It's Up To You

A couple days ago, after surviving a grueling 60 minute work out known as "Core Class,"  Candi and I were talking about the fact that we wouldn't get as much out of the class if we were doing the class alone.  Knowing that Candi is around, plus the occassional "LET'S GO!" or "THIRTY MORE SECONDS... THIS IS WHERE YOU MAKE YOUR MONEY!" motivated me to not give up and to push just a little bit harder than my mind and body wants to.  Without my highly motivational wife and friends I would probably not even go to the class.  Anyone else with me?  In reality, we were really reflecting on the strength and determination that comes from knowing that we're not alone - the encouragement to push on despite the struggle and weariness - the vibrance which is almost gleaned from others as we drive toward a common goal.

And then I was immediately drawn to the parallel in our relationship with God and our mission between now and eternity.  I thought about how I would quit so soon or not even enter the gym without a partner, an encourager.  I thought about how desparately the individual members of the body of Christ need one another. 

So may this be of some encouragement to you.  Don't try to do something alone that God didn't intend for you to do alone.  I know the pain and frustration that people can cause within the church of God, but I also know that I cannot do anything about the past.  My choice is to draw closer to God in daily prayer, pouring those hurts out to Him, and to wait for God to act.  And while I wait I know that He has commanded me to push on in obedience (to everything else that He has already commanded me to do). 

If you've been walking as a lone wolf, seek the pack.  If you're keeping your distance because of anger or hurt, don't leave it at that!  Do you believe that extending forgiveness is far greater than bitterness or anger?  If today were the last day of your life, would you want to carry the weight of unforgiveness and condemning others to your grave?

Or if you think that being with the church is unnecessary and you can have a relationship with God without it, consider the following:

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another.  As I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."  John 13:34, 35.       It's tough to fulfill this command from Jesus by yourself.

"Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.  But exort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."  Hebrews 3:12, 13  Two for one deal - warning and an encouragement!  Nice.

"And [the new church] continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers."  Acts 2:42

"so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another."  Romans 12:5  Without you, the body is missing some vital part; a solitary hand or foot laying around is just freakish.  It might have worked in the Adams family, but not in God's family.

"But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, ²⁵ that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. ²⁶ And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it."  1 Corinthians 12:24-26 And may this passage be an encouragement to those of us faithfully fellowshipping - show no favoritism; judge no one by their appearance; build no cliques; seek out those in the body of Christ with whom you feel you have no connection, because in truth you have more of a connection with them than any unsaved person.  The time you take to make the connection and the love that you show is just what others (and you!) are seeking.

I Would Quit Too

I read this story today and am pretty frustrated by it.  This is the latest in a continuing stream of ridiculous claims made by some Democrats.  In the athletic realm this stuff is called poor sportmanship.  From where I stand it looks like they lost a big game and are just hurling insults in desparation.  Hopefully the nation doesn't listen to or believe this junk.

Francis Chan – Crazy Love

For a couple of reasons, I normally shy away from books that seem to be all the rage in the Christian church scene.  Really it's probably just my old fashioned-ness avoiding new fangled contraptions and ideas.  One of the books that I veered away from was Crazy Love by Francis Chan - big mistake.  I ended up buying it for Candice a few months ago and she really enjoyed it.  It was challenging, she said.  After hearing some of the difficult topics that he addressed I was very interested.

I have to say this was one of the most refreshing books I’ve read in a while.  I took it in small bites and every day finished with a healthy dose of reality.  I’ve jotted down a few of the quotes that stood out to me the most.  I don't think there's much point to commenting on them much; he did an amazing job of being frank and poignant.

“This book is for those who want more of Jesus.  It is for those that are bored with what American Christianity offers.”  Pg 21 

“It is important that we not measure our spiritual health by the people around us, who are pretty much like us.” Pg. 22 

“We forget that God never had an identity crisis.  He knows that He’s great…” Pg. 22

The fact that we’re the only ones in the universe doesn’t show that the universe is an awfully big waste of space.  The purpose of such a big universe is to demonstrate an unfathomably great God.

“Isn’t it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exaggerate?” Pg. 31

“… we keep on questioning Him: “Why did You make me with this body, instead of that one?” “Why are so many people dying of starvation?” “Why are there so many planets with nothing living on them?” “Why is my family so messed up?”  “Why don’t You make Yourself more obvious to the people who need You?”
                “The answer to each of these questions is simply this: because He’s God. He has more of a right to ask us why so many people are starving.” Pg. 33

“I can pretty much guarantee you that your funeral will be nice.  They all are.  The fact is, at that point, you won’t care.  … When we face the holy God, “nice” isn’t what we will be concerned with, and it definitely isn’t what He will be thinking about.” Pg. 50

“The truth is [a lukewarm Christian’s life] wouldn’t look much different if they suddenly stopped believe in God.” Pg. 78

“When you read [the letter to the Laodicians in the book of Revelations], do you naturally conclude that to be “spit” out of Jesus’ mouth means you’re a part of His kingdom? When you read the words “wretched, pitiful, poor blind, and naked,” do you think that He’s describing saints?” Pg. 84

Francis uses several pages to provide a type of spiritual litmus test.  You might want to buckle up when you get to this part. 

“If one hundred people represented the world’s population, fifty-three of those would live on less than $2 a day.  Do you realize that if you make $4000 a month, you automatically make one hundred times more than the average person on this planet?... Which is more messed up – that we have so much compared to everyone else, or that we don’t think we’re rich? … The reality is that whether we acknowledge our wealth or not, being rich is a serious disadvantage spiritually.  As William Wilberforce once said, “Prosperity hardens the heart.”  Pg. 89-90. 

Ouch, Francis; that hurt.  I think your getting a little too personal there…

“Why do so few people genuinely find joy and pleasure in their relationship with God?  Why do most people feel they have to either pay God back for all He’s done (buy His love) or somehow keep making up for all their inadequacies and failures (prove their love)?”  102

“What are you doing right now that requires faith?”  Pg. 124  Uuuuhhhh.

“He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through.” Pg. 124

 “A person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character than comfort.”  Pg. 146

At one point he references an amazing quote by Oswald Chambers: ‘Never make a principle out of your experience; let God be as original with other people as He is with you.’”

“We go to church to hear a well-developed sermon and a convicting thought.  We’ve trained ourselves to believe that if we’re convicted, our job is done.  If you’re just hearing the Word and not actually doing something with it, you’re deceiving yourself.”  Pg. 184

So far I’ve spoken with two others that have read this book and they’ve both had the same reaction: wow.  If you (dare to) pick it up I pray you have the same experience.

Who Knows What The Future Holds

Scripture: Ephesians 2:7 "that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."

Observation:
1. We have a whole other age coming.

2. God's plans always bring the end result of directing our attention to Him.

3. It will take all of eternity for us to grasp His amazing love, kindness, and grace.

Application: Look to heaven! Pressing onward. "When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there." Where is my excitement and joy at that? When I live in the reality of my future then will my present become what it is meant to be.

Prayer: Lord, this week has been tough and I've failed to keep You #1 more often (far more really) than not. Please help me. I need Your strength to being again - to get up and run the race. I ask that You teach me to live in the light of heaven, and to then show my joy and excitement over it.
     "Thank you" will never be enough as a response to Your love and grace. You are an amazing God. I love You. I am humbled to the dust by Your power and raised into the clouds by Your wonder. Hallelujah!

I'm Following This One

Being in the military I get to meet a lot of amazing people.  Of course, we only get a limited amount of time together, but, hey, I get a lot of friends on Facebook that way. 

Seriously, though.  Once Candi and I got (somewhat) used to the pain of moving away from our friends and family (or them moving from us first), we came to treasure the cornucopia of experiences and backgrounds that we're blessed to interact with and learn from. 

Some have come through the joy and stress of adopting a child (or multiple children).  Some have dealt with life threatening illnesses and diseases.  We've become close with people who are just starting out in their marriage and we have been able to be an encouragement to them about the realities of a biblical marriage.  We've met others who have lived a full life of sacrifice and love in their marriage and we've been encouraged by them. Some have been forced out of jobs because of their faith in Jesus Christ.  Others have been threatened with the same and after standing on their convictions, God was able to demonstrate that He's not a myth or delusion - but rather faithful and good - and that He cares for His children.

Each and every experience and person is so different yet they are all strung together by one cord - their faith in God through Jesus Christ.  And our faith has been strengthened all the while.  Truly the words of Hebrew 10:24-25 have been proven true to me: "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the matter of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching."

One of the most recent blessings to our lives is the McNeals.  You can read more about their experiences here.  I'm definitely following that site and I'm glad to be able to share their lives for two months or so.

Where Are You Now?

Scripture: Ephesians 2:6 "and raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,"

Observation: God didn't stop at regeneration. He made us to follow His Son in being seated in heaven (Eph. 1:20-21). God saved us, God raised us, God gave us seats. The seats are a picture of peace with God, too.

This is also descriptive of the fact that heaven isn't so much a place as it is a presence. Why will heaven one day be here on earth? Because God will reside here! Eternal life is the result of having unbroken, unhindered, unending relationship and presence with God. So many Scriptures speak on this truth.

Galatians 2:20 "...it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me..."

Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven... On that day many will say... 'did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many might works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; departure from me, you workers of lawlessness.' "

John 17:3 "and this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."

Jeremiah 31:33 " 'and this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days' says the Lord. 'I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts, and I will be there God and they shall be My people.' " This is an indirect reference. The presence of the Lord here is found in the fact that God's law is an extension of God Himself. To have His law is to have Him. To not have His law in me is to not have Him either.

Application: My life should be one of praise and my heart one of thankfulness. If this life is temporary, then my mind should be on eternity and the promise of my inheritance. If heaven is a presence, I shouldn't wait for my death or Christ's return to have what I can have here and now - relationship, intimate relationship with God.

Prayer: Please help me to pursue You to the loss of everything else. Please remove false thoughts or understandings of Christianity and heaven and Your will. They stop me from Your good and perfect will for me. They leave me with a false inheritance. Please teach me the truth. Amen.

Good Gracious

Scripture: Ephesians 2:5 "even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),"

Observation: The work of God, "the exceeding greatness of His power" (1:19), wasn't dependent on our goodness, rather our humility. In reality we are always humbled. The issue is whether we accept that fact or rebel against it.

We've been alive with Christ, and truly are alive by the power of Christ - it's His life in us (Galatians 2:20).

Here also is the first direct statement of salvation by grace alone. So many religious people want to say that salvation came through grace, but that grace simply made us able to do things that pleased God so that we could earn our way to heaven. That's offensive to God and NOT going to get anyone to eternal life! The only good work that saves is the one done by Jesus Christ that was imputed to us. This is repeated throughout the NT.

Romans 5:17 - righteousness is a free gift; not an earned reward.

Romans 8:3-4 - God's requirement for perfection/righteous living was accomplished once-and-for-all by Jesus Christ. We cannot add to perfection. We insult the work of Jesus when we say that His life was insufficient to do what Romans 8:3-4 says it did/does.

Romans 9:30-31 - righteousness only comes through faith, not works that we do before or after faith in Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:30 - Jesus became our righteousness. He continues to be righteousness for us. God does not look to us to satisfy His requirement for a holy life. He looks to Jesus' perfect, sinless, righteous life and imputes that life to our account.

Galatians 3:21 - righteousness doesn't come by doing good. To say that we are given the ability through God's grace to fulfill the law in order to obtain righteousness for ourselves is to simply create stilts with which we can prop up the noble idea that we can or must do good works to earn our passage to eternal life. In this way we make our working to appears holy or God-pleasing. Again, it's actually offensive to God.

Philippians 3:9 - righteousness comes to us through faith in Jesus Christ and not by good works.

Application: My response should be one of praise to His goodness, devotion to His call, and surrender to His will, rather than to feel obligated to add something to His work (Why do I feel such a compulsion to prove to God how good I am? I've already demonstrated a million times over that I'm not!).

Where am I with those? T
hat is a daily questions to be answered and a daily choice to be made.

If I began with grace, I should continue in grace.

Prayer: God, please continue to sanctify me and my family. I know the old man is present with me. It wants control and never quits. I need to live by Your grace intentionally. Thank You for what You've done in my life... with my life. I love You. Amen.

Night And Day

Scripture: Ephesians 2:4 "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,"

Observation: This church was not under any sort of discipline or correction from Paul. This letter has been a complete encouragement up to this point.

This is one of the great "But God" verses of the Bible. The previous three verses are the greatest and clearest indictment of mankind and are followed by one of the greatest "Aha!" words in the Bible. The contrast between the behaviors of men and of God are unmistakable here. The characteristics displayed by men and God are extreme, opposite, and as different in result as night and day.

Application: This is a call once again to His amazing love - His crazy love. I was the most unlovable thing and He chose to love me despite of me. I can only think of two responses or applications - thanks or praise and surrendering my life.

Prayer: God - Father - Creator - Lord, please help me a sinner, to give my life away. I don't want a false, fake, dead, empty faith. I want it to be living and active. Please give me more revelation of who You are, and give me more grace to grow in understanding and sanctification. I love You. Amen.

One Size Fits All

Scripture: Ephesians 2:3 "among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath just as the others."

Observation: Just like yesterday, with which the verse goes hand-in-hand, we used to be - I used to be - this. This conduct of course is by choice.

The sins come in two forms: by the flesh and by the mind. So, thoughts may be sinful. A temptation is a type of thought but not a sin, which means that sinful desires such as the desire to steal, desire to lie, desire to commit adultery, homosexual desires, desire for power, etc. are not sinful until we act to "walk in" those desires "fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind". non-action types of sins.
Still some thoughts are sinful. So our consciences can often ignore these

Regardless, in the end, the sins of both the mind and the flesh led me to be under God's wrath. Despite the excuses of some unbelievers, Scripture again says here that everyone is guilty before God. This includes those that have never heard the gospel of Christ. Even then guilt is present.

Application: Praise God for His amazing mercy!!!

Prayer: God, You are amazing. I love You. I know what I deserved and deserve and what You have not given me. Thank You for what You have poured onto me from Your endlessness - grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, joy, a new heart, redemption and adoption! You are good, Lord!

I Think He Jams

This is a clip from one of my favorite artists, Ben Harper, performing on the Davis Letterman show.

Enemies and Offspring

Scripture: Ephesians 2:2 "in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,"

Observation: Ephesians 6:12 "against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." But at one time I was a party to those things, I was on that side. And the sin nature that continues to live with me is still on that side.

Along with verse 1, this was me. At some point in time, for years of my past, I chose the evil in rebellion to the Lord, my Creator.

Application: Do not walk in step with Satan and the demons. Understand the evil that I align myself with when I am angry, judgmental, cruel, impatient, condemning, selfish, and fulfilling the desires of my sinful nature. It's not, as some humanists who purport, simply mistakes or blemishes upon an otherwise "good" life or nature. They are sins - don't sugar coat it. Sins which Jesus suffered a life and death for. Sins that were the hammer driving nails into his body. Sins which separate me from my Lord if I do not confess and repent quickly. Sins which will enslave me if not dealt with.

Prayer: Thank you for saving me Father. I was at complete enmity with You. But You rescued Your enemy to adopt him as a son. Oh how great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! Your will has been worked in my life "to the praise of Your glory". Please help me to walk in the Spirit so that I do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, Knees and Toes

Scripture: Ephesians 1:23 "which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."

Observation: We are called "the fullness" of Jesus. Does this mean that we, the church, are the picture of what Jesus is doing? Or that we are the reward that He received for the work done in Him? I think it likely means that the church is the summation of the work that God began at creation and that Jesus finished at Pentecost.

Application: All the application of the "body of Christ" picture can give! But what new application will God reveal to me today? Or rather what bit of "wisdom and revelation" may He show me?

What am I doing? Every part of the body of Christ does something? It never considers what its purpose is. It just works where it is in the place that it is. It does what comes naturally to it (not in the flesh but rather what the Holy Spirit would direct in whatever place it is found). So again what am I doing where I am found? How am I displaying the body of Christ? Where can I work (Eph 2:10)?

What about those around me? I must encourage the members of the body to grow in their faith and to serve their purpose as well. From injuries I've learned that many parts of the body effect the other parts. Weak abdominal muscles and tight hamstring muscles cause lower back problems. Likewise, an injury or weakness in a hip, knee or foot can cause serious damage to the other foot or leg, or even upper back and shoulders or neck, as they try to compensate for the failure of that other member. The harm increases if the problem isn't dealt with. My body was created to work in harmony and unity. The body of Christ is no different. That is why the individual members of the church of God can have so many problems when they do nothing but do bible study and pray for themselves. The arms and legs cannot be only for themselves. They certainly cannot have disdain for other members.

Of course they can't.. they're arms.

Prayer: Father, I want to do the work that you have for me, but I have all these feelings of doubt and what seem to be roadblocks. Are You trying to hold me back from doing something or are You calling me to follow through adversity? Am I just needing to go? I see the example of the 70 who returned amazed and surprised at the fruit of their trip. By faith can I go out knowing that I'll return amazed at what You do?

Also, help me to remember that I am a member of the body of Christ. I know that a body can only reach its healthiest state when the parts of the body help the other parts do their job.

Holy Spirit, please reveal to me where I can encourage a brother or sister in Christ in the work that You have for them, or even just in the spiritual abilities that You've gifted them with. We all have to do our function. That will bring You the most glory and us the most pleasure, joy and peace.

Jesus, thank you for dying for me that I might live in You. I love You. Amen.

Zombies Are Real - Are You One Of Them?

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1 "And you He made alive who were once dead in trespasses and sins,"

Observation: We were, I was, dead. God accomplished it all. It dos not say, "And you He helped to come alive." The deadness was through and through.

Sin held that power; it is that strong. It should not be underestimated. By doing so, I have time and time again fought a losing battle.

Ultimately anyone attempting to overcome sin is doing so out of their pride.  The thought "Now that I'm a Christian and saved through God's grace, empowered with His Holy Spirit, and blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ so therefore I ought to be able to withstand temptations" is born out of pride. I want to overcome sin for God. I want to please Him with my strength. I want to demonstrate my steadfast loyalty to the Lord. It's all about me at that point. It's a virtuous desire, but an impossible one.

No! The Israelites were told to avoid even the slightest mingling with the peoples around them in Canaan because if they did not they were bound, destined, unavoidably fated to compromise and then to fail.

Application: The correct answer to sin in our lives is to establish boundaries of protection. Root out and eliminate all sinful sources. I am prone enough to walk away from God without additional help. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that God "made a way of escape"from temptation, not a "way of overpowering".

Remember where I came from. My testimony is only a testimony because there was a change from death to life! Lost to found. Old to new. Walk in the newness of life. Give God all the glory.

Prayer: Father, help me to identify with those that you send me to. They are me without you. Please keep me humble, for that is right - it is right for me to be so. Lord, I praise You for who You are and thank You for what You have done! I truly love You. Amen.

Well Said

I know that I can always find people to agree with my opinions, but this seems like common sense to me.  I find it interesting that this recording was made decades ago and in the time since then we've obviously moved much further down the road of entitlements and socialism.  Here in the present, we now all get to sit back and watch history unfold a little further as the consequences of the decisions of our elected leaders come to fruition. 

Although I think it will be even more interesting to see in the end the purpose for which God chose to raise up the nation of the U.S.A.

Job 12:23

²³ He makes nations great, and destroys them;
He enlarges nations, and guides them.

Jeremiah 50:8-10

⁹ For behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon
An assembly of great nations from the north country,
And they shall array themselves against her;
From there she shall be captured.
Their arrows shall be like those of an expert warrior;^[a]
None shall return in vain.
¹⁰ And Chaldea shall become plunder;
All who plunder her shall be satisfied,” says the LORD. 

 

Ezekiel 29:15

 ¹⁵ It shall be the lowliest of kingdoms; it shall never again exalt itself above the nations, for I will diminish them so that they will not rule over the nations anymore.

 

In the end I think we need to remember that our nation, like all nations, is His instrument.  We are not the Second Israel.  Honestly, the state of our hearts before God probably shows that we more resemble a second Catholic Rome - much tradition but little faith.  Perhaps the question is, to what extent may the faith of our people, the humility of our nation, or the repentance of our hearts influence the way in which He uses us?

Follow the Leader

Scripture: Ephesians 1:22 "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church."

Observation: This is what God has done. Jesus is now king, lord, almighty, lifted high, master of it all. No enemy, no affront, no effort, no failure, no inability, no device, and no circumvention can slow, hinder, or prevent the success of the efforts and will of Jesus.

This is God's work, and we should not fight against it. 

The body of Christ will be safe, successful, cared for, and righteous if it follows the direction and guidance of the Head.

Application: I need to do all that the Head is telling me to do. I need to be watchful and study all that He has already told me in His word. I need to stop my bumbling, stumbling race into the next moment and look for the movement and direction of my King. "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him..." Psalm 37:7.

Prayer: I'm poor and needy. I am one of the church that You are now head over. I ask for grace to follow and for ears  to hear You, eyes to see You, a mind to understand, and a heart that craves You above and beyond anything else. I love You. Amen

That's Just Funny.

Just sharing some quotes from an online article...

"China bluntly criticized the United States... saying the "good old days" of borrowing were over."

... I wonder how that is said in Cantonese.  I thought that was an American idiom.

"China -- the United States' biggest creditor -- said Washington only had itself to blame for its plight and called for a new stable global reserve currency."

... this one is just great!  This horse is dead already, but why are in huge debt to a communist country who is our largest enemy at this point in time?

... What's that?  China is pointing their finger at this situation for support for a global reserve currency.  Now that's something the Anti-christ could use!

"China scorned the United States for its "debt addiction"..."

... Whatever!  Oh, wait.  I agree with this one.  But honestly, what are we really going to do about it?

"[China] urged the United States to cut military and social welfare expenditure."

... I'll bet China would appreciate us cutting our military expenditure.

... I actually agree with cutting a huge amount of our social welfare expenditure, but isn't this coming from a communist country?  I'm confused.

"Obama called on Congress to back measures to give tax relief to the middle class, extend jobless benefits and pass long-delayed international trade pacts."

... Nothing new from the President.  Give more money away in hopes that people will spend, spend, spend!  That will help!  I'm just saying how about we go for a healthy, stable economy?  I'd prefer thrift over huge investment growth.

... How about we stop paying people who are out of a job?  Necessity is the mother of invention and I think people will be much more motivated to come up with ways to make money when Uncle Sam isn't footing the bill.

"India's finance minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters: "There is no need to unnecessarily press the panic button.""

... Spiritually speaking, I think it's time we do that here in the U.S.

DMZ 4 - Confusious say, "Man who stand on toilet..."

This is the third bit o' toilet wisdom in the South Korean train station which stood so proudly and full of hope on the dividing line between the north and the south.  Yet again I was impressed by the profoundness that this bathroom displayed.  All these signs kind of  kept with a theme: you can have your brain washed and your hands washed all before leaving the bathroom.

At first glance this seems like a very practical bit of wisdom aimed directly at lumberjacks.  Without such advice maybe Paul would have been Babeless pretty quick.  Now, I don't know how much lumbering they do in Korea but if Confucius could eventually end up sending his advice to the world at large perhaps this bathroom could, too.

Anyway, on second glance there seems to be some other applications.

Political: very rarely does someone "big" in Washington surprise anyone.  They generally follow a party line, the crowd, or the voters.  In this arena I, like many other people I know are asking, if this tree falls in the woods, does anyone care?  Obviously we should care which direction our elected leaders fall, but what do we do when our "woods" are full of "trees" that we would never have planted?  That wasn't rhetorical - I really don't know.

Relational: I'm a parent.  It can't be helped that I'm concerned about which direction my children are leaning.  I think parents have the ability to greatly influence the leaning of our children - and I think we have a responsibility to do so.  The question is, what actions are we taking to influence them?  Regardless of how we answer that question, we will influence them.  Our inaction in this case may in fact be the biggest push that our developing adults receive toward falling in the wrong direction...  Again, what steps am I taking or not taking?  What steps should we be taking?  Why aren't we taking them?

Spiritual: Like the AF always says, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."  And like somebody else says, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."  And then there's always, "If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine whether it is from God or whether I speak from my own authority."  One of the amazing things about God is that He leaves it all up to us.  We get to choose.  The choice seems to be extremely easy, yet actually making the choice seems extremely hard.  However, we have the promise that if we intentionally lean toward God, He will show us the best way to live.  (John 7:17, Hebrews 11:6)  I'm going to daily make the choice to lean toward God, so that when it comes time for falling (which will surely come) I know I'll land in His hands.

Thank you again R-Toto for your wise thoughts.  Until the next time nature calls.

July 4th, 2011

On the 4th of July weekend we traveled to Enid, OK, which is kind of unusual because it's not much different than Altus... still Oklahoma.  Enid however is a bit bigger and so they have their own Home Depot, their own Starbucks, and even though we didn't visit it I'm pretty sure they had a Dairy Queen somewhere in town.

Of course the only thing that could get us to Enid is dear friends. 


This just happened to be some friends that we were stationed in Japan with.  Between the two of our families there were five young ladies and two young men.  Within minutes of being in their house they had managed to drag a hose out, attach it to a toy slide, lay the end of the slide on a tarp and cover the tarp with dish soap. 

                                       Shablam! Insto-matic water park!




Shortly after, we went for a walk by the "pond."  That turned out to be a water hazard on the city golf course.  It was still a nice walk.

The definition of trust.

For memory's sake, this is the tree by which I ate my first ant - a surprisingly enjoyable citrus flavor.

Where's Waldo?

The second day was full of guy stuff.   

The fish didn't bite.  They were just plain scared.

 We walked a quarter mile across a lake (which only put us in three feet deep water) and laid out a trot line.  I was quickly education that it's not used to catch "trot." 

The rest of the afternoon was filled with the pictures below.






I'm proud to say that the boys are a pretty natural shot. 





 Christian nailed a bottle from about 25 feet.  Those rabbits on the base golf course need to be on guard.
 

Wyatt successfully shot my sunglasses somewhere in the range of 15 feet (they were on the bottle... not on me).

A pretty much unforgettable weekend. Thanks Phillips'!

Praise God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord!

Scripture: Ephesians 1:21 "far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but in that which is to come."

Observation:
What are the principalities, powers, mights, and dominions? Are they spiritual or temporal? This phrase is used elsewhere in relation to the spiritual realm (Eph. 6; Eph. 2). Perhaps I should consider the spiritual powers to be above human powers as a standard. "You have made him a little lower than the angels..."

God's plan was to put Jesus above everything. Jesus has become the mightiest, worthy of all praise and glory and honor. Repeatedly Jesus is lifted as supremely valuable, worthy, and mighty. (c.f. Revelation 5:11,12; Phil. 2:9-11). Philippians 2:11 is extremely important because it describes the reason or purpose that God determined to send, crucify, raise and glorify Jesus - it increases the glory that God receives from us.

Application: Jesus needs to be in that place in my mind and heart as well. I should ascribe to Him, by faith, greater strength and wisdom than any institution or friend or enemy that I encounter (be it physical, mental, spiritual, or relational). There should be no problem or struggle that He cannot be trusted with. "Hope does not disappoint!"

Second, Jesus must be absolutely, without reservation my highest and most cherished treasure! There is no greater person or object existing. As John Piper said, Mary wiped Jesus' feet with her hair because even the least part of Jesus is greater than, and worthy of praise with, the most beautiful and wonderful part of us.

If I give my entire being to the worship of Jesus I will fulfill my highest purpose and receive my highest fulfillment at the same time. My outpouring of my life to Jesus' praise will result in God's filling of me for everything and anything that I need. It is His will for it to be that way.

Prayer: Lord, please help me today to keep faith in You. Help me to never seek strength or might from man or circumstance. You are my God! Jesus, You are my might and righteous and glorious King! My Redeemer lives and my God triumphs in love, grace, mercy, and goodness! Oh, how I love You for Your awesome character and endless, undeserving love for me. Amen.

It's Like I'm He-Man's Sidekick

Scripture: Ephesians 1:20, "which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,"

Observation:
God works.

God raised Jesus from the dead. This is in addition to other verses that say that Jesus raised Himself and that the Spirit raised Him as well.

God seated Jesus at His right hand, the hand of authority.

Application: In light of the previous verse the power which God worked in this verse is the same power toward us. How much is God for us?!!! No matter the extent of the pain, setbacks, hurt, depression, disappointment, failure, inadequacy, or fear that I face, the same power that empowered Jesus, raised Jesus, and glorified Jesus is active in and toward me. If God is for me, who can be against me and succeed or what could be beyond His care and concern and power? Not a person, not a government, not a society, not a demon, not a sickness. God is almighty!

Where do I need this truth today? I need to live in faith over the power that God wants to pass through me to the world "to the praise of the His glory" (vs. 14).

Prayer: I recognize that You have abundant power to make me successful in anything You've sent me to do. I also know that You are always working and that You are there with me when I'm engaged in tasks that You've called me to. Please increase my faith! Increase my awareness and sensitivity to Your presence. That's where my faith is lacking. Please increase my faith. I love You. Amen.

Time to Get Schooled

Scripture: Ephesians 1:18 "the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of your calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints."

Observation: Paul desires them to know two things as a result of verse 17: (1) the hope of God's calling, and (2) the actual and true riches that we have as the result of our new identity. Understanding these is crucial in Paul's mind. Repeatedly in the epistles he implores believers to grow in their understanding of Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit, exhorting that only through increase in wisdom and knowledge will they increase in godliness and live a victorious life.

Also, I need enlightening. That's a humbling thought... fact. Again, I have a need. Nothing new, nothing surprising. I don't hold within myself true understanding; it doesn't come naturally to me. I merely have been given the "boldness and access with confidence" (Ephesians 3) to ask for it. I must ever remember that I also hold the ability to deceive myself, and to open myself up to deception. If I have the Spirit of Christ living within me I also have a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17 and Galatians 2:20) which I can access through a consistent relationship with God and through a steadfast pursuit of the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Application: I need to keep the important where the important belongs. I need to relinquish control and pursuit of this life to God.

Prayer: Father, please teach me to approach the things and people in this world in the right way. Honestly, they shouldn't have the same meaning to me. I often treat the people around me as tools and I love the things. It's suppose to be the other way around. I ask earnestly that you teach me to love those around me as you do. I want to see those in my life come to know you in the way that I do. And enlighten my eyes of understanding so that I can see and hear and know You and Your Son and Your Spirit and Your kingdom and will. I love you. Amen.

Like Father Like Son

Scripture: Ephesians 1:19 "and what is the exceeding greatness of His might power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power."

Observation: God directs His power toward us, and He does it in its fullness.

Application: This is related to Romans 8:32 in that God's love for us is full of goodness and joy and hope and support and a purpose and a plan. He gives out of cheerfulness and goodness. I am to give of myself in the same manner. I should give to God and I should give to others in joy, not of necessity, nor for dishonest gain, nor grudgingly. I should do as God does. 1 Peter 1 says I am to be holy as God is holy. Ephesians 4:32 says I am to be kind, tenderhearted and "forgiving one another even as God in Christ forgave you." In Luke 6:35 and 36, Jesus says I (and all those who call themselves Jesus' followers) should "love your enemies, do good and lend hoping for nothing in return... and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil." So I should also be merciful just like my Father is.

Prayer: I need to be like you; I want to be like you. I pray that you would even today place people in my path that I can forgive, give to without desire for repayment, be tenderhearted toward, and be merciful to in deed and word. I love you. Amen.

Choose This Day

When we talk to others about home schooling we normally get two questions.  First, how do our kids learn socialization skills when they aren't spending eight hours a day around twenty to thirty other young adults?  I talked about that one back here.

The second question is why we, as Christians, would want to remove our children from an environment that needs the "salt" as Jesus called us. Something in yesterday's news (more on that below) brought that question to mind, or even more, what our answer has been since day one.

Believers in Christ are all too familiar with the daily struggle to, as Paul puts it, "walk in the Spirit and ... not fulfill the lusts of the flesh." Wrestling against our "flesh," as the Bible often calls our human bent toward sinful behaviors, is a daily task - I want to gossip, I want to complain, I was to stress out instead of pray, I want to get angry, and on and on and on.  What does this have to do with homeschooling?

Basically, I find it unreasonable to expect my children to accomplish something that I am still striving to do and that is to be more of an influence on those around me than they are on me. Let's be honest - children don't encourage one another to do the right thing in deed or word when left alone in a group.  After all, as God has called me to obedience I have had to remove myself from many people and situations that make it too difficult to be holy as God has called me to be  (1 Peter 1:14-16).

On the other hand, I've found that with the right moral and ethical foundation and training children can eventually learn to make great decisions (wise ones).  With the right foundations, when faced with wrong things and tough situations they will be equipped to make the right decision to avoid it (Prov. 22:3).

So, the news? California recently passed a law which requires homosexual lifestyles to be taught in all levels of history curiculum.  That according to CNN and Fox News.  So what does a Christian parent trying to raise a person to adulthood do when dealt that hand?  The answer to me is obvious.  When an institution is doing all it can to teach my children to appreciate and accept a morality that opposes the morality that I am trying to teach them - and I'm giving them twice as many hours a day as I have to do it! - the decision is easy.  Regardless of the financial cost, regardless of the cost of person goals, regardless of the time burden.  I won't sacrifice my children's hearts and minds on the alter of "life experience." 

For those of us not living is California we are in a good position.  We can look to the decisions and laws made there as the wind before the storm, like turning of the leaves in the fall.  We can choose to change our lifestyles now and make moves to ensure our children aren't indoctrinated with lies. 

Steve Maxwell from Titus2 put it this way:
"Dads desiring a godly legacy understand the need to train their children's minds in a Christ-focused, virtuous environment. They will pay their property tax bills (much goes to public and charter schools and state colleges) without the "benefit" of having their children's education funded in order to avoid the godless, promiscuity-promoting, humanistic environment that the state system provides. Families avoiding state-funded education bear the added financial burden to purchase their own curriculum to ensure that God has His place in the knowledge that is shaping their children's minds."

Where Does It Come From? What Is It Worth?

Scripture: Ephesians 1:17 "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him."

Observation: Like verse 1:3 God is called Jesus' father. I don't often think of that but it is truth nonetheless.

The Lord is the source of "wisdom and revelation". I have readily available knowledge. There are facts and experiments, studies and books out there and those are there for our own discovery and taking. However, there is also secret wisdom, hidden knowledge which God holds and which He reveals at His will, to His children - His sheep, as the gospel according to John says - to the praise of His glory.

The first bit of wisdom that God reveals to someone is that He is God and that we are sinners, which produces fear rightly, for fear is the beginning of wisdom.

Application: Don't let my foundation be shaken when the lost world shouts about their knowledge, education, methods and understanding. God has always shocked and humbled the world with what He knows, thinks, and does. Remember what He has said and told me to do. That is sure, that won't falter, that won't pass away, that won't be found lacking, that will be sufficient for me.

Prayer: I don't know where I fail to trust you at your word, but I want to see it. If I'm lacking faith please show me. "...you have put gladness in my heart more than in the season that their grain and wine increase" (Psalm 4:7). I love you. Amen.

Happy 29th Birthday, Candi!!!!!

Consider and Be Encouraged

Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-16 "Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:"

Observation: Paul here opens the discussion toward application of the first 14 verses. The Ephesians are blessed, redeemed, given the revelation of God's will, sealed, predestined to adoption, accepted, joined with the others ("beloved"), and forgiven. Wow.

Application: When people hear of my actions, what do they hear and how do they respond? Are they encouraged in their faith? Do they have reason to glorify God (1 Pet 2:11-12)? I need a genuine and active faith - a faith that works, as James says.

Second, how do I respond to the faith of others? Am I brought to my knees in worship of the work of God? Do I intercede for their faith, their sanctification, their protection, and witness? Do I thank God for their response to His calling, their salvation by His work? It's kind of like the cliche "Family is all you got." Do  encourage their faith?


Prayer: Lord, I definitely need to encourage more and to be one that remembers the faith of others. This feels like just another thing that I lack in my attitude toward others. This should bring a sense of joy for the believers around me, an excitement of our common faith, but I don't think it does now. Please teach me, chasten me, guide me to You. Teach me to have the joy that Your word commands me to have. I know that Your presence and my nearness to You will change me. I love You.

The Deal of a Lifetime

Scripture: Ephesians 1:14 "who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory."

Observation: We have a guarantee of our inheritance; that's assurance of eternal life. Hope that does not disappoint.

We have an inheritance but it is not here. There is a future redemption.

We are God's possession, for Himself, for His glory. Holding to or espousing any other purpose for God's plan of redemption of the lost infinitely cheapens the work of Christ and the glory of God.

Application: I should live in the confidence of my inheritance and future. There will be two very different life modes based on where I place my inheritance and homestead.

Also, God has purchased me. I've accepted that purchase and that doesn't change. That would be the equivalent of God returning me. No, the Holy Spirit testifies in me that I'm have citizenship in heaven.

All of this is confidence that the lost don't have. I need to be sharing this with those around me. The lack of security is glaringly obvious around this world by people's frantic twisting and toiling for living a life of purpose.

Prayer: Father, please give me the boldness to witness of You, Your incredible love, and Your saving plan to those I meet. Help me to also display the confidence that should come from being sealed and secure as Your child. I love you. Amen.

What's the Response?

Scripture: Ephesians 1:13 "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,"

Observation: The salvation of any man comes only after hearing the gospel. What does that consist of? The fact that the Bible clearly states that we need a "salvation" means the gospel is something that saves from consequences, rescues from harm, returns things once lost, and/or liberates.

The gospel is founded on repentance (Luke 13:3; Acts 1:8; Acts 26:20) and the need for salvation (2 Timothy 2:3,4).

Then, one must "believe". This is a term completely overused and it really means very little to people, especially people still condemned before God. I believe I'm going to make Senior Master Sergeant. My daughter believes dragons are real (she's probably right). And millions of Americans believe they are saved Christians. The question is, is belief substantiated by a verbal confirmation that a woman or man thinks something to be true? Or must there be a confirmation in the form of an outward response to such belief? How cheap and useless is a belief that produces no, or an undesired, change! Unlike the other beliefs above, in this case a person espousing "belief" in Jesus Christ, in their belief, thinks themselves in a right and appropriate relationship with God. That's a pretty grand claim. Does the visable evidences of my belief really support such an affirmation? I like John Piper's alternative question,"Have you made Jesus Christ your treasure?"

This verse, along with verse 14 is a strong evidence for assurance of salvation.

Application: I can apply this verse by holding fast to the confidence promised here. Remember the word I heard; remember the Spirit's sealing; remember my response and continue the response.

Prayer: Thank you for unmerited and unsought salvation - I was in desperate need of it. Thank you that my eternal destiny and the security of it is not dependant on my efforts, but on yours.

The Intent

Scripture: Ephesians 1:12 "that we who first rusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory."

Observation: In the first chapter Paul references God's glory in vs. 3, 12, 14, 17, and 18, though vs. 18 is using the word glory in reference to our inheritance. This verse is an extension of verse 11; essentially it is the effect of the cause in vs. 11. The cause is either that we have "received an inheritance" through Jesus or that God willed our eventual redemption and so we, by our unearned salvation, bring glory to God's holy and awesome attributes.

Application: My purpose is to bring glory to God. Am I doing so? Is my light, which shines on God's glory, being covered or dimmed? Where am I glorifying God? Is there an area that is preventing the other opportunities to glorify God from happening?

Prayer: God, I know my faults - at least, the ones that you've so far shown me. I continue to bring to you my need of joy and a practical, real understanding of my new nature, my actual citizenship, my inheritance, and Your desires for my daily walk. Please teach me and give me your wisdom and Your grace. I love you. Amen.

Here's a link to an incredible sermon by John Piper on this idea.

His Plan, His Purpose, His Will, His Glory

Scripture: Ephesians 1:11 "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,"

Observation: We have a promised or already received inheritance.

Again, God's will cannot be thwarted. It will be accomplished.

God counsels Himself. Interesting. I'm not sure that I'm smart enough to understand how that works.

"All things" may be all things concerning the gospel and salvation or it could mean all things, referring to complete sovereignty. I think it likely here means the latter.

Application: There is both a promised and received inheritance. I ought to live in the reality of both at the same time. That will keep me from loving this world (1 John 2:16). My life should be defined by peace which is derived from the absolute security that I have in Christ.

Finally, as James implores, should seek God for wisdom in all things. I need wisdom and that is a fact. God is the source and giver of all knowledge and wisdom. Seek Him for it. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Prayer: Thank You for all that You've given me. You are truly a good God! Help me to keep my mind on the heavenly home and the spiritual mission. I pray that You will teach me faith that I would have peace and that my hope will be in You always. And I do pray for wisdom. You know there are so many tasks, so many things that I'm not prepared for. Please help met o seek you for wisdom in each and every challenge I face.

I'm the Boss

Scripture: Ephesians 1:10 "that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth - in Him."

Observation: God has perfect timing. He accomplishes His will. His desire is to draw all things back to Him, through Christ.

Application: I have to be patient for His timing. With a long perspective of time we have a future of redemption and the return of Christ; for this I should be waiting in patient trust. In my everyday life I ought to look to God for His timing for all things physical and spiritual. It's my practical work of faith.

Prayer: Lord, the very fact that I call you 'Lord' is a reminder of who should be waiting on who. I need Your grace to have the faith to wait for Your will and Your timing. Please help me to leave the work to You with those around me. In my desire to do well as leader of my family I try so hard to control the development of my family, but that's not my place - it's Yours. Please forgive me and please help me to love them and to let You be God and Lord.

A Pleasant Experience

Scripture: Ephesians 1:9 "having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,"

Observation: God revealed Himself to us, "made known." According to 3:5 God chose the specific time to do it. God had no counselors or influence. God had no inner need to create us or save us. All of this has been accomplished because He wanted to do it. The gospel, the cross, the redemption, the truth of our need - all known because God made it known.

Before He made it known, God made the decision to reveal it.

The decision was accompanied by His good pleasure. I don't believe the world can comprehend the absolute and thorough purity of the pleasure of God. If His face shines on it with blessing, that is a power that cannot be extinguished nor even diminished in the slightest way by any means of darkness.

Application: More grace shown. This means more praise and thankfulness on my part toward God. I am not often thankful enough nor do I often live as one that has had the love, grace and mercy of God showered on me.

I am completely floored that God would reveal such amazing love and works to me. I am so unworthy of His favor and yet He showers it on me. The world stands in an awkward place before God. We're so deserving of evil consequences for our evil hearts, thoughts and actions and yet we're given the exact opposite. The Lord could have never redeemed me and I would have no blame to give Him nor fault to find. He would have been just in leaving me to the consequences of my actions - eternal punishmet. Everyone knows this in their heart and conscience.

Prayer: Father, please help me to identify myself in You! The fact is that I am not a citizen of this world and I am no longer condemned. I'm saved, free, forgiven, chosen, safe, healed, adopted and redeemed. Make me a thankful person as Your word says we all should be - at all times. I lack gratitude to You and those around me loose the blessings and encouragement that I should be showing because of it. God, let it be You that is seen in me. I know that it will take learning, trying; so I just ask for Your presence.

Super-smart

Scripture: Ephesians 1:8 "which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,"

Observation: God purposed to accomplish the work of the cross. The extending of His grace toward us is "abounding". It is abundantly given.

The grace of the gospel is as best a plan as God could have come up with. God doesn't work off plan B for the salvation of the world. The way it was completed was the way it had to be done.

If God intended to do the things described in the first verses of Ephesians, then the cross was the best way to make it all come to pass.

Application: These truths simply and firmly call me to praise God for what He has done. It is amazing that He would do it considering the cost and my undeserving-ness. Making an application from this is difficult because God has already made all the application.

Prayer: I need your grace. You have shown it to me in so many ways so I know that I don't have to ask for it. I need to ask for the ability to live in the truth of it. I know your love for me. I can see your passionate pursuit of me. Please help me to apply my faith. Please give me greater sensitivity to the Spirit. Try me; I need to be purified. But please help me to learn from the reflection of myself that I see in my children. I want the sins that I see in them to drive me to mercy, compassion, love and forgiveness toward them. I work off default so often, just criticizing and judging. Please forgive that and help me to submit to Jesus living in me.

Riches

Scripture: Ephesians 1:7 "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sin, according to the riches of His grace,"

Observation: Again, identity: redemption, redeemed, His possession. Everything that Paul has said to this point is summed up in this phrase "according to the riches of His grace."

"For by grace you have been saved,... " (2:8); "to the praise of the glory of His grace" (1:6); "the dispensation of the grace of the of God" (3:2); "work, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt" (Romans 4:4); being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24).

Application: An understanding of God's grace is important, and actually it is indispensable, to living a godly life. Lack of knowledge and application of God's grace leads to legalism, hardness, judging, criticism, impatience, anger and hypocrisy. Remembering and applying the grace of God toward me should emphasize the grace  I should be showing to others. God's grace should result in my joy!

Prayer: I desperately need your help to be loving to others. Not just in a way that does not offend, but that intentionally seeks to serve and bless those around me. I forget how much grace you have shown me, how forgiving you've been and what blessings, gifts, and love you have showered on me - all so undeservedly. Please help me to show that same grace to those around me.

All for One

Scripture: Ephesians 1:6 "to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the beloved."

Application: There are so many glories of God. It would be good to study out the forms of God's glory mentioned in the Word. Here it is the glory of God's grace, and here Paul is following the previous verse which reminds me of what God intended in the beginning - our salvation and adoption. Paul couldn't say that without also pointing to the amazing grace of God. So he says, "to the praise of the glory of His grace..."

Then Paul continues to tell the Ephesians of their identity and position. First the blessings are spiritual in nature and in heaven; then God desires us to be holy people; next - children of God; now we are part of the "beloved" - the union, family, church of believers which are loved by God.

Application: Further emphasis on my identity in Christ. This is another verse challenging the way I think of myself and what I put my time and energy toward. "Act like the citizen of the country which you are a citizen of."

Prayer: God, please transform my mind. I need Your mind on my day. You have so many awesome plans for my life which will ultimately bring You glory. Please help me to remember to praise You for all that happens on a daily and moment-by-moment basis.