What does eternal gratitude and worship look like? Well, we get a glimpse of this in chapter 4. John describes 4 living beings that, "Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty - the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.'" (verse 8b). Notice that worship happens day and night. It is an ongoing activity and these creatures cry out the holiness of God and the eternal, and timeless nature of God.
There are also the 24 elders who worship and lay down their crowns before the throne saying, "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased." (verse 11). As we look at the worship of the elders, we see that they also speak to the Lord's worthiness and God's role as creator and our dependence on God. In the act of laying their crowns at the fot of the throne, we also see their submission to God. The power and authority that the crowns represent, are all laid down at God's feet for the Lord to use as God sees fit.
So is this worship reserved for heaven? No. This is a model of what we here, on earth should also be doing. We need to worship both day and night and submit ourselves to God. We also need to recognize that all that we are, is through God's creation and that we need God continually. God is worthy, and holy, and eternal, and free from the constrains of time.
So what will be your phrase of worship today? What hymn will you have running through your thoughts? I would love to have you share it so that we can all share in each others' worship.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Revelation 3 - Reputation vs. Character
Do your reputation and character match? The accusation against the the church of Sardis was that theirs did not. "I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive - but you are dead." (verse 1). While they had a reputation for living for God, they were in facts acting without the Spirit and not with a heart for the Lord.
Can you think of a time or circumstance where someone could make the same accusation against you. I certainly can. There have definitely been times in my life when I did things for the benefit of how others would see it and to preserve an image. The problem with this is that it eats you up inside and if you do it too much, you are left feeling like people don't really know you and you have to wonder if they would like the you on the inside. More importantly though, God does know you and God knows the inside of you. Does the Lord like it? Not if you are hearing an accusation like the one given to the church of Sardis.
You can fix this though by reinviting God in and let the Lord do a little heart cleaning. God reminds the church of Laodicea in verse 20 that the Lord wants to come in, "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."
Is God waiting at the door of your heart, desiring to do some heart cleaning so that your character and reputation are both pointing to the Lord. Is God waiting to share a meal with you? Listen...is God knocking? et the Lord in and let today be the beginning of a new season for you, where God transforms you into the person that God has created you to be, living a life of sincere righteousness and sharing and showing the gospel to those who enter your life.
Can you think of a time or circumstance where someone could make the same accusation against you. I certainly can. There have definitely been times in my life when I did things for the benefit of how others would see it and to preserve an image. The problem with this is that it eats you up inside and if you do it too much, you are left feeling like people don't really know you and you have to wonder if they would like the you on the inside. More importantly though, God does know you and God knows the inside of you. Does the Lord like it? Not if you are hearing an accusation like the one given to the church of Sardis.
You can fix this though by reinviting God in and let the Lord do a little heart cleaning. God reminds the church of Laodicea in verse 20 that the Lord wants to come in, "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."
Is God waiting at the door of your heart, desiring to do some heart cleaning so that your character and reputation are both pointing to the Lord. Is God waiting to share a meal with you? Listen...is God knocking? et the Lord in and let today be the beginning of a new season for you, where God transforms you into the person that God has created you to be, living a life of sincere righteousness and sharing and showing the gospel to those who enter your life.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Revelation 2 - The Real Us
What stands out to me as I read this chapter is that each of these churches has strengths are areas of sin. Aren't each of us just like that? God can see those places where we honor the Lord and show our faith in God and love for God. But each of us also has things that God could hold against us. Some area where we fall short or are making choices that disappoint God.
What I like about these letters is that none of them end with a listing of faults and condemnation. No, they end with opportunity to move into correct living and be in greater alignment with the will of God. Followed by a statement of discipline for those who don't repent and a statement of victory for those who come into alignment with God.
I love that each letter ends with a statement of victory! God is always speaking that into our life. yes, we screw up, and yes, we need forgiveness for our sins, but God does not trap us in that place. God is always calling us to change and become more and more like the person God created us to be. When God corrects us, it is not for the sake of condemnation, it is for the sake of calling us into greater holiness!
Like these churches, let us hear what God has against us and use that to grow and become closer to the Lord!
What I like about these letters is that none of them end with a listing of faults and condemnation. No, they end with opportunity to move into correct living and be in greater alignment with the will of God. Followed by a statement of discipline for those who don't repent and a statement of victory for those who come into alignment with God.
I love that each letter ends with a statement of victory! God is always speaking that into our life. yes, we screw up, and yes, we need forgiveness for our sins, but God does not trap us in that place. God is always calling us to change and become more and more like the person God created us to be. When God corrects us, it is not for the sake of condemnation, it is for the sake of calling us into greater holiness!
Like these churches, let us hear what God has against us and use that to grow and become closer to the Lord!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Revelation 1 - Who Wants a Blessing?
Do you want a blessing? Sure, we all do. Well, as this chapter begins, is starts with a promise of a blessing for the "...one who reads the word of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what is says, for the time is near." (verse 3). So here is goes, let us walk into this promised blessing together.
So what kind of blessing, you ask? Well, God can give all blessings through the Word, but this promise brings new understanding, encouragement, and guidance in a time of great testing for the world.
I think it is important to note that John makes it clear that this is not just a letter from himself. This letter is written by John at the instruction and under the hand of "...the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ." (verses 4b and 5a). All that is contained here is not of human origin, but from a God who is eternal, present, and understands our human circumstances. A God that has the knowledge and experience to fulfill the blessing of a promise. So I stand here in confidence that despite my fears of tackling the book of Revelation here is this blog, God has a blessing for me and for you! It may be different for each of us, but maybe as we go, and share together, we will be encouraged, not only by the blessing God gives to us, but also by the blessing God gives to others. I encourage you to share...I know it will encourage me and I believe that God will use it to encourage others.
Do you know someone else who needs a blessing...invite them on our journey too! God bless you all!
So what kind of blessing, you ask? Well, God can give all blessings through the Word, but this promise brings new understanding, encouragement, and guidance in a time of great testing for the world.
I think it is important to note that John makes it clear that this is not just a letter from himself. This letter is written by John at the instruction and under the hand of "...the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ." (verses 4b and 5a). All that is contained here is not of human origin, but from a God who is eternal, present, and understands our human circumstances. A God that has the knowledge and experience to fulfill the blessing of a promise. So I stand here in confidence that despite my fears of tackling the book of Revelation here is this blog, God has a blessing for me and for you! It may be different for each of us, but maybe as we go, and share together, we will be encouraged, not only by the blessing God gives to us, but also by the blessing God gives to others. I encourage you to share...I know it will encourage me and I believe that God will use it to encourage others.
Do you know someone else who needs a blessing...invite them on our journey too! God bless you all!
Friday, May 27, 2011
1 Thessalonians 5 - Confidence in Your Salvation
Do you ever wonder about your salvation? Particularly after you know you have screwed up? Or when someones holds up something in your life as unacceptable? Well, I think Paul knew that the believers of Thessaloniki would experience this and as he warned then to be ready for the day of the Lord's coming, he urged them to be protected and be, "wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation." (verse 8b) "For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour his anger on us." (verse 9).
It is so easy to forget that our salvation is about Jesus' sacrifice, not our actions. If it were left up to us to earn salvation...well, let's just say that eternity would certainly not be too crowded. It is our faith and acceptance of Jesus and his sacrifice that is key. So, God does want us to walk in confidence. When we feel doubt, we need to remember that the gift has been given. Certainly that is not a point in question. So therefore, our confidence can grow from our acceptance of the gift. We won't be good enough to earn it or deserve it...hence why it was a gift.
Don't let Satan speak doubt into you. Yes, we will screw up and make poor choices, but God does not want us to condemn ourselves. When we feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit, God wants us to be spurred to change and become more righteous. But Satan would love for us to believe that our actions and choices control our position with God. If we believe that then we can be manipulated into giving up the blessings God is pouring out on us. Rebuke Satan's lies and stand in the assurance that salvation HAS been given. Stand in the confidence that you have accepted the gift and be ready for the day of the Lord's coming.
It is so easy to forget that our salvation is about Jesus' sacrifice, not our actions. If it were left up to us to earn salvation...well, let's just say that eternity would certainly not be too crowded. It is our faith and acceptance of Jesus and his sacrifice that is key. So, God does want us to walk in confidence. When we feel doubt, we need to remember that the gift has been given. Certainly that is not a point in question. So therefore, our confidence can grow from our acceptance of the gift. We won't be good enough to earn it or deserve it...hence why it was a gift.
Don't let Satan speak doubt into you. Yes, we will screw up and make poor choices, but God does not want us to condemn ourselves. When we feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit, God wants us to be spurred to change and become more righteous. But Satan would love for us to believe that our actions and choices control our position with God. If we believe that then we can be manipulated into giving up the blessings God is pouring out on us. Rebuke Satan's lies and stand in the assurance that salvation HAS been given. Stand in the confidence that you have accepted the gift and be ready for the day of the Lord's coming.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
1 Thessalonians 4 - The Quiet Life
"Live Out Loud" is a slogan that the United Way is currently using to encourage volunteerism. The idea is to be a volunteer and let others know you volunteers so that they too will be encourages to volunteer. I couldn't help but to think of that when I read verse 11 and 12 of this chapter, "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others."
Paul was encouraging a life that included working to take care of your needs and living your faith in a way that didn't throw it in others' faces. These new believers were being persecuted and Paul knew that the quiet life, just living faith, without creating a big disturbance would be more effective in building the kingdom of God. People would see their joy and the change in their lives and desire to understand what was the source of their joy and peaceful life.
So what about today? Is that quiet life still the appropriate method or do we need to live our faith out loud? or is there some middle ground?
When I consider the quiet life, I have to wonder if people will just not notice? Perhaps some people who we have developed strong relationship will notice, but in today's world, will they ask? This certainly supports the evangelism theme of make a friend, be a friend, bring your friend to Christ.
When I consider a faith life lived out loud, I see visions of some of the revival movements that have popped up around the country. Certainly these have born fruit...and have caused damage to the kingdom. When a person lives their faith out load and retains a righteous life, there can be a tremendous impact. I think about the Billy Graham Crusades and the many that were touched and changed. The problem is that when that person loses sight of the righteous life, or promotes an idea/information that doesn't reflect the truth of scripture, there can be terrible consequences. Most recently I am reminded of the huge advertising campaign that claimed that May 21 was Judgement Day.
So which is the life we should be living? I think the only answer I can give is to pray. Only God can guide you in your life path. If he calls you to be a quiet witness, them praise the Lord and walk a path of righteousness and if God calls you to "live out loud" before the nations, that praise the Lord and walk a path of righteousness. We have certainly seen the impact of both of these kinds of life and as we are each created differently and used differently, I have to believe that the answer that is right for you may not be the answer that is right for me. But if you have other thought, I sure would love to hear them!
God bless!
Paul was encouraging a life that included working to take care of your needs and living your faith in a way that didn't throw it in others' faces. These new believers were being persecuted and Paul knew that the quiet life, just living faith, without creating a big disturbance would be more effective in building the kingdom of God. People would see their joy and the change in their lives and desire to understand what was the source of their joy and peaceful life.
So what about today? Is that quiet life still the appropriate method or do we need to live our faith out loud? or is there some middle ground?
When I consider the quiet life, I have to wonder if people will just not notice? Perhaps some people who we have developed strong relationship will notice, but in today's world, will they ask? This certainly supports the evangelism theme of make a friend, be a friend, bring your friend to Christ.
When I consider a faith life lived out loud, I see visions of some of the revival movements that have popped up around the country. Certainly these have born fruit...and have caused damage to the kingdom. When a person lives their faith out load and retains a righteous life, there can be a tremendous impact. I think about the Billy Graham Crusades and the many that were touched and changed. The problem is that when that person loses sight of the righteous life, or promotes an idea/information that doesn't reflect the truth of scripture, there can be terrible consequences. Most recently I am reminded of the huge advertising campaign that claimed that May 21 was Judgement Day.
So which is the life we should be living? I think the only answer I can give is to pray. Only God can guide you in your life path. If he calls you to be a quiet witness, them praise the Lord and walk a path of righteousness and if God calls you to "live out loud" before the nations, that praise the Lord and walk a path of righteousness. We have certainly seen the impact of both of these kinds of life and as we are each created differently and used differently, I have to believe that the answer that is right for you may not be the answer that is right for me. But if you have other thought, I sure would love to hear them!
God bless!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
1 Thessalonians 3 - Parental Hopes and Dreams
Do you have hopes and dreams for another person? As I read this verse 5 stood out to me, "That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy out to find out whether you faith was still strong, I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and our work had been useless."
I was reminded of a discussion that happened last night at my cousins' house about tattoos, in which she made a comment about whether how she hoped her children would never get permanent tattoos. When it was brought up that she couldn't control that when they were adults, she said that she hoped she had been a good mother and they wouldn't. Now of course, whether her children ever get permanent tattoos has no reflection of her parenting skills (she is an amazing parent), it certainly reflects the fears that Paul shows for the church at Thessalonica. Paul also feared that the work he had done with the church would be useless when the influences of the world got to them, but to his great joy, when Timothy reports back, he learns that in the face of persecution, the church is going strong and their faith is intact. Taking this back to parenting, I can imagine the joy a parent feels as their children avoid certain life pitfalls, that they always tried to encourage their children to avoid, such as drugs, or driving intoxicated.
Of course what happens when the news isn't so good? We know that at times Paul learned that different groups of believers that he brought up, ran into difficulties and strayed from the path. This of course is the reason for some of his other epistles. The good news is that we now have Paul's instruction to help us when we stray from the path, just as we have this letter of encouragement.
So what phase are you in today? If Jesus wrote you a letter after hearing about how your life is going, would he write you letter of encouragement, such as we have been reading? Or would he write you a letter to give you a course correction? Take a minute and consider this today. What would the theme of Jesus' letter to you be...beside the great love he has for you?
I was reminded of a discussion that happened last night at my cousins' house about tattoos, in which she made a comment about whether how she hoped her children would never get permanent tattoos. When it was brought up that she couldn't control that when they were adults, she said that she hoped she had been a good mother and they wouldn't. Now of course, whether her children ever get permanent tattoos has no reflection of her parenting skills (she is an amazing parent), it certainly reflects the fears that Paul shows for the church at Thessalonica. Paul also feared that the work he had done with the church would be useless when the influences of the world got to them, but to his great joy, when Timothy reports back, he learns that in the face of persecution, the church is going strong and their faith is intact. Taking this back to parenting, I can imagine the joy a parent feels as their children avoid certain life pitfalls, that they always tried to encourage their children to avoid, such as drugs, or driving intoxicated.
Of course what happens when the news isn't so good? We know that at times Paul learned that different groups of believers that he brought up, ran into difficulties and strayed from the path. This of course is the reason for some of his other epistles. The good news is that we now have Paul's instruction to help us when we stray from the path, just as we have this letter of encouragement.
So what phase are you in today? If Jesus wrote you a letter after hearing about how your life is going, would he write you letter of encouragement, such as we have been reading? Or would he write you a letter to give you a course correction? Take a minute and consider this today. What would the theme of Jesus' letter to you be...beside the great love he has for you?
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
1 Thessalonians 2 - Speaking to Please God
Look at verse 4, "For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts." and lets examine that second part...
Imagine if you will, people speaking only to please God. Not to manipulate or please others, just to please God. What would that look like? Our words would need to reflect the fruit of the Spirit...they would be good, kind, loving, reflect patience and joy...and they would reflect truth and life. We would also not be speaking what someone wants to hear, but what they need to hear. I am trying to fully imagine what this would look like. Could you do this? For just an hour? I am not sure if I can...but I think I will try. Today I will try to monitor what I say and see if I can only speak to please God. That means no fear in speaking the truth, but speaking it in love.
I challenge you to try this too. I will get back to this at the end of the day and let you know how it goes. I would love to hear about your experience too.
As we try this challenge, I pray that God will guard our tongues and our thoughts and lead us to words of truth and love. I pray the Lord strengthen each one of us to put pleasing God ahead of pleasing humankind. Amen!
Imagine if you will, people speaking only to please God. Not to manipulate or please others, just to please God. What would that look like? Our words would need to reflect the fruit of the Spirit...they would be good, kind, loving, reflect patience and joy...and they would reflect truth and life. We would also not be speaking what someone wants to hear, but what they need to hear. I am trying to fully imagine what this would look like. Could you do this? For just an hour? I am not sure if I can...but I think I will try. Today I will try to monitor what I say and see if I can only speak to please God. That means no fear in speaking the truth, but speaking it in love.
I challenge you to try this too. I will get back to this at the end of the day and let you know how it goes. I would love to hear about your experience too.
As we try this challenge, I pray that God will guard our tongues and our thoughts and lead us to words of truth and love. I pray the Lord strengthen each one of us to put pleasing God ahead of pleasing humankind. Amen!
Monday, May 23, 2011
1 Thessalonians 1 - A Word of Encouragement
What is it like to receive a letter from a friend? Now if that letter praises you and talks about how great you are? ou would feel amazing! Well, when Paul writes to the believers at Thessalonica, he shows them Christian encouragement. Timothy has just returned to him after visiting these new believers and given him a positive report on their faith, but we discover that their circumstances are challenging, "So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you..." (verse 6, emphasis mine). Persecution and tough times abound for these believers but still they stay strong and Paul takes on the role of an encourager. We all need encouragers in our life. Paul points out some wonderful things about these believers:
I want to challenge you each today to consider those people you know or find God putting in your life today. Do you know someone who could use a word of encouragement? Take the time time to write a letter, send an email, shoot them a text or give them a phone call. Give them a word of encouragement and also (and more importantly) pray for that person.
If you want to let me know who that person is, I will also pray for them as well. Remember: If you are going to put someone's name in a comment, please only use their first name to protect their privacy :-).
God bless you!
- "...faithful work...loving deeds....enduring hope..." verse 3
- "...an example to all the believers in Greece..." verse 8
- "...wonderful welcome you gave us..." verse 9
I want to challenge you each today to consider those people you know or find God putting in your life today. Do you know someone who could use a word of encouragement? Take the time time to write a letter, send an email, shoot them a text or give them a phone call. Give them a word of encouragement and also (and more importantly) pray for that person.
If you want to let me know who that person is, I will also pray for them as well. Remember: If you are going to put someone's name in a comment, please only use their first name to protect their privacy :-).
God bless you!
Friday, May 20, 2011
How This Blog Came to Be
So why am I setting up a blog with Bible reflections? Well, as Lent was started this year, I decided to recommit myself to my daily Bible reading. Knowing myself though, I knew that if I had no accountability, I would quickly fall back into bad habits of spotty reading, so I decided to set-up some accountability. Initially I began by texting my reflections each morning to a few friends. Knowing that they would be holding me accountable did the trick. As I shared what I was doing, some other friends asked to be included. Since I do all this from my bed and I don't keep my laptop nearby my friends who don't text were left out.
As you can see, I have broken down, and in a couple of days when I start a new book of the Bible, I will shift to this blog instead of texting. Now all the world can see what I am thinking as I read the Bible...and hopefully some lively conversations will ensue. Feel free to comment. I don't claim to have it all right and this is an opportunity for us all to grow in relationship and understanding of God.
Don't expect too much organization as we go through the Bible. I randomly choose books as I feel led and have done the book of Ephesians twice since Lent started. But, once I select a book, I do go through it, one chapter a day. When we are getting close to the end of a book, feel free to suggest one for next...you may be the way God is telling me where to go next.
Anyway, welcome and come share this journey with me!
As you can see, I have broken down, and in a couple of days when I start a new book of the Bible, I will shift to this blog instead of texting. Now all the world can see what I am thinking as I read the Bible...and hopefully some lively conversations will ensue. Feel free to comment. I don't claim to have it all right and this is an opportunity for us all to grow in relationship and understanding of God.
Don't expect too much organization as we go through the Bible. I randomly choose books as I feel led and have done the book of Ephesians twice since Lent started. But, once I select a book, I do go through it, one chapter a day. When we are getting close to the end of a book, feel free to suggest one for next...you may be the way God is telling me where to go next.
Anyway, welcome and come share this journey with me!
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