Day 123 – Makeover (Philemon)

Isn’t it awesome when we have the opportunity to refresh and renew ourselves?  It may be something as simple as a candlelit bath with soft music playing to something as exotic as a dream vacation.  Maybe it’s a day at the spa with a makeover or an afternoon with a great book.  No matter what avenue you take, it’s such a great feeling to be rested, renewed, and refreshed.  Paul writes to Philemon about redemption and renewal of the relationship with Onesimus, but I want to focus on the praise that Paul expresses to Philemon first.  “I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ…the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” (Philemon 6-7)

I first learned a particular method of sharing my faith in a program designed to witness to non-believers.  Over the last year, though, I gained a great deal of practice in sharing my faith with fellow believers.  Initially, it was in the course of updating friends, family, and especially co-workers in Edward’s progress through treatment.  I was in and out of work and each time I came back, I often had a new “God” story to share.  It was also an opportunity to be transparent about my flaws and fears but demonstrate a practical application for my faith.  I’ve never made so many people cry in my life!  Many of them expressed being inspired and renewed by our faith through this illness, yet sharing our experiences was refreshing and renewing for me!

I love that Paul links these two experiences together…sharing your faith = refreshing of the saints (you and them!).  Our faith is not only a testimony for non-believers.  Sharing our faith reminds us of God’s abundant grace and mercy, renews our intimacy with Him, and refreshes us and others.  Next time you need a fresh perspective, seek an opportunity to tell someone just how awesome God has been to you.  It’s an instant attitude makeover!

Today’s prayer:

Lord, thank you for the spiritual refreshment that you provide me through worship, Bible study, and fellowship.  Thank you for the opportunities to share my faith with others and the excellent renewing of my spirit which follows.  Open my eyes to the opportunities that I might not otherwise see.  Amen.

Add a comment September 20, 2010

Day 103 – Win/Win (Philippians)

When I worked in the homeless shelter, I would facilitate a discussion on conflict resolution.  The goal was to create a win/win situation where both parties felt that there needs were met even when both had to compromise to some degree.  Paul expresses that, in Christ, our situation is  a win/win.  “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)  Living means to serve Christ, share in fellowship, and work alongside one another.  Dying means to join with Christ.  Win/win.

Paul highlights some of the great benefits of our life and work for Christ on earth.  We have a “peace of God which surpasses all understanding”. (Philippians 4:7)  Paul encourages us not to be anxious and to allow God’s peace to dominate.  God “will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (4:7)  When our thinking goes astray, “God will reveal that also to you.” (3:15)  We can be sure that God will reveal our false thinking and offer reassurances.  In addition, He wants to hear our prayers and requests so that he can address them. “But in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (4:6)

Paul also urges rejoicing and contentment in our situation, because of our relationship with Christ.  “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” (4:4)  Paul had endured great triumph as well as great hardship but recognized the value in contentment despite the situation.  “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” (4:12)  We can experience contentment and joy in all situations, because we have the fantastic gift of salvation, the assurance of eternal life with Christ.  Rejoicing and praising God in difficult times closes the door to anxiety and fear.  It also sets an example for those who may be watching.  I love what Paul writes:

Do all things without grumbling or questioning,

that you may be blameless and innocent,

children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation,

among whom you shine as lights of the world. (2:14)

It’s hard not to shine when we are offering glory to God, living a life of joy, and praising Him whether rain or shine.  It’s also hard to cry, fear, and fight when we are smiling or singing.  “I am glad and rejoice with you all.  Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.” (2:17-18)

My prayer today:

Lord, I have so much to be grateful and thankful for.  Thank you for my salvation, my relationship with you, family, friends, church, jobs, safety, health, and all of the other wonderful, undeserved things that make my life so good.  Thank you for the freedom to openly worship you.  Thank you for the opportunities to share my faith and the joy and peace that you bring to my life.  Thank you for the Bible and the ability to read it and apply it to my life.  I love you, Lord!  Amen

Add a comment August 31, 2010

Day 63 – Why them? (Jonah)

Jonah ran from God, but he should have known that you can’t hide from God.  Jonah wasn’t afraid; he just didn’t want to offer the opportunity to the “evil” people of Ninevah to repent and belong to God.  After Jonah gets swallowed by a fish and has time to think for 3 days, he reflects on how he almost drowned…”the waters closed in over me to take my life” (Jonah 2:5)…and how he wants to serve God…”But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you…Salvation belongs to the Lord!” (Jonah 2:9)

Back on dry land, Jonah went to Ninevah, as he promised God.  He warned the people that if they did not repent, they would be destroyed.  All of the people of Ninevah repented, from young to old and from pauper to king.  “…they turned from their evil way [and] God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them…” (Jonah 3:10)  What prophet, pastor, or missionary wouldn’t rejoice and jump for joy at these results?  You guessed him – Jonah.  Jonah was so angry that these evil Ninevites were spared that he wished he was dead.

Instead of dying, Jonah goes outside of the city to pout and hold hope that God will destroy them even though they repented.  No such luck!  God does provide Jonah with an awesome shade tree one day, but kills it off the next.  Again, Jonah is angry enough to want to die.  God asks a very revealing question, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grown, which came into being in a night and perished in a night.  And should not I pity Ninevah, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” (Jonah 4:10-11) 

Jonah had more compassion for the 1-day old plant than he did for 120,000 people.  God highlights his compassion for all people, not just Israelites, in His forgiveness of Ninevah.  Jonah was serving God with his head, out of obedience, rather than with his heart.  Despite his lack of enthusiasm or care, the entire city repented.  In this case, Jonah’s bad attitude didn’t limit his effectiveness in delivering the message, as is sometimes the case.  Instead, Jonah missed out on his opportunity for personal blessing, fellowship with new believers, and a closer relationship with God.  Jonah was so busy cultivating the thorns in his heart against these people that he couldn’t even see the flowers he helped bloom.

The Bible thoroughly addresses the importance of obedience.  We can be obedient in many ways…with our money, with our time, with our heart, and with our head.  God can use us in whatever form we offer, but He doesn’t want us just going through the motion.  Not because the job won’t get done, but because we will gain so much more than we give.

My prayer today:

Lord, you know that I’m no stranger to doing out of obligation rather than doing out of love.  What a difference my attitude makes!  Help me to be a joyful and generous helper.  Help me not to pass judgment on others, like Jonah did, but to see all people through your eyes.  Their sin is no greater than mine.  Give me a passion for sharing the good news, and allow me to receive the blessings in serving others and walking closer to you, Lord.  Amen

Add a comment July 20, 2010

Day 17 – Sluggish (1 Samuel 1 – 4)

When we bought our house 9 years ago, it needed a lot of attention.  A big hole in the wall needed to be closed, plumbing repaired, carpet replaced, and every wall needed a coat of paint before we moved in.  I was amazed at our little Amanda’s eagerness to help.  At nine, she rolled and brushed stroke-for-stroke with me.  I praised her saying, “Amanda, you are an excellent helper.  You haven’t complained once, and we’ve worked all day!”  She replied, “I wanted to quit, but my arms and legs are keeping me going.”  I busted up at her funny statement.  She was always an eager and willing helper to my requests for help with chores, projects, or shopping trip.

Samuel’s response to the Lord’s calling reminded me of the eagerness of young children.  Samuel, thinking that Eli is calling, runs over saying, “Here I am.” (1 Samuel 3:4)  This happens three times in a row, yet Samuel does not lose his enthusiasm.  He doesn’t holler back, “What do you want?  I’m busy trying to get to sleep.”  The meaning of his response is “ready to serve” and ”here to help”.  It’s a kin to volunteering – a willingness to serve.  This is one reason God used him. 

I enjoyed doing things with Amanda, because of her willingness.  When I didn’t get an eager or enthusiastic response, I preferred to work alone.  I wonder if God feels the same way.  Does he prefer to use someone else when my response is, “Okay, but do I have to?” or “Are we done yet?”  “Can I go now?”  When did I lose the eagerness of childhood, and how can I get it back?  In childhood, I think my feelings dictated my response.  Now, I think my response must be dictated by choice.  I must choose to serve the Lord with eagerness, enthusiasm, and joy.  I must choose to love my husband even when he gets on my nerves.  I must choose to work hard even when my efforts are not appreciated.

Today’s prayer:

Lord, thank you for reminding me of my childhood love for you – untainted by life’s disappointments, frustrations, and complexities of religion.  Help me to serve you with eagerness and a joyful heart.  Help me to display the fruit of the spirit when serving others so that they can experience God’s love through me.  Forgive me, Lord, for the times I fail each day.  Amen

1 comment June 1, 2010