Saturday, March 28
Read Hebrews 6:4-8
I have no doubt that yesterday’s topic was tough on many of us for a variety of reasons. While reading this passage a loved one may have come to mind who is running from God and no matter what we say they continue to stay as far away from God as possible. Some may have read the passage and wondered if it was speaking about them. Whatever the case, tomorrow we will gather to praise and worship our God. Are we willing to lay our burdens down at the feet of our high priest and ask him to do what he needs to do in our lives or the lives of a loved one or friend who needs to return to Christ?
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday, March 27
Read Hebrews 6:4-8
The “impossibleness” of restoration—This one little word can cause a whole heap of struggles in the lives of believers. It is one thing to admit it is possible to fall away. It is another thing entirely to say that there is a point where it is impossible to return. Read this passage again. . . The “impossibleness” does not speak to God’s inability to bring someone back. . . It speaks to the impossibility of our work bringing them back. While God may sometimes use us, conviction is not necessarily the work of the church body—especially with someone who already knows what we are going to say. The author of the letter is begging and urging his disciples not to fall away, because he knows he will no longer be able to be a voice in their life and growth in Christ. His description of the one who has fallen away is most definitely a Christian. They have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been partakers of the Holy Spirit. Now that they have fallen away, all that can be done is pray that God will somehow get through to them. It is impossible for us to get through and restore them. All of this is not to say that we give up. Instead, let’s move on to maturity and not continue to be babes in Christ.
Read Hebrews 6:4-8
The “impossibleness” of restoration—This one little word can cause a whole heap of struggles in the lives of believers. It is one thing to admit it is possible to fall away. It is another thing entirely to say that there is a point where it is impossible to return. Read this passage again. . . The “impossibleness” does not speak to God’s inability to bring someone back. . . It speaks to the impossibility of our work bringing them back. While God may sometimes use us, conviction is not necessarily the work of the church body—especially with someone who already knows what we are going to say. The author of the letter is begging and urging his disciples not to fall away, because he knows he will no longer be able to be a voice in their life and growth in Christ. His description of the one who has fallen away is most definitely a Christian. They have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been partakers of the Holy Spirit. Now that they have fallen away, all that can be done is pray that God will somehow get through to them. It is impossible for us to get through and restore them. All of this is not to say that we give up. Instead, let’s move on to maturity and not continue to be babes in Christ.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, March 26
Read Hebrews 6:4-8
To commit “apostasy” is to fall away or to reject. These verses seem to make it very clear that it is possible to fall away or reject the gospel after believing. What would make this sort of thing possible? Why would someone want to leave the faith after receiving so much from God? Our answers are found in the verses we have been studying the past few weeks. Neglecting our faith and not pushing forward to maturity and growth in Christ can lead to falling away. In verse 9, the author acknowledges that he expects better things for the Hebrews. Part of the reason he expects more is because he is there to remind them of the great Christ they are following. He is there to urge them on to growth in Christ. He is there to see that they are spiritually fit so as not to fall to any traps of the enemy. To commit apostasy, one has to fight God. They may not literally hold their hand up in his face and deny him, but they do have to neglect the love and grace that he has bestowed upon them and neglect the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit and the Church. Apostasy is possible, but it should not be seen as easy. I am confident of better things for you, too.
Read Hebrews 6:4-8
To commit “apostasy” is to fall away or to reject. These verses seem to make it very clear that it is possible to fall away or reject the gospel after believing. What would make this sort of thing possible? Why would someone want to leave the faith after receiving so much from God? Our answers are found in the verses we have been studying the past few weeks. Neglecting our faith and not pushing forward to maturity and growth in Christ can lead to falling away. In verse 9, the author acknowledges that he expects better things for the Hebrews. Part of the reason he expects more is because he is there to remind them of the great Christ they are following. He is there to urge them on to growth in Christ. He is there to see that they are spiritually fit so as not to fall to any traps of the enemy. To commit apostasy, one has to fight God. They may not literally hold their hand up in his face and deny him, but they do have to neglect the love and grace that he has bestowed upon them and neglect the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit and the Church. Apostasy is possible, but it should not be seen as easy. I am confident of better things for you, too.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 25
Read Hebrews 6:4-8
No doubt reading this passage often comes as a surprise while reading through Hebrews. The author has been direct, but now he gets direct and eternal, and for some people, downright scary. Over the next few days we will delve a little deeper into this passage, but today, meditate on this passage. Think and pray about what it is saying. Who do you think the author is talking about? Is it possible to “fall away”? What exactly is apostasy (the Greek word used for falling away)?
Read Hebrews 6:4-8
No doubt reading this passage often comes as a surprise while reading through Hebrews. The author has been direct, but now he gets direct and eternal, and for some people, downright scary. Over the next few days we will delve a little deeper into this passage, but today, meditate on this passage. Think and pray about what it is saying. Who do you think the author is talking about? Is it possible to “fall away”? What exactly is apostasy (the Greek word used for falling away)?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 24
Read Hebrews 5:11-6:3
When asked if they were going to do something, older folks used to say, “Lord willin’ and if the creek don’t rise.” The modern cinema has used the same sort of saying among Muslims who will say, “If Allah wills it.” While in Israel, our guide would often tell us that we would go somewhere the next day “D.V.” (This was an abbreviation for Deo volente, which is Latin for “If God wills it.” In Hebrews 6:3, the author states his desire to teach the deeper things of the faith to his disciples yet acknowledges that whether he gets to do this or not is all in God’s hands. I think it important to point out for some, that growth in the deeper things of God is most definitely God’s will for all those he calls. The question is not whether or not God wants us to go deeper. HE DOES. There may be some question as to how we will learn these deep things, and who may be our teacher, but never doubt that growth in Christ is a necessary part of the Christian faith. Tomorrow we will begin our preparation for next Sunday’s lesson, if God is willing.
Read Hebrews 5:11-6:3
When asked if they were going to do something, older folks used to say, “Lord willin’ and if the creek don’t rise.” The modern cinema has used the same sort of saying among Muslims who will say, “If Allah wills it.” While in Israel, our guide would often tell us that we would go somewhere the next day “D.V.” (This was an abbreviation for Deo volente, which is Latin for “If God wills it.” In Hebrews 6:3, the author states his desire to teach the deeper things of the faith to his disciples yet acknowledges that whether he gets to do this or not is all in God’s hands. I think it important to point out for some, that growth in the deeper things of God is most definitely God’s will for all those he calls. The question is not whether or not God wants us to go deeper. HE DOES. There may be some question as to how we will learn these deep things, and who may be our teacher, but never doubt that growth in Christ is a necessary part of the Christian faith. Tomorrow we will begin our preparation for next Sunday’s lesson, if God is willing.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, March 23
Read Hebrews 5:11-6:3
After all the talk of milk and solid food it should be fairly obvious that the author of Hebrews is very intent on having his disciples grow to maturity in Christ. After two weeks on this topic, today is assessment day. Over the past two weeks you have been asked in a variety of ways what types of practices and/or training you should follow to grow in Christ. Today look back over the past two weeks. Have you begun to make progress? In what ways have you made progress? In what ways could you build upon the successes you have had, however little they have been?
Read Hebrews 5:11-6:3
After all the talk of milk and solid food it should be fairly obvious that the author of Hebrews is very intent on having his disciples grow to maturity in Christ. After two weeks on this topic, today is assessment day. Over the past two weeks you have been asked in a variety of ways what types of practices and/or training you should follow to grow in Christ. Today look back over the past two weeks. Have you begun to make progress? In what ways have you made progress? In what ways could you build upon the successes you have had, however little they have been?
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Friday, March 20
Read Hebrews 6:1-3
Some versions translate verse 1, "Let us go on to maturity," while others have, "let us go on to perfection," and others have "go on to completion." In the light of the context of Hebrews what do you think the author wants his readers to do? How are you doing those things in your life?
Read Hebrews 6:1-3
Some versions translate verse 1, "Let us go on to maturity," while others have, "let us go on to perfection," and others have "go on to completion." In the light of the context of Hebrews what do you think the author wants his readers to do? How are you doing those things in your life?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Thursday, March 19
Read Hebrews 6:1-3
What would you identify as the “basic teachings” about Christ? Write them down. How would your list compare with the list in verses 1 and 2? Does your list seem deeper than the list in verses 1 & 2? If someone were to walk up to you today and ask you for the “Cliff’s Notes” version of what you believe, would you be prepared to tell them? Would you then be prepared to tell them how your belief has changed your life and shapes the way you live your life?
Read Hebrews 6:1-3
What would you identify as the “basic teachings” about Christ? Write them down. How would your list compare with the list in verses 1 and 2? Does your list seem deeper than the list in verses 1 & 2? If someone were to walk up to you today and ask you for the “Cliff’s Notes” version of what you believe, would you be prepared to tell them? Would you then be prepared to tell them how your belief has changed your life and shapes the way you live your life?
Wednesday, March 18
Read Hebrews 5:11-14
We are now one month away from Easter. We are almost 1/2 way through Lent. Take time today to write down the things God has taught or revealed to you during this Lenten season. Now. . . Write down the names of three people with whom you could begin to share those things. Were all three of your choices people who are already Christians? If so, pray today and ask God for the opportunity to share what he is doing in your life with someone who needs to hear it this week. Take time today to pray for ways to begin to have a conversation with that person. Ask God to begin now to put the time and place together to talk with that person and to put the words in your mouth to begin to build a friendship with that person.
Read Hebrews 5:11-14
We are now one month away from Easter. We are almost 1/2 way through Lent. Take time today to write down the things God has taught or revealed to you during this Lenten season. Now. . . Write down the names of three people with whom you could begin to share those things. Were all three of your choices people who are already Christians? If so, pray today and ask God for the opportunity to share what he is doing in your life with someone who needs to hear it this week. Take time today to pray for ways to begin to have a conversation with that person. Ask God to begin now to put the time and place together to talk with that person and to put the words in your mouth to begin to build a friendship with that person.
Tuesday, March 17
Read Hebrews 5:11-14
Much emphasis is put on depth in our congregation. The author of the Hebrews seems to be frustrated with his readers because they have received enough information to be teachers but have not put their knowledge into practice. There seems to be the implication that depth comes with responsibility—the responsibility to teach. You may not feel as though you are prepared to teach and disciple others, but that responsibility is yours. Our city is filled with people who know nothing about Christ. Many of those people are “seeking” for what you have. What are you doing to help others draw closer to Christ through the knowledge you have already received?
Read Hebrews 5:11-14
Much emphasis is put on depth in our congregation. The author of the Hebrews seems to be frustrated with his readers because they have received enough information to be teachers but have not put their knowledge into practice. There seems to be the implication that depth comes with responsibility—the responsibility to teach. You may not feel as though you are prepared to teach and disciple others, but that responsibility is yours. Our city is filled with people who know nothing about Christ. Many of those people are “seeking” for what you have. What are you doing to help others draw closer to Christ through the knowledge you have already received?
Monday, March 16
Read Hebrews 5:11-14
Verse 14 reads, “solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.” Other than teaching our children the difference between right and wrong, I do not think many Christians believe that the discernment between good and evil is something that involves training or practice. Write down a few types of “training” or “practices” that could help you discern good from evil. In what sort of training or practices are you involved to prepare yourself for solid food? What will you do today and the rest of this week that will draw you closer to maturity?
Read Hebrews 5:11-14
Verse 14 reads, “solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.” Other than teaching our children the difference between right and wrong, I do not think many Christians believe that the discernment between good and evil is something that involves training or practice. Write down a few types of “training” or “practices” that could help you discern good from evil. In what sort of training or practices are you involved to prepare yourself for solid food? What will you do today and the rest of this week that will draw you closer to maturity?
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Saturday, March 14
Read Hebrews 5:11-14
In much the same way our diet determines much of our bodily health, our “spiritual diet” determines much of our spiritual health. Many Christians feel like they can get by on one meal a week of “spiritual food,” yet wonder why they are not growing spiritually. Take a moment today to write down what you think would be a “healthy spiritual diet.” Take time to visit the blog and post one or two things you think should be part of a healthy spiritual diet and see what others post as well. Now write down how you think your current spiritual diet compares. How do you plan to discipline yourself in your spiritual diet for growth in Christ and health in him? How will you start today?
Read Hebrews 5:11-14
In much the same way our diet determines much of our bodily health, our “spiritual diet” determines much of our spiritual health. Many Christians feel like they can get by on one meal a week of “spiritual food,” yet wonder why they are not growing spiritually. Take a moment today to write down what you think would be a “healthy spiritual diet.” Take time to visit the blog and post one or two things you think should be part of a healthy spiritual diet and see what others post as well. Now write down how you think your current spiritual diet compares. How do you plan to discipline yourself in your spiritual diet for growth in Christ and health in him? How will you start today?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday, March 13 Read Hebrews 5:11-14 This week many of us will gather and again hear the Word preached. We will go to our Sunday school classes and hear the Word taught. We may come back on Sunday night and hear the Word preached again. At Nashville First Church of the Nazarene, many of us are living with a high-powered halogen light under a bushel. Perhaps we hide our lights because it seems that there are more powered lights all around us, but the truth is, at many churches across the nation, you could probably be teaching a Sunday School class. Our problem is not a lack of knowledge. Our problem is that we fail to live in the light we have and reflect the light that has shone upon us through Christ. There is only so much that can be taught in a lecture style format. In order for many of us to move ahead in the light, we need to do the hard work of “chewing on some meat” outside the church walls. We need to implement what we know so that we can understand the next step in the process.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thursday, March 12
Read Hebrews 5:11-14
“The author closes his discussion of Jesus' qualifications to the high priest by alluding to Melchizedek again in verse 10. It is clearly the author's intent to develop his argument regarding Melchizedek, but his fear for the fragile spiritual commitment of his readers causes him to turn aside for a more specific exhortation to them. He states that they have become sluggish in hearing. This is normally interpreted as slowness or dullness of understanding, but the Jewish mind held hearing and obeying in close relationship. It is not their intellect for which the author fears, but their obedience. Obedience leads to understanding. When we require understanding before obeying we limit the spiritual growth that is available to us” (Roger Hahn). In a university town, this may be one of the epiphanal moments in this study. How often do we seek understanding before we obey? How often do we fail to live in all God has in store for us, not because he has not told us, but because we are waiting to understand before we obey? Have we merely become very intelligent people who are SLOW of hearing? Ask God today to bring to mind the truth he has revealed to you that you are not walking in because you don’t fully understand it.
Read Hebrews 5:11-14
“The author closes his discussion of Jesus' qualifications to the high priest by alluding to Melchizedek again in verse 10. It is clearly the author's intent to develop his argument regarding Melchizedek, but his fear for the fragile spiritual commitment of his readers causes him to turn aside for a more specific exhortation to them. He states that they have become sluggish in hearing. This is normally interpreted as slowness or dullness of understanding, but the Jewish mind held hearing and obeying in close relationship. It is not their intellect for which the author fears, but their obedience. Obedience leads to understanding. When we require understanding before obeying we limit the spiritual growth that is available to us” (Roger Hahn). In a university town, this may be one of the epiphanal moments in this study. How often do we seek understanding before we obey? How often do we fail to live in all God has in store for us, not because he has not told us, but because we are waiting to understand before we obey? Have we merely become very intelligent people who are SLOW of hearing? Ask God today to bring to mind the truth he has revealed to you that you are not walking in because you don’t fully understand it.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
RESPONSES FROM OUR STUDENTS
Here are some responses from a couple of our teenage students - one unnamed, the other named. They do not necessarily fit the devotion for today, but they go to show the way God is working in and through the lives of the youth of our church.
“Sometimes I put God in a box. Like I can predict Him. Like I can control Him. Like I'm in control. I think that when theology isn't used to open your eyes, it blinds them…. Some of our Brothers and Sisters give up everything they have to go to Church. A devastatingly beautiful sacrifice. As I looked around the pews in my church this morning, phones were out, ears were closed, hearts were sealed. Do we even know what faith is?” - Unnamed
“Amen. I really enjoyed the discussion we had after Sunday School about this today. What a joy it would be to be free from all the stuff that surrounds us today. To just be able to enjoy a beautiful day with our God and not have to worry about any distractions. Man, I long for that day.” – Brian Johnson
I hear their voices continue to echo in the lives of many adults in our congregation. Do WE know what faith is? Are we living sacrificial lives that show them the way? Will they get fed-up with church as usual and move on to somewhere else where they can find a vital faith? Will anyone show them how to live a vibrantly simple Christian life in the midst of distractions? Maybe their questions should teach us a thing or two about what we should be hungering for. What do you think?
“Sometimes I put God in a box. Like I can predict Him. Like I can control Him. Like I'm in control. I think that when theology isn't used to open your eyes, it blinds them…. Some of our Brothers and Sisters give up everything they have to go to Church. A devastatingly beautiful sacrifice. As I looked around the pews in my church this morning, phones were out, ears were closed, hearts were sealed. Do we even know what faith is?” - Unnamed
“Amen. I really enjoyed the discussion we had after Sunday School about this today. What a joy it would be to be free from all the stuff that surrounds us today. To just be able to enjoy a beautiful day with our God and not have to worry about any distractions. Man, I long for that day.” – Brian Johnson
I hear their voices continue to echo in the lives of many adults in our congregation. Do WE know what faith is? Are we living sacrificial lives that show them the way? Will they get fed-up with church as usual and move on to somewhere else where they can find a vital faith? Will anyone show them how to live a vibrantly simple Christian life in the midst of distractions? Maybe their questions should teach us a thing or two about what we should be hungering for. What do you think?
Wednesday, March 11
Read Hebrews 5:1-10
The author of Hebrews is not merely claiming that Jesus is our savior and intercessor; he is making the claim that Jesus has paved a way for us to follow. If we are being called to be priests as he is, how are we to live? As people who are beset with weakness, we must be able to deal “gently” with the “ignorant and misguided.” Roger Hahn explains these words this way, “The word translated deal gently means to restrain, control and change one's own feelings. It referred to the golden mean between indifference and sickening sweetness. It spoke of tolerance that understands the range and reality of real human problems but is not indulgent of that which goes beyond the normal. A priest who was repulsed by rather typical human failings will not be able to help the person because of his own disgust for them.” Who are the people who might disgust you this week because of their sin? Who are the people who simply get under your nerves because they can’t seem to get it. . . the ignorant and misguided? Your exercise for the day is this: Each time your feeling may turn to disgust or disdain (or even slightly lesser feelings) when dealing with someone, remember your own weaknesses. Remember that others have to put up with you. If you don’t think you have any weaknesses, ask some of your closest friends and they will tell you (they love you in spite of them). As you remember your weaknesses, remember that Christ loved (and loves) you in spite of them. After remembering your weaknesses, deal gently (as described above) with those around you.
Read Hebrews 5:1-10
The author of Hebrews is not merely claiming that Jesus is our savior and intercessor; he is making the claim that Jesus has paved a way for us to follow. If we are being called to be priests as he is, how are we to live? As people who are beset with weakness, we must be able to deal “gently” with the “ignorant and misguided.” Roger Hahn explains these words this way, “The word translated deal gently means to restrain, control and change one's own feelings. It referred to the golden mean between indifference and sickening sweetness. It spoke of tolerance that understands the range and reality of real human problems but is not indulgent of that which goes beyond the normal. A priest who was repulsed by rather typical human failings will not be able to help the person because of his own disgust for them.” Who are the people who might disgust you this week because of their sin? Who are the people who simply get under your nerves because they can’t seem to get it. . . the ignorant and misguided? Your exercise for the day is this: Each time your feeling may turn to disgust or disdain (or even slightly lesser feelings) when dealing with someone, remember your own weaknesses. Remember that others have to put up with you. If you don’t think you have any weaknesses, ask some of your closest friends and they will tell you (they love you in spite of them). As you remember your weaknesses, remember that Christ loved (and loves) you in spite of them. After remembering your weaknesses, deal gently (as described above) with those around you.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday, March 10
Read Hebrews 5:1-10
The author is trying to help us see the suffering and weakness that beset our Christ as he submitted himself to the will of the Father. There seems to be an inextricable link between the suffering of Christ and his being discipled. Some of our Bibles will read that Christ “learned” obedience through suffering. We might do better to translate that he was discipled in obedience through suffering. This Lenten season we have been asked to “fix our eyes.” In “fixing your eyes on Jesus” today, how do you think Jesus was discipled through his suffering? If you are to follow in his footsteps, do you think God may be able to use suffering to disciple you in obedience? Ask God today to show you how you could more readily submit to his authority in your life—even if it means suffering.
Read Hebrews 5:1-10
The author is trying to help us see the suffering and weakness that beset our Christ as he submitted himself to the will of the Father. There seems to be an inextricable link between the suffering of Christ and his being discipled. Some of our Bibles will read that Christ “learned” obedience through suffering. We might do better to translate that he was discipled in obedience through suffering. This Lenten season we have been asked to “fix our eyes.” In “fixing your eyes on Jesus” today, how do you think Jesus was discipled through his suffering? If you are to follow in his footsteps, do you think God may be able to use suffering to disciple you in obedience? Ask God today to show you how you could more readily submit to his authority in your life—even if it means suffering.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Monday, March 9
Read Hebrews 5:1-4
While we may not be comfortable hearing it, most Christians understand that in relation to God, we can be very ignorant and misguided (aren’t you glad scripture doe not hold back any punches here?). High priests are able to deal with people like us because they are also “beset” with weakness. That makes perfect sense as we think of earthly priests, but the author is speaking, not merely of priests in general, but also of Christ. Meditate today on what it means for Christ to be beset with weakness. How does this make him a greater high priest to us?
Read Hebrews 5:1-4
While we may not be comfortable hearing it, most Christians understand that in relation to God, we can be very ignorant and misguided (aren’t you glad scripture doe not hold back any punches here?). High priests are able to deal with people like us because they are also “beset” with weakness. That makes perfect sense as we think of earthly priests, but the author is speaking, not merely of priests in general, but also of Christ. Meditate today on what it means for Christ to be beset with weakness. How does this make him a greater high priest to us?
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Wednesday, March 4
Read Hebrews 5:1-10
What characteristics of a high priest are described in verses 1-4? Which of those characteristics would apply to Christ and how would they apply? Which do not? Why? I Peter tells us that those of us who are Christians are priests. How do these verses apply to your life? In what ways do these verses apply to our ministry to the world? What keeps you from being that kind of priest in the world? Ask God to help remove whatever obstacle is keeping you from carrying our your mission in the world.
Read Hebrews 5:1-10
What characteristics of a high priest are described in verses 1-4? Which of those characteristics would apply to Christ and how would they apply? Which do not? Why? I Peter tells us that those of us who are Christians are priests. How do these verses apply to your life? In what ways do these verses apply to our ministry to the world? What keeps you from being that kind of priest in the world? Ask God to help remove whatever obstacle is keeping you from carrying our your mission in the world.
Read Hebrews 4:14-16
Today, in your own words (based on verses 14-16), write down how you explain to an unbeliever or a child how/why we can approach the throne of grace with confidence. After you are finished writing, go before the Lord in prayer and ask him to help you through this Lenten season to gain the power over whatever sin or weakness you are trying to overcome. Ask with confidence for that help today!
Today, in your own words (based on verses 14-16), write down how you explain to an unbeliever or a child how/why we can approach the throne of grace with confidence. After you are finished writing, go before the Lord in prayer and ask him to help you through this Lenten season to gain the power over whatever sin or weakness you are trying to overcome. Ask with confidence for that help today!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Read Hebrews 4:14-16 (Focus on Verse 16)
Yesterday in worship service and Sunday school we learned that through Christ we have the ability to “boldly approach the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Some may think of approaching the throne of grace as something we do when we pray during our devotions or when we come down to the altar. It has been said that our very lives are prayers. Do you think it might be possible to live in prayer as we go about our daily activities, receiving mercy and finding grace? This week we will be focusing on how we receive the mercy of God and where we find the grace of God evident in our world. On a more practical side, I will also be asking you how your approach to the throne of grace has affected your interactions with others as you were conduit through which others received God’s mercy and grace.
Yesterday in worship service and Sunday school we learned that through Christ we have the ability to “boldly approach the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Some may think of approaching the throne of grace as something we do when we pray during our devotions or when we come down to the altar. It has been said that our very lives are prayers. Do you think it might be possible to live in prayer as we go about our daily activities, receiving mercy and finding grace? This week we will be focusing on how we receive the mercy of God and where we find the grace of God evident in our world. On a more practical side, I will also be asking you how your approach to the throne of grace has affected your interactions with others as you were conduit through which others received God’s mercy and grace.
Friday, February 27, 2009
“(Jesus) has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). This verse can be extremely oppressive or exhilaratingly liberating, depending on how we look at it. Many people look at this verse and see it as an unattainable goal. After trying and trying, they realize they will never be able to live without yielding to temptation. As a result they give up and always yield. On the other hand, some people read that scripture and get excited knowing that they have a Savior and guide who can help them through their struggles because he has the ability to both illuminate the way to overcome sin AND the power to enable us to overcome sin. If Christ now lives in you, and you are submitting your life to him, then it stands to reason that HE IS ABLE to help you overcome the sin that so easily entangles you or the weakness you seem to have toward temptation. With confidence, ask God to allow Christ’s spirit to indwell you and give you the power over sin.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Responses
Great Ash Wednesday service last night. Big thanks to Pastor Jeff for coordinating the music to fit the scripture so well. Looking now toward what God would do through us (me) as we move toward Easter.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday - "Fixin To Begin"
We have been challenged to "fix our eyes" over the next 40 days. As a community, our eyesight is much more than what we can see with the "naked eye." God is at work all around us - even in the midst of suffering. Where have you seen God working in your life? Where have you seen God working in the lives of others? Better yet, where has God been able to use you to do his work in the lives of others? The following is taken from the Weekly Lenten Devotional at Nashville First Church of the Nazarene:
Tonight we have begun the 40 day march toward Easter. Over the next few weeks you will continue to be encouraged to “fix your eyes.” These three simple words hold a wealth of meaning as we endeavor to adjust our eyesight from the ways in which the world has caused our focus and our vision to become skewed. It is all too easy to allow our eyes to become blind to the kingdom of God that is all around us and in us and through us. We are so easily distracted by the pain, suffering, and destruction around us that we often fail to see where God is working. As a way of helping us “fix our eyes,” we will be asking you to follow the advice of the author to Hebrews, and “fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). “Fixing our eyes on Jesus” is the only way we can begin to see the world clearly, and the best way for us to begin to see his Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven.
In lieu of our traditional Lenten devotional, we will be distributing a weekly handout with opportunities for you to do a little more than simply read your scripture and pray at home. Each day will have some scripture and thoughts for meditation, but our greater hope is that during this Lenten season your eyes will be “fixed on Jesus” in such a way that you begin to see where he is working. We pray that the eyes of your heart will be opened to view the lives of those around you who are in need of a touch from the living Word. Finally, I am asking that, as you begin to see God’s life at work that you would become a “spiritual ophthalmologist” and help others begin to see how God is working. You can do this by sharing stories with us of how God is working at: http://fixyoureyesnfcn.blogspot.com/ Make it a part of your daily routine to share what God is doing in your life and to see what God is doing in the lives of others as we “fix our eyes.”
Tonight we have begun the 40 day march toward Easter. Over the next few weeks you will continue to be encouraged to “fix your eyes.” These three simple words hold a wealth of meaning as we endeavor to adjust our eyesight from the ways in which the world has caused our focus and our vision to become skewed. It is all too easy to allow our eyes to become blind to the kingdom of God that is all around us and in us and through us. We are so easily distracted by the pain, suffering, and destruction around us that we often fail to see where God is working. As a way of helping us “fix our eyes,” we will be asking you to follow the advice of the author to Hebrews, and “fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). “Fixing our eyes on Jesus” is the only way we can begin to see the world clearly, and the best way for us to begin to see his Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven.
In lieu of our traditional Lenten devotional, we will be distributing a weekly handout with opportunities for you to do a little more than simply read your scripture and pray at home. Each day will have some scripture and thoughts for meditation, but our greater hope is that during this Lenten season your eyes will be “fixed on Jesus” in such a way that you begin to see where he is working. We pray that the eyes of your heart will be opened to view the lives of those around you who are in need of a touch from the living Word. Finally, I am asking that, as you begin to see God’s life at work that you would become a “spiritual ophthalmologist” and help others begin to see how God is working. You can do this by sharing stories with us of how God is working at: http://fixyoureyesnfcn.blogspot.com/ Make it a part of your daily routine to share what God is doing in your life and to see what God is doing in the lives of others as we “fix our eyes.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)