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: