Wednesday, October 28,2015

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.”

~ Mahatma Ghandi

 JEREMIAH 23-24

28Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. 29“Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

 2 TIMOTHY 2

22Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful



JOURNAL

God's word is powerful and is not to be distorted. It is easy to become consumed by my surroundings, stupid arguments and dreams and hopes that are not of God. I know it is the norm to become enamored with things that seem to hold life and give life. Yet if I measure them against God's word they are empty.

 

To call out to God with a pure heart, is to be willing to give up all things that take me outside of how I was created. Anything that pulls me to try and be something I am not only serves to destroy me. God's desire is that I be only what he created me to be and to do that in love.

 



Tuesday, October 27, 2015

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” 
~ Winston Churchill 

 JEREMIAH 20-22

 

18Why did I ever come out of the womb

to see trouble and sorrow

and to end my days in shame?

 2 TIMOTHY 1

 

6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.



JOURNAL

Jeremiah is discouraged and mourns his very existence.  He is being persecuted for speaking truth and warning the Israelites of future danger and as a result he was beaten and put in the stocks.

Paul already in prison, is reaching out to Timothy in what is his last letter before he is executed. He sees Timothy as a "son" in the spirit of God. The letter is written as a personal one from a Father to a son, encouraging him to keep going and to live a life of dedication and service.

There are days when life gets the best of me. Days when the effort to keep going and be positive feels like pushing a 200 lb. boulder up a hill.  When I read of Jeremiah's discouragement and the other prophets who in the midst of it all wish it would just all go away, it helps me to know that the bible is not all BS.  Here are real people struggling to make sense of it all. Real people who have dedicated their life to God who still get discouraged, still have problems, still suffer.

It also helps me to know that all suffering is not my fault. It's not all because I didn't perform well or because I was not dedicated enough. Although there is suffering that I brought on myself...The reality is that suffering happens to everyone. Dedicating my life to God will not relieve me of that suffering, it will not remove unfortunate and difficult circumstances from my life.  However it will connect me to the God who loves me and will help me to be embraced in a way that understands the heartache.

 

Monday, October 26, 2015

“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”

~ Brene Brown 

 JEREMIAH 17-19

7“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,

whose confidence is in him.

8They will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit.”

 1 TIMOTHY 6

6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.



JOURNAL

Honestly I constantly struggle to trust in God and not in the things of this world. Sometimes it feels impossible. I want to have hope and I want to be content and sometimes it feels like the only way that is possible is through other people and or with money and possessions. I know deep in my soul that this is just a lie, yet sometimes it feels like it is the only solution. It just seems easier that way.  I think that is the lie...that the easier path is the better one. Reality is that the easier path leads to personal destruction.

 

However I do realize that God created all and called it good. I think the error is in trusting or desiring anything in place of God. If I love and desire money in place of God, or if I put another person in place of God himself...then that person or that object has become my God. Then I am in danger of wandering from faith and becoming completely disillusioned. Yet the reality is that all of these things take me outside of myself and outside of my authentic self. The one God created to be. Anytime I run from or try to be more than I am...I walk away from God.

 



Friday, October 23, 2015

“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” ~ J.K. Rowling 

 JEREMIAH 9-10

12But God made the earth by his power;

he founded the world by his wisdom

and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.

13When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar;

he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth.

He sends lightning with the rain

and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

 1 TIMOTHY 3

16Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,

was vindicated by the Spirit,^d

was seen by angels,

was preached among the nations,

was believed on in the world,

was taken up in glory.



JOURNAL

This morning I read that your first thoughts in the morning are the things that are most present and deepest in your mind. It's not that these thoughts are supposed to rule you or that you fully surrender to them but they are to be honestly acknowledged and given space to discover the truth in them. 

There are days when I wake up a bit disoriented wondering what I am doing and why.  There are days when I wake up with worries and fears, and there are days when I wake up with peace.  I think that in all things it is vital to surrender each day to God's direction. Which means spending time reading, reflecting and honestly pursuing the tough problems.  Often it is easier for me to find a way to dismiss the uncomfortable situations by avoiding them or finding reasons to put them off. 

There may be times when that is the best option, however I also know that more often than not, tough problems need to be worked on and honestly encountered every day. They may not be completely solvable but they can be worked on...steps can be taken and often that is only done when I am surrendered to obeying God and trusting his direction. It is hard and it often means I will acknowledge fear, face it and refuse to follow old habits and ways of operating. It also means that I will realize that what really matters in this world are relationships, and how I treat others and how I respond to how others treat me. 

 



Thursday, October 22, 2015

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”

~ C.G. Jung

 

 JEREMIAH 7-8

 

8“ ‘How can you say, “We are wise,

for we have the law of the Lord,”

when actually the lying pen of the scribes

has handled it falsely?

9The wise will be put to shame;

they will be dismayed and trapped.

Since they have rejected the word of the Lord,

what kind of wisdom do they have?

 

 1 TIMOTHY 2

 

22Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.



JOURNAL

The pursuit of God must come from a heart that actually pursues God and everything that God is.  If the pursuit of God serves any other purpose ( personal gain, power, knowledge, wealth ) then it will all fall to pieces.  God is not a genie in a bottle. He is not there to be used for our deranged insecure purposes, rather we are here to reflect his beauty, power and glory by becoming myself.

It is so easy to begin to misuse the spirit and presence of God. I think it is what causes such confusion when resistance to my skewed wants and desires prevent me from obtaining them. It is therefore a check to really be honest about what I am pursuing and desiring. If it is anything other than obedience to God, then I must realize that my desires and motives are moving into dangerous territory. 

God's desire is for me to be the complete fullness of who I am...uniquely made and equipped.  Anything outside of that is me trying to be something I am not, that road is one the will end in disaster.




Wednesday, October 21, 2015

“This is an important lesson to remember when you're having a bad day, a bad month, or a shitty year. Things will change: you won't feel this way forever. And anyway, sometimes the hardest lessons to learn are the ones your soul needs most. I believe you can't feel real joy unless you've felt heartache. You can't have a sense of victory unless you know what it means to fail. You can't know what it's like to feel holy until you know what it's like to feel really evil. And you can't be birthed again until you've died.” 
~ Kelly Cutrone

 JEREMIAH 5-6

“Stand at the crossroads and look;

ask for the ancient paths,

ask where the good way is, and walk in it,

and you will find rest for your souls. (6:16)

 

 1 TIMOTHY 1

5The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. (1:5-6)



JOURNAL

The "ancient way" is what Paul refers to in being filled with love, which he states comes from "a pure heart, a clear conscience and genuine faith".  In all of this there then is rest for the soul. Interesting in that Paul states that people have missed the whole point and engage in meaningless discussions.

 

In today's world I think of all the anxiety that surrounds discussions, worries and fears that do not involve obedience and faith in God, rather they surround finances and worries over the future. I often fall into the trap of being more concerned over ensuring and achieving a comfortable life than I am in obeying God with my full heart. I realize more and more that I must choose to serve a God. Is that God worldly comfort and security or is it following and obeying the God of the Bible? That choice greets me every morning...it follows me around every moment. Who do I choose? What am I sold out to protecting and serving? Do my actions reflect my choice?

 

According to Christ there is a litmus test and it is the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7). It is reflected in the fruit of my life. Is it of the spirit of God?

20Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. (7:20)

Paul clarifies further in Galatians the difference between the two spirits,

19When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 

22But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 

 

 

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

“The Seven Social Sins are:

Wealth without work.
Pleasure without conscience.
Knowledge without character.
Commerce without morality.
Science without humanity.
Worship without sacrifice.
Politics without principle.

 

~ Frederick Lewis Donaldson 

 JEREMIAH 3-4

“ ‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord,

‘I will frown on you no longer,

for I am faithful,’ declares the Lord,

‘I will not be angry forever.

13Only acknowledge your guilt—

you have rebelled against the Lord your God,

you have scattered your favors to foreign gods

under every spreading tree,

and have not obeyed me,’ ”(3:12-13)

 2 THESSALONIANS 3

 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.(3:7-8)



JOURNAL

The Israelites were unfaithful to God.  They constantly were seeking other Gods. They were never satisfied with the life God had provided them. They wanted more and were willing to sell out to other Gods and countries in order to do so. God was willing to take them back as long as they were willing to acknowledge their actions.

Paul in this part of the letter to the Church is reminding them of his teaching and how the people are to follow his example which was to work and not be idle. To not put a burden on others to provide what could be done for themselves.

There are times when people need help and there are times when I will need it.  However, this is a reminder in both instances to trust God with the provisions I have and to always work to earn the food I eat.  Never should I expect or hope to be cared for by another. However I am commanded to be generous and to care for others in need.  So to me that translates into giving but never expecting. To be an answer but never a burden.  

Monday, October 19, 2015

“Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.” ~ J.K. Rowling

 JEREMIAH 1-2

4The word of the Lord came to me, saying,

5“Before I formed you in the womb I knew^a you,(1:4-5)

 2 THESSALONIANS 2

They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. (10)



JOURNAL

Accepting God's love also means accepting myself.  Accepting myself means acknowledging all of me...the good, bad and ugly.  Often this acceptance is difficult because of lies and past rejections etc.  God knew me before I was formed, I am not a mistake or an accident. I am here as a result of God's love and grace, therefore I am not to question my existence.  I am not to question the past nor am I to worry about the future.  I am to live today in the fullness of all that created.  I am part of that creation and am designed and destined to live in that truth. 

Sunday, October 18, 2015

“Defensiveness is usually someone silently screaming that they need you to value and respect them in disguise. When you look for deeper meanings behind someone’s pain you can then begin to heal not only yourself, but others.”  
~ Shannon L. Alder

ISAIAH 65-66

 

“These are the ones I look on with favor:

those who are humble and contrite in spirit,

and who tremble at my word. (66:2)

2 THESSALONIANS 1

3We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters,^b and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 4Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.(3-4)



JOURNAL

I find that learning to stay present in the current moment is so difficult.  It is extremely difficult for me because I fear conflict.  Everything about the present entails some level of conflict and or uncomfortable circumstances.  That is just the reality of life...however I fear them with a fear that can be paralyzing.  I have often sought out the quickest path to not having to experience conflict.  This has led me down roads of lying, manipulating, agreeing to things I shouldn't and making promises that are impossible to fulfill.

When I really look at my behavior I realize that acceptance of difficult circumstances and conflict would have brought about much better outcomes in the end.  Taking shortcuts and detours around conflict only serve to avoid it and create the future possibility of more and inevitably in ways that are unavoidable.  Fear of conflict is something every human suffers but deals with in differing ways.

In reading and trusting scripture the best way through is humility and love.  Willingly exposing myself to possible rejection, reprimand, disagreements etc. feels like suicide, when in reality it is the best possible way to grow, develop and contribute.  Loving others and myself means doing things in spite of how they feel because I truly want the best for others and myself. I desire righteousness and holiness, yet these are only experienced when they are risked in humility and love.   

Friday, October 16, 2015

“It’s what you do in your free time that will set you free—or enslave you.”
~ Jarod Kintz 

 ISAIAH 59-61

Here is the verse quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18-19

1The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

because the Lord has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,^a

2to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

 

 1 THESSALONIANS 4

Paul encourages the church to work honestly and to do work that is admirable. 

 

You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

 



JOURNAL

The poor, brokenhearted and those in prison...This is who Jesus came to bring hope.  Fortunately I can identify with all 3 of those...I think every human can as well.  I say fortunately because this acknowledgement is what actually brings me to hope and to Christ. Otherwise I wouldn't need him...or I wouldn't think I did.  Poor in spirit, brokenhearted by circumstance and in prison to fear and anger, I limp and crawl to God and to the message of Christ and am renewed in spirit.

 

 

•  

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

“A kite flies against the wind, not with it.”  
~ Winston Churchill

 ISAIAH 53-55

Isaiah tells of the redemption of Israel through Christ.

 

6We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to our own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

 

 1 THESSALONIANS 2

Paul affirms the people for their faithfulness and that their faith was not based on trust in men but rather trust in God. 

 

13And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

 



JOURNAL

Resistance...for me it conjurs up images which seem negative.  Words like conflict, opposition, friction, death and destruction foster feelings of fear, worry and doubt.  Yet what would life be without them? We would not have sacrifice, victory, birth, redemption or salvation.  In our physical world we wouldn't have gravity, seasons, fire, waves, wind, etc...

To fear and avoid the forces that oppose us is to fear and avoid the beauty and miracle of our own mind and heart. Beauty and love is born of resistance. 



Tuesday, October 13, 2015

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”   ~ Kahlil Gibran 

ISAIAH 50-52

Isaiah gives instruction for the future.

 

7“Hear me, you who know what is right,

you people who have taken my instruction to heart:

Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals

or be terrified by their insults.

8For the moth will eat them up like a garment;

the worm will devour them like wool.

But my righteousness will last forever,

my salvation through all generations.”

 

1 THESSALONIANS 1

Paul sends this letter to the Church in Thessalonica.  They were under persecution yet had stayed faithful.

 

 3We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 



JOURNAL

It is hard to imagine a world where I would be persecuted for my faith.  That just is a reminder of how blessed and idyllic my life truly is.  It is so easy to forget this blessing even though right now...people are being killed and tortured and losing everything.  Paul and Jesus both state that suffering is a blessing and those that suffer this way are blessed beyond understanding. I know from the trials I have experienced, suffering has a way of shaking me away from things that really don't matter. It has a way of drawing me to God and pushes me to cling with both hands. 

 

 29For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. ~ Philippians 1:29-30

Monday, October 12, 2015

 

“Learn to look up now and then, just in case a piano is falling from overhead.”

~ Richelle E. Goodrich

  

ISAIAH 48-49

Isaiah gives a prediction of the coming imprisonment of the Israelites in Babylon but comforts them in his words of redemption.  He encourages them to stay true and faithful to God.

 

14But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me,

the Lord has forgotten me.”

15“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast

and have no compassion on the child she has borne?

Though she may forget,

I will not forget you!

16See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;

your walls are ever before me.

 

COLOSSIANS 4

Paul is vulnerable and reminds the church of his own conviction and why he is in prison. He also reminds them of the importance of loving others outside of the church itself.

 

2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

 



JOURNAL

These 4 verses in Colossians are rich with wisdom and application for daily living:

• Be observant
• Be thankful
• Have a mission
• Sacrifice for that mission
• Be wise and clear in affliction
• Love others with grace and candor
• Be prepared

It is so easy for me to gloss over verses sometimes and fail to see the wisdom and depth of meaning. This was one of those moments where I am hit with the "piano" in Paul's words. Every moment, every breath is an opportunity to live life with intention and purpose.  Paul is doing that from Prison...bound in chains.  Here I sit in the comfort of my home...how much more opportunity do I have to "make the most" of my life? It is easy to forget and easy to justify. It is often only through scripture that I am reminded of true reality.

 



Sunday, October 11, 2015

“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.” 

 ~ David Richo 

 

ISAIAH 45-47

Isaiah warns the Babylonians that ultimately God is in control and events do not happen unless he ordains them. He affirms that God is the author of all.

 

4Even to your old age and gray hairs

I am he, I am he who will sustain you.

I have made you and I will carry you;

I will sustain you and I will rescue you

 

COLOSSIANS 3

Paul calls the Colossians to live as new creations.  To leave the old nature and put on the new nature.

 

12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

 

JOURNAL

These passages really hit me this morning.  I often still think of myself within the confines of my old nature instead of my new. I often fail to embrace and acknowledge God's love and acceptance of me and therefore don't readily extend it to others. Acceptance of God's love is the only thing that will ever heal shame from the past and the lies I believed.  To know that we can actually be crowned and loved as new creations is an amazing gift. It is the message of the Bible and it truly calms and restores my heart and soul.

 



Saturday, October 10,2015

“Seldom, very seldom, does complete truth belong to any human disclosure; seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised or a little mistaken.” ~ Jane Austen

 

ISAIAH 43-44

Isaiah focuses on warning the people of the futility in worshiping and making idols.

 

Shall I bow down to a block of wood?”

20Such a person feeds on ashes; a deluded heart misleads him;

he cannot save himself, or say,

“Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”

 

COLOSSIANS 2

Paul warns the church of Colossae of the dangers of being seduced by Legalism, False Humility and certain Philosophies.

 

1I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

 

JOURNAL

In both of these passages the focus is on being deceived by either man made idols or by man's influences on the mind.  Reality is that everything that is good and true comes from God and is lived out in the life of Christ. Anything that challenges or goes against this betrays us into believing lies.  The "mystery of God, namely, Christ" is ultimately found through personal relationship with God.  It cannot come from another man or an earthly object.

 

I don't think this means that we do not experience God through others and through physical creations and experiences.  However I think it is easy to become deluded into thinking that these are the source rather than just the conduit.  

Thursday, October 8, 2015

ISAIAH 39-40

Isaiah gives hope and tells of God's faithfulness.

 

30Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

31but those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

PHILIPPIANS 4

Paul being in prison shares his peace in all circumstances and how he is able to have hope.

 

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus 

 

Paul tells the people of Phillipi that they are to focus their mind on what is good.

 

 

8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

 

Paul shares his secret for being content in all circumstances

 



 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

JOURNAL 

Paul and Isaiah both found the secret to living in joy regardless of the circumstances.  Both of them learned to focus on the good, acknowledging God and placing their trust and hope in his goodness.

The secret in all of this is that the goal for both of them is peace with God.  Neither of them saw a change in circumstances as the key to their happiness.  Both of them learned to find peace and joy in their present moment. 

Learning to be present with God and his love is the key to peace and joy. 



Wednesday, October 7, 2015

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

 

ISAIAH 37-38

Hezekiah and the kingdom are saved and after an illness God extends his life 15 years.  In response Hezekiah writes..

17Surely it was for my benefit

that I suffered such anguish.

In your love you kept me

from the pit of destruction;

you have put all my sins

behind your back.

PHILIPPIANS 3

Paul claims that if anyone had reason to boast in the flesh...he did. Because of this he now considers the price of following Christ.

 

7But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in^a Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith...

 

JOURNAL

 

Both Hezekiah and Paul were powerful men that had every reason to trust their own goodness.  The world had honored them and given them a place of power.  Yet neither of them considered this of value.  They both pursued God's wisdom and as a result they experienced peace and a confidence in knowing the God of the Universe was with them.





Tuesday, October 6, 2015

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” ~ Rumi

ISAIAH 34-36 

Isaiah warns the people of future destruction but also offers hope.  He gives hope and then the people are taunted by the King of Assyria but they remain silent and strong in the face of the threat and uncertainty.

5Then will the eyes of the blind be opened

and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

6Then will the lame leap like a deer,

and the mute tongue shout for joy...

8And a highway will be there;

it will be called the Way of Holiness;

it will be for those who walk on that Way.

 

LUKE 24:1-35

Paul writes to encourage the Church at Philippi while in prison. He reminds them of the mindset of Christ. 

5In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6Who, being in very nature^a God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature^b of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

8And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

JOURNAL

My first day back in following the yearly plan since May.  Although a break was good in ways I realize more and more that confronting scripture exactly as it is, causes me to see and accept truth.  Not in a way that justifies me or my feelings but in a way that forces me to see and accept reality.  The beauty of reality is that although hard and filled with pain and uncertainty, it is in this that the beauty of friendship, love, hope and God's goodness can truly be seen.  I am truly blessed in countless ways.  I am given another day to experience the complexities of life and in that I experience God and his love.