THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020
"If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." (2 Corinthians 11:30)
In 2 Corinthians, Paul captures his most personal sentiments in addressing the early church at Corinth. In this autobiographical section, he recounts all his accolades as an apostle: "Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast." (2 Corinthians 11:18) From his tone, we understand that this boasting does not represent his preferred stance; rather, he offers it as a means of proving the rights of his apostleship. Given his thorough commitment to Christ and His Kingdom, Paul's words carried weight, but he readily acknowledges that his only boast lay in the One Who had called him.
This sentiment reflects what we read from Jeremiah 9:23,24: "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom/ or the strong boast of their strength/ or the rich boast of their riches,/ but let the one who boasts boast about this:/ that they have the understanding to know me,/ that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,/ justice and righteousness on earth,/ for in these I delight... " By boasting of his weakness, Paul points to God's strength.
Whenever we meet success, we may be confident that God empowered the whole process: either by giving us intellect, time, or partners or the opportunity to develop our skills. Please reflect back on a recent success. How did God bring it about? Have you praised Him for that? How can you boast more fully of God's strength (in the midst of our weakness)?
Lord God, thank You that we all may testify to Your strength and provision. Thank You for making every success possible and standing with us in every difficulty. Thank You that You empower us through Your Holy Spirit. Help us to remember our position with humility and to trust You through each challenge. In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.
________________________________________________________________________
596 Glenbrook Road, Unit 13 | "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection
Stamford, CT 06906-1423 | and the life. He who believes in me will
(C) 203.820.1741 | live, even though he dies; and whoever
(H) 203.355.9374 | lives and believes in me will never die.
(E) swe@edwa.info | Do you believe this?'" -- John 11:25,26
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Sept. 9
Psalm 53
In the New Testament Jesus claims to have an intimate relationship with God as His Father. As we read through the gospels, we learn how Jesus prayed. He repeatedly recalls the Psalms in His prayers, especially when He is confronted with the Pharisees and even when He was on the cross. Prayer is how we communicate to God. In today's reading, the evil nature of man is brought before us, and basically David is telling us that those who don't believe in God are fools. Not having a God leads to giving in to the passions that fight for our attention in this world. See everyone might have different ideas about what reading the Bible means. The Psalms show us what prayer looks and sounds like and gives a scripted way to pray, opening our hearts and minds to God. So maybe, in this Godless world, we can plant a seed by pointing people to the Psalms as a way to start reading the Bible and pray for God's spirit to move in their hearts.
Blessings,
Randi
Sunday, September 6, 2020
Bible Blog Post 9/6/20
Song of Solomon 1:1-4:16
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Psalm 50:1-23
Proverbs 22:22-23
How invested are you in your spiritual growth and your walk with God? Do you find yourself seeking out opportunities to serve Him and bring honor to His name, or do you simply go through the motions and do things because you think you're supposed to? God is aware of all of our deeds and actions, and the motives behind them all. He knows when our intentions are wholehearted, and when they are lacking sincerity.
I don't think it's God's goal for us to merely go through the motions of following Him, or doing things out of habit that hold no weight. As we read in Psalm 50, followers of God were making sacrifices because it was the thing to do as a form of repentance. God wanted His followers to truly understand the meaning behind their offerings and make corrective changes to their lives instead of falling into the routine of sinning followed by a sacrifice, then sinning again followed by another sacrifice, etc.
As Christians today, we must look at our own tendencies and behaviors. Even actions that started with good intent and passion for the Lord can eventually turn into routine things that we feel like we have to do. Take communion for example - When was the last time you felt you should not partake in communion because you didn't feel you were right with God that specific Sunday? But, you took communion anyway because everyone around you was participating? If you feel like this is you, maybe it's time to reset yourself and your focus. Be intentional in your prayer and your open conversation with the Lord. Psalm 50 suggests starting by thanking God for His good grace each and every day. When we show gratitude to God it paves the way for a change in perspective and appreciation for His mercy and our position before Him.
Amanda & Anthony
Saturday, September 5, 2020
September 5: Of the Difference Between Socialism and Christian Generosity
Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Psalm 49:1-20
Proverbs 22:20-21
One of the growing debates in the US as we approach the elections in November is the one between capitalism and socialism. One of the arguments made in favor of socialism is that it is what Jesus would want - "sharing with the poor". I disagree. Socialism demands people give what they have due to an external imposition. In today's New Testament reading, Paul explains that what the Lord asks is even more powerful.
The spirit of giving Paul describes emanates from an internal compulsion, so much so that, referring to the Macedonian churches, "in the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity…they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability."
This compulsion does not come from outside of us. Paul makes clear he is "not commanding" the Corinthians, but points out the earnestness of others in following the example of our Lord. He talks about willingness - not command - that makes the gift acceptable. Again, not an external imposition, but an internal compulsion.
But where does that internal compulsion to give come from? Isn't man inherently selfish? Perhaps. But I believe man experiences joy when benefiting from someone else's generosity, and right next to the selfishness in us is a desire to cause that same joy we experience to someone else. So when we receive, and experience joy, we desire to pass it on.
And we HAVE been given - priceless, unattainable gifts of grace and mercy. As Paul puts it, we know "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for [our] sake He became poor…". Jesus gave us His all. And it is because of His giving we have in us the seed for this internal compulsion to give, even in poverty, in hardship and uncertainty.
Father, Jesus's sacrifice has planted the seeds of our own generosity. Nurture that seed that it grows and bears fruit, that we might give as we have been given. In Jesus's name we pray.
Friday, September 4, 2020
September 4: Of Paul and Parents, and What Children Don’t Need
Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18
2 Corinthians 7:8-16
Psalm 48:1-14
Proverbs 22:17-19
Today's NT reading is reassurance and guidance for the parent. Extrapolating from Paul's experience, our children do not need us to be their friends, they need us to be their parents.
If anyone wants to hear parenting stories of pain, challenge, suffering and - at times - despair, you really should get my parents to talk. How crazy are the stories? I won't steal their thunder, but I will say my mom used to both laugh and cry reading about the antics of Dennis the Menace and Calvin of "Calvin and Hobbes". Here's a conversation starter: ask them about comic books and spanking.
The thing is, my parents did used to punish me growing up (and for the record, I am grateful they did, else I'd probably be writing this from prison). But while I went and nursed my hurts afterwards, I never knew till much later how much it broke their heart that such discipline was necessary. But they did it anyway - every time I needed it. Like Paul to the Corinthians, they caused me sorrow, and while they did regret the need to do so, they didn't regret doing so because the pain they caused led to repentance. I think it still makes them smile in wonder that they disobedient son they had is now writing scripture blogs.
Paul was wise enough to recognize when and how the Corinthians needed to be corrected, and strong enough to confront the need for correction. He didn't condone their faults, he called them out at risk of rejection. As parents, we inevitably want our children's love and acceptance (shh…don't tell them). But sometimes we have to be prepared to face rejection in order to follow Paul's example, and bring them up in the ways of the Lord. They don't need us to be their friends - they need us to be their parents.
Father, give us parents the wisdom to recognize when our children need guidance, and the courage and strength to provide it, even at risk of their rejection.
Thursday, September 3
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
"Who loves money never has money enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
This too is meaningless....
"The sleep of a laborer is sweet
whether he eats little or much,
but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep."
(Ecclesiastes 5:10,12)
"He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
and he who gives gifts to the rich -- both come to poverty."
(Proverbs 22:16)
Solomon's wisdom on finances appears in both Ecclesiastes and Proverbs today. In each verse highlighted above, the undertone speaks to our attitudes about money -- and how those attitudes bring us closer or farther from true wealth.
While Ecclesiastes provides many insights on life, sometimes striking us as jaded, it does highlight that this earthly life involves many challenges. Ultimately, our heavenly reward awaits, but this life will have physical, emotional, and relational pain. While Solomon concludes frequently that "this too is meaningless" in several places, it does appear that he often speaks about those "meaningless" items in isolation. That is, were we to focus on something "meaningless," we could become consumed (to the negative) about it.
Even with "our" money, the Scriptures clearly teach that we should have a God- and others-oriented attitude. Proverbs extols the reward of generosity: "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:25) "The generous themselves will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor." (Proverbs 22:9) Generosity appears to unlock the reward of greater closeness and refreshment from God.
I will close with an extended reflection from A. W. Tozer's "The Pursuit of God," in a chapter on the "The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing." In it, he explains how Abraham found true riches in his willingness to sacrifice even his own son, Isaac:
"Now he was a man wholly surrendered, a man utterly obedient, a man who possessed nothing. He had concentrated his all in the person of his dear son, and God had taken it from him.
"God could have begun out on the margin of Abraham's life and worked inward to the center; He chose rather to cut quickly to the heart and have it over in one sharp act of separation. In dealing thus He practiced an economy of means and time. It hurt cruelly, but it was effective.
"I have said that Abraham possessed nothing. Yet was not this poor man rich? Everything he had owned before was his still to enjoy: sheep, camels, herds, and goods of every sort. He had also his wife and his friends, and best of all he had his son Isaac safe by his side. He had everything, but he possessed nothing.
"There is the spiritual secret.
"There is the sweet theology of the heart which can be learned only in the school of renunciation. The books on systematic theology overlook this, but the wise will understand."
Lord God, give us wisdom and generosity of spirit so that we may refresh and bless others. Extend our resources so that our gifts may "live beyond their means." Bring clarity to our minds about our finances and our attitudes towards You and others. In Jesus's Name, amen.
________________________________________________________________________
596 Glenbrook Road, Unit 13 | "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection
Stamford, CT 06906-1423 | and the life. He who believes in me will
(C) 203.820.1741 | live, even though he dies; and whoever
(H) 203.355.9374 | lives and believes in me will never die.
(E) swe@edwa.info | Do you believe this?'" -- John 11:25,26
"Who loves money never has money enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
This too is meaningless....
"The sleep of a laborer is sweet
whether he eats little or much,
but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep."
(Ecclesiastes 5:10,12)
"He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
and he who gives gifts to the rich -- both come to poverty."
(Proverbs 22:16)
Solomon's wisdom on finances appears in both Ecclesiastes and Proverbs today. In each verse highlighted above, the undertone speaks to our attitudes about money -- and how those attitudes bring us closer or farther from true wealth.
While Ecclesiastes provides many insights on life, sometimes striking us as jaded, it does highlight that this earthly life involves many challenges. Ultimately, our heavenly reward awaits, but this life will have physical, emotional, and relational pain. While Solomon concludes frequently that "this too is meaningless" in several places, it does appear that he often speaks about those "meaningless" items in isolation. That is, were we to focus on something "meaningless," we could become consumed (to the negative) about it.
Even with "our" money, the Scriptures clearly teach that we should have a God- and others-oriented attitude. Proverbs extols the reward of generosity: "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:25) "The generous themselves will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor." (Proverbs 22:9) Generosity appears to unlock the reward of greater closeness and refreshment from God.
I will close with an extended reflection from A. W. Tozer's "The Pursuit of God," in a chapter on the "The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing." In it, he explains how Abraham found true riches in his willingness to sacrifice even his own son, Isaac:
"Now he was a man wholly surrendered, a man utterly obedient, a man who possessed nothing. He had concentrated his all in the person of his dear son, and God had taken it from him.
"God could have begun out on the margin of Abraham's life and worked inward to the center; He chose rather to cut quickly to the heart and have it over in one sharp act of separation. In dealing thus He practiced an economy of means and time. It hurt cruelly, but it was effective.
"I have said that Abraham possessed nothing. Yet was not this poor man rich? Everything he had owned before was his still to enjoy: sheep, camels, herds, and goods of every sort. He had also his wife and his friends, and best of all he had his son Isaac safe by his side. He had everything, but he possessed nothing.
"There is the spiritual secret.
"There is the sweet theology of the heart which can be learned only in the school of renunciation. The books on systematic theology overlook this, but the wise will understand."
Lord God, give us wisdom and generosity of spirit so that we may refresh and bless others. Extend our resources so that our gifts may "live beyond their means." Bring clarity to our minds about our finances and our attitudes towards You and others. In Jesus's Name, amen.
________________________________________________________________________
596 Glenbrook Road, Unit 13 | "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection
Stamford, CT 06906-1423 | and the life. He who believes in me will
(C) 203.820.1741 | live, even though he dies; and whoever
(H) 203.355.9374 | lives and believes in me will never die.
(E) swe@edwa.info | Do you believe this?'" -- John 11:25,26
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Blog from Aimee
Blog post 2 September 2020
Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Psalm 46:1-11
Proverbs 22:15
As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."
God is ready to help us right now. Do you believe that God is really to help you now? I pray that in our troubles and doubts we can "be still and know that I am God".
So if you are going through trouble and hardship like Paul, we can draw close to God and confide in him.I pray that we appreciate our loving and disciplined God and that we allow God to train and correct us to make us better. Just as parents discipline their children to learn the difference between right and wrong. I pray that we honor God and his power and majesty. May we live each day to be still and to exalt God. Let us let go and let God be in control.
Amen
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