Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Posts Tagged ‘Paul’

On Virtue 5

Posted in Fifty days with Jesus, tagged , , , , on October 16, 2008| Leave a Comment »

This idea of recognizing good in order to “do it” is discussed in the Pastor’s blog today. Since we may fail in identifying good from within, another way may to model our behavior based on observation of another.

Certainly, our greatest model is Christ. In II Timothy 1:13, Paul tells Timothy to model his behavior after him, “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” During on of our bible study discussions, we talked about the people who were our first or stand-out examples of someone who walked out in authenticity as a Christian. These were people we can model after even today.

In acting school, we were taught many different kinds of acting styles, but generally, they all fall into two basic types, one is discovery of truth from within and the other is to create the outer appearance and behaviors and by doing so, discover truth. These two concepts can hold true here.

If you’re inner life and connection to Christ is not strong enough yet to guide you, then model your behaviors and choices on those whose journey reflects “moral excellence.”

Read Full Post »

Bitterness

Posted in Lent, Random Thoughts, tagged , on February 26, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Tonight I had an interesting experience as I participated in a Bible Study in a virtual environment called Second Life. The topic was bitterness and unfortunately, I couldn’t stay for the “discussion” time as I was reminded of my days working for Elijah House and running workshops on inner healing. These never really took off at our church and I’m not sure why… is it because these issues of bitterness and unforgiveness run so deep?

Another thing I wanted to say in the session is that bitterness is not particularly swift. I think it more often creeps upon us. First, there might be anger or disappointment, but then, the effects of a situation begin to repeat in our minds. Instead of casting these thoughts and feelings on the throne of our God, we nurture them and they grow. Before too long, we have created a bitter root. It is not easy to heal a bitter root. It is not easy to pull the root out. In fact, sometimes we become so accustomed to bitterness, that is feels normal. Not only that, but some bitterness has lived in our hearts and minds for long, long time–we don’t remember it. Only God can truly reveal these deep bitter root judgments. And once revealed, it is important to begin the process of confession and forgiveness. For truly, bitter root judgments are sin.

The last thing is that most people continue to lose sight of the role of forgiveness. It does not erase what a person has done. It merely cuts the cord that binds us to the situation or the person. Forgiveness is a choice not a feeling. We can consciously choose to forgive even if we don’t “feel it.” God will do the rest.

This type of forgiveness is quite difficult in the face of abuse or pain. It is not for us to treat these situations lightly. I believe God calls the heart when it is ready. Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” It is God’s grace that allows us to forgive … and also God’s grace that protects us. But we must cover ourselves in His cloak of grace.

Read Full Post »

Hope does not disappoint…

Posted in Random Thoughts, tagged , on July 4, 2007| 2 Comments »

Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

But what if it does? What if our hope is done? What if our hope is no longer strong enough to withstand the cares of the world? What if we no longer feel able to persevere? What if the shield of faith has tiny holes for deep dents? What if our vessels are perforated and we can no longer grasp the height and depth and breadth of God’s love? What if we reach out our hands to catch hold of His Mantle and our hands come up empty? What if? What if we feel disappointed in the way our life is going? What if we are disappointed in the way our life has gone? What if we’re afraid of where I life is going?

It is my desire to expand on the topic of disappointment. Share your thoughts with me as we go along in the days ahead.

Read Full Post »

Encourage One Another

Posted in Random Thoughts, tagged , on May 18, 2007| Leave a Comment »

Hebrews 3:13
Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

And how does sin enter in? Sometimes, it is blatant and bold… brashly declaring its power to bend my will… like a mile-wide tornado crushing all in its path. But sometimes, it is a slow transition from security to terror… like the small mouse who is cooked in pot of water … not realizing the water is getting hotter and hotter. Who is my “other” that will call my circumstances for what they are! Who will encourage me and draw me before it’s too late? And who needs me to do the same this day?

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts