Thursday, November 14, 2013

Battle Cry



I wheeled into the express checkout at grocery store the other day. The woman in front of me had at least 25 items. Sheesh. I looked at the aisle sign, hoping it would reprimand her. I was surprised.

What used to read “15 items or less” now read “about 15 items.” Mission creep. Since people will not obey the rules with common courtesy, change the rules!

It’s all about me. The cry of North American culture.

Remember today that the cry of Christian culture is, “Die to live.” Maybe its corollary is, “It’s all about the common good.”

Think about others today. Act accordingly. Christ has you covered,


Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, 
but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3 (NRSV)
 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

It’s Not About Me (but it’s for me)




Okay, we all do it. Dwell on what’s wrong. Nitpick the imperfect (usually in someone close to us.) Immerse ourselves in self-doubt. The glass isn’t half full. Someone swiped the damn thing. 

In a 24 hour-a-day news cycle, it isn’t hard to be overwhelmed with grief or fear. It’s terrible out there.

My faith is so weak.

God tells us that we are to give thanks for what we have, ask for what we need and wait patiently for what’s next.

For that, I must move my focus from me to God. God is already focused on me. I think I can do that. At least for today.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever
situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11 (ESV)

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock,
and it will be opened to you. Luke 11:9 (ESV)

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
Psalm 40:1 (ESV)

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said,
“I believe; help my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24 (ESV)

Monday, November 11, 2013

God-breathed





All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,
in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
I will, with God’s help. (Baptismal Covenant)

Hardly a day goes by where I don’t encourage someone to spend time with God in prayer or Bible reading, listening to God. We have a God who spoke and continues to speak to the children he loves.

Taking time and listening. Neither is easy. Neither will force our hand. Both take discipline in a very undisciplined world.

You Father awaits. And he has nothing but good things for you.