I always like teaching prepositions. I sometimes use a desk and have a student be in the desk, on the desk, over the desk, by the desk, with the desk, etc. Those little prepositions or connecting words make so much difference. Example: You are not in the desk when you are by the desk. Sometimes these parts of speech in the English language are words that explain position or location.
I do not know any of the biblical languages, but I know how painstakingly they were translated, and I have studied many versions of the Bible. I am inclined to believe that Oswald Chambers' favored translation of Galatians 2:20 is the accurate one. He uses the phrase of Christ, instead of in Christ when he is describing the faith we have received and by which we are able to live the Christian life.
Here is the verse: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
Look at those little italicized words! Note our positions - We are crucified with Christ. Christ lives in me. I live by faith - that is, His faith. He actually gives us faith which becomes our means to trust in Him and be saved. As it says in Ephesians 2:8, "By grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast" It is not some faith I generated because of some experience I had. Oh no! This faith is a gift of God so nobody can brag about their great faith acquired by diligent study or spiritual experiences. This faith is His and He has blessed us with it. He authored it and He finishes its work in us.
I get upset when someone implies a person whose prayer was not answered or who was not healed just "didn't have enough faith". The truth is it's Christ's faith, totally adequate, wonderfully effective and paid for by His blood. This is the faith given to the believer.
Yes, people like me don't avail themselves of the full benefit of this wonderful God-given faith. In fact, I know some people who equate faith with their denomination. There is no way you can get that interpretation from these verses. The scripture says what it says, in my view, and I am so glad He has gifted us with faith. How about you? Thank Him today! Doma
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Captive Thoughts
Captives are often pictured as being dragged away, violently kicking and screaming, resisting with all their might. This is the picture I have in my mind when I think of the verse that says "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."
The King James version, which I memorized, says it like this, "Casting down imagination, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every though to the obedience of Christ."
Here's how I see it. I am dragging my thoughts before the throne of Christ. They are sinful thoughts, they are useless imaginings, they are going to capture me if I don't deal with them.
Before I knew Christ Jesus, when I did not have something to do to actively occupy my mind, my thought life was a wasteland full of soap operas and romance novels.
We need to submit our thought life to God. Those imaginations or speculations are the "What ifs" the "If Onlys" and the other useless things we spend time thinking about. Sometimes we may have thoughts that reason away God and His truth. They seem so "intellectual" and culturally logical. But, they are false and empty. They will lead to sin.
We are responsible before God for our every thought. Jesus even said certain ways of thinking are equivalent to actual sin. Remember His conversation that a man who looks at a woman and lusts after her is guilty of sin? Just as if he had really done it, just as if he were an adulterer, because he is, in his mind. The same is true of a woman, she has become unfaithful in her mind, so she is!
When are you going to realize the battle is raging around you and in your mind as well? You have already surrendered if you are not taking your thoughts captive before Christ.
So how do you do that? You ask Christ to be the LORD of your conscious and unconscious mind. You purposefully input only good things into your mind. One thing to put in your mind is scripture. It is not as hard as you think. It is actually a joyful and peaceful practice. Do you not see that you are what you think!
Are you going to be a captive, or are you going to take your thoughts captive before they lead you into sin? This is the challenge of this verse. Are you up to it? Doma
The King James version, which I memorized, says it like this, "Casting down imagination, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every though to the obedience of Christ."
Here's how I see it. I am dragging my thoughts before the throne of Christ. They are sinful thoughts, they are useless imaginings, they are going to capture me if I don't deal with them.
Before I knew Christ Jesus, when I did not have something to do to actively occupy my mind, my thought life was a wasteland full of soap operas and romance novels.
We need to submit our thought life to God. Those imaginations or speculations are the "What ifs" the "If Onlys" and the other useless things we spend time thinking about. Sometimes we may have thoughts that reason away God and His truth. They seem so "intellectual" and culturally logical. But, they are false and empty. They will lead to sin.
We are responsible before God for our every thought. Jesus even said certain ways of thinking are equivalent to actual sin. Remember His conversation that a man who looks at a woman and lusts after her is guilty of sin? Just as if he had really done it, just as if he were an adulterer, because he is, in his mind. The same is true of a woman, she has become unfaithful in her mind, so she is!
When are you going to realize the battle is raging around you and in your mind as well? You have already surrendered if you are not taking your thoughts captive before Christ.
So how do you do that? You ask Christ to be the LORD of your conscious and unconscious mind. You purposefully input only good things into your mind. One thing to put in your mind is scripture. It is not as hard as you think. It is actually a joyful and peaceful practice. Do you not see that you are what you think!
Are you going to be a captive, or are you going to take your thoughts captive before they lead you into sin? This is the challenge of this verse. Are you up to it? Doma
Monday, October 26, 2009
Where are you . . .
Good advice from Col.Potter of M*A*S*H: "If you're not where you are, you're nowhere!" For the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, Christmas was approaching, the war was dragging on, and everybody just wanted to be home, or anywhere else.
The reason this little piece of advice resonates with me is this; it says be content where you are. For this moment, I cannot change my situation, but I can look around and be blessed by the good things, the wonderful people who surround me. For me, this saying of the Colonel's goes right along with the scripture verse, "Godliness with contentment is great gain."
By setting our sights on things above and yet being grateful for what we have, that is the path to true contentment. More money and more stuff will just encumber you, while the simple things of life, those most basic blessings, they are what bring peace and joy.
Not convinced yet? Are you always waiting for the next big break or the next big raise? Are you looking ahead with anxiety and thinking sometime soon I will have all I need to be content? I guarantee it won't happen if you have not learned to be content right now. You may be like the billionaire who when asked how much money it would take to make him happy said, "Just a little bit more."
So, make up your mind that today and right here you are content. Live in the moment with the grace of God holding you. Live a full and peaceful life with God's help. Doma
The reason this little piece of advice resonates with me is this; it says be content where you are. For this moment, I cannot change my situation, but I can look around and be blessed by the good things, the wonderful people who surround me. For me, this saying of the Colonel's goes right along with the scripture verse, "Godliness with contentment is great gain."
By setting our sights on things above and yet being grateful for what we have, that is the path to true contentment. More money and more stuff will just encumber you, while the simple things of life, those most basic blessings, they are what bring peace and joy.
Not convinced yet? Are you always waiting for the next big break or the next big raise? Are you looking ahead with anxiety and thinking sometime soon I will have all I need to be content? I guarantee it won't happen if you have not learned to be content right now. You may be like the billionaire who when asked how much money it would take to make him happy said, "Just a little bit more."
So, make up your mind that today and right here you are content. Live in the moment with the grace of God holding you. Live a full and peaceful life with God's help. Doma
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The View From the Pew
I don't know about you, but the view from the pew, or in our case, the folding chair, looks pretty encouraging. The church has new babies, little children, preteens and teens, parents, grandparents and even some great grandparents. This is a place they come to for soul support. How much they receive depends on how hungry and open to the good news of the gospel they are. Here for them is the scripture preached in a straight forward manner. Here also is fellowship offered and available. What is taken away depends on the attitude of the folks who come.
I don't see much to criticize, because we are not up to our eyeballs in the social gospel, but rather steeped in the living words of the Bible. This truth does not change. It is a worthy meal ready to be ingested any time, particularly available to enjoy on Sundays because of faithful preachers who adhere to the Truth. How very blessed we are! May God help our pastors and bless their obedient faithfulness. Doma
I don't see much to criticize, because we are not up to our eyeballs in the social gospel, but rather steeped in the living words of the Bible. This truth does not change. It is a worthy meal ready to be ingested any time, particularly available to enjoy on Sundays because of faithful preachers who adhere to the Truth. How very blessed we are! May God help our pastors and bless their obedient faithfulness. Doma
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Pledge Examined
"One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." These words are in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Every aspect of this phrase bears close scrutiny.
One nation . . .I remember the idea termed the melting pot. That idea, we were taught, was that people coming to America would put this country first and their native country second. We would all be Americans. We were really proud of that idea. It was not perceived negatively until years later.
Some people come to this country and preserve their native heritage uppermost and consider themselves Americans second. They enjoy the benefits of America but don't consider themselves Americans. There is nothing wrong about one's native heritage, but we are not "One nation" as long as there are little cultural communities speaking their native tongue almost exclusively and isolating themselves from mainstream America.
"Under God" is the phrase most under assault in the Pledge. Whose God? Or should God even be mentioned? Well, His name is inscribed all over public monuments in Washington D.C. and throughout the country. His name was invoked in the writings and speeches of the most of the Founding Fathers. This was once a nation considered to be Christian because the majority of its citizens were Christians.
"Indivisible" seems to imply that the nation cannot be divided, but recent rhetoric and media bias does nothing to unite this nation and everything to be divisive. I have not seen any positive result to this negativity.
"Liberty and justice for all" . . .well, it depends on which part of the ALL you happen to be. With the media stressing negative cultural values and educational trends geared to taking the place of parents, the liberties of many people are being compromised. As for justice, you get what you can afford to pay for should you end up in court in this fine country.
It seems the wording could say "One nation, fragmented by dissension, with no moral compass and no absolute values for all." Please pray for our nation to be brought to its corporate knees and acknowledge the One who brought us to this beautiful land. Doma
One nation . . .I remember the idea termed the melting pot. That idea, we were taught, was that people coming to America would put this country first and their native country second. We would all be Americans. We were really proud of that idea. It was not perceived negatively until years later.
Some people come to this country and preserve their native heritage uppermost and consider themselves Americans second. They enjoy the benefits of America but don't consider themselves Americans. There is nothing wrong about one's native heritage, but we are not "One nation" as long as there are little cultural communities speaking their native tongue almost exclusively and isolating themselves from mainstream America.
"Under God" is the phrase most under assault in the Pledge. Whose God? Or should God even be mentioned? Well, His name is inscribed all over public monuments in Washington D.C. and throughout the country. His name was invoked in the writings and speeches of the most of the Founding Fathers. This was once a nation considered to be Christian because the majority of its citizens were Christians.
"Indivisible" seems to imply that the nation cannot be divided, but recent rhetoric and media bias does nothing to unite this nation and everything to be divisive. I have not seen any positive result to this negativity.
"Liberty and justice for all" . . .well, it depends on which part of the ALL you happen to be. With the media stressing negative cultural values and educational trends geared to taking the place of parents, the liberties of many people are being compromised. As for justice, you get what you can afford to pay for should you end up in court in this fine country.
It seems the wording could say "One nation, fragmented by dissension, with no moral compass and no absolute values for all." Please pray for our nation to be brought to its corporate knees and acknowledge the One who brought us to this beautiful land. Doma
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Dangers of Falling Short...
Let's more closely examine the verse Romans 3:23, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Well, I know for sure I am in the category of ALL, because that word doesn't exempt anyone. As far as the wording "...have sinned...", if it just said "all sin", then it would be more accurate to me. Currently, not a day goes by without some "falling short" or missing God's mark of holiness on my part. How about you?
Since I am not a scholar of Bible linguistics, I cannot truly examine the nuances of each word, but I have a passion to understand the ideas suggested behind the words. And, the concept of falling short, means to me, failing to properly estimate God; Who He is and the power and awe, the respect and love He alone deserves.
What are the consequences of not giving God the glory or estimation He should have? Futility, for one. How many things in our lives can we control-really? How much of a mess do we have to make on our own without realizing we need Someone to help us. It really gets tiresome being your own god, doesn't it? This Someone has the power to change our lives and if we accept Him as our LORD, He can give us godly contentment in any situation.
Our opinion of God is reflected in every decision we make, whether to go our own way, or to ask for His help. To underestimate God, fail to give Him glory, is to go it alone in this cruel world and continue being snared and tripped up by old habits and sins. Don't do it. Seek Him while He can be found, ask for His help, knock on heaven's door. In finding Him and His love and forgiveness, receiving answers, and opening your heart to Jesus Christ, you will be fully satisfied and begin to know the glory; the true estimate of Our Priceless Savior. You have everything to gain. Doma
Since I am not a scholar of Bible linguistics, I cannot truly examine the nuances of each word, but I have a passion to understand the ideas suggested behind the words. And, the concept of falling short, means to me, failing to properly estimate God; Who He is and the power and awe, the respect and love He alone deserves.
What are the consequences of not giving God the glory or estimation He should have? Futility, for one. How many things in our lives can we control-really? How much of a mess do we have to make on our own without realizing we need Someone to help us. It really gets tiresome being your own god, doesn't it? This Someone has the power to change our lives and if we accept Him as our LORD, He can give us godly contentment in any situation.
Our opinion of God is reflected in every decision we make, whether to go our own way, or to ask for His help. To underestimate God, fail to give Him glory, is to go it alone in this cruel world and continue being snared and tripped up by old habits and sins. Don't do it. Seek Him while He can be found, ask for His help, knock on heaven's door. In finding Him and His love and forgiveness, receiving answers, and opening your heart to Jesus Christ, you will be fully satisfied and begin to know the glory; the true estimate of Our Priceless Savior. You have everything to gain. Doma
Friday, September 25, 2009
The Tragic Underestimate
If you read my last blog entry, you know I like Kay Arthur's definition of "glory" which she found and put into her book, LORD, I Want To Know You. Glory is defined as having a correct estimate or opinion (of someone). So then, nature, by virtue of its amazing content is glorious, speaking volumes about the estimation of a masterful Creator and His workmanship. And the night sky rivets our attention causing us to respond in awe at its great expanse and the precision of the movements of the heavenly bodies. Our opinion of our God soars beyond what our mere words can express as we observe all He has placed before us.
Therefore, considering all of creation and all of mankind, doesn't it seem to you that people still underestimate God; don't give Him the glory or hold Him in the highest esteem He deserves. In fact, I would suggest that the verse in Romans 3:23 that says, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God", is really saying "All have underestimated and have an erroneous opinion of our great God"!
Don't we think we can handle life ourselves? Haven't you caught yourself thinking, "God is too busy for my petty problems." Or, "God can't possibly do anything about me and my situation; it's too far gone." Haven't people turned their backs on God believing He does not hear their cries? They do not know how great and wonderful and loving He really is. They don't realize how He loves to give and give. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its Savior." John 3:16 & 17 Now that's a God who deserves glory upon glory; a God who loves and gives beyond what we can estimate, a glorious God! Doma
Therefore, considering all of creation and all of mankind, doesn't it seem to you that people still underestimate God; don't give Him the glory or hold Him in the highest esteem He deserves. In fact, I would suggest that the verse in Romans 3:23 that says, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God", is really saying "All have underestimated and have an erroneous opinion of our great God"!
Don't we think we can handle life ourselves? Haven't you caught yourself thinking, "God is too busy for my petty problems." Or, "God can't possibly do anything about me and my situation; it's too far gone." Haven't people turned their backs on God believing He does not hear their cries? They do not know how great and wonderful and loving He really is. They don't realize how He loves to give and give. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its Savior." John 3:16 & 17 Now that's a God who deserves glory upon glory; a God who loves and gives beyond what we can estimate, a glorious God! Doma
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