on track."
10 God-defiers are always in trouble;
God-affirmers find themselves loved
every time they turn around.
11 Celebrate God.
Sing together—everyone!
All you honest hearts, raise the roof!
For Reflection
Time out! Stop the world! A pause that truly refreshes! Brothers and sisters in Christ are offered the opportunity of re-birth daily. Reconciliation and rejuvenation are gifts that we can't afford to pass up. Seek the Lord's counsel. Take time to talk to God each day.
Pray to your everlasting Father. Let the peace that passes all understanding fall upon you and engulf you. Rest in the hollow of God's hand.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Encouraging an Encourager
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Acts 18: 24-28 (The Message)
24-26A man named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was a Jew, born in Alexandria, Egypt, and a terrific speaker, eloquent and powerful in his preaching of the Scriptures. He was well-educated in the way of the Master and fiery in his enthusiasm. Apollos was accurate in everything he taught about Jesus up to a point, but he only went as far as the baptism of John. He preached with power in the meeting place. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and told him the rest of the story.
27-28When Apollos decided to go on to Achaia province, his Ephesian friends gave their blessing and wrote a letter of recommendation for him, urging the disciples there to welcome him with open arms. The welcome paid off: Apollos turned out to be a great help to those who had become believers through God's immense generosity. He was particularly effective in public debate with the Jews as he brought out proof after convincing proof from the Scriptures that Jesus was in fact God's Messiah.
For Reflection
"Flash and dash!" is what the believers in Ephesus might have said of Apollos. "He sounds good, but he knows nothing. Ignore him. Such puffery!" However, rather than criticize Apollo, they recognized his passion and talent. Their encouragement resulted in the conversion of many that would have otherwise not had the opportunity to hear the gospel. Who have you encouraged lately?
Pray that you will avoid a negative response to others. Pray that you will strengthen others through words of encouragement.
in Today's World
Acts 18: 24-28 (The Message)
24-26A man named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was a Jew, born in Alexandria, Egypt, and a terrific speaker, eloquent and powerful in his preaching of the Scriptures. He was well-educated in the way of the Master and fiery in his enthusiasm. Apollos was accurate in everything he taught about Jesus up to a point, but he only went as far as the baptism of John. He preached with power in the meeting place. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and told him the rest of the story.
27-28When Apollos decided to go on to Achaia province, his Ephesian friends gave their blessing and wrote a letter of recommendation for him, urging the disciples there to welcome him with open arms. The welcome paid off: Apollos turned out to be a great help to those who had become believers through God's immense generosity. He was particularly effective in public debate with the Jews as he brought out proof after convincing proof from the Scriptures that Jesus was in fact God's Messiah.
For Reflection
"Flash and dash!" is what the believers in Ephesus might have said of Apollos. "He sounds good, but he knows nothing. Ignore him. Such puffery!" However, rather than criticize Apollo, they recognized his passion and talent. Their encouragement resulted in the conversion of many that would have otherwise not had the opportunity to hear the gospel. Who have you encouraged lately?
Pray that you will avoid a negative response to others. Pray that you will strengthen others through words of encouragement.
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