Eph. 4:29 Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. (MSG)
When we give a gift, we want it to be special. Something that blesses and is beneficial to another.
Think of our words as gifts. How careful would we be with our conversation if we were always mindful of what we were giving? If we always watched the way we talked? The words we speak are received into the life of another with some result. We speak with intended purpose. Either intending to edify, bless and benefit or to tear down, curse and bring harm. Our words can have value or they can be worthless. The choice of gift we give is ours. May all we say (and think) be acceptable to God (Ps. 19:14).
Before we speak, we need to ask ourselves, "What kind of word gift am I about to give?"
Sock Monkey Snippet: Speak only words that edify. Make each word a gift.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Not Just Rocks
1 Pet. 2:5 And now you are living stones that are being used to build up a spiritual house. (CEV)
As a building material, stone is substantial. It is strong, durable and lasts a long time. But it certainly isn't living. We can build a very impressive building out of stone but unless it is used, inhabited, and serves some purpose, it is nothing more than just a lifeless pile of rocks.
The temple of the Jewish people was an impressive building, a house where God dwelt. But Peter explained that God was now building a different kind of house. A living, spiritual house made out of living stones. Not an earthly building, but a heavenly kingdom. Not a lifeless pile of rocks but an active, vibrant family. Each member, each living stone contributing to build up the whole.
You and I are living stones that are used by God. WE are God's building (1 Cor. 3:9). His life-giving (Rom. 8:10, 2 Cor. 3:6) Holy Spirit inhabits us (1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19). We each serve a specific purpose (Rom. 12:4-5) and we all build up the whole that is His spiritual house. We are active, vibrant participants in the kingdom of God. Living stones, not just rocks.
Sock Monkey Snippet: We are living stones in God's spiritual house.
As a building material, stone is substantial. It is strong, durable and lasts a long time. But it certainly isn't living. We can build a very impressive building out of stone but unless it is used, inhabited, and serves some purpose, it is nothing more than just a lifeless pile of rocks.The temple of the Jewish people was an impressive building, a house where God dwelt. But Peter explained that God was now building a different kind of house. A living, spiritual house made out of living stones. Not an earthly building, but a heavenly kingdom. Not a lifeless pile of rocks but an active, vibrant family. Each member, each living stone contributing to build up the whole.
You and I are living stones that are used by God. WE are God's building (1 Cor. 3:9). His life-giving (Rom. 8:10, 2 Cor. 3:6) Holy Spirit inhabits us (1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19). We each serve a specific purpose (Rom. 12:4-5) and we all build up the whole that is His spiritual house. We are active, vibrant participants in the kingdom of God. Living stones, not just rocks.
Sock Monkey Snippet: We are living stones in God's spiritual house.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Jesus Christ Version 1.0
Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (CEV)
A software program or computer application is never perfect when it is initially developed. In fact, it usually starts out in a beta version. After "bug" fixes, subsequent added or deleted features, and other tweaks and refinements, a "beginning" version, usually dubbed 1.0, is released. After that, updated versions 2.0, 3.0, etc., follow claiming to have better features and other significant improvements. End users ultimately need and want a reliable, dependable and stable product. One we can always count on. One that is perfect.
Today, reflect on the amazing truth that Jesus Christ, in every way, is the One who is perfect. Who always was perfect and always will be perfect. This perfect Version 1.0 is not only the "beginning", the Alpha, but He continues on into forever and is the Omega (Rev. 1:8). Because He is perfect, He doesn't change. His character isn't flawed nor are His plans ill conceived or incomplete. He isn't steadfast one day and wavering the next. He doesn't help us one day and forsake us the next. He doesn't love us one day and reject us the next. He is reliable, dependable and provides a stability on our lives that will extend into all of eternity. We can always count on Him. There have been nor will there ever be any required updates. He is the same perfect One yesterday, today, and forever! All we need is Jesus Christ Version 1.0.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Because He is perfect, He doesn't change.
A software program or computer application is never perfect when it is initially developed. In fact, it usually starts out in a beta version. After "bug" fixes, subsequent added or deleted features, and other tweaks and refinements, a "beginning" version, usually dubbed 1.0, is released. After that, updated versions 2.0, 3.0, etc., follow claiming to have better features and other significant improvements. End users ultimately need and want a reliable, dependable and stable product. One we can always count on. One that is perfect.
Today, reflect on the amazing truth that Jesus Christ, in every way, is the One who is perfect. Who always was perfect and always will be perfect. This perfect Version 1.0 is not only the "beginning", the Alpha, but He continues on into forever and is the Omega (Rev. 1:8). Because He is perfect, He doesn't change. His character isn't flawed nor are His plans ill conceived or incomplete. He isn't steadfast one day and wavering the next. He doesn't help us one day and forsake us the next. He doesn't love us one day and reject us the next. He is reliable, dependable and provides a stability on our lives that will extend into all of eternity. We can always count on Him. There have been nor will there ever be any required updates. He is the same perfect One yesterday, today, and forever! All we need is Jesus Christ Version 1.0.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Because He is perfect, He doesn't change.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Just Our Feet
Jn. 13:10 Jesus answered, "People who have bathed and are clean all over need to wash just their feet. And you, my disciples, are clean, except for one of you." (CEV)
I've always viewed the account of Jesus washing the disciples' feet as a demonstration of His humility and as an example for us to follow. And it is certainly that.
But I looked at it today from a different perspective. One that I missed before. And depending on which Bible translation you are reading, maybe you missed it, too. In the NIV translation, this verse uses the words "bathed" and "washed". And although we may use these words interchangeably today, they have entirely different meanings here. The word "bathed" (louo) means washed completely, totally and fully. The whole person. Whereas the word "washed" (nipto) means to wash only in part. Therein lies, I believe, the hidden beauty of the foot washing.
When Peter asked Jesus to wash not only his feet but his hands and head as well (v.9), Jesus answered, in effect, by saying, "You're already washed completely, now you only need washed in part." So how were they washed completely?
Jn. 15:3 "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you."
They were washed completely by believing His words, the Word of God. We then, also as believers, have been washed completely. Our faith in Christ, the Living Word of God, has completely washed and made us pure. His shed blood and finished work on the cross have made us able to stand in purity before the Father.
So why then did they (do we) need washed in part? Their feet were not clean. There was a part of them that was constantly in contact with the ground, the earth, the world. And this washing in part was necessary in order to remain completely clean. Being in the world but not of it (Jn. 15:19, Jn. 17:13-16), and even though we are already "bathed", we will undoubtedly have opportunity to sin. To get our feet dirty. Willfully or inadvertently (Ps. 19:13). But, Jesus stands always girded and ready to forgive us (Ps. 86:5), ready to "wash" us. Just our feet.
Sock Monkey Snippet: We're already washed completely, now we only need washed in part.
I've always viewed the account of Jesus washing the disciples' feet as a demonstration of His humility and as an example for us to follow. And it is certainly that.
But I looked at it today from a different perspective. One that I missed before. And depending on which Bible translation you are reading, maybe you missed it, too. In the NIV translation, this verse uses the words "bathed" and "washed". And although we may use these words interchangeably today, they have entirely different meanings here. The word "bathed" (louo) means washed completely, totally and fully. The whole person. Whereas the word "washed" (nipto) means to wash only in part. Therein lies, I believe, the hidden beauty of the foot washing.
When Peter asked Jesus to wash not only his feet but his hands and head as well (v.9), Jesus answered, in effect, by saying, "You're already washed completely, now you only need washed in part." So how were they washed completely?
Jn. 15:3 "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you."
They were washed completely by believing His words, the Word of God. We then, also as believers, have been washed completely. Our faith in Christ, the Living Word of God, has completely washed and made us pure. His shed blood and finished work on the cross have made us able to stand in purity before the Father.
So why then did they (do we) need washed in part? Their feet were not clean. There was a part of them that was constantly in contact with the ground, the earth, the world. And this washing in part was necessary in order to remain completely clean. Being in the world but not of it (Jn. 15:19, Jn. 17:13-16), and even though we are already "bathed", we will undoubtedly have opportunity to sin. To get our feet dirty. Willfully or inadvertently (Ps. 19:13). But, Jesus stands always girded and ready to forgive us (Ps. 86:5), ready to "wash" us. Just our feet.
Sock Monkey Snippet: We're already washed completely, now we only need washed in part.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Entitled to Eat
Mk. 7:27-28 But Jesus said to her, "Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." And she answered, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children's crumbs."
Jews and Gentiles. Those who were God's children and those who were little dogs. Those who were entitled to eat until full and those who were not.
The woman here who begged Jesus to cast a demon out of her daughter was a Gentile. As such, she was ineligible to receive God's covenant promises made to the Jews. Yet because of her faith, Jesus responded by delivering her daughter. No one who approached Him in faith was ever turned away or refused. Most likely this encounter pointed toward the eventual "grafting in" (Rom. 11:17) of the Gentiles into God's kingdom. Nevertheless, and even though she received a significant blessing, it was still only a crumb compared to the fullness of what was available to His children.
As God's children, now grafted in, we have an incredible privilege and blessing. We are entitled to eat, to be filled and satisfied. We needn't settle for crumbs or even morsels because we are given the whole loaf of bread. So, are we seated at His table enjoying the bread that is the fullness of His presence, promises and provision? Or are we scrounging around under the table like little dogs looking only for an occasional crumb? God has an overwhelming and abundant supply available to all believers, to those having faith in Him. Don't settle for crumbs. We are entitled to eat!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Don't settle for crumbs when you are entitled to eat.
Jews and Gentiles. Those who were God's children and those who were little dogs. Those who were entitled to eat until full and those who were not.
The woman here who begged Jesus to cast a demon out of her daughter was a Gentile. As such, she was ineligible to receive God's covenant promises made to the Jews. Yet because of her faith, Jesus responded by delivering her daughter. No one who approached Him in faith was ever turned away or refused. Most likely this encounter pointed toward the eventual "grafting in" (Rom. 11:17) of the Gentiles into God's kingdom. Nevertheless, and even though she received a significant blessing, it was still only a crumb compared to the fullness of what was available to His children.
As God's children, now grafted in, we have an incredible privilege and blessing. We are entitled to eat, to be filled and satisfied. We needn't settle for crumbs or even morsels because we are given the whole loaf of bread. So, are we seated at His table enjoying the bread that is the fullness of His presence, promises and provision? Or are we scrounging around under the table like little dogs looking only for an occasional crumb? God has an overwhelming and abundant supply available to all believers, to those having faith in Him. Don't settle for crumbs. We are entitled to eat!Sock Monkey Snippet: Don't settle for crumbs when you are entitled to eat.
Monday, September 12, 2011
When I Consider
Ps. 8:3-4 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man, that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You should visit him?
Every time I'm outside on a clear night and I look up at a star-filled sky, without fail I am reminded of these verses. The splendor of God's creation overwhelms me. How magnificent, powerful and awesome must our God be to create such beauty and to sustain it? And I think too often we forget that His creation extends immeasurably beyond what we can see, which makes thinking about it, considering it, all the more wonderful and amazing.
If you've ever watched an accomplished pianist perform, you were undoubtedly impressed by their fingering. Skillful, deliberate, ordered. And out of what seemed to be little effort, the beauty of music was created. Did you ever notice in this verse that God used His fingers to create and orchestrate the universe? It suggests to me that our God is so great, so skillful, that it took only His fingers, a little effort for Him, to create something we can't even begin to comprehend. Consider that!
And yet, as David writes, God is mindful of us. Comparatively insignificant beings in the immensity of His creation. He feeds us, clothes us, protects us, provides for us, and communes with us. He is concerned for us and about us! So much so that He has even numbered the hairs on our heads. He not only macro-manages the universe but micro-manages even the smallest details of our existence. And He does it all perfectly. Skillfully, deliberately, and with order. I don't know about you, but I am blessed when I consider!
Sock Monkey Snippet: In the immensity of His creation, God is mindful of us.
Every time I'm outside on a clear night and I look up at a star-filled sky, without fail I am reminded of these verses. The splendor of God's creation overwhelms me. How magnificent, powerful and awesome must our God be to create such beauty and to sustain it? And I think too often we forget that His creation extends immeasurably beyond what we can see, which makes thinking about it, considering it, all the more wonderful and amazing.If you've ever watched an accomplished pianist perform, you were undoubtedly impressed by their fingering. Skillful, deliberate, ordered. And out of what seemed to be little effort, the beauty of music was created. Did you ever notice in this verse that God used His fingers to create and orchestrate the universe? It suggests to me that our God is so great, so skillful, that it took only His fingers, a little effort for Him, to create something we can't even begin to comprehend. Consider that!
And yet, as David writes, God is mindful of us. Comparatively insignificant beings in the immensity of His creation. He feeds us, clothes us, protects us, provides for us, and communes with us. He is concerned for us and about us! So much so that He has even numbered the hairs on our heads. He not only macro-manages the universe but micro-manages even the smallest details of our existence. And He does it all perfectly. Skillfully, deliberately, and with order. I don't know about you, but I am blessed when I consider!
Sock Monkey Snippet: In the immensity of His creation, God is mindful of us.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Reflecting Absence
Jn. 10:10 "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
Next week, the 9/11 memorial is scheduled to open in New York City. It's design features two square voids, where the World Trade Center Towers once stood, each carved thirty feet deep into the earth. Surrounding these voids are bronze panels on which are inscribed the names of the 2,983 victims whose lives were tragically taken. The memorial is appropriately named "Reflecting Absence". Visitors are to be reminded of what once was. They are to forever take note that something is missing. Abundant life that was intended to be was stolen away by evil. The sin of a few men caused the death of so many others.
Paul explains in his letter to the Romans that through one man, Adam, sin entered the world (Rom. 5:12) also causing death to all men. To all of us. The abundant life God originally intended for us was voided by sin. BUT, the Father loved us so much that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). So just as by one man's disobedience we were made sinners, so by one Man's obedience we were made righteous (Rom. 5:19). Jesus restored to us the abundant life that was always intended to be.
Be reminded today of the abundant and eternal life once stolen away from all of us, reflect on it's absence, and then rejoice in knowing it has been forever restored through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Jesus restored to us the abundant life that was always intended to be.
Next week, the 9/11 memorial is scheduled to open in New York City. It's design features two square voids, where the World Trade Center Towers once stood, each carved thirty feet deep into the earth. Surrounding these voids are bronze panels on which are inscribed the names of the 2,983 victims whose lives were tragically taken. The memorial is appropriately named "Reflecting Absence". Visitors are to be reminded of what once was. They are to forever take note that something is missing. Abundant life that was intended to be was stolen away by evil. The sin of a few men caused the death of so many others.
Paul explains in his letter to the Romans that through one man, Adam, sin entered the world (Rom. 5:12) also causing death to all men. To all of us. The abundant life God originally intended for us was voided by sin. BUT, the Father loved us so much that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). So just as by one man's disobedience we were made sinners, so by one Man's obedience we were made righteous (Rom. 5:19). Jesus restored to us the abundant life that was always intended to be.
Be reminded today of the abundant and eternal life once stolen away from all of us, reflect on it's absence, and then rejoice in knowing it has been forever restored through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Jesus restored to us the abundant life that was always intended to be.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Common To Man
1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man...
It seems reasonable to me to think that when the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Mt. 4:1-11) he did his very best to try and cause Jesus to sin. So what tactics did he use? Well, first, knowing that Jesus was hungry from fasting, the devil told Jesus to turn stones into bread, to satisfy the lust of the flesh. Then he told Jesus to throw Himself from the pinnacle of the temple and have the angels keep Him from harm, to satisfy the pride of life. Finally, he offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world He could see from a high mountain in return for worship, to satisfy the lust of the eyes. These were the three areas in which the devil tempted Jesus and in which he will also tempt us. They are described in Scripture (1Jn. 2:16) as "all that is in the world". Jesus recognized each temptation and was able to successfully resist it with the written Word of God. He was tempted in all things, just like we are, yet He didn't sin (Heb. 4:15). His temptations were those common to man, common to us. The devil will continue to use the same old tactics to tempt us that he tried unsuccessfully on Jesus. The CEV Bible Translation says we are tempted in the same way everyone else is (was or ever will be) tempted. Including Jesus.
For us to be successful, therefore, I believe we must employ the same strategy that Jesus did in resisting temptation and sin. First, we need to recognize it, to be sober and vigilant (1Pet. 5:8) so as not to get caught off guard by our enemy. Don't think for one minute that Jesus didn't realize exactly what the devil was doing or that it was only by luck or good fortune that He remained sinless. And secondly, we must resist it. If we have hidden God's Word in our heart (Ps. 119:11), when a temptation presents itself we can respond as Jesus did by saying, "It is written." We can resist the devil and he will flee (Jas. 4:7).
We are all tempted in the same way. We can all triumph in the same way. Our victories over temptation and sin can and should be common to man!
Sock Monkey Snippet: We are all tempted in the same way. We can all triumph in the same way.
It seems reasonable to me to think that when the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Mt. 4:1-11) he did his very best to try and cause Jesus to sin. So what tactics did he use? Well, first, knowing that Jesus was hungry from fasting, the devil told Jesus to turn stones into bread, to satisfy the lust of the flesh. Then he told Jesus to throw Himself from the pinnacle of the temple and have the angels keep Him from harm, to satisfy the pride of life. Finally, he offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world He could see from a high mountain in return for worship, to satisfy the lust of the eyes. These were the three areas in which the devil tempted Jesus and in which he will also tempt us. They are described in Scripture (1Jn. 2:16) as "all that is in the world". Jesus recognized each temptation and was able to successfully resist it with the written Word of God. He was tempted in all things, just like we are, yet He didn't sin (Heb. 4:15). His temptations were those common to man, common to us. The devil will continue to use the same old tactics to tempt us that he tried unsuccessfully on Jesus. The CEV Bible Translation says we are tempted in the same way everyone else is (was or ever will be) tempted. Including Jesus.
For us to be successful, therefore, I believe we must employ the same strategy that Jesus did in resisting temptation and sin. First, we need to recognize it, to be sober and vigilant (1Pet. 5:8) so as not to get caught off guard by our enemy. Don't think for one minute that Jesus didn't realize exactly what the devil was doing or that it was only by luck or good fortune that He remained sinless. And secondly, we must resist it. If we have hidden God's Word in our heart (Ps. 119:11), when a temptation presents itself we can respond as Jesus did by saying, "It is written." We can resist the devil and he will flee (Jas. 4:7).
We are all tempted in the same way. We can all triumph in the same way. Our victories over temptation and sin can and should be common to man!
Sock Monkey Snippet: We are all tempted in the same way. We can all triumph in the same way.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Handpicked
Acts 22:14-15 Then he said, "The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know His will and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth, for you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard."
There are reasons for handpicking, whether it be produce or people. We look for that particular item or person best suited for our specific need or purpose. One that is ripe or matured, of good quality and character, ready to be used.
Ananias, in this verse, explained that God Himself had handpicked Paul (MSG). What an amazing thing for Paul to think about! The God of all creation made a particular choice and deemed him ready to be used and best suited for His purpose, to be His witness to all men.
So it is with us. God enabled us to know His marvelous plan of salvation, to see Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and to hear His voice through the voice of His Son (Jn. 12:49) in order that we may also be His witnesses (Acts 1:8) to all men. Think about it. We are God's chosen (Eph. 1:4, 1Pet. 2:9), His particular choice, His handpicked!
Sock Monkey Snippet: We have been handpicked by God.
There are reasons for handpicking, whether it be produce or people. We look for that particular item or person best suited for our specific need or purpose. One that is ripe or matured, of good quality and character, ready to be used.
Ananias, in this verse, explained that God Himself had handpicked Paul (MSG). What an amazing thing for Paul to think about! The God of all creation made a particular choice and deemed him ready to be used and best suited for His purpose, to be His witness to all men.
So it is with us. God enabled us to know His marvelous plan of salvation, to see Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and to hear His voice through the voice of His Son (Jn. 12:49) in order that we may also be His witnesses (Acts 1:8) to all men. Think about it. We are God's chosen (Eph. 1:4, 1Pet. 2:9), His particular choice, His handpicked!
Sock Monkey Snippet: We have been handpicked by God.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Now and Forever
Mt. 5:5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
What does it mean to be meek? Today, I think most of us picture a meek person as being overly submissive, a doormat that is continually trampled upon by others. One who has little or no control over his own condition. We confuse meekness with weakness.
Let's understand meekness by first understanding what it is not. A meek person is not proud, impatient, quarrelsome, cruel, vengeful or quickly prone to anger. A meek person, therefore, is humble, patient and enduring, agreeable, kind, forgiving and slow to anger. Rather than having no control over his condition, he has complete control over it. Meekness is having or exercising self-control based on humility. I've read that meekness is absolute power under perfect control. I like that. Paul exhorted Titus (Tit. 3:2) and all to be meek, "to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men." Jesus Christ, our perfect example in all things, was meek (Mt. 11:29). We should be, too.
The inheritance promised to the Jews was the land (earth) of Canaan. They considered Canaan to be a type of heaven under the special blessing of God. As I understand it, the Jewish people also came to commonly refer to any great blessing as "inheriting the earth." So then, Christ tells us that the meek will possess and enjoy the special blessings of God. Now and forever. For certainly now, while we are on earth, we as believers can see God's blessing in our lives and His promises to us fulfilled just as the Jews did entering Canaan. But we can also look forward to the day when we will inherit a new earth (Rev. 21) and forever experience God's special blessings there. Perfect health, complete happiness, joy and eternal life.
Meekness is rewarded by God with His special blessings. Now and forever!
Sock Monkey Snippet: In meekness, we shall inherit the earth.
What does it mean to be meek? Today, I think most of us picture a meek person as being overly submissive, a doormat that is continually trampled upon by others. One who has little or no control over his own condition. We confuse meekness with weakness.
Let's understand meekness by first understanding what it is not. A meek person is not proud, impatient, quarrelsome, cruel, vengeful or quickly prone to anger. A meek person, therefore, is humble, patient and enduring, agreeable, kind, forgiving and slow to anger. Rather than having no control over his condition, he has complete control over it. Meekness is having or exercising self-control based on humility. I've read that meekness is absolute power under perfect control. I like that. Paul exhorted Titus (Tit. 3:2) and all to be meek, "to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men." Jesus Christ, our perfect example in all things, was meek (Mt. 11:29). We should be, too.
The inheritance promised to the Jews was the land (earth) of Canaan. They considered Canaan to be a type of heaven under the special blessing of God. As I understand it, the Jewish people also came to commonly refer to any great blessing as "inheriting the earth." So then, Christ tells us that the meek will possess and enjoy the special blessings of God. Now and forever. For certainly now, while we are on earth, we as believers can see God's blessing in our lives and His promises to us fulfilled just as the Jews did entering Canaan. But we can also look forward to the day when we will inherit a new earth (Rev. 21) and forever experience God's special blessings there. Perfect health, complete happiness, joy and eternal life.
Meekness is rewarded by God with His special blessings. Now and forever!
Sock Monkey Snippet: In meekness, we shall inherit the earth.
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