Saturday's Blog

Welcome to the POG Blog! Today is Saturday which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!  What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:    Psalm 142

1 I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. 2 I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.

3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. 4 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.

5 I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. 7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

"The Jesus Way"

Of all the words John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, could have used to capture the essence of who Jesus is and introduce Him to us, he chose the word "Word"!  John knew Jesus well, really well and then decades after he last saw Jesus he sits down to write an enduring account of Jesus' life for succeeding generations.  Those of us who would not have the benefit of walking and talking with Jesus physically would now have to rely heavily of the personal testimony of people like John.  I wonder if John realized the impact of the words he was writing?  I find it fascinating that John chose to call Jesus the "Word"! John 1 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

I use words to communicate.  Last Sunday's message about "communication" in family relationships really highlighted for me the importance of me "owning" my communication - verbal and non-verbal.  I need to take responsibility for all I communicate.  I am notorious for saying one thing with my words and communicating another thing with my actions or non-verbals (tone, body language, eye contact)!  When I do that I am not being very grace-full to my listener and certainly not being truth-full.

How can I get better at "grace-full and truth-full" communication? Perhaps John is giving us some real help here!  He is saying that Jesus is the greatest communication from God and that communication embodied grace and truth.  Later in chapter 15 John records Jesus saying "if you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit but apart from me you can do nothing." The greatest communication and communicator ever is inviting us to remain in Him and for Him to remain in us.  I have Jesus to not only be an example of great communication...no more than that... He actually wants to be in me communicating through me as I remain in Him and He remains in me!

The hope that this gives me today is immeasurable.  I truly get to surrender my soul to Jesus right now and receive Him and His communication agenda for me today.  The great Communicator of grace and truth is not only telling me to be "grace-full and truth-full" as I communicate, He is present ready to do just that through me.

Today is September 11th. Fourteen years ago today something awful was communicated from evil men.  That communication was not full of grace nor truth.  We best commemorate this day by being the opposite of that... we get to live this day as a testimony that the way of Jesus is alive and well and is full of grace and truth even in the face of evil and hate.

It is the way of Jesus and I want to walk in it today!

delton

9.10.15 “…those who follow Jesus have better uses for language…”

“…those who follow Jesus have better uses for language…” I thank You, my heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your Holy Angel be with me that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen

- Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer

Ephesians 5: 3-5

(NKJV)

3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

 (MSG)

3-4 Don’t allow love to turn into lust, setting off a downhill slide into sexual promiscuity, filthy practices, or bullying greed. Though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, those who follow Jesus have better uses for language than that. Don’t talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn’t fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect.

5 You can be sure that using people or religion or things just for what you can get out of them—the usual variations on idolatry—will get you nowhere, and certainly nowhere near the kingdom of Christ, the kingdom of God.

In sticking to our theme of “Communication”, I think Paul makes it pretty clear in these verses that our actions and words can communicate who we are, and as Christ followers there are certain actions and words that just “doesn’t fit our style”.  To live and speak in a way that dis-honors Christ, and therefore the Father, leaves us in a place absent of His truth…His Grace.

The part of Sunday’s sermon, and these verses, that really resonate with me this morning is just how important language...words…are to God, and how “Jesus empowers us to communicate:  Grace-fully and Truth-fully, by communicating Help-fully” vs hurtfully… “those who follow Jesus have better uses for language than that.”

It was sort of ironic that this past week I had an encounter with one of my sons, in which I attempted to impart what I thought was some much need truth into the conversation, upon which all communication was abruptly halted and ended with him vacating the area.  There was no raised voices, no ugly or course words…just the truth…laid out in what I thought was a calm, fatherly fashion.  Then enters the “wise one of relationships”…and thank heavens she did.  (I think Pastor included something about how women are just better at relationships than men…he was right…maybe I should go back and re-listen to that part.  Oh, and BTW, I wasn’t at PoG on Sunday and I’m thankful I could go to our web site to hear the sermon & get the sermon notes).

Kristi shared that there was nothing inherently wrong with what I said…it just would have been better if I’d chosen different words.  Then she asked me a question…was what I said just about “the truth”, and how I thought it should be communicated…or was it about a father reaching out in a “Help-fully” understanding way to his son, so that the truth could be received with grace and love, and therefore have a much deeper and  lasting effect.  Well, thankfully our son re-entered the area, and I got a second chance to connect “Help-fully” with my son…thanks to my wife…and Pastors sermon…and His Word…and I’m here to tell ya…all went well and ended well.

…maybe I am harder to understand than I think.

Blessings to you and yours,

jwb

9.8.15 "Speak Only Words That Benefit!"

Welcome to this time of listening to God speak to us through His word.  In order to prepare your heart and quiet your soul, please pray God would reveal himself to you.  Ask Him to forgive you all of your sins as you turn to Him.  He is listening to you and He loves you.  Remember to thank him for his many blessings.  "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Ephesians 4:29-30

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

As I think about Paul's words to the Ephesians it reminds me we speak mostly to satisfy our own needs.  Ever heard the expression, "He loves to hear himself talk"?  I know it's probably been said of me.  We have a need to make a point, to express ourselves, to communicate some information or an emotion.  But, what about the recipient?  How does what I am saying meet his needs?

Paul seems to be encouraging us to have a radically different way of thinking.  He seems to be saying it would be better for us to remain silent than to speak words that do not benefit others.  Reminds me of another good saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all."

God is calling us to holy living, including in our speech.  "Be ye therefore holy as I am holy."  His desire is for us to use our entire bodies, including our minds and vocal chords, to his glory.  How can we do that?  We can put the best construction on what our brothers and sisters say and do.  We can encourage them, compliment them, pray for them, and love them.

The people listening to us are in one of two categories: 1) they are either members of the body of Christ, in which case they need to be encouraged or 2) they are unbelievers who are watching our every move to see if being a Christ-follower really does make a difference in one's life.

May God grant us the patience, the peace, and the presence of mind to speak only words that benefit those who are listening!

Mark

Saturday's Blog

Welcome to the POG Blog! Today is Saturday which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!  What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:    Psalm 33

1 Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 2 Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

4 For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. 5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

9.1.15 "Be Still!"

The Scripture for today is Isaiah 29:13-16  13 The Lord says:

“These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught 14 Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish.” 15 Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the Lord, who do their work in darkness and think, “Who sees us? Who will know?” 16 You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, “You did not make me”? Can the pot say to the potter, “You know nothing”?

Do you find yourself struggling for authenticity in your relationship with God?  Are you going through the motions of worship and study?  Do you feel disconnected?  To be honest, I struggle with feelings of disconnectedness.  I find that my heart literally burns within me and I hunger for an authentic relationship with my Father.  There are so many, many distractions – work, worry, self-absorption, sloth, BUSYNESS!  Sometimes I just want to shout – STOP THE RIDE, I JUST WANT TO GET OFF!  Have you ever ridden on a merry-go-round at the playground?  At first it is fun as you whirl faster and faster, everything flashing by at hyper speed; then all of a sudden, the exhilaration is gone, replaced by a feeling of dizziness.  Physically, you may experience nausea – that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach that all is not well within you.  You need to get off the merry-go-round and just be still.

Stillness – that is a foreign concept for so many of us.  Yet, I find that when I am still – when I put down my things-to-do list, don’t dwell on my worries, stop focusing on myself, and turn off  the various forms of media so that I can surrender to God’s presence; the hunger in my heart eases.  My feelings of disconnectedness melt away.  I am currently reading several books about spiritual disciplines – those practices that transform our hearts and renew our minds by connecting us to God.  I deeply desire to make these disciplines part of the daily rhythms of my life.  Truthfully, these disciplines are a struggle.  My natural inclination is to go, go, go….. I secretly find that merry-go-round of busyness and distraction exhilarating.  For a brief moment, there is a high of adrenaline and accomplishment before my depleted soul says “whoa”.  Whoa – slow down – throttle back – rest…… not too easy for this girl.  Relationships take TIME to develop and deepen.  I can’t just go through the motions.  I can’t just say the right things with my lips while ignoring the state of my heart.

So, today I am concentrating on stillness – trusting God to lead and allowing his tired daughter to rest secure in his presence.  Trusting that he will meet me as I slow down and spend time in his presence.  As I concentrate, I will be mindful of this beautiful verse: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”  Psalm 91:4

Dear Jesus – help me to be still!  Shelter me under your wings and draw me close to you. Teach me to love others enough to share the good news of the transformed life your children can live in your kingdom!   I love you, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

Kelly

8.31.15 "We Can’t Fool God"

We Can’t Fool God Mark 7: 5-9 (Message Bible)

The Pharisees and religion scholars asked, “Why do your disciples flout the rules, showing up at meals without washing their hands?”

Jesus answered, “Isaiah was right about frauds like you, hit the bull’s-eye in fact:

These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn’t in it.

They act like they are worshiping me, but they don’t mean it.  They just use me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy,  ditching God’s command and taking up the latest fads.”

 He went on, “Well, good for you.  You get rid of God’s command so you won’t be inconvenienced in following the religious fashions!”

This is a convicting passage, because Jesus doesn’t sugar coat it here.   He is very clear about what he is saying to the Pharisees and to us!

We can fool ourselves, and others, but we cannot fool God!

Because we Matter to God, Jesus gave his life for us.   He didn’t pretend to love us, he demonstrated his love for us.

In yesterday's message, we listened to Pastor Delton say the phrase:

Family Matters to God, and God Matters to Family.

Then he broke it down into nouns and verbs for us explaining how the Matters of our lives are important to God.   We all have Family Matters we are dealing with either past, present and future.   Our whole lives matter to God, each and every minute of each and everyday.  All that we are concerned about, God is also concerned about and cares about.  We don’t need to pretend to please God or others.

When we start out in our faith assuming we are being honest about our faith in God through Jesus, we commit our lives to him.  We surrender our wills to his.  We grow through reading his Holy word and applying it to our lives.  We grow through having a relationship with the Living God!   If it’s real, his Holy Spirit lives in us and guides us.

The hardest thing to witness is someone falling away from their faith. To see a brother or sister in Christ, turn away from God and those who love them and give up.    We wonder why?   Especially when it seems like they were doing so well.

It is heart breaking and tragic!   How can we help each other?   I’m not sure except to pray for them and plead with them to turn back to God.   When you see someone running towards a cliff you want to stop them; but if they refuse to listen because of pride, or whatever, then what?

God pursues us so far, sending his servants to reach out to us, but after a while he lets us go our own way and we are left to face whatever that wandering life has for us.  Ultimately we face death and eternity without God.

But, because God loves us, he sent Jesus to help change our hearts and our actions from being meaningless traditions to lives full of meaning and purpose.

So today if you are going through something that is too much for you to handle on your own,  don’t go through it alone!

Seek God,   seek his counsel and the counsel of other believers that God has put in your life.   Turn back and run ASAP to God and his plan for you.   Then share your story with others and help those who may be going through similar struggles.

We need God,  We need Jesus, and we need each other!

Dear Lord,

Open our eyes and hearts to your love for us.   Help us to trust you with our lives and all that we are going through.   Help us not to go through this life journey without you!   We lift up those in our lives who have strayed away and are struggling with something really big and cannot see the way through.   We pray that you will intervene before it’s too late.   Protect those who have been hurt by those who have fallen away.  Help us not to give up on you, or ourselves or each other.

Thank you for your love and sacrifice for us.  Help us never to forget that we Matter to God!

Amen.

Patrice

Saturday's Blog

Welcome to the POG Blog! Today is Saturday which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!  What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:    Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

 

8.28.15 “The Greatest Influencer of All!”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

After praying for the Holy Spirit to come and fill me with His words, I decided to open my first real bible (which had been returned to me this week), to read the passage I was to write about this Friday. This bible I bought for myself 19 years ago, so hungry for His Word, after finally discovering what Grace was at the ripe age of 40 something. When I got it back Monday evening I flipped through it noting how highlighted it was. I had underlined and written wisdom I had learned through messages, retreats and numerous bible studies. I came across a single bookmark with a pewter charm of water in a bowl with a towel draped across the bowl. I studied it and thought, “this symbolizes Jesus washing the disciple’s feet”, flipped through the bible and randomly placed it in the bible, not noticing where I had put it. Now I haven’t used this bible since 2009 when one of my daughters gave me a new NIV/Message Bible and then I started using my iPad a lot. So back to today - when I went to find the passage to read, I discovered I had placed that blue bookmark on Matthew 11!

As I read the scripture, tears filled my eyes, remembering past burdens that the Spirit has helped me let go of, remembering the burdens of the broken-hearted, sick, overwhelmed sisters and brothers that I encounter daily. As I studied the bookmark I remembered the day at a Cursillo retreat in which others washed my feet just like Jesus did for His disciples, realizing for the first time what Jesus did for me and what His grace really meant, humbling me to my knees. As I have grown in my relationship with Jesus, I have quoted this scripture many times as God has put it on my heart when praying for others.

Hmmmm what does all this have to do with the power of Influence I ask myself? Everything! Sunday as Pastor preached about this topic and mentioned his influences in his life I allowed myself to think of mine. My Granny, several pastors (one priest), parents, my husband, sisters and brothers in Christ, students all have had a huge impact on my journey so far. Of course, the three with the most influence of all remains to be the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I know and believe that God has a great plan for me, he grows me daily in that plan IF I let him. He knew what He wanted to say through me in this blog and was with me from the time I heard the message to right now as I type this. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me” (verse 29) Be influenced by Me so you can influence others in the way you live.

Father, God I love you, I adore you. With the help of Your Holy Spirit I surrender all to You. As I think of just today’s events there are so many things that can overwhelm me in a second. But NO! You have promised rest for my soul and Your love for me is more than I can ever imagine. I will receive the love and life of Jesus, Your Son. I will believe in His Grace and Truth! Lastly, with Your help, I will live in Your promises to influence all in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen May God Richly Bless This Friday, (now go and act like it!) cindy

"It Goes Both Ways!"

Our reading for today is 1 Corinthians 10 & 11! 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 11 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

The Apostle Paul understood the power of influence!  He knew that he had and still did influence those who followed his spiritual guidance.  He is still influencing... even us 1960 years later as we read this passage and that is a good thing.  We need people to follow ... that said... what we really need is for the people we are following to follow Jesus.  Mentors are important. Modelers are essential! Paul got this. That is why he said, "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ!

We not only need these people we are them!  We are mentors... we are modelers... we are influencers.  We may not have people clamoring to  get an email from us full of wisdom and life changing insight.  The younger generation may not be waiting for the next golden word of advice to drop from our lips..... but wherever we are and whoever we are with - someone is watching.

It just helps to remember that.  I could take this reality as a legalistic pall over me creating a way of life that is pretty on the outside but different on the inside.  No, I think Jesus wants me to see this power of influence thing and this "somebody is watching" reality as motivation to be very attentive to my "inside" and to my "outside".  God wants them to match!  Knowing somebody is watching is a healthy accountability to check my actions (outside) and my motives (inside)!  Not for for me to take another dive into the stagnate stench of self-condemnation but rather a refreshing swim in oceans of grace.

The grace of God frees me to follow Jesus and be practically mentored by people who are following Jesus!  The grace of God also frees me to see myself as an "influencer" and to be motivated not condemned by that reality!

Today, I get to remember,

"I need an example whose example is Christ and I am to be an example whose example is Christ!"

That is my calling today.... everyday!  I think it will keep me busy... but it's a good busy!

delton

8.26.15 "What Are You Feeding On?"

Philippians 4:8-9 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Wow, it’s just that simple.  Think good thoughts, practice what is right, and GOD’s peace is yours.  Put another way, garbage in, garbage out.  Are you vigilant to what your mind is feeding on?  How many of you felt a little knot in your stomach when the stock market began free falling the last couple of days?  Are you a little anxious about that deal the President made with Iran?  What about all the gay and transgender issues being tossed around the media these days?  Are you listening to it or, feeding on it?

I am reminded of two things reading this wonderful passage.  First is the story I came across recently on blue zones.   Blue zones are places in the world that scientist have identified where people live longer and healthier than anywhere else on earth.  Several of these blue zones exist, and in each of these places people living to 90 or even 100 years is common.  And they aren't just living long either - these people are living healthy - without medication or disability.   So far, only five blue zones have been identified with one in the U.S.   So what is the secret to longevity and health underlying these fascinating communities?  Do they possess modern technology, do they take massive amounts of supplements, do they run on treadmills, do they have special genes?  As you may have guessed, the answer is none of these.  The secret is lifestyle.  Quite simply, these people live a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, daily exercise,  and a low stress life that incorporates family, purpose, religion, and meaning.   Just that simple.

My second thought is connected to Pastor’s message last Sunday.  It’s clear that Paul is encouraging excellence for our own sake, but what about those who are watching us?  What do we want our children to see?   A colleague of mine tells the story of when he was three years old experiencing a Longhorn game with his Dad and friends one fall Saturday afternoon more than a few years back.  He told how he quickly caught on to the cheering and rivalry and especially showing spirit by yelling “hook em” and holding up the traditional sign with his little fingers.  On Sunday morning after the big game he had to go to church with his mom and grandmother.  On this Sunday the ladies were stunned when in the excitement of worship my colleague joined in the praise by yelling “hook em” and flashing the sign.  While the story is always good for a laugh consider that my colleague has grown up to be a Longhorn football season ticketholder but he does not attend church.  They watch.

Heavenly FATHER, we give YOU thanks and praise for the peace YOU promise will be ours if we make the right choices.  FATHER please give us the strength and the discipline we need to make the right choices and not only live in YOUR grace and peace but show others how to enjoy YOUR peace as well.  In JESUS name. Amen

8.25.15 "Becoming Small"

Good morning and blessings upon your time with Jesus…and with each other. Matthew 18:1-6 (NKJV)

18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

6 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Mark 9:33-37 (NKJV)

33 Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”

I’ve included the account from the Gospel of Mark because I find it interesting that the disciples themselves are the ones who initiated the topic…” who would be the greatest”…and not necessarily by choice.  But Jesus knows what’s on their hearts…what their conversation entailed...and He addresses it in true Jesus fashion.

A couple of things really stood out to me.  First, was what it means to humble oneself like a little child, which I think Kristi described so well in Monday’s Blog…they tend to be very literal and take everything said to them at face value.  Another characteristic of little ones is that they’re totally dependent on their parents for most everything.  Next, Jesus call to be “converted and become as little children” maybe a simple illustration (especially for those of us with sometimes less than simple understanding…which seems to include the twelve, at this point) is not a request…He doesn’t say maybe someday when you feel like it or when you get around to it…no, this is a divine exhortation that “unless’ we are converted…repent…turn from our ways and humble ourselves like a child…” you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven”.  But He doesn’t leave us there, Jesus brings His promise, the Good News…but with a warning not to cause these “little ones”…or anyone of simple faith…to sin, for the results will be disastrous for those who transgress His love for them.

You know, something else that really struck me…Jesus never mentioned about these children growing up!  Could this then be described as a “constant state of our faith”?...a simple faith of total dependence, unswerving belief and unqualified acceptance?...a faith where, just like the “little ones”, we get to be wrapped in the arms of Jesus, now and forever?

Maybe we should take ole’ Doc Luther’s advice…Do not think about becoming great, but about becoming small.  The elevation will come in due time, if you but practice humiliation first.

Blessings to you and yours,

jwb

8.25.2015 “constant state of our faith”

Good morning and blessings upon your time with Jesus…and with each other. Matthew 18:1-6 (NKJV)

18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

6 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Mark 9:33-37 (NKJV)

33 Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”

I’ve included the account from the Gospel of Mark because I find it interesting that the disciples themselves are the ones who initiated the topic…” who would be the greatest”…and not necessarily by choice.  But Jesus knows what’s on their hearts…what their conversation entailed...and He addresses it in true Jesus fashion.

A couple of things really stood out to me.  First, was what it means to humble oneself like a little child, which I think Kristi described so well in Monday’s Blog…they tend to be very literal and take everything said to them at face value.  Another characteristic of little ones is that they’re totally dependent on their parents for most everything.  Next, Jesus call to be “converted and become as little children” maybe a simple illustration (especially for those of us with sometimes less than simple understanding…which seems to include the twelve, at this point) is not a request…He doesn’t say maybe someday when you feel like it or when you get around to it…no, this is a divine exhortation that “unless’ we are converted…repent…turn from our ways and humble ourselves like a child…” you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven”.  But He doesn’t leave us there, Jesus brings His promise, the Good News…but with a warning not to cause these “little ones”…or anyone of simple faith…to sin, for the results will be disastrous for those who transgress His love for them.

You know, something else that really struck me…Jesus never mentioned about these children growing up!  Could this then be described as a “constant state of our faith”?...a simple faith of total dependence, unswerving belief and unqualified acceptance?...a faith where, just like the “little ones”, we get to be wrapped in the arms of Jesus, now and forever?

Maybe we should take ole’ Doc Luther’s advice…Do not think about becoming great, but about becoming small.  The elevation will come in due time, if you but practice humiliation first.

Blessings to you and yours,

jwb

8.24.15 The “Little” Children and Jesus

The “Little” Children and Jesus Mark 10:13-16

New International Version (NIV)

13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

While listening to Pastor Delton’s message this morning about the power of influence, I became curious about the description of the children in these verses.  Three times, they are called “little”.  Now, children, most children, are little in stature, so I started wondering about what that meant in the context of this story.  I think they are talking about the age of the children.

I looked at other translations, and some of them said “little” or “young”, and some of them just said ‘children’.  Could the reason have something to do with their perception of authority figures?  Young, or little children, say younger than 4 or 5 years old, tend to be very literal, and take everything said to them at face value.  Older children begin to question authority, and I know from raising my own children, that questioning got more voluminous as they got older!  Jesus was stating that we should trust him just like small/young children trust and depend on their parents/elders.

These verses remind me that I don’t have to know the answers to life’s questions to trust that God loves me.  I don’t have to understand why the dinosaurs aren’t mentioned in the Bible before I can believe that God created me, loves me, and sent his Son to die and rise again for forgiveness of my sins. God simply wants me to recognize his sovereignty, thank him, praise him, and hold conversations (pray) with him about my life.

Father God, please help me to begin each day with a receptive heart like a young child.  Send your Holy Spirit to remind me that it is just that simple, that he wants to be a priority in my life, and loves me so much that he sent his Son to die for my sins, and for EVERYONE around me.  Help me share this simple faith so that others will know you too.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

kb

Saturday's Blog

Welcome to the POG Blog! Today is Saturday which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!  What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:    Isaiah 6:1-8

6 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

8.21.2015 "I can't get no satisfaction…OR Can I?"

Please pray with me Martin Luther's morning prayer: I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen

Philippians 4:11-13

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

The word "content" makes me think of contentment which leads me to the word "satisfaction".  That makes me think of Mick Jagger's "I can't get no satisfaction…"  I think the reason his song was such a big hit is that so many people could resonate with that phrase.  How many people do you know who just never seem to be content?  How often do you struggle with that same issue?  I know I think about it quite often.  For a person who has really been blessed in so many ways, I wonder - why don't I feel a greater sense of contentment at this point in my life?  Why am I allowing myself to be troubled or worried about this particular situation or a discussion I just had with a friend?

So, what IS this secret to contentment Paul is talking about?  The way I read it, St. Paul gives us a hint about the secret when he writes in v. 13, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."  The answer is simple; it's Jesus!  Jesus is the only way to true contentment; any other type of contentment is transitory and phony - it's not the real thing.

How do we experience this true contentment found in Jesus?   I find that when I am strongly connected to Jesus - attending worship service once or more a week, spending time reading about how God has revealed himself in the past by reading his Holy Word, being faithful in at least one dedicated period of prayer each morning, and associating with other believers - when I do those things my sense of contentment rises.  When I am not active in those areas, my level of satisfaction/contentment starts to wane.

Thank God that we have a source of strength that brings contentment!   May the Holy Spirit help you stay connected to that source today.

Mark

8.20.15 "Living Expectantly"

Heavenly Father, thank you for a new day in which to thank, love and serve you.  Thanks you for these amazing words of the apostle Paul. Help us to glorify you today, aware of the Holy Spirits power within us to know and do your will.  Amen Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

When we stop living with expectations and start ‘living expectantly’, God, as Paul writes, is able to do ‘immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.’  That phrase ‘blows my mind’ as some of my former students would say. There are many things in my life that I might ask for or imagine and some even become closely held expectations. But when I live expectantly, the sky’s the limit. God is capable of doing things with me and in me that are beyond my ability to comprehend or execute.

That’s not all. God is able to do these amazing things in me and through me because His power is at work within me. Think of that for a minute. Because I belong to Christ and because his Spirit is at work within me, I can count on God to use all my gifts and shortcomings to expand His kingdom and accomplish His purposes.

I suspect going forward, I will still live with some expectations. However, if by the Spirit of God I can live expectantly, God will use me in ways that I can neither ask nor imagine.

Some years ago, a pastor pointed out to my father-in-law that as a Christian he had ‘to be alert to be amazed.’ When we carefully watch for the ways God is working in us and through us, we will be amazed indeed. It is one of the joys of living expectantly. It is one of the reasons we give God the glory that is His alone.

Lord, thank you for helping us to live expectantly. Thank you that by the power you have given each of us by your Holy Spirit, we are able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine. Help us today to be alert to what you are doing in and through each of our lives. Amen.

jhf

8.17.15 "No Turning Back"

The Scripture for today is Genesis 46:1-7 46 So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.

2 And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

3 “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. 4 I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”

5 Then Jacob left Beersheba, and Israel’s sons took their father Jacob and their children and their wives in the carts that Pharaoh had sent to transport him.6 So Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt, taking with them their livestock and the possessions they had acquired in Canaan. 7 Jacob brought with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring.

When I read this scripture this evening, I was struck by the thought that when Israel (Jacob) set out with all that was his – there was no turning back.  He gathered up his family and all his belongings, and then headed to an unfamiliar place in a land far away.  He didn’t leave anyone behind to ensure that his family would have a place to return to.  He didn’t hire an estate manager to manage his crops and livestock. He didn’t store his extra household goods until he could get back home. He packed it all up and trusted that he and his family would be provided for in Egypt.  Jacob was brave and courageous.  Jacob trusted GOD.

I am reminded of when my husband and I finally retired from the Navy.  We packed up our three kids and all of our worldly possessions then headed to Austin.  I had visited here once and my husband had never been here.  We had spent years researching the kind of place that we wanted to live and chose Austin.  This was a scary step for us – we were both unemployed and our kids were counting on us.  We trusted God to guide us in this new life but to be honest; we did have a safety net.  Unlike Jacob, we each earned a pension from the Navy.  My parents live in San Antonio and we were able to spend some time living there until we found a job and a place to live.  I used to think we were pretty brave but in comparison to Jacob; we weren’t so courageous.  I am humbled by the thought that our safety net allowed us to be self-reliant.  Did we trust a little too much in our own abilities?  God, our loving and patient Father, continues to bless us.  He forgives our sins of self-reliance.  He continues to call us to trust in him and not in our own abilities.  As I think about Joseph, I am led to pray:

Father God, thank you for loving us and providing for us.  Thank you for your patience with our self-reliance and ingratitude.  Teach us to turn to you always in love and thanksgiving – regardless of our personal circumstances.  We love you, Father!  Amen!

Kelly

Saturday's Blog

Welcome to the POG Blog! Today is Saturday which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!  What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:    Psalm 31:1-5

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.

08.14.15 "STRIVING TO BE HUMBLE & SUBMISSIVE"

1 Peter 5:5-7New International Version (NIV) 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud     but shows favor to the humble.”[a]

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

 

At first glance, these verses are not what most people want to hear.  The words are “weak” words-submit, humility, not proud, humble.  Most people do not want to be known as submissive, humble or not proud.   Humans by nature and our society in general encourage us to be associated with adjectives like powerful, strong, in control, accomplished, proud, wealthy, important etc.  Those words are words that we, in our human frailty want others to use in describing us.  Those words make us look good to others and make us feel good about ourselves (do they really?).

But these verses tell us that “GOD opposes the proud”.  GOD does not care or want us to feel superior or better than our neighbor.  HE doesn’t care what others think about us.  We are all equally important to HIM and HE cares and loves us equally as any Father for His children.  HE gives grace to the humble because the proud person dishonors GOD and believes that all that he or she has accomplished is independent of the LORD.  GOD wants us to submit ourselves and be humble because once we have done that, we are in the place where we depend on HIM.  Once we are in that dependence place, then GOD can do HIS best work in each one of us.  HE can lead us, bless us, and direct us.

GOD’S humbling process will transform our lives.  As pastor said Sunday, we will be resurrected into “GOD’S Newness.”  We then learn that GOD’S Way is a whole lot better and far more satisfying than my way.  My way might bring momentary satisfaction, but GOD’S Way will bring everlasting satisfaction and eternal life.  Once we have succumbed to GOD’S Way, then all anxieties and fear are gone because we can depend on GOD to take care of us.

Lord please help me to remember that I am not in control.  I submit to You Lord to take charge of my life.   I humbly ask that You take care of all of my anxieties.  Please help me to remember that Your Way is the highway to eternal life.

Amen.

Humbly Submitted by jerry.