A Plan for Improving One's Prayer Life

I am preparing for the coming new year by thinking through some changes I want to make in my life.  Although there are several areas I hope to improve in this year, there are two critical areas I plan on attacking this year.  Those two areas are my health (my weight in particular) and my prayer life.  While I have a vague notion as to how I will address my health issues, I'm not quite certain as to how I will approach that situation yet.  I'll have more to say about that issue in the days and weeks ahead.

However, I do have some idea how I plan on improving my prayer life.  I have been gathering resources for months (years), and I'm currently working on a plan to improve my prayer life during the current year.

First, I want to learn about more about prayer and how to pray more effectively.  I plan on reading The Complete Works of E. M. Bounds on Prayer.  I hope to read Isaac Watts' A Guide to Prayer this year too.

Next, I am working on a prayer calendar that will help pray through the church each month.  I am borrowing the system from Brian Croft from Practical Shepherding. You can view the article here.  I will also be praying daily for lost people that I know.

In addition, I am going to be working my way through other resources so that I am continually praying for missionaries at home and abroad, for the persecuted church, and for unbelievers.  One of the resources I will be using this year is the book, Operation World.  I will also be using the following websites to inform my prayer life: The Prayer Connection (NAMB); Prayer (IMB); Operation Bended Knee (KBC); and Voice of the Martyrs.

The final step in my plan is simply setting aside time each day to pray.  I want prayer to become an integral part of my life.

I plan on keeping you posted on my progress.  I hope that you will find these resources helpful, and I hope you will pray for me throughout the coming year.  May God bless you and keep you.

Check Yourself

"Each one should test his own actions.  Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else" (Gal. 6:4).

Paul instructs us to check ourselves.  We are to examine our motives and attitudes.  It is helpful to have tools to help us examine our lives.  Here is an article, "10 Questions for a New Year," by Don Whitney that can help us do that.  You can also download it here.

FAQs Mondays: What Do We Pray for in the Second Petition of the Lord's Prayer?

Last week we answered the question, "What do we pray for in the first petition of the Lord's Prayer?".  You can read that post here. Today we look at the second petition.

What do we pray for in the second petition of the Lord's Prayer?

In the second petition, which is, "Your kingdom come," (Matt. 6:10), we pray that God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will in all things, as the angels do in heaven.  The psalms offer guidance.  Psalm 25:4-5 states, "Make me know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.  Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long."  Psalm 119:26 states, "When I told you of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!"  Finally, Psalm 103:20-21 states, "Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you might ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!  Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!"

Summary

We learn that the second petition is for God to make us willing and able to do his will.  The Lord's Prayer is teaching us how to conform to the will of God.  Thus, if we pray this way, we will find our hearts turned in a more toward God.  Next week, we look at the third petition as we answer the question, "What do we pray for in the third petition of the Lord's Prayer?".

Sunday Recap 12-26-10

Morning:  The sermon, "Christ Is Here, Even After Christmas Is Over," focused on Philippians 4:10-13.  In this passage, Paul reveals the secret to contentment: Christ is all we need.  Paul uses the reception of a gift as an object lesson on contentment.  He wants the Philippians to know that he is blessed by their generosity, even though he is not personally in need.  He also wants them to know that Christ's strength is the only thing that will enable them to overcome the temptations that come with want and those that come with plenty.  The passage also contains implications for giving and receiving gifts.

Some things to think about as gift-givers:

1. When you give you reflect the grace of God.
2. We need to seize every opportunity to show our concern for others.
3. Don't waste time reading between the lines.

Some things for gift-receivers:

1. You need to learn to rejoice (and be grateful) in the Lord.
2. Don't just say thank you, so that you can get more from people.
3. Learn to be content.

When Jesus is all we have, he is all we need.  He is all we need, even when we have everything.  When the presents are all unwrapped and the decorations are all put a way, we need to remind ourselves that Jesus is still right there with us.

Evening: No services.

A Christmas Reminder

From the Gospel of Luke 2:1-14, NIV:

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone when to his own town to register.  

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.


And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."


Suddenly a great company of the heavenly hos appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."


May you have a blessed Christmas this year, and in years to come.  Grace and peace to you.

Thursday Humor: Mr. Bean and the Nativity

This video clip reminded me that we need to explain the nativity scene more clearly.  I also found it funny. I hope you do.  Merry Christmas.

Thinking About Christmas

Christmas is rapidly approaching, and I have been trying to prepare for it.  I spent the day working my way through several Christmas quizzes, so that I could present one at church tonight.  It is interesting to see how much of what we think we know about the Christmas story is really drawn out of tradition not the Bible.

Manger scenes that have the angels, wise men, and shepherds all gathered around baby Jesus are inaccurate at best.  Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus are usually in a stable of sorts surrounded by animals, as well.  The Nativity scenes, although inaccurate, still have valid purpose.  They can function as a mnemonic device that helps us to aid in retelling the Christmas story.

As I sifted through quizzes and various articles, I was startled by how much about Christmas I just assumed.  I knew that most people don't believe December 25th is the actual date of Jesus' birth, but I never really thought to investigate the reason we celebrate it on the 25th.  I never realized (apart from those who don't celebrate Christmas) that there are individuals who oppose Christmas trees on "biblical grounds."  I've always just assumed having a Christmas tree was okay. 

The decorations, traditions, songs, and atmosphere surrounding Christmas is driven more by cultural influence and less by biblical reflection.  Although I'm not saying that it is a bad thing, it can be.  If we never examine our cultural traditions in light of Scripture, we might find ourselves living in opposition to God.  The Pharisees were a good example of such short-sightedness.  They invented a system of dedication (corban) which permitted them to use money that they were morally obligated to invest elsewhere, particularly upon there aged parents.  Jesus condemned such hypocrisy.

We don't want to become legalistic, however we can't just do whatever we want either.  There are general principles in Scripture that can guide us in making wise decisions.  Yet at the same time, there appears to be some areas of moral neutrality, as well.  In some areas, the Bible doesn't explicitly explain what is right or wrong.  We are left with a bit of ambiguity at points. 

So long as we don't violate the clear teaching of God's Word, ignore its certain principles, or sin against our consciences, then we have liberty in Christ.  We need to think through the things that we do to make certain that we are not violating God Word.  When we have approached theme thoughtfully, prayerfully, and carefully, then we have to move forward in faith.  If after careful, prayerful though, you decide you shouldn't have a Christmas tree, don't have one.  But don't judge someone else for coming to a different conclusion at the end of their search.

The question that has been nagging me all day is, "Why do I celebrate Christmas the way I do?"  Is it just cultural instinct? Do the things I do to celebrate Christmas have a deeper, more worshipful meaning?  How can I make every part of my Christmas celebration more intimately connected to Christ?  Are the symbolic values we assign to things like a tree or lights merely a sham meant to justify actions? 

I don't have the answer to all those questions, but I really want to know.  This Christmas, I'll gather with my family around a Christmas tree, and we'll exchange gifts.  We tell the Christmas story, and be reminded that a Savior has been born, who is Christ the Lord.  And we will seek to glorify God who has shown us his favor.  May your Christmas celebration be filled with joy and gratitude and some quite reflection on the meaning of Christmas. 

Christmas Hymn: Angels We Have Heard on High

I love the Christmas hymn, "Angels We Have Heard on High."  As we meditate on the truth of God's Anointed (Christ) coming into the world, we have plenty of reasons to sing the highest praise to God.  As the song reminds us, Jesus, the Lord of heaven and earth, came into our world to rescue us from sin and death.  The song, which so long ago, alerted the shepherds of Christ's arrival, is reflected in this hymn.  We are reminded--a Savior has been born, and he is worthy of infinite adoration.  As the song says, "Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the new born King." And this Christmas let us sing glory to God in the highest (gloria in excelsis Deo).

This version is by Third Day:

FAQs Mondays: What Do We Pray for in the First Petition of the Lord's Prayer?

Last week, we answered the question, "What does the opening of the Lord's Prayer teach us?".  You can read that post here.  This week we want to continue looking at the Lord's Prayer.

What do we pray for in the first petition of the Lord's Prayer?

In the first petition, which is "Hallowed be your name," we pray that God would enable us and others to glorify him in all of life, and that he would dispose all things to his own glory.  Paul tells us, "For from him [God] and through him and to him are all things.  To him be glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36).  He also reminds us, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).  Revelation 4:11 states, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."  Hear the words of Psalm 67:1-3:

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, (Selah) that your way may be know on earth, your saving power among all nations.  Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!

Summary

The first petition, or request, of the Lord's Prayer is that God would enable us and others to bring him glory.  We approach with a childlike confidence in our heavenly Father's love, and we ask him to make his glory known through us.  We want the world to know how great our Father in heaven truly is.  Next week, we will answer the question, "What do we pray for in the second petition of the Lord's Prayer?".

Sunday Recap 12-19-10

Morning:  The message, "Responding to God's Message," explored Luke 2:15-20.  Through this passage, we looked at 5 ways people responded to the announcement of Jesus' birth.

The first way is they responded by investigating what they heard.  They approached the task with faith, obedience, and anticipation.  They believed that they had heard a word from the Lord.  They responded to the call to go and see.  They anticipated finding what they went after.

Once they saw the child they began spreading the news.  They told everyone they came into contact with about what the angel had told them.  It appears that there was an immediate and hurried response to this message on the part of the shepherds.

The people responded with amazement.  It was an exciting story, and the people found it interesting.  However, they really didn't give it much thought.  On they day the heard it, it was news.  The next day, they moved on the other news.

Luke contrasts Mary's response to that of the crowd.  She responds by meditating on the events.  She played them over and over again in her mind.  She held on to them, trying to fit the pieces together.

Finally, we return to the shepherds. Upon finishing their investigation and reporting, they returned home giving glory to God and praising him.

These are just some of the ways people respond to the message of God.  They are all worthy of imitation if they drive us to trust the Lord.  Once we have heard the message, a response is required.  Approach that response with faith, obedience, and anticipation.

Evening:  We sought to answer the question: "Why did Jesus come?".  We looked at Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20; and Mark 10:45.  There are clues in the birth narratives that help us to understand why Jesus came into the world.  We see in Matthew that the biggest clue is in the name Jesus.  He was to be named Jesus (Yahweh saves) "because he will save his people from their sins."  This teaches us that Jesus came into the world to save (rescue/forgive) people of their sins (dispositions against God/wrong actions).

He is Immanuel--God with us.  Jesus reveals God to us.  He also makes it possible for us to enter into the presence of the Lord.

He is the King of the Jews, who is the Christ.  Jesus sits upon the throne of David who will reign over the house of Jacob forever.

The summation of his ministry is found in Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many."

 

Seasonal Anxiety Disorder

Do the gray winter skies have you feeling blue?  Here is a helpful clip for dealing with seasonal anxiety disorder. 


Are you SAD? from Puritan Reformed on Vimeo.

Thursday Humor: Daren Streblow "Santa Claus"

Here is a little Christmas humor.  Hope you enjoy it.

FAQs Mondays: What Does the Opening of the Lord's Prayer Teach Us?

Last week, we continued our look at prayer by asking the question, "How Do We Learn to Pray?".  You can read that post here.  Scripture teaches us to pray, especially through the Lord's Prayer.  This week, we begin to look at the Lord's Prayer by asking, "What does the opening of the Lord's Prayer teach us?".

What does the preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us?

The preface of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "Our Father, who is in heaven," teaches us to draw near to God, with holy reverence and confidence, as children to the father, able and read to help us, and that we should pray with and for others.  The Lord's Prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-13.  Jesus reminded us, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to the those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13).  Paul said, "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoptions as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" (Rom. 8:15).  Acts 12:5 says, "So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church."  First Timothy 2:1-2 states, "First of all, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings, and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."

Summary

The opening of the Lord's Prayer teaches us that we need to approach God as a child approaches their father.  It also teaches us that we need to approach our Father with holy reverence and confidence.  It Farther teaches us that we may (and must) approach him with our cares and concerns for others.  Next week, we will answer the question, "What do we pray for in the first petition of the Lord's Prayer?"

Sunday Recap 12-12-10

Morning:  The sermon, "A Savior Was Born," looked at Luke 2:8-14.  In this passage, angels appear to shepherds during their night watch, and reveal good news of great joy. 

The shepherds respond to this heavenly visit in fear.  In fact, the angel's first words are, "Do not be afraid."  Why were the shepherds afraid?  Were they simply startled, shocked by the late night visit? No, they "feared a great fear."  They were afraid because the fear of the Lord shown around them.  They were in the presence of the holy, and they were terrified.

The angel's words are meant to calm their fear.  The angel explains that they don't need to fear because a Savior has been born who is Christ the Lord.  They didn't need to fear any longer, because God's solution to their unholiness had finally arrived.  They would be delivered from their sin, and be brought into fellowship with God.  Peace had come to them in the form of a baby wrapped in swaddling cloth.

The Savior is Christ the Lord.  What does Christ mean?  Like the Hebrew term Messiah, the Greek term Christ means Anointed.  In the Old Testament, there were three offices for which people were anointed: prophet, priest, and king.  Jesus was anointed a prophet. He spoke the Word of God.  Jesus was anointed a priest.  He sacrificed himself for the sins of the world.  He was anointed as a king.  Jesus claimed the throne of David.

The host of angels that appear after the proclamation of Jesus' birth demonstrate the right response to the news.  The right response is to glorify God.  God should be given the highest honor, because he has brought man peace in the person of Christ.  This holiday season, we need to remember we don't have to be afraid, because Savior was born.

Evening:  no services.

ICE, ICE Baby

We went with a group from church to explore the Opryland's Winter Wonderland, ICE!  This year's theme was Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.  It was based on the characters from the classic T. V. special.  It was kind of cool (pun intended) walking through the tent full of ice sculptures.  The ice slides were pretty fast, and Sophia had a blast.  After walking through the ICE displays, we went outside to take part in the Snow! Basically, they made fake snow for the kids to play in (but not throw at each other).  The Snow! wasn't as cool as ICE.  Delia, Sophia, and I came home and watched Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.


Sophia, Queen of the Ice Slide.

What is that penguin doing here?

The rule breaker.

Thursday Humor: Brian Regan "Eye Doctor"

Here is a humorous skit about going to the eye doctor.  Brian Regan is hilarious.  I hope you enjoy it.

Immanuel

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name, Immanuel' (which means, God with us)" (Matt. 1:22-23).

It is easy to be overwhelmed by the events of a day.  We often approach a day as if we know what will happen, and that most of what happens will be pleasing to our sensibilities.  However, it rarely works out that things go exactly the way the hoped they would.  Sometimes, things we could not have foreseen catch us off guard.  When that happens we need to remind ourselves of the truth contained Matthew 1:22-23.

With the words, "All this took place," Matthew sums up everything that is said in Matthew 1:1-21.  God's purpose had slowly been unfolding throughout history, slowly leading up to the birth of Christ.  Because God desired mankind to know his plan, he revealed parts of it through the prophets.  Therefore, when the words of the prophets came to pass, God was demonstrating his knowledge and power.  Such displays of his might and power, create and sustain faith in God's people.

Matthew is simply reminding the people that what God has promised, he will do.  Thus, a virgin, Mary, was with child (Jesus).  This child was to be called Immanuel.  He bares it more as a title, than a name, but it tells so much about this child. Matthew tells us that Immanuel means God with us.

Mary's child, Jesus, was God.  He wasn't simply a representative for God.  He wasn't just a man who could help point us to God.  Know he was God with us.  John 1:1 tells us that the Word (Jesus) was with God, and was God.  Although I am speaking in past tense, I don't mean to imply that Jesus isn't still God.  Jesus, the eternal Son of God, has always existed as God along side of the Father and the Spirit.  They are not three gods, but one God in three persons.  Jesus is spoken of as Creator, Redeemer, Savior, King, God, etc. throughout the New Testament.

Jesus is God, and he is With us.  The yearning on the heart of God's people is to be with and know their God.  However, this is not possible as long as there is sin within God's people.  No one can look upon God's glory and live.  Yet, God is present with us.  God, who is holy and dwells in the high and holy places, can also be found among the humble and brokenhearted (Isa. 57:15).  During Jesus' first appearing, God was showing his people that he would soon dwell with them forever (John 1:14).  Jesus said he would always be with us (Matt. 28:20). Finally, we see the glorious appear of Christ in the book of Revelation.  In Revelation 21:3-4, we are told that a day is coming when God dwells with his people forever, and they shall see him face to face. No death. No fear. No more tears.

He is God with Us.  In Christ, though we were fallen, yet are we redeemed.  In him we are saints, even though we still struggle with sin.  In him, we are becoming the righteousness of God.  We were helpless, but he has made us hopeful.

God with us, is God for us.  To paraphrase Paul, "Since God is on our side, who can stand in our way?"  And he is for us, or else he wouldn't be with us.  The next time you are overwhelmed by your circumstances, I hope you will take time to reflect on Immanuel. 

Hymns: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Following the loss of his beloved wife, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow found the holidays to be unbearably sad.  The tension and brutality caused by the Civil War only added to his grief.  As Christmas approached, a darkness descended.  The final straw came when his son, Charles, was injured during the war in 1863.  Longfellow waved the flag of surrender and abandoned any hope of God bringing peace on earth.  However, something awakened within him on Christmas Day in 1864.  He penned the words of his poem, "Christmas Bells," which was eventually shortened to 5 stanzas, and transformed into a carol.  For more information you can read more here.

In this song, we are reminded that God is in control, even in when we can't see him working because we surrounded by darkness.  God is not dead, nor does he sleep.  So we can trust him, even in times when we do not know what he is doing. I think it was C. H. Spurgeon who said, "When you can't trace God's hand, trust his heart."  Longfellow says the same thing, but in slightly different words.

Here are the lyrics:

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I though how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th'unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth" I said
"For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep,
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep,
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing, singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Here is a video of, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," arranged by Mark Hall, performed by Casting Crowns.

FAQs Mondays: How Do We Learn to Pray?

Last week, we began a series on prayer by answering the question, "What is Prayer?".  You can read that post here. Since "Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies," we need to know how to pray.

What rule has God given for our direction in prayer?

The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer, but the special rule of direction is that prayer, which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called the Lord's Prayer. Paul reminds us that, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).  Jesus prayed:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we have also forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Summary

Prayer is talking with God, but it is also more.  When we pray we are to pray for God's will and in the name of Jesus' name.  Praying in Jesus' name means that we are praying in such a way that his name will be rightly represented and glorified through our request.  Scripture teaches how to pray by showing us God's will, showing us Jesus' character, and by showing us the prayers of others.  One one the most instructive prayer in Scripture is often called "The Lord's Prayer."  This prayer is model Jesus gave to his disciples to help them learn how to pray.  Over the next few weeks, we will look at each part of the Lord's Prayer.  Next week, we answer the question, " What does the opening of the Lord's Prayer teach us?"

Sunday Recap 12-5-10

Morning: The message, "Some Things You Need to Know," explored Ecclesiastes 7:19-29.  Solomon places a gen of wisdom before us to guide us through the rest of Chapter 7.  He says, "Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers of a city."  There is power in wisdom, but in order to attain it (wisdom and its power) we need to know a few things.  We need to know our hearts, our limits, our weaknesses, and our world.

We need to know our hearts.  To become wise we must know our hearts.  Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.  Who can understand it?"  Jesus said, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander" (Matt. 15:19).  Solomon reminds us that "There is not a righteous person who always does right and never sins" (Ecc. 7:19).

Solomon reminds us that a self-absorbed, self-centered approach to life is dangerous.  He warns against trying to overhear what others are saying, because we all know we have said things others weren't meant to overhear. Sometimes we feel like the elderly woman who said, "If you can't think of something nice to say about someone, at least make it juicy!" But it is better to leave well enough alone.  We need to realize that hearts are prone to wander, and we need someone to give us a new heart.

We also need to know are limitations.  The kind of wisdom Solomon was searching for is beyond human attainment. We can't get it, God must give it to us.  Since our hearts are bent toward sin, we cannot discern the path of pleasing God on our own.  That is what James reminds us of in James 1:5.  As creature we have limitations.  As sinners we have limitations.  We must acknowledge those and seek wisdom that comes from above. 

In addition to understanding our hearts and our limits, we need to understand our weaknesses.  To paraphrase Solomon, "I'd rather be dead than ensnared by an immoral woman . . . again."  Solomon had a serious woman problem.  Today he would be in rehab for sexual addiction.  His real problem is that he lacked discipline and was incapable of telling himself no.  Although he appeared to be aware of the dangers, he took no action to prevent his meltdown. We must realize that God points out our faults (often through other people) so that we can keep our guard up.

As Solomon pursued the meaning of life, he came to realize that mankind's battle wasn't just an internal one.  We need to know our world.  The pursuit of godly wisdom is hard enough considering our hearts, our limits, and our weaknesses.  But our world makes it harder still.  To paraphrase Solomon again, "While putting the pieces of the puzzle of life together, I discovered that the world is a fallen place. "

Solomon had only known a few men he counted righteous.  And he had surrounded himself with women without ever giving consideration to their moral character.  Maybe he was attracted to their beauty, their wealth, their political connections, etc.  Whatever it was, we can be confident that he wasn't looking for a Proverbs 31 woman.  We know from elsewhere that Solomon knew and admired godly women, so what is his point in this analysis?  Ultimately, the people we surround ourselves with will determine the ease or difficulty of our journey.

Wisdom is a noble pursuit.  It gives the power to live a life that is pleasing to God, but it does not come easily, and it cannot be obtained by merely human efforts.  If we come to know our hearts, our limits, our weaknesses, and our world, then we can navigate the difficult journey.  We obtain wisdom by grace through faith, much like our salvation.  As we put it into practice, it makes the journey easier.  Now that you know the things you need to know, start pursing wisdom for the glory of God.

Evening: Business meeting.

Thursday Humor: Jeff Allen "Underwear"

Here is some humor for your Thursday.  This skit by Jeff Allen makes me laugh out loud.  I hope you enjoy it.

Hopes for Tomorrow

In 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28, we find the apostle Paul expressing his hopes for the church's future.  His prayers in this passage are anchored in his confidence in God's faithfulness.  He states, "The one who calls is faithful and he will do it" (1 Thes. 5:24).  Rooted in that confidence, Paul expresses his desires.

1. Paul hopes that God will sanctify believers through and through. What does it mean to be sanctified? A good description is found in Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."  Paul's prayer is that God would wholly and completely sanctify the believers.

2. Paul hopes that God will keep them blameless (spirit/soul/body) until the appearing of Jesus.  Paul's prayer here is that God would make them fully mature in Christ.

3. Paul hopes they will pray for him.

4. Paul hopes the will live in unity. The holy kiss was symbolic of closeness and family. 

5. Paul hopes they will read this letter out loud.  Actually, he is commanding the letter to be read before the entire congregation. 

6. Paul hopes grace abounds in their lives.  When we speak about sanctification, we often fall into one of two errors.  We either think it is all about us working hard, or about God doing all the work.  Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:12-13 that it is really about working in conjunction with God.  We are saved by grace, we grow by grace, and we are kept by grace.

Paul's hopes for the Thessalonian church are my hopes for Monticello.  I want to see Christ formed in each member's life, as well as, in my own.  May he sanctify you and keep you.