“And be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” Eph 5:21
‘Submit’ is a buzz word. A word that is often used to solicit emotional response.
And it is often associated with the Scriptures as it relates to marriage. “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” Eph 5:22
But wives are not the only ones who are given this instruction. Addressing the entire church at Ephesus, Paul says, “...submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” Eph 5:21
To be submissive is not a natural inclination, but an attitude learned from God’s Word, made possible by the Holy Spirit. This is how Paul prefaces the command from mutual submission:
“So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.” Eph 5:17-20
As the Holy Spirit teaches you this attitude of Christ (submission), you will become a tool God uses to unify the believers with whom you fellowship.
It is when you build up one another and stand united in love that others will be attracted to Jesus Christ.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Disconnect!
“Be still, and know that I am God...” Psalm 46:10
Dr. Anthony Jordan is the Executive Director of Southern Baptist Convention in Oklahoma. I clipped this from his state paper and I’m and passing it on to you. Please listen with your heart.
Some of today’s most important vocabulary words have their root in the word “connect.” Whether by cell phone, computer, or other electronic device, it seems we are always looking for “connectivity.” When successful, the computer tells us that the “connection” has been made, but when we experience “disconnection,” we become highly frustrated. It is as if our world stops. We become isolated, severed, and incapable of communication when we cannot “connect.”
Unfortunately, our constant state of “connectivity” often “disconnects” us from the most important relationships. Keeping our ears, eyes, and fingers in constant motion prevents us from listening, seeing, and touching the most important people in our lives (I speak about this from personal experience). Having a cell phone with text messaging, e-mail, web browser, full contact list, call waiting, and voice mail, being connected with something or someone becomes addictive (it is easy to confess because there are so many like me).
I would propose that, for all of us, electronic “disconnection” is perhaps more important than our ability to “connect.” I would suggest that use of the “off” button on our phones and computers would provide hours of quiet, and the ability to connect with those who matter most.
Connecting with God simply does not happen when we are connected to everyone and everything else. I do a lot of windshield time, and time and again, I have been driving down the road, praying, only to be interrupted by the phone. After answering those calls, I am overwhelmed by a sense of anguish. I think to myself, “I just disrupted my time with the Almighty God of the universe to take a phone call.” Our minds are programmed to connect with these electronic devices. Answering is an automatic reaction.
In the old days, men were chided for bringing home briefcases full of work from the office. Now we don’t just bring home a briefcase - we bring our cell phones and computers. We no longer take our work home - we take it to the ball game, mall, camp-out, hike, concert, and church! Concentration on anything is always one button away from fragmentation.
The problem is not the device, but the owner. Perhaps the word that should be most prominent for us postmoderns is “disconnect.”
Disconnect from all the stuff so you can reconnect with the people you love and with your God.
Turn it off and have a quiet time of Bible reading, reflection, and prayer.
Turn it off and have a conversation with your family.
Turn it off and serve someone uninterrupted.
Turn it off and listen to the sounds of the world around you.
Go ahead. Punch the Button. Just do it!
Dr. Anthony Jordan is the Executive Director of Southern Baptist Convention in Oklahoma. I clipped this from his state paper and I’m and passing it on to you. Please listen with your heart.
Some of today’s most important vocabulary words have their root in the word “connect.” Whether by cell phone, computer, or other electronic device, it seems we are always looking for “connectivity.” When successful, the computer tells us that the “connection” has been made, but when we experience “disconnection,” we become highly frustrated. It is as if our world stops. We become isolated, severed, and incapable of communication when we cannot “connect.”
Unfortunately, our constant state of “connectivity” often “disconnects” us from the most important relationships. Keeping our ears, eyes, and fingers in constant motion prevents us from listening, seeing, and touching the most important people in our lives (I speak about this from personal experience). Having a cell phone with text messaging, e-mail, web browser, full contact list, call waiting, and voice mail, being connected with something or someone becomes addictive (it is easy to confess because there are so many like me).
I would propose that, for all of us, electronic “disconnection” is perhaps more important than our ability to “connect.” I would suggest that use of the “off” button on our phones and computers would provide hours of quiet, and the ability to connect with those who matter most.
Connecting with God simply does not happen when we are connected to everyone and everything else. I do a lot of windshield time, and time and again, I have been driving down the road, praying, only to be interrupted by the phone. After answering those calls, I am overwhelmed by a sense of anguish. I think to myself, “I just disrupted my time with the Almighty God of the universe to take a phone call.” Our minds are programmed to connect with these electronic devices. Answering is an automatic reaction.
In the old days, men were chided for bringing home briefcases full of work from the office. Now we don’t just bring home a briefcase - we bring our cell phones and computers. We no longer take our work home - we take it to the ball game, mall, camp-out, hike, concert, and church! Concentration on anything is always one button away from fragmentation.
The problem is not the device, but the owner. Perhaps the word that should be most prominent for us postmoderns is “disconnect.”
Disconnect from all the stuff so you can reconnect with the people you love and with your God.
Turn it off and have a quiet time of Bible reading, reflection, and prayer.
Turn it off and have a conversation with your family.
Turn it off and serve someone uninterrupted.
Turn it off and listen to the sounds of the world around you.
Go ahead. Punch the Button. Just do it!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Genuine Encouragement
“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
How do you encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ?
You expect your close friends to able to encourage and counsel you. And you are blessed if these friends know the Word of God and are spiritually mature.
As a Christian you have the wisdom of God available to you. The truths revealed in the Bible contain genuine comfort. The promise of God’s presence; the promises relating to prayer; the promise of His strength in your weakness - this is encouragement that builds up one another.
The Christians at Thessalonica were deeply distressed over the eternal destiny of those who had died before Jesus’ return. Paul encouraged them not by reviewing what good people their loved ones had been, but by reviewing God’s truth.
Paul explained the sequence of God’s timetable for believers, both living and dead. “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” I Thess 4:13-17
If you want to become a more mature Christian and be able to offer genuine encouragement, you need to be a growing student of God’s Word and his promises.
“...and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
How do you encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ?
You expect your close friends to able to encourage and counsel you. And you are blessed if these friends know the Word of God and are spiritually mature.
As a Christian you have the wisdom of God available to you. The truths revealed in the Bible contain genuine comfort. The promise of God’s presence; the promises relating to prayer; the promise of His strength in your weakness - this is encouragement that builds up one another.
The Christians at Thessalonica were deeply distressed over the eternal destiny of those who had died before Jesus’ return. Paul encouraged them not by reviewing what good people their loved ones had been, but by reviewing God’s truth.
Paul explained the sequence of God’s timetable for believers, both living and dead. “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” I Thess 4:13-17
If you want to become a more mature Christian and be able to offer genuine encouragement, you need to be a growing student of God’s Word and his promises.
“...and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A True Friend
“A man of many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
Soon after Jack Benny died, George Burns was interviewed on TV. “Jack and I had a wonderful friendship for nearly 55 years,” Burns said. “Jack never walked out on me when I sang a song, and I never walked out on him when he played the violin. We laughed together, we played together, we worked together, we ate together. I suppose that for many of those years we talked every single day.”
I always get nervous when people talk about how many friends they have. Truth is, we have a lot of acquaintances, we know a lot of people, we associate with hundreds, but we really only have a few really close friends.
In fact, if you have more that five really, really close friends, I’m not sure you have any at all! Now don’t get me wrong - I’m not saying relationships are wrong - we should be friendly and know a lot of people, but the truth is - how many of your “friends” really know everything about you? Know your deepest feelings, fears, and thoughts? How many of your “friends” would you trust your life with? ...or know when everyone else has left, they will still be there?
You see, those few are the ones who are your closest friends, and what a blessing it is to have these few who you know you can count on, be yourself around, and feel the freedom of always knowing they have your back.
Thank God for these friends, and ask God to help you to be that kind of friend to them.
Soon after Jack Benny died, George Burns was interviewed on TV. “Jack and I had a wonderful friendship for nearly 55 years,” Burns said. “Jack never walked out on me when I sang a song, and I never walked out on him when he played the violin. We laughed together, we played together, we worked together, we ate together. I suppose that for many of those years we talked every single day.”
I always get nervous when people talk about how many friends they have. Truth is, we have a lot of acquaintances, we know a lot of people, we associate with hundreds, but we really only have a few really close friends.
In fact, if you have more that five really, really close friends, I’m not sure you have any at all! Now don’t get me wrong - I’m not saying relationships are wrong - we should be friendly and know a lot of people, but the truth is - how many of your “friends” really know everything about you? Know your deepest feelings, fears, and thoughts? How many of your “friends” would you trust your life with? ...or know when everyone else has left, they will still be there?
You see, those few are the ones who are your closest friends, and what a blessing it is to have these few who you know you can count on, be yourself around, and feel the freedom of always knowing they have your back.
Thank God for these friends, and ask God to help you to be that kind of friend to them.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Power of ONE VOTE !
“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when a wicked man rules, people groan.” Proverbs 29:2
* ONE VOTE made Adolph Hitler head of the Nazi Party in 1933.
* ONE VOTE per neighborhood gave John F. Kennedy victory over Richard Nixon in 1960.
* ONE VOTE decided if Americans would speak English or German in 1776.
* ONE VOTE made Texas a state in 1845.
* ONE VOTE saved Andrew Johnson from impeachment in 1868.
Let nothing stop you.
Your ONE VOTE can change history!
Vote!
* ONE VOTE made Adolph Hitler head of the Nazi Party in 1933.
* ONE VOTE per neighborhood gave John F. Kennedy victory over Richard Nixon in 1960.
* ONE VOTE decided if Americans would speak English or German in 1776.
* ONE VOTE made Texas a state in 1845.
* ONE VOTE saved Andrew Johnson from impeachment in 1868.
Let nothing stop you.
Your ONE VOTE can change history!
Vote!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Our Need as a Nation
“By the transgression of a land many are its princes, but by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.” Proverbs 28:2
“When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability.” Proverbs 28:2 (NLT)
“Let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule with the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect their duty and place imprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted.” - Noah Webster, author of Webster’s Dictionary
“Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.” - John Quincy Adams
“In free governments, the rulers are the servants, and the people their superiors and sovereigns.”
- Benjamin Franklin
“We may look up to Armies for our defense, but virtue is our best security. It is not possible that any state should long remain free, where virtue is not supremely honored.” - Samuel Adams
The right to vote is an honor and privilege.
Don’t take it for granted.
Pray, seek God’s wisdom, and do what is right.
“When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability.” Proverbs 28:2 (NLT)
“Let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule with the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect their duty and place imprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted.” - Noah Webster, author of Webster’s Dictionary
“Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.” - John Quincy Adams
“In free governments, the rulers are the servants, and the people their superiors and sovereigns.”
- Benjamin Franklin
“We may look up to Armies for our defense, but virtue is our best security. It is not possible that any state should long remain free, where virtue is not supremely honored.” - Samuel Adams
The right to vote is an honor and privilege.
Don’t take it for granted.
Pray, seek God’s wisdom, and do what is right.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Rights and the Christian
“By the transgression of a land many are its princes, but by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.” Proverbs 28:2
“When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability.” Proverbs 28:2 (NLT)
“Let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule with the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted.” - Noah Webster, author of Webster’s Dictionary
“Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.” - John Quincy Adams
“In free governments, the rulers are the servants, and the people their superiors and sovereigns.” - Benjamin Franklin
“We may look up to Armies for our defense, but virtue is our best security. It is not possible that any state should long remain free, where virtue is not supremely honored.” - Samuel Adams
The right to vote is an honor and privilege!
Don’t take it for granted!
Pray, seek God’s wisdom, and do what is right!!!
“When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability.” Proverbs 28:2 (NLT)
“Let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule with the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted.” - Noah Webster, author of Webster’s Dictionary
“Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.” - John Quincy Adams
“In free governments, the rulers are the servants, and the people their superiors and sovereigns.” - Benjamin Franklin
“We may look up to Armies for our defense, but virtue is our best security. It is not possible that any state should long remain free, where virtue is not supremely honored.” - Samuel Adams
The right to vote is an honor and privilege!
Don’t take it for granted!
Pray, seek God’s wisdom, and do what is right!!!
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