Ephesians 4:24
"and that you put on the new man, which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness"
Our new man is custom built. If/when I have the money, I want a certain kind of surfboard - a Big Guy Tri. 7'8" x 3" thick x 23" wide, with certain artwork on it, tri fin design, square tail. Just the way I want it to be. Custom to my desires.
Our new man that we need to put on is to be custom built according to God's specs. This is so much better and creative than anything I could come up with. The first two specs are righteousness and holiness, which means that God puts in the order to the Holy Spirit who is the only one who could hand craft this kind of request that we would be perfect and complete - not lacking in anything.
Application - So what is the one thing that God wants me to get from this. Only Jesus is Holy and righteous - Get to know Him more and more daily so I need to do that and daily read the Gospel accounts.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Renewed
Ephesians 4:23
"and be renewed in the spirit of your mind"
How much stuff have I polluted my mind with? TV, pornography, hours upon hours of sports, and movies have taken my mind away from God and put it onto the things of this world. I think about the world used here - renew. Almost seems to me like a daily act of taking a car into a mechanic shop for a tune-up. Think about how long our cars would last if daily they were time, lubed, and functioning properly. AS with our spiritual lives, if we daily had our minds tuned and dialed into Christ and His word for us.
Application - I need to continue to daily ask God to daily renew my mind with Him and His word.
"and be renewed in the spirit of your mind"
How much stuff have I polluted my mind with? TV, pornography, hours upon hours of sports, and movies have taken my mind away from God and put it onto the things of this world. I think about the world used here - renew. Almost seems to me like a daily act of taking a car into a mechanic shop for a tune-up. Think about how long our cars would last if daily they were time, lubed, and functioning properly. AS with our spiritual lives, if we daily had our minds tuned and dialed into Christ and His word for us.
Application - I need to continue to daily ask God to daily renew my mind with Him and His word.
Put off the old self
Ephesians 4:22
"that you have put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man, which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts"
Weird verse break, verse 21 says we have heard Him and been taught by Him - and that we have put off the old man. My mind starts thinking about why there is a constant struggle between good and bad, old and new. God didn't create me and man to ever have to put off the old man and our former conduct, but we have to now. This is a consequence of our choices and sin that we have put in our lives. So to follow a Holy, Pure, Perfect God, we have to follow by His rules of the game. If we don't, the consequences of our own sinful choices would lead to a further path of destruction which is more corrupt being led by deceitful lusts. I wish this was as easy as changing my clothes, take off the dirty clothes, put on the clean ones.
Application - I can't do this by myself. I need God to do this for me - through His word and Holy Spirit, washing and purifying me daily. I will continue in His word daily and start my day with His word.
"that you have put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man, which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts"
Weird verse break, verse 21 says we have heard Him and been taught by Him - and that we have put off the old man. My mind starts thinking about why there is a constant struggle between good and bad, old and new. God didn't create me and man to ever have to put off the old man and our former conduct, but we have to now. This is a consequence of our choices and sin that we have put in our lives. So to follow a Holy, Pure, Perfect God, we have to follow by His rules of the game. If we don't, the consequences of our own sinful choices would lead to a further path of destruction which is more corrupt being led by deceitful lusts. I wish this was as easy as changing my clothes, take off the dirty clothes, put on the clean ones.
Application - I can't do this by myself. I need God to do this for me - through His word and Holy Spirit, washing and purifying me daily. I will continue in His word daily and start my day with His word.
Meeting Needs
Romans 12:13
"Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality"
Once again, these verses are very straightforward - meet other Christians needs, be a good host. I think this is something that is easily lived out if you have abundant resources. For the last few years, we had abundant resources, so if we saw a need it was pretty easy to meet others needs, and have people over for a bbq or dinner. Now, we still want to, but we don't have like we used to, if we really want to live this out, it will now take some sacrifice. I'm pretty sure if we don't, we are not in trouble, but I have a pretty good feeling we will miss a huge blessing.
Application - No matter the cost, my family and I need to step out in faith and meet others needs, and be hospitable.
"Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality"
Once again, these verses are very straightforward - meet other Christians needs, be a good host. I think this is something that is easily lived out if you have abundant resources. For the last few years, we had abundant resources, so if we saw a need it was pretty easy to meet others needs, and have people over for a bbq or dinner. Now, we still want to, but we don't have like we used to, if we really want to live this out, it will now take some sacrifice. I'm pretty sure if we don't, we are not in trouble, but I have a pretty good feeling we will miss a huge blessing.
Application - No matter the cost, my family and I need to step out in faith and meet others needs, and be hospitable.
Rejoice
Romans 12:12
"rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer"
I have hope. Is this a head knowledge or is it something that explodes out of me in worship to God who gave me hope. And is it something that others see or I even talk about. My attitude of hope sets up the rest of this verse. If I am going through tribulation my attitude should be to compare it to the hope I have in Christ and eternity so it can't be that bad. But also my hope should compel me into prayer to know the one who graciously gave me the gift of that hope. What kind of God would give me His everything, forgive my everything and change my everything. I should steadfastly pray to Him.
My application from this is to rejoice in worship to God, but really before I can continue steadfastly in prayer, I need to be steadfastly in prayer. More time in prayer daily.
"rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer"
I have hope. Is this a head knowledge or is it something that explodes out of me in worship to God who gave me hope. And is it something that others see or I even talk about. My attitude of hope sets up the rest of this verse. If I am going through tribulation my attitude should be to compare it to the hope I have in Christ and eternity so it can't be that bad. But also my hope should compel me into prayer to know the one who graciously gave me the gift of that hope. What kind of God would give me His everything, forgive my everything and change my everything. I should steadfastly pray to Him.
My application from this is to rejoice in worship to God, but really before I can continue steadfastly in prayer, I need to be steadfastly in prayer. More time in prayer daily.
Kindly affectionate
Romans 12:10
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another"
This verse if fully about the second greatest commandment by Jesus - to love others. So it says to love others, to be kindly affectionate to others - that is kind of weird for me as a guy. I can be affectionate to my wife and kids, but to other guys? I guess this makes sense though because Jesus radically changed things when He came on the scene, so it needs to be done. Something definitely out of my comfort zone. I think back to Jesus' final charge to the disciples before he went to the cross. "A new command I give you - love one another, this is how the world will know you are my followers" So the best way to witness to this sad, mean world is not through a apologetics, but by loving others and putting them first.
Application - I need to not just sit back and let others go first. I need to look for ways to put others ahead of me. I need to be kindly affectionate to others, no matter how weird it is to me.
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another"
This verse if fully about the second greatest commandment by Jesus - to love others. So it says to love others, to be kindly affectionate to others - that is kind of weird for me as a guy. I can be affectionate to my wife and kids, but to other guys? I guess this makes sense though because Jesus radically changed things when He came on the scene, so it needs to be done. Something definitely out of my comfort zone. I think back to Jesus' final charge to the disciples before he went to the cross. "A new command I give you - love one another, this is how the world will know you are my followers" So the best way to witness to this sad, mean world is not through a apologetics, but by loving others and putting them first.
Application - I need to not just sit back and let others go first. I need to look for ways to put others ahead of me. I need to be kindly affectionate to others, no matter how weird it is to me.
Love, Abhor, Cling
Romans 12:9
"Let love be without hypocrisy, abhor what is evil, cling to what is good"
Verses 1 and 2 of this passage really set up the rest of the chapter. "offer your bodies as living sacrifices,....do not conform to this world...." Then Paul goes into all the practical ways to do this. Don't be fake, hate evil, cling to good. These are simple commands but hard to really live up to. What really speaks to me are the second parts to this verse - abhor what is evil. Some evil things are easy abhor, but most are not. They are tempting, seductive, and sometimes appealing. Cling to what is good - that's not always the easy way to go, and most of the time I am too lazy, not interested, and don't want to sacrifice my selfish desires to do what is right. So how do I overcome this? How do I live up to this standard 100% of the time? I can't and it is against my flesh and natural self.
Application - So if it is against myself to live to this standard, the one thing I know is that the renewing of my mind comes through scripture. It is a daily standard to live up to, so daily I will continue in the word. I will also ask God daily to help me love sincerely, abhor evil and cling to good.
"Let love be without hypocrisy, abhor what is evil, cling to what is good"
Verses 1 and 2 of this passage really set up the rest of the chapter. "offer your bodies as living sacrifices,....do not conform to this world...." Then Paul goes into all the practical ways to do this. Don't be fake, hate evil, cling to good. These are simple commands but hard to really live up to. What really speaks to me are the second parts to this verse - abhor what is evil. Some evil things are easy abhor, but most are not. They are tempting, seductive, and sometimes appealing. Cling to what is good - that's not always the easy way to go, and most of the time I am too lazy, not interested, and don't want to sacrifice my selfish desires to do what is right. So how do I overcome this? How do I live up to this standard 100% of the time? I can't and it is against my flesh and natural self.
Application - So if it is against myself to live to this standard, the one thing I know is that the renewing of my mind comes through scripture. It is a daily standard to live up to, so daily I will continue in the word. I will also ask God daily to help me love sincerely, abhor evil and cling to good.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Ashamed
Mark 8:38
"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels"
Seems like there are about three verses in one here. Do I ever want Jesus to be ashamed of me? No way. Then I shouldn't be ashamed of Him. This verse talks about Jesus coming back in Glory, and it could either be a good return or a bad return. he is returning with angels which could bring a great reward "well done my good and faithful servant" or a punishment "depart from me I never knew you" because you were ashamed of Jesus. So now that we know the consequences and results it makes it even more clear how I should act.
Application - As I look in my life I think about my ways I have been or I act "ashamed" of God. How bold am I in explaining to unbelievers that this whole El Salvador thing is a God thing and nothing of me? Especially when they prop me up. how many times do I not initiate conversations about God? God is with me and fighting battles before I even get in the: Josh 1:9 "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, nor dismayed, For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" I need to have Jesus on the tip of my tongue so that it just naturally comes out of me, not ashamed or even boldness, just what comes out.
"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels"
Seems like there are about three verses in one here. Do I ever want Jesus to be ashamed of me? No way. Then I shouldn't be ashamed of Him. This verse talks about Jesus coming back in Glory, and it could either be a good return or a bad return. he is returning with angels which could bring a great reward "well done my good and faithful servant" or a punishment "depart from me I never knew you" because you were ashamed of Jesus. So now that we know the consequences and results it makes it even more clear how I should act.
Application - As I look in my life I think about my ways I have been or I act "ashamed" of God. How bold am I in explaining to unbelievers that this whole El Salvador thing is a God thing and nothing of me? Especially when they prop me up. how many times do I not initiate conversations about God? God is with me and fighting battles before I even get in the: Josh 1:9 "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, nor dismayed, For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" I need to have Jesus on the tip of my tongue so that it just naturally comes out of me, not ashamed or even boldness, just what comes out.
Exchanging my soul
Mark 8:37
"Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"
This seems like the same question from vs. 36. But the wording makes you think of a normal business exchange. One would give up his soul, but in exchange for what? I think this is talking about people compromising. So it means that other people in the world want our soul. how bad to humans want things of this world?
- Instead of going to church each Sunday, I'll play in extra sports tournaments to make the next level.
- I will give you my irginity if you will love me
- I will lie on my taxes if you give me a little more back.
- I will watch a little more TV for a little more escapism.
Satan is right there ready to deal. He has all kinds of empty pleasures, distractions, and promises ready to exchange part of our soul.
Application - I need to have my guard up. I can't forget the standard that God has called me to. I must strive for the finish line with all of my soul and never compromise. Each time I compromise (tv, time, sports) any of God's standard for something that pleases me is giving up part of my soul.
"Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"
This seems like the same question from vs. 36. But the wording makes you think of a normal business exchange. One would give up his soul, but in exchange for what? I think this is talking about people compromising. So it means that other people in the world want our soul. how bad to humans want things of this world?
- Instead of going to church each Sunday, I'll play in extra sports tournaments to make the next level.
- I will give you my irginity if you will love me
- I will lie on my taxes if you give me a little more back.
- I will watch a little more TV for a little more escapism.
Satan is right there ready to deal. He has all kinds of empty pleasures, distractions, and promises ready to exchange part of our soul.
Application - I need to have my guard up. I can't forget the standard that God has called me to. I must strive for the finish line with all of my soul and never compromise. Each time I compromise (tv, time, sports) any of God's standard for something that pleases me is giving up part of my soul.
What Profit?
Mark 8:36
"For what will profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his won soul?
The lyrics to a Caedman's Call song "This world" immediately came to mind:
This world has nothing for me,
and this world has everything,
All that I could want
And nothing that I need
This verse doesn't say gaining some of the world, it says the whole world. Jesus when He was tempted was shown cities and all the great things in them. Yet He knew they were nothing compared to heaven. The price for the things of this world is giving up your soul. pretty scary that there is no middle ground or negotiating. Sadly, how many people, christians included do gain the world and give up that which is most important?
Application - The verse "The world and its desires will pass away, but the man who does the will of God will live forever." Thankfully, the Lord gives us an alternative. Do the will of God, forsake the things of this world. Of course like all these verses in Mark 8 - much easier said than done. Daily I need to ask myself - do I want to live for the world and at what cost, or di O want heaven with a future reward?
"For what will profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his won soul?
The lyrics to a Caedman's Call song "This world" immediately came to mind:
This world has nothing for me,
and this world has everything,
All that I could want
And nothing that I need
This verse doesn't say gaining some of the world, it says the whole world. Jesus when He was tempted was shown cities and all the great things in them. Yet He knew they were nothing compared to heaven. The price for the things of this world is giving up your soul. pretty scary that there is no middle ground or negotiating. Sadly, how many people, christians included do gain the world and give up that which is most important?
Application - The verse "The world and its desires will pass away, but the man who does the will of God will live forever." Thankfully, the Lord gives us an alternative. Do the will of God, forsake the things of this world. Of course like all these verses in Mark 8 - much easier said than done. Daily I need to ask myself - do I want to live for the world and at what cost, or di O want heaven with a future reward?
Losing my life
Mark 8:35
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it"
Are we really losing anything by dying? Stress, sin, problems people, hurt, and pain - things that are only here on earth. We don't have to deal with any of this anymore. If we lose our life - we actually get our reward. The freeing this about this is that Jesus basically says that e can't save our souls, meaning only God has the power to save. The second part of this verse speaks to how I am living my life. Am I living a life of total abandon? Am I willing to die for Christ? I probably will never be in that situation, but didn't verse 34 tell me to deny myself of die to all the little selfish things in my life daily?
Application - I need to do 2 things from this verse (1) Not do anything to try and save my life or soul - Jesus already did. (2) I need to die a martyrs death to the small things of this world daily.
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it"
Are we really losing anything by dying? Stress, sin, problems people, hurt, and pain - things that are only here on earth. We don't have to deal with any of this anymore. If we lose our life - we actually get our reward. The freeing this about this is that Jesus basically says that e can't save our souls, meaning only God has the power to save. The second part of this verse speaks to how I am living my life. Am I living a life of total abandon? Am I willing to die for Christ? I probably will never be in that situation, but didn't verse 34 tell me to deny myself of die to all the little selfish things in my life daily?
Application - I need to do 2 things from this verse (1) Not do anything to try and save my life or soul - Jesus already did. (2) I need to die a martyrs death to the small things of this world daily.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Denying Myself
Mark 8:34
"When He had called the people to Himself, with the disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
I like simple verses. Especially ones that I am qualified for. Yes, I desire to come after Jesus. But then it's not that simple. Deny myself? Take up my cross? That goes against every fiber of my body. Since I was a baby all I desire are things for myself and things that please me. Take up my cross? Am I willing or even able to carry a cross figuratively like Jesus spoke of? He was predicting His own death. My first reaction to this verse were on a smaller personal level with my wife and children. Denying myself really starts when you get married - if you want to make the marriage work, and if I didn't learn it then, kids seal the deal I have to think only about them and their needs ahead of my own.
Application - The thing about Jesus is that he isn't a 12-step program. He didn't say - try denying yourself a couple of times this week and then we'll add to it. He demands that we are all in. Deitrich Bonhoeffer in Cost of Discipleship helps me see this too "When Christ calls a man, He bids him to come and die." This isn't natural, but if I want to follow Him, I need to deny myself. It's not confusing or difficult to understand, this is just hard to do.
"When He had called the people to Himself, with the disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
I like simple verses. Especially ones that I am qualified for. Yes, I desire to come after Jesus. But then it's not that simple. Deny myself? Take up my cross? That goes against every fiber of my body. Since I was a baby all I desire are things for myself and things that please me. Take up my cross? Am I willing or even able to carry a cross figuratively like Jesus spoke of? He was predicting His own death. My first reaction to this verse were on a smaller personal level with my wife and children. Denying myself really starts when you get married - if you want to make the marriage work, and if I didn't learn it then, kids seal the deal I have to think only about them and their needs ahead of my own.
Application - The thing about Jesus is that he isn't a 12-step program. He didn't say - try denying yourself a couple of times this week and then we'll add to it. He demands that we are all in. Deitrich Bonhoeffer in Cost of Discipleship helps me see this too "When Christ calls a man, He bids him to come and die." This isn't natural, but if I want to follow Him, I need to deny myself. It's not confusing or difficult to understand, this is just hard to do.
Eyes and Ears Wide Open
Acts 12:9
"So he went out and followed him and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision."
Either way, God was speaking to Peter. Even though he was literally being led out of prison by an angel, Peter knew it was going to happen. He probably though the vision was a way that God was telling him what would happen.
Application - I hope that I don't miss things as they happen. I also hope that if God gives me a vision or speaks to me, that I will rest in the fact that it is from Him and will happen. I need to pray and ask for spiritual eyes and ears to hear what God wants me to see and hear. Please speak Lord, your servant is listening and has eyes and ears wide open.
"So he went out and followed him and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision."
Either way, God was speaking to Peter. Even though he was literally being led out of prison by an angel, Peter knew it was going to happen. He probably though the vision was a way that God was telling him what would happen.
Application - I hope that I don't miss things as they happen. I also hope that if God gives me a vision or speaks to me, that I will rest in the fact that it is from Him and will happen. I need to pray and ask for spiritual eyes and ears to hear what God wants me to see and hear. Please speak Lord, your servant is listening and has eyes and ears wide open.
Prepare Yourself
Acts 12:8
"Then the angel said to him "Gird yourself and tie your sandals, and so he did. And he said to him, "Put on you garment and follow me"
Prepare and follow me. Pretty simple. This is a recurring message from the Lord to His people. The Israelites heard it many times before battle. Jesus made it even more simple in Matthew when He commanded His disciples to "follow Me". And they did. Here the angel uses the same message to prepare yourself, get ready, and follow me. Peter wasn't told what was coming next yet. He was just told to follow.
Application - God impressed on me that I am in the first part of this verse - "Prepare yourself". My time here at Potter's Field is getting me ready. The battle and hard work are coming in El Salvador. The prepping for battle is now with Bible Study, reading, living in community, and bonding with my brothers and sisters. But most importantly it is drawing near to God. The rest is simple following when He says to. I need to prepare now as much as possible and not miss what God is doing in me.
"Then the angel said to him "Gird yourself and tie your sandals, and so he did. And he said to him, "Put on you garment and follow me"
Prepare and follow me. Pretty simple. This is a recurring message from the Lord to His people. The Israelites heard it many times before battle. Jesus made it even more simple in Matthew when He commanded His disciples to "follow Me". And they did. Here the angel uses the same message to prepare yourself, get ready, and follow me. Peter wasn't told what was coming next yet. He was just told to follow.
Application - God impressed on me that I am in the first part of this verse - "Prepare yourself". My time here at Potter's Field is getting me ready. The battle and hard work are coming in El Salvador. The prepping for battle is now with Bible Study, reading, living in community, and bonding with my brothers and sisters. But most importantly it is drawing near to God. The rest is simple following when He says to. I need to prepare now as much as possible and not miss what God is doing in me.
Too comfortable?
Acts 12:7
"Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up saying "Arise quickly!" and his chains fell of his hands.
There was nothing Peter could have done to get out of the jam he was in. With the amount of soldiers around him, he couldn't possibly break out. With Herod gaining momentum with this persecution, he was only going to do more, so a miracle had to happen. How great is it that God gave Peter such a peace that he slept so soundly that when light ( a holy light) physically shone in the prison that he didn't wake up. He was so at peace and sleeping so soundly an angel had to strike him. We only read of angels using deadly force to strike people. And even at this point, he was still in a bit of a stupor. Peter then had to blindly follow this angel.
Application - Are there times when I am so comfortable or at peace that I wouldn't hear God speaking to me? Or that I won't move? Will God have to strike me to get my attention? I hope not because I am afraid striking would probably mean taking something from me that I feel is important to me. Is there anything in this world that I am gaining comfort from that I am not willing to have taken away to get my attention? I need to surrender it all daily - finances, thoughts, sin, my family.
"Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up saying "Arise quickly!" and his chains fell of his hands.
There was nothing Peter could have done to get out of the jam he was in. With the amount of soldiers around him, he couldn't possibly break out. With Herod gaining momentum with this persecution, he was only going to do more, so a miracle had to happen. How great is it that God gave Peter such a peace that he slept so soundly that when light ( a holy light) physically shone in the prison that he didn't wake up. He was so at peace and sleeping so soundly an angel had to strike him. We only read of angels using deadly force to strike people. And even at this point, he was still in a bit of a stupor. Peter then had to blindly follow this angel.
Application - Are there times when I am so comfortable or at peace that I wouldn't hear God speaking to me? Or that I won't move? Will God have to strike me to get my attention? I hope not because I am afraid striking would probably mean taking something from me that I feel is important to me. Is there anything in this world that I am gaining comfort from that I am not willing to have taken away to get my attention? I need to surrender it all daily - finances, thoughts, sin, my family.
"I'll pray for you"
Acts 12:5
"Peter was therefor kept in prison but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church."
"I'll pray for you" How often do we hear that, or say that ourselves. I say it too flipantly sometimes myself. Peter was obviously stuck in a tight spot and needed prayer. Did the church send him a message and say "we'll pray for you" and then go off to their church function for the night? No, they were constantly praying for him. The battle lines had been drawn. God was using Herod to reveal to the church, yet again, His power and all that He has at His disposal.
Application - I too am in a battle. The world and satan want to bring me down. My family, friends, supporters, fellow interns, teachers, and leaders are in a battle and satan wants to bring them all down. But God wants to reveal His power. I say I pray for others, but I don't pray for others with urgency like they're in jail or in a battle. I don't sacrifice time or sleep to pray for others. I need to and am committing to an extra 15 min each morning to specifically pray for family, friends, interns, teachers, and the persecuted church. God help me with this. May it also be constant prayer throughout the day 1 Thes 5:17.
"Peter was therefor kept in prison but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church."
"I'll pray for you" How often do we hear that, or say that ourselves. I say it too flipantly sometimes myself. Peter was obviously stuck in a tight spot and needed prayer. Did the church send him a message and say "we'll pray for you" and then go off to their church function for the night? No, they were constantly praying for him. The battle lines had been drawn. God was using Herod to reveal to the church, yet again, His power and all that He has at His disposal.
Application - I too am in a battle. The world and satan want to bring me down. My family, friends, supporters, fellow interns, teachers, and leaders are in a battle and satan wants to bring them all down. But God wants to reveal His power. I say I pray for others, but I don't pray for others with urgency like they're in jail or in a battle. I don't sacrifice time or sleep to pray for others. I need to and am committing to an extra 15 min each morning to specifically pray for family, friends, interns, teachers, and the persecuted church. God help me with this. May it also be constant prayer throughout the day 1 Thes 5:17.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Beginning with the Scripture
Acts 8:35
"The unique thing about this verse is that they Eunuch could kind of understand what was going on in this passage. He knew that something big had happened to this man. But didn't know who it was. He wanted to know who he was. He knew it was scripture, but it was a tough message. Earlier, he had read in Isaiah 53 that this man was despised and rejected. A man of sorrows, burdened with our grief and carried our sorrows, smitten by God, wounded for our sins, bruised, chastised. Then he read vs 7-8, but the rest of the good news he is about to read in vs 12 that he died, bore our sins and made intercession for the transgressor - that is you and me. Philip just had to keep this guy reading and fill in the blanks that a few weeks ago, Jesus died on the cross to bear his sins and make intercession. He was the final sacrifice.
Application - I know this passage speaks of Philip being used by the Holy Spirit to witness to this Eunuch. But God spoke to me about how detailed this prophecy was and how it was fulfilled - all of it. It doesn't say only that Jesus died for my sins. it describes a brutal, painful flogging, but also the emotional peice of how a Holy God who has never sinned, took my horrible, wicked sins upon himself and I rejected him. Yet, Isaiah 53:11 says that it pleased the Lord to do this. Yes, God had to do all of this, but He wanted to, chose to hurt and crucify Jesus for me. I must never forget this, must have it be at the tip of my tongue whenever I open my mouth (like Philip) and share this awesome message.
"The unique thing about this verse is that they Eunuch could kind of understand what was going on in this passage. He knew that something big had happened to this man. But didn't know who it was. He wanted to know who he was. He knew it was scripture, but it was a tough message. Earlier, he had read in Isaiah 53 that this man was despised and rejected. A man of sorrows, burdened with our grief and carried our sorrows, smitten by God, wounded for our sins, bruised, chastised. Then he read vs 7-8, but the rest of the good news he is about to read in vs 12 that he died, bore our sins and made intercession for the transgressor - that is you and me. Philip just had to keep this guy reading and fill in the blanks that a few weeks ago, Jesus died on the cross to bear his sins and make intercession. He was the final sacrifice.
Application - I know this passage speaks of Philip being used by the Holy Spirit to witness to this Eunuch. But God spoke to me about how detailed this prophecy was and how it was fulfilled - all of it. It doesn't say only that Jesus died for my sins. it describes a brutal, painful flogging, but also the emotional peice of how a Holy God who has never sinned, took my horrible, wicked sins upon himself and I rejected him. Yet, Isaiah 53:11 says that it pleased the Lord to do this. Yes, God had to do all of this, but He wanted to, chose to hurt and crucify Jesus for me. I must never forget this, must have it be at the tip of my tongue whenever I open my mouth (like Philip) and share this awesome message.
An answer to the question
Acts 8:31
"And he said "How can I unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.
Philip was given a layup. It all stared with probing questions by Philip to the Eunoch. Philip knowing his Scripture was able to easily explain it all to him. I think about times in my life where I want to share and am making myself available, but the interest in the person just isn't there. I love picturing the humility in this official, a royal official with money and power. He is a decision maker in Ethiopia, but here he shows an area in his life where he has no clue. He Knows it's important and wants to understand it, but needs instruction. I think about Romans 1:20 and that everyone knows about God or that there is a creator. They just need to get to the point where they ask "how can I understand unless someone guides me?"
Application - I know that all witnessing opportunities won't be this easy, but I pray that there is an interest, or that the Holy Spirit will give me the probing questions to get to this point with people. I need to have open eyes and ears for the interest that people have and need an explanation.
"And he said "How can I unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.
Philip was given a layup. It all stared with probing questions by Philip to the Eunoch. Philip knowing his Scripture was able to easily explain it all to him. I think about times in my life where I want to share and am making myself available, but the interest in the person just isn't there. I love picturing the humility in this official, a royal official with money and power. He is a decision maker in Ethiopia, but here he shows an area in his life where he has no clue. He Knows it's important and wants to understand it, but needs instruction. I think about Romans 1:20 and that everyone knows about God or that there is a creator. They just need to get to the point where they ask "how can I understand unless someone guides me?"
Application - I know that all witnessing opportunities won't be this easy, but I pray that there is an interest, or that the Holy Spirit will give me the probing questions to get to this point with people. I need to have open eyes and ears for the interest that people have and need an explanation.
"....Ran....."
Acts 8:30
"So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah and said "Do you understand what you are reading?"
The first thing that pops up is that Philip went all out running to the chariot. There was probably a procession with a lot of chariots, horses, carts, and people. The Sprit got him through any kind of security detail that might have been there. Second, Philip was educated and knew the scriptures. He knew it was Isaiah and he knew about the passage's fulfillment. But he didn't stop there. He made himself available to be used by God and for God to speak through him. He opened his mouth to be used by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit didn't command him to go to the chariot and give him the message beforehand.
Application - I believe that there are many times in our lives when we do not have the answers until we actually open our mouths and the Holy Spirit fills our mouths. The freeing thing of this will be that we don't have to worry about the results and all the glory is His and His alone. I need to see and be available for any and all opportunities to be like a stereo's speaker where all the noise just goes through me.
"So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah and said "Do you understand what you are reading?"
The first thing that pops up is that Philip went all out running to the chariot. There was probably a procession with a lot of chariots, horses, carts, and people. The Sprit got him through any kind of security detail that might have been there. Second, Philip was educated and knew the scriptures. He knew it was Isaiah and he knew about the passage's fulfillment. But he didn't stop there. He made himself available to be used by God and for God to speak through him. He opened his mouth to be used by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit didn't command him to go to the chariot and give him the message beforehand.
Application - I believe that there are many times in our lives when we do not have the answers until we actually open our mouths and the Holy Spirit fills our mouths. The freeing thing of this will be that we don't have to worry about the results and all the glory is His and His alone. I need to see and be available for any and all opportunities to be like a stereo's speaker where all the noise just goes through me.
Monday, August 1, 2011
"Go....."
Acts 8:29
"Then the Spirit said to Philip "Go near and overtake this chariot"
There was a simple message here - "Go....." It's not really much different from what Jesus commanded the apostles before He left earth "Go......" This command was not a command without direction. Go and specifically overtake this chariot. This is a chariot that had ties with king Soloman when the Queen of of Ethiopia came to listen to Soloman's wisdom. It was a message passed on from generation to generation for close to 800 years. They have been reading from this scroll for so long, but didn't get it yet...until now. It was finally fulfilled. This chariot had the guy that took care of details - the accountant for the nation of Ethiopia. He was sent by the queen and probably on a yearly basis, to see if the fulfillment had taken place yet. He was to go and report back exactly to her from Jerusalem, and with details. Also, how did Philip hear this? He was walking in the Spirit. He had just come from preaching where the multitudes repented, did miracles, and cast out demons earlier in this chapter. He was all about God.
Application - Am I walking in the Spirit already? Could I hear from God if He clearly spoke to me and gave me simple direction? I need to clear out all the other distractions from my life so when the Spirit give me simple and clear instruction that I hear it. I need to be all about God...like Philip.
"Then the Spirit said to Philip "Go near and overtake this chariot"
There was a simple message here - "Go....." It's not really much different from what Jesus commanded the apostles before He left earth "Go......" This command was not a command without direction. Go and specifically overtake this chariot. This is a chariot that had ties with king Soloman when the Queen of of Ethiopia came to listen to Soloman's wisdom. It was a message passed on from generation to generation for close to 800 years. They have been reading from this scroll for so long, but didn't get it yet...until now. It was finally fulfilled. This chariot had the guy that took care of details - the accountant for the nation of Ethiopia. He was sent by the queen and probably on a yearly basis, to see if the fulfillment had taken place yet. He was to go and report back exactly to her from Jerusalem, and with details. Also, how did Philip hear this? He was walking in the Spirit. He had just come from preaching where the multitudes repented, did miracles, and cast out demons earlier in this chapter. He was all about God.
Application - Am I walking in the Spirit already? Could I hear from God if He clearly spoke to me and gave me simple direction? I need to clear out all the other distractions from my life so when the Spirit give me simple and clear instruction that I hear it. I need to be all about God...like Philip.
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