And The Winner Is- - -

Contests. Standardized tests. Percentiles. Athletic competitions. Academic competitions. Trophies. Beauty pageants. Races. Personal best. Polls.

Large segments of our societies are devoted to comparisons and awards. Huge amounts of money and time are poured into competitions and adoration of winners.

We pat ourselves on the back if we can feel that we are better, seem better, do better, look better than someone else. On the other hand, some of us feel our task in life is to make others feel better, by comparing themselves to us!

If you haven’t noticed by now, let me tell you. Whatever your glory, it’s going to fade. True, the 101-year-old woman won gold in the 100 meter race. But, then, she was the only one running in the “over 100” age category. And it took her more than a minute longer than it took Usain Bolt. 

Here is what God’s Word says, from the Apostle Paul in II Cor 10:

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

Not wise? But if we can’t be the best (in our opinion), or we are the best but our glory fades, how can we feel good about ourselves? Evidently, according to God, our self-esteem is not the highest good.

Paul goes on.

“We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us…”

Then Paul quotes the prophet Jeremiah,

“This is what the Lord says:

‘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,’ declares the Lord.”   Jer. 9 NIV

Now, there’s something worth working on. And we don’t have to compare ourselves to anyone else.

Paul finishes this chapter with the best “award” of all.

“For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”

--Lynda Shenefield

Monologue From the Cross

At Mary Ramsey's request, I am posting this reading from the Easter morning service. I can't take credit for the entire piece. I edited a monologue that Fred sent me, and this is the result. I don't know the original author.

Working on this monologue, I was challenged to think honestly about how I might have responded at the crucifixion--and how I truly respond in my everyday, twenty-first-century life. I hope it's a blessing. --Sherry Poff

I am a modern day follower of Christ. While I wasn’t physically present at the cross, everything that happened there affects my life. When Jesus hung on the cross,  he knew the day would come when I would fall prey to the tricks of the devil. He went to the cross to provide a way for me to  have a relationship with God even though I would repeatedly fail. It's a comfort to know that Jesus loves me in spite of my imperfections and He's ready to help me through those imperfections.

When I think about the cross, I have to admit some days I'm like Pilate, knowing that Jesus is innocent--and even trying to take up for him--but then giving in to peer pressure.

Like Peter, who declared he'd be true to the end, I too can take the coward's way when asked about my faith.

There are even moments when greed clouds my vision just as it did with Judas. I may not sell my Savior for thirty pieces of silver, but I let him be ridiculed and mocked in exchange for my pride and reputation.

Then there are the days I identify with Mary Magdalene, grieving for the innocent one on the cross, and rejoicing when I remember his resurrection and what that means to me. It's then I can forget what others may want from me, put aside my pride and my fear, and live the life of victory in Jesus because he's the one who paid my debt.

Whether you've heard the story many times, or you're hearing it now for the first time, there is a lesson in the cross for you.  Are you Pilate or Peter today? Do you steal like Judas or pray like Mary?

The message of the cross is not simply for nonbelievers; it’s a message that continues to change lives, providing hope and forgiveness we can’t find anywhere else.

I know that whatever good may come from my life, it's not because of me. It's all because of the cross. So with Paul I say, “far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

Hungry for Community

And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.  Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.  Acts 2: 44-47 (NASB)

I'm a pastor's kid and went to private Christian school so I've heard a lot of sermons, chapel talks, devotions, biblical lectures, memorized a lot of verses,  and somehow I don't ever remember hearing this verse until a year or so ago when I saw this Mary and Martha tea towel in my sister's home. 

This verse struck me because in my heart of hearts I long for that type of community. God created us for this type of community and designed His church in such a way that community should be a natural phenomenon.  Community should be one of the things that makes us different from the world around us.  Because in this age of ultimate connectivity, where the world is at the same time larger and smaller than it's ever been, community is a difficult thing to find.  Here in our little corner of the globe, busyness is a virtue right up there with "having it all together."  Our Facebook/Pinterest world is one in which we can cultivate the perfect image online of everything being squeaky clean and just right.  I know I have been guilty of trying to stage that perfect picture.  When in actuality, the picture from another angle might tell a different story about our homes, our marriages, our parenting, and our work environments.  Nobody wants to be a part of a community where it looks like everyone has it together because they know that they don't have it all together.  The reality is in that type of community everyone is afraid of everyone else discovering that they are in actuality a mess.  Authentic community can only happen with transparency and honesty, and that can only develop through relationships...and relationships take time and effort. Our world does not make it easy to live in community.  You can be busy and involved in many different activities around lots of people all the time without ever having that true community.  

I know only a  few people who live in true community really well.  And when I am around these people, I find myself wishing and longing all the more for what they have in trust, accountability, and support in each other.  The amazing thing is that even though I don't get to be around those individuals very often, they are so welcoming, loving and inclusive that I feel like I am a part of their community within minutes of getting to see them again. That's the type of hospitality that is at the root of true community. That's what Peter is reminding us of in 1 Peter 4, "Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint.  As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 

It doesn't matter if the house is clean or if there's food in the fridge.  It doesn't matter if the dishes are washed because if they aren't, let's do them together.  I can't imagine that every house was perfectly decorated and spic-and-span clean in the early church. Or that the kids were always quiet and never fussed in the middle of the pastor teaching or a small group study.  Or that every single meal that was shared was a seven course feast. Community is something that takes work, but not the kind of work we think.  It's not dusting and scrubbing or making sure our families behave in a certain way...it's love.  Love takes the time to create space in our busy modern life to think of others, to invite people over even when there are toothpaste spots on the bathroom mirror, and laundry piled up by the washer.  "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35) Love is what is supposed to make us different from the world.  The love we show to each other is the love of Christ and THAT is where a non-believer's interest is piqued. "Those Christians are not perfect, but there's something about them...."

Perfection is not a spiritual discipline or something we should strive for in the least, but in fact keeps us from being able to develop true community. I'm talking to myself here... because sometimes I think we have to give ourselves a little grace in order to "become grace." 

--Gabrielle Haston

Gleanings from the Recent Armor of God Study

Thank you, Tina Holcombe and Laura Welsh, for providing us with the opportunity to participate in THE ARMOR OF GOD study with Priscilla Shirer. I am still amazed at the new insights I learned from Ephesians 6...a portion of Scripture that I had memorized when I was young.  Through the years, I have heard numerous Bible messages on these verses with the admonition to “put on the whole armor of God.” Priscilla Shirer did extensive research on the armor of the Roman soldier which she used to underscore the importance of our spiritual armor.

Just a few observations about these lessons that have impacted my heart:

 1. Verse 12: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood.”

The devil is invisible but not fictional... BUT ONLY OUR GOD IS OMNIPRESENT, OMNISCIENT, AND ETERNAL! Wow! So encouraging...

2. Verse 14: “Stand firm, having girded your loins with TRUTH.”

Why did the warrior’s uniform start with the girdle? Why not the helmet? Why not the shield?

The girdle was the CORE SUPPORT for the soldier. This girdle gave support to the warrior while fighting in battle. Other parts of his armor had to be attached to the girdle to hold them in place.

TRUTH has to be our core support...the TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD.

Priscilla Shirer writes on page 63: “The belt, after all, marked them (Romans) as soldiers.  You, sister, should constantly and consistently be marked by the truth of your God...Without this prevailing standard, we’ll always be subject to falling for the enemy’s dangling carrots.”

3. Verse 17:  “Take...the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Priscilla Shirer explained that the word used for “sword” here describes the small, hidden weapon used in hand-to-hand combat by the Romans.  She reminds us that “The Sword of the Spirit is unique because it is the only offensive weapon...all others are defensive. Paul is telling us that to withstand the attacks from the enemy, we shouldn’t always take a defensive posture. ”

The Sword of the Spirit is not MY weapon...it is the Spirit’s weapon...the WORD OF GOD.

One of the most outstanding truths I took from these lessons is that when God gives me a Bible verse in my daily devotions, the Holy Spirit is giving me a “sword” to use either against the Devil who is trying to defeat me or a “sword” that I need to make me a better Christian that day. Just recently these “words” have been “swords” for me to carry with me:  Psalm 77:12: “I will meditate on all Your works...” or Proverbs 11:25: “...he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

Take the time to read Ephesians 6 again, study the book THE ARMOR OF GOD, and realize that the armor presented there should be our daily uniform.

--Maylou Holladay

God's Part; Our Part

     What would you say if your daughter said, “Mommy, pleeeease clean my rooooom! I don’t know hoooow!” I think you would agree, a wise parent wouldn’t jump in and do the work for her, but, after a sigh (and probably an eye-roll), would work alongside her and teach her. Most children would rather we just do it; humans are naturally lazy. But we Mommies know a better way.

I wonder how God, our Father, feels about the way we approach Him with our requests? In Isaiah 58:6-11, God explains what He expects from us if we want Him to hear us:

“’…this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
    lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
    and remove the chains that bind people.
Share your food with the hungry,
    and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
    and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
    and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
    and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.

Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
    ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

‘Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
    Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
Feed the hungry,
    and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
    and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
The Lord will guide you continually,
    giving you water when you are dry
    and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
    like an ever-flowing spring.’”

        How often do we come to God, list in hand, with all the things we hope He will do? And rightfully so. He has encouraged us to come to Him. He’s our loving Father. But God also invites us to participate in building His kingdom. He could miraculously solve all the world’s problems, but instead He wants us to partner with Him. To take ownership in His kingdom. To belong to something bigger than ourselves. To learn and grow by our involvement in what He’s doing.

So, when we pray for our friend to be saved, maybe we should ask God for an opportunity to speak to this person about his/her soul. God does His part; we do our part. When we ask God to meet someone’s financial need, we might consider a contribution. Are we praying about someone’s health problem? How can we offer practical support?

God does His part; we do our part.

What about our own needs? Often, if we look around, we will see that God has already provided resources to meet our needs, but He’s not going to do all the work. We have to put forth an effort. And, generally, He’s not into quick fixes.

       

        Anything God asks us to give, He repays with blessings we cannot even imagine, often in forms we may not recognize. He multiplies our meager offerings and does amazing work with them. Ironically, He asks us to give what He has given us, then gives us more. Others are blessed by our obedience, but so are we! It takes trust.

God cares about the hungry, the naked, and the oppressed. What if every professing Christian dedicated a percentage of his income, as the Spirit leads, to feeding the hungry, watering the thirsty, clothing the naked, and defending the oppressed?

We could change the world.

God does His part; we do our part.

by joyce hague